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BBQ Mac and Cheese

Everyone's favorite, mac and cheese has had one delicious makeover! This BBQ mac and cheese recipe is made with shredded BBQ and seasoned with BBQ sauce before being baked to perfection. It's rich, cheesy, creamy, and tangy. It's the perfect comfort food!

Two bowls of mac and cheese topped with BBQ sauce.

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.

Just when you thought mac and cheese couldn't get any better, along comes BBQ mac and cheese! Stop what you are doing and make this immediately!

This recipe is the most perfect comfort food, rich and hearty, cheesy and tangy, every bite is a real treat!

The oven-baked macaroni cheese is loaded with BBQ pork, or chicken, a lot of cheese, and of course your favorite BBQ sauce. This is one hearty, indulgent and comforting dish that the whole family will love!

Be sure to try my Seafood Mac and Cheese and Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese too!

A wooden spoon serving the BBQ mac and cheese.

How to make BBQ Mac and Cheese

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 pan and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the directions on the macaroni box. This should be about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
  • Combine milk and heavy cream in a large measuring cup or glass. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium-sized pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour in the pot and whisk for 1-2 minutes, until the flour smells toasty. Slowly whisk in milk/cream mixture. Allow to simmer until thickened, whisking often. This should take about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese and the ½ cup bbq sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if desired.
  • Butter melting in a pot.
  • flour added to the melted butter.
  • Whisking the flour.
  • Pouring in the milk.
  • The sauce being stirred with a wooden spoon.
  • Cheese and BBQ sauce added to the sauce.
  • Pour sauce over drained macaroni and stir until the macaroni is covered. Add 1 cup of cooked BBQ and stir until combined.
  • The sauce being poured over the macaroni.
  • The cheese sauce stirred into the macaroni.
  • Pour mixture into the 9x13 baking pan and top with remaining cooked BBQ, bbq sauce, and cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
The mac and cheese topped with more cheese and BBQ pork.
  • To brown the cheese on top, place the oven on broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese on top has browned. Remove from the oven and top with remaining bbq sauce and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy.
The BBQ mac and cheese after being baked.

Can you make it ahead of time?

This BBQ mac and cheese is so delicious served straight out of the oven, but the leftovers are just as tasty! Once baked, let the dish cool and then cover or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well for around four days and you can reheat it at 360F with the top covered with foil for around 15 minutes to warm it through.

What's the best protein to use?

This mac and cheese recipe is great with either BBQ shredded pork or BBQ chicken. You can buy store bought for ease or make your own favorite recipe. For a meat-free version, you can simply omit the meat, it will still have all of that delicious BBQ flavor.

What do you serve it with?

A big bowl of this mac and cheese is perfect served by itself in a big bowl, and it's delicious paired with your favorite sides. try it with:

Close up of BBQ mac and cheese.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Elbow macaroni is perfect for this recipe, but any short pasta like bow tie or penne will work well.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful flavor, though other shredded cheese like Jack or mozzarella will work well.
  • The pasta should be cooked al dente. If it's overcooked, the final dish can become quite soggy.
  • Cook the pasta in heavily salted water to add flavor to the dish right from the beginning.

More Pasta Recipes

Two bowls of mac and cheese topped with BBQ sauce.
Print Recipe
4.25 from 4 votes

BBQ Mac and Cheese

Everyone's favorite, mac and cheese has had one delicious makeover! This BBQ mac and cheese recipe is made with BBQ shredded meat and seasoned with BBQ sauce before being baked to perfection.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked bbq mac and cheese, bbq pork mac and cheese, mac and cheese with bbq sauce
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 791kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 16 oz dried elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese separated
  • ½ cup bbq sauce plus more for garnish
  • 2 cups cooked BBQ pork or chicken
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 pan and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the directions on the macaroni box. This should be about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
  • Combine milk and heavy cream in a large measuring cup or glass. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium-sized pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour in the pot and whisk for 1-2 minutes, until the flour smells toasty. Slowly whisk in milk/cream mixture. Allow to simmer until thickened, whisking often. This should take about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese and the ½ cup bbq sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if desired.
  • Pour sauce over drained macaroni and stir until the macaroni is covered. Add 1 cup of cooked BBQ and stir until combined.
  • Pour mixture into the 9x13 baking pan and top with remaining cooked BBQ, bbq sauce, and cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
  • To brown the cheese on top, place the oven on broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese on top has browned. Remove from the oven and top with remaining bbq sauce and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Elbow macaroni is perfect for this recipe, but any short pasta like bow tie or penne will work well.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful flavor, though other shredded cheese like Jack or mozzarella will work well.
  • The pasta should be cooked al dente. If it's overcooked, the final dish can become quite soggy.
  • Cook the pasta in heavily salted water to add flavor to the dish right from the beginning.

Nutrition

Calories: 791kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 846mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1444IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 446mg | Iron: 2mg

by 28 Comments

Jamaican Festival (Sweet Dumpling) Recipe

This Jamaican Festival recipe is a homemade version of the popular Jamaican snack. Made with a few simple ingredients, this delicious fried sweet dough is the perfect side dish for your favorite Jamaican recipes. 

jamaican festival ina white bowl

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 I say festival, I don’t mean a party. But then again, it’s always a party when I show up with my homemade festival! Ha! All jokes aside, this Jamaican festival recipe is the truth and I worked on it to make sure it was as delicious as the ones I had as a child. 

