Double Baked Potatoes

Double Baked Potatoes- Creamy potatoes baked up in a crunchy skin.  A perfectly dreamy side dish for the holiday season! 

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These were a holiday staple in our house growing up.  They take a bit of time, but, are sooo worth it!

Ingredients Needed

• Russet potatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Butter

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Recipe Notes:

• Sour Cream: If desired you can use Plain Greek yogurt as a substitute.
• Cheddar Cheese: Not a fan?  Use your favorite flavor of cheese instead. A easy melting variety will work best.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within a week.
• Freezing? Yes! Prepare the potatoes and fill them. Do not bake them a second time!  Store them in a freezer safe, covered storage bag or container.  When you are ready, remove them from storage and let them come to room temperature.  Bake as noted in recipe.
• Topping Ideas:  Cooked bacon bits, green onions, additional sour cream, or additional cheddar cheese.

Do I Have to Bake the Potatoes in The Oven?

Honestly, no. If you want to cut back your time, pop them in the air fryer or microwave them for a bit before baking them in the oven.  You do want a crispy potato skin, so, avoid cooking them completely in the microwave. 

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Double Baked Potatoes

Simple Herb Stuffing

 Simple Herb Stuffing- Buttery stuffing baked up with a few simple herbs. A perfect side dish for whatever you are serving. 

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With Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share this recipe.  We are kinda unique in our house, we eat stuffing quite a bit, not just for holidays.  My youngest is a huge fan.

This is a simple stuffing that can be made for a small group or a large gathering. Easy and so buttery good!

Ingredients Needed

• Stuffing cubes, herb seasoned 
• Butter
• Chicken broth
• Dried spices: Minced onion, garlic powder, sage, salt and pepper

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Stuffing Cubes

If you don't wish to use stuffing cubes or can't find them, you can also use a classic stuffing mix. I do recommend using a herb seasoned variety. 

Dried Herbs

We are pretty basic when it comes to our herbs.  However, feel free to increase/decrease the amounts as you wish.  A few additional herbs you could try are rosemary, parsley or celery salt.

Can I Add Anything to This Stuffing?

This stuffing is a really basic recipe and can be used as a jumping off point to make it your own. You can add in cooked sausage, chopped celery, dried cranberries or roasted nuts...whatever suits your fancy!

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Simple Herb Stuffing

One Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

One Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce- Have dinner on the table in no time at all! Pasta, cheese, sauce and ground beef make up this easy dish. 

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Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Dried spices: onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper
• Penne pasta
• Spaghetti sauce
• Chicken broth 
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

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Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

Yes. I either use penne pasta or rotini for this dish. It's smaller in size and cooks up quick.  Stick with something similar in size for the recipe to work. Keep in mind, it will need to be dry pasta.

Pasta Sauce

Use your favorite jarred version, make it homemade or you can also use a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes.  They will all work! 

Can I Use Another Type of Protein?

Of course!  If you don't like ground beef, go with ground turkey, ground chicken, crumble Italian sausage or a meatless crumble option.

Chicken Broth

None on hand?  It can be replaced with water.

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One Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

Potato Cheddar Soup

Potato Cheddar Soup-Hearty soup filled with potatoes, carrots and cheddar cheese. A perfect dinner for the fall season. 

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This is my Mom's "Hearty Potato Soup" recipe.  It is soooo good and really simple to make. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a great dinner on a chilly day.

Ingredients Needed

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Flour
• Butter
• Dijon mustard
• Cheddar cheese
• Dried Spices:  salt, pepper, garlic, minced onion

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Recipe Notes

Potatoes

I like to grab a bag of Dutch baby potatoes for this.  It makes life a little easier.  They are easy to cut into quarters and many times, they are already pre-washed.  It's also great for measuring.  However, my Mom liked to use white potatoes ( approx 3-4 medium size)  for hers. 

To Peel or Not to Peel

My Mom liked to peel and chop her potatoes for this soup.  I do not.  That is also why I like to use the Dutch baby potatoes for this.  No peeling needed.  Honestly, it's your own personal preference.  If you want to peel your potatoes, go for it.  If not, you can skip the step.

