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Appetizer

Who doesn't love a good appetizer? Sometimes I can make a meal out of just appetizers. Here are some of my favorite appetizer recipes that work for any weekday or a special event you might be hosting. Enjoy!

Easy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Taco Dip Recipe

by Leave a Comment

This Easy 3-ingredient Cottage Cheese Taco Dip Recipe is going to become your new favorite appetizer! This delicious dip is made with simple ingredients to create the perfect game day snack! 

A hand dips a baby carrot into a bowl of creamy Cottage Cheese Taco Dip garnished with cilantro. Sliced celery, yellow bell pepper, and more carrots are arranged on a plate nearby. A yellow napkin and cilantro sprigs are also visible.

I am constantly serving a large tray of vegetables and dip at get-togethers or even as a simple before-dinner snack for my boys. It is easy to pick up a pre-made dip at the grocery store, but I like to switch it up and make easy dips that I control the ingredients in. This Cottage Cheese Taco Dip is made with only three ingredients and tastes better than most store-bought dips!

If you like hosting like I do, try one of these simple dip recipes for your next party! This Smoky Mexican Bean Dip is a cheesy, vegetarian dip that is served warm in a cast-iron skillet. Or try this Caramel Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip. This pumpkin dip is popular in the fall and can be served as an appetizer or a dessert! 

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Made with only 3 ingredients! Need I say more?! 
  • Make this Cottage Cheese Taco Dip in 5 minutes! It may take longer to do the dishes than to make the dip. 
  • The serving options are endless! Serve this dip as a healthy appetizer with vegetables, serve it as a spiced-up sour cream on tacos, or use it as a layer in a taco dip! 

Ingredients

The ingredients in this dip could not be any simpler!

Three bowls with labeled ingredients on a white surface: taco seasoning in a small glass bowl, cottage cheese for Cottage Cheese Taco Dip in a larger bowl, and sour cream in another; a yellow patterned cloth lies beside them.
  • Cottage cheese gives the dip a creamy texture and the added bonus of protein! 
  • Sour cream combines with the cottage cheese to give the dip a smooth texture and a hint of tang. 
  • Taco seasoning adds some spice and zest! 

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

A food processorfilled with a creamy, light dip mixture, Cottage Cheese Taco Dip, sits on a white marble surface beside a yellow patterned cloth.

Step 1: Add the cottage cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning to a food processor. Mix together for 1 minute until the cottage cheese mixture is smooth. 

A glass bowl filled with creamy, light orange Cottage Cheese Taco Dip garnished with cilantro, surrounded by cut celery, carrots, yellow bell pepper, and a yellow patterned napkin.

Step 2: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve cold with tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables. 

Substitutions

  • For a lighter dip, use light sour cream and/or low-fat cottage cheese. 
  • Make your own taco seasoning instead of using prepackaged taco seasoning mix. 
  • In place of the sour cream, use plain Greek yogurt for added protein.

Variations

  • Top this dip with your favorite toppings such as chopped green onions, cheddar cheese, black olives, and/or fresh cilantro. 
  • Use this dip as a layer in 7-layer dip! 
  • Spread this dip on a wrap or a sandwich. 
  • For a spicier dip, add a drizzle of hot sauce on top! 

Equipment

Use a high-speed food processor to quickly mix this dip together. Here is the one that I have. It is cordless and so simple to use! 

If you do not have a food processor, you could mix this dip together using a handheld mixer or an immersion blender. 

Storage

Store this skinny taco dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give the dip a good stir before serving, as it may become watery. I do not recommend freezing this dip. 

Top tip

Using a spatula, scrape the sides of the food processor a few times while mixing the dip together. This will help all of the ingredients fully incorporate. 

FAQ

What kind of cottage cheese should I use in this dip?

You can use full-fat cottage cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, or fat-free cottage cheese. The full-fat cottage cheese will give you the creamiest texture and richest flavor. 

Is this cottage cheese dip high in protein?

Yes, this cottage cheese dip is high in protein compared to other snack dips. This dip has 3 grams of protein per serving. To make this dip have extra protein, substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. 

What kind of taco seasoning should I use?

You can use either pre-made taco seasoning or you can make homemade taco seasoning. For this recipe, I chose to use a prepackaged seasoning to save time and ingredients. However, making your own taco seasoning is a great way to control the spice level and the sodium. 

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time! It is a perfect dip to prep for a party. Make this taco dip up to three days before serving. Make sure to stir the dip before serving. 

What can I serve with this cottage cheese dip?

Serve this dip with raw veggies such as chopped bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Or serve this with your favorite tortilla chips, pita chips, or pretzels! 

Looking for other simple appetizer recipes? Try one of these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with taco dip:

A glass bowl filled with creamy, light orange Cottage Cheese Taco Dip garnished with cilantro, surrounded by cut celery, carrots, yellow bell pepper, and a yellow patterned napkin.
Print Recipe

3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Taco Dip

This Easy 3-ingredient Cottage Cheese Taco Dip Recipe is going to become your new favorite appetizer! This delicious dip is made with simple ingredients to create the perfect game day snack! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8
Calories: 55kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Small Serving Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning

Instructions

  • Add the cottage cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning to a food processor. Blend for 1 minute until dip is smooth.
  • Serve cold with chips, pretzels or vegetables to dip.

Nutrition

Serving: 8g | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Crispy Blue Cheese Buffalo Smashed Potatoes

by Leave a Comment

These Crispy Blue Cheese Buffalo Smashed Potatoes are the snack recipe you need for the big game! This simple appetizer combines spicy buffalo sauce, golden potatoes, tangy blue cheese, and chives for a vegetarian take on the classic buffalo chicken wings! 

A plate of crispy smashed potatoes topped with crumbled blue cheese and chives sit on a bed of creamy buffalo sauce. A fork rests on the plate, and a small dish of blue cheese is visible in the corner on a wooden table.

If you think about it, potatoes really are the perfect vegetable. One day, they can be French fries. Another day, they can be a tasteful side dish. In this recipes case, potatoes can take on the flavor of a buffalo chicken wing but without the actual chicken! Enter in the perfect vegetarian gameday appetizer! 

Every big game needs a tasty treat! Try these Crispy Honey Old Bay Wings for an oven-baked chicken wing recipe that is sweet and spicy. Or, try this Smoky Mexican Bean Dip for another vegetarian appetizer that is sure to please everyone.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe uses simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. 
  • The leftovers taste amazing! Imagine eating soft yet crispy potatoes smothered with hot buffalo sauce and melted blue cheese. Give me a chef’s kiss! 
  • Simple to prepare! There are only a few steps to make these Buffalo Smashed Potatoes and none of them are complicated!

Ingredients

An assortment of ingredients on a wooden surface including small red and yellow potatoes, blue cheese, olive oil, salt, onion and garlic powders, paprika, chives, buffalo sauce, and sour cream, all labeled.
  • 24 ounces of Mini Potatoes. I like to use Tasteful Selections Honey Gold Bite-Size Potatoes for the ultimate buttery, sweet flavor.  
  • Sour cream and buffalo wing sauce are combined to make a creamy, spicy sauce that the potatoes will rest upon. 
  • Extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are mixed together and then tossed with the potatoes while they broil to give them a crispy, tasty exterior. 
  • The potatoes are topped with tangy blue cheese and chives to be reminiscent of buffalo wings! 

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

  • If you don’t like buffalo sauce, substitute the buffalo and sour cream mixture with your favorite ranch dressing. 
  • Use your favorite potatoes to make these smash potatoes! Just make sure that they are cut into small pieces or adjust the cooking time. 

Smashed Potato Toppings

I like to top my smashed potatoes with blue cheese crumbles and chopped chives. Here are some different options for your potatoes: 

  • Bacon bits
  • Shredded cheddar cheese 
  • Chimichurri sauce 
  • Melted butter 
  • Hot sauce or extra buffalo sauce 
  • Creamy blue cheese dressing 
  • Green onion 

Equipment

  • Large pot 
  • 2 rimmed baking sheets 
  • Small bowl 

Step-by-Step Instructions

A pot filled with water, holding small red and yellow potatoes, sits on a light wooden surface. The pot has gold handles. The potatoes are submerged, with some floating at the top.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a large-rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Add potatoes and 1 tablespoon kosher salt to a large pot and fill with water until 2 inches above the potatoes. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium and let boil for 15 minutes until the baby potatoes are fork-tender. 

A blue patterned bowl filled with a creamy buffalo sauce, spread evenly across the surface. The bowl is set on a light gray wooden table.

Step 2: While the potatoes are boiling, mix the sour cream and the buffalo wing sauce in a small bowl until creamy. Spread sauce onto a serving tray. 

Smashed small potatoes scattered on a metal baking sheet, ready for cooking. The potatoes have a mix of yellow and brownish-red skins and are partially flattened. The sheet has a ribbed texture with visible oil marks.

Step 3: Drain potatoes and place onto the rimmed baking sheet. Place another baking sheet over the top of the potatoes and mash the potatoes down until they are broken down. Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes. 

    A baking sheet with scattered, crispy smashed potatoes, some with golden-brown edges, rests on a light wooden surface. The potatoes are seasoned and roasted, with a few slightly darker areas indicating charred spots.

    Step 4: Stir together the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Toss the potatoes with the olive oil mixture breaking them up in the process. Turn the oven to broil.

      A baking tray filled with golden brown, roasted smashed potatoes. The potatoes are irregularly shaped, crispy, and slightly charred, spread across the tray over a rustic, textured surface.

      Step 5: Broil potatoes for 3-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven. 

      Close-up of crispy smashed potatoes topped with crumbled cheese and chopped chives on a bed of creamy sauce. A gold fork rests on the dish, highlighting the appetizing contrast of textures and colors.

      Step 6: Top the smashed potatoes with chopped chives and blue cheese crumbles. Enjoy! 

      Storage

      Store leftover smashed potatoes refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat and mix together with any leftover buffalo sauce for a simple snack or side dish! 

      FAQ

      What are other ways that I can smash the potatoes?

      If you do not have a second baking sheet to smash the potatoes with, you can use the bottom of a glass, plate, or a potato masher. 

      Should I peel the potatoes before cooking them?

      No, you do not have to peel the potatoes. Simply, boil the potatoes, bake, and broil! The potato skin will help to make the potatoes crispy! 

      How can I keep the smashed potatoes from sticking to the pan?

      Make sure that you spray the rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or use parchment paper on top of the pan to prevent potatoes from sticking. 

      Can I make these crispy smashed potatoes ahead of time?

      Yes, you can prepare these potatoes ahead of time. Boil the potatoes and drain them. Make the buffalo sauce and mix the olive oil. Refrigerate everything until ready to bake the potatoes. Then assemble as instructed!

      Looking for other snack recipes? Try one of these:

      Pairing

      These are some of my favorite drinks to serve with gameday snacks:

      A plate of crispy smashed potatoes topped with crumbled cheese and chopped herbs, served on a buffalo sauce. There's a gold fork on the side. A small dish with more cheese crumbles is partially visible in the background.
      Print Recipe

      Crispy Blue Cheese Buffalo Smashed Potatoes

      These Crispy Blue Cheese Buffalo Smashed Potatoes are the snack recipe you need for the big game! This simple appetizer combines spicy buffalo sauce, golden potatoes, tangy blue cheese, and chives for a vegetarian take on the classic buffalo chicken wings! 
      Prep Time5 minutes
      Cook Time40 minutes
      Total Time45 minutes
      Course: Appetizer
      Cuisine: American
      Servings: 8
      Calories: 265kcal
      Author: Lynne Kenton

      Equipment

      • Large Pot
      • 2 Rimmed Baked Sheets
      • 2 Small Mixing Bowls

      Ingredients

      • 24 ounces Bite Size Potatoes
      • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
      • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
      • 1/4 cup Buffalo Sauce
      • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
      • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
      • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
      • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
      • 4 ounces Blue Cheese
      • 2 tablespoons Chives Chopped

      Instructions

      • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a large-rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
      • Put bite sized potatoes into a large pot and sprinkle with kosher salt. Fill the pot with water to two inches above the potatoes. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to medium and boil for 15 minutes.
      • While the potatoes are boiling, mix together the buffalo sauce and the sour cream. Spread onto a serving tray.
      • In another small bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
      • When potatoes are done boiling, drain them. Pour them onto the greased baking sheet. Place another baking sheet on top of them and push down to smash the potatoes.
      • Bake potatoes for 20 minutes in the oven.
      • Remove the potatoes from the oven. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil mixture over top of the potatoes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the potatoes and mix with the olive oil.
      • Turn the oven to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the potatoes become crispy.
      • Put the crispy smashed potatoes on top of the buffalo sour cream mixture. Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 8g | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 1275mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 1mg

      Savory Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart 

      by Leave a Comment

      This Savory Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart is a simple yet impressive fall appetizer. This puff pastry tart appetizer combines roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized mushrooms and tangy goat cheese for a handheld appetizer that everyone will love. 

      A rectangular tart with golden pastry, topped with sliced orange sweet potatoes and dark caramelized onions. The tart is placed on a white surface, accompanied by fresh herbs and a few raw sweet potato slices.

      Roasted sweet potatoes have become on of my favorite vegetables. They are so versatile. I love to use them on top of salads, in tacos and in desserts. This recipe combines roasted sweet potatoes with savory mushrooms on a buttery puff pastry tart for an impressive appetizer. 

      Appetizers are my favorite food course! If you need more appetizers that are simple yet impressive, try this Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Toast. Sweet cherry tomatoes are roasted until they are near bursting and then served over a sweet whipped ricotta cheese. These little toasts are the perfect handheld bite! Another fun appetizer with whipped cheese is this Lemon Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone. This recipe is so flavorful and fun to serve at the holidays.

      Jump to:

      Why You’ll Love This Recipe

      • Puff Pastry, need I say more?! Using a puff pastry is the easiest way to elevate an appetizer. Store-bought puff pastry will save you time and results with a perfectly light pastry. 
      • Simple. This recipe can be made in about 10 minutes of hands on time. 
      • Full of flavor. Tangy goat cheese, balsamic mushrooms and roasted sweet potatoes are combined to make a perfectly savory treat. 

      Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart Ingredients

      • Sweet potatoes are tossed with extra virgin olive oil and then roasted for a sweet flavor.
      • Chopped mushrooms are caramelized in butter and then tossed with balsamic vinegar for a deep, buttery flavor. 
      • Puff pastry is covered with goat cheese and an egg wash for an extra buttery, high gloss crust. Jus-Rol Puff Pastry is my favorite to use!
      • Fresh thyme ​tops the puff pastry and is added for extra flavor after the pastry bakes. 

      The exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card.

      Substitutions

      • A simple swap for the sweet potatoes is roasted butternut squash or roasted carrots. Not only do these vegetables share the same orange hue, they also have similar textures and flavors when roasted. 
      • Use a mushroom mixture! I like to use cremini mushrooms or sliced shitake mushrooms for this recipe. Use your favorite mushroom. 
      • Ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese could be used in place of the goat cheese. These cheeses spread easily like the goat cheese. 
      • If you can’t find a puff pastry, you can roll out a tube of crescent rolls.

      Variations

      • Add some protein! Crumbled turkey sausage would add some flavor that will compliment the sweet potatoes. 
      • Add vegan protein! Add some roasted chickpeas or black beans on top of the tart dough for some extra protein. 
      • Make this appetizer gluten-free by using a gluten-free puff pastry. 

      Equipment

      • Rimmed baking sheet 
      • Parchment paper. I like to use the parchment paper that the puff pastry is rolled in
      • Small bowl to make the egg wash
      • Large sauté pan to caramelize the mushrooms
      • Pastry brush 

      Step-by-Step Instructions

      A rectangular sheet of puff pastry is laid flat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. The pastry has fork-pricked holes and a scored border, ready for baking. The background includes a partial view of a wooden surface and green foliage.

      Step 1: Roll out the puff pastry on parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet. Use a knife to scour the edges. Use a fork to prick hole all over the puff pastry. 

        A bowl filled with sliced, seasoned sweet potatoes on a white surface, with a few slices arranged outside the bowl. A textured white cloth is partially visible in the background.

        Step 2: ​Toss sliced sweet potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, salt and black pepper. 

          Sliced mushrooms sautéing in a black skillet, showing a rich, golden-brown color with a light sheen from cooking.

          Step 3: Heat a tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add mushrooms in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes and then flip over. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. The mushrooms should become a golden brown color. Remove from heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar. 

          Slices of sweet potatoes and mushrooms are arranged on a sheet of pastry dough with a creamy spread, ready for baking on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

          Step 4: Spread goat cheese over the middle of the puff pastry. Sprinkle with fresh thyme. Place sliced sweet potatoes and caramelized mushrooms in a single layer over the goat cheese. Using a pastry brush, paint the egg wash on the corners of tart shell. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the crust is a golden brown color.

            Storage

            Store any leftover tart refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster oven or in the oven until the center of the tart is warm. 

            Top tip

            ​Be sure to slice the sweet potatoes the same thickness. This will allow the potatoes to cook evenly. Potatoes should be about 1/4 inch thick or thinner. 

            FAQ

            Why do you prick holes into the puff pastry before baking?

            Pricking holes throughout the puff pastry is known as docking. You dock the dough before baking so that steam escapes and the pastry is able to cook evenly. This will prevent bubbles from rising in the dough. 

            How can I serve this Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart?

            Serve this Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart as an appetizer or accompanying a salad as a light lunch or dinner. This tart can be served warm or at room temperature. 

            How can I keep the tart from becoming soggy?

            ​Spreading the layer of goat cheese prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Precooking the mushrooms also helps to keep the crust from becoming soggy because moisture is released from the mushrooms. If the mushrooms still appear wet after cooking, use a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel to drain. 

            Can I make this tart ahead of time?

            This sweet potato tart is perfect to make ahead of time. Simply prepare the crust be piercing it with a fork and spreading the goat cheese on top. Prepare the sweet potatoes and caramelize the mushrooms. Store ingredients separately. When you are ready to enjoy, assemble the tart, wash with the egg mixture and bake. 

            Looking for other easy appetizers? Try one of these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tarts:

            A rectangular tart with golden brown pastry, topped with sliced sweet potatoes and mushrooms. Garnished with herbs. Surrounding the tart are sprigs of greenery and an orange vegetable slice on a light wooden surface.
            Print Recipe

            Savory Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart

            This Savory Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart is a simple yet impressive fall appetizer. This puff pastry tart appetizer combines roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese for a handheld appetizer that everyone will love. 
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Cook Time20 minutes
            Total Time35 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Calories: 249kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Rimmed Baking Sheet
            • Small Bowl
            • Pastry Brush
            • Large sauté pan
            • Parchment Paper

            Ingredients

            • 1 sheet Puff Pastry
            • 4 ounces Goat Cheese
            • Sweet Potatoes
            • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
            • 1 cup Chopped Mushrooms
            • 1 tablespoon Salted Butter
            • 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
            • 2 tablespoons Thyme

            Egg Wash

            • 1 Egg White
            • 1 tablespoon Water
            • Pinch of salt

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
            • Spread puff pastry out onto a parchment lined baking tray. Use a knife to lightly scour along the outside crust of the pastry. Use a fork to prick all over the puff pastry. Paint the outside crust with the egg wash using a pastry brush.
            • Toss the sliced sweet potatoes together with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, salt and black pepper.
            • Add the butter to a saute pan over medium heat. When butter is melted, add the mushrooms in an even layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side without stirring until the mushrooms are golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar.
            • Spread the goat cheese onto the puff pastry. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
            • Arrange the sweet potatoes and mushrooms in an even layer on the puff pastry.
            • Cook for 25 minutes until the corners of the pastry begin to brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 8g | Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 274IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

            Sweet and Salty Old Bay Chex Mix

            by Leave a Comment

            Sweet and Salty Old Bay Chex Mix is the muddy buddy recipe that you need! This simple recipe is the perfect, zesty mix of Old Bay Seasoning combined with traditional sweet Chex Mix. This recipe is perfect for snacking at the holidays or whenever you want to make a special and simple treat! 

            A glass bowl filled with a savory Old Bay Chex Mix, consisting of pretzels and various seasoned Chex cereals, sits on a wooden surface. Scattered pieces of the snack mix and a container of Old Bay seasoning are visible in the background.

            Passing around a big bowl of Chex Mix is somewhat of a holiday tradition. I am not sure why, but Chex Mix is something that I always make around the holidays. Being from Maryland, my family is a big fan of Old Bay. We use it on seafood, chicken wings, and potato chips. I decided to mix sweet Chex Mix with this salty seasoning to make a snack that everyone wants to eat. 

            If you like Chex Mix as much as my family, try one of these Chex Mix recipes! This Pay Day Bar Chex Mix is a sweet treat reminiscent of the traditional candy bar complete with peanuts! Or, try this Cookie Butter Chex Mix for an even sweeter treat! This recipe uses Biscoff Cookie Butter to coat the cereal for a delicious delight! 

            Jump to:

            Why You’ll Love This Recipe

            • The ultimate sweet and salty combo! 
            • There are no fancy ingredients used to make this party mix. 
            • Make enough for a large crowd! 
            • This recipe requires only 10 minutes of hands-on time. 

            Ingredients

            Head to the cereal aisle to stock up for this recipe! 

            A top-down view of ingredients for an Old Bay Chex Mix arranged in bowls and labeled. Clockwise from the top: Rice Chex, unsalted butter, peanuts, Corn Chex, brown sugar, mini pretzels, and Old Bay seasoning in the center.
            • Corn Chex and Rice Chex are the base of this recipe. The checkerboard texture of the cereal creates the perfect base to trap the sweet sauce.
            • Melted Unsalted Butter and Brown Sugar are combined to create a sweet sauce that coats the cereal. 
            • Old Bay Seasoning is mixed with butter and sugar to give the cereal a salty and unique flavor. 
            • Mini Pretzels and Peanuts are baked with the cereal for added crunch and flavor. 

            See full recipe card below for quantities.

            Variations

            • Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pretzels. All of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free! 

            Substitutions

            • Substitute the Chex cereal with a different kind of Chex cereal such as Wheat Chex, Honey Nut Chex, or Maple Brown Sugar Chex. 
            • Replace the peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. 
            • If you can’t find Old Bay Seasoning, use JO Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning. 
            • In place of the pretzels, use your favorite crunchy snacks such as Cheddar Sesame Sticks, Oyster Crackers, or Cheez-Its! 

            Step-by-Step Instructions

            A large stainless steel bowl is filled with Old Bay Chex Mix and mini pretzels, with a blue spoon resting inside. The snack mix appears to be seasoned with a visible coating of spices.

            Step 1: Mix the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Mini Pretzels, and Peanuts in a large bowl. 

            Step 2: Melt the butter. Whisk in brown sugar and Old Bay until a thick mixture forms. 

            A person is pouring a red-orange seasoned sauce from a white bowl into a mixing bowl filled with Chex cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and other snack mix ingredients. A blue spatula is held over the white bowl as they create their delicious Old Bay Chex Mix.

            Step 3: Drizzle the butter mixture over top of the cereal. Stir together to coat the cereal.

            A baking sheet filled with a mixture of Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts, all evenly spread out and lightly coated with Old Bay seasoning. The snack mix appears toasted and ready to serve.

            Step 4: Bake cereal mix for 1 hour at 250 degrees Fahrenheit stirring every 20 minutes. Allow cereal to cool before enjoying. 

            Storage

            Store Chex Mix sealed in an airtight container. Chex Mix can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let Chex Mix thaw overnight. 

            Top tip

            Microwave the brown sugar with the melted butter for 30 seconds to help the ingredients to incorporate. 

            FAQ

            Why is my Chex Mix soggy?

            Chex Mix can become soggy if the liquid mixture is only poured on part of the cereal. Make sure to thoroughly stir together the butter mixture with the cereal to spread it out to all cereal. 

            What flavor will Old Bay Seasoning add to Chex Mix?

            Old Bay will add a salty flavor with a little spice! The spice level is very minimal and compliments the sweet brown sugar in this recipe. 

            What is Old Bay Seasoning?

            Old Bay Seasoning is a seasoning made with paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and red pepper. It is primarily used on seafood such as steamed crabs and shrimp. The distinctive flavor is great on pretty much anything! 

