Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes

March 2, 2020

Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes: In only 5 minutes, this flavorful side dish is ready to serve alongside your favorite steak, chicken, ham or protein of choice!

Two sides in one pot is a gift on Thanksgiving. Find more in my roundup of easy Thanksgiving side dishes.

Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes in a white serving dish

One of our favorite side dish recipes to date, and an EASY one at that, along with our SUPER popular green bean casserole with cheese and bacon! With only a 5-minute cooking time in the Instant Pot, fresh green beans and red potatoes combined with some of our favorite spices and condiments pack a punch that any potluck or family dinner would be lucky to have on the table.

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More Instant Pot Side Dishes You’ll Love:

We know you’ll also love Instant Pot mashed potatoes, Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash, Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes, and Amish Potato Salad in the Instant Pot!

Having green beans and potatoes is a HUGE hit during the summer months when your garden or the produce stand is in full force.

However, don’t limit this side dish to just a few months out of the year. The grocery store should always have fresh green beans and red (or new) potatoes so you can whip this up.

Key Ingredients

Fresh Green Beans: Can you use canned green beans? I’m sure you can, but I wouldn’t go to the trouble of pressuring them in the Instant Pot. Save them and use these tricks to make canned green beans taste better, and check out these crack green beans!

You could simply pressure just the potatoes with the spices and butter/bacon grease and then cook/warm the canned green beans in the microwave or on the stovetop and combine afterward.

Red Potatoes: Can you use baking, Idaho, russet, or new potatoes instead?

Sure. I don’t see why not. I’d just make sure to cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes before pressuring.

Also, I only use about 4 large red potatoes when I make this dish, but you could add a couple more and have more of an even potato-to-green bean ratio if you like. I prefer to have more green beans than potatoes to encourage more greens in my family.

TIP: Use any leftover potatoes to make these fried potatoes and onions to go along with your favorite main dish tomorrow night.

Add Protein:

What I absolutely LOVE about this recipe is that you can easily add chicken and make it a rounded-out dinner!

Chicken: However, instead of cooking the chicken, green beans and potatoes all together in the instant pot, I prefer to cook my salt and pepper chicken bites and then add that in to the green beans and potatoes later!

Ham: Looking for a way to use that leftover ham from Easter? Well if you’re not wanting to make the ham casserole recipe, then this is another perfect way to use it up!

If the ham is cooked, feel free to add that in to the Instant Pot with the green beans and potatoes to allow the ham flavor to soak in to the other ingredients!

How to Make Green Beans and Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Make sure to see the FULL, printable recipe card toward the bottom this post for easy reference!

Chicken Broth

If you’ve had the chance to make my Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot, then you know my new love for the chicken broth base I’ve been using lately in my recipes.

This recipe is NO different and I use this powder/water combination to create the chicken broth that adds a lovely flavor to my recipes.

However, using homemade chicken broth, store-bought broth in a container/can is just fine too!

You’ll want to use 2 cups of chicken broth and pour it in to the bottom of the Instant Pot pot.

Instant chicken broth in a measuring cup for green beans

Potatoes Cut in to 1-Inch Cubes

Wash and cut your potatoes in to 1-inch cubes. Place the potatoes in to the Instant Pot, in to the chicken broth.

Chopped red potatoes for the instant pot pressure cooker

Fresh Green Beans

If your green beans are not washed, go ahead and wash them before cooking.

If using garden-fresh green beans, I do take the time to pinch off the ends before washing/cooking. However, if I’m using green beans from the store, the ends are usually off and I can just throw them in as is.

Place the green beans on top of the potatoes inside of the Instant Pot.

Butter and Bacon Grease – Optional

Although completely optional, if you’re not avoiding ingredients like butter and/or bacon grease… I HIGHLY recommend adding it for some “umph” and extra flavor.

Because who doesn’t love butter and bacon?

I use about 4 tablespoons of salted butter and place the 4 pieces on top of the green beans.

Frozen Bacon Grease

When making bacon for breakfast, I like to save the grease and freeze it in a freezer-safe container for recipes like these! It comes in VERY handy for that bacon flavor when you may not have the bacon.

Or, feel free to cook bacon and add the cooked bacon to the green beans and potatoes before cooking! TIP: If adding bacon to this recipe, place the cooked bacon on top of everything, so when it heats, the grease will drop down in to the beans and potatoes! Yumm-O!

Spices:

Use salt and pepper as desired, just keep in mind that sometimes chicken broth, butter and bacon grease may already have salt added.

Also note that you can always add salt later, but you can’t take it away. So I’ll usually add salt and pepper and then taste afterward to see if it needs a little more.

Adding poultry seasoning is definitely something that you can do without in this recipe, but it adds such a nice touch of flavor. So if you do have it, sprinkle about a teaspoon on with the salt and pepper!

Cooked green beans and red potatoes in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Serve!

Ideally, you want to serve this dish right away after it finishes cooking. Reheating and letting it sit can result in soggy green beans.

However, if you’re heading to a potluck or family dinner, making this in the morning and keeping it on warm works just fine, and I’ve done this several times!

Enjoy!

What to Serve Green Beans and Potatoes with:

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be served with just about anything! But here are a few of my favorite recipes to serve this as a side dish with…

If you have an Instant Pot, check out these recipes too!

Instant Pot Pot Roast – Using a frozen roast too!
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 24 votes

Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes

Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes are a healthy side dish that can easily be turned in to a main dish by adding chicken or ham if desired!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

To pressure 5

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 170kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Equipment

instant pot

Ingredients

2 cups chicken broth
4 large red potatoes
36 oz. fresh green beans I use 3 12 oz. bags
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
4 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon bacon grease if desired: see notes in blog post
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Instructions

Cut potatoes in to about 1-inch cubes
Pour chicken broth in to Instant Pot and then add in the potatoes
Next, pour all of the green beans on top of the potatoes.
Place butter, bacon grease and spice on top.
Secure the lid on to the Instant Pot and turn the nozzle to the sealed position.
On manula high pressure, turn the timer to 5 minutes.
When the timer is up, manually release the pressure.
Once the valve has fallen, it is safe to remove the lid.
GENTLY stir the green beans and potatoes to mix the seasonings evenly. (Gently mix being careful not to destroy the soft and fragile potatoes.)
Serve!

Nutrition

Did you just get an Instant Pot, or thinking of getting one?

Using an Instant Pot can be very intimidating at first. Here’s the video of my unboxing and first use. If I can do it, you can do it!

Did You Make This?
Snap a pic and hashtag it #Fantabulosity - I love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook.

Laser Hair Removal Tips

August 14, 2020

Laser Hair Removal Tips: Nervous? Not sure what to expect? Did you have your first treatment and not sure what’s next? These will help!

This post has been sponsored by Milan Laser Hair Removal, where I have also received services in exchange for this post. HOWEVER, all thoughts and opinions are my own… as always.

Well, as I admitted in my “How to Prepare for a Romantic Weekend with your Husband” blog post, “grooming thyself” is something that I recommend when preparing for some time away with the one you love.

However… not only is grooming important for those moments, but we would also like it to be easier to do or take care of, every other day of the year too, right? (See my top favorite beauty treatments!)

Well, if you also read about my first experience with laser hair removal, then you know I’m already a big fan. I chose Milan Laser Hair Removal for my treatments and I would recommend it over and over again. The results, the friendliness of the staff and the drastic drop in time that I spend shaving is already a perk.

So if you read that post and you found yourself still having a lot of questions like:

“Is laser hair removal painful?”
“What kind of aftercare is required with laser hair removal?”

Or would love some tips to make it the best experience ever… then I’ve got ya covered. And if I don’t cover what you’re wondering, I’m just an email or comment away! Besides, someone else may have that question too!

Plus, keep reading to find out how you (yes, YOU!) can get 60% off of your own laser hair removal services, just for being a Fantabulosity reader!

Laser Hair Removal Tips

For those of you who haven’t had a laser hair removal procedure yet and are a little nervous or just have some questions about how it works, here’s what you can expect.

What to Expect:

Is laser hair removal painful?
I’ve had two treatments on my bikini area and underarms, and I’ll be honest… it didn’t hurt for me like I’ve heard some others say. HOWEVER, I also found out that the strength of the laser gets stronger as the treatments carry on, and it can depend on the area being treated.
The awesome ladies at Milan also shared with me that if you are concerned about the pain, you can take Motrin or Ibuprofen an hour before a treatment to help take the edge off any potential discomfort (What kind of pain is it? Read my first post to find out exactly what I thought!)

Is it awkward?
Well, that depends on you and the body area that you're having treated. Are you getting your bikini area treated and are super shy? You may find it awkward until you arrive.
The staff is so friendly and they don’t make you feel nervous or awkward at all. But… if it makes you feel better, they’ll give you a stress ball to help alleviate some of the tension you might feel. Or, here’s a tip… I use this time to check in with my friends through text. It keeps my mind off of what’s going on and for giggles, I tell them what I’m currently doing so they’re the ones that feel awkward. #friendshipgoals

Different hair can mean different things.
For the most part, the laser that is chosen (the alex or the yag) is based on skin tone. Different hair color may be a consideration when increasing the power of the laser- but as long as the hair is not white, gray, or peach fuzz the laser will work on it! If you're not sure if laser hair removal will work on your hair color… it’s best to have a free consultation so that you can find out if it's a good option for you!!

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal:

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re prepping for your treatments.

Always wear sunscreen! For safety reasons, sun-kissed or tan (or sun fried — eeeeek!) skin can not be treated. If you show up with tan lines or skin that is different from its natural-to-you color, you will be unable to receive a treatment.

Don’t apply self-tanner anywhere close to the time that you go and don’t have it lingering on your skin. Why? Becauses elf-tanner actually does tan people. The chemical in self-tanner reacts to skin cells and darkens them. In a lot of ways, it's the same concept as going out into the sun. The laser targets the color in the root of your hair. Tanned skin makes it harder for the laser to pinpoint the root of your hair and this decreased ability to target just the root of the hair could lead to a burn. Read my spray tanning tips to find out the best ways to make your tans last!

The shave (and exfoliate). A common misconception is that you shouldn’t shave a while before your treatment to allow the hair to grow out. But, are you ready for this?
The better the shave, the better the treatment. It’s best to shave the day of or the day before a treatment because it allows the laser to focus all the energy beneath the surface of the skin. It is absolutely true. So shave the area of treatment before your appointment!

Have Clean skin, and make sure that there’s not any product applied before your treatment for safety.

Medication complications. This is another reason why going to your consultation is so important! Please feel comfortable sharing any medication you are on. Certain medications like oral Accutane or some antibiotics could also lead you to be photosensitive and could lead to being burned. The providers have seen every kind of medication imaginable on health history forms - so please don’t be embarrassed to tell them anything.

Aftercare:

Exfoliation is key. You need to shed the hair that was "killed" from the treatment. Exfoliating before and a few days after helps the treatment be more effective and get rid of any hair stuck under the surface. Exfoliation is effective from a washcloth or you can go as far as using a sugar scrub!

Follow your individual treatment plan! Every person's hair is different so every laser hair removal plan is unique. Milan's Unlimited Package is great in that whether you need 7 treatments or more, you will find your hair removal plan to be tailored to your needs. Staying consistent in your treatments is the best way to truly get “hair-free” as quickly as possible.

You COULD see some temporary discoloration. Some people do experience flushing after treatments. Flushing is temporary and typically goes away in 20-30 mins. (Some people get treated on their lunch breaks and then are good to go back to work after!) And I didn’t notice any discoloration during my treatments but I still felt I should mention it because everyone is different.

You can go to the gym afterward or carry on about your day! Laser hair removal is one of the easiest and safest cosmetic treatments a person can do! There’s no downtime! (Although you’ll more than likely find me heading next door to Target after I complete a treatment, rather than heading to the gym.)

Plucking/bleaching/waxing in-between? NO! Please no waxing, tweezing, etc. The hair follicle needs to be intact in order for the laser to find it and deactivate the food supply from it. If you pull it out, your treatments are not effective! Typically they want people to wait 4 weeks from their last tweezing or waxing before their treatment.

A Look Inside Milan Laser Hair Removal

I feel like I’m headed in for a spa treatment every time.

It’s so clean, and welcoming and I feel right at home.

Waiting room Milan Laser Hair Removal Town and Country Missouri

First, the waiting room is so inviting and I love that they offer a complimentary soda or sparkling water while you wait. (Hey, it doesn’t take much to please this gal who rarely gets out to treat herself to some pampering.)

Now, if this is your first time, then you’ll go on a tour and then spend some time in a consultation room.

If you’ve already had your consultation, you’ll head right on back to the treatment room and get ready for your service!

You can bet on fresh clean linens, a robe (or wrap) and a pair of safety glasses waiting for you.

The technician will ask you a few questions before getting started (he/she needs to make sure that her notes are still the same or that nothing has changed since your last visit, so they can select the proper settings on the laser for your treatment).

Once you’ve answered the pre-treatment questions, it will be time to kick back and wait for your treatment, just like I did below.

Side note: Just ignore those ugly green toenails. It’s a long story and it involves my husband, a pedicure, and a misunderstanding. I’ll explain more in the Fab Society where I tend to share the more personal details with my closest gal pals… so you may want to join that waiting list now so you don’t miss it.

Getting laser hair removal done - Brazilian

But those glasses? Those are required during your treatment to protect your eyes. (I’d definitely rather wear cute glasses from Befitting, haha, but it’s about protection, not style.)

60% OFF for YOU! Yes… YOU!!!

Friends, I still don't know HOW this is possible, and I honestly didn't expect this kind of discount for you when I first started talking to them, but you may want to take advantage NOW in case they change their mind! Haha!

Milan has offered to give you 60% off of your laser hair removal service, for any body area of your choice…. at any Milan Laser Hair Removal location. So when you call to schedule your consultation, just make sure to give them the code: FANTABULOSITY60 so they know to put it in the system for you! I am THRILLED to say that some Fantabulosity readers have already taken advantage and I’ve even received messages like:

So make sure you give them the coupon code: FANTABULOSITY60 when you call to set up your appointment!

Coupon Code: FANTABULOSITY60

Still Have Questions?

If you’re still wondering about something specific or are on the fence, let me know. If I don’t know the answer, I have a direct line to my favorite Milan gals and I’m happy to ask them for you!

Laser Hair Removal St. Louis

February 9, 2020

Laser Hair Removal St. Louis: An inside look at the BEST place for treatments and why. Plus a sneak peek at what just ONE visit did!

This post has been sponsored by Milan Laser Hair Removal, where I have also received services in exchange for this post. HOWEVER, all thoughts and opinions are my own… as always.

Friends, I have been anxiously waiting to tell you about a new, life-changing service that I have started and have fallen in LOVE with, and has become one of my favorite beauty treatments!

Laser hair removal.

I know that some of you have considered laser hair removal or some of you WILL consider laser hair removal after reading this. Here's an inside look at my first visit and why you'll want to hear all about it!

Plus, keep reading to find out how you (yes, YOU!) can get 60% off of your own laser hair removal services, just for being a Fantabulosity reader!

For years I have thought about and have wanted to try laser hair removal.

I even went for a consultation years ago and decided to move forward with it, but the business closed shortly after and I was never able to take advantage of it.

Laser Hair Removal in St. Louis

Well if you’ve been around here for a while, you may know that I live in Missouri and close to the St. Louis area. I tend to find myself going to St. Louis for my hair appointments, shopping at the mall, and having a date night with my husband.

So when it came time to consider a company that specializes in laser hair removal, St. Louis was a no-brainer.

Milan Laser Hair Removal

Let me introduce you to my new friend… Milan Laser Hair Removal. I’m dead serious when I say “friend”. I have fallen in love with their team, their services and most importantly… their values.

Milan Laser Hair Removal has (at the time of this post) over 70 locations in the United States. So even if you’re not in the St. Louis area, odds are you may have one near you (or worth the trip) and they’re STILL growing and expanding into new markets.

Why do I love them so much already?

Because from the moment I talked to Stacey, at the Town and Country location here in Missouri, I felt so welcome and heard.

I told Stacey about my areas of interest, and she communicated with me in such a way that I was counting down the days until my consultation and first appointment.

Fast forward to the day of my first visit and I was greeted with the friendliest staff.

I was the only one in the foyer/lobby at the time (which I later found out that they try to do this on purpose… how cool is that?) and I immediately felt like I was home.

No nervousness and no awkward feelings like I didn’t belong. I felt like family.

First Laser Hair Removal Treatment

I mentioned earlier that I spoke with Stacey on the phone about my areas of interest for laser hair removal when setting up my first appointment.

Those areas of interest were the following:

legs (half or full)
Brazillian
Bikini
Armpits

They do offer more body areas, but those were the top picks for me on the day of my visit, I told the staff that I had decided to get the Brazillian treatment and let me tell you… if anyone would be anxious about getting laser hair removal, let alone a BRAZILLIAN… it would have been me.

But I never once felt awkward, scared, or out of place with Milan.

What to Expect at Milan Laser Hair Removal on Your First Visit

Upon walking in the door, Milan was CLEAN, bright and super welcoming.

Stacey took me on a tour of the clinic, explained the process and welcomed me into the consultation room where we chatted about how laser hair removal works, why it works, Milan’s background and payment options.

After the consultation, it was time for my first treatment!

Before and After Photos of Laser Hair Removal Treatment

I REALLY REALLY REALLY wish I could show you the before and after of my first treatment of the Brazillian, but let’s get real… anyone and everyone can come visit me here on Fantabulosity and showing that area off to anyone and everyone really isn’t my cup of tea.

HOWEVER, Stacey is a genius and she asked if I’d be willing to do a treatment on one armpit so I could see just how well it works for those, even after one visit.

I’m so glad she did this because now I can show you a before and after of my armpits.

Now, do know that Stacey said the armpits tend to show bigger results after the first treatment, more so than the Brazillian does.

So what are you looking at below?

I had my treatment on January 7, 2020. I did not shave either armpit until after I took these photos on January 24th, 2020. (Yes, my husband kept asking me when I was going to shave it, but I had to keep watching it because it amazed me with how much different it was than the other, haha!)

Honestly, in the armpit with less hair… was what my armpit used to look like a day or two after shaving, not 17 days after shaving.

What about the Brazillian area?

Well I can tell you that I do already notice a difference down there. It’s a little spotty, (some areas not growing back as much/as fast) and the hair that has regrown is MUCH softer. I can’t wait for the next treatment, so I can see how much more of a difference it has.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

I’ll admit… I was totally afraid that it was going to hurt like crazy, but I told myself,

"Jessica, you’ve had two babies… one being without an epidural. You can do this."

But you know what? My first treatment wasn’t bad at ALL! And it didn’t last long enough to even complain about it! Here’s more about “Does laser hair removal hurt?”

What does it feel like?

The Milan staff told me before we started that it would feel like the snap of a rubber band. I agree with that, and I’d even go to say that it feels like a “small” rubber band snap.

But you know what else? Before we started, I thought it would feel like a rubber band snap on each little hair follicle at a time. This is probably why I thought it would take so much longer than it did, and I thought I’d be pretty tired of that feeling after getting each individual pore treated down there. BUT THAT’S NOT HOW IT WORKS!

The tool that they use covers an area about the size of a quarter, so it gets multiple hair follicles at one time! I was so excited about this, and it made such a difference.

How Often and How Many Treatments are Needed?

They told me at Milan to expect 7-10 treatments, and that each treatment would be about 5 weeks apart.

After the initial visit with the consultation, the appointments don’t take very long at all!

As a matter of fact, if I know I’m going to be in the St. Louis area, I could easily call and see if they have an opening for a treatment, and I could pop-in and go about my day, running my other errands.

It’s definitely not something that you have to plan your whole day around, and you could feel free to run errands before/after, or like me… do some shopping since there’s a HomeGoods and Target right next door to my location! Hallelujah!

Lifetime Guarantee + Unlimited Package

So if you’ve heard or have been to other laser hair removal companies, you may be familiar with the “packages” that some offer. For instance, you buy per session or say, buy a package of three treatments at a time.

Well, not with Milan.

With Milan, you pay one price for the body area that you want, and it’s an unlimited, lifetime guarantee on that body area.

So say a few years from now, your body goes through some changes (hormones, etc.) and you notice one little hair grow back where you had a treatment.

You can call Milan, let them know and they’ll be glad to bring you back in, (at any location) at NO additional charge, and treat the area again! (Opposed to other companies where you may pay for 3 treatments in one area, and have to pay AGAIN and again to be treated.)

60% OFF for YOU! Yes… YOU!!!

Friends, I don’t know HOW this is possible, and I honestly didn’t expect this kind of discount for you when I first started talking to them, but you may want to take advantage NOW in case they change their mind! Haha!

Milan has offered to give you 60% off of your laser hair removal service, for any body area of your choice…. at any Milan Laser Hair Removal location. So when you call to schedule your consultation, just make sure to give them the code: FANTABULOSITY60 so they know to put it in the system for you!

COUPON CODE: FANTABULOSITY60

Stop Putting Yourself on the Backburner. I did, and it Feels Amazing Already.

I’m not sure I’ve ever been THIS excited to share something with you. You know when I believe in, or fall in love with something, I don’t want to keep it from you. Well, Milan is no exception, and I can’t WAIT for you to do laser hair removal along with me. With 60% off, I’m hoping it either gives you the push to finally do this for yourself if you’ve been kicking it around, or I hope it’s something new that you’ve found that you can do for YOURSELF.

I know what it’s like to put yourself on the backburner, saving the time and money for your kids and husband.

But I can’t tell you how refreshed and GOOD I felt even after my first treatment. It wasn’t just because of the thought that I’ll never have to shave again… but because I finally did something for myself again. I want this for you too.

Doritos Chicken Casserole

July 7, 2021

Dorito Chicken Casserole: An easy, comforting, cheesy recipe that will be on repeat for meal planning during the week!

I don’t know what it is about cheesy casseroles but they seem to always be a family favorite! Like this Broccoli Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, and ham casserole. Or, this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole and this Stove-Top Chicken Stuffing Casserole have been a dinner favorite around here, with other chicken casserole recipes too!

Get ready for an ultra-easy dinner recipe in this Doritos Chicken Casserole. It's packed full of simple ingredients and delicious flavors.

If chicken casseroles are your thing, then you’ll also love this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, and this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta! If beef is more your style, I highly recommend the amazing flavor of a Big Mac Casserole or this Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole for an old, vintage classic.

Hey Fantabulosity fans! It's Meg from Meg's Everyday Indulgence with another delicious recipe you NEED to try as soon as possible.

Get ready for an ultra easy dinner recipe in this Doritos Chicken Casserole. It’s packed full of simple ingredients and delicious flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Doritos Chicken Casserole hits all these marks. It's ridiculously easy to put together. Simply stir together the ingredients and spread it out in an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan.

Top with crushed nacho cheese Doritos for all the flavor and crunchy texture. We use these in our Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing too, and talk about delicious!!

Although this casserole is baked in a smaller baking pan, it fills to the very top and is packed full of chicken, making it super filling and still worthy of feeding a decent-sized crowd. For even more cozy meal ideas, check out this collection of classic old-fashioned dinner recipes.

Ingredients for Doritos Chicken Casserole

Let's break down what you need for this Doritos Chicken Casserole:

Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Canned corn
Ro-tel
Cooked Chicken (You can even make chicken breasts in the slow cooker!)
Shredded pepper jack cheese
Nacho Cheese Doritos – you’ll also love these in these Doritos Nachos!

Ingredients for Doritos Chicken Casserole

Notes about Ingredients:

Chicken: You'll need cooked chicken for this Dorito chicken casserole recipe. Leftover chicken works great if you have some hanging out in the refrigerator.

I love using rotisserie chicken in these types of recipes. It's ready to go, delicious, and costs the same, if not less, than buying the chicken and cooking it yourself. Plus, I’m able to make rotisserie chicken stock out of the carcass and use it for later!

You can choose to either dice or shred the chicken in this recipe, whichever you prefer.
Cheese: The cheese that you use in the recipe is flexible as well. I wanted to add a little kick and some extra flavor so I went with pepper jack cheese.

If you or your family members don't like spicy food, you can definitely substitute in Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. It will be a little less spicy but still be packed with flavor.
Rotel: The can of Ro-tel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) also adds some spiciness so keep that in mind when you're choosing what cheese to add to the casserole. And it gives so much flavor to the casserole. Get an extra can of Rotel to make this Rotel pasta and this Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel, this week too!

How to Make Doritos Chicken Casserole

This recipe truly couldn't get easier. (Well, this taquito casserole may actually be easier but I digress.) The most time-consuming part of the whole thing is chopping or shredding the chicken.

Doritos chicken casserole ingredients in a bowl

After the chicken is prepped, mix all the ingredients except for the Doritos and 1 cup of cheese in a large bowl. Spread the mixture into a baking pan, top with reserved cup of cheese and sprinkle with crushed Doritos.

Pour ingredients in to a bowl for chicken dorito casserole

Ingredients mixed together for chicken doritos casserole

PRO TIP: You'll want to place the casserole on a big baking sheet before placing it in the oven. The casserole dish will be filled to the rim so this is done as a precautionary measure in case it bubbles over a little. That way it will be on the baking sheet and not in the bottom of your oven.

Pour chicken casserole in to baking dish

Top Doritos chicken casserole with shredded cheese

Lastly, cover the dish with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking to prevent the Doritos from burning.

Doritos Chicken Casserole in baking dish ready for oven

Doritos Flavors

For me, the best option for this Doritos Chicken Casserole is the original nacho cheese Doritos. But because I love you I did a little Doritos research to discover some other delicious flavors for topping this casserole.

I mean, Doritos may be one of my guilty pleasures since childhood so it wasn't a bad gig to take on.

If you like things really spicy, the Spicy Nacho or Flaming Hot Nacho flavors would be a delicious topping option.

A more mild option that would be so delicious with the flavor profile going on would be the Taco Doritos. They would mesh really well with the chicken and corn and pepper jack cheese.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that you may have, that we’d love to answer for you:

Can you make Dorito chicken casserole in advance?

You can mix everything and place it in the baking dish, except the chips, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s not a good idea to add the chips beforehand because they’ll get soggy.

How do you store Dorito chicken casserole?

If you have leftover casserole, allow it to fully cool and then cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container and then store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can you freeze Dorito chicken casserole?

You can! Make everything as directed until it’s time to put the crushed chips on top. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. When ready to eat it, place the frozen casserole in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. When baking, top with chips and bake according to directions.

The Easy Dorito Chicken Casserole is made with everyday ingredients like Cream of chicken soup, Sour cream, Canned corn, Ro-tel, Cooked Chicken, Shredded pepper jack cheese, Nacho Cheese Doritos #doritos #casserole #chicken

Need More Dinner Ideas?

If you're looking for more easy dinners to add to your collection, check out this hamburger hashbrown casserole that is a reader favorite. We think you’ll also love this Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot, Lasagna Stuffed Chicken, and this chicken and gravy recipe!

For an easy game day or party spread, serve this casserole alongside my baked cheeseburger sliders for a crowd-pleasing comfort meal.

Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 51 votes

Doritos Chicken Casserole

Doritos Chicken Casserole is easy to make for a quick dinner and is a family favorite. Simple ingredients come together for a comforting, hearty meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 809kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

22.6 ounces can cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
15.25 ounce can corn drained
10 ounce can Ro-tel, drained diced tomatoes and green chilies
4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
3 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, corn, Ro-tel, chicken and 2 cups of pepper jack cheese.
Spread into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan. Set on top of a baking sheet to prevent spills in your oven.
Sprinkle remaining cup of pepper jack onto the casserole. Spread the crushed Doritos evenly over the cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes.

Video

Notes

PRO TIP: Place the casserole on a big baking sheet before placing it in the oven, in case it bubbles over while baking.

How do you store Dorito chicken casserole?

Allow the casserole to fully cool and then cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container and then store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Easy Peach Turnovers

January 31, 2020

Easy Peach Turnovers: Using canned peach pie filling and puff pastry dough, these may just be the easiest breakfast or dessert you can make!

Easy Peach Turnovers

If you love easy breakfast recipes, or you need a quick dessert to serve after dinner, these peach turnovers are going to rock your world!

Not only are they easy, but they use everyday ingredients, can be made in a pinch and are so comforting, yet impressive to look at!

Only 3 Ingredients:

Would you believe that this recipe only takes three ingredients! (Unless you also prefer to drizzle a sweet icing over the top as shown below!)

What you’ll need:

Puff Pastry
Canned Peach Pie Filling (like we use in this cake mix peach cobbler recipe)
Egg

It’s the perfect easy recipe to make for guests, or for the kids on a lazy weekend!

Try other pie fillings like:

Apple
Cherry
Blueberry
Chocolate pie filling
Lemon pie filling
Strawberry
Blackberry

Try Mixing in Other Ingredients with the Above Fillings:

Pecans/Nuts
Cheese
Cream Cheese
Chocolate Chips
Coconut
Caramel
Peanut Butter
Nutella
Strawberry or Grape Jam
Savory Ingredients: Sausage, ham, eggs, bacon, cheese, rice, taco meat, etc.

How to Make Turnovers with Puff Pastry

Full, printable recipe card towards the end of this post!

I’m not sure if there’s anything better than a puff pastry or crescent rolls when it comes to making a quick recipe.