Milk

Whole milk, whipping cream or half/half will work for this.  Go with a full fat version, for a nice, creamy soup. 

Puree the Soup?

If you like your potato soup a little smoother, feel free to puree it with a stick blender or stand up blender. 

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Potato Cheddar Soup

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken with Bacon

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken with Bacon - Flavorful chicken made with brown sugar, garlic and crispy bacon.  Side this with your favorite rice, potatoes or pasta for a delicious meal that even your pickiest eater will love. 

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We eat a ton of chicken in our house.  A ton.  It's about the only thing ( besides pasta) that everyone will eat and be happy. 

This recipe I actually discovered many years ago and it was originally for wraps.  But, I gave it my own twist and we eat it with mashed potatoes, rice or of course, pasta.  Side this with your favorite starchy side to soak up all the goodness of the sticky sauce!

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Garlic
• Brown sugar
• Bacon
• Cumin
• Bacon
• Salt/Pepper

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Will This Work with Chicken Thighs?

Yes. I have made this with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and it tastes just as amazing as the chicken breasts.  The only difference is your cooking time.  You can cut back your cooking time for the thighs about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Can I Use Turkey Bacon?

Sure.  However, turkey bacon does not give you as much grease as regular bacon.  So, you may need to add some oil to your pan when cooking the chicken.

How Long Should I Cook My Chicken?

I recommend cooking each breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side.  Now, this time can vary, depending on the size/thickness of your chicken.  If your chicken is thin, cook a little less, thicker, cook a bit more. Make sure the internal temperature of your chicken is at least 165 degrees before serving.

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Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken with Bacon

Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken

 Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken - Moist chicken that is coated with ranch dressing, covered with a crunchy breading and topped with melted cheddar cheese.  Add this to your dinner rotation pronto! 

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Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Ranch dressing
• Bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dried spices: onion, garlic, salt and pepper

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Can I Bake This in The Oven Instead?

Yes. Bread the chicken as noted in the recipe. Then, bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes. 

Chicken Breasts

I used 4 small size chicken breasts. Stick with 3-4 breasts for the recipe to work.

Cooking Time

Cooking time may vary, depending on the size/thickness of your chicken breasts. Be sure the internal temperature of your chicken is at least 165 degrees before serving.

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Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken

Chicken Pillows

Chicken Pillows- Seasoned, creamy chicken tucked into a buttery crescent and breaded with crunchy breadcrumbs..  Finish it off with your favorite chicken gravy or alfredo sauce and make it your new favorite family dinner. 

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These lovelies have been in my index for about 10 years.  My family seriously adores them. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice or just a side salad. Whichever you choose, they will become a family favorite in no time at all .

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken (cooked)
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Dried spices: salt, pepper, onion, garlic, parsley (or chives)
• Crescent roll dough
• Bread crumbs

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How to Make Your Chicken Pillows

• detailed instructions in recipe card
• Prepare chicken filling. Be sure your butter and cream cheese are softened, plus, your chicken must be cooked. 
• Create 4 rectangles with your crescent roll dough.  Crescent roll dough. 
• Divide the filling evenly into the rectangles and fold in the corners. Then, press it all together to cover the filling.  Roll it into a ball.
• Dip them into the melted butter, then, bread crumbs.  
• Bake!

What About Sauce on Top?

These are great with chicken gravy ( store bought or homemade),  Alfredo sauce or simply plain. Your choice! They are delicious just about any way you serve them. 

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Chicken Pillows

Mini Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves- The classic comfort food made in a mini version. They come together quickly and making them smaller cuts your cooking time in half. Serve them a side of your favorite creamy mashed potatoes to finish off your dinner.

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My mom made meatloaf all the time when I was growing up. I am assuming this is because ground meat wasn't very expensive, she could feed a bunch of people (there was seven of us) and it was quick to toss together.

Now, I found out just a few years before my mom died, that she actually hated meatloaf! She made it frequently, because of the above reasons, plus, my dad liked it.  He was the head of the household and that, my friends, is how she cooked.  🤷

My husband loves meatloaf and I make it for that reason, but, plus, me and the kids really like it too. The only difference is that mine are usually in these mini versions.

