Sous Vide Turkey Breast

August 23, 2022 by Lesley Leave a Comment

My Sous Vide Turkey Breast is cooked low and slow, and flavored with a spice blend of poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and other spices. This simple method of cooking results in deliciously juicy and flavorful turkey breast every time.

Table set with two servings of turkey breast, mashed potato and green beans set on white plates with a gravy jug set alongside

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Turkey breast is a really lean meat, and has a reputation for being dry and tasteless. Nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to my sous vide turkey breast recipe. The slow, gentle cook ensures juicy, succulent, tender slices of turkey breast every time.

Also the blend of spices used to coat the turkey, and the quick brown under the broiler once its cooked, transform the flavor.

My sous vide turkey breast is a real treat and is making this the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table. However, it's not just for the holidays, but for enjoying any weekend with my family.

Once you've mastered the art of sous vide, you will be using this technique time and again. This method of cooking works well with a whole host of other ingredients, from meat and poultry, to fish, vegetables and even eggs. So why not get creative and give it a try?

Be sure to try my sous vide pork chops or sous vide filet mignon.

Why sous vide turkey breast?

Sous vide is a healthy cooking method and requires less oil and fat that more traditional cooking methods, like roasting.

The slow cooking process ensures the meat is cooked through, whilst retaining all the flavor within the bag the turkey breast is cooking in, nothing escapes. This method results in moist, juicy, flavorful turkey every time.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need for this recipe.

Boneless turkey breast
Mayonnaise
Poultry seasoning
Cajun seasoning
Kosher salt
Garlic powder
Black pepper

How to make my Sous Vide Turkey Breast

Sous vide water bath with immersion circulator attached

Clip the immersion circulator to the side of the large pot or basin.

Add water and fill it until the minimum water level of the immersion circulator is reached and there is enough water to cover the food you will cook.

Turn on the immersion circulator by setting the temperature to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (60C). Set the time for 3 hours.

Whole turkey breast coated in spice blend set into a white bowl

In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, cajun seasoning, Kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Spread this mayonnaise mixture over the turkey breast on all sides.

Whole turkey breast in sous vide bag having air removed

Whole turkey breast in sous vide bag ready for cooking

Add the turkey breasts into a plastic sous vide bag or a plastic sealable bag.

Remove the air from the bag and seal it.

Water bath containing bag with whole turkey breast and immersion circulator attached

Once the temperature in the water bath has been reached, add the sealed turkey breast and allow it to cook for 3 hours.

Sheet pan with whole turkey breast just taken from sous vide

Remove the turkey breast from the water and bag and pat it dry.

Sheet pan with whole roasted turkey breast

To Brown the skin - Preheat the oven to broil. Place the turkey breast on a lined baking sheet and place it in the oven.

Allow the turkey breast to broil for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway so that it browns on all sides.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best turkey breast you've ever tasted.

Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking and allow it to come to room temperature. This results in a more even cook as the meat is not too cold.
The turkey breast can remain in the sous vide bath at the temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 hours. With this method you can't overcook the turkey.
Always brown the turkey breast before serving as it will really intensify the flavor.
Once the turkey breast has been browned under the broiler, rest it for 10 minutes, before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to be absorbed back into the turkey.

Sheet pan with roasted and sliced turkey breast

Variations

This blend of spices and seasonings I use to coat the turkey breast add lots of extra flavor. Here are some suggestions if you want to mix things up.

I have used a boneless turkey breast but this method works with bone-in turkey breast too.
Play with the flavors of the spice blend, for example use Italian seasoning along with the poultry seasoning.
Add some fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary.
Crush some fresh garlic cloves.
Add some fresh lemon or orange zest.

White plate with slices of turkey breast, mashed potato and green beans

How to serve my sous vide turkey breast

Turkey is a very versatile meat and works with many different sides. I always like to serve potato, one or two veggie sides and some Homemade Gravy.

When it comes to great tasting sides you can't beat my Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes with Blue Cheese or my Garlic Mashed Potatoes. For a great alternative to regular potatoes try my Mashed Sweet Potatoes or my Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes.

For vegetable sides I like to add some green peas, or some simple steamed broccoli. Try my Fried Cabbage, Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage, Southern Green Beans, Smothered Green Beans, Carrot Soufflé or Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables.

How to store cooked turkey breast

To meal prep: The turkey breast requires to cook gently for 3 hours in the water bath. However, you can then leave it sitting for a further 3-5 hours. This is a great recipe to prepare earlier in the day, leave the turkey sitting in the water bath, then pop it under the broiler to brown when you are ready to serve.

To refrigerate: Keep any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Leftovers make a great addition to salads, soups, pasta dishes and sandwiches the next day.

To freeze: Once cooked and cooled, place the turkey into an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator when you are ready to enjoy.

FAQs:

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in a sous vide?

Cooking times will depend on the size of the turkey breast. I cook a 3 pound, boneless turkey breast for 3 hours.

What temperature do you sous vide turkey breast?

I cook turkey breast in the sous vide at 145F degrees to ensure it is cooked to well done.

Can you sous vide a whole turkey?

I don't recommend cooking a whole turkey sous vide. It is difficult to get the temperature right when cooking the whole bird as the temperatures required to cook the white breast meat and dark leg meat are different.

Do I need to brine the turkey before cooking it sous vide?

No, I've never brined my turkey, as it's cooked in a delicious blend of spices that pack lots of flavor into the finished turkey breast.

If you have tried this Sous Vide Turkey Breast recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

White plate with slices of turkey breast, mashed potato and green beans and a gravy jug, napkin and cutlery set alongside

Print Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes

Sous Vide Turkey Breast

Sous vide turkey breast cooked low and slow and flavored with a spice blend of poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning and other spices. The result is perfect moist and tender turkey every time.

Prep Time15

Cook Time3 10

Total Time3 25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to sous vide turkey breast, sous vide turkey breast

Servings:

Calories: 254kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

1 sous vide water bath a large pot or basin will work here too
1 Immersion Circulator

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless turkey breast
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Clip the immersion circulator to the side of the large pot or basin. Add water and fill it until the minimum water level of the immersion circulator is reached and there is enough water to cover the food you will cook. Turn on the immersion circulator by setting the temperature to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (60C). Set the time for 3 hours.
In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, cajun seasoning, Kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Spread this mayonnaise mixture over the turkey breast on all sides.
Add the turkey breasts into a plastic sous vide bag or a plastic sealable bag. Remove the air from the bag and seal it.
Once the temperature in the water bath has been reached, add the sealed turkey breast and allow it to cook for 3 hours. * see notes below
Remove turkey breast from the water and bag and pat it dry.

To brown the skin:

Preheat the oven to broil. Place the turkey breast on a lined baking sheet and place it in the oven. Allow the turkey breast to broil for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Notes

The turkey breast can remain in the sous vide bath at the temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 hours.

Nutrition

Easy Sheet Pan Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Carrots and Potatoes

August 22, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

This tender and juicy mustard-glazed pork tenderloin is the perfect weeknight meal. Make it an easy and complete sheet pan meal by roasting potatoes and carrots simultaneously.

mustard glazed pork tenderloin and potatoes and carrots on sheet pan lined with foil

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

As a Reynolds Wrap® Ambassador, I’m excited to show you how to use Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil.

My family loves quick and easy dinners, especially ones that can easily be made on a sheet pan, and this pork tenderloin dish keeps showing up on rotation at our house.

This pork tenderloin is quickly marinated in a sweet and tangy mustard sauce and then roasted alongside seasoned potatoes and carrots. You can make it in less than an hour, and the recipe is mostly hands-off.

To make this recipe, I line my sheet pan with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil. Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil is a tough and durable foil that is perfect for cooking

heavier foods since you don't have to worry about ripping or tearing. It's the ideal way for me to protect my sheet pans from the juices and liquids of the pork tenderloin and vegetables. Plus, it makes my life easier by keeping cleanup a breeze. I simply throw the foil away once dinner is made.

Check out my other easy sheet pan recipes, like Baked Jamaican Jerk Shrimp and Baked Cauliflower Wings.

Ingredients for Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Carrots and Potatoes

ingredients for pork tenderloin with carrots and potatoes on white background

Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil - a strong and durable foil to line the sheet pan before baking. This will protect your sheet pan from the sticky glaze and help with clean-up.
Glaze - yellow mustard, brown sugar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper are the perfect tangy and sweet combo. Use this glaze to marinate the pork tenderloin for tons of flavor.
Pork tenderloin - a lean and juicy cut of pork that cooks quickly. This cut is perfect for busy weeknights.
Vegetables - I use red baby potatoes and carrots, but feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Chop 1-inch pieces to ensure the vegetables and pork tenderloin finish cooking at the same time.

How to make Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Carrots

First, make your marinade by adding yellow mustard, brown sugar, garlic, Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Stir to combine.

Place pork tenderloin in a bowl and pour the mustard mixture over pork tenderloin, covering all sides. Cover with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil and set aside.

foil paper being placed over pork tenderloin

Allow the pork to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Alternatively, allow your pork to marinate for longer, but no longer than 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil.

Add chopped potatoes and carrots to the lined sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle the potatoes and carrots with olive oil and season with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.

Remove pork tenderloin from the marinade and add it to the sheet pan, next to the vegetables. Discard the marinade.

raw pork tenderloin and vegetables on sheet pan prior to baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 27-30 minutes until the tenderloin has reached an internal temperature of 145°F and the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Allow the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving with vegetables.

pork tenderloin on white plate with vegetables

How do you cook a pork tenderloin without it drying out?

Pork tenderloin is lean and delicate meat, so it's important not to overcook it. The best way to cook pork tenderloin is to roast it in a hot oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This will ensure that the pork is cooked but still juicy and delicious.

What's the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of meat from the pig. Pork loin is a larger, thicker cut of meat from the back of the pig, while pork tenderloin is a smaller, thinner cut of meat that comes from the underneath the backbone of the pig. Both cuts of meat can be roasted, but pork tenderloin is more delicate and can dry out quickly if overcooked.

How to pick the best pork tenderloin?

When shopping for pork tenderloin, look for a cut that is about 1-1.5 pounds in size and has a consistent thickness throughout. The color of the pork should be a pinkish hue with some marbling in the tenderloin.

Why Heavy Duty?

Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil is a high-quality foil and food safe, making it my go-to choice in the kitchen.

Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil is a tough and durable foil that is perfect for cooking heavier foods since you don't have to worry about ripping or tearing. In this recipe, the foil protects the sticky marinade from touching the foil pan, making cleanup much easier.

pork tenderloin with carrots and potatoes on white plate with foil paper in box in the background

Expert Recipe Tips

Use Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil to line your sheet pans. The mustard glaze for this recipe is sticky and can be a pain to wash off a sheet pan once baked on. Baking on foil allows your sheet pans to stay clean and is less work when washing the dishes.
This recipe can easily be doubled. Keep the baking time the same.
Cut the vegetables into 1-inch pieces to ensure that the pork tenderloin and vegetables finish cooking simultaneously.

I hope you enjoy this delicious and flavorful mustard-glazed pork tenderloin with potatoes and carrots.

Looking for more quick weeknight meals? Try these out:

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Easy Sheet Pan Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Carrots and Potatoes

This tender and juicy mustard-glazed pork tenderloin is the perfect weeknight meal. Make it an easy and complete sheet pan meal by roasting potatoes and carrots simultaneously.

Prep Time30

Cook Time27

Total Time57

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: mustard glazed pork tenderloin, pork tenderloin recipe

Servings: people

Calories: 459kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil
¼ cup yellow mustard
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1.5 lb pork tenderloin, patted dry
6 baby red potatoes chopped into 1-inch pieces
3 medium-sized carrots chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 Tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Combine yellow mustard, brown sugar, garlic, Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Pour mixture over pork tenderloin, covering all sides. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil.
Add chopped potatoes and carrots to the lined sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle the potatoes and carrots with olive oil and season with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Remove pork tenderloin from the marinade and add it to the sheet pan, next to the vegetables.
Bake in the preheated oven for 27-30 minutes until the tenderloin has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Allow the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving with vegetables.

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled. Keep the baking time the same.
Cut the vegetables into 1-inch pieces to ensure that the pork tenderloin and vegetables finish cooking simultaneously.

Nutrition

Cornbread Dressing Recipe

August 19, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

Cornbread Dressing will take center stage this holiday season. This delicious side dish is made with homemade cornbread, onions, celery, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth and baked until crispy and golden brown.

cornbread dressing scooped out of a baking dish with a wood spoon

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I can't imagine a Holiday season without cornbread dressing. It's the perfect side dish to go along with your favorites, like mac and cheese, turkey, and gravy...oh, you gotta smother it in gravy.

My cornbread dressing recipe is family approved and is quite easy to make. It does require a little bit of prep (you need to make the cornbread ahead of time), but it's totally worth it.

What is cornbread dressing?

Cornbread dressing is a traditional dish made from cornbread, typically served as a side dish or stuffing. The ingredients usually include cornbread, onions, celery, and spices like poultry seasoning and sage. Sometimes bread crumbs are added for texture, and the dressing may be moistened with broth or milk. Cornbread dressing is often baked in the oven until golden brown.

It's best to leave fresh cornbread out overnight to dry out slightly when using it to make the dressing. This ensures that the top is crispy and the dish doesn't get mushy.

Serve it with a green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a Thanksgiving turkey for a classic holiday dinner.

Ingredients

You can buy these simple ingredients for this delicious cornbread side dish at your local grocery store. Here is what you'll need:

Cornbread:

I like to make homemade cornbread for this recipe. It allows me to control the flavor of my dish, but store-bought cornbread can be used if need be. My cornbread recipe includes cornmeal, all-purpose flour, a bit of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, buttermilk, and eggs.

Dressing:

Once your cornbread is made, you will need these additional ingredients to make the dressing: butter, onions, celery, poultry seasoning, rubbed sage, chicken broth, eggs, salt, and pepper.

How to make cornbread dressing

Here are the basic steps to make this excellent recipe for your holiday meal.

Prepare the cornbread:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8x8 baking dish.

Whisk the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

In another bowl, whisk the butter, buttermilk, and eggs.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until smooth.

Pour the cornbread mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until the cornbread is golden.

Remove and allow to cool for a few hours or overnight.

Prepare the dressing:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 2.5-quart baking dish and set it aside.

Break the cooled cornbread into small pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.

Melt the butter in a large skillet, and add onions, celery, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until vegetables have softened.

sauteeing vegetables in a pan on the stove

Add the cooked onions and celery to the crumbled cornbread in the bowl. Add poultry seasoning, rubbed sage, chicken broth, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper, and stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake until the top is golden brown.

Expert Tips

These tips and tricks will ensure your dressing is perfect this holiday season.

Make the cornbread one or two days in advance to let it dry out, so your dressing isn’t mushy.
The sugar in the cornbread recipe is optional. Omit the sugar if you don’t like any hits of sweetness in your dressing.
If you prefer a wetter dressing, add an additional ½ cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth.
If you don't have time or cornmeal, you can buy a package of Jiffy cornbread or buy it pre-made from the store.
Cook the mix-ins before adding them to the cornbread and baking. This will ensure that they are flavorful and not too crunchy.

What other ingredients can I add to cornbread dressing?

You can add your favorite ingredients to this southern-style cornbread. Here are some tasty options you can choose from.

Cooked chicken or turkey
Andouille sausage
Jalapenos
Herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, or fresh sage
Cream of chicken soup
Mushrooms
Cranberries
Ground sausage
Bell peppers
Garlic

casserole scooped out of a baking dish with a wood spoon

How to make your dressing moist every time

The real difference between a good cornbread dressing and a dry dressing is the perfect amount of moistness. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect side dish.

Don’t add too much chicken stock to the mixture.
Stir just until the mixture is combined, so the cornbread doesn't crumble too much and still has a good texture when it's baked.
Be careful not to overbake the casserole since that will make it too dry.
This dressing should be slightly moist before baking. There shouldn't be any liquid at the bottom of the bowl.
It should be moist but not wet when you put it into the baking dish.

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Dressing and stuffing are both served for Thanksgiving but are made differently.

Stuffing is made with bread, celery, carrots, onions, and garlic. The biggest difference is that it's stuffed and cooked inside the turkey while it roasts in the oven.

Pro: The best thing about it is that turkey juices drip down into the stuffing and make it rich and delicious.

Con: Since it’s inside the turkey, it may not cook as quickly as the turkey. In this case, the turkey will become dry before it’s cooked to 165 degrees. Also, the stuffing tends to be mushy when prepared this way.

Dressing is made with cornbread or white bread, celery, onions, garlic, and occasionally, sausage. It's prepared as a side dish, not stuffed and cooked in the turkey.

Pro: When cooking this side dish on the stove, you control the flavor the whole time. It also has great texture and isn't mushy.

Con: The turkey juices don't add flavor to the dressing, but you can use turkey stock instead of chicken stock in the recipe.

How to serve cornbread dressing

This southern cornbread dressing is perfect when paired with dishes for your Thanksgiving table. But don't limit yourself to only serving this dish once a year! Make it for a large family Sunday dinner any night of the week.

Serve it with Thanksgiving chicken, southern-style sweet potato casserole, southern green beans, or cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Some other options include southern cornbread, candied sweet potatoes, or this turkey breast recipe. Also, feel free to smother this easy cornbread dressing with gravy!

How to store

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Reheat: You can reheat an individual bowl of dressing in the microwave on 30-second increments until warm all the way through.

If you've made this dish a day ahead of time for your holiday table, you can reheat it in the casserole dish in the oven on 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Freeze: Freeze the cornbread stuffing whole in the dish wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can keep this in your freezer for up to three months. Remember to label and date the dish so you know what you've saved when you open the freezer three months later.

FAQs

Do you put eggs in cornbread dressing?

Yes, adding eggs to the dressing helps the dish stick together rather than become too dry and crumbly.

Can I make the dressing with bread instead of cornbread?

You can make this dish with torn bread instead of cornbread. It will have a different taste and texture but will still be delicious.

Can I make this dressing in advance?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner and not have to cook everything on the same day.

If you have tried this cornbread dressing recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Cornbread Dressing will take center stage this holiday season. It's made with homemade cornbread and baked until crispy and golden brown.

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cornbread dressing

Servings: servings

Calories: 329kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Cornbread

1 ½ cups cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter melted and cooled
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs

Dressing

4 tablespoons butter unsalted
2 medium onions chopped (2 cups)
2 stalks celery chopped (1 cup)
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon ground sage
2 cups chicken broth
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare cornbread

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8x8 baking dish and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine. In another bowl, add butter, buttermilk, and eggs and whisk to combine.
Add wet mixture into dry mixture and whisk until smooth.
Pour the batter into the greased dish. Bake in preheated oven on middle rack for 20-25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Prepare the dressing

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 2.5-quart baking dish and set aside.
Break cooled cornbread into small pieces and place in a large bowl. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet, and add onions, celery, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until vegetables have softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Add cooked onions and celery to the cornbread in the bowl. Add poultry seasoning, rubbed sage, chicken broth, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the mixture into greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden.

Notes

Make the cornbread 1 or 2 days in advance for best results.
The sugar in the cornbread recipe is optional. Omit the sugar if you don’t like any hits of sweetness in your dressing.
If you prefer a wetter dressing, add an additional ½ cup of chicken broth.

Nutrition

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

August 18, 2022 by Tanya 4 Comments

Tasty and juicy air fryer chicken drumsticks are finger-licken good! A seriously easy weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Get the grilled crispy chicken skin and flavor without sweating over the grill.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Air fryers make cooking chicken to perfection so easy. Juicy chicken drumsticks in minutes. Not just chicken legs but Chicken Wings, Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts, the options are endless!

Sure you could just enjoy a whole plate of air fryer chicken legs, you'll enjoy them even more with some of our delicious sides. My Southern Green Beans are my favorite side dish. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes or a fresh Beet and Orange Salad pair perfectly with air fryer chicken.

crispy air fryer drumsticks in the air fryer basket

Ingredients and Tools Needed

A fresh package of chicken and a handful of spices. Cheap, easy, and delicious!

Chicken drumsticks
Garlic powder
Brown sugar
Smoked paprika
Thyme
Onion powder
Black pepper
Kosher salt
Fresh parsley

Tools needed for this recipe

Air fryer
Quick read thermometer
A dish for marinating

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt to the chicken and rub it all over the chicken drumsticks. Allow the drumsticks to marinate in the seasoning for 15-30 minutes.*

Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes,

seasoned chicken drumsticks in an air fryer basket

After 12 minutes, open the basket and flip the drumsticks. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Remove from the air fryer basket and sprinkle with parsley. Serve and enjoy.

air fryed chicken drumsticks garnished with parsely

Tips For Perfect Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks & FAQs

For evenly cooked chicken, don't crowd the air fryer basket. Depending on your brand of air fryer, you may be able to add more or less chicken than this recipe calls for. It may be necessary to cook chicken legs in batches.
Allow the meat to rest a few minutes before eating, this will allow those yummy juices to reabsorb into the drumstick.
Pat the chicken dry before rubbing with the spice mixture will help it stick to the chicken and its skin.
This Lemon Pepper Seasoning or my Homemade Cajun Seasoning would also be delicious on these air fryer chicken legs.
Want a spicy kick? Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even buffalo sauce to add some punch.

Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Because the air fryer reaches such a hot air temperature, there isn't any worry about bacteria from the raw chicken being left behind. As always, wash your air fryer basket after each use as well.

Can I bake chicken legs in the oven too?

Don't have an air fryer? You can still enjoy these juicy chicken legs. To bake in the oven, preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the chicken legs as instructed. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Turn the chicken legs halfway through to cook evenly.

plate of chicken drumsticks with a bite taken out

Storing leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftover air fryer chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Freezer: Before freezing, make sure the drumsticks have cooled completely. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

The chicken drumsticks should reach an internal temperature between 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is done.
I like to allow my chicken drumsticks to sit at room temperature for just a few minutes to absorb the seasonings. Feel free to skip this step if you’re short on time. In the alternative, you can season the chicken drumsticks beforehand, about 1-2 days, and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

A seriously easy weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Get the grilled crispy chicken skin and flavor without sweating over the grill.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer chicken drumsticks

Servings: servings

Calories: 507kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

8 Chicken drumsticks patted dry
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Brown sugar
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Thyme
½ teaspoon Onion powder
¼ teaspoon Black pepper
¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
1 tablespoon Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt to the chicken and rub it all over the chicken drumsticks. Allow the drumsticks to marinate in the seasoning for 15-30 minutes.*
Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes.
After 12 minutes, open the basket and flip the drumsticks. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.
Remove from the air fryer basket and sprinkle with parsley. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The chicken drumsticks should reach a temperature between 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a quick read thermometer to ensure the chicken is done.
I like to allow my chicken drumsticks to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to absorb the seasonings. Feel free to skip this step if you’re short on time. In the alternative, you can season the chicken drumsticks beforehand, about 1-2 days, and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Nutrition

Southern Tomato Sandwich

August 17, 2022 by Tanya 8 Comments

When it comes to the flavors of summer, you can't beat the simplicity of a Southern tomato sandwich. This sandwich is made with sliced ripe heirloom tomatoes and mayonnaise sandwiched between 2 slices of sandwich bread and finished with a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Close up image of a Southern tomato sandwich set on a white plate with fresh tomatoes and salt and pepper grinders in background

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

This iconic sandwich is a summer tradition, and everyone in the South waits for those tomatoes to ripen on the vines so we can enjoy our Southern tomato sandwiches at their very best.

A simple tomato sandwich really does make the best of seasonal produce, enjoying tomatoes when they are at their best. If it's the sweetest tomatoes you are after then I recommend buying at your local farmers market. Homegrown tomatoes are even fresher and can be picked straight from the vine.