Jamaican festival is a sweet fried dough made with cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and milk. The dough comes together quite easily and all you have to do is deep fry it. It goes well with some of my favorite Jamaican recipes like rasta pasta, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, or escovitch fish. 

How to make Jamaican Festival

First, gather your ingredients. You’ll want to start heating a heavy bottom pot of oil that has at least 3 inches of oil in it or use a deep fryer if you have one. Turn the heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

ingredients for festival

Prepare your festival dough by adding the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl and stirring to combine.

dru ingredients for festival in a white bowl

Add the vanilla extract and milk and stir until the dough comes together. Then use your hands to lightly form the mixture into a ball. 

festival dogh rolled into ball

Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into long oval shapes. Make about 12 dumplings. 

festival dough rolled into long oval shape in hand

Once the oil has reached the temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, fry the dough on all sides, until golden brown. This should take about 4-6 minutes.

jamaican festival dough being deep fried

Remove dough and drain off any excess grease. 

fried festival draining on wire rack

Serve and enjoy. 

fried festival dough in plate with one broken to see inside

What does festival taste like?

Festival is like a combination of sweet cornbread and hushpuppies mixed together. It’s light and fluffy and sweetened to perfection. 

Notes on Jamaican Festival

  • Make sure your oil is set to the proper temperature for deep frying. I use a thermometer to ensure my oil is at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Festival is best eaten when it's made. The dough can be made a day ahead.
  • The amount of milk added may depend on the brand of flour used. You may need a little more or a little less. Slowly stir in the milk until the flour is moistened and can easily form into a ball of dough. 
  • I don't recommend making festival in an air fryer. I tried and it was not as good.

Looking for other Jamaican recipes? Try these out:

fried festival dough in plate with one broken to see inside
Print Recipe
4.91 from 20 votes

Jamaican Festival (Sweet Dumpling) Recipe

This Jamaican Festival recipe is a homemade version of the popular Jamaican snack. Made with a few simple ingredients, this delicious fried sweet dough is the perfect side dish for your favorite Jamaican recipes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time16 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: jamaican festival, jamaican festival recipe
Servings: 12 dumplings
Calories: 117kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup fine cornmeal
  • 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup milk a little less or more may be needed, see notes
  • Oil for deep frying*

Instructions

  • Heat a heavy bottom pot of oil that has at least 3 inches of oil in it or use a deep fryer if you have one. Turn the heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl and stir to combine.
  • Add the vanilla extract and milk and stir until the dough comes together. Then use your hands to lightly form the mixture into a ball.
  • Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into long oval shapes. Make about 12 dumplings.
  • Once the oil has reached the temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, fry the dough on all sides, until golden brown. This should take about 4-6 minutes.
  • Remove dough and drain off any excess grease. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure your oil is set to the proper temperature for deep frying. I use a thermometer to ensure my oil is at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Festival is best eaten when it's made. The dough can be made a day ahead.
  • The amount of milk added may depend on the brand of flour used. You may need a little more or a little less. Slowly stir in the milk until the flour is moistened and can easily form into a ball of dough.
  • I don't recommend making festival in an air fryer. I tried and it was not as good.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

by 5 Comments

Classic Jamaican Escovitch Fish: A Family Favorite

This classic Jamaican Escovitch Fish recipe is a delicious Caribbean staple. Made with red snapper fish and a colorful pepper and vinegar-based sauce, this is one dish you must make!

escovitch fish filet with festival 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.

Growing up near the beach has its perks. My stepdad loved to fish and would bring home all kinds of fish. Escovitch fish made an appearance quite often in our house, and it would never disappoint.

Escovitch fish is a popular dish in Jamaica. Traditionally, it's made with seasoned whole red snapper fish fried in oil to make the skin crispy before being topped with a mixture of onions and bell peppers, scotch bonnet pepper, and vinegar. Sometimes the fish is marinated in the vinegar marinade overnight.

Rather than frying my fish, I choose to air fry it, a suggestion given to me by my aunt. This is how she makes her escovitch fish, and it is delicious.

If you don’t have an air fryer, the fish can still be fried in oil on the stovetop before adding the sauce. 

🧂 Ingredients Needed

Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • For the Fish: Whole red snapper, canola oil, fish seasoning (or a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
  • For the Escovitch Sauce: White distilled vinegar, yellow onion, carrot, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, dried thyme, allspice, granulated sugar, black pepper

🔪 Essential Tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large skillet or frying pan (or air fryer)
  • Tongs or fish spatula
  • Saucepan (for escovitch sauce)
  • Paper towels (for drying and draining fish)

How to make Jamaican Escovitch Fish

First, gather your ingredients and prep your whole fish. I like to wash the fish in water with lime juice, remove any remaining scales, cut the fins, and pat the outside of the fish dry. I do this same process for my air fryer whole fish recipe.

ingredients for escovitch fish

Season the fish with a little oil and dry seasonings. I use my homemade fish seasoning but you can use whatever seasoning you like, like salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. 

If using the air fryer, place the fish in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 14-16 minutes. If your whole fish is too large to fit in the basket, cut it in half.  

seasoned fish in air fryer basket before cooking
cooked fish filet in air fryer basket

Meanwhile, make your escovitch sauce on the stove while the fish is cooking. Place a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of vinegar, onion, carrot, green and red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté the onions and peppers until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. 

peppers that were sauteed in vinegar

Add the remaining vinegar, dried thyme, allspice, granulated sugar, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. 

peppers in vinegar sauce and seasoning

When the fish is done, place it on a platter and pour the escovitch sauce over the fish.

jamaican escovitch fish on a plate

That's it, you've made escovitch fish!

