Cheese Quesadilla

This Cheese Quesadilla has the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Filled with ooey-gooey melted cheese and customized with your favorite toppings, these vegetarian quesadillas are a crowd favorite. Plus, ready to serve in just a few minutes!

Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch, a tasty snack, or a satisfying dinner, cheesy quesadillas are a go-to option that will never disappoint. Serve them with your favorite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, for a delicious and customizable meal that's loved by all!

Why You'll Love this Cheese Quesadilla

Quick and easy to make. This chicken quesadilla recipe is simple and can be made in about 5 minutes following just a few easy steps. They are perfect for busy days when you're short on time.
Cheesy and delicious. This cheesy quesadilla is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Plus, you can customize the flavor by adding your favorite toppings.
A kid-friendly meal. Cheese quesadillas are one of those meals that will satisfy any crowd - especially the kids. It's quick lunch or dinner option for families. Load them up with toppings for the adults or leave them plain for any picky eaters.
It's customizable. This vegetarian quesadilla is a great option for vegetarians or those looking for a meat-free meal. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or beans for an extra boost of flavor. Meat lovers can also add in a meaty protein.
Serve with homemade dipping sauce. Take your cheese quesadilla to the next level by serving it with a homemade dipping sauce. Whether it's salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, a good dipping sauce can make all the difference.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Cheese Quesadilla, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

butter - feel free to use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe - whatever your taste preference is. You can also use margarine or any other cooking fat instead of butter such as olive oil, coconut oil, or any other cooking oil.
flour tortillas - quesadillas are traditionally made with flour tortillas. For a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas.
cheese - we use cheddar cheese but you can use any type of shredded cheese that you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Optional Toppings

cilantro - fresh herbs adds a great flavor to the quesadilla. If you don't like cilantro, you can skip it or use fresh parsley or basil instead.
sour cream - use regular or light sour cream, or substitute with Greek yogurt or crema.
jalapeño pepper - adds a bit of heat. If you prefer spicier, you can use hotter peppers like serrano or habanero.
lime wedges - a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a tangy flavor that complements the cheesy quesadilla so well.
guacamole - make homemade guacamole in just minutes or use store-bought. You can also substitute with sliced or mashed avocado.
pico de gallo - You can make homemade pico de gallo salsa very easily as well or use store-bought.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a skillet.

How to Make the Best Cheese Quesadilla

Assemble. Heat the butter on a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute until it starts to bubble. Place one tortilla in the pan and evenly sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Top with remaining tortilla.

Cook. Cook until the bottom tortilla is crispy and golden brown and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Flip over and cook until the other side is crispy and golden brown too, about 2 minutes.

Slice. Remove quesadilla from the pan and transfer onto a plate. Slice into 6 even triangles.
Serve. Serve with your favorite toppings (such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges) and your favorite dips (guacamole and/or salsa) on the side, if desired.

Recipe Variations

Add a protein: For added protein, add in some black beans or pinto beans. If you are not sticking to a vegetarian diet, add in some meat such as cooked chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp for a heartier option.
Load it with veggies: Add in veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Make it spicy. Add sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, or chili flakes to give your quesadilla a spicy kick.
Switch up the cheese. Experiment with different cheeses and combinations such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to give your quesadilla a different flavor.
Add fresh herbs. Top your quesadilla with fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil to add a pop of freshness and flavor.
Make a breakfast quesadilla: Make a breakfast quesadilla by adding a layer of scrambled eggs when you are assembling these.

How to Serve

Serve these easy Cheese Quesadillas on their own or with your favorite toppings and sauces for dipping. They also pair well with our favorite Mexican sides including:

For more, see our collection of 25 Mexican Side Dishes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don't overfill the quesadilla. Overfilling the quesadilla can cause it to break apart or become soggy. Use a moderate amount of filling and spread it evenly.
Add toppings after cooking. To prevent soggy toppings, add fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado after cooking.
Slicing tips. Cutting the quesadilla into smaller wedges or squares makes it easier to share and serve as an appetizer. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the quesadilla into equal portions.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the cheese quesadillas have cooled to room temperature, transfer them into an airtight container in between layers of parchment paper to divide them, if necessary.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover quesadillas in an ungreased skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese is melty and gooey and the tortillas are crispy. You can also reheat in a 425F preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer at 400F for about 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.

How to Freeze

Divide the quesadillas into your preferred serving sizes and seal in freezer bags or an airtight container. You can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 400℉ for 25-30 minutes until heated through and crisp.

More Recipes with Tortillas

Tried this recipe?

I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below to share your feedback. Your reviews help others discover this recipe and help me keep creating more free recipes for you. Snap a photo and tag me on social media @aheadofthyme too.

50 Meal Prep Ideas

Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, a student, or just someone looking to simplify their life, meal prepping is a great way to save time and eat healthy throughout the week. To make your life even easier, we have put together a collection of over 50 Meal Prep Ideas to help you get started.

With recipes for breakfast, hot lunches and dinner, cold lunches including sandwiches and salads, soups, as well as snacks and sides, there's something for everyone. Plus, many of these meal prep recipes are customizable to fit dietary restrictions and preferences, so you can meal prep with ease and enjoy delicious and nutritious meals all week long.

Over 50 Meal Prep Ideas to help you save time and eat healthy throughout the week including recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and sides. | aheadofthyme.com

Why Meal Prep?

There are so many benefits to meal prep that makes your life easier. Some of my favorite reasons are:

Saves time. By prepping your meals in advance, you can save time throughout the week by not having to cook every meal from scratch. This is especially helpful on busy days or when you just don't feel like cooking.
Helps with portion control. Meal prepping means that you can make sure that each meal is appropriately portioned. This can help you stay on track with your nutritional goals and avoid overeating.
Promotes healthy eating. Meal prepping allows you to plan out healthy meals and snacks in advance. Plus, when you have meals prepared ahead of time, it's lot easier to resist the urge to indulge in fast food and takeout.
Saves money. By planning out meals and buying ingredients in bulk, you can save money by buying groceries instead of takeout, and reduce the amount of food waste.
Reduces stress. Meal prep eliminates the daily stress of figuring out what to make for your next meal. Knowing that your meals are already prepared is good feeling.

Tips for Getting Started with Meal Prep

Start with a plan. Wondering how to meal prep? First, spend some time to plan out your meals for the week. Decide on what dishes you want to prepare, how many servings you need, and what ingredients you'll need to buy. Check your inventory and make a shopping list of ingredients that you will need so that you don't have to make any last minute grocery runs for missed items.
Make a schedule. To make meal prep work, you need to set aside a dedicated time each week to prepare your meals. This might be a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, or it could be spread out over a few weeknights. Whatever works for you, just make sure you stick to your schedule.
Keep it simple. Don't try to meal prep overly complicated dishes right from the start. Instead, start with simple recipes that are easy to make and require few ingredients. As you get more comfortable with the process, you can start experimenting with more complex recipes.
Invest in quality storage containers. One of the keys to successful meal prep is having good quality storage containers. Invest in some sturdy, airtight containers that are easy to clean and can be used in both the fridge and the freezer.
Feel free to customize. Meal prep is all about making your life easier, so don't be afraid to customize your meals to suit your tastes and preferences. Add extra veggies to your stir-fry, swap out a protein source for something else, or experiment with different flavor combinations to keep things interesting.

Quick and easy, throw everything into one pan, Asian-style meal prep sheet pan sesame balsamic chicken and vegetables is flavourful, juicy and tender. | aheadofthyme.com

Best Meal Prep Containers

Glass containers. These glass containers are my favorite meal prep containers because they are durable, dishwasher safe, and can be used in the oven or microwave. They also do not hold any odor or stains from the food, so they are easy to clean and maintain.
Stainless steel containers. Stainless steel containers are also a great option for meal prep as they are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and keep the food fresh and hot for hours. They are also lightweight, easy to carry around and come in different sizes and shapes to fit different types of meals.
Bento boxes. Bento boxes are perfect for meal prepping as they have multiple compartments to store different types of food. They are also great for portion control and can help you to keep track of your daily calorie intake. Bento boxes come in various materials like plastic, glass, or stainless steel, making them a versatile and convenient option for meal prep.
Plastic containers. Plastic containers are great for meal prepping. They are dishwasher safe and freezer-friendly. These are great to use for freezer meals.

Best Meal Prep Ideas

Breakfast Meal Prep

Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are a quick and easy way to meal prep breakfast on-the-go, loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon or salami, and green onions. Make 12 in 30 minutes. One of my favorite meal prep ideas!

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia Seed Pudding is creamy, delicious, and healthy, loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Plus, it's easy to make with 3 ingredients.

Vegetarian Breakfast Quesadillas

Make-ahead, freezer-friendly vegetarian breakfast quesadillas stuffed with eggs, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and sharp white cheddar, are grilled to crispy perfection. Eat them now or freeze for a later day.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Layer fresh fruits, creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola to make this fruit and yogurt parfait for a delicious and healthy breakfast or a simple snack.

No Bake Protein-Packed Energy Bites

No bake protein-packed breakfast energy bites are chewy, easy to make, delicious, and loaded with healthy nutrients. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Coconut Maple Walnut Granola

Coconut Maple Walnut Granola is easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients including 3 types of nuts. It's gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

Meal Prep Hot Lunches and Dinners

Meal Prep Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Quick and easy, throw everything into one pan, Asian-style meal prep sheet pan sesame balsamic chicken and vegetables is flavourful, juicy and tender. One of the easiest meal prep ideas!

Easy Baked Meatballs

Easy Baked Meatballs are juicy, tender, loaded with flavor, and kid-friendly. Enjoy delicious homemade meatballs in under an hour using simple ingredients.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry is a classic Chinese-American dish that is delicious, savory, hearty, and saucy. Better than takeout and ready in 25 minutes.

One Pot Lentils

Easy 20-Minute One Pot Lentils are a healthy, nourishing, and delicious vegan meal that is easy to make in a few simple steps. Make a big batch and freeze!

Mexican Chicken Breast

Mexican chicken breast is juicy, tender, and flavorful. It's easy to prep with a quick marinade before cooking on the stove, air fryer, or oven.

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice

Packed with flavour, real ingredients and vibrant colours, one pot Spanish chicken and rice is the perfect no fuss, no clean up weeknight meal.

Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Baked Chicken Quesadillas are cheesy, crispy, flavorful, and delicious. This family-friendly recipe is quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes!

Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles is a low-carb, keto, and gluten-free version of a classic pasta dish. It is healthy, garlicky, flavorful, and delicious.

Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a quick easy chicken stir fry that is delicious, flavorful, healthy, and better and faster than takeout. Perfect meal prep idea.

Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Hearty slow cooker beef chili is an easy, comforting, low-maintenance dinner in fall and winter months. It's a family favourite crockpot chili.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Delicious, moist and juicy Mediterranean chicken patties have everything you want in one bite: protein, veggies, herbs, and they're quick and easy to make. Serve it on it's own, with hamburger buns, or a side of Basmati rice. We love this meal prep recipe idea!

Phyllo Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash)

Phyllo meat pie (Egyptian goulash) is a savory pie made of well-seasoned ground beef that lies between layers of flaky, crispy, golden phyllo pastry dough.

Korean Ground Turkey

Korean ground turkey is flavorful, saucy, and delicious. It's quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes, great for meal prep and freezes well.

Baked Chicken Breast with Greek Souvlaki Marinade

Juicy, tender, and moist, baked chicken breast with the best Greek souvlaki marinade is the most flavorful and delicious chicken dinner in under 30 minutes. A classic meal prep idea!

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground beef stuffed peppers are delicious, healthy, and filling. Stuffed with beef rice and veggies, they're easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with zucchini. These healthy bites are one of my favorite ways to use up summer zucchini.

Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian chicken is a quick and easy chicken stir fry dish that you can make at home in just 30 minutes. Healthier, faster, and better than takeout.

Beef and Bean Burritos

Hearty and filling beef and bean burritos are easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and take just 30 minutes for restaurant-quality Mexican food at home.

Chicken Meatballs

Baked Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and flavorful (no dry meatballs here!). Made in just 45 minutes using simple ingredients. So quick and easy!

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are quick and easy to make, loaded with flavor, delicious, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Great for meal prep too.

Coconut Lamb Curry

Hearty coconut lamb curry is an easy one pot meal that is packed with flavour. Make it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker and freeze leftovers for later.

Falafel

Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein.

Easy Meat Lasagna

Classic easy meat lasagna is the ultimate Italian comfort food with layers of tender lasagna, meaty tomato sauce, cheese filling and melted cheese on top.

Meal Prep Cold Lunches

Deviled Egg Salad

Deviled Egg Salad is the perfect spring side dish! It has the signature tang and smokiness of deviled eggs with the pillowy texture of egg salad.

Vegan Hummus Wrap

Vegan hummus wrap is a quick easy lunch made in minutes with a handful of fresh ingredients. This delicious veggie wrap is healthy, fresh, nutritious.

Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is delicious, wholesome, and easy to make. Make it up to three days ahead for your summer picnics and cookouts. You can't get more classic than Italian Salad for lunch. It's such an easy meal prep idea too!

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken

Vietnamese summer rolls with chicken are fresh, light, and healthy. This Asian snack is a healthy lunch idea that takes less than 20 minutes to make and way easier than you think.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. It's packed with classic ingredients including couscous, fresh veggies, and feta.

Turkey Pinwheels

Turkey pinwheels are bite-sized finger food perfection and will make back-to-school lunch meal planning for the kids a total breeze. They are fully customizable and you can wrap them up in a tortilla or in pita bread.

Spring Salad

This Spring Salad is light, fresh, and vibrant. It is packed with fresh seasonal vegetables and chickpeas tossed in a homemade honey balsamic dressing.

Chicken Salad

Classic chicken salad is a creamy delicious salad that is easy to throw together. It's the perfect side salad for a summer BBQ, potluck, or healthy lunch. One of my favorite meal prep ideas!

Vegan Soba Noodle Salad

There's nothing better on a hot day than a cold and refreshing vegan soba noodle salad, tossed with fresh vegetables and a delicious saucy dressing.

Buffalo Turkey Wraps

Quick easy buffalo turkey wraps with homemade buffalo sauce are flavorful, spicy, and delicious. A healthy lunch that will keep you full until dinner.

Quinoa Spinach Salad

Take a bite into this refreshing, gluten-free quinoa and spinach salad bursting with colourful tomatoes, cucumbers and raisins.

Soups for Meal Prep

Vegetable Soup

Vegetable Soup is a hearty, vegan soup that is delicious, flavorful, and easy to make. It's loaded with all kinds of veggies in a savory broth.

White Bean Soup with Kale

White Bean Soup with Kale is a hearty and nourishing one-pot meal that is flavorful and easy. Make this healthy soup in 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Vegetarian Mushroom Barley Soup

Wholesome hearty vegetarian mushroom barley soup is healthy, filling, and so delicious. This one pot meal is easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep.

Beef Taco Soup

Beef taco soup is a delicious take on tacos, transforming it into a hearty, wholesome, filling soup topped with all the taco fixings. Ready in 30 minutes.

Persian Lentil Soup

This Persian Lentil Soup is a quick and easy vegan soup that is flavorful, delicious, and healthy. Make this thick and hearty meal in just 45 minutes!

Acorn Squash Soup

Roasted Acorn Squash Soup is smooth and velvety, packed with veggies, and loaded with fall flavor. Serve for a cozy lunch, dinner, or on Thanksgiving.

Meal Prep Snacks

Almond Cranberry Granola Bars

These almond cranberry chocolate chip granola bars are chewy and delicious, contain real dried fruit, and made healthier with less processed sugar. A great meal prep idea when you are looking for snack options.

Kale Chips

You'll never want to buy chips after trying these incredibly light and crispy homemade Kale Chips! They're completely vegan, easy to make, and healthy.

Homemade Popcorn

Homemade popcorn from scratch is quick and easy to make, a delicious and healthy snack, and is completely customizable with your favorite seasonings.

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry yogurt muffins are buttery, moist, soft, and cakey and bursting with blueberries in every single bite. They are super quick and easy to make.

Classic Meal Prep Sides

Learn how to make steamed rice that's perfectly cooked, fluffy and delicious in 30 minutes. Cook white rice on the stove, rice cooker, or instant pot. | aheadofthyme.com

Making perfect fluffy quinoa at home is quick and a lot easier than you think! Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly every time using our simple recipe. | aheadofthyme.com

More Easy Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Meal Prep Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of easy meal prep ideas. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Spring Salad

This Spring Salad is light, fresh, and vibrant. It is packed with fresh seasonal vegetables, briny feta cheese, and protein-packed chickpeas, all tossed together in a tangy homemade honey balsamic dressing. This salad is the perfect companion to just about any entree you'll make this season.

This spring salad recipe is simple but delivers incredible flavor. Chop the veggies, make the dressing, toss the ingredients, and serve! This salad is great for a healthy lunch or potluck, or as a side dish for dinner this spring. You'll likely make this salad on repeat over and over!

Why You'll Love this Spring Salad

Packed with vegetables. This healthy spring salad is loaded with in-season ingredients like radishes, red onion, peas, and cucumber for a crisp, fresh feel and wholesome meal. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and is low in calories and fat.
Delicious and flavorful. This spring salad is bursting with fresh, bright flavors and textures. The combination of crisp greens, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing is simply irresistible. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it even more delicious.
Less than 15 minute prep. When you're short on time, count on this spring salad to save the day! Even though it's packed with fresh ingredients, it takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish to get this salad tableside - and even faster if you chop up the veggies quickly.
Tangy homemade dressing. What makes this salad especially tasty is the honey balsamic dressing that you'll make from scratch with just 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper). You can use this simple-yet-delicious dressing beyond this salad, too!
Perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just need a quick and easy lunch or dinner, this spring salad is the perfect choice. It's versatile, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Notes

To make this quick and easy Spring Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

balsamic vinegar - if you don't have balsamic, use the next best thing, like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
olive oil
lemon juice - fresh squeezed lemon juice is the best for flavor, but you can use lemon juice from concentrate if that's what you have on hand.
honey - you can also use an equal measure of maple syrup or agave nectar in place of the honey.
spring mix - spring mix has the perfect texture and earthy flavor for this salad, but you can use whatever salad greens you have. Try arugula, romaine lettuce, spinach, or kale.
English cucumber - Persian cucumbers or greenhouse cucumbers are also a good swap.
radishes - this recipe calls for regular red radishes, but you can use your favorite variety.
red onion - if you don't have red onion, you can use thinly sliced shallots or yellow onion.
avocado - if you're not a fan of avocados, you can omit them from the salad.
canned chickpeas - you can also cook your own chickpeas. Use ¾ cup dry chickpeas if making your own. Note that you will need to soak them overnight before cooking, so plan ahead.
green peas - you can use cooked fresh peas, drained canned peas, or thawed frozen peas.
feta cheese - if you're not a fan of feta, you can use crumbled goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or your favorite shredded cheese instead.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and a large serving plate.

How to Make the Best Spring Salad

Assemble the salad. Combine the spring mix greens, cucumber, radishes, onion, avocado, chickpeas, and green peas in a large serving plate. Top with feta cheese.

Make the vinaigrette dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Serve. Serve with the dressing on the side or drizzle over the salad and toss well. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Add a protein. Round out the meal and make this salad go even farther by adding a seared, grilled, or roasted protein! This salad pairs especially well with chicken, steak, tofu, shrimp, or salmon.
Spice it up. Add some heat to your salad by tossing in sliced jalapenos or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. The cool cucumbers and avocado will balance out the heat.
Get creative with toppings. Add some texture and crunch to your salad by sprinkling it with nuts, seeds, or crispy bacon bits.
Add fruit. Add some sweetness to your salad by adding fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mandarin oranges. It's a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Change the dressing. Toss the salad in your favorite dressing instead. Try it with Honey Mustard Dressing, Italian Dressing, or Creamy Sesame Dressing. You can also keep it simple by using just a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing, and letting the fresh flavors of the veggies shine through.

How to Serve

This spring salad is the perfect side to serve at gatherings as the weather warms up. Serve it at a picnic or cookout alongside usual fair-weather favorites like pasta salad, grilled veggie skewers, and your usual entree.

Some of our favorite recipes to serve with this salad are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Prep your veggies ahead of time. To save time, you can chop your vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Use a mandolin slicer. For a more professional-looking salad, use a mandolin slicer to thinly slice your vegetables like carrots and cucumbers.
Serve chilled. To keep your salad crisp and refreshing, store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Then add the dressing and toss just before serving.
Use for weekly meal prep. This salad is a great candidate for batch-preparing lunch or dinner for the week! Toss the ingredients together (but leave the dressing on the side) and store in individual portions for a week of easy, grab-n-go meals.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer leftover spring salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can store the dry salad and dressing separately to prevent the leftovers from getting soggy.

How to Freeze

It's not recommended to freeze salad because the texture of the greens and some of the toppings won't fare well when thawed, but you can freeze the dressing in an airtight container (with some room to expand) for up to 3 months.

More Salad Recipes

Tried this recipe?

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that features fried eggs perched atop a bed of warm tortillas and beans and smothered with delicious pico de gallo salsa. These vegetarian ranch style eggs are hearty, flavorful, and easy to make!

If you're a savory breakfast lover, huevos rancheros is the dish for you! It only takes a handful of ingredients and around half an hour to whip up from scratch. Served thees breakfast tacos hot and topped with crumbly Cotija cheese and slices of avocado - or customize it with your favorite toppings. These Mexican eggs are sure to be your new go-to breakfast or quick lunch recipe.

Why You'll Love these Huevos Rancheros

Hearty and balanced breakfast. These huevos rancheros are ideal for breakfast or brunch! Packed with veggies, fried eggs, black beans, and optionally topped with avocado and cheese, this dish will satisfy your hunger and sustain you through the day, whether you eat it for breakfast, lunch, or somewhere in between.
Vegetarian-friendly. Huevos rancheros are a great breakfast or lunch entree for those who don't eat meat or anyone who wants to switch up their morning meal! Plus, it's packed with protein from the beans and eggs.
Ready in 30 minutes. In addition to being delicious, these breakfast tacos come together quickly. It takes just over half an hour to make and a few simple steps: make the pico de gallo, warm the tortillas, heat up the beans, fry the eggs, and assemble!
Flavorful and delicious. Huevos Rancheros are bursting with flavor from the salsa, spices, and runny egg yolk. Plus, you can customize it by switching up the toppings or adding in your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
Serve it for weekend brunch. These Mexican eggs are a great dish to serve for brunch with friends and family. It's easy to make in large batches and can be served family-style - a total crowd-pleaser!

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Huevos Rancheros, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

Pico de gallo: Make your own pico de gallo using the ingredients below, or use store-bought for convenience. Whichever you prefer!

tomatoes - plum or Roma tomatoes are the go-to choice for this recipe, but you can also use cherry tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes if necessary.
onion - white or yellow onions work best, but you can use whatever kind of onion you have on hand.
cilantro - not a fan of cilantro? Swap it for another soft herb like basil or parsley, or omit it altogether.
lime juice - fresh squeezed lime juice is the most flavorful, but you can use lime juice concentrate if it's faster and easier for you!
salt

Black beans: pinto beans will also work for the huevos rancheros. You can also replace the black beans with Refried Beans. Just warm them up and spread it on the tortillas.

Tortillas: the type of tortillas you use are completely up to you, whether you prefer corn or flour tortillas and store-bought or homemade. Use corn tortillas to keep the dish gluten-free.

Eggs - fry the eggs in olive oil or swap for avocado oil or another neutral oil with a high smoke point. You can use whole eggs (as is traditional in this recipe) or use egg whites only if you prefer them yolk-less.

Optional Toppings

cotija cheese - you can also use feta, goat cheese, or a vegan cheese substitute.
avocado - you can also serve with store-bought or homemade guacamole for a similar flavor.
dressing - feel free to top the tacos with sour cream, chipotle mayo or cilantro lime dressing.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, saucepan, and skillet.

How to Make the Best Huevos Rancheros

Make the pico de gallo. In a large mixing bowl, add tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

Heat the black beans. Add the black beans into a pot and heat them on low heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. If the beans get too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the right consistency. Set aside.

Warm the tortillas. Heat the tortillas according to the package instructions, or heat in an ungreased cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side. You can also heat it directly on a gas burner for a few seconds to get char marks on the edges. Repeat with all tortillas.

Fry the eggs. In the same skillet, heat oil over medium heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Carefully crack the eggs spaced evenly apart onto the skillet without breaking the yolk. Fry the eggs until the whites are set and the yolk reaches desired doneness, about 3-5 minutes.

Assemble. Spoon ¼ of the warm fried beans and spread evenly onto each tortilla, top with a fried egg, pico de gallo and sprinkle of cheese.

Serve. Serve on a platter with your favorite toppings such as sliced avocados, sour cream, or cilantro.

Recipe Variations

Spice it up. For those who like it hot, add some sliced jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes to your huevos rancheros for a spicy kick.
Add protein. Add in some cooked chorizo, ground beef (cooked in some onions and spices), carne asada, carnitas (pulled pork), or chicken. Try shredded chicken or chop up some Mexican chicken breast for the best flavor.
Make it vegan with tofu. To make this recipe vegan, use crumbled tofu instead of eggs. Scramble some crumbled tofu with onions, bell peppers, and spices like cumin and chili powder. You will also need to substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese substitute or leave it out completely.
Add veggies. Some great veggies that you can add to these are cooked corn, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Try replacing the black beans with sweet potato hash. Simply, sauté diced sweet potatoes with onion, garlic, and spices like paprika and cumin until they are tender and caramelized.
Top with avocado. Slice up some fresh avocado and add it on top of your Huevos Rancheros for a creamy and healthy addition. It's a great way to get in some healthy fats.

How to Serve

Huevos Rancheros is a delicious meal served on its own with your favorite toppings such as avocado, sour cream, and chipotle mayo. Or pair these Mexican eggs with some classic Mexican side dishes including:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Toast the tortillas. Make sure to heat up the tortillas before serving, either by toasting them on a dry skillet or grilling them. This step will make the tortillas more pliable and flavorful.
Don't overcook the eggs. For the perfect huevos rancheros, the eggs should be cooked just until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. This will give the dish a creamy texture and allow the yolk to mix with the other ingredients when eating.
Make the pico de gallo ahead of time. Whether you want to save yourself even more time, or you're eating this breakfast tacos on repeat, you can make a batch of the pico de gallo up to 4 days ahead of time to make the recipe even easier on yourself.
Batch prep for large crowds. One of the beauties of this recipe is that it's easy to make for 4, 8, or even 12 people - just start an assembly line and batch prep the appropriate quantity of the components. Once everything is ready, you can build the dish and serve it to everyone at once!
Experiment with toppings. Though there are some standard versions of huevos rancheros, there's no one right way to do it, so you can get creative and adjust the dish to your preferences! Add red or green salsa, try different herbs, or poach the eggs instead of frying them - it's all up to you.
Serve immediately. Like most breakfast dishes, huevos rancheros is best served immediately after cooking. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Storing Instructions

Make Ahead Instructions

You can make the pico de gallo up to 4 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you are making beans from scratch (rather than using canned beans), you can also make it several days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also prepare any of the toppings and store in airtight containers in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Store

Huevos rancheros are best served fresh. If you must, you can refrigerate huevos rancheros in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in a microwave on high for 30-60 seconds or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Note that the tortillas will soften and the eggs will be cooked fully (won't be runny.

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Chicken Meatballs

Baked Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and flavorful (no dry meatballs here!). Made in just 45 minutes using simple ingredients, these chicken bites are great for a quick and easy lunch, dinner, and anything in between. The whole family will love them!

These chicken meatballs really couldn't be any easier to make: just combine the ingredients, shape, and bake! You can also cook them even faster in the air fryer. They're freezer-friendly and can be served just for any occasion. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping or serve alongside pasta or roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Why You'll Love these Chicken Meatballs

Quick and easy to make. In a time crunch? These chicken meatballs are easy to make following a few simple steps. They take only 20 minutes to prep from scratch and then another 25 minutes in the oven!
Loaded with flavor. These chicken meatballs are juicy and bursting with flavor from the simple combination of herbs and spices in this recipe. Plus, you can easily customize the flavor by switching with your favorite seasonings.
Better than store-bought. Once you make these chicken meatballs, you'll never be tempted to buy them from the freezer aisle again. The superior, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation makes them the better choice every time. No artificial ingredients or flavors here!
Super versatile. These tasty chicken meatballs can pull triple duty - acting as an entree, side, or appetizer depending on the occasion and what you choose to serve with them!
Great for meal prep. You can make a big batch of these baked chicken meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy meal prep throughout the week. Store them in meal prep containers along with Broccoli Rice and Oven Roasted Vegetables for easy to heat work lunches.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Chicken Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

ground chicken - if you don't have chicken on hand, you can use ground turkey or ground beef and make different kind of meatballs.
garlic - you can save a few minutes by using pre-minced garlic. Just substitute 1 teaspoon per clove.
onion - white or yellow onions work best for this recipe, but you can use whatever kind of onion you have on hand.
breadcrumbs - homemade or store-bought breadcrumbs will both work. If you use seasoned breadcrumbs, adjust the amount of seasoning you add to the meatballs.
egg - out of eggs? Whisk 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and use it in place of each egg.
oil - you can use your favorite cooking oil here, whether it's olive, avocado, or vegetable oil.
Italian seasoning - you can make your own Italian seasoning by blending rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, and marjoram, or use a combination of whichever ones you have on hand.
salt and pepper
parsley - if you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can swap it for a similar soft herb like cilantro, basil, dill, or fennel. The flavor will differ based on what you choose.
marinara sauce - you can use homemade marinara sauce or store-bought, or substitute it altogether for your favorite dipping sauce.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and quarter sheet baking pan (sheet pan).