We’ve used puff pastry to make appetizers, like these Rotel Chicken Empanadas and crescent rolls to make these Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Bites.

They make baking so easy and they’re really versatile.

So when it comes to making a turnover, I’ll reach for puff pastry ANY day!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray and/or parchment paper

To begin making the turnovers, roll out the puff pastry dough and pinch the seams together if necessary and then cut into 4 equal squares.

Next, add 1 heaping tablespoon of peach filling to the center of each square.

Place some of the egg white on two joining sides of the square to help hold the turnover together.

Next, roll the opposite side over the filling and press down the sides to seal.

Using a fork, press along the sides of the pastry.

Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.

OPTIONAL Turnover Glaze:

Definitely not required for these peach turnovers to taste amazing, but it adds a sweet touch when you can also add a slight drizzle of a powdered sugar glaze.

What You'll Need:

powdered sugar
margarine or butter
vanilla
milk or half-and-half

for this easy, basic powdered sugar glaze from Pillsbury!

What to Serve Turnovers With:

If you’re hosting a party or brunch and need to serve your guests more than turnovers, making this easy quiche recipe is classy, yet so easy you’ll wonder why you don’t make it for your family on repeat!

More Recipes

If you love how easy this recipe was, or simply love fruit recipes, then you’ll also love this mango and peach pie, these Easy Blueberry Turnovers, and this Snickers Apple Salad.

But if you’re looking for easy breakfast recipes, then you’ll want to check out this Brioche French Toast and these Easy Blueberry Pancakes!

Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 9 votes

Easy Peach Turnovers

Easy Peach Turnovers: Using canned peach pie filling and puff pastry dough, these may just be the easiest breakfast or dessert you can make to tackle that sweet tooth!

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 346kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 package package puff pastry 2 sheets
1 21 oz. canned peach pie filling
1 egg beaten

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray and/or parchment paper
Roll out the puff pastry dough and pinch the seams together if necessary. Cut both sheets into 4 equal squares.
Add 1 heaping tablespoon of peach filling to the center of each square.
Place some of the egg white on two joining sides of the square to help hold the turnover together.
Roll the opposite side over the filling and press down the sides to seal.
Using a fork, press along the sides of the pastry.
Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to use a different type of pie filling to make a variety of turnovers! For example, strawberries, blueberry turnovers, apples, etc.!

Nutrition

Lasagna Stuffed Chicken

January 24, 2020

Lasagna Stuffed Chicken: This low carb recipe is packed with three cheeses and red sauce in chicken breastsfor the ultimate easy dinner idea!

Since sharing the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, I knew you all would love this Lasagna Stuffed Chicken recipe too!

Get ready for some major comfort food. Lasagna Stuffed Chicken is packed with three cheeses and red sauce for the ultimate low carb meal.

Hey there! Meg here popping in from Meg's Everyday Indulgence with your new favorite dinner recipe, Lasagna Stuffed Chicken.

We're talking all the best things about lasagna stuffed into boneless skinless chicken breasts and you’ll especially love this if you’re eating low carb these days!

What You Need for Lasagna Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This dish may sound fancy but you only need a handful of super simple and accessible ingredients to make it.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt
Pepper
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Spaghetti sauce
Fresh parsley (if you’re fancy like that)

As you can see, the grocery list couldn't get easier and will take you just a few minutes to grab the necessary ingredients.

How to Make Lasagna Chicken

In just a few simple steps you can have this delicious, cheesy chicken in the oven. You can find the full, step-by-step, printable recipe below, but I wanted to walk you through the process too!

Start by laying your chicken on a cutting board and cutting a slit through the middle, like your cutting it into two thin pieces. But be sure not to cut all the way through as you want it to be a pocket for the cheesy goodness.

Season the Chicken

Season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper and set aside. If you love using Himalayan salt like Jessica, that’s a great choice too!

Lasagna Filling

Next, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Stir in your favorite Italian seasoning to add some major flavor. (Love cheese and chicken together? This cheesy chicken is a recipe to try next!)

Stuffing the Chicken

Open up your chicken and spread each one with a tablespoon of spaghetti sauce. You can use your favorite store-bought jarred variety or make your own.

Next, divide the ricotta mixture evenly into 4 and spread it on top of the spaghetti sauce. Close the chicken and place in a greased 8×8 baking pan.

Once all the chicken is prepared and in the pan, spread with the remaining spaghetti sauce and top with more shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Bake the Chicken

Cover the dish with foil and into the oven it goes. The chicken will bake covered for half the time to ensure the cheese doesn't get too brown.

How Long to Cook

The amount of time you will need to cook your Lasagna Stuffed Chicken will depend on the thickness of your chicken. Times are included in the recipe below but you may need a little more or less time.

Your best bet to get perfectly cooked chicken is a digital meat thermometer. I swear by them anytime I cook meat or poultry. There are some great ones out there that you can set to beep when a certain temperature has been reached.

To use a thermometer in this recipe, place the probe in the thickest part of your chicken and set it to 165 degrees for perfectly cooked chicken.

Low Carb Meal

To keep things really easy for dinner and low carb, serve it with Jessica's famous side salad or garlic roasted broccoli.

The Whole Family Will Love It

With a lineup of chicken and three different cheeses, this meal is sure to be a family pleaser.

This Lasagna Stuffed Chicken works great as a meal prep option as well if you take your lunch to work each day. It makes enough for Monday through Friday leaving one day to treat yourself. The perfect balance in my opinion.

You may need to hide it in the back of the fridge to make sure it lasts all week.

Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 1 vote

Lasagna Stuffed Chicken

Get ready for some major comfort food. Lasagna Stuffed Chicken is packed with three cheeses and red sauce for the ultimate low carb meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 577kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. black pepper
¾ cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
½ cup parmesan, divided
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
¾ cup spaghetti sauce, divided
Nonstick cooking spray
Fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. Lay chicken on a cutting board. Cut a slit into the chicken, creating a pocket (be sure not to cut all the way through). Continue with remaining chicken. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set cutting board aside.
In a bowl, stir together the ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Spread 1 tablespoon of spaghetti sauce inside each piece of chicken. Evenly divide the ricotta mixture into 4 sections. Fill each piece of chicken with a ricotta mixture. Place in the prepared baking pan with the filled side of the chicken facing up. Gently spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce onto the chicken. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Cover lightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Top with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Need More Easy Dinner Ideas?

If you're looking for more delicious and easy dinners, make sure to check out Jessica's recipe archives. Some of my current favorites are easy hamburgers in the oven, barbecue baked boneless pork chops, salt and pepper chicken bites and cheeseburger macaroni in the instant pot.

Pin it to Remember it:

It’s easy to forget where you found something, so pin it on Pinterest so you’ll have it the next time you’re looking for something for your low carb menu or for just a simple recipe to make for your family!

Low carb lasagna Stuffed Chicken is packed with three cheeses and red sauce for the ultimate easy dinner! #lowcarb #lasagnastuffedchicken #lowcarbchicken

Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

October 24, 2024

Marshmallow Popcorn Balls: These simple and delicious popcorn balls come together in minutes for the perfect snack or sweet treat, using only simple ingredients that you may already have on hand!

An old-fashioned favorite this time of year. See my full Halloween collection.

Quick Overview: In only 20 minutes, you’ll have these delicious popcorn balls ready for eating! Whether that’s for a Halloween treat or just for a quick dessert!

These simple and delicious popcorn balls come together in minutes for the perfect snack or sweet treat.

Let me start out by saying, I love to make any type of popcorn recipe.

Plain, buttered, sweet, or savory I will take it all. So naturally, I was very excited for the opportunity to pull together a delicious and simple marshmallow popcorn ball recipe to share with you all.

Love easy vintage snacks like this one? Try this old-fashioned peanut brittle next.

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Hey Fantabulosity readers, it's Meg again popping in from Meg's Everyday Indulgence with another fun and delicious recipe to share with you all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re made without corn syrup! So if you want to do without that, you can use marshmallows that don’t have corn syrup!
Made with marshmallows and other ingredients that you probably already have on hand! (We love anything “marshmallow”, especially this marshmallow fruit dip!)
They’re fun to make with the kiddos.

Popcorn Balls without Corn Syrup

What I also love about this recipe, is that it doesn’t use corn syrup. Most marshmallows have corn syrup but if you get marshmallows such as Dandies All Natural Marshmallows, the ingredients do not list corn syrup.

Ingredients

Let's start by discussing these Popcorn Balls’ ridiculously easy ingredient list.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Plain popped popcorn
Butter
Marshmallows
Kosher salt
Pure vanilla extract

ingredients on the table for popcorn balls

How to Make Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

First, you need to pop your popcorn. I used my air popper to pop the popcorn and ended up needing about ½ cup of popcorn kernels.

You can also pop your kernels on the stovetop or even use plain microwave popcorn.

You'll need 16 cups of popcorn for the recipe, and once the popcorn is popped, make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

This step may seem tedious but you don't want to bite into a hard kernel while enjoying your popcorn ball.

Set the popcorn aside.

Marshmallows + Butter

Next up, melt the butter and marshmallows in a large stockpot. Make sure it's big enough to hold all your popcorn which you'll be adding in a minute. (Image 1 below.)

Once the butter and marshmallows are melted together, (Image 2 below) remove from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract. (Image 3 below.)

Stir in the popcorn. Keep stirring to ensure every piece is coated in marshmallowy goodness.

Let it cool for a few minutes, until it's a good temperature for you to handle with your hands. This next step is vital in your popcorn ball success.

step by step collage of making marshmallow popcorn balls

Shape into Popcorn Balls

Spray your hands well with nonstick cooking spray. Otherwise, you will end up with a huge sticky mess on your hands.

Measure out 1 cup of the mixture and roll into a ball. (Image 6 below.)

Place on parchment paper and keep moving until all your popcorn mixture has been used up. (See image below.)
You will probably need to respray your hands a few times throughout the process.

popcorn balls on parchment paper on baking sheet

Variations

You can simply serve your popcorn balls as they are or you can jazz them up in several different ways.

The easiest way to fancy them up is to add a long, festive toothpick. I grabbed these cute picks at Hobby Lobby and they came in a pack with a variety of fun, bright colors.

Another cute option that would be a huge hit with adults and kids alike, sprinkles! After you've shaped your popcorn balls, roll them in sprinkles. You can make them festive for any holiday or event.

My last fun idea to make these a little extra special involves food coloring. Mix in food coloring after melting the butter and marshmallows to make these popcorn balls any color you want.

Can't you see cute little pink or red popcorn balls wrapped in cellophane for a fun Valentine's surprise?!

How long are popcorn balls good for?

It can vary but if stored well, in an airtight container, they should be good for up to 5 days!

So Many Reasons to Make Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

There are so many reasons to make these popcorn balls. My kids were more than happy to be my little taste testers on this recipe for their after-school snack.

They would also be a really fun and different option for a bake sale or potluck at school or church. I always love it when there is something besides the typical cookies or brownies to choose from.

Make them festive, wrap them in cellophane, and add them to the kids' Easter baskets for a delicious homemade addition.

Want More Portable Treats?

If you are looking for more delicious, portable sweets like these marshmallow popcorn balls, you have to try this cookie dough fudge, hot chocolate muddy buddies, caramel corn, and chocolate + peanut butter energy bites.

Recipe

marshmallow popcorn balls on white background

Print Pin

5 from 43 votes

Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

These simple and delicious marshmallow popcorn balls come together in minutes for the perfect snack or sweet treat.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings popcorn balls

Calories 209kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

16 cups popped popcorn (½ cup kernels) Here is how to pop popcorn!
10 ounces mini marshmallows 6 cups
5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Nonstick spray

Instructions

Go through popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Set aside. Lay a rectangle of parchment on the counter.
Heat a large pot (big enough for the popcorn) over medium low heat. Add butter and marshmallows. Stir until melted.
Remove from heat and stir in kosher salt and vanilla extract.
Add popcorn to pot and stir until completely coated. Allow to cool for 3 minutes.
Spray hands well with nonstick spray. Measure out a cup of the popcorn mixture. Roll into a ball.
Set on prepared parchment. Repeat until you have used all the popcorn. Store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

Try not to squeeze the popcorn balls too hard, or it could make the popcorn balls too hard to bite.

Nutrition

Cosori Toaster Oven Air Fryer Review

January 15, 2020

Cosori Toaster Oven Air Fryer Review: This is WAY more than just a toaster oven! It will dehydrate, ferment, air fry, bake, and so much more!

Cosori had given me this toaster oven in exchange for a review!

COSORI 12-in-1 Oven Air Fryer Combo, Convection Toaster with Dehydrator & Rotisserie

I’ve had a “toaster oven” on my wish list for some time. But if you’re like me, I was a little overwhelmed with the variety and options out there.

There are…

Toaster ovens.
Toaster ovens with air fryer capabilities.
Small toaster ovens.
Big toaster ovens.
Toaster ovens that clean the house too.
ok… maybe not that last one, but how nice would that be?

Then Cosori reached out to me and asked if I’d give their 12-in-1 toaster oven a try, and since I KNOW just how curious you are about all kinds of small appliances… it was a no brainer.

HOWEVER… as those of you in the Fab Family know…I never ever write about or do publish reviews on products that I don’t truly love.
Trust me, there are products out there that have been sent to me, and if it wasn’t a winner, it was sent back without recommendation.

But since you’re seeing this post and video review below, then that means I’m a fan of this toaster oven. And even though I’ve only made toast with it so far, here’s why I love it, and why I think I’ll love the rest.

If you’re not in a place to catch the video above, here’s what I love about this Cosori Toaster Oven so far.

What I Love About It:

It’s sleek design
It does SOOO much. (See below what all it can do!)
I can cook multiple pieces of toast at one time, rather than just two in my small toaster.
I can keep foods warm when dinner is done and waiting on dinnertime.
Toasting and cooking small items instead of warming up my big oven is a WIN!

What All It Can Do:

I’m honestly amazed at all that it can do. As I mention in the video, it does take up some counter space, however, it’s not any bigger than other toaster ovens my friends have.

But taking in to consideration that it can do so many of the things that I have other small appliances for… I could get rid of those and just keep this “all-in-one” appliance and then it makes a ton of sense.

Here’s what all it can do, and what it has presets for:

Pizza – this is perfect for those frozen pizzas my kids (and I) love so much or to make bagel pizzas!
Roast – Roasting a pork tenderloin in this thing is on my to-do list!
Airfry – French fries and chicken wings are going to be a must!
Toast – Love having the space to make multiple pieces of toast at once. It will come in super handy on school mornings!
Bagel – Same as the toast, I can’t wait to make everyone a bagel at ONCE especially when I’m hosting a bagel bar!
Bake – How cool to be able to bake things like cake recipes and muffins in this and not heat up the whole house!
Broil – perfect setting for those open-face sandwiches, toasting garlic bread or broiling the bread for the BEST bruschetta recipe!
Cookies – I can’t wait to use this to bake these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies with my kids, using this setting!
Rotisserie – This thing will cook up to a 5lb chicken! I’m going to love being able to make these to eat on for days in salad recipes, pasta, tacos, and more!
Dehydrate – we LOVE deer meat around here, so making jerky with the dehydrator is something we’re looking forward to!
Ferment – for all of you homemade bread lovers and DIY yogurt fans, I hear you’ll LOVE this setting!
Keep Warm – this function is going to be a lifesaver for when my family is late coming home from jiu-jitsu training and dinner is waiting on them!

Where to Buy this Toaster Oven

You can find this exact toaster oven on Amazon and as a Prime member, that’s my favorite place to scored small appliance deals for sure!

Buy this Toaster HERE!

What is a Brain Dump? Plus a Free Template Worksheet!

January 3, 2020

Brain Dump: How a brain dump works and a free template worksheet to help gather those loose thoughts and how to take action.

Brain Dump

Whether it’s in my blogging business or in my personal life, creating a brain dump can SAVE me. It saves my sanity and helps out so much with organizing and launching new projects.

What is a Brain Dump?

Well if you’re like me and can relate to the saying,

If you ever want to know what a woman’s mind is like, imagine a browser with 3,241 tabs open. All.The.Time.
Someecards

then you know that you can have a gazillion thoughts going through your head every minute.

The kids. The House. Your marriage.
Work. His work. Bills. The list goes on.

So when a “brain dump” comes in to the picture, it means we take all of those swirling thoughts in our heads and jot them down on paper!

Suddenly, we can feel relief because we aren’t trying to remember all of the things currently rolling through our minds. Plus, it allows us a place to look back on to be reminded of the things that we need to do or become aware of.

How do you Create a Brain Dump?

A brain dump can be created in different ways. Here are my favorite ways to create them:

pen and paper (in a notebook, on a post it, in a planner, etc.)
template or worksheet (see below for your free printable!)
On the “notes” app or similar app on a cell phone
On a computer using a Word doc, Google docs, etc.
On a “mind map” website or something like Trello!

How do you Use a Brain Dump?

Of course you can do a brain dump of anything and everything you want (jot down all of the thoughts you currently have) and leave it at that. That in itself can be incredibly helpful to ease stress, and take a little off of our plate.

But managing or pinpointing what kind of brain dump you want to do, can add a whole other level of satisfaction. I like to divide them in to two different categories; “Feelings” brain dumps and “actionable” brain dumps.

Feelings:

A brain dump can actually be really helpful when it comes to feeling overwhelmed with thoughts.

For instance, if your mind is swarming with negative thoughts, depression, and anxiety, jotting down all of these thoughts can make us feel SO much better!

Somehow, being able to release those thoughts on paper can help release our ties to those feelings in some incredible way.

Actionable:

I like to take all of the items on my brain dump and organize them even more. Some of these “actionable” items can look like this:

Personal Life: School Activities, Doctor Appointments, Date Nights, Birthday Parties, etc.

Our lives can get so busy, between managing school activities, practices, date nights, dinner with friends, paying bills, cleaning the house, family gatherings and so much more… it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with everything we have to do.

Listing these items out can help us be more aware of what needs to be done, or what needs attention and that in itself can reduce the anxiety of the “unknown” feeling.

Work-Life: Creating Products, Preparing Speeches, Event Planning, etc.

For work, creating a brain dump can come in incredibly helpful if working on a big project, preparing for a big meeting, planning a big event… or even when it feels like there are a ton of items that need to be completed by a deadline… sometimes jotting down all of the things to do, ideas and or thoughts, can be helpful.

Plus, do you ever have those spur-of-the-moment ideas or thoughts when driving down the road or while out to dinner with friends? Sometimes it’s hard to remember them when it comes time to actually work on something.
So later, when we can refer to our brain dump that has all of those genius ideas on it, we don’t have to rely on just our memory!

Taking Action and/or Organizing a Brain Dump

Once your brain dump is complete, if you want to take it an extra step, a great strategy is to:

“Feelings” Brain Dump Action:

talk to someone about the feelings you’re experiencing
take some time for YOU to reflect on those feelings
journal about those feelings

“Actionable” Brain Dump Organization:

prioritize them in order of importance
schedule the appointments
list items in a planner, or in/on a calendar as to-do’s on certain days
take action on the small, doable steps that can be completed easily and right then
delegate to-do’s to those who can complete them

Free Brain Dump Worksheet

Although a blank sheet of paper will work just fine, I love being able to have a free printable for you to go along with your mind dumping process. Why? Well because I know how intimidating staring at a blank sheet of paper can be.

So when we have a cute printable to guide us or unconsciously give us permission to jot all of our thoughts down, it can make a BIG difference.

I’ve created the free “brain dump” printable for you. I’ve left it blank and have given you plenty of space to write in what you wish.

Get Your Free Template HERE!

To snag this brain dump worksheet, see button below…and then print it over and over, as you wish!

Get Access!

Want more of detailed brain dump worksheet?

I have a desire to create more of a detailed, guided worksheet for you, to help you organize your thoughts and help you pull out those deep ideas that you may be stored inside.

If this is something you’d be interested in having as well, let me know in the comments below and I’ll start working on it!

Burgers in the Oven

February 20, 2021

Burgers in the oven are an easy way to make juicy cheeseburgers without a grill or a messy stovetop. I bake the patties uncovered, then add them to buns with cheese and wrap each burger in foil for a few more minutes in the oven. That last step gives you a warm, soft bun and gooey, melted cheese which is my favorite part!

Hamburgers in the oven - baked recipe with cheese

“Can I cook burgers in the oven?” – It’s asked often!

YES, and let me tell you… it may be your new favorite way to whip up this family favorite dinnertime go-to! (It has only become a favorite way to make these cheeseburger sliders that have become so popular too!)

Not only does baking the burgers in the oven make clean-up a breeze (no splattered grease popping all over the stovetop) but this recipe creates the juiciest burger, and has a trick that will keep you going back for more! (We even bake venison burgers in the oven!)

Featured Comment: I made these burgers today with the special "trick" and let me tell you. Hold on. Sorry I was drooling….. these came out OOEY GOOEY DELICIOUS!!!! – Jeannette Marie Young

It’s incredibly easy to make baked hamburgers… and the best part? With the trick I’ll show you, you can even make these a little in advance in case you’re serving a big crowd, (like for a burger bar) or aren’t exactly sure what time dinner will actually be served.

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Ingredients

Here are the basic ingredients for baking hamburgers. The recipe card below includes more tips, seasonings, and toppings ideas.

ground beef – The ground beef that I use tends to be very lean. If you use a fatty ground beef there could be a lot of grease in the bottom of the baking dish. Some have found that they prefer placing the burger patties on a rack inside of the dish to help prevent the burgers from sitting in a lot of grease.
salt – See below where I go in to more detail on the type of salt I recommend.
pepper – See below where I go in to more detail on the type of black pepper I recommend.
sliced American cheese – Thick sliced cheese is my favorite and recommended.
hamburger buns – You can use your favorite burger buns but I love using sesame buns.

How to Cook Hamburgers in the Oven

For four fresh ¼-pound beef patties, bake uncovered at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, until a food thermometer inserted into the center of each patty reads 160°F. No flipping required! The optional foil-wrapped bun finish takes another 2-3 minutes.

The steps and recipe card below are for fresh or fully thawed patties. Starting with frozen patties? Follow the separate frozen-burger instructions below.

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F, and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Choose a dish large enough to hold 4 hamburger patties in a single layer.

Cooking more burgers? Use a larger pan with raised sides to catch the juices, and keep the patties in a single layer. Check each burger with a thermometer rather than assuming a larger batch will finish at exactly the same time.

4 Beef Hamburger Patties

Using 1 pound of ground beef, shape 4 evenly sized ¼-pound patties. (Tip: Thaw out another pound of ground beef to make this old-fashioned favorite, Salisbury steak!)

How to Season Hamburgers

In the BEST Cheeseburger recipe, you saw that I love to fry burgers in browned butter for flavoring and use salt and pepper to season.

However, when it comes to baking hamburgers, I prefer to only use salt and pepper.

Feel free to use what you have on hand, or your favorite salt and pepper, but I can’t help but recommend my favorites.

Fine Grain Himalayan Salt – When I started researching different salts for healthier options, my friend recommended this salt and I haven’t looked back. It is “saltier” so I don’t have to add as much when cooking, but it is also really tasty! I’m a big fan!
However, feel free to use my other favorite, kosher salt, or any type of sea salt/table salt.
Peppercorn Medley – Oh my favorite pepper in all the land! I love using this with the BEST oven baked steak recipe, and anything “beef” related. You’d be surprised at how much flavor this pepper has over regular black pepper. HOWEVER, feel free to use regular ground black pepper too! It’s tasty too!

Alternate Seasoning Options

I don’t know what it is exactly, but this seasoning rocks my world, and I love to put it on just about anything. Especially side dishes like my garlic roasted broccoli and the baked potato wedges.

So when I have some on hand, I love sprinkling this on my cheeseburgers too! Just be cautious of adding salt, because seasoning like this can have a lot of salt in it! This seasoning is similar to a seasoned salt but I’ve had so many readers also say that they love sprinkling their favorite meat seasonings on these burgers too.

French Fry Seasoning - a great spice for burgers

Season on Both Sides

Over the years, I’ve learned that I prefer when burgers are GENEROUSLY seasoned with salt and pepper.
(If I had to guess, I’d say I probably use a total of about 2 teaspoon of salt for the four burgers, and then I just make sure I can SEE black pepper all over my burgers.)

Seasoned hamburger patties with salt and pepper — I actually used regular black pepper for this photo, because I ran out of my favorite peppercorn medley earlier that day!

Just when you think it may be too much salt and pepper (because let’s face it… you can always add more, but you can’t really take it away) you can finally actually taste it.

So season as you desire, but if you find that your burgers didn’t have much flavor this time, add a little bit more next time.

When you’ve seasoned one side of the burgers, flip the seasoned side down in to the prepared baking dish and season the other side.

Flip the seasoned burgers over in to the baking dish and season the other side

How Long to Cook Burgers in the Oven at 375 Degrees

Fresh ¼-pound burgers take about 20-25 minutes at 375°F. Bake uncovered, without flipping, and start checking earlier if your patties are thinner. The burgers are ready when a food thermometer inserted into the center of each patty reads 160°F; color alone does not tell you whether ground beef is safely cooked.

If you're doing the foil-wrapped bun trick below, allow another 2-3 minutes after the patties are fully cooked.

For Cheeseburgers

If you love cheese on your burgers, grab a slice of American cheese (or your favorite kind) and place one slice on each burger.

Return the cooked patties to the 375°F oven for about 1 minute, until the cheese melts. Doing the foil-wrapped bun trick below? Skip this separate melting step and add the cheese when you assemble the burgers.

The Trick for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Oven-Baked Burgers

When I started doing this for my burgers, I feel like I changed my family’s burger-lovin’ life.

Tear off 4 squares of aluminum foil (just large enough to wrap each individual burger).

Place the bottom portions of each bun on each sheet of foil, and build the burgers, WITHOUT the extra toppings. Just meat and cheese for now!

Build the cheeseburger and wrap in aluminum foil

Wrap each assembled burger in foil and place in a clean baking dish or on a baking sheet. Return to the 375°F oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the buns are warm and soft. Add lettuce, tomato, and other toppings after unwrapping.

Wrap cheeseburger in aluminum foil and place in oven to steam

This will allow the cheese and bun to steam/toast, to create the ooey-gooeyness that has become so hard to live without!

Cooking Hamburgers in Advance

If you’re cooking for a large crowd, or just want to make a batch early and keep warm until dinnertime, it’s easy!

Make the burgers like I’ve suggested, and keep the aluminum foil-wrapped burgers in the oven on warm. (Just don’t get the oven too hot, or your buns will get TOO toasty and become hard.) I do this for baking hot dogs in the oven too!

How to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Oven

You can cook frozen beef patties without thawing them first. This version uses 400°F and a halfway flip, while the fresh-patty recipe above uses 375°F without flipping. If you're using packaged frozen burgers, check the package instructions for your patties.

Frozen burger patty baked in the oven and on buns.

To bake frozen burgers:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (optional, but helps grease drip away).
Arrange frozen hamburger patties in a single layer. Do not stack.

Seasoned frozen burger patties in baking dish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Frozen-patty cooking times vary with size and thickness. Use the times as a guide, and check the center of each patty with a food thermometer for 160°F.

Should You Thaw Burgers Before Baking?

You do not need to thaw hamburger patties before baking. However, thawed patties will cook more evenly and develop better browning.

If cooking from frozen, expect slightly less browning and a little more moisture release during baking.

When Should You Season Frozen Burgers?

Because frozen patties are firm at the start, seasoning won't stick well immediately.

For best results:

Bake for about 10 minutes first.
Remove from oven.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, or seasoning blend on top.
Flip and season the other side.
Return to oven to finish cooking.

How Long Do Frozen Burgers Take at Different Temperatures?

Approximate times for frozen beef patties:
At 400°F → 20-25 minutes
At 375°F → 25-30 minutes
At 425°F → 18-22 minutes

Always cook until the center reaches 160°F.

How Do You Keep Frozen Burgers from Drying Out?

Do not overcook beyond 160°F.
Flip halfway through cooking.
Avoid pressing down on patties.
Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

You can also brush lightly with oil before baking to encourage browning.

Can You Add Cheese to Frozen Burgers?

Yes. Add cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of baking so it melts without overcooking the burger.

Baked burger patties in baking dish with cheese slices on top.

How to Freeze Hamburger Patties

Freezing hamburger patties is a great way to meal prep and always have dinner ready. Properly freezing them helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the patties from sticking together.

Here's how to freeze burger patties the right way:

Form ground beef into evenly sized patties.
Place a small square of wax paper between each patty.

Hamburger patties placed between pieces of wax paper.

Stack the patties neatly.
Place the stack inside a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
Press out as much air as possible before sealing.

Lay the bag flat in the freezer so the patties freeze evenly.

Frozen burger patties in wax paper placed in a ziploc bag.

How Long Do Frozen Burger Patties Last?

Properly stored, raw burger patties can last:

Up to 3-4 months in the freezer for best quality.
Longer if sealed tightly, though texture may decline over time.

Label the bag with the date so you can rotate older batches first.

Can You Freeze Cooked Burger Patties?

Yes. Allow cooked burgers to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and place inside a freezer bag.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Pro Tip for Easy Separation

Using wax paper between patties makes it easy to pull out only what you need without thawing the entire batch.

This also keeps the patties from sticking together once frozen.