I like to use sandwich bread and for my family, it has to be Duke's mayonnaise which has the best flavor.

If, like me, you enjoy a good sandwich, then try my Air Fryer Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwiches, Garlic Butter Cheese Steak Sandwiches, or my Shredded Italian Beef Sandwiches which all go down a treat on Game Day. For an easy grab-and-go breakfast, why not try my Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Sandwiches.

Four fresh heirloom tomatoes and salt and pepper grinders laid onto a marble surface

Is a tomato sandwich a Southern thing?

If you've grown up in the South, it's more than likely you'll have heard of, and regularly eaten a tomato sandwich. This simple sandwich is made by sandwiching tomato and mayonnaise between two slices of bread. This sandwich is popular all over the South, particularly on game day.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that most of you will have in your refrigerator at home. Here's what you will need for this recipe.

Sandwich bread
Mayonnaise, store-bought or homemade
Heirloom tomato
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

What's the best tomato for a sandwich?

I like to use heirloom tomatoes as they have a great flavor. If you can’t find an heirloom tomato, a beefsteak tomato will do just fine.

When looking for tomatoes, I recommend either homegrown or farmer’s market tomatoes for this recipe, as they have the best flavor.

How to make Southern Tomato Salad

This simple sandwich can be prepared in a matter of minutes using 3 simple ingredients and a little seasoning.

A white plate with two slices of sandwich bread, spread with mayonnaise

Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice of bread.

Top down image of white plate with 2 slices of sandwich bread spread with mayonnaise and sliced tomatoes on one half of the sandwich

Place the sliced tomato on the bread. Season the tomato slices with salt and pepper.

Cut the sandwich in half if desired and enjoy.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best sandwich:

Make the sandwich fresh, that way, the juice from the tomatoes won't make the bread soggy.
For best flavor, use homegrown or farmer’s market tomatoes for this recipe.
When it comes to mayonnaise, we like to use Duke’s mayonnaise. Homemade mayonnaise is also a good choice.

Variations

This southern tomato sandwich recipe can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Here are a few ingredients you could also add to your sandwich.

Sliced cheese, use any variety, cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss cheese would all work a treat.
Ham and tomato make a great flavor combination.
Add a slice of lettuce and some crispy bacon for the perfect BLT.
Spread on some Dijon mustard for a mustard mayo twist.
Add extra salad veggies like sliced cucumber or crispy lettuce.
Add fresh mozzarella cheese, and some basil leaves for an Italian-inspired sandwich.

Close up image of a Southern tomato sandwich set on a white plate with fresh tomatoes and salt and pepper grinders in backgroun

How to serve my Southern Tomato Sandwich

This sandwich makes the perfect light lunch, and I like to serve it with a handful of my favorite chips or tortilla chips alongside.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check these out:

FAQs:

Can you make sandwiches ahead of time?

These sandwiches are best made just before you are ready to serve them; that way the tomato juice won't soften the bread and make it soggy.

Should you salt tomatoes in a sandwich?

I always season tomatoes with a little salt just before serving, as it really helps bring out the flavor in the tomatoes.

What is the best type of bread to use in a sandwich?

I have used sliced sandwich bread as that's traditional in the South and the proportions just work. But you can use any variety of bread to suit your tastes; white, wholegrain, sourdough, rye, bread rolls, baguettes.

If you have tried this Southern Tomato Sandwich recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Close up image of a Southern tomato sandwich set on a white plate with some tortilla chips and fresh tomatoes and salt and pepper grinders in background

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Southern Tomato Sandwich

Southern tomato sandwich made with sliced heirloom tomatoes and mayonnaise sandwiched between 2 slices of sandwich bread and finished with a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Bread, Sandwich, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Best southern tomato sandwich, easy southern tomato sandwich, Southern tomato sandwich

Servings: sandwich

Calories: 348kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 slices sandwich bread
2 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 medium heirloom tomato sliced about ¼ inch thick
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Place the sliced tomato on the bread.
Season the tomato slices with salt and pepper.
Cut the sandwich in half if desired, serve and enjoy.

Notes

If you can’t find an heirloom tomato, a beefsteak tomato will do just fine.
For best flavor, use homegrown or farmer’s market tomatoes for this recipe.
For best flavor, use your favorite mayo brand. We like to use Duke’s mayonnaise. Homemade mayonnaise is also a good choice.

Nutrition

Mayonnaise Biscuits

August 16, 2022 by Tanya 16 Comments

Mayonnaise Biscuits are made with only five ingredients and are ready to eat in under 30 minutes. These moist biscuits have a fluffy texture and are excellent served with the main course, as breakfast topped with an egg, or as an afternoon snack.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Living in the South has made me love a good ol' biscuit. Years ago, I took an actual biscuit-making class from the best and learned how to make delicious biscuits from scratch. These mayo biscuits are slightly different from the classic biscuits, but they're just as delicious.

The star of these biscuits is the mayonnaise, giving the appropriate fat and flavor to these biscuits. They're quite easy and fast to make. Just mix the ingredients and bake.

What are mayonnaise biscuits?

Mayonnaise biscuits are a type of biscuit that contains mayonnaise as one of the main ingredients. This recipe keeps it simple with just five ingredients. Mayonnaise biscuits are often served with a variety of toppings, such as jelly or jam, or they can be eaten plain.

This great recipe will come in handy when you want to make quick and easy homemade biscuits. These delicious tender biscuits are wholesome and a great option to serve to your kids.

Ingredients

These ingredients are pantry staples that you most likely already have at home. This easy recipe makes the BEST biscuits! There are only five ingredients combined to make a simple but tasty side dish.

Self-rising flour
Milk
Mayonnaise
Sugar
Salt

How to make mayonnaise biscuits

There are only a couple of steps to make these biscuits. You only need one bowl to stir the ingredients together. If you lay parchment paper on the baking sheet, you'll only have one dish to clean!

Follow these steps to make this mayonnaise biscuits recipe you've ever tried. For the full recipe, see the card below.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

batter for mayonnaise biscuits in glass bowl

Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix just until combined.

Use a large cookie scoop to drop the biscuits by spoonful onto a greased baking sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

jam spread on biscuits on plate with knife on side

Remove and serve with favorite toppings, like butter or jam.

Expert tips and variations

These biscuits can be altered to match your tastes and preferences. Here are some tips and tricks that will help make this easy biscuit recipe.

I prefer to use Duke’s mayo for these biscuits, but any brand of mayonnaise will work.
You can put these drop biscuits into muffin cups instead of on a baking sheet.
Make sure the oven is nice and hot before putting the biscuits inside, as the heat will help the biscuits rise.
Brush the tops with melted butter to make them golden brown.
Whole milk is best because of the higher fat content.
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour. If you use all-purpose flour, mix in 3 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt to it.

What can I add to these biscuits?

Stir in some basic ingredients that will pump up your mayo biscuits. There are so many delicious options to choose from! Use these ideas to get started or choose your own.

Jalapenos
Cheese; goat cheese, fontina, parmesan cheese, cheddar
Green onions
Minced garlic or garlic powder
Herbs like parsley, thyme, sage, dill, rosemary
Bacon
Cinnamon sugar

Topping ideas

The best part about these particular biscuits is that you can top them with sweet or savory ingredients. Choose what you're in the mood for, and go for it!

Here are some tasty options that you can try:

Jams
Marmalade
Butter compounds
Jellies
Apple butter
Blueberry compote
Strawberries
Whipped cream

How to serve mayonnaise biscuits

Mayonnaise biscuits are a southern tradition served by themselves or paired with other simple ingredients.

Cut them in half and make a classic sandwich with a fried egg, spinach, ham, asparagus, or sausage gravy.

You can pair them with main courses like smothered pork chops, air fryer bone-in chicken breasts, or marinated air fryer salmon.

How to store

Store: Keep leftover homemade biscuits in an airtight container or large freezer bag on the counter for three days or in the fridge for up to one week.

Reheat: There's no need to reheat the biscuits if they are stored on the counter. If you have them in the refrigerator, you can leave them on the counter to warm to room temperature before serving them.

Freeze: These mayonnaise rolls can easily be frozen to save for later. You can make a big batch and serve them with breakfast or dinner any day of the week.

To freeze them, lay the biscuits in a single layer on a sheet pan, freeze them for 30 minutes, and then place them in a gallon-size bag back in the freezer.

FAQs

Do you need to add butter to mayonnaise biscuits?

Mayonnaise replaces the butter for the fat in this recipe, so there's no need to add butter.

Do you need to use a biscuit cutter for mayonnaise biscuits?

These biscuits are made with drop batter, which means you just need to spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. There's no need for a biscuit cutter because the dough is not firm enough to use one.

Why are my biscuits dry?

The biscuits can get dry for two different reasons. They may not have enough liquid, or they were baked too long. The dough should be very moist, and you should check on the biscuits five minutes before you think they should be done as oven temperatures vary.

Print Recipe

4.57 from 16 votes

Mayonnaise Biscuits

Mayonnaise Biscuits are tender and fluffy, made with only five ingredients, and are ready to eat in just under 30 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: mayonnaise biscuits

Servings: biscuits

Calories: 106kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons Duke's mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix just until combined.
Use a large cookie scoop to drop the biscuits by spoonful onto a greased baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove and serve with favorite toppings, like butter or jam.

Notes

I prefer to use Duke’s mayo for these biscuits but any brand of mayonnaise should work.
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour. If you use all-purpose flour, mix in 3 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt to it.

Nutrition

Southern Fried Apples

August 15, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

My deliciously warming Southern Fried Apples are made with tart Granny Smith apples fried in a nutty brown butter with brown sugar and a warming blend of apple pie spice.

Pan with fried apples and a closeup of the apples on a wooden spoon and whole green apples set alongside

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Fall always has me thinking about apples and spices and how I can combine them. The thing I love about these fried apples is just how versatile they are. These versatile fried apples make a great sweet option and taste great served alongside savory main dishes.

Apples pair beautifully with pork, making a great sweet side for a savory dish. However, I'm just as happy serving them as they are with a scoop of my favorite ice cream or whipped topping.

For this recipe, I chose to stray from most fried apples recipes and browned my butter before adding the remainder of the ingredients. This gives this quick dish an elevated depth of flavor. Feel free to skip browning the butter if you're in a hurry, but we find browning the butter well worth it.

What are Southern fried apples?

Southern fried apples are apples that have been cooked in butter with brown sugar and warm spices like ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. They can be served both sweet and savory.

Ingredients

You can find these simple ingredients in your local grocery store. Here is what you will need for this recipe.

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Apple pie spice blend
Kosher salt
Granny Smith apples - You will need to peel, core, and slice the apples.

If you don't have apple pie spice, it's easy to make it yourself using the ground spices in your pantry. My Homemade Apple Pie Spice recipe is what I like to use.

How to make Southern fried apples

Melt butter in a large pan over low heat and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the butter becomes brown and toasty (see image above). This should take about 8-10 minutes.

I like to take this time to prepare my apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them. Just be sure to watch the butter to make sure it doesn't burn.

Recipe ingredients for fried apples set out in white bowls on a marble surface with apple peeler and corer set alongside

Add brown sugar, apple pie spice, and kosher salt to the browned butter and whisk until combined. Slowly add the sliced apples and stir to coat the apples in the spiced butter mixture.

Pan with slices of raw apple covered in spiced brown butter

Cover the pan and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until the apples have softened. You will notice that the liquid has increased in the pan.

Top down image of a pan with cooked Southern fried apples

Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high heat, and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the liquid has reduced about halfway and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Pan with fried apples and a closeup of the apples on a wooden spoon

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best Southern fried apples you've ever tried.

You can use peeled or unpeeled apples in this recipe; however unpeeled apples will take longer to cook.
The thinner the slices are cut, the quicker they will soften while cooking and vice versa.

Variations

I love serving these deliciously sweet and spicy fried apples just as they are. However, this recipe is easily adapted to suit your tastes, and here are a few suggestions.

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the brown butter before adding the apples.
Alternatively, add a whole vanilla pod, split it in half first, and scrape the seeds into the butter along with the whole pod. Just remember to remove the pod before serving.
If you don't have apple pie spice, add some ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg instead.
If using a sweeter apple, add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Swap the brown sugar for some runny honey.

White bowl of fried apples and a hand holding a spoon of apples

What type of apple is best for frying?

I use Granny Smith apples because they have a nice tart flavor and a firmer texture, making them ideal for cooking with as they hold their shape. You could also use Pink Lady apples. They are slightly sweeter but have a similar firm texture.

How to adjust this fried apple recipe

This recipe serves four but can be easily adapted to make a bigger or smaller batch. Here are the best ways to do this.

Double: Double the ingredients to make a large batch of fried apples. Just make sure to use a big enough pan or cast iron skillet. If you don't have a big sauté pan, you can use a large dutch oven instead.

Halve: If you're only serving one or two people and don't need as many servings, you can cut the ingredients in half.

Southern fried apples in a white bowl with a scoop of ice cream and a dessert spoon

How to serve Southern fried apples

These apples are great served just as they are for a quick dessert. I like to top the apples with a scoop of my favorite ice cream, whipped topping, or my Blender Whipped Cream.

They make a great filling for apple pies, crumbles or crisps. If you love cooked apple, try my Baked Air Fryer Apples, which is another great tasting recipe for fall.

Southern fried apples work just as well with savory dishes. Pork and apple make a great flavor combination, they make a great side for my Air Fryer Pork Chops or Mustard Glazed Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin.

Leftover fried apples are great for spicing up breakfast the day after, try topping waffles, pancakes and porridge.

How to store

To refrigerate: Keep any leftover apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can reheat it in a small pan on the stove until warm all the way through.

To freeze: These fried apples can also be frozen. Allow to cool and place in a freezer-safe bag before storing in the freezer. Use within three months. I recommend undercooking the apples, so they don't become mushy when you thaw and reheat them.

To meal prep: This is a great recipe to prep ahead of time, then all you need to do is warm the apples through before enjoying them.

Pan with fried apples and a wooden spoon

FAQs:

When should I cut the apples?

Cut the apples just before you are ready to cook with them. This will stop the apples from oxidizing and turning brown.

How do I stop apples from turning brown?

If you have cut the apples, but don't have time to cook with them immediately, cover the raw apple in lemon juice to stop them oxidizing and turning brown. You then just need to rinse the lemon juice off the apple before continuing with the recipe.

Can I freeze fried apples?

Yes, once the apples have cooked, allow them to cool and place in an airtight container in the freezer for 3-6 months. Just be aware that the apples can become soft and break down once they have been frozen.

Does it matter if I use unsalted or salted butter?

I like to use unsalted butter with ¼ teaspoon of salt, if using salted butter simply leave the salt out.

If you have tried this Southern Fried Apples recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Southern Fried Apples

Southern Fried Apples are made with tart Granny Smith apples, before being fried in brown butter, brown sugar and a warming blend of apple pie spice.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fried apples, southern fried apples

Servings:

Calories: 380kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

8 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar packed
2 teaspoon apple pie spice
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
3 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and sliced - about 6 cups

Instructions

Melt butter in a large pan over low heat until the butter becomes brown and toasty. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Add brown sugar, apple pie spice, and kosher salt to the browned butter and whisk until combined. Slowly add the sliced apples and stir to coat the apples.
Cover the pan and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until the apples have softened. You will notice that the liquid has increased in the pan.
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high heat and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the liquid has reduced about halfway and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat. Serve with ice cream or whipped topping.

Notes

You can use peeled or unpeeled apples in this recipe. Unpeeled apples will take longer to cook.

The thinner the slices are cut, the quicker they will soften while cooking and vice versa.

These apples are great alone for dessert or topped with ice cream. You could also serve them alongside your favorite dinner recipes.

Nutrition

Homemade Apple Pie Spice Recipe

August 13, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

Making your own homemade apple pie spice blend could not be easier. Simply combine ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and allspice and store in an airtight container, ready to add flavor to all your favorite apple desserts.

Jar of apple pie spice mix with green apples and a tablespoon

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

As soon as the leaves start to turn on the trees, my thoughts turn to all things Fall, and that usually means one of two things, apples or pumpkin!

Today it's apple and my favorite apple pie seasoning blend which will add the flavors of fall to your favorite apple-based desserts.

It takes just minutes to blend the spices together, using spices that most of you will already have in your stores. Once blended it's ready to use wherever you need a hint of those warming spices!

How to make apple pie spice blend

This easy apple pie spice blend can be made in minutes and ready to use immediately.

Top down image of green apples, a small white bowl of mixed spices and a teaspoon

Add the spices to a small bowl and stir to combine.

A glass jar with a funnel attached and a cup of spice blend pouring in

Pour the spice blend into an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. It's ready to use straight away or store for later use.

What's in an apple pie spice blend?

Cinnamon
Cardamom
Nutmeg
Allspice

Most apple pie spice blends will include ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice; however, I like to add ground cardamom. This results in a warming spice blend that has a real depth of both sweet and earthy flavors.

Small white bowl of spice blend with a wooden teaspoon and jars of spice alongside

Are there other spices I can include in apple pie spice?

When making your own spice blends, it all comes down to personal taste. Here are some suggestions of other ground spices that work really well with apples.

Ginger
Anise (which will add a touch of licorice)
Cloves (just a pinch - don't be too heavy-handed or it can taste medicinal)

How to store homemade apple pie spice

Depending on the freshness of your spices, this blend will keep well for 3 to 6 months, so for sure, make up a big batch so it's on hand to use. Once mixed, store it in an airtight container or jar in a cupboard so it's out of direct sunlight.

Don't keep spices in the fridge, as this can dull the flavors.

Close up of a jar of apple pie spice blend

How do you use it?

This is an adaptable spice, and once made, I find a whole host of uses for it.

It works well with apple-based desserts like apple pies, crisps, or crumbles. Try adding some to my Southern Fried Apples or my Baked Air Fryer Apples.

It also works well in baked goods, so add a touch of warming spice to your favorite cookie recipe.

Another favorite use is to whisk some through a pancake or waffle batter, even better if I'm serving with a side of stewed apples.

Or how about adding a spoon to the egg mix in my Air Fryer French Toast recipe? Serve with a topping of fresh blueberries and maple syrup for the perfect weekend breakfast dish.

Small white bowl filled with spice blend and a wooden spoon

Recipe Tips

Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like.
Store in an airtight container for future uses. Keep at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Check that your spices aren't stale before making this spice blend. To test their freshness, rub a little of each between your fingers, and they should release an aroma.
I prefer to make smaller batches of spice blends, that way, they always taste fresh.
A funnel makes it easy to pour spices into a jar.

FAQs

Do I need to use all the spices?

This spice blend is easily adapted to suit your own tastes, if there is a flavor you don't enjoy, then simply leave it out or add another flavor.

How long do homemade spice blends last?

A lot comes down to using fresh ground spices to start with. Then once combined, the blend will store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

More Seasoning Mixes

If you enjoy making your own seasoning mixes, here are some other recipes for you to try.

If you have tried this homemade apple pie spice recipe or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

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No ratings yet

Homemade Apple Pie Spice

Making your own homemade apple pie spice blend could not be easier. Simply combine ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and allspice and store in an airtight container, ready to add flavor to all your favorite apple desserts.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Seasoning

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple pie spice, DIY apple spice mix, homemade apple pie spice, how to make apple pie spice

Servings: ounces

Calories: 26kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

Mix ingredients in a bowl until combined. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe will yield roughly ⅓ cup of spice mix. Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like.

Store in an airtight container for future use and keep it in a cupboard out of direct sunlight.

Nutrition

Jamaican Cabbage Recipe

August 12, 2022 by Tanya 40 Comments

My Jamaican cabbage recipe is a family favorite recipe. Extra veggies are perfectly cooked, and the Scotch bonnet pepper adds a touch of heat, and a burst of fresh thyme, transforming the humble cabbage into something special.

Jamaican steamed cabbage in a bowl with serving spoon

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

My family loves cabbage, which I like to include in my family meal plans most weeks. This easy cabbage can be prepared and cooked in no time, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknight dinners.

The addition of a Scotch bonnet pepper adds a nice fiery twist, elevating the flavor of the cabbage in this traditional Jamaican side dish.

This recipe is courtesy of my mother, who made us this flavorful dish weekly. We like to serve it along with our favorite Jamaican recipes, like oxtail or curry chicken.

What is Jamaican cabbage?

This authentic Jamaican cabbage recipe steams the cabbage with other vegetables, a Scotch bonnet pepper, and a few fragrant sprigs of fresh thyme. This is a stable side dish in Jamaican cooking, it uses ingredients that are not only easy to find in most stores but affordable too.

Ingredients

You can find these simple ingredients in your local grocery store. Here is what you will need for this recipe.

Head of cabbage - We typically use green cabbage for this recipe.
Carrots
Roma tomato
Yellow onion
Garlic
Green onions
Fresh thyme
Scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero pepper)
Water
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

How to make Jamaican steamed cabbage

This simple side dish can be prepared, cooked, and on the table in less than 20 minutes, which makes this a winning side any day of the week. Here are the directions for making this easy 3-step dish. You can also print this out using the recipe card below.

Add all ingredients to a large pan over medium heat and cover with a lid.

Jamaican cabbage ingredients in a skillet

Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Jamaican cabbage in a skillet with a glass lid

After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cabbage is soft and tender. Remove from heat and remove the stalks of thyme before serving.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best Jamaican steamed cabbage you've ever tried.

The longer you cook your cabbage, the more it will soften. For crunchier cabbage, cook for 6-8 minutes; for softer cabbage, cook for about 10-12 minutes.
This dish is best served immediately while it's still hot so the cabbage does not overcook.
If you don't like too much heat in your food, cut back on the Scotch bonnet pepper, or leave it out altogether. You can also use a milder chili pepper if you prefer, or substitute the pepper with habanero pepper.
To keep the carrot thin, use a vegetable peeler to thinly slice the carrot.

Variations

This steamed cabbage recipe can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Adapt the heat level in your dish by adding or reducing the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper or simply leaving it out.
For those who like their food really spicy, add cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce for a little extra heat.
Buy pre-cut cabbage to cut down on prep time.
A teaspoon of paprika adds a hint of smoky flavor to the cabbage.
Add extra depth of flavor by adding 1-2 allspice berries.
Vary the vegetables and add some colorful bell peppers.
Make it a one-pot meal by adding protein, like thinly sliced chicken, shrimp, or saltfish.

What kind of cabbage to use

There are many different types of cabbage, and they can all work with this dish. I prefer green cabbage but use whatever cabbage you have on hand.

Some options include napa cabbage or red cabbage. They all have slightly different flavors and textures, so you can play with them to see which one you like best.

Napa cabbage is softer and milder, red cabbage is more bitter and crunchier, and green cabbage sits between the two.

It's worth noting that a softer napa cabbage will cook a little quicker, whereas a crunchy red cabbage will take a little longer, so adapt cooking times to suit the variety of cabbage you use.

How to adjust this steamed cabbage recipe

This recipe serves six but can be easily adapted to make a bigger or smaller batch. Here are the best ways to do this.

Double: To make a large batch of this cabbage, double all the ingredients; just make sure to use a big enough pan or cast iron skillet. If you don't have a big sauté pan, you can use a large dutch oven instead.

Halve: If you're only serving one or two people and don't need as many servings, you can cut the ingredients in half. Keep an eye on the cooking time as it will cook faster when there's less cabbage in the pan.

What meat goes well with steamed cabbage?

If you want to serve this tender cabbage recipe with your favorite protein, you can absolutely do so!

This easy side dish is versatile and also pairs well with pork chops, chicken, sausages, steaks, and rich and hearty stews.

It also works well with fish and vegetable-based dishes, and I've included some serving suggestions below.

How to serve this steamed cabbage recipe

Jamaican steamed cabbage is easy to make and can be served with a variety of different main dishes, including meat, fish and vegetable-based dishes.