How to Make the Best Chicken Meatballs

Marinate chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic, onion, ginger, breadcrumbs, egg, oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form into a uniform consistency. Set aside for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight to allow all the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Shape meatballs. Line a quarter sheet baking pan with parchment paper. Take 2 spoonfuls of chicken mixture at a time and roll into meatballs. Transfer meatballs onto the lined baking sheet. Lightly coat with some cooking oil spray to keep them from sticking, if needed.
Bake. Bake in a 400F preheated oven until fully cooked through (when internal temperature reaches 165F), about 25 minutes.

Serve. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of marinara sauce, if desired.

How to Cook Chicken Meatballs in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken meatballs in a single layer into the air fryer basket and lightly coat with some cooking oil spray to keep them from sticking. Air fry the meatballs at 350F for 10-13 minutes until browned nicely and fully cooked through, gently shaking the basket halfway during cooking to brown evenly. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer. You will have to cook in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Recipe Variations

Spice it up. Add some heat to your chicken meatballs by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the ground chicken mixture. Then, serve the meatballs with a side of cooling Tzatziki Sauce or Ranch Dip to balance the heat.
Add cheese. Stuff your chicken meatballs with mozzarella or feta cheese before cooking for an extra gooey and savory surprise.
Asian-style. Give your chicken meatballs an Asian twist by adding ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to your mixture. See our Sesame Chicken Meatballs for instructions. Serve with a side of Steamed Rice or in lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies like shredded carrots and cucumber.
Mediterranean-style. Season your chicken meatballs with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest for a fresh and bright flavor. Drizzle with Tahini Sauce and serve with a side of Greek Salad or Oven Roasted Vegetables drizzled with olive oil.

How to Serve

Chicken meatballs are a great entree that can be paired well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, salads, pasta, or grains. Some our favorites include:

Some other ways to serve these baked chicken meatballs include:

As an appetizer. Serve chicken meatballs as a delicious appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce such as Marinara Sauce or Tzatziki Sauce. Consider serving them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Over pasta. Chicken meatballs pair well with spaghetti or other pasta and can be served with your favorite tomato-based sauce or a creamy alfredo sauce. Try it with our Creamy Tomato Pasta or Fettuccine Alfredo.
In a sandwich. Make a delicious meatball sub or sandwich by placing chicken meatballs on a crusty roll with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. We love it in our French Baguettes or Ciabatta Rolls.
In a grain bowl. Serve chicken meatballs in a grain bowl with rice or quinoa and your favorite vegetables. Drizzle with sauce or a dressing for added flavor.
On top of salad. Top a bed of greens with chicken meatballs for a healthy, protein-packed salad. Add your favorite salad dressing and toppings like croutons or Parmesan cheese. Try with Caesar Salad or Mediterranean Couscous Salad.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use cold ingredients. Keeping your ground chicken and other ingredients cold will help to prevent the mixture from becoming too soft and sticky. This makes it easier to form the meatballs and helps them hold their shape while cooking.
Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use a light touch and mix the ingredients until just combined.
Use a cookie scoop. A cookie scoop or ice cream scoop can help you form evenly sized meatballs quickly and easily.
Customize the flavor. You can add different spices and mix-ins to adjust the flavor of these chicken meatballs to your liking! Play with different seasonings to get exactly what you want, whether it's a dumpling-inspired meatball or a sweet-n-savory one. See our Recipe Variations above for more ideas.
Smooth things out. Some people aren't a fan of chunks in their meatballs, which is totally understandable. If you're in that camp, you can get the same flavor with a smoother, chunk-less texture by swapping the minced onion and garlic for powder form, and using a powdered Italian seasoning blend instead of dried herbs.
Don't overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown. Leave some space between each meatball to ensure even cooking.
Check for doneness. Chicken meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. Use an meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Make ahead and freeze for later. These chicken meatballs are great for meal prep! They last for up to 3 months, so you can reheat them and pack them for lunch, use them as an easy appetizer, or heat them up for a quick dinner entree.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat leftover meatballs in the oven, air fryer, stovetop, or microwave.

Oven: Reheat in the oven 350F for 10-15 minutes.
Air fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 5-10 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave: Reheat in the microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds until heated through.

Note: Always make sure the internal temperature of the chicken meatballs reaches 165°F when reheating to ensure they are safe to eat.

How to Freeze

Allow the meatballs to cool completely and then transfer them to a lined baking sheet. Freeze for one hour uncovered or until completely frozen, then transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer at 350F for about 15 minutes (oven) or 10 minutes (air fryer).

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15 Best Ground Turkey Recipes

Wondering what to cook with ground turkey for dinner tonight? Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile protein that takes on flavors across different cuisines really well - which results in so many delicious recipes to make using ground turkey. We are sharing over 15 of our best ground turkey recipes including meatballs, burgers, soup, pasta, and more!

Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and find a delicious ground turkey recipe for you!

Best Ground Turkey Recipes

Thai Turkey Meatballs in Coconut Curry

Thai turkey meatballs in coconut curry are the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something delicious, healthy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

Mediterranean turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and delicious, loaded with garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. The perfect summer weeknight meal.

Ground Turkey Soup

Ground Turkey Soup is hearty, nourishing, and healthy. Loaded with protein and veggies, this Italian soup is packed with flavor and is super filling.

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Ground turkey pasta bake is an easy yet impressive meal that is cozy, comforting, and satisfying. A family-friendly casserole dinner ready in 45 minutes.

Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs

Sweet chili turkey meatballs are delicious, tender and juicy, loaded with classic Thai flavors, and quick and easy to make. Savory, sweet, and tangy.

Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is hearty, filling, flavorful, and delicious. It's warm and cozy, quick and easy to make in one pot, and can be made faster in the instant pot.

Korean Ground Turkey

Korean ground turkey is flavorful, saucy, and delicious. It's quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes, great for meal prep and freezes well.

Thai Turkey Burgers

These Thai Turkey Burgers topped with a crisp and creamy slaw are loaded with fresh and bright flavors, healthy and delicious, and quick and easy to make.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Delicious, moist and juicy Mediterranean chicken patties have everything you want in one bite: protein, veggies, herbs, and they're quick and easy to make. Made with ground chicken, but you can easily substitute with ground turkey.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

When it comes to weeknight menu planning, baked turkey meatballs reign supreme. Say hello to dinner ready in under 20 minutes from prep to table!

Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

Greek-style spinach and feta turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and flavourful, loaded with spinach, feta and fresh Mediterranean herbs + so easy to prep.

Sesame Chicken Meatballs

Sesame chicken meatballs are quick, easy, delicious, and loaded with Asian flavor, cooked in a homemade stir fry sauce and customizable with easy veggies! Made with ground chicken, but you can easily substitute with ground turkey.

Can you Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?

You can also substitute any ground beef recipe with ground turkey for a leaner option. The color will be paler and the flavor will vary but it will still be just as delicious. See our 25 Best Ground Beef Recipes for ideas!

How to Store Ground Turkey

Store leftover ground turkey from any of these easy ground turkey recipes in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Most of these recipes are also freezer-friendly and can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. See full storing instructions in the specific recipe that you are interested in making.

Depending on the recipe, you can reheat in the air fryer at 300F for 5-10 minutes, in the oven at 300F for 10 minutes, or on the stove over medium heat until fully warmed through. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw first overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Did You Make Any of These Ground Turkey Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of the best ground turkey recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Vegetarian Enchiladas

Vegetarian Enchiladas are a delicious and flavorful meal that is quick and easy to make in 40 minutes. They are packed with hearty and nutritious vegetables, well-seasoned with a blend of spices and saucy red enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey melty cheese.

These veggie enchiladas are a meat-less version of classic red enchiladas, but they're no less hearty than the originals! Serve them with a garnish of sour cream, cilantro, and lime as a main dish with a side of rice and beans or as an appetizer with fresh guacamole and salsa. They're a viable option for weeknight dinners, long lunches, and any time you want a hot, easy, all-in-one dish. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, you will love the bold flavors and textures of these enchiladas!

Why You'll Love these Vegetarian Enchiladas

Delicious vegetarian entree. Add vegetarian enchiladas to your meatless meal rotation! Loaded with vegetables like black beans, bell pepper, and corn, it's perfect for nights when you're a vegetarian or you're simply taking a break from meat. It's also super easy to make this recipe vegan-friendly with just one ingredient swap (see ingredient notes for details!).
Delicious and flavorful. These veggie enchiladas have the perfect balance of flavors and textures - tender tortillas, hearty filling, flavorful enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese. They are smoky, spicy, and savory. Plus, you can customize the flavor by switching up the filling or toppings. See all our recipe variations below.
Quick and easy to make. This enchilada recipe is easy to make with just a few simple steps. Just sauté your veggies, assemble the enchiladas, and bake in the oven. It takes about 15 minutes of prep time before they are ready to pop into the oven for about 25 minutes.
Family-style enchiladas. If you're feeding a crowd, these vegetarian enchiladas are ideal! You'll prep the ingredients and assemble the enchiladas in a casserole dish before baking and serving hot - a perfect homecooked meal for a family without a ton of extra effort.
Freezer-friendly. These vegetarian enchiladas freeze beautifully and can be frozen (cooked or uncooked) and saved for a later date, so all you'll have to do is thaw and bake!

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Vegetarian Enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

Tortillas

flour tortillas - use soft, fresh tortillas that are pliable and won't tear easily when rolled. Try our homemade Flour Tortillas! You can use corn tortillas if you want, but they tend to fall apart a lot easier with lots of liquid ingredients.

Sauce

red enchilada sauce - this recipe calls for red enchilada sauce, but you can use green enchilada sauce if you prefer. You can use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce.

Filling

avocado oil - olive oil or vegetable oil will also work.
onion - white or yellow onion is preferred, but you can use red onions or even shallots if necessary.
garlic - fresh minced garlic is always best flavor-wise, but you can use 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic for each clove of garlic in the recipe to save yourself some time.
red bell pepper - if you don't have red bell pepper, orange or yellow bell pepper is fine.
frozen corn - canned corn will also work, just rinse and drain it.
black beans - canned black beans are the most convenient, but if you have leftover dry (but cooked) black beans, you can use those instead.
smoked paprika - regular paprika, chili powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper will work in a pinch.
ground cumin - if you don't have cumin on hand, you can use a bit of taco seasoning blend or ground coriander instead.
chili powder - you can swap chili powder for a little more paprika, taco seasoning, or cayenne powder.

Toppings

mozzarella cheese - you can also use Monterey Jack, pre-shredded or shredded at home. You can also use a mozzarella-style vegan cheese to make it more vegan-friendly.
cilantro - if you don't like cilantro or can't find it, use a similar soft herb like basil or parsley, or omit it altogether.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large skillet, and a 9x13-inch casserole pan.

How to Make the Best Vegetarian Enchiladas

Sauté veggies. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the hot oil is sizzling hot, about 1 minute. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper and sauté until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

Add remaining filling ingredients. Add corn, black beans, paprika, cumin, chili powder, 1 cup of cheese, and cilantro. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until evenly combined. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Spread sauce. Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce onto a 9x13-inch casserole pan.

Assemble enchiladas. Add about ⅓ cup of the filling mixture across the centre of each tortilla.

Add enchiladas to pan. Carefully roll them up and arrange them seam side down on the casserole pan. Repeat with the remaining filling and tortillas.
Add toppings. Spread the remaining sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Bake. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in a 350F preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 8-10 minutes until the melted cheese turns golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top, dollops of sour cream, and lime wedges, if desired.

Recipe Variations

Make them spicy. Want to kick up the heat? Add a teaspoon or two of hot sauce to the red enchilada sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the filling to give these vegetarian enchiladas a bit of bite!
Add protein. Add some cooked chicken (try leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken) to the filling, or your favorite protein such as beef or shrimp.
Change the veggies. You can customize these enchiladas by filling them with different veggies such as roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
Add greens. Give them a nutritional boost by adding fresh spinach or kale to your filling. It's a great way to sneak in some greens and adds a fresh flavor.
Swap the sauce. Change up the flavor by using a different sauce, like green salsa or enchilada sauce with mole or chipotle flavors. It adds a unique twist to these veggie enchiladas.

How to Serve

These vegetarian enchiladas are filling on their own, but you can make them go even further by serving them with some of our favorite Mexican inspired sides including:

For more, see our 25 Mexican Side Dishes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Heat the tortillas. If you find your tortillas too dry to work with, try heating them. Heating the tortillas before rolling them will make them easier to work with and prevent them from cracking.
Let them rest before serving. Letting the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving will allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together more.
Add toppings. Top your enchiladas with your favorite taco fixings such as extra shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro. It adds flavor and color to your meal.
Set up a DIY enchilada bar. Set up a DIY enchilada bar with a variety of toppings and sides such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and chopped onions. It's a fun and interactive way to serve your enchiladas and lets everyone customize their own dish.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Place cooled vegetarian enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover enchiladas in the microwave on high in 10 second increments for 60 seconds or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes.

How to Freeze

Transfer the enchiladas into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them.

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Soy Sauce Eggs (Ramen Eggs)

Soy Sauce Eggs (also known as Ramen Eggs or Shoyu Tamago) are incredibly umami, with a firm white and a jammy center. The salty, savory flavor (and the name) are thanks to a 12-hour marinade in a soy sauce-based stock that permeates the whites and makes these eggs so delicious.

Great for snacking or for adding to ramen bowls (as the name suggests), these soy sauce eggs are easy to make and even easier to eat - having any left over is a rare occasion! Just soak boiled eggs in a 4-ingredient marinade and enjoy. You'll love how easy and delicious these Asian eggs are!

Why You'll Love these Ramen Eggs

Classic ramen egg. If you've had restaurant-style ramen, you've likely fallen head over heels for the jammy, umami, soy-soaked egg that typically rests on top of the noodles. They're one of the best parts of ramen, and now you can easily make them at home!
Unbelievably easy. The hardest part of making these soy sauce eggs is waiting patiently for them to soak in all the delicious soy sauce flavor. Otherwise, it couldn't be easier to make them. Boil the eggs, make the marinade, and soak. Then, enjoy!
Incredibly versatile. These soy sauce eggs can be used anywhere you'd use boiled eggs - in salads, on sandwiches or toast, with noodles, in soup, your imagination is your only limit! Plus, you can customize the flavor by adding different ingredients into the marinade. See our Recipe Variations below for some ideas.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Soy Sauce Eggs (Ramen Eggs), you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

eggs - soy sauce eggs are typically soft boiled before marinating, but you can do a medium or hard boil to suit your texture preferences.
water
soy sauce - regular soy sauce works best, but you can use gluten free or reduced sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos are also an acceptable substitute for soy sauce.
dark soy sauce - if you can't find dark soy sauce, you can use more regular soy sauce or add a bit of oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, or hoisin sauce for a similar effect.
sugar - this recipe calls for granulated sugar, but you can substitute the same measure of honey, agave, or your preferred sugar alternative.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large pot, and mixing bowls (or Ziploc bag).

How to Make the Best Soy Sauce Eggs (Ramen Eggs)

Boil eggs. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully lower the eggs, one at a time into the boiling water and cook for 6 minutes, while continuously stirring the eggs clockwise for the first minute so that the egg yolk sits right in the centre. For a slightly firmer texture, cook for 7 minutes.

Cool and peel. When the time is up, remove the eggs and immediately place them in an ice water bath for a few minutes. Once cooled down completely, crack and peel the shells carefully.

Make marinade. In a mixing bowl or ziploc bag, add water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well until combined.

Marinate eggs. Fully submerge the eggs into the sauce mixture. Cover and/or seal and refrigerate for 12-24 hours (or up to 3 days for a saltier flavor). Rotate the container or bag rotate the bag occasionally to ensure even marination.

Serve. Slice in half and serve on their own as a snack or as aopping in ramen or rice bowls.

Recipe Variations

Add miso. Add a spoonful of miso paste to the marinade mixture to give the eggs a richer and more savory flavor.
Spice it up. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes or a small amount of wasabi paste to the marinade for a kick of heat.
Make it sweeter. Add a little more sugar or honey to the marinade mixture to create a sweeter taste.
Add sesame. Mix in some toasted sesame oil or sprinkle sesame seeds over the eggs to give them a nutty flavor and texture.
Make it garlicky. Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the marinade mixture for a flavorful and aromatic twist.

How to Serve

Soy Sauce Eggs can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer, or used as a topping for ramen, sobal bowls, rice bowls, toast, or salads. To add some extra flavor and texture, try garnishing the eggs with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chili flakes.

Asian dishes can be improved just by adding a soy sauce egg or two! As a topping or a side, these ramen eggs pair well with just about any similar dish. Try it with:

Creamy Vegan Ramen
Korean Beef Steak Rice Bowls
Soba Noodle Salad
Coconut Curry Ramen
Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg (use ramen eggs instead of poached egg in this recipe!)
Miso Ramen with Chicken

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use high-quality eggs. The flavor and texture of your soy sauce eggs will largely depend on the quality of the eggs you use. Try to use fresh, organic eggs for the best results.
Don't overcook the eggs. Overcooked eggs can become tough and rubbery, so it's important to keep an eye on them as they cook. If you're not sure when they're done, you can use a timer.
Marinate the eggs for at least a few hours. To infuse the eggs with the flavor of the soy sauce mixture, it's important to let them marinate for at least a few hours (preferably overnight). This will ensure that the flavor penetrates the egg white and yolk.
Serve the eggs at room temperature. Soy sauce eggs are best served at room temperature, so make sure to take them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
Add them to a snack plate. Level up your charcuterie plates with these addictive soy sauce eggs - you'll never go back! Pair with crunchy crackers and crisp vegetables for optimal snacking.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store soy sauce eggs in an airtight container in the marinade mixture for up to 3 days, or remove from the marinade and store for 3 days total (including marinating time) for milder flavor.

How to Freeze

It's not recommended to freeze soy sauce eggs because the texture of the eggs will be tough when thawed, but you can freeze leftover marinade to use in dressings, stir fries, and more for up to 3 months. Transfer the stock to an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving room for the liquid to expand, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

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Rice Krispies Treats

Rice Krispies Treats are a classic dessert that is loved by kids and adults alike. These chewy, crunchy, sticky-sweet treats are easy to make from scratch in just a few simple steps using only 3 ingredients! They're bursting with buttery marshmallow flavor and the crackle of the popped rice makes them perfectly irresistible.

It takes just 15 minutes to prep and an hour to let them set, but these rice crispy squares are totally worth it. They are perfect to serve for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party, looking for an after-school snack, or craving something sweet, rice crispy treats are a delicious and nostalgic choice.

Why You'll Love these Rice Krispies Treats

Easy to make. It only takes 3 ingredients, 15 minutes of effort, and an hour of patience to make these classic rice krispies treats from scratch! No filler ingredients or pastry-school techniques necessary.
Quick no bake dessert. You don't even need an oven to make these. Just melt butter, mix in the marshmallows, coat the cereal, and press it into the pan to set! It couldn't be easier to make rice crispy treats from scratch, and your whole family can get involved with the process.
Endlessly customizable. These rice crispy treats are the perfect blank canvas for your imagination to run wild. You can add as much or as little mix-ins to them as you like, or leave them plain to savor the buttery marshmallow flavor!
Serve them any time. Rice crispy squares are so tasty you'll want to break them out for every special occasion - but they're easy and simple enough that you can make them for after school treats, just because!

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Rice Krispies Treats, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

cooking oil spray - use a flavor-less cooking spray if possible, as pure olive oil sprays will likely change the flavor. You can also use butter to grease the pan.
butter - use unsalted butter if you can. Otherwise, you can use salted butter, but the resulting rice crispy treats will be a little saltier than normal.
mini marshmallows - you can use full-size marshmallows if you need to, but try to cut them in quarters to help them melt evenly.
Rice KrispiesⓇ cereal - the original flavor of the cereal is classic to making homemade rice crispy treats, but you can use Cocoa Krispies or Cinnamon Sugar Krispies if you prefer those flavors.

You will also need a large saucepan and 9x13-inch baking pan.

How to Make the Best Rice Krispies Treats

Prepare pan. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray and set aside.
Melt marshmallows. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove the saucepan from heat.

Stir in cereal. Add in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until completely combined and well coated.

Spread mixture. Using a greased spatula, evenly press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. You can also stick your hands into a Ziploc bag and press the mixture that way.

Cool. Let it cool completely before slicing, about 1 hour.
Serve. Cut into 2-inch squares (15 squares) and serve.

Recipe Variations

When it comes to Rice Krispies Treats, you can experiment with different add-ins, toppings, and flavors to make your squares unique. The options are endless! Here are some of our favorites:

Make them more gooey. Add in an extra 2 ounces (or 1 cup) of marshmallows to make the filling extra gooey.
Chocolate Rice Krispies treats. Melt some chocolate chips into your marshmallow mixture before adding the Rice Krispies cereal for a chocolatey twist. Top with additional melted chocolate and sprinkles for a festive touch, if desired.
Add peanut butter. Add a dollop of peanut butter to your melted marshmallow mixture before mixing in the cereal. Top with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Add dried fruits. Stir in your favorite dried fruit, such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries, to the Rice Krispies mixture before pressing into a pan. Sprinkle with a little sea salt for the perfect balance between sweet and salty flavors.
S'mores version. Mix in some crushed graham crackers and mini chocolate chips to your Rice Krispies mixture. Top with mini marshmallows and broil in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown for the perfect S'mores Rice Krispies treats. Love S'mores? Try our S'mores Cookies!
Add caramel and nuts. Drizzle caramel sauce over your finished Rice Krispies Treats (try our Salted Caramel Sauce!) and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts. It's perfect for fall!
Dip in chocolate. Melt some chocolate and dip one end of the Rice Krispies Treats into the chocolate. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden before serving.

How to Serve

Rice Krispies Treats are a sweet bite that can be served on their own or paired with other delicious treats. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

Ice cream. Serve Rice Krispies Treats alongside a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream (or your favorite flavor).
Fruit. Pair Rice Krispies Treats with fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing and healthy snack. Try our Fruit Salad.
Hot chocolate. Enjoy Rice Krispies Treats with a warm cup of Peppermint Hot Chocolate on a cold winter's day for the ultimate cozy treat.
Milk. Serve Rice Krispies Treats with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting snack.
Coffee. Enjoy Rice Krispies Treats with a cup of coffee for an energizing breakfast or snack.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Have fun with extras. There are infinite possibilities for toppings and mix-ins depending on the occasion and what you have on hand. Add sprinkles, M&M's, drizzles of melted chocolate, or whole mini marshmallows - your imagination is your only limit! See our Recipe Variations above for ideas.
Cut into squares or make festive shapes. The most traditional way to serve Rice Krispies Treats is to cut them into squares and serve them on a plate or platter. But you aren't limited to simply cutting squares. You can use cookie cutters to make these rice crispy treats as festive as you like! Stick to holiday themes like eggs and bunnies for Easter or snowflakes and trees for Christmas - or explore different shapes just for fun!
Grease your knife. Cutting rice krispy treats can sometimes be a sticky situation. Apply grease or butter to your knife to keep it clean and help it glide through the bars without making a huge mess.
Serve as an ice cream topping. Crumble some Rice Krispies Treats on top of your favorite ice cream flavors for a delicious and crunchy topping.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once completely cooled, you can store rice krispies treats in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 2 days at room temperature or 7 days in the refrigerator.

How to Freeze

Wrap each rice crispy treat individually in parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, then layer them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight and then warm to room temperature for a few hours before eating.

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40 Friday Night Dinner Ideas

Friday nights are all about relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying good food with family and friends. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner after a long week at work or something a bit more indulgent to kick off the weekend, we've got you covered. We are sharing over 40 Friday Night Dinner Ideas from classic comfort foods and pastas, to stir fries and rice bowls, and everything in between. So grab a glass of wine, put on your favorite music, and get ready to indulge in some delicious Friday night dinners.

Best Friday Night Dinner Ideas

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are loaded with veggies and gooey cheese, baked in the oven until crispy, and made to feed a crowd in just 30 minutes. One of our favorite Friday night dinners!

Creamy Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple and delicious meal made from scratch in 25 minutes with a cream and tomato based sauce that is rich and silky smooth. A quick and easy recipe for Friday night dinner!

Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is quick and easy to make at home in 20 minutes - faster, healthier, and better than takeout.

Salmon Bites

Salmon Bites are flavorful and delicious bite-sized pieces of salmon cooked until tender with crispy, golden edges and coated with an homemade sticky glaze.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade hamburger helper is a family favorite but you can make a cheaper, healthier, and way tastier version at home, ready in just 30 minutes.

Cashew Chicken

Cashew chicken is a quick and easy chicken stir fry ready in under 30 minutes. It's flavorful, delicious, and so much better and faster than takeout.

Turkey and Cheese Sliders

Turkey and Cheese Sliders are quick and easy, made with deli meat and Swiss cheese filled inside soft Hawaiian dinner rolls topped with a buttery sauce.

Indian Rice Bowls

These Indian Rice Bowls are flavorful, delicious, and easy to assemble. These wholesome, filling rice bowls have it all - grains, protein, and veggies.

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe that is creamy, delicious, and flavorful - the whole family will love this Tiktok pasta! One of our favorite Friday night dinner recipes!

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and easy dinner ready in just 10 minutes! It's loaded with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions.

Cauliflower Tacos

Vegetarian cauliflower tacos are loaded with air-fried or baked cauliflower, a delicious seasoning blend, and creamy lime cilantro slaw inside a tortilla.

Easy Baked Meatballs

Easy Baked Meatballs are juicy, tender, loaded with flavor, and kid-friendly. Enjoy delicious homemade meatballs in under an hour using simple ingredients.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Quick and easy, creamy lemon chicken piccata is a simple and delicious 30-minute meal made with tender chicken breast in a light lemon sauce with capers. We love this Friday night dinner idea!

Peanut Noodles

Peanut noodles are creamy, nutty, and delicious. This quick and easy, vegan homemade takeout recipe is loaded with flavor and is ready in 15 minutes.

Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is delicious, wholesome, and easy to make. Make it up to three days ahead for your summer picnics and cookouts. You can't get more classic than Italian Salad on Memorial Day!

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers

Chicken parmesan stuffed peppers are delicious, flavorful, healthy, and filling, and combines two all-time favorites. Great for meal prep and freezes well.

Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is creamy, garlicky, and delicious! This quick and easy, under 30-minute recipe is a go-to for busy nights and a year-round family favorite.

Vegetarian Paella

Vegetarian Paella is a delicious flavorful classic Spanish rice dish that is hearty and filling - perfectly cooked rice with saffron and vegetables.

Korean Beef Bulgogi

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a tasty, quick and easy 30-minute meal made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a delicious sweet and savory garlic soy sauce.

Sesame Chicken Meatballs

Sesame chicken meatballs are quick, easy, delicious, and loaded with Asian flavor, cooked in a homemade stir fry sauce and customizable with easy veggies!

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade hamburger helper is a family favorite but you can make a cheaper, healthier, and way tastier version at home, ready in just 30 minutes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and flavorful. This quick and easy appetizer or weeknight dinner takes just 15 minutes to make in one skillet.

Thai Turkey Burgers

These Thai Turkey Burgers topped with a crisp and creamy slaw are loaded with fresh and bright flavors, healthy and delicious, and quick and easy to make.

Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Instant pot chicken fried rice is easy to throw together, packed with flavor, and delicious. It's perfect for a weeknight family dinner or meal prep.

Greek Souvlaki Chicken Breast

Juicy, tender, and moist, baked chicken breast with the best Greek souvlaki marinade is the most flavorful and delicious chicken dinner in under 30 minutes.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry is a classic Chinese-American dish that is delicious, savory, hearty, and saucy. Better than takeout and ready in 25 minutes.

Creamy Parmesan Risotto

Creamy Parmesan (No Wine) Risotto is a rich, creamy, and comforting classic Italian dish that may be intimidating but is actually quick and easy to make.

Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

Hamburger soup with macaroni is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's wholesome, filling, comforting and nutritious. Prep, cook and serve under an hour.

Beef Kofta Kebabs

Mediterranean Beef Kofta Kebabs are juicy, tender, flavorful, and well seasoned . These grilled ground beef skewers are quick and easy to make in 30 minutes.

Coconut Curry Salmon

Coconut curry salmon is a delicious, flavorful, and healthy weeknight dinner. It's 30-minute dinner that is a game changer on busy weeknights.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delicious 30 minute recipe that is packed with flavor, quick and easy to make, and will satisfy the whole family.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are quick and easy to make, loaded with flavor, delicious, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Great for meal prep too.

Instant Pot Beef Curry

Instant pot beef curry with potatoes and carrots is delicious, hearty, comforting, and flavorful. It's made quick and easy in the pressure cooker.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are juicy and moist inside while crispy and golden brown outside. A healthy, delicious, and quick kid-friendly recipe.

Tiktok Ramen

Tiktok ramen is savory, sweet and loaded with umami flavor. It's a quick and easy viral ramen hack with instant noodles, eggs, butter, garlic and soy sauce.

Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Vietnamese noodle bowl with lemongrass chicken, fresh vegetables and herbs, tossed in a homemade Vietnamese sauce is healthy, delicious, light, and filling.

White Bean Soup with Kale

White Bean Soup with Kale is a hearty and nourishing one-pot meal that is flavorful and easy. Make this healthy soup in 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Skillet Lasagna

This one pan Skillet Lasagna has all the same ingredients and flavors as a traditional meat lasagna but with minimal prep and is ready in just 40 minutes.

Salmon Burgers

These Salmon Burgers made with real fresh salmon, are crispy on the outside and flaky inside, juicy and thick, and healthy and packed with protein.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Delicious, moist and juicy Mediterranean chicken patties have everything you want in one bite: protein, veggies, herbs, and they're quick and easy to make.

Mexican Chicken Caesar Salad

Mexican Chicken Caesar Salad is a delicious, flavorful twist on a classic Caesar salad with Mexican flavors and ingredients tossed in Caesar dressing.

Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Better than takeout garlic shrimp stir fry is saucy, sticky, flavorful, and delicious. It's quick and easy to make in 15 minutes and great for meal prep.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic chicken soup that is hearty, comforting, and nourishing. Plus, it is quick and easy to make in one pot in 40 minutes.

More Dinner Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Friday Night Dinner Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of easy Friday night dinner ideas. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Duchess Potatoes

Duchess Potatoes are rich, creamy, whipped bites of potatoes with crispy edges and a soft delicate middle. Fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes are piped into beautiful shapes and baked until golden brown. Known as "Pommes Duchesse" in French, these whipped potatoes are an elegant side dish that's perfect for special occasions but easy enough for simple dinner parties.

Plus, duchess potatoes are a lot easier to make than they seem. Using only 6 staple ingredients, you can make duchess potatoes ready to serve in just 40 minutes. Easter brunch is a great meal to debut this upscale cousin of mashed potato, or you can save them for your next dinner party to impress your friends and family! The rich and buttery flavor of these potatoes will have your guests begging for seconds.

Why You'll Love the Duchess Potatoes

Creamy, buttery potato bites. These duchess potatoes are silky smooth on the inside and packed with flavor, thanks to butter, heavy cream, Parmesan and parsley. They are piped into beautiful shapes and baked until golden brown. Your guests will be impressed by their elegant presentation.
Quick to make. Though they look incredibly fancy, these duchess potatoes take less than an hour to prepare, and most of that time is spent waiting on the potatoes to bake in the oven. Perfect for prepping other dishes or cleaning up!
A special occasion side or appetizer. Duchess potatoes are as exceptional as their name suggests. They're a great side dish or starter for special occasions like holiday parties and romantic evenings. They also pair well with just about any entree!
Easy to customizable. You can easily customize the flavor of these pommes duchesse potatoes by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Try adding garlic, rosemary, or Parmesan cheese to give them an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Duchess Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

Russet potatoes - if you don't have Russet potatoes, you can easily substitute with Yukon gold potatoes.
unsalted butter - unsalted butter gives you the most control over the flavor, but you can use salted butter if necessary. Just be sure to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe.
heavy cream - if you don't have heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk and add more butter to increase the fat content.
salt and pepper
egg yolks - egg yolks are essential to making the potatoes creamy and binding them together.
parsley - this is optional, for serving. You can also try other soft herbs like dill, basil, or thyme.
Parmesan cheese - you can also use Pecorino Romano, Asiago cheese, or nutritional yeast flakes as substitutes for Parmesan.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large pot, potato masher (or fork), whisk, and large baking sheets.

How to Make the Best Duchess Potatoes

Boil potatoes. Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with water to cover the potatoes by about one inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn down to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Mash potatoes. Drain and place the potatoes back in the pot or into a mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or forks to mash the potatoes.

Add remaining ingredients. Add butter, heavy cream, egg yolks, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

Transfer to piping bag. Transfer the mashed potatoes, in batches, to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.

Pipe swirls. Line a 2 large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe the potatoes into 2-3 inches wide swirls evenly onto the lined baking sheets.

Brush with oil. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter or spray with cooking oil spray.

Bake. Bake in a 375F preheated oven on the middle rack until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve. Garnish with parsley and finely grated parmesan and serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Give them a cheesy twist. Take your Duchess Potatoes to the next level by adding a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese or gruyere cheese to the potato mixture. It's a perfect blend of creamy and cheesy goodness.
Make them spicy. For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño peppers to the potato mixture before baking. Serve with a side of cooling sour cream or Greek yogurt for a balanced flavor.
Change the seasoning. We season these duchess potatoes simply with salt and pepper. You can change it up by experimenting with different flavors. Try adding garlic powder, ground cumin, or paprika.
Add bacon. For a smoky and savory flavor, mix in some crispy bacon bits to the potato mixture before piping it onto your baking sheet. Serve with a side of caramelized onions for a delicious pairing.
Top with herbs. We topped these potatoes with fresh parsley but you can switch it up other fresh herbs such as dill, thyme, or rosemary.

How to Serve

You can serve Duchess Potatoes on their own as an appetizer, or as a fancy side dish along with your favorite entrees. Some of our favorite meals to serve with these potatoes are:

Duchess Potatoes also pair perfectly with homemade sauces, such as a rich Mushroom Gravy or a tangy Cranberry Sauce. You can get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your perfect pairing.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don't overprocess the potatoes. Make sure your potatoes turn out creamy by manually whipping them until creamy. You can also blend them by ricing or pulsing them in a food processor until they're just broken down - if you mash, mix, or blend them too much, the consistency will change and they can become gummy.
Make them ahead for busy occasions. These duchess potatoes are prep-friendly! If you're hosting a big event like a dinner party or holiday gathering, you can make it easier on yourself by making them a day or two ahead of time and simply reheating them when you're ready. No one will know the difference!
Make a DIY pastry bag. A pastry bag is essential to making these duchess potatoes, but if you don't have one on hand, you're not completely out of luck. You can make a simple substitution by spooning the potatoes into a Ziploc bag and snipping one of the corners off. It won't have the same signature ridges, but it will create the same overall shape!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow the duchess potatoes to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in a single layer. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat duchess potatoes in a 375℉ preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or by microwaving on high for 15-30 seconds.

How to Freeze

You can freeze unbaked duchess potatoes for up to 3 months. Once piped onto the baking sheet, freeze them uncovered for 1-2 hours until they become solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze. You can bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

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Roasted Beets

Roasted Beets are a healthy and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. This earthy vegetable is simply seasoned which brings out the delicious natural flavor of the beets. Serve this vegan side dish as a healthy appetizer with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or as a side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats.

With just 4 ingredients and few simple steps, these roasted beets are a quick and easy way to add some color and variety to your dinner while keeping your meal nutritious and tasty. Plus, they are a great source of fiber, folate, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

Why You'll Love these Roasted Beets

Quick and easy to make. Roasted beets are a simple side dish that can be made with minimal prep time. Just wash and chop the beets (no peeling required!), season, and roast in the oven for about 35-40 minutes.
Delicious and flavorful. Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, you can experiment with different seasonings to create a variety of flavors. Keep it simple with salt and pepper or try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth of flavor.
A healthy vegetarian side dish. Roasted beets are a great vegetarian option that is both delicious and satisfying. They are also naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Nutritiously packed with health benefits. Beets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, and vitamin C. Roasting them is a healthy way to cook them as it retains most of their nutrients while enhancing their natural sweetness.
Pairs well with many entrees. Serve roasted beets as a delicious side dish to complement almost any meal. They pair well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or can be added to salads for a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Roasted Beets, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

beets - we used medium beets because they tend to be more tender and sweeter than larger beets. When picking out beets, look for firm, unblemished beets that are relatively similar in size so that they cook evenly. You can use your favorite variety of beets such as red beets (as we did here) , golden beets, or even striped Chioggia beets.
olive oil - use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Make sure to toss the beets well so that they are compleltey coated with oil so that they roast evenly and don't dry out.
salt - a little bit of salt goes a long way in bringing out the natural sweetness of the beets. You can use table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt in this recipe.
black pepper - freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the roasted beets. Use already ground pepper or grind the pepper with a pepper mill right before roasting for the best flavor.

You will also need measuring spoons, a mixing bowl, and large baking sheet.

How to Make the Best Roasted Beets

Chop beets. Cut the ends of the beets and chop into 1 ½-inch pieces (no peeling required!).

Season beets. In a large mixing bowl, add beets, oil, salt, and pepper and toss well to coat.

Bake. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread beets in the lined baking sheet and bake until fork tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Serve. Serve warm or cold.

Recipe Variations

Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Give these beets a sweet and tangy flavor with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can use store-bought balsamic reduction or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened. See our Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze for full instructions.
Top with fresh herbs. Serve these roasted beets with your favorite chopped herbs. Try it with chopped parsley, dill, or mint.
Add extra sweetness. Toss your beets with honey, olive oil, and thyme before roasting for a sweet and savory flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra texture.
Mediterranean style. Add some Mediterranean flair to your roasted beets by seasoning them with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for a bright and zesty finish.
Add goat cheese and walnuts. Crumble some creamy goat cheese (or feta) on top of your roasted beets and sprinkle with chopped walnuts for a rich and nutty flavor.

How to Serve

Roasted Beets are a delicious side dish that you can serve alongside your main course entree at dinner. There are also a variety of different ways that you can serve these roasted beets including:

As an appetizer. Serve roasted beets as an appetizer with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of goat cheese. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce of your choice. Try it with Tzatziki Sauce, Whipped Feta, or a Spicy Mayo.
In a salad. Add roasted beets to your favorite salad for a sweet and earthy flavor. They are delicious in our Peach Arugula Salad, Goat Cheese and Tangelo Salad, and Sweet Kale Salad.
Make a dip. Use roasted beets as a base for a delicious and healthy dip. Use it to make delicious Beet Hummus.
As a toast topping. Top your favorite toast with roasted beets and goat cheese for a tasty breakfast or snack. Try it on Avocado Toast with Poached Egg.
In a bowl. Add roasted beets to a grain bowl or Buddha bowl for a colorful and nutritious addition.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cut the beets evenly. To ensure that your roasted beets cook evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes.
Use parchment paper. To prevent the beets from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cover with foil if needed. If you find that your beets are getting too dark on top but aren't cooked through yet, cover them with aluminum foil and continue roasting until tender.
Serve warm or cold. Roasted beets can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. If serving cold, allow the beets to cool completely before tossing with your desired toppings or dressing.
Turn leftovers into a beet and citrus salad. Allow the beets to cool completelty to room temperature or refrigerator until chill. Then, toss with mixed greens, segments of juicy citrus, and a citrusy vinaigrette.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow the roasted beets to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover beets in a 350F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with aluminum foil. You can also reheat roasted beets in the microwave. Transfer them to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Allow the roasted beets to cool down to room temperature. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend labelling the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference. Allow the beets to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.

More Roasted Vegetable Recipes

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Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that features tender eggplant slices coated in crispy breadcrumbs, loads of melty cheese, and baked in a rich and savory homemade tomato sauce. Served hot on its own or with other Italian sides, this vegetarian recipe is perfect for date night or dinner at home!

This cheesy baked eggplant is easier to make than it seems: coat the sliced eggplants, prepare the sauce while they crisp up, and then layer them together with cheese for a final turn in the oven to melt the cheese and let the sauce soak in a bit. All in all, it takes just over two hours (with half that time is letting the eggplants rest), but the end result is well worth it!

Why You'll Love this Eggplant Parmesan

It's vegetarian. Craving Italian food but looking for a meatless option? This eggplant parmesan fits the bill perfectly. It's completely vegetarian-friendly and can even be made vegan with a few simple ingredient swaps (see Recipe Variations below for details).
Delicious and flavorful. This eggplant parmesan is a burst of flavors in your mouth, from the crispy breadcrumb coating and gooey center to the rich tomato sauce, and the melted cheese on top. Plus, you can customize the seasoning and seasoning level to your liking.
Incredibly cheesy. This hearty Italian eggplant is loaded up with two kinds of cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella, creating gooey and cheesy goodness in every bite. And like classic Parmesan dishes, the chewiness of the cheese is offset by the breadcrumb crust for the perfect balance of textures.
The homemade tomato sauce. The homemade tomato sauce is one of the stars of this baked eggplant, made with fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and basil, and seasoned with Italian spices. It's healthier and tastier than store-bought sauces - no preservatives or filler ingredients here!
Great for all occasions. Fancy dinner parties, romantic date nights, or weeknight dinners are all perfect opportunities to serve this baked eggplant parmesan. It's elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for every day.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

Eggplant:

eggplants - Choose eggplants that are firm and shiny with smooth, unblemished skin. Look for eggplants that feel heavy for their size, as they tend to be meatier.
salt - used to sprinkle over the sliced eggplants to draw out excess moisture, and it also seasons the eggplant.
breadcrumb mixture - we use Panko breadcrumbs for this recipe as they provide a crispy texture. You can also substitute with regular breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs) for a slightly different texture. We also add Parmesan cheese and garlic powder for extra flavor.
eggs - used to create an egg wash for the breading to stick to the eggplant slices. For a vegan option, you can use 3 tablespoons of whisked aquafaba in place of each egg in this recipe to bind the ingredients together.
cooking oil spray - used to coat the baking sheet and the eggplant slices for even browning and to prevent sticking.

Tomato sauce:

olive oil - use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the sauce. Avocado oil or another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point will work as a substitute for olive oil.
onion + garlic - if you don't have fresh garlic, you can swap 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic per clove. You can also use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove instead.
tomato sauce + paste - used to create the base of the sauce. Use high-quality canned tomato sauce and paste for best flavor.
Italian seasoning - Italian seasoning is added to the sauce for flavor, but you can also use a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme instead.
basil - fresh basil is the best for flavor and texture, but you can also use dried basil if that's all you have. It will mellow the flavor and change the texture a bit.
salt

Cheese:

mozzarella cheese - provolone is similar to mozzarella if you need to make a swap! Additionally, you can make this more vegan-friendly by using a plant-based mozzarella substitute.
Parmesan cheese - if you don't have Parmesan, try Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
fresh basil - optional, for garnish and flavor. Fresh basil adds a pop of freshness and color. You can also top with fresh parsley instead.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large baking sheet, shallow plates, large pot, and 9x13-inch casserole pan.

How to Make the Best Eggplant Parmesan

First, salt the eggplant.

Line a large baking sheet with paper towel. Cut the eggplants into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the lined baking sheet.

Season both sides of the eggplant rounds with salt and use your hands to rub them all over. Let the eggplant rounds sit and release moisture for 1 hour.

Next, bake the eggplant.

Dry eggplant. Use a paper towel to pat each eggplant round completely dry.
Prep for dredging. In a shallow plate, whisk together Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. In another shallow plate, add beaten eggs.

Dip the eggplant. Dip both sides of each eggplant round into the eggs to evenly coat them. Then dip into the breadcrumb mixture. (The breadcrumbs will stick to the egg wash).

Bake. Place the breaded eggplant rounds in a single layer on a large baking sheet and spray evenly with cooking oil spray. Bake in a 425F preheated oven for 10 minutes, then flip them halfway and bake until golden brown and fork tender, approximately 10 more minutes.
Cool. Set aside and let the eggplant cool for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce.

Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until the hot oil starts to sizzle, about 1 minute. Add onions and garlic and sauté until tender, about 1 minute.

Add remaining ingredients. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, and salt. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Simmer. Turn the heat down to low and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer sauce into a bowl.

Finally, assemble the eggplant parmesan.

Add sauce. In a 9x13-inch casserole pan, add ⅓ of the sauce (about 1 cup) and evenly spread it on the bottom.
Add eggplant. Place ⅓ of the eggplant rounds evenly apart over the sauce.
Add cheese. Spread ½ of the sliced mozzarella cheese (¾ pound) over the eggplants and sprinkle with ⅓ cup of the Parmesan cheese.

Add second layer. Add ⅓ eggplants, ⅓ of sauce, remaining ½ of mozzarella, and ⅓ Parmesan.

Add final layer. Repeat with the remaining ⅓ eggplant, remaining ⅓ sauce, and remaining ⅓ Parmesan.

How to Layer Eggplant Parmesan

The layering order should be as follows:

sauce, eggplants, mozzarella, parmesan
eggplants, sauce, mozzarella, parmesan
eggplants, sauce and parmesan.

How to Bake Eggplant Parmesan

Transfer the casserole dish into a 425 F preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with chopped basil and serve hot.

Recipe Variations

Make it meaty. Add a layer of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the layers of eggplant and sauce for a heartier, more filling dish.
Go vegan. Skip the cheese and use a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast to make this dish vegan-friendly. You can also swap out the eggs for a flax egg to make the breading vegan as well.
Spice it up. Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the tomato sauce for a little kick of heat.
Add mushrooms. Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them between the layers of eggplant for an earthy, meaty flavor. Try our favorite Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms.
Make it lighter. Skip the breading and simply grill or roast the eggplant slices. Top with a fresh tomato salsa and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a lighter, fresher take on this classic dish.

How to Serve

Serve this Eggplant Parmesan with fresh basil leaves or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy and gooey finish.

Eggplant Parmesan is super satisfying on its own, but if you're serving a crowd, you can make it go even farther by serving it alongside some Italian-inspired sides such as garlic bread, salad, or veggies. Some of our favorite sides to serve with this are:

Chopped Asparagus Salad
Garlic Breadsticks (to soak up all the extra sauce!)
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli
Caesar Salad
Creamy Parmesan Risotto
Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread
Caprese Salad

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Slice the eggplant evenly. To ensure that your eggplant slices cook evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes. Try to cut them into even slices that are roughly the same thickness.
Salt the eggplant slices. Don't skip this step! Salting the eggplant before cooking draws out excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a better texture and flavor.
Let it rest. Let the cheesy baked eggplant rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese topping to set and the flavors to meld together.
Make ahead for busy days. Eggplant parmesan freezes beautifully - see the freezing instructions below for easy instructions. Making it in advance is a great way to save yourself time on busy days, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just needing a low-effort meal.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the eggplant parmesan has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes until the center is heated to the desired temperature.

How to Freeze

Freeze cooked or uncooked eggplant parmesan in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions or reheat as outlined above.

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Roasted Carrots

These Roasted Carrots are the ideal side dish: they're healthy, easy to make, and taste so good that you might even forget you're eating a vegetable! They are sweet and tender with a slightly crispy interior, and seasoned well with simple balsamic herb glaze that adds just the perfect balance to naturally sweet carrots.

The best part? It takes just ten minutes to prep this year-round roasted carrot recipe, so you can work on the main dish or other sides while they roast in the oven! Plus, because they're so simple, they pair well with just about anything! So whether you're serving red meat, chicken, fish, pork, or vegetarian mains, they will compliment your entree perfectly. Serve them as a side for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated dinner party.

Why You'll Love these Roasted Carrots

Simple ingredients. This incredibly simple side is made with only 4 common ingredients (plus salt and pepper) - perfect for times when you're running low on groceries or want a low-effort veggie side!
Quick and easy to make. Roasted carrots are a simple and easy dish that can be made with just a few simple steps. It takes about 5-10 minutes of prep time before they are ready to roast in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Healthy side dish. No ready-made sauces with artificial ingredients or preservatives here! Just carrots, olive oil, balsamic, seasoning blend of spices, salt, and pepper. These roasted carrots are just as good for you as they are delicious. This side dish is vegan and gluten-free too.
Perfect for Easter! Looking for the perfect vegetable side to serve with your Easter ham or roast? Look no further - these simple honey roasted carrots pair beautifully with all the classic Easter dishes, and they're perfectly festive for spring.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Roasted Carrots, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

carrots - use your favorite variety, but look for fresh, firm, and unblemished carrots with bright orange color for the best flavor and texture. This recipe will also work with parsnips, just make sure they're scrubbed clean and shaved or cut down to carrot-size.
olive oil - use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It's important to coat the carrots evenly with the oil to ensure they roast evenly and don't dry out. You can also use avocado oil as a good substitute.
balsamic vinegar - look for a good quality balsamic vinegar with a slightly sweet and tangy taste. Aged balsamic vinegar works particularly well in this recipe, as it adds a rich and complex flavor to the carrots.
Italian seasoning - Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. You can use store-bought Italian seasoning or make your own by combining these herbs in equal parts.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring spoons, mixing bowls, and a large baking sheet.

How to Make the Best Roasted Carrots

Slice carrots. Slice carrots into 1 ½-inch pieces, cut on an angle. Place the carrots into a large mixing bowl.

Toss with seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, stir together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour over the carrots and toss to combine.

Bake. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a large baking sheet and place into the oven. Bake in a 400 F preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until tender. (Note that depending on how thick your carrots are, the roasting time may vary. Thicker carrots will need more time). Serve warm.

Recipe Variations

Spice things up. The flavor of these stunningly simple roasted carrots can easily be customized by tossing them in your favorite spice or spice blend before roasting them. Try adding some cumin, chili powder, or paprika to your seasoning blend and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for balance.
Make it tangy. Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese over your roasted carrots before serving for a tangy and salty twist.
Sweeten it. You can sweeten your roasted carrots by drizzling them with honey or maple syrup before roasting. The result is a caramelized, sweet and savory flavor.
Herb it up. Add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley when serving your roasted carrots for an aromatic and fragrant taste.
Add crunch. Add some crunch to your roasted carrots by topping them with crispy toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts or pistachios. The nuts add a contrasting texture and depth of flavor.
Finish with a drizzle. Give your roasted carrots a final touch of flavor by drizzling them with honey, balsamic glaze, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

How to Serve

The most common way to serve these Roasted Carrots is as a healthy side dish to almost any entree or protein. Some of our favorite entrees to serve them with are:

But, there are other creative ways to serve these roasted carrots too, such as:

in a salad - Toss roasted carrots into a salad to add a sweet, caramelized flavor and a pop of color. Try it in this Roasted Carrot Arugula Salad.
as a snack - Roasted carrots make a great snack on their own, especially when served with a flavorful dip like Hummus or Tzatziki Sauce.
in soup - throw these carrots into any soup recipe that calls for carrots. Try it in Carrot Pumpkin Soup or Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup.
on a charcuterie board - Add roasted carrots to a Charcuterie Board for a colorful and tasty addition.
as a topping - Use roasted carrots as a topping for grain bowls, pizzas, or tacos to add a flavorful and nutritious twist.
mixed with other roasted vegetables - Combine roasted carrots with other roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a delicious and colorful medley.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cut the carrots evenly. To ensure that your roasted carrots cook evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes. Try to cut them into even pieces that are roughly the same thickness.
Don't overcrowd the pan. Make sure to leave enough space between the carrots on the baking sheet or dish. Overcrowding can cause the carrots to steam instead of roast, resulting in a soft texture instead of crispy.
Roast at a high temperature. To achieve crispy, caramelized edges, roast your carrots at a high temperature of 400°F (200°C) or above.
Use a timer. Keep an eye on your carrots while they roast and use a timer to prevent overcooking or burning. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork - you want them to be tender but not mushy.
Serve at gatherings and holiday parties. Roasted carrots are the perfect easy-but-fancy side dish to serve when you want to impress your friends and family. Summon this recipe for dinner parties and holidays like Christmas and Easter for maximum impact!
Pair with a dipping sauce. Whether you have a picky eater at home or just want something a little extra, you can serve these carrots with a dipping sauce on the side. Enhance the honey flavor with a honey vinaigrette or serve it with pesto or homemade ranch dressing.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Place cooled roasted carrots into an airtight container or large Ziploc bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes, or in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, stirring continuously.

How to Freeze

Transfer the roasted carrots to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the carrots to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating, or add directly from frozen to dishes such as soup.

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Brownie Cookies

If you're a fan of brownies and cookies, then you're going to love these Brownie Cookies. They are the perfect combination of rich, chocolatey brownies and chewy, gooey cookies. With their crackly crust, fudgy texture, and decadent chocolate flavor, they're sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. These cookies are quick and easy to make, with no special equipment or chilling required.

These chocolate brownie cookies are so easy to make from scratch at home. Just mix up the dough, scoop onto a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes. It's that simple! Plus, they are super easy to customize. You can add nuts, caramel, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to take these cookies to the next level. These brownies in cookie form are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a fancy dessert for a dinner party.

Why You'll Love the Brownie Cookies

Decadent chocolate flavor. These brownie cookies are loaded with double the chocolate which give it an intense chocolate flavor, making them the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. The combination of fudgy brownie and chewy cookie textures is simply irresistible.
Fudgy brownies in cookie form. These brownie cookies are basically brownies in cookie form. They have the same crackly crusy, gooey chocolate center, and delicious chewy texture. They may even be better than brownies!
Quick and easy to make. These cookies are quick and simple to make, with no special equipment or techniques required and no chilling! You can whip up a batch in no time (25 minutes total including prep!) in just a few simple steps using pantry staple ingredients.
It's customizable. These brownie cookies are easy to customize to your liking. You can add nuts, caramel, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to take them to the next level. See all our Recipe Variations below for more ideas.
Perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a casual afternoon snack or a fancy dessert for a dinner party, these brownie cookies are sure to impress. They're versatile and delicious, making them a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Chocolate Brownie Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

semi-sweet chocolate - use good quality chocolate for the best flavor. You can also chop up a chocolate bar instead of using chocolate chips.
butter - use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content in the cookies.
granulated sugar - one of the sweeteners in these chocolate cookies. Be sure to measure accurately, as too much or too little sugar can affect their texture.
light brown sugar - adds a caramel-like flavor to the cookies and helps to keep them moist. You can use dark brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor.
eggs - make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter. Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle.
vanilla extract - adds flavor to the cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
all-purpose flour - make sure to measure accurately, as too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Use a scoop and level method or a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement.
unsweetened cocoa powder - use a good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder which will give the cookies a darker color and a milder flavor.
baking powder - helps the cookies to rise and become more cake-like in texture.
salt - important for flavor balance. Use a fine-grain salt and measure accurately, as too much or too little salt can affect the taste of the cookies.
flaked salt - this is optional to sprinkle on top of the cookies.

Baking Tools

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Brownie Cookies

Melt the chocolate. Melt the chocolate with butter in a medium heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water, or you will burn the chocolate. Whisk until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool down for a few minutes.

Beat together the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with a hand mixer (or with a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment) on medium speed for 4-5 minutes. The mixture will the fluffy and shiny. Stir in vanilla.

Add chocolate. Gradually, pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, and continuously whisk together until combined, about 1 minute.

Add dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in another mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold together using a large silicone spatula until just combined.

Scoop cookies. Line two large baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of cookie dough. Place the cookie balls onto the lined baking sheet, spaced at least 3 inches apart as they will spread during baking (you can fit about 6 on a large cookie sheet).

Bake. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, until edges look set. Do not overbake. The cookies may not look done in the middle, but they will continue to cook and set as they are cooling. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before carefully transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Serve. Serve with a sprinkle of flaked salt on top, if desired.