Toppings for Burgers

Feel free to top your burgers with your favorite toppings! Honestly, when they’re cooked like this, I love them plain, with just cheese! (Unless I have some of the french fry seasoning that I’ve shared with you, under the recipe.) Although, topping them like a Cowboy Burger is pretty tasty too!

But some of the standard favorite toppings are:

mustard
ketchup
onion
tomato
lettuce
pickles
mayo
bacon (you can cook bacon in the oven too!)
pineapples (Yes! They’re so good on a burger, and we love using them on Aloha burgers too!)

Above photo from the Burger Bar I styled for a party.

Sides to Go with Burgers

Looking for something to serve along with your hamburgers? Here are our favorites:

More Hamburger Recipes You’ll Love:

If you love hamburgers, then you’ll definitely want to see all of the other hamburger recipes that we have. Here are some of our favorites:

Or even if you’re looking for ways to use ground beef, we have suggestions for dinner recipes using ground beef!

More Oven Recipes

If you’re looking for another easy oven protein, see our complete guide on how to cook pork chops in the oven, and also check out these favorite recipes:

Did You Make This?
Snap a pic and hashtag it #Fantabulosity - I love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook.

Recipe

Burger baked in the oven, steamed in aluminum foil, and placed on white plate.

Print Pin

4.97 from 679 votes

BEST Burgers in the Oven – With a TRICK!

The ORIGINAL! Cooking burgers in the oven may leave you never wanting to make them any other way! This recipe with the "melt-in-your-mouth" trick that makes all the difference!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Optional Toasting 2

Total Time 27

Servings burgers

Calories 428kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Equipment

8×8 baking dish
aluminum foil – optional, for toasting

Ingredients

4 beef patties fresh or fully thawed; 1 pound of ground beef shaped into four ¼-pound patties
salt as desired – see blog post for tips
pepper as desired – see blog post for tips
4 slices yellow American cheese if desired
4 hamburger buns

Optional – For Toasting

aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Choose a dish large enough to hold all 4 patties in a single layer.
Generously season one side of the burgers with salt and pepper.
4 beef patties, salt, pepper
Place the patties in the baking dish in a single layer, seasoned side down.
Sprinkle more salt and pepper on each hamburger (or use a preferred seasoning) if you like!
Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, until a food thermometer inserted into the center of each patty reads 160°F. Start checking earlier for thinner patties. No flipping is needed; use a thermometer rather than color to check doneness.
For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each cooked patty and return to the oven for about 1 minute, until melted. If using the foil-wrapped bun method below, skip this separate melting step and add the cheese when assembling the burgers.
4 slices yellow American cheese

The TRICK for Ooey Gooey Cheese & a Toasted Bun

Place a burger patty on a bottom bun, add a slice of cheese, and top with top bun. Wrap each burger in aluminum foil. (Just enough to wrap the burger completely.)
4 hamburger buns, aluminum foil
Place the foil-wrapped burgers in a clean baking dish or on a baking sheet. Return to the 375°F oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the buns are warm and soft.
Serve and top with any toppings desired!

Video

Notes

Why the Extra “Toasting” Step? Placing the burgers in aluminum foil and baking for a few minutes, allows the cheese to melt in and the bun to toast! This creates almost a steamy, soft… yet toasty bun that is to die for!

Making burgers for a large crowd? Make them in advance and wrap in aluminum foil like this and keep on warm until ready to serve!

Salt and Pepper: My favorite salt to use is fine grain Himalayan and my favorite pepper to use is Peppercorn Medley! But you can use table salt or ground black pepper too!

Nutrition

How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners

October 7, 2019

How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners: A work from home or side hustle that’s easier than you think, selling products online with these tools!

How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners

I am BEYOND honored to have a friend here today, sharing her knowledge and tips with us about how her family got started selling on Amazon and still to this day, sells products on Amazon!

Let me build the scene for you (You know my inner Sophia from Golden Girls has to come out every now and then… “Picture it, 1922… Sicily…” )

Listening to Pat Flynn’s podcast a couple of months ago, I happened across an episode that had a couple being interviewed, chatting about their success with selling on Amazon, and the dreams they’ve achieved while doing so.

I was so impressed with them and fell in love with their story.
So much so, that I got up the courage to reach out to them and ask if I could help share their story/products here on Fantabulosity with those of you who have dreamed of selling on Amazon too!

More Articles I Think You’ll Love:

The Selling Family – Selling on Amazon

Family Business - How to sell on amazon - husband wife child sitting around table

Would you believe that Jessica from The Selling Family, emailed me back within no time?
I couldn’t believe it… someone that I had decided that was pretty much a celebrity, answered my email and responded to it in a flash!

I knew in that instant, that she and her husband were something special.

After chatting through email a few times, Jessica said that she would love to share with Fantabulosity readers, some of her story and tips for those of you who are considering selling products on Amazon!

So without further ado, I am honored to have Jessica here, answering some of the questions I thought you all might like the answers too when it comes to selling on Amazon.

Hi Jessica! Thank you SO much for joining us. Here are some of the top questions that I have for you, that I think Fantabulosity readers will want to get the scoop on…

“Why did you start selling on Amazon?”

I started selling on Amazon shortly after losing my full-time job in 2008. I was working for a company in the housing industry and there was major downsizing because of the recession. It was actually my husband, who was a manager at the same company, who had to let me go!

We were not in a place to live on one income so I knew I needed to find work right away. Luckily, I had been selling on eBay on the side so I had some experience there.

I took my last corporate paycheck and spent all of it at yard sales.
I sold all of the yard sale finds on eBay and that's how I ended up in the business of online reselling.

Replacing A Corporate Income

It only took me a few months on eBay to replace my old corporate income! By using my profits to buy more inventory, I was able to quickly grow the business. But it was also starting to take a lot of my time.

That's the thing about eBay. Each time you want to sell an item, you have to take a photo of it, create a listing, pack it up when it sells, drive it to the post office, and wait to see if there are any customer complaints or returns.

You're really limited by the number of hours you have each day. Especially since you also need time to go out and look for more inventory to sell.

In the summer of 2010, I started chatting with a group of eBay sellers who were trying their hand at selling on Amazon.

Now this might sound crazy to you now, but back then Amazon really was just a place for books. So sellers were going to thrift stores and library sales, picking out used books, and reselling them on Amazon. They'd make maybe $1 per book so they'd do this all day long.

I wasn't all that interested in selling books. I tried it, but it just wasn't for me. But what did interest me about Amazon was their fulfillment program for third-party sellers called Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA). I had a feeling that with FBA, I'd be able to grow and scale my business that much faster.

I was right about my hunch. By 2011, I was making enough money that I was able to help my husband Cliff retire from his corporate job. We've been running an Amazon business together as a family ever since.

“How does it work? Do you buy things at the store and ship them to Amazon or to each customer?”

Here's the big difference between Amazon FBA and basically everything else out there for reselling.

With FBA, you don't ship directly to the customer. Instead, you buy your inventory and you ship it in bulk to an Amazon Fulfillment Center. They have these all over the country.

Once Amazon has your inventory at one of their warehouses, they handle most of the work.

They store your inventory in their warehouses
They pack the items and ship them to customers (usually with free 1-day Prime shipping!)
And they even handle returns and customer service issues.

This is great because it means you can run a reselling business without looking like a hoarder! With eBay, I always had inventory and packages scattered all over the house.

But the real benefit is how much time it saves. Instead of packing up individual shipments and driving to the post office, I just create one or two big boxes at a time and send them to Amazon. It means that I get to spend more time buying inventory and less time doing busy work.

Now there are a lot of ways to buy inventory for reselling on Amazon FBA. But the primary ways that I find inventory are through Retail Arbitrage and Online Arbitrage.

Retail Arbitrage and Online Arbitrage

With Retail Arbitrage, I am driving to local retail stores, looking at inventory, and then buying items that I can resell for a profit on Amazon. Technology has made this process so much easier because there are smartphone apps that tell you which products are winners and which ones aren't worth selling.

deodorant in the store - buy and sell online — Grabbing products like this Deoderant at a retail store, and selling it for more than what you’ve purchased it at, is key!

And unlike shopping at yard sales, when I'm doing Retail Arbitrage, I have the ability to get 5-10 of an item at any given store. If it's a hot seller, I drive across town hitting different locations to buy more. Given the choice, I'd rather sell 25 of the same item than 25 different items.

When I do Online Arbitrage, it's really similar, but I'm shopping at retail websites instead of retail stores. So maybe I spend an afternoon browsing barnesandnoble.com looking for profitable inventory.

I keep shopping for inventory until I have enough to create a shipment to send off to an Amazon warehouse.

Free 7-Day Email Course

If you want to learn more about how this all works, I have a free 7-day email course that covers the basics. This will introduce you to Retail Arbitrage and show you how to find profitable inventory. If you're having a hard time believing that someone would pay more for an item on Amazon than they would at Walmart, this is the course for you!

“Do you have to be super tech-advanced to be successful or start an Amazon business?”

Amazon requires less technical skill than blogging (this is based on my experience with both). You don't have to create a website because you get to use Amazon.com to sell your inventory.
So you don't need the design, SEO, and hosting tech skills that are standard in the blogging world.

But, of course, you need some tech basics. You'll need to sign in to Amazon's Seller Central dashboard daily to check your sales and your pricing. You may have to occasionally download a report into a spreadsheet to check on something. You should definitely be very comfortable with a laptop or desktop computer, your smartphone, and a printer.

And, as I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of apps and extensions that make Amazon selling a lot easier. If you're comfortable downloading and using apps on your phone and Chrome extensions on your computer, then you're off to a good start.

“Can you do it part-time? Or does it take a full-time workload to make it work?”

This is my favorite thing about doing Retail Arbitrage with Amazon FBA: you can do it 8 hours a week or 80. It's like you get to choose how much money you want to make and act accordingly.

It's the kind of business model where the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. So if you want to make an extra $500 a month to put towards savings, you could do this super part-time.

But I know plenty of people who support their families doing Retail Arbitrage full-time. When Cliff and I were fully focused on our Amazon business, we were profiting over $100,000 per year. And that was with about 20-hour workweeks.

There are a lot of ways to scale this business for growth if that's your big vision. But I have plenty of students who are thrilled to make a part-time income "just" by shopping at Target on the weekends 🙂

“Could you get in to creating your own product and then drop-ship? Or is that more advanced?”

On Amazon, creating your own product is called Private Label. This is a popular business model, but it's not one that I recommend to new sellers. And, personally, it's not a business model that I'm interested in exploring.

One great thing about Retail Arbitrage, besides the flexibility, is that you can get started for less than $1,000. But if you need to find a supplier in China to Private Label a product for you, it's going to take a bigger investment up front.

Private Label vs. Retail Arbitrage

When I'm buying inventory at Big Lots or Walmart, I can buy just one or two of an item to test how it sells on Amazon. But with a Private Label supplier, you're going to need to buy a large quantity upfront. Plus, you'll have to pay for shipping overseas.

The other big unknown with Private Label is you don't know if your item will sell. You need to plan on paying for PPC Advertising to get Amazon customers to find your products. That's not something I have to worry about because I know that Amazon shoppers are already looking for items like Clorox toilet wands and Betty Crocker brownie mix.

All that being said, a lot of people do start with Retail Arbitrage and then add Private Label selling once they are more comfortable with the Amazon platform.

As for dropshipping, you never have to worry about that if you use FBA. Dropshipping can be pretty risky (and is usually against the rules on Amazon). So with FBA, just ship your items to Amazon and they'll handle shipping to the customer. If you're really someone who never wants to touch inventory, there are ways to do this with Online Arbitrage that don't involve dropshipping.

“What is one thing you wish you would have known when you started?”

It's funny, because people get jealous when they find out I've been selling on Amazon for 10 years. They say, "it must have been so easy!" because there were fewer sellers online.

It's true that there were fewer sellers, but there were also fewer buyers. And it was basically the technological dark ages! Now there are so many amazing tools and apps that make Amazon selling easier and more profitable.

So it's hard for me to even compare Amazon then and now. But there is one thing I wish I could have done differently. I wish I could have reinvested more of my profits back into the business.

I had to take money out of every Amazon payment to pay myself. That was just the reality of getting our personal bills paid each month. But now I encourage my students to try to reinvest all of their profits back into the business for the first three months. That's how you can really grow your business quickly.

I really felt like I was just winging it back then because there weren't any systems to follow. Amazon was still the untested new thing, especially outside of books, so I just had to figure it out as I went.

Which is exactly why I started blogging about Amazon FBA. I just wanted people to know about this amazing business opportunity (especially since most of my IRL friends thought it sounded crazy!).

A lot of people probably think that online reselling is just a hobby, but I want to make sure that people know that this is a real, legitimate business.

Work at Home Mom Dream…

Amazon is such a wonderful business model for moms because of the flexibility and freedom that it allows. Cliff and I get to work together, homeschool our son, and travel as a family all because of Amazon FBA. If you're looking for a more flexible way to make money while working from home, FBA could be a great fit.

Ready to Start Selling on Amazon?

If you're ready to get started, I have an online course that walks you step-by-step through the process of starting and growing your business. Amazon FBA is a whole lot easier if you have a tested system to follow, and that's what I teach in my Amazon Boot Camp.

It amazes me how many people could benefit from an Amazon FBA business and they just don't know that it exists. So thanks for giving me the opportunity to share more about it 🙂

Thank you Jessica!

Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us Jessica. I had NO idea about so much of this, but have been super curious. I’m not going to lie… I’m REALLY considering selling on Amazon myself because I would love to be able to have “shopping” as a staple part of my business!

Have more questions for Jessica? Drop them in the comments below! I’d love to hear them too!

If you loved this post on how to sell on Amazon, you may also love my other posts on blogging and online business!

Pin the Image Below to Remember It:

Importance of Time Management

December 21, 2019

Importance of Time Management: Whether in your personal life, home, or in the workplace, this is why time management is so important!

Importance of Time Management

I have a lot of faults, but I will say that time management and organization come very naturally for me, and I swear I get it from my mom. That woman is an amazing individual and I grew up learning from the best.

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I honestly didn’t realize I had time management skills until I became an adult and began working with others and becoming more aware of deadlines.

But please don’t think I’m bragging or perfect with time management. I promise I struggle in many other areas to justify my time management skills and I do slip up occasionally with mismanaging my time. It’s just that time management is one of my strengths.

And since I’ve come to realize over the years just how important time management can be, in MANY different areas in life, I want to share what I know, so it can help YOU!

11 Reasons Why Time Management is So Important

Why is it important? Here are some of my favorite reasons why:

1. Take Control of Your Time and Not Let it Take Control of YOU.

When time management is incorporated into your life, you can take control of your time, and not let it take control of you.

Do you ever feel scattered? Feeling scattered can be what you feel when there are many things going on, and you’re letting them “come at you” freely, without routine or without complete awareness.

Being in control of your time, scheduling, planning and being more aware of what’s coming and/or happening, can really reduce the amount of anxiety and stress that you may feel. Which leads me to my next perk of managing your time.

2. It can Lower Stress

Life can be stressful! I don’t care if you’re someone who has a lot going on, or doesn’t have a lot going on… life can still be stressful. But when you DO have a lot going on, causing you to live a busy schedule, it can be a recipe for disaster.

Busy Schedule + No Time Management = STRESS

So if even a little time management can be put in to place, it can lower stress… and that’s what we all want, right?

3. Procrastination is the Enemy

Rather than managing your time wisely, procrastinating can cause a ton of chaos and anxiety later.

Procrastinating does feel good in the moment, but eventually, things will catch up and everything will be due at once with little time to devote to it.

4. To Be Effective in Everyday Life

Can we get through life without time management? Of course.

But having time management skills can help us be EFFECTIVE in everyday life. Effective with things like tackling items on our to-do lists, managing our homes so things don’t pile up, at the workplace and meeting deadlines, etc.

5. To be Considerate of Others

When thinking of all the reasons of the importance of time management, being considerate of others is at the top of my own list. Meetings, coffee dates with friends, respecting our spouse, and so many other people in our lives!

Others have lives too, so when we’re 30 minutes late to the meeting, solely because of the lack of our own poor time management, it’s disrespectful and can give the impression that we think what we have going on is more important than what they have going on in life.

I don’t know about you, but I never want anyone I care about to feel like I don’t care enough about what they have going on, and that their life should revolve around mine.

6. Can Make More Time for What Matters

I’ve talked about “love languages” quite a bit around here, and mostly when it comes to the subject of marriage.

If your spouse absolutely loves when you make time for them, having time management skills, to where it helps you make time for your spouse… can CHANGE your marriage. (In a good way!)

When my husband was working a ton of hours each day, running here and running there, I felt like I would end up on the back burner quite a bit because he’d often let work and life control his days.

But with a little time management under his belt, using the self-management checklist (that’s a freebie in my printable library, exclusive to Fantabulosity Family) each day, he began to regain control of his time and make more time for me and our kiddos!

7. Financially Beneficial

Time management skills can actually benefit us financially too! If we don’t manage our time with bill paying, we can be late paying bills, that can generate and accrue interest, late fees, etc. So managing your time can actually SAVE money!

8. Freedom for What We DO Want

Quite possibly my favorite reason to discuss the importance of time management, is because it can give us the freedom of time to do things for ourselves and others.

When our time is managed, it can free up minutes or even hours in our days/weeks to focus on things that we’ve been putting off for so long.

Perhaps it’s joining a class we’ve been wanting to join, or taking Friday’s off because we were efficient with our time Monday through Thursday.

If “freedom” is an important value of yours, time management just may be the key to your success with that!

9. Get More Done + Make Things Easier

Get more done, and get it done easier? You bet! When your time is managed and controlled, you can get a lot more done and not necessarily work as hard, completing things!

For instance, if a project is planned out or scheduled, you go in knowing that you are there to work on that project and only that project which can keep you from thinking about all of the other things you need to get done.

Focusing on one thing to do at a time, can mean you’ll complete it faster, efficiently and it makes it MUCH easier to complete when your brain isn’t trying to play tug of war with all of the other things you have to get done too.

10. Clear Thinking

When we feel less scattered because our time is managed more, we have less brain fog, more clarity and the “rushed” feeling tends to subside! It goes back again to having control of your time, rather than letting your time have control of YOU!

11. Workplace Perks

When it comes to the workplace, using time management skills can speak volumes to co-workers, leaders, etc.

Managing your time can be viewed as a great characteristic and can encourage promotions, pay raises and advancements in your career!

How to Manage Time?

So HOW can we manage our time? Well, that post is soon to come. I’ll be sharing my favorite tips and tricks to manage our time, with realistic strategies and techniques to implement into our daily lives!

But here’s a quick note to leave you with.

If you do something for 21 days, it could create a habit. (Unless it’s a BIG change or habit that you’re trying to break/start.)
However, it can take as little as 21 days to make a change.

So start small! What small thing can you implement in to your daily life NOW to try and incorporate more time management skills in to your life?

Remember, baby steps can be the key to success. No step is too small, as long as it’s in the right direction.

Pin it for Later:

Pin this image on Pinterest to remember it later, so you can come back to it to refresh your memory!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

June 15, 2019

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Two flavors combined that will excite your tastebuds! Plus, how to roll up the dough and even freeze it for later to slice and bake cookies!

We absolutely love cookie recipes, so we’ve made sure to offer fun spins on the recipe like with this chocolate and peanut butter cookie but also with a traditional peanut butter cookie and these cake mix peanut butter cookies.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Is there really anything better than a chocolate chip cookie? (Or the cookie dough that you’re NOT supposed to eat, but I do…)

Well something that could be better is a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.

Taking one of my favorite dessert recipes and adding another favorite ingredient, just.made.sense.

Full recipe and printable recipe card towards the end of this post for your convenience.

For these chewy AND crunchy cookies, you get to use everyday ingredients like:

1 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
1 cup softened butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups creamy Peanut Butter ( you can use Sun Butter or Wow Butter, Peanut free, as a substitute for Peanut allergy)
2 teaspoons vanilla
¼ cup milk
3 eggs
5 cups flour
4 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

that makes this cookie recipe so easy that you can whip them up at the last minute for an impromptu family gathering or as a fun dessert for the kids on the weekend.

Homemade Slice & Bake Cookies

What I also love about this peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, is that it can be made and baked right away, or you can roll all of it/some of it and freeze for up to six months!

Slice and Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you want to freeze part of the dough for this cookie recipe, simply wrap waxed paper tight around the cookie log, (more instructions on that in the recipe card) and wrap in aluminum foil, tightly.

Place in freezer, and keep up to 6 months.

Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, remove the log, and slice and bake when desired.

Chocolate Chips on slice and bake peanut butter cookies

When it comes to backing, I’ve found some favorites for cookie supplies and tips to make cookies even better!

Bake on parchment paper to reduce clean-up!
Or, grab this silicone Silpat Baking Mat to change your cookie life.
Chilling your cookie dough can make a BIG difference in how the finished cookies turn out. Refrigerating solidifies the fats in the cookies, so it takes a longer time to melt when in the oven, makes a fluffier cookie. (Rather than spreading out super thin.)
Salt? YES… adding salt can create the perfect salty/sweet contrast. I always shake the shaker one or two times more than the recipe calls for because I love that extra little kick. (It’s a secret I’ve had since making chocolate chips cookies as a little girl.)
Let your baking sheet cool before adding a new batch of cookie dough to them. If you don’t, they will start cooking before you place them into the oven

Cookies on baking sheet - chocolate chip peanut butter cookies

If you’re a fan of cookies with chocolate chips, then you must know about this chocolate chip banana cookie recipe too!

Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 1 vote

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Two flavors combined that will excite your tastebuds! Plus, how to roll up the dough and even freeze it for later for slice and bake cookies!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Servings cookies

Calories 467kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
1 cup softened butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups creamy peanut butter Or sun butter, wow butter, peanut free)
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk
3 eggs
5 cups flour
4.5 teaspoon baking soda
.5 teaspoon salt (I prefer kosher or pink Himalayan salt)
6 oz. chocolate chips (or more/less depending on what you prefer)

Instructions

In a stand mixer, cream the butter, shortening, sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, water and vanilla, until light, creamy and smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda and salt until well blended, and add to peanut butter mixture a little at a time, mixing until smooth, scraping the sides of the mixing bowl to make sure all ingredients are well blended.
Remove cookie dough, and divide into three equal amounts, placing dough on waxed paper.
Form into a log, about 10 inches long, each, and place dough in refrigerator to chill, about an hour.

Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Remove log from refrigerator, and slice ¼ inch thick.
Roll edges of cookies in mini chocolate chips, and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown.
Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet before removing.
Remove slightly warm cookies to cooling rack to completely cool. Enjoy!

To Freeze Cookie Dough

If you want to freeze part of the dough for later, chill and roll in chocolate chips, but then simply wrap the waxed paper tight around the cookie log, and wrap in aluminum foil, tightly.
Place in freezer, and keep up to 6 months.
Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, remove log, and slice and bake when desired.

Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Slice and Bake Cookies

Love Easy Dessert Recipes?

If you love easy recipes, then you’ll want to get your hands on our quick and easy desserts! Pin them for later, so you can remember them for when you need them!

Pin These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ooooh la la! These are DELISH! Easy and chewy peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie recipe! #chocolatechipcookies #peanutbutter #peanutbutterchocolatechipcookies #easy #cookierecipe #cookies #chewycookies

25+ Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

May 31, 2023

Air Fryer Recipes: A collection of easy recipes for the air fryer for fish, chicken, pork, and more for beginners with an air fryer.

Air Fryer Recipes

If you are trying to cut back on the amount of oil you consume, an air fryer is a great option! I’m going to assume that you have an air fryer, but if not, head over to find out WHICH air fryer I chose after researching and looking for the very best, in my Air Fryer Reviews post!

What is an Air Fryer?

Air fryers allow you to still enjoy delicious fried foods, but without all the oil that comes with traditional frying!

If you have never used an air fryer before, the concept can sometimes be a little tricky. Whether you are looking for a dessert, quick lunch, or dinner, the possibilities of what you can make are endless!

25+ Air Fryer Recipes

A plate of fried shrimp with cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge.

Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

Shrimp with cocktail sauce is always a good idea. This recipe makes a favorite dish a little lighter by air frying it.

Eggplant Fries

Make fries from eggplant for a crispy and delicious way to add more veggies to your day. This recipe is so tasty that everyone will want seconds of this easy dish. One of our favorite ways to cook eggplants.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Make this easy air fryer butternut squash for an easy side everyone will love. This healthy option cooks in no time for tender and tasty flavor that compliments fall meals perfectly.

Air fryer apples in a bowl, that are coated in cinnamon.

Air Fryer Apple Chips

Make an easy and healthy snack that the whole family can enjoy with these apple chips. Make these for a crunchy and flavorful treat that packs well in lunches, or hits the spot as you snack while watching your shows at night.

Glazed apple fritters on a wire cooling rack.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

No need to head to the bakery to get the fritter flavor you crave. You can make them in the air fryer for a healthier take on a breakfast classic.

Air Fryer Venison

If you want to make the best deer meat, you need to cook it in the air fryer. It turns out so tender and flavorful for a family meal everyone will enjoy.

Salmon patties with cucumbers and lemons on a plate.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Salmon patties make for a great dinner to make in your air fryer. This method is easy and has the best crunch!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Make this super crispy tofu in your air fryer for a 12 minute dish that everyone will want a second bite of.

Air Fryer Brats

You can get great brat flavor without firing up the grill! This method cooks them in the air fryer for a fast and fuss free dinner option you can serve with sweet potato fries.

A plate of crispy air fryer chicken legs.

Air Fried Chicken Legs

Skip the greasy mess of frying chicken legs. You can coat them and pop them in the air fryer for a fast and budget friendly dinner.

Baked Turkey Burgers

Pop these healthy and lean patties into the air fryer for a juicy turkey burger that tastes amazing and cooks in a flash.

Air Fryer Asparagus

If you like crispy and crunchy asparagus, you are going to love it made in the air fryer. This is an easy and delicious side dish idea to go with so many meals.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Frozen wings come out of the freezer, and into the air fryer to make such a great appetizer, snack or addition to dinner.

Air Fryer Potatoes

If you have potatoes, a few seasonings and some olive oil you can make this easy side that goes well with most proteins.

Slices of air fried turkey breast on a plate.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Get juicy turkey breast on the table for a satisfying meal. This recipe cooks in the air fryer for a fuss free method that is done in a flash.

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Get home fry flavor on the table without having to fry on the stovetop. This method cooks potatoes in the air fryer for a hearty addition to your morning that everyone will enjoy.

Air Fryer Bacon

Did you know you can make the crispiest bacon in your air fryer? You are going to love that this fast and fuss free method can be replicated by anyone with an air fryer.

A plate with pigs in a blanket stacked on it.

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Wrap some little franks in dough and make a classic dinner like pigs in a blanket. The whole family will enjoy these easy air fryer treats.

A stack of melty s’mores from the air fryer.

Air Fryer S'mores

Make these s'mores in the air fryer for a fast way to get your sweet treat cravings cured without having to start a bonfire.

A plate with hash browns, eggs and bacon.

Air Fryer Hash Browns

Make these hash browns in the air fryer for a fast addition to breakfast that fills you up with great flavor.

Air Fryer Tilapia

Tilapia makes for such an easy air fryer meal. Make this with a salad and some crusty bread for a fast and filling dinner option. You will love how easy tilapia is to make in the air fryer.

A casserole with cinnamon rolls with icing.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Did you know you can make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer? This is perfect for a fast and flaky breakfast or dessert that everyone will love with a glass of milk or coffee.

Tater tots with tomatoes, jalapenos and cheese.

Loaded Tater Tots

If you like tots with your meals, you are going to want to make this easy air fryer recipe asap. It is loaded with all of the best toppings for a side that you could totally make a meal of if you like.

Air Fryer Burgers

Make burgers the easiest way. Cooked in the air fryer, they turn out with such a juicy flavor that will pair great with a salad, or some fries.

Frozen Garlic Bread

Get buttery garlic bread on the table for a good side dish in just a few minutes. You don't have to fire up the oven to get the flavor, you can use your air fryer!

Do you have favorite recipes for an air fryer? Share them right here in the comments below so we can add them to the list!

Need a New Air Fryer?

My favorite air fryer, by FAR is the Bella air fryer! But I’ve also tried out the Cosori Toaster Oven Air Fryer and although it is a different style of air fryer than I prefer, it was a great small appliance too!

You’ll Also Love These Fried Recipes:

Although they’re not air-fried recipes, these fried recipes on the blog are favorites!

Easy Fried Mushrooms – Try these in the air fryer!
Fried Deer Meat Recipe
Fried Shrimp Recipe

Love Our Recipe Collections?

If you love these easy recipe ideas, you’ll love these other collections where we’ve gathered some of the best:

Browse more of the easy recipes here on Fantabulosity, and pin them on Pinterest for later so you’re armed and ready for dinnertime!

Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

February 9, 2024

Pork Tenderloin in the Oven: Easy ingredients such as onions, butter, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, garlic, and onion powder… the flavor packs a punch!

Roasted pork tenderloin on platter with cooked onions.

Tenderloin recipes are one of our favorite cuts of meat around here, so make sure to check out our beef tenderloin and deer tenderloin recipes too! Pork tenderloin also comes out great as a slow cooker recipe.