Try it with my Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, or Jamaican Rice and Peas.

It also makes a great low-carb alternative to rice when served alongside stews and curries.

If you love cabbage as much as I do, here are some other great cabbage side options to serve with dinner, including my fried cabbage, instant pot buttered cabbage, sweet and sour cabbage, or Jamaican corned beef and cabbage.

How to store

To refrigerate: Keep any leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in a small bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments until it's warm all the way through.

To meal prep: This is a great recipe to prep ahead of time; all you need to do is steam right before you're ready to eat. Slice the cabbage and prepare the other ingredients earlier in the day, then follow the instructions on the recipe card when ready to cook.

FAQs:

How do you cut cabbage for steaming?

For this recipe, I prefer to slice the cabbage, but you can also shred or chop the cabbage. Keep in mind that thinner shredded or finely chopped cabbage will cook faster.

Should you wash cabbage before steaming?

I always rinse the outer layers of cabbage before chopping and cooking. Just be sure to shake off any excess water after rinsing.

Do you need to soak cabbage before steaming it?

There's no need to soak cabbage before you cook it. It will be slightly crunchier if it's not soaked beforehand.

How long does it take for cabbage to steam?

The longer you cook your cabbage, the more it will soften. For crunchier cabbage, cook for 6-8 minutes; for softer cabbage, cook for about 10-12 minutes.

If you have tried this Jamaican cabbage recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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4.79 from 42 votes

Jamaican Steamed Cabbage

Jamaican steamed cabbage is a family favorite. Extra veggies add crunch, the Scotch bonnet pepper adds a touch of heat, along with a burst of fresh thyme.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Jamaican

Keyword: Jamaican cabbage, Jamaican steamed cabbage

Servings:

Calories: 152kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

½ cabbage sliced, about 4 cups
2 carrots peeled and sliced
1 Roma tomato chopped
1 yellow onion chopped
4 cloves garlic chopped
4 green onions chopped
4 stalks thyme
½ scotch bonnet pepper seeds and stem remove and chopped
2 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
1 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to a large pan over medium heat and cover with a lid.
Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the cabbage is soft and tender. Remove from the heat and remove the stalks of thyme before serving.

Notes

The longer you cook your cabbage, the more it will soften. It comes down to taste, so cook for 6-8 minutes for crunchier cabbage. For softer cabbage, cook for 10-12 minutes.
The heat in this cabbage side is easily adapted to suit tastes by adding or reducing the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper you add to the dish. If you don't like your food spicy, you can leave it out altogether.
To keep the carrot thin, use a vegetable peeler to slice the carrot thinly.
This recipe uses kosher salt. If using table salt, reduce the amount of salt suggested.

Nutrition

Juicy Ground Turkey Tacos

August 11, 2022 by Tanya 17 Comments

These Ground Turkey Tacos are great for your taco weeknight dinners. These tacos are juicy and full of amazing flavor with only a few ingredients.

gorund turket taco meat in hard shells topped with cheese and cilantro

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Cheesecake Bites

August 10, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

These adorable cheesecake bites are the perfect-sized treat. Served with a sweet strawberry topping, this is an easy dessert for any special occasion!

stacks of cheesecakes bites, one with a topping

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Mini treats are always a huge hit! Convenient and shareable they become an easy choice for any occasion. If you like more bite-sized treats you'll love my Chocolate Cake Bites!

Prefer a savory bite-sized snack? Give these Air Fryer Steak Bites or Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp a try. You won't be disappointed.

Stacks of cheesecake bites, one with a bite taken out

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Ingredients you'll need for cheesecake bites & strawberry topping

Graham cracker crumbs
Melted butter
Salt
Cinnamon
Cream cheese, room temperature
Greek yogurt, room temperature
Sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice
Cornstarch
Water
Strawberries, halved

Tools you'll need for this recipe

Mini muffin tin x2
Mini cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Hand mixer
Food processor *optional for graham cracker crumbs

How to make Mini Cheesecake Bites

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

graham cracker crust mixture in a small glass bowl

Line a mini muffin pan with muffin liners. Drop 1 heaping teaspoon of the graham cracker mixture into each muffin liner. Press the graham crackers into the bottom of the liner.

Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool.

graham cracker crust mixture pressed into two mini muffin tins

Add softened cream cheese, greek yogurt, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a large bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.

Drop 1 heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each mini cupcake liner.

cheesecake filling in 2 mini muffin tins

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake is set.

chilled and finished cheesecake bites in 2 mini muffin tins

Let the cheesecake bites cool to room temperature. Then place them in the fridge to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and the water

small bowl of cornstarch and water mixed

Place the cornstarch mixture along with the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.

cornstarch slurry and remaining ingredients in a sauce pan

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 6-7 minutes.

Let cool completely before using it as a topping for cheesecake.

Other topping options for Cheesecake Bites

The possibilities are truly endless! Here are some of my favorite toppings that would be perfect for these mini cheesecakes.

Your favorite jams or preserves will always make a delicious topping.
Chocolate sauce drizzled on top
Salted caramel sauce
Blueberry compote
Whipped cream & fresh fruit
Lemon curd

Can you freeze cheesecake?

Yes! Mini cheesecakes freeze very well. This is nice if you have to make cheesecake bites ahead of time for a party, and they'll still taste amazing.

Freeze cheesecake bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Freeze them without a topping; when you're ready to serve the cheesecake bites, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before topping and serving.

Serve cold to avoid having them fall apart.

stacks of mini cheesecake bites with strawberry topping

Do I need to cook these in a water bath?

Nope! Normally when you bake a cheesecake, it does call for a water bath. I love this recipe for the ease of baking them without a water bath. Simply baking in a mini muffin tin is all that's required.

How to store Cheesecake Bites

Store cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Avoid topping them if stored before serving. When you're ready to serve, top them with the strawberry topping.

When serving, do note that you'll want to place your cheesecake bites back in the fridge before they've been sat at room temperature for close to 2 hours. After 2 hours, cream cheese can start to grow bacteria.

Notes

You can use store-bought graham crackers crumbs or you can make your own.
Swap out the graham crackers for Oreos and make mini oreo cheesecakes.
When serving, do note that you'll want to place your cheesecake bites back in the fridge before they've been sat at room temperature for close to 2 hours. After 2 hours, cream cheese can start to grow bacteria.

Looking for more bite-sized recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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Cheesecake Bites

These adorable cheesecake bites are the perfect-sized treat. Served with a sweet strawberry topping, this is an easy dessert for any special occasion!

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheesecake bites

Servings: servings

Calories: 83kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

2 mini muffin pan
24 mini muffin liners

Ingredients

Crust

⅔ cup Graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons Butter melted
2 tablespoons Sugar
pinch Salt
pinch Cinnamon

Filling

8 ounces Cream Cheese room temperature
¼ cup Greek Yogurt room temperature
¼ cup Sugar
1 Egg room temperature
1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Lemon juice

Topping

½ tablespoon Cornstarch
1 ½ tablespoon water
1 pound Strawberries halved
¼ cup Sugar
Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

Crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Line a mini muffin pan with muffin liners. Drop 1 heaping teaspoon of the graham cracker mixture into each muffin liner. Press the graham crackers into the bottom of the liner.
Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool.

Filling

Place all the ingredients for the filling in a large bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.
Drop 1 heaping tablespoon of the filling into each muffin liner.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake is set.
Let the cheesecake bites cool to room temperature. Then place them in the fridge to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Topping

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and the water
Place the cornstarch mixture along with the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 6-7 minutes.
Let cool before using it as a topping for cheesecake.

Notes

You can use store-bought graham crackers crumbs or you can make your own.

Nutrition

Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

August 9, 2022 by Tanya 3 Comments

This Sweet Potato Salad Recipe is a warm and comforting dish made with sweet potatoes, red onions, bacon, cranberries, feta cheese, and drizzled with a creamy honey mustard dressing. It's ready to eat in just 25 minutes and is the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or to serve at a party.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

We're all about sweet potatoes in our house, and I'm always looking for new and fun ways to use them. Traditionally, candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato pie, and sweet potato casserole always appear on our dining room table. But this salad right here is making a statement.

What is a sweet potato salad recipe?

This healthy potato salad recipe is the perfect way to use those extra sweet potatoes in your pantry or a great way to use fresh potatoes from the farmer's market.

Roasting the sweet potatoes gives them a wonderful caramelized flavor that combines wonderfully with the crunchy bacon and red onions, sweet cranberries, salty feta cheese, and tangy vinegar dressing.

This dish is a delicious twist on traditional potato salad and one that your family will request again and again.

Ingredients

You can find the ingredients for this simple salad at your local grocery store or in your pantry. Here is a list of what you'll need.

Salad:

Sweet potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Red onion
Bacon
Cranberries
Feta cheese

Dressing:

Dijon mustard
Mayonnaise
Honey
Apple cider vinegar
Salt
Pepper
Parsley

How to make sweet potato salad

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender.

While the potatoes are cooling, make the dressing. Add the dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.

In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, red onions, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Top with fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best warm salad that your whole family will love.

Don’t over-roast the sweet potatoes, or they’ll be mushy.
Squeeze some lemon juice over the top right before serving for a bright end note.
Cube the potatoes and then microwave them for a few minutes to cut down on the time in the oven and to help them cook all the way through.

Variations

This healthy sweet potato salad recipe can be adjusted to fit your tastes and preferences. Use these ideas or come up with your own!

Use blue cheese crumbles or goat cheese instead of feta cheese.
Exchange the sweet potatoes with butternut squash or another hard winter squash.
Add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.

Other ingredients to add

You can add other ingredients and healthy veggies to this delicious side dish.

Here are some tasty options you can try:

Kale
Pumpkin seeds
Pistachios
Baby spinach
Avocados
Green onions
Shallots
Black beans
Red bell peppers
Yellow pepper
Sunflower seeds
Fresh cilantro
Cooked wild rice
Crunchy pecans or walnuts

What are good dressings for sweet potato salad?

This recipe uses a homemade honey mustard dressing that tastes amazing with these ingredients.

You can make a salad dressing with other ingredients or change it up and make a dressing with a creamy texture instead.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Creamy dressings: spicy ranch, avocado, Greek yogurt

Vinegar: balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, lime juice

Oil: avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil

Flavorings: maple syrup, garlic, shallots

Can I make this salad in the air fryer?

You can make this homemade potato salad in an air fryer. The great thing about air fryers is that they heat up quickly and cook food evenly.

To make this salad in the air fryer, cube the potatoes and lay them in a single layer in the basket or on a small sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Cook the potatoes until they're soft all the way through, then toss them with the other ingredients and salad dressing in a serving bowl.

Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How to serve

Serve this easy sweet potato salad with other side dishes like fried cabbage, dirty rice, or southern green beans.

You can also pair it with your favorite main dishes like smothered pork chops, air fryer turkey thighs, or a mushroom tart.

How to store sweet potato salad

Refrigerate: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Reheat: This dish is even better the next day. You can eat cold sweet potato salad, or you can set it on the counter and allow it to come up to room temperature.

Freeze: This salad doesn't freeze well because when the sweet potatoes thaw, they're mushy and don't have much texture. The next time you want to eat this delicious salad, you can easily make it from scratch.

FAQs

Can I make this salad with other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can make this salad with baby red potatoes, russet, or other firm white potatoes.

Why are the sweet potatoes in my salad hard?

If the cubed sweet potatoes are still hard in the middle, that means they didn't cook long enough to soften all the way through.

How can I make sweet potato salad spicy?

You can easily make this salad spicy by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, diced jalapenos, or spicy ranch dressing. If you use a spicy dressing, each person can choose if they want it spicy or not.

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5 from 3 votes

Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

This Sweet Potato Salad Recipe is made with sweet potatoes, red onions, bacon, cranberries, feta cheese, and creamy honey mustard dressing.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: sweet potato salad

Servings: people

Calories: 555kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup red onions thinly sliced
5 slices bacon cooked and crumbles
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup feta cheese crumbles

Dressing

1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper
fresh parsley for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
While the potatoes are cooling, make the dressing. Add the dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, red onions, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Top with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Homemade Italian Seasoning

August 3, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

Homemade Italian Seasoning can be yours in minutes, you likely have all of these ingredients on hand already! No more fishing out multiple bottles of spices to create your weeknight dinner. Absolute time saver!

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Creating your own seasoning costs nothing but a few minutes of your time. Use Italian Seasoning on your next chicken or turkey dish! Not only is this seasoning very easy to make, Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning is also just as quick and SO delicious!

Looking for more homemade spices? Check out this awesome list of 9 Homemade Seasonings I've put together for you! Curious about how to use other dried herbs in your recipes? Here you'll find The Best Ways to Use Dried Herbs.

small jar filled with Italian seasoning labeled with tape

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Ingredients needed for this recipe

Basil
Dried Oregano
Crushed Dried Rosemary
Dried Thyme leaves
Black Pepper
Rubbed Sage

Tools needed for this recipe

Measuring spoons
Small bowl
Spoon for mixing
Small jar for storing

How to make Italian Seasoning

Mix ingredients in a bowl. Enjoy 🙂

ingredients mixed together in a white bowl

How to store homemade Italian Seasoning

Store your own homemade Italian seasoning the same way you'd store any store-bought seasoning mixes. Store in a cool dark spot, typically the spice cupboard where other spices are stored.

Depending on the amount of seasoning you've made a small or large mason jar will work perfectly. Don't have a mason jar? An empty spice jar with the label removed is a great way to reuse it.

Most importantly storing dried herbs in an airtight container will keep them fresh and tasty longer.

For more information on storing herbs, I've put together The Best Ways to Use Dried Herbs for you here.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, please do!

Just make sure the container you've chosen is large enough and seals tightly.

What is the main Italian seasoning blend?

You can still enjoy the wonderful flavors of your own Italian seasoning if you don't have all of the ingredients listed for this recipe. The combination of the following dried Italian herbs will still bring life to your dishes.

Oregano
Basil
Thyme
Rosemary

My recipe for Italian seasoning has black pepper added. We like the extra bite of flavor black pepper brings to this recipe. Other great additions are garlic powder and red pepper flakes.

Are there other spice blends I can include in Italian seasoning?

Yes! In addition to the ingredients in this recipe, you can add some other flavorful spices to boost it up a notch. Personalize this to your taste.

Spice: Add some warmth with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper powder.
Garlic: If you love garlic, add garlic powder or dried minced garlic to this mixture.
Onion: Another flavor boost you can add is onion powder or dried minced onions.

Notes

Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like. Change the serving size in the recipe card below to modify the ingredients.
Store in an airtight container for future uses. Keep it in a cupboard out of direct sunlight.
Make sure that your ingredients aren’t stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers, if they release an aroma they are good to use.

Looking for more seasoning recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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Italian Seasoning

Homemade Italian Seasoning can be yours in minutes, you likely have all of these ingredients on hand already!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Seasoning, spices

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian Seasoning

Servings: Cup

Calories: 97kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Basil
2 Tablespoons Oregano
1 Tablespoon Crushed Rosemary
½ Tablespoon Thyme Leaves
½ Tablespoon Black Pepper
½ Tablespoon Rubbed Sage

Instructions

Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Enjoy 🙂

Notes

Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like. Change the serving size in the recipe card below to modify the ingredients.
Store in an airtight container for future uses. Keep it in a cupboard out of direct sunlight.
Make sure that your ingredients aren’t stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers, if they release an aroma they are good to use.

Nutrition

How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken

July 28, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

This easy step-by-step guide will show you how to cut up a whole chicken perfectly in no time. With just a few cuts, you can quickly transform an entire chicken into smaller pieces that are perfect for any recipe.

raw cut up chicken pieces on parchment paper

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Growing up, my family only used whole chickens for recipes mainly because we raised our own chickens but also because it was cheaper.

Cutting your raw chicken is a great way to save money at the grocery store. Plus, you can break a chicken down in less than 10 minutes.

My mom could break down a chicken in 5 minutes.

It takes me about 8 minutes, but those 8 minutes save my family a ton of money. Plus, it's nice to have a variety of chicken pieces for dinner.

Here's a quick and easy guide on how to break down a whole chicken:

Tools Needed:

You'll want to gather a few tools before you get started. There are some mandatory tools, and others are optional.

A sharp Chef's knife - the knife can be 6 inches or 8 inches, whichever feels comfortable in your hands. You want it sharp so it can easily cut through the skin and cartilage. I use a 6-inch chef's knife.
Cutting board - the cutting board must be sturdy and shouldn't slip. Place the cutting board on a damp towel will help it stay in place.
A large platter for placing chicken pieces - you'll want to set the pieces aside while you cut them.
Paper towels - to dry the chicken before cutting it.
Food-safe gloves (optional) makes it easier for me to grip the chicken, but I've cut plenty of chickens without them.
Kitchen shears (optional) - may help cut through small bones and the breast bone. I find a sharp kitchen knife can do this with ease.

Ingredients Needed:

You'll need a whole chicken. A 3-4 pound bird is a good starting point until you get the hang of cutting your own chicken.

How to cut up a whole chicken

First, if your chicken is wrapped in plastic, remove the plastic. You'll want to do this step over an empty bowl or sink as the liquid may have accumulated in the package.

Then, check the cavity of the chicken to ensure there aren't any giblets or plastic-wrapped giblets inside the chicken. Some chickens will not have any giblets, while others may have them. Remove it if you see it inside. Set the giblets aside. You can discard them or use them in recipes, like giblet gravy or stuffing.

Pat the chicken dry, so it's easier to handle.

Place the chicken on a sturdy cutting board, breast side up.

Remove the wing tips from the chicken by cutting them off with the Chef's knife.

Set aside. These are great for making homemade chicken broth.

Next, remove any additional fat you see around the chicken near the cavity. You can also remove the little nub at the bottom.

Remove the legs

Grab the chicken drumstick and slice the skin where the drumstick meets the breast, exposing the area under the skin.

Pull the leg away from the chicken and push it upward to pop the bone out of the socket. Cut around this bone and remove the chicken leg from the body, making sure to cut around the oyster, the little bit of the meat that sits closest to the spine.

bone on inside of chicken lef being popped out

* Tip - I find it easiest to hold the leg in my hand while I cut around the leg to remove it from the chicken.

Repeat on the other leg. You have just cut chicken leg quarters.

hand cutting chicken leg from chicken body

Once you have your chicken leg quarters, you can break these down further by separating the drumstick from the thigh. Turn the chicken leg, skin side down, and use your fingers to locate the ball joint between the thigh and drumstick. There will be a white line of fat at this point. Cut on the line to separate the drumstick from the thigh. Repeat with the other leg.

Remove wings from the chicken

Next, remove the wings from the chicken breast by cutting around the skin to expose the shoulder joint. Cut through the joint to separate the wing from the breast. Repeat on the other side.

To further break down the wings, feel for the joint between the drumette and the flat and cut through the joint.

Remove the backbone from the breast

Lift the chicken, so it stands vertically on the cutting board, holding the backbone in your hand, with the opening facing upwards. Use the knife to cut through the skin and cartilage between the back and the breast bone.

Once you get to the shoulder bones, you may need to use a little extra force to get them to separate.

Once you have removed the backbone from the breast, set it aside. The backbone can be used to make stock.

backbone and breast removed from each other

Cut the breast into two

Lay the breast on the cutting board, breast skin side up. Use the knife to slice the chicken breast's skin and meat vertically until you see the bone. Then use a chef's knife and place it over the chicken and apply pressure to cut/crack through the bone with the knife.

slicing between skin and meat of chicken breast

Pro tip: You can break the breast down further by cutting horizontally through the center bone of the breast. This is perfect for getting equal-sized pieces of chicken.

And there you have it, my friend, you just cut up a whole chicken.

Clean up

Make sure to disinfect and sanitize any and everywhere your chicken has come in contact with. Wash your knife and cutting board and disinfect your sink and countertops.

What to do with a whole cut-up chicken?

For the giblets:

If you're lucky enough to have giblets in your chicken, use them in recipes! Giblet gravy, stuffing, and dirty rice are a few of my favorite recipes using giblets.

For the chicken back and wing tips

Make broth! Chicken broth is made from chicken meat and bone. You can use the raw chicken or roast the pieces first. Roasting the pieces of chicken before making the broth makes dark broth, which is incredibly flavorful.

For the chicken pieces: Use them in your favorite recipe, but my all-time favorite way to make them is to roast them. Season them and roast them in a 425-degree oven for 35-40 minutes. You could also grill them, fry them, or chop them further and use them in dishes like curry chicken or brown stew chicken.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful. Looking for more knife skill tutorials: Try these out

How to cut broccoli

Expert tips:

Cut through the skin before cutting, disconnecting any chicken pieces. Cutting through the skin will allow you to see the inside of the chicken and determine where to cut the chicken.
Cut through joints when removing the chicken wings and legs. You should not cut through bone until you have to cut through the carcass and breast bone.
Wash your kitchen tools with hot soapy water and disinfect your kitchen after cutting the chicken.

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How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken

This easy step-by-step guide will show you how to perfectly cut up a whole chicken in no time!

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Keyword: how to cut up a whole chicken

Author: Tanya

Cost: $5

Equipment

1 Sharp Chef's Knife

Ingredients

1 whole chicken patted dry

Instructions

Place the chicken on a sturdy cutting board, breast side up.
Remove the wing tips from the chicken by cutting them off with the Chef's knife.
Next, remove any additional fat you see around the chicken near the cavity. You can also remove the little nub at the bottom.
Grab the chicken drumstick and slice the skin where the drumstick meets the breast, exposing the area under the skin. Pull the leg away from the chicken and push it upward to pop the bone out of the socket. Cut around this bone and remove the chicken leg from the body, making sure to cut around the oyster, the little bit of the meat that sits closest to the spine. Repeat on the other leg
Once you have your chicken leg quarters, you can break these down further by separating the drumstick from the thigh. Turn the chicken leg, skin side down, and use your fingers to locate the ball joint between the thigh and drumstick. There will be a white line of fat at this point. Cut on the line to separate the drumstick from the thigh. Repeat with the other leg.
Next, remove the wings from the chicken breast by cutting around the skin to expose the shoulder joint. Cut through the joint to separate the wing from the breast. Repeat on the other side. To further break down the wings, feel for the joint between the drumette and the flat and cut through the joint.
Lift the chicken, so it stands vertically on the cutting board, holding the backbone in your hand, with the opening facing upwards. Use the knife to cut through the skin and cartilage between the back and the breast bone. Once you get to the shoulder bones, you may need to use a little extra force to get them to separate.
Lay the breast on the cutting board, breast skin side up. Use the knife to slice vertically through the chicken breast's skin and meat until you see the bone. Then use a chef's knife and place it over the chicken and apply pressure to cut/crack through the bone with the knife.

Notes

You can break the breast down further by cutting horizontally through the center bone of the breast. This is perfect for getting equal-sized pieces of chicken.
The backbone and wing tips are great for making homemade chicken broth.

Fried Cabbage Recipe

July 27, 2022 by Tanya 7 Comments

This Fried Cabbage Recipe is a delicious comfort food using sliced cabbage, a bit of salt, a pinch of sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. White cabbage is a humble vegetable but really packs a flavor punch when cooked with these other flavorful ingredients.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

We're big cabbage eaters in our house, and I'm always looking for new ways to make it. But this quick and easy fried cabbage recipe always tends to appear on our menu. It's so quick and easy and can be adapted any way you like. There are a variety of ways to use your extra cabbage, but this is one of the best!

What is fried cabbage?

Fried cabbage is cooking cabbage in a little fat until it's softened. The fat you choose is up to you, but I tend to go for either bacon fat or butter when making this dish.