To fry the fish on the stovetop

If needed, you can fry the fish on the stovetop and get the crispy skin. Prepare the fish by cleaning it and seasoning in it with fish seasoning.

Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until the oil, reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the fish in the oil on both sides for about 5-6 minutes.

Remove the fish. Prepare the escovitch sauce in a separate pan.

To oven roast the fish

Before adding the escovitch sauce, you can roast the fish in a hot oven. Season the fish as instructed and roast in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20-25 minutes.

What exactly is escovitch fish?

Escovitch fish is Jamaica's version of marinated fish and peppers. It's usually made with red snapper fish, although other fish can also be used. My family makes it with whole fish rather than fish fillets. However, you can use fish fillets if needed.

What do you eat escovitch fish with?

Whatever you like! I usually eat escovitch fish with rice, fried dumplings, or Jamaican festival.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the vinegar sauce up to a few days in advance. The fish can be cooked and stored up to 3-4 days in advance.

Notes

  • The scotch bonnet pepper in this recipe makes the dish slightly spicy. If you aren't a fan of spice, leave the scotch bonnet pepper out. If you can't find scotch bonnet pepper, a habanero pepper makes a great substitute.
  • You can marinate the fish in the dry seasonings overnight in the fridge if you have time. It gives the dish even more flavor.

Looking for other Jamaican recipes? Check these out.

jamaican escovitch fish on a plate
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Jamaican Escovitch Fish

This classic Jamaican Escovitch fish recipe is a delicious Caribbean staple. Made with red snapper fish and a colorful pepper and vinegar-based sauce, this is one dish you must make!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: escovitch fish, jamaican escovitch fish
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 137kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 whole red snapper fish about 1.5 lbs, scaled and gutted
  • ½ Tablespoon canola oil more if frying on the stove*
  • 1.5 Tablespoons fish seasoning

Escovitch Sauce

  • 1 cup white distilled vinegar separated
  • 1 yellow onion sliced
  • 1 carrot peeled and sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper sliced, seeds and membrane removed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Air Frying the Fish

  • Rub oil over fish and season the fish with fish seasoning on the outside and inside.
  • Place fish in the air fryer basket and cook on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 14-16 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches at least 145F and the inside of the fish is flaky.

For Stovetop Frying

  • You can fry the fish on the stovetop and get the crispy skin if needed. Prepare the fish by washing the fish in water with lime juice, remove any remaining scales, cut the fins, and pat the outside of the fish dry. Season the fish with the seasonings.
    Heat enough canola oil in a large skillet to cover half of the fish filets over medium-high heat, until the oil, reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the fish in the oil on both sides, about 5-6 minutes on each side.
    Remove the fish. Prepare the escovitch sauce in a separate pan.

Escovitch Sauce

  • Meanwhile, while the fish is cooking, make your escovitch sauce on the stove. Place a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar, onion, carrot, green and red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté the onions and peppers until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. 
  • Add the remaining vinegar, dried thyme, allspice, granulated sugar, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
  • When the fish is done, place it on a platter and pour the escovitch sauce over the fish. Serve and enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • The scotch bonnet pepper in this recipe makes the dish slightly spicy. If you aren't a fan of spice, leave the scotch bonnet pepper out. If you can't find scotch bonnet pepper, a habanero pepper makes a great substitute.
  • You can marinate the fish in the dry seasonings overnight in the fridge if you have time. It gives the dish even more flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 7328IU | Vitamin C: 138mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 2mg

by 3 Comments

Holiday Mulled Wine

This easy mulled wine recipe is a classic holiday drink. Red wine is heated with orange, spices and maple syrup, and with a touch of brandy, for a cozy and warming drink for adults only! Instructions included for both Slow cooker and stovetop methods.

Mulled wine served in a mug with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.

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 the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to unwind and get cozy than with some homemade mulled wine. It's so easy to make from scratch and it's perfect for all of your Christmas parties.

Red wine is seasoned with cinnamon, orange, whole cloves, and star anise and sweetened with a little maple syrup for a warming alcoholic drink.

I've included instructions for both the Crockpot and stovetop, both methods are very straightforward. Your only regret will be that you didn't make double!

Be sure to try my Sangria and Jamaican Sorrel too!

How to make holiday mulled wine

  • Gather your ingredients and spices. I only use three kinds of whole spices in my mulled wine.
Spices needed for the recipe.
  • Use a peeler and strip a few slices of the orange peel from the orange. Cut the orange in half and juice the orange.
  • Add wine, juice from the orange, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple syrup to a 4-quart saucepan and place over medium heat. When the mixture begins to lighlty bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. I do this when I see one or two bubbles.
Red wine and spices in a pot.
  • Allow to cook over low heat with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the liquid into a fine mesh strainer that has been placed over a bowl. Discard the whole spices and orange peel.
The strained spices and orange peel.
  • Serve the wine in mugs. Enjoy!
Two cups of holiday mulled wine.

Can you make mulled wine in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily make this holiday drink in your Crockpot too! It's a great option if you want to make it ahead of a party. Follow the stovetop instructions, but place on low heat in the slow cooker for 1 to 2 hours. The full instructions can be found at the bottom of the post.

Can you reheat mulled wine?

Yes! Mulled wine can be made up to 3 days ahead of time, so feel free to double the recipe! Once it has been made and strained, let it cool and keep it in a container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop to warm through before serving.