Hey Fantabulosity readers! It's Meg from Meg’s Everyday Indulgence, again checking in with a ridiculously delicious and easy roasted pork tenderloin.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It uses a few ingredients: I'm betting you have all the ingredients for this juicy pork tenderloin (except for maybe the pork) in your pantry and refrigerator already.
Amazing flavor: This roasted pork starts with a sliced onion on the bottom of your pan. This provides a delicious little rack for the pork so it doesn't sit in the juices while it roasts, adds some flavor, and gives a yummy little accompaniment to the pork when it's finished.
Effortless yet impressive: Despite its simplicity, this recipe creates a tenderloin that is mouth-wateringly succulent and brimming with flavor, making it an impressive main dish for any occasion. It’s the perfect go-to when you want to present an elegant meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin Perfectly

This best baked pork tenderloin recipe only takes about 35 minutes to roast in the oven at 400°.

I don't know about you all but pork was a meat I always used to struggle to cook. It was either underdone or cooked so long it resembled jerky when chewing it. I just couldn't seem to find the sweet spot when it came to pork.

What changed things for me? A digital meat thermometer with a temperature alert feature. You set the temperature you would like your food to be cooked, insert the probe in the thickest part of the meat, and put it in the oven (or grill or slow cooker). It's oven safe and an alert will go off when the desired temperature has been reached.

I'm telling you, the instant-read thermometer is a complete game-changer. Especially when it comes to pork.

The safe temperature to cook pork to is now 145 degrees F so I set it to that temperature and then let it rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Letting the pork rest, allows the pork to redistribute the juices and will keep it juicy rather than everything running out when you slice it.

TIP: The pork will also continue to cook in those 10 minutes so you could even set your thermometer to 140 degrees F instead if you want it cooked right to 145 degrees.

For me, I like it a little more just because even though I know it's safe, the pink still freaks me out a little.

You can tell by looking at this gorgeously roasted pork tenderloin that it's fancy enough to make for special dinner guests but you can also easily whip it up for your family on a Wednesday night too.

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Option

Although cooking pork tenderloin is rich and juicy when roasted in the oven, it's also a great option for the slow cooker. I tested it both ways and they yielded in amazing flavor and buttery goodness.

So, if you need to be away from your oven, prepare the pork tenderloin exactly as stated in the instructions, just placing it in the slow cooker instead of a roasting pan. Cook on high for 4 hours and dinner will be ready to go.

Ingredients Needed

I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.

Labeled ingredients for roasted pork tenderloin sitting on counter.

Pork Tenderloin – It’s important to trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin before seasoning and roasting. Though some fat can add flavor and juiciness to a lean cut of meat, too much may cause a greasy outcome which can overshadow the other flavors.
Dried Thyme and Basil – Dried herbs such as thyme and basil pack a potent punch, so use them sparingly. They are ideal for roasting as they hold up well under high heat and infuse the meat with a rich, aromatic flavor profile. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!
Butter – The ingredient image above shows 2 Tablespoons of butter. This was the original recipe, however, adding one more tablespoon of butter helps spread items around much easier, so 3 are recommended.
Garlic Powder – Garlic powder offers a smoother, less aggressive flavor than fresh garlic. It mixes well with other dry seasonings, providing a consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish. However, be careful not to confuse it with garlic salt, which would alter the salt content of your dish.
Water – although not shown in the ingredient photo, it’s best to add about ¼ cup of water to bottom of the pan so items don’t burn.

*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*

Substitutions

Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:

Butter – If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use olive oil, which adds a nice, rich flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut oil. It has a slight coconut taste but shouldn’t significantly affect the overall flavor of the dish.
Salt – For those watching their sodium intake, you can use a salt substitute or simply reduce the amount of salt used. Keep in mind that this may affect the overall taste.
Onion – If you’re out of onions, you can use shallots or even a bit of leek for a similar flavor. As an absolute last resort, a small amount of onion powder can be used, but fresh is best for this simple recipe.
Dried Thyme and Basil – For a different flavor profile, you could use rosemary or oregano as an alternative. If you have fresh herbs, remember that you typically need to triple the amount as fresh herbs are less potent than dried.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – If you don’t have these, you can substitute them with fresh garlic and onion, but remember that the flavor could be more intense. If you have granulated garlic or onion, you can use them in a 1:1 ratio.

Variations

Spicy Pork Tenderloin: If you enjoy a little heat in your meals, incorporate some chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spice rub into your rub. The heat will contrast nicely with the richness of the pork.
Citrus Flavored Pork: Citrus flavors pair wonderfully with pork. Try adding some grated lemon or orange zest to your rub for a zesty twist.
Herb-Crusted Tenderloin: For an even more pronounced herb flavor, consider creating a dry rub crust of mixed herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Press them onto the surface of the pork before roasting.
Honey Glazed Pork: For a sweet spin on the recipe, prepare a glaze using honey, Dijon mustard, and a bit of soy sauce. Brush this onto the pork in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a beautifully caramelized exterior.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork: For a truly indulgent variation, wrap your pork tenderloin in bacon before roasting. The bacon not only adds flavor but also keeps the pork moist and juicy.

How to Make Roasted Pork Tenderloin

This roast pork recipe is broken into 2 components:

Prepare the meat rub
Cook the tenderloin

Image collage of roasted pork tenderloin showing steps of the process.

STEP 1. Preheat oven. preheat oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Layer onion in the bottom of a small baking dish. Pat dry the pork.

STEP 2. Prepare pork. Rub the pork evenly with butter and place on top of the onions. Add ¼ of a cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the onions from burning.

STEP 3. Make rub. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle evenly over the pork tenderloin and slightly press into the butter.

STEP 4. Bake. The cooking time is about 27 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F and is a nice golden brown. Remove from the hot oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle pan sauce over the pork when serving.

Recipe Pro Tips

Resting the Meat. For the best results, resting the pork tenderloin after it comes out of the oven is a crucial step. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
Quality of Ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients is the best way to enhance the taste of your dish. For instance, using fresh herbs instead of dried ones (where possible) can bring out more vibrant flavors.
Avoid Overcooking. Pork tenderloin can easily become dry if overcooked. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer and pull the pork out of the oven when it reaches 145 degrees F. Remember, the meat will continue to cook a little even after it’s removed from the oven due to residual heat.
Seasoning. Don’t rush the seasoning process. Allow the seasonings to meld with the pork for at least 15 minutes before cooking. If you have time, let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours for even better flavor.

Sliced roasted pork tenderloin on platter, with spoon pouring gravy over the top.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different cuts of meat?

Yes, you can substitute pork loin for pork tenderloin in this recipe. However, pork loin is larger and therefore will require a longer cooking time. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature
reaches 145 degrees F
.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pork tenderloin and rub the day before cooking. Store it in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before cooking.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely. Fresh herbs will give the dish a more vibrant flavor. Remember, you will need to triple the amount because fresh herbs are less potent than dried.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

While it’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking, you can also make a small cut into the thickest part of the pork to check its doneness. If the juices run clear and the meat is only slightly pink, it’s usually done.

Sliced pork tenderloin on white platter, with juices drizzled on top.

What to Serve with Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Most love serving this best pork tenderloin recipe with roasted vegetables or roasted potatoes as side dishes! Here are our favorites to serve with it:

Or, serve this delicious roasted pork tenderloin with spring mix apple raspberry salad to create the ultimate spring meal.

Storage

You can store the leftover roasted pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The next time you are ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

As for freezing, yes, cooked pork tenderloin freezes well. Allow the pork to cool completely, then wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love

If you love pork recipes, you’ll absolutely go wild over this pork steak recipe and this one pan pork chops and veggies dish!

Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!

Recipe

Roasted pork tenderloin sliced on platter, surrounded by onions.

Print Pin

4.52 from 39 votes

Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

This Pork Tenderloin in the Oven recipe is simply covered with melted butter and spices, and then baked to a delicous perfection for an easy dinner!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 82kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion peeled and sliced into 4 thick rings
1 to 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
3 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Layer onion in the bottom of a small roasting pan. Pat dry the pork.
Rub the pork evenly with butter and place on top of the onions. Add ¼ of a cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the onions from burning.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, thyme, basil, garlic powder and onion powder. Sprinkle evenly over the pork tenderloin and slightly press into the butter.
Cook for 27 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle pan sauce over the pork when serving.

Video

Notes

Resting the Meat. Resting the pork tenderloin after it comes out of the oven is a crucial step. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
Quality of Ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance the taste of your dish. For instance, using fresh herbs instead of dried ones (where possible) can bring out more vibrant flavors.
Avoid Overcooking. Pork tenderloin can easily become dry if overcooked. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer and pull the pork out of the oven when it reaches 145 degrees F. Remember, the meat will continue to cook a little even after it’s removed from the oven due to residual heat.
Seasoning. Don’t rush the seasoning process. Allow the seasonings to meld with the pork for at least 15 minutes before cooking. If you have time, let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours for even better flavor.

Nutrition

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

September 14, 2021

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A comforting baked dish casserole recipe that’s an easy dinner idea to make with everyday ingredients that the whole family will love on a busy weeknight!

Using ingredients like crispy bacon, chicken breasts, and creamy ranch dressing, makes this a delicious pasta recipe, the ultimate comfort food in only 30 minutes. Ready for this in sandwich form too? This chicken bacon ranch sandwich recipe and these crack chicken sandwiches are other amazing easy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You all… I had NO idea how much you were going to love the bacon ranch pasta salad recipe.

I mean, I don’t blame you. When you combine ranch and bacon with ANYTHING, it’s going to be amazing… but adding it to pasta (carbs) is the ultimate combination.

So when realizing how much you loved it, (and this cream cheese pasta) I knew it was time to add a warm bacon and ranch pasta to the mix, and even a little chicken to make it a bit hearty to classify it as a main dish.

The chicken-bacon-ranch pairing can also be stuffed into slider rolls as an appetizer or lunch.

Easy Ingredients

If this is your first time here, I must tell you that we LOVE easy recipes that use everyday ingredients. This recipe is no different. It uses:

Penne pasta (or pasta of choice) – I use rotini in this crockpot Parmesan garlic chicken pasta and this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.
Chicken (boil/bake & shred or use a rotisserie chicken for ease, and then make a chicken stock out of the rotisserie chicken!)
Jarred Alfredo sauce (my favorite is Bertolli) or you can make my easy Alfredo sauce instead.
Ranch dressing
Bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Green onions, (if desired)
Fresh parsley (if desired)

Ingredients for chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe

Use Chopped Bacon – How to Bake Bacon (if desired)

If you don’t already have cooked bacon, you’ll want to cook the bacon before baking this pasta dish, and since you’ll need the oven hot anyway, it’s easy to place the bacon in a cool oven on a baking sheet.

Bake at 425˚ until bacon is crisp. Then lower the heat of the oven to 350˚ so it’s ready to bake the pasta. (Or, you can cook bacon in the air fryer if you prefer.)

Cook bacon in the oven and cool off to chop

After the bacon has cooled a bit, go ahead and chop in to bacon pieces and set aside.

What Kind of Chicken to Use

You can absolutely use any kind of chicken that you want to for this recipe but make sure it’s cooked chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients and before baking. Some suggestions are:

chicken breast
rotisserie chicken
leftover chicken

What Kind of Pasta to Use

Penne is LOVELY for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite short pastas or whatever you have on hand.

Farfalle or bowtie pasta is another favorite that we have here, and it looks super pretty if you’re feeding a crowd.

Cook pasta according to package directions, (usually al dente) drain and pour cooked pasta into a large bowl with the chicken, alfredo sauce and ranch dressing and mix gently until combined.

Step by Step Directions

To finish off this easy chicken bacon ranch pasta, pour mixture into a greased 9×13 in. baking dish and evenly spread it out.
To add some depth to this dish, add ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese along with the mozzarella for some added cheesy “oomph”.

Pasta in a baking dish with cheddar cheese

Bacon and Bake

Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350˚ for 10 minutes.

Sprinkled bacon on top of chicken bacon ranch pasta in baking dish

Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top of bacon chicken ranch pasta

Now you have an easy recipe for dinner tonight, that the entire family will love!

Garnish Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley if you wish, but it’s not required.

We also love topping this with parmesan cheese and adding green onions – or you can even add broccoli, similar to my chicken and broccoli alfredo recipe.

Substitutions

If you want to mix things up or if you’re out of some of the ingredients for this recipe, it’s really easy to substitute items! For instance:

Use monterey jack cheese
Add cream cheese (like in our cream cheese pasta recipe) or sour cream and ranch dressing mix
Store bought bacon bits instead of cooking bacon
Whole wheat pasta
Use crab meat instead of chicken, like we did in this crab casserole recipe.

How to Bake a Freezer Pasta Meal:

Do you love making pasta dishes as a freezer meal? Whip up this chicken bacon ranch alfredo pasta recipe and instead of baking, cover with aluminum foil (or however you prep your freezer meals) and place in the freezer.

Now I’ve yet to try this myself with this recipe, so I’m assuming that this should work just as great as the other freezer pasta meals. So if you try this, I’d LOVE to hear how it did for you and what worked.

Thaw in the fridge (may take up to 48 hours) or thaw in the microwave on defrost setting. Bake at 350 degrees according to instructions.

If cooking frozen, bake for 60 minutes at 350˚ (time may vary, so check it after 30-45 minutes depending on your oven – mine cooks super fast and hot- with foil on. Then remove foil and bake another 10 minutes to brown the cheese.

How to Store

If you have leftovers of this delicious pasta dish, you can store it in an airtight container and in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or place back in the oven on 350° until heated through.

What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish, some of our favorite recipes to serve with this easy pasta recipe, are this side salad, garlic bread and this focaccia bread!

More Pasta Recipes

Pasta recipes are sort of our “thing” around here. They’re easy and most use everyday ingredients that we usually have on hand. So you’re also going to love this ham casserole, cheeseburger macaroni in the Instant Pot, and this creamy chicken and noodles recipe! Or keep frozen ravioli in the freezer to make this ravioli bake when you’re not sure what to make for dinner.

Or, one of our recent favorites to have for dinner, is this garlic parmesan linguine.

You’ll Also Love:

If you love the combination of these flavors, then you’re really going to love this grilled cheese with chicken, Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Bites, and these Chicken Casserole Recipes!

Recipe

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5 from 3 votes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A comforting baked dish casserole recipe that's easy to make with everyday ingredients that the whole family will love on a busy weeknight!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 816kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta or favorite pasta, cooked al dente
2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for ease!
15 oz jar alfredo pasta sauce we like Bertolli
½ cup ranch dressing
8 slices cooked bacon chopped
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoon fresh parsley optional
green onions if desired

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 pan.
Cook penne pasta according to directions and drain.
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the pasta, chicken, alfredo sauce and ranch dressing and mix gently until combined.
Pour mixture into baking pan and top with the cooked chopped bacon and cheeses.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley and green onions if desired, and serve.

Notes

Substitutions

If you want to mix things up or if you’re out of some of the ingredients for this recipe, it’s really easy to substitute items! For instance:

Use monterey jack cheese
Add cream cheese or sour cream and ranch dressing mix
Store bought bacon bits instead of cooking bacon
Whole wheat pasta

Freezer Pasta Meal

Do you love making pasta dishes as a freezer meal? Whip up this recipe and instead of baking, cover with aluminum foil (or however you prep your freezer meals) and place in the freezer.

How to Bake a Freezer Pasta Meal:

Thaw in the fridge (may take up to 48 hours) or thaw in the microwave on defrost setting. Bake at 350 degrees according to instructions.

How to Store

Nutrition

More Easy Recipes

For more everyday recipes, browse and “pin” your favorites in our easy recipes!

Easy Indian Chilli Chicken

April 5, 2019

This Easy Chilli Chicken recipe is a DELICIOUS Indian dish that you can make at home in under 30 minutes!

Chilli Chicken

So I’m ashamed to admit that I’m in my mid-thirties and I JUST NOW became a fan of Indian food.

I never really had a desire to try it until my husband told me that he fell in love with it, and a few months ago I decided to take one for the team and broaden my horizons with my tastebuds.

WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING! I’ve been missing out all along, and feel like I’ve wasted my taste buds for YEARS without having Indian food!

How to Make Chilli Chicken

Well with my new-found love of Indian food, I had been hearing so much about chilli chicken and I knew it needed to make its way on the blog because I know just how much you love quick and easy recipes around here.

Quick & Easy Chilli Chicken

So most of the chilli chicken Indian dishes out there are really complex with many ingredients that are hard to find.

But here on Fantabulosity, we only believe in quick and easy recipes that STILL taste delicious. So you’ll find that you can make this Indian dish in under 30 minutes!

How to Make Chilli Chicken

You’ll find that this recipe uses basic, everyday ingredients that you may even already have on-hand, or can easily pick up at the grocery store down the road.

You’ll start by frying your chicken pieces, sautéing vegetables and then combining spices and condiments to create the rich, flavorful sauce.

Indian Chilli Chicken Recipe

Now because I believe food is love, I believe images of the recipe process tell the love story.

But you can find the full recipe and ingredients list at the bottom of this post!

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve never had chilli chicken before, you’re missing out! Its sweet, sour, tangy and smoky and perfect over white rice.

Chilli Chicken Sauce pouring over raw chicken in a bowl

Breaded Chicken + Egg Mixture

When prepping the chicken, you’ll combine the flour, garlic powder, and chilli powder in a bowl.

In another bowl, whisk together egg, soy sauce, and chili sauce.

Chilli Chicken ready to cook Indian dish

Then, you’ll dip the chicken into the egg mixture, and then toss in flour to cover. Set aside. Repeat steps until all chicken pieces are breaded.

How to Cook Chicken for Chilli Chicken

Fry those chicken pieces for about 5-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked throughout. (Don’t those look like the insanely delicious chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A?)

Easy Indian Chilli Chicken Cooked on Rack

Saute Vegetables

Next, cook the onions and green peppers for 3 minutes, then add garlic and green onions and cook until vegetables are tender.

White onions and green onions for Indian Chilli Chicken

Combine the Veggies, Chicken & Chilli Sauce

Once veggies are tender, add the chicken back to the skillet and in a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, chili sauce, ketchup, and 2 Tb water, and pour over the chicken.

Chilli Chicken with veggies in skillet ready for sauce

TIP: If you want it to be saucier, then you can add an extra tablespoon of water at the end!

Chilli Chicken ready to serve in a skillet

Final Cooking…

Stir and cook an additional two minutes…

Extra Toppings…

…and serve over rice.

If desired, sprinkle additional chopped green onions on top for some added flair and enjoy!

Chilli Chicken on top of rice in a white bowl

The chilli chicken was a welcomed challenge. There were soooo many versions out there and it was difficult to determine what direction to go in. Some of the highest rated versions were really complex with many ingredients that were hard to find. I know that is not what your blog is about! So, I simplified it as much as I could and came up with a chilli chicken recipe that is very approachable and can give your readers a semi-authentic Indian inspired meal at home in under 30 minutes.

Recipe

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4.75 from 4 votes

Chilli Chicken

This Easy Chilli Chicken recipe is a DELICIOUS Indian dish that you can make at home in under 30 minutes!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 293kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

oil for frying
4 chicken breasts cut into ¾ inch pieces
¼ cup flour
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon chili powder
1 egg
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon chili sauce

For the Stir-Fry:

2 cloves garlic chopped
3 green onions
2 medium onions
1 green pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce
2 tablespoon ketchup

Instructions

Combine flour, garlic powder, chili powder in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together egg, soy sauce, and chili sauce.
Dip chicken in egg mixture, then toss in flour to cover. Set aside. Repeat steps until all chicken pieces are breaded.
Heat pan in oil until it reads 350 degrees on a candy thermometer. (Usually, medium-high heat.)
Fry chicken pieces until they are golden brown. About 5-10 minutes.
Remove from oil and place on a cooling rack with paper towels underneath.
In a new skillet, heat 1Tb oil for stir fry. Cook onions and green pepper for 3 minutes, then add garlic and green onions and cook until vegetables are tender.
Add chicken back to skillet and mix together the chili powder, chili sauce, ketchup, and 2 Tb water, and pour over the chicken.
Stir and cook an additional 2 minutes.
Serve over white rice.

Nutrition

More Easy Recipes You’ll Love

If you love quick and easy recipes then don’t miss these reader favorites;

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Easy Fried Rice Recipe

Asian Chopped Salad

June 22, 2019

Asian Chopped Salad: A flavorful salad that’s easy to make at home and is a wonderful change-up from the typical garden salad!

Chopped Asian Salad - in a white bowl with mandarin oranges on top — Asian Chopped Salad

We are HUGE fans of salad recipes here, but having the same old salad every day can get boring.
Unless we’re having the BEST Side Salad recipe… that one NEVER gets old.

So tossing things up (no pun intended… well, ok, maybe a little) making this Asian Chopped Salad to serve alongside a weeknight dinner or to take along to a potluck dinner, adds amazing flavors to the menu!

Recipes You’ll Also Love:

Salad Ingredients

As with all the recipes here on Fantabulosity, you can count on easy to use, everyday ingredients, and HOPEFULLY ingredients that you already have on hand, or can easily pick up at the nearby grocery store.

This salad is no different, although some of the ingredients may need to be picked up if you don’t usually have an Asian recipe on the menu!

This recipe is very forgiving, so if you don't have an ingredient on hand don't be afraid to skip it!

Grab the following to make this salad:
(Full, printable recipe card is at the bottom of this post for your convenience!)

Salad Ingredients:

Ingredients in Chopped Asian salad recipe — Ingredients for Asian Chopped Salad

small package cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix
packaged red cabbage
romaine lettuce leaves
cilantro
green onions
can mandarin oranges- drained
crunchy rice noodles
edamame – shelled and cooked
slivered almonds for garnish

Chopped Asian Salad Recipe in a white bowl

Asian Dressing Ingredients:

sesame Oil
olive Oil
rice Vinegar
juice from can of mandarin oranges
honey
clove garlic
fresh ginger
juice from half a lime

Grating ginger for Asian chopped salad — Ginger

Making the salad dressing for the Asian chopped salad — Honey

Mix dressing with a whisk for the Asian chopped salad recipe — Asian Salad Dressing

Tips for Making this Asian Chopped Salad

As with any recipes, feel free to change/add what works best for you. But here are some tips to make this recipe easier or faster.

You can chop your own cabbage and carrots if desired.
You can find shelled and cooked edamame in the freezer section.
The edamame provides a punch of protein to make this a filling lunch option.
Serving suggestion: Fried Rice or Spring Rolls (Can grab both in the freezer section!) Or, if you have the time to prepare, these crispy avocado wontons would taste great with this salad.

Chopped Asian Salad with mandarin oranges

Recipe

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5 from 5 votes

Asian Chopped Salad

Asian Chopped Salad: A flavorful salad that's easy to make at home and is a wonderful change-up from the typical garden salad!

Course Salad

Cuisine Asian

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 0

Total Time 20

Servings people

Calories 187kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

Asian Salad Ingredients

16 oz.
cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix
1.5 cups packaged red cabbage or shred red cabbage
3 romaine lettuce leaves
.25 cup fresh cilantro
2 green onions chopped
15 oz. can mandarin oranges with 1 tablespoon of juice reserved
.5 cup crunchy rice noodles
1.5 cups edamame shelled and cooked
slivered almonds for garnish optional

Asian Salad Dressing

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon juice from mandarin oranges
2 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic small, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
Juice from half a lime

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad.
Toss thoroughly to combine.
Top with extra crispy rice noodles and almonds, if desired.

Notes

You can chop your own cabbage and carrots if desired.
You can find shelled and cooked edamame in the freezer section.
The edamame provides a punch of protein to make this a filling lunch option.
Serving suggestion: Fried Rice or Spring Rolls (Can grab both in the freezer section!)

Nutrition

Favorite Salad Recipes

If you love salads, then you’ve come to the right place! Browse our favorite savory salad recipes and our dessert salads to fill up your Pinterest boards!

Instant Pot Chili Mac

June 8, 2019

Instant Pot Chili Mac: An easy weeknight meal or the ultimate comfort food! This hearty chili mac is made in under 30 minutes in just one pot for easy clean-up.

Hungry for more one-pot dinners? Check out my full list of cozy soup recipes.

With so many Instant Pot favorites around here, this recipe is NO exception!

Instant pot chili mac in white bowl — Instant Pot Chili Mac

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe, like the Instant Pot Cajun Pasta that we love so much too, is perfect for those busy weeknights and last-minute dinner ideas because you can keep the ingredients on hand! Made with lots of cheese, elbow pasta, lean ground beef, and other pantry ingredients that you almost always have!

A one-pot meal is my favorite type of meal because it takes much less time to clean up. All you have to do is throw the instant pot in the dishwasher when you’re done!

Hearty meals like instant pot chili mac, white chicken chili, or this Frito chili pie are the ultimate comfort food for dreary days. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for the whole family. (Especially this crock pot goulash if you’re feeding the family!)

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chili Mac

1 tablespoon oil
1 lb lean ground beef (see more ground beef recipes for dinner)
1 red onion (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 can (15oz)kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ½ cups elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions

Similar ingredients are used in this hamburger mac and cheese recipe!

Ingredients for instant pot chili mac — Ingredients

How to Make Instant Pot Chili Mac

Press saute mode on the Instant Pot, add oil and wait 3 minutes.
Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and saute, during cooking, with the help of a wooden spoon, break it into small pieces. Cook the meat long enough for it to be fully brown.
Add onion and bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is softened.

beef, onions in instant pot — ground beef, peppers and onions

Add the rest of the ingredients except ½ cup of cheddar cheese and green onions. Give it a good stir.

Instant pot chili mac — beans, tomatoes, cheese, pasta

Close the lid, and place the valve on sealing mode. Select high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. (Keep in mind that it will take about 20 minutes for the pressure to rise and start cooking)
Once cooked, release the pressure immediately, open the lid, and stir.

instant pot chili mac and cheese — Cooked pasta

Serve in a hot bowl, add more cheese and green onion.

Substitutions

Here are a few substitutions for you in case you’re out of a particular ingredient or follow a certain diet…

Impossible meat – For instant pot vegetarian mac, you can use impossible meat or another plant-based meat.
Different noodles – If you don’t have macaroni pasta or cavatappi noodles, you can use bow-tie, rotini noodles, or penne noodles.
Ground turkey – If you’re out of ground beef or rather use another type of meat, you can use ground turkey instead.
Black beans – Kidney beans and/or black beans work great in this recipe so feel free to use your favorite or add half and half.

Variations

Although this recipe is hearty and delicious as is, there are a few ways you can spice it up…

Extra cheese – Topping classic chili and instant pot chili mac with extra cheese is one of my favorite things. The cheese melts and adds this ooey gooey texture.
Sour cream – You can also top this pressure cookie chili mac with sour cream or a dollop of greek yogurt. (unsweetened greek yogurt!)
Spicier – Adding a little extra spice to easy recipes is never a bad idea! Top with cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra zing.

Storage

You can store this chili mac in the fridge for up to 4 days. Leftover chili mac is just as delicious as fresh chili mac and it’s super convenient. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

You can also store this pressure cooker chili mac in the freezer for up to 5 months. Make sure you use a freezer-safe container and freeze into separate servings so you can thaw single servings at a time.

Equipment

You’ll need an Instant Pot or another pressure cookie for this chili mac recipe. You can order an Instant Pot online or find one at your local Walmart or grocery store.

2 bowls of chili mac with spoons on white table

Expert Tips and FAQs

What is the difference between goulash and chili mac?

Goulash and chili mac are very similar in the sense they are a one-pot meal with ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, cheese, etc. but American goulash doesn’t contain beads.

Is chili mac a midwest thing?

Instant pot chili mac with beans is a common Midwest meal or side dish. It’s great for game day parties, neighborhood gatherings, and other laid-back events.

Why did my chili burn in the instant pot?

The burn message on your instant pot simply means that the inner pot of your instant pot has gotten too hot. You might have a small amount of burnt chili mac in the bottom of your pot but not enough to ruin the whole dish.

If you’re a fan of chili, you’ll also love this classic chili recipe and this white chicken chili. I love making chili because it keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for leftovers.

Recipe

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5 from 5 votes

Instant Pot Chili Mac

An easy weeknight meal or the ultimate comfort food! This hearty chili mac is a made in under 30 minutes in just one pot for easy clean up.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 638kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
1 pound ground beef
1 red onion chopped
1 green bell pepper diced
15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed 1 can
28 ounces diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
4 ½ cups elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions

Instructions

Press saute mode on the Instant Pot, add oil and wait 3 minutes.
Once the oil is hot, add the impossible meat or ground beef and saute, during cooking, with the help of a wooden spoon, break it into small pieces. Cook the meat long enough for it to be fully brown.
Add onion and bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
Add the rest of the ingredients except ½ cup of cheddar cheese and green onions. Give it a good stir.
Close the lid, and place the valve on sealing mode. Select high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. (Keep in mind that it will take about 20 minutes for the pressure to rise and start cooking)
Once cooked, release the pressure immediately, open the lid, and stir.
Serve in a hot bowl, add more cheese and green onion.