This cabbage recipe is slightly crunchy, and you can easily make it southern-style cabbage by adding a smoky flavor, like adding bacon or smoked paprika. Once you take that first bite of this cabbage side dish, it will be your new favorite way to eat cabbage.

Ingredients

You can find these simple ingredients in your local grocery store at almost any time. Here is what you will need for this recipe.

Butter
Head of cabbage
Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes

How to make fried cabbage

This simple side dish is only two steps and can be ready to eat in under 20 minutes. Here are the directions for making this dish. You can also print this out using the recipe card below.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

spices added to the top of the shredded cabbage in the pan

Add cabbage, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir.

Cook for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage is coated in butter and softens. Serve and enjoy.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best southern-fried cabbage you've ever tried.

The longer you cook your cabbage, the more it will soften. For crunchier cabbage, cook for 6-8 minutes; for softer cabbage, cook for about 10-12 minutes.
Use a large frying pan in order to spread the cabbage in the pan. The cabbage will shrink and get smaller while it cooks.
This dish is best served immediately while it's still hot.
Add a splash of water or stock if the cabbage is cooking too quickly or if you want it nice and soft.

Variations

Here are some different ways to make this sautéed cabbage into your special dish. Try a few of these suggestions, depending on what you like best.

Sauté some chopped onions and garlic before adding the cabbage.
Pour in some whisked eggs for a stir fry flair.
Add cayenne pepper or Tobasco sauce for a little extra heat.
Buy pre-cut cabbage to cut down on prep time.
Add crispy bacon, pancetta, or sausage for a rich and delicious flavor.
Cook the cabbage in bacon grease.
For extra flavor, stir in chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, or garlic powder.
Add a little apple cider vinegar to offset the bitterness of the cabbage.
Sprinkle in some smoky paprika.

serving fork and spoon in a pan of fried cabbage

What kind of cabbage to use

There are many different types of cabbage, and they can all work with this dish. I prefer green cabbage but use whatever cabbage you have on hand.

Some options include napa cabbage, green cabbage, or red cabbage.

They all have slightly different flavors and textures, so you can play with them to see which one you like best.

Napa cabbage is softer and milder, red cabbage is more bitter and crunchier, and green cabbage is between these two.

How to adjust this fried cabbage recipe

Depending on your preferences, you can easily adjust this sautéed cabbage recipe to make a bigger or smaller batch. Here are the best ways to do this.

Double: To make a large batch of this pan-fried cabbage, double all the ingredients. Make sure to use a big enough pan or cast iron skillet. If you don't have a big sauté pan, you can use a large dutch oven instead.

What meat goes well with fried cabbage?

If you want to serve this tender cabbage recipe with your favorite protein, you can absolutely do so!

This easy side dish pairs well with pork chops, chicken breasts, sausages, or spice-rubbed steak.

It's totally up to you and your family's tastes and preferences.

How to serve this fried cabbage recipe

Southern fried cabbage is an easy recipe to make and can be served with many different types of main dishes like juicy air fryer turkey thighs, air fryer tilapia, steak with garlic herb butter, or air fryer cornish hens.

Some other cabbage options to serve with dinner include instant pot buttered cabbage, sweet and sour cabbage, or Jamaican corned beef and cabbage.

cabbage on a white plate with a fork next to a blue napkin

How to store

To refrigerate: Keep any leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can reheat it in a small bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments until it's warm all the way through.

To meal prep: This is a great recipe to prep ahead of time and fry right before you're ready to eat. Slice the cabbage and prepare the other ingredients. When you're ready to cook, follow the instructions on the recipe card.

FAQs:

How do you cut cabbage for frying?

For this recipe, I prefer to chop the cabbage. I find that the butter sticks to the cabbage better. You can also shred the cabbage. Keep in mind that the thinner shredded or small chopped cabbage will cook faster.

Should you wash cabbage before frying?

I rinse the outer layers of cabbage before chopping and frying. Be sure to dry the cabbage after rinsing it in water.

Do you need to soak cabbage before frying it?

There's no need to soak cabbage before frying it. It will be slightly crunchier if it's not soaked beforehand.

Should you blanch cabbage before frying?

No need to blanch the cabbage before frying.

If you have tried this fried cabbage recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes

Fried Cabbage Recipe

This Fried Cabbage Recipe is a delicious comfort food using sliced cabbage, a bit of salt, a pinch of sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fried cabbage

Servings: servings

Calories: 83kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cups chopped green cabbage
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add cabbage, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir.
Cook for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage is coated in butter and softens. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The longer you cook your cabbage, the more it will soften. For crunchier cabbage, cook for 6-8 minutes. For softer cabbage, cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole

July 26, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious dish made with creamy sweet potato filling and topped with an oat and brown sugar mixture. This dish is perfect for Sunday dinner or as a side with a beautifully roasted turkey.

a scoop removed from the corner of the casserole dish with a spoon sticking out

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

When it comes to sweet potatoes, I have my favorite ways to make them. We like candied sweet potatoes, and we also love a good Southern sweet potato pie. But I had to share this delicious sweet potato casserole to round out our love of sweet potatoes. This will be your favorite way to make this southern-style casserole this year!

What is a southern-style sweet potato casserole?

This version of sweet potato casserole is lighter and made without a marshmallow topping. It's topped with light brown sugar, melted butter, oats, and cinnamon for a wonderfully warm flavor combination.

The best part of this southern sweet potato casserole recipe is how easy it is to make and the sweet yet comforting flavors. You won't be able to put down your fork!

Ingredients

These everyday ingredients can be found in grocery stores at any time of year.

Filling:

Sweet potatoes
Sugar
Eggs
Butter
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Salt

Topping:

Butter
Brown sugar
Flour
Oats
Cinnamon

How to make sweet potato casserole

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Use a fork and poke the sweet potatoes all over. Place the sweet potatoes on a lined sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the sweet potatoes have softened. Remove from the oven and allow the sweet potatoes to cool.

Reduce the heat of the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the sweet potatoes and place the sweet potatoes in the bowl of a stand mixture. Beat the potatoes on low speed until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, and beat the mixture for about 1-2 minutes until combined. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and set aside. Rinse and dry the bowl of the stand mixture.

Next, prepare the topping by combining cold butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, oatmeal, and ground cinnamon in the bowl of the stand mixture. Beat the mixture on low speed until combined, and it starts to stick together in about 1 minute.

brown sugar topping in a mixing bowl with a white paddle

Break the topping up and place the topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.

casserole sprinkled with brown sugar topping in a white casserole dish on a white background

Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is golden and the bottom is bubbly around the edges. Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

These tips and tricks will help you make the best southern-style casserole you've ever tried.

You can also air fry or microwave your sweet potatoes if you need them done a bit quicker. To air fry, cook them at 400° F for 35-40 minutes. To microwave, cook them for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're fork tender.
You can combine the filling by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer using a large bowl, a potato masher, or a hand mixer. For the topping, use a pastry cutter, two butter knives, or your fingers to combine.
Use cold unsalted butter in the oat topping. It'll allow the oat topping to be nice and crunchy, which is the perfect pair to the smooth sweet potato filling.

Variations

Here are some different options you can try when making your casserole dish.

Add mini marshmallows for a different topping.
Make a streusel topping with pecans or walnuts.
Add a splash of bourbon for a classic southern flavor.
Use white, orange, or purple sweet potatoes for a fun color change.

What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes and yams are often confused by shoppers looking to make classic southern sweet potato casserole.

There are a couple of ways you can distinguish the two.

Sweet potatoes can be sold in white, orange, or purple and have soft exterior skin. The flesh is sweet and starchy like a regular white potato.

Yams have tough brown skin and white flesh. They aren't as starchy as other potatoes and are not sweet.

If you've found that you've purchased yams instead of sweet potatoes, don't worry! You can still make an amazing casserole with them.

Add some pure maple syrup to the dish to sweeten it up a bit, and everyone will enjoy a different dish this year.

How to freeze southern-style sweet potato casserole

If you're a prepper, you can make this sweet potato casserole recipe up to three months before the holiday season!

This is a great way to prepare a large Thanksgiving dinner with many side dishes. You'll need to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve.

This can cut down on the time you spend in the kitchen and allow you to enjoy the holiday rather than worrying about preparing everything.

This classic recipe can also be frozen if you have leftover casserole. Put it in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep it in the freezer for up to three months.

It's also a good idea to write the date and title on the bag or piece of tape and stick it to the container. This will help you remember what you saved all those months ago.

How to serve

Serve this easy sweet potato casserole with other side dishes depending on your traditions and your meal.

If you're making it for Sunday dinners, serve it with southern green beans, cornbread, or a beet and orange salad.

Pair it with candied sweet potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, or soft dinner rolls to serve for special occasions.

How to store southern style sweet potato casserole

To refrigerate: Store leftover creamy sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can easily reheat a scoop in a small bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stir when the time ends and continue microwaving until the potatoes are warm all the way through.

To meal prep: This dish is perfect for making ahead to have with your Thanksgiving meal or Christmas dinner. You can prepare it through baking or bake it the day you're going to eat. Either way, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, follow the directions for baking or reheating.

How to make sweet potato casserole ahead of time

You can prep this dish 2-3 days in advance. Prepare the sweet potato mixture and place it in the casserole pan. Store this in the refrigerator. Store the crumble topping in a separate container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and remove the casserole pan from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Add the crumble topping at this time. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour.

FAQs

Why do you add eggs to sweet potato casserole?

Eggs bind the sweet potatoes together and provide a bit of liquid to help keep the casserole moist.

Can you use canned sweet potatoes?

You can use canned potatoes for this recipe; fresh sweet potatoes have the best flavor and texture.

How do you thicken sweet potato casserole?

This casserole shouldn't need to be thickened since the potatoes are a natural thickener. If you find it does need to be a little thicker, you can cook the dish a little longer until the moisture evaporates.

Can I boil the sweet potatoes for sweet potato casserole?

I recommend roasting your sweet potatoes for the best results. Sweet potatoes release natural sugars when roasting, giving this dish the best flavor. If you prefer to boil your sweet potatoes, peel and chop your sweet potatoes before placing them in a pot with water that covers the potatoes by 2 inches. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender before draining.

If you have tried this Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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5 from 5 votes

Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicous dish made with creamy sweet potato filling and topped with an oats and brown sugar mixture.

Prep Time1

Cook Time1

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: sweet potato casserole

Servings: servings

Calories: 540kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Filling

3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 6 medium-sized sweet potatoes, about 8 ounces each) or 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs lightly beaten
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
½ cup heavy cream
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Topping

8 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter diced
½ cup brown sugar packed
½ cup all purpose flour
½ cup old fashioned oats
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Use a fork and poke the sweet potatoes all over. Place the sweet potatoes on a lined sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the sweet potatoes have softened. Remove from the oven and allow the sweet potatoes to cool.
Reduce the heat of the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the sweet potatoes and place the sweet potatoes in the bowl of a stand mixture. Beat the potatoes on low speed until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, and beat the mixture for about 1-2 minutes until combined. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and set aside. Rinse and dry the bowl of the stand mixture.
Next, prepare the topping by combining cold butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, oatmeal, and ground cinnamon in the bowl of the stand mixture. Beat the mixture on low speed until combined, and it starts to stick together, about 1 minute. Break the topping up and place the topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is golden and the bottom is bubbly around the edges. Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can also air fry or microwave your sweet potatoes if you need them done a bit quicker. To air fry, air fry on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes. To microwave, for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
You can mix the mixture by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. For the topping, use a pastry cutter, two butter knives, or your fingers to combine the mixture.

Nutrition

Smothered Pork Chops

July 25, 2022 by Tanya 5 Comments

Seasoned and seared perfectly, these bone-in Pork Chops are tender, smothered in rich onion gravy, and done in 30 minutes! Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.

smothered pork chop on a plate with a fork and bite taken out

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

This recipe is an inspiration from childhood, pork chops and gravy with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes and either green beans or corn. Don't forget to soak up that leftover gravy lingering on your plate! Whip up some soft Air Fryer Dinner Rolls to serve with pork chops with gravy.

A true easy weeknight recipe you'll want to make again and again.

I use a hot cast-iron pan to get the perfect sear on these pork chops, but feel free to use any large skillet you have. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these pork chops are perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

ingredients for smothered pork chops with labels on it

Ingredients you'll need are:

Kosher salt
Black pepper
Onion Powder
Poultry seasoning
Smoked paprika
Bone-in rib pork chops 1 inch thick, patted dry (about 2 lbs.)
Olive oil
Butter
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
All-purpose flour
Chicken broth
Heavy cream

Tools you'll need are:

Sheet pan
Whisk
Spatula
12-inch skillet or cast iron skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board
Meat thermometer

How to make Pork Chops in Onion Gravy

Add kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and smoked paprika in a small bowl and mix until combined. Pat pork chops dry and season pork chops on both sides.

Three seasoned pork chops on a paper towel

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

three pork chops seared in a cast iron pan

Remove pork chops from heat and let the chops rest while you make the gravy.

Decrease the heat to medium and add butter and onions to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to sauté the onions until softened, for about 5-7 minutes, deglazing the pan by removing any brown bits from the bottom.

Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic in the pan and stir for about one minute.

Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pan while stirring. Allow the mixture to cook for about 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it has thickened slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and stir.

cream being added to the gravy in a cast iron pan

Add the pork chops back to the skillet and cover them with the gravy. Continue to cook pork chops for about 3-4 minutes until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove from heat and serve.

pork chops covered in gravy in a cast iron pan

What to serve with Smothered Pork Chops

While the star of the show is our creamy gravy-smothered pork chops, what to serve it with is just as important.

How to know when your pork chops are done

A meat thermometer will give the best indication of when the pork chops are perfectly cooked.

The internal temperature for perfectly juicy and tender pork chops should be a minimum of 145 Fahrenheit. This also goes for any other cut of pork except ground pork and is true for bone-in pork chops and boneless pork chops.

If cooked to the typical 160 Fahrenheit, your pork chops may not be as tender and juicy. Do note that only ground pork should be cooked at 160 Fahrenheit.

pork chops in a cast iron pan ready to be served

Gravy variations

Mushrooms: In addition to onions and garlic, including mushrooms in your gravy will add another layer of delicious flavor.
Spice: Add a pinch of Cayenne pepper for a bit of spice.
Extra caramelized onions: Sauté your onions until dark golden brown to release those sweet umami flavors onions have.

Picking out a Pork Chop

For this recipe, I have used a Rib Chop. This will be the most tender of the pork chops to choose from.

Bone-in or Boneless Pork Chops? While all delicious, a bone-in chop will yield more flavor. A nice fat marbling will also provide more flavor. Fat = Flavor!

Rib Chop or Center Loin Chop, Bone-in: Tender & thick. Approx 1 inch thick.

Loin Chops: A leaner cut of pork. May not yield as much flavor as a bone in chop.

Storing leftover Smothered Pork Chops

Refrigerate pork chop in gravy in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

pork chop with gravy on a plate over rice

Notes

The pork chops will not be done once they are browned. They should finish cooking in the gravy.
Use a quick-read thermometer to ensure the pork has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooked pork can result in rubbery meat.
I use center-cut rib chops that are all-natural. Using all-natural or organic chops will allow your pork chops to brown nicely. You can also sub with loin chops or boneless chops.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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5 from 3 votes

Smothered Pork Chops

Seasoned and seared perfectly in a hot cast iron pan these bone-in Pork Chops are tender, smothered in rich onion gravy, and done in 30 minutes! Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: Smothered Pork Chops

Servings: servings

Calories: 507kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

cast iron skillet
meat thermometer

Ingredients

2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
3 Bone-in rib pork chops 1 inch thick, patted dry (about 2 lbs.)
2 tablespoons Olive oil
3 tablespoons Butter
1 Yellow onion halved and sliced
2 Garlic cloves chopped
¼ cup All purpose flour
1 ½ cups Chicken broth
½ cup Heavy cream

Instructions

In a small bowl, add kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and smoked paprika and mix until combined. Sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of the pork chops.
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove pork chops from heat and set aside on a plate. Decrease the heat to medium and add butter and onions to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to sauté the onions until softened, about 5-7 minutes, deglazing the pan in the process by removing any brown bits from the bottom. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic in the pan and stir for about one minute.
Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pan while stirring. Allow the mixture to cook for about 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it has thickened slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and stir.
Add the pork chops back to the skillet and cover them with the gravy. Continue to cook the pork chops, for about 3-4 minutes, until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

The pork chops will not be done once they are browned. They should finish cooking in the gravy.

Use a quick-read thermometer to ensure the pork has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooked pork can result in rubbery meat.

I use center-cut rib chops, that are all-natural. Using all-natural or organic chops will allow your pork chops to brown nicely. You can also sub with loin chops or boneless chops.

Nutrition

Creamy Carrot and Lentil Soup

July 22, 2022 by Tanya 1 Comment

A creamy and hearty meatless soup! This Carrot and Lentil Soup is protein-packed and full of flavor. It works well as a side or main dish. Budget-friendly and naturally Vegan!

overhead of two bowl of carrot and lentil soup with cilantro garnish and two spoons

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

An absolutely delicious bisque-like soup made in one pot! Start the soup season with this carrot soup and a side of crusty bread. Create a big batch to share with family and friends, and let the warm spices distract you from the Fall chill outside. You'll impress everyone, and they'll be coming back for more.

Serve Carrot and Red Lentil Soup alongside Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts and a Cranberry Pecan Apple Salad. If this meal doesn't scream fall I don't know what does.

overhead of a bowl of carrot and lentil soup with cilantro garnish and two spoons

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Ingredients you'll need for Carrot and Red Lentil Soup:

Olive oil
Carrots
Shallots
Fresh Ginger
Ground Cumin
Ground Cinamon
Paprika
Vegetable broth
Dried red lentils
Coconut milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Cilantro for serving

Tools you'll need are:

Immersion blender
Large pot or dutch oven
Wooden spoon

How to make Carrot and Lentil Soup

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, shallots, and ginger, and cook until the carrots start to soften.

carrots, shallots, and ginger in a large pot

Add the spices and cook until fragrant stirring occasionally, about 2-3 more minutes.

carrot, shallots, ginger and spices in a large pot

Then add the vegetable broth and lentils. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils and carrots are tender.

vegetable broth and lentils added to a large pot

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy. Alternatively, transfer to a high-speed blender. Remember to let steam escape the blender while blending the soup.

Return the soup to the pot and stir in the coconut milk. Add water to thin the soup if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

finished soup being stirred with a wooden spoon

Can you freeze Carrot Lentil Soup?

Of Course! Making a large batch to save for later? Or do you need to portion out individual servings? This soup freezes very well.

Before freezing, allow the carrot red lentil soup to cool to room temperature. Freeze soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw completely before reheating and serving.

What to serve with Carrot and Lentil Soup

While this wonderful recipe is hearty and absolutely delicious, serving it with crusty bread or warm naan bread will bring it full circle. Use the bread to soak up the leftover bits in the bottom of your bowl.

Do lentils need to be soaked for carrot and lentil soup?

Nope! For this Carrot and Red Lentil Soup recipe soaking the red lentils is unnecessary. While rinsing them off before adding them to the lentil soup is okay.

How to garnish Carrot soup with red lentils

Top off the finished carrot and lentil soup with a couple of swirls of coconut milk and freshly chopped cilantro.

Additional garnishes you may love are:

Croutons
Chilli flakes
Fresh Parsley
Plain yogurt or greek yogurt
Drizzle of olive oil

Looking for more tasty recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this delicious soup recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Creamy Carrot and Lentil Soup

A creamy and hearty meatless soup! Protein packed and full of flavor, it works well as a side or main dish. Budget-friendly and naturally Vegan! You'll impress everyone and they'll be coming back for more.

Prep Time10

Cook Time22

Total Time32

Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Carrot and Lentin Soup

Servings: People

Calories: 351kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

1 immersion blender

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Pound Carrots Sliced
2 Shallots Thinly sliced
1 inch Ginger Peeled and grated
1 teaspoon Cumin
¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Paprika
4 cups Vegetable broth
⅔ cup Dried red lentils
1 cup Coconut milk Canned, shake first.
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro for serving

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, shallots, and ginger, and cook until the carrots start to soften.
Add the spices and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 more minutes.
Add the vegetable broth, and lentils. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils and carrots are tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy. Alternatively, transfer to a high-speed blender. Remember to let steam escape the blender while blending the soup.
Return the soup to the pot and stir in the coconut milk. Add water to thin the soup if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

You don't need to soak the red lentils for this recipe. Just rinse and add them to the recipe.
Choose your favorite soup toppings, like croutons, chili flakes, fresh parsley, yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve with nice crusty bread or naan bread.

Nutrition

Easy Dirty Rice Recipe

July 20, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

A deliciously seasoned side dish packed with flavor and easy to prepare in one pot! Don't let this Dirty Rice fool you, it's substantial flavor and ingredients could make this a hearty main dish as well. Packed with the holy trinity, robust flavor, ground sausage, and chicken livers, your guests will surely love it!

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Combine the Holy Trinity and other Cajun seasonings to this one-pot wonder. This dish is a perfect stand-alone one-pot dinner or a delicious side to Fried Catfish! This will be the best dirty rice your family has.

This recipe has been one of our favorites for years because of its authentic taste. Authentic dirty rice has chicken livers and/or gizzards in addition to ground pork. Feel free to change up the meats in this recipe to your liking. I tend to stick with this version for my family and friends.

If you love this dish, try our Instant Pot Cajun Dirty Rice or Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)!

white pot of dirty rice with wooden spoon

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Ingredients you'll need

Ground Pork Sausage - ground beef can be used as a substitute
Chicken Livers - finely chopped or minced chicken livers
Onion
Celery Stalks
Green bell pepper
Garlic
Creole Seasoning - If you don't have access to creole seasoning, try our Homemade Cajun Seasoning.
Dried Thyme
Worcestershire Sauce
Hot Sauce
Long Grain White Rice
Beef Broth
Water
Bay Leaf
Fresh Parsley

Tools you'll need

Large pot or large dutch oven with lid
Meat chopper (optional but well worth it)
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden Spoon
Fork

How to make this Dirty Rice recipe

Add pork sausage and chicken livers to a large pot over medium heat and sauté until the meat has browned. I use a meat chopper to get the meat nice and ground.

Add the onion, celery, green bell pepper, minced garlic, Creole seasoning, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir and cook until onions and bell peppers have softened a bit, about 2-3 minutes.

Add rice, beef broth, and water and stir with a wooden spoon, ensuring all brown bits are removed from the bottom. Place bay leaf on top of the mixture.

Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Allow to cook for 18 minutes over low heat, then remove the pot from heat. Leave the lid on the pot for an additional 5 minutes.

large pot with rice, broth, meat and bay leaf

Open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Add chopped parsley and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve and enjoy.

finished pot of dirty rice with fresh parsley on top

What to serve with Dirty Rice

Is a one-pot meal not enough? Try these yummy additions to serve alongside Dirty Rice

What is the Holy Trinity?

Onion, Green bell peppers, and Celery are known as the holy trinity in Cajun or Creole cooking. These three ingredients are a base for many Creole dishes.

How to store leftover Dirty Rice

Store leftover dirty rice in the refrigerator for 5-6 days in an airtight container.

Freeze dirty rice in a freezer Ziploc bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow the rice to cool before storing it in the freezer.

Turn leftover dirty rice into stuffed peppers! Hollow out bell peppers, cut them in half, and fill them with 1 cup of dirty rice. Sprinkle some cheese on top and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes until the peppers have softened and the cheese is melty.

Why do they call it Dirty Rice?

Dirty rice, cajun rice, or rice dressing are all a variety of the same rice dish. The dirty name comes from the rice's color when paired with finely ground meat.