Can you drink it cold?

Mulled wine is best served warm, it can still be drunk cold if you like, but the flavors of the spices will be a lot less subtle.

This holiday wine drink is best served in ceramic or porcelain mugs, so that you can drink it without your hands becoming too hot. Glass mugs will also work well.

Red mulled wine in a white mug.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Use a bold and fruity wine to make this recipe. A Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz are all great choices. The wine doesn't have to be expensive, but use one you would normally drink.
  • Don't be tempted to add more spices, or the finished drink can be quite overpowering.
  • The maple syrup can be substituted for honey or brown sugar.
  • Make sure that you don't bring the wine to a boil. Alcohol evaporates at 172 degrees Fahrenheit (78°C) which could result in less potent wine and a bitter drink.

More Drinks Recipes

Mulled wine served in a mug with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Holiday Mulled Wine

This easy mulled wine recipe is a classic holiday drink. Red wine is heated with orange, spices and maple syrup, and with a touch of brandy, for cosy and warming drink that's for adults only!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade mulled wine, how to make mulled wine, slow cooker mulled wine, stovetop mulled wine
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 226kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 750 milliliter bottle of wine Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 1 medium orange rinsed and dried
  • ½ Tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 2 Tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons brandy

Instructions

Stovetop:

  • Use a peeler and strip a few slices of the orange peel from the orange. Cut the orange in half and juice the orange.
  • Add wine, juice from the orange, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple syrup to a 4-quart saucepan and place over medium heat. When the mixture begins to lightly bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid.
  • Allow to simmer over low with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the liquid into a fine mesh strainer that has been placed over a bowl. Discard the whole spices and orange peel. Serve the wine in mugs. Enjoy!

Slow cooker:

  • Use a peeler and strip a few slices of the orange peel. Cut the orange in half and juice the orange.
  • Add wine, juice from the orange,orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple ingredients in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours. When ready to serve, pour the liquid into a fine mesh strainer that has been placed over a bowl. Discard the whole spices and orange peel. Serve the wine in mugs. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a bold and fruity wine to make this recipe. A Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz are all great choices. The wine doesn't have to be expensive, but use one you would normally drink.
  • Don't be tempted to add more spices, or the finished drink can be quite overpowering.
  • The maple syrup can be substituted for honey or brown sugar.
  • Make sure that you don't bring the wine to a boil. Alcohol evaporates at 172 degrees Fahrenheit (78°C) which could result in less potent wine and a bitter drink.

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

by 1 Comment

Seasoned Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Whether you serve them as part of your Thanksgiving dinner, or as part of a weeknight main meal, these seasoned turkey wings are effortless to make in the air fryer. Ready to enjoy in thirty minutes using just a few basic ingredients.

Three air fryer turkey wings on a white pate.

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 delicious alternative to chicken wings, then these air fryer turkey wings tick all the right boxes!

Seasoned with spices and liquid smoke, they are so effortless to cook in the air fryer, and come out perfectly tender with deliciously crispy skin.

Turkey wings are a great option for your Thanksgiving dinner. So much quicker and easier than cooking a whole turkey, they are a great alternative if you are having a smaller celebration.

Be sure to try my Smothered Turkey Wings and Air Fryer Turkey Breast too!

How to make seasoned air fryer turkey wings

  • Preheat the air fryer basket to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place turkey wings, oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and rub the seasonings into the turkey wings, ensuring all of the wings are covered.
Turkey wings in a bowl rubbed with the seasonings.
  • Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook in the air fryer basket on 370F for 20 minutes.
Uncooked wings in the air fryer basket.
  • Then flip the wings and cook for 10 minutes more.
  • Remove wings and enjoy.
The wings in the air fryer basket after being cooked.

Can you make this recipe without an air fryer?

If you don't have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these delicious turkey wings, they will just take a little while longer. You can oven bake them at 400F on a baking rack for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also deep fry them, though they can be quite oily and I find deep frying a bit of a pain.

Air frying is such a quick and convenient way of getting perfectly crispy turkey wings every single time.

Can you make this recipe with chicken wings?

The seasoning rub for these turkey wings is so delicious, and you can easily adapt the recipe for chicken wings if you like. Chicken wings will cook much quicker in the air fryer. Check out this chicken wing recipe for timings and temperatures.

Why add liquid smoke?

I love the taste of smoked turkey and wanted to replicate that flavor in these wings. I've added lots of smoked paprika and liquid smoke to get some of that smokey flavor.

What do you serve them with?

These air fryer turkey wings are a great addition to your Thanksgiving dinner, but they are also quick enough to prep and cook that you can easily enjoy them as part of a weeknight dinner. Try them with:

Six cooked turkey wings in an air fryer basket.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • You can season the turkey wings up to a day ahead of cooking.
  • Ensure that the wings are well coated in the spice mix.
  • Cook the wings in a single layer in the air fryer. If they are laid on top of each other, they won't get crispy all over.
  • Check that your wings are cooked through by using an instant read thermometer. They should register at 165F.
  • Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can be reheated in the air fryer at 360F for around 8 minutes til heated through.