            Looking for other simple snack recipes? Try one of these:

            Pairing

            Refresh your tastebuds with one of these simple cocktail recipes:

            A glass bowl filled with a savory Old Bay Chex Mix, consisting of pretzels and various seasoned Chex cereals, sits on a wooden surface. Scattered pieces of the snack mix and a container of Old Bay seasoning are visible in the background.
            Print Recipe

            Sweet and Salty Old Bay Chex Mix (Snack Recipe)

            Sweet and Salty Old Bay Chex Mix is the muddy buddy recipe that you need! This simple recipe is the perfect zesty mix of Old Bay Seasoning combined with traditional sweet Chex Mix. This recipe is perfect for snacking at the holidays or any time you want to make a special and simple treat! 
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Cook Time1 hour
            Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 12
            Calories: 531kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Large Bowl
            • Rimmed Baking Sheet

            Ingredients

            • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted
            • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
            • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
            • 4 cups Corn Chex
            • 4 cups Rice Chex
            • 2 cups Mini Pretzels
            • 1 cup Peanuts

            Instructions

            • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
            • To a large bowl, add the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, pretzels and peanuts.
            • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and Old Bay Seasoning.
            • Pour the melted butter mixture over top of cereal and stir together to coat the cereal.
            • Pour cereal on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake for 1 hour stirring every 20 minutes.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 699mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1.417IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 28mg

            Air Fryer Parmesan Bread Bites (Copycat Domino’s)

            by Leave a Comment

            Try these Air Fryer Parmesan Bread Bites (Copycat Domino’s)! These bite-sized pieces of dough are cooked in butter and tossed with salty parmesan cheese for the perfect appetizer. 

            I had these Parmesan Bread Bites from Domino’s recently as a game day snack and could not stop eating them. I knew that I needed to make a copycat recipe at home but they had to be healthier than the original recipe from Domino’s Pizza. I decided to cook them in the air fryer with significantly less butter and oil than Domino’s uses. The final recipe ended with the most perfect fluffy bite. I can’t wait for you to try them as a main course or a quick snack. 

            I have recently been on an air fryer kick. I love how the air fryer can make normally very unhealthy foods a little lighter and I love the crispiness that the air fryer gives to basic foods. A perfect example are these Air Fryer Potato Wedges. These potato wedges are reminiscent of the popular Buffalo Wild Wings side dish but healthier and simple to make at home. This Roasted Indian Cauliflower is also made in the air fryer. It packs a ton of flavor thanks to the spices and comes out nice and crispy for an easy appetizer or side dish. 

            Jump to:

            Why You’ll Love This Recipe

            • This recipe uses just 5 ingredients all of which can be found at your local grocery store! 
            • These parmesan bites can be made in less than 10 minutes! 
            • Because they are made in the air fryer, they are much healthier thank the Domino’s Parmesan Bread Bites. 

            Recipe Ingredients

            Parmesan Bread Bite ingredients including pizza dough, parmesan cheese, butter, salt, garlic powder and marinara sauce.
            • Pizza Dough: Pizza dough is used as the base for dough bites. You can make your own homemade pizza dough, use store-bought pizza dough or even buy canned Pillsbury Pizza Dough. 
            • Salted Butter: The salted butter coats the dough bites to allow them to crisp in the air fryer and give them a salty, sweet taste. 
            • Garlic Powder and Salt are mixed with the melted butter to coat the dough. 
            • Parmesan Cheese sticks to the cooked pizza dough to create the ultimate parmesan bite! 

            See the below printable recipe card for the exact measurements. 

            Substitutions and Variations

            • Mix some Italian Seasoning, Fresh Herbs or Red Pepper Flakes with the garlic and butter for extra flavor. 
            • Add some Mozzarella Cheese with the parmesan cheese for some extra cheesiness! 
            • Stuff pepperoni into the pizza dough before cooking to make Pepperoni Bread!  
            • For a healthier option, toss pizza dough in olive oil instead of butter. 
            • For less salt in this recipe, use unsalted butter. 

            Please note these substitutions and variations are ideas and have not been tested. If you test one of them, please let me know how they turned out in the comments below! 

            How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Bites (Domino’s Copycat)

            Follow these simple steps to make this delicious recipe! 

            Rolled out pizza dough.

            Step 1: Roll pizza dough out into a rectangle (roughly 6 inches by 6 inches). 

            Pizza dough sliced into individual logs.

            Step 2: Using a pizza cutter, slice dough into 1 inch slices that are roughly the same length. 

            Dough rolled into balls.

            Step 3: Roll dough into bite size pieces and use a pastry brush to brush garlic butter on top of parmesan bites. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. 

            Bread bites in the air fryer basket.

            Step 4: Place parmesan bites into air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until balls are a light golden brown. 

            For detailed instructions and ingredient measurements, please see recipe card below.

            Equipment

            • Air Fryer: Here is the one that I like! 
            • Grill brush or pastry brush
            • Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife

            Expert Baking Tips

            Expert Baking Tips

            1. Be sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking the parmesan bites. I like to run my air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking.

            2. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the parmesan bites to prevent them from sticking. 

            3. Do not roll the pizza dough too thin. It should be 1/8 of an inch thick. 

            4. If your pizza dough is sticking after it is rolled out, use a thin spatula to help lift the dough. 

            5. Keep the pizza dough chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll it out. When the dough is at room temperature, it sticks more and is more difficult to work. 

            6. If dough begins to stick, toss some all purpose flour on your work surface. 

            FAQ

            What kind of parmesan cheese should I use on my bread bites?

            I like to use the jarred grated parmesan cheese in the green bottle. Kraft is a popular version and you can find many generics. I found that this type of parmesan cheese adhered better the dough ball than using freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

            What can I serve with my Parmesan Bread Bites?

            Parmesan Bread Bites can be served as a great appetizer to pizza night or as a side dish to an Italian dinner. I always like to serve mine with warm pizza sauce. 

            Can I reheat these bread bites?

            Yes, you can reheat parmesan bread bites by placing them in a preheated air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes. You can also reheat them in the toaster oven for a few minutes. The air fryer and the toaster oven are the best ways to reheat them and keep them crispy. Reheating in the microwave works, however, the parmesan bites will not be as crispy. 

            How should I store leftovers?

            Store leftover bread bites refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

            Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite main dishes to serve with fun appetizers:

            A platter of parmesan bread bites with pizza sauce.
            Print Recipe

            Air Fryer Parmesan Bread Bites (Copycat Domino’s)

            Try these Air Fryer Parmesan Bread Bites (Copycat Domino's)! These bite-sized pieces of dough are cooked in butter and tossed with salty parmesan cheese for the perfect appetizer. 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time6 minutes
            Total Time11 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 257kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife
            • Pastry Brush
            • Air Fryer

            Ingredients

            • 8 ounces Pizza Dough Half of a ball
            • 4 tablespoons Salted Butter melted
            • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
            • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
            • 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
            • Marinara Sauce for serving
            • Cooking Spray

            Instructions

            • Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
            • Roll pizza dough into a rectangle about 6 inches by 6 inches. Use a pizza cutter to slice dough into long strips. Roll strips into balls until about 1 inch thick.
            • Make garlic butter by combining melted butter, garlic powder and salt. Stir to combine.
            • Brush dough bites with 2 tablespoons of garlic butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
            • Spray air fryer basket generously with cooking spray. Place dough bites in air fryer seam side down.
            • Cook in the air fryer for 6 minutes until golden brown.
            • Remove parmesan bites from the air fryer. Toss with remaining garlic butter and parmesan cheese. Serve with marinara sauce.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 763mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 379IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

            Air Fryer Potato Wedges (Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat)

            by Leave a Comment

            These Air Fryer Potato Wedges (Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat) are the perfect appetizer for your next gathering. They are seasoned with pantry staple ingredients and tossed with heart healthy extra virgin olive oil. The best part is they come together quickly and are made in the air fryer! 

            A delicious snack of crispy potato wedges.

            If you have ever had Buffalo Wild Wings Potato Wedges, you know how flavorful and addicting they are. Thick cut potato wedges are fried to perfection for the ultimate burger accompaniment. But, in nutrition terms, are these potato wedges the best choice? Is there a healthier option? 

            The answer are these Air Fryer Potato Wedges! These thick cut French fries are coated in olive oil, homemade seasoning and cooked in the air fryer. 

            The air fryer is one of my favorite ways to cook. I love that you don’t have to heat up your whole house and everything cooks very quickly. Try this Roasted Indian Cauliflower! It is a simple air fryer recipe that packs the flavor! 

            Jump to:

            Why You’ll Love this Recipe

            • This recipe uses simple ingredients that you most likely have in your pantry. 
            • The potato wedges are made in the air fryer making them healthier than the Buffalo Wild Wings Potato Wedges Recipe. 
            • They have the same delicious taste as the Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant recipe. 

            Ingredients

            You will need the following ingredients to make these cooked potato wedges:

            Air Fryer Potato Wedge Ingredients including Yukon Gold Potatoes, olive oil, dried chives, onion powder, garlic powder and salt.
            • Large Potatoes: Yukon Gold Potatoes taste best in this recipe.
            • Dried Chives, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Salt are used to season the potatoes and add flavor.
            • Extra Virgin Olive Oil coats the potatoes and helps them get crispy. 
            • Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces! 

            See the below recipe card for the exact measurements. 

            Substitutions & Variations

            • Use Russet Potatoes ​or another type of waxy potatoes in this recipe. I have found that Russet Potatoes cook down more and tend to shrivel when cooked similar to some French fries. 
            • You could also use Sweet Potatoes to make delicious sweet potato wedges. 
            • Add shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, green onion and sour cream to make a loaded baked potato wedge. 

            Instructions

            Potato wedges tossed in olive oil.

            Step 1: Drizzle potato slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large bowl or plastic bag. 

            Potato wedges sprinkled with seasoning.

            Step 2: Season potatoes with dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. 

            Potato wedges tossed with seasoning and olive oil.

            Step 3: Using your hands or tongs, toss potatoes with oil and seasonings to evenly coat. 

            Potato wedges in an air fryer basket.

            ​Step 4: Add potatoes in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Toss potatoes after 10 minutes and cook for 5 additional minutes until golden brown and crispy.

            Equipment

            ​Grab these items and get to cooking these delicious potato wedges!

            • Cutting Board
            • Sharp Knife 
            • Large Bowl 
            • Air Fryer: ​Here is the air fryer that I use and love! 

            Expert Air Fryer Tips

            1. ​Always preheat your air fryer basket for a few minutes before adding food to the basket. The air fryer must be at a high temperature when the food is added. 
            2. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The potato wedges should not be touching or on top of one another. 
            3. Be sure to flip the potatoes after 10 minutes to ensure for even browning and crispiness of the potatoes. 

            FAQ

            Do I need to soak the potatoes before cooking them?

            No, you do not need to soak the potatoes. Soaking the potatoes will remove some of the starch allowing the potatoes to become crisper while cooking. I tested this recipe by soaking the potatoes for 30 minutes prior to cooking. There was not a noticeable difference between the soaked potatoes and the unsoaked potatoes. 

            Why are my potatoes soggy?

            Potato wedges can be soggy if you overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket creates steam which will cause moisture in the basket and result in a soggy potato wedge. Leave room in between the potatoes and cook the wedges in batches. 

            Why are my potatoes sticking to the air fryer basket?

            The potato wedges can stick to the air fryer basket if you do not generously spray the basket with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Be sure to spray the basket prior to adding the potatoes. 

            How can I reheat potato wedges?

            You can reheat leftover potato wedges in the air fryer. Reheat them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes until the potatoes are warm and crisp. Alternatively, reheat them in the oven on a greased baking sheet at the same temperature.

            What are the best sauces to serve with potato wedges?

            Serve potato wedges with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, ketchup and extra seasoning! 

            Why don’t my potato wedges taste exactly like Buffalo Wild Wings Potato Wedges?

             Buffalo Wild Wings deep fries their potato wedges in beef tallow (beef fat). These potato wedges are air fried in olive oil. This is a great way to reduce calories while still making a tasty snack! 

            What other seasonings can I use on my potato wedges?

            The chives, garlic and onion seasoning used on these potato wedges is reminiscent of the recipe that Buffalo Wild Wings uses. Change up this recipe and use your favorite seasonings. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or black pepper. Or, toss them in dried ranch seasoning. My favorite seasoning to use is Old Bay!

            Looking for other simple snack recipes? Try one of these!

            Pairing

            These are my favorite easy dinners to serve with potato wedges:

            Potato wedges standing in a basket with a tray of potato wedges.
            Print Recipe

            Air Fryer Potato Wedges (Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat)

            These Air Fryer Potato Wedges (Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat) are the perfect appetizer for your next gathering. They are seasoned with pantry staple ingredients and tossed with heart healthy extra virgin olive oil. The best part is they come together quickly and are made in the air fryer! 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time15 minutes
            Total Time20 minutes
            Course: Side Dish
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 238kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Air Fryer

            Ingredients

            • 4 Large Potatoes sliced into wedges
            • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
            • 2 teaspoons Dried Chives
            • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
            • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
            • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

            Instructions

            • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
            • Add Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Dried Chives, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Salt to a large bowl. Add potato wedges to the bowlnd toss to combine.
            • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches, place potato wedges in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove basket and flip potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy.
            • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 306mg | Potassium: 984mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1.687IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

            Roasted Indian Cauliflower (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

            by Leave a Comment

            This Roasted Indian Cauliflower is an easy air fryer recipe. This cauliflower is the perfect side dish or can be a healthy snack full of flavor! 

            Serving a delicious plate of Roasted Indian Cauliflower with extra lime slices and crushed peanuts.

            Cauliflower is such a versatile vegetable because it can easily take on the flavors that is is cooked with. This crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe is no different! In the new year, many people are trying to eat healthy and light. This crispy cauliflower is a perfect recipe for those trying to eat vegan or vegetarian. 

            I have always loved making cauliflower as a healthy snack or appetizer like these Mouthwatering Cauliflower Poppers! Similar to chicken wings, these cauliflower wings are the perfect vegetarian alternative for your next football game. Or, try my personal favorite, this Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone. Full of decadent flavor, these cauliflower bites are roasted until slightly crisp, topped with lemon juice and pomegranate arils and served over whipped mascarpone. The combination is divine! 

            Jump to:

            Why You’ll Love This Recipe

            • This Roasted Cauliflower is so healthy! If you are looking for a light and low carb snack, this is it! 
            • This recipe comes together in no time! Cook this cauliflower in the air fryer for a snack that takes less than 15 minutes to make. 
            • One of the best things is bold flavor! If you like Indian food, you will love this cauliflower! The flavors of turmeric, curry and garlic shine through along with a little spice from the red chili powder. 

            Ingredients

            Indian Cauliflower Ingredients including: cauliflower, limes, chopped peanuts, red chili powder, garlic, curry and turmeric.

            Basic ingredients are needed to make this delicious dish! 

            • Fresh Cauliflower is chopped into cauliflower florets. 
            • Extra Virgin Olive Oil is used to coat the cauliflower to allow the spices to attach to the vegetable. 
            • The spices: turmeric powder, curry powder, red chili powder and garlic powder, coat the cauliflower to give a distinct Indian flavor. 
            • Lime Juice rounds out the flavor. 
            • For a little crunch and extra texture, the crushed peanuts are added. 

            Extra Virgin Olive Oil not photographed. See recipe card for quantities. 

            Substitutions and Variations

            • While cauliflower is the main ingredient, you could substitute it for broccoli or sweet potatoes. Both vegetables would pair well with the spices. 
            • In place of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, use avocado oil to coat the cauliflower. 
            • Switch up the spices by using garam masala powder, coriander powder or curry powder. 
            • Use lemon juice in place of the lime juice. 
            • For a different crunch, substitute crushed almonds or sunflower seeds. 

            This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

            Step by Step Instructions 

            Begin by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

            Cauliflower cut into bite sized cauliflower florets.

            Step 1: Chop cauliflower into bite sized florets.

            Cauliflower florets tossed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, turmeric, curry powder, red chili powder and garlic powder.

            Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped cauliflower florets with the turmeric powder, curry powder, red chili powder and garlic powder to coat. 

            Cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket.

            Step 3: Place cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 4 minutes. Toss cauliflower. Cook for 4 more minutes. Cauliflower should appear golden brown. 

            Serving a delicious plate of Roasted Indian Cauliflower with extra lime slices and crushed peanuts.

            Step 4: Place cauliflower in a large bowl. Toss with fresh squeezed lime juice. Top with crushed peanuts. Enjoy! 

            Expert Tips

            Tip 1: Make sure that you preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes prior to cooking anything in the air fryer. Because it is small, the air fryer does heat up quickly but it is not instantaneous. If the air fryer does not preheat, your dish will not cook evenly and you will have to add more cooking time. 

            Tip 2: Be sure to chop your cauliflower into medium size florets. The florets should be close in size to allow the cooking time to remain consistent. 

            Tip 3: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cauliflower should be placed in a single layer with a little space around each floret. This will allow the air fryer to evenly cook. 

            Equipment

            • Sharp Knife
            • Cutting Board
            • Mixing Bowls
            • Air Fryer: Here is the air fryer that I use!

            Storage

            Store cauliflower in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat cauliflower for a few minutes in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or in the toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp. 

            FAQ

            How can I make sure that my cauliflower does not come out mushy?

            To ensure that the cauliflower is not mushy and has a slight bite to it, place a single layer of cauliflower bites in the air fryer basket. Make sure that there is space around the cauliflower bites for even cooking.

            What can I serve my Cauliflower Bites with?

            This cauliflower flavor stands on its own. However, for more zest and flavor, make a simple Greek Yogurt Dip such as this Homemade Raiti (Indian Yogurt Sauce).

            How should I serve this air fryer roasted cauliflower?

             Make this crispy roasted cauliflower a complete meal that the whole family will love with a side of naan bread or over rice. Or, serve the cauliflower as a handheld appetizer. This cauliflower is a great addition to stir fry, fried rice or buddha bowls. The best way to enjoy this cauliflower is to served warm. 

            Looking for other vegetarian appetizers? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

            Serving a delicious plate of Roasted Indian Cauliflower with extra lime slices and crushed peanuts.
            Print Recipe

            Roasted Indian Cauliflower (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

            This Roasted Indian Cauliflower is an easy air fryer recipe. This cauliflower is the perfect side dish or can be a healthy snack full of flavor! 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time10 minutes
            Total Time15 minutes
            Course: Side Dish
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 156kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Sharp Knife
            • Cutting Board
            • Mixing Bowl
            • Air Fryer

            Ingredients

            • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
            • 1 Head of Cauliflower Chopped
            • 1/4 tsp Red Chili Pepper
            • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
            • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
            • 1/2 tsp Curry Powder
            • 1 Juice of Lime
            • 1/4 cup Crushed Peanuts

            Instructions

            • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Farenheit.
            • Toss chopped cauliflower with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, red chili pepper, garlic powder, turmeric and curry powder.
            • Spray the bottom of the air fryer with cooking spray. Cook cauliflower for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and flip the cauliflower.
            • Toss cauliflower with the sauce. Squeeze the juice of the lime and top with crushed peanuts. Enjoy!

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 527mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

            Biscoff Cookie Butter Chex Mix (Muddy Buddy Snack)

            by 2 Comments

            Biscoff Cookie Butter Chex Mix (Muddy Buddy Snack) is a sweet treat made without baking! Grab a few simple ingredients and make a batch of these Cookie Butter Muddy Buddies in no time! 

            A beautiful bowl full of Biscoff Cookie Butter Chex Mix with whole Biscoff cookies mixed in.

            Chex Mix is always a popular snack around Christmas time. In my family, we like to enjoy it all year long. Over the holidays, we enjoyed many salty chex mix variations but I wanted to make a sweet version. This Cookie Butter Chex Mix is a fun twist on the traditional Muddy Buddy recipe but made with cookie butter! 

            If you are obsessed with Cookie Butter like I am, try this Easy Cookie Butter Latte using Biscoff Cookie Butter. It is the ultimate sweet and decadent latte and perfect for a coffee date! For another fun Chex mix snack, try this Homemade Payday Bar Chex Mix. Like the candy bar but as a bite sized treat, this quick snack is perfect to make for a large crowd! 

            Jump to:

            Flavor: Sweet! The cookie butter and powdered sugar in this recipe give the Chex mix a sweet and caramel flavor. 

            Time: This Chex mix comes together in about 10 minutes! No time at all to make the ultimate snack! 

            Level of Difficulty: Super simple! This Chex mix is about as simple as recipes come. All that this recipe takes is a little melting in the microwave and mixing together. 

            Ingredients

            Cookie Butter Chex Mix Ingredients including Biscoff Cookies, Chocolate Chex Cereal, Rice Chex Cereal, White Chocolate Chips, Vanilla, Powdered Sugar, Coconut Oil and Biscoff Cookie Butter.
            • The Lotus Biscoff Cookies are chopped into fine pieces in the food processor to add a little crunch and a lot of flavor to the Chex Mix!
            • I like to use a mix of Rice Chex, Corn Chex and Chocolate Chex for this recipe. Using Chocolate Chex will make the recipe sweeter. Use a mix of what you have and what you can find! I have found that not all grocery stores carry Chocolate Chex.
            • White Chocolate Chips are melted with the Biscoff Cookie Butter, Vanilla Extract and the Coconut Oil  to coat the cereal pieces. 
            • The Powdered Sugar is combined with the chopped Biscoff Cookies to adhere to the melted cookie butter mixture on top of the Chex! 

            See recipe card below for all measurements.

            Substitutions and Variations

            • Substitute Speculoos Cookies or Speculoos Spread for Biscoff Cookies or Biscoff Cookie Butter. Trader Joes also makes their own Cookie Butter that would work in this recipe. 
            • Use a variation of Chex mix cereal. Use a mix of Chocolate Chex, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex or even Peanut Butter Chex for a unique taste.  
            • To make this Muddy Buddies recipe less sweet, use half cookie butter and half creamy peanut butter to coat the cereal. 

            Equipment

            • Food Processor: If you do not have a food processor, place the cookies in a large ziploc bag. Use a rolling pin to crush cookies into fine crumbles. Here is the one that I use!
            • Microwave Safe Bowl: Alternatively, you can melt the butter, chocolate chips and coconut oil together on the stove top over low heat. 
            • Large Bowl
            • Wax Paper
            • Large Cookie Sheet 

            Step by Step Instructions

            Pouring Biscoff Cookies into a food processor to be crumbled.

            Step 1: Add Biscoff Cookies to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Set aside. 

            White chocolate chips, Biscoff Cookie Butter and coconut oil in a mixing bowl to be melted.

            Step 2: Add white chocolate chips, cookie butter and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 second intervals stirring every 30 seconds until ingredients are melted and combined. 

            Chex Mix Cereal being poured into a very large mixing bowl.

            Step 3: Add Chex cereal to a very large bowl. 

            Melted cookie butter mixture being poured over top of Chex cereal.

            Step 4: Pour melted cookie butter mixture over top of cereal. Stir gently to coat cereal pieces.

            Crushed Biscoff Cookies and powdered sugar poured over top of cereal mixture.

            Step 5: Sprinkle powdered sugar and crushed Biscoff cookies on top of cereal. Stir to fully coat cereal. 

            Pouring Cookie Butter Chex Mix onto a large baking sheet covered in wax paper.

            Step 6: Pour cereal mixture onto a large baking sheet covered in wax paper. Allow chex mixture to dry. Store in an airtight container. 

            Storage

            This Cookie Butter Chex Mix makes a large batch of chex mix! Hopefully, you will have leftovers to store. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. 

            Cookie Butter Chex Mix can be frozen. Freeze in a large ziplock bag with all the air removed. Freeze flat to avoid the cereal from crumbling. Be sure that the cereal has fully dried before freezing. If not, the chex can become soggy when thawed. 

            FAQ

            What is the flavor of Cookie Butter?

            Cookie Butter has a sweet and deep caramel flavor with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar. 

            What can I put Biscoff Cookie Butter on?

            Biscoff Cookie Butter is delicious on toast, spread on graham crackers, melted onto ice cream, on apple slices or straight out of the jar! The options to use Cookie Butter are endless. 

            Can I freeze Cookie Butter Chex Mix?

            Yes, you can freeze Cookie Butter Chex Mix. Allow the chex mix to completely dry on the wax paper. Place chex mix in a large ziplock bag or an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow cereal to come to room temperature before serving. 

            Looking for other sweet recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with a sweet chex mix:

            Cookie Butter Chex Mix on a rimmed baking sheet with Lotus Biscoff Cookies
            Print Recipe
            5 from 1 vote

            Biscoff Cookie Butter Chex Mix (Muddy Buddy Snack)

            Biscoff Cookie Butter Chex Mix (Muddy Buddy Snack) is a sweet treat made without baking! Grab a few simple ingredients and make a batch of these Cookie Butter Muddy Buddies in no time! 
            Cook Time10 minutes
            Total Time10 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Dessert
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 12
            Calories: 679kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Ingredients

            • 4.5 cups Corn Chex or Rice Chex
            • 4.5 cups Chocolate Chex
            • 1 cup White Chocolate Chips
            • 1/2 cup Biscoff Cookie Butter
            • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
            • 1 tsp Vanilla
            • 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
            • 8 oz Biscoff Cookies Package

            Instructions

            • Add Biscoff Cookies to food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
            • Add white chocolate chips, cookie butter and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 second intervals stirring in between until melted and combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
            • Add Corn/Rice Chex and Chocolate Chex to a large bowl.
            • Pour cookie butter mixture over cereal. Stir to gently coat.
            • Sprinkle powdered sugar and crushed Biscoff cookies on top of cereal. Stir to fully coat cereal.
            • Spread on wax paper to cool.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 12g | Calories: 679kcal | Carbohydrates: 125g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 674mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 1.339IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 259mg | Iron: 31mg

            The Ultimate Seafood Charcuterie Board

            by Leave a Comment

            The Ultimate Seafood Charcuterie Board is an awe-inspiring platter perfect for the holiday season! This ‘Seacuterie Board’ is a seafood lovers take on a traditional charcuterie board and is sure to be an exceptional centerpiece for your next gathering! 