Recipe Variations

Add nuts. For extra crunch, chop up some walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts and add them to the cookie dough for some added crunch and nutty flavor.
Make them minty. Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a refreshing and festive twist on classic brownies.
Add caramel. Top each cookie with a dollop of caramel sauce or add chopped caramel candies to the dough for a gooey and decadent treat.
Add chocolate chips. For an extra texture, you can add additional chocolate chips to the cookie dough before baking.
Add a chocolate drizzle. Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an elegant and sophisticated look that will impress any chocolate lover.
Experiment with different types of chocolate. Instead of using just semi-sweet chocolate, try using a combination of dark, milk, and white chocolate to add even more depth to the chocolate flavor.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for the many ways to serve these Brownie Cookies:

As a dessert. The most obvious is to serve them warm or at room temperature as a dessert or snack. They are especially delicious when served warm with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream on top. The warm, gooey cookie paired with the cold, creamy ice cream creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
With a drink. Brownie cookies pair well with coffee or tea, making them a great choice for an afternoon snack or breakfast treat. They are also really good dipped in a tall glass of milk.
As a gift. Brownie cookies make a thoughtful and tasty gift for family and friends. You can wrap them in a festive box or tin and add a ribbon or bow for a special touch.
On a dessert table. Chocolate brownie cookies are perfect for parties and gatherings. You can arrange them on a platter alongside other sweets and treats or display them in a decorative jar or bowl for guests to enjoy.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Beat the eggs well. Make sure to spend the whole 4-5 minutes beating the eggs with the sugars in step 3. This is what makes sure the cookies achieve that classic crackly top.
Space out the cookie dough. Place the cookie dough balls at least 3 inches apart in the baking pan to give them space to spread and cook evenly.
Do not over bake the cookies. Take out the cookies once the edges look set. The cookies may not look done in the middle, but they will continue to bake with the residual heat and set as they are cooling.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt. For a sweet and salty flavor combination, sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. It will enhance the chocolate flavor and make the cookies even more delicious.
Make ice cream sandwiches. Take your brownie cookies to the next level by using them to make ice cream sandwiches. Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and enjoy!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Make sure that the brownie cookies are cooled to room temperature before storing them. If you store cookies while they are still warm, it will create steam and become soggy. Place cooled leftover chocolate brownie cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry area on your counter or pantry and they will stay soft for about 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them for a week, however, the longer they are stored the less moist they will be.

How to Freeze

Brownie cookies freeze well both baked and before baking. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat or place on the counter to bring them up to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes).

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

To freeze brownie cookie dough, scoop out the cookie balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1-2 hours until hard. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake according to recipe instructions.

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Lentil Stew

Lentil Stew is a hearty and filling vegan meal loaded with vegetables like carrots and potatoes and seasoned well with aromatic turmeric, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This vegetarian stew comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

This lentil stew with potatoes actually only requires ten minutes of active preparation to get the beans ready for simmering until they become tender and the broth reduces to the perfect consistency. Chunks of soft potatoes are the perfect addition to the stew to break up the texture of the lentils and soak up lots of flavor. Serve it hot off the stove for coziest results!

Why You'll Love This Lentil Stew

One-pot entree. Minimize dirty dishes without sacrificing flavor! This lentil stew with potatoes is made all in the same pot once you've soaked the lentils. Added in succession, the vegetables and lentils cook together with the spices to make this aromatic stew without requiring any multitasking.
Made with common ingredients. This vegan stew relies on pantry staples and everyday ingredients - dried lentils, potatoes, onions, carrots, and common spices for substance and flavor. The perfect thing to make when you're in between grocery shopping trips.
Easy and healthy vegan dish. Whether you're plant-based yourself, cooking for plant-based loved ones, or just looking for a meatless meal idea, this nutritious vegan and vegetarian lentil stew is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish. It's also great for gluten-free diets. It is a delicious, nutritious, and filling meal to make tonight!
Great for meal prep. This lentil stew with potatoes and carrots also reheats very well and makes for amazing leftovers the next day (or two!) - which also makes it a great recipe to meal prep. Store in meal prep containers along with Steamed Rice for easy reheating for work lunches throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Lentil Stew with Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

brown lentils - green lentils or Puy lentils are both acceptable substitutes for the brown lentils in this recipe.
olive oil - if you don't have olive oil, use an equal measure of avocado oil or vegetable oil.
onion - white or yellow onions work best in soups and stews, but red onion will work if that's all you have.
turmeric - an equal measure of ground cumin or a mild curry powder can be substituted for the turmeric. Note that the flavor will be different.
carrots - parsnips or beets are a great substitute to use in this stew instead of carrots.
russet potato - Yukon gold potatoes are a close substitute for russets.
garlic - mincing fresh garlic always offers the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic instead. Use 1 teaspoon of minced garlic per clove called for in the recipe.
tomato paste - you can use tomato puree in place of tomato paste, just triple the amount!
vegetable broth - you can opt to use chicken or beef broth instead, but it will change the nature of the dish and it will no longer be vegan or vegetarian friendly. You can also just use water but it will make it less flavorful so you may want to add more seasoning.
Italian seasoning - if you don't have a ready-made blend, you can make your own Italian seasoning by combining rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, and marjoram.
paprika - cayenne or chili powder can add a bit of similar flavor, but reduce the measurement and season cautiously if using these.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and large saucepan.

How to Make the Best Lentil Stew

Soak lentils. Add lentils to a large mixing bowl and sort out any debris, then rinse and drain. Pour boiling water on top, enough to cover the lentils, and let it soak for 5 minutes. Drain the lentils, then rinse and drain.

Sauté onions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and turmeric, then stir together until onions are all evenly coated yellow. Sauté the onions until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add veggies. Stir in carrots and potatoes, and continue to cook until starting to brown, about 5 more minutes. Add the garlic and stir to cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add lentils and base. Add the soaked lentils, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Simmer. Turn the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Keep an eye on the lentils. If you notice the water content is very low, add ½ cup of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Season. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Recipe Variations

Add more vegetables. Lentil stew can be made more nutritious by adding even more vegetables such as sweet potatoes, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach.
Switch up the spices. Experiment with different spices when making lentil stew. Try cumin, coriander, and paprika to add a flavorful kick.
Consider adding meat or protein. If you prefer a meaty lentil stew, you can add cooked chicken, beef, sausage, or chorizo. Alternatively, you can also add protein-rich ingredients such as tofu or tempeh.
Make it spicy. For all spicy food lovers, give this lentil stew a kick and add in chili powder and/or cayenne powder.
Give it an Indian twist. Instead of using Italian seasoning, season this stew with garam masala, turmeric, and cumin to give it an Indian flavor. You can also add some spinach or kale to make it more nutritious.
Make it creamy. Add in some coconut milk to give the stew a creamy flavor.

How to Serve

We love serving this Lentil Stew in the fall and winter seasons when you are craving a hearty and filling comfort food that is healthy - but it works any time of the year. Serve it for lunch or dinner on its own with a spoon or with a side of grains for dipping. Some of our favorites are:

Rice: Try Steamed White Rice, Coconut Rice, Broccoli Rice, or Basmati rice.
Bread: Try Pita Bread, Garlic Naan Bread, Skillet Dinner Rolls, or Homemade Biscuits.

This lentil stew with potatoes and carrots also tastes really delicious with a small splash of vinegar or lemon juice help brighten and balance the flavors of the stew.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Soak the lentils. Soaking the lentils briefly before cooking will help reduce cooking time and improve their texture.
Use broth. We recommend using broth in this stew instead of plain water as it can add flavor to your lentil stew. If you use just water, that is fine too - just be sure to season it well with extra salt and pepper.
Adjust the consistency. You can adjust the consistency of the stew to your liking, but odds are that you'll want something to soak up every last bit of the aromatic, spicy broth. Steamed rice or toasted bread can do the trick.
Serve with extra toppings. You can add some fresh herbs, grated cheese (or a plant-based alternative), sour cream, or a dollop of yogurt to add more flavor and texture to your lentil stew and to customize it to your tastes.
Make ahead. Make a large batch, and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer and quickly thaw

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Let the lentil stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts until heated to desired temperature.

How to Freeze

Transfer the lentil stew into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the stew to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

More Lentil Recipes

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Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy, delicious, and flavorful. They are well-seasoned with an assortment of spices that makes them salty, savory, and sweet, with a hint of heat. Serve these sweet potatoes as an appetizer with homemade honey mustard sauce or as a side dish for any occasion.

Plus, it's so easy to make roasted sweet potato wedges at home, even for beginners. You will need just 10 minutes of prep time before they are ready to pop into the oven or air fryer. I suggest you double up when feeding a crowd because these disappear so fast. They're kid-friendly and adults love them too.

Why You'll Love these Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Quick and easy to make. This recipe is easy to make with just a few simple steps. Just chop the sweet potatoes, season, and bake. It takes about 5-10 minutes of prep time before they are ready to pop into the oven for about 20 minutes. Plus, you can cook them even faster in the air fryer!
Delicious and flavorful. These baked sweet potato wedges have the best texture - crispy on the outside and soft and tender inside. Plus, they are delicious and well seasoning with a variety of spices which gives them the best flavor. But you can totally customize the flavor by switching up the seasoning. Simplify it, spice it up, or make it cheesy. See all our recipe variations below.
A vegetarian side dish. Baked sweet potato wedges are perfect when you are craving a vegetarian side dish that isn't steamed veggies. They are vegan and gluten-free too to satisfy all dietary needs.
Homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. Everyone loves a good dipping sauce. You can serve these with a store-bought honey mustard or any other dip, but I love making my own. You can use any type of mustard you have available in your fridge, mix in lots of good honey and you've got a seriously delicious, tangy accompaniment for these wedges.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

sweet potatoes - look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes or soft spots. You can use any variety of sweet potatoes, but some popular ones are the orange-fleshed ones or the purple-skinned ones.
vegetable oil - avocado oil or olive oil are suitable replacements for vegetable oil in this recipe.
seasoning - we use a blend of seasoning including salt, cumin, chili powder, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne powder. You can also use this recipe as a base and experiment with different seasonings.
cilantro - if you don't like cilantro, try a different soft herb like parsley, rosemary, basil, or dill.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Prep sweet potatoes. Slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 3 equal wedges, for a total of 6 wedges per potato.

Season. Place potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add oil, salt, cumin, chili powder, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne powder. Toss to combine.

Bake. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper. Place up the wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake in a 425 F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the largest wedges are tender.

Make dipping sauce. Meanwhile, make the honey mustard dipping sauce by mixing together dijon mustard and honey in a small mixing bowl.

Serve. Top the baked sweet potato wedges with chopped cilantro and serve with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

You can also cook crispy sweet potato wedges even more quickly in the air fryer. Place the seasoned sweet potato in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may have to cook in batches). Air fry at 375F for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and tender. Flip the wedges halfway through cooking.

Recipe Variations

Make it cheesy. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or Asiago cheese over your sweet potato wedges before baking for a cheesy and savory flavor.
Spice it up. Add some heat to your sweet potato wedges by adding extra cayenne pepper before baking. Serve with a side of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt for balance.
Simplify it. You can simplify these baked sweet potatoes by seasoning them simply with olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, and salt. It's fragrant and savory.
Curry style. Give it an Indian twist by adding some curry powder to your seasoning blend. Serve with a side of cooling cucumber raita or yogurt dip like Tzatziki Sauce.
Add bacon. Add some smokiness to your sweet potato wedges by baking them with crumbled bacon, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. So good!

How to Serve

We love serving these Baked Sweet Potato Wedges on their own with our homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. Alternatively, pair them with any dipping sauce that you like such as ketchup, mustard, Tzatziki Sauce, Tahini Sauce, or Ranch Dip.

They also pair well on the side of many entrees. Try it with our favorites:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cut the sweet potatoes evenly. To ensure that your sweet potato wedges cook evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes. Try to cut them into even wedges that are roughly the same thickness.
Line the baking sheet. To prevent the sweet potato wedges from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Use an oven thermometer. Not all ovens operate at the temperature shown on the display. Make sure your oven isn't sabotaging your crispy baked potato wedges by double checking the actual temperature with an oven thermometer and adjust if necessary.
Serve immediately. Sweet potato wedges are best served immediately, while they are still hot and crispy. Serve them as a snack or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the sweet potato wedges cool to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 375℉ for 10-15 minutes or in a 375F air fryer for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crisped up.

How to Freeze

Place the sweet potato wedges in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen to maintain the texture - adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

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Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is creamy, garlicky, and delicious! Tender fettuccine noodles are tossed in a homemade garlic alfredo sauce and loaded up with succulent shrimp and parmesan cheese. This quick and easy, under 30-minute recipe is a go-to for busy nights and a year-round family favorite!

With just a bit of multitasking, you can make this simple pasta entree completely from scratch. Served warm on its own or with a bread side, it makes a comforting meal after a long day at work or school without taking hours of preparation. But it's fancy enough for special occasions like anniversaries and date nights.

Why You'll Love this Shrimp Alfredo

Homemade cheesy alfredo sauce. What makes this dish so uniquely delicious and comforting is the rich, garlicky cream sauce. Made with fresh garlic, real heavy cream, and a heap of freshly grated parmesan, this sauce is hard to beat.
Better than store-bought or restaurant versions. You'll never be tempted to buy a freezer fettuccine alfredo again, because this restaurant-worthy pasta is good down to the last drop of sauce. The wholesome ingredients and perfectly cooked shrimp will have you coming back for seconds!
Ready in under 30 minutes. This shrimp pasta is as speedy as it is tasty! From start to finish, the whole thing takes only 25 minutes to make, and some of the steps are as simple as boiling water for pasta - which you can totally multitask while cooking the shrimp alfredo sauce making it ready even faster!

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious and easy Shrimp Alfredo, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

fettuccine - alfredo is traditionally made with fettuccine noodles, but you can use your favorite shape of pasta. Linguine and spaghetti noodles are both common substitutes for fettuccine - just follow the cooking time on the package.
butter - use unsalted butter for the most control over the flavor. For a more lactose-friendly version, use a vegan butter substitute instead.
garlic - freshly minced garlic yields the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic at a ratio of ½-1 teaspoon per clove of garlic called for in this recipe.
vegetable stock - you can use homemade or store-bought stock! You can also try seafood stock or make your own from the shells of the shrimp for a richer seafood flavor.
heavy cream - if you don't have heavy cream on hand, use an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half. If you or someone in your family has a dairy sensitivity, try coconut milk or cream instead.
large shrimp - shrimp from the seafood counter or frozen shrimp are both fine to use - just make sure they're thawed, peeled, deveined, and tails removed before cooking.
parmesan cheese - Asiago or pecorino romano would work well in place of the parmesan. You can also use a vegan parmesan-style alternative or nutritional yeast.
parsley - out of fresh parsley? Try using dried parsley or other fresh soft herbs like dill or basil!
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, cooking pot, and large skillet.

How to Make the Best Shrimp Alfredo

Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add fettuccine and a little bit of salt and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 10 minutes for dry pasta (3-5 minutes for fresh fettuccine). Drain the noodles well and set aside.

Make sauce. While cooking the pasta, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in chicken stock and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, about 2-3 minutes.

Add shrimp. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink.

Add cheese. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and thickened to a desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
Toss in pasta. Add cooked fettuccine and toss well to coat.

Serve. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired, and serve warm.

Recipe Variations

Change the protein: Change the protein in this dish by using shredded chicken, oven baked chicken or bacon.
Add veggies. Feel free to add some cooked veggies into the sauce for a heartier option. Some favorites are mushrooms, asparagus, or tomatoes. You can also stir in a few handfuls of spinach or baby kale at the end until wilted (in the last minute of cooking).
Garnish with fresh herbs. We garnished with fresh parsley, but you can use other fresh herbs such as basil or oregano. Herbs add a burst of freshness and color to this pasta dish.
Top with cheese. Add extra cheese by serving with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese on top.

How to Serve

This Shrimp Alfredo is delicious served on its own, or make it go a little further with some delicious sides such as steamed veggies (broccoli is a great one!) and breadsticks to scoop up every last bit of creamy sauce. Our favorites are:

For more, see our 30 Side Dishes for Pasta.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cook the pasta al dente. Cook the pasta until it is just tender, but still has some bite to it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and will result in a better texture when tossed in the homemade alfredo sauce.
Don't skimp on the shrimp. The shrimp is the star of this dish - without it, it's more of a simple pasta side. Use large or jumbo shrimp (and plenty of it) to keep diners full and satisfied! If you have to use smaller shrimp, increase the amount to beef up the pasta.
How to prepare shrimp. To prepare the shrimp, cut through the shell along the back with kitchen scissors. Remove the shells (and tails), and rinse to remove the veins. Pat dry each shrimp completely with a paper towel.
Make extra for a rainy day. This garlicky shrimp alfredo is really freezer friendly! Stash away leftovers or double the recipe and freeze a portion for an easy heat-and-serve meal when you don't have time or energy to cook from scratch.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer cooled shrimp alfredo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover shrimp pasta on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through or microwave on medium power for 60-90 seconds until warm.

How to Freeze

Transfer leftover shrimp alfredo to a freezer-safe, airtight container such as an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above.

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Coconut Maple Walnut Granola

Coconut Maple Walnut Granola is an easy to make snack that is packed with crunch, mildy sweet, and incredibly delicious. With a slightly coconut flavor, pure maple syrup, and three kinds of nuts, this homemade granola has a unique, all-natural flavor that can't be beat. It's also gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free!

With just five minutes of active preparation (and 30 minutes of baking) you can have fragrant, toasty, nutty granola ready for snacking. Eat it on its own or use it as a topping - either way, we guarantee you'll never look at granola the same way again. Serve it warm or at room temperature for best results!

Why You'll Love this Coconut Maple Walnut Granola

Great for on-the-go snacking! Packed with energy-boosting nuts like walnuts, almonds, and pecans, this granola is the ideal snack for days when you're rushing out the door or running from place to place. Just toss in a snack bag and go!
So easy to make. Once you try making granola from scratch just once, you may never go back to store-bought. It's so easy and simple to make. You will need about 5-10 minutes of actual prep work before letting the oven do the rest.
Better than store-bought granola. This homemade maple walnut granola is undeniably better than your usual store-bought granola - it's more cost-effective, customizable, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
No artificial ingredients. All of the good stuff and none of the junk! Coconut maple walnut granola is made with ingredients you're already familiar with and no artificial flavorings or preservatives, so you can serve it guilt-free. Plus, it's vegan and refined sugar-free too!
So many ways to eat it. I love granola. I eat it for breakfast over Homemade Yogurt or in a Fruit and Yogurt Parfait or as my morning cereal with milk. I eat it by the handful throughout the day as a snack. I simply cannot get enough.
A quick energy boost. Granola is my snack of choice when embarking on outdoor activities and going on hikes. It gives me enough energy to make it up the mountain and take in the gorgeous views at the top. I always have a batch of these nutty clusters on hand.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Coconut Maple Walnut Granola, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

oats - use rolled oats or large flake oats for granola - not quick oats.
walnuts - you can buy them whole and chop them yourself or buy them pre-chopped to save time and effort!
almonds - use slivered almonds (sliced almonds).
pecans - just like the walnuts, you can chop them yourself or use pre-chopped pecans.
maple syrup - using processed or artificially flavored maple syrup will change the taste of the granola. You can also use pure honey instead of maple syrup, but note that the recipe will no longer be vegan.
coconut oil - avocado oil or vegetable oil will also work.
vanilla extract - you can substitute vanilla paste at a 1:1 ratio for a more intense flavor.
ground cinnamon - you can omit this if you're not a fan of cinnamon.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and a large half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Coconut Maple Walnut Granola

Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add oats, walnuts, almonds, and pecans and stir to combine. Set aside.

Combine wet ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.

Add wet to dry. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir well until combined.

Spread. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or aluminum foil. Spread the granola mixture evenly into the prepared baking sheet.

Bake. Bake in a 300F preheated oven for 30 minutes, taking the tray out of the oven every 10 minutes and give the granola a good stir. Re-spread the granola and put it back into the oven.

Cool. Remove the granola from the oven and let cool completely before serving and storing.

Recipe Variations

Customize your mix-ins. This coconut maple walnut granola is delicious as is, but it can be endlessly customized to your taste! Feel free to add your favorite granola staples, like more nuts, chocolate chips, cacao nibs, dried fruit, chia or hemp seeds, or whatever you typically like in granola.
Intensify the coconut flavor. This granola has a very subtle coconut flavour from the coconut oil. To increase the coconut taste, add ½ cup shredded, unsweetened coconut.

How to Serve

This Coconut Maple Walnut Granola is delicious served on its own as a snack by the handfuls, or in a variety of different ways:

add it on top of milk or yogurt
layer it in a fruit and yogurt parfait
top it on banana toast with honey
serve over a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don't skimp on the quality! Because this recipe has so few ingredients, the quality of the ingredients really matters. Stick to the best ingredients if you can - you'll be able to taste the difference!
Use as a topping. Topping a bowl of yogurt, a smoothie, or ice cream with this coconut maple walnut granola adds just the right amount of crunch, making it even more craveable and versatile!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow the granola to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight and away from heat or moisture for up to 2 weeks or until stale. The shelf life of this homemade granola will depend on your climate.

How to Freeze

To freeze the granola, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to 6 months.

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Robin's Egg Cupcakes

Robin's Egg Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat you need to try this Easter. Moist and fluffy vanilla cupcakes are topped with blue buttercream frosting, mini eggs, and speckled with chocolate. They are just as delicious as they are pretty to look at.

Follow our easy step-by-step tutorial and have fun making these Easter cupcakes in under one hour - or even faster if you get the kids to help. These cupcakes are the perfect holiday dessert to enjoy at Easter parties or to package up and gift to family and friends.

Why You'll Love these Robin's Egg Cupcakes

A beautiful dessert. These gorgeous cupcakes are topped with pale blue, melt-in-your-mouth buttercream icing that actually tastes good and is topped with mini eggs and speckled with chocolate which makes look so cute AND taste so good.
Easy homemade recipe. These vanilla cupcakes and the buttercream are all made from scratch - no boxed cake mixes or ready-made buttercream icing here! It is so easy to make bakery style cupcakes in your very own kitchen.
Simple ingredients. This recipe requires a few basic pantry and refrigerator staples like flour, baking powder, butter, and eggs. No artificial ingredients here! So if you like to bake, you will likely already have most (if not all) of these ingredients already at home.
Totally customizable. Robin's egg cupcakes are fun to decorate with icing and chocolate eggs - and you can get even more creative with other edible embellishments if you like. Change up the color of the icing, top with different candies, or add sprinkles.
Perfect as gifts. Place these cute Easter cupcakes in a box or wrap and tie with a ribbon. They are a great thoughtful gift for family and friends.

Ingredient Notes

To make these festive Robin's Egg Cupcakes for Easter, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - ideal for making perfectly soft and fluffy cupcakes.
baking powder - the leavening agent used to make the batter rise as it bakes, making the cupcakes tender and crumbly.
salt - omit the salt in the recipe if using salted butter.
butter - if you have salted butter, make sure to omit the salt in this recipe to balance the flavors.
white sugar
eggs - binds the ingredients together and give the cupcakes a richer flavor, structure, and nice golden color.
vanilla extract - use the same amount of vanilla bean paste for a slight flavor boost.
buttermilk - you can also substitute with whole milk.
confectioners' sugar - this powder-like sugar will give you a smooth and silky buttercream icing.
food coloring - you will need a couple drops of blue liquid food coloring for these cupcakes. You can also use gel food coloring if that is what you have on hand.
heavy cream - or milk to thin out the icing to the desired consistency of buttercream.
mini eggs - we used Cadbury mini eggs but you can use any kind of chocolate eggs.
cocoa powder - we mix this with vanilla extract to create perfect speckles.

Baking Tools and Equipment

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

12-cup muffin pan
cupcake liners
measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer and/or stand mixer
wire cooling rack
large and small piping bags
Wilton 8B piping tip (open star tip)
couplers (for securing the tips to the piping bags)

How to Make the Best Robin's Egg Cupcakes

First, make the vanilla cupcakes.

Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare 2 cupcake pans with 14 cupcake liners total.
Combine dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, and salt, and whisk well to combine. Set aside.
Combine wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and white sugar. Beat together using an electric hand mixer for 1-2 minutes. Add in the eggs and vanilla, and beat well with the mixer for 2-3 minutes, or until well combined and volumized.

Combine ingredients together. Add ⅓ of the dry mixture into the batter and mix on low speed until combined. Add ½ of the buttermilk and beat again on low until combined. Continue by adding and beating the dry mixture and the buttermilk, finishing with the dry mixture.

Scoop batter. Use a cookie scoop or spoons to evenly scoop and disperse the batter into the prepared cupcake liners (14 total), filling them each ⅔ full.

Bake. Place the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of one of the cupcakes comes out clean.
Cool. Allow the cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Next, make buttercream frosting.

Make the buttercream. Add butter into a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment). Beat on high for 3-5 minutes, until the butter looks fluffy and pale. Sift the confectioners' sugar into the butter, and beat on low until combined.
Color the icing. Add in the vanilla, food colouring, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add up to 2 tablespoons more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Beat for another 1-2 minutes, or until fluffy and well combined.

Next, decorate the cupcakes.

Transfer icing to piping bag. Place the frosting into a large piping bag fitted with a Wilton 8B tip.
Pipe frosting. Carefully pipe one layer of frosting in a circular ring pattern onto each cupcake.
Add mini eggs. Place 3 mini eggs onto the centre of each frosted cupcake.

Finally, add speckles.

Combine ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa and vanilla until smooth.
Create speckles. Using a clean, stiff paint or pastry brush, dip the brush into the cocoa mixture, then gently shake off any excess. While holding the brush with one hand, use the other hand to pull the bristles back, point at the cupcake (aiming for the frosting and eggs), then slowly release the bristles to create the speckles.
Dry. Repeat with remaining cupcakes. Allow speckles to dry before serving.

Recipe Variations

Change the cupcake base. Instead of making these cupcakes with a vanilla base, you can use any cake flavor you'd like. Try making them with Funfetti Cupcakes, Chocolate Cupcakes, or Red Velvet Cupcakes.
Add coconut. Add shredded coconut to the vanilla cupcake batter and top with blue-tinted buttercream frosting. Garnish with mini eggs and extra shredded coconut on top.
Change the flavor of the buttercream. You can even change up the flavor of the homemade buttercream. Add some lemon zest for a lemon twist, or some almond extra for a nutty twist.

How to Serve Easter Cupcakes

These Robin's Egg Cupcakes are the star of the show on any dessert table, so why not display them in a way to make them shine? Here are a few ways on how you can serve them:

Use cake or cupcake stands. A cupcake stand gives these Easter cupcakes some elevation to stand out and shine. Cupcake or cake stands are also a great way to save some space on. the dessert table.
Make a dessert board. Think of a Charcuterie board - but with desserts. Use any board shape you like and place these cupcakes on top. Then arrange other delicious Easter treats around the board. Try Mini Egg Easter Fudge, Easter Egg Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, candies, and sprinkles.
Place them in single-serve boxes. If you are planning to use them as a thoughtful party favor to takeaway, place these mini egg cupcakes in festive boxes or wrap them individually.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Careful with mixing. Do not overmix your batter. Mix until everything is just combined, a few small dry spots are fine. Overmixing will result in dry, chewy cupcakes.
Do not overfill. Pour the batter only ⅔ of the way. The cupcakes will rise as they bake, so doing this ensures they have plenty of room to expand without spilling over. Plus, you want to leave enough room to add icing instead of having the cupcakes rise up too much.
Cool before icing. The cupcakes should be cool before adding the buttercream icing, or else it will just melt into it and create a soggy mess.
Use a Ziploc bag to ice the cupcakes. Not a professional frosting piper? That's okay! If you don't have a piping bag handy, you can still decorate the cupcakes with a simple swirl of frosting by using a Ziploc bag with a corner cut out.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead Instructions

If you're hosting an Easter party, you can make these cupcakes a few days ahead of time and store them at room temperature unfrosted until you're ready to decorate them the day of the party. This will keep them soft and moist.

You can also make the buttercream frosting in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up two weeks or up to 3 months in the freezer. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

How to Store

Once the cupcakes have cooled, you can place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature in a dry, cool area for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Note that they may loose some moisture and dry out when stored in the fridge.

How to Freeze

You can also freeze these Easter cupcakes. If you are planning to do this, I recommend freezing them before frosting.

Freeze before frosting: Wrap the unfrosted cupcakes in plastic cling wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before icing and serving.
Freeze after frosting: If you've already frosted the cupcakes, you can still freeze them. Place frosted cupcakes on a baking tray and freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic cling wrap, and then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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Lemon Parmesan Green Beans

Lemon Parmesan Green Beans are the perfect side to almost any entree dinner meal - buttery, lemony, and cheesy. This quick side dish is easy to make using 8 simple ingredients in just 20 minutes.

Serve these sauteed green beans whenever you need a quick side dish for dinner on busy weeknights or for fancy dinner parties too. This side is a staple in my home because fresh green beans are available all year long -and it may become a staple in yours too.

Why You'll Love these Lemon Parmesan Green Beans

Cheesy, lemony goodness. This recipe is simple. Boil your beans, sauté them, then garnish with lemon and cheese. But trust me, you're not missing out on any flavor here. The balance between acidic lemon and fragrant parmesan are what make these lemon parmesan green beans so good.
You just need 20 minutes. You'll need about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and 10 to cook. These cheesy green beans are so easy to make that you can cook them quickly alongside other dishes.
Serve them any time of the year. You can find fresh green beans at your local supermarket any time of the year - although you may find the freshest sometime between May and October. Nonetheless, there's never a bad time for green beans. So, you can enjoy this easy recipe all year long!

