Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Baked Huli Huli chicken is a tried and true recipe now made in the oven! Tender chicken baked in a sweet and savory sauce. This easy one-pan dinner is full of Hawaiian-inspired flavors!

Huli Huli chicken has been a favorite recipe on the blog for years! It all started with this delicious grilled version then followed by my easy crockpot version. Serve it on some rice with sweet grilled pineapple and your family will be in heaven!

Reasons to Make Baked Huli Huli Chicken

One Pan Dinner: Who doesn’t love a one pan dinner? Less clean up and easy to serve.

Family Favorite: Huli Huli chicken is family favorite recipe and this baked version might be the best one yet!

Easy: It only takes 10 minutes to prep making this SO easy to assemble.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken

I am so excited to share this baked Huli Huli chicken recipe with you! I had a follower tell me that my Huli Huli Chicken recipe was their favorite, but they didn’t have a grill. So I knew I had to develop this baked version and it turned out even better than I imagined! The oven slowly bakes the chicken in the famous Huli Huli sauce and caramelizes to perfection. The chicken turns out just as tender and it’s bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. You’ll also love that it’s made in one-pan making the assembly and cleanup a breeze!

Everyone goes crazy over the tropical flavors in this dish! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. For more tropical recipes, try my Hawaiian fried rice, grilled Hawaiian skewers, or this pineapple fluff for dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes a handful of simple ingredients to make the marinade for this baked Huli Huli chicken. Everyone will love its signature mouthwatering flavor. Exact measurements can be found below in the recipe card.

Pineapple Juice: Adds a tangy and subtly sweet flavor to the Huli Huli chicken marinade. Feel free to use sweetened or unsweetened pineapple juice, either will work! I often use the juice from the canned pineapple rings.

Soy Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, giving the chicken that savory and slightly salty goodness.

Brown Sugar: To sweeten and caramelize the sauce as it bakes.

Ketchup: This classic and versatile condiment adds a tomato flavor and a touch of acidity to the sauce. A lot of tasty Hawaiian recipes call for ketchup.

Ground Ginger: Ginger adds a zesty and slightly spicy kick to the dish.

Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must because it’s a flavor powerhouse!

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the show! The marinade works its magic, infusing the chicken with its sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the thickening agent that helps create a luscious, glossy sauce for your crockpot huli huli chicken. Don’t skip adding it in!

Pineapple Rings: Canned pineapple rings are easy and ready to use.

Green Onion: Sliced for garnish and color!

How to Make Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Ready to make this easy one-pan dinner? Let’s get started! It’s so simple, that you’ll want to whip up this chicken dish all the time.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add the Chicken to the Baking Dish: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer into a 13×9-inch baking dish. 

Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together your pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat until it starts to thicken. Remove from the heat and reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for later.

Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top of chicken thighs.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add the Pineapple Slices and Brush on the Reserved Marinade: Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the chicken. Brush the reserved marinade on top of the pineapple rings and chicken thighs.

Broil: Adjust the oven to broil then broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes. Watch it closely and remove it once the chicken is golden and caramelized.

Serve: Enjoy the chicken thighs whole or shredded over rice. Garnish with green onion and enjoy!

Make the sauce and reserve 1/4 cup for later.

Place the chicken thighs in the baking dish.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake.

Layer on the pineapple rings and brush with reserved sauce. Broil until caramelized.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken Tips

Follow these tips below to make the BEST baked Huli Huli Chicken! Your family will love it so much that they’ll want you to make it every week.

Chicken: Chicken thighs are a must because they have the most flavor, but boneless skinless chicken tenders or breasts also work great.

Arrange: Lay the chicken thighs as flat as possible to ensure even cooking.

Add Some Heat: Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce to add a little heat if you like it spicy!

Broil: Don’t skip this step! Caramelizing the top of the chicken and pineapple gives it that signature huli huli chicken texture.

Serve: Enjoy the chicken whole or shredded! It’s delicious served with a side of rice or on a bun as a sandwich.

Storing Leftovers

This baked huli huli chicken makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week! The chicken thighs stay tender and tasty as it bakes in the delicious huli huli sauce.

In the Refrigerator: Allow your chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. As long as you keep it in the fridge, it should stay good for 3-5 days.

To Reheat: Place the leftover chicken in the microwave then reheat until warmed through.