            Cheese and deli meat option added to seafood platter for a complete Seafood Charcuterie Board

            Boards have been all the rage over the past few years because they are simple to make and you can often please many palates. There has been the breakfast board, dessert charcuterie boards and even butter boards (a trend which I chose to not get on). Why not try a Seafood Charcuterie Board to fancy things up for the holidays?! 

            Charcuterie boards are my go to when I need a something simple to serve to a crowd. If you are looking for other charcuterie board ideas, try this Sweet and Savory Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board. This dessert board is simple to make and everyone loves this sweet and semi-healthy treat! If you are looking for a vegetarian and healthy option, check out this post on How To Build A Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board. I give you all of my tips and tricks to put together a veggie charcuterie platter that is beautiful and full of options! 

            Jump to:

            Seafood Charcuterie Board Details


            Level of Difficulty:             Simple! The only cooking that this board requires is steaming shrimp! The rest of the work is arranging food on the large board. 

            Time: 20 minutes! This includes the time to steam shrimp! 

            Flavor: This board has a smoky flavor and a savory flavor! 

            Ingredients

            • Smoked Salmon
            • Fish Dip: You can make this yourself or purchase at your local market. I prefer a fresh albacore tuna dip from Big Fish Market in Rehoboth! It has a smoky flavor and is one of my go to dips when hosting. 
            • Raw Shrimp: Deveined with the shell and tail on. You can buy these fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. I will teach you how to steam shrimp. If you would rather skip steaming the shrimp, you can purchase steamed shrimp cocktail at your local grocery store. 
            • Cream Cheese: Make sure that the cream cheese is softened or use a whipped version. The cream cheese will go on the salmon. Try using a flavored cream cheese such as Garlic and Herb or Chive and Onion. Delaware locals, Surf Bagel makes the best Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese! 
            • Capers
            • Lemon Wedges
            • Cocktail Sauce: This will go with the shrimp. You can purchase pre-made cocktail sauce or make your own by mixing together ketchup and horseradish. I like to make my own so that I can make it extra spicy! 
            • Fresh Herbs: The herbs will be used to garnish and build a beautiful board! Use fresh sprigs of dill, rosemary sprigs or parsley. Alternatively, use lettuce leaves.
            • Red Onion: This will accompany the smoked salmon. Slice the red onion into thin long strips. 
            • Meat Products (optional): If serving this board as a meal board, add some deli meats such as prosciutto, salami or Italian Capocollo to your board. You can purchase these pre-packaged from most grocery stores or from the deli. 
            • Cheese Products (optional): Add in some cheese options to make a more robust meal platter! Blue cheese, aged gouda and sharp cheddar are some of my favorite options. 
            • Fresh Fruit: Fill in any empty space on your board with fresh fruit such as grapes or raspberries.
            • Fresh Veggies: Fresh veggies add a pop of color to your board and can provide different textural bases. Use broccoli, pepper slices or cucumbers. 
            • Crackers or Bread: This will be used for the tuna dip and to eat with salmon. 

            Instructions

            1. Start creating your Seafood Charcuterie Board by adding the seafood. I like to add my largest ingredients first. The seafood will be the largest option and main ingredient. Arrange the shrimp on the board. Add the tuna dip to a bowl. Arrange the salmon. Take your seafood board to the next level by creating salmon roses! Check out how here! 
            2. Then, add any fresh herbs that you are going to use as a garnish. Lay these herbs flat so that ingredients can be placed on top. 
            3. Next, add your accompaniments. Add the cream cheese in a small bowl, capers, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, red onion and crackers or fresh bread. Group the ingredients together as they will be enjoyed. For example, keep the capers, lemon juice and red onion around the salmon. Place the cocktail sauce next to the shrimp. Place the crackers or bread next to the tuna dip. 
            4. If choosing to add meat or cheese to the board, fill in the board. I like to pre-slice cheese to make it easier for guests to enjoy. 
            5. Finally, add in any fresh fruit or fresh veggies where they will fit! 
            Fish dip, smoked salmon and steamed shrimp on a large serving platter

            Add main ingredients. In this case, add all seafood components.

            Fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary) on seafood charcuterie board as a garnish

            Add fresh herbs or lettuce.

            Seafood platter accompaniments added to board including crackers, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce and cream cheese

            Add accompaniments such as bread, crackers, lemon wedges or red onion.

            Fill in remainder of tray with cheese, meat, fresh fruit or vegetables!

            How to Steam Shrimp

            This is the easiest way to steam shrimp and how I steam my shrimp for all of my shrimp platters. Here is what you will need: 

            • Shrimp: ​Use fresh or frozen shrimp with the shell and tail on. If using frozen shrimp, dethaw ahead of time.  
            • Light Beer: ​I use whatever light beer I have on hand such as a Miller Lite. I have also used Ales. Alternatively, you can use water.
            • Old Bay
            • Steam basket or steam pot
            • Medium pot: ​The pot should be able to fit the steam basket on top of it. 
            1.  Fill bottom of pot with beer or water. 
            2. Place steam basket or steam pot on top  of pot. Add shrimp.
            3. Toss shrimp with Old Bay. 
            4. Place lid on top of steam basket. 
            5. Turn heat to medium high. Once you see steam escaping from lid, turn heat down to low. Let simmer for 7 minutes. Shrimp should be pink and cooked.
            6. Remove from heat and allow shrimp to cool.  
            7. Serve with cocktail sauce! 

            Variations

            ​This board is easy to tailor to your guests preferences and the season. The seafood charcuterie board that I highlighted focuses on ingredients that are simple to get and affordable. Here are some other fun ideas: 

            • Use Snow Crab Legs! Snow crab claws would be perfect to serve at New Years Eve party. 
            • Use fresh seafood! If you are lucky enough to live by the water, add some freshly caught fish to your seachuterie platter! Ahi tuna is the perfect seafood to serve raw with soy sauce and ginger. 
            • To make more filling meal boards, simply cook some fresh fish filets such as rockfish or mahi on the stove top. Cut into bite sized pieces and place on the board. Lemon juice is the perfect accompaniment for freshly cooked fish. 

            Equipment

            Making this Seafood Charcuterie Board is so simple and requires minimal equipment to create an exceptional centerpiece. You will need:

            • Large Board or Serving Platter
            • Several small bowls 
            • Small knives/spoons

            ​Be sure to also have cocktail napkins and plates to go with your finger foods! 

            Storage

            ​Seafood is best served that day that it is prepared. I do not recommend storing leftover seafood. Try to eat everything on the platter the day that it is served!

            Top tip

            Keep platter refrigerated until serving and be mindful of how long seafood sits at room temperature.

            Hand reaching onto seafood platter to try a delicious smoked fish dip on a cracker

            FAQ

            Do shrimp go on a charcuterie board?

            Shrimp absolutely belong on a charcuterie board especially a Seafood Charcuterie Board! Shrimp are easy to find at your local grocery store. If you cannot buy them fresh, purchase them frozen with the tails and shells on. Shrimp are also a great option for a charcuterie board because you can purchase them already steamed! 

            How do you make a Seacuterie Board?

            ​You make a Seacuterie Board by adding seafood items such as fresh fish, fish dip, shrimp or crab legs to a large board and adding all of the accompaniments to the platter. A Seacuterie Board is similar to a cheese board except you are using seafood! 

            What goes with a seafood platter?

            ​Crackers, fresh bread, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, capers and red onion all go on a seafood platter! You can also add some cheese, meats, fresh fruit and/or veggies to a seafood platter for guests who do not eat fish. 

            Looking for other simple meal boards or appetizers? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite drinks to serve for simple entertaining:

            Cheese and deli meat option added to seafood platter for a complete Seafood Charcuterie Board
            Print Recipe

            The Ultimate Seafood Charcuterie Board

            The Ultimate Seafood Charcuterie Board is an awe-inspiring platter perfect for the holiday season! This 'Seacuterie Board' is a the seafood lovers take on a traditional charcuterie board and is sure to be an exceptional centerpiece for your next gathering! 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Total Time5 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Large platter or serving tray
            • Small Bowls
            • Small spoons and knives

            Ingredients

            • Smoked Salmon
            • Shrimp Raw or Steamed
            • Fish Dip
            • Cream Cheese
            • Lemon Wedges
            • Capers
            • Crackers or Fresh Bread
            • Cocktail Sauce
            • Fresh Fruit or Vegetables
            • Deli Meats
            • Cheese

            Instructions

            • Begin by adding the main seafood ingredients to the platter. Section the seafood options into different areas of the platter.
            • Add any fresh herbs or lettuce as garnishes.
            • Add all accompaniments to the board placing them near the seafood they will be enjoyed with (i.e. capers, lemon wedges, crackers and cream cheese with salmon. Cocktail sauce with the shrimp. Crackers with the fish dip).
            • If serving, add in deli meats, cheese, fruit or veggies.
            • Refrigerate until ready to serve!

            Nutrition

            Serving: 8g

            Easy Spiced Mexican Popcorn (using Taco Seasoning)

            by Leave a Comment

            Easy Spiced Mexican Popcorn (using Taco Seasoning) is the best taco popcorn recipe for your next movie night or Cinco de Mayo party! This recipe makes a big batch of popcorn for a perfect low calorie snack. 

            Mexican Popcorn with Taco Seasoning for a Cinco de Mayo Party!

            Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks and learning how simple popcorn is to make at home has been a game changer! 

            This Mexican Popcorn Recipe was inspired by my other popcorn recipes. If you are looking for a unique popcorn try this Easy Dill Pickle Popcorn with Homemade Seasoning. For a kick of heat, try this Jalapeno Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese!

            Jump to:

            Mexican Popcorn Details

            Flavor: Think about eating a taco in popcorn form! This popcorn has traditional taco flavoring such as paprika, chili powder and garlic along with salty cotija cheese and zesty lime. 

            Level of Difficulty: Simple! Once you learn how to make popcorn at home, you won’t stop!

            Time: This popcorn comes together in less than 10 minutes. 

            Ingredients

            Mexican Popcorn Ingredients: popcorn kernels, lime zest, cotija cheese, taco seasoning, butter, nutritional yeast and vegetable oil
            • Popcorn Kernels
            • Vegetable Oil: Could also use coconut oil or peanut oil.
            • Taco Seasoning: I like to use low sodium.
            • Lime Zest: Don’t skip this!
            • Cotija Cheese: Could substitute another salty cheese such as Pecorino or Romano Cheese.
            • ​Unsalted Butter
            • Nutritional Yeast: This is a dairy-free vegan seasoning. It gives popcorn a nutty and cheesy flavor. You can omit the nutritional yeast but I recommend using it. It is a game changer! 

            How to Make Mexican Popcorn

            1. Start by mixing together the lime zest and cotija cheese in a small bowl. 
            2. Add oil of choice to a medium pot with popcorn kernels over medium heat. Place a lid on the pot.
            3. Wait until you hear the kernels pop. Stay close by as the popcorn begins to pop. Once there are more than two seconds between the remaining kernels, the popcorn is cooked. Remove from heat. 
            4. Pour melted butter over popcorn. Stir in lime zest, cotija cheese, taco seasoning and nutritional yeast. 
            5. Enjoy popcorn! 
            Popcorn kernels in a pot ready to pop

            Add oil and popcorn kernels to a medium pot over medium hot.

            Fresh stovetop popcorn hot off of the stove

            Pop popcorn until there is 2 seconds between pops. Remove from stove.

            Cooked popcorn with taco seasoning, lime zest, cotija cheese, nutritional yeast and melted butter poured over top of kernels

            Pour melted butter, lime zest, taco seasoning, cotija cheese and nutritional yeast over top of popped popcorn.

            Popcorn in a large bowl with all ingredients mixed through to make a large batch of Mexican Popcorn!

            Stir ingredients together to coat kernels and enjoy!

            Variations

            Popcorn is such a simple food to make to your taste. Try one of these fun variations or make your own!

            • Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or adding jalapenos! Use this recipe to learn how to cook jalapenos for popcorn! 
            • Control the sodium! Make your own taco seasoning so that you can control the salt level as well as the flavor! Here is a great recipe for homemade taco seasoning!
            • Make it sweet! Sweet and salty pair perfectly together. Add a teaspoon of sugar to the popcorn for a sweet and salty Mexican popcorn! 

            Equipment

            No fancy popcorn maker is required to make this popcorn! 

            • Stovetop
            • Medium to Large Pot: I like to use a medium pot with high sides. 
            • Zester
            • Small Bowls: To mix the cheese and lime zest and to melt the butter. 
            • Spoon to stir popcorn with spice mixture.

            Storage

            Popcorn is best enjoyed right after popping. The humidity can cause popcorn to quickly become stale. I recommend storing popcorn in a cool place in a sealed bag. 

            A bowl of Mexican Popcorn sprinkled with lime zest and cotija cheese with extra taco seasoning on the side

            Top tip

            Don’t skip the nutritional yeast! I have made this popcorn with the yeast and without the yeast! Even a little bit of the yeast makes the biggest difference! 

            FAQ

            What is Mexican Street Corn Popcorn?

             ​Mexican Street Corn Popcorn is popcorn that is reminiscent of traditional Mexican Street Corn. This popcorn recipe has a similar taste to street corn with flavors from the cotija cheese, fresh lime zest and taco seasoning. 

            What can I add to popcorn for more flavor?

            To add more flavor to popcorn, I recommend adding a little of your favorite seasoning. A little seasoning goes a long way on popcorn. For this Mexican Popcorn, I recommend adding the nutritional yeast for more flavor. The nutritional yeast gives the popcorn a cheesy and nutty flavor that makes it irresistible! 

            Can I use pre-made bagged popcorn or microwave popcorn to make Mexican Popcorn?

            Yes, you can use bagged popcorn or microwave popcorn to make this Mexican Popcorn recipe! Simply, add the popcorn to a large bowl and mix together the remaining ingredients. Keep in mind, pre-made popcorn or microwave popcorn can have added salt and the taste may slightly differ. 

            Looking for other fun snack recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with popcorn:

            Mexican Popcorn with Taco Seasoning for a Cinco de Mayo Party!
            Print Recipe

            Easy Spiced Mexican Popcorn (using Taco Seasoning)

            Easy Spiced Mexican Popcorn (using Taco Seasoning) is the best taco popcorn recipe for your next movie night or Cinco de Mayo party! This recipe makes a big batch of popcorn for a perfect low calorie snack. 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time5 minutes
            Total Time10 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 226kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Stovetop
            • Medium to Large Pot with lid
            • Small Bowls
            • Spoon
            • Zester

            Ingredients

            • 2 tbsp Oil of Choice Vegetable, Coconut or Peanut Oil
            • 1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels
            • 1/4 cup Cotija Cheese Grated
            • Zest of a Lime
            • 2 tsp Taco Seasoning
            • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter Melted
            • 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast

            Instructions

            • Mix together cotija cheese and lime zest in a small bowl.
            • Add oil to a medium sized pot. Add popcorn kernels and place lid on pot. Allow kernels to pop, occasionally shaking the pot. Once kernels stop popping for 2 seconds in between pops, remove popcorn from heat.
            • Pour melted butter on top of popcorn. Stir to coat.
            • Stir in cotija cheese and lime zest, nutritional yeast and taco seasoning.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

            Candied Brown Sugar Jalapeno Bacon (Oven Baked)

            by Leave a Comment

            Candied Brown Sugar Jalapeno Bacon is a simple recipe that adds some sweet heat to everyone’s favorite food: bacon! This easy recipe makes a spicy bacon in the oven that is the perfect addition to any brunch or big game party! 

            A tray of Brown Sugar Candied Jalapeno Bacon. The perfect addition to breakfast or a game day snack!

            There is never a bad time to enjoy bacon and football season is the perfect time to make this Jalapeno Bacon! The bacon can be enjoyed as a snack stick or in a bloody mary. 

            This recipe was inspired by a few other jalapeno and bacon recipes like these Oven Baked Jalapeno Poppers. The jalapeno peppers and bacon in this recipe make these poppers the perfect snack! This Jalapeno Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese gives simple stovetop popcorn a blast of fiery heat! 

            Jump to:

            Brown Sugar Candied Jalapeno Bacon Details

            Flavor: Sweet and spicy! The brown sugar adds a sweet layer to the salty bacon while the jalapeno adds the heat. The bacon is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with the spice level only being at a low to medium heat. 

            Time: 40 minutes total. That includes 5 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of bake time. 

            Level of Difficulty: This Jalapeno Bacon is super simple to make! 

            Ingredients

            Only 5 pantry staple ingredients are required to make this delicious treat! 

            • Light Brown Sugar
            • Black Pepper
            • Bacon: ​I suggest using a thick cut bacon. You will need less than a pound of bacon. I normally get around 10 slices on a rack. 
            • Jalapenos
            • Honey 
            Brown Sugar Candied Jalapeno Bacon Ingredients: thick cut bacon, black pepper, honey, light brown sugar and jalapenos

            Instructions

            1. ​Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Place tin foil on a rimmed baking sheet. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the tin foil. Set aside.
            2. Mix brown sugar and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour mixture onto a large rimmed plate. 
            3. Place each slice of bacon into the mixture. Press down so that the sugar adheres. Flip bacon over and repeat so that brown sugar is on both sides of the bacon. Place bacon on the wire rack in a single layer. Be careful not to overlap the bacon. I can normally fit around 10 strips of bacon on one rack.
            4. Bake for 20 minutes. Carefully remove pan from oven. Flip each piece of bacon over. Sprinkle jalapeno pieces on top of bacon. Drizzle with a little honey on each bacon slice. 
            5. Place pan back into the oven and cook for 15 more minutes until the desired level of crispy bacon is achieved. Cook time will depend on the thickness of the bacon. 
            6. Allow bacon to cool before serving. 
            Dredging thick bacon slices through brown sugar and black pepper mixture to make candied bacon

            Mix light brown sugar and black pepper. Place in a shallow dish and dredge bacon through adhering brown sugar to both slides of the bacon slice.

            Thick cut bacon strip on wire rack ready to go into the oven

            Place bacon slices on a wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and flip bacon over.

            Sprinkle diced jalapenos on top of bacon and drizzle with honey. Return baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bacon is crispy.

            Variations

            For a less spicy version, use pickled jalapenos instead of regular jalapenos. 

            To make the Ultimate Candied Bacon, double the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. 

            For more flavors, mix some additional spices such as garlic powder, paprika or red chili pepper to the brown sugar mix. 

            Equipment

            ​Only kitchen staples are needed in this recipe!

            • Rimmed Cookie Sheet
            • Wire Cooling Rack
            • Tin Foil
            • Small to Medium Bowl
            • Large Plate or Shallow Dish 

            Storage

            ​If you are lucky enough to have any of this Honey Jalapeno Bacon left over, store it refrigerated in an airtight container. This bacon is delicious eaten cold. Or, reheat the bacon on a warm pan or in the oven. Be careful not to cook too long as bacon is already crispy. 

            A plate of spicy bacon with jalapenos shining on top!

            Top tip

            Leave the diced jalapenos off a few of the bacon pieces so that everyone can enjoy the candied bacon. Also, be very careful when removing the bacon from the oven. Bacon grease will accumulate in the bottom of the pan and it is very hot. Handle carefully and dispose of excess grease when it has cooled. 

            FAQ

            How do I serve Jalapeno Bacon?

            Serve Jalapeno Bacon as snack sticks. Trust me, this bacon is so good that it can be enjoyed on its own and it is a great addition to a snack table. Or, serve it in a Spicy Bloody Mary drink. You can also enjoy this candied bacon with eggs, on bacon melts with cheddar cheese or on your favorite sandwich or wrap! 

            How long does Candied Jalapeno Bacon last?

            Candied Jalapeno Bacon lasts up to 4-5 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow bacon to cool completely to room temperature before placing in container or large ziplock bag. This will help to prevent the bacon from sticking together. 

            What is Pig Candy?

             ​Pig candy is another word for Candied Bacon! In this recipe, we made a spicy pig candy! 

            Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with Candied Jalapeno Bacon:

            Crispy, thick-cut Brown Sugar Candied Jalapeno Bacon on a wire rack fresh from the oven
            Print Recipe

            Candied Brown Sugar Jalapeño Bacon (Oven Baked)

            Candied Brown Sugar Jalapeno Bacon is a simple recipe that adds some sweet heat to everyone's favorite food: bacon! This easy recipe makes a spicy bacon in the oven that is the perfect addition to any brunch or big game party! 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time35 minutes
            Total Time40 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 5
            Calories: 370kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Rimmed Cookie Sheet
            • Wire Baking Rack
            • Small Bowl
            • Large Plate

            Ingredients

            • 1/3 cup Brown Sugar plus 2 tablespoons
            • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
            • 10 slices Thick Sliced Bacon
            • 1 Jalapeño Finely Chopped
            • 1 tbsp Honey

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tin foil on rimmed baking sheet and wire cooling rack on top.
            • Mix brown sugar and black sugar in a small bowl. Pour onto a large plate.
            • Dip both sides of bacon strips into brown sugar mixture. Press brown sugar to bacon. Place on cooling rack.
            • Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and flip bacon. Sprinkle bacon with jalapenos and drizzle with honey.
            • Place bacon back in the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 5g | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.4mg

            Jalapeno Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese

            by 10 Comments

            Easy Jalapeno Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese is a simple popcorn recipe with a hint of heat! Make this stovetop popcorn recipe for game day or your next movie night! 

            A delicious bowl of Jalapeno Popcorn dusted with parmesan cheese

            Fall is here and that means cozy movie nights at home and watching football games with friends and family. To me, this all means that snacking season is upon us! Homemade popcorn is my go to snack. The flavor combinations you can come up with are endless and cooking popcorn on the stove is impressive to guests!

            This Jalapeno Popcorn recipe was inspired by my Easy Dill Pickle Popcorn with Homemade Seasoning Recipe. This recipe brings the tangy flavor of a dill pickle into a bite sized piece of popcorn! For a zesty option, try this Easy Mexican Popcorn using Taco Seasoning. If you are looking for a sweet option, try this Sweet and Savory Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board. This simple board has all of the sweet flavors of fall apples accompanied with the best dips. 

            Jump to:

            Jalapeno Popcorn Details

            • Flavor: Salty and Spicy! The spice flavor is not overwhelming and the saltiness of the popcorn balances the spice. Once you have one bite, you will be back for a handful! 
            • Time: 10 minutes.
            • Level of Difficulty: Simple! Making popcorn is simple. You just need have patience and be attentive because a few burnt kernels will ruin an entire popcorn batch. 

            Ingredients

            Just a few simple ingredients are needed to make this tasty treat! 

            Jalapeno Popcorn Ingredients: popcorn kernels, pickled jalapenos, parmesan cheese, vegetable oil and jalapenos (for garnish)
            Note: Melted butter and salt not photographed
            • Vegetable Oil: Substitute another neutral tasting oil such as coconut oil or avocado oil. 
            • Popcorn Kernels: Alternatively, you could use microwave popcorn or cooked popcorn. 
            • Pickled Jalapenos: Substitute fresh jalapenos for more heat. 
            • Parmesan Cheese: Could use another cheese powder or nutritional yeast. 
            • Melted Butter
            • Salt

            How to make Jalapeno Popcorn

            1. Dry pickled jalapenos. Place pickled jalapenos on a paper towel lined plate. Blot jalapenos dry using a paper towel.
            2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium pot to medium heat. Once oil is warm, cook jalapenos until they begin to brown. Remove from pot and set aside.
            3. Add remaining oil to the same pot. Add popcorn kernels in an even layer and place lid on top. 
            4. Within 2-3 minutes, kernels will begin to pop. Shake pot occasionally to move kernels around. Popcorn is done popping when there is longer than 2 seconds in between pops. Remove pot from heat.
            5. Add melted butter, pickled jalapenos and salt into popcorn bowl and stir to combine.
            6. Once popcorn has slightly cooled, stir in parmesan cheese. 
            Jalapenos frying in pan to go into jalapeno popcorn

            Cook jalapenos in pot until golden.

            Popcorn kernels in a pot ready to pop

            Add popcorn kernels to the same pot.