Cajun rice or rice dressing is usually made with ground beef, venison, or pork, whereas dirty rice can contain organ meats, like chicken livers or gizzards, such as this recipe.

Notes

If you’re not a fan of livers, feel free to replace them with ground beef or ground turkey. Please note that the chicken livers give an authentic tasting dirty rice.
If you're looking for a healthier version, replace the ground pork with ground turkey, and swap out white rice for brown rice.

Looking for more rice recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Easy Dirty Rice Recipe

A deliciously seasoned side dish, packed with flavor and easy to prepare in one pot! Don't let this Dirty Rice fool you, it's substantial flavor and ingredients could make this Dirty Rice a hearty main dish as well.

Prep Time15

Cook Time40

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Keyword: Dirty Rice

Servings: servings

Calories: 394kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork sausage
½ pound chicken livers finely chipped
1 large onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
½ green bell pepper chopped
1 tablespoon garlic minced
1 tablespoon creole seasoning
1 teaspoon thyme dried
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2 cups long grain white rice rinsed
1 ¼ cup beef broth
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Add pork sausage and livers to a large pot over medium heat and sauté, until the meat has browned.
Add the onion, celery, green bell pepper, minced garlic, Creole seasoning, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir and cook until onions and bell peppers have softened a bit, about 2-3 minutes.
Add rice, beef broth, and water and stir with a wooden spoon, ensuring all brown bits are removed from the bottom. Place bay leaf on top of the mixture.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Allow to cook for 18 minutes over low heat, then remove the pot from heat. Leave the lid on the pot for an additional 5 minutes.
Open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Add chopped parsley and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

If you’re not a fan of livers, feel free to replace them with ground beef or ground turkey. Please note that the chicken livers give an authentic tasting dirty rice.

Nutrition

Southern Green Beans

July 13, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

Southern Green Beans is a delicious side dish with smoked turkey, fresh green beans, and cajun seasoning. This melt-in-your-mouth dish will be your new favorite way to take your Sunday dinner or special occasion to the next level.

pot filled with green beans and smoked turkey with a wooden spoon

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I'm no stranger to making flavorful green beans. I love smothered green beans as well as making green beans in a pressure cooker. But my all-time favorite has to be southern-style green beans.

What are southern green beans?

The best thing about this southern green bean recipe is the flavorful broth created by slow-cooking smoked turkey necks before simmering the green beans. They soak up all that wonderful cooking liquid and become incredibly tender and rich.

The green beans are cooked low and slow until they are nice and soft. They should not be waxy or crunchy, but tender. This ultimate comfort food will be a hit at your next holiday party or backyard barbecue.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients needed to make this green bean recipe from scratch.

Butter
Onion
Garlic
Smoked turkey necks
Chicken broth
Cajun seasoning
Black pepper
Green beans

How to make southern green beans

Here are brief instructions on how to make this flavorful green bean recipe.

Stovetop:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, add the onions, and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Add the turkey necks, chicken broth, water, cajun seasoning, and black pepper, and bring the pot to a simmer. Once the broth begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook on medium-low heat until turkey necks start to become tender, about 1-2 hours (depending on the size of your turkey necks).

Add green beans to the pot and cover. Continue to cook, occasionally stirring, until they become tender, about 35-45 minutes.

Remove the turkey neck from the pot, shred the meat from the bone, add it back to the pot and discard the bone.

Serve the green beans with a slotted spoon.

white bowl with green beans and smoked turkey

Pressure cooker:

Press “sauté” on the pressure cooker. Once the display reads “hot,” add the butter and saute the onions for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Press “cancel” on the pressure cooker.

Add the turkey necks, chicken broth, water, cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Cover, press “pressure cook,” and set it on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once it’s done cooking, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.

cooked turkey in an instant pot with broth

Add the green beans, cover, and press “pressure cook.” Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When it’s finished, allow it to naturally release the pressure for five more minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.

green beans and smoked turkey in an instant pot

Remove the lid and scoop the beans out with a slotted spoon into a large serving bowl.

cooked green beans and smoked turkey in an instant pot

Expert Tips

Here are some tips for making this great side dish.

Depending on how large the turkey necks are, they may need to cook a little longer.
The beans should be perfectly soft and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and they shouldn’t be crunchy or mushy.
Cook these southern-style green beans in a pan on the stove, baked in the oven, instant pot, or slow cooker. They just need to be cooked until they’re soft and the flavors have been soaked up. Any of these cooking methods will work for this.

Variations

Old-fashioned southern green beans can be adapted to fit your tastes and preferences. Here are some tips you can use to make this one of your favorite side dishes.

Add red potatoes to make southern green beans with potatoes.
Make it sweet by adding brown sugar.
Pour in a tablespoon of vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Use garlic powder and onion powder instead of fresh onions and garlic if you need.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Toss in some fresh herbs right before serving for a bright flavor at the end.
Add Worcestershire sauce or mushrooms for a more savory flavor.
Substitute the smoked turkey with other smoked meats like bacon or a ham hock.
Use creole seasoning rather than cajun seasoning.

white bowl with green beans and smoked turkey with a wooden spoon

How to choose the best green beans

When choosing fresh green beans from the grocery store, look for a bright green color and a supple texture with no brown spots or soggy beans.

It takes a little patience to get a tender green bean when cooking them on the stove, but it's entirely worth it for this great recipe.

You can also use canned beans or frozen beans. These will already be soft, so you won't need to cook them as long as you would fresh beans.

All you need to do is add them to the pot liquor created by the smoky flavor from the slow-cooked turkey.

How to serve

This easy green bean recipe can be served with your favorite southern dishes like collard greens, pork chops, Air fryer fried chicken, perfect air fryer steak, southern-style shrimp and grits, or southern candied sweet potatoes.

How to store

Refrigerate: Keep leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Freeze: Store an extra batch of these beans in a large freezer bag in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheat: When you're ready to eat this leftover dish, reheat it in the microwave in 30-second increments until they are warm all the way through. You can also reheat them in a pot on the stove if you'd rather.

Meal prep: If you're making this delicious side dish for special occasions, like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, you can prep it in advance and have it ready to cook the day of the event. It's best to serve it the same day it's cooked for the best flavor.

FAQs

How can I make vegetarian southern green beans?

You can easily cook these southern-style green beans without meat to make them vegetarian or vegan. To make them vegetarian, leave out the smoked turkey. To make them vegan, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock as well.

What’s the difference between string beans and green beans?

String beans and green beans are the same type of green beans. Some green beans have a fibrous string running down the center, but that has been removed mainly by farmers planting only the variation without the string.

Can I cook southern green beans in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this southern green beans recipe in a crock pot. The key is to get the beans to that perfect, soft texture and not overcook them.

Print Recipe

4.67 from 6 votes

Southern Green Beans

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: southern green beans, southern green beans recipe

Servings: people

Calories: 142kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

2 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 Yellow onion chopped
2 Garlic cloves chopped
1 lb smoked turkey necks
2 cups Chicken broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 lbs Green beans trimmed and snapped into pieces

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Add turkey necks, chicken broth, water, cajun seasoning, and black pepper.
Bring to a simmer. Once the broth begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook on medium-low heat until turkey necks start to become tender, about 1-2 hours (depending on the size of your turkey necks).
Add green beans to the pot and cover. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the green beans become tender, about 35-45 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Remove the turkey neck and remove meat from the bone. Add meat back into the pot and discard the bone.
Serve the green beans with a slotted spoon. Enjoy.

Electric Pressure Cooker Instructions

Press “sauté” on the pressure cooker. Once the display reads “hot,” add butter. Add onions and sauté for 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Press “cancel” on the pressure cooker.
Add turkey necks, chicken broth, water, cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Cover. Press “pressure cook” and pressure cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once pressure has been done, natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
Add green beans. Cover and press “pressure cook” and pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the timer is up, allow to natural release for 5 minutes. Then quickly release any remaining pressure.
Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The amount of time needed to cook the turkey necks initially will depend on the size of the turkey necks. Larger turkey necks will take longer to cook.

Nutrition

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

July 12, 2022 by Tanya 4 Comments

It's so easy to cook these juicy turkey thighs in the air fryer! Beautifully seasoned with crispy skin and done in 30 minutes.

Air fried turkey thigh on a plate with green beans and a fork

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Crispy skin turkey and a juicy center are what we all want in a turkey thigh. Rub on these wonderful creole spices and it's soon to be the star of your family's dinner!

Add this to your air fryer Thanksgiving recipes too. Perfect for a new couple or a single person. You don't have to prepare a traditional oven-roasted turkey to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Nor do you have to spend hours tending to an entire turkey and sharing oven space with other yummy dishes.

Pair air-fried turkey thighs with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Smothered Green Beans. Round it out with Easy Cornbread Muffins and for dessert, a Sweet Potato Bundt Cake. Don't think you have to wait until November to enjoy all of these dishes, air fryer turkey can be enjoyed all year round for as long as your air fryer is working!

Air Fried Turkey Thigh Ingredients and Tools Needed

Poultry Seasoning
Creole Seasoning
Kosher Salt
Garlic Powder
Black Petter
Bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs - Roughly 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs

Tools needed for this recipe:

Air Fryer
Quick read thermometer
Small bowl
Paper towel

How to make Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Mix poultry seasoning, creole seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub seasonings on both sides of the chicken thighs, and under the skin. Let sit for 30 minutes. Feel free to skip the 30-minute wait if you're in a hurry.

raw turkey thighs rubbed with seasoning blend

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 Celcius).

Place turkey thighs, skin side down, in the preheated air fryer basket, and cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the turkey thighs and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

prepped turkey thighs skin side down in air fryer basket

checking the temperature of the turkey thigh with a meat thermometer

close up of 2 turkey thighs cooked through in air fryer basket

Remove from the air fryer and let the turkey rest for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Is an air fryer turkey juicy?

When food is placed into an air fryer and turned on circulating hot air cooks and crisps up the food. Because turkey thighs are higher in fat than turkey breasts, no additional oil or butter is needed for the turkey to maintain its moisture. Whereas a boneless turkey breast will need a little spritz of oil to help keep it moist.

Moreover, if you cook either a turkey thigh or turkey breast too long, they'll become dry.

Prepping turkey thighs for the air fryer

Make sure you've thawed the turkey completely before prepping, this will ensure you get a proper read on the thermometer when they've finished cooking.

Pat your turkey thighs dry with paper towels and season or marinade per your recipe instructions before placing it into the air fryer. Making sure your chicken is dry will ensure the seasonings stick to the chicken and the skin gets crispy.

If you're skittish about touching raw turkey, food-grade gloves are a great option!

How long does it take to air-fry a turkey per pound?

Cooking time for a turkey in an air fryer can differ depending on the size of your turkey and air fryer. You can absolutely make an air-fried whole turkey as well. A good rule for air fryer whole turkey or turkey parts is 8-10 minutes per pound.

Where do you check a turkey thigh temperature?

Using a meat thermometer, place the tip into the thickest part of the turkey thigh without touching the bone. Ensure you're not touching the bone or the temperature reading will be inaccurate. For a fully cooked, yet still juicy turkey thigh the internal temperature needs to reach 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit.

close up of turkey thigh cooked through in air fryer basket

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Storing:

Store turkey thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat leftover turkey thighs in a 350-degree Fahrenheit preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through so the top can re-crisp.

Air Fryer Turkey Thigh Recipe Notes:

The turkey thigh should reach a temperature between 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a quick read thermometer to ensure the turkey thighs are done.
I like to allow my turkey thighs to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to absorb the seasonings. Feel free to skip this step if you’re short on time. In the alternative, you can season the turkey thighs beforehand, about 1-2 days, and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Looking for more Air Fryer or Turkey recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this air fryer recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

It's so easy to cook these juicy turkey thighs in the air fryer! Beautifully seasoned with a crispy skin and done in 30 minutes.

Prep Time40

Cook Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air fryer turkey thighs

Servings: People

Calories: 363kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 teaspoons Poultry seasoning
1 ½ teaspoons Creole seasoning
¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon Garlic powder
½ teaspoon Black pepper
2 pounds Bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine poultry seasoning, creole seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
Pat turkey thighs dry. Rub seasonings on both sides of the turkey thighs, as well as under the skin. Let sit for 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, feel free to skip the 30-minute wait.
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 Celcius).
Place turkey thighs, skin side down, in preheated air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the turkey thighs and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Remove and allow thighs to rest for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

The turkey thigh should reach a temperature between 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a quick read thermometer to ensure the turkey thighs are done.
I like to allow my turkey thighs to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to absorb the seasonings. Feel free to skip this step if you’re short on time. In the alternative, you can season the turkey thighs beforehand, about 1-2 days, and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Nutrition

The Most Popular Jamaican Herbs and Spices and How to Use Them

July 11, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

Jamaican spices and herbs are the heart and soul of Jamaican cooking and are used to build unforgettable flavors.

collage of scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and green onion with text that says popular Jamaican herbs and spices

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Authentic, made-from-scratch Jamaican food is built around fresh herbs and spices. Ingredients like pimento, turmeric, Jamaican curry powder, and aromatics like fresh thyme and scallions come together in traditional Jamaican recipes to create a tantalizing experience for the senses and the taste buds! This is one food culture that doesn’t shy away from flavor.

Discover the most popular Jamaican herbs and spices, and how to use them in the island’s most popular recipes,

Scotch Bonnet Pepper

The Scotch bonnet pepper may have a mild, if not cute name, but these peppers are hot, hot, hot! The Scotch bonnet pepper is part of the habanero family, and is used in cooking throughout the Caribbean. Depending on when the pepper is picked, it can be bright orange, yellow, or even green, red, or brown.

It's difficult to fully describe how a Scotch bonnet pepper tastes; this is one pepper you have to try to appreciate. Most cooks will tell you that Scotch bonnet peppers are slightly fruity, even a little sweet, and, depending on how you prepare them, tons and tons of spicy flavor.

Spice mixes and sauces are a must in Jamaican cuisine, and Scotch bonnet peppers are one of the most popular ingredients in recipes like Jamaican Escovitch Fish and Jamaican Stew Peas. Scotch bonnet peppers are also used to make Jamaican curry and jerk seasonings!

Thyme

No Jamaican kitchen is complete without fresh thyme. Did you know there are close to 100 varieties of this aromatic herb in Jamaica?

Thyme is often used in soups, stews, and as a seasoning for meat and fish. Braised oxtails with thyme, Saltfish Fritters, and Caribbean Green Seasoning build their base flavor around versatile, herbaceous thyme.

Escallion (Jamaican Scallion)

Scallions are a staple in Jamaican cooking, and many dishes just wouldn’t be the same without them. Mild and delicious Jamaican scallions look similar to other alliums, with the exception of their skin which is a purplish red at the bulb. Jamaican rice and peas wouldn’t be complete without the zip of scallion flavor (and thyme and ginger!).

Scallions are used to enhance the flavors in Jamaica’s national dish Ackee and Saltfish.

If you can't find scallions, a green onion can be used.

Curry Powder

Jamaican curry powder recipes can have some variations, but most start with a base of turmeric, Scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, coriander, and cumin. When used in stews, soups, or meat dishes, the result is a warm, comforting meal that’s hearty and hard to resist.

Popular Jamaican recipes like Jamaican Curry Goat, use curry powder to balance out the gaminess of the goat meat and give the dish a vibrant flavor. Jamaican curry powders tend to have more turmeric, and less spice, than their Indian counterparts,

Jerk Seasoning

Jerk is a style of Jamaican cooking native to the island that uses a hot, spicy marinade to rub on chicken or pork before being grilled. If you’ve never tried authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning you’re missing out. It’s as eye-wateringly good, as it is mouth-wateringly good!

Jerk seasoning, or paste, recipes usually involve a mix of Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento, ginger, lime, garlic, sugar, onions, thyme, and soy sauce. It’s basically a who's who of spices and flavors, and incredibly addicting. Jerk chicken and jerk pork are popular Jamaican dishes.

Turmeric

Jamaican turmeric is an essential Jamaican food ingredient. The turmeric found on the island is known for its intense flavor, bright orange-yellow color, and high concentration of curcumin, which in addition to adding a pronounced ginger-like flavor to food, is also good for reducing inflammation and arthritic pain.

The pastry dough that surrounds a sizzling hot and savory Jamaican beef patty (yum!) is made with turmeric, along with curry powder, flour, butter, and sugar. Turmeric is also one of the spices used to create Jamaican curry powder.

Pimento

Pimento is a dried, unripe berry from the Pimenta dioica tree. You may also know pimento as allspice or Jamaican pepper. This fragrant spice has notes of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, which makes it perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. Pimento is so invitingly aromatic, and presents itself as a wonderfully warm spice, that it works with everything from pimento-smoked jerk chicken, to pimento-spiced rice and ackee pimento flan!

The berries can be added whole to a dish for added flavor, but remove before serving. Or simply crush them in a mortar and pestle and add them to your dish. I love crushed pimento in my cornmeal porridge.

I hope you liked learning a bit more about popular herbs and spices in Jamaica. This guide and these Jamaican recipes will have you feeling like you're on the island.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

June 29, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

These air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp are the perfect appetizer or main dish. These shrimp are easy to make, and they taste amazing!

finished air fryer bacon wrapped shimp in air fryer basket

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

If you're looking for an easy and delicious air fryer appetizer or main course, you must try air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp. And if you love bacon, this recipe is right up your alley.

The shrimp are wrapped in bacon, and then they are air fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, flavorful shrimp that will surely be a hit with your family and friends.

Like my air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken recipe, this shrimp has a sweet, spicy, and smokey flavor combined in one. With minimal prep, this is an air fryer recipe you'll want to make again and again.

hand holding up bacon wrapped shrimp over air fryer

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Shrimp: I use defrosted, large or jumbo shrimp, raw shrimp that has been deveined, peeled, and with the tail on. You can also use shrimp with the tail off. I keep the tail on so it can easily be picked up.
Bacon: Use center-cut bacon. I'd avoid thick-cut bacon as it'll take longer to cook.
Seasonings: Brown sugar and chili powder give these shrimp that delicious sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Air fryer: These shrimp work best in the air fryer.
Toothpicks: Toothpicks are used to secure the bacon to the shrimp.

ingredients needed for bacon wrapped shrimp

How to make air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp

First, cut your slices of bacon into thirds. Add brown sugar and chili powder to a small bowl and mix until combined. Pat the shrimp dry. Place the shrimp into the brown sugar and mix, coating both sides of the shrimp.

raw shrimp in brown sugar and chili powder mix

Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure the bacon to the shrimp with a toothpick.

Place the shrimp wrapped in bacon into the bottom of an air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap them. Cook in batches if necessary.

raw shrimp wrapped in raw bacon secured with a toothpick

raw shrimp wrapped in raw bacon inside air fryer basket

Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.

bacon wrapped in shrimp in air fryer basket

Remove and serve alone or with a dipping sauce.

bacon wrapped shrimp on white plate with a dipping sauce

The best shrimp to use in bacon wrapped shrimp

Defrosted, large, or jumbo shrimp will work best in this recipe. Large shrimp gives the bacon and shrimp enough time to cook simultaneously. Make sure to devein the shrimp and remove the shell before cooking. I do not recommend pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe.

How to change up the seasonings

If you're not a fan of spice, feel free to modify the shrimp seasonings to your liking. You could add salt and pepper to the shrimp. You could also marinate the shrimp in barbecue sauce.

Can I make this bacon-wrapped shrimp in the oven?

Absolutely! But it'll take a few more steps if you want similar results to this air fryer. Here's an oven-baked bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe.

What to serve with bacon wrapped shrimp?

These bacon-wrapped shrimp are great on their own but pair well with a dipping sauce. I like to dip mine in honey mustard. You could dip them in ranch, remoulade sauce, or ketchup.

I usually serve these as an appetizer but feel free to pair them with a side to make them the main meal. They would go great with yellow rice, plantains, or your favorite salad.

Notes

I do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe. If you preheat, decrease the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
If using frozen shrimp, defrost the shrimp before proceeding with the recipe.
Feel free to change up the shrimp seasoning and use sauces like bbq sauce instead.

Looking for more air fryer appetizer recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this Air fryer shrimp wrapped in bacon recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

These air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp are the perfect appetizer or main dish. They are easy to make, and they taste amazing!

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp, bacon wrapped shrimp

Servings: people

Calories: 305kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

½ cup brown sugar
½ Tablespoon chili powder
12 oz raw large or jumbo shrimp shell remove, deveined, with tails on
6 slices bacon cut into thirds

Instructions

Add brown sugar and chili powder in a small bowl and mix until combined. Pat the shrimp dry.
Place the shrimp into the brown sugar and mix, coating both sides of the shrimp.
Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure the bacon to the shrimp with a toothpick.
Place the shrimp wrapped in bacon into the bottom of an air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap them. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.
Remove and serve alone or with a dipping sauce.

Notes

I do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe. If you preheat, decrease the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
If using frozen shrimp, defrost the shrimp before proceeding with the recipe.
Feel free to change up the shrimp seasoning and use sauces like bbq sauce instead.

Nutrition

An Easy to Follow Guide for How to Cook Dried Beans

June 27, 2022 by Tanya 5 Comments

Once you learn how to cook dried beans from scratch, you’ll want to say ‘goodbye’ to the canned stuff!

plates of dried beans on white background

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

There’s a lot to love about cooking with dry beans: they’re inexpensive, easy to store, and don’t take up a lot of space in the kitchen. There are so many dried bean recipes that they can take you all the way from spring to winter, and you’ll never make the same recipe twice.

If you’re just learning how to cook dried beans, the process can seem a little intimidating. After all, you’ve probably been buying the canned stuff for years! Don’t worry. The great news about learning how to cook dried beans is that there are a ton of methods and techniques for bringing this versatile kitchen ingredient to life.

Whether you’re cooking dried black beans or cooking dried pinto beans, the process and result remain the same: perfectly tender beans ready to be added to your next dish!

You'll find varying advice when it comes to prepping beans for cooking. These include the overnight soak, the quick soak, and the cooking beans without soaking. Each has its benefits and cons, and you'll need to figure out your preferred method.

For a quick guide on how to best cook dried beans, keep reading.

Size of beans and cook times

The size of the bean will affect how long you need to cook the beans.

Size	Cook Time
Small beans (black beans, pinto beans, navy beans)	60 - 90 minutes
Medium beans (Great northern)	90-120 minutes
Large beans (Lima beans, Butter beans, red kidney beans)	90- 160 minutes

Cook times will vary depending on whether the beans are soaked and how old the beans are.

Sort and rinse the beans

It’s not uncommon to find small pebbles within a bag of dried beans. Biting down on that can be pretty painful. No matter how you cook dried beans, always give them a good rinse first to remove any debris. Also, remove any old and shriveled beans.

Soaking beans overnight

dried kidney beans beans soaking in water

Soaking dried beans overnight is a tried and true method. If you’re able to plan ahead, allowing the dried beans to soak overnight will give you beans that are plump, tender, and a little creamy. This method, known as rehydrating the beans, also ensures that the bean around the skin remains intact when cooking.

Why is it important to soak dried beans before cooking? Soaking dried beans overnight has the added benefit of helping them cook a little faster. And if you’ve ever looked up methods for cooking beans, the number one question home cooks have is: how to cook dried beans fast!

One of the most common reasons why people soak dried beans is because it helps remove some complex sugars that our body cannot digest. That's what causes you to feel gassy or bloated after eating them.

There's also an advantage of soaking when your beans are older. Older beans tend to take longer to cook, so soaking them overnight will help cut the cooking time significantly.

Soaking beans overnight is pretty easy. Simply fill a bowl with water, add your beans, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or an airtight lid, until you’re ready to use them the next day. Don’t worry about heating the water. Lukewarm filtered water works just fine.