More Sweet Chicken Recipes

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

1 hr 20 mins

Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

1 hr 20 mins

Sweet Island Teriyaki Chicken

25 mins

Grilled Sweet Chili Lime Chicken

25 mins

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Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Baked Huli Huli chicken is a tried and true recipe now made in the oven! Tender chicken baked in a sweet and savory sauce. This easy one-pan dinner is full of Hawaiian-inspired flavors!
Course Dinner
Keyword baked huli huli chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes minutes
Total Time 45 minutes minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 325kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, or chicken breasts ½ cup pineapple juice¼ cup soy sauce¼ cup brown sugar3 tablespoons ketchup1 teaspoon ground ginger1 teaspoon garlic, minced1 tablespoon cornstarch6 pineapple rings, drainedgreen onions, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer into a 13×9-inch baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together your pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat until it starts to thicken. Remove from the heat and reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for later.
Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top of chicken thighs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the chicken. Brush the reserved marinade on top of the pineapple rings and chicken thighs.
Adjust the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes. Watch it closely and remove once the chicken is golden and caramelized.
Enjoy the chicken thighs whole or shredded over rice. Garnish with green onion and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 619mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

Baked Alaska

Impress everyone with this gorgeous Baked Alaska dessert! It’s surprisingly easy to make with just 5 ingredients. Layers of cake, ice cream and meringue will have your friends and family begging for a slice!

You can’t go wrong with an ice cream dessert, especially during the summer! If you’re looking for cold and creamy treats that will cool you off, try my cookies and cream ice cream cake or this homemade ice cream sandwich!

Reasons to Make Baked Alaska

So Stunning: You will steal the show with this dessert! Don’t be intimidated by its beauty, it’s easier than it looks to make.

Delicious Flavors and Textures: The combination of your favorite ice cream layered with cake and fluffy toasted meringue is out of this world!

Crowd-Pleasing: This is so fun to serve because it’s super unique and so delicious! Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

What is a Baked Alaska?

Baked Alaska is a frozen dessert consisting of cake, ice cream, and meringue. In 1867, Charles Ranhofer, the chef at the legendary New York restaurant Delmonico’s, invented it. He created this fancy ice cream cake to celebrate the United States purchasing Alaska from the Russians.

This recipe starts by layering the ice cream and cake in a large bowl. Then, you whip up the fluffy meringue. This is what insulates the ice cream while toasting the outside with either a torch or by baking it for several minutes. The toasted swirls of meringue look so elegant, and the combination of layers tastes heavenly.

Ingredients Needed

Other than the incredible taste, the BEST part of this Baked Alaska recipe is that it only requires 5 simple ingredients! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Cake: For convenience, I typically buy my cake round already prepared, but you can make homemade if you’d like.

Ice Cream: Choose any favorite flavors! You could use vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, and strawberry ice cream.

Meringue

Egg Whites: Room-temperature egg whites are essential to whipping up the meringue.

Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and creates the peaks.

Granulated Sugar: Makes the meringue fluffy and taste sweet.

How to Make Baked Alaska

There are a few steps to this dessert, but it is so worth the effort. Trust me, this is going to be one of the best desserts you will ever make.

Ice Cream Preparation

Line Plastic Wrap in Bowl: Line the inside of a large metal bowl with a piece of plastic wrap roughly the same circumference as the cake you are using. You will need several long pieces of plastic wrap to make sure they overhang 3-4 inches on either side. Make sure the entire bowl is well-lined.

Add Ice Cream: Scoop the ice cream into the bowl and pack it with the back of a spoon. This is easiest if the ice cream has thawed on the counter for at least 10 minutes. You can use just one flavor or layer as many as you would like. The amount of ice cream needed will depend on the size of your bowl. I used about 3 pints of ice cream.

Cover and Freeze: Once the bowl is full of smoothed-out ice cream, pull the overhanging plastic wrap over it so it is completely covered. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours to ensure it is fully frozen.

Spoon ice cream into plastic wrap-lined bowl.

Smooth the top.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze.

Add the cake layer before finishing.

Meringue

Wipe Bowl and Whisk: Just before assembling the baked Alaska, prepare the meringue. Start by wiping the inside of your mixing bowl and whisk with a paper towel dampened with either lemon juice or distilled white vinegar.

Whip Egg Whites: Add the egg whites and a pinch of cream of tartar to the bowl and use a stand mixer to whip the whites on medium-high speed until very foamy.