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Lemon Parmesan Green Beans, you will need the following
ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

green beans - fresh green beans work best. Look for fresh green beans that are bright in color and snap easily when bent. Avoid beans that are wilted or have brown spots. You could also use frozen French cut green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and cook them through to make sure the centers aren't cold.
butter - olive oil or other neutral oil with a high smoke point would also work.
onion
garlic - freshly chopped garlic always adds the most flavor, but you can also use pre-minced garlic if you've got some on hand.
lemon juice - If you're out of fresh lemons, concentrated lemon juice is fine to use, too.
Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
lemon - lemon wedges or slices are optional, for serving.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large cooking pot, and large skillet.

How to Make the Best Lemon Parmesan Green Beans

Blanch cook green beans. Add green beans in a large pot of boiling water and blanch cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain under cold running water for a minute and set aside

Sauté aromatics. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add green beans. Stir in the blanched green beans and cook until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.

Season. Add lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.

Serve. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or slices on the side or a sprinkle of lemon zest and extra grated parmesan on top (if desired).

Recipe Variations

Add nuts. Sprinkle some roasted nuts on top before serving such as pine nuts or almonds. Adding roasted sliced almonds basically turns it into a cheesy Green Beans Almondine.
Add herbs. Add chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil, to the lemon parmesan green beans for extra flavor.
Add balsamic vinegar. Drizzle balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction over the green beans for a tangy and sweet flavor.
Add bacon. Bacon always makes green beans even better. Crumble some cooked bacon on top for added smoky and savory flavor.
Spice it up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the green beans for a bit of heat.

How to Serve

These Lemon Parmesan Green Beans are best served fresh alongside almost any dinner
meal. Pair it alongside:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Blanch the green beans. Don't skip this first step of the recipe. Blanching the green beans in boiling water before cooking helps to lock in their color and nutrients.
Use good quality Parmesan cheese. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-grated cheese, which can be dry and lacking in flavor - which is especially noticed in a recipe like this with simple ingredients where the Parmesan will shine.
Garnish with lemon zest. Finely grate some lemon zest over the top of the green beans before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve immediately. Serve the lemon parmesan green beans immediately after cooking to ensure that they are at their freshest and most flavorful.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow lemon parmesan green beans to cool completely. Then, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

How to Reheat

When reheating cooked green beans, you must be careful not to overcook them. I recommend heating them over medium-low heat on the stove or popping them into a conventional or toaster oven for 2-4 minutes at 350F.

How to Freeze

Place leftover green beans in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.

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Deviled Egg Salad

Deviled Egg Salad is the perfect spring side dish! It has the signature tang and smokiness of deviled eggs with the pillowy texture of egg salad, so you no longer have to choose between the two. Packed with fresh vegetables and dressed with a creamy sauce, you'll love this take on the classic Easter dish.

In just half an hour, you can whip up and serve this deviled egg salad completely from scratch - and leftovers store really well for days to come. It's a great recipe to serve for picnics and potlucks, a simple lunch, or a fancy meal (try it alongside your Easter ham!).

Why You'll Love this Deviled Egg Salad

Best of both dishes. This deviled egg salad combines two beloved sides and incorporates the best of both of them - the ease and texture of egg salad with all the flavor and trimmings of deviled eggs! It's the perfect combination.
Quick and easy to make. If you can boil an egg and chop a vegetable, you can make this deviled egg salad. It takes just thirty minutes and requires almost no cooking (aside from boiling eggs). From there, it's mostly just chopping and mixing!
Perfect Easter side dish. Deviled eggs are practically mandatory at an Easter brunch, but this egg salad will have you never looking back. It's faster and easier to make than deviled eggs but has all the classic flavors. Plus, you have more options to serve it with such as with crackers and veggies for dipping or in a sandwich.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious and easy Deviled Egg Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

eggs
chives - green onions will also work. Just chop them finely.
celery
red bell pepper - you can also use orange or yellow bell pepper if you don't have red bell pepper on hand.
mayonnaise - homemade or store-bought mayo are both fine to use.
Dijon mustard - stone ground mustard can be used in place of the Dijon mustard.
lemon juice - fresh squeezed lemon juice has the best flavor and simplest ingredients, but you can use concentrate if necessary.
paprika - you can also use chili powder or just a hint of cayenne pepper, but the taste will be altered slightly if you use a substitute.
garlic powder - if you don't have garlic powder, you can use half to one whole clove of garlic, minced finely.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, medium saucepan, and mixing bowls.

How to Make the Best Deviled Egg Salad

Boil eggs. Place eggs into a medium saucepan and cover completely with water by an inch. Bring to a boil over high heat. Then remove from heat, cover the saucepan with the lid, and set aside for 12 minutes in the boiling water. (You can also steam cook the eggs in a steamer basket for 15 minutes). Drain the water and fill with cold water to cool down the eggs quickly.

Chop eggs and combine. Once eggs are cool, peel and finely chop them or use a grater to grate them. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs, chives, celery, and bell pepper.

Make sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.

Combine ingredients. Add the sauce to the egg mixture. Stir with a spoon to mix well. If salad seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy. Add some heat to your deviled egg salad by adding chopped jalapenos, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Add bacon. Add crispy chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese for a smoky and cheesy twist.
Add avocado. Mix in some mashed avocado to make an avocado deviled egg salad. It's creamy and healthy twist.
Freshen with herbs. Add chopped fresh dill or parsley for a refreshing and herbaceous flavor.
Add pickles. Add chopped pickles or pickle relish to the deviled egg salad for a tangy and crunchy twist.

How to Serve

This Deviled Egg Salad is delicious served as a dip with crackers, veggie slices, or crisp lettuce for dipping and scooping -as a crunchy vehicle for getting more of this delicious egg salad to your tastebuds quickly. You can also serve it as a sandwich spread in between a croissant or bread.

Egg Salad is a classic potluck dish that is great for taking to work parties and lunches. Some other easy to make dishes that go along with it are:

For more ideas, see our 30 Best Potluck Recipes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Prep ingredients ahead for fast assembly. Planning to host for Easter or taking a dish with you to a potluck? Boil and peel the eggs and chop the vegetables for easy preparation on the day of.
Don't rush the eggs. It's imperative that you exercise patience and let the eggs cool down completely before preparing them for the deviled egg salad -otherwise, the final dish could become watery.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. You can serve the salad as is at room temperature or chill before serving: I prefer chilling the deviled egg salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together for an ever more delicious and refreshing dish.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer leftover deviled egg salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Freeze

It's not recommended to freeze deviled egg salad because the texture will change. But if you want to freeze it, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving cold.

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Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Baked Chicken Quesadillas are cheesy, crispy, and delicious. Tender chicken is well seasoned and combined with vibrant bell peppers and silky onions all held together in a tortilla with cheese. Satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings and serve them warm topped with your favorite taco fixings.

Best of all, they are quick and easy to make in 30 minutes! By batch-making these quesadillas in the oven you can feed a small crowd without spending time standing over the stove. Prep the recipe in just ten minutes, sear the chicken, and then pop them in the oven to get crispy and golden for serving.

Why You'll Love these Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy chicken and vegetables. These baked chicken quesadillas have the perfect ratio of melty, pull-apart cheese and fresh vegetables - no one minds bell peppers and onions when they're covered in cheese.
Quick and easy for beginners. Anyone can make delicious quesadillas entrenched with savoury Mexican flavours. This chicken recipe is quick, easy and fun. For starters, you don't have to marinate the chicken. The fajita seasoning provides so much flavour that it's all that you require.
Better than takeout. This is the perfect recipe to turn to when you're thinking about heading to a drive-thru or ordering takeout from your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. You can make these restaurant-worthy baked chicken quesadillas faster than it would take to get them elsewhere!
Family-friendly lunch or dinner. Quesadillas are a favorite of all ages, and this baked chicken quesadilla recipe is easy enough to make for a quick lunch but hearty enough to make for dinner. Plus, the kids will love it too!

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Baked Chicken Quesadillas, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

chicken breast - you can also use cubed chicken thighs, but the texture of the quesadillas may change slightly.
fajita seasoning - if you don't have a fajita blend on hand, taco seasoning will work in a pinch! You can adjust the taste using garlic powder, onion powder, and other similar spices. You can also make your own fajita seasoning at home. See the recipe tips below for instructions.
avocado oil - you can also use vegetable oil or even olive oil - anything neutral with a high smoke point.
onion - yellow or white onion are best, but you can use whatever kind of onion you like.
red bell pepper - yellow or orange bell pepper would work if you don't have red bell pepper on hand.
green bell pepper - green bell peppers have their own distinct flavor, but you can swap them for whatever color bell pepper you have available.
cooking oil spray - use your favorite kind or replace it with vegetable oil for a similar effect.
flour tortillas - corn tortillas will also work, but may fall apart more easily. You can try making your own homemade flour tortillas from scratch too. They are easier to make than you think!
cheddar cheese - Asiago or another hard cheese will work. Get it pre-shredded for convenience or grate it yourself at home!
Monterey Jack cheese - Colby Jack cheese or more cheddar will also work.

Optional Condiments

guacamole - homemade guacamole or store-bought are both great for serving these baked chicken quesadillas.
pico de gallo - make your pico de gallo from scratch or buy a premade pico de gallo from your local grocery store's produce section.
sour cream - greek yogurt is a perfect substitute for sour cream.

Tools Needed

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large mixing bowl, large skillet, and half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Prep. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper with cooking oil spray or brush with vegetable oil.
Season the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken and fajita seasoning. Toss to coat chicken completely in seasoning. Set aside while oven preheats.
Cook chicken. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Sauté veggies. In the same skillet, add onion, red pepper, and green pepper. Sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the veggies. Remove from heat and set aside.

Fill tortillas. Take one tortilla at a time and spread one-quarter of the filling into one side of the tortilla. Sprinkle with a ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese. Fold the tortilla wrap in half and place on the lined baking sheet. Use the back of a flat spatula to gently press the tortilla down so that the top sticks to the mixture. Repeat with the 3 remaining tortillas.

Bake. Spray the top of the folded tortillas with more cooking spray oil or brush oil on top to help crisp up the tortillas. Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. If during baking you notice that the tortilla tops and flipping up, carefully press them back down using the back of a spatula or spoon.

Serve. Cut each tortilla into 4 slices and serve with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

How to Cook Quesadillas on the Stove

To cook these chicken quesadillas the traditional way (on the stove), make the filling according to recipe directions. Then, heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat for 1 minute and brush with a little bit of oil. Place one tortilla on the pan. Add the filling and cheese on one half of the tortilla (amounts as directed in the recipe). Fold the empty half of the tortilla over to create a half moon. Cook until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Recipe Variations

Switch up the veggies. Mix up the chicken-vegetable filling with other options such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Add some spice. Want to kick up the heat? Add up to one full diced jalapeño when you add the bell peppers for a spicy kick.
Give it a BBQ twist. Toss your cooked chicken in BBQ sauce before adding it to the quesadilla for a sweet and tangy flavor. Add in some red onions and cilantro too.
Serve for breakfast. Add scrambled eggs and chopped bacon to your quesadilla filling and serve for breakfast.
Southwest chicken quesadillas. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the quesadilla mixture for a southwestern flavor.

How to Serve

Serve these Baked Chicken Quesadillas with your favorite Mexican condiments such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, lime wedges, and cilantro. You can also serve them as part of a Mexican fiesta or on Taco Tuesdays with some other classics such as:

Mexican street corn (elote) is a delicious corn on the cob loaded with a cheesy sauce elevated with cilantro and lime. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful. | aheadofthyme.com

Spice up your weeknight dinners with Mexican Pinto Bean Soup (Sopa Tarasca) made with creamy pinto beans, spicy chipotle, and a tomato broth in 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to make homemade fajita seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, stir to combine 1 teaspoon cumin powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste), 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Prep ingredients ahead of time. This quick and easy chicken meal can be prepped ahead for even faster assembly. Just get all the ingredients ready up to a day before you're ready: chop veggies, measure cheeses, portion spices, and seal everything perishable in airtight containers and refrigerate. When you are ready to cook, just assemble and bake.
Make them mini! Feeding small children, packing tiny lunchboxes, or looking for an appetizer version? Turn these baked chicken quesadillas into portable, dippable mini-quesadillas by swapping the full-size tortillas for street taco flour tortillas and reduce the bake time.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover chicken quesadillas in a 425F preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer at 400F for about 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.

How to Freeze

Wrap leftover quesadillas individually in plastic cling wrap and place in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer (adding in a couple of extra minutes to the reheating time). Defrosting first will result in soggy or broken tortillas - so don't do it.

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Persian Lentil Soup

This Persian Lentil Soup is a quick and easy vegan soup that is flavorful, delicious, and healthy. This thick and hearty soup is made with tender lentils and oats, fresh herbs, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the bold flavors.

Set aside just 45 minutes to make this easy, four-step soup recipe that is naturally vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. This comforting soup is a great recipe to make anytime of the year - serve it for Persian New Year (Norouz) this spring, or in the fall and winter months when you are craving a delicious bowl of lentil soup.

Why You'll Love Persian Lentil Soup

It's delicious and flavorful. This Persian lentil soup is seasoned with fresh herbs, seasoning, and finished with a generous squeeze of lemon juice. It contains the perfect balance between fresh and acidic flavors.
Easy to make. This vegan lentil soup is also quick and easy to make. Just follow a few simple steps, and you'll have a hot and comforting soup ready to serve in 45 minutes - from prep to table!
Make ahead and freezer-friendly. You can make a big batch and freeze this Persian lentil soup to enjoy for months to come. Portion it out in meal prep containers so that you can thaw individual servings at a time.
Lentils are a superfood. Like most other beans, lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are packed with plant-based protein and fiber - which are essential for a healthy diet. They're also low in fat and packed with plenty of nutrients to support your overall health.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this delicious Persian lentil soup, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

lentils - you can use any type of lentils but if you want the lentils to hold their shape, opt for brown or green lentils instead of red lentils. Brown lentils are firmer and hold their shape better in soup.
olive oil - vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil will also work if you have either of them on hand.
onion - yellow onion or white onions will work well here.
garlic - fresh garlic yields the best flavor, but you can also use 1 teaspoon of garlic paste or minced garlic for each clove called for in the recipe.
parsley - you can substitute this with fresh cilantro or even chopped spinach for a different flavor profile.
rolled oats - you want to the oats to hold their shape slightly so I prefer using rolled oats here as opposed to quick oats. You can totally use quick oats but it will just dissolve into your soup base and help thicken it, so the texture will be different.
vegetable stock - feel free to substitute with chicken stock if you are not sticking to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet.
spices - we season this simply with turmeric, salt, and pepper.
lemon - a touch of freshly squeezed lemon juice helps to balance out all the flavors in this soup and is highly recommended - but completely optional.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large cooking pot.

How to Make the Best Persian Lentil Soup

Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high until sizzling hot, about 1 minute. Add onion, garlic, and parsley and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add lentils and oats. Stir in lentils, oats, and turmeric until well mixed.
Add stock. Pour in vegetable stock and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until the lentils and oats are fully cooked and the soup has thickened, about 20-25 minutes. Adjust the consistency by adding water or vegetable stock, as needed.
Serve. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Use different seasoning. Lentil soup is a great canvas for a variety of herbs and spices. Try adding cumin, paprika, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Add vegetables. This soup is also great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Add in carrots, celery, potatoes, or other vegetables to make the soup more hearty, nutritious and flavorful.
Make it creamy. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend or puree some or all of this lentil soup with an immersion blender or a regular blender. This will also help to thicken the soup, if needed.

How to Serve

This Persian Lentil Soup is delicious served on its own as a filling lunch or dinner, or paired with some of my favorite sides including:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use high-quality ingredients. Persian cuisine relies on high-quality ingredients to create its unique flavors. Use fresh herbs and high-quality spices for the best results.
Adjust the seasoning. Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
Garnish with herbs and toppings. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and scallions are great toppings for Persian lentil soup. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some toasted garlic for extra flavor.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Keep leftover lentil soup in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover Persian lentil soup in a pot over the stove. Warm it up over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup becomes too thick, simply thin it with some water.

How to Freeze

You can make this recipe ahead of time, batch it, and freeze it. However, not all lentils are good for freezing. If you plan on freezing this Persian lentil soup, use green lentils or brown lentils. I wouldn't recommend freezing any other type of lentil. When ready to reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.

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Beet Hummus

Beet Hummus is a smooth and creamy vegan dip that is made with healthy ingredients including chickpeas, garlic, sesame, and real beets. It's flavorful and delicious and boasts a deep roasted flavor. This beet dip is vibrant and colorful making it perfect for serving at parties or with springtime meals!

Although this roasted beet hummus takes a little longer than your typical hummus (you have to roast the beet first), it's well worth the wait. The entire cooking time is spent roasting the beet, so it's mostly hands-off until it comes time to blend the ingredients and serve.

Why You'll Love this Beet Hummus

Fun vibrant color. The magenta hue of this beet hummus makes it an exciting, enticing dip. Both kids and adults will be mesmerized by the brilliant color - it's the easiest way to serve beets and a great way to get the kids to eat it on their own!
Quick and easy to make. This beet dip is really quick to make once you have roasted the beet. It's perfect if you have some leftover roasted beets on hand! Then you just need to combine the ingredients in a blender and blend together in just minutes.
Superfood boost. Adding beets to hummus makes it a little more nutritious than your classic hummus dip. It increases the fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, so you can reap the benefits of beets in the form of a craveable snack.
Perfect for all occasions. The dazzling presentation and simple cooking process make this roasted beet hummus perfect for serving at your fanciest holiday party, casual cookout, or as a simple snack or side for everyday meals at home.
Vegan and gluten-free. Not many dips can boast vegan and gluten-free status. This beet hummus is perfect for all diets - vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, you name it!

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious and easy Beet Hummus, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

beet - homegrown or store-bought beets are fine. You can also use golden beets or your favorite variety, but the color of the hummus will change.
olive oil - as olive oil is a main ingredient in hummus, I recommend using a high-quality olive oil in this recipe.
tahini sesame paste - tahini is an essential ingredient in most hummus recipes. Use store-bought or homemade tahini.
lemon juice - fresh lemon juice has the best flavor, but you can use lemon juice concentrate if that's what you have.
garlic - substitute canned minced garlic by using 1 teaspoon per clove.
paprika - smoked paprika will work too.
salt
water
sesame seeds - we use sesame seeds to garnish the beet hummus. You can also use toasted pine nuts, herbs, or extra chickpeas - or anything else you like.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, aluminum foil, and a blender (or food processor).

How to Make the Best Beet Hummus

Roast the beet. Remove stem and most of the root from the beet and wash and scrub until clean. Loosely wrap the beet in aluminum foil and drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil. Wrap the foil and roast in a 375F preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender (or until a fork can easily be inserted and removed). Transfer to the fridge to cool to room temperature.

Blend. Once cooled, peel the beet and chop into small pieces. Then, throw in the blender. Add chickpeas, tahini, ¼ cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and salt. Puree until well blended and creamy. Add ¼ cup of water to make the hummus creamier. Add more if needed until desired consistency is reached.

Serve. Pour into a bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a circular spiral design. Drizzle some olive oil on top and garnish with roasted sesame seeds. Serve with crackers, toasted pita chips, and/or veggies for dipping.

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy. Add some heat to your beet hummus by incorporating spicy ingredients such as chili flakes, jalapeño peppers, or cayenne pepper.
Herbed beet hummus. Add chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint to the hummus for a fresh, herbaceous taste.
A Greek twist. Add crumbled feta cheese to the hummus for a creamy, tangy flavor.
Add other veggies. Mix in some grated carrots to the beet hummus for a colorful and slightly sweet variation to make beet and carrot hummus. Or blend in some ripe avocado for a creamy smoothie texture with added healthy fats in beet and avocado hummus.
Garnish with toppings. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil on top of the hummus for added flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve Beet Hummus as a dip for your favorite dippers such as crackers, toasted pita chips, and veggies for. Some of our favorites are:

But did you know that hummus is good for more than just dipping? It also makes a great base for salad dressings, a delicious topping on grain bowls, or a tasty spread for sandwiches or wraps. This beet hummus can do it all! Try it in our Vegan Hummus Wrap.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use a high-quality tahini. Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus and using high-quality tahini will give your beet hummus a smoother, creamier texture and a more authentic taste. Look for a tahini brand that uses just sesame seeds, without any added oils or sweeteners.
Use canned chickpeas or cook your own. Canned chickpeas are a convenient option and work well in this recipe. However, if you have the time, cooking your own chickpeas will yield a creamier hummus. Soak 100 grams of dried chickpeas overnight in water, then rinse and drain and boil them in water for about an hour or until tender.
Use a food processor or high-speed blender. Want super smooth, creamy hummus? Use a high-powered processor or blender to whizz all the ingredients into a velvety dip, or pulse to your desired consistency.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer any leftover hummus to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Freeze

Fill a freezer-safe container or freezer bag with leftover hummus, leaving enough headspace for the hummus to expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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Sautéed Asparagus

Quick and easy Sautéed Asparagus is a simple, savory side dish that goes well with almost any main dish. Seasoned simply with freshly ground pepper and seasoning salt, this spring vegetable is transformed into a tender and crisp dish that's perfect for quick dinners, cookouts, and dinner parties. Healthy, flavorful, and delicious!

You can make this easy sautéed asparagus in just 15 minutes or less! It's a low-maintenance side that relies on very few ingredients to deliver big taste. Keep this recipe on hand for busy weeknights and use it whenever you need something tasty and fast! It's also a perfect stress-free side dish for fancy dinners such as Easter dinner.

Why You'll Love This Sautéed Asparagus

A quick and easy side dish. This vegan side dish is so quick and easy to make. You simply up a little oil, sauté the asparagus for a few minutes minutes with a generous sprinkle of seasoning salt and pepper and you are done. That's it!
Only 4 ingredients. There's nothing difficult about this sautéed asparagus recipe, and that includes the ingredients list. You only need four ingredients, and the list is flexible with room for substitutions for those times when you're running low on groceries. It is amazing how much flavour these veggies produce. Sometimes, the healthiest side dishes are the tastiest!
An incredibly versatile side dish. This simple and delicious sautéed asparagus can be served with just about anything, from pastas to roasts and beyond. Call on this recipe anytime you need something fast, easy, and delicious to pair well with an entree.
It's customizable. This quick and easy sautéed asparagus can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you like your asparagus soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender or on the crispier side and crunchy, it's easy to tailor this veggie side to your tastes!
Makes dinner interesting. I love making sides because let's be honest, dinner would be so boring without them. I try to have 2-3 sides to keep my main dish company: salad, rice (we eat it with almost every meal!) and some type of vegetables. This quick and easy sautéed asparagus is one of my favorites - and it will be yours too.

Ingredient Notes

To make this quick and easy Sauteed Asparagus, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

olive oil - you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil to sauté the asparagus. If you aren't sticking to a vegan diet, you can also sauté it in butter for extra flavor.
asparagus - look for firm and bright green asparagus with tight tips. Avoid asparagus that is slimy or discolored.
seasoning salt - if you don't have seasoning salt on hand, use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne powder. You can easily make a homemade blend or use your favorite brand. Or just substitute with regular salt if that is all you have on hand.
black pepper - freshly ground pepper is great, but you can use pepper that comes pre-ground just as well.

You will also need measuring spoons and a skillet.

How to Make the Best Sautéed Asparagus

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and generously sprinkle with seasoning salt and pepper.
Sauté for 5-12 minutes, tossing occasionally. If you prefer crisp and crunchy asparagus, cook for only 5 minutes. For softer and more tender asparagus, cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Make it cheesy. A little cheese goes a long way. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese on top while the dish is still hot to entice dinner guests (or kids!) to eat more of this sautéed asparagus.
Add lemon and garlic. Sauté some minced garlic first until fragrant. Then add the asparagus and add in some lemon juice and lemon zest in the last few minutes of cooking.
Pesto asparagus. Sauté the asparagus, then toss in Basil Pesto and serve with pine nuts sprinkled on top.
Add balsamic. Drizzle the sautéed asparagus with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Use store-bought balsamic reduction or make your own Balsamic Glaze.
Use a different vegetable. Asparagus is the main ingredient of this recipe, but you can try this same flavor and technique on other vegetables! Just make sure you adjust the cooking time to fully cook your vegetable of choice.

How to Serve

Sautéed Asparagus is delicious served with just about any entree, but it pairs especially well with roasted or grilled proteins such as steak, chicken, pork, or even tofu. Serve this vegan side dish with:

Once you have picked out your entree, you can also pair this quick and easy asparagus with a creamy mashed vegetable. Try it with Mashed Cauliflower, Mashed Potatoes, or Mashed Butternut Squash. The combination of flavours between the asparagus and buttery mashed veggies is something that is so hard to describe. It works amazingly well.

Better than the steakhouse, the best tender and juicy ribeye steak with a perfect seared crust is garlicky, buttery and packed with so much flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

Mashed Cauliflower is a fluffy and buttery side dish and a low carb, keto-friendly alternative to mashed potatoes. Plus, it’s easier and quicker too! | aheadofthyme.com

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Prepare the asparagus. Wash the asparagus under cold water and trim off the woody ends. You can snap off the ends, or cut them off with a knife.
Add toppings. You can add toppings such as lemon wedges, grated Parmesan cheese, or toasted nuts to add more flavor and texture to your sautéed asparagus.
Get creative with leftovers. Sauteed asparagus makes a great addition to chopped salads, veggie omelets and frittatas, quick stir frys, quiches, and more. Use your imagination to ensure all the leftover asparagus is eaten and enjoyed!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow the asparagus to cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.

How to Freeze

You can freeze this sautéed asparagus for up to three months - just place the cooled asparagus in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop over medium heat or in a 350F preheated oven until heated through and crisp.

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Mini Egg Easter Fudge

Mini Egg Easter Fudge is a rich, sweet, crunchy, and colorful white chocolate fudge that is easy to make from scratch with just 3 simple ingredients. Made with a white chocolate base and decorative Easter-themed mix-ins that are customizable, this mini egg fudge is a perfect recipe to make this spring to celebrate the season with family.

The best part about this fun Easter fudge is the simplicity - it's so easy to make! Just melt, mix, pour, and wait for it to set. It only takes 10 minutes to prep before you let it rest until it sets. It's a great dessert to make for Easter Sunday, whether you're looking for a treat to gift to friends or a dessert for post-egg hunt festivities.

Why You'll Love this Mini Egg Easter Fudge

Only 3 ingredients! You might find this Easter fudge easier to make than the classic chocolate version. With only three ingredients, this recipe couldn't be more simple or straightforward. Minimal effort with maximum benefit!
Festive for spring. This delectable homemade fudge is perfect for serving when the weather warms up: luscious white chocolate and pastel additions make it both springtime decor and a lovely seasonal treat!
Crunchy candy mix-ins. A little crunch can make or break your fudge. The candy-coated chocolate eggs in this mini egg fudge not only make it pretty, they enhance the texture for the perfect bite. Plus, you can customize them with any mix-ins that you like!

Ingredient Notes

To make this simple Mini Egg Easter Fudge, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

white chocolate chips - If you're not a fan of white chocolate, you can use milk or dark chocolate chips instead, though it will change the color and overall look and taste of the fudge.
sweetened condensed milk - try a vegan sweetened condensed "milk" if necessary, but it may change the texture and flavor.
chocolate mini eggs - we used classic mini eggs but any kind of candy-coated chocolate Easter candy will work such as Easter M&M's.

You will also need a kitchen scale (or measuring cups), a large mixing bowl, an 8x8-inch square pan, and parchment paper.

How to Make the Best Mini Egg Easter Fudge

Prep pan. Spray an 8x8-inch square pan with cooking spray and line with 2 sheets of parchment paper so that each side of the pan is lined, and leave an overhang on each edge for easy removal.
Melt chocolate in condensed milk. In a large mixing bowl, stir to combine the white chocolate chips and condensed milk. Place the bowl into the microwave for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave, then stir together to mix. Continue microwaving and stirring, in 30 second intervals, until the chocolate chips have completely melted. When ready, the mixture should be thick but smooth.

Add mini eggs. Add in ¾ of the chopped mini eggs and fold to lightly to combine.

Spread in pan. Pour the fudge into the prepared baking pan. Use a silicone spatula to smooth out the top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ of mini eggs onto the top of the fudge. Lightly press them into the fudge to ensure they're adhered.

Chill. Place the pan into the fridge for 4 hours to set. Use the parchment paper overhang to remove the fudge from the pan. Cut into 36 pieces (6 rows and 6 columns) and serve.