Alternatively, you could start soaking the beans in the morning, if you plan on using them that night for dinner. How long to soak dried beans really depends on when you need to use them and the size of the bean, but plan on 6-8 hours.

When you’re ready to cook the beans, drain the water and cook them on the stovetop.

Quick soaking beans

Quick soaking dried beans requires a bit more prep time than overnight soaking dried beans, but the results are equally delicious.

The benefit to the quick soak method is that this gives you the flexibility to incorporate the beans into a recipe the very same day you plan to use them.

For the quick soak method, place the dried beans in a pot of water on the stovetop, and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, remove from the heat, cover the pot with a lid and let the beans soak for about an hour. Depending on what type of dried beans you’re using, this time may vary slightly.

Disadvantages of soaking beans

Soaking beans has a few disadvantages. First, beans soaked in water are known to have a tad bit less flavor, especially if the soaking water is drained and replaced with fresh water. In order to avoid this, cook the beans in the liquid they soaked in.

Beans soaked are also known to lose color pigment if soaked and the bean water is drained and replaced with fresh water.

Another disadvantage of soaking beans is that it can cause them to lose some of their nutritional value. This is because the soaking process can leach out some of the vitamins and minerals from the beans. And if you drain the soaking water and drain it, you'll be flushing nutrients down the sink.

How to cook dried beans without soaking

The no soak method for cooking dried beans has pros and cons. If you’re in a jam, the no-soak method will still give you plump delicious beans, but prepare to add roughly one to two hours of additional cooking time.

The downside to this method is that it can cause the bean skin to break. However, if your goal is super creamy beans, this method might be for you. Adding a few aromatics will create a rich bean broth that’s great for bean soup recipes.

To cook dried beans from scratch without soaking, place your beans in a large pot and cover with a few inches of water. Bring the water to a simmer, and stir the pot about every thirty minutes. When the beans have cooked for between two to three hours, check for tenderness.

Remove the beans from the stove and let sit for another thirty minutes. Feel free to add any additional salt or seasonings to the beans at this time.

How to cook dried beans in Instant pot or pressure cooker

Cooking dried beans in an Instant Pot is one of the quickest ways to cook dried beans, it’s also one of the easiest. No soaking, no simmering necessary.

Cooking beans in a pressure cooker or instant pot allows you to cook up to a pound of dried beans at a time.

Using a ratio of one cup of beans to four cups of water, simply place the beans and water in the instant pot, and cook on the high-pressure setting. The amount of time needed will vary by bean size and type.

Release the steam naturally to help keep the skin of the bean intact.

How to cook beans in a Slow Cooker

Cooking beans in a slow cooker is a simple, convenient method that allows flavors to infuse over a long period. When used properly, this method yields deliciously tender beans without needing to monitor it closely - combine your beans with desired seasonings in your slow cooker, set it to the appropriate temperature setting, and let the machine do its work for you!

Using a ratio of one cup of beans to three cups of water, simply place the beans and water in the slow cooker, and cook on low or high. The amount of time needed will vary by bean size and type.

Typically, I cook beans on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Tips for cooking dried beans

Toss your old beans
The age of the bean matters when it comes to cooking times and bean quality. Beans older than 2 years old will maintain their hard exterior, even with a good soak. For beans this old, it’s best to throw them out.
Salt beans halfway through cooking.

What to cook beans in?

I use water. And use the bean water for flavor. You can also use chicken broth.

Recipes using Dried Beans

Print Recipe

4.34 from 3 votes

How to Cook Dried Beans from Scratch

Once you learn how to cook dried beans from scratch, you’ll want to say ‘goodbye’ to the canned stuff!

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Main Course

Servings:

Calories: 127kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

1 lb dried beans about 2 ⅓ cups
6 cups water or broth
Seasonings (salt, fresh herbs, etc)

Instructions

Prepare the Beans. Rinse and sort through the beans. Then decide if you will soak, quick soak, or not soak.

Quick Soak

Place rinsed beans in a large pot. Cover with 6-8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cover with lid and let stand for 1 hour.

Overnight Soak

Place rinsed beans in a large pot. Cover the beans with 6-8 cups of cold water. Let stand overnight or for about 6-8 hours.

Cooking the Beans

Add aromatics like fresh herbs. Bring beans and water to a simmer over medium heat. Cook beans until tender, for about 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the beans. Add salt halfway through cooking.

Notes

The size of the bean will affect how long you need to cook the beans.

Size	Cook Time
Small beans (black beans, pinto beans, navy beans)	60 - 90 minutes
Medium beans (Great northern,	90-120 minutes
Large beans (Lima beans, Butter beans, red kidney beans)	90- 160 minutes

Cooking the beans in the soaking water will result in flavorful beans. You may discard the soaking water and cook the beans in fresh water.

Nutrition

Easy Oven-Baked Shrimp Recipe

June 24, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

This easy and delicious oven-baked shrimp recipe is one of the most foolproof ways of cooking shrimp. This method makes seasoned shrimp that's cooked to perfection.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

When it comes to cooking shrimp, one of the best methods is oven-baking. This method ensures that the shrimp are cooked evenly and remain juicy and flavorful. Plus, it's a hands-off method that frees up your time so you can enjoy your meal.

Cooking shrimp in the oven is easy and laid back. It's one of the reasons why this method of cooking shrimp is ideal for my meal planning and prepping days.

The steps are simple; shrimp are coated in a light seasoning of your choice and then roasted in the oven until cooked through. This dish can be served as an appetizer or main course and will please any shrimp lover.

Check out my other shrimp recipes, like this Jamaican Jerk shrimp or my air fryer shrimp recipe.

How to make oven-baked shrimp

First, gather your ingredients. I prefer to use thawed large or jumbo shrimp that has been peeled and deveined. I also use olive oil and dry seasonings.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, place the shrimp in a large bowl. Add the oil and seasonings to the shrimp and toss to coat all the shrimp with the oil and seasonings.

Place the seasoned shrimp on a large sheet pan and spread them in a single layer.

Place the baking sheet in the oven on the center rack and bake for 7-10 minutes (depending on the size of the shrimp) until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

Remove shrimp from the oven and enjoy.

cooked oven baked shrimp with lemon slices

What's the best shrimp to use?

You can bake any kind of shrimp in the oven, but I suggest using high-quality, large, or jumbo shrimp raw shrimp. If using shrimp of a smaller size, reduce the oven bake time by a minute or two. You can bake the shrimp with the shell on or off as well.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! You can bake shrimp frozen in the oven following the same method; you need to cook them a few minutes longer.

How to season oven-baked shrimp?

The choices of seasonings on shrimp are up to you. I like to use my all-purpose seasoning for this recipe, but you could keep it simple with some salt and black pepper and a little bit of garlic powder. Other suggested seasonings are:

Shrimp is not only delicious, but it's also healthy and easy to prepare. This makes it the perfect ingredient for any dish, whether serving it as an appetizer or main course. I like to use oven-baked shrimp in salads, in fried rice, or simply just snack on them as an appetizer.

Looking for more quick oven-baked recipes? Try these out:

If you have tried this Oven-baked shrimp recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Easy Oven-Baked Shrimp Recipe

This easy and delicious oven-baked shrimp recipe is one of the most fool proof ways of cooking shrimp. This method makes seasoned shrimp that's cooked to perfection.

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: oven baked shrimp

Servings: people

Calories: 111kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

1 lb large or jumbo shrimp
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2-3 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning or seasoning of your choice

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, place the shrimp in a large bowl. Add the oil and seasonings to the shrimp and toss to coat all the shrimp with the oil and seasonings.
Place the seasoned shrimp on a large sheet pan and spread them in a single layer.
Place the baking sheet in the oven on the center rack and bake for 7-10 minutes (depending on the size of the shrimp) until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp from the oven and enjoy.

Notes

Use shrimp of equal sizes to ensure they cook evenly.

Nutrition

Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts Recipe

June 23, 2022 by Tanya 21 Comments

Make the most juiciest and delicious air fryer bone in chicken breasts in less than 30 minutes! This recipe is quick, delicious, and the perfect way to make chicken in your air fryer.

cooked bone in chicken breasts in air fryer basket

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

This chicken breast in the air fryer is a game-changer. I've done boneless skinless chicken breasts in the air fryer, and it's fantastic. But it's time for the bone-in chicken to get some shine.

Chicken in the air fryer comes out delicious and juicy and full of flavor. This skin-on chicken comes out with crispy, flavorful skin while the meat inside stays tender and juicy. And this all happens in less than 30 minutes!

Try my other air fryer chicken recipes, like air-fried chicken and roasted whole air fryer chicken. Or try my air fryer turkey breasts.

How to make bone-in chicken breast in an air fryer

First, gather your ingredients. I use the following.

air fryer bone in chicken breasts on white plate with seasoning on sides

Bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts - I use 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts that are about 12 oz each. This is the amount of bone-in chicken breasts that will usually fit in a 5-quart air fryer.
Seasoning - I use my all-purpose seasoning for this recipe. Feel free to use any seasonings of your choice, like Barbeque, lemon pepper, or jerk seasoning. Or keep it simple with a bit of salt and pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Then, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken breasts will allow the seasonings to stick to the breasts

Sprinkle all sides of the chicken breasts with the seasoning. Also, gently lift the skin and sprinkle seasoning under the skin.

Place the seasoned chicken breast in the preheated air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook the chicken on this side for 15 minutes.

split bone-in chicken breasts in air fryer basket

bone-in chicken breasts in air fryer basket

After 15 minutes, open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken breast with tongs. Cook the chicken breast, skin side up, for an additional 8-10 minutes until the chicken breast is done and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

cooked bone-in split chicken breats in air fryer

Remove the chicken breast from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 - 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

sliced chicken breasts on plate with green beans on side

How long does it take to cook a chicken breast in an air fryer?

The total cook time of this chicken breast will take about 25 minutes in the air fryer. Larger chicken breasts will take a little longer to cook, while smaller chicken breasts will cook quicker. Check your chicken breasts with a quick read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to check the internal temperature of chicken breasts?

Using a quick-read thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and not overcooked. To use a quick read thermometer, place the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken breasts.

thermometer checking temperature of bone in chicken breasts

Do I need to put oil on chicken breasts in the air fryer?

I don't use additional oil on these skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts; however, you can if you like. The skin on the chicken releases oil while it cooks, resulting in crispy skin. Just make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning.

If using oil, I suggest using oils with a higher smoke point, like olive oil or avocado oil. You could also rub the chicken breast with flavored butter or mayo. This will add additional flavor and gets your chicken nice and golden.

Why use bone-in chicken breasts?

Bone-in chicken breast is more cost efficient and usually cheaper per pound then boneless chicken breasts. The bone and the skin help keep the chicken juicy while it cooks. If you love crispy skin, this also works best.

What to serve this with?

This goes well with sides like fried cabbage, mashed potatoes, air fryer baked potato, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, and a nice salad.

How to make boneless, skinless chicken breast?

I cook boneless, skinless chicken breast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 13-14 minutes, flipping halfway. I do add a bit of oil to boneless breasts.

I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!

If you have tried this air fryer bone-in chicken breasts recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

4.78 from 18 votes

Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Make the juiciest and most delicious air fryer bone-in chicken breast in less than 30 minutes! This recipe is quick, delicious, and perfect for making chicken in your air fryer.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer bone in chicken breasts

Servings: people

Calories: 311kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

1 Large Air Fryer

Ingredients

2 bone-in chicken breasts 12 oz each
1 ½ Tablespoons all-purpose seasoning or seasoning of your choice.

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
Sprinkle all sides of the chicken breasts with the seasoning. Also, gently lift the skin and sprinkle seasoning under the skin.
Place the seasoned chicken breast in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook the chicken breast on this side for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken breast with tongs. Cook the chicken breast, breast side up, for an additional 8-10 minutes until the chicken breast is done and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notes

If the chicken breasts are patted dry, you will not need any additional oil for this recipe. Drying the chicken breasts will allow the seasoning to stick to the chicken.
I use 12 oz chicken breasts for this recipe. Larger breasts will need an additional minute or two while smaller breasts will need about a minute or two less. Use a quick read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nutrition

Mushroom Tart

June 22, 2022 by Tanya 4 Comments

Perfect for a lunch or light dinner, this puff pastry mushroom tart is one tasty meat-free recipe. With flavors of onion, garlic, thyme and balsamic, and with two types of cheese, this simple recipe is sure to impress.

A mushroom tart cut into squares to serve.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

This simple recipe is a must for all of my mushroom and cheese lovers! Perfect for a light lunch, brunch or dinner, this mushroom tart is wonderfully flavorful and a real joy to make, serve and eat!

A puff pastry sheet is topped with gruyere and parmesan cheese, before adding the mushrooms that are cooked with shallots, garlic and balsamic. Every bite is an explosion of flavor.

Serve this up with your favorite salad side for one delicious meal.

Be sure to try my Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms too!

Mushrrom tart cut into squares on a baking sheet.

How to make this mushroom tart recipe

Gather your ingredients. You'll need the following:

Mushrooms - Any kind of mushrooms works but I love using baby bella (also known as cremini) mushrooms. You could also use white button mushrooms.
Puff Pastry - any store-bought puff pastry works fine. If frozen, make sure to defrost according to the instructions on the package. You could also use any homemade puff pastry.
Seasonings - shallots, dried thyme, garlic cloves, and balsamic vinegar give amazing flavor to this mushroom tart.
Cheese - I use both gruyere cheese and parmesan cheese.
Oil, butter, and egg - You'll need to cook the shallots, garlic and mushrooms in a little fat before adding them to the tart. An egg wash will make the puff pastry nice and golden.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, and dried thyme and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Then remove the shallots and garlic from the skillet.

Add the olive oil to the skillet. Once it is heated add the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally.
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the shallots and garlic back into the skillet, followed by the balsamic vinegar. Cook until the vinegar caramelizes.

Place the pastry sheet on a sheet pan and use a knife to score the edges of the puff pastry creating a border. Then poke holes in the bottom of the puff pastry using a fork. Do not poke holes in the border
Top the puff pastry with gruyere and parmesan cheese, followed by the mushroom mixture. Brush the egg on the border of the puff pastry. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Top with chopped parsley before serving.

Cheese and mushrooms topping a puff pastry sheet.

What are the best mushrooms to use?

I used cremini mushrooms to make this tart, but you can use any fresh mushrooms you like or a mix of different varieties. Portobello, chestnut or shitake will all work great. Slice them fairly thinly before cooking, and be sure to brown them well to get rid of their moisture.

Can you make it ahead of time?

I prefer to serve this mushroom tart warm out of the oven, but leftovers will keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be served cold or reheated. You can cook up the mushrooms a day or two ahead of time and keep the refrigerated, that way it will just take a few minutes to prep before baking.

What do you serve it with?

This flavorful vegetarian tart is wonderful served up with a side salad for a brunch, lunch or light dinner. I like to garnish it with some fresh parsley for a pop of color. Try it with some of these favorites salads:

A mushroom tart cut into pieces and garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Be sure to cook the mushrooms well to remove the water that they hold. This will help to stop the pastry from getting soggy.
If your puff pastry sheet is frozen, be sure to allow time for it to defrost before topping and baking.
I use dried thyme, but other dried herbs can be used.
Try adding some blue cheese or crispy bacon bits to the tart for a different flavor.

More Mushroom Recipes

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Mushroom Tart

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese and mushroom tart, puff pastry mushroom tart, vegetarian mushroom tart

Servings: servings

Calories: 334kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
2 shallots thinly sliced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 garlic cloves minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces mushrooms sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 puff pastry sheet
1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 egg whisked
Parsley for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, and dried thyme and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Then remove the shallots and garlic from the skillet.
Add the olive oil to the skillet. Once it is heated add the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally.
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the shallots and garlic back into the skillet, followed by the balsamic vinegar. Cook until the vinegar caramelizes.
Place the pastry sheet on a sheet pan and use a knife to score the edges of the puff pastry creating a border. Then poke holes in the bottom of the puff pastry using a fork. Do not poke holes in the border
Top the puff pastry with gruyere and parmesan cheese, followed by the mushroom mixture. Brush the egg on the border of the puff pastry. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Top with parsley before serving.

Notes

Be sure to cook the mushrooms well to remove the water that they hold. This will help to stop the pastry getting soggy.
If your puff pastry sheet is frozen, be sure to allow time for it to defrost before topping and baking.
I use dried thyme, but other dried herbs can be used.
Try adding some blue cheese or crispy bacon bits to the tart for a different flavor.

Nutrition

Top 21 Summer Recipes

June 21, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

We're in the thick of summer which means less time to cook and more time to chill in the sun. This recipe roundup should give you several ideas to help you enjoy your summer to the max while still providing delicious meals for your family.

The perfect summer recipes are, of course, easy summer recipes. These recipes will be delicious and easy to make! If the kids are home from school with you they would enjoy helping you pull them together!

How to make the perfect summer feast?

For summer recipes, make foods that are easy and fast to make. Summer is great for grilling, quick pasta dishes, and easy summer salads.

Easy Summer Recipes

Quick and Easy Jamaican Banana Fritters

This popular Caribbean recipe is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. Made with a few ingredients and fried quickly on the stovetop, this recipe is perfect for those summer mornings.

Creamy Yellow Squash Soup

Simple and easy to make, this delicious yellow squash soup is the perfect way to make the most of the season’s produce. Ready to serve in around 30 minutes, it’s perfect to serve for lunch or a sit-down appetizer.

Easy Southern Pickled Shrimp

These Southern pickled shrimp are one delicious and easy appetizer! Fun and colorful to serve, they are perfectly briny with just a little spice. They make for a wonderful addition to serve at a party.

Rasta Pasta

This easy shrimp Rasta Pasta recipe is a delicious way to mix up your weeknight meals! This Caribbean-style pasta is made with my homemade jerk seasoning and is loaded full of flavor.

Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) BBQ Chicken

It’s so quick and easy to make a batch of shredded BBQ chicken in your pressure cooker. You just need four ingredients and it’s ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes! For best results, use my bbq seasoning and bbq sauce, or use whichever is your favorite.

BBQ Air Fryer Ribs

Speaking of BBQ, how about tender flavorful ribs that are ready in less than an hour. Thanks to the air fryer, it's totally possible.

North Carolina Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This BBQ Pork recipe is made with NC Western-style BBQ sauce. This shredded pork is perfect for those long summer days.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

This thick and sweet BBQ sauce is perfect for all your summertime BBQ needs. It's homemade and the perfect balance of flavor to add to any of your favorite BBQ meats.

Vinegar BBQ Sauce (North Carolina Style)

You can't have summertime without delicious BBQ! This NC Western-style bbq sauce is a vinegar-based sauce that goes well with dishes like pulled pork or chicken. Make a huge batch and use it for all your summertime BBQs.

Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer Recipe)

These Nashville style hot chicken tenders are so easy to make in the air fryer! These tenders are so wonderfully crispy and juicy, they rival any you’ve had in a restaurant! Ready to serve in less than half an hour.

Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef

If you are looking to mix up your weekly meals, this easy Mongolian beef is perfect for you! This rich and flavorful dish is on the table in 20 minutes and is a dish the whole family will love. Serve with rice or noodles for a filling and well balanced weeknight dinner.

Quinoa Avocado Salad

This salad is perfect for summer! It makes a big batch for a big family but believe me, they'll love it. Feel free to cut the recipe in half for less people.

Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe

There isn't much better than seasoned shrimp, spinach, and bacon covered in a delicious dressing. This Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad is the perfect quick recipe for the summer months.

Beet and Orange Salad

Beets come alive during the summer time heat. Pair these roasted beets with orange and top it with a delicious sweet orange dressing. Feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and arugula are added to make this the perfect summer salad.

Southern Cucumber Salad

This Southern cucumber salad is a refreshing and healthy way to cool down on hot summer days. Made with a simple red vinegar dressing, it's the perfect quick and easy refreshing salad.

Zesty and Easy Grilled Marinated Vegetables

There's nothing like grilled vegetables to beat the summer heat. Covered in an easy lemony dressing, these vegetables are the perfect summer side for all your outdoor cooking.

Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe

Sometimes the weather is just too hot to turn on the oven or go outside to grill. That's when these marinated vegetables in the air fryer come in hand. Made with your favorite summer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, this recipe is perfect for those long summer days.

Broccoli Slaw

This easy broccoli slaw is covered in a range and delicious vinegar dressing that makes the flavors pop. It's the perfect cool side dish to accompany any summer feast.

Fresh Corn Salad Recipe

With a refreshing honey vinaigrette, this corn salad is perfect for picnics and cookouts. The fresh ingredients will make you forget all about your winter cold!

Southern Potato Salad Recipe

The perfect side dish for any occasion, this Southern potato salad is tangy and creamy. Easy enough to make on the fly or ahead so you can enjoy it at your next BBQ!

Southern Chess Pie

Looking for a summer dessert recipe? Then this delicious and easy to make Southern Chess Pie is a perfect choice! Made with a few simple ingredients, I just know you will love this sweet and rich pie! Use homemade pie crust or store bought.

This post was originally published on July 15, 2021. It has been updated with additional recipes.

Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning Recipe

June 21, 2022 by Tanya 3 Comments

This all-purpose seasoning blend is the perfect mix of spices that all home cooks should have on hand. Made with everyday spices, this will elevate any meat, seafood, or vegetable recipe.

homemade spice blend mixed with spoon sticking out and parsley on left

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I started making my homemade spice blends years ago once I realized what a pain it is to grab five spice bottles from the pantry, especially on busy weeknights. Rather than grabbing different spice bottles from the pantry every time you're in the kitchen, take some time to make this spice blend ahead of time and use it as your everyday seasoning.

This homemade seasoning is incredibly easy to use and can be added to any dish to enhance its flavor. Simply sprinkle it on top of whatever you're cooking, like burgers, fish, or chicken, or add it to your favorite soups and stews.

Be sure to try my homemade bbq seasoning and fish seasoning too.

What is all-purpose seasoning?

It is a blend of spices that can add flavor to any dish. The mix includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices are in many recipes, and combining them all in one beforehand will add tons of flavor to your food.

The ingredients for all-purpose seasoning

seasonings in white bowl with measuring spoons next to it

This all-purpose seasoning blend only uses seven ingredients! Feel free to start here and add or sub as you wish. This recipe includes:

Kosher Salt
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Black pepper
Dried Oregano
Paprika
Cayenne pepper

How to make your all-purpose seasoning blend

Mix all ingredients and store it in an airtight container.

How to use all-purpose seasoning

You can use this seasoning to flavor any dish, whether it's meat, stews, or snacks. Add all-purpose seasoning before cooking to flavor meat, vegetables, or fish and seafood.

If flavoring a stew, like stewed chicken or curry, add the all-purpose seasoning to the meats before making the stew. The same goes for meats like pork chops and ribs, add the seasoning to the meat prior to cooking.

Use 2-3 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning per pound of meat, seafood, or vegetables.

You can also sprinkle all-purpose seasoning on your favorite snacks, like crispy chickpeas or popcorn.

Instructions for storage

Store this DIY all-purpose seasoning in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for several months. Make sure to use dried spices that are not stale. Stale spices will lead to a blend with no flavor.

Why make your own seasoning blend?