Add Sugar and Whip: Slowly add the sugar to the egg whites as they continue to whip. Incorporate all the sugar, then increase the speed to high and whip the meringue until it reaches stiff peaks.

Did You Know? Meringue Edition

Wipe Bowl and Whisk: When preparing your meringue, it’s important to make sure your bowl and whisk are free of any fat from previous items made with them. Moisten a paper towel with white vinegar or fresh lemon juice and wipe out the inside of the bowl and the whisk before starting to make the meringue.

Use a Metal or Glass Bowl: Make the meringue in a metal or glass bowl, as plastic can retain fat from previous use, making it so your meringue never stiffens.

Assembly

Add Cake and Flip to Plate: Once the ice cream is frozen solid, open the plastic wrap and press the cake layer onto the ice cream. Carefully flip the ice cream and cake onto a cake stand or serving plate and lift the bowl off. Peel the plastic wrap off the cake.

Add Meringue: Spread the meringue over the top of the ice cream with an offset spatula or pipe it on with a large piping bag and the tip of your choosing. Make sure the meringue is nice and thick, as this insulates the ice cream and prevents it from melting too quickly.

Toast the Meringue: Use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue, or place the whole baked Alaska in the oven for 4-5 minutes at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use the oven method, make sure the plate your Baked Alaska is on is oven-safe.

Whip egg white and cream of tartar until foaming.

Gradually add the sugar.

Whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread meringue evenly over the ice cream before torching.

Tips for Baked Alaska

Don’t let the meringue part of this Baked Alaska intimidate you. With these tips, perfection is just a few minutes away.

Cake Variety: You can use whatever kind of cake you prefer, though I don’t recommend using something light like angel food cake. You want a cake with enough structure to support all the ice cream. Pound cake is a good option for ready-made cake from the store. Slice it to fit the bowl you use to mold the ice cream.

Any Flavor Ice Cream: I decided to layer my ice cream with Neapolitan flavors, but you can use whichever kind you like best! You can layer different flavors or use one flavor for the whole thing.

Soften Ice Cream: Make sure the ice cream sits at room temperature for a little while before you scoop it into your mold. It needs to be soft enough to be pressed in and smoothed; otherwise, your ice cream will have air pockets.

Let Sit Before Flipping: When you are ready to top the baked Alaska with meringue, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before inverting it onto your serving plate. This will help it release from the bowl easier and also make it easier to slice into servings.

Slicing: If you find your Baked Alaska is difficult to slice, run a large chef’s knife under very hot water and dry quickly with a clean kitchen towel before cutting into the ice cream.

How to Store Leftovers

Make Ahead: The ice cream and cake portions can be prepared up to a month in advance. Wrap the ice cream tightly in plastic wrap. Store the cake in plastic wrap and a freezer ziplock bag. When ready to serve the Baked Alaska, make the meringue and assemble.

Store in the Freezer: To store leftovers, cut into slices, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to about one week. Keep in mind that the meringue will lose its soft marshmallow texture the longer it is frozen.

More Delicious Cake Recipes

If you need a cake recipe, look no further! From chocolate and vanilla cake to strawberry and beyond, we’ve got a cake for any occasion! Here are some of our tried and true cake recipes that I know you’ll love.

Blueberry Lemon Upside-Down Cake

1 hr 10 mins

Twinkie Cake

1 hr 35 mins

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1 hr 30 mins

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Baked Alaska

Impress everyone with this gorgeous Baked Alaska dessert! It’s surprisingly easy to make with just 5 ingredients. Layers of cake, ice cream and meringue will have your friends and family begging for a slice!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Baked Alaska, ice cream cake, meringue, Toasted Meringue
Prep Time 40 minutes minutes
Freeze Time 4 hours hours
Total Time 4 hours hours 40 minutes minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 618kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 prepared cake round3-4 pints ice cream

Meringue

8 large egg whites, room temperature1 pinch cream of tartar1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Ice Cream Preparation

Line the inside of a large metal bowl with roughly the same size circumference as the cake you are using with several long pieces of plastic wrap, making sure they overhang 3-4 inches on either side. Make sure the entire bowl is well-lined with the plastic wrap.
Scoop the ice cream into the bowl and pack it with the back of a spoon. This is easiest to do if the ice cream has thawed on the counter for at least 10 minutes. You can use just one flavor, or layer as many as you would like. The amount of ice cream needed will depend on the size of your bowl. I used about 3 pints of ice cream.
Once the bowl is as full of ice cream as you would like, smooth the ice cream and pull the overhanging plastic wrap over it so it is completely covered. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours to ensure it is fully frozen.