Recipe Variations

Customize your mix-ins. Make this Easter fudge your own by customizing the mix-ins to suit your tastes and decor. Substitute the mini eggs with Easter M&M's or add things like mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels.
Add sprinkles. Give this fudge an extra holiday touch with added sprinkles or different sizes and shapes,
Change the chocolate. Change the flavor of this fudge by switching the white chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate.
Customize for different holidays. Turn this into Christmas fudge by using holiday colored M&M's instead of Easter ones or adding crushed candy canes. Turn this into Valentine's fudge with red and pink smarties, and so on.
Robin egg fudge: Mix in crushed Whopper Robin Eggs or Mini Robin Eggs into your fudge mixture for a crunchy, chocolatey Easter treat.

How to Serve Homemade Fudge

Mini Egg Fudge is a delicious treat that you can serve whenever you are craving something sweet, or to package up and gift to family friends. Our favorite ways to serve these are:

Gift or party favor: Easter fudge can make a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Wrap individual pieces of fudge in festive paper tied with a string or in a clear plastic bag tied in ribbon as a gift on it's own or as inside Easter baskets. If you are hosting an Easter party, you can give each guest a piece of Easter fudge as a party favor.
Dessert: Serve mini egg fudge as a dessert at your Easter dinner or brunch. You can cut the fudge into small squares and serve them on a platter or in a decorative dish. Add some Easter candy or flowers around it for a festive touch.
Snack: Easter fudge also makes for a great snack throughout the day. Cut the fudge into small pieces and keep it in a container for easy access.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make it thicker. To make the fudge slightly thicker, use 720 grams white chocolate chips (about 4 ⅓ cups), 575 grams sweetened condensed milk, and 200 grams mini eggs (about 1 cup).
Include it in Easter baskets and gifts. Because this fudge is so pretty and seasonally-appropriate, it's a great homemade touch to add wrapped pieces of fudge to Easter baskets or give it as a small Easter gift to friends and family.
Make it with the family! This recipe is simple and fun to make with kids. Have older kids help with melting and mixing or have younger children participate in adding the sprinkles and candy - you'll make memories and white chocolate fudge at the same time.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the easter fudge has set, transfer it to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Use wax or parchment paper to separate layers. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

How to Freeze

Freeze fudge in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw on the counter for several hours or overnight before cutting and serving. Freeze individually-wrapped servings for easy thawing and snacking!

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Carrot Cake Pancakes

Carrot Cake Pancakes combine two of the best foods in the world: carrot cake and homemade pancakes. These fluffy, soft, and moist pancakes are loaded with classic ingredients and warm spices. Plus, they are ready in just 15 minutes (from prep to table!).

These carrot pancakes are easy to make on busy weekday mornings this spring, but fancy for a stress-free Easter Brunch. Serve them as if they were dessert for breakfast by setting out some whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, baked apples, or maple syrup - and everyone will be begging for seconds!

Why You'll Love Carrot Cake Pancakes

They are moist, firm, and soft. These fluffy carrot cake pancakes enjoy a unique texture from the added carrots. Since fresh fruits and vegetables contain a lot of moisture, your baked goods can benefit from added ingredients like pumpkin, banana, zucchini, and you guessed it - carrots!
Carrots offer added nutrients. The great texture isn't the only thing the carrots bring to the table in these Easter pancakes. Carrots are chockfull of healthy nutrients, including antioxidants, calcium, Vitamins A and K, and fiber. These nutrients support bone health, heart health, eye health, and more!
Carrot cake in pancake form. These carrot cake pancakes have more than just carrots added to the mix. You'll also find cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Plus, they are topped with walnuts (or pecans) - all classic flavors that you will find in Carrot Cake.
A great way to use up extra carrots. Did you buy a bag of carrots that you need to use up before they expire? Well, look no further. These carrot pancakes a whopping cup of grated carrots.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Carrot Cake Pancakes, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - try an equal-exchange gluten free flour to make this recipe gluten free. The texture of the pancakes may change slightly but it should produce a similar result.
baking powder - out of baking powder? Combine ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar to make your own!
brown sugar - feel free to substitute with granulated sugar or an alternative like coconut sugar, date sugar, or sugar-free substitute like Swerve will also work as a sweetener for these carrot pancakes, but the sugar you choose may alter the flavor.
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
salt
milk - you can swap dairy milk for a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut if you want to.
egg - out of eggs or looking for a plant-based ingredient swap? Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for every egg in the recipe.
unsalted butter - you can use salted butter if that's all you have on hand, but using unsalted will give you more control over the final flavor of the pancakes. Decrease or omit the additional salt in the recipe as needed!
vanilla extract - an equal amount of vanilla bean paste can be used in place of vanilla extract for a more rich vanilla flavor.
grated carrots - you can grate the carrots manually or in a food processor, or you can make things more convenient and buy a bag of shredded carrots from the store.
vegetable oil or cooking spray

Toppings

You can serve these carrot cake pancakes plain or with your favorite toppings. There are plenty of ways to serve these pancakes, but here are my favorites:

whipped cream and crushed walnuts or pecans
maple syrup and butter
chopped or sliced caramel apples and crushed nuts
shredded coconut
ice cream

Equipment

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and a large skillet or griddle.

How to Make the Best Carrot Cake Pancakes

Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Combine wet ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk, egg, butter. and vanilla. For fluffier pancakes, add just ¾ cup of milk. (If the batter is too thick at the end, then mix in the remaining ¼ cup).

Add wet ingredients to dry. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined (the batter will be slightly lumpy). Do not over mix.

Add carrots. Fold in the grated carrots.

Prepare pan. Spray a large frying pan or griddle with cooking spray, or dampen a paper towel with vegetable oil and rub on top of the pan. Heat the pan over medium-low heat and add pancake batter using a ¼ measuring cup. Pour as many that will fit in your pan or griddle (I fit 3 in my 10-inch skillet).
Cook. Cook for 1-2 minutes until small bubbles begin to form on the surface, the edges have set, and the bottom of the pancake turns golden brown. Flip the pancake over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the other side is also golden brown.

Repeat. Remove the pancakes from the pan and set aside on a plate. Repeat in a few batches until until all the batter is used up.
Serve. Stack the pancakes and top with whipped cream, walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

Add nuts. Add ¼ cup of crushed walnuts or pecan to the batter when you fold in the grated carrots.
Add raisins. Another common carrot cake ingredeint that you can add to these pancakes are raisins. Fold in 2-4 tablespoons (whatever you prefer!) when you add in the carrots.
Mix up the spices. Classic carrot cake spices include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. We like the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg, but feel free to mix and match to find your perfect spice blend.
Make oatmeal pancakes. Use 1 cup oat flour instead or take rolled oats and blend them into oat flour in a heavy duty blender.

How to Serve

These carrot pancakes are great as part of a brunch spread (especially Easter Brunch!) along with some classic breakfast dishes. Some of our favorites are:

For more breakfast recipes, see our 50 Best Breakfast Ideas.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use grated carrots. Be sure to grate the carrots finely, so that they cook through and blend well with the other ingredients.
Don't over-mix the batter. Pancake batter should not be perfectly smooth - you want to leave a few lumps in it. Otherwise, your pancakes will turn out tough and chewy instead of light and fluffy. For this reason, it's best to hand mix the pancakes.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once your carrot cake pancakes have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat carrot cake pancakes in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. To microwave, heat on a medium-high heat setting in 20-30 second intervals until warmed through. To reheat in the oven or air fryer, wrap pancakes in aluminum foil. Then, heat in a 375F oven for about 10 minutes or until warm, or in a 375F air fryer for 5 minutes.

How to Freeze

Freeze carrot cake pancakes by transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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One Pot Red Kidney Beans

One Pot Red Kidney Beans are healthy, hearty, and nourishing. Tender red kidney beans are simmered in aromatic spices and herbs making them flavorful and delicious. This vegan dish offers plenty of plant-based protein to keep you full. It's also stores well so it is great to meal prep for lunches throughout the week or frozen for an easy dinner another day.

Dried beans can sometimes be difficult to work with, but this recipe for one pot red kidney beans delivers perfectly cooked, flavorful beans every time. So use your dried kidney bean stash to make these Middle Eastern-style beans. Serve them over rice or with a bready side to soak up every last bit of the fragrant tomato sauce. You don't have to be a pro to cook them, either - just soak them overnight before cooking for tender, easy-to-digest red kidney beans.

Why You'll Love These One Pot Red Kidney Beans

An easy vegan meal. Whether you're plant-based yourself or simply looking for a meatless main dish to switch things up, you'll love these savory, filling red kidney beans. They're easy to prepare and even easier to eat! Just prep them in advance and you will need to soak the dry beans overnight before cooking.
Freezer-friendly = great for meal prep. Cooked beans last a long time when frozen, so you can make as much of these one pot red kidney beans as you like and add them to your freezer stash for a rainy day. In fact, leftovers even taste better the next day!
Healthy and versatile. These wholesome red kidney beans get an upgrade with healthy ingredients like onions, garlic, and simple spices. They're hearty enough to be served as an entree but simple enough to be offered as a side along with similarly spiced dishes. Delicious, vegan and gluten-free.
Great way to clear our your pantry. This red kidney bean recipe is a great one to use if you are looking to go through your bulk dried bean stash in the pantry, especially if canned beans are out of stock at the grocery store.

Do Kidney Beans Boost Your Immune System?

Yes! Kidney beans contain antioxidants that boost the immune system. This common bean is also an excellent source of healthy amino acids (aka protein), vitamins and minerals which help build the cells of our immune systems. Plus, these one pot red kidney beans are spiced with both turmeric and cumin, which both help boost the immune system.

They also have a number of other health benefits, including:

improves heart health and lowers cholesterol
supports brain function and improves memory
natural detoxifier
aids in digestion
supports weight loss
has anti-aging properties
can help regulate blood sugar levels

Red kidney beans are also a great source of plant-based protein and are high in dietary fiber. They are also high in folate, potassium, manganese, and vitamin k.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy one pot red kidney beans, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

red kidney beans - red kidney beans are the star ingredient of this recipe, but you can try the same ingredients and technique on black beans or pinto beans for a similar result.
baking soda - soaking with baking soda helps to remove the gassiness from the beans. You can leave it out if you don't have any.
olive oil - either avocado oil or vegetable oil are acceptable substitutes for the olive oil in this recipe.
onion - white or yellow onions will work best, but you can use whatever kind of onion you have on hand.
garlic - fresh garlic has the best flavor, but if you need a swap, use 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic or garlic paste in place of each clove called for in the recipe.
turmeric powder - you can use a dash or two of ground ginger or dry mustard as a substitute for the turmeric used here.
boiling water
tomato paste - use ¼ cup tomato puree or try tomato sauce in place of tomato paste if you need to.
ground cumin - if you're out of cumin, try curry powder or ground coriander instead. The flavor will be different but still delicious. You may need to adjust the measurement depending on what you choose in order to balance the flavor.
dried mint - you can also use 1 and ½ teaspoons fresh mint instead if necessary, but it may slightly alter the texture and intensify the taste.
Italian seasoning - use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade Italian seasoning blend.
cilantro - if you're not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley, dill, or omit it altogether.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, a large cooking pot, and a blender (or immersion blender).

How to Cook the Best Kidney Beans

First, prep the kidney beans.

Pick them over to remove any small stones or debris that may be hiding in your beans. Rinse and drain.
Pre soak the beans for at least 8 hours or overnight (in a mixing bowl covered with an inch of room temperature water - not cold water). This will cause the beans to absorb moisture and increase in size, and in turn will make the beans cook faster. .
Soak with baking soda to remove the gassiness from the beans and make them easier to digest. (Add the baking soda to the water when soaking the beans).
Rinse. Drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking.

Then, cook the beans.

Once your beans are ready, cook them with sautéed onions and garlic and a combination of spices including turmeric, cumin, and dried mint.

Sauté aromatics. In a large cooking pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and turmeric. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Pour in 1 cup of boiling water into the pot and stir together.

Add beans and seasoning. Stir in the pre-soaked kidney beans, remaining boiling water, tomato paste, cumin, mint, Italiano seasoning (optional), and salt and pepper. Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil. Then, turn to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Check on the beans and remove from heat if they are ready. If they are still not cooked fully, continue to cook and keep checking on them every 10 minutes.

Blend. Pour the water into a blender along with ¼ to ½ cup of the beans, and blend. Stir the sauce back into the pot. If you prefer a thicker consistency, continue to simmer until you reach the consistency that you like. If you want to thin it out, just add a little water.

Serve. Season with more salt and pepper (to taste) and serve over rice with some fresh cilantro and chopped onions on top, or with a naan bread or dinner roll on the side.

Recipe Variations

Mac'n'beans. Having trouble getting your kids to eat red kidney beans? Cook as described and then add your favorite cooked Mac and Cheese - it's a great way to make them more appealing to picky eaters!
Brothy red kidney beans. Beans and broth just go together - some people actually prefer to eat them in soup or broth. Once the beans are cooked, add them to your choice of hot broth or soup for an instant pick-me-up.
Red kidney bean chili. You can make a quick variation of chili using these one pot red kidney beans! Simply add these beans to your favorite Chili recipe to speed the process up.

How to Serve

You can serve these one pot kidney beans as is for a filling lunch or dinner, or with a starchy side or whole grains. Beans go great with Rice, Quinoa, or some kind of Bread - stuff them in a tortilla or spread them across the top of your toast or fancy crostini for a surprisingly tasty snack or appetizer!

Some of our favorite sides to serve with these are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Soak the beans overnight. Red kidney beans should be soaked for at least 8 hours or overnight before cooking. Soaking reduces the cooking time and helps to remove any dirt or debris from the beans.
Rinse the beans thoroughly. Before cooking, rinse the beans thoroughly under running water to remove any excess starch or dirt.
Reuse leftover beans creatively. Eating the same thing several days in a row can get tiresome, so use the recipe variations above to use leftover beans without simply reheating and serving them as is or invent your own method of using up the beans.
Use in other recipes. Cooked red kidney beans can be used in a variety of recipes, including chili, soups, stews, and salads.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Kidney beans reheat really well and makes for amazing leftovers. They can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

When you are ready to eat, reheat beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the beans have thickened up too much when stored.

How to Freeze

Freeze leftover kidney beans in a freezer-safe container or in portions in freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. The best part is that frozen kidney beans will pretty much taste the same as they did on the day that you made them. This is why I never cook a small batch. I always double up on the recipe so that I can freeze any extras for weeks or months to come. Allow the beans to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Toasted Ravioli

Toasted Ravioli is a classic Italian appetizer that is crispy on the outside, and tender and gooey on the inside. Your favorite ravioli gets seasoned with a flavorful seasoning blend, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, and deep-fried for the best crunchy texture. The mouthwatering golden crust and cheesy center make this delicious ravioli appy hard to beat!

Bring the flavors of Italy home with this toasted ravioli recipe. In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this easy appetizer from scratch. Serve warm with marinara dipping sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan and watch dinner guests fall head over heels for this toasted ravioli. It's a favorite amongst kids and adults alike.

Why You'll Love this Toasted Ravioli

It's crispy and cheesy. The satisfying crunch of the exterior combined with the gooey cheesy filling inside makes this toasted ravioli incredibly delicious and craveworthy - you can't eat just one!
Quick and easy appetizer or snack. Whether you're looking for something for guests to nibble on while you're tending drinks or something to hold your kids over between meals, this toasted ravioli will be your new favorite recipe. Toasted ravioli takes just under 30 minutes to prep, cook, and serve. So fast!
Classic Italian restaurant dish. You've probably had some version of this ravioli at your favorite Italian restaurant such as Olive Garden, but now you can bring it home (and make it better!) by making it from scratch in under 30 minutes. Serve it with a side of Homemade Marinara Sauce for the ultimate at home experience.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Toasted Ravioli, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

ravioli - use your favorite kind of ravioli - whether that is filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. We prefer using fresh ravioli but you can easily use frozen as long as you thaw it first.
all-purpose flour - regular all-purpose flour works best, but if you happen to run out, you can use bread flour or a measure-for-measure gluten free blend in its place.
garlic powder - finely ground garlic powder works best. You can also use the same measure of dehydrated minced garlic, but it will slightly change the texture and the flavor may be a little more intense.
paprika - feel free to use smoked paprika for a slightly smokey taste.
Italian seasoning - you can use either a homemade or a store-bought Italian blend. You can also substitute with dried oregano instead.
salt and pepper
eggs - we find that using eggs yields the best binding agent to help the panko adhere well to the ravioli. If you need to swap out the eggs due to an allergy or shortage, you can use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) in place of each egg for a similar result.
Panko breadcrumbs - we like the texture and crunch of Panko breadcrumbs, but regular breadcrumbs will work too. use your own homemade breadcrumbs or a store-bought brand for convenience.
vegetable oil - any vegetable oil including avocado oil will work for deep frying.
Parmesan cheese - topping the cooked ravioli with Parmesan adds delicious flavor but i completely optional. Asiago cheese or Pecorino Romano are close enough to Parmesan if you need a substitute.
parsley - this fresh herb is also optional, for serving. You can leave it out or replace with your favorite fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil.
marinara sauce - we recommend a side of marinara sauce for dipping. We used our Homemade Marinara Sauce but feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, shallow bowls or plates, and a cooking pot.

How to Make the Best Toasted Ravioli

Season ravioli. In a large mixing bowl (or ziploc bag), add ravioli, flour, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated.

Dredge. Prepare 2 separate shallow bowls and place the beaten eggs in one and the breadcrumbs in the other. Dip the ravioli, one piece at a time, in the egg and then coat it with the breadcrumbs. You can gently press the crumbs into the ravioli to adhere as much as possible.

Fry. In a medium cooking pot, add enough oil to fill the pot at least 2 inches deep. Preheat the oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until the hot oil shimmers. Deep fry the breaded ravioli in batches (about 4-5 pieces each time) until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Turn the ravioli occasionally to get an even golden crust on all sides.

Cool. Transfer the ravioli onto a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Recipe Variations

Spice it up. Add in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne powder when you mix in the other seasonings to make these ravioli spicy.
Change the ravioli. Traditional toasted ravioli is usually filled with cheese, but you can also use meat fillings like beef or sausage for a heartier option.
Serve with different dips. Most restaurants serve toasted ravioli with marinara dipping sauce. For a creamy twist, serve with a side of alfredo sauce or add some fresh flavor with a side of pesto sauce.
Customize the toppings. You can also add toppings to your toasted ravioli, such as grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or diced tomatoes. Try different herbs, cheese, and veggies for a twist.

How to Serve

These Toasted Ravioli are delicious served as an appetizer with a side of Marinara Sauce for dipping. It's also great as a meal paired with some easy sides such as a soup or salad. Some of our favorites to serve with ravioli are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don't overcrowd the fryer. One of the biggest mistakes people make when deep frying anything (including these toasted ravioli!) is trying to fry too many at a time, which will result in uneven browning and longer cooking times. Stick to a maximum of 5 raviolis at a time or even less if you're using a smaller pan or fryer.
Pre-make and freeze for extra easy serving. Planning on serving these toasted ravioli at your next big party and worried you'll run out of time? Make them ahead and freeze to simplify your day-of preparations! See our easy freezing instructions below.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow the leftover toasted ravioli to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the oven by placing the ravioli on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375℉ for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat in the air fryer in a single layer at 375F for 5-10 minutes.

How to Freeze

Place the cooked ravioli in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until the raviolis become solid. Then transfer them into a sealed freezer bag or freezer-friendly airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen to prevent them from getting soggy. Add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

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60 Green Recipes for St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is a time of year when we celebrate all things green, including the delicious and healthy foods that come in this vibrant color. Whether you're Irish or just looking for a fun way to celebrate this holiday, you can't go wrong with our collection of over 60 Green Recipes for St. Patrick's Day.

From modern recipes like green dinners and appys, to breakfast smoothies and avocado toast, to green desserts and more - there are plenty of options to choose from. So put on your greenest outfit and get ready to enjoy some delicious and nutritious green food (including vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options too!).

Green Recipes for St. Patrick's Day

Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a quick and easy 30 minute meal that needs to be on your family weeknight dinner rotation. It's rich, creamy, and delicious. One of our favorite green St. Patrick's day recipes.

Spring Pesto Pasta with Asparagus

Spring pesto pasta with asparagus and chives is light and made with simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. Serve it hot for dinner or cold as pasta salad.

Green Beans Almondine

Green Beans Almondine is buttery, garlicky, and nutty. This classic French side dish is quick and easy to make, and loaded with flavor and texture.

Avocado Hummus

Quick and easy avocado hummus is creamy, smooth, healthy, and delicious. Loaded with chickpeas and avocado, it's the perfect blend of hummus and guacamole. We loving serving this on St. Patrick's day.

Green Detox Smoothie

Green Detox Smoothie is quick and easy to make, delicious and nutritious, and loaded with antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins for a quick energy boost.

Salsa Verde Green Chicken Enchiladas

Salsa verde green chicken enchiladas are delicious and flavorful, quick and easy to make, and saucy and spicy. Authentic Mexican food ready in 40 minutes.

Balsamic Roasted Broccoli

Balsamic Roasted Broccoli is a quick easy side dish made with tender, crispy broccoli tossed in a flavorful 5-ingredient glaze and is ready in 25 minutes.

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocado Toast with Egg is the perfect recipe to make for breakfast when you are short on time but looking for something delicious, healthy, and nutritious. A perfect green St. Patrick's day recipe.

Lemon Asparagus Soup with Parmesan

Lemon asparagus soup with parmesan is the perfect spring soup -- smooth, light, fresh, and flavourful. It's customizable and can be served hot or cold.

Kale Caesar Salad

Kale Caesar Salad is a delicious, healthy twist on classic Caesar salad with all the traditional flavors but added crunch and rich earthiness of fresh kale.

Pistachio Macarons

Pistachio Macarons are delicate, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies filled with pistachio white chocolate ganache filling and chopped pistachios on top.

Mascarpone Pesto Pasta

Quick and easy mascarpone pesto pasta is the tastiest creamy pasta dish you'll ever make in under 15 minutes. It's the best weeknight dinner.

Green Bean Fries

Baked green bean fries are flavorful, crispy, and nutritious. These veggies are quick and easy to make as a healthy appetizer, snack, or side dish.

Baked Spinach Dip

Warm, rich, creamy baked spinach dip is a delicious and easy appetizer that is baked until warm and melty. Easy to make ahead and a total crowd pleaser.

Broccoli Rice

Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it's quick and easy and all made in one pot in just over 30 minutes.

Matcha Latte

Homemade Matcha Latte is an earthy green tea drink topped with warm, frothy milk. Make this creamy and delicious drink in 5 minutes with 3 ingredients.

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with zucchini. These healthy bites are one of my favorite ways to use up summer zucchini.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts are a quick and easy side dish made with just 5 ingredients and ready to serve in only 15 minutes. They're vegan and keto too.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon are salty, sweet, and juicy. They are easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients, then cooked on the grill.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli cheese soup is creamy, cozy, and delicious simmered in a buttery cheesy broth for the perfect blend of textures and flavors - comfort food goals.

Spinach Cheese Rolls

Spinach cheese rolls are an easy appetizer that's creamy, cheesy, comforting, and delicious. Serve as an appy at parties, for a school lunch, or snack.

Arugula and Roasted Carrot Salad

Arugula and roasted carrot salad is one of the best spring salads, packed with a delicious combination of sweet and sour flavours, plus easy to make.

Coconut Curry Ramen

This Coconut Curry Ramen is creamy, rich, comforting, and delicious, with a perfect blend of mouthwatering textures and flavors and ready in 25 minutes.

Kale Chips

You'll never want to buy chips after trying these incredibly light and crispy homemade Kale Chips! They're completely vegan, easy to make, and healthy.

Collard Greens with Bacon

Collard greens with bacon is a flavorful, delicious, and healthy side dish that is quick to make in 25 minutes. A stress-free holiday side for Christmas.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delicious 30 minute recipe that is packed with flavor, quick and easy to make, and will satisfy the whole family.

Asparagus Tart

Asparagus tart with Gruyère cheese, a balsamic glaze, and flaky puff pastry, is a flavourful and delicious addition to brunch this spring season.

Guacamole

Incredibly tasty, this easy and basic guacamole takes less than 5 minutes to make. It is the perfect dip for a Mexican-inspired Super Bowl party.

Green Smoothie Bowl

This green smoothie bowl is healthy, delicious, and nutritious. It's quick and easy to make in just minutes, for a quick energy boost to start the day.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli cheese casserole is creamy, cheesy, and delicious - the most comforting side dish. It's crispy on the outside but soft and tender inside.

Spinach and Pea Soup

Spinach and Pea Soup is creamy, velvety, healthy and delicious. It's a curried soup with a vegan coconut milk base loaded with fresh spinach and green peas.

Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwich made with broccoli, red peppers, cheddar, and mozzarella.

Quinoa Spinach Salad

Take a bite into this refreshing, gluten-free quinoa spinach salad bursting with colourful tomatoes, cucumbers and raisins dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.

Jello Jigglers

Jello Jigglers are fun, colorful gelatin treats that are smooth in texture and fruity flavored. Customize for any holiday with different colors and shapes. Use green jello for St. Patrick's Day.

Chicken Madeira

Chicken Madeira with sautéed mushrooms and tender crisp asparagus is topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Cheaper and better than the Cheesecake Factory!

Pesto Penne Pasta

Quick and easy pesto penne pasta is a simple and light Italian pasta dish made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

Buttery sautéed garlic green beans is a simple side dish that is quick, easy and delicious. Make these vibrant, crispy and tender green beans in 10 minutes.

Pesto Hummus

Smooth and creamy pesto hummus is a healthy, delicious and flavourful dip that is easy to make in just 5 minutes. It's vegan and gluten-free.

Matcha Milk Tea

Iced Matcha Milk Tea with boba tapioca pearls is rich, refreshing, and delicious. Made with 3 ingredients, matcha bubble tea is easy to make at home.

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and delicious side dish to make this fall. Easy to make ahead and reheats well - perfect for a holiday dinner.

Vegan Hummus Wrap

Vegan hummus wrap is a quick easy lunch made in minutes with a handful of fresh ingredients. This delicious veggie wrap is healthy, fresh, nutritious.

Sweet Kale Salad

This Sweet Kale Salad is loaded with hearty greens, veggies, and homemade poppy seed dressing - inspired by the Taylor Farms salad kit from Costco.

Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew)

Ghormeh sabzi is a classic traditional Persian herb stew with beef or lamb, fresh herbs, and kidney beans, that's slowly cooked, developing so much flavor.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a fresh, bright and vibrant side dish that will add extra flavour to any meal you serve it with. It's a quick, easy, one pot recipe.

Cheesy Roasted Asparagus

Cheesy roasted asparagus is a quick and easy side dish made with a handful of simple ingredients in 20 minutes. They're garlicky, cheesy, and flavorful.

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer - spicy, crispy, cheesy, and creamy, toasted to golden brown perfection. Plus easy to make ahead and freeze well.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a quick and easy side dish with the best flavor and texture. The best part? This holiday side is ready in under 15 minutes.

Split Pea Soup

Classic split pea soup is a wholesome, filling, and delicious one pot meal that will warm you up. It's hearty, flavorful, and is loaded with nutrients.

Spinach and Feta Quiche with Cauliflower Crust

Spinach and feta quiche is healthy and gluten-free with a keto cauliflower crust and savoury vegetarian filling. Serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Green Onion Dinner Rolls

Soft and fluffy, quick dinner bread rolls are loaded with green onions and topped with flaked sea salt and sesame seeds. Ready in just 1.5 hours.

Strawberry Avocado Salad

Loaded with fresh ingredients, strawberry avocado salad with poppy seed dressing is the ultimate summer salad -- light, vibrant, fresh, sweet, and tangy.

Coconut Turkey Curry

Coconut turkey curry is creamy, rich, and flavorful. This delicious curry is the perfect recipe to make when you have turkey leftovers, ready in 30 minutes!

Pesto Green Beans

Pesto green beans is a simple side dish that is quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes, tossed in buttery toasted walnuts and pesto. So delicious.

Potato Galette with Arugula and Crème Fraîche

Potato galette with arugula and crème fraîche is a rich, light, and delicious savoury tart to serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A total crowd-pleaser.

Chopped Asparagus Salad

Chopped asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette is the easiest and best spring salad ever - colourful, vibrant, flavourful, light, and crunchy.

Creamless Cream of Asparagus Soup

Creamless cream of asparagus soup is healthy, delicious, smooth, creamy, quick and easy to make. A perfect spring soup for a last minute lunch or dinner.

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air fryer zucchini chips make an excellent snack or side dish - they are savory, salty, and flavorful! A quick and easy recipe made with 5 ingredients.

Ricotta Crostini with Peas and Mint

Get ready for spring with this impressive and delicious spring appetizer -- crostini with creamy ricotta, fresh English peas and fragrant mint.

Spinach Gratin

Spinach gratin is a rich and creamy side dish with a layer of crispy melty cheese on top. This fancy side is easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.

Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. This side dish is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.

More Delicious Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Green Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of green recipes for St. Patrick's Day. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.