One of the benefits of all-purpose seasoning is that you control the ingredients. If you are trying to watch your sodium intake, then using all-purpose seasoning can be a great way to flavor your food without adding extra salt. All-purpose seasoning can also help to boost the flavor of any dish that might be lacking in flavor. If your food is starting to taste a bit bland, then adding all-purpose seasoning can help to give it a little boost.

homemade spice blend mixed with spoon holding spice up

Notes on all-purpose seasoning

Feel free to change up this seasoning to suit your taste. Use the herbs and spices you think will go best in your dish. Some suggestions include changing the herb from oregano to dried dill, basil, or crushed rosemary. If you want a smokier flavor, sub smoked paprika for the paprika in this recipe. You could add a bit of sugar for a sweet and salty blend.
The benefit of this blend is that you control the number of spices and salt. Make this blend salt free by eliminating the salt or drastically reducing it.
I use Kosher salt in this recipe but feel free to use any salt you prefer. If using table salt, you will need to lessen the amount of salt as table salt is denser and would lead to salty seasoning.
You'll want to make sure you're using dried herbs and spices, as this will allow your seasoning to be stored for longer.
Make a big batch or small batch by adjusting the amounts of ingredients.
Make sure that your ingredients aren't stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers; if they release an aroma, they are good to use.

Looking for more homemade seasoning blends and sauces? Try these out:

If you have tried this Homemade spice blend, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Print Recipe

4.72 from 7 votes

Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning Recipe

This all-purpose seasoning blend is the perfect mix of spices that all home cooks should have on hand. Made with everyday spices, this will elevate any meat, seafood, or vegetable recipe.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Seasoning

Cuisine: American

Keyword: all-purpose seasoning

Servings: servings

Calories: 8kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
2 teaspoons Black pepper
2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
2 teaspoons Paprika
¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Instructions

Combine in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.
Use to season your meats, seafood, vegetables, and stews.
Use 1-2 teaspoons of seasoning per pound of food.

Notes

This makes about ⅓ cup of seasoning.
The benefit of this blend is that you control the number of spices and salt. Make this blend salt free by eliminating the salt or drastically reducing it.
I use Kosher salt in this recipe but feel free to use any salt you prefer. If using table salt, you will need to lessen the amount of salt as table salt is denser and would lead to salty seasoning.
Make sure that your ingredients aren't stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers; if they release an aroma, they are good to use.

Nutrition

Beet and Orange Salad

June 16, 2022 by Tanya 4 Comments

Colorful and full of texture and flavor, this roasted beet and orange salad is a delicious side dish to serve alongside your favorite meals. Made with arugula and topped with feta cheese and walnuts, this vibrant salad is sure to become your favorite thing!

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Beets are one of my favorite veggies, and this salad is going to be on repeat for me this summer!

Sweet and earthy beets are served with arugula and juicy orange segments and topped with salty feta and crunchy roasted walnuts before being tossed in a honey and orange vinaigrette. This salad is vibrant in color and flavor.

Simple to make, this beet and orange salad comes together easily with a few fresh ingredients for a side salad that's perfect to enjoy in the warmer weather.

Be sure to try my Beet Soup Recipe and Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips too!

Beet and orange salad in a white bowl next to serving spoons.

How to make beet and orange salad

Gather your ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place peeled and cut beets in a greased baking dish and cover with olive oil. Bake for 40 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside.

While the beets are roasting, place all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and mix to combine.

Once the beets are done, Add the arugula to a large bowl. Pour half the dressing over the arugula and toss to coat.
Top the salad with roasted beets, oranges, walnuts, and feta cheese crumbles. Then pour the remaining dressing over the salad. Serve and enjoy.

The salad tossed together in a white bowl.

Can you make it ahead of time?

This beet and orange salad is best served as soon as it's made so that the arugula doesn't wilt and the oranges are super fresh and juicy. To get ahead of things, you can roast the beets a day ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge, that way, it will take minutes to build the salad when you are ready to serve it.

Can you make it a fuller meal?

As it is, this salad makes for a refreshing and colorful side dish that will be a welcome accompaniment to any table. You can easily turn this into a full meal that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner by adding in some protein. Cooked chicken breast works wonderfully, or add in some chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

What do you serve it with?

The sweetness and freshness of this salad work wonderfully with chicken, beef, and seafood. It's a great option for your summer BBQs too! Try it with some of these favorites:

Arugula salad with roasted beets and sliced oranges.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Make this recipe vegan by swapping the honey in the dressing for maple syrup, and skipping the feta.
The arugula can be swapped for other greens like romaine lettuce or baby spinach.
Let the beets cool a little before tossing them with the other ingredients. If they are too hot, the arugula will wilt.

More Salad Recipes

Overhead shot of roasted beet and orange salad in a white bowl.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Beet and Orange Salad

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beetroot salad recipe, orange salad with beets, roasted beet salad

Servings: servings

Calories: 298kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

6 beets peeled and cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups baby arugula
3 oranges peeled and cut into segments
½ cup toasted chopped walnuts
½ cup feta cheese crumbles

Dressing

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon orange juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the beets in a greased baking dish and cover with olive oil. Bake for 40 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside.
While the beets are roasting, place all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and mix to combine.
Once the beets are done, Add the arugula to a large bowl. Pour half the dressing over the arugula and toss to coat.
Top the salad with roasted beets, oranges, walnuts, and feta cheese crumbles. Then pour the remaining dressing over the salad. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

This salad is best served when made.
Make this recipe vegan by swapping the honey in the dressing for maple syrup, and skip the feta.
The arugula can be swapped for other greens like romaine lettuce or baby spinach.
Let the beets cool a little before tossing with the other ingredients. If they are too hot, the arugula will wilt.
To toast walnuts - The walnut pieces can be toasted in the oven on a sheet pan or on the stovetop. To toast in the oven, lay the walnuts on a sheet pan and place them in a preheated oven of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast for 8-10 minutes. To toast on the stovetop, add walnuts to a non-stick skillet and allow to toast on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Southern Cucumber Salad

June 15, 2022 by Tanya 7 Comments

Fresh, zingy, and refreshing, this Southern cucumber salad comes together quickly and easily with a few simple ingredients. Tossed in red wine vinegar, this healthy and light salad is perfect for the summertime.

Southern cucumber salad with red onion in a bowl with wooden salad spoons.

If you've got some fresh cucumbers to use up, this salad is a must-make! So easy to make and super tangy and refreshing, this Southern cucumber salad is perfect for those summer cookouts.

Made from scratch and low in fat, calories, and carbs, this is an excellent accompaniment to your BBQ feast or to serve alongside your favorite weeknight dinners.

Thinly sliced cucumber and red onion are tossed in a simple red wine dressing for a bold and delicious bite.

Be sure to try my Sweet Chili Thai Cucumber Salad and Cucumber Ginger Juice too!

A Quick Look at The Ingredients

Vegetables: Cucumbers and red onion. I tend to pick either English or Kirby cucumbers for this recipe.
Salt - Kosher salt for drawing out the liquid in the cucumber. You can also use sea salt or table salt. If using table salt, half the amount.
Other ingredients: red wine vinegar, white granulated sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Recommended Tool

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How to make Southern cucumber salad

Step 1: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl or dish. Sprinkle kosher salt over sliced cucumbers. Stir to ensure the salt covers all the cucumbers. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. The liquid will drip from the cucumbers.

Using a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel, gently remove excess moisture and salt from the cucumber slices and place them in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add red onion, red wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using) to the bowl and stir till combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve and enjoy.

Sliced red onion and cucumbers in a bowl.

Do you have to salt the cucumbers?

Salting the cucumbers removes excess water, making your salad nice and crunchy, and preventing water from pooling at the bottom. If you are serving this immediately, you can skip this step. However, the flavors are best when the salad is chilled for at least an hour before serving.

What else can you add to this salad?

This Southern cucumber salad is super delicious just as it is, but you can easily adapt it to suit your own tastes. For a creamy salad, stir in a little sour cream, or try adding fresh herbs like dill, cilantro or basil for a different flavor. You can also add in other thinly sliced crunchy veggies like carrot or radish too.

What do you serve it with?

This refreshing salad is a great addition to a cookout, potluck or BBQ and it's great to take on picnics. It works great with all kinds of chicken, fish and meat dishes, try it with some of these favorites:

Southern cucumber salad served in a white bowl.

Tanya's Recipe Notes and Tips

Salting the cucumber will allow the dressing to stick to the cucumbers and keep them crunchy.
Any type of cucumber can be used in this recipe. If your cucumber has a waxy exterior, consider peeling it before using it in this recipe.
Make it your own by adding fresh herbs like dill or basil.

More Salad Recipes

Print Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Southern Cucumber Salad

Fresh, zingy and refreshing, this Southern cucumber salad comes together quickly and easily with a few simple ingredients. Tossed in a red wine vinaigrette, this healthy and light salad is perfect for the summertime.

Prep Time20

Chill Time1

Total Time1 20

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cucumber red onion salad, easy cucumber salad, vegan cucumber salad

Servings: servings

Calories: 39kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

2 medium-sized cucumbers thinly sliced (about 1 lb)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ red onion sliced
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons white granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Place sliced cucumbers in a colander that has been placed over a bowl or dish. Sprinkle kosher salt over sliced cucumbers. Stir to ensure salt gets over all the cucumbers. Let sit for about 15-30 minutes. The liquid will drip from the cucumbers.
Using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel, remove excess moisture and salt from the cucumber slices and place the slices in a large bowl.
Add red onion, red wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using) to the bowl and stir till combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve and enjoy.

Video

Notes

Salting the cucumber will allow the dressing to stick to the cucumbers and keep them crunchy. When drying the cucumbers, remove any excess salt that you don't want on the cucumbers. I like to leave a bit of salt on the cucumbers so the salad is perfectly seasoned.
Any type of cucumber will work in this recipe. If your cucumber has a waxy exterior, consider peeling it before using it in this recipe.
Make it your own by adding fresh herbs like dill or basil.

Nutrition

What is Oxtail?

June 14, 2022 by Tanya 6 Comments

Everything you need to know about oxtail, from how to prepare this humble cut of meat, to the health benefits of oxtail, and everything in between!

If you’ve never purchased, prepared, or tried oxtail meat, you probably have a lot of questions. Like, what is it made of? Is oxtail from an actual tail? And, what the heck is an ox?

Let’s start at the beginning - or because we’re talking about a tail, the end! Oxtail is a cross-cut section of beef that a butcher cuts from a cow’s tail. The cut is usually from the uppermost part of the tail or the middle section. Because the tail is thicker at the top and becomes thinner the closer you get to the end, oxtail pieces can vary in size and shape.

No matter which cut you use, the one thing all oxtail pieces have in common is that they’re super gelatinous and filled with connective tissue, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Because oxtail meat is best prepared by braising, slow cooking, or using a pressure cooker, all of that connective tissue gets broken down and gives any dish it touches a rich, beefy flavor.

Oxtail meat is considered a delicacy and is popular in countries around the world, and for good reason - it’s deliciously tender, full of meaty flavor, and easy to prepare. If you’ve never tried it, you’ve got to add it to your grocery list.

Oxtail health benefits

Oxtail has a surprising amount of health benefits. The connective tissue in and around an oxtail is filled with collagen. When the meat and connective tissues around the it melts down during the cooking process, it turns into a collagen-rich broth, which isn’t just incredibly flavorful it also has some meaningful health benefits. Collagen has the potential to support the growth of healthy hair and nails, while also relieving joint pain and preventing bone loss. Some health professionals also say it promotes healthy skin. Sounds pretty good to me!

Because oxtail is red meat, it’s a great source of iron, which helps move oxygen through the body, and prevents anemia.

Where to buy oxtail

You don’t have to go to a specialty grocer to find oxtail meat, it’s available at most local grocery stores. I’m usually able to find oxtail cuts in the pre-packaged meat section. But, if you don’t see them there, your butcher should have a few pieces behind the meat counter. You'll also usually find it at international grocery stores.

When you’re buying oxtail, keep in mind that unlike other cuts of beef, oxtail may appear to be more bone than meat. And that’s okay. Part of the reason oxtail meat is so rich is that when the bones are braised, the bone marrow melts into whatever dish you’re preparing, so less meat doesn’t necessarily mean less flavor.

If you buy oxtail directly from the butcher, rather than in the refrigerated meat section, you can also select your own pieces. Ask for the larger, thicker cuts, they have a bit more meat and a larger section of bone, which means more marrow!

Why is oxtail so expensive?

There's no doubt that oxtail is pricey! Prices can vary from about $10 per pound or more. The cut is considered a delicacy and is not as widely available as other cuts of meat, which also contributes to its higher price. Although expensive, many people will pay for the prime cut of meat to make delicious they love and are familiar with. The fact that when cooked right, oxtail melt in your mouth. There is nothing like a piece of oxtail that has been cooked low and slow.

Best Tips for cooking

If you're looking for a delicious way to cook oxtail, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your meal.

Oxtail is best cooked slowly over low heat. This allows the meat to become tender and fall off the bone. If you're in a hurry, a pressure cooker will work fine, but you'll still need to cook the oxtail for about 40 minutes or more until tender.
When cooking oxtail, be sure to add water or stock to the pot. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out.
Oxtail can be cooked in a variety of ways, including braising, stewing, or even baking. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your taste.
Don't forget to season your oxtail with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
Oxtail is best served with a flavorful gravy or sauce. This will help to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor to your dish.

Following these tips, you'll be able to cook up a delicious oxtail meal that everyone will enjoy.

Mouthwatering recipes

Chefs around the world love working with oxtail because it’s so rich and fall-off-the-fork tender.

The most popular oxtail recipes always involve slow cooking, braising or pressure cooking. Think comforting soups, stews, and ragus with a super-rich flavor, thanks to the oxtail bones.

oxtail recipes

Jamaican Oxtails Recipe

One of my absolutely favorite oxtail recipes. Using a pressure cook to do most of the work, means the oxtails take just an hour to cook. Garlic, onions, carrots and habanero pepper create a savory base, while the cooked butter beans add heartiness.

Photo Credit: www.bonappetit.com

Oxtail and Red Wine Stew

Another irresistible oxtail recipe, and one that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling! Few things in life are better than slow cooking beef and fresh vegetables in red wine.

Photo Credit: food52.com

Heartwarming Oxtail Pho Recipe on Food52

Looking for a dish that is filled with aromatic spices? An anise and coriander broth make this recipe for Oxtail Pho , a soup you’ll want to make again and again.

Photo Credit: www.sweetteaandthyme.com

Slow Cooked Southern Oxtails Recipe

These Southern cooked oxtail are made using a sous vide, resulting in tender delicious oxtail.

Photo Credit: www.foodfidelity.com

"Can't Stand It" Braised Beef Oxtail Tacos in Spicy Chili Sauce

Turn that leftover taco meat into tacos! These braised beef oxtail are placed in a toasted tortilla and topped with pickled onions for loads of flavor.

Photo Credit: www.allrecipes.com

Oxtail Ragu

Pulling any remaining meat from the oxtails can give you some pretty amazing leftover dishes. If you make oxtail ragu, reheat the leftover oxtail to make an oxtail ragu sandwich. Simply take a Kaiser roll, or other thick bakery sandwich roll, pile the ragu meat inside, and viola! The perfect solution to leftover oxtail.

Photo Credit: kennethtemple.com

Oxtail Quesadillas

Another easy way to use leftover oxtail meat. Grab some flour tortillas, cheese, and a few other simple ingredients for the perfect weeknight meal.

These tips and recipes will make you an oxtail pro.

Zesty and Easy Grilled Marinated Vegetables

June 13, 2022 by Tanya 8 Comments

Summertime is the perfect time to fire up the grill and cook some delicious vegetables. These Grilled Marinated Vegetables are the perfect side dish for your next BBQ feast.

vegetables in foil packets on sheet pan with reynolds wrap box on side

As a Reynolds Wrap® Ambassador, I’m excited to show you how to use Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil.

Summer is finally here, and I couldn't be more excited to get on the grill. I'm talking grilled steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs; you name it! But let's not forget about delicious summer grilled vegetables.

Grilling vegetables is a great way to cook them up quickly and easily. However, when grilling, sometimes small cut vegetables can burn, stick to the grill grates, or fall right through. To avoid these issues, cook your cut veggies in foil packets made with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil. The only foil I trust on the grill is Reynolds Wrap®. Reynolds Wrap® is high quality and safe for cooking, making the foil my go-to in the kitchen and on the grill.

I like to marinate my vegetables before adding them to the foil packet and the grill. Marinating your veggies in advance will add great flavor and moisture, ensuring that they come out perfectly cooked every time.

Ingredients Needed

ingredient collage of sliced vegetables and marinade ingredients

Summer vegetables - I use zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, white onions, and white button mushrooms. Feel free to mix it up and your favorite summer vegetables.
Marinade Ingredients - I use olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. This bright and zingy marinade pairs perfectly with these vegetables.
Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil - After marinating the vegetables, I add them in the middle of a piece of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil and create foil packets before adding them to the grill. The foil packet protects the vegetables and allows them to cook quickly and easily without the risk of them burning or falling through the grill grates.

How to make Grilled Marinated Vegetables

Prep the veggies

First, slice your zucchini, yellow squash, white onion and red bell pepper. Cut the mushrooms in half. Place the cut vegetables in a large bowl and set them aside.

Whisk olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, Kosher salt and black pepper in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine, ensuring all the vegetables are coated.

Cover and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 375-400°F.

collage of whick and marinade and marinated vegetables in glass bowl

Prepare a foil packet

Tear off six 16-inch sheets of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil and divide the marinated vegetables into the center of each sheet. Bring the long sides of the foil to the center so the ends meet over the vegetables. Double fold the ends, then double fold the short ends to seal the packet.

Grill the vegetables

Add the foil packets to the preheated grill and grill for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Remove the foil packets with gloves or tongs. Wait 5 minutes before opening them. Season the vegetables with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy.

Why marinate the vegetables?

Marinating vegetables enhances your favorite vegetables without overpowering them. It's a great way to infuse herbs into your favorite vegetables. My marinade recipe is delicious, but you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find a marinade that you love.

How to cut vegetables for grilling?

I like to cut my vegetables into thin slices. I keep the mushrooms halved to stay nice and juicy once cooked.

How long can you marinate vegetables before grilling?

It depends on the type of vegetable. For example, denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots can marinate for up to 24 hours, while more delicate veggies like zucchini only need 30 minutes.

Avoid marinating delicate vegetables too long as they can become mushy.

Can I add protein to these grilled vegetables?

Sure! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak would be great additions to these marinated grilled vegetables. Add the protein to the foil packets with the vegetables right before grilling. If adding chicken, cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through.

grilled marinated vegeatbles on a sheet pan lined with heavy duty foil

Why foil packets are the best for grilling vegetables.

Foil packets are the best for grilling these marinated vegetables. Using Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil allows the vegetables to be prepped and cut before grilling, enabling the vegetables to cook in the marinade. You also don't have to worry about the cut vegetables burning or falling through the grates.

Reynolds Wrap® is high quality, durable, and strong enough to survive the grill's heat. Once I'm done grilling, I just throw the foil away, making cleanup a breeze.

Why Heavy Duty?

I use Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil to protect my vegetables from the direct heat of the grill. It’s perfect for tough jobs when you need something stronger and more durable than regular foil, like grilling or freezing your favorite foods. You won’t have to worry about rips or tears during these tough jobs.

Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil is also available in a wider 18-inch roll, making it perfect for lining the grill or making larger foil packets.

Can I bake these foil packets in an oven?

Absolutely! Just preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the foil packets on a sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled vegetables pair perfectly with your favorite meals. Top them on your favorite grain, like quinoa or brown rice, or serve them alongside your favorite steak or fish.

Notes on Grilled Marinated Vegetables

These grilled veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I do not suggest freezing these vegetables.
Use tongs are heat-resistant gloves to remove the cooked foil packets from the grill. Wait a few minutes before opening as the steam inside the foil packet will be hot.

I hope you enjoy these marinated grilled vegetables as much as we do!

More delicious summer recipes?

close up photo of grilled vegetables in foil packets

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Zesty and Easy Grilled Marinated Vegetables

These Grilled Marinated Vegetables are the perfect side dish for your next BBQ feast.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Marinating Time15

Total Time45

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: grilled vegetables, marinated grilled vegetables

Servings: people

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil

Vegetables

1 medium zucchini thinly sliced into rounds
1 yellow squash thinly sliced into rounds
1 white onion thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
8 oz white button mushrooms cut in half

Marinade

4 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place zucchini, yellow squash, white onion, red bell pepper, and white button mushrooms in a large bowl. Set aside.
Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, Kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the large bowl and stir to combine, ensuring all vegetables are coated.
Cover and place vegetables in the refrigerator for for 20-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 375 - 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tear off six 16-inch sheets of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil and divide the marinated vegetables into the center of each sheet. Bring up the long sides of the foil, so the ends meet over the vegetables. Double fold the long ends, then double fold the short ends to seal the packet.
Add the foil packets to the preheated grill and grill for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Carefully remove the foil packets from the grill with gloves or tongs. Wait 5 minutes before carefully opening foil packets. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy.

Notes

These grilled veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I do not suggest freezing these vegetables.
Use tongs that are heat-resistant gloves to remove the cooked foil packets from the grill. Wait a few minutes before opening as the steam inside the foil packet will be hot.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

June 9, 2022 by Tanya 1 Comment

Perfect for a side dish or game day appetizer, these yummy sweet potato wedges are so quick to cook in the air fryer. Tossed in a sweet and salty seasoning, these restaurant-quality wedges take minutes to prep and cook. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Air fryer sweet potato wedges on a plate with a dip.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Whether you are looking for a tasty side to serve with dinner, or an easy-to-make appetizer whilst watching the game, these air fryer sweet potato wedges tick all the right boxes!

Seasoned with a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne, these wedges have the most wonderful sweet and salty flavor with a hint of spice. Quick to prep and super quick to air fry, the edges have a great crisp and the middles are perfectly soft and tender.

A tasty change to your usual potato fries, and healthier too!

Be sure to try my Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes too!

Close up of sweet potato wedges in an air fryer basket.

How to make air fryer sweet potato wedges

Gather your ingredients and cut the sweet potatoes.

Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Pour the spice mixture into the bowl with the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.

Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Cooked sweet potato wedges in an air fryer basket.

Do you need to peel the sweet potatoes?

I prefer not to peel the sweet potatoes. It's less work and I enjoy the different textures of the skin and insides. The skins also contain fiber and nutrients. If you prefer to, you can peel them before tossing them in the oil and seasonings.

How do you get the wedges crispy?

Sweet potatoes do tend to be less crispy than regular white potatoes. That's just an element I'm willing to give up because the flavor of these is amazing.

You'll still want to use oil to ensure the sweet potatoes do not dry out. Make sure that the wedges are really well coated all over with the oil, I like to use my hands to make sure all of the edges have a good coating. Make sure that your air fryer is fully preheated and cook them in a single even layer. If the sweet potato wedges are overlapping, they will steam and be soggy.

What do you serve them with?

These air fryer sweet potato wedges are great served as an appetizer with favorite dips like remoulade sauce, Homemade BBQ Sauce, and ketchup, or, serve them up as a side with favorite mains. They work wonderfully with:

Recipe Notes and Tips

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cut the sweet potato wedges as evenly as possible.
To make sweet potato fries, cut them thinner and you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
Leftovers will keep well for 3 days covered in the fridge. Reheat them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Perfect for a side dish or game day appetizer, these yummy sweet potato wedges are so quick to cook in the air fryer. Tossed in a sweet and salty seasoning, these restaurant quality wedges take minutes to prep and cook. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Prep Time10

Cook Time14

Total Time24

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fried sweet potato, how to air fry sweet potato, seasoned sweet potato wedges

Servings: servings

Calories: 274kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes cut into wedges
1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ Tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with the olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Pour the spice mixture into the bowl with the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cut the sweet potato wedges as evenly as possible.
To make sweet potato fries, cut them thinner and you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
Leftovers will keep well for 3 days covered in the fridge. Reheat them at 400F for 3 to 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

Nutrition

Air Fryer Tilapia

June 7, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

Quick to cook and delicious to eat, tilapia fish fillets come out perfectly when cooked in the air fryer. Simply seasoned, this mild-tasting white fish is wonderfully flaky and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

A fork cutting a tilapia fillet on a white plate.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

If you are looking for a tasty way to mix up your fish dinner, this air fryer tilapia recipe will hit the spot. Seasoned with my homemade fish seasoning, it's super quick to prep and cook and you can be serving it in less than 15 minutes.