More Turkey Recipes

Six cooked turkey wings in an air fryer basket.
Print Recipe
4.63 from 8 votes

Seasoned Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Whether you serve them as part of your Thanksgiving dinner, or as part of a weeknight main meal, these seasoned turkey wings are effortless to make in the air fryer.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried turkey wings, easy turkey wing recipe, how to air fry turkey wings
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 340kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs turkey wings drumettes patted dry
  • 1 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer basket to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place turkey wings, oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and rub the seasonings into the turkey wings, ensuring all of the wings are covered.
  • Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook in the air fryer basket on 370F for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for 10 minutes more.
  • Remove wings and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can season the turkey wings up to a day ahead of cooking.
  • Ensure that the wings are well coated in the spice mix.
  • Cook the wings in a single layer in the air fryer. If they are laid on top of each other, they won't get crispy all over.
  • Check that your wings are cooked through by using an instant read thermometer. They should register at 165F.
  • Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can be reheated in the air fryer at 360F for around 8 minutes til heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 670mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 879IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

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Jamaican Stew Peas

This Jamaican Stew Peas recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Made with red kidney beans and flavored with herbs, spices, coconut milk, and stewing meat. This hearty stew is packed with so much flavor.

jamaican stew peas in bowl with white rice

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.

Stew peas is a recipe that my parents loved to add to our weekly dinner rotation. That's likely because it was not only delicious, but it was quite easy to make. It's a rich and hearty stew that's made with red kidney beans, rather than peas, and other herbs and spices like onions, scotch bonnet pepper for flavor, coconut, and thyme.

Traditionally, Jamaican stew pea recipes include salted pigtails or salted beef to add flavor. However, my mom, who was nice enough to give me her recipe, used neither of these. She uses smoked turkey necks because they are easier to find and they're healthier.

The stew is then finished by adding skinny Jamaican dumplings, known as spinners, to thicken it up. You'll want to serve this stew with white or brown rice for a full and comforting meal. I generally use the pressure cooker to make my stew peas, but you can use the stovetop or slow cooker as well. Serve it over rice or rice and peas for a complete meal.

Be sure to check out my brown stew chicken and curry chicken recipe for other Jamaican favorites.

How to make Jamaican Stew Peas

Gather your ingredients. You will need dried red kidney beans that have been soaked overnight or for at least 8 hours. You can also use canned beans if needed.

ingredients for stew peas

Add turkey necks, soaked kidney beans, 3 cups of the water the beans soaked in, yellow onion, green onions, thyme, coconut milk, and garlic to the pressure cooker.

stew peas ingredients in pressure cooker before cooking

Cover and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow the machine to naturally release for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.

While your machine is naturally releasing, start to make your spinners. Add all-purpose flour and salt to a bowl and stir to combine. Slowly add in enough water until a smooth ball is formed. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into a cylinder. You can make your spinners skinny but I like mine to be a little thicker.

collage of how to make jamaican spinners

Once all the pressure has been release on your pressure cooker, open it and press sauté on the machine. Once the mixture begins to simmer, add in the spinners and the whole scotch bonnet pepper and allow the stew to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the dumplings are cooked.

Remove the pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste.

stew cooking with scotch bonnet pepper and spinners added

Serve the stew with rice and enjoy.

spoon holding up kidney beans with spinner on top

Slow Cooker

You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Dried Red kidney beans need prepping before adding to the slow cooker. Boil the soaked dried kidney beans in water for at least 10 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker along with the turkey necks, 3 cups of the water the beans boiled in, yellow onion, green onions, thyme, coconut milk, and garlic. Slow cook on low for 8-10 hours, adding the spinners and whole scotch bonnet pepper during the last hour. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and season with salt and black pepper before serving. 

Stovetop

Add turkey necks, soaked kidney beans, 3 cups of the water the beans soaked in, yellow onion, green onions, thyme, coconut milk, and garlic to a large pot on the stove and place on medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and cook beans until softened, about 1.5-2 hours. During the last 30 minutes, add the spinners and whole scotch bonnet pepper. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and season with salt and black pepper before serving. 

Notes on Jamaican Stew Peas

  • You can sub the dried kidney beans with two 15 oz canned kidney beans. If using canned beans, reduce the amount of water added by 1 cup.
  • Adding the scotch bonnet pepper whole will not make the dish spicy, it just draws the flavor from the pepper. Do not cut the pepper unless you want this dish to be very spicy. Make sure the scotch bonnet pepper does not have any bruises or holes in it before adding.
  • If you can't find scotch bonnet pepper, habanero pepper makes a great substitute.
  • You can add any stewing meat you'd like, such as smoked turkey tails, turkey wings, ham hocks, etc. If using salted pig feet, be sure to soak the feet overnight to remove the excess salt. Stewing beef may also be used in this recipe to flavor the peas.
  • It will take about 20 minutes for your machine to rise to pressure.
jamaican stew peas in bowl

And there you have, delicious Jamaican stew peas. If you're looking for other popular Jamaican recipes, check these out:

jamaican stew peas in bowl with white rice
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4.41 from 25 votes

Jamaican Stew Peas

This Jamaican Stew Peas recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Made with red kidney beans and flavored with herbs, spices, coconut milk, and stewing meat. This hearty stew is packed with so much flavor.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Rise to pressure and natural release35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: jamaican stew peas, jamaican stew peas and rice
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 553kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

Stew Peas

  • 1 lb smoked turkey necks or turkey tails, wings, ham hocks, etc
  • 2 cups dried kidney beans soaked overnight in 4 cups water or two 15 oz canned beans, undrained*
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 springs fresh thyme
  • 13.5 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

Spinners

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 5-6 Tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Add soaked kidney beans, 3 cups of the water the beans soaked in, a can of coconut milk, turkey necks, onions, garlic, and thyme to a pressure cooker.
  • Cover and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow the machine to naturally release for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.
  • While your machine is naturally releasing, start to make your spinners. Add all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt to a bowl and stir to combine. Slowly add in enough water until a smooth ball is formed. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into a cylinder.
  • Once all the pressure has been released on your pressure cooker, open it and press sauté on the machine. Once the mixture begins to simmer, add in the spinners and the whole scotch bonnet pepper and allow the stew to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the dumplings are cooked.
  • Remove the pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with white or brown rice. Enjoy 🙂

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • After soaking kidney beans, place beans and water in a large pot on the stove and boil for 10 minutes. Add this to the slow cooker along with the smoked turkey, yellow onions, green onions, thyme, coconut milk, and garlic. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, adding the spinners and whole scotch bonnet pepper during the last hour. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and season with salt and black pepper before serving.