            Fresh stovetop popcorn hot off of the stove

            Allow popcorn to pop until there is 2 seconds in between pops.

            Mixing melted butter and jalapenos with stovetop popcorn

            Stir in melted butter, jalapenos and salt. Once popcorn has cooled, add parmesan cheese.

            Variations

            There are so many ways to spice up popcorn. Try one of these simple recipe twists!

            • Fry pieces of bacon with the jalapenos to make a Bacon Jalapeno Popcorn. 
            • Add seasonings. Add garlic powder, cumin or cayenne pepper. 
            • Add more heat. If you want all of the spice, add some hot sauce with the melted butter. 

            Equipment

            You don’t need a popcorn maker to make homemade popcorn! Grab these kitchen staples.  

            • Plate lined with paper towels. 
            • Medium size heavy-bottomed pot 

            Storage

            Stovetop popcorn is best served immediately. After adding butter, the popcorn can become soggy when storing. I recommend storing popcorn without any seasoning or oils. Allow the popcorn to cool to room temperature and then store in an airtight container. 

            Top tip

            Do not leave your popcorn! When popping the popcorn, be vigilant. Popcorn can burn quickly and a few burnt kernels can ruin the whole batch. Stay in the kitchen while the popcorn pops and be sure to remove the popcorn from heat as soon as there is longer than 2 seconds between pops.

            A buttery bowl of Jalapeno Popcorn topped with jalapenos and parmesan cheese

            FAQ

            Is Jalapeno Popcorn spicy?

            Jalapeno Popcorn is slightly spicy. The flavor of the jalapenos provides some heat in the popcorn. You can control the spiciness of the popcorn by adding more or less jalapenos. 

            Can I use bagged popcorn to make Jalapeno Popcorn?

            Yes, you can use bagged popcorn (store bought or microwave) to make Jalapeno Popcorn. Keep in mind, pre-made or bagged popcorn can have added salt and/or butter that can alter the flavor of this Jalapeno Popcorn. 

            How should I serve Jalapeno Popcorn?

            Serve Jalapeno Popcorn in a large bowl to share or in individual serving cups. I like to set up a Popcorn Bar with different types of popcorn so that everyone can enjoy this party snack! 

            Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

            A delicious bowl of Jalapeno Popcorn dusted with parmesan cheese
            Print Recipe
            5 from 5 votes

            Jalapeno Popcorn Recipe (with Parmesan Cheese)

            Easy Jalapeno Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese is a simple popcorn recipe with a hint of heat! Make this stovetop popcorn recipe for game day or your next movie night! 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time5 minutes
            Total Time10 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 261kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Plate with Paper Towels
            • Medium Pot

            Ingredients

            • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
            • 1/4 cup Popcorn Kernels
            • 1/3 cup Picked Jalapenos
            • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
            • 2 tbsp Butter Melted
            • 1/2 tsp Salt

            Instructions

            • Place pickled jalapenos on a paper towel lined plate and pat dry.
            • Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a medium pot over medium heat. Cook jalapenos for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan.
            • Add remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add popcorn kernels and place lid on pot. Allow kernels to pop, occasionally shaking the pot. Once kernels stop popping for 2 seconds in between pops, remove popcorn from heat.
            • Add melted butter, jalapenos and salt. Stir to combine.
            • Once popcorn has cooled to a warm temperature, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 1mg

            Oven Baked Jalapeno Bacon Dove Poppers

            by Leave a Comment

            Oven Baked Jalapeno Bacon Dove Poppers are a delicious dove breast recipe. Try this wild game recipe baked in the oven for one of the best dove recipes!

            Tray of delicious Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers with extra jalapenos on the side

            I come from a family of hunters and a husband who lives to hunt. Dove are migratory birds and dove season officially kicks off hunting season where I live. My husband loves to host a large gathering for dove hunting every year. While I do not hunt, I respect the animals and don’t want anything to go to waste. I created this recipe as a way to enjoy dove without having to turn on the grill. 

            If you are looking for another wild game recipe, try this Sweet and Spicy Venison Chili. If you come to my house at all during football season, you are guaranteed to have a big, ol’ bowl of this! 

            Jump to:

            Jalapeno Bacon Dove Popper Details

            Flavor: ​Sweet, spicy and salty! The sweet and salty flavor comes from the bacon and the spiciness comes from the jalapeno pepper. The dove breast is in the middle has a mild meaty taste.

            Time: ​An hour and 15 minutes. That includes 15 minutes of prep time to make the dove poppers and an hour of hands-off bake time. 

            Level of Difficulty: ​Medium. While these dove poppers are not difficult to make, they do require some effort with slicing the dove breast meat and assembling the poppers. 

            Ingredients

            ​Most ingredients for this easy recipe can be found at your local grocery store. Get in touch with some dove hunters for the meat! 

            Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Popper Ingredients: Jalapenos, Bacon Slices, Cream Cheese and Dove Breast
            • Dove Breast: ​Removed from breast bone
            • Jalapenos: Seeds and ribs removed. Substitute mini bell peppers. 
            • Bacon: Use thin sliced bacon.
            • Cream Cheese

            Marinade Ingredients

            ​This marinade is a simple recipe using pantry staples. If you are looking for an easier solution, use store bought Italian dressing. Both marinades will make flavorful dove recipes! 

            Marinade ingredients for Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers: orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper and garlic cloves
            • Orange Juice
            • Garlic Cloves: ​Alternatively, substitute garlic powder. 
            • Salt
            • Black Pepper
            • Brown Sugar 
            • Soy Sauce

            Instructions

            1. Begin by making the marinade. Add soy sauce, orange juice, garlic cloves and brown sugar to a large bowl. Stir to combine. Season doves with salt and black pepper. Place doves in bowl and stir to coat all breast with the sauce. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
            2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
            3. Slice jalapenos in half and remove the seeds and the ribs.
            4. Using a butter knife, smear cream cheese on the inside of the jalapeno peppers.
            5. Place dove breasts on top of cream cheese. If the dove breast appear too large for the jalapenos, slice the breast in half. 
            6. Wrap entire jalapeno with bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the popper. 
            7. Place dover poppers in a single layer in the 9×13 pan. 
            8. Bake in a 350 degree oven for an hour to an hour and a half until bacon is crispy. 
            Jalapenos sliced in half to make Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers

            Slice jalapenos in half and remove seeds and ribs.

            Jalapenos filled with cream cheese to make Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers

            Smear cream cheese inside jalapeno halves.

            Jalapeno halves with cream cheese and dove breast to make Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers

            Place dove breast on top of cream cheese.

            Jalapeno dove poppers with cream cheese, dove breast and bacon ready to go into the oven and bake

            Add bacon on top of dove breast. Secure with a toothpick. Bake in oven.

            Variations

            ​There are so many delicious and tasty ways to enjoy these Bacon-Wrapped Dove Jalapeno Poppers! Here are a few fun variations. 

            • For a lighter Bacon Dove Popper, only use 1/4 of a slice of bacon. Since the bacon slice will not be large enough to wrap around the dove popper, fold the bacon and place on top of the dove meat. Secure the bacon on top using a toothpick. Alternatively, you could slice the bacon into a small bite sized piece for less calories. 
            • For a sweeter Jalapeno Bacon Dove Popper, drizzle honey on top of bacon during the last 10 minutes of baking. This sweetness will help to balance out the spicy jalapeno. 
            • For something extra, place a banana pepper on top of the bacon and secure with a toothpick before baking. 
            • For a less spicy version, substitute the jalapeno peppers with a mini bell pepper. If you still want a little zing, add a slice of jalapeno on top of the bacon! 
            • Don’t want to turn the oven on?! Try making these poppers on the grill! Grill over medium-high heat with the grill top open. Rotate the poppers often. Dove poppers are ready to enjoy when the bacon is crispy. 

            Equipment

            • Large Bowl or Large Ziplock Bag for marinading dove breast
            • Cutting Board to slice dove breast, jalapenos and, possibly, bacon
            • 9×13 Pan or other large baking dish to bake dove poppers
            • Toothpicks or small wooden skewers to secure dove poppers 

            Storage

            These Jalapeno Bacon Dove Poppers are best consumed hot out of the oven. Because the dove poppers are baked, the jalapeno softens and does not hold up well. You can refrigerate the dove poppers for up to two days. The poppers will become soft but still be tasty. If storing in the refrigerator, store in an airtight container. 

            Close up shot of an Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Popper showing the layers of dove breast, cream cheese and crispy bacon on top of a jalapeno slice

            Top tip

            If the dove breast appears too large for the jalapeno, slice it in half. Keep in mind, the breast will shrink as they bake due to water and juices evaporating and leaking out. So, if you slice the dove breast in half, after baking the breast will be bite sized. This is a great way to serve these dove poppers to someone who may be leery of the taste of dove.

            If slicing the dove breast in half, cooking time will need to be reduced. I found that the smaller poppers take one hour in the oven. 

            FAQ

            How do I remove dove breast from the bone?

            Remove dove breast from the bone by pressing the knife down and away from the bone. The dove meat is tender. Here is a great YouTube video showing how to remove dove breast from the bone. 
            ​There are many other tutorials on YouTube for how to handle removing feathers and slicing the whole bird. 

            How should I serve Dove Poppers?

            Serve Jalapeno Bacon Dove Poppers as a handheld snack. These are a favorite recipe for a happy hour appetizer or to enjoy during a football game. If you want to make these dove poppers a main course, slice the poppers up and serve them over top of wild rice. Like red meat, the ‘filet mignon of the sky’ pairs well with red wine. 

            What temperature should I cook dove to?

            Dove is a red meat and is best served medium rare. To cook a dove breast to medium rare, cook until the internal temperature is 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This should allow the meat to remain juicy and pink. 

            Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers:

            Oven Baked Jalapeno Dove Poppers. The best dish to make during dove season!
            Print Recipe

            Oven Baked Jalapeno Bacon Dove Popper (Wild Game Recipe)

            Oven Baked Jalapeno Bacon Dove Poppers are a delicious dove breast recipe. Try this wild game recipe baked in the oven for one of the best dove recipes!
            Prep Time15 minutes
            Cook Time1 hour
            Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 747kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Large Bowl for marinating
            • Toothpicks
            • 9×13 Baking Pan

            Ingredients

            • 10 Dove Breast Deboned
            • 8 Jalapenos
            • 4 oz Cream Cheese Softened
            • 1/2 lb Bacon Slices Sliced in Half or Quarters

            Marinade

            • 1/2 cup Orange Juice
            • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
            • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
            • 4 Garlic Cloves minced
            • 1 tsp Salt
            • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

            Instructions

            Marinade

            • Add orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic cloves, salt and pepper to a large bowl or large ziplock bag. Add dove. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

            Oven Baked Jalapeno Bacon Dove Popper

            • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
            • Slice jalapenos in half and remove the ribs and seeds.
            • Spread cream cheese on insides of jalapeno.
            • Place dove breast on top of cream cheese.
            • Wrap jalapeno and dove with bacon.
            • Bake for a total of 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes until bacon is crispy.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 747kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 69g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 236mg | Sodium: 3.053mg | Potassium: 808mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1.407IU | Vitamin C: 66mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 11mg

            Easy Dill Pickle Popcorn with Homemade Seasoning

            by 2 Comments

            Easy Dill Pickle Popcorn with Homemade Seasoning is a savory popcorn treat perfect for the whole family! Make a homemade dill pickle seasoning mix and toss with popcorn for a fun snack! 

            Dill Pickle Popcorn became all the rage after it was introduced at Trader Joe’s. At one point, Trader Joe’s even sold a ‘Seasoning in a Pickle’ seasoning blend. Now, stores such as Aldi have their own Dill Pickle Popcorn and potato chips. 

            I love making simple snacks at home. This Dill Pickle Popcorn is the perfect snack to enjoy as the weather cools down and football parties begin. I can see this recipe becoming a movie night favorite! If you are looking for another popcorn snack, try this Jalapeno Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese! For a zesty option, try this Easy Spiced Mexican Popcorn using Taco Seasoning. If you want to be healthy, try this Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board.

            Jump to:

            Dill Pickle Popcorn Details

            ​Flavor: Savory and salty! This tangy popcorn is reminiscent of a dill pickle (hence the name). This popcorn is salty with an earthy flavor. 

            Time: Less than 10 minutes and this includes popping the popcorn! 

            Level of Difficulty: Simple! The hardest part is popping the popcorn. I will teach you how to pop popcorn on the stovetop (once you try it, you won’t stop). If you are intimidated by cooking on the stovetop, microwave popcorn is an easy option! 

            Ingredients

            While the ingredient list may seem long, most of these are spices that you can find at your local grocery store. 

            Dill Pickle Popcorn and Dill Seasoning Ingredients: popcorn kernels, vegetable oil, butter, pickle juice, salt, vinegar powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, dill seed, ground mustard and ground coriander
            • Popcorn Kernels​: Alternatively, you could use pre-popped white popcorn or microwavable popcorn. 
            • Vegetable Oil: ​This is used for popping. Substitute a neutral cooking oil such as coconut oil. 
            • Butter: ​Use unsalted butter. If using salted butter, omit some of the salt in the seasoning. 
            • Pickle Juice: ​This gives the popcorn the true pickle flavor! 
            • Salt
            • Vinegar Powder: This fine powder is vinegar that has been fermented and dried down. Here is the vinegar powder that I use. 
            • Garlic Powder
            • Onion Powder
            • Dill Seed
            • Dill Weed
            • Ground Mustard
            • Ground Coriander 

            How to Make Dill Pickle Popcorn

            1. Mix seasoning. ​Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir to combine. Or, add all ingredients to a small food processor and pulse until combined. 
            2. Make Sauce. ​Microwave the butter to melt. Stir in pickle juice and the dill pickle seasoning. Set aside. 
            3. Make Popcorn. ​Place a pot on the oven over medium heat. Pour vegetable oil in bottom of pan and spread a thin layer of oil over the bottom of the pan. Add popcorn and place lid on top of popcorn. 
            4. Be Patient and Vigilant. ​Stay near popcorn and listen for the kernels to begin popping. This should take about 3 minutes to begin. Popcorn should pop for about 2 minutes. Popcorn is done popping when there is more than 2 seconds in between pops. 
            5. Mix popcorn. ​Remove popcorn from heat and pour butter mixture over top of popcorn. Stir to evenly coat sauce over top of all popcorn. 
            6. Enjoy! ​Enjoy popcorn while warm. 
            Dill Pickle Seasoning mixed together. Ingredients include salt, vinegar powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, ground coriander, dill weed and dill seed.

            Mix Dill Pickle Seasoning together.

            Make sauce by melting butter and stirring in pickle juice and dill pickle seasoning.

            Pot coated with vegetable oil before popcorn kernels go in

            Pour vegetable oil in the bottom of a pan to coat.

            Popcorn kernels in a pot ready to pop on the stove.

            Add popcorn kernels and cover with lid. Cook at medium heat until there is 2 seconds between pops.

            A bowl of plain popped popcorn fresh off the stove.

            Remove from heat and take off the lid. A few more kernels may continue to pop.

            Pouring Dill Pickle Seasoning and butter mixture over top of plain popcorn

            Pour Dill Pickle Seasoning over top of popcorn and stir to combine.

            Variations

            ​Try these simple changes to add bigtime flavor to this Dill Pickle Popcorn Recipe! 

            • Spicy! ​Make this popcorn spicy by adding a pinch (or more) of crushed red pepper to the seasoning. 
            • Movie Style! ​Make this popcorn taste like you bought it at a movie stand by doubling the amount of butter (4 tablespoons instead of 2 tablespoons). Be sure to grab some napkins! 
            • Cheesy! ​Make your popcorn cheesy without adding actual cheese. Add a little nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheesy flavor. 

            Equipment

            ​Nothing fancy is needed to make this homemade popcorn recipe! 

            • Small bowl
            • Medium to large pot with lid
            • Large bowl (if pot isn’t large enough to mix)
            • Microwavable bowl or measuring cup. I prefer a measuring cup as it is easier to pour the sauce. 

            Storage

            Popcorn is best enjoyed immediately. Store popcorn in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

            Top tip

            ​Do not leave your popcorn! When popping the popcorn, be sure to be vigilant. Popcorn can burn quickly and a few burnt kernels can ruin the whole batch. Stay in the kitchen while the popcorn pops and be sure to remove the popcorn from heat as soon as there is longer than 2 seconds between pops. 

            FAQ

            Can I use microwavable popcorn or store bought popcorn to make Dill Pickle Popcorn?

            Yes, you can use microwavable popcorn or store bought popcorn to make Dill Pickle Popcorn. Keep in mind, microwavable popcorn and store bought popcorn can have added salt, butter or a different flavor than plain popped popcorn kernels. This can alter the taste of the popcorn. Be sure that you like the flavor of the popcorn and then add the butter dill seasoning mix and enjoy! 

            Is Pickle Popcorn good?

            ​Yes, pickle popcorn is good! If you are a pickle lover, this popcorn will become one of your favorite snacks! The ingenious mix of spices makes for a tangy and savory handheld treat. I promise, you won’t be able to stop eating this popcorn! 

            What is Pickle Popcorn?

            Pickle popcorn is popcorn that tastes like a pickle! This popcorn recipe is a mix of tangy and savory flavors that coat plain popcorn with sweet butter! 

            Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite drinks to serve with salty snacks:

            A bowl of pickle popcorn sits next to a glass of beer and a plate with pickle spears, all arranged on a checkered tablecloth.
            Print Recipe

            Easy Dill Pickle Popcorn with Homemade Seasoning

            Easy Dill Pickle Popcorn with Homemade Seasoning is a savory popcorn treat perfect for the whole family! Make a homemade dill pickle seasoning mix and toss with popcorn for a fun  snack! 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time5 minutes
            Total Time10 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 153kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Small Bowl to mix seasoning
            • Microwavable Measuring Cup
            • Medium to Large Pot with lid to pop popcorn
            • Mixing Bowl Optional

            Ingredients

            • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
            • 1/4 cup Yellow Popcorn Kernels uncooked
            • 1 tbsp Pickle Juice
            • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter

            Dill Pickle Seasoning

            • 1 tsp Salt
            • 1/2 tsp Vinegar Powder
            • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
            • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
            • 1/4 tsp Dill Seed
            • 1/4 tsp Dill Weed
            • 1/4 tsp Ground Mustard
            • 1/4 tsp Ground Coriander

            Instructions

            • Melt butter in microwave. Add pickle juice and dill pickle seasoning to melted butter and stir.
            • Place a medium sized pot on the stove at medium heat. Pour vegetable oil into pot and move pot around so that the oil covers the pan.
            • Add popcorn kernels and cover with a lid.
            • Watch popcorn closely as it begins to pop. Popcorn is done popping when no kernels pop for 2 seconds.
            • Remove from heat. Pour butter mixture over top of popcorn and stir to cover all kernels.

            Dill Pickle Seasoning

            • Add all ingredients to a small bowl. Stir to mix all ingredients.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg

            Sweet and Savory Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board

            by 10 Comments

            Sweet and Savory Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board is a charcuterie board and dessert board combined highlighting the best of fall produce: apples! 

            It’s (almost) fall y’all and everyone you know will soon be heading to their local apple orchard (Delaware locals, Fifers is the best!). If you are unsure of what to make with all of those apples, try something less traditional than an apple pie! A Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board.

            If you are looking for another apple recipe to try, try these 3 Ingredient Apple Muffins. They are the perfect on the go breakfast.

            Jump to:

            Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board Details

            Flavor: Sweet and Savory! This board has sweet elements (apples and caramel dip to name a few) and savory (rich cheese and salty pretzels). 

            Time: Build this Caramel Apple Board in 10 minutes or less, perfect for your next party! 

            Level of Difficulty: Simple! Gather the ingredients, slice the apples and arrange on a charcuterie board.

            Ingredients

            What you like on your board is a personal preference. Use the below suggestions for your next board. 

            • Apples: I like to use a mix of red and green sliced apples such as granny smith apples and gala apples. 
            • Caramel Sauce: Store bought caramel sauce works here! Feel free to warm the sauce before serving so that it is better for dipping apple wedges. 
            • Caramel Pumpkin Pie Dip: It is always nice to include a homemade recipe on a dessert charcuterie board and this cream cheese mixture could not be easier to make. I have linked this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite sweet dip! 
            • Caramel Candies
            • Festive fall candies such as Reese’s Pieces or Candy Corn. 
            • Pretzels
            • Cheese: I like to include a hard cheese and a soft cheese such as a sharp cheddar and a brie. 
            • Apple Chips
            • Peanut Butter: What goes better than apple and peanut butter?
            • Garnish: add a pop of color with a garnish! You could use fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. You also could use orange or red fall leaves (cleaned) or purchase artificial leaves. 
            • Lemon Juice: To prevent apples from browning.

            How to Build a Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board

            Building a charcuterie board could not be easier. Use these simple steps to build a board that will impress everyone at this years Halloween party! 

            1. Start by choosing a large board. This board can be rectangular or circular. Just make sure it is large enough to accommodate the number of guests you will be serving. 
            2. Garnish the board with fresh herbs or colorful leaves. 
            3. Next, add the ingredients that you will be serving in a small bowl. Most dips such as the caramel sauce, Caramel Pumpkin Pie Dip and peanut butter will be put in a bowl. Put these smaller bowls onto the board. Space these bowls on the board. 
            4. Then, add the apple slices and apple wedges. Thinly slice the apples and fan the apples onto the board for a classic appearance. 
            5. Next, add the cheeses. If the cheese is sliced, arrange or stack the cheese to add some texture and height to the board. 
            6. Finally, fill in the empty space with the remaining ingredients such as the apple chips, pretzels and candy. 
            Thyme and Rosemary Sprigs on a large circular board. The beginning of a delicious Sweet and Savory Caramel Apple Board.

            Add garnishes to the board for a beautiful pop of color.

            Peanut Butter, Caramel Pumpkin Dip and Caramel Sauce in small bowls to be served with apple slices

            Add ingredients that will be served in bowls such as peanut butter, apple dip and caramel sauce.

            Red and green apples thinly sliced in piles on the caramel apple board

            Arrange the apples on the board.

            Brie and cheddar cheese added to the Caramel Apple Board

            Add the cheeses.

            Equipment

            Basic kitchen equipment is required for this board. 

            • Cutting Board
            • Paring Knife or Apple Slicer
            • Large Board
            • Small bowls 

            Storage

            Store all Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board ingredients in separate containers. Any leftover apples can be tossed with additional lemon juice and stored refrigerated in an airtight container or plastic bag with air removed. The caramel dip, Caramel Pumpkin Pie Dip and cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator. 

            Top tip


            Use lemon juice or sprite on your apples! You don’t want to have brown apples on your board. After slicing a variety of apples, toss with lemon juice or sprite. Blot any remaining lemon juice off of the apples before placing on the board. 

            FAQ


            What goes with apples on a charcuterie board? 

            There are many types of foods that compliment apples on a charcuterie board. As seen with traditional caramel apples, sweet toppings such as caramel and melted chocolate go with apples. Savory ingredients such as pretzels, cheese and nuts also go well with apples and are a great addition to this snack board. 

            What types of apples should be used on apple charcuterie boards? 

            An apple charcuterie board should include a few kind of apples. I like to always include a red and a green apple. Granny Smith Apples should be included since this is the type of apple that traditional candy apples are made with. The tartness of the granny smith pairs with the sweetness of the caramel sauce. Include a crispy apple such as a Gala Apple or a Pink Lady. If you have room on your board, include a yellow apple variety such as a Golden Delicious. 

            What cheese goes best with apples? 

            Cheeses that go well with apples include Gouda, Cheddar, Brie, Camembert or a Cream Cheese Dip. Pairing apples with cheese is the perfect mix of sweet and savory. 

            How can I prevent my apples from browning? 


            Prevent apples from browning by tossing the apples with lemon juice or sprite before serving. This extra step will keep the star of the show from looking drab! 

            What can I do with leftovers from my apple charcuterie board? 

            If you are lucky enough to have leftovers from an apple charcuterie board, use them to make caramel apple nachos! Simply, arrange the apples on a plate. Top the apples with caramel sauce or your favorite caramel apple dip. Then, add caramel apple toppings such as chocolate chips, nuts, shredded coconut and crushed pretzels. Finally, add a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce. 


            When can I serve a Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board? 

            The fall season is the perfect opportunity to serve a Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board! Serve the board at fall parties, Halloween parties, football game parties, movie nights, family gatherings or a girls night. This board is a fun way to highlight the best fall produce and flavors. 

            Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite drinks to serve with charcuterie boards:

            A round wooden board showcasing a caramel apple charcuterie delight with sliced apples, cheese, caramel, pretzels, peanut butter, candy-coated chocolates, and dried apple chips. The vibrant arrangement is beautifully enhanced by rosemary sprigs.
            Print Recipe
            5 from 4 votes

            Sweet and Savory Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board

            Sweet and Savory Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board is a charcuterie board and dessert board combined highlighting the best of fall produce: apples! 
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Total Time10 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Dessert
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Cutting Board
            • Paring Knife or Apple Slicer
            • Large Board
            • Small Bowls

            Ingredients

            • 2-3 Large Apples red and green
            • Caramel Sauce
            • Fruit Dip Such as Caramel Pumpkin Pie Dip
            • Peanut Butter
            • Cheeses hard and soft
            • Caramel Candy
            • Salty Snacks Chips or Pretzels
            • Sweet Snacks Apple Chips
            • Thyme and Rosemary Sprigs to garnish
            • Lemon Juice

            Instructions

            • Begin by adding the rosemary and thyme sprigs to a large serving board.
            • Next, add any food that will be served in bowls such as sauces or small candies.
            • Then, add the apple slices and wedges.
            • Add the cheese blocks/slices.
            • In the remaining open areas, add the pretzels, chips, candies, etc.

            Notes

            Don’t forget to add lemon juice to the apple slices to prevent browning. 

            Homemade Payday Bar Chex Mix (with Peanuts)

            by Leave a Comment

            Homemade Payday Bar Chex Mix (with Peanuts)  is a simple sweet snack recipe! All of the delicious components of a Payday Candy Bar are used in a tasty Chex mix recipe! 

            Homemade Chex Mix is my weakness and a family favorite recipe. It is a dessert that I make at the holidays because everyone loves a handheld snack and this recipe makes a ton. I hope that this Chex Mix recipe will soon become one of your favorite treats! 

            Want to another cereal treat? Try these Browned Butter S’mores Treats! Made with Golden Graham cereal, marshmallows and chocolate, these are a simple no bake recipe! 

            Jump to:

            What is a Payday Bar?

            A Payday Bar is a candy bar originally made by Frank Martoccio. Today, Hershey’s produces Payday Bars. The bar has a creamy caramel center coated with salty peanuts. Check out all of the Payday bar variations here.

            Payday Bar Chex Mix Details 

            Flavor: Sweet and slightly salty- a delicious combination! The homemade caramel sauce gives this Chex Mix a sweet flavor and the peanuts add the perfect amount of saltiness. 

            Time: This Chex Mix takes about an hour and 15 minutes to make. 15 minutes to make the caramel sauce and combine it with the cereal and an hour of bake time. 

            Level of Difficulty: Simple but don’t go too far from the kitchen! There is no prep time! The caramel sauce is made in the microwave. The Chex mix is baked in the oven for an hour and does require stirring the mix every 15 minutes.

            Ingredients

            These ingredients are all pantry staples, so head to your local grocery store! 

            • Corn Chex Mix: Could also use Rice Chex Mix.
            • Honey Nut Chex Mix
            • Chocolate Chex Mix
            • Salted Peanuts: Could use cocktail peanuts or unsalted peanuts. If using unsalted peanuts, add 1 tsp salt to the caramel sauce to taste. 
            • White Sugar
            • Brown Sugar
            • Butter 
            • Water
            • Baking Soda 

            Let’s Get Cookin’!

            1. Preheat oven. Heat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. 
            2. Combine cereal. In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Chocolate Chex and Honey Nut Chex. 
            3. Make Caramel Sauce. This may sound intimidating but it can all be done in the microwave! Simply, add the white sugar, brown sugar, butter and water to a large microwave-safe bowl or  measuring cup. Microwave for 1 minute to melt butter. Remove from microwave and stir. If butter is not completely melted, continue to microwave for 30 second intervals stirring in between. Once butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, stir in baking soda. *This caramel recipe was taken from this Caramel Peanut’n’Popcorn Recipe. 
            4. Add caramel to cereal. Pour caramel sauce over top of Chex cereal. Stir thoroughly to coat all cereal with sauce. 
            5. Pour on baking sheet. Pour mixture into one even layer on a large baking sheet.
            6. Bake. Bake for one hour stirring cereal every 15 minutes. 
            7. Add peanuts. Add peanuts to cereal and stir to combine. 
            8. Let cool. Allow Chex mix to come to room temperature. Store in an airtight container. 

            Equipment

            This recipe requires very simple equipment:

            • Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
            • Parchment Paper
            • Small Microwavable Mixing Bowl or a Glass Measuring Cup
            • Large Mixing Bowl
            • Airtight Container (for Storage)

            Storage

            Store Payday Bar Chex Mix in an airtight container. The cereal will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

            Payday Bar Chex Mix on Baking Tray

            Expert Tips

            Expert Tips

            Make it more chocolatey! The original Payday Bars do not have chocolate (I added the chocolate Chex because they are my favorite). However, Hershey’s has made a few variations to their candy bars. Some of these variations include chocolate. To make your Payday Bar Chex Mix more chocolatey, simply melt chocolate chips with the caramel sauce and stir in with the dry ingredients. You could also try this with white chocolate chips! 

            Make this Chex Mix Halloween themed! Make candy corn party mix by adding candy corn and candy eyes! 

            Here are some other fun mix ins! For a salty snack mix, add in more peanuts or pretzels! To make this Chex mix similar to trail mix, add in extra nuts, raisins and/or chocolate candies! To make this recipe like a traditional puppy chow recipe, coat the cereal with powdered sugar. Adding popcorn is always fun! For an extra hit of caramel, add caramel corn! 

            FAQ

            Can you use generic Chex Mix cereal for this recipe?

            Yes, you can use generic brand chex cereal for this recipe! I have used generic corn and rice chex in my chex mix recipes for years and the recipes have turned out great. I have not been able to find store brand Honey Nut Chex or Chocolate Chex. If you find it, tell me where to buy! 

            Can you make Payday Bar Chex Mix in the microwave?

            Yes, you can make Payday Bar Chex Mix in the microwave. However, baking the cereal provided a much crunchier result. The microwave version was softer and quickly tasted stale. I do not recommend making this recipe in the microwave. 

            Can this recipe be made in the slow cooker?

            This recipe has not been tested in the slow cooker. If you try this recipe in the slow cooker, please let me know how you do it! 

            Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

            A bowl of Payday Bar Chex Mix with spilled cereal and salty peanuts
            Print Recipe

            Homemade Payday Bar Candy Chex Mix

            Homemade Payday Bar Chex Mix (with Peanuts)  is a simple sweet snack recipe! All of the delicious components of a Payday Candy Bar are used in a tasty Chex mix recipe! 
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time1 hour
            Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Dessert
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 12
            Calories: 231kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
            • Parchment Paper
            • Microwavable Measuring Cup
            • Large Mixing Bowl
            • Airtight Container for Storage

            Ingredients

            • 4 cups Corn Chex Mix
            • 2 cup Honey Nut Chex Mix
            • 2 cups Chocolate Chex Mix
            • 1 cup Salted Peanuts
            • 1/4 cup White Sugar
            • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
            • 1/4 cup Butter
            • 1 tbsp Water
            • 1/8 tsp Baking Soda

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
            • Add Corn Chex, Honey Nut Chex and Chocolate Chex to a large microwave safe bowl.
            • Microwave White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Butter and Water for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir. Continue to microwave for 30 second increments until sugar is dissolved and smooth. Stir in Baking Soda.
            • Pour caramel sauce over top of cereal and and stir to coat.
            • Add peanuts to cereal and stir to combine.
            • Bake for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes.
            • Let cool on baking sheet. Store in an airtight container.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 12g | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 266mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 728IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 8mg

            How To Build A Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board

            by Leave a Comment

            How To Build A Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board gives you tips and tricks to build the most epic veggie charcuterie board that meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans will love!

            Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board with all of the veggies and dips

            The best thing about making a veggie charcuterie board is that there is no wrong way to make it. This colorful grazing board will appeal to everyone at your next party. 

            If you are looking for other vegetarian appetizers, try this Smokey Mexican Bean Dip. This dip is so flavorful, no one will miss the meat! Or, try this Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto. Use vegan cheeses to make it perfect for all diets. 

            Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board Details 

            Difficulty: Easy! The hardest part is chopping all of your veggies and getting all of them to fit on a serving board!

            Time: 20 minutes or less! Making this veggie board is simple. Prepare your vegetables by chopping them, blanching them (optional) and then arrange on a board with all the fixings! 

            Flavor: If healthy had a taste, this vegetable charcuterie board would be it! The flavor will reflect the vegetables and dips used on the board. 

            Ingredients


            Start your board with your favorite fresh, raw vegetables. I like to choose vegetables that have a variety of vibrant colors. Here are a few of my favorite options: 

            • Cherry Tomatoes
            • Bell Peppers
            • Cucumber Slices
            • Carrot Sticks 
            • Celery Sticks 
            • Sugar Snap Peas 
            • Radishes 

            Now, add your sauces. Some dipping sauces can be very bland in color. Try to add some colorful dips! Homemade dips are fun to include on the board but if you are looking for simple, no one will mind a store-bought items. 

            • Hummus
            • Guacamole
            • Ranch Dip
            • Tzatziki Sauce 
            • Salsa

            Finally, add some garnishments to the board. The garnishes add color and texture. 

            • Lettuce- you can lay the veggies on top of the lettuce.
            • Sliced lemons 
            • Fresh herbs

            Substitutions

            For this blog photos, I kept the ingredients simple and only used vegetables and dips. Here are some other fun foods to add to your charcuterie board! 

            • Soft Cheeses like Goat Cheese or Brie
            • Hard Cheese like Manchego (my favorite) or a Sharp Cheddar
            • Vegan Cheeses
            • Fresh Fruit- apple slices are go to but be sure to drizzle them with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Depending on the season, I will also add strawberries, blood oranges or fresh cherries.
            • Traditional meats such as prosciutto and salami. I prefer to buy these freshly sliced from your local grocery store butcher. 
            • Fresh bread slices, pita chips or crackers. I like to have at least two grain options with one always being gluten free so that everyone can enjoy!
            • Dipping Sauces. I always include hummus for a vegan option. Other options are guacamole, ranch dressing, or even a simple olive oil dip. 
            • Seeds or nuts! Place these small items in little bowls or scatter them throughout the board. 
            • Red wine, white wine or a cocktail/mocktail of choice.
            • Garnishments make a beautiful board! I like to use fresh cut herbs from my garden to add color and texture to the board. You can also leave some of your vegetables uncut. For example, a small bunch of radishes with the greens or a purple cabbage leaves. 

            Tools

            Making this vegetarian board is simple. You only need a few tools: 

            • A sharp knife. I like to use this knife from Opinel. It is the only knife you will need in your kitchen. Get it here! 
            • A cutting board. You will want to work on a clean, flat surface. Bigger is better when it comes to a cutting board as you will be slicing and dicing lots of vegetables. The larger the cutting board, the more room you will have to work. 
            • A large board or serving platter. I like to use a round wooden board. Make sure that your serving platter is food safe if using wood. 
            • Small bowls for your dips. I like to use a variety of sizes to add contrast to the board. 
            • Small knifes and spoons for the dips. 

            Let’s Build A Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board

            1. Start by cleaning your vegetables. I like to rinse all of my vegetables in a large strainer with warm water and lightly rub them. You do not need to use soap. Wash the vegetables before slicing. Once clean, dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

            2. Using a sharp knife, cut the raw vegetables. Slice the vegetables in an orientation that you will eat them. For the peppers and celery, slice into strips. Cut the radishes and cucumbers into bite size pieces. 

            3. Place your dips into serving bowls with spoons/forks. 

            4. If using lettuce or cabbage leaves as a garnishment, lay these embellishments flat so that you can add the vegetables on top of them. You should allow for some of the leaves to hang off of the board. 

            5. Using a large food safe board, place your vegetables onto the board in sections. I like to place the vegetables equal distance from each other alternating shapes and textures. For example, alternate circular vegetables with strip vegetables. 

            6. Add the dipping sauces to the board in between the vegetables. 

            7. Add any additional garnishments. 

            8. Keep appetizer board refrigerated until ready to serve! 

            FAQ

            What is the best type of board to use? 

            I like to use a round wooden board when serving charcuterie boards. I find that the round board is the most visually appealing. However, rectangular boards are good because they are often larger and can fit more snacks!  

            How many vegetables should I include if hosting a large crowd? How many should I use for a small crowd? 

            As a good rule of thumb, I like to include at least 4 vegetables for a large crowd and 3 for a small crowd. This allows your guests to have good options and a variety of flavors. I always choose vegetables that are in season, have multiple colors and a variety of textures. 

            Where does the word charcuterie come from and how do I pronounce it? 

            Charcuterie is a French word that translates to ‘deli’ in English. It is pronounced shar-ku-teri-i with an emphasis on the ku. In a traditional description, this veggie board is not a charcuterie board because it does not contain the meat products that a traditional charcuterie board would use. This is the vegetarian spin on charcuterie! 

            Can I make a themed veggie charcuterie board for the holidays? 

            Holiday veggie charcuterie boards are my favorite! They are always a big hit and a great option for something healthy at holidays. Here are some fun ideas:

            • For Christmas, build a veggie charcuterie board in the shape of a Christmas tree. 
            • Make a spooky jack-o-lantern using a round board, lots of carrots and orange peppers and figs for the eyes! 
            • Build a veggie turkey for Thanksgiving. Here is the one that I attempt to make every year! 

            Expert Tips

            • Have a small board and a larger board so that you can make this board for large dinner parties or a simple date night at home. 
            • If you have kids, veggie boards are a great dinner appetizer! Make a small board with their favorite vegetables and serve before dinner. It is the best way to keep their appetites at bay, eliminate junk food and get extra veggies in their diets (trust me!). 
            • Need a quick dinner? Build a board! It is the easiest way to clean to out your refrigerator and pantry. Be sure to add some protein to the board if eating it as your main course. Protein can be found in a Greek yogurt dip, nuts, vegan meats, traditional charcuterie meat or a variety of cheeses. 

            Looking for more Veggie Based Dishes?


            Try these Mouthwatering Cauliflower Poppers. These poppers could be confused with traditional buffalo chicken wings but in a vegetable form! These are perfect for a vegetarian game day appetizer. 

            Or try this Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl. This is easily one of my favorite recipes and a go to when meal prepping. The best part about it is you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and it is a fun way to mix up your meals. 

            I hope that you are inspired to make a Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board at home. If you have found inspiration or have any fun tips and tricks, please leave a comment below or tag @delmarvaliciousdishes in your creation. 

            Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board with all of the veggies and dips
            Print Recipe

            How To Build a Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board

            How To Build A Simple Veggie Charcuterie Board gives you tips and tricks to build the most epic veggie charcuterie board that meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans will love!
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Total Time10 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Sharp Knife
            • Cutting Board
            • Large Food-Safe Serving Board
            • Small Bowls for dips
            • Small Spoons/Knives for dips

            Ingredients

            • Bell Pepper Slices
            • Cucumber Slice
            • Carrot Sticks
            • Celery Sticks
            • Sugar Snap Peas
            • Radishes
            • Hummus
            • Ranch Dip
            • Guacamole
            • Tzatziki Sauce

            Instructions

            • Wash all ingredients and dry them.
            • Slice into sticks or bite size pieces for easy consumption.
            • Place all dips into bowls with spoons/knives if necessary.
            • Place all sauces on the serving platter. Arrange vegetables around sauces in groups.
            • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

            Pear Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears and Jam

            by Leave a Comment

            Pear Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears and Jam is a decadent yet simple appetizer. This impressive appetizer is baked in a premade crescent roll and is perfect for happy hour!

             

            Cherry Tomato Toast with Honey Whipped Ricotta is another easy and impressive appetizer. The sweet ricotta cheese balances the tomatoes to make a delicious bite sized treat.

             

            With the holidays here, I am all about an easy and cheesy appetizer. This Pear Baked Brie is beautiful to serve, delicious and most of all super simple to make! Add some fresh fruit, nuts and crackers to a cheese board and have an impressive appetizer!

            Pear Baked Brie with sliced pears, sliced apples, almonds, grapes, and pear jam

             

            What is Brie Cheese?

            Brie Cheese is made from cow’s milk. The soft cheese is held in place by an edible rind. Brie has a creamy and buttery flavor that pairs well with fresh fruit, jam, dried fruit and soft bread.

             

            Pear Baked Brie Details

            Flavor: Sweet ! This Brie is paired with caramelized pears and fig jam giving it a sweet, buttery flavor.

            Level of Difficulty: Medium due to caramelizing the pears. This is an extra step but so worth it! Other than caramelizing the pears, you are simply assembling the brie and baking.

            Time: From start to finish, this Pear Baked Brie will take around 35 minutes. 20 minutes of that is bake time.

             

            Ingredients & Substitutions

            • Crescent Roll Dough: Use the pre-made dough in a tube. You can find this in the refrigerated aisle at your grocery store. If substituting, use a puff pastry. Note, using a puff pastry will affect the baking time. This recipe uses puff pastry and is delicious!
            • Pear Jam: The Pear Jam pairs well with the caramelized pears. If pear jam is unavailable, use another fresh jam such as fig, apricot or blackberry.
            • Pear: If fresh pears are unavailable, substitute an apple. Honeygold, Gala and Fiji Apples work well. Be sure to have additional sliced fruit for serving!
            • Salted Butter
            • Brown Sugar
            • Cinnamon
            • Brie Cheese Round
            • Egg: Substitute egg whites or use water.

             

            Pear Baked Brie Ingredients: pears, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, pear jam, brie. Note, crescent rolls are not photographed.
            Crescent Rolls not photographed.

             

            How To Make

            1. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
            2. Caramelize the pears. To a small pan, melt the butter. Mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the sliced pears and mix with the butter mixture. Allow pears to simmer for about 5 minutes stirring often. Let cool.
            3. Prep the crescent rolls. Remove the crescent rolls from tube and break into two squares. Squeeze the seams together.
            4. Spread the jam. Spread pear jam onto one of the crescent roll squares.
            5. Add the brie. After slicing off the top of the brie rind, place the brie on top of the pear jam.
            6. Add the pears. Place caramelized pears on top of the brie.
            7. Seal the brie. Place the remaining crescent rolls square on top of the brie. Seal the crescent roll seams together.
            8. Use egg wash. In a small bowl, beat the egg to combine. Brush the egg wash on top of the crescent roll.
            9. Bake. Bake the brie for about 20 minutes until the crescent roll becomes golden.
            10. Enjoy! Allow the brie to cool. Serve warm.

             

            Expert Tips

            • Use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This will save the brie and crescent roll from sticking to the pan and will allow you to easily transfer the brie to a serving tray.
            • Leave the crescent rolls in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. If they become too warm, the rolls will stick together and you will have difficulty spreading them out.
            • Seal the seams of the crescent rolls before adding the jam and brie. This will prevent the jam and brie from oozing out.

            What To Serve with Baked Brie

            This Baked Brie makes a delicious appetizer! Serve this brie with:

            • Fruit: Use pear slices, apples and grapes. These fruits pair well with the brie and add a healthy touch to a cheese board.
            • Jam: Serve any remaining jam on the side.
            • Nuts: To add a salty element, add some almonds the board.
            • Crostini or Crackers

             

            Pear Baked Brie with brie oozing out of crescent roll and sliced pears for serving

            Can you eat the Cheese Rind?

            Yes, you can eat the cheese rind on the brie. I recommend removing the top of the rind when baking as this allows the brie to bubble and become melty. Keep the sides and bottom of the rind on as this will keep the brie in place and prevent it from oozing everywhere.

             

            Need a drink to go with your cheese?

            If you are taking this to a happy hour, pair this appetizer with this Simple Peach Sangria with Rose Wine or these Party Cosmopolitans! Both drink recipes make a batch to share.

             

            If you make this Pear Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears and Jam, be sure to leave a review and tag @delmarvaliciousdishes!

            Pear Baked Brie with sliced pears, sliced apples, almonds, grapes, and pear jam
            Print Recipe

            Pear Baked Brie (with Caramelized Pears and Jam)

            Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears and Jam is a decadent yet simple appetizer. This impressive appetizer is baked in a premade crescent roll and is perfect for happy hour!
            Prep Time15 minutes
            Cook Time20 minutes
            Total Time35 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Calories: 162kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • 1 Baking Sheet
            • 1 Sharp Knife
            • Parchment Paper
            • Saute Pan

            Ingredients

            • 1 8 oz Tube Crescent Roll Dough
            • 4 tbsp Pear Jam
            • 1 Pear Sliced plus more for serving
            • 1 tbsp Salted Butter
            • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
            • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
            • 8 oz Brie Cheese Round
            • 1 Egg Beaten

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put parchment paper on a baking pan.
            • Place small pan on stove and turn heat to medium. Add butter and allow to melt. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.
            • Add sliced pears to pan. Mix pears with butter mixture. Allow pears to simmer for 5 minutes stirring often. Pears should be soft. Remove from heat.
            • Remove crescent roll from tube and roll out. Split into 2 large squares (4 triangles in each square).
            • Spread pear jam onto one of the crescent roll squares.
            • Cut top of rind off of brie. Place brie on top of pear jam.
            • Place pears on top of brie.
            • Put other crescent roll square on top of brie. Seal top and bottom crescent roll together.
            • Break egg into a small bowl and whisk to combine. Brush egg on top of crescent roll.
            • Bake for 20 minutes until crescent roll is golden. Serve brie warm.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 8g | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 0.3mg

            Smoky Mexican Bean Dip (Skillet Dip)

            by Leave a Comment

            Smoky Mexican Bean Dip is your new gameday appetizer! Beans, corn and peppers are mixed with a lightened up cheesy sauce, topped with more cheese and then baked to make a delicious appetizer!

            This vegetarian appetizer is not spicy. Instead, it has a smoky flavor thanks to the poblano peppers and chili peppers. This is a dip that the whole family can enjoy!

            If you are looking for more gameday appetizers, try my Crispy Old Bay Wings. These wings are baked in the oven and always a winner!

            Smoky Mexican Bean Dip with avocados, limes, red onions, cilantro, chips and beer

            The best thing about this Mexican Bean Dip is that it only takes about 10 minutes of hands on time to prepare and uses pantry staple ingredients. Make this dip and take to your next party or tailgate. Everyone loves a cheesy dip and chips!

            What is Mexican Bean Dip?

            Mexican Bean Dip is a warm appetizer made up of two types of beans, vegetables, cheese and warm spices. It is made on the stove using an oven safe pan and then baked to allow the cheese to melt and the dip to solidify together.

            Top the dip with your favorite Mexican inspired toppings! I like to use avocado slices and cilantro. You could use fresh salsa, sour cream or Cotija cheese! The options are endless.

            Details

            Level of Difficulty: This Bean Dip recipe is simple! Some chopping, sauteing, mixing and baking is involved. All simple tasks, I promise!

            Taste: This dip is NOT spicy! This Bean Dip has a smoky and sweet flavor with a creamy texture.

            Time: Including prep and bake time, this appetizer takes less than 30 minutes to make!

            Ingredient Notes

            • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: this is used to sauté the vegetables. Replace with butter if you do not have EVOO.
            • Poblano Peppers: These peppers are mild and slightly sweet when sauteed. Substitute green peppers.
            • Red Onion: Substitute a white onion.
            • Chili Peppers in Adobe Sauce: I use the canned peppers. Find them in the International Section in your grocery store.
            • Corn: 2 ears of fresh corn is best but if you do not have fresh corn, use a can of whole kernel yellow corn or frozen corn.
            • Black Beans: Remember to drain and rinse your beans if using canned beans.
            • White Beans: Substitute Navy Beans or Pinto Beans.
            • Cumin
            • Paprika
            • Salt
            • Black Pepper
            • Garlic Powder
            • Chili Powder
            • Adobe Sauce: This sauce comes directly from the can of peppers. The sauce adds a little heat to the bean dip.
            • Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives the dip a smooth and creamy consistency.
            • Whole Milk Greek Yogurt: The Greek Yogurt helps to give the dip a creamy consistency with less fat content than cheese. If you do not have Greek Yogurt, use an entire stick of cream cheese or substitute sour cream.
            • Shredded Cheese: I like to use a shredded Mexican cheese or Colby Jack cheese. Substitute your favorite cheese here! Queso and Cotija Cheese are great and authentic options.

            Smoky Mexican Bean Dip Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Corn, Chili Peppers, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Greek Yogurt, Shredded Cheese, Black Beans, White Beans, Red Onion, Poblano Peppers, Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Salt and Pepper

            Equipment

            • Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will be used to chop the red onion, poblano pepper and chili peppers.
            • Large Cutting Board
            • Can Opener
            • Oven Safe Pan: I love this Lodge Cast Iron Pan. It doubles has two pans or a pan with a lid. You can take this pan directly from the stove to the oven.