Low in calories, carbs and fats and high in protein, this is a great healthy dinner that tastes amazing. You only need a couple of ingredients too, which you'll likely have to hand already.

Serve it up with your favorite veggie, potato, and salad sides for a filling meal that even your picky eaters will love.

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Whole Fish and Marinated Air Fryer Salmon too!

A tilapia fillet in an air fryer basket garnished with fresh parsley.

How to make air fryer tilapia

Gather your ingredients.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Season the filets with fish seasoning or any dry seasonings of your choice.

Place the filets in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the top of the fish filets with a little oil.

Air fry the filets for about 7-10 minutes until the fish is flaky.

Serve with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.

Cooked tilapia filets in the air fryer basket.

What does tilapia taste like?

If you don't like an overly fishy taste, then tilapia fillets are perfect for you! They are very mild with a touch of sweetness, similar to red snapper. It has a firm but flaky texture and is a great option for those that don't usually like fish. When cooked, it will take on the flavor of the fish seasoning.

Can you use other seasonings?

I always have some of my fish seasoning to hand in my pantry, it takes minutes to make and I always make a big batch so it's ready to use. You can use a store-bought fish seasoning, or mix things up with your own blends! Tilapia is very mild in flavor, so it will work well with pretty much any combination! Try it with some of these other seasoning recipes:

Can you make it ahead of time?

This tilapia recipe is best served as soon as you have air-fried it, and as it is so quick to prep and cook, that's not too much hassle at all! If you do have leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for around 3 minutes to heat through. You can also add it cold to salads.

Can you make this in the oven?

Yes! I love oven-baked fish. Just preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake on a lined sheet pan for about 15-20 minutes.

What do you serve it with?

This air fryer tilapia is great to serve with salads, vegetables, or potato sides for a healthy and well-balanced dinner. Try it with some of these favorites:

Two air fryer tilapia fillets on a plate with lemon slices.

Recipe Notes and Tips

I used thawed tilapia for this recipe. If cooking the tilapia from frozen, cook for about 10-12 minutes.
If thawing the tilapia fillets, pat them dry well before seasoning to remove excess water.
Any high heat oil will do well in this recipe, such as canola, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.
These fillets will take between 7 and 10 minutes to cook through. The cooked fish should be firm but flaky and be an even white color throughout.

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Tilapia

Quick to cook and delicious to eat, tilapia fish fillets come out perfectly when cooked in the air fryer. Simply seasoned, this mild tasting white fish is wonderfully flaky and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fried tilapia, how to air fry tilapia fish, tilapia fillets air fryer recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 166kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2-4 tilapia filets rinsed and patted dry
2 teaspoons of fish seasoning
Oil for spraying
Lemon slices and chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Season the filets with fish seasoning. Place the filets in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the top of the fish filets with a little oil.
Air fry the filets for about 7-10 minutes until the fish is flaky.
Serve with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

I used thawed tilapia for this recipe. If cooking the tilapia from frozen, cook for about 10-12 minutes.
If thawing the tilapia fillets, pat them dry well before seasoning to remove excess water.
Any high heat oil will do well in this recipe, such as canola, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.
These fillets will take between 7 and 10 minutes to cook through. The cooked fish should be firm but flaky and be an even white color throughout.

Nutrition

Beef and Bean Stew

May 24, 2022 by Tanya 19 Comments

Wholesome and hearty, this homemade beef and bean stew is sure to warm your body and soul! Easy to make in one pot, this stew is loaded with fresh veggies and tender beef for a filling family dinner that's full of flavor and goodness.

Overhead shot of a bowl of beef and bean stew.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

When it comes to comfort food, you can't beat a good stew. Wonderfully hearty and chunky, this beef and bean stew is perfectly flavorful and so easy to make.

Great for meal prep and freezer meals, this recipe is loaded with protein whilst remaining pretty low in calories and fats, plus you get lots of healthy vitamins and minerals from the fresh veggies.

Easy to make from scratch, this budget friendly stew is all cooked in one pot on the stovetop so even the clean up is a breeze! The stew beef is slow cooked and wonderfully tender and delicious. This is sure to become a favorite with the whole family!

Be sure to try my Brunswick Stew and Brown Stew Chicken too!

Close up of the beef and bean stew garnished with fresh parsley.

How to make beef and bean stew

Gather your ingredients.

Heat the oil in dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.

Once the beef is done browning, remove it from the pot. Add the onions and carrots and cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes.

Then add in the garlic, thyme, and dried sage. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the salt, pepper, bay leaves, beef broth, and pinto beans. Add the beef back to the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender. Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering.

Broth and beans added to the pot and stirred with a wooden spoon.

Can you make it ahead of time?

I love making stews as they are great for leftovers and freezer meals - cook them once and enjoy twice! Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and up to 6 months when frozen.

Let the stew cool fully before storing. Frozen stew should be thawed in the fridge overnight and it can be reheated in a pot on the stovetop.

What's the best beef to use?

Traditionally, stews are a budget friendly meal. Because the beef is slow cooked, you can use cheaper and tougher cuts of beef so it's much kinder on your wallet! For best results, use beef stew meat, you can buy it already cut into cubes in some places which cuts down on your prep time. Don't use expensive cuts of steak in this recipe as they won't stand up well to the long cook time.

What do you serve it with?

This beef and bean stew is delicious just by itself, serve it in a bowl like a soup and it will leave you feeling satisfied! For a larger meal, you can easily serve it with some of these favorite sides:

Is it healthy?

This homemade stew is a great option for a well balanced diet. Thanks to the beef and beans it's high in protein, and the veggies add a lot of nutrients and fiber. One serving is just under 400 calories and it's pretty low in fats too. This is one stew you can feel great about!

Beef and bean stew served in a white bowl.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Feel free to add in extra veggies if you like! Mushrooms and bell peppers are both great choices!
I like to use a Dutch oven to make this stew as it heats evenly so you don't get hotspots that can scorch the bottom. You can use a large pot if you don't have a Dutch oven.
Brown the beef well, it should be pretty dark brown when you remove it from the pan. This is how you get the flavor.
If making ahead of time, let the stew cool fully before refrigerating or freezing.

More Beef Recipes

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4.70 from 23 votes

Beef and Bean Stew

Prep Time10

Cook Time2 10

Total Time2 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beef stew with pinto beans, healthy beef stew, stovetop beef stew

Servings: servings

Calories: 397kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large onion chopped
2 large carrots sliced
4 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
½ teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
3 cups beef broth
2 15oz cans pinto beans

Instructions

Heat the oil in dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
Once the beef is done browning, remove it from the pot. Add the onions and carrots and cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
Then add in the garlic, thyme, and dried sage. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the salt, pepper, bay leaves, beef broth and pinto beans. Add the beef back to the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender. Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering.

Notes

Feel free to add in extra veggies if you like! Mushrooms and bell peppers are both great choices!
I like to use a Dutch oven to make this stew as it heats evenly so you don't get hotspots that can scorch the bottom. You can use a large pot if you don't have a Dutch oven.
Brown the beef well, it should be pretty dark brown when you remove it from the pan. This is how you get the flavor.
If making ahead of time, let the stew cool fully before refrigerating or freezing.

Nutrition

Jamaican Green Banana Porridge (Creamy and Delicious)

May 11, 2022 by Tanya 6 Comments

This Jamaican Green banana porridge is a delicious breakfast staple that is delicious and healthy. Creamy, smooth, and flavorful, it's a recipe your whole family will love.

green banana porridge in white bowl with green banana and nutmeg in background

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Porridge is one of my all-time favorite breakfast items. Most mornings, we would usually have cornmeal porridge or oatmeal, but if we had green bananas in the house, this was the porridge we were making.

Green banana porridge takes a little bit of prep but the results are totally worth it. The porridge is smooth, thick, creamy, and flavored with spiced and sweetened with condensed milk. This delicious and healthy breakfast can't be beaten!

If you're a fan of Jamaican food, try my other Jamaican breakfast recipes, like this ackee and saltfish and these Jamaican banana fritters.

How to make Jamaican green banana porridge

Gather your ingredients. This banana porridge uses raw green bananas.

ingredients for jamaican green banana porridge

The skin on a green banana is tough and you will need to peel the green banana by cutting the skin off.

How to remove the peel from a green banana

Peel and cut your green bananas by using a pairing knife. Start by cutting off the stem of the banana. Then, create a slit down the side of the banana and then remove the peel.

collage image of green banana being peeled

Blend the green banana with milk

Once peeled, add green banana, coconut milk, and almond milk to a blender. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.

blended ingredients for green banana porridge in blender

Cook the porridge on the stove

Meanwhile, bring water and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil in a pot.

Add mixture from blender to boiling water and stir until the banana mixture is dissolved in the water. Reduce heat and continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes, until the porridge thickens.

After 12 minutes, stir in vanilla extract, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and allow to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk to taste.

condensed milk being added to pot of green banana porridge

Serve and enjoy.

What are green bananas?

Green bananas are unripe bananas. They are usually firmer and less sweet than ripe bananas. They are typically cooked, usually by boiling, before being eaten. Green bananas are available in most supermarkets in the produce section or in international markets.

Is Green banana porridge healthy?

Yes! Green bananas contain a good amount of dietary fiber and are a good source of potassium. These are important for keeping the digestive system healthy and preventing constipation. They also contain vitamins and minerals that can help boost the immune system, improve heart health, and increase energy levels.

Notes on Green banana porridge

To make this recipe vegan, sub the condensed milk with vegan condensed milk.
If you find that porridge is too thick and making large bubbles, stir in a little more water.
Uses any spices you like to season, like a whole cinnamon stick, pimento berries, or almond essence. Remove any whole spices before serving.
Remember to stir the porridge often to prevent lumping.
Serve this with your favorite breakfast items, like toast, fruit, and a nice cup of coffee.

I hope you enjoy this Jamaican banana porridge as much as we do.

Looking for other Jamaican recipes? Try these out.

If you made this green banana porridge recipe, I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

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4.67 from 6 votes

Creamy Jamaican Green Banana Porridge

This Jamaican Green banana porridge is a delicious breakfast staple that is delicious and healthy. Creamy, smooth, and flavorful, it's a recipe your whole family will love.

Prep Time10

Cook Time14

Total Time24

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Caribbean

Keyword: green banana porridge, jamaican green banana porridge

Servings: people

Calories: 355kcal

Author: Tanya

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

4 green bananas peel removed
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice
2 cups water
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground Cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ cup sweetened condensed milk or to taste

Instructions

Add peeled green bananas, coconut milk, and almond milk to a blender. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.
Meanwhile, bring water and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil in a pot.
Add mixture from blender to boiling water and stir until the banana mixture is dissolved in the water. Reduce heat and continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes, until the porridge thickens.
After 12 minutes, stir in vanlla extract, allspice, innamon, and nutmeg, and vallow to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk to taste.

Notes

Peel and cut your green bananas by using a pairing knife. Start by cutting off the stem of the banana. Then, create a slit down the side of the banana and then remove the peel.
To make this recipe vegan, sub the condensed milk with vegan condensed milk.
If you find that porridge is too thick and making large bubbles, stir in a little more water.
Uses any spices you like to season, like a whole cinnamon stick, pimento berries, or almond essence. Remove any whole spices before serving.
Remember to stir the porridge often to prevent lumping.

Nutrition

Air Fryer Steak Bites

May 10, 2022 by Tanya 5 Comments

Juicy, tender and so delicious, these air fryer steak bites are perfect for a main meal or tasty appetizer to share. Simply seasoned and quickly cooked, you can have these on the table in less than 15 minutes.

Close up of steak bites garnished with fresh herbs.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I'm so happy to introduce you to my current air fryer favorite! These steak bites are so good you'll be eating them right out of the basket! Tender and juicy steak has never been easier to cook!

I've been air frying steak for a while and it's such a great way to make a quick steak dinner.

These air fryer steak bites are a great quick and easy option for a delicious weeknight dinner, but I also love serving them up as tasty appetizers to serve to guests. Just pop some toothpicks in, arrange them on a plate, and they are going to disappear quickly!

Simply seasoned with everyday ingredients, these are super quick to prep and cook and are a guaranteed hit!

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Steak Fajitas too!

Air fryer steak bites garnished with fresh parsley.

How to make air fryer steak bites

Gather your ingredients

Place the steak in a large bowl and coat it with olive oil.
Then add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat.

Cubes of raw steak in a bowl with oil and seasonings.

Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes.

Cooked steak bites in the air fryer basket.

What's the best steak to use?

Most cuts of steak will work well in this recipe, ideally, you'll want something fairly thick with a decent amount of fat for the best flavor. I used boneless ribeye, but sirloin, cap, or filet mignon will all work great. It's best to avoid flank and skirt as these cuts are pretty thin.

How are they seasoned?

These air fryer steak bites are simply seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder, but you can easily mix things up to suit your tastes! Make them herby by using dried herbs like Italian seasoning, chives, or oregano, or spice things up with some chili flakes, cayenne, or paprika.

How do you serve them?

These tender steak bites can be served as an appetizer or quick and easy main with your favorite sides. For the main dish, pair them with some of these favorites:

Or, turn them into a crowd-pleasing appetizer! Once cooked, spear each cube with a cocktail stick and arrange it on a serving platter. You can even drizzle them with some blue cheese sauce to really elevate them.

Air fried steak bites served on a white plate.

Recipe Notes and Tips

It's so easy to cook these steak bites exactly how you like them! At 7 minutes, mine were cooked medium rare, for more well done, take them up to 10 minutes.
Cut the steak into similar-sized cubes so that they cook through evenly.
Make sure that the steak pieces are well coated in the oil, this will help them to brown nicely.
Sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, or any steak will work. I used boneless ribeye.
You can add other seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fried steak bites, how to cook steak in the air fryer, steak appetizer recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 389kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs your favorite steak cut into bite size pieces, see notes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Place the steak in a large bowl and coat it with olive oil.
Then add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Toss to coat.
Cook on 400F for 7-10 minutes.

Notes

It's so easy to cook these steak bites exactly how you like them! At 7 minutes, mine were cooked medium rare, for more well done, take them up to 10 minutes.
Cut the steak into similar sized cubes so that the cook through evenly.
Make sure that the steak pieces are well coated in the oil, this will help them to brown nicely.
Sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon or any steak will work. I used boneless ribeye.
You can add other seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit.
Sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon or any steak will work. I used boneless ribeye
You can add other seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit

Nutrition

How to Sauté: The Best Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Sauteed Food

May 9, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

Sautéing is a simple cooking method that can turn a weeknight meal into magic! Follow this easy guide and learn how to sauté your favorite foods.

Learning how to saute is one of the most valuable skills a home cook can have. This quick and easy cooking method isn’t just great for weeknight meals, it’s great for giving meats, vegetables, and other food items a wonderful golden-brown crispness!

Sautéing can turn everyday kitchen staples into flavorful meals in a matter of minutes. Once you learn how to properly sauté, you will have endless options when it comes to preparing stovetop vegetables, meats, and seafood.

When following a recipe, you'll usually see "sauté the onions" as an initial step. It's helpful to know exactly what that means and how it's done. Additionally, many vegetables, meats, and seafood can be sautéed.

What is sautéing?

Sautéing is the cooking of food in a shallow pan with a small amount of fat - basically, oil or butter. Chefs love sautéing because it cooks food quickly while retaining moisture, enhancing flavor, and browning for added texture. If you’ve enjoyed crispy sauteed shrimp with butter, then you understand the benefits of sautéing - yum!

Sauteeing is one of the main stovetop cooking techniques that is the base for many recipes.

The word ‘sauté’ comes from the French word ‘to jump’, because the oil or butter in the sauté pan should “jump” and sizzle when the ingredients are added to the pan. That makes sense, right?

Sauteeing will usually involve butter or oil. The fat in the pan is essential for browning meats and acts as an effective way to heat the pan while preventing items from sticking to the surface. But there are other cooking methods that involve pans, oil, and butter, so what’s the difference between sautéing, frying, searing, and sweating?

Sauté vs fry

When it comes to sautéing vs. frying - and searing, the differences all come down to how much fat is in the pan, and the cooking temperature. Adding more oil to the skillet, and cooking at a lower temperature for longer is the key to great pan-fried recipes. While searing involves using high heat to brown meats, or form a crust - on a steak or a roast, for example.

Saute vs sweating

cooked onions on two white plates. plate on top says sweat and on bottom says sauté

Sweating often gets confused with sauteing. Sweating involves cooking food, mainly vegetables, like onions, in a shallow pan with a small amount of fan, but over low heat. The purpose of sweating is to soften the vegetables without browning. Sweating vegetables is often best when you want to release some flavor and liquid from the vegetables without browning them. Sweating will generally take longer to soften the vegetables than sauteing.

Sauté Temperature Cheat Sheet

Searing	high-heat
Sautéing	medium-high heat
Pan-frying	medium-heat

What kind of pan to use for sautéing?

Pan size: One of the keys to a good sauté is using a pan that allows enough room for your ingredients to move around - in other words, don’t crowd the pan. Using the correct size pan to sauté helps your food cook and brown at the same speed, so you get the same result. You'll typically want to grab a 10-12 inch skillet when sautéing.

Pan type: Stainless steel, cast iron skillets, or aluminum frying pans all work well for sautéing and browning foods. A non-stick pan can sauté well but it won't be the best in browning. Non-stick sauté pans are the perfect pan for sautéing fish because they help maintain that delicate fish texture.

Onions, garlic and mushroom stems in a skillet. — Add onions, scotch bonnet pepper, green onions, and garlic to skillet. Cook until onions are translucent.

What type of oil to use for sautéing

The type of oil you use to sauté really comes down to personal preference and smoking points. Olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil are all popular and have high smoke points. Some home cooks prefer grapeseed oil because it has a more neutral flavor than olive oil, and can be heated to a higher temperature without smoking.

And, don’t forget - you can always use a few tabs of delicious butter, ghee, or duck fat to sauté! Whether you use oil or another type of fat when you sauté, just remember that less is more. Use just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. If you find that your ingredients are sticking to the pan, you can always add a bit more as you cook, just don’t overdo it.

If using fats or oils with a low smoke point, like butter, make sure to keep the heat over medium heat. Cranking the heat too high may cause the oil to burn and leave a bitter taste in your entire dish.

Can you sauté without oil?

Although the definition of the word sauté includes cooking in oil, many home cooks may find they can avoid using oil if they use the right tools. Water, stock, or a little liquid can be used to sauté in place of fat. Just make sure to use a non-stick pan in these incidences to avoid your food sticking.

A step-by-step guide to sautéing

Before you add your meat or vegetables, remove any excess moisture to prevent the food from steaming
Then, heat the sauté pan. A minute on medium-high heat is a good rule of thumb. This process of heating your pan first will ensure your food does not stick. Just be careful and make sure your pan does not get too hot.
Add the fat and allow it to warm in the pan. You’ll know the oil or butter is ready when it starts to shimmer. If your oil or butter begins to smoke, remove it, allow the pan to cool and wipe it clean, and start over.
Now you’re ready to sauté!

How to sauté vegetables

Perfectly sauteed vegetables are a thing of beauty!

Add the vegetables to the pan and spread them evenly across the surface.
Stir the vegetables until all of the pieces are coated with oil.
Continue moving the vegetables every few minutes until they’re tender, and just a little crispy and crunchy on the outside.

How to sauté meat

Sautéing meat is easier than you think!

To sauté meat, follow the same instructions above, making sure the pieces of meat are evenly coated with oil.
If you find the meat is browning too quickly, or sticking to the bottom of the pan, reduce the heat.
Once the meat has achieved a nice golden brown texture, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness.
For a quick reference, the internal temperature of the most frequently sauteed meats are:

chicken - 165°F
pork chops - 145°F
steaks - 145°F
ground beef - 165°F

How to sauté fish

Fish is delicate and needs to be treated a tad bit differently. When cooking thin fish filets, cook pieces over lower heat in a non-stick pan to ensure they don't overcook. for thicker filets, higher heat may be used.

More tips on saute

Make sure any food you sauté is cut into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Make sure to pay careful attention to the food while cooking when it comes to sautéeing. Foods cooked over higher heat can burn quickly if not watched.
Use wooden tools, like a wooden spoon, or spatula when stirring food in a skillet, especially non-stick skillets to keep the pans lasting longer.
Avoid using high temperatures if using nonstick pans.

I hope this guide helps you in your cooking journey. Need more helpful cooking guides, check these out:

Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe

May 4, 2022 by Tanya 24 Comments

These Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables are a great flavorful and healthy side dish. Easy and quick to prep, they are a great way to get a bit of goodness on your plate in a tasty way.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for a new side dish to serve up. These marinated air fryer vegetables were a hit! Super easy to make and perfectly roasted in the air fryer!

They are perfect to serve with all of your favorite weeknight meals like air fryer chicken breast and turkey burgers.

Ingredients To Make Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables

Vegetables, Sliced

Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Mushrooms
Red onion
Red bell pepper

Marinade

Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Honey
Salt and garlic powder
Dried thyme and oregano
Garlic Powder
Liquid smoke

How To Make Air Fryer Marinated Vegetables

Place marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until combined.

Place vegetables in a bowl or storage bag, cover with marinade and stir until all vegetables are fully covered. I add the marinade to the vegetables in a bag and roll it around until the veggies are covered.
Allow vegetables to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

The vegetables and marinade in a glass bowl

Place marinated vegetables in an air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until tender.

The uncooked vegetables in the air fryer basket

The cooked marinated vegetables in the air fryer basket

Sprinkle a little bit of salt over the vegetables before serving.

Can you use other vegetables?

I found that these specific vegetables worked really well with the marinade and the texture was just perfect. You can of course experiment with other veggies you have in the fridge. Stay away from anything too soft like tomatoes though.

Can you use frozen vegetables?

It's best to use fresh veggies in this recipe. You can cook frozen vegetables in the air fryer, but they won't soak up the delicious marinade. Thawed frozen vegetables will contain too much moisture.

Can you make them ahead of time?

These vegetables are best served as soon as they are made. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in the air fryer or in the oven.

Close up of the marinated air fryer vegetables

Recipe Notes and Tips

Adding liquid smoke gives the vegetables a smokey grilled taste.
Try not to marinate the vegetables for too long or your vegetables will be mushy rather than tender.

More Side Dish Recipes

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4.92 from 12 votes

Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe

These marinated air fryer vegetables are a great flavorful and healthy side dish. Easy and quick to prep, they are are a great way to get a bit of goodness on your plate in a tasty way.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Marinating time20

Total Time45

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer vegetables, marinated vegetables, vegetable side dish

Servings: servings

Calories: 200kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Vegetables

2 green zucchini cut into ½ inch pieces
1 yellow squash cut into ½ inch pieces
4 oz button mushrooms cut in half
1 red onion cut into ½ inch pieces
1 red bell pepper cut into ½ inch pieces

Marinade

4 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 ½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
A few drops of liquid smoke optional
salt to taste

Instructions

Place marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until combined. Place chopped vegetables in bowl and stir until all vegetables are fully covered.
Allow vegetables to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
Place marinated vegetables in air fryer basket and cook on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until tender. Salt to taste.

Notes

Adding liquid smoke gives the vegetables a smokey grilled taste.
Try not to marinate the vegetables for too long or your vegetables will be mushy rather than tender.

Nutrition

This post was originally published 4/2/2020. It has been updated with better photos and helpful tips.

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