Stovetop Instructions

  • Add turkey necks, soaked kidney beans, 3 cups of the water the beans soaked in, yellow onion, green onions, thyme, coconut milk, and garlic to a large pot on the stove and place on medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and cook beans until softened, about 1.5-2 hours. During the last 30 minutes, add the spinners and whole scotch bonnet pepper. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and season with salt and black pepper before serving.

Video

Notes

  • You can sub the dried kidney beans with two 15 oz undrained canned kidney beans. If using canned beans, reduce the amount of water added by 1 cup.
  • Adding the scotch bonnet pepper whole will not make the dish spicy, it just draws the flavor from the pepper. Do not cut the pepper unless you want this dish to be very spicy. Make sure the scotch bonnet pepper does not have any bruises or holes in it before adding.
  • If you can't find scotch bonnet pepper, habanero pepper makes a great substitute.
  • You can add any stewing meat you'd like, such as smoked turkey tails, turkey wings, ham hocks, etc. If using salted pig feet, be sure to soak the feet overnight to remove the excess salt. Stewing beef may also be used in this recipe to flavor the peas.
  • It will take about 20 minutes for your pressure cooker to rise to pressure.

Nutrition

Calories: 553kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 1198mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 7mg

by 6 Comments

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

These Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are super easy to make and they're delicious! They are great for weekday breakfasts or snack. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, these cookies can't be beat.

banana oatmeal breakfast cookies on wire rack with bananas 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.

Cookies for breakfast? Yes please! I am always searching for ways to have breakfast on weekday mornings. Most mornings I fail at this but these oatmeal raisin breakfast cookies give me the ability to succeed.  Yay for success!

The great thing about these breakfast cookies is that they are easy to make, they come together quickly, and they have no added sugar. OMG! No sugar in a cookie? Have I gone mad?!? I think so. Now when anyone tries to give me any slack about cookies for breakfast, I tell them to shove it because these cookies here are healthy.

And if you're into healthy breakfast, check out my banana oatmeal pancakes or my winter fruit salad.

Here are the recipe deets.

How to make Banana Oatmeal Cookies

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and gather your ingredients. Prepare a baking sheet by laying out some parchment paper on it.

ingredients for banana oatmeal breakfast cookies

Next, mash 2 medium-sized ripe bananas in a bowl until they look like mush.

banana being mashed in a bowl

Next, add 2 cups of old-fashion oatmeal, 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir to combine.

Then add ⅓ cup raisins and ¼ cup white chocolate morsels and stir to combine.

ingredients for banana oatmeal breakfast cookies in a bowl

Next, use a cookie scooper or a tablespoon and place the mixture on the parchment-lined baking sheet by the spoonful about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon or your fingertips to flatten each spoonful until it resembles a cookie. These cookies won't spread on their own, so flattening them must be done for them to look like a cookie when done baking.

banana oatmeal breakfast cookies being flattened with a spoon on cookie sheet

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden. Your house will smell delicious. Once done baking, remove and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

finished banana oatmeal breakfast cookies on sheetpan

Then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling. Enjoy:)

banana oatmeal breakfast cookie on cooling rack

Notes on Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

  • You can change the add-ins like the raisins and white chocolate morsels if you aren't a fac. Some great options are walnuts, pecans, milk chocolate chips, and craisins.
  • These cookies will not spread like traditional cookies, so flatten them before baking.
  • Keep these gluten-free by using gluten free oats.
  • Store these cookies in an airtight container. They will last up to 3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
  • Air Fryer Instructions: These cookies can be made in an air fryer in batches. Reduce the temperature to 330 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8-10 minutes.
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Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

These Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are super easy to make and they're delicious! They are great for weekday breakfasts or snack. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, these cookies can't be beat.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana oatmeal breakfast cookies, banana oatmeal cookies, breakfast cookies
Servings: 18 cookies
Calories: 77kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

  • Sheet Pan

Ingredients

  • 2 medium ripe bananas mashed
  • 2 cups old fashion oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup raisins
  • ¼ cup white chocolate morsels

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper. and set aside.
  • Mash 2 ripe bananas in a medium sized bowl.
  • Add oats, applesauce, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
  • Add raisins and white chocolate morsels and stir until incorporated.
  • Place mixture on prepared cookie sheet by the tablespoon, about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to flatten the cookies to the desired shape.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 23-25 minutes or until cookies are golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let cool in baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to cookie rack to finish cooling. Enjoy:)

Notes

  • You can change the add-ins like the raisins and white chocolate morsels if you aren't a fac. Some great options are walnuts, pecans, milk chocolate chips, and craisins.
  • These cookies will not spread like traditional cookies, so flatten them before baking.
  • Keep these gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.
  • Store these cookies in an airtight container. They will last up to 3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Adapted from Family Fresh Meals

by 13 Comments

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Simple and easy to make, and so delicious, this crispy air fryer eggplant recipe makes for one crowd-pleasing appetizer. Eggplant is sliced into rounds and coated with breadcrumbs for a crispy and healthier bite.