Notes

Substitutions

Here are a few substitutions for you in case you’re out of a particular ingredient or follow a certain diet…

Impossible meat – For instant pot vegetarian mac, you can use impossible meat or another plant-based meat.
Different noodles – If you don’t have macaroni pasta or cavatappi noodles, you can use bow-tie, rotini noodles, or penne noodles.
Ground turkey – If you’re our of ground beef or rather use another type of meat, you can use ground turkey instead.
Black beans – Kidney beans and/or black beans work great in this recipe so feel free to use your favorite or add half and half.

Nutrition

Italian Chopped Salad

April 4, 2019

Italian Chopped Salad – Using romaine, ditalini pasta, chicken, bacon, blue cheese, honey mustard, & more, makes this one of our NEW favorite salad recipes!

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe like at Portillo's and Giordanos

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Chicken Salad

I don’t even know how to begin telling you about this salad.

Well, I’ll start here I guess…

Last month I went to Chicago for a home influencer conference, and before leaving town on the last day, I was STARVING and on the hunt for something good.

I decided to pop in to a popular pizza restaurant to order that delicious deep dish pizza that I had already fallen in love with, and I saw a salad on the menu that caught my eye.

So after making an indulgent decision of getting deep dish pizza AND this salad, I quickly found myself in salad (and pizza) heaven.

Salad with Pasta?

I know, it probably sounds crazy right? But it caught my eye on the menu and let me tell you… the added texture of the ditalini pasta in this lettuce salad, is delicious. This Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad is another great example where pasta and lettuce go together lovely!

So since Chicago is too far away to simple go down the road to get this salad anytime that I wish, I decided I better try and recreate it at home. Friend, I got it pretty close… and it has now come a favorite in our house.

Salad Ingredients

Combine the romaine (and head lettuce if you wish) and ditalini with ingredients like:

bacon
chicken
green onions
Roma tomatoes
chopped red cabbage
blue cheese crumbles
honey mustard dressing

…and this salad is going to fill you up on so many levels with the protein, flavor.

How to Make Italian Chopped Salad

If you’ve made my “BEST Side Salad” recipe, then you know how I feel about big hunks of lettuce leaves in my salad.

I don’t feel that anyone should have to slice and dice their salad just to take a bite. (Unless it’s a wedge salad of course, but we’ll save that deliciousness for another day.)

Another great Italian classic is to add Salami and make a Grinder Salad. All your favorite sub fillings without the bread!

Romaine Lettuce Leaves

But what I do differently in this salad than my side salad recipe, is that I leave some of the stalks of the romaine for a bit more crunch.

3 heads of romaine lettuce to use for salad

However, I remove a lot of the white, bitter part of the stalk, and only keep the little bit towards the top of the leaves. (You can adjust this with how you prefer it too! Salads are super flexible, so change it up on how you prefer it!)

Cut romaine off of stalks - using a cutting board

Feel free to use some romaine AND some head lettuce to really up your salad texture game here.

Salad Toppings

Besides the photo below looking super pretty with all of the colors of the salad ingredients, the flavors that these bring in to this Italian Chopped Salad are where.it’s.at.

Make sure to chop up all of your ingredients into smaller pieces, so it becomes the “chopped salad” you’re aiming for.

Toppings for chopped salad - chicken, blue cheese, bacon, red cabbage, green onions, tomatoes

TIP: I like prepping and chopping my salad ingredients ahead of time, while the chicken, bacon and the pasta are cooking, to help speed things up.

Cooked Ditalani pasta on Italian chopped salad

Easy Italian Chopped Salad

I’ve liked salad since being a little girl, but now that I’m older and I’m the “head chef” here in my house, I STILL love salads because they’re so easy to make, versatile and forgiving.

Feel free to assemble how you wish because you will toss this all anyway, but I wanted you to get a good look at the ingredients as I added them in!

I believe food is love, and I believe photos can help tell the love story…

Ditalani pasta on top of lettuce in a salad bowl

Italian Chopped Salad like from portillo's and Giordano's - red cabbage

Italian Chopped Salad - blue cheese, gorgonzola on top

Chopped green onions on top of Italian chopped salad

Chopped bacon on top of an iItalian chopped salad

Chopped Italian Chicken Salad

Now although you can leave the chicken out of this salad and use the ingredients as a side salad, rather than as a hearty main dish… I DO love the texture (and protein) that the chicken provides.

If you cut out the chicken, you can serve it as a side salad alongside a pasta dish like this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta or this Spaghetti Bolognaise!

Feel free to use and cook chicken tenders like I did for this recipe, or even grab a rotisserie chicken from the deli of your grocery store to make things super quick and easy.

Chopped chicken on top of Italian Chopped Salad

What Kind of Salad Dressing for Italian Chopped Salad?

Well, when I think of an Italian salad of any kind, I think of using Italian dressing.

But when I had this salad in Chicago, it was made with what tasted like a honey mustard dressing, so I went with that, and I was NOT disappointed.

SIDE NOTE: I actually used the honey mustard dipping sauce you see below, instead of honey mustard dressing. Why? Because that’s what I had on hand.

But I’m actually liking the thicker texture it provided on this salad, so I’m not sure if I’ll ever use a different one.

Honey mustard dressing or dip - Sweet Baby Rays Bottle

Make-Ahead Salad

Planning on serving this salad at a party or later in the day? No problemo! I like making things ahead of time, and am especially a fan of make-ahead salads.

REMEMBER: Refrain from adding the dressing to the salad until right before serving, but feel free to go ahead and toss the ingredients beforehand and place it in the refrigerator until ready.
(However, I wouldn’t make this salad or blend the ingredients together until the day you’re planning on serving it, in case the toppings make the lettuce soggy.)

Mix together ingredients for Italian Chopped Salad

Individual Italian Chopped Salad in serving bowl

Tossing the Chopped Salad

If you have one of the large Pampered Chef mixing bowls, or similar, I LOVE using it for this salad.

It’s big enough to mix the salad and I can even slip the lid right on it if I need to store it for later.

Chopped Salad in a large bowl with lid to mix in dressing

Serving the Whole Salad

If you’re dressing the entire salad at once, rather than dressing individual salads, and depending on the size of your bowl with a lid, a fun tip I have is to pour your honey mustard dressing on top of your salad, put the lid on, and shake it!

Such an easy way to dress your salad! Grab some tongs and portion out the salad on to individual salad plates!

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe like from Portillo's or Giordanos

Substitution

If you’re not a fan of the honey mustard dressing, you may prefer using something like this steak salad dressing instead!

What to Serve with this Salad

I believe these Italian slider sandwiches go amazing with this salad recipe, and this French bread pizza is the perfect pairing.!

Love Salad Recipes?

We do too. We’ve gathered all of our favorite salad recipes for you so you can keep them all in one spot!

Here are just a few you’ll find here on the blog:

Recipe

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5 from 3 votes

Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad – Using romaine, ditalini pasta, chicken, bacon, blue cheese, honey mustard, & more, makes this one of our NEW favorite salad recipes!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 523kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

5 chicken tenderloins
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 slices bacon
1 cup cooked and cooled ditalini pasta (About ½ cup uncooked.)
3 heads romaine lettuce
1½ cups chopped red cabbage raw
5 green onions chopped
2 roma tomatoes chopped
1 cup blue cheese crumbles
honey mustard dressing

Instructions

Begin by dicing chicken tenderloins in to small, bite-size peices and saute and cook thouroughly in 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Set aside.
Cook bacon according to package directions. (I prefer a softer bacon texture, rather than crunchy for this particular salad.) Set aside.
Tear romaine leaves off of the stalks and wash and dry (air or salad spinner).
With a knife (my favorite knife) chop lettuce into bitesize peices. (I remove most of the white stalks and disgard, as this tends to add bitter flavors to the salad.)
Chop remaining veggies and bacon in to small, bite-size peices.
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss with honey mustard dressing, either individually or as a bulk salad! (Just remember, tossing all of your salad with the dressing will make any leftovers soggy!)

Video

Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition

Vegetarian Chili Recipe

March 19, 2019

This Vegetarian Chili Recipe is simple to make and packed full of flavor. The hearty ingredients will fill you up and you won't even miss the meat.

Want more meatless comfort? See the rest of my easy soup recipes.

Whip up a batch and pour it on top of Fritos for a Frito Chili Pie or on top of corn dogs for these chili cheese corn dogs.

Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Hi Fantabulosity friends! Meg here popping in again this month with a delicious, flavorful vegetarian chili recipe that you're going to love.

I'm not a vegetarian, so this easy chili recipe is more my style, but I have a picky kiddo that doesn't care for the texture or flavor of most meat so I'm always on the hunt for new ways to get protein into his diet.

But I do like to go meatless some days so this vegetarian chili was a big hit at my house.

Pantry Ingredients for the Win

All of the ingredients in this chili are pretty simple pantry staples that you may already have on hand.

Canned tomatoes
Beans
Onion
Garlic
Sweet Potatoes
Oregano
Chili Powder
Cumin
Salt

…are all you need to whip up a big batch of vegetarian chili.

A Protein Winner

For the hardcore carnivores out there (I live with one), no need to worry. Even though this is a vegetarian chili it's still packed with protein thanks to the black beans, like Jessica used in her White Chicken Chili recipe, and pinto beans.

That means a bowl of this chili will keep you full and happy without the need for meat.

The sweet potatoes also contribute to the heartiness of this chili recipe. They add a creamy texture to the chili and make it super filling. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes is a nice contrast to the spicy chili powder and smoky cumin.

When all these flavors mingle together it creates something kind of magical and hearty and soul-warming.

Vegetarian Chili in the Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot

Now, I haven't tried this in the slow cooker yet, but if you're needing to give it a try, I'd recommend stirring everything together in the slow cooker, and cook it for 4-5 hours on high, or until the sweet potatoes are soft.

NOTE: This may make the chili a lot thinner, so test it out or check on it as it cooks. Let me know in the comments below if you give this a try! I’d love to hear how cooking it in a crock-pot turns out!

How to Make Vegetarian Chili on the Stovetop

To start things off, sauté a diced onion in a little oil until it's softened.

Throw in some garlic and kosher salt and let that cook another minute.

The sweet potatoes join the party next and are cooked a few minutes to get a little color on them and allow them to start to soften.

The spices and tomato paste are added to the pot next and this is an important step…Before you add any more liquid or ingredients allow the tomato paste to cook for a few minutes, stirring it often.

It will turn a rusty color and that's when you know it's time to add the remaining ingredients.

This little step provides more flavor and cooks out the tin taste that can sometimes occur with canned tomato products.

Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, depending on your preference for chunkiness are added along with a carton of vegetable stock and the chili simmers away until the sweet potatoes are softened and the chili is thickened.

Stir in the beans during the last few minutes of cooking and you're ready to eat. You don't want to simmer the chili with the beans for too long because they'll soften too much and lose their texture. (Which is why if you decide to cook this in a slow cooker instead, I’d love to hear how it turns out!)

Simple Weeknight Meal

All together the chili takes about an hour to make but the majority of that time is inactive simmering.

So, that means you can get dinner going then attend to homework, work projects, game playing or a little down time while dinner cooks itself.

It also reheats well making it great for lunches or leftover night. Who doesn't love a leftover night?!

Keep this vegetarian chili in mind on your next meatless Monday or any night of the week.

More Easy Chili Recipes

If you love chili as much as we do around here, then you’ll LOVE these:

White Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Chili Recipe

Venison Chili Recipe

Recipe

Vegetarian chili in small bowl with avocado slices.

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Vegetarian Chili

This Vegetarian Chili is simple to make and hearty enough to keep you full. Perfect for Meatless Monday or any night of the week.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 5

Servings servings

Calories 358kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into ½-inch chunks
1 ½ Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 ounce can tomato paste
28 ounces can crushed or diced tomatoes, depending on how chunky you like your chili
4 cups vegetable broth
15.5 ounces black beans, rinsed
15.5 ounces pinto beans, rinsed
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips

Instructions

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to get hot. Add onion, garlic and salt and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Add sweet potatoes and cook another 5 minutes, until the sweet potatoes start to get some color.
Sprinkle in the spices and stir to evenly distribute. Add tomato paste and cook for a minute, stirring often until it turns a rusty red color.
Add crushed or diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring chili to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the black beans and pinto beans. Top with desired toppings and enjoy.

Nutrition

Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

June 1, 2021

Cheese, Ranch, Bacon… all wrapped up in this cold pasta salad is one of our FAVORITE creamy pasta salad recipes to date! Add chicken to make a quick weeknight dinner that’s perfect any time of year!

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe

With spring and summer potlucks and barbecues just around the corner, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad recipe that you need on deck. Simple ingredients and prep work make this pasta salad a snap to put together and it just may become one of your favorite summer salads!

Hey Fantabulosity readers, it's Meg popping in from Meg's Everyday Indulgence. I promise you are going to love today's easy pasta salad – my Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

A good pasta salad is so perfect to have in your wheelhouse. Whether it’s for a potluck dinner, dinner party, barbecue or you’re looking for the perfect side dish for a quick weeknight dinner!

Recipe Ingredients

(You can find the full printable recipe card with instructions below too!)

You only need 6 ingredients for this delicious pasta salad.

1 lb. short cut pasta -The first of course is the pasta. You can use whatever type of pasta you prefer but I definitely recommend it being a short cut pasta. Elbows, penne, shells, bowtie or my personal favorite, cavatappi, all work really well. We love a fun shaped pasta around here.
1 lb. bacon – What makes this pasta salad its best self, is a whole pound of crispy bacon. It gets cooked up to crispy perfection before being stirred into the pasta salad. A pound may seem like a lot but with a pound of pasta, it's the perfect amount!

1 dry ranch mix
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup whole milk
2 cups cubed cheddar cheese – I firmly believe cheese makes most things better and that's very true with this bacon ranch pasta salad. I personally prefer cubed cheese over shredded cheese in a pasta salad. Shredded seems to get a little weird in texture. Dare I say squishy? And who doesn't love a big bite of cheese with their creamy pasta?! It's a way better option in my opinion.

Salad Dressing Tips

The ranch flavor comes from a ranch dressing packet, mayo and milk.

When you mix together the dressing for the pasta salad it will be runny. It'll seem too runny but trust me, it's just right. The magic to this pasta salad is making it ahead of time to allow it to soak up the delicious sauce and thicken up to create a creamy ranch dressing!

Note: You don't have to make it the night before, but it should be mixed up at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to mingle.

Step by Step Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon into small pieces and add to the hot skillet. Cook until crisp. Drain on paper towel.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise and milk. Set aside. (IMAGE 1)
Once pasta is done, rinse well with cold water. Shake as much water off the pasta as possible. Add to the ranch mixture. Add bacon and cheese cubes. Stir well. Let sit in the fridge for at least an hour or up to overnight. Stir again before serving. (IMAGE 2)

collage - mix together dressing and stir in pasta

I love the textures in this pasta salad. The pasta has that little bite, the bacon keeps its crispiness, the cheese is a little chewy and the creamy sauce brings it all together. I am not embarrassed to say I wanted to hide this from my whole family. I didn't but I seriously considered it because it’s a great recipe!

cold bacon ranch pasta salad in individual servings

Optional Pasta Salad Mix-In Ideas

This pasta salad is super basic but I've listed some ideas of additional ingredients you can stir in to make it a little different and cater to your family’s tastes.

We like the basic ranch, bacon, cheese situation at our house for a side dish idea, but you can stir in sliced black olives, fresh veggies like sweet peas or orange bell pepper, red onions, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, or diced tomatoes.

bacon ranch pasta salad in serving bowls

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Know what else I love? Being able to add a protein like chicken to salad recipes or sausage, like in this cowboy pasta salad, and transform it into a jam-packed, heartier dish, or even a main dish recipe!

Feel free to grab a cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, frozen cooked chicken breast, or even make your own chicken in the Instant Pot to keep this recipe quick and easy but hearty!

If you're looking forward to warm weather and outdoor gatherings as much as me, keep this bacon ranch pasta salad in mind. It’s one of the easy recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for so many reasons!

You will also love this amazing collection of pasta salads, especially this Italian Pasta Salad, so you can fill your summer meal plan with many different salads!

Recipe

close up of bacon ranch pasta salad in gray bowl

Print Pin

4.82 from 53 votes

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad (with Video)

This 6 ingredient bacon ranch pasta salad is so simple and delicious. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues or a weeknight side dish.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 1 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 25

Servings servings

Calories 510kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 pound short cut pasta
1 pound bacon
1 ounce ranch dressing packet
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup whole milk
2 cups cubed cheddar cheese

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon into small pieces and add to the hot skillet. Cook until crisp. Drain on paper towel.
In a large bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise and milk. Set aside.
Once pasta is done, rinse well with cold water. Shake as much water off the pasta as possible. Add to the ranch mixture. Add bacon and cheese cubes. Stir well. Let sit in the fridge for at least an hour or up to overnight. Stir again before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Donut Bread Pudding

December 6, 2024

This donut bread pudding recipe is so easy and delicious, using only simple ingredients; using regular glazed or Krispy Kreme donuts but feel free to experiment with your favorite kind!

It’s hard to top our favorite bread pudding, but donuts have been a top favorite since I recommend trying new types of bread to use in that recipe.

Donut bread pudding in baking dish, sitting next to donuts.

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Why Make a Donut Bread Pudding?

Well, why not?

But in all seriousness… we’ve all been there. Our eyes were bigger than our belly and we ordered way too many donuts. So when they start to get a little stale, it’s hard to throw away those golden little circles.

So using up donuts in a bread pudding is the next best thing. You may even want to make a batch of these Bronuts, just to use them in a bread pudding!

Recipe Ingredients

Donut bread pudding ingredients on a table.

Milk – I like to use whole milk but you can use your favorite type.
Butter – Salted or unsalted butter will work.
Donuts – I’ve listed types of donuts that work great for this recipe below but making sure they’re stale is key.

See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and quantities.

Notice that I didn’t use sugar in this recipe, like in my original bread pudding recipe. That’s because donuts already have sugar and adding more isn’t typically necessary.

However, if your donuts aren’t very sweet, you may choose to add ¼ cup of white granulated sugar if you feel it is needed.

What Kind of Donuts to Use

We recommend using your favorite glazed donuts, like Krispy Kreme’s, but feel free to use other flavors like:

apple cider donuts
chocolate iced
cake donuts (like my circus animal donuts or red velvet cake donuts)
donut holes
gluten free donuts
… really any kind of stale or “day old” donuts that you have on hand should work. (However, watch the “filled” and “jelly donuts” as those may add a texture that you’re not looking for.)

How to Make Donut Bread Pudding

You can find the full recipe card with ingredients and instructions toward the bottom of this post!

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. and grease an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Pieces of glazed donuts in baking dish for bread pudding. — **Step 1.** Break donuts in to approx. 1-inch pieces and place in dish. Pour melted butter over the top.

Egg mixture with spices in glass mixing bowl for bread pudding recipe. — **Step 2.** Mix eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a bowl.

Bread pudding batter poured over donut pieces in baking dish. — **Step 3.** Pour the egg mixture over the broken pieces of donuts and press to make sure the donut pieces have been saturated. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.

Baked donut bread pudding in baking dish. — **Step 4.** Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Enjoy warm.

What to Serve with Donut Bread Pudding

My favorite way to serve this donut bread pudding is warm. You may also choose to make a vanilla cream sauce to go on top but it’s not required.

Fresh berries or even a whipped cream would look and taste lovely on the side as well.

Recipe Tips

Donuts not stale? If you have donuts that are not stale, you can leave them out, uncovered, overnight.
Want to add more or different toppings? Feel free to add fruit glazes (think jelly-filled donut flavor), fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, and more!
Feeling creative? Feel free to add nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or your favorite warm spice to this recipe as well.

Recipe FAQs

What can I do with leftover doughnuts?

Making doughnut bread pudding is a great way to use leftover doughnuts, and you can even freeze them (or it) for later.

Do you have to refrigerate bread pudding?

Yes. Even though it is baked, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers. Wait until it has fully cooled before covering it and storing it in the refrigerator.

How long to bake donut bread pudding?

Baking this donut bread pudding for 45 minutes gives a “soggier” type bread pudding, so baking it longer is recommended if you prefer a different, dryer, texture.

More Dessert Recipes Like This

If you love desserts like this one, then you’ll also love this easy chocolate bread pudding, sweet potato pudding, this croissant bread pudding recipe and this banana bread pudding recipe!

Recipe

Donut bread pudding in baking dish, next to donuts.

Print Pin

4.95 from 40 votes

Donut Bread Pudding

This donut bread pudding recipe is so easy and delicious, using simple ingredients; and glazed donuts or your favorite day-old donuts.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 617kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

6 stale glazed donuts
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 beaten eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray or extra butter.
Cut up 6 stale donuts in to small cubes and place in the greased baking dish. Pour melted butter over the top of the donuts.
In a medium mixing bowl, add in 4 beaten eggs (or beat the eggs in the bowl before adding the following ingredients).
Add in the 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined well.
Pour the mixture over the cubed donuts. Let soak for 10 minutes.
Bake for 45 minutes. Serve warm. You can also top it with this vanilla sauce recipe.

Video

Notes

If you have donuts that are not stale, you can leave them out, uncovered, overnight.
Want to add more or different toppings? Feel free to add fruit glazes (think jelly-filled donut flavor), fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, and more!

Nutrition

Snicker Salad with Apples

March 31, 2025

Snickers salad with apples (also called Snicker salad) is a classic Midwestern dessert salad made with tart apples, chopped Snickers candy bars, and a creamy pudding mixture. It's a quick, no-bake recipe that's perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.

If you want the bowl that empties first at Thanksgiving, this is it. See my full Thanksgiving sides list.

This one is great alongside my easy pumpkin lush.

It’s a potluck regular once apple season hits. You’ll find more like it in my easy fall desserts.

Crisp, tart apples, sweet chunks of Snickers bars, and a simple, creamy sauce brings this salad together, making it one of our FAVORITE dessert salad recipes to date! (Well, this one and the Orange Fluff recipe!)

Snicker Apple Salad in bowl, with caramel drizzle on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hey friends! This is a super simple and crazy delicious side dish (or dessert recipe) that you're going to NEED at your next potluck.

It’s Meg from Meg's Everyday Indulgence popping in again and I can’t wait to share this Snicker Salad Recipe with you!

You may see this called Snickers salad, snickers salad, or candy bar apple salad, but they all refer to the same creamy, sweet dessert made with apples and Snickers.

This midwestern classic dish consists of:

Granny Smith apples
chopped Snickers candy bars
and a creamy, pudding-based "dressing."

It all comes together in a tart, sweet magical little dish that you can bet is on most holiday and potluck tables for family gatherings.

I mean, when you can eat fruit and candy in the same bite AND call it salad, I think you're winning at life.

I also think you’ll love this version of Watergate salad (or ambrosia salad) as well, especially if you love dessert salads!

Ingredients

Would you believe it only takes a few ingredients to make this delicious recipe? It’s true. You’ll need:

Green apples – This uses about 3 large granny smith apples (5-6 small) and fresh apples are the best apples to use. The crunchy apples are such a delicious contrast to the chewy candy and the smooth pudding.
Snickers – this uses about 6 full-size or 12 of the fun-size Snickers.
Vanilla pudding mix – Make sure it’s the 3.4 oz. box of instant pudding mix.
Milk – Whole, 2%, or skim will work for this recipe.
Cool Whip – make sure your Cool Whip is thawed or it will be hard to mix in.
Caramel – optional, but so good!

How to Make This Snicker Salad Recipe

Get ready for an easy dessert recipe (or sweet side dish) because it really doesn’t get much easier than this!

First, pour the instant vanilla pudding mix in to large bowl and add milk.
Whisk together until pudding has become a thick mixture.

pudding mix and milk in bowl — Make vanilla pudding

thick vanilla pudding in bowl — Thick vanilla pudding

Next, fold in whipped topping (Cool Whip) and mix until fully mixed in.

cool whip in pudding in bowl — Add in Cool Whip

Pour in the chopped apples.
Then pour in the chopped Snickers.

Diced green apples in pudding mix — Add in apples

Add in snickers to pudding — Add Snickers

Stir until evenly mixed and enjoy right away or save for later! (See storing tips below!)

All ingredients mixed together — Mix it all together

TIP: If you want to, or have any leftovers of this Snickers salad recipe, I think it’s fun to chop extra candy bars and apples, so I can place them on top of the salad for a pretty presentation of this apple Snickers salad recipe.

Apple Snicker Salad in bowl with fun size Snickers all around

Storage

You can enjoy this Snickers salad recipe as soon as you mix it up or you can store it for later. (Note: If you do end up dicing extra apples to place on top of the salad, to make it look pretty for an event such as a church event or just as a party dish, your apples may turn a bit brown. So you’ll probably want to wait to add any extra chopped apples until right before serving.)

To store any leftovers, store in an airtight container, or cover the big bowl with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator and keep refrigerated when not serving.

It’s best to enjoy within the same day but we’ve also enjoyed it the next day.

Variations

Although we love this candy bar salad just the way it is, I know it can be fun to experiment so I wanted to share some ideas that you can also try:

Add Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce on top and make it a Snickers Caramel Apple Salad. Or even drizzle chocolate syrup on top for another fun spin on things!
Instant Pudding: Don’t have vanilla pudding on hand? What about trying one of your other favorite flavors of pudding, such as butterscotch pudding or banana pudding? I think both of those would also create a fun recipe.
Apples: Curious about using red apples such as red delicious apples? You absolutely can but note that this recipe may be sweeter if so. The tart Granny Smith apples help offset the sweetness of everything else.

More Desserts You’ll Love:

If you love apple salads, make sure to check out all of the apple salad recipes Jessica has gathered for you too!

If you love the idea of apples and pudding, like in this recipe, then don’t miss this other apple salad recipe that is easy to make with pudding, nuts, and dried berries!

We’re also BIG fans of this honey lime fruit salad, bread pudding recipe, and this Butterbeer Recipe that I know you’ll love too!

More Old-Fashioned Dessert Salads

Pistachio Salad - a classic pistachio fluff salad
Orange Fluff - light, sweet, and perfect for potlucks
Fruit Salad with Cool Whip - simple and crowd-pleasing

Originally published: November 2023
Updated photos and republished: March 2025

Recipe

Chopped green apples, and chopped Snickers candy bars on top of vanilla pudding with caramel drizzle.

Print Pin

5 from 7 votes

Snickers Salad

This Snicker Salad Recipe is easy to make, ready in minutes and the crisp, tart apples, sweet chunks of Snickers bars, and a simple, creamy sauce bring this salad together, making it one of our FAVORITE salad recipes to date!

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 196kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups milk
8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
5 cups granny smith apples, chopped into bite size chunks
1½ cups snickers, cut into equal size chunks as apples This is about 6 full-size, or 12 fun size Snickers
caramel drizzle optional

Instructions

Whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk in a large bowl until very thick.
Fold in the thawed Cool Whip and stir until evenly combined.
Add the chopped apples and snickers to the bowl and mix well. Eat immediately or refrigerate. This salad is best eaten the same day.

Video

Notes

Storage:

You can enjoy this salad as soon as you mix it up or you can store it for later but do know that the liquid can seep from the apples so you’ll want to store it before serving if you do make it ahead.

(Note: If you do end up dicing extra apples to place on top of the salad, to make it look pretty for an event such as a church event or just as a party dish, your apples may turn a bit brown. So you’ll probably want to wait to add any extra chopped apples until right before serving.)

To store any leftovers, store in an airtight container, or cover the big bowl with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator and keep refrigerated when not serving.

It’s best to enjoy it within the same day but we’ve also enjoyed it the next day.

Nutrition

Chicken Bites

December 7, 2024

Chicken Bites – Pieces of chicken breast tenderloins (or your favorite cut of chicken), cooked in browned butter and seasoned with salt and pepper, and cooked on the stove-top in just 8 minutes. It sounds simple, and it is, but full of so much flavor.

Chicken bites in a dish, that were cooked with browned butter, salt and pepper.

This chicken recipe is so versatile and we love rotating this for an easy dinner recipe, with these baked chicken drumsticks in the oven and these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders!

Why Make These Easy Chicken Bites?

I know, it looks like plain, cooked chicken, doesn’t it? But it’s not. It’s HOW it’s cooked that makes it the best.

When I first experimented with cooking meat in browned butter for the BEST steak recipe on the planet… the way I cooked meat on the stovetop, changed forever.

Flavor – The browned butter creates a flavor that adds so much to the dish.
Ready in under 10 minutes – This chicken recipe is ready in under 10 minutes. Now that’s a dinner recipe that makes the “favorites” list.
Juicy chicken – Cooked on high, it sears the chicken and traps in the juices.

Ingredients

Chicken, salt, pepper, and butter. That’s it! Let me explain…

Butter – Feel free to use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. But the key is to cook the butter in the skillet over high heat until it has turned brown. The butter develops a flavor that can’t be achieved from spices.
Salt and Pepper – Classics, yet a must. I prefer kosher salt and cracked peppercorns but regular ground black pepper works as well.
Chicken – Here I used chicken tenderloins but you can use chicken breast or chicken thighs. Chicken thighs tend to be juicer and they’re a dark meat. Chicken breasts are white meat, so they’ll have a slightly different flavor. We love both so it’s your preference but I recommend using boneless, skinless of either to keep things easy when cutting in to smaller, 1-inch pieces.

How to Make Chicken Bites

You can find the entire recipe and printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Raw chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper. — 1. Begin by cutting chicken in to approximately 1-inch pieces and sprinkle on the salt and pepper.