Skillet Dinner Rolls

Quick and Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and served warm right out of the oven with a brush of melted butter making them the only bread recipe you'll need to complement any dinner. Plus, using a cast-iron skillet to make these homemade bread rolls means even easier preparation and serving!

Putting freshly baked bread on the table used to be something that only our grandmothers used to do. Nowadays, we just don't have the time. We are always on the go, running from one place to the next, so getting freshly baked bread seems like a mountainous task. But guess what? What used to take hours to make can now be put on the table in just over half an hour, while you preparing dinner for the night! These quick and easy dinner rolls are just that - EASY.

It takes just over 30 minutes to make these skillet dinner rolls from scratch using only 8 pantry staple ingredients. You will spend ten minutes (or less!) mixing the ingredients before a brief rest to rise, so you can work on other dishes or hang out with your family and still enjoy delicious homemade rolls with dinner!

Why You'll Love these Skillet Dinner Rolls

The best dinner rolls ever. When you think about dinner rolls, what do you think of? The perfectly golden brown tops. The steaming, warm buttery inside. The fluffy texture. It's all perfectly reminiscent of gathering around the table as a child. As a kid, bread always was the best part of any meal, after all.
Unbelievably soft and buttery. Fresh, homemade dinner rolls are guaranteed to draw people to the dinner table - even before you announce the meal is ready! Add in the fun pull-apart-ability of these soft, buttery skillet dinner rolls and you've got the ultimate recipe for mealtime success.
Easy to make for dinner. You won't believe what a difference freshly baked bread makes when it's on the dinner table. The smell, the buttery flavor, it all complements dinner in a homey, feel-good way. It's the extra touch of homemade happiness that brings a meal together on the table.Homemade rolls don't have to be intimidating. These quick and easy skillet dinner rolls require less than ten steps and just 8 ingredients before popping them in the oven. They're beginner-friendly and foolproof!
Ready in under an hour. The entire process to make these rolls requires only ten minutes of active preparation (plus just 10 minutes of rest time) before baking. After 15 minutes in the oven, you'll have fluffy, buttery, golden-brown rolls ready for the dinner table. This leaves you free to start dinner, take a breather, and kick your feet up as you begin to unwind from a long day at work.
Serve them for any occasion. Whether you are serving up these rolls on a weeknight during the dinner rush or making them for everyone surrounding your Thanksgiving Day table, you will find yourself keeping this recipe on hand for easy dinner rolls for years and years to come.

Ingredient Notes

To make these quick and easy Skillet Dinner Rolls, you will need to gather some pantry staple ingredients (see recipe card below for full measurements):

whole milk - using room temperature milk keeps these dinner ultra soft and fluffy. If you want, you can use warm water instead - just make sure the water isn't too hot or it will kill the yeast and the bread won't rise. A little above lukewarm will do.
vegetable oil - you can also use avocado oil or olive oil.
active dry yeast - you can use the kind from a jar or a packet - either is fine as long as the measurement remains the same.
sugar - you can also use an equal measure of honey or maple syrup instead.
salt
egg - as with any baking project, try to get the egg as close to room temperature as possible before mixing.
all-purpose flour - you can try swapping for a measure-for-measure gluten free flour to make these rolls gluten-free.
salted butter - if you're out of salted butter, you can use unsalted butter.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons (or a kitchen scale), a mixing bowl and whisk or a stand mixer with a dough hook, and a large cast-iron skillet.

How to Make the Best Skillet Dinner Rolls

Activate the yeast. In a mixing bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), stir together milk (or warm water), vegetable oil, yeast, and sugar. Let rest 15 minutes until foamy.

Add remaining ingredients. Add in 2 cups flour, salt, and egg. Stir until combined (or use a dough hook in your stand mixer to mix until combined). Gradually add in the remaining flour, stirring between each addition until completely combined.

Knead the dough. Knead the dough manually using your hands on a clean surface for 5 minutes, or use the dough hook of your stand mixer to knead for 5 minutes until smooth.

Tips for Kneading Dough

How to knead dough: Knead the dough by pushing it down and outward using the palms of your hands. Fold the dough in half toward you and press down. Repeat this motion by pushing the dough down and outward, and then folding over towards you. This helps build up gluten strength in dough that is responsible for making the bread fluffy.
How to test if dough is well-kneaded: A well-kneaded dough is smooth and can hold its shape. You can test the dough by giving it a firm poke with your finger. The indentation should bounce right back. If it doesn't bounce back and stays like a dimple, keep kneading for a few more minutes.

Shape the rolls. Use your hands to shape the dough into 12 balls. You may want to roll them on a clean surface for a couple of minutes until they are smooth and tight and not lumpy.

Rest. Grease a cast-iron skillet with butter. Place dough balls in the greased cast-iron skillet. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. The balls of dough should almost double in size.
Bake. Brush the tops of the rolls with half the melted butter. Bake in a 400F preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
Serve. Remove from oven and brush again with remaining melted butter. Sprinkle some dried parsley or oregano on top (if desired) and serve warm.

How to Serve Dinner Rolls

The flavour of these rolls is light and rich, without being too overpowering in taste to take over the entire meal. Simply serve them with butter alongside a meal or drizzle some honey in with butter for a pleasant sweet surprise in every buttery bite.

The best thing about these rolls is that they go with basically any dinner you can think of. From meat and seafood, pasta and rice, and curry and soup, a side of these freshly baked rolls is just the extra bit of comfort you want to serve up to your family and friends gathered around your dinner table. Some delicious dinner ideas that you can serve these rolls with are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make the dough ahead of time. Did you know you can make skillet rolls ahead of time? Just follow steps 1-5, but instead of allowing them to rise, stick them straight in the freezer and then transfer them to a freezer bag once they've frozen solid. Then, allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight and continue the recipe where you left off at step 5.
Don't over-knead. Using a stand mixer, it can be easy to let the hook overmix the dough, but be sure to watch closely. If the dough is over-kneaded, it can become dense and heavy instead of soft and fluffy. Stop the machine as soon as the ingredients are fully combined and the dough is tight (not lumpy) to prevent chewy rolls!

Storage and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer leftover skillet dinner rolls into a large Ziploc bag, pressing all the air out before sealing. Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight for up to 4-5 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week but they will dry out a bit. You can reheat them to add some moisture back in.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm. You can also reheat dinner rolls or in the oven at 350℉ for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes until heated through.

How to Freeze

You can choose to separate the rolls or leave them in one unit, but either way you can transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat the frozen dinner rolls in the oven straight from frozen to preserve the texture. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the reheating time.

More Bread Recipes

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Kimchi Dumplings

Kimchi Dumplings are savory, a little tangy, and incredibly flavorful. These delicious Korean-inspired dumplings contain real kimchi and get seared and steamed to create the classic chewy top and crispy bottom that makes potstickers (dumplings) so good.

Making pork kimchi potstickers takes an hour in total since you have to wrap each dumpling individually, but the time spent is well worth the end result. Make it a family affair and include your whole family in assembling and wrapping the dumplings for faster preparation and kitchen fun! You'll love these easy, tasty, and healthy homemade kimchi dumplings.

Why You'll Love these Kimchi Dumplings

Authentic Korean flavors. Bring home a piece of your favorite Korean restaurant with these quick and easy kimchi dumplings! Authentic ingredients like kimchi, sesame oil, and rice wine make these kimchi pork dumplings truly restaurant-worthy.
Healthy and delicious. The hearty ingredients in these dumplings include ground pork, onion, garlic, ginger, and the all-important kimchi. Kimchi is made from fermented cabbage and is probiotic-rich food - great for your gut and your taste buds!
Better than store-bought dumplings. We've all been there - the dumplings on the outside of the freezer bag look much better than the actual result once you've cooked them. Skip the freezer aisle and make these pork dumplings with kimchi from scratch for a dish that will satisfy every time!

Ingredient Notes

To make these flavorful Pork Kimchi Dumplings, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

ground pork - these dumplings are traditionally made with ground pork, but you can also try them with ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, or even tofu if necessary!
kimchi - use whatever kind of kimchi you have - both homemade and store-bought will work fine for this recipe.
yellow onion - if you don't have any yellow onion on hand, you can use a sweet or white onion instead.
garlic - fresh garlic is the best for flavor, but you can also use pre-minced garlic. Just use 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for each clove called for here.
fresh ginger - the same goes for ginger - using fresh ginger will give these kimchi dumplings fresher flavor, but
soy sauce - you can use low-sodium soy sauce, substitute with oyster sauce, or use coconut aminos to make the filling gluten free.
rice wine - this is optional, for flavor.
egg - the egg in this recipe acts as a binder to hold the filling together. You can mimic this with a mixture of cornstarch or flour and water to create a sticky paste that will bind the filling ingredients.
sesame oil - sesame oil adds an earthy, nutty flavor to the dumplings, but you can omit it if you don't like the taste of sesame.
salt and pepper - for the pepper, feel free to use ground black pepper or white pepper for a more authentic flavor.
dumpling wrappers - store-bought wrappers are great for convenient and time-saving dumplings, but you can make your own Homemade Dumpling Wrappers at home if you have the time.
vegetable oil and water - for "steam-frying" if cooking these dumplings in the frying pan.
black sesame seeds - optional, for garnish.
green onions - optional, for garnish.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, tea towel, and a large skillet or cooking pot (depending on whether you are pan frying or boiling the dumplings).

How to Make the Best Kimchi Dumplings

First, make the filling.

Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add pork, kimchi, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, egg, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to mix until evenly combined. You can also add all the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer or food processor and mix until evenly combined, about 1-2 minutes.
Marinate. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap and let the mixture marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator) to soak in all the flavours.

Next, wrap the dumplings.

Moisten edges. Prepare a small bowl of water for dipping your fingers into. Take one dumpling wrapper at a time and place it into the palm of your hand. Dip your finger into water and smear it along the edge of the wrapper.
Add filling. Transfer a tablespoon of filling into the centre.
Wrap dumplings. Fold the wrapper over into a half-moon shape, and enclose the filling inside. Press the edges together to seal, or pleat the edges together with your finger. Place the dumpling on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Repeat. Repeat with all dumplings. Cover with a tea towel to prevent the wrappers from drying out.

Finally, cook the dumplings.

You can pan-fry the dumplings or boil them.

How to pan fry dumplings (potstickers)

Fry the bottoms. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick frying pan until hot, about 1-2 minutes. Place a batch of 12-15 dumplings on the pan and place them approximately ½-inch apart to make sure that they don't stick together. Cook for 3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.
Add water to steam. Add ½ cup water into the pan to cover half of the dumplings' height (½-inch deep). The water should start sizzling and boiling immediately. Cover with the lid and cook for 7-8 minutes until almost all the water has evaporated.
Absorb. Remove the lid and lower the temperature to medium heat. Cook for another 2 minutes until all water has been absorbed. The bottom of the dumplings should be crispy.
Repeat. Repeat the same steps for the rest of the dumplings.

How to boil dumplings

Add dumplings (in batches) in a large pot of boiling water and cook until they are floating, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and serve.

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy. Add a tablespoon or two of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha to the pork kimchi filling for some extra heat.
Make it vegetarian. Substitute the pork with a mixture of sautéed chopped mushrooms or tofu.
Switch the protein. Replace the ground pork with ground beef or ground turkey for a different flavor. You can also use shrimp or crabmeat instead for a seafood twist on these Korean dumplings.
Make steamed buns. Use the same filling to make steamed buns instead of dumplings. Just wrap the filling in a ball of dough and steam until cooked through. See our Vegetarian Steamed Buns for the dough recipe.

How to Serve

Sprinkle some black sesame seeds and green onions on top and serve these Kimchi Dumplings with a side of vinegar or soy sauce for dipping.

These dumplings are delicious on their own or served as a complete meal with other Asian-inspired side dishes including:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use your favorite pleating method. If you're a pleating pro, feel free to make the folds as complicated as you like. But if you're a beginner, feel free to simply press the edges together or watch a YouTube video for a simple crimped edge!
Don't overfill your wrappers. It may be tempting to stuff as much filling as possible into each of the dumplings, but it's important to be precise and refrain from adding too much of the pork and kimchi mixture. Otherwise, you run the risk of the dumplings bursting open and leaking before they're cooked!
Make your own homemade wrappers. You can use store-bought wrappers for convenience's sake, but it's actually incredibly easy to make your own wrappers at home with simple pantry ingredients! Check out our Homemade Dumpling Wrappers recipe to make these kimchi dumplings completely from scratch.
How to make steamed dumplings: To make steamed dumplings instead of potstickers, simply place the uncooked dumplings on a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Steam for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Use leftovers creatively. Use the leftover filling to make a batch of kimchi fried rice by frying it up with some cooked rice, chopped kimchi, and a few other seasonings. See our Vegetarian Fried Rice recipe for tips.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the kimchi dumplings have completely cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat cooked dumplings on the stovetop with a splash of water over medium-low heat until heated through.

How to Freeze Uncooked Dumplings / Make Ahead Instructions

You'll love these kimchi dumplings the day you make them and weeks after - if you freeze them (uncooked). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper, arrange the dumplings in a single layer so they're not touching each other, and freeze for one hour until they become solid. Then, transfer the frozen dumplings to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Cook from Frozen

You can cook these kimchi gyoza straight from the freezer. Follow the same steps in this recipe, but when you cover and cook until the water has evaporated, then add another ¼ cup of water and cover. Keep cooking until water almost evaporates, about 5 more minutes.

More Chinese Dumpling Recipes

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Mini Pancakes (Silver Dollar Pancakes)

Mini Pancakes (or Silver Dollar Pancakes) are the fluffy, fun-sized version of classic pancakes that we all know and love. Made in just minutes using a handful of everyday ingredients and served warm with a smattering of fresh fruit and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, they're a breakfast favorite for adults and kids alike!

It takes only 15 minutes to make these pancakes from scratch - the same amount of time it takes to use a box mix (but minus the preservatives and filler ingredients!). They're perfect for both busy weekday mornings and lazy weekend days, and your family is sure to request them often.

Why You'll Love these Mini Pancakes

Better than box mix (but just as easy). No need to stock up on boxed pancake mixes that rely on artificial ingredients and preservatives-you can make better silver dollar pancakes at home using a few wholesome pantry staples.
A big hit with kids. Kids love these mini pancakes more than regular sized Old Fashioned Pancakes - they're fun, dippable, and easy to eat with hands or a fork. Plus, they're super cute!
They're freezer-friendly. These small pancakes freeze beautifully and reheat in a flash (from frozen too!). You can prep them ahead of time and freeze for easy breezy breakfasts - just microwave or pop into the oven for a few minutes for a quick-bake and go!

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Mini Pancakes or Silver Dollar Pancakes, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - all-purpose flour will render the classic fluffy pancake texture, but you can try using an equal amount of measure-for-measure gluten free flour if you're sensitive to gluten.
baking powder - out of baking powder? Combine ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar to make your own!
granulated sugar - a granulated sugar alternative like coconut sugar, date sugar, or sugar-free substitute like Swerve will also work as a sweetener for these mini pancakes, but the sugar you choose may alter the flavor.
salt
milk - you can swap the cow's milk for a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut if you need to.
unsalted butter - you can use salted butter if that's all you have on hand, but using unsalted will give you more control over the final flavor of the pancakes. Decrease or omit the additional salt in the recipe as needed!
vanilla extract - an equal amount of vanilla bean paste can be used in place of vanilla extract for a more rich vanilla flavor.
egg - out of eggs or looking for a plant-based ingredient swap? Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for every egg in the recipe.

Toppings

You can serve these silver dollar pancakes plain or with your favorite toppings. We used butter, maple syrup, and raspberries.

butter - you can substitute the butter for a vegan butter alternative if you want to make this recipe more vegan-friendly.
maple syrup - spring for the real maple syrup if you can find it!
raspberries - we used raspberries, but you can top your pancakes with your favorite fresh fruit like blueberries, peaches, strawberries, or apples.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and a large skillet or griddle.

How to Make the Best Mini Pancakes (Silver Dollar Pancakes)

Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

Add wet ingredients. Add in together milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Whisk together to combine, until just combined (It will still be lumpy, but do not overmix). If the batter is too thick, add in 1 tablespoon more milk, as needed.

Scoop batter. Coat a large frying pan or griddle with butter. Heat pan over medium heat and add pancake batter using a small cookie scoop or 1 tablespoon of batter. Add as many as fit in your pan or griddle.
Cook. Cook the pancakes on both sides until small bubbles have begun to form on the surface and edges and the pancake is golden brown, about 45 seconds. Flip the pancake over and cook for another 45 seconds until the other side is also golden brown.

Repeat. Repeat until batter is used up. You may need to coat your pan with more butter as you keep cooking new batches.

Serve. Serve on a plate with pats or butter, berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

Add berries. Add up to a cup of fresh berries into your pancake batter. Our favorites are blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries.
Add chocolate chips. Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into your pancake batter before cooking. You can also sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before serving.
Make banana pancakes. Mash a ripe banana and mix it into your pancake batter. Cook the pancakes as usual and serve with sliced bananas and a dollop of whipped cream.
Add a cinnamon roll flavor. Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar into the pancake batter. You can also make a cream cheese glaze and drizzle it over the pancakes berfore serving. See our Skillet Cinnamon Rolls for a cream cheese glaze that you can scale down.
Make them lemony. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to your pancake batter to give it a brighter citrus flavor.

How to Serve

These Silver Dollar Pancakes are a delicious and fun breakfast to serve on their own for a simple breakfast or as part of an elaborate brunch spread with all our favorite breakfast items including:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make things fun with a topping bar. Spice things up for a special occasion or celebrate the weekend by giving your family a choice of toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and a fresh fruit option.
Don't over-mix the batter. Pancake batter should not be perfectly smooth - you want to leave a few lumps in it! Otherwise, your pancakes will turn out tough and chewy instead of light and fluffy. For this reason, it's best to hand mix pancakes unless you're closely monitoring a hand or stand mixer.
Make sure your cooking surface is hot enough. Pancakes spreading too fast or sticking to the pan when you try to flip them? Give your cooking surface a few minutes to come up to temperature before adding the butter and pancake batter.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer cooled mini pancakes into an airtight container or ziploc bag and refrigerate for up to one week.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or on the stovetop over medium low heat until heated through.

How to Freeze

Freeze mini pancakes by transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze these pancakes for up to 2 months. You can reheat single pancakes directly from frozen in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 325℉ for 4-7 minutes.

More Pancake Recipes

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Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies (uncinetti) are cake-like cookies that are light and fluffy with lemon flavor throughout and are topped with an easy homemade glaze with festive pastel sprinkles on top.

These Italian cookies are quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes with no chilling required. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and are freezer-friendly because who doesn't love having cookies on hand whenever the craving hits? Serve them with tea or coffee, as a dessert after dinner, or for an Easter holiday cookie box.

Topping them with sweet lemon icing made from scratch icing and holiday sprinkles makes these treats even more fun. They look so cute next to Easter Egg Sugar Cookies, Mini Egg Cookies, Easter Bark, or Carrot Cake Cookies.

Why You'll Love these Italian Easter Cookies

Classic Italian cookie. These Italian Easter cookies are a traditional Italian cookie that is served during the Easter holiday season. They are known as "uncinetti" cookies and they are typically shaped into a knot (we decided to make things easy and scoop and drop them instead). They are loved for their simple yet sophisticated look and taste of not being overly sweet which makes them the perfect tea time treat.
Sweet lemon flavor. Real lemon juice and lemon zest are used in this cookie to create a light cookie that is bursting with citrus flavor. There is also lemon juice in the glaze because twice the lemon flavor is just more fun! The tangy lemons balances out the sweet cakey cookies so well. They taste like they came from a local bakery - but even better because no unnecessary additives here!
They're quick and easy. From start to finish, these Italian lemon cookies only just 30 minutes to make and bake which means there is fancy steps involved and no chilling required! They're so qucik and easy that you can make them before dinner and enjoy hot and fresh cookies out of the oven by dessert time.
Simple ingredients. These easy Italian cookies come together using classic baking ingredients and pantry staples. There is not trip to a specialty Italian grocery store involved here. In fact, you may already have everything you need for this recipe already on hand - especially if you are a baker.

Ingredient Notes

To make these festive Italian Easter Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - you could try using a gluten free measure-for-measure flour instead of a wheat-based flour if you're sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease.
baking powder
salt - finely ground salt distributes throughout the dough the most evenly.
butter - for cookies, butter should be brought up to room temperature before you start to make the dough. This helps it cream with the sugars and wet ingredients for a consistent texture. You also want to use unsalted butter. If using salted butter, just leave out the salt in the recipe.
granulated sugar - you can substitute with confectioners' sugar instead. Confectioners' sugar will create a finer texture in these cookies.
eggs
lemon juice - fresh squeezed lemon juice will offer the best lemon flavor with no additives, but you can use store-bought lemon juice if you need to. You can also substitute the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon lemon extract.
lemon zest - you can omit this if necessary, but lemon zest adds flavor and color.
lemon glaze - so easy to make with confectioner's sugar, lemon juice, and milk.
sprinkles - use pastel colored sprinkles to keep them festive for Easter.

Baking Tools and Equipment

You will also need the following kitchen tools and baking equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Italian Easter Cookies

Combine wet ingredients. Cream butter and sugar together using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer) on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and lemon juice and beat until incorporated.

Add dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until combined (The dough will be sticky).

Scoop cookies. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out 1 tablespoon of cookie dough. Drop on the prepared cookie sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until lightly brown and firm. Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Make Glaze for Easter Cookies

Combine ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of milk together. Add up to 1 more tablespoon of milk if needed to thin out the icing.
Dip cookies. Carefully dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze. Flip them back over and return to the wire cooling rack.
Add topping. Immediately top with sprinkles. Allow the icing to set before storing.

How to Serve

Italian Easter Cookies are the perfect tea time cookie with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Some of my favorite warm drinks to serve with these lemon cookies are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use room temperature ingredients. Make sure that you take the butter and eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before. This makes it easier for you to combine everything together and prevent overmixing the dough.
Cookie scoop alternative. If you don't have a cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop handy, you can use two spoons to form and drop your dough onto the sheet pan, and round things out using the back of the spoon. Using spoons keeps your hands clean and makes sure the cookies are roughly the same size.
Leave enough time to cool. These Easter cookies are fragile and delicate and will be prone to breaking immediately after baking. They need to firm up for a few minutes on the baking sheet before carefully moving them to a cooling rack.
Do not add icing to warm cookies. The cookies should be completely cool before icing them. If they are still warm, the icing will melt and seep into the cookies, making them mushy and overly sweet!
Get creative with toppings: Instead of sprinkles, you can try topping these lemon cookies with lemon zest, coconut flakes, edible glitter, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or anything else you want. Have fun with it and get the kids to help too!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store Italian Easter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Store in a single layer to prevent the icing from smudging. You could also store each cookie in mini cupcake liners so that they don't touch each other and cause the icing to smudge off on each other.

How to Freeze

If planning to make a large batch of Easter cookies to freeze, I would recommend not icing them until you are ready to serve, as the icing doesn't so well in the freezer and tends to crack when frozen.

Arrange the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container, in single layers layered in between pieces of parchment paper. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Store and Freeze Cookie Dough

Storing cookie dough: Shape the dough into a ball or disc and wrap it tightly in plastic cling wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before baking. You may need to increase the bake time by 1-2 minutes to account for the cooler temperature of the dough.
Freezing cookie dough: Shape the dough into a ball or disc and wrap it tightly in plastic cling wrap. Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dough to defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

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Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach

This Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. This classic Italian dish gets a meatless upgrade in this vegetarian version that is packed with classic Italian flavors: tender noodles, crushed tomatoes, three types of cheese, and fresh spinach and herbs are guaranteed to make this your new go-to lasagna recipe for family dinners.

You won't miss the meat here! This vegetarian lasagna is incredibly filling and just as easy to make as any other lasagna - only 20 minutes of prep work and an hour in the oven are all you need to get a perfectly browned lasagna on the table and ready to eat. Plus, it's freezer-friendly too and can be reheated from frozen so don't worry about leftovers - if there even are any!

Why You'll Love This Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach

The best combination of ingredients. Every ingredient in this dish comes together to create incredible flavors that you can taste in every bite. The spinach, the cheese, the lasagna noodles, and the fire-roasted tomato sauce. The fire-roasted tomatoes are grilled over an open flame to maximize natural sweetness and subtle smokiness. It adds a depth of flavor like no other.
It is super cheesy. Lasagna is known for layers of creamy, stretchy, and salty cheese - and this vegetarian lasagna delivers! Three different kinds of cheese (Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella) create the layers of cheesy textures and flavors that make this lasagna so comforting and delicious.
Simple preparation. Don't let the long list of ingredients fool you - the instructions for this lasagna are broken down into easy-to-follow steps and the active preparation time is only 20 minutes, so this is a great meal to make when you want a show-stopping dish without a lot of effort! Plus, it's easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly!
Great as a side or an entree. This lasagna is incredibly versatile: it's perfect when served as a side at a large gathering or potluck and it's a satisfying entree for family meals at home. It's sure to steal the show either way!

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

lasagna noodles - you can use regular or gluten free lasagna noodles to make this recipe a bit more allergy-friendly. If crunched for time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles which can be layered in dry.
vegetables
- onion - yellow onions are great for lasagna, but you can use whatever kind you have on hand.
- fire-roasted crushed tomatoes - if you can't find fire-roasted tomatoes, just use a can of crushed tomatoes.
- spinach - baby kale or baby chard will produce a similar result if used in place of the spinach.
cheese
- ricotta cheese - try Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta if you need one. Note that the texture will be different.
- Parmesan cheese - Asiago cheese or Pecorino Romano will also work instead of the Parmesan.
- mozzarella cheese - if you don't like mozzarella, you can increase the amount of Parmesan cheese used here or try a similar cheese like shredded provolone or cheddar instead.
seasoning
- garlic - fresh garlic will give you the best flavor, but you can also use 1 teaspoon of pre-minced in place of each clove of garlic in the recipe.
- dried oregano - you can also use Italian seasoning or finely chopped fresh oregano for a slightly more intense flavor.
- sugar - feel free to swap the sugar with your favorite sugar alternative. We just add a little sweetness to balance out the tangy tomatoes.
- fresh basil - dried basil will work if you can't find fresh, but the texture will be affected.
- Italian seasoning - if you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried marjoram.
- ground nutmeg - freshly ground or pre-ground are both fine for this recipe.
- salt and pepper
olive oil - avocado oil has a similar smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great replacement for olive oil.
butter - you can use an equal amount of olive or avocado oil in place of the butter in this recipe.
egg - you can use two tablespoons of aquafaba instead of the egg in this recipe if necessary.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, saucepan, mixing bowl, skillet, and a 9x13-inch casserole pan.

How to Cook the Best Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach

First, make the tomato sauce.

Sauté ingredients.Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and continue to sauté until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar. Stir to combine.
Simmer. Bring sauce to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil. Season with salt and pepper.

Then, make the spinach-cheese mixture.

Prep the spinach. Use your hands or a cheese cloth and squeeze the spinach to remove excess water. Set aside.

Cook. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add spinach and continue sauté until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Combine ingredeints. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Assemble the lasagna.

Cook lasagna noodles. In a large pot of salted water, cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, about 8 minutes or according to package instructions.

Layer the lasagna in a 9x13-inch casserole:

Tomato sauce. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Lasagna noodles. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.

Spinach-cheese mixture. Spread half the the spinach mixture on top.

Mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle on ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
Tomato sauce. Add 1 cup of tomato sauce.

Lasagna noodles. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
Spinach-cheese mixture. Spread the remaining half the the spinach mixture on top.
Mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle on ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

Tomato sauce. Add 1 cup of tomato sauce.
Lasagna noodles. Add remaining 3 lasagna noodles.

Tomato sauce. Add remaining tomato sauce
Mozzarella cheese. Add 1 and ¼ cups of mozzarella cheese on top.

Finally, bake the lasagna.

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a 375F preheated oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake for 15-20 more minutes until cheese is golden brown.

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Garnish with freshly chopped basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve.

Recipe Variations

Add meat. Cook up some ground beef or ground turkey and then start sautéing the onions for the tomato sauce in the same pan, and follow the rest of the instructions as written.
Add veggies. You can also add a layer of sliced roasted vegetables. Some good options are roasted eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Make roll ups. Instead of a traditional lasagna, make lasagna roll ups. Prepare the tomato sauce, spinach-cheese mixture as is. Just assemble the lasagna different. See our Lasagna Roll Ups for full instructions on how to assemble.