Cuts back on cooking time and honestly, they are fun. 

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Minced onion
• Ketchup

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Recipe Notes:

• Do not over-mix your meat mixture. Simply mix until everything until it is combined well. Over mixing can give you a tough meatloaf.

• Not a fan of ketchup? It can be replaced with your favorite BBQ sauce.

• The internal temperature of your meat should be at least 160 degrees when done.

• The mini meatloaves pictured are topped with mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy about them ( they are actually made from potato flakes!). I piped them with a 1M piping tip.
• This recipe should make you anywhere from 10-12 mini meatloaves, depending on the size. 

Can I Bake This in A Loaf Pan Instead?

Of course!  In a 9-10 inch loaf pan, bake it for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?

Yes! Ground beef and ground turkey will both work fine for these. However, ground turkey has less fat content than ground beef. So, cut your cooking time back just a few minutes. This will help the meatloaves stay moist and not dry out.

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Mini Meatloaves

One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes- The classic! Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce. It's all made up in one pot and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. 

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 I have shared this recipe in the past and the one question is....is that ketchup amount correct?  The answer?  Yes, it is.   

This is my mom's sloppy joe recipe and just the smell of it in my kitchen transports me back to my childhood.  It's so yummy and goes perfect with a side of plain ole' potato chips!

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Celery
• White vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt/Pepper

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Recipe Notes

Can I Use Ground Turkey?

Yes. Your ground beef can easily be replaced with ground turkey. 

Onion and Celery

I like to use fresh versions of both.  I chop them up pretty well, so, I don't have chunks in the sauce. However, you can use dry minced onion or celery salt as a replacement. 

Can This Be Doubled?

Yes! This can easily be doubled. The doubled version will serve about 10-12 people! 

Can I Freeze This?

Again, yes!  Make your sloppy joes as directed and let them cool completely.  Then, store in a freezer safe, covered storage bag or container.  They will be good for 3-6 months. When you are ready, defrost to room temperature, then, reheat in a skillet. 

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One Pot Sloppy Joes

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken- Moist, flavorful chicken that only needs a handful of simple ingredients to make.  Serve it with your favorite starchy side and call it dinner. 

This chicken?  Soooo good.

This chicken? Soooo simple.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Mayonnaise
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried spices: onion, garlic, black pepper

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Recipe Notes

Chicken

This can be easily cut back or doubled to fit your serving size.   I usually make about 1 pound of chicken breasts or about 4 medium size breasts. 

Can I Use Any Type of Mayonnaise?

Yes.  I have used regular mayo, vegan mayo, mayo made with olive oil, homemade mayo and low fat.  They all work! Note, I have not used Miracle Whip or something similar, so, I can't say for sure how it would work out. If you do, please let me know. 👍

Parmesan Cheese

You can use fresh or grated. Go with your favorite!

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Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Spaghetti

 Baked Spaghetti-  A delicious and easy dish filled with cooked spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, cheese and Italian sausage. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad to round out your meal.

Much like Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, this recipe has been in my recipe archives for a really long time.  Honestly, I can't remember who gave it to me, but, it is, like the cookies, a family favorite. 

It can be adapted to your own taste preference and be ready in a snap.

Ingredients Needed

• Spaghetti
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian sausage
• Spaghetti sauce
• Egg

Recipe Notes

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Any kind.  Yes, any kind  You can use regular spaghetti, whole wheat or a gluten free version.  I have used them all with this recipe and they all work great.  You will be baking your spaghetti after it's already cooked, so, simply follow the directions on your preferred pasta box. 

💡Tip:  If you have leftover, plain, cooked spaghetti in your fridge...this is a great way to make use of it. 

Why Do I Rinse The Pasta in Cold Water?

This will stop the cooking process of the pasta and will help prevent your spaghetti from being mushy or overcooked.  

Can I Use A Different Protein?

Yes.  Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey, ground beef or a meatless crumble option.  You can also omit the protein/meat altogether.  It's delicious either way. 😉

Storage

Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. 