Crispy air fryer egg plant on a plate served with a marinara 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 quick snack, or an appetizer to serve to guests, this crispy air fryer eggplant is one delicious bite!

Simple to make with just a few basic ingredients, eggplant never tasted so good! Coated in seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, they are a breeze to cook in the air fryer, and come out extra crispy without the need for lots of oil.

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Fried Mushrooms and Crispy Air Fryer Bacon too!

How to make crispy air fryer eggplant slices

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Place eggplant rounds on a wire rack in a single layer and sprinkle kosher salts on all sides. Let sit for 30-40 minutes to release any excess moisture.
Slices of eggplant on a wire rack.
  • Rinse the salt off the eggplant and dry with a towel.
  • Preheat the air fryer basket to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add eggs and milk in one bowl and whisk to combine. In another bowl, add Italian breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and mix to combine.
  • Dip the eggplant rounds in the egg mix, then the breadcrumb mix to coat.
Eggplant rounds being coated in the egg and breadcrumbs.
  • Spray the preheated air fryer basket with a little bit of oil and then add eggplant slices in the basket in a single layer. Note that all your eggplant slices may not fit in the basket and you may need to cook these in batches. Close the air fryer basket and cook eggplant slices on 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through.
The breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer basket.
  • Remove eggplant slices and lightly sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.
  • Cook the remaining eggplant slices the same way.
The cooked eggplant slices in the air fryer basket.

Can you make them ahead of time?

These crispy eggplant rounds are best served as soon as they are cooked so that they are nice and crispy. You can get ahead of things by salting and breading them earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge til you are ready to cook and serve them.

The good news is, is that they are easily reheated in the air fryer and they will get nice and crispy again, so perfect if you have leftovers. Reheat them at 370F for around 3 to 4 minutes until crispy.

Why do you need to salt the eggplant?

It's really important to salt the eggplant slices before you bread and air fry them. Salting them helps to draw out the moisture so that they crisp up. If you skip this step, the eggplant will steam as it cooks instead of crisping up.

What do you serve them with?

Once cooked, I like to sprinkle this crispy air fryer eggplant with a little salt and fresh parsley. They are great enjoyed by themselves, but work wonderfully with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.

Cooked crispy eggplant in an air fryer basket.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  • Cook the eggplant slices in a single even layer so that they get crispy all over and the breading stays intact.
  • These eggplant slices are great for making eggplant parmesan. In the alternative, you can serve them with marinara on the side and dip them in the sauce.
  • These are very crispy once done but will lose the crispiness the longer they sit out.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Cooked crispy eggplant in an air fryer basket.
Print Recipe
5 from 11 votes

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Simple and easy to make, and so delicious, this crispy air fryer eggplant recipe makes for one crowd pleasing appetizer. Eggplant is sliced into rounds and coated with breadcrumbs for a crispy and healthier bite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Resting time30 minutes
Total Time52 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried eggplant, breaded eggplant slices, how to cook eggplant in the air fryer
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 286kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sized eggplant about 1lb, sliced into ¼ inch rounds
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt for salting eggplant
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1.5 cups Italian Breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Oil for spraying olive, canola, or avocado
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Place eggplant rounds on a wire rack in a single layer and sprinkle kosher salts on all sides. Let sit for 30-40 minutes to release any excess moisture.
  • Rinse the salt off the eggplant and dry with a towel.
  • Preheat the air fryer basket to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add eggs and milk in one bowl and whisk to combine. In another bowl, add Italian breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and mix to combine.
  • Dip the eggplant rounds in the egg mix, then the breadcrumb mix to coat.
  • Spray the preheated air fryer basket with a little bit of oil and then add eggplant slices in the basket in a single layer. Note that all your eggplant slices may not fit in the basket and you may need to cook these in batches. Close the air fryer basket and cook eggplant slices on 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through. Remove eggplant slices and lightly sprinkle with salt to taste.
  • Cook the remaining eggplant slices the same way.

Video

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  • Cook the eggplant slices in a single even layer so that they get crispy all over and the breading stays intact.
  • These eggplant slices are great for making eggplant parmesan. In the alternative, you can serve them with marinara on the side and dip them in the sauce.
  • These are very crispy once done but will lose the crispiness the longer they sit out.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 3101mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 329IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 3mg

by 2 Comments

9 Homemade Seasonings

These homemade seasonings are so easy to whip up and are delicious in your favorite recipes. From chicken seasoning, fish seasoning, ranch seasoning, and so much more, these seasonings are perfect sprinkled over your favorite foods.

photo of homemade seasonings with text that states 9 homemade seasonings

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.

Having seasonings blends at your fingertips is a game-changer in the kitchen. Fact is, many recipes call for multiple seasonings and looking through a spice cabinet to pull 4-6 seasonings out at a time can be a lot.

That's why it's best to have a few go-to seasoning blends as a part of your pantry. These homemade blends contain common spices that you likely already have in your pantry. They also don't contain any additional additives. Just ground spices in the exact amount you need.

Why make your own homemade spices?