How to Serve

Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach is delicious and filling meal served on its own, or paired with classic breadsticks and a family-style salad. Some of our family's favorites include:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Spreading tip. The spinach mixture may be hard to spread on the lasagna noodles. You can drop them them in spoonfuls and then spread around using the back of the spoon.
Use no boil lasagna noodles. If crunched for time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles which can be layered in dry.
Make ahead and freeze for a rainy day. Lasagna is a great freezer meal to have on hand for days when you don't have extra time or energy to cook a homemade meal, and it's incredibly freezer-friendly! You can make it ahead in an aluminum pan, freeze, and pop it straight into the oven when you need it.
Prep ahead. You can also prepare this ahead of the time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before you are ready to bake.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer leftover vegetarian lasagna into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover lasagna in a casserole dish in a 350F preheated oven for 10-20 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer at 350F for up to 10 minutes until warm and bubbly. You can also reheat in the microwave.

How to Freeze

Transfer the entire lasagna (or slices) into a freezer-friendly container and wrap tightly with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the lasagna to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or reheat straight from frozen in the oven (adding up to 10 minutes extra to the reheating time).

More Lasagna Recipes

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This post was originally sponsored by Muir Glen in 2017. It has been completely updated in 2023 with new content and images.

Baked Potato Wedges

These Baked Potato Wedges are crispy, cheesy, and perfectly soft in the center - exactly what you want from a potato wedge, but without frying! Served hot with ketchup or your preferred dipping sauce, this side is perfect for cookouts or any time you want a simple potato side.

The best part? Easy potato wedges require only ten minutes of active preparation before they go in the oven or air fryer! A little bit of effort yields a lot of flavor from these simple baked potato wedges. They're the perfect anytime side dish.

Why You'll Love these Baked Potatoes

Simple ingredients. You can make these delicious oven baked potato wedges using just a handful of common items - meaning no special grocery store trips and no additives or artificial ingredients. They're better than their store-bought counterparts in both taste and preparation!
The best texture. These potato wedges are crispy on the outside and soft and tender inside - just what you want when it comes to potatoes. Whether you cook them in the oven or air fryer, the results are the same.
Vegetarian-friendly side. Need something quick and tasty for a meatless dinner guest or just craving a vegetarian side that isn't broccoli? These air fryer potato wedges do just the trick. They can also be made vegan with one single ingredient swap (see the ingredient notes for details!).
A cheesy twist on a classic. Most people serve their potato wedges naked, but adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and parsley before serving really elevates these fries to restaurant-worthy status! But it's completely optional.

Ingredient Notes

To make delicious Baked Potato Wedges, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

russet potatoes - russets work best here, but you can also use New Potatoes or Yukon Golds instead.
olive oil - avocado oil or vegetable oil are suitable replacements for olive oil in this recipe.
salt and pepper
paprika - you can use smoked paprika instead if you prefer the flavor, or swap it with chili powder for a similar effect.
garlic powder - if you're a big fan of garlic, you can increase the quantity to intensify the flavor or omit it completely if you don't like garlic.
Parmesan cheese - you can also use Asiago cheese, or try a vegan Parmesan-style cheese instead to make these completely vegan.
fresh parsley - if you don't like parsley, try a different soft herb like dill or basil.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Baked Potato Wedges

Prep potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water and use paper towels to pat them completely dry. Cut each potato into 8 even wedges.

Season. In a large mixing bowl, add potato wedges, oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well and coat evenly.

Bake. Place potato wedges in a single layer on a large half sheet baking pan. Bake in a 375F preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and fork tender.

Serve. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley (if using) and serve warm.

Potato Wedges in the Air Fryer

You can also cook crispy potato wedges quickly in the air fryer. Place the seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375F for 20-22 minutes, until golden brown and tender. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

How to Serve

These crispy Baked Potato Wedges are delicious served on their own with a dipping sauce such as:

They also pair well with almost any entree. Some of our favorite meals to serve these on the side of are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make your own dipping sauce. Everyone has their own favorite condiment for potato wedges. Make these your own by perfecting your personal "special sauce" to serve alongside them!
Use an oven thermometer. Not all ovens operate at the temperature shown on the display. Make sure your oven isn't sabotaging your crispy baked potato wedges by double checking the actual temperature with an oven thermometer and adjust if necessary.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer the cooled potato wedges to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 375℉ for 10-15 minutes or in a 375F air fryer for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crisped up.

How to Freeze

Place the potato wedges in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen to maintain the texture - adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

More Potato Recipes

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Vegetarian Paella

Vegetarian Paella is a delicious and flavorful classic Spanish rice dish that is savory, hearty, and filling. Perfectly cooked rice gets dressed up with saffron, smoked paprika, and a variety of tender vegetables.

Everything you love about paella is made more accessible in this vegan version. In under an hour, you can create a hearty vegetarian one pot rice that's elegant enough to rival restaurants in Spain. Treat yourself to a bowl full of Spanish paella on a busy weeknight or hang on to the recipe for your next potluck or dinner party - whenever you make it, this plant-based dish will become your new favorite indulgence.

Why You'll Love this Vegetarian Paella

Classic Spanish dish. Paella is a beloved Spanish rice dish that's known for its bold flavor and tender (but firm) short-grain rice. Using saffron, smoked paprika, and tomato paste gives this dish the signature paella flavor it's known and loved for.
Vegetarian and vegan friendly. Unlike the traditional version, which is typically made with meat and/or seafood, this Spanish paella is made entirely of plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products - meaning even those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets can enjoy it.
Special occasion worthy. This impressive vegetable rice is relatively easy to make, but it packs a powerful punch both visually and in flavor - making it the perfect side or main dish for your next dinner party or romantic evening!

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Vegetarian Paella, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

olive oil - vegetable oil or avocado oil will work well in place of the olive oil.
cherry tomatoes - you can also use grape or campari tomatoes for a similar effect.
red onion - yellow or white onion can be swapped for red onions.
garlic - you can swap 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic per one garlic clove if needed.
red bell pepper - orange or yellow bell pepper would be the best substitutes, but you can also use green pepper.
zucchini - a similar squash like yellow squash or even sweet potato will also work.
smoked paprika - you can use regular paprika if you need to.
tomato paste - tomato puree will be the closest substitute for tomato paste. Triple the measurement when substituting puree for paste.
artichokes - if you can't find quartered artichokes, try hearts of palm instead. Fresh artichokes will be labor-intensive and won't have the same flavor or texture as marinated ones.
Kalamata olives - black olives will also work if you have them on hand.
paella rice - paella rice or Bomba rice has a shorter grain than your typical rice. Look for arborio if you can't find it.
vegetable stock - you can also use chicken stock, but it will change the nature of the recipe and it will no longer be considered vegetarian.
saffron - if you don't have saffron, you can use turmeric for a similar color but different flavor.
salt and pepper
chives - or use green onions.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a 10-inch paella pan or large skillet, and aluminum foil.

How to Make the Best Vegetarian Paella

Sauté tomatoes. Heat oil in a 10-inch paella pan or large skillet over medium-high heat until the hot oil is sizzling hot, about 1-2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add veggies. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and zucchini and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Season. Stir in paprika and tomato paste. Mix well until evenly distributed.
Add rice. Add artichokes, olives, and rice, and mix evenly. Slowly pour the vegetable stock into the pan and sprinkle in the crushed saffron. Stir gently until the rice is evenly distributed (The ideal liquid to rice ratio is 3:1). Then, season with salt and pepper.
Cook. Cook uncovered on medium-high heat until the rice has absorbed all the liquid, about 20-22 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 6-8 minutes until the rice is al dente. The rice should be tender yet firm.
Serve. Sprinkle with chives and serve warm.

Recipe Variations

Add protein. Add in some seared chicken when before adding in the veggies, rice, and stock. See our Chicken Paella for instructions. You can also top the paella with mussels and shrimp in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Change the veggies. You can substitute these Mediterranean veggies with whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, and sweet potato are some options (not traditional choices though).
Add beans. Butter beans or white kidney beans are common to add to classic paella. Feel free to stir in your favorite cooked beans such as butter beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas.

How to Serve

This complex vegetarian paella will steal the show as the centerpiece of the meal, so simple sides like a chopped salad, homemade breadsticks, or simple sautéed vegetables will compliment the paella perfectly.

Some of my favorite sides to pair with this Spanish rice are:

Skip the tapas bar and make Patatas Bravas at home with crispy, roasted potatoes smothered in a homemade sweet and spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli. | aheadofthyme.com

Simple tomato cucumber avocado salad with a delicious lemon vinaigrette is a light and refreshing salad that comes together in literally 5 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don't disturb the paella. You may be tempted to agitate the rice or check on it frequently as it rests, leaving it alone will produce the best results! Otherwise you run the risk of unevenly distributing the rice or releasing steam that the rice needs to soften. Just set a timer and distract yourself until it goes off.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer leftover paella into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments until warm.

How to Freeze

Store the cooled paella in a freezer safe container or freezer bag or divide it into portions and place the portions in freezer safe meal prep containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

More Rice Recipes

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50 Easy Pantry Staple Recipes

Wondering what to make for dinner using ingredients from your fully stocked pantry? Whether you are out of fresh ingredients, or just want to use up some ingredients that have been sitting in your pantry for a while, cooking from your pantry doesn't have to be boring! We have rounded up over 50 of the best easy pantry staple recipes that are delicious and nutritious, including everything from beans and rice, soups and stews, pasta and noodles, and more!

How to Stock a Pantry

A well-stocked pantry for savory cooking includes essential non-perishable foods including:

Beans: Beans are the pantry staple item, whether they are dry or canned. Now is the time to start using them up.
Canned goods: Canned goods like tomatoes and corn can be used to create hearty soups, stews, and chili. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added options. Tuna is also a canned good that can be used in many recipes.
Pasta: Pasta is another item that you should stock in your fridge. It's a lifesaver when it comes to easy weeknight dinners in under 30 minutes.
Grains: Stock your pantry with a variety of grains like quinoa, couscous, and barley. These are versatile and can be used in a range of dishes.
Rice:
Nuts: Nuts are great to have on hand as a healthy snack or an ingredient in cooking and baking.
Cooking oils: Keep cooking oils on hand: Cooking oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oil are essential for many recipes. Choose high-quality oils and store them in a cool, dark place.
Spices: Stock your pantry with a variety of spices to add flavor to your meals. Some essentials might include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.
Bread-making ingredients: Flour, yeast, water and salt. That's pretty much all you need to bake homemade bread.

Easy Pantry Staple Recipes

Beans and Nuts Pantry Recipes

20-Minute One Pot Lentils (using dry lentils)

Easy 20-Minute One Pot Lentils are a healthy, nourishing, and delicious vegan meal that is easy to make in a few simple steps. Make a big batch and freeze!

Sheet Pan Quesadillas (using canned black beans)

These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are loaded with veggies and gooey cheese, baked in the oven until crispy, and made to feed a crowd in just 30 minutes.

White Bean Soup with Kale

White Bean Soup with Kale is a hearty and nourishing one-pot meal that is flavorful and easy. Make this healthy soup in 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Falafel (using canned chickpeas)

Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein. One of my favorite vegetarian meals.

Southern Black Eyed Peas

Southern Black Eyed Peas (Hoppin' John) is classic comfort food that is hearty, delicious, flavorful, and comforting. Serve it on New Year's for good luck.

Black Bean Burgers

Homemade vegetarian black bean burgers are thick, hearty, flavorful, and delicious. They are easy to make with the best texture (no mushy burgers here!).

Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

Indian-inspired, creamy coconut curry lentil soup is an easy and simple 30-minute pantry meal that is packed with spices for maximum flavour.

Vegan Queso (using cashews)

Vegan Queso is a 5-minute dip that is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced to mimic the classic dip - without any dairy! It tastes like the real thing!

Vegetarian Chili

Easy one pot vegetarian chili is the perfect warm and cozy comfort meal - it's hearty, filling, wholesome, flavorful, delicious, and loaded with protein.

One Pot Red Kidney Beans (using dry kidney beans)

One Pot Red Kidney Beans are vegan, healthy, hearty, nourishing, and packed with plant-based protein. The perfect recipe for your dried kidney bean stash!

Pasta and Noodle Recipes

Pasta Bake with Sausage (Baked Ziti)

Pasta bake with sausage (baked ziti) is a lazy day lasagna with layers of pasta tossed in a rich meat sauce, layered with mozzarella, and baked.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar

Quick and easy, creamy stovetop mac and cheese with white cheddar is a delicious and comforting one pot 20-minute meal packed with three types of cheese.

Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is quick and easy to make at home in 20 minutes - faster, healthier, and better than takeout.

Pesto Penne Pasta

Quick and easy pesto penne pasta is a simple and light Italian pasta dish made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.

Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake

Quick and easy, cheesy tortellini and sausage bake is a delicious 30-minute dinner packed with flavour. A family-favourite comfort food for busy weeknights.

Tiktok Ramen

Tiktok ramen is savory, sweet and loaded with umami flavor. It's a quick and easy viral ramen hack with instant noodles, eggs, butter, garlic and soy sauce.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that is rich, creamy, and delicious. Plus, it comes together in less than 15 minutes!

Easy Meat Lasagna

Classic easy meat lasagna is the ultimate Italian comfort food with layers of tender lasagna, meaty tomato sauce, cheese filling and melted cheese on top.

Farfalle Pasta with Mushroom Rose Sauce

Farfalle pasta with mushroom rose sauce is creamy yet light, delicious and flavorful, and quick and easy to make in 20 minutes. Best comfort food dinner!

Chicken Pad Thai

No more takeout when you can make flavourful, restaurant-style, authentic chicken Pad Thai at home in just 10 minutes. It's sweet, savoury, sour and nutty.

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe that is creamy, delicious, and flavorful - the whole family will love this Tiktok pasta!

Grains and Rice Recipes

Broccoli Rice

Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it's quick and easy and all made in one pot in just over 30 minutes.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. It's packed with classic ingredients including couscous, fresh veggies, and feta.

How to Cook Quinoa

Making perfect fluffy quinoa at home is quick and a lot easier than you think! Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly every time using our simple recipe.

Vegetarian Fried Rice

Make flavourful, Chinese restaurant-style vegetarian fried rice at home in 10 minutes, with fully customizable ingredients, and say good-bye to take-out!

Vegetarian Bolognese

This Vegetarian Bolognese is a quick and easy vegetable-packed pasta with the flavor, texture, and goodness of a traditional Bolognese without the meat.

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground beef stuffed peppers are delicious, healthy, and filling. Stuffed with beef rice and veggies, they're easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.

Beef Cabbage Barley Soup

Hearty beef cabbage barley soup is wholesome, filling and flavourful. This one pot meal can be made ahead and is freezer-friendly. Prep it in 10 minutes.

Soup Recipes

Artichoke Soup (using canned artichokes)

Creamy artichoke soup is rich, healthy, delicious, easy to make, and freezer-friendly. This vegetarian soup is loaded with artichokes, leeks, and potatoes.

Split Pea Soup

Classic split pea soup is a wholesome, filling, and delicious one pot meal that will warm you up. It's hearty, flavorful, and is loaded with nutrients.

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a hearty, healthy, nourishing, and delicious classic Italian soup, packed with vegetables and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth.

Potato Corn Chowder

Potato Corn Chowder is rich, creamy, hearty, and delicious. Made with simple ingredients in 35 minutes, this vegetarian soup is perfect for a quick meal.

Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

Creamy turkey gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food - creamy, rich, and delicious, made with good carbs, clean protein, and veggies in 25 minutes. You can also substitute the turkey for rotisserie chicken.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade chicken noodle soup is classic, comforting, simple, quick, and easy to make at home. Plus, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.

Beef Taco Soup

Beef taco soup is a delicious take on tacos, transforming it into a hearty, wholesome, filling soup topped with all the taco fixings. Ready in 30 minutes.

Vegetarian Mushroom Barley Soup

Wholesome hearty vegetarian mushroom barley soup is healthy, filling, and so delicious. This one pot meal is easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep.

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is a twist on a classic Italian recipe with all the same delicious comforting flavors in the form of a hearty one pot soup.

Bread Recipes

Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

No knead, easy rosemary garlic focaccia bread is thick with a perfect golden and crispy texture on the outside, but soft, fluffy and tender inside.

Potato Dinner Rolls

Potato Dinner Rolls are soft, light, and fluffy. These quick and easy dinner rolls are loaded with leftover mashed potatoes and simple pantry staples.

Homemade Pita Bread

Nothing compares to freshly baked, quick and easy homemade pita bread. It's soft and puffy, with a perfect pocket. It takes just 15 minutes of actual prep.

Garlic Breadsticks

Soft garlic breadsticks are fluffy, airy, buttery, and delicious. They're an easy recipe that is perfect for beginners at baking bread.

Easy Homemade Everything Bagels

Easy homemade everything bagels with a signature everything bagel seasoning blend on top are just like bakery-style bagels and so easy to make at home.

Pesto Babka

Pesto babka is a showstopping loaf of bread that is savory, delicious, and flavorful with beautiful twists and turns. Plus, it is surprisingly easy to make!

Garlic Naan Bread

Freshly baked small batch garlic naan bread is buttery, garlicky, soft and pillowy, and full of perfect blistered air pockets. It's quick and easy to make.

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Did You Make Any of These Easy Pantry Staple Recipes?

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Carrot Cake Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies are soft and chewy cake-like cookies with a delicious homemade cream cheese glaze on top. These cookies taste just like carrot cake but in cookie form - warmly spiced with classic flavors and obviously full of carrots and walnuts.

Carrot cake lovers will love these carrot cookies. They are quick and easy to make with simple pantry staples, and require no chilling. Which means you can satisfy your cravings much faster than if you decided to bake a carrot cake. Serve spiced carrot cookies as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on-the-go.

Why You'll Love these Carrot Cake Cookies

It's carrot cake in cookie form. If you're the type of person that waits all year long for carrot cake season to begin, then these thick and chewy carrot cake cookies are for you. They are loaded with real carrots and warmly spiced with the classic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Plus, let's not forget the cream cheese glaze.
A great way to use up extra carrots. Did you buy a bag of carrots that you need to use up before they expire? Well, look no further. These carrot cookies a whopping 1 and ¼ cup of grated carrots.
Quick and easy recipe. If the delicious flavor wasn't enough of a reason to get a batch of these walnut carrot cookies into the oven, then maybe the fact that they take just over half an hour to make - including prep and bake time. It's perfect for a last minute dessert craving this spring!
Perfect for holidays. These simple carrot cake cookies are an excellent dessert to serve at holiday parties, especially Easter (hello carrot cake season!) but the warm spices in these cookies make it great for Christmas too. These cookies are great for holiday cookie exchanges, bake sales, and cookie gift boxes.

Ingredient Notes

To make these thick and chewy Carrot Cake Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

grated carrots - you can grate the carrots manually or in a food processor, or you can make things more convenient and buy a bag of shredded carrots from the store.
all-purpose flour - try an equal-exchange gluten free flour to make this recipe gluten free. The texture of the cookies may change slightly but it should produce a similar result.
quick oats
baking soda
salt
cinnamon - the same goes for the cinnamon! Store bought and freshly ground work equally as well in this eggnog cookie recipe.
ginger
cloves
nutmeg - you can use ground nutmeg from the grocery store or grind your own at home using a spice grinder, if you have extra time on your hands.
butter - unsalted butter works best in these cookies, but you can use salted butter if you prefer. It will slightly alter the taste of the cookies. You can also use a plant-based butter alternative to make these cookies dairy-free.
white sugar - you can use your favorite granulated sugar or sugar substitute here, like coconut sugar, date sugar, erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit.
brown sugar
eggs -
vanilla - if you have some on hand, an equal amount of vanilla bean paste can be used in place of extract.
chopped walnuts - we use walnuts in the cookies and also extra walnuts to add on top of the glaze (optional).
cream cheese frosting - optional, to spread over the cookies. The glaze is made with cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla. You can swap the confectioners' sugar for an equal measure of any powdered sugar substitute like powdered Swerve, powdered stevia, or monk fruit powder.

Baking Tools

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer (or stand mixer)
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Carrot Cake Cookies

Prep. Preheat the oven the 350°F, and prepare 3 large half sheet baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. You can also just prepare one and bake these cookies in batches.
Combine dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined, then set aside.

Cream butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, add the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, and slightly paler, about 3 minutes.
Add remaining wet ingredients. Add in the eggs and vanilla, and beat again until well-combined.

Add carrots. Add in the carrots, and beat once again until fully incorporated.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ones, and beat until just combined.

Fold in walnuts. Use a spatula to fold in the chopped walnuts.
Scoop cookie dough. Using a medium cookie scoop to scoop the cookie batter onto the 3 prepared cookie sheets. You should be able to fir about 7-8 per sheet, spacing the cookies 2-inches apart.

Bake. Place into the oven to bake for 11-14 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean (if baking in batches, your cooking time will be closer to 11).
Cool. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire cooling rack fully before topping with frosting.

How to Make Cream Cheese Glaze Glaze

Combine ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl and a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in the confectioners sugar and beat until fully combined. Add vanilla and beat again for 1-2 minutes.

Glaze cookies. Using an small offset spatula, spread 1-2 tablespoons of frosting onto each cooled cookie.
Add walnuts. Sprinkle with finely chopped walnuts to garnish.

How to Serve

Serve Carrot Cake Cookies with a glass of milk, or a cozy drink like tea or coffee. Some of our favorites to pair with these cookies are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to use up extra carrots. If you shredded too many carrots or picked up a bag of shredded carrots and have some remaining, throw leftovers into a weeknight salad or soup. But honestly, you might be better off doubling this recipe because these cookies are good!
Make them colorful. These cookies are stunning as is, but you can make them een more festive by changing the color of the cream cheese icing. Add a few drops of pastel colored food coloring for Easter, or red and green for Christmas. You could also customize them with sprinkles on top instead of chopped walnuts.
Add some raisins. Want to add a touch more sweetness to these soft and chewy cookies? Fold in ¼ to ½ cup of raisins at the same time as when you fold in the walnuts.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover carrot cake cookies (unglazed) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Once glazed, these carrot cookies will need to stored in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese in the glaze. Store them for up to 1 week in the fridge.

How to Freeze

Freeze carrot cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. If possible, it is best to freeze them before icing. Then, when ready to eat, allow the cookie to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the cream cheese glaze before serving.

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Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

This Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is an easy to make vegan soup that is packed with nutrients and flavor. Made with split peas, lots of veggies, and well-seasoned, this soup is hearty, filling, and nourishing.

Plus, vegan split pea soup stores well and is freezer-friendly so you can make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for easy lunches or dinner on a lazy day.

Why You'll Love this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

A healthy vegan soup. This split pea soup is a vegetable-centric soup made with a blend of sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic that pairs so well with split peas. It's delicious and flavorful.
Easy to make and clean up. This split pea soup is so easy to make. There are really just 3 simple steps: sauté veggies, add peas, simmer, and season. Plus, it's all made in one pot making clean up super easy!
Great for meal prep. This vegan split pea soup stores well and lasts up to 3 days in the fridge for easy microwaveable lunches. It also freezes well for up to 3 months so you can serve an easy soup dinner without having so make anything from scratch.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious and easy Vegetarian Split Pea Soup, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

olive oil - feel free to substitute with any cooking oil such as vegetable oil or avocado oil.
vegetables - the base of this soup comes from a combination of veggies including onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Italian seasoning - you can also substitute with dried oregano, parsley, thyme, or a combination of these herbs.
dried split peas
bay leaves
vegetable broth - you can substitute with your favorite broth such as chicken broth or beef bone broth.
water
salt and pepper
croutons - croutons are optional for serving.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, and one large stockpot or 5-quart Dutch oven.

How to Make the Best Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a large stockpot or 4-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning and stir well to combine.
Add ingredients and simmer. Add split peas, bay leaves, chicken broth and water. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let simmer until split peas are tender and the soup thickens to a desired consistency, about 45-55 minutes.
Serve. Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and top with croutons if desired.

Recipe Variations

Use different broth. If you are not on a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, you can try using chicken broth or beef broth for a different flavor.
Change the seasoning. Incorporate different herbs and spices such as thyme, cumin, and cayenne pepper for added depth of flavor. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Add protein. Add cubed tofu or tempeh for added plant-based protein. You can also add ham and other meat. See our classic Split Pea Soup for instructions on adding ham.
Make it more filling. Add a cup of cooked quinoa, barley, or rice to make it more filling and for added texture and nuttiness.
Add different beans. Add in uncooked lentils or different type of beans such as soaked uncooked cannellini beans or cooked ones.
Add some greens. Adding some chopped kale or chinch at the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.

How to Serve

Serve this vegan split pea soup with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or croutons for added texture.

You can also serve it with some of our favorite soup sides including:

For more, see our 25 Side Dishes for Soup.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Soak the peas for faster cooking. You can soak the split peas in water overnight or for at least 4 hours before cooking to the reduce cooking time.
Make it smooth. Use a immersion blender or regular blender to make the soup creamy and smooth.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Keep leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat split pea soup in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge. If it becomes too watery, let it reduce on the stove longer until desired consistency is reached.

How to Freeze

Vegetarian split pea soup freezes well. Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow the frozen soup to that overnight in the refrigerator before serving or thaw on the kitchen counter at room temperature for a few hours.

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Chai Tea Latte

Chai Tea Latte is easy to make at home with aromatic spices, warm foamy milk, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. It is just as delicious as the one at from your favorite coffee shop - if not better!

Homemade chai tea lattes might be just what you need to warm up from the inside out. This astonishingly simple recipe makes enough for one but can easily be made in larger batches by multiplying the ingredients. It's also fun to experiment with different iterations of the drink to find your favorite - see the recipe variations notes below!

Why You'll Love this Chai Tea Latte

A great alternative to coffee. If you're looking to change up your morning or afternoon beverage routine, this homemade chai tea latte is a delicious substitute for your usual coffee! Chai tea contains caffeine (though the levels will vary by brand) and the spices and frothed milk make the perfect pick-me-up to start your day.
Much cheaper than coffee shop chai lattes. Why spend $7-$10 at a coffee shop to get a chai tea latte when you could spend that much on the ingredients to make several chai lattes? Learning how to make a chai tea latte at home is satisfying and money-saving!
Spicy and creamy. Chai tea is traditionally made by combining black tea with a variety of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, clove, and nutmeg. By using chai tea bags you will get all the classic flavors. Together with warm frothed milk, the spices make this drink incredibly comforting.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Chai Tea Latte at home, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

water
chai tea bags - use your favorite! Some chai teas will have slightly different formulas, so use whatever you prefer.
sweetener - you can use sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, simple syrup, or a sugar alternative - whatever you prefer. The sweetener you choose may affect the final flavor of the drink.
milk - you can use either dairy or plant based milk.
cinnamon - you can use fresh ground cinnamon or pre-ground.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a small saucepan, and a milk frother (or French press or whisk)..

How to Make the Best Chai Tea Latte

Steep tea. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bag. Steep for 5 minutes. Then, remove and discard the teabag.

Froth milk. Heat the milk in a pot on the stove until warm and steaming, about 3-5 minutes. Then, use a milk frother, French press, or whisk to froth the milk until foamy.

Assemble. Pour the tea concentrate into a mug. Add the frothed milk into the center of the mug of steeped tea. You can get creative and play around with patterns on top (try a leaf!). Serve immediately with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, if desired.

Recipe Variations

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

If you love pumpkin spice, you'll love this variation on a chai latte! Simply swap the cinnamon in the recipe for an equal measure of pumpkin pie spice.

Vanilla Chai Latte

To add an even cozier element to this chai latte, swap the sweetener with 1-2 pumps of vanilla syrup or add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste to the original recipe.

Chocolate Chai Latte

Add 1-2 pump of your favorite mocha sauce to each chai latte for a chocolatey twist! Alternatively, you can use a ½ to 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder (dissolved into water) to add a less sweet chocolate flavor.

Dirty Chai Latte

Want to add a little zing? Create a "dirty" chai latte by adding a shot (or two) of espresso. The result will be a little more earthy and a lot more caffeinated - unless you choose to use decaf.

How to Serve

Chai Tea Latte is a cozy drink that is warmly spiced and pair well is tea time cookies. Some of our favorite treats to serve with this drink are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Add whipped cream. This warm, cozy drink practically begs for a dollop of whipped cream. Add as much as you want on top of the chai latte and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon as directed.
Make it icy. Craving a cold drink instead of a cozy hot latte? You can make this chai iced by pouring the hot tea over ice before adding cold milk instead of heating it. You can also add the cooled brewed tea to a blender with all the other ingredients and a cup of ice to make a chai frappe!
Decorate your chai latte. You can use a drink stencil and loose cinnamon to create simple images on top of your chai tea latte and make the experience even more special.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Make Ahead

You can make the chai tea ahead of time by following step 1 (no milk) and then storing in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to make the latte. You can also freeze chai tea in an ice cube tray. When ready to make the latte, simply thaw the ice cubes and prepare the frothed milk to pour on top.

How to Store

Serve this chai tea latte fresh as the ingredients may separate when refrigerated and the frothed milk may change in texture.

Freezing chai tea lattes will also result in separation so it is not recommended.