Butter melted in skillet and browned. — 2. Place butter in skillet, and turn burner to medium-high heat, and allow it to melt, and cook until it turns brown.

Raw chicken in cast iron pan, seasoned with salt and pepper. — 3. Add seasoned chicken pieces to hot skillet, spread them out, and allow it to sit, to sear. *See tip below.

Cooked chicken bites in cast iron skillet. — 4. When the bottom sides of the chicken start to turn golden brown (usually 1-2 minutes) flip the pieces of chicken to allow the other sides to cook.

TIP: Constantly turning and flipping the chicken pieces will keep the chicken from searing so it’s best to let it sit once you’ve spread the chicken out. Try to make sure it’s an even layer of chicken and each piece is able to sear on the sillet. Constantly moving will cause the chicken to “steam” cook instead and it will lack flavor.

Cooked chicken bites in a single serving dish.

5. When the chicken is fully cooked, usually around 3-4 minutes (when the internal temperature reaches 165°F) quickly remove the chicken to a serving plate. If desired, sprinkle with a little salt and let the chicken rest for a minute before serving.

Recipe Tips

Cast Iron Skillet: I prefer using a cast iron skillet when making this recipe. It sears the chicken so much better than my nonstick skillets, although a nonstick skillet can be used just fine.
Meal Planning: Doubling or tripling this recipe is a great idea to use it to make meals later in the week, such as these easy chicken street tacos or this pasta salad with chicken.
Chicken Cook-Time: The time it takes to cook could vary, and be different than what it takes for mine. Due to the size of the chicken pieces, the type of skillet, and the level of heat your stovetop is putting out.

Optional Step

When cooking with salt and pepper, a lot of times the salt and pepper can fall off of the food during the cooking process.

So although I add salt and pepper to the chicken before cooking, I also love to sprinkle on a little more kosher salt while it’s resting. This makes a BIG difference.

Just be careful not to put too much salt in and on your chicken. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away.

Skillet chicken bites in dish and hand holding one piece on a toothpick.

What to Serve with These Chicken Bites

You can serve the chicken bites alone with toothpicks, or guests can dip them in their favorite dipping sauce like a homemade copycat Chick-fil-A sauce recipe, or this delicious teriyaki sauce recipe, kind of like I do with this teriyaki chicken and rice recipe.

Side Dishes for Chicken Bites

Serving easy-to-make sides is key, to keep dinner easy all around. Here are some of my favorite side dishes to go with this chicken, whether it’s to serve on the side, or to add the chicken to:

If you love easy chicken recipes, then you’re also going to love this Sticky Chicken on a Stick!

More Chicken Recipes You’ll LOVE:

Recipe

Cooked chicken bites with salt, pepper and browned butter.

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Chicken Bites

Chicken Bites – Pieces of chicken cooked on the stove-top in browned butter, salt and pepper, and has ton of juicy flavor! Ready in 8 minutes, this is a quick dinner the family will love.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 3

Total Time 8

Servings servings

Calories 166kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1-1 ½ pounds chicken tendloins, breasts, or thighs (boneless, skinless and trimmed of any fat/skin)
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

Instructions

Cut chicken into small, bite-size pieces.
Season chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, and toss to make sure it's evenly seasoned.
Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat (I prefer cooking in a cast iron skillet) until it begins to turn a slight brown.
Place chicken pieces in hot butter/skillet and let cook for about one minute, until the undersides turn a beautiful golden brown.
Flip the pieces over and continue cooking for another minute or two, until the inside is cooked. (Don't feel like you have to flip one at a time.)
Once chicken has cooked through, remove from skillet and place chicken in serving bowl/plate and sprinkle with remaining kosher salt.
Let the chicken rest for a minute or two to allow the juices to really soak in!

Notes

*Type of Chicken: Feel free to use your favorite type of chicken. Chicken breasts, tenderloins or thighs work wonderful for this recipe.

* Pepper: I prefer using black peppercorn instead of black ground pepper but either work great.

* Chicken Cook-Time: The time it takes to cook could vary, and be different than what it takes for mine. Due to the size of the chicken pieces, the type of skillet, and the level of heat your stovetop is putting out.

Nutrition

How to Clean the Ninja Coffee Bar

May 21, 2019

How to Clean the Ninja Coffee Bar and coffee maker, and how to turn off the clean light! There’s a special process to follow, that’s more than just running the clean cycle. Here’s how!

How to Clean the Ninja Coffee Bar

If you watched my “How to Use a Ninja Coffee Bar” video, then you know how much I LOVE the coffee maker.

But something that a lot of you Ninja Coffee Bar owners and I struggled with, was that the pesky “clean” light would stay off for a split second, but then it would come back on and stay on.

“How do I Clean this Coffee Maker?”

So after calling Ninja myself, asking what I was doing “wrong”, or if that there was a faulty part in my machine…

the sweet lady that I talked to, asked how I was cleaning it before.

When I explained that I would push the clean cycle button to run its 8-minute cycle (like I did in my “Ninja Coffee Bar Quick-Clean” video here) it was like a light-bulb went off and she responded,

“Ahhh… that’s what it is. So you’re just doing a quick-clean cycle. But that’s not all you need to do. Here’s how to really clean your Ninja Coffee Bar and make that clean light go off and stay off!”

Cleaning Ninja Coffee Bar with White Vinegar

The next question she asked was,

“What are you using to clean your Ninja Coffee Bar?”

And like a shy little girl, I responded with “um.. vinegar?” Hoping she wouldn’t reprimand me for using a household item instead of some fancy cleaner that they recommend.

But she didn’t! She just simply continued on with the instructions of how to clean the Ninja with white vinegar.

Friend, I’m proud to tell you today that this process actually worked and the clean light stays off MUCH longer than it was. Here’s what you need to do, and don’t forget to read my tip and feedback that I recommend after doing this with my very own Ninja Coffee Bar.

UPDATE: I’ve been on the hunt for a coffee machine descaler solution (cleaning solution) to use instead of vinegar and water, to see if it works better.

Well, I’m happy to say that I’ve found one that (based on the reviews) works SOOO much better than vinegar and water, to help keep that “clean” light off! I’ll be trying this myself so I can keep you posted on it too!

Get the Coffee Machine Descaler on Amazon HERE!

Get the descaler HERE!

How to Clean the Ninja Coffee Bar and Turn Off the Clean Light…

Note, this is the LONG-PROCESS for Cleaning Your Ninja Coffee Bar. If you’re pressed for time, don’t hesitate to run a clean cycle once, (or also sometimes called a “flush cycle”) but know that it probably won’t clean it thoroughly and that the clean light will pop back on after about one more use.

Ninja Coffee Bar Cleaning Video

I’ve recorded a quick 5-minute video of the recommended cleaning process, but you can find the instructions below the video for quick reference too…

BEFORE YOU WATCH: After recording this video, I learned a trick from a reader that has made SUCH a difference in helping my clean light say off even longer!
UPDATED TIP: Make sure to also wipe off the “plate” that is above where the coffee pot sits, where the coffee drips out of the machine, above the pitcher.
This was SOOOOOO dirty when I cleaned it the other day because I hadn’t thought about that area. I know… I know… why hadn’t I thought about it? I don’t know but I wanted to mention it in case you hadn’t either!

Ninja Coffee Bar Cleaning Instructions:

Discard any water/coffee grounds from Ninja Coffee Bar
Pour about a travel size mug of vinegar into the water reservoir, and fill the rest with water. (Filtered, Purified or Distilled)
Press the “CLEAN” button and let it run for about 1 minute. Press the “CLEAN” button again to pause the machine.
Let the machine sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Press the “CLEAN” button again, and let it finish the cleaning cycle. (About 5-8 minutes.)
Pour vinegar/water mixture out of carafe and clean carafe, mesh basket and water reservoir with a scrub brush, lightly, if you have one.
Fill the reservoir with water, and press the “CLEAN” button again and let it run the full cycle, without stopping it. (5-8 minutes)
Discard water from the carafe and clean carafe, reservoir, and mesh basket once again.
Make sure to also wipe off the “plate” that is above where the coffee pot sits, where the coffee drips out of the machine, above the pitcher.

The “CLEAN” light should stay off at this point, until it’s ready to be cleaned again of course. But it should not come back on after one or two uses, like it does with the quick-clean cycle.

My Tip for DEEP DEEP Cleaning Your Ninja:

If you have and use hard water, the Ninja’s clean light may come back on more often than others. If it has been a while or if you’ve never DEEP cleaned your Ninja with this long-process, it may not hurt to do the vinegar/water mixture and pausing process a couple of times to real combat those hard water deposits inside of the machine.

I would LOVE to hear how this worked for you!

Leave me a note in the comments so we can share with Ninja!

How to Use the Ninja Coffee Bar

If you’re just starting out with your Ninja Coffee maker, and you’re still unsure of how to really use it, don’t miss my “How to use a Ninja Coffee Bar” video that I created for you too!

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

May 24, 2019

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: An easy recipe using canned biscuits that will help you have homemade chicken and dumplings in no time! Feel free to skip or add the vegetables!

On a cold evening, it’s so wonderful having an easy, warm meal to enjoy at home! These lemon and herb chicken thighs are a family favorite, and we will even use the meat from those to make chicken and dumplings from time to time!

You know how much I love good, warm and comforting dishes like casserole recipes, right? Well, a close runner up to casseroles is chicken and dumplings.

So I am super excited to have Elise from Elise Cellucci Photography + Film here again today, sharing her recipe with us!

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love:

Chicken and Dumplings with Vegetables?

Fun note: She actually puts vegetables in her chicken and dumplings, and I love that idea! When I saw she did that, I started looking around and it looks like SO many of you do this! Genius!

Where I come from, we usually stick to chicken, dumplings and call it a day! But the addition of veggies makes so much sense, and actually reminds me of a pot-pie dish!

So Elise, welcome! We can't wait to hear from you again… so let's get to it!

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is an all-time favorite of mine. I loved it from the first time I had it.

What I did NOT like was how long it would take to make it. That is where the InstantPot came in handy as you’ll see below.

I grew up outside of Philadelphia where summer vacations were always down at the Jersey shore. I had a great uncle, Uncle Johnny, who use to manage a motel down there. When time allowed we would go visit him and he would comp us a room for a night or two if they were not busy.

The one year I went with my mom and my Aunt Anita… I was probably 17. We were checking up on my sister who was down there for senior week.

While spending time at the beach, relaxing by the pool, or walking the boardwalk was fun, the best part about the visit was Uncle Johnny’s cooking.

He was an Italian who would cook us delicious meals. Of course the first night we were there he made my favorite spaghetti and meatballs (that’s a fun recipe Natasha has).

But I remember the next night he made chicken and dumplings. It was my first time ever having it and I was hooked.

I do remember him cooking it all day and so excited to try it. So I begged my mom to make it when we got home, but she would only have time on the weekends because of the time it took.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

For years I have tried to recreate his recipe but in less time. With two little girls, I cannot spend more than 30 minutes making a recipe or my house is a mess.

Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker:

So for me, the best kind of cooking is setting it and walking away to let it do its magic for me like in a crock pot or Instant Pot. So I thought,

why not try it in the Instant pot since that’s all the rage right now?

So I did and now I can’t wait to share it with you so you can speed up your chicken and dumpling process too!

Chicken and dumplings with vegetables in the instant pot

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

I promise most of the ingredients are probably already in your fridge or spice rack.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients like:

(Full instructions are in recipe card at the bottom of this post!)

Butter
Onions
Canned Biscuits
Chicken
Flour
Salt
Pepper
Bay Leaf
Chicken Broth
Frozen peas and carrots, optional
Frozen green beans, optional
Heavy cream OR one tablespoon of butter mixed with 3 tablespoon of milk

What to Serve with This Dish

These garlic cheese biscuits go with these dumplings so well! They’re easy to make and the cheesy flavor, combined with the fluffy biscuit, is incredible!

More Instant Pot Recipes

While you have your Instant Pot out already, you may want to whip up a batch of the Panera Bread Copycat Broccoli Cheddar soup!

Recipe

Print Pin

4.55 from 11 votes

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: An easy recipe using canned biscuits that will help you have homemade chicken and dumplings in no time!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings Servings

Calories 305kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Butter
½ cup Onions
5 biscuits Canned biscuits
1 ¼ Pounds Chicken diced
¼ cup Flour
½ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Pepper
2 leaves Bay Leaf
4 cups Chicken broth
½ cup Frozen pea and carrots optional
¼ cup Frozen green beans optional
¼ cup Heavy cream OR one tablespoon of butter mixed with 3 tablespoon of milk

Instructions

Cut biscuits into 6 equal sizes
Melt the butter in the Instapot on the sauté setting. Add the onion and stir until onions become translucent about 3-5 minutes. Turn off the sauté.
Add the chicken. Coat the onion and chicken with the flour till everything is coated.
Add bay leaves and salt and pepper.
Add bay leaves, salt and pepper, chicken broth, and biscuits.
Cover and select Pressure Cook from the settings and set the time to 8 minutes.
Once the 8 minutes are finished allow it to slow release for 10 minute.
After the 10 minutes, open the quick release button to let the remaining pressure out.
Add heavy cream or milk and butter mix and stir. If adding vegetables add frozen peas, carrots and green beans and stir till warmed. About 1-2 minutes.
Add salt, if need.
Serve

Video

Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition

What Did You Think?

If you tried this recipe, we’d love to know what you think! Rate this recipe and/or drop a comment to let us know!

Thank you, Elise, for sharing this recipe with us, along with your carrot salad that everyone seems to love too!

More Comforting Recipes

Food is love around here, so you’re in the right place if you love comforting recipes. Browse our simple and easy recipes to add to your Pinterest boards for busy weeknights!

The BEST Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

August 5, 2026

Vanilla Mug Cake: A super EASY microwavable mug cake recipe without egg and a few other simple ingredients ready in just 7 minutes.

Cake recipes are a favorite easy dessert around here, and after making this multiple times and perfecting it, we’ve decided this is the BEST vanilla mug cake recipe that there is!

Vanilla mug cake in a mug with sprinkles.

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What is a Mug Cake?

A mug cake is a single-serving cake that you can make in a pinch when you have a craving for a sweet treat! With a few ingredients, you can microwave a cake in a microwave-safe mug, cup, or small bowl, for a perfect dessert just for you! If you’re looking to feed a crowd, this cloud cake would be a good alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Dessert for one: When you’re on the hunt for single-serving desserts, this one tops the cake! (No pun intended… well, maybe a little.) Mug recipes may just become your new favorite thing!
Microwaved: The best part is that this vanilla mug cake recipe is mixed in and microwaved in the mug so you don't have to dirty any dishes except your measuring cups and spoons.
Kid-friendly: It’s the perfect treat if your kiddos have a sweet tooth and they want to try and make something on their own!
Texture: I was so pleasantly surprised by the texture of this mug cake. I was expecting weird and chewy and spongy but instead, it was light and fluffy. A key to keeping the texture super light and fluffy is mixing it with a fork to help break up any clumps to create a smooth batter.

How do you make a vanilla mug cake from scratch?

It is made with common ingredients that you'll probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator, and you’ll only need a large mug to cook it in! You simply mix the ingredients (lightly) and then microwave them, and it’s ready to eat.

Ingredient List

This only takes a few simple ingredients! Make sure to see the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and instructions.

Wet Ingredients:

melted butter
vanilla extract
milk

What kind of milk to use for mug cake? I’ve used 2% and whole milk when testing the recipe but you can use whatever milk you have on hand whether it’s skim, coconut, or almond milk. I’ve also had others tell me in the comments that they’ve used certain kinds and it works well too!

Dry Ingredients:

white granulated sugar
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt

Step by Step Directions

Add butter to your mug (or ramekin like I used on the day I took photos) and microwave until melted.

Stir vanilla extract, milk, and sugar into the butter.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt (and sprinkles if using) and stir using a fork until combined. You don’t want a lot of clumps. (A couple is fine but not a lot.)

Microwave mug cake for 1 minute and 10 seconds (I found to be the sweet spot) to 1-½ minutes. Microwave powers can vary.

TIP: You’ll want to watch it, and when the cake doesn’t look wet any longer, (a bit shiny is ok!), it should be ready!

Be careful removing the mug from the microwave as it may be hot.

FAQs

Can you reheat a vanilla mug cake?

You can! If you don’t eat it all the first round, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to one day. To reheat, simply remove cover and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until heated through.

Can you eat mug cakes cold?

Sure! If you don’t prefer to reheat it, you can eat it cold!

What kind of mug do I use for mug cakes?

If you’re making a mug cake in the microwave, be sure to use a microwave-safe mug as it could be really hot to the touch when finished cooking! You can also use a small ramekin.

Is it safe to eat mug cakes?

Absolutely! It’s a great way to enjoy a quick sweet treat when the craving hits! Plus, with this recipe, you can add in your favorite toppings if desired!

Why is my mug cake rubbery or dense?

Usually one of two things: overmixing the batter, or overcooking it. Stir with a fork until combined, and pull it the second the top is set. A few extra seconds is all it takes to go from soft to rubbery.

Can I make a mug cake without a microwave?

Yes. Bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, until the top springs back.

How long do you microwave a mug cake?

About 60-90 seconds depending on your microwave’s wattage. Start at 60, then add 10 seconds at a time until the top is just set.

Is this mug cake eggless?

Yes! It’s made without eggs, perfect for when you’re out or just want a
quick single-serving treat.

Vanilla Cake in a mug eating with a spoon

Tips for the Best Vanilla Mug Cake

Use a fork, not a spoon. This is the whole secret to a light, fluffy mug cake. A fork breaks up the flour so the batter gets completely smooth, and smooth batter is what bakes up fluffy. Don’t worry about “overmixing” here, that’s not the risk. The real mistake is under-stirring and leaving dry flour pockets, which sink and turn the bottom gummy. Stir with a fork until there are no lumps and no dry streaks, getting into the bottom and corners of the mug.
Watch your microwave. Every microwave’s different. Start at the recommended time and add 10 seconds at a time. Overcooking is what turns it tough and dry.
Spoon and level your flour. Scooping straight from the bag packs it in and
makes a heavy cake.
Use a mug that’s big enough. Remember, the batter rises as it cooks, so start with it about half full.

Vanilla Cake Topping Ideas

This vanilla mug cake is so great on its own but if you want to top this vanilla mug cake, here are my favorite ideas:

Sprinkles (I’ve put those in the cake batter and have sprinkled on top.)
A scoop of Vanilla Ice cream
Mint Buttercream Frosting or Chocolate Buttercream
Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Fresh fruit
Sliced bananas
Peanut Butter
A dollop of whipped cream
Chocolate chips
Nuts
Brown Sugar
A drizzle of chocolate sauce
Salted caramel drizzle

More Cake Recipes You’ll Love

If you love easy dessert recipes like this vanilla mug cake, you’ll also love these top fan favorites! This Milky Way Cake is increasingly popular, as well as this Easy Carrot Cake, this 7Up Pound Cake, and this Easy Pound Cake.

Thank you to Meg's Everyday Indulgence for sharing another easy dessert recipe with us!

Recipe

Print Pin

4.85 from 111 votes

Vanilla Mug Cake

This easy vanilla mug cake is made without eggs, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is ready from the microwave in just a few minutes.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 2

Total Time 7

Servings serving

Calories 493kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Equipment

Microwave safe mug

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk any type will work
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
sprinkles if desired

Instructions

Add butter to your mug. Microwave until melted. Stir vanilla extract, milk and sugar into the butter. Add flour, baking powder and salt (and sprinkles if using) and stir with a fork until combined and you have a smooth batter. (Make sure to scrape the sides and the bottoms to get any hidden clumps.)
Microwave mug cake 1 minute to 2 minutes. (I found 1 minute and 10 seconds in the sweet spot for my microwave.)
Be careful removing the mug from the microwave as it may be hot.

Video

Notes

Note: I’ve used whole and 2% milk when testing the recipe but you can use whatever milk you have on hand, whether it’s whole, skim, or almond milk.

Use a fork to mix! This helps break up clumps that could cause a gummy texture.

Nutrition

Brioche French Toast

October 15, 2022

Brioche French Toast: Simple ingredients and just a few minutes yield a sweet, buttery, special breakfast main dish everyone will love. It’s an easy recipe that you’ll be able to make over and over again!

Soon, you too will think this is the best french toast recipe!

2 slices of brioche french toast on white plate — Brioche French Toast

Images were retaken by Fantabulosity and post updated on October 16, 2022.

Hi lovely Fantabulosity readers! Meg here from Meg's Everyday Indulgence. I'm so excited to be back and sharing my new favorite breakfast recipe, Brioche French Toast.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

First, this luxurious french toast is really simple to make. We're talking 15 minutes max which even makes this a contender for school mornings, or even on the weekends when you want to make breakfast, but don’t want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen!

Second, the ingredients couldn't get easier for this delicious french toast. I'm even betting you have everything in your house already except for the brioche bread. Brioche may seem fancy but it's surprisingly easy to find.

What is Brioche French Toast?

Brioche French Toast is a french toast recipe made using brioche bread. A few simple ingredients make a custard mixture, kind of with the same flavor of egg custard pie that you coat on buttery brioche bread and cook on the stovetop.

Brioche is a French bread that contains lots of eggs and butter! Good start right? (The whole family is going to love it!)

Because of the higher amount of those ingredients, the bread is much richer, softer and more tender than your average loaf.

It's often braided and has a dark golden sheen. If you've never had it before, you need it in your life. Using brioche to make this French toast added a whole new level of buttery, rich goodness and is even delicious to use as breakfast toast.

I'll never make French toast with any other bread again. That's how epic brioche is in this recipe.

Ingredients

6 slices brioche bread slices (Regular bread, fresh bread or stale bread also works great but it’s not necessary – however we think brioche is the best bread.)
4 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk (You can also use heavy cream)
¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of kosher salt
butter, for cooking

Instructions

Start off by preheating your griddle or a big skillet over medium heat. That way it's hot and ready to go when you're done with the super quick process of dipping the French toast.

Now that you have your griddle heating up, it's time to assemble the French toast.

Egg Wash for Dipping

I like to use a pie plate or cake pan for this step (or a similar shallow dish). Because they are shallow, there's a lot of surface for dipping and it just makes the process easier.

Crack the eggs in your pie plate and whisk them up with a fork. Once the eggs are uniformly yellow, add the milk, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of salt.

cinnamon, milk and vanilla added to eggs — Add spices, vanilla & milk

Mix until evenly combined.

french toast batter mixed together — Mix until combined

Add the thick slices of bread to the egg wash, let it soak for a few seconds, and then flip and let it soak again.

Dipping bread in to egg mixture — Coat bread

Melt about a tablespoon of butter in the hot skillet. When melted, it’s ready for a coated slice of brioche bread. (Or however many will fit in the skillet or on the griddle at one time.)

butter melting in hot skillet — Melt butter

When the french toast is ready, and fully coated (meaning, the bread feels really soft and the egg wash has soaked in a bit — it doesn’t have to be super-soaked), add it to your hot, buttered griddle or skillet to cook in batches.

French toast in cast iron skillet — Cook

Cook for a few minutes per side, until golden brown, and breakfast is served. You now have a homemade french toast recipe that you can count on!

Cooked french toast stacked on white plate

French Toast Topping Ideas

There are so many ways you can serve this Brioche French Toast. If you like to keep things classic, go with pure maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

If you want to get a little fancy, add whipped cream, fresh berries or other fresh fruit, or even chocolate chips as topping options. The best part about this recipe is that everyone can add their favorites! Here are some other favorite toppings to give you some ideas:

brown sugar
fruit syrup
chocolate drizzle
caramel drizzle
melted butter

French toast with whipped cream and berries

You could even set it up as a little food bar with a line up of options for your family or guests to mix and match as they please if you’re hosting a breakfast or brunch and need party ideas!

Serve this Brioche French Toast with some eggs and delicious oven-cooked bacon. You'll quickly become the go-to home for Saturday brunch.

French toast with bite taken out of it — Brioche French Toast Recipe

Storage and Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, it’s best to store leftover french toast in an airtight container or plastic bag, and place in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

If you love french toast recipes, then you’re also going to love this baked french toast casserole, these EASY french toast sticks, the crazy-delish stuffed strawberry cream cheese french toast, my regular french toast, and similar easy breakfast recipe… cinnamon roll casserole!

Recipe

Brioche French Toast slices on white plate with cream and berries

Print Pin

5 from 7 votes

Brioche French Toast

Become the star of brunch with this Brioche French Toast. Simple ingredients and just a few minutes yields a sweet, buttery breakfast main dish everyone will love.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings slices

Calories 114kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Cost $8

Equipment

Griddle or large skillet

Ingredients

6 slices brioche bread
4 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of kosher salt
butter, for cooking

Instructions

Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, add eggs to a pie plate, cake pan or shallow bowl. Whisk well with a fork. Add milk, cinnamon, vanilla and salt and whisk again.
Dip brioche bread in the egg mixture. Let soak for 2 seconds per side. Spread the hot griddle with butter then add dipped brioche. Cook each slice for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden.

Notes

Brioche bread can be easily found these days in the grocery store! Take a look in the bakery section first, in case that’s where they keep it!

TIP: Double the recipe and freeze extras for a quick and easy weekday breakfast!

Nutrition

EASY Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

September 3, 2019

French Toast Sticks – An easy recipe that can be made in minutes and can be made ahead to prep and freeze for a quick breakfast later!

Next to these fluffy pancakes and air fryer cinnamon rolls, easy french toast is our family’s, breakfast, WEAKNESS!

I mean, you can see our love for it through the Brioche French Toast, Baked French Toast, and Stuffed Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe… but good ole basic french toast is always a winner too! P.S. You’ll also love this Cinnamon Roll Casserole too!

But let’s get real… this momma’s not whipping up a batch of homemade french toast every morning before school. I like to keep things “fabulously fast” like I included in the “Fabulously Fast Dinners” cookbook!

I save our fresh French toast mornings for weekends or holidays because it takes some time to make ENOUGH to feed my house full of boys, and then cut it up for my littles. Plus, I like to make other things to go with it like:

French Toast Sticks

So for busy school mornings (or let’s face it, the mornings where I’d rather sip on coffee than make a big breakfast) I love being able to whip these french toast sticks out of the freezer, reheat them in the microwave, and let the boys go to town on their breakfast in just minutes.

They’re a lot easier for kids to get their hands on, and when it makes it easy for them, it makes it easy for mom!

Breakfast Finger Food for a Party

Or, if you’re hosting a party or brunch and you’re looking for menu ideas, then French Toast Sticks are a no-brainer!

It’s a favorite breakfast menu item and it’s MUCH easier to grab and go for a buffet-style set-up!

How to Make French Toast Sticks

Make sure to see the full recipe card toward the bottom of this post where the ingredients and instructions are all in one place.

Cinnamon Batter for French Toast

First, you’ll want to combine the batter that you’re going to dip your bread in, to soak in all of the glorious flavors that will turn in to golden brown French toast sticks.

French Toast Sticks Ingredients:

6 pieces of white bread
6 eggs
¼ cup milk
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
syrup and berries for toppings (optional)

Coat with butter and preheat your griddle to 350, or your pan to medium heat.

Cut your pieces into three vertical pieces (to make it into sticks).

Add the remaining ingredients into a bowl and mix together with a whisk until combined.

Dunk bread (brioche is my favorite) in to egg mixture for french toast

Next, dip each slice of bread (one at a time) into the cinnamon-egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated.

Remove bread from the mixture and let access batter drip off back into the bowl and place on to the hot griddle.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the sides reach a golden brown color!

Remove from griddle/pan and sprinkle with powdered sugar (if desired)…

…and dunk them into your favorite syrup! (Flavored syrups are SO fun, like this Blueberry Syrup or this “fancy-like” 3-piece set of syrup!)

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you reheat frozen french toast sticks?

You can pull frozen french toast sticks right from the freezer and microwave for 30-45 seconds or until heated through!

Can you freeze french toast sticks?

You bet! Cook and prepare them according to this recipe and once cooled, place into a freezer container or freezer bag, seal and freeze for up to 2 months! TIP: Place wax paper between layers of french toast so they do not freeze together and you can grab and cook only the amount you need, rather than the entire bag.

What do you serve with french toast sticks?

You can dunk them in maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and sugar or serve alone! I also like serving them with fruit like blueberries, strawberries, and bananas!

Dip french toast sticks in syrup - french toast recipe

“Can I use this recipe for regular french toast?”

You bet. Just skip cutting the bread into sticks and cook the same way!

You can also freeze the french toast in the same way that you would the sticks!

If you love recipes like this, then you’ll also want to make these mini cinnamon rolls, this old-fashioned coffee cake and these cinnamon swirl pancakes, too!

Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

EASY Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Cinnamon French Toast Sticks – An easy recipe that can be made in minutes and can be made ahead to prep and freeze for a quick breakfast later!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine French

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 26kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

6 pieces white bread texas toast is our favorite!
¼ cup milk
6 eggs
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
powdered sugar and syrup for dipping optional

Instructions

Preheat a griddle to 350 or pan to medium heat, and prepare with butter or nonstick spray
Prepare your bread by cutting into pieces. Depending on the size of your bread you can cut into 2-3 pieces.
In a small bowl, add in the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Combine well with a fork.
Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture on both sides. Place on the hot griddle and cook about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and dunk into syrup if desired!