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Baked Spaghetti

Italian Sausage Manicotti

Italian Sausage Manicotti- The classic pasta dish with a handy shortcut! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines mozzarella cheese, manicotti shells and zesty Italian sausage for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table craving for more.

Manicotti is something my mom made quite a bit.  However, her version seemed to take her all afternoon to make.  While it was delicious, I just didn't have the patience to make the traditional manicotti.  Plus, my family are not a fan of ricotta cheese.  

So, I omit it and use mozzarella string cheese as a quick and easy shortcut!

Ingredients Needed

• Manicotti shells
• Italian sausage (spicy or mild) 
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried Spices: garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt & pepper
• Mozzarella string cheese
• Shredded Italian blend cheese

Recipe Notes & Tips

String Cheese?

Yep.  See an example here. 

Do I Have to Use Italian Sausage?

No. If desired, you can use ground beef, ground turkey or a meatless option.  You can also omit a protein all together and only use the sauce. 

Can I Freeze This?

Yes.  If desired, you can freeze this before baking.  Simply prepare as noted in the recipe, with the exception of the shredded cheese topping  ( use a freezer safe baking dish!) and cover tightly with foil or a lid.  Place in the freezer for future use.  It will be good for a couple of months.  When you are ready to eat, defrost it to room temp and bake as noted in the recipe.  If you bake it while it is still frozen or even partially frozen, you will have to increase your baking time.  

Tips

• After making/draining your manicotti shells, do your best to space the cooked shells apart from each other.  After making, they can stick together easily. 
• Want to split up your recipe? You can divide this into 2- 8 or 9 inch baking pans.  Eat one for dinner and freeze the other pan for a future dinner.  See above for freezing instructions. 

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Italian Sausage Manicotti

Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Ham and Cheddar Scramble- Start your day off right! A hearty dish of scrambled eggs, diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect way to do it. Delicious and packed full of protein. 

While my mom was the total foodie in the family, my dad did a bit of cooking.  Mom handled desserts and dinner, and my dad made weekend breakfasts.  His go-to scrambled eggs were packed full of ham and cheese and were always made perfect.

He never had an official "recipe" for his eggs, but, I did develop this as my own recipe once I started cooking for myself. 

These are perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner! 

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Deli ham
• Dried spices:  salt, pepper, onion powder
• Butter

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Recipe Notes

Can I Adjust This Recipe Easily?

Yes, of course! If desired, this recipe can be easily increased or decreased to fit your preference. 

Cheese

I love a good sharp cheddar cheese in my eggs, but, actually, any flavor will work.  I do recommend using shredded cheese ( either pre-made shredded or shredded by you), as it will melt easier and quicker.

How Long Should I Cook My Eggs?

Anywhere from 3-5 minutes.  This will depend on how you like your scrambled eggs.  If you like your eggs softer, cook them for a shorter time.  If you like them firmer, cook them longer. 

The Most Important Thing About Cooking Scrambled Eggs!

For the best eggs, cook them on low.  Cooking your eggs on high heat could dry them out and give you some not-so-great-tasting scrambled eggs.

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Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs- Easy meatballs that are baked right in your oven and are totally versatile!  Goes perfect with a side of pasta, rice, on a sandwich or by themselves.

These meatballs are my mom's classic recipe.  She made them with ground beef and we usually ate them with pasta and red sauce.  I make them with ground turkey, ground chicken or ground beef. Plus, I serve them on sandwiches, with rice ( & sweet and sour sauce) or in casseroles. 

Ingredients Needed:

• Ground turkey
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Parsley + Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Do I Have to Use Ground Turkey?

Nope. This recipe will also work for ground beef, ground chicken or ground pork.  With that said, ground turkey has less fat than these previous mention meats. So, you may need to cut back your baking time by just a minute or two. 

Can I Freeze These?

Yes.  Let them cool completely. Then, store in a freezer safe/covered container or storage bag. They will be good for 2-3 months. 

Serving Ideas:

These go great with the traditional red sauce and pasta. However, they will also go great on sandwiches, served with rice or potatoes, served with Alfredo sauce, with BBQ or just plain. They are also perfect for lunch! 

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Baked Meatballs