            How to Make Bean Dip

            1. Chop vegetables. Chop the red onion, poblano peppers and chili peppers into small pieces.
            2. Sauté vegetables. Sauté vegetables on the stove for 5 minutes until they are tender.
            3. Mix ingredients. Add white beans, black beans, corn and seasoning (cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder and chili powder). Stir to combine all ingredients.
            4. Stir in soft ingredients. Add cream cheese, Greek yogurt and adobe sauce. Stir to mix together and melt the cheese.
            5. Top with additional cheese. Sprinkle on your favorite cheese.
            6. Bake. Bake until the cheese is melted on top.
            7. Enjoy!

            Expert Tips

            • Use soft cream cheese. Using soft cream cheese will allow the cheese to fully mix and incorporate with the beans and vegetables.
            • Control the spice level! If your family likes spicy foods, use more chili peppers and adobe sauce. If your family does not like spicy food, use less chili peppers and remove the seeds.
            • Add colorful toppings when serving. A pop of color goes a long way to make a dish appear even more delicious. Top this bean dip with sliced avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapenos or thinly cut radishes.

            How to Serve Mexican Bean Dip

            • Serve this dip with tortilla chips or Fritos.
            • For a healthier option, serve with carrots, sliced bell peppers and celery.
            • Make it a meal! Put dip in tortillas and eat as tacos! Serve rice on the side.
            • For a protein packed dish, add ground or shredded chicken. Simply eliminate one of the bean cans and keep the other ingredients the same.

            Plate of chips with Smoky Mexican Bean Dip on top with extra chips, avocado, lime, onion and cilantro

            Need a drink to go with gameday?

            Try one of these:

            Spiked Cranberry Lemonade (Fisher’s Island Copycat Recipe)

            Chai Cider Whiskey

            Kentucky Coffee with Maple Simple Syrup

            Rate and Comment!

            If you make this Smoky Mexican Bean Dip, please leave a rating and a comment or tag on Instagram @delmarvaliciousdishes!

            Smoky Mexican Bean Dip with avocados, limes, red onions, cilantro, chips and beer
            Print Recipe

            Smoky Mexican Bean Dip (Skillet Recipe)

            Smoky Mexican Bean Dip is your new gameday appetizer! This vegetarian appetizer has a smokey flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time20 minutes
            Total Time25 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Calories: 308kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • 1 Sharp Knife
            • 1 Cutting Board
            • 1 Can Opener
            • 1 Oven Safe Pan

            Ingredients

            • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
            • 2 Poblano Peppers Chopped
            • 1/2 cup Red Onion Chopped
            • 1-2 Chili Peppers in Adobe Sauce Chopped
            • 15 oz Canned Corn Drained
            • 15 oz Canned Black Beans Drained & Rinsed
            • 15 oz Canned White Beans Drained & Rinsed
            • 1/2 tsp Cumin
            • 1 tsp Paprika
            • 1 tsp Salt
            • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
            • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
            • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
            • 1-2 tsp Adobe Sauce
            • 4 oz Cream Cheese
            • 1/2 cup Whole Milk Greek Yogurt
            • 1 cup Shredded Cheese Cojita, Mexican Blend, Colby Jack

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
            • Add extra virgin olive oil to an oven-safe pan and heat to medium heat.
            • Add poblano peppers, onion and chili peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
            • Add corn, black beans and white beans. Stir to combine.
            • Sprinkle with cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder and chili powder. Stir to mix.
            • Stir in adobe sauce, Greek yogurt and cream cheese until dip is creamy.
            • Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is hot and bubbly.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 8g | Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 875mg | Potassium: 596mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 607IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 3mg

            Vegetable Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Squash

            by 1 Comment

            Vegetable Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Squash is a simple appetizer of roasted vegetables on a crunchy crostini. This appetizer looks fancy but is simple and feeds a crowd!

            The best part of summer is the plethora of fresh produce in gardens, roadside stands and grocery stores. I love cooking with garden fresh vegetables and fruits to make healthy and fast dishes. If your house is bursting with produce, try this Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto or this Herby Lemon Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables. These recipes are delicious and healthy options that are heavy on the produce!

            Sheet pan of vegetable bruschetta topped with parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze

            Bruschetta Details

            Level of Difficulty: Easy! This recipe consists of chopping, baking and topping the bruschetta.

            Flavor: The bruschetta has a sweet flavor really shines after vegetables are roasted. The shaved parmesan adds a salty hint and the balsamic glaze finishes the vegetable bruschetta with extra sweetness.

            Time: This recipe has 10 minutes of hands on time (chopping and topping) and 30 minutes of baking time. If making this recipe ahead of time, have the vegetables chopped and the bread prepared so that you can bake the vegetables, top the bread and quickly and easily serve.

            Ingredients and Substitutions

            • French Bread: You could substitute ciabatta bread or an Italian loaf.
            • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Substitute regular olive oil.
            • Garlic Clove: Garlic Powder could be sprinkled on the bread in place of rubbing a garlic clove.
            • Zucchini: Eggplant has a similar consistency to zucchini and would be delicious in this vegetable bruschetta!
            • Yellow Squash: Try using mushrooms in place of the yellow squash. Mushrooms mix well with the tomatoes and zucchini.
            • Cherry Tomatoes: Use sliced fresh tomatoes or even jarred sun-dried tomatoes!
            • Parmesan Cheese: I recommend using a cheese block not pre-shredded cheese here. The block has a stronger flavor and melts easier with the warm vegetables. If you do not have parmesan cheese on hand, substitute asiago cheese or a fresh, sharp cheddar.
            • Balsamic Glaze: You can make your own balsamic glaze using just balsamic vinegar. Try this simple recipe! If you do not want this extra step, a Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing can work in a pinch!

            Vegetable Bruschetta Ingredients: parmesan cheese, french bread, balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, cherry tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini and garlic

            Let’s Get Cookin’!

            1. Make the bruschetta bread. Slice French Bread on a diagonal angle about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure that all bread slices are similar in size. Spray both sides of the bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and rub with a garlic clove. Turn the oven on to broil. Broil each side for about 90 seconds until bread is toasty.
            2. Make the roasted vegetables. Add sliced zucchini, yellow squash and halved cherry tomatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Pour vegetables onto a baking sheet and bake until vegetables are soft and tomatoes begin to burst about 20-25 minutes.
            3. Make vegetable bruschetta! Top bread slices with about 2 tablespoons of the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese and drizzle balsamic glaze on top.
            4. Enjoy! This bruschetta can be enjoyed hot or cold. It is best eaten the day that it is made. The bread becomes hard quickly. If you have extra vegetables, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve with fresh bread. You can reheat the vegetables or serve them cold.

            Expert Tips

            • Make sure to slice your vegetables and bread similar in size. By slicing the vegetables and bread in a similar size, you can be sure that the bread will toast and the vegetables will roast evenly and take the same amount of time.
            • Watch the broiler!! Do not try to multitask while broiling the bruschetta. Keep a close eye and remove the bread from the oven as soon as it looks golden.
            • Prepare this dish ahead of time! This dish is best served when the vegetables come out of the oven. To prepare ahead of time, have the bread sliced and store in an airtight bag. Chop your vegetables and mix with EVOO, salt and pepper ahead of time. These steps will allow you to prepare this appetizer according to the instructions but without the prep time!
            • Use your leftovers! If you have leftover vegetables, store refrigerated in an airtight container. Use to make fresh bruschetta or to top on grilled chicken. The perfect, healthy summer meal!

            FAQ

            Is Vegetable Bruschetta healthy? Yes, Vegetable Bruschetta is healthy. While this is a small appetizer, the vegetables pack a big punch. These vegetables are full of healthy vitamins such as vitamin A and C as well as antioxidants.

            What can I use for bread instead of bruschetta? If you are looking for a bread alternative to bruschetta, you could serve this with pita or crackers. If you are looking to cut carbohydrates, serve on top of cucumbers or inside sliced bell peppers.

            What can I use leftover bruschetta for? You can use the leftover vegetable bruschetta topping on top of grilled chicken or as a topping for a garden salad.

            If you make this easy Vegetable Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Yellow Squash, please leave a comment and tag @delmarvaliciousdishes on Instagram!

            Sheet pan of vegetable bruschetta topped with parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze
            Print Recipe
            5 from 1 vote

            Vegetable Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Squash

            Vegetable Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Squash is a simple appetizer of roasted vegetables on a crunchy crostini. This appetizer looks fancy but is simple and feeds a crowd!
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Cook Time25 minutes
            Total Time35 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Calories: 185kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Bread Knife
            • Veggie Knife
            • Mixing Bowl
            • Baking Sheet

            Ingredients

            • 1 French Bread Loaf
            • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil plus more for bread
            • 2 Garlic Cloves
            • 1 cup Zucchini Chopped
            • 1 cup Yellow Squash Chopped
            • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
            • Salt & Pepper
            • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Block Shredded
            • Balsamic Glaze

            Instructions

            • Turn oven on to broil.
            • Slice French Bread into small pieces on a diagonal angle. Spray with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and rub with a garlic clove on both sides of bread.
            • Broil bread for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes on each side. Remove from oven.
            • Turn oven on to 400 degrees.
            • Add chopped zucchini, yellow squash and cherry tomatoes to a medium size bowl. Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
            • Place chopped vegetables into a roasting pan. Roast for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are soft.
            • Top bread with vegetables while vegetables are still warm.
            • Top with parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 8g | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 2mg

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto

            by 8 Comments

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto is the perfect simple appetizer or light summer dinner. Made with pre-made naan bread, this crispy pizza comes together in less than 10 minutes and uses the best summer produce! 

             

            In the mood for more summer dishes? Try this Herby Lemon Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables or this Easy Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint or these Easy Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto! These dishes use the best fruit and vegetables of the summer!

             

            Aside from the warm weather and sunny skies, the best part of summer to me is the fresh produce. I love eating what is fresh and in season. It is even better when you can grow it yourself! This naan bread pizza combines the best of summer produce, tomatoes, zucchini and corn, with fresh pesto and ricotta cheese. It is the perfect quick and easy appetizer or a light dinner to pair with a salad.

             

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with tomatoes, corn and zucchini on the side

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto Details

            Level of Difficulty: Easy! This naan bread pizza comes together quickly using pre-made naan bread. Chop and sauté your veggies. Then, dress and bake your pizza. That is it! This easy appetizer or light dinner can be made in about 20 minutes from chop to finish.

            Time: From start to finish, this pizza can be made in 20 minutes. That includes prep time (chopping veggies), stove time for the veggies, pre-baking the naan bread and then baking the naan bread pizza.

            Flavor: Fresh! Basil is a prominent flavor in this pizza. The basil shines in the pesto and then again on top of the pizza. The ricotta cheese and fresh corn give the naan bread pizza a slightly sweet taste. The zucchini and the tomatoes give the pizza some tang and substance.

             

            Ingredients and Substitutions

            Naan Bread: Substitute a pre-made flatbread or pizza dough for naan bread. Note, the cook time will vary when using a different base. If you are looking for a homemade naan bread, try this paleo flatbread! 

            Extra Virgin Olive Oil

            Pesto: I recommend using a homemade pesto. Try this delicious homemade pesto from my friend Giangi! If using a store-bought pesto, use a high quality pesto and be sure to check that the pesto uses basil.

            Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: Substitute a part skim ricotta cheese or use fresh mozzarella cheese slices.

            Mixed Vegetables: I use a mix of sliced zucchini, fresh corn and cherry tomatoes. Use the vegetables that are fresh in your area. Yellow squash, cauliflower and mushrooms would be delicious on this flatbread.

            Fresh Basil: Substitute dried basil or use fresh oregano or rosemary.

            Fresh Rosemary: Substitute dried rosemary or use fresh chopped oregano.

             

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza Ingredients: Naan Bread, Tomatoes, Pesto, Ricotta Cheese, Corn, Zucchini, Basil and Rosemary

             

            How to make Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto

            1. Pre-bake the naan bread. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place naan bread directly on stove grates and cook for 3 minutes.
            2. Sauté the vegetables. Heat a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add Extra Virgin Olive Oil to pan and heat. Add zucchini, corn and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and corn is slightly charred.
            3. Assemble the pizza. Start by spraying the pizza crust with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Sprinkle chopped rosemary on crust. Spread pesto onto pizza. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top of pesto. Add vegetables to pizza.
            4. Bake pizza. Bake for 5-8 minutes. Pizza is done when edges begin to brown and ricotta cheese begins to spread.
            5. Add toppings. Sprinkle with chopped basil and add any additional toppings. Serve hot or cold.

            Expert Tips

            • Use homemade pesto! The pesto makes this pizza. Using pesto made with fresh herbs will take this naan bread pizza to the next level. Here is another homemade pesto recipe made with pistachios!
            • Pre-bake your naan bread! Pre-baking your naan bread will keep it from becoming soggy.
            • Slice into handheld pieces to make a quick and easy appetizer!
            • Cook veggies ahead of time. This pizza with naan bread cooks quickly in the oven. So quickly that it will not cook your veggies. Be sure to cook your veggies until they are tender before putting them on top of the pizza. The veggies will continue to cook in the oven.
            • Dress up your crust! Add some EVOO and fresh herbs to your pizza crust. The EVOO will add a crispness to the crust and the fresh herbs will add extra flavor the base.

             

            FAQ

            • Is naan bread vegan? Traditionally, naan bread is not vegan as it can include butter, ghee or even eggs. This naan bread is not vegan and the toppings are not vegan friendly.
            • How do you keep the naan bread from getting soggy? To prevent the naan bread from becoming soggy, prebake your naan bread. By prebaking the naan bread, the bread becomes crispy before adding the wet ingredients. This prevents the naan bread from becoming watered down and soggy.
            • What toppings can I use on my pizza with naan bread? You can use any toppings when using naan bread as a pizza base. Use pizza sauce with cheese to make a traditional pizza. Or use a white sauce with your favorite veggies and cheese to customize your pizza.
            • What should I serve my naan bread pizza with? Serve your naan bread pizza with a side salad for a light and healthy dinner. Or serve the naan pizza sliced as an easy entertaining appetizer.

             

            Taking a slice of Veggie Naan Bread Pizza

             

            Looking for another easy flatbread? Try this Greek Veggie Flatbread!

             

            If you make this Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto, please leave a comment and tag @delmarvaliciousdishes!

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with tomatoes, corn and zucchini on the side
            Print Recipe
            5 from 5 votes

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto

            Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto is the perfect simple appetizer or light summer dinner. Made with pre-made naan bread, this crispy pizza comes together in less than 10 minutes and uses the best summer produce! 
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Cook Time10 minutes
            Total Time20 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Main Course
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 2
            Calories: 786kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • 1 Cookie Sheet
            • 1 Saute Pan
            • 1 Pizza Slicer

            Ingredients

            • 2 Premade Naan Breads
            • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
            • 1/2 cup Pesto
            • 1/4 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
            • 2 cups Mixed Vegetables Zuchinni, Tomatoes and Corn Used
            • 1/4 cup Basil Sliced
            • 1 Rosemary Sprig
            • Salt & Pepper

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake naan bread directly on stove grates for 3 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a baking sheet.
            • Add Extra Virgin Olive Oil to a saute pan over medium high heat. Add tomatoes, corn and zucchini. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 minutes until tender.
            • Spray crust of naan bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Sprinkle crust with chopped rosemary.
            • Spread pesto on top of naan bread. Spoon ricotta over top of pesto. Add vegetables.
            • Cook for 5-8 minutes until ricotta begins to melt and crust browns.
            • Sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve hot or cold.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 2g | Calories: 786kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 1.538mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 10.788IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 2mg

             

            Easy Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint

            by 9 Comments

            Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint is a healthy and easy appetizer that tastes like summer! Packed with kiwi, jalapeno, onion, cucumber and mint, this salsa is refreshing, light and full of flavor!

            Watermelon Salsa served in half a watermelon with chips

            Summer is officially here which means barbeques, pool parties and beach days are in full swing. These activities plus hot weather calls for easy, healthy recipes that can be made quickly  in advance! Enter the best Watermelon Salsa!

            Looking for another delicious summer appetizer? Try this easy Black Bean and Corn Salsa or this Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto. Both recipes use the best of summer produce, come together quickly and feed a crowd!

            Watermelon Salsa Details!

            Level of Difficulty: Easy! All that you have to do is chop, combine and refrigerate!

            Flavor: Sweet, refreshing with a little tang! If I had to use one word to describe this Watermelon Salsa, it would be REFRESHING!

            Time: 20 Minutes. This salsa comes together quickly! The most tedious part is chopping all of the ingredients. I do recommend refrigerating for an hour prior to serving to allow the flavors to come together.

            Ingredients

            This Watermelon Salsa is made with lots of fresh fruit and a tangy honey lime dressing. Ingredients include:

            • Chopped Watermelon
            • Seedless Cucumbers
            • Kiwi
            • Jalapeno
            • Red Onion
            • Lime Zest
            • Lime Juice
            • Honey
            • Salt
            • Pepper
            • Mint

            Watermelon Salsa Ingredients: Watermelon, Kiwi, Mint, Cucumber, Red Onion, Jalapeno, Honey, Salt and Pepper

            How to Make Watermelon Salsa

            1. Start by chopping all of your ingredients into small pieces. These pieces should be about 1/4 inch to allow the ingredients to easily combine to make a salsa.
            2. Combine watermelon, cucumber, kiwi, jalapeno, red onion and mint in a large bowl. Stir to combine ingredients.
            3. In a small bowl, stir together honey, lime zest, lime juice, salt and pepper.
            4. Pour dressing over top of salsa ingredients.
            5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
            6. Prior to serving, drain juice in a colander.

            Watermelon salsa ingredients combined in mixing bowl

            Expert Tips

            • Be sure to chop your fruit into small pieces. You want the salsa to fit on a chip!
            • Drain salsa in a colander before serving. Because the water content is so high in WATERmelon and cucumber, the salsa becomes very watery. You can drain the water prior to serving to get rid of the excess water.
            • Remove melon from half of a watermelon rind and serve salsa in the watermelon half! Not only does it look cute and festive but you will have one less dish to wash!

            FAQ

            What goes well with Watermelon Salsa? Watermelon Salsa pairs well with chips and has a great sweet and salty combination. It can also  be served on top of grilled chicken or fish. I love eating the salsa with these FISH TACOS! Try it on these Cornmeal Crusted Fish Tacos!

            How long will Watermelon Salsa last? Watermelon Salsa will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator. However, because of the high water content in the fruit, the salsa will continue to get watery. Always drain the excess water before serving.

            Can I freeze Watermelon Salsa? Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve flavor although freezing can impact the texture of the fruit. If freezing, drain all excess liquid and seal in an airtight container or freezer bag. Salsa can be frozen up to 4 months.

            Is this salsa vegan? No, this salsa is not vegan. As written the salsa is gluten free, vegetarian and dairy free. If you need to make this salsa vegan, substitute the honey for agave nectar.

            Help! My salsa is very watery! Watermelon has a water content of 90% water, cucumbers are 96% water and kiwis are 80% water! While this makes for a very healthy salsa, it can also get watery before you serve. Use a colander to drain the water from the salsa prior to serving.

            Watermelon Salsa served in half a watermelon

            Looking for other easy appetizer recipes?

            Try one of these!

            Vegetable Greek Flatbread

            Mouthwatering Cauliflower Poppers

            Easy Watermelon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto 

            If you make this salsa, please comment or tag @delmarvaliciousdishes on Instagram!

            Watermelon Salsa served in half a watermelon with chips
            Print Recipe
            5 from 4 votes

            Easy Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint

            Watermelon Salsa with Kiwi and Mint is a healthy and easy appetizer packed with fruit and full of refreshing flavor!
            Prep Time20 minutes
            Total Time20 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
            Cuisine: American, happy hour, Summer
            Servings: 8
            Calories: 150kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Sharp Knife
            • Mixing Bowl
            • Cutting Bowl
            • Juicer

            Ingredients

            • 1/2 Seedless Watermelon Chopped
            • 3 Mini Seedless Cucumbers Chopped
            • 4 Kiwis Chopped
            • 1 Jalapeno Seeds removed and chopped
            • 1/2 Red Onion Chopped
            • Zest of 1 lime
            • 1 Lime Juiced
            • 1 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt
            • 2 tbsp Honey
            • 1/4 cup Mint Leaves Chopped
            • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

            Instructions

            • Add Watermelon, Kiwi, Cucumber, Jalapeno, Red Onion and Mint to a large mixing bowl.
            • In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, lime zest, honey, salt and pepper.
            • Drizzle dressing over top of fruit and gently stir to mix through.
            • Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 8g | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 604mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 1.841IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

            Easy Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto

            by 14 Comments

            These Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto are a quick appetizer made with fresh fruit and basil. These mini kabob appetizers look fancy but are quite simple to make! 

            Looking for another simple appetizer? Check out this Cherry Tomato Toast  or this Veggie Naan Bread Pizza with Pesto. Pair either with this Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail with Lime and Mint or this Simple Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine.

            Melon Caprese Skewers On Tray

            A Fancy yet Simple Appetizer

            When it comes to summer entertaining, simple is always better. You don’t want to be in a hot kitchen and guests don’t want to eat hot and heavy food.

            These Melon Caprese Skewers combine all of the best summer flavors on an easy to make kabob! The best part is you can easily prepare these kabobs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.

            Melon Caprese Skewer Details

            Level of Difficulty: Easy! The only difficult part is chopping the cantaloupe and watermelon and pan frying the prosciutto. If you can use a knife and turn on the stovetop, you can make these skewers!

            Flavor: These skewers taste like summer! The saltiness of the crispy prosciutto balances out the sweet watermelon and cantaloupe. The basil provides a hint of pepper and savory flavor. The mozzarella balances the skewer and provides a filling layer.

            Time to Make: These Melon Caprese Skewers can be made in less than 30 minutes. This includes chopping time and the time to assemble the skewers.

            Choosing Your Ingredients

            Melon Caprese Skewer Ingredients: Basil, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Balsamic Glaze

            Watermelon: Choose a watermelon with a large yellow spot on the bottom and that has a dull exterior. This will indicate that the watermelon is ripe. The heavier the watermelon, the juicier it will be!

            Cantaloupe: Just like with the watermelon, a yellow spot on the cantaloupe will indicate where it was laying in the field. Give the bottom of the cantaloupe a smell. It should smell sweet. If the cantaloupe does not smell, it is not ripe. Your cantaloupe should feel firm all over with no soft spots. A soft spot can indicate that the cantaloupe is rotting.

            Prosciutto: You can purchase prepackaged prosciutto in the deli section at most grocery stores. You can also have your proscuitto sliced from the deli counter.

            Mozzarella: Choose a mozzarella log, mozzarella ball or mozzarella ‘pearls.’ I used plain mozzarella on my Melon Caprese Skewers, however, you can choose marinated mozzarella for extra flavor.

            Basil: The fresher, the better! I recommend choosing medium sized basil leaves to use on your skewers. I grow my own basil in the summer months to use in recipes such as these Melon Caprese Skewers. Most grocery stores sell small basil plants that you can keep in water and use the leaves. These leaves last 3-4 days before wilting.

            Balsamic Glaze: You can easily make your own balsamic glaze by boiling balsamic vinaigrette. Here is a useful tutorial. To keep things easy and quick, I purchased balsamic glaze. You can find this in the salad dressing section at your grocery store.

            Skewers: Not photographed. I used medium sized appetizer skewers. If you cannot find these, you can use grill skewers. Either make large skewers using the full size or break in half. You could also use toothpicks.

            How To Make Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto

            The first step is to chop your melons. You can either chop (as I did) or scoop your melon into balls. Because watermelon is not in season where I live, I purchased a pre-cut watermelon that was chopped. If using a full watermelon or cantaloupe, you can scoop your melon out in balls using a melon baller. I have also used a small cookie scoop to create melon balls.

            Cut your mozzarella into bite pieces similar to the size of the melon.

            Remove basil leaves from plant and place on a plate.

            Now, let’s crisp the prosciutto. Cut prosciutto slices into thirds. The prosciutto will reduce in size while cooking. Place a medium sauté pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Lay prosciutto on pan and cook for about a minute on each side until prosciutto begins to crisp. Remove prosciutto and place on a paper towel lined plate. Let prosciutto cool before assembling.

            How To Make Melon Caprese Skewers: Begin with basil, add melon, add mozzarella, add prosciutto, add more melon and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

            To assemble, fold basil leaf in half and put on the skewer. Next, add the cantaloupe or watermelon. Then, add the chopped mozzarella and prosciutto piece. Finish by adding an additional piece of melon and basil. Once all of the skewers are complete, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

            Tips and Tricks to serve Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto’

            Can I make these Melon Caprese Skewers ahead of time? Of course! You can make these up to a day ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. If making these ahead of time, I recommend not crisping the prosciutto. The crispy prosciutto is best served right after cooling.

            Can I eat prosciutto if not cooked? Absolutely! Prosciutto is cured and air dried and is safe to eat right from the package. The frying step in this recipe is simply to crisp the meat and add texture to the appetizer.