Notes

Double or triple the batch and freeze them for a quick and easy breakfast idea!

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

If you love french toast sticks, then you’re REALLY going to love the other easy breakfast recipes you’ll find here, like:

Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies - Healthy Gluten Free Recipe — Mini Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches

Love This Recipe?

I’d love to hear if you tried this recipe! Leave a star-review and comment down below and join my newsletter so you’re the first to know of new recipes!

95+ Pancake Toppings Ideas

January 1, 2020

Pancake Toppings: A list of popular toppings for pancakes that include favorites syrups, fruits, savory, healthy toppings like keto, and more!

We LOVE pancake recipes around here and find it fun to mix things up from time to time with toppings and “mix-ins”.

Usually, we’ll see what we have on hand in the pantry or the freezer and then experiment and see what kind of pancakes we can come up with!

So if you’re looking for pancake toppings ideas for a weekend breakfast or if you’re hosting a pancake bar for a party, then this list will come in VERY handy, but don’t forget to check on what you already have on hand, and see what kind of creations you can come up with!

Pancake Recipes You’ll Love:

Pancake Toppings Ideas

Some items can serve as a topping, can be mixed right in to the pancake batter or belong in multiple categories! So you actually may see duplicate items in each section.

Syrups

Maple Syrup
Fruit Flavored Syrup (i.e. blueberry)
Agave Syrup
D’Vash Syrups
Honey
Caramel Sauce (Check out this low carb/no sugar syrup I used for my son's keto diet)
Chocolate Syrup
Molasses

Condiments

Butter
Nutella
Peanut Butter
Almond Butter
Cashew Butter
Jelly/Jam/Marmalade
Fruit Compote
Apple Butter
Yogurt

If you’d like to make a few toppings from scratch, browse my homemade sauces and condiments for apple butter, raspberry jam, and flavored butter.

Fruit Toppings

Strawberries
Peaches
Blackberries
Blueberries
Yogurt covered blueberries
Raspberries
Sugared cranberries
Bananas
Lemon Zest
Kiwi
Mango
Apples
Apple Pie Filling
Cherry Pie Filling
Chocolate Pie Filling
Lemon Pie Filling
Strawberry Pie Filling
Pumpkin (See my Pumpkin White Chocolate Pancakes with White Chocolate Maple Syrup recipe)

Sugary Toppings for Pancakes

Powdered Sugar
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Whipped Cream
Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar “Frosting”
Sprinkles
Marshmallows
Swerve

Candy

M&M’s
Snickers
Reese’s Cups
Butterfinger
Peppermints/Candy Canes
Dark Chocolate
Gummy Bears/Worms
Poprocks

Crunchy, Crumbles, Baking Goodies

Milk Chocolate Chips
White Chocolate Chips
Butterscotch Chips
Toffee Bits (Heath)
Sugared Pecans
Flaked, Sweetened Coconut
Marshmallows
Graham Cracker Crumbs
Crushed Cookies (Oreo’s, Gooey Butter, Nutter Butters, etc.)
Crushed Brownies
Cookie Dough
Cereal (Fruity Pebbles, Corn Flakes, Lucky Charms, Honey Bunches of Oats, etc.)

Extracts

To mix in with syrups, whipped cream, etc.

Peppermint Extract
Almond Extract
Lemon Extract
Orange Extract
Butter Extract

Healthy Pancake Toppings

Swerve
Fruit (See fruit ideas above.)

Keto Pancake Toppings

Swerve
Bacon
Flavored Extracts (See flavor ideas above.)
Sugar-Free Syrup
Low-Carb Maple Syrup

Nut Toppings

Pecans
Walnuts
Macadamia
Pistachios
Slivered Almonds
Sugared Pecans (Try the White Chocolate Sugar Pecans)

Seeds + Grains

Oats
Chia Seeds
Flax Seed
Granola

Spices

Cinnamon
All Spice
Hot Cocoa Mix
Flaked Sea Salt

Savory Toppings

Crumbled Bacon
Egg
Ricotta
Spinach

Veggie + Floral

Butternut Squash (See my Butternut Squash Pancakes that my kids love!)
Sweet Potatoes
Edible Flowers
Fresh Mint

More Pancake Toppings?

Did I miss your favorite? I’d love to hear what you enjoy on your pancakes so I can add it to the list!

Drop a note in the comments, or let me know via Facebook or Instagram!

Love Breakfast Recipes?

I do too, and that means you’ll find a LOT in our breakfast recipe archives!

But some of the reader favorites are:

Pin this image to remember it!

Pancake Toppings Ideas - a list of the most popular and more!

Easy Blueberry Pancakes

August 26, 2019

Easy Blueberry Pancakes made from scratch with everyday ingredients and fresh blueberries (or frozen) to create the BEST fluffy pancakes at home!

Breakfast recipes are sort of my jam. (Ha! “jam”. See what I did there?) But in all reality, if this is your first time here, you’re also gonna love my Easy, Fluffy American Pancakes, Pumpkin White Chocolate Pancakes, and my Easy 5-Minute Butternut Squash Pancakes (for when you want to sneak in a veggie for the kids.)

If you love pancakes as much as I do, then you’ll want to get a hold of this list of over 95 pancake toppings to add to all sorts of pancakes!

Easy Blueberry Pancakes

Why are pancakes so stinking good?

I think they’re my favorite to make for breakfast because they can be so versatile by adding just about anything to them to give them some extra “oomph”.

With pancakes, you can either add ingredients right in to the pancake batter or sprinkle on top just before serving. Here is a quick list of my favorite toppings…

Pancake Toppings:

chocolate chips
honey
maple syrup (or agave syrup can be a healthier alternative or even )
peanut butter
caramel sauce (check out this low carb/no sugar syrup I used for my son’s keto diet)
whipped cream
strawberries
peaches
blackberries
blueberries (Make a batch of these blueberry buttermilk muffins too!)
bananas
nuts
cream cheese/powdered sugar “frosting”
apple pie filling (or any pie filling)
crumbled bacon (mix with a maple cream or syrup – OMG)
sneak in sweet veggies like canned sweet potato or butternut squash
I’d even go so far to say adding your favorite cookies like we did with these Oreo pancakes, would even be fun!

But honestly, I don’t know if there’s anything better than a classic blueberry pancake. That warm, sweet burst of blueberry flavor when you bite in to a blueberry pancake is hard to replicate with any other topping.

Fresh or Frozen Blueberries

When you’re whipping up these blueberry pancakes, feel free to use fresh or frozen.

Fresh is always better in my opinion, but I know how life goes, and sometimes we only have frozen on hand, and they work perfectly fine. If you’re grabbing blueberries at the store, grab extras to make this blueberry cobbler recipe in the cast iron skillet.

Should frozen blueberries be thawed before baking?

Nope! Throw them in just as they are. They should thaw out while cooking… HOWEVER, they may still have a cold temperature if your pancakes cook too fast and don’t allow the berries enough time to reach warm.

Fresh or frozen blueberries work just fine for pancakes

How to Make Blueberry Pancakes from Scratch

If you’ve been making Fantabulosity recipes for a while, then you KNOW I love a good shortcut when it comes to cooking, because:

“Good food doesn’t have to be difficult.”

so a good pancake mix like “Krusteaz” does come in handy but there’s something about a homemade pancake “mix” that just may make you fall in love. Especially when it’s an easy homemade pancake recipe… like this one.

The crisp outside edges with the soft fluffy center and the addition of the warm, juicy berries are hard to beat.

So let’s get into HOW to make them…shall we?

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

See ingredient list and printable recipe card at the end of this post.

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk (Or if you prefer almond milk, you may love making these pancakes made with almond milk!)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoon butter
Roughly 1 cup of fresh blueberries washed and stems removed.

Mix the Pancake Batter:

First, combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk to remove any large lumps.

Add in all of the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.

How to Cook Pancakes

Preheat a griddle or large skillet until warm and add in about 2 tablespoon of butter.

Using a measuring cup, measure out ¼ cup of batter and place in the middle of the skillet or on the griddle.

If you are using a griddle place pancakes about 1-2 inches apart.

Top with 5-6 fresh blueberries and press lightly into the batter.

Blueberry Pancakes with fresh blueberries in a pan — Add in blueberries to the top of the pancake(s)

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown, flip and repeat.

Cooking blueberry pancakes in a skillet on the stove — Flip the pancakes with the top start to form small holes.

Fluffy Blueberry Pancake Recipe from scratch — Fluffy blueberry pancakes

Serve with butter and warm syrup and enjoy! (Or get creative with the toppings ideas I mentioned above and make your own creation!)

Pouring syrup on blueberry pancakes — Drizzling maple syrup over the top of the blueberry pancakes

Do you put whole blueberries in pancakes?

I do! You’re more than welcome to cut them in half, or mash them up completely and mix in with the batter, but I prefer them to be whole and added in after the batter has been dropped in to the pan.
(Berries tend to burn easily, so be careful!)

Can you freeze blueberry pancakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze blueberry pancakes for up to 2 months. A tip that I’ve loved using, is once the pancakes have cooled, place a layer of pancakes in a ziptop freezer bag and then layer a piece of wax or parchment paper on top. Add another layer of pancakes and repeat with paper if necessary! This way when you go to grab the pancakes out of the freezer, they won’t be stuck to one another.

How do you defrost frozen blueberries?

Don’t microwave them, as tempting as it is. They can get soggy and too warm for what you need. Instead, thaw them in a cold water bath for a few minutes.

What to Serve with Pancakes:

Some of my favorite things to serve along with pancakes for a small or even BIG breakfast buffet are:

bacon (get crazy and make my smoked candied bacon)
eggs (scrambled, over-easy, well-done, or your favorite!)
mini waffle breakfast sandwiches
easy quiche recipe
biscuit & Gravy Dippers
Hawaiian breakfast sandwiches

If you love sweet berry desserts, make sure you make this razzleberry pie too!

Recipe

Print Pin

5 from 8 votes

Blueberry Pancakes

Easy Blueberry Pancakes made from scratch with everyday ingredients and fresh blueberries (or frozen) to create the BEST fluffy pancakes at home!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings pancakes

Calories 145kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon sugar
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoon butter
1 cup blueberries give/take the amount (Fresh or Frozen)

Instructions

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk to remove
any large lumps.
Add in all wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
Preheat a griddle or large skillet until warm and add in
about 2 tablespoon of butter.
Using a measuring cup, measure out ¼ cup of batter and place
in the middle of the skillet or on the griddle. If you are using a griddle
place pancakes about 1-2 inches apart. Top with 5-6 fresh blueberries and press
lightly into the batter.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown, flip and repeat.
Serve with butter and warm syrup and enjoy!

Nutrition

More Easy Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love:

EASY Blueberry Pancakes Recipe that are homemade! #easypancakes #easyblueberrypancakes #homemadeblueberrypancakes

How to Make Money Online: 7 REAL Ways that are AUTHENTIC to you!

August 22, 2019

How to make money online: After running a successful business online for a few years now, I’ve learned a lot of different ways to make money from home, and now I’m sharing them with you!

How to Make Money Online

It’s no secret that I love blogging, but a second-runner up is brainstorming and helping others figure out what their passions are, so they can start an online business around it.

Since getting involved in the blogging world, I’ve come to find out a LOT of different ways that you can make money online and how accessible it really can be for you!

Interested in blogging as a way to make money online? My Fantabulous Blogging 101 course is now open and ready to help you get your very own blog up and running the RIGHT way, and help you through the tech set-up, name creation and get you well on your way, to having a successful blog and forging ahead of so many others who set out to try to do it on their own!

7 Ways to Make Money Online

So if you’ve been wanting to:

generate a side income
make money online to replace your full-time income
have a creative outlet and make money with it
grow your current business
turn your hobby into a business
… so much more

then you’ll want to watch the quick video I’ve included below of the Facebook and Instagram LIVE that I did, sharing 7 ways that you can make money online, no matter WHAT you’re passionate about, or what your goals are.

Can’t Watch the Video?

No problem at all. I get that… I have littles at home that I’m often snuggling with, in bed, or in a room where the tv has cartoons on… so videos don’t always work for me.

So if you can relate, and you’d rather read about my 7 ideas for how to make money online, I’ve included them for you below…

But first, I want you to think about a couple of things before you start thinking about how to make money online.

It’s important that you ENJOY what you’re doing. If you don’t, you’ll resist… procrastinate… and lack the energy to work on it.
If you want to make money online, but you have no idea what you could sell or create an online business with… think about this:
– What is something you’ve struggled with in the past, that you’ve fixed or created to make things easier? Could you sell this? Could you offer this as a service to help others out there struggling with the same thing(s) you were?

1. Sell Handmade/Homemade Items

Do you love crafting, sewing, candle making, designing and printing t-shirts? There are so many places online that you can sell the items that you’re already creating and having fun creating!

2. Selling Digital Products

Planners, ebooks, checklists, calendars, organization printables, logos, website design, etc. are items that you can create digitally and upload to sell online. No overhead of physical products, that live on the internet 24 hours a day, that can sell and automatically deliver to the buyer!

3. Services

What are you good at, certified in or enjoy helping others with? You can offer this service online to others who need help!

Live videos on Facebook group or using software like Zoom to offer services like coaching/consulting!
Virtual Assistant work, offering support for online businesses like posting to social media, managing emails, and so much more!

4. YouTube (Video Creation)

If you love creating and being on video, you can create videos on just about anything you want, and upload those videos to YouTube.

How do you make money by doing that?

You can get sponsored work with brands, that pay you to create videos about their products.
You can get paid for ads that appear on your videos.
Create videos about your product/service that you have, to generate sales and business.

5. Dropshipping

I don’t know a ton about dropshipping, but it’s definitely an option and something I know a lot of people do.

If you’ve had a dream of owning your own online shop where you sell products that you love, but don’t want the overhead and work dealing with packing up and shipping the actual products… you can dropship the items that you have in your online store.

Find a company that offers dropshipping, and you can manage your online store, but the dropshipping company can handle the physical work behind the scenes.

6. Amazon

I don’t know a lot about selling on Amazon, but I sure do know a lot of people who have made money selling on Amazon.

There are many ways that you can do this, and I highly suggest that you check out The Selling Family for their courses that they offer in how to get started doing this and how to do it successfully!

I recently listened to their story on Pat Flynn’s podcast and learned SO SO much.

My mind was blown when I heard that you could use Amazon’s app to scan products that store (say on the clearance rack) to see how much money you could potentially make if you bought it and re-sold it on Amazon.

7. Blogging

Oh my favorite thing ever… blogging! I can confidently say that blogging is a great way to make money online because I’m doing it! I started this blog as a hobby but after finding out that I could make money with it, fueled me to turn it in to an online business.

To say that I’m so grateful for what blogging has done for me and my family is an understatement.

By blogging, I’ve been able to financially support my family in two of the most toughest years of our lives (financially and emotionally). With a kiddo that has unexplainable seizures, I’m able to stay at home with him and go to endless doctor appointments… all while my blog can operate and make money for me in the background.

If you’ve ever felt the slightest push to consider blogging, I urge you to explore that thought a little more. It truly is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

I only blog about the things/topics that I enjoy and it has literally been a life-saver.

Join Fantabulous Blogging 101 HERE if you’re ready to start your blog today too!

Are there more ways to make money online?

You bet. But these are the top 7 that I know for a fact can help you make money online and are either my favorite or that I know personally works for someone I know.

Broccoli Crunch Salad

August 14, 2024

Broccoli Crunch Salad is a combination of a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with a touch of sugar for sweetness, all mixed with crunchy broccoli, red onions, bacon, sliced almonds, and a few other ingredients. It’s a side dish recipe that’s easy enough to serve with dinner or to take to a potluck meal.

Something cold and crisp between all the casseroles. It’s on my Thanksgiving sides list.

Make-ahead salads are a slider-bar friend. See my sides to serve with sliders.

Broccoli crunch salad in bowl, sitting on fabric napkin on table.

The crunch of the broccoli and bacon, combined with the chewiness of the cranberries and creaminess of the dressing will ignite your tastebuds and leave your friends and family begging you to bring this to the next gathering!

If you’re new around here, then you may not know that I’m a big fan of salad recipes and especially love that this particular savory salad recipe helps switch things up from a typical lettuce salad. Looking for other non-lettuce salads? This cucumber salad with Italian dressing and this carrot salad is great too!

Ingredients

Broccoli: I’m all about time-savers in the kitchen and believe that shortcuts can be sanity savers too! So feel free to grab a bag of the pre-cut broccoli in the produce section at your local grocery store. Or, if using a stalk of broccoli, cut off the florets and use as directed in the recipe card below.
Red Onion: I don’t know if I’m alone here, but red onion is one of my absolute favorite veggies out there. Whether it’s on a simple cheeseburger recipe or chopped up in the world’s best guacamole… you can almost bet you’ll see me adding it into just about anything that will work. Well this salad is no exception and it’s the perfect flavor addition. Slice up one red onion, really thin and add it to the bowl of broccoli!
Bacon: Crispy bacon is key here! For more crunch, crispy bacon is so delicious in this salad.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and softness to this otherwise crunchy recipe.
Mayonnaise: I prefer to use Hellmans or Best Foods brands but any will do.
Almonds: For even more crunch, using almonds or your favorite type of nut is a great idea. You may also prefer to use sunflower seed kernels.

How to Make Broccoli Crunch Salad

Tip: Feel free to make this broccoli salad ahead of time to save time in the kitchen later.

Broccoli salad in small bowl, sitting next to large serving bowl of broccoli salad.

Check out my other favorite make-ahead salads for a crowd!

More Salads and Recipes You’ll Love:

Recipe

Broccoli crunch salad in big serving bowl, with bacon, cranberries and almonds.

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Broccoli crunch salad uses bacon, goat cheese, cranberries, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise and a few other ingredients and it's a great make-ahead salad recipe!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 351kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

Broccoli Salad

5 cups broccoli florets pre-cut or cut from stems
8 slices thick-sliced bacon cooked, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup sliced almonds
⅓ cup diced red onion sliced thin
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

Broccoli Salad Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise Hellmans or Best Foods is recommended
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions

Broccoli Salad Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add 5 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices thick-sliced bacon, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup sliced almonds, ⅓ cup diced red onion, and ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt and the ½ teaspoon granulated sugar. Mix with a whisk to combine.

Broccoli Salad Dressing Instructions

Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and stir to combine. It's ready to serve or you can place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

You can leave the sugar out if you prefer.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Blueberry Turnovers Recipe

November 13, 2024

This blueberry turnovers recipe only takes 3 ingredients (plus the optional glaze) and is ready in about 30 minutes!

It only takes a package of puff pastry, a can of blueberry pie filling, and an egg to make these delicious fruit-filled turnovers. Want the yummy glaze too? It only takes powdered sugar and milk!

Blueberry turnover made with puff pastry and blueberry pie filling.

I love easy breakfast ideas like these puff pastry turnovers because they only require a few ingredients and you can easily switch out the type of filling. These Easy Peach Turnovers are a perfect example!

If you love easy breakfast recipes like this one, then I think you’ll also enjoy these strawberry scones, these Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, and this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling for Crepes.

Baked blueberry turnovers on a cooling rack.

Recipe Highlights

Only Three Ingredients: These delicious breakfast pastries only require 3 ingredients, and dare I say you could get away with only 2 if you’re out of egg! Puff pastry and canned pie filling are the two must-haves. If you don’t have an egg, you could try pinching the sides together and hope they hold their shape or even use a little touch of water to help seal the sides of the puff pastry together.
Versatile: Switch up the filling flavors, drizzle the tops with different toppings, and more! Make these turnovers your favorite or make a variety if hosting a food bar for a party.
Make-Ahead: I love how these can be made ahead of time for an easy breakfast on the go if needed!

Key Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make these easy turnovers:

Ingredients for easy turnovers: puff pastry, pie filling and egg.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Puff Pastry – A package should come with two sheets and this will make 8 turnovers.
Pie Filling – Pie filling typically comes in large cans, around 21 ounces. If making 8 turnovers with the two puff pastry sheets, you’ll only use about half of the pie filling. Use the leftover pie filling to make a double batch or make these no-bake mini cheesecakes. This blueberry dump cake also uses pie filling if you’ve got extra on hand.
Egg – The egg is used to help seal the edges of the puff pastry together and to brush on the outside for that golden brown touch.

How to Make Easy Blueberry Turnovers

Begin by preheating the oven to 350° F. and line a baking sheet (large enough to fit 8 turnovers, or two baking sheets holding 4 each) with parchment paper or cooking spray.

Puff pastry sheet cut in to four pieces. — 1. You’ll start by rolling out the puff pastry dough, pinching the seams together if necessary.

Blueberry pie filling spooned out on to each puff pastry square. — 2. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of blueberry filling to the center of each square.

Egg wash brushed on edges of puff pastry. — 3. Brush a small amount of beaten egg on two joining sides of the square to help hold the turnover together.

Egg wash brushed on outside of puff pastry. — 4. Roll the opposite side over the filling and press down the sides to seal. Using a fork, press along the sides of the pastry and then brush the beaten egg on the tops of the turnovers.

5. Place the turnovers on to the prepared baking sheet and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.

Baked blueberry turnovers using puff pastry.

Powdered Sugar Drizzle Recipe

Although not required, this delicious powdered sugar drizzle is highly recommended on top of these pastries.

Mix together about 3 heaping tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk or half-and-half (or heavy cream) to create a glaze. Feel free to add/reduce the amounts to get the consistency you’re looking for.

Tip: Allow the turnovers to cool before drizzling the glaze or it will soak in to the turnover instead of remaining on top.

Blueberry turnover with powdered sugar glaze.

Turnover Recipe Varieties

If you don’t like blueberry pastries, there are many other options you can try!

Apple Pie Filling
Cherry Pie Filling
Peach Pie Filling
Chocolate Pudding
Lemon Pudding or Pie Filling
Strawberry Jam
Blackberry Jam
Savory Ingredients: Sausage, ham, eggs, bacon, cheese, rice, leftover taco meat, etc.

Additional Mix-In Ideas for Turnovers:

Pecans/Nuts
Cheese
Cream Cheese
Chocolate Chips
Coconut
Caramel
Peanut Butter

Turnover Recipe FAQs

How do you make a turnover?

Pastry dough is filled with a sweet or savory filling and then the dough is folded over the filling, sealed, and then baked or fried.

What is the difference between a turnover and a hand pie?

A turnover is typically made with a pastry dough, like puff pastry, and then it’s folder over a filling. A hand pie typically uses pie dough and can be in a square or circle shape, rather than a half moon or triangle like a turnover.

Can you fry a turnover instead of baking?

You can! Frying a turnover in vegetable or canola oil can be an alternative to baking.

Love blueberry recipes? You’re also going to really love these blueberry muffins! They’re moist, easy to make and a breakfast favorite! Or, this easy blueberry cobbler recipe can be made using blueberries that you have on hand.

More Breakfast Recipes

Love making breakfast? I do too. You’ll want to get your hands on these breakfast recipes for your sweet tooth!

Recipe

Blueberry turnovers with a powdered sugar and milk glaze.

Print Pin

5 from 9 votes

Easy Blueberry Turnovers

Blueberry Turnovers - A recipe SO easy using puff pastry and canned blueberry pie filling in the inside, baking to a golden brown.

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings turnovers

Calories 143kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 package puff pastry dough 2 sheets
11 ounces blueberry pie filling
1 egg beaten

Powdered Sugar Glaze

3 Tablespoons powdered sugar optional
1 Tablespoon milk or half and half, optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and prepare a baking
sheet with nonstick spray and/or parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry dough and pinch the seams together
if necessary. Cut into 4 equal squares.
Add 1 heaping Tablespoon of blueberry filling to the center of each square.
Brush a small amount of beaten egg on two joining sides of the square to help hold the turnover together.
Roll the opposite side over the filling and press down the
sides to seal.
Using a fork, press along the sides of the pastry.
Place on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Quick Glaze

If you'd like to drizzle a quick icing on the top, simply mix a little powdered sugar and milk together to create the consistency of the glaze that you prefer. Allow the turnovers to cool completely before drizzling if you don't want the glaze to soak in.

Video

Notes

Puff Pastry Temperature: Puff pastry is best handled, cold. It can be harder to handle as it warms from being at room temperature.

Pressing Trouble: When pressing with a fork, if you find the fork sticking to the puff pastry, wet your fork in cold water and then press.

Storage: It’s best to store any leftover turnovers in the refrigerator and best if enjoyed within 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Twix Cookies

January 11, 2025

Twix Cookies, a combo of a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate. These chocolate caramel cookies have the taste of Twix candy bars, in cookie form.

Twix cookies with chocolate and caramel topping, stacked on top of one another.

If you are left with the urge to make more easy recipes with chocolate, you could try my No Bake Chocolate Pie for those times when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Or for another delicious dessert, make some Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies that combine two of the best flavors in one recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for all occasions: Whether it's a holiday, birthday party, or just a casual gathering, these Twix bar Cookies will be the talk of the event, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Customizable to taste: If you're feeling creative, this recipe can easily be adapted with different types of chocolate or add-ins like nuts and sea salt for a personalized touch to this perfect treat.
Kid-friendly kitchen activity: Making Twix Cookies can be a fun and educational experience for children, allowing them to help with dipping in chocolate and layering the ingredients, all while learning basic baking skills.

Ingredients Needed

I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.

Labeled ingredients with text, for Twix cookies recipe.

Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is essential for creating a smooth and spreadable frosting. For best results, sift the powdered sugar before using it to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture on your Twix Cookies.
Caramels – Quality matters when it comes to the caramel layer. Choose a premium brand of caramels for melting. For a foolproof melt and rich flavor, consider using soft caramels from a confectioner’s shop.
Milk Chocolate Chips – For the classic Twix taste, use high-quality milk chocolate chips. Ghirardelli chocolate chips melt beautifully and provide a luxuriant, creamy finish that complements the caramel and shortbread layers perfectly.

*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*

Substitutions

Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:

Caramels – If you are unable to find soft caramels, you can opt for a homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche as a rich and creamy alternative.
Cream – In recipes that require cream, such as for a caramel layer, coconut cream can be a lactose-free substitute that adds a subtle tropical flavor. For those not averse to dairy but out of cream, condensed milk can sometimes serve as a suitable alternative, especially in sweet recipes.
Milk Chocolate Chips – For a less sweet or dairy-free option, dark chocolate chips can be used. For a vegan alternative, look for dairy-free chocolate chips made with a cocoa butter base. If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, try using semi-sweet chocolate chips instead.

Variations

White Chocolate Dream: Swap the milk chocolate for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier taste. This version is especially delightful for white chocolate enthusiasts.
Nutty Crunch: Mix in some finely chopped pecans or almonds into the caramel layer before setting, adding texture and a nutty flavor to your delicious cookie.
Sea Salt Sprinkle: Enhance the flavors by lightly sprinkling sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets, offering a savory contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Cookie Butter Base: Experiment with cookie butter spread as a base layer for a twist that brings a spiced, gingerbread-like dimension to the flavor profile.

How to Make Twix Cookies

STEP 1: Prepare Baking Sheets – Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.

STEP 2: Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt by whisking them together.

STEP 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients – Melt butter and add it to the bowl along with the vanilla. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients until they’re just combined, then use your hands to form a dough ball.

STEP 4: Chill Dough – Flatten the dough into a disk, cover it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate between 1 hour and overnight to firm up.

STEP 5: Rest Dough – Before rolling, let the dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how long it was chilled.

STEP 6: Preheat Oven – Around 10 minutes before you’re ready to roll out the dough, set the oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

STEP 7: Roll and Cut Dough – On a floured surface, gently roll the dough to a thickness between ¼ and ½ inch, then use a round cookie cutter to form circles. Place the cut cookies on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Re-roll and cut any remaining dough.

Baked shortbread cookies on a baking sheet, ready for Twix topping.

STEP 8: Bake Cookies – Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are firm and the bottoms of the cookies have a light golden hue. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling wire rack.

STEP 9: Melt Caramels – Place caramels in a medium bowl with cream or milk and melt in the microwave oven, stirring halfway through the heating process until smooth and fully melted.

STEP 10: Add Caramel to Cookies – Dollop a tablespoon of the melted creamy caramel onto the top of each cookie, spreading it close to the edges, and then chill the cookies to set the layer of caramel.

STEP 11: Melt Chocolate – Put chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring regularly to avoid overheating until fully melted.

Image collage of how to make Twix Cookies.

STEP 12: Layer Chocolate – Spoon or scoop the melted chocolate onto the caramel-covered cookies, spreading it nearly to the caramel’s edges with a swirling motion.

STEP 13: Set Chocolate – Allow the chocolate to harden on the cookies for a short time in the fridge or at room temperature, then they are ready to enjoy!

Twix cookies ready to eat, sitting on white plate, with chocolate and caramel topping.