Meringue

Just before assembling the baked Alaska, prepare the meringue. Start by wiping the inside of your mixing bowl and whisk with a paper towel dampened with either lemon juice or distilled white vinegar.
Add the egg whites and a pinch of cream of tartar to the bowl. Use a stand mixer to whip the whites on medium speed until very foamy.
Slowly add the sugar to the egg whites as they continue to whip. Incorporate all the sugar, then increase the speed to high and whip the meringue until it reaches stiff peaks.

Assembly

Once the ice cream is frozen solid, open the plastic wrap and press the cake layer onto the ice cream. Carefully flip the ice cream and cake onto a cake stand or serving plate and lift the bowl off. Peel the plastic wrap off the cake.
You may spread the meringue over the ice cream with a spatula or pipe it on with a large piping bag and the tip of your choosing. Make sure the meringue is nice and thick, as this insulates the ice cream and prevents it from melting too quickly.
You may either use a hand torch to toast the meringue, or you can place the whole baked Alaska in the oven for 4-5 minutes at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use the oven method, make sure the plate your Baked Alaska is on is oven-safe.

Nutrition

Calories: 618kcal | Carbohydrates: 115g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 581mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 69g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Calcium: 229mg | Iron: 1mg

Homemade Boursin Cheese

Homemade Boursin Cheese is soft, creamy, and bursting with herbal flavor. Its texture is similar to cream cheese, making it incredibly versatile. It shines as a dip, enhances pasta dishes, complements meats, enriches sauces and soups, and so much more!

I love dipping pretzels into this homemade Boursin cheese, but it’s also fantastic in various recipes. Homemade always tastes better! Try it in my creamy Boursin chicken, Boursin mashed potatoes, or my shepherd’s pie recipe. Each dish is elevated by this rich, herbed cheese spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making this delicious Boursin cheese with fresh, savory herbs lends to a healthier, more customizable cheese experience.

Customizable: This homemade Boursin recipe allows you to choose your favorite fresh herbs. You can stick with traditional choices like chives and parsley or get creative with thyme, dill, basil, and more. The possibilities are endless!

Fresh: Since you are making this at home, the product yields a more flavorful fresh option!

Versatility: This kind of cheese can be used in different ways, including dips, cheese boards, pasta, sauces, and much more!

Homemade Boursin Cheese

Boursin cheese was created by François Boursin, who set out to make a delicious garlic and fresh herb-infused Gournay cheese. I’m absolutely in love with Boursin’s creamy texture and flavor. So, I decided to try making my own homemade version. There’s something so satisfying about making it with my favorite herbs and enjoying that rich, creamy goodness.

What is in Boursin Cheese?

With the following ingredients, you can put together a flavorful, creamy cheese in no time. For exact measurements, scroll down to the recipe card below.

Cream Cheese: Acts as a base for your homemade spreadable, creamy cheese. Make sure you leave it out until it is soft or around room temperature.

Salted Butter: Adds a richness and smooth texture.

Garlic Powder: Gives the cheese a robust, savory flavor.

Fresh Chives: Adds a slight onion flavor.

Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and beautiful green color.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.

White Pepper: Balances the flavors from the herbs

Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Compliments the texture and adds a nutty, salty, umami flavor.

Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipe

Making your own Boursin cheese is super simple and a fun way to impress your guests. Ultimately, this homemade Boursin cheese will elevate any dish and delight your guests with its rich, flavorful taste.

Combine: Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.

Mix: Using an electric hand mixer, blend until smooth and creamy.

Shape: Line a small bowl with saran wrap. Spoon the cheese mixture into the bowl lined with saran wrap, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour or until it holds its shape.

Serve: Use it for any recipe that calls for Boursin cheese. You can also enjoy it as a spread for crackers or veggies!

Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.

Blend with a handheld electric mixer until smooth.

Line a small bowl with Saran Wrap and fill it with the Boursin cheese then refrigerate.

Tips and Variations

Serving Ideas: Boursin cheese is delicious in so many recipes! Enjoy it on baked or mashed potatoes. It’s perfect with crostini, crackers, and spread on bagels.

Switch Up the Herbs: Try experimenting with different herbs and flavors like basil, rosemary, or cilantro.

Add-ins: Add in more flavor and textures. Caramelized onion and roasted garlic pieces would be SO incredible.

Give it a Kick: If you like things spicy, then drizzle in some hot sauce or, alternatively, add red pepper flakes to kick up the heat!

How to Store and Serve Boursin Cheese

The great thing about this cheese is you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve or use in other recipes.

In the Refrigerator: Refrigerate the cheese in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

At Room Temperature: Boursin Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature, so allow the cheese to sit at room temperature before serving.

In the Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing Boursin cheese.

More Delicious Dips to Devour

I absolutely love a good homemade dip, especially one that combines fresh herbs and creamy cheese. If you’re looking to elevate your dipping game, try these delicious recipes below. They’re sure to put you in the best dipping mood!

Garlic Herb Cream Cheese

10 mins

Cottage Cheese Dip

5 mins

Whipped Feta Dip

10 mins

Dill Pickle Dip

10 mins

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Homemade Boursin Cheese

Boursin cheese is soft, creamy, and bursting with herbal flavor. Its texture is similar to cream cheese, making it incredibly versatile. It shines as a dip, enhances pasta dishes, complements meats, enriches sauces and soups, and so much more!
Course pantry staple
Cuisine French
Keyword boursin cheese recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 286kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

14 ounces cream cheese, softened½ cup butter, softened teaspoons garlic powder1 tablespoon fresh chives1 tablespoon fresh parsley½ teaspoon salt teaspoon white pepper3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
Mix using an electric hand mixer and blend until smooth and creamy.
Line a small bowl with saran wrap. Spoon the cheese mixture into the saran wrap-lined bowl. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour or until it holds its shape.
Use for any recipe that calls for Boursin cheese. Or enjoy it as a spread for crackers or veggies!

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 426mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1.095IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 0.1mg

How to Make Cheesecake (The Ultimate Guide)

Cheesecake is my absolute FAVORITE dessert! I have perfected my method and I can’t wait to teach you how to make cheesecake in this ultimate step-by-step guide. You’re on your way to being a cheesecake-making pro!

No more feeling intimidated when it comes to making cheesecake! This how-to guide is here to save the day. Start by making the BEST New York cheesecake, then move on to this lemon or key lime cheesecake!

Reasons to LOVE This Cheesecake Guide

Classic Dessert: Knowing how to make cheesecake is a lifelong kitchen skill that will always come in handy for this classic dessert.

Feel Confident: You will feel confident in no time at all! Once you learn, it gets easier and easier every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions: I walk you through all the steps, give you all the tips, and answer any questions you might have.

How to Make Cheesecake

Here we go! Cheesecake making 101, and I’m setting you up for success! This ultimate cheesecake guide is everything you need to know and more. I walk you through all the steps and answer commonly asked questions I’ve seen throughout the years. You can apply these tips to all of your favorite cheesecake recipes!

Once you get comfortable, try my Oreo or chocolate cheesecake flavors. You’ll LOVE the endless possibilities when it comes to making this impressive dessert!

Let’s Start with the Crust!

A buttery sweet graham cracker crust is the start to making the perfect cheesecake! Here are the best tips for preparing the crust.

Springform PanThis is the best pan to use because it releases from the pan perfectly! Prepare the 9-inch pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.

Texture: Once combined, the crust texture should resemble damp sand.

Pressing Tips: Press the crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan by using the bottom of a glass or a flat-bottomed measuring cup. This results in a nice, even crust.

Perfect Filling Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed for a basic cheesecake filling! Each ingredient is necessary to achieve its smooth and creamy texture.

Cream Cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese gives the best results!

Sour cream: Adds moisture and helps make the texture softer/creamier.

Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar needs to be beaten into the batter long enough that the sugar dissolves. This process also helps aerate the batter, which aids in the cheesecake rising.

Eggs: The protein in eggs helps the cheesecake set. If you don’t use enough eggs then the cheesecake will be too soft or won’t set. However, if you use too many eggs then the cheesecake will be too firm with a sunken, cracked center. 

Tips For Mixing the Filling

These are the best tips for mixing the cheesecake filling!

Room Temperature Ingredients: This is SO important! Using cold ingredients will result in a lumpy texture. Set the ingredients out 2 hours before you start.  

Scrape the Bowl: down the sides and bottom of the bowl, a few times with each step of the batter to ensure everything is well incorporated and to avoid any lumps. 

Speed: Don’t mix the batter at too high of a speed! This will add a lot of air into the batter, which you don’t want. Mix on a medium/moderate speed to help everything blend well, but avoid whipping it. Air in a cheesecake will lead it to crack or sink in the center. 

How to soften cream cheese? The cream cheese should be at room temperature, so it’s best to set it out on the counter for 2 hours before preparing the filling. If it’s not very soft, I would put it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 15-20 seconds in the microwave. It should be soft enough to indent with your finger easily, but not so soft that your finger goes more than halfway through it.

Baking Cheesecake in a Water Bath

Water baths help achieve the perfect cheesecake texture! How does it work? It helps the cheesecake bake evenly, so the outside doesn’t bake faster than the center. The water surrounding the pan heats up and stays much more consistent in temperature than hot air. This helps to maintain even baking from the sides to the middle.

How to Make a Water Bath?

A water bath is easy to make! You don’t have to feel intimidated anymore with my helpful steps.

Heavy Aluminum Foil: I suggest using 3-4 layers of 18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap around the pan. Wrap the bottom and sides of the crust-lined pan, then pour in the filling. The foil prevents water from getting into the pan.

Roasting Pan: A large roasting pan is large enough to hold the foil-wrapped cheesecake and the water. Place the foil-lined pan in the center of the roasting pan.

Water: Fill the pan with water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the pan. I find it easiest to do this with the pan already in the oven. I pour in the water using a large liquid measuring cup and use about 1 quart of water.

Water Bath Alternative

Place a large sheet pan on the rack directly underneath the cheesecake and fill it with hot water. This creates humidity to help prevent cracking as it bakes, but it won’t ensure the cheesecake bakes evenly. You still run the risk of the outside of the cheesecake baking faster than the center. However, it will help lessen this compared to not using water at all. 

Baking Without a Water Bath

If you choose not to use a water bath, your cheesecake will take 15-30 minutes longer to bake because the center will take longer to set. The cheesecake will rise quite a bit more and brown on top. Once it hits the right wobble in the center, turn off the oven and finish the cooling process as directed. 

How Do I Know When My Cheesecake is Done?

The best way to know when your cheesecake is done baking is to do the wobble test. It’s a gentle shake of the roasting pan to test if the center “wobbles.” Here are some tips to help you test and look for doneness.

Wobble Test Tips

Limit Opening the Oven: Avoid opening the oven until an hour of baking time has passed. After the hour, open the oven only once or twice to test the cheesecake’s wobble. Opening the door will let out the moisture and cause the temperature to drop. Both of these factors can lead to your cheesecake either falling or cracking. 

Gentle Shake: Give the roasting pan a gentle shake. When the cheesecake is done it should have a bit of a wobble in the center, but less movement on the outer inch or two. If the whole thing is wobbling, then it needs 10-15 more minutes.

Turn Off the Oven/ Leave the Cheesecake: Once there is a slight wobble only in the center, turn off the oven, but leave the cheesecake. Keep it in the oven for at least an hour, or until the oven has reached room temperature. This will allow it to continue baking as it slowly reaches a cooler temperature. If you remove it from the oven at this stage without letting it cool down, the center won’t finish setting and the temperature change will likely cause the cheesecake to sink and crack. 

Under-baked or Over-baked?

Once you slice into the cheesecake, it should be firm throughout but smooth and creamy. If the center is very soft the cheesecake is underbaked. If the texture is grainy, the cheesecake is over-baked.

Tips For Slicing Cheesecake

Cheesecake is all about the presentation and these tips help you achieve perfect slices every time!

Releasing the Cheesecake From the Pan: Run a sharp paring knife around the outside of the pan before opening the springform pan.

Hot Knife: When slicing the cheesecake, use a large, sharp chef’s knife. Run the knife under very hot water to get that perfect clean cut.

Cutting: Wipe the knife clean after each cut. Heat the knife before every new cut and dry it with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel before slicing.

Run hot water on a sharp knife.

Cut perfect cheesecake slices.