            What can I serve with these? These Melon Caprese Skewers are best eaten as a hand held appetizer or on a plate as a salad appetizer. You could serve these with grilled chicken or burgers for an easy cookout dinner!

            How do I know if my melons are ripe? The cantaloupe and watermelon should both have yellow spots on one side. They should smell sweet and have no soft spots.

            If you make this recipe, please leave comment or tag @delmarvaliciousdishes! 

            Melon Caprese Skewers on Plate with Extra Mozzarella
            Print Recipe
            5 from 5 votes

            Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto

            These Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto are a quick appetizer made with fresh fruit and basil. These mini kabob appetizers look fancy but are quite simple to make! 
            Prep Time20 minutes
            Total Time20 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American, Summer
            Servings: 6
            Calories: 241kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Ingredients

            • 1/2 Seedless Watermelon about 2 cups
            • 1/2 Cantaloupe Deseeded; about 2 cups
            • 1 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves
            • 1/2 Cup Balsamic Glaze
            • 1 8 oz Mozzarella Ball or Log
            • 4 oz Prosciutto Each piece sliced into thirds
            • Skewers

            Instructions

            • Turn a medium saute pan to medium heat. Place prosciuttuo in pan and cook for about 60-90 seconds on each side until beginning to crisp.
            • Remove prosciutto from pan and let cool on a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining prosciutto slices.
            • Chop or cube cantaloupe and watermelon into bite sized pieces.
            • Slice mozzarella into bite size pieces.
            • Fold a basil leaf in half and slide onto skewer. Follow with a piece of melon, mozzarella, prosciutto, melon and folded basil leaf.
            • Repeat for all skewers.
            • Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
            • Serve with an additional size of balsamic glaze.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 6g | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 3.909IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

            Crispy Honey Old Bay Wings (Oven Baked)

            by Leave a Comment

             

            These Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings (Oven Baked) will be your go to game day chicken wing recipe! Baked, not fried, these wings have a little spice and a lot of flavor! 

            Dipping a delicious Old Bay Wing into ranch dressing.

            Football season is in full swing and that means gameday snack are a must! I love a chicken wing that isn’t slimy and isn’t deep fried. Baking wings is my favorite way to serve them. These wings are inspired by my love for everything Old Bay. Being a Maryland girl, we put Old Bay on everything! The salty Old Bay seasoning is combined with sweet honey for the perfect salty and sweet combination! 

            Need some more game day treats? Try these Oven Baked Jalapeno Bacon Dove Poppers. This wild game recipe will have your taste buds smiling with the sweet and creamy flavor from the cream cheese. Everyone loves these handheld poppers! Or, try this Smoky White Chicken Chili with Bacon and Beans. This chicken chili is cooked with bacon, lots of vegetables and red kidney beans for a spicy chili that is always a crowd pleaser.

            Jump to:

            Honey Old Bay Wing Details 

            Flavor: These wings are sweet and spicy thanks to the Old Bay seasoning and honey. 

            Time: These wings take about 45 minutes to make. 

            Level of Difficulty: Simple! These wings require a few basic steps to get this easy chicken wing recipe. 

            Ingredients

            Crispy Honey Old Bay Wing ingredients: chicken wings, flour, honey, Old Bay Seasoning and butter.
            • Use the wingette and drumette from the chicken wings to make these spicy honey chicken wings! 
            • The honey coats the wings and is broiled on to make these wings extra crispy. 
            • Old Bay Seasoning is baked into the wing. The seasoning is also mixed with the honey to create the wing sauce.  
            • Flour is used to keep the wings crispy. 
            • The butter adds a smooth texture to the sauce and additional salty sweetness. 

            Substitutions & Variations

            • To make these wings into boneless wings, ​purchase boneless wings and cook according to the package directions. Toss wings with sauce after cooking and broil to bake the sauce in. Be sure to watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
            • To add more spice, use a hot honey! Mike’s Hot Honey is my go to if I am not making homemade. To make your honey hot, when heating up the Old Bay Honey Sauce, add some crushed red pepper fl​akes to taste! You can also add some hot sauce​ to the sauce! 
            • If you can’t find Old Bay Seasoning, substitute J.O. Seasoning. J.O. Seasoning is a Maryland flare of Old Bay Seasoning. It tends to be a little saltier than Old Bay so add a little less to the honey to balance out the salt.
            • Substitute the flour with baking powder.  

            Instructions

            Chicken wings on a wire rack after being patted dry with a paper towel.

            Step 1: ​Using a paper towel, pat the wings dry on both sides. 

            Chicken wings in a large bowl tossed with flour and Old Bay.

            Step 2: ​Add wings to a large bowl. Sprinkle with flour and Old Bay Seasoning. Use your hands to toss the wings. The flour and Old Bay should lightly cover the wings. 

            Chicken wings coated in Old Bay Seasoning and flour on a wire rack.

            Step 3: Place parchment paper on a large cookie sheet. Place a baking rack on top and spray with cooking spray. Place wings in a single layer with a little space between each wing.  Bake wings for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and flip wings over. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown. 

            Honey, butter and Old Bay Seasoning in a small pot.

            Step 4: ​While the wings are baking, make the Honey Old Bay Sauce. To a small pot over medium low heat, add the honey, butter and Old Bay Seasoning. Stir to combine. Once bubbling, turn heat down to a low simmer. Keep honey warm. 

            Crispy wings tossed with Honey Old Bay Sauce.

            Step 5: ​Toss wings with Honey Old Bay Sauce.

            Old Bay Wings on a wire rack after broiling.

            Step 6: Place back on the baking sheet. Broil for 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and enjoy.

            Equipment

            • Paper Towels ​are used to dry the wings off.
            • Large Bowls ​are needed to toss the wings with the flour and Old Bay as well as to toss the wings with the Honey Old Bay Sauce. 
            • Parchment Paper, Rimmed Baking Sheet and a Wire Rack​ are needed to bake the wings. 
            • A small pot​ is used to make the sauce.

            Storage

            Chicken wings are best enjoyed when they are still hot from the oven. If you have leftover wings, store refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat wings on a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until warm. 

            Top Tip

            Taste test your Honey Old Bay Sauce! ​Make sure that there is enough Old Bay Seasoning for your liking. Save any leftover sauce to use as a delicious dipping sauce!

            FAQ

            What is Old Bay Seasoning? Old Bay Seasoning is a mixture of paprika, celery salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. This seasoning is a staple in Maryland and on the Eastern Shore. Traditionally, Old Bay is used to season crabs and shrimp. The seasoning is delicious on chicken, in dips and as a dry rub.  How can I make my wings crispy? Make a crispy wing by patting the wings completely dry with a paper towel. For extra crispiness, place the wings uncovered on the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for an hour or up to overnight to dry any moisture out of the wings. 

            Can I make my wings ahead of time?
            I always serve chili with a slice of cornbread or a cornbread muffin to make a full meal. Any piece of good crusty bread will work! 

            How can I thicken my chili?

            Serve the Honey Old Bay Wings with ranch dressing, green onion and lemon juice. Make sure to have plenty of napkins because these wings are sticky! 

            Looking for another gameday recipe? Try one of these:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite drinks and snacks to serve with chicken wings:

            A plate full of Honey Old Bay Wings served with the homemade honey old bay sauce and ranch dressing.
            Print Recipe

            Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings (Oven Baked)

            Crispy Old Bay Wings are your perfect gameday appetizer! Baked, not fried, these wings have a little spice and a lot of flavor!
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Cook Time40 minutes
            Total Time50 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 6
            Calories: 311kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Paper Towel
            • Large Bowls
            • Small pot
            • Rimmed Baking Sheet
            • Wire Cooling Rack
            • Parchment Paper

            Ingredients

            • 2 lb Chicken Wings
            • 3 tbsp Old Bay (divided)
            • 1 tbsp Flour
            • 1/2 cup Honey
            • 2 tbsp Butter
            • Cooking Spray

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray.
            • Use a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the wings. Make sure that wings are completely dry.
            • Add wings to a large mixing bowl. Toss with flour and 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning. Using your hands, mix the seasoning into the wings.
            • Place wings onto baking sheet and bake for a total of 35 minutes. Flip wings over after cooking for 20 minutes and put back into the oven. Bake for 15 more minutes until golden brown.
            • While wings are cooking, make the Honey Old Bay Sauce. Add honey, butter and remaining Old Bay Seasoning to a small pot over medium heat. Stir to combine. Once sauce begins to bubble, turn heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
            • When wings are done cooking, toss wings with Honey Old Bay Sauce. Place wings back onto the wire cooling rack.
            • Broil for 2 minutes. Watch closely so that wings do not burn.
            • Remove from oven. Serve with extra Honey Old Bay Sauce and Ranch dressing.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 6g | Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 289IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

            Mouthwatering Cauliflower Poppers

            by 1 Comment

            Cauliflower Poppers are a healthy gameday snack! Easily made gluten free, these bite sized appetizers are sure to fly off the plate!

             

            Move over crusty chicken poppers! There is a new game in town. These Mouthwatering Cauliflower Poppers will rival the bagged chicken poppers this Super Bowl Sunday!

            You guys know what I am talking about when I say ‘crusty chicken poppers.’ You know the kind that are full of a carbalicious coating with minimal, if any, chicken inside. The kind that are ‘good for dipping’ because the dip is where the taste comes from. Okay, I will stop hating on the bagged chicken poppers now. You get my drift.

            If you are looking to impress guests and serve up a side of nutrition this Super Bowl Sunday, these Cauliflower Poppers are for you! Fresh cauliflower is coated with flour (can use gluten free flour), Old Bay, dried parsley and Rice Chex cereal. Then, they are baked to crispy perfection and tossed with a sweet and spicy wing sauce. Finally, they are broiled in the oven to really bake the sauce into the little nuggets.

            I have included a super simple recipe for a ‘Lightened Up’ Ranch Dip that is perfect for dunking the cauliflower in! This is a handheld bite that even the dudes at the party will love!

             

            Cauliflower Poppers…Tell Me More!

            Level of difficulty: Intermediate yet simple! I say intermediate because the cauliflower poppers are a 3 step process. You first have to bake the cauliflower, then make the sauce and, finally, broil the cauliflower. And, if you want to go a step further, make the ‘Lightened Up’ Ranch Dip. This only requires mixing! Don’t worry! These are simple steps!

            Time: These cauliflower poppers will take around 30 minutes to make once your cauliflower is chopped and ready to go!

            Flavor: Full of buffalo wing flavor with a little sweet kick!

             

            Cauliflower Popper Ingredients & Substitutes

            Medium head of cauliflower – chopped

            Eggs

            Rice Chex Mix- you could substitute Corn Flakes or Corn Chex here.

            Flour- swap in gluten free flour if needed!

            Old Bay seasoning

            Parsley

            Olive Oil spray

            Wing Sauce- do not use hot sauce.

            Butter

            Honey- you could substitute agave nectar.

             

            Let’s Get to Cookin’!

            Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

            In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 eggs. In a shallow bowl, combine crushed Rice Chex cereal, flour, Old Bay seasoning and dried parsley.

            Dip cauliflower pieces into egg. Shake off excess egg. Dredge through dry ingredients to coat. Place on baking sheet. Continue until all cauliflower pieces are covered with coating.

            Bake cauliflower for 20 minutes flipping halfway through.

            While the cauliflower bakes, make the sauce. In a medium pot at medium heat, add butter, honey and wing sauce.  Bring to a simmer and stir ingredients together. Once simmering, turn heat down and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove pot from heat.

            Remove cauliflower from oven and dip into sauce. Place cauliflower back on the baking sheet. Repeat for all cauliflower bites.

            Turn oven broiler on low. Place baking sheet back on the lower third oven rack. Broil for 5 minutes until the sauce is baked into the cauliflower. Keep a watchful eye on the cauliflower to avoid burning. Easy peasy, right?!

             

            Let’s Get Dippin’!

            I am not a huge fan of dips and sauces. Truthfully, these cauliflower poppers stand on their own. But, I know football games SCREAM dips so I have included an EASY and light ranch dip! Another option would be to serve with your favorite blue cheese dressing.

             

            Lightened Up Ranch Dip Ingredients

            Plain Greek Yogurt

            Dried Ranch Seasoning

            Dried Parsley

            Lemon Juice

            In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill until ready to serve.

             

            More Game Day Ideas!

             

            Ham & Cheese Sammies

            Ham & Cheese Slider

             

            Black Bean & Corn Salad

            Black bean and corn salsa with peppers, limes and chips

             

            Sweet and Spicy Venison Chili

            Venison Chili

             

             

            I hope these Cauliflower Poppers WIN BIG at your Superbowl Party this year! Please leave a comment or tag @delmarvaliciousdishes in your creation!

             

            Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers
            Print Recipe

            Mouthwatering Cauliflower Poppers

            Cauliflower Poppers are a healthy gameday snack! Easily made gluten free, these bite sized appetizers are sure to fly off the plate! 
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Cook Time35 minutes
            Total Time45 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 6
            Calories: 255kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Ingredients

            • 3 Eggs
            • 1 cup Rice Chex Cereal- crushed
            • 1/2 cup Flour (All Purpose or Gluten Free)
            • 1 tsp Old Bay
            • 1 tsp Dried Parsley
            • 1 Cauliflower Head, chopped into bite size pieces
            • Olive Oil Spray
            • 1/2 cup Wing Sauce (not hot sauce)
            • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
            • 1/4 cup Honey

            'Lightened Up' Ranch Dip

            • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
            • 4 tbsp Dried Ranch Seasoning
            • 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice
            • 1 tsp Dried Parsley

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
            • In a medium bowl, whisk eggs together.
            • In a shallow bowl, mix together Chex Mix, flour, Old Bay and dried parsley.
            • Submerge cauliflower into eggs. Shake off any drippings. Dredge cauliflower through dry mix. Place on baking sheet. Repeat until all cauliflower is coated and placed on pan.
            • Bake cauliflower for 20 minutes flipping half way through.
            • While cauliflower is baking, make the sauce. Add wing sauce, butter and honey to a medium pot. Turn heat to medium until sauce begins to simmer. Once simmering, cut heat back to low. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow sauce to thicken.
            • Toss cauliflower bites directly in sauce. Place back on baking pan. Broil on low for 5 minutes until sauce is baked into nuggets and cauliflower is crispy.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 6g | Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1.496mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 356IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 4mg

            Cherry Tomato Ricotta Toast (Easy Appetizer Recipe)

            by 1 Comment

            Cherry Tomato Ricotta Toast is an easy appetizer recipe that is the perfect way to use fresh summer tomatoes. Whipped ricotta cheese and herby tomatoes come together for a delicious treat!

            Plate with roasted cherry tomatoes on it with two slices of toast.

            Every year, I plant a small garden for fresh vegetables and herbs. I always plant multiple tomato plants including cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and heirloom tomatoes. My house is full of tomatoes but I don’t enjoy eating raw tomatoes! Baking the tomatoes with olive oil and herbs brings out their natural sweetness and is one of my favorite ways to enjoy these fresh tomatoes. 

            If you are busting at the seams this tomato season, here are a few other recipes highlighting the fresh fruit. This Vegetable Bruschetta uses fresh cherry tomatoes and squash baked together and then topped on a crunchy crostini. Or, try this One Pan Roasted Fish with Garlic Cherry Tomatoes. Fresh fish is baked with cherry tomatoes for the fresh and simple fish dinner. 

            Why You’ll Love This Recipe

            • Easy! This recipe looks like it would take a lot of time but it doesn’t! Just bake, blend, and toast, and your simple toast will be ready. 
            • Full of Summer Flavor. The sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs bring out the best of summer flavor. 
            • Versatile! Serve this recipe as an appetizer, or a light lunch, or add protein to make this a meal.  

            Ingredients

            Head to your local grocery store or, better yet, garden to snatch up these ingredients.

            Toast ingredients including french bread, ricotta cheese, cherry tomatoes, honey, EVOO, salt, pepper, garlic and dried basil.
            • The Cherry Tomatoes act as the base of this recipe and provide the sweet flavor. 
            • The tomatoes are cooked in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Basil, and Fresh Garlic. The tomatoes soften when cooking and richness and depth are added. 
            • Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese and Honey are whipped together to create a creamy base for the toast. 
            • Fresh Italian Bread is toasted to create a crunchy base.  

            Exact ingredient measurements can be found below in the recipe card. 

            Substitutions and Variations

            • Use grape tomatoes, Campari Tomatoes, or Sungold Tomatoes in place of cherry tomatoes. Any small tomato will work in this recipe. 
            • Add your favorite herbs! Top toast with rosemary, oregano, or thyme. 
            • Use agave nectar in place of the honey. 
            • Dried Garlic Powder can be used in place of the minced garlic. 
            • Whip feta cheese in place of ricotta cheese for a saltier version. 
            • Top toast with pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese to make this a pizza toast! 
            • Substitute French Bread for a larger bread. You could also use sourdough bread or any thick slice of bread. 
            • For extra flavor, top the toast with fresh basil after baking. 

            Equipment

            • A small food processor is used to whip the ricotta cheese and honey together. 
            • The tomatoes are cooked in a medium baking dish. I like to use a glass pie plate. 
            • Toast the bread in the toaster or directly in the oven. 

            Step-by-Step Instructions

            Step 1: Toss tomatoes with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Dried Basil, and Minced Garlic Cloves. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and begin to burst. 

            Ricotta cheese, honey and black pepper mixed together in a food processor.

            Step 2: While the tomatoes are baking, add the ricotta cheese, honey, and black pepper to a small food processor. Pulse the ingredients together until the mixture is light and smooth. 

            Toasted french bread on a plate.

            Step 3: Toast the bread until lightly golden brown. 

            Roasted cherry tomatoes with EVOO, black pepper, and minced garlic in a baking dish.

            Step 4: Remove the tomatoes from the oven when they begin to burst. Top the toast with ricotta and tomato mixture. Enjoy!

            Four pieces of ricotta toast topped with cherry tomatoes on a plate.

            Top tip

            Use high-quality olive oil. The olive oil really enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and gives them a savory flavor. Try this Graza Olive Oil! You will be dipping extra bread right into the leftover oil mixture. 

            Storage

            Once cooled, store any of the leftover tomato mixture refrigerated in an airtight container. Store the whipped ricotta in the refrigerator. You can use these ingredients to make more toast by reheating the leftover tomatoes. 

            FAQ

            What kind of bread can I use for the toast?

            A thick, sturdy bread is best for this recipe. I like to use sliced Italian bread or a crostini when I am serving this as an appetizer because this bread is smaller and almost bite-sized. If I am making this for a quick lunch, I like to use thick slices of French bread or sourdough. 

            What kind of tomatoes are best for this toast?

            Small, round tomatoes are best to make this toast. Cherry Tomatoes, Grape Tomatoes, and Sunburst Tomatoes are all great options. There are so many varieties of tomatoes. Choose a small and sweet tomato and, remember, fresher is better! 

            How should I serve this toast?

            You can serve this toast hot out of the oven. However, if are serving this as a party appetizer, room temperature is still delicious. To keep the bread from becoming soggy, you could serve this toast as a ‘build your own’ and serve the ricotta and tomato mixture in individual small bowls. 

            What toppings can go on top of this ricotta toast?

            If you want to take this appetizer to the next level, try one of these options: 

            – Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze 
            – Add a little spicy honey
            – Add an extra pinch of salt 
            – Add some crushed red pepper flakes 

            Related

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with ricotta toast:

            Plate with ricotta toast and tomatoes on top.
            Print Recipe

            Cherry Tomato Ricotta Toast (Easy Appetizer Recipe)

            Cherry Tomato Ricotta Toast is an easy appetizer recipe that is the perfect way to use fresh summer tomatoes. Whipped ricotta cheese and herby tomatoes come together for a delicious treat!
            Prep Time5 minutes
            Cook Time25 minutes
            Total Time30 minutes
            Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 4
            Calories: 468kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Small Food Processor
            • Medium Baking Dish
            • Toaster

            Ingredients

            • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
            • 2 tbsp EVOO
            • 2 tsp Dried Basil
            • 1/2 tsp Salt
            • 3/4 tsp Black Pepper (Divided)
            • 2 Garlic Cloves – Minced
            • 1 cup Ricotta
            • 1 tbsp Honey
            • 1 French Bread – Loaf
            • Balsamic Glaze (optional)

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss cherry tomatoes, dried basil, salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil in an oven-safe baking dish. Bake 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are soft and beginning to burst.
            • While tomatoes are baking, make whipped ricotta. Add ricotta, honey, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to a food processor. Blend for 2 minutes until the ricotta is smooth.
            • Slice French bread and lightly toast.
            • Top toast with ricotta cheese and cherry tomatoes.
            • If desired, add balsamic glaze on top.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 4g | Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 950mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 462IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 5mg

            Lemon Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone

            by 1 Comment

            Lemon Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone is an easy yet impressive appetizer! This naturally gluten-free dish is savory, salty, and sweet!

             

            A white platter features roasted cauliflower, complemented by vibrant lemon slices and glistening pomegranate seeds. Nearby, a small bowl of pomegranate seeds and a lemon rest on a wooden surface alongside a spoon and textured white cloth.

             
            I got my inspiration for this recipe from a trip to New York City with girlfriends. We had a very similar appetizer at La Pecora Bianca in Bryant Park. La Pecora served their roasted cauliflower with golden raisins and slivered almonds. I changed my recipe to include honey in the mascarpone and pomegranate arils which are full of antioxidants. This roasted cauliflower has become one of my favorite recipes to serve during the holidays! 

            If you are looking for another easy appetizer, try this Savory Roasted Sweet Potato and Mushroom Tart. This recipe uses a puff pastry, goat cheese, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms for a light and tasty handheld appetizer. Or, try these Crispy Honey Old Bay Wings. These wings are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for football games! 

            Jump to:

            Why You’ll Love This Recipe

            • Simple ingredients. This recipe uses basic ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. 
            • Different! This recipe thinks outside of the box! 
            • Naturally gluten-free. There is always someone who is eating gluten-free when I am hosting. This recipe is naturally gluten-free so you can please everyone!  

            Roasted Cauliflower Ingredients

            The ingredients to make the roasted cauliflower are pantry staples! Here is what you will need:

            A flat lay of ingredients: roasted cauliflower florets on a plate, a bowl of pomegranate seeds, honey in a glass, salt and black pepper in a dish, a tub of mascarpone cheese, a lemon, and extra virgin olive oil on a plate. A red cloth is visible.
            • Cauliflower florets are tossed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, salt, and black pepper and then roasted until soft.
            • Lemon juice and lemon slices for roasted with the cauliflower for some extra tang. 
            • Mascarpone cheese and honey are whisked together for a light and creamy cheese base. 
            • Pomegranate seeds top the mascarpone cheese and add a slight sweetness and pop of color to the appetizer.

            Substitutions

            • Mascarpone cheese is somewhat of a seasonal food item. If you can’t find mascarpone cheese at your local grocery store, substitute ricotta or cream cheese. 
            • Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, or turnips can be substituted for the cauliflower. These vegetables have a similar taste and texture to cauliflower when roasted. 
            • Substitute the pomegranate arils with golden raisins. 
            • The honey can be substituted with agave nectar or maple syrup. 

            Variations

            • To make it spicy, add some red pepper flakes to the cauliflower. 
            • For extra flavor, add fresh herbs such as fresh thyme or rosemary to the whipped cheese. 
            • For more lemon, add lemon zest to the whipped mascarpone. 
            • To make the cheese even smoother, add a little bit of extra virgin olive oil or truffle oil for extra flavor! 

            Step-by-Step Instructions

             

            Roasted cauliflower florets are neatly spread on a foil-lined baking sheet, ready for the oven. A hint of a red kitchen towel peeks into view from the top right corner, adding a cozy touch to this culinary preparation.

            Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the cauliflower with the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper and add to the baking tray. Roast for 10 minutes. 

            A baking sheet lined with foil contains raw cauliflower florets and a few lemon wedges, prepared for roasting. The roasted cauliflower florets are spread out evenly across the tray, ready to turn golden and delicious in the oven.

            Step 2: Remove cauliflower from the oven and toss with the juice from 1 lemon. Add lemon slices to the cauliflower and roast for an additional 10 minutes for a total time of 20 minutes in the oven. 

            A bowl of creamy oatmeal is placed on a wooden surface, partially wrapped in a red cloth. A whole lemon sits alongside, adding a contrast of color, while roasted cauliflower complements the scene with its subtle, nutty aroma.

            Step 3: While the cauliflower is roasting, add the mascarpone cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Whisk the cheese at a medium speed until smooth and fluffy about 2 minutes. Add the honey, salt, and pepper to the cheese and whisk together until combined. 