There are plenty of reasons why you may want to make your own homemade spice blends, but here are a few:

  • It can be cheaper - You likely have all of the spices needed for these seasoning blends in your pantry already. Why run out and spend extra money buying new spice combos when you've got the ingredients at home. Also, buying spices in bulk or when they're on sale will help keep the cost down.
  • You control the ingredients - I like to read labels and some spice mixtures have additional ingredients that just aren't needed. Making your own homemade blend ensures you know every ingredient going into your spices. You can also control the sodium content in these. Reduce the salt or leave it out.
  • You can give them away as gifts! - Make these spice blends and give them away as gifts! Some of my favorite blends to gift are my homemade BBQ seasoning and my pumpkin spice blends.

How to make Your own Homemade Spices?

The process is simple. Add ingredients to a jar or bowl, combine, and store in an air-tight container and use when ready. Homemade spices can last up to 3 years.

Homemade Spice Blends

9 Homemade Seasonings

Homemade Taco Seasoning

This homemade taco seasoning blend is the perfect mix of spices containing cumin, chili powder, oregano, and more. It's perfect and delicious when used on tacos, fajitas, and sprinkled on your favorite vegetables.

Homemade BBQ Seasoning

This homemade BBQ Seasoning is the only spice rub you need this BBQ season. The combination of smoky and sweet are perfect when paired with barbeque favorites like BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and chicken.

Homemade Fish Seasoning

This fish seasoning can be used on any protein or vegetable, but it really shines when sprinkled over fish. This fish seasoning is the perfect blend to grab for this oven-baked fish recipe.

Chili Powder Substitute

This spice blend is perfect for chili recipes. Have a batch on hand and place it in your favorite chili recipe, like this Instant Pot Chili!

Chicken Seasoning

This chicken seasoning is great on any kind of poultry. I like to use it on my roasted chicken, whether it's roasted whole or spatchcocked.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

This homemade blend of jerk seasoning is a must-have if you like a little island flavor. It's delicious in this jerk chicken wings recipe.

Homemade Ranch Seasoning

This homemade ranch seasoning is perfect when sprinkled over roasted chickpeas, vegetables, or poultry. Or, add a few ingredients and make this into a smooth and creamy salad dressing.

Homemade Poultry Seasoning

This batch is the perfect blend to have on hand for Holiday cooking. Use it in your stuffing recipes or on your turkey breast.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend

Nothing screams Fall like Pumpkin spice! Having your own homemade blend is perfect when you want a little bit of pumpkin spice in your favorite recipes. Use it in this homemade pumpkin pie recipe, this pumpkin oatmeal, or use a little in your coffee.

by 6 Comments

Homemade Honey Butter Recipe

This easy and delicious honey butter recipe is the perfect spread. No special equipment is needed to make this homemade butter and it only needs 4 ingredients.

honey butter with dinner rolls 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.

I'm a fan of flavored butter and this honey butter has to be one of my faves. It's quite easy to "whip up" and doesn't involve any special equipment, just a wooden spoon. With only 4 ingredients, this recipe can't be beat!

Honey butter is great served on dinner rolls, pancakes, waffles, and anything you feel needs a little sweetened butter. I sometimes just eat a wee little bit by itself. It's that good.

If you love flavored butter, be sure to try my garlic herb butter or my hot honey butter I serve on sweet potatoes.

How to make Honey Butter

First, gather your ingredients. There's only four 🙂

ingredients for honey butter on white background

Add them to a bowl and use a wooden spoon to mix until combined.

hands stirring honey butter with wooden spoon

Spread on your favorite dinner roll, bread, or pancakes 🙂

honey butter on bread with butter and honey in the background

How to Store Honey Butter

Store the butter in an air-tight container or roll the butter into a parchment paper roll.

How long does it keep?

Honey butter can keep for a while so long as it's stored properly. If made with pasteurized butter, it can stay on the counter for about 1-2 days. Any longer and you run the risk of the butter becoming rancid.

The shelf life of butter becomes longer once you refrigerate it, up to three months. You can also freeze it, just defrost before using.

Additional Notes

  • Use unsalted butter for this recipe. However, if you only have salted, then reduce the amount of added salt.
  • Soften your butter before making this recipe. Take it out of the fridge atleast 30 minutes before using it, but I let mine sit out a little longer until it gets really soft, about 1-2 hours. If you are in a pinch, you can gently heat it in the microwave but take care not to melt it.
  • If not using straight away, be sure to wrap it once it has chilled or store it in an air tight container.
  • For an even lighter whipped butter, use a mixer to mix the ingredients. However, with really softened butter, I find a wooden spoon, or any spoon, gets great results.

Serve these with...

honey butter in jar
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Honey Butter Recipe

This easy and delicious honey butter recipe is the perfect spread. No special equipment is needed to make this homemade butter and it only needs 4 ingredients.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade honey butter, honey butter recipe
Servings: 8 persons
Calories: 128kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 3 Tablespoons honey
  • 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Place ingredients in a bowl and use a spoon to mix to combine.

Notes

  • Use unsalted butter for this recipe. If you only have salted, then reduce the amount of added salt.
  • Soften your butter before making this recipe. Ideally you should take it out of the fridge atleast 30 minutes before using it, but I let mine sit out a little longer until it gets really soft, about 1-2 hours. If you are in a pinch, you can gently heat it in the microwave but take care not to melt it.
  • If not using straight away, be sure to wrap it once it has chilled or store it in an air-tight container. For an even lighter whipped butter, use a mixer to mix the ingredients. However, with really softened butter, I find a wooden spoon, or any spoon, gets great results.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg