Category: Uncategorized

  • Clam Dip

    This clam dip is creamy, savory, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering! Whether paired with crispy chips or fresh veggies, it’s a quick and easy recipe that tastes incredible. It’s the perfect appetizer for game day, potlucks, holidays, or a casual snack!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Great Texture and Flavor: A perfect blend of smooth creaminess with savory clam flavor.

    Easy to Make: Whips up quickly with simple ingredients.

    Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, potlucks, or game day.

    Make-Ahead Friendly: Preps easily ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

    What’s in Clam Dip?

    Just a handful of simple ingredients for this clam dip recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear!

    Room Temperature Cream Cheese: The creamy base that gives the dip its rich, smooth texture.

    Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and lightens the consistency.

    Green Onions: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

    Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a savory, umami depth to balance the creaminess.

    Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors with a hint of acidity.

    Hot Sauce: Adds a subtle kick of heat.

    Chopped Canned Clams: The star ingredient, lending a briny, seafood flavor.

    Reserved Clam Juice: For extra clam flavor and to ensure the dip has the perfect consistency.

    Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor.

    How to Make Clam Dip

    Why settle for store-bought dip when you can make this delicious clam dip in just minutes? Simply beat all the ingredients with a mixer, then stir in the clams. It’s so easy and tasty, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

    Mix: Use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the sour cream, green onions, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and hot sauce.

    Add Clams and Season: Once fully combined, stir in the clams and reserved clam juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Clam Dip Tips and Variations

    You guys, this clam dip is super easy to switch up and make it how you like. Here are some ideas to get you started.

    Soften the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about an hour to make it easier to beat smooth.

    Minced Clams: You can use minced clams instead of chopped clams if you prefer smaller pieces.

    Turn Up the Heat! If you like things a little spicier, add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper!

    Use Greek Yogurt: While the recipe calls for sour cream, you can replace it with plain greek yogurt for added protein.

    How to Store Leftover Clam Dip

    Storing: Clam dip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving it.

    Make Ahead: The dip can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, though I would hold off on adding the green onions until you plan to serve it.

    More Quick Dip Recipes

    Looking for more delicious and addictive dips? You’re in the right place! They’re all so rich and flavorful you might not want to share! For more snack inspiration, check out my full list of appetizers!

    Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip (Poolside Dip)

    10 mins

    Taco Dip

    5 mins

    Cottage Cheese Dip

    5 mins

    Creamy Jalapeño Dip

    5 mins

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    Clam Dip

    This clam dip is creamy, savory and the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering! Whether paired with crispy chips or fresh veggies, it’s a quick and easy recipe that tastes incredible. Perfect for game day, potlucks, holidays or a casual snack!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Clam Dip, Clam dip recipe, Clam dip with cream cheese, Clam dip with potato chips, Cold clam dip, Retro clam dip
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 163kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese cup sour cream2 tablespoons sliced green onions1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice½-1 teaspoon hot sauce1 (6.5-ounce) can chopped clams, drained except for 1 tablespoon of juicesalt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    Use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth in a medium-sized bowl.
    Stir in the sour cream, green onions, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
    Once fully combined, stir in the clams and reserved clam juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Serve with salty potato chips, butter crackers, or fresh vegetables.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 621IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 0.2mg
  • Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

    Boursin stuffed mushrooms are a fun, delicious appetizer or side dish. These creamy, cheesy stuffed mushrooms are packed with flavorful Boursin cheese and topped with a delightful breadcrumb crunch.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: You can whip these bad boys up in under an hour. They just take some time to stuff the mushrooms. But they are so worth it!

    Crowd Pleaser: These are the perfect appetizer or side dish to feed a crowd. They are always the first to go, so you might want to double the batch.

    Versatility: Mushrooms can be an elegant date night side dish to a fun snack for viewing the game. For date night serve them with steak, potatoes and crème brûlée for dessert.

    Ingredients for Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

    The list of ingredients is small, but probably not items you always keep on hand. They are easy to come by and can be found at any grocery store. For exact measurements scroll to the recipe card at he bottom of the post.

    Baby Bella Mushrooms: I love the shape and size of baby Bella mushrooms for making stuffed mushrooms.

    Boursin Cheese: It has a texture similar to cream cheese but with a garlic and herb-infused flavor. Use store-bought or make your own Boursin cheese.

    Panko Bread Crumbs: Adds a nice crunch to balance the soft, smooth cheese and mushrooms.

    Salted Butter: Helps create a nice crust to the breadcrumb mixture.

    Fresh Parsley: Gives the mushrooms a beautiful color and fresh herb flavor.

    How to Make Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

    These cute little mushroom apps are so easy to put together. They seriously taste so amazing! It doesn’t take a lot of work, and they can be ready in 45 minutes. They are great to bring to the next get-together, watch the big game, or have a holiday gathering.

    Prep and Fill: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Clean all the mushrooms and remove the stems. Discard or use them for a different recipe. Carefully spoon the Boursin cheese into the hollows of the mushrooms, letting it dome a little on top, pressing it in as needed. The amount of Boursin used will vary depending on the size of your mushrooms.

    Combine: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, butter, and parsley.

    Coat: Press the Boursin side of the mushrooms into the panko bread crumbs until all the Boursin has been coated.

    Bake: Place the mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes or until the panko is golden brown. Serve warm.

    Boursin Stuffed Mushroom Tips and Variations

    Use the air fryer: Cook these in the air fryer instead of the oven by preheating the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 2 minutes before adding the mushrooms and cooking for 8-10 minutes, until heated through, and the panko on top is golden brown.

    Protein: Add some sausage by cooking and draining ½ pound of sausage and crumbling it into a bowl. Once the sausage is cooled, stir the Boursin into the sausage until fully combined. Fill and bake the mushrooms as directed. You will likely need 1 ½ pounds or so of mushrooms.

    Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Let the mushrooms have some space for airflow and moisture to evaporate; otherwise, they won’t cook very evenly and may end up soggy and rubbery.

    Use Your Hands: Boursin can be very crumbly, so if it feels better just to stuff the mushrooms and round the top with your fingers, make sure you have clean hands and go for it!

    Mushroom Type: You can switch up the type of mushroom you use if you want. For example, you can use white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or even portobello mushrooms to add more flavor and texture. They will all have a slightly different texture and flavor but will work just the same.

    Make Ahead and Storing Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

    Prepare your mushrooms in advance! You can prep them all the way through step 5 up to 24 hours in advance and keep them in the fridge in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake them, remove the mushrooms from the refrigerator and bake as directed in step 6.

    Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until heated through.

    More Mushroom-Inspired Recipes to Try

    Mushroom Swiss Burger

    30 mins

    Air Fryer Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

    10 mins

    Grilled Honey Soy Mushroom Skewers

    16 mins

    Air Fryer Mushrooms

    15 mins

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    Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

    Boursin stuffed mushrooms are a fun, delicious appetizer or side dish. These creamy, cheesy stuffed mushrooms are packed with flavorful Boursin cheese and topped with a delightful breadcrumb crunch.
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword boursin cheese stuffed mushrooms, Boursin Mushrooms, Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms, mushrooms stuffed with boursin, stuffed mushrooms
    Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 91kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 pound baby bella mushrooms1 5.3-ounce package Boursin cheese1 cup panko bread crumbs2 tablespoons salted butter, melted1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Clean all the mushrooms and remove the stems. Discard or use them for a different recipe.
    Carefully spoon the Boursin cheese into the hollows of the mushrooms, letting it dome a little on top, pressing it in as needed. The amount of Boursin used will vary depending on the size of your mushrooms.
    In a small bowl, combine the panko, butter, and parsley.
    Press the Boursin side of the mushrooms into the panko until all the Boursin has been coated.
    Place the mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes or until the panko is golden brown. Serve warm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Salisbury Steak Casserole

    Salisbury Steak casserole is a warm and comforting savory dish. It has a thick beef gravy, tender mushrooms, and seasoned hamburger topped with rich, creamy potatoes.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: This delicious meal only takes 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. It’s a great recipe to use on busy weeknights.

    Crowd-Pleaser: You’re going to love this recipe because your whole family will like it! It’s super flavorful and hearty.

    Comfort Food: This is a great comfort food dish to make on a cold night. To complete the meal, make some of my Lion House rolls and green beans bundles.

    Ingredients in Salisbury Steak Casserole

    The ingredients needed for this recipe are simple and budget-friendly. You can find everything easily in the grocery store if you don’t already have them in your kitchen. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Lean Ground Beef: The perfect protein base to absorb all of the delicious flavors.

    Salt and Black Pepper: To taste!

    Unsalted Butter: Used to cook the onions and mushrooms, adding a buttery rich flavor.

    Onion: Give the dish a wonderful savory flavor.

    Mushrooms: Provide another means of absorbing the incredible flavor and a tender texture.

    Minced Garlic: Give me all the garlic for all the flavor!

    All Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the gravy.

    Beef Broth: Adds so much savory, rich flavor.

    Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a lovely umami flavor.

    Apple Cider Vinegar: The hint of tang is the perfect contrast to the savory.

    Mashed Potatoes: You can use store-bought or make my famous mashed potatoes.

    Cubed Butter: Used to add the buttery brown flavor on top of the potatoes while they cook. Keeping them soft and moist!

    How to Make Salisbury Steak Casserole

    This dish reminds me of my dad. He is a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. He loves the original Salisbury steak recipe. I love how this one you can make it all in one pan. It makes prep and cleanup easy.

    Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then heat a large, oven-safe, deep skillet over medium-high heat on the stove. Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until mostly browned. It will finish cooking later.

    Cook: Drain the fat and remove the cooked beef. Add the butter, diced onion, and mushrooms, then cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

    Combine: Add the garlic to the skillet, then cook for one minute. Whisk the flour into the melted butter and vegetables to create a paste.

    Whisk: Slowly whisk in the beef broth to create a smooth gravy sauce.

    Stir: Stir in the cooked meat, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar, then remove the skillet from heat.

    Bake: Spread the potatoes evenly over the veggie and meat mixture, then top with the cubed butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown on top and the casserole is heated through. Remove from the oven, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

    Salisbury Steak Casserole Tips and Variations

    I love how simple and delicious this recipe is. It is easy to adjust to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

    Protein: You can use ground turkey for a lighter dish. 

    Potatoes: You can use frozen hashbrowns instead of mashed potatoes; just spread them over the surface of the casserole, put the cubed butter over the top, and bake according to the instructions.

    Gluten-Free Option: I use a roux method to make the gravy sauce, which uses flour to thicken the sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, leave out the flour, whisk the broth in with the vegetables, and thicken the sauce with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

    How to Store Leftover Casserole

    This dish makes the best leftovers because all of the flavors have time to meld beautifully. Plus, your kids will love having them to warm up after school, and you can also heat them up for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

    Fridge: You can easily store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

    Freezer: You can also store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. I recommend storing them in servings of about 1 ½ cups, so they’re easier to reheat.

    More Salisbury Steak-Inspired Recipes

    I am a huge fan of Salisbury steak. They remind me of my dad, and they taste like home. Here are some of my favorite tried and true recipes for you.

    Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

    1 hr 10 mins

    Skillet Salisbury Steak

    30 mins

    Skillet Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie

    40 mins

    Crockpot Salisbury Steak

    3 hrs 20 mins

    Print

    Salisbury Steak Casserole

    Salisbury Steak casserole is a warm and comforting savory dish. It has a thick beef gravy with tender mushrooms and seasoned hamburger topped with rich, creamy potatoes.
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Keyword salisbury steak casserole, salisbury steak recipe, skillet salisbury steak casserole
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 5 people
    Calories 497kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 ½ pounds lean ground beefSalt and pepper to taste3 tablespoons unsalted butter½ cup diced onion, about ½ medium onion8 ounces sliced mushrooms2 teaspoons minced garlic, about 2 cloves2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 ½ cups beef broth3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar4 cups mashed potatoes, store bought or fresh2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
    Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until mostly browned. It will finish cooking later.
    Remove the cooked beef. Add the butter, diced onion, and mushrooms, and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
    Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for just a minute. Whisk the flour into the melted butter and vegetables to create a paste.
    Slowly whisk in the beef broth to create the smooth gravy sauce.
    Stir in the cooked meat, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Remove the skillet from heat.
    Spread the potatoes evenly over the skillet, top with the cubed butter, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown on top and the casserole is heated through.
    Remove from the oven, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 501mg | Potassium: 1272mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 5mg
  • Orange Monkey Bread

    Orange monkey bread is a fun twist on a classic sticky pull-apart bread. It’s packed with soft, buttery biscuit pieces, bursts of citrusy orange zest, and a sticky, sweet glaze. Everyone will want to get their hands on this delicious dish!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Flavor: Fresh orange zest with a sweet buttery glaze is perfection on this gooey pull-apart dish.

    Easy to Make: This is the easiest recipe to whip up for a quick and delicious breakfast or Sunday afternoon treat.

    Holiday Brunch: Your family and friends will absolutely love this fun twist on the classic monkey bread. Serve it with my lemon-baked pancake, and mini quiches.

    Ingredients Needed for Orange Monkey Bread

    You only need a few simple ingredients to make this incredibly tasty treat. It’s perfect to make during the holidays because oranges are in season. Grab some canned biscuits and oranges, and you should have everything else at home! Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Granulated Sugar: Provides a sweet base for the citrusy, sticky glaze.

    Orange Zest: Gives the best burst of orange citrus flavor.

    Refrigerated Biscuits: Make this recipe super easy. I love how light and fluffy they are with zero effort. The hardest part is that they scare me half to death when I open the can of biscuits.

    Unsalted Butter: Provides the base for the signature sticky glaze.

    Brown Sugar: Adds a depth of sweetness to the sauce.

    Fresh Orange Juice: I say fresh because using freshly squeezed orange juice makes such a difference.

    Salt: Perfectly enhances all of the flavors in the dish.

    How to Make Orange Monkey Bread

    Making this treat is super simple. Cut up the biscuits, coat them in sugar and orange zest, heat up the glaze, and pop it in the oven! Have your kids help you cut up the biscuits.

    Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then grease a bundt pan with pan spray, making sure to coat the center and all crevices. Use a fork to mash the orange zest into the sugar until fragrant to release the oils.

    Quarter: Cut the biscuits into quarters. 

    Coat: Toss the biscuits in a large ziplock with the orange sugar until all of the biscuit pieces are fully coated. 

    Dump: Transfer the biscuit pieces to the bundt pan, distributing them evenly. 

    Cook: Add the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, and salt to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until boiling.

    Bake: Boil for 2 minutes before pouring the syrup over the biscuits in the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the monkey bread cool for 5-10 minutes before turning it upside down onto a heat-proof plate, then carefully lift the pan off and serve.

    Orange Monkey Bread Tips and Variations

    This recipe is super fun to play around with. I’ve always been such a huge fan of the cinnamon version, but I gotta tell you, this orange variation is a close second. Here are some tips to ensure yours turns out super flavorful.

    Don’t skip the orange zest step! By combining the sugar and orange zest, you release all the flavorful oils in the zest. This transforms regular granulated sugar into incredible orange sugar. As a result, this step ensures that the bright, delicious orange flavor is infused throughout the entire monkey bread!

    Use a pan spray with flour in it! I have found that the best way to get monkey bread, or other treats baked in a bundt pan, release the cleanest when the pan is sprayed well with a baking spray that contains flour.

    Muffin Version: You can make this into muffins if you place 3-4 pieces of orange-sugar-coated biscuit pieces into each well of a well-greased muffin pan. Top each with a few large spoonfuls of syrup before baking for 20-25 minutes, until the centers of the muffins reach 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

    How to Properly Store Leftovers

    At Room Temperature: Store wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

    Fridge: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

    Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this monkey bread because of the amount of syrup. It will become a soggy, sticky mess.

    DO NOT Make Ahead: Avoid preparing this monkey bread in advance. Opening canned biscuit dough and delaying baking causes it to deflate and rise poorly.

    More Monkey Bread Recipes To Try

    If you’re like me, then I know you love a good pull-apart bread; it is the perfect snack to make for a group of kids, a family movie night, or any time you need something quick and easy.

    Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread

    1 hr

    Breakfast Monkey Bread

    1 hr

    Pizza Monkey Bread

    50 mins

    Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

    35 mins

    Print

    Orange Monkey Bread

    Orange monkey bread is a fun twist on a classic sticky pull-apart bread. It’s packed with soft, buttery biscuit pieces, bursts of citrusy orange zest, and a sticky, sweet glaze. Everyone will want to get their hands on this delicious dish!
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Breakfast Monkey Bread, Christmas Breakfast, Orange Monkey Bread, Sweet Monkey Bread
    Prep Time 25 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 774kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    cup granulated sugar3 tablespoons orange zest2 (16.5-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits1 cup unsalted butter¾ cup brown sugar cup fresh orange juice teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a bundt pan with pan spray, making sure to coat the center and all crevices.
    Use a fork to mash the orange zest into the sugar until fragrant to release the oils.
    Cut the biscuits into quarters.
    Toss the biscuits in a large ziplock with the orange sugar until all of the biscuit pieces are fully coated.
    Transfer the biscuit pieces to the bundt pan, distributing them evenly.
    Add the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, and salt to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until boiling. Boil for 2 minutes before pouring the syrup over the biscuits in the pan.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the monkey bread cool for 5-10 minutes before turning it upside down onto a heat-proof plate. Carefully lift the pan off and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 774kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 1134mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 742IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 4mg
  • Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

    This festive cranberry pecan cheese ball is an easy appetizer for the holiday season! Everyone will love this creamy cheese ball loaded with delicious texture from the dried cranberries and pecans. Serve this impressive appetizer with crackers and enjoy!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Cheese Ball

    Crowd-Pleasing: Your guests will go crazy over this cranberry pecan cheese ball! Such a festive and impressive appetizer for parties.

    Perfect Holiday Appetizer: Taste the flavors of the holidays in this cheese ball! Try my Jalapeno Popper Dip or this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip if you need more holiday appetizer ideas!

    Make Ahead: Everyone loves a make-ahead option during the busy holiday season! This cheese ball is fast and easy to make in advance. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it!

    Ingredients Needed

    This cranberry pecan cheese ball uses 7 simple ingredients, it is packed full of flavor. The combination of cream cheese and white cheddar cheese is a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the dried cranberries. Finish it off with crunchy pecans then you have a winning Christmas appetizer!

    Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is best!

    Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Seasons the cheese ball perfectly.

    Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: If you’ve never had white cheddar cheese, it is incredible…especially in this recipe!

    Green Onions: Fresh chopped green onions add flavor and a pop of color.

    Dried Cranberries: Adds a sweet soft texture to the cheese ball!

    Pecans: Rolling the cheese ball in crunchy pecans adds flavor and texture.

    Let’s Make a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball!

    Whip up this easy appetizer in 10 minutes! It’s important to use softened cream cheese so your cheese ball mixes easily! This is a perfect recipe for making ahead of time and your guests will love this recipe!

    Beat: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl.

    Combine: Add the cheese, green onions, and ¾ cup dried cranberries to the cream cheese mixture.

    Mix: Mix until incorporated well into the cream cheese mixture.

    Shape and Refrigerate: Shape the mixture into a ball using plastic wrap to make it easy! Cover and chill refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour.

    Roll in Pecans: Place the chopped pecans on a plate. Roll the cheese ball over the pecans and coat the outside of the cheese ball evenly.

    Garnish and Serve: Add on the remaining ¼ cup dried cranberries and additional green onions to add color! Serve with crackers and enjoy!

    Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tips

    Here are a few tips for success when making this cranberry pecan cheese ball! These tips will help you achieve a show-stopping appetizer!

    Forming Into a Ball: It’s easiest to transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull the corners of the plastic wrap together and twist to easily form a ball. Roll your cheese ball on the counter to help form the shape. Then, finish shaping it with your hands.

    Pecan Tips: You can roll the cheese ball in nuts ahead of time. If you want them to remain firm and crunchy, I recommend waiting to roll the ball in the pecans right before serving. Just place the nuts in a bowl and press all sides (except the bottom) of the cheese ball in the nuts.

    Serving Tips: Place the cheese ball on a plate then gently press the ball onto the plate. Twist to secure it into place. This is so that the ball doesn’t roll as people are enjoying it. Place a variety of crackers around the ball and serve.

    Season to Taste: Taste your cheese ball mixture before shaping. If you think it needs a bit of salt to enhance any flavors, feel free to sprinkle in a dash of salt. Stir, taste, and adjust to your liking!

    Storing Leftovers

    Cheese balls make the best leftovers! The flavors meld together and taste even better the next day. They’re easy to store and stay tasting delicious for days. 

    In the Refrigerator: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the dried cranberries can slightly soften from refrigeration.

    Make Ahead: Make and form the cheese ball then let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour or up to 3 days! Before serving, roll the cheese ball mixture into the pecans and dried cranberries.

    Sweet and Savory Cheese Balls to Try!

    Did you know that cheese balls can be either savory or sweet? They are a perfect appetizer or a fun twist on a dessert. I can’t wait for you to try some of my favorites!

    Easy Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

    1 hr 10 mins

    Best Ever Pineapple Cheese Ball

    15 mins

    Cannoli Cheeseball

    10 mins

    Smoky Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

    15 mins

     

    Print

    Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

    This festive cranberry pecan cheese ball is an easy appetizer for the holiday season! Everyone will love this creamy cheese ball loaded with delicious texture from the dried cranberries and pecans. Serve this impressive appetizer with crackers and enjoy!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Keyword cranberry cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball recipe, fall appetizer
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour hour
    Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 10 people
    Calories 154kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded¼ cup green onions, chopped1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided1 cup pecans, chopped

    Instructions

    Using an electric hand mixer, mix the cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl.
    Add the shredded cheese, green onions, and ¾ cup dried cranberries to the cream cheese mixture.
    Mix until incorporated well into the cream cheese mixture.
    Shape the mixture into a ball using plastic wrap to make it easy! Cover and chill refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour.
    Place the pecans on a plate. Roll the cheese ball over the pecans and coat the outside of the cheese ball evenly.
    Add on the remaining ¼ cup dried cranberries and additional green onions to add color! Serve with crackers and enjoy!

    Notes

    Updated on December 01, 2024

    Originally Posted on December 05, 2018

    Nutrition

    Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 0.4mg
  • Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

    Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is coated with a sweet and tangy spiced glaze that caramelizes on the edge of the ham. It’s covered in juicy pineapple rings and maraschino cherries that add a tangy sweetness and juices to the succulent ham.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Beautiful: This ham is a show-stopper! The juicy pineapple with bright maraschino cherries makes it look like a work of art. Little will your guests know how incredible it tastes.

    Holiday Traditions: Ham is a great alternative or addition to turkey during Christmas or any holiday. This recipe will make your ham incredibly flavorful and juicy.

    Versatile: This ham goes well with everything. You can serve it for Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner with Au gratin potatoes, a leafy green salad, and pan-roasted vegetables.

    Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Ingredients

    If you’re like me, then you love having both ham and turkey as options for the holidays. I also love having ham for Easter, and this has the most beautiful look. You will need a ham and some basic ingredients to create this masterpiece. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

    Ham:

    Fully Cooked Boneless Ham: Has the perfect salty, smokey flavor that is enhanced by the sweet, tangy spiced glaze.

    Brown Sugar: Adds a sweet flavor and helps the glaze caramelize on the crust of the ham.

    Spices: The myriad of spices, including Coriander, Cinnamon, Cumin, Allspice, and Pepper, provide a complex flavor that includes warmth, earthiness, and spice.

    Can Pineapple Rings: Go on the outside of the ham, providing juice and a bright, tangy flavor.

    Maraschino Cherries: Beautifully bright red contrasted with the yellow pineapple, giving the ham a sweet flavor and classic holiday look.

    Toothpicks: Keep the pineapple and cherries in place.

    Pineapple Glaze:

    Pineapple Juice: Gives the glaze a sweet, tangy tropical flavor and keeps the ham juicy.

    Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and creates the caramel glaze.

    Dijon Mustard: Gives the glaze a bright, sharp flavor and adds complexity.

    Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a unique umami flavor that balances the tang and sweetness.

    How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

    Making this ham might look complex, but trust me, it’s super easy. The oven does most of the work! You will want to make brown sugar pineapple glazed ham more than just on holidays or special occasions.

    Prep: Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and place the oven rack in the lower 3rd of the oven. Prepare the roasting pan by inserting a roasting rack. Place the ham on the rack, then mix the brown sugar, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, and pepper in a small bowl.

    Rub: Place the ham inside the roasting pan on the rack, and then rub the spice mixture thoroughly over the ham.

    Whisk: In a small saucepan, whisk the pineapple juice, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture melts and slightly thickens.

    Baste: Baste half of the pineapple glaze all over the ham, then set aside the remaining glaze for later.

    Add Pineapples and Cherries: Place the pineapple rings on top of the glazed pineapple. The pineapple will stick to the glaze, but you can use toothpicks to help secure the pineapple. Use a toothpick to secure a marichino cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring.

    Bake: Pour ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The ham is already fully cooked, you just want it to be warmed through.

    Baste: Take the ham out of the oven, then brush it with the remaining pineapple glaze. Set the oven to broil and place the ham back in the oven. Broil the ham for 2-4 minutes or until the glaze caramelizes on top. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

    Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze Ham Tips

    Ham Size: Depending on the size of your ham, you may need to bake it more or less. I used a 5-pound ham, which took 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the desired temperature. Bone-in ham will also affect baking time, but you can use a bone-in fully cooked ham. 

    Ham: This recipe is for a fully cooked store-bought ham, if you are using raw meat the baking time will be different, a ham that has not previously been cooked needs to temp out to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 

    How to Store Leftover Pineapple Glazed Ham

    Having ham leftovers is the best! It means delicious sandwiches and other fun recipes. Here is how to properly store the leftover pineapple ham.

    Fridge or Freezer: Carve the whole ham into slices and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

    Carve: I like to carve the ham while fresh because it makes it easier to store, and I can pull out single servings to reheat. 

    Reuse: You can use the leftover ham to make so many delicious recipes. Try my Split Pea Soup or Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole

    More Delicious Ham Recipes

    Instant Pot Ham

    30 mins

    Classic Honey Glazed Ham

    2 hrs 20 mins

    Apricot Glazed Ham (The Best Ham I Have EVER Had!)

    1 hr 55 mins

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Mustard Glazed Ham

    4 hrs 10 mins

    Print

    Spiced Rub Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

    Spiced Rub Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is coated with a sweet and tangy spiced glaze that caramelizes on the edge of the ham. This will be the star at your holiday dinner table!
    Course Dinner, main dish
    Cuisine American, Holiday
    Keyword brown sugar and pineapple glazed ham, pineapple glazed ham, spice-rubbed ham, Spiced rub brown sugar pineapple glazed ham
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings 10 people
    Calories 2032kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Ham:

    1 5-7 pound fully cooked boneless ham¼ cup brown sugar1 teaspoon coriander1 teaspoon cinnamon½ teaspoon cumin¼ teaspoon allspice¼ teaspoon pepper1 20-ounce can pineapple rings, drained¼ cup maraschino cherries drainedtoothpicks

    Pineapple Glaze:

    ½ cup pineapple juice½ cup brown sugar¼ cup Dijon mustard1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and place the oven rack in the lower 3rd of the oven. Prepare the roasting pan by inserting a roasting rack. Place the ham inside the roasting pan on the rack.
    Mix the brown sugar, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, and pepper in a small bowl.
    Place the ham inside the roasting pan on the rack then rub the spice mixture thoroughly over the ham.
    In a small saucepan whisk the pineapple juice, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture melts and slightly thickens.
    Baste half of the pineapple glaze all over the ham. Set aside the remaining glaze for later.
    Place the pineapple rings on top of the glazed pineapple. The pineapple will stick to the glaze, but you can use toothpicks to help secure the pineapple. Use a toothpick to secure a marichino cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring.
    Pour ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The ham is already fully cooked, you just want it to be warmed through.
    Take the ham out of the oven and brush it with the remaining pineapple glaze. Set the oven to broil and place the ham back in the oven. Broil the ham for 2-4 minutes or until the glaze caramelizes on top. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

    Notes

    Originally Published on December 4, 2017

    Updated on November 30, 2024

    Nutrition

    Calories: 2032kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 173g | Fat: 134g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 63g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 496mg | Sodium: 9592mg | Potassium: 2361mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 7mg
  • Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

    These gingerbread crinkle cookies are incredibly soft and flavorful! Their deep molasses flavor, spiced to perfection and rolled in powdered sugar, is so good with a glass of milk. They are the perfect cookies to make for Santa this holiday season.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: These come together quickly and easily. Just give yourself 2 hours of chill time to ensure the most flavorful gingerbread cookies.

    Full of Flavor: The depth of flavor in these cookies is unmatched. The incredible spices mixed with the rich molasses and dusted in sugar is perfection.

    Holiday Cookies: These are such fun cookies to make for any Christmas party. Or make them to set out for Santa with my hot chocolate and whipped cream.

    Ingredients for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

    These cookies have warm spices, rich molasses, and that classic sugary coating you find in crinkle cookies. Each ingredient works together to give that cozy, festive flavor we all love! For exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Cookies

    Butter: Adds a rich, decadent flavor.

    Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the sweet flavor and chewy texture.

    Dark Brown Sugar: Provides a depth of sweetness and more molasses flavor.

    Unsulphered Molasses: The star of the gingerbread cookie flavor.

    All Purpose Flour: The base of the cookies that gives them a solid structure.

    Levening Agents: Adding both Baking Soda and Baking Powder will give your cookies a soft, chewy texture.

    Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

    Spices: Combining Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, and Ground Cloves will give your cookies the most flavorful gingerbread taste.

    Milk: Adds a creamy flavor to balance the rich molasses.

    Vanilla: Gives the cookies a warm, aromatic flavor.

    Rolling Sugars

    Granulated Sugar: Provides that little extra sweetness needed to make these gingerbread crinkle cookies taste perfectly delicious.

    Powdered Sugar: Gives the cookies that classic crinkle look with the white powder and the crinkles.

    How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

    These cookies are so yummy. I can’t wait for you guys to try them. They really are easy to make. Just make sure to give yourself two hours of chill time. Trust me, you will be happy you did! Make these for your next cookie exchange party, everyone will love them!

    Beat: Add the butter, sugar, and brown sugar to a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

    Mix: Add the molasses and mix until combined.

    Whisk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

    Chill: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until fully combined before mixing in the milk and vanilla extract. Split the dough into two discs and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

    Coat: After the dough chills, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and then line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and then roll them in the granulated sugar. Then, roll them in the powdered sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them.

    Bake: Bake for 10-13 minutes. The centers of the cookies will still look gooey and underbaked, which is just fine! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

    Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Tips

    Making this gingerbread cookie recipe is simple. You can have fun making them with your kids. Have them help you roll the dough balls in the sugars! Here are a few tips to make sure they turn out perfectly flavorful and crinkly!