Recipe Pro Tips

Evenly Rolled Dough: For uniform cookies, use rolling pin guides or a pair of chopsticks on either side of the dough when rolling it out.
Precise Caramel Layer: To achieve a neat caramel layer, use a silicone mold or an ice cube tray sprayed with cooking spray as a template. Pour the caramel into the mold, then freeze for easy placement on your cookies.
Smooth Chocolate Topping: For a glossy chocolate finish, consider tempering the chocolate if you’re experienced with the technique, or else ensure your chocolate isn’t too hot when you pour it over the caramel for that smooth shiny surface.
Cookie Craftsmanship: If your chocolate sets too quickly, warm the knife in hot water before slicing for cleaner cuts without cracking the chocolate layer.
Cream Over Milk: I strongly suggest using cream instead of milk for the caramel. The cream creates a thicker and more stable caramel layer. When milk is used, the caramel may spread slightly after being at room temperature. However, milk can still be used if necessary.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for the cookies?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend designated for baking, but keep in mind that the texture and taste of your cookies may vary slightly from the original recipe.

What can I substitute for vanilla extract in the cookie dough?

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can try almond extract for a different flavor profile or omit it altogether. The buttery flavor of the shortbread will still shine through.

Is there a way to prevent the caramel from becoming too hard?

The key is to watch the caramel closely as it melts with the cream or milk. Overcooking can cause it to harden too much once cooled. Additionally, adding a bit more cream or milk can help keep the caramel layer soft.

Can I use a stovetop method to melt the chocolate and caramel instead of a microwave?

Absolutely! You can melt both the caramel and chocolate in a double boiler on the stove, just be sure to stir continuously to prevent burning and to achieve a smooth texture.

My cookies came out too crumbly, what did I do wrong?

Crumbly cookies can result from various factors, including measuring the flour incorrectly, overmixing the dough, or not allowing the dough to chill sufficiently. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully and follow the steps for chilling and resting the dough.

How do I ensure my cookies are all the same size?

Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to ensure consistent shapes and sizes. For even thickness, use a rolling pin with adjustable rings or place guides such as wooden dowels on each side of the dough when rolling out.

What to Serve with Twix Cookies

Twix cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and snacks. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a cold glass of milk to complement their rich, buttery flavors.

If serving at a gathering, consider a dessert platter with fresh fruit and an assortment of cheeses, which will offer a pleasant counterbalance to the caramel and chocolate notes of the cookies.

Storage

To keep your Twix cookies tasting fresh, place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze: These cookies are also freezer-friendly-layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months.

To thaw: Simply thaw them at room temperature or give them a brief stint in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.

In the mood for more cookies? You could try making these Rocky Road Cookies that are packed with flavor but still simple to make. Or try some of my Easy Chocolate Turtle Cookies Recipe if you are still craving chocolate and caramel!

Or, for some of my other favorite easy desserts, give one of these a try:

Recipe

Stack of Twix cookies on white marble counter.

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Twix Cookies

Twix Cookies: An easy cookie recipe made with a thumbprint to trap in all of that gooey caramel center and sweet chocolate drizzle.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 15

Total Time 55

Servings cookies

Calories 235kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour spooned into measuring cup and leveled
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 packages of 11-ounce caramels
2 tablespoons cream or milk
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and salt.
Add melted butter and vanilla and combine ingredients together with a spatula, just until incorporated and combined. Using your hands, form the dough into a ball.
Flatten dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and chill dough for 1 hour to overnight. The dough can be rolled out without refrigeration but will stay together best with a little chilling.
Take the dough disc out of the fridge and let rest for 15 minutes- 1 hour depending on the length of refrigeration. The dough needs to be slightly soft to be able to roll out.
10 minutes before rolling out, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
On a floured surface, gently roll dough ¼ to ½ inch thick. Using a 2 ½ inch round cookie cutter, cut dough into circles and place on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Combine leftover dough and roll out and cut again until all the dough is used.
Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set and the bottom of the cookies are lightly golden. Let cool on cookie sheets for 2-3 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack to cool.
Unwrap caramels and place them in a medium-sized microwaveable bowl. Add cream or milk. Microwave for 45 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir with a wooden spoon. Reheat in the microwave for an additional 30-45 seconds and stir until caramel is completely melted, slightly reheating again in the microwave if necessary.
Using a tablespoon or 1-inch cookie scoop, drop approximately 1 tablespoon of caramel onto the center of a cookie. Using the back of a spoon sprayed with cooking spray, spread the caramel to almost the edge of the cookie. Place the cookie on a clean cookie sheet and repeat with all the cookies. Place cookies in the fridge for approximately 15-30 minutes for the caramel to set.
Pour chocolate chips into a microwaveable bowl. Add oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir with a spatula. Repeat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each one, until chocolate is completely melted. Do not microwave for too long or the chocolate will overheat and seize.
Using a spoon or a 1-inch cookie scoop, place ¾ tablespoon of chocolate on the center of the cookie over the caramel. Spread the chocolate with a spoon, knife, or offset icing spatula to almost the edges of the caramel, swirling as you go.
Allow the chocolate to set, for a few minutes in the fridge or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Notes

Evenly Rolled Dough: For uniform cookies, use rolling pin guides or a pair of chopsticks on either side of the dough when rolling it out.
Precise Caramel Layer: To achieve a neat caramel layer, use a silicone mold or an ice cube tray sprayed with cooking spray as a template. Pour the caramel into the mold, then freeze for easy placement on your cookies.
Smooth Chocolate Topping: For a glossy chocolate finish, consider tempering the chocolate if you’re experienced with the technique, or else ensure your chocolate isn’t too hot when you pour it over the caramel for that smooth shiny surface.
Cookie Craftsmanship: If your chocolate sets too quickly, warm the knife in hot water before slicing for cleaner cuts without cracking the chocolate layer.

Nutrition

Homemade Lunchable and Free Printable School Lunch Planner

August 3, 2019

This post has been sponsored by Kleenex®, Danimals, and NABISCO. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have some picky eaters AND I’m pretty selective about what I want them to eat, so packing school lunches can become a chore if I let it be.

However, I’ve come up with some of my favorite lunch packing solutions and I’m sharing them with you today, in case you’re looking to save your sanity during the school year.

Planning Starts at the Grocery Store

You all KNOW how I feel about Target.

Well it’s no different when it comes to picking up school lunch items from there… especially when Target has their order pickup and I can just back on up and pop the hatch!

Convenience + Variety of Products

At the store, (or if ordering online) my eyes are always open for products that offer convenience because let’s face it… if I haven’t had my coffee yet in the morning, this mama needs quick and easy.

Our Current Favorites

Danimals® Squeezables Kids’ Yogurt

Not only are my kids obsessed with these, I love using them as an additional “ice pack” for their lunches, since you can freeze them and they thaw by lunchtime!

Plus, if you’ve been following me lately, you know I’m paying attention more and more about what I feed them. So the fact that these do not have high fructose corn syrup and have no colors from artificial sources… gives it an A+ in my book!

Mini CHIPS AHOY! Cookies

So I get voted “the BEST mom” when I slip these into their lunch boxes, and I have to say that I get pretty excited about that.
The NABISCO multipack also comes with NUTTER BUTTER Bites and OREO Mini Cookies so the kids love a variety of lunch-time treats.

They get something they love and it doesn’t take much for me to pack them each morning!

Kleenex® Wet Wipes

So a newer favorite lunch box hack of mine, is to grab a wet wipe or two, and place them in a small plastic bag so they can wipe their hands off before/after lunch.

I know they are “supposed” to wash their hands before lunchtime, but I feel better about sending these in, just in case they need a wipe down right before and after eating too.

So if you love strolling the Target aisles as much as I do, keep your eyes open for school lunch ideas that would provide a great level of variety and convenience for your kid’s lunches, like these do!

School Lunch Box Packing Tips

Each year, I let my boy’s pick out their own lunch box, but I make sure it’s a LOGICAL lunch box.

Ideally I want it to have a pocket or two for storing items and I want it to be big enough to fit everything that I like to pack.

Pockets

I really love the pockets inside for storing things like the Kleenex® Wet Wipes, so it keeps them separate from the food and so they don’t slip out when they open their lunch boxes.

Straps

Straps aren’t a MUST in a lunchbox, but when they have them, I get super excited. I like to send a bottle of water with my boys, so when I can secure it to the side, I don’t have to worry about it rolling around and mashing goodies inside.

Small Containers

I’m a BIG fan of small containers. This way we can send things like veggies and dips easily and keep fragile things protected that could otherwise get mashed.

Fun Notes + Lunch Box Jokes

You don’t have to have fancy stickers or professionally created prints outs… but including a sweet note or a joke goes a LONG way with my boys and in a lunchroom cafeteria.

My son said that the jokes in his lunch box every day are a HIT and his friends can’t wait to hear them.

I just love being able to play a small part in the middle of his day with either a funny joke or a quick “I hope your day is SUPER! – Love Mom” note. I just hope he continues to think it’s cool for a while. Visit www.backtolunch.com for more tips and tricks for back to school!

Want to pack this lunch idea? See below…

FREE School Lunch Planner Printable

Want to make things even easier and feel TOTALLY on your game?

I’ve created a free school lunch planner printable (actually two, so you can choose which colors you want!), to help plan ahead and keep track of things for the school week ahead.

Download the Pink HERE

Download the Blue HERE!

Simply print out this planner each week when you’re doing your grocery shopping online or filling out your meal planner, and plan out what you (or your kids) will pack each day for the upcoming week.

The more you can plan ahead and know exactly what to have on hand and what to pack, will streamline your mornings and save so much of your sanity!

What are YOUR favorite school lunch hacks?

I would love to hear your favorites, or what your kiddo thinks is a MUST have in his/her lunch box each day!

Drop a note below and let me know!

Recipe

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Be the first to rate!

Homemade Lunchable

A school lunch idea – Homemade Lunchable with veggies and dip, along with fruit and favorite snacks!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings lunchable

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1 oz. 1 slice cheese
any flavor
3 1.5 oz. slices turkey deli meat or other meat you can substitute
5 Ritz crackers
½ cup mixed vegetables grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, celery sticks)
1 Tbsp. ranch dressing
½ cup mixed melon cubes
Mini Cookies
Yogurt
Bottled Water
Wet Wipes

Nutrition

Serving: 1lunchable

The BEST No Bake Cookies Recipe

July 9, 2023

The BEST No Bake Cookies Recipe with Chocolate, Oatmeal, and Peanut Butter: The classic recipe that uses milk, butter, sugar, cocoa, peanut butter, and oats! Plus, the pro-tips that will help you make sure they turn out every time!

This is one of those desserts that fits right in at a gathering. You can find more potluck desserts here.

Chocolate no bake cookies?
Chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies?
No bake chocolate oatmeal cookies?
No bake oatmeal cookies?

I’m not sure what you may call them… because I’ve heard them called all SORTS of different names, but we talk about them so much that we’ve just shortened it to “no bakes” around here.

If you love easy cookies, you’ll also love these Monster cookies , these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, the No Bake S’mores Cheesecake Recipe, our Gluten Free, Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, and these Chocolate and Peanut Butter Energy Bites – No Bake!

Peanut butter and chocolate also pair well in a Lazy Cake – no bake is the ultimate in “lazy cooking.”

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

I’ve hesitated sharing this recipe for no bake cookies, because I felt like EVERYONE must already have a recipe and know what no bake cookies are. Right?! Wrong.

Or at least they’ve been made by others but so many have had trouble with other recipes hardening and turning out. But this recipe never fails me, and you’ll see why in the PRO TIPS below!

How to Make No Bake Cookies

They’re really easy, and the PERFECT recipe for someone just starting out in the kitchen. (I actually think this was the very first cookie recipe I tackled as a little girl too! It’s kind of neat actually to be sharing this with you today since I had NO idea back then that this blogging “thing” would even exist, where I share my favorite recipes.)

Using everyday ingredients, that you probably already have on hand, you’ll cook them on the stovetop and they’ll air-dry on the counter. No baking required!

The full, printable recipe card is at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Butter, Sugar, Milk, Cocoa

Combine the following ingredients in a saucepan on the stovetop. (Not turning the burner on just yet.)

Vanilla Extract: I don’t like adding vanilla extract to no bakes but if you prefer it, you can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract at the same time you add the milk.

TIP: This is a GREAT time to place a piece of aluminum foil out on the countertop, so it is ready for you when the cookies are ready to scoop out.

Butter – You’ll be using a stick of butter, which is a half of a cup. Don’t worry about it being softened, cold right out of the refrigerator will work just fine. I also prefer to use salted butter, but unsalted works just fine too! I’ve also used margarine and it works as well.
Sugar – 2 cups of white granulated sugar
Milk – I usually use 2%, but have used whole and skim before as well, so using whatever you have on hand should work just fine! New tip: I’ve been out of milk before and have used caramel-flavored almond milk coffee creamer, and it worked too! Plus, it added a touch of caramel flavor it was delicious!
Cocoa – 4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa

Stick of butter in white saucepan. — 1 stick of butter

Sugar and butter in white saucepan. — 2 cups of sugar

Milk added to sugar and butter in white saucepan — ½ cup of milk

Cocoa powder added to white sauce pan with other ingredients. — 4 Tablespoons of Cocoa

Step 2: Mix & Boil

Turn the burner on to medium-high heat, and begin stirring so the butter will melt.

Step 3: Boil for 1 Minute

Once the butter has melted, stop stirring to allow the mixture to come to a boil.

PRO TIP: Once all of the chocolate mixture starts boiling, (not just a bubble here and there — wait until it all starts boiling, and if the boiling starts in the middle, wait until it reaches the sides) begin timing the boil, stir slowly and constantly, and let it boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat.

Ingredients melting in white saucepan. — Melt & Boil

Step 4: Add in Peanut Butter

Once the saucepan has been moved away from the heat, add, and stir in the peanut butter until completely mixed in.

PRO TIP: The brand of peanut butter matters! I used generic peanut butter for years but using creamy, Jif or Skippy, are now my favorites to use and it makes such a difference!

⅓ cup peanut butter in chocolate mixture in saucepan. — ⅓ cup peanut butter

Step 5: Add the Oats

Pour in 3 cups of oats and stir until combined.

Tip: I’ve found “quick oats” are better than old-fashioned oats for no bake cookies but old-fashioned oats will work.

3 cups of oats added to saucepan. — 3 cups oats

Step 6: Quickly Spoon Out Cookies

This is where you’ll want to be quick and spoon out cookies with a tablespoon, on to a sheet of aluminum foil.

Oats mixed in to the chocolate mixture in saucepan. — Mix in oats

Leaving them in the hot pan will allow the cookies to continue to cook and harden, resulting in a very crumbly cookie.

Cookies spooned out on to aluminum foil to set. — Spoon on to foil

Step 7: Rest for 20 minutes

Let the cookies rest for at least 20 minutes to harden.

To see if the cookies have set, you should be able to pick up the cookies with your hand.

Storage

Once hardened and cooled, store in an air-tight container and enjoy within a couple of days as they can tend to dry out.

If you’ve fallen in love with these no bake cookies, then I know you’re also going to love this 3-ingredient peanut butter fudge, this chocolate peanut butter bars too and these chewy oatmeal raisin cookies! They’re also a favorite in our house! Or, give these cake mix peanut butter cookies a whirl, too!

Recipe

Print Pin

4.76 from 37 votes

The BEST No Bake Cookies

No Bake Cookies Recipe with Chocolate Oatmeal and Peanut Butter: The classic recipe that uses milk, butter, sugar, cocoa, peanut butter and oats!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Resting Time 20

Total Time 26

Servings cookies

Calories 245kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter 1 stick
2 cups white granulated sugar
½ cup milk 2%, whole or skim
4 Tablespoons cocoa
⅓ cup peanut butter Creamy is my favorite and JIF or Skippy are preferred over generic. It makes a difference!
3 cups oats quick or old-fashioned
1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions

Place a piece of aluminum foil, approximately a foot long, out on the counter. You'll be scooping out the cookies on to this to let dry once they're finished cooking.
In a large sauce pan place ½ cup salted butter, 2 cups white granulated sugar½ cup milkand 4 Tablespoons cocoaand turn burner on to medium-high heat.
Some prefer adding vanilla extract to this recipe, however I don't like them with vanilla. If would like vanilla, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract at the same time as the milk.
Stirring to combine, cook until butter has melted.
Next, and PRO TIP: Once all of the chocolate mixture starts boiling, (not just a bubble here and there — wait until it all starts boiling) begin timing the boil, stir slowly and constantly, and let it boil for 1 minute.
After one minute of boiling, remove from heat
Mix in ⅓ cup peanut butter and stir until combined
Add in 3 cups oats and stir until evenly mixed
QUICKLY, using a spoon, scoop out a tablespoon of cookie mixture on to your prepared aluminum foil, making approximately 16-20 cookies.
Let cookies sit for about 20 minutes or until the cookies have hardened and you can pick them up off of the aluminum foil.

Video

Notes

TIP: Spread out a piece of aluminum foil on to the counter before you start making the cookies so it will be ready and you can quickly spoon out the cookies.

Nutrition

Best Toaster Oven: Reviews and Favorite Picks

June 6, 2019

Best Toaster Oven: The top 5 toaster ovens after researching customer reviews and specs of each one! Shop them today on Amazon and find out the favorite!

If this is your first time here, then you should know just how much I LOVE new kitchen gadgets. I’ve reviewed quite a few and have given my honest reviews from the unboxing-get-go’s for things like the:

and today I’m ecstatic to be chattin’ about toaster ovens.

What is a Toaster Oven?

Well, according to Wikipedia,

"Toaster ovens are small electric ovens with a front door, wire rack and removable baking pan. To toast bread with a toaster oven, slices of bread are placed horizontally on the rack. When the toast is done, the toaster turns off, but in most cases the door must be opened manually. Most toaster ovens are significantly larger than toasters, but are capable of performing most of the functions of electric ovens, albeit on a much smaller scale.”

But if you ask my mom who has one, she’d say,

“I love it! I can cook things like chicken strips for the grandkids, and even warm up leftover pizza that tastes MUCH better than using the microwave.”

Toaster Oven Reviews

But where do I begin? Researching, that's where! So I've researched and compiled 5 toaster ovens that are great to choose from based on customer and Fantabulosity reader reviews!

Best Toaster Oven: Which One To Buy

Listed in no particular order… and sharing my top pick at the bottom of this post!

1. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven

The reviews on this one from Amazon really surprised me considering I read AND READ so many reviews on so many toaster ovens and there were a lot of negative nelly’s on the others.

It’s also an Amazon Choice pick!

Favorite Reviews:

Heats up fast and cooks whatever we put in it!
Works like a charm and controls are easy to use.

Favorite Specs:

The expanded toaster oven fits nicely on the countertop, while the curved interior makes room for 12" pizzas and 6 slices of bread.
Digital Controls easy-to-use buttons provide precision control over time, temperature, and function: bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza, frozen snacks, potatoes, cookies

2. Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer

Yes, you read that right… this toaster oven is also an air fryer! I love that it’s also a brand that has been around for some time, and I always feel better about buying a brand I’ve heard of/used/liked.

Not to mention, it looks REALLY really sleek and I’d love to see this on my counter.

Favorite Reviews:

It looks great, it's very spacious, and it does everything it says it can do.
Cooks fast, and watch your temperatures.

Favorite Specs:

It not only bakes, broils, and toasts, it also lets you air fry right inside the oven.
This link takes you to a BUNDLE that INCLUDES: Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer with Light Silver – Home Basics 5-Piece Knife Set with Premium Cutting Board

3. Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven

I know, I know… it’s another Cuisinart, but I couldn’t help it based on the reviews.

Plus, this one doesn’t have the air fryer functionality, so if you really weren’t looking for that addition, then you wouldn’t necessarily need the previous toaster oven.

Favorite Reviews:

“This thing rocks. I can’t even come up with a single little downside thing.”
“I’ve made whole chickens, cookies, pies, toast, veggies, etc in here. I’ve read some other reviews that it takes a while to pre-heat (I’d say maybe 5 minutes for a 350 setting), but I never felt that way.”

Favorite Specs:

15 cooking functions, including innovative dual cook, and speed convection.
Extra Large Capacity with All the Space You Need to toast 9 slices of bread, Bake a pizza up to 13 inch in diameter, and more!

4. Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven

This Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven is one of the top-rated at Walmart, and after reading the reviews, I understand why.

Plus, this is an affordable toaster oven, and looks user-friendly.

Favorite Reviews:

“Works great. Whether we’re toasting bread, heating up a frozen pizza, or reheating dinner, it does the job. No complaints!”
“First off this oven has really great heat control and to my findings is pretty darn close to each heat setting, kudos here for that. Before you buy this oven do make sure that you have the counter space for it.”

Favorite Specs:

Reheats 28 percent faster and uses 64 percent less energy
Versatile cooking with 4 settings include: toast, bake, broil and keep warm

5. Oster Toaster Oven

Again, another brand that I’ve heard a lot about, and feel comfortable purchasing from.

Plus, the buttons and controls look easy to use and figure out.

Favorite Reviews:

“It’s perfect for just toasting bread or baking a casserole. I like that it is bigger than a lot of other brands and the convection feature helps cook food faster.” (A casserole?! Genius.)
“I love the fact that it has a lighted interior and the crumb tray handle is on the outside to easily remove the tray and crumbs.”

Favorite Specs:

Digital controls with 7 cooking settings and an interior light for easy viewing (which I hear some don’t have!)
“Large interior can accommodate one 12-inch pizza, casseroles, cookies, and even a roast!” A ROAST!?

My Toaster Oven Pick?

It’s a close call between the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven and the Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer for me.

The BLACK + DECKER is sleek and the amount of good reviews tempt me.

But the Cuisinart that is also an air fryer would be really nice. EXCEPT, if you have an air fryer already… then you’d probably prefer to use that since it would be bigger and hold a lot more. Yes?

So since I already have an air fryer, my pick is going to be:

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven

I’ve also realized that his toaster oven has an option to get the 3-racks, which would be REALLY nice to have for those bigger cooking sessions!

Buy this Toaster Oven on Amazon

Do you have a favorite toaster oven? Let us know in the comments below which one and why you love it!

Burger Bar Ideas for Your Next Party

July 8, 2019

This post has been sponsored by Huhtamaki, Inc. makers of the Chinet^® brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Burger Bar Ideas: Toppings ideas and a food bar that you and your guests will love at your next party! Plus, a free “Burger Bar” printable for your table!

Burger Bar Ideas

A burger bar has been a food bar on my “wish list” for hosting for quite some time.

So when my cheeseburger lovin’ son’s birthday rolled around, I KNEW it was the perfect time, and now, I’m sharing it with you today so you’ll have my favorite tips and ideas to host your own!

Have guests that aren’t eating red meat? Serve these crispy chicken burgers on your burger bar instead!

Burger Bar Free Printable Sign

All food bars should have a sign, right?! I love creating food labels or signs for parties and this one was no exception.

But today, I’m sharing this free burger bar sign printable with you too, so you can save it and have your very own!

Save your free “Burger Bar” sign here!

Burgers for the Burger Bar

It goes without saying, but burgers are needed for your burger bar.

What I love about burgers for a food bar? They’re easy to make ahead of time if needed!

Grill, bake burger or cook burgers on the stove before party time, and keep them warm in the oven while you set up the rest of the toppings! Here are some different types of hamburger recipes that you may find helpful when building your burger bar!

Burger Toppings Ideas

Deciding on toppings was one of my favorite steps to planning this burger bar. The ideas are endless, and it’s the perfect time to experiment with fun, new toppings.

Here is a list of traditional toppings for burgers, along with some of my favorite out-of-the-box ideas if you have guests who love to create and taste-test!

Burger Bar Ideas for Your Next Party

The options are endless when it comes to burger toppings! From classic toppings such as ketchup and mustard to shaking things up by using items such as taco sauce and guacamole!

ketchup

Ketchup can be a staple burger topping but it's also fun to add some kick to your burger by using a spicy ketchup sauce if you can take the heat!

mustard

Who doesn't love mustard on a big ole juicy burger!? Regular mustard is always a favorite to offer at a party but feel free to add others to the mix, such as hot mustard, honey mustard, horseradish mustard and more!

mayo

Love miracle whip or mayo? That's the question of the century! Offering one or the other is a safe bet but it can also be fun to offer a fiesta mayo or "fancy sauce" using a mixture of mayo & ketchup!

ranch dressing

We're HUGE fans of ranch dressing, especially the buttermilk restaurant style. However, making a jalapeno ranch dressing to serve on top of burgers is HARD to beat!

bbq sauce

BBQ sauce isn't just for pork steaks! Slather that juicy sauce all over your burgers, whether it's on the grill while they're cooking to get a "sticky" texture or pour it over the top of a cooked burger for extra flavor!

guacamole

If you've never tried this easy guacamole recipe on a burger, I'm afraid to say you're missing out! The flavor combo of the two is a powerhouse!

lettuce (leaf, spinach or romaine)

That crispy, crunchy texture of a lettuce leaf on a burger is absolutely delicious! Using leaf lettuce is our favorite because of the bright color and texture, however, romaine, spinach or head lettuce is definitely acceptable!

onions (red, yellow, white or green)

I don't know about you but a crips onion on a burger screams summertime. Red, yellow, white, or even green onions can pack a punch in the flavor department!

tomatoes

Vine-ripened tomatoes can add a juicy texture to an already juicy burger! Remember...don't refrigerate your tomatoes if you can help it! Refrigerating them can really reduce the flavor.

pickles

Hamburger dills, bread and butter, and spicy pickles are just a few pickled cucumbers that seem to top the list when it comes to burger toppings!

bacon

Crispy or floppy bacon? No matter what you prefer, bacon is good on everything, especially a grilled or oven-baked juicy burger! Here's how we cook bacon in the air fryer!

cheeses

Sliced, shredded or cheese sauce... it's all a must on a burger if you ask me!

Some fun cheeses to consider for burgers toppings are:

sliced American

sliced pepper jack

shredded cheddar

sliced swiss

havarti

queso

pineapple

Pineapple on pizza? Or pineapple on a burger? How about BOTH! Top your burger with a fresh slice of pineapple or even toss it on the grill first to give it a little more flavor, like we did with our Aloha burger recipe.

fried onions

Fried onions aren't just for green bean casserole anymore! They can give the added crunch you're looking for!

hot sauce

If you can handle the heat, pour on your favorite hot sauce to give a juicy burger a "buffalo chicken burger" feel!

spice blends & mixes

There are endless amounts of spices and blends you can top your burgers with; either while they cook or to sprinkle on after.

Some of our favorites are:

lemon pepper

garlic pepper

greek seasoning

bbq seasoning

garlic powder

Italian dressing mix

fried egg

An over-easy egg (or fried egg if you're not a fan of runny yolk) can turn a regular burger in to a breakfast burger that you'll NEVER forget!

potato chips

Potato chips aren't just a side dish anymore! Toss on your favorites under the bun and feel the "CRUNCH" that no other topping will give you! Here are some fun potato chip topping ideas:

regular potato chips

Doritos (like we use in the Dorito casserole)

Funyuns

Chili Cheese Fritos

Sour Cream & Onion

jalapenos

If you love spicy, topping your burger with fresh jalapenos or even pickled or fried/breaded jalapenos are a game-changer in the burger world!

mushrooms

Although you can use mushrooms like portobello mushrooms on a burger, we absolutely LOVE fried mushrooms as a burger topping!

taco sauce

Who says Tuesday is only for taco recipes? I think a taco burger makes a lot of sense to switch things up during the week! Not only does adding taco sauce to a burger make it delicious, adding taco toppings to a burger can REALLY blow your tastebuds' mind!

pizza sauce

Have you heard of a pizza burger? It's true... it exists and it's a must-try for sure! Add pizza sauce to your burger, along with a little mozzarella cheese and if you're feeling frisky, add some pepperoni or your other favorite pizza toppings to the burger!

For more homemade options for your burger bar, browse my homemade sauces and condiments, including teriyaki sauce and salsa.

How to Style a Burger Bar

One of my favorite party styling hacks is to use items that you already have around the house.

However, for this party, I did make a trip to the store and snagged a few items because a lot of my home decor is in storage from a recent move.

So, before you head to the store to buy items that you won’t use any other time, “shop” your house to see if you can find things like:

baskets
trays
storage containers
jars

Burger Side Dishes

Although a burger bar is full of goodness already, I wanted to offer an easy side dish to serve alongside the burgers.

French fries are my kiddo’s favorite, so french fries it was!

Other side dish ideas for you:

potato chips
pasta salads
raw veggies
dips
fruit trays or kebabs

Why Food Bars are the BEST for Parties

With different taste buds, planning a menu for a party can be stressful.

Will they like this? But what about the people who don’t? Are they allergic?

…and the list of worries can go on.

With food bars, leave the food creation up to your guests! This way, they get to choose what they put on their plate and what to serve it with!

Plus, food bars are easy to set up and most ingredients can be made beforehand, leaving more time for you, the host, to mingle and relax!

Outdoor Backyard BBQ

There are MANY perks when it comes to outdoor entertaining.

Find a shady tree, some lawn chairs, (maybe some water toys for the kids), grab a table and fill it with your favorite foods! (Or set-up a low table like I did for the party in the backyard.)

Your guests will love the relaxed atmosphere and the ease of coming and going… while kiddos run around (without tearing up the inside of your house) and the adults can catch up with friends!

What is YOUR Favorite Food Bar?

I have a few other food bar ideas up my sleeve (baked potato, s’mores, waffle bars) but I’d love to hear what ideas you have. I may just have to put that on my list!