            A white platter features roasted cauliflower, complemented by vibrant lemon slices and glistening pomegranate seeds. Nearby, a small bowl of pomegranate seeds and a lemon rest on a wooden surface alongside a spoon and textured white cloth.

            Step 4: Spread the whipped mascarpone cheese onto a flat serving tray or plate. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and top with the roasted cauliflower and lemon slices. Serve warm. 

            Equipment

            • A stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer
            • Rimmed baking sheet 

            Top tip

            Make sure that the mascarpone cheese comes to room temperature before whisking. This will help the cheese to whisk evenly and avoid clumps. 

             

            A close-up reveals a plate of perfectly roasted cauliflower crowned with pomegranate seeds and creamy sauce. A vibrant lemon is softly blurred in the background, while a fork holds a floret, showcasing its delectable toppings.

            FAQ

            How should I serve this Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone?

            Serve the Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone warm as an appetizer. You can add crostini alongside to make handheld cauliflower toasts. 

            Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

            Yes, you can make the whipped mascarpone cheese ahead of time! Simply whisk the cheese ingredients together and spread out onto a serving tray. Refrigerate the serving tray until ready to serve. When ready to serve, roast the lemon cauliflower and then top over the mascarpone cheese. I do not recommend making the cauliflower ahead of time. 

            How can I prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy while it roasts?

            To prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy while roasting, make sure that the cauliflower is completely dry after you rinse it off before chopping. Spread cauliflower florets in a single layer on the baking sheet being careful not to overcrowd the baking dish. Roast the cauliflower until it is lightly golden brown in color. 

            Looking for more appetizer ideas? Try one of these recipes:

            Pairing

            These are my favorite dishes to serve with Lemon Roasted Cauliflower:

             

            Roasted Cauliflower
            Print Recipe

            Lemon Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone

            Lemon Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone is an easy yet impressive appetizer! This naturally gluten-free dish is savory, salty, and sweet!
            Prep Time10 minutes
            Cook Time20 minutes
            Total Time30 minutes
            Course: Appetizer
            Cuisine: American
            Servings: 8
            Calories: 229kcal
            Author: Lynne Kenton

            Equipment

            • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
            • Rimmed Baking Sheet

            Ingredients

            Roasted Cauliflower

            • 1 Head of Cauliflower chopped into bite size pieces
            • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
            • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
            • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
            • 2 Lemons
            • Seeds from a Pomegranate

            Whipped Mascarpone

            • 8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese
            • 2 tablespoons Honey
            • 1 teaspoon Salt
            • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
            • Line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil. Toss cauliflower with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
            • Bake cauliflower for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and toss cauliflower. Add the juice from one lemon and slices from the other lemon. Cook for 10 additional minutes until cauliflower begins to brown.
            • Add mascarpone cheese, honey, salt, and pepper to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Mix together until light and creamy.
            • Spread whipped mascarpone cheese onto a serving dish. Place cauliflower chunks and lemon slices on top. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

            Nutrition

            Serving: 8g | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 791mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg

             

             

             

            Oven Baked Venison Meatballs (Easy and Tasty Recipe)

            by 2 Comments

            These Oven Baked Venison Meatballs are an easy and tasty recipe! Make delicious homemade meatballs using wild game meat that are full of flavor!

            A white bowl filled with baked meatballs covered in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. The bowl is placed on a wooden board on a white surface, with a sprig of green herbs to the side.

            It seems that I always have a freezer full of ground venison. And, I am not complaining about that! This has forced me to get creative with venison recipes and this venison meatball recipe is no exception.

            Need some more venison inspiration? Try this Venison Lasagna using Cottage Cheese Recipe. Whenever I make this lasagna, I double the recipe because it is that good. This recipe is perfect for a simple and comforting dinner. Or, try this Sweet and Spicy Venison Chili. This chili recipe is my go-to recipe for football games and it won second place in a chili cook-off! 

            Jump to:

            Why You’ll Love This Recipe

            • Lean! Compared with other types of ground meat, ground venison is a less fatty meat.  
            • Simple! All that this recipe requires is a little mixing and baking to make delicious meatballs. 
            • This recipe makes a large quantity! Enjoy some meatballs now and freeze the rest for later. 

            What exactly is ground venison?

            Ground venison is ground meat made from deer. This lean meat is significantly less fatty than ground beef or ground pork making it a good, low cholesterol choice and a high protein choice. While venison may have a gamey taste, the meat takes on the flavors that it is cooked with. 

            Ingredients

            A kitchen countertop with ingredients labeled for a baked meatballs recipe: beef broth, ground venison, mild Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, nutmeg, basil, parsley, garlic cloves, salt & pepper, and oregano.
            • Ground venison is the base for these meatballs. Ground Italian sausage is mixed into the meatballs to add fat and flavor. 
            • Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and whole milk help to bind the meatballs together. 
            • Parmesan cheese also helps to bind the meatballs together, add flavor, and keep the meatballs moist. 
            • Dried parsley, garlic cloves, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, and ground nutmeg add Italian flavor and spice to the meatball mixture. 
            • The meatballs are cooked in beef broth which helps to keep the meatballs tender. 

            See the below recipe card for exact quantities.

            Variations

            • In place of the panko breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers (I like Ritz), homemade breadcrumbs, cooked quinoa or rolling oats. 
            • Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs! Slice and chop the herbs into small pieces and mix with the meat mixture. 
            • If you don’t have ground venison, use ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey. 

            Equipment

            • Rimmed baking sheets: Use the largest rimmed baking sheet that you have. There should be space in between each meatball. 
            • Large mixing bowl: I suggest using the largest bowl that you have.
            • Cookie scoop: This is the key to making a perfectly round meatball. Here is the cookie scoop that I use!
            • Whisk
            • Wooden spoon
            • Your hands! This is hands down the best way to mix these meatballs!

            Instructions

            A metal mixing bowl containing a blend of crumbled ingredients and raw beaten eggs, ready to form delicious baked meatballs.

            Step 1: Add parmesan cheese, whole milk, eggs, and panko bread crumbs to a large bowl. Whisk together. 

              Stirring a mixture wet ingredients with ground meat for baked meatballs in a metal bowl with a wooden spatula.

              Step 2: To the same large bowl, add the ground venison and ground Italian sausage. Use a large wooden spoon to break up the meat and begin mixing the meats together.

                Adding a bowl of assorted spices, including pink salt, dried herbs, and crushed red chilies, into a large bowl of minced meat while stirring with a wooden spoon. The minced mixture appears to be preparation for flavorful baked meatballs.

                Step 3: Add the dried parsley, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic cloves to the meat mixture. Use your hands to mix the meat with wet ingredients and spices.

                  A person shaping a meatball with both hands over a bowl filled with a mixture of ground meat. A baking sheet, ready for the baked meatballs, is visible in the background.

                  Step 4: Form meatballs into small to medium size balls. This can be done with a cookie scoop or your hands. Place on a rimmed baking sheet about an inch apart. 

                    A person is pouring beef broth from a carton onto an oven tray filled with raw, evenly spaced meatballs, preparing them to become delicious baked meatballs on a white surface. The person's hand is visible holding the carton.

                    Step 5: Pour beef broth onto the pan making sure that the broth has spread to touch each meatball. 

                    A plate of spaghetti topped with baked meatballs in tomato sauce is presented on a white marble surface. A slice of crusty bread sits on a separate plate nearby. A gold fork and a white cloth napkin are placed beside the plates.

                    Step 6: Bake the meatballs at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Let cool and enjoy!

                    Top tip

                    Make sure that the beef broth is touching all of the meatballs. This helps to keep the meatballs moist.

                    Freezing Meatballs

                    Freeze cooked venison meatballs by using a spatula to move meatballs around on the baking sheet while they cool. This will prevent the meatballs from getting stuck on the pan. Once the meatballs are completely cool, transfer them to a large freezer bag. Place meatballs inside the bag and remove any air. Freeze flat. Once ready to serve, remove from the freezer a few hours before serving and thaw in the refrigerator.

                    To store uncooked meatballs, follow instructions 1-4. Place the meatballs on a tray and place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once the meatballs are firm, transfer to a freezer bag and freeze. Thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator.

                    FAQ

                    Why should I bake meatballs instead of frying them?

                    Baking the meatballs in the oven will save calories in comparison to frying them in oil. Baking also reduces the amount of hands on time spent in the kitchen. 

                    Help! I don’t want my meatballs to dry out in the oven.

                    To prevent meatballs from drying out, make sure that you are pouring about a cup of beef broth on the baking sheet. This will help keep the meatballs moist while baking. Adding the ground Italian sausage to the meat mixture also helps to keep the meatballs moist. 

                    How should I serve venison meatballs?

                    There are so many easy and delicious ways to serve these meatballs. Serve over spaghetti with your favorite sauce, make meatball subs, serve in the crockpot as cocktail meatballs, or use in Italian wedding soup. 

                    Looking for other recipes like this? Try one of these:

                    Pairing

                    These are my favorite dishes to serve with meatballs:

                     

                    Baked meatballs on top of pasta
                    Print Recipe
                    5 from 1 vote

                    Oven Baked Venison Meatballs (Easy and Tasty Recipe)

                    These Oven Baked Venison Meatballs are an easy and tasty recipe! Make delicious homemade meatballs using wild game meat that are full of flavor!
                    Prep Time20 minutes
                    Cook Time25 minutes
                    Total Time45 minutes
                    Course: Main Course
                    Cuisine: American
                    Servings: 8
                    Calories: 281kcal
                    Author: Lynne Kenton

                    Equipment

                    • Large Mixing Bowl
                    • Rimmed Baking Sheet
                    • Cookie Scoop
                    • Whisk
                    • Wooden Spoon

                    Ingredients

                    • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
                    • 1/2 cup Whole Milk
                    • 2 Eggs beaten
                    • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
                    • 1 pound Ground Venison
                    • 1/2 pound Ground Italian Sausage
                    • 1/4 cup Dried Parsley
                    • 1 tablespoon Oregano chopped
                    • 2 teaspoon Dried Basil
                    • 1/2 tablespoon Kosher Salt
                    • 1 teaspoon Pepper
                    • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
                    • 1 pinch Nutmeg
                    • 2 Garlic Cloves minced
                    • 4 cups Beef Broth

                    Instructions

                    • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
                    • Add parmesan cheese, whole milk, eggs, and panko bread crumbs to a large bowl. Whisk together. 
                    • To the same large bowl, add the ground venison and ground Italian sausage. Use a large wooden spoon to break up the meat and begin mixing the meats together.
                    • Add the dried parsley, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic cloves to the meat mixture. Use your hands to mix the meat with wet ingredients and spices.
                    • Using a cookie scoop (or your hands), form meatballs into small balls and place on a rimmed baking sheet.
                    • Add about 1 1/2 cups of beef broth to the bottom of the cookie tray. Broth should cover the bottom of the meatballs.
                    • Bake meatballs for 25 minutes. Let cool before serving.

                    Nutrition

                    Serving: 8g | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1.605mg | Potassium: 424mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 3mg

                    Ham & Cheese Sammies

                    by 5 Comments

                    Give your leftover ham an upgrade with these Ham & Cheese Sammies! These sandwiches are sweet, salty and ultra cheesy!

                     

                    The Christmas countdown is officially on! I still can’t believe it and I am 100% not ready for Christmas! Pre-Kids, I would have had all of shopping, wrapping and decorating done the weekend after Thanksgiving. Now, I am just hoping to have the tree up by Christmas Eve.

                    When I think of Christmas dinner, I think of a big ol’ ham. I am not really sure why because my family never served ham on Christmas. My parents always made my brothers and my favorite foods for Christmas Eve dinner. Shrimp Fettuccini Alfredo (with at least 1 stick of butter) was always my choice. I guess I get the idea of a ham from Hallmark.

                    Ham is on my Christmas dinner menu this year! I plan on using this recipe from Iowa Girl Eats and adding a few ‘Delmarvalicious’ twists! Stay tuned…..

                    Now, I know that we will have leftovers. I love repurposing my leftovers into new dishes. Enter in these Ham & Cheese Sammies! These finger sandwiches are a dish that I have had time and time again. I finally had to make these a few times, get the sweetness level perfected and write the recipe.

                     

                    What do I need?

                    Well, leftover ham is great for these sandwiches. If you aren’t making these after a holiday, simply purchase thinly sliced ham from your local deli counter. You will need cheese. I like to use a mixture of Swiss, American and Cheddar. You will need about a pound of cheese (roughly 12 slices). Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are key to this recipe. I tested the recipe using pre-sliced slider buns and it did not turn out. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad. However, when the rolls are pre-sliced, the top and bottom of the bun are not equal. The bottom portion is often very thin and doesn’t hold up well with the butter mixture.

                    For the sweet glaze, you will need butter, honey, dried mustard and chia seeds. Feel free to swap in grainy Dijon mustard for the dried mustard.

                     

                    Let’s get cookin’!

                    Start by adding the butter, honey, dried mustard and chia seeds to a small sauce pan. Melt the butter and stir the mixture together. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

                    Slice the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half. Layer in ham and cheese. Put rolls into an greased 8×8 or a 9×9 pan. The rolls should fit snugly.

                    Brush the butter mixture on top of the rolls. Place tray into the refrigerator for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

                    Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes covered with tin foil. Remove tin foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

                    Ham & Cheese Sammies

                    Can I prep these Ham & Cheese Sammies ahead of time?

                    Absolutely!!! Make these little guys up to a day before an event and refrigerate. Just pull them out of the refrigerator while the oven preheats to bring them to room temperature.

                    These Ham & Cheese Sammies are easy to transport making them great to bring to a party or a tailgate. Serve them with Veggie Mac and Cheese and you will have a complete meal!

                    If you make these sandwiches, please leave a comment or tag @delmarvaliciousdishes!

                     

                    Ham & Cheese Slider
                    Print Recipe
                    5 from 2 votes

                    Ham & Cheese Sammies

                    Give your leftover ham an upgrade with these Ham & Cheese Sammies! These sandwiches are sweet, salty and ultra cheesy! 
                    Prep Time10 minutes
                    Cook Time20 minutes
                    Total Time30 minutes
                    Course: Main Course
                    Cuisine: American
                    Servings: 6
                    Calories: 635kcal
                    Author: Lynne Kenton

                    Ingredients

                    • 1 Package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 rolls)
                    • 1 lb Ham- Thinly Sliced
                    • 1 lb Cheese (I use a mixture of Swiss, American and Cheddar)
                    • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
                    • 1/4 cup Honey
                    • 1 tbsp Dried Mustard
                    • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
                    • 1 tbsp Chia Seeds

                    Instructions

                    • To a small sauce pan, add honey, butter, soy sauce, dried mustard and chia seeds. Bring to a boil.
                    • Once boiling, turn heat down to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
                    • Slice Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half. Layer ham and cheese.
                    • Place rolls in an 8x8 or a 9x9 pan. The rolls should fit snugly.
                    • Brush butter mixture on top of rolls. Refrigerate for an hour before baking (or up to 24 hours).
                    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
                    • Bake rolls for 10 minutes covered. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted.

                    Nutrition

                    Serving: 6g | Calories: 635kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 1.575mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 995IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 559mg | Iron: 1mg

                    Simple Black Bean and Corn Salad with Mango

                    by 1 Comment

                    This Simple Black Bean and Corn Salad with Mango is a Mexican-inspired salad that uses simple ingredients. This make-ahead dish is perfect to feed a large crowd!

                    A bowl of black bean corn salad with diced red peppers, onions, and mango is garnished with lime wedges and served with tortilla chips. A patterned plate and white towel are visible in the background.

                    Summertime is the season for fresh produce! This easy corn salad recipe is a great side dish for a barbecue or a relaxing day by the pool. 

                    If you are looking for more corn recipes, try this Roasted Tomato and Corn Pasta Salad. Fresh corn and roasted cherry tomatoes are combined to make a light, fresh pasta dish. Or, try this Healthy Grilled Street Corn and Chickpea Salad. This protein-packed side dish uses healthy and simple ingredients reminiscent of street corn! 

                    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

                    • Versatile! Use this recipe as the perfect side dish, with chips as a salsa or inside quesadillas or burritos! 
                    • Tastes better the next day! This salad is great to make ahead because it allows the flavors to blend together.
                    • Makes a large batch! Bring this delicious side dish to your next potluck dinner. It feeds a crowd! 

                    Ingredients

                    Grab these simple salad ingredients from your local grocery store or farmers market: 

                    Overhead view of bowls with labeled ingredients for black bean corn salad: diced mango, limes, black beans, hot sauce, olive oil, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, fresh corn, and spices (salt, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne).
                    • Black beans give this salad a protein kick! Canned black beans are used to keep this recipe simple. 
                    • Fresh corn and mango give the salad a sweet taste and bright color. 
                    • A chopped red bell pepper adds substance and sweetness to the salad. 
                    • A jalapeno pepper and chopped red onion give the salad some heat. 
                    • The salad is seasoned with ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. 
                    • Hot sauce, lime juice, and olive oil create a light and zesty sauce. 

                    Instructions

                    A metal mixing bowl filled with chopped mango, corn, red bell peppers, red onions, black beans, and spices—perfect ingredients for a colorful black bean corn salad—arranged in separate sections on a white background.
                    1. Combine the beans and all chopped produce in a large bowl. Sprinkle with seasoning and fresh lime juice. 
                    A stainless steel bowl filled with a colorful black bean corn salad, featuring diced red onions, red bell peppers, fresh corn, and chopped mango on a white background.

                    2. Stir to thoroughly combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature. 

                    Substitutions

                    • Canned corn or frozen corn can be used in place of fresh sweet corn. 
                    • Chopped yellow or orange bell peppers can be used in place of the red peppers. Or, use a few mini bell peppers! 
                    • To make this recipe even easier, use a tablespoon or two of your favorite taco seasoning instead of mixing together the seasonings! 

                    Variations

                    As written, this recipe is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. 

                    • For a salad without spice, omit the jalapeno and cayenne pepper. 
                    • For a sweeter salad, add a little honey to make a honey lime dressing. 
                    • Add cotija cheese or chopped queso fresco for extra protein.
                    • Add creamy avocado for added healthy fats! 
                    • Use ingredients that are in season such as fresh tomatoes, green onions, or fresh cilantro.  

                    Equipment

                    This simple recipe only uses basic kitchen tools. 

                    • Large mixing bowl
                    • Cutting board 
                    • Sharp knife 
                    • Fruit juicer. Here is the one that I use! 

                    Storage

                    This easy black bean salad tastes better the next day! Store any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container. Stir again before enjoying. 

                    Top tip

                    Use leftover black bean and corn salad on quesadillas, on top of tortilla chips as nachos, or even stirred in scrambled eggs! This recipe makes a big batch of this salad, so don’t let the leftovers go to waste! 

                    A bowl of black bean corn salad with red pepper salsa, lime wedges, and Fritos chips on the side, next to a bowl of chips and a decorative spoon holding two halved limes on a white background.

                    FAQ

                    Can you prepare any ingredients ahead of time?

                    Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time before making this easy salad! Drain and rinse the black beans. Chop the jalapenos, bell peppers, red onion, and mango. Refrigerate all ingredients until ready to combine. 

                    How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?

                    Because this delicious salad uses hearty ingredients, it can last for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator. 

                    Can this black bean corn salad be frozen?

                    I do not recommend freezing this salad. When it thaws, the vegetables will become mushy. 

                    Do I have to rinse the black beans?

                    Yes, rinse the black beans with cold water before mixing with the other salad ingredients. This will remove the liquid that the beans are preserved in and improve the texture of the salad. 

                    Related

                    Looking for other simple salads? Try one of these recipes:

                    Pairing

                    These are my favorite dishes to serve with Black Bean and Corn Salad with Mango!

                    A vibrant black bean corn salad salsa with diced red peppers, red onions, and mango, garnished with lime wedges and served alongside crispy round tortilla chips.
                    Print Recipe

                    Simple Black Bean and Corn Salad with Mango

                    This Simple Black Bean and Corn Salad with Mango is a Mexican-inspired salad that uses simple ingredients. This make ahead dish is perfect to feed a large crowd!
                    Cook Time10 minutes
                    Total Time10 minutes
                    Course: Appetizer
                    Cuisine: American
                    Servings: 8
                    Calories: 129kcal
                    Author: Lynne Kenton

                    Equipment

                    • Sharp Knife
                    • Cutting Board
                    • Juice squeezer
                    • Large Mixing Bowl

                    Ingredients

                    • 15 oz Canned Black Beans Rinsed and Drained
                    • 1 cup Sweet Corn Kernels Steamed and removed from cob
                    • 1 cup Mango Diced
                    • 1 Red Bell Pepper Chopped
                    • 1 Jalapeno Seeded and Chopped
                    • 1 Red Onion Chopped
                    • Juice of 2 limes
                    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
                    • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce
                    • 1 teaspoon Cumin
                    • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
                    • 1 teaspoon Salt
                    • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
                    • 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

                    Instructions

                    • In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, mango, red bell pepper, jalapeno and red onion.
                    • Sprinkle salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder and cayenne pepper over vegetable mixture. Stir to combine.
                    • Pour lime juice, olive oil and hot sauce over vegetable mixture. Stir to combine.
                    • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before serving.

                    Nutrition

                    Serving: 8g | Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 555mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 886IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

                    Vegetable Greek Flatbread

                    by Leave a Comment

                    Vegetable Greek Flatbread is an easy appetizer or meatless meal! With all of the flavors of a Greek Salad piled onto a warm, toasted flatbread, you have a crowd pleasing appetizer or easy dinner in about 10 minutes!

                    Greek Flatbread ready to be served

                    Happy Meatless Monday! I may have mentioned this before but I am not a huge meat eater. I have nothing against it and sometimes crave a burger or a steak, but, for the most part, I can eat plant based and be happy about it. The idea for this Vegetable Greek Flatbread came to me on a Friday during Lent. I abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, but now that I have a little one to feed, I do need to have actual breakfast, lunch and dinners (cereal for dinner doesn’t go over well). I often order a Greek salad out but knew that I needed more than a salad for my toddler. This Greek Flatbread is basically a salad with the addition of bread. I told my son it was pizza and he was a happy camper!

                    Greek vegetables marinating in dressing

                    Let’s put it together…

                    I wanted this recipe to be a no-brainer. I used store bought flatbreads. Another great option would be to use Naan bread as your base. I baked the flatbread according to the instructions (425 degrees on a pizza stone for 6 minutes). This just warmed up the bread and added a little crispiness. I used pine nut hummus as a base. For a more Greek taste, you could use an olive hummus, garlic hummus or this Greek Inspired Hummus by Sabra. I marinated my vegetables in a homemade Greek vinaigrette. The vinaigrette consisted of olive oil, red wine vinegar, plenty of oregano, salt and pepper. I topped the hummus with cherry tomatoes, mini English cucumbers, marinated artichoke hearts, red onions roasted red peppers and feta cheese. That is all it took!

                    These were a hit and I will definitely be serving them again as an easy entertaining recipe!

                    Greek Flatbread
                    Print Recipe

                    Greek Flatbread

                    This Greek Flatbread is an easy appetizer or meatless meal! With all of the flavors of a Greek Salad piled onto a warm, toasted flatbread, you have a crowd pleasing appetizer or easy dinner in about 10 minutes!
                    Prep Time30 minutes
                    Cook Time10 minutes
                    Total Time40 minutes
                    Course: Appetizer
                    Cuisine: American
                    Servings: 2
                    Calories: 778kcal
                    Author: Lynne Kenton

                    Equipment

                    • Baking Stone or Rimmed Baking Tray

                    Ingredients

                    Greek Vinaigrette

                    • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
                    • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
                    • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
                    • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
                    • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
                    • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
                    • 1/2 tsp Dried Mustard
                    • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
                    • 1 tbsp Honey
                    • 1 tsp Salt

                    Flatbread

                    • 2 Large Flatbreads
                    • 1 Medium Cucumber- Chopped
                    • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes- Chopped
                    • 1/2 Red Onion- Chopped
                    • 1/2 cup Roasted Red Peppers- Drained
                    • 1/2 cup Marinated Artichokes- Drained
                    • 1/2 cup Hummus
                    • 1/2 cup Arugula
                    • 1/2 cup Feta
                    • Fresh Basil for topping

                    Instructions

                    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place flatbread on a baking stone or a baking tray. Bake for 6 minutes.
                    • Spread hummus onto flatbread. Toss the vegetables on top of the hummus.
                    • Sprinkle with feta cheese and arugula. Enjoy!

                    Greek Marinated Vegetables

                    • Combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, pepper, thyme, dried mustard, dried basil, honey and salt together in a mason jar. Shake to combine.
                    • Place the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, red peppers and artichokes in the vinaigrette.
                    • Let soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

                    Nutrition

                    Serving: 2g | Calories: 778kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 3.303mg | Potassium: 669mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1.306IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 344mg | Iron: 5mg