    Measuring Flour: Using too much flour is a common baking mistake and will leave your baked goods dry and crumbly. Whisk the flour, then spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the top. Don’t shake the measuring cup.

    Chilling the Dough: It’s important to chill the gingerbread crinkle cookie dough for at least 2 hours. This will not only maximize the delicious flavors, but it also prevents spreading. It will also make the dough less sticky when you roll it.

    Plenty of Powdered Sugar: Roll the cookies into the powdered sugar, generously. This will ensure a pretty white layer among the cracks and crinkles.

    Coating Tips: I like to shape all the dough into balls before rolling each one in sugar. This way your hands are not covered in powdered sugar while trying to shape the next dough ball.

    Molasses: For this recipe, use unsulphured molasses. Blackstrap molasses is too strong and bitter and will overpower the spices in the cookies.

    Storing Leftovers

    Room Temperature: Store leftover gingerbread crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

    Freezer: Place baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and then freeze for up to 3 months.

    Freeze Dough: Scoop the dough into individual cookie dough balls and then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the cookie dough is frozen. Transfer to a freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, remove the cookie dough balls from the freezer and place them on a cookie sheet. Leave them at room temperature for an hour until thawed enough to roll into a uniform ball. Continue with step 7 and bake as directed.

    More Gingerbread Inspired Desserts

    If you’re like me, I know you love eating all the gingerbread-inspired desserts during the holidays. Check out the recipes below to find your new favorites!

    Gingerbread Cheesecake

    3 hrs 45 mins

    Cheesecake Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies

    2 hrs 55 mins

    Gingerbread Cake

    1 hr 15 mins

    Gingerbread Cupcakes

    1 hr 5 mins

    Print

    Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

    These gingerbread crinkle cookies are incredibly soft and flavorful! Their deep molasses flavor, spiced to perfection and rolled in powdered sugar, is so good with a glass of milk. They are the perfect cookies to make for Santa this holiday season.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword christmas cookies, gingerbread cookies, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, holiday cookies
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 13 minutes minutes
    chill time 2 hours hours
    Total Time 2 hours hours 28 minutes minutes
    Servings 18 cookies
    Calories 304kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 cup butter cup granulated sugar cup dark brown sugar½ cup unsulphered molasses3 ½ cups flour1 ½ teaspoons baking soda¼ teaspoon baking powder¾ teaspoon salt2 teaspoons ground ginger1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon½ teaspoon ground cloves3 tablespoons milk1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Rolling

    ½ cup granulated sugar½-1 cup powdered sugar

    Instructions

    Add the butter, sugar, and brown sugar to a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
    Add the molasses and mix until combined.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
    Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until fully combined before mixing in the milk and vanilla extract.
    Split the dough into two discs and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
    After the dough chills, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
    Scoop the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and roll them in the granulated sugar followed by the powdered sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheets leaving 2 inches between them.
    Bake for 10-13 minutes. The centers of the cookies will still look gooey and underbaked, which is just fine! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 277mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Grinch Oreo Balls

    These are the cutest Grinch Oreo balls you have ever seen! Fudgy Oreo filling is coated in green candy melts and garnished with the cutest red heart sprinkle. They taste amazing and will steal the show this holiday season at holiday parties, family get-togethers, or Christmas events.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Kid-Friendly: If your kids enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas as much as we do, then they will absolutely love these Grinch Oreo treats.

    Easy to Make: These come together so quickly and easily. They are so fun, and you will be able to make them with your kids. They will love adding the cute red heart at the end!

    Customizable: These are easy to switch up to make them for any holiday, theme, or occasion. Check out these thin mint truffles, pumpkin cream cheese truffles, and these adorable mummy cookie bites.

    Ingredients Needed for Grinch Oreo Balls

    The ingredients list for this recipe is short and sweet. You might have to do some digging to find the perfect shade of green and the right size of heart sprinkles, but once you do, easy peasy! Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Golden Oreo Cookies: I like to use golden Oreos for the sweet flavor and the ability to dye them the color I want. The fun thing about these Grinch Oreo balls is opening them up to the bright red filling.

    Cream Cheese: Combined with the Oreo cookie crumbs, it makes the most amazing fudgy texture and flavor.

    Light Green Candy Melts: Adds the whimsy and color to the candy shell that coats the bright red filling.

    Large Red Heart Sprinkles: This treat wouldn’t be complete without the heart sprinkles. They would just be green truffles. The heart is what makes them look Grinchy.

    How to Make Grinch Oreo Truffles

    This recipe comes together so quickly and easily. Just make sure you give yourself one hour of chilling time. I love making these with my girls. They love watching all the Grinch movies, and these Grinch Oreo balls are just the perfect treat to eat while watching.

    Food Processor: Add the Oreos to a large food processor.

    Blend: Pulse until you have fine cookie crumbs.

    Combine: Add the room-temperature cream cheese and mix until fully combined.

    Food Coloring: Add about ½ teaspoon of red food coloring and mix until combined, adding a few more drops to get a rich red color.

    Roll Balls: Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 1 ½-inch portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about one hour.

    Green Candy Coating: Add the candy melts to a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second increments with the microwave at 50% power. Stir well between each increment. Use a fork to dip each ball into the candy melts and tap off the excess chocolate before carefully sliding the dipped ball onto a clean parchment-lined baking sheet. Place a heart sprinkle or red candy heart on top while the chocolate is still wet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

    Grinch Oreo Tips and Variations

    Dipping Truffles: You can use a toothpick to dip Grinch Oreo balls, but I prefer a fork. The golden Oreos tend to have a softer Oreo truffle than the traditional chocolate Oreos.

    Toppings: Use a variety of sizes of sprinkle hearts, grinchy sprinkles, or even just drizzling chocolate over the tops of the truffes.

    Chocolate: Finding the right grinchy green chocolate can be a challenge! Stick with a light or electric green candy melts, or coating chocolate wafers. If you use white chocolate and want to color it green yourself, you will have to use an oil-based food coloring that is meant for chocolate. If you try using regular liquid or gel food coloring, the water base will cause the chocolate to seize.

    Thin the Chocolate: Add a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil to the chocolate to help it stay smooth as it coats the truffles! You may need to reheat it once or twice in the process, just heat it very gently and stir it well.

    Size: Make your truffles big or small! They are pretty rich, so don’t make them too big. Feel free to use any cookie scoop. Mine is 1 ½ tablespoons.

    Types of Oreos: You can use all types of oreos. Red velvet oreos would be fun if you can find them this time of year. Classic oreos are always delicious as well.

    How to Properly Store Grinch Oreo Balls

    Refrigerator: Place Grinch Oreo balls in a single layer in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week.

    Freezer: To freeze Grinch Oreo balls, place them in an airtight container and use sheets of parchment paper to separate layers. Freeze for up to three months.  Let them thaw for an hour at room temperature or several hours in the refrigerator.

    More Grinch-Inspired Holiday Treats

    Grinch Cookies

    36 mins

    Grinch Punch

    5 mins

    Grinch Fudge

    2 hrs 20 mins

    Christmas Cornflake Wreaths

    30 mins

    Print

    Grinch Oreo Balls

    Grinch Oreo balls are filled with an Oreo and cream cheese mixture, coated in green candy melts, and garnished with the cutest heart sprinkle.
    Course Appetizer, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Christmas Oreo Balls, Grinch Oreo Balls, Grinch Treats, Oreo Truffles, Red Velvet Oreo Truffles
    Prep Time 1 hour hour
    Chill Time 2 hours hours
    Total Time 3 hours hours
    Servings 20 Oreo Balls
    Calories 245kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 (13-ounce) package golden Oreos, not double stuffed. About 36 oreos1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese3 cups light green candy meltslarge red heart sprinkles, for decorating

    Instructions

    Add the Oreos to a large food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs.
    Add the cream cheese and mix until fully combined. Add about ½ teaspoon of red food coloring and mix until combined, adding a few more drops to get a rich red color.
    Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 1 ½-inch portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover it with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
    Add the candy melts to a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second increments with the microwave at 50% power. Stir well between each increment.
    Use a fork to dip each ball into the candy melts and tap off the excess. Then, carefully slide the dipped ball onto a clean, parchment-lined baking sheet. Place a heart sprinkle on top while the chocolate is still wet.
    Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 152IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.5mg
  • Weekly Meal Plan #28

    Planning meals for the week doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive! This week’s lineup is packed with variety to keep things exciting—think cozy crockpot recipes, quick skillet favorites, and comforting baked dishes. Each meal is simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to make dinnertime the best part of your day!

    The Menu for Dinner

    I’m keeping it simple and delicious this week with easy, flavorful meals! From a cozy slow cooker soup to bold and zesty dishes, there’s something to love every night. Click here for more meal plans!

    Monday: One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

    Tuesday: Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

    Wednesday: Pollo Asado

    Thursday: Pork Chops with an Apple Bacon Sauce

    Friday: Kung Pao Beef

    How Many Does It Feed?

    This free weekly meal plan is just what you need to start your week. It provides five meals that will feed 4-6 (depending on if you are feeding adults or kids), AND it includes a shopping list! With fresh new ideas and easy-to-make recipes, having a weekly menu plan will be a lifesaver.

    Marry Me Chicken Orzo

    Win everyone over with One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo! The recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with orzo pasta in the most irresistible, creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s quick to make and never disappoints!

    View Recipe

    Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

    5 from 1 vote
    This crock pot crack potato soup is the best and easiest soup you will ever make! It’s loaded with creamy cheese, potatoes, and savory bacon, all seasoned to perfection! Your family will love how it tastes!

    View Recipe

    Pollo Asado

    5 from 1 vote
    Mexican pollo asado is some of the juiciest, most flavorful grilled chicken you’ll ever taste. Each chicken thigh is marinated in a mix of tangy lime, orange, and a blend of spices for some kick. You’ll love each tender, flavor-packed bite!

    View Recipe

    Pork Chops with an Apple Bacon Sauce

    5 from 3 votes
    Pork Chops with an Apple Bacon Sauce are the answer to what’s for dinner! Savory pork is smothered in a sweet and salty sauce that is going to wow your tastebuds!

    View Recipe

    Kung Pao Beef

    Kung Pao Beef is just like your favorite takeout but way tastier! This dish is loaded with flavor and so easy to make. Tender, marinated beef is stir-fried with veggies in a tangy, spicy Asian sauce for an unforgettable meal!

    View Recipe

    Why Should I Meal Plan? 

    If you haven’t started meal planning yet, it’s time to give it a try—it’s a total game-changer! Here’s why I love it:

    Stress-Free Evenings: Knowing what’s for dinner takes the guesswork out of your day. No more staring into the fridge, hoping for inspiration!

    Healthier Choices: When you plan ahead, you can choose meals that are balanced and nutritious, making it easier to stick to your health goals.

    Less Food Waste: Meal planning helps you buy only what you need, so you’re not throwing out forgotten ingredients or leftovers. It’s great for your budget and the planet!

    Side Dishes for Dinner

    Easy Fried Rice

    35 mins

    Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

    25 mins

    Better than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

    40 mins

    Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

    20 mins

    My weekly meal plans always include a printable shopping list that is measured out and ready to go. It makes things so easy!

    Storing Leftovers for Meal Planning

    I only meal plan Monday-Friday because we sometimes have plans over the weekend, or I have leftovers that we can have to finish off the week! If you have leftovers, store them properly in an airtight container in your fridge.

  • Dragon Chicken

    Dragon Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish featuring tender breaded chicken stir-fried with vegetables and coated in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a crowd favorite for those who enjoy a fiery twist on the classic stir-fry!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Spice Lovers: This dish is perfect for spice lovers with its tangy, sweet, and fiery sauce. Get your glass of milk ready.

    Versatile Dish: Dragon chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or even on its own. I love making my chicken potstickers and fried rice to have on the side.

    Customizable: It’s easy to adjust spice levels and which veggies you use to suit your taste.

    Ingredients for Dragon Chicken

    With its bright red color and bold flavor, this restaurant-style dragon chicken is just like a restaurant style dish! It’s simple, delicious, and sure to please the whole family! Check the recipe card for exact measurements.

    For the Marinade

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: The star of the dish! It absorbs the flavors while staying tender and juicy.

    Egg: Acts as a binder and helps coat the chicken evenly, giving it a crispy texture during cooking.

    Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor and balances the spice.

    Chili Paste: Brings the heat and gives this recipe its signature kick.

    Ginger Paste or Grated Ginger: It adds warmth and depth to the dish.

    Garlic Paste or Grated Garlic: Enhances the flavor with a garlic taste.

    Dragon Chicken Breading

    All-Purpose Flour: This creates a crisp outer layer for the chicken.

    Cornstarch: Adds an extra crispy texture to the coating.

    Chili Powder: For subtle heat and bold flavor.

    Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor.

    Ground Ginger: Brings a warm, slightly spicy taste.

    Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors and gives a bit of heat.

    Oil: Choose a neutral oil for frying.

    Stir fry

    Vegetable Oil: To sauté the vegetables and toast the cashews.

    Cashew Nuts: They add a rich, nutty crunch to the dish.

    Red Bell Pepper: Brings a pop of color and a slight crunch to the stir-fry.

    Red Onion: Adds a mild, slightly sharp flavor that mellows when cooked.

    Dried Red Chilis: Gives the dish heat and a smoky depth.

    Sliced Green Onions: Garnish for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.

    Sauce

    Ketchup: Adds a sweet flavor to contrast the heat in the dragon chicken and serves as the base for the sauce, helping to balance the heat.

    Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami depth.

    Chili Paste: Brings extra spicy heat for a fiery kick.

    Garlic Paste: Gives the best savory flavor!

    Ginger Paste: Adds a warm, slightly sweet, and zesty note to the sauce.

    Sugar: Balances out the spice with a touch of sweetness.

    Rice Vinegar: Brightens the flavors and adds a slight tang.

    Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.

    How to Make Dragon Chicken

    This dragon chicken recipe comes together really easily for a meal that you will absolutely love! Adjus the spice levels to suit your tastes. Just be aware that spice can increase as it cooks. So add the spice in small doses!

    Chicken

    Prep: Cut the chicken into ½-inch by 2-inch strips and then put them in a sealable bag or large bowl. Whisk together the marinade ingredients: egg, soy sauce, chili paste, ginger, and garlic. Pour the mixture into the same container as the chicken, cover or seal, and then let it marinate for 30 minutes.

    Mix: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the breading ingredients, which include the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, chili powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.

    Heat: In a large skillet heat 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, but not smoking, remove the chicken from the marinade. Coat the chicken in the breading mixture evenly.

    Fry: Working in batches, lay the breaded chicken in an even layer in the hot oil and then fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning the chicken to evenly brown. Place the cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate and then set aside. Remove the oil from the pan or get a new pan.

    Stir Fry

    Stir Fry : Heat 1 tablespoon of new vegetable oil over medium high heat. Add the cashews, red bell pepper, red and green onion, and dried chilis, then cook stirring frequently until they are tender, about 5 minutes.

    Make the Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients: ketchup, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, ginger, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.

    Combine: Add the cooked dragon chicken to the pan with the vegetables, then pour the sauce over everything. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats everything in the pan. Remove from heat and serve!

    Dragon Chicken Tips and Variations

    You can easily switch things up with this dragon chicken recipe. Add your favorite veggies and various serving options. Additionally, here are a few tips and variations that you might find helpful!

    Marinating Time: This recipe calls for the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes. I usually let it sit while I prepare the rest of the recipe, but don’t marinate longer than 2 hours. 

    Test the Oil: To test if the oil is ready for frying, take a wooden skewer or a long toothpick and poke it into the oil at the bottom of the pan. Bubbles should form around the skewer quickly. If the oil starts smoking, it’s too hot. 

    Serving: I like to serve this dish with rice or soba noodles. 

    Vegetable Options: You can use any color of bell pepper or add other vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots!

    How to Store Leftovers

    Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or freeze for up to 2 months.

    Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for 10-15 minutes if fridge or 30-40 minutes if frozen OR in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5-8 minutes if fridge, 15-20 minutes if frozen. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave but I suggest using the oven or air fryer to get that crispy outside.

    More Delicious Asian Recipes

    If you’re a fan of Asian food like I am, you’ve come to the right place. We have tons of options, from savory to sweet! Check out these popular Asian chicken dishes to try at home!

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    Print

    Dragon Chicken

    Dragon Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish featuring tender breaded chicken stir-fried with vegetables and coated in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a crowd-favorite for those who enjoy a fiery twist on the classic stir-fry!
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Asian
    Keyword chicken stir fry, Dragon Chicken
    Prep Time 40 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 348kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Chicken Marinade

    1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast1 large egg2 tablespoons soy sauce, low-sodium2 tablespoons chili paste1 tablespoon ginger paste, or grated ginger2 teaspoons garlic paste, or grated garlic

    Breading

    ½ cup all-purpose flour¼ cup cornstarch2 teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon ground ginger½ teaspoon black pepperOil for frying

    Stir fry

    1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 cup cashews, unsalted1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced½ red onion, thinly sliced3 dried red chilisSliced green onions for garnish

    Sauce

    ¼ cup ketchup¼ cup soy sauce, low-sodium2 tablespoons chili paste2 teaspoons garlic paste, or grated garlic2 teaspoons ginger paste, or grated ginger2 teaspoons sugar2 teaspoons rice vinegar1 teaspoon cornstarch

    Instructions

    Prepare the chicken by cutting it into ½-inch by 2-inch strips, and add the chicken to a sealable bag or large bowl.
    Whisk together the marinade ingredients; egg, soy sauce, chili paste, ginger, and garlic. Pour the marinade into the same container as the chicken. Cover or seal and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the breading; all-purpose flour, cornstarch, chili powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
    In a large skillet heat 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, but not smoking, remove the chicken from the marinade. Coat the chicken in the breading mixture evenly.
    Working in batches, lay the breaded chicken in an even layer in the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning the chicken to evenly brown.
    Place the cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Remove the oil from the pan or get a new pan.
    Heat 1 tablespoon of new vegetable oil over medium-high heat, add the cashews, red bell pepper, onion, and dried chilis. Cook stirring frequently until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
    While the vegetables cook, whisk together the sauce ingredients; ketchup, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, ginger, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
    Add the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables and pour the sauce over everything. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats everything in the pan.
    Remove from heat and serve!

    Notes

    This recipe calls for the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes. I usually let it sit while I prepare the rest of the recipe, but don’t marinate longer than 2 hours. 

    To test if the oil is ready for frying, take a wooden skewer or a long toothpick and poke it into the oil down to the bottom of the pan. Bubbles should form around the skewer quickly. If the oil starts smoking it’s too hot. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1083mg | Potassium: 625mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 955IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 3mg