Cooling, Chilling & Storing Cheesecake

It’s best to make your cheesecake a day in advance! Here are tips for cooling, chilling, and storing it until it’s time to serve it!

How to Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool on the counter for 1-2 hours or until it reaches room temperature. Cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or overnight.

In the Refrigerator: Store for 4-5 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

In the Freezer: Store in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap in tin foil. Your cheesecake will stay good for about 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you serve it!

More Cheesecake Flavors to Try

Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake

2 hrs 30 mins

Biscoff Cheesecake

8 hrs 30 mins

Mint Oreo Cheesecake

Red Velvet Cheesecake

4 hrs

Tater Tot Nachos

Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) are made with crispy golden tater tots, topped with seasoned beef, scoops of refried beans, corn, black beans, salsa and melty cheese. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!

Nachos are one of those appetizers everyone loves! The best part is there are so many ways to make them your own! You have got to try Irish nachos made with potatoes, air fryer nachos, or even dessert nachos!

Reasons You’ll Love This Totchos Recipe

It’s a Crowd Favorite: Nachos are great for any occasion, and everyone will be excited when you pull these Totchos out of the oven!

Easy to Make: Just a handful of simple ingredients are needed for this hearty, mouthwatering snack!

Super Versatile: You can easily customize these with your favorite protein, cheese and toppings!

What are Totchos?

These Totchos (or Tater Tot Nachos) will take your nacho game to the next level! First, replace traditional tortilla chips with toasty tater tots to make these nachos extra satisfying. Then, load them up with all your favorite Mexican toppings and plenty of melty cheese. Finally, they’re perfect for parties, the big game, and even hearty enough to enjoy as a filling meal.

Ingredients Needed For Tater Tot Nachos

This totchos recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find! Grab the tater tots and all of your favorite toppings! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Tater Tots: You’ll need 2 pounds of frozen tater tots.

Ground Beef: For beefy goodness.

Taco Seasoning: You can make homemade taco seasoning or buy a packet from the store to season the beef.

Toppings

Refried Beans: Smooth and creamy beans that provide a rich and savory element to the nachos.

Corn: For little bits of sweetness and extra texture.

Black Beans: Adds a hearty and earthy flavor.

Salsa: Brings extra flavor and a bit of sauciness.

Cheese: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey jack cheese melts into a gooey and cheesy topping.

Extra toppings: Once the nachos are baked, add some freshness with Pico de Gallo, sour cream, cilantro, avocado and/or jalapeños.

How to Make Tater Tot Nachos

This is one of those new recipes that couldn’t be easier! Just start by baking the tater tots, then cook the meat, assemble all the ingredients, and let everything cook together. The result? Out-of-this-world delicious!

Prep: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a sheet pan with parchment paper and Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the pan.

Bake: Place the tater tots in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove, toss them, and then continue baking for another 10 minutes until golden brown.

Brown the Beef: While the tater tots are in the oven, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is evenly browned.

Season Meat: Drain the excess grease from the ground beef, add taco seasoning, and stir to combine.

Assemble Nachos: Once the tater tots are out of the oven, set the oven to broil. Top the tater tots with cooked beef, scoops of refried beans, corn, black beans, salsa, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Broil: Put the topped tots back in the oven and broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Add Toppings: Take the tater tot nachos out of the oven and top with desired toppings!

Brown and season the beef.

Layer on the tater tots, beef, and refried beans.

Sprinkle of the bean and corn.

Add the cheese and bake.

Tips and Variations

Customize: You can customize these nachos any way you like. Use a spicy or mild salsa or add any number of toppings. The important thing is to get the tater tots crispy, then top them and melt the cheese. 

Protein options: You can substitute ground beef with pulled pork, shredded chicken, ground turkey, or steak. Alternatively, you can omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian option.

Cheese: For best results, shred your cheese fresh from a block. Unlike pre-shredded cheese, which has a coating that prevents it from melting very well. You could also add some nacho cheese sauce or add a kick of heat with pepper jack cheese!

Topping options: Other topping ideas include bacon, green onions, black olives, guacamole, jalapenos, as well as red onion and tomato.

Storing Tater Tot Nacho Leftovers

Nachos are one of my favorite snacks! I love having leftovers. Here is how to keep and reheat them!

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Reheat: To reheat the nachos, Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, arrange the nachos on a baking sheet, and reheat for 5-10 minutes until crispy. Once they are done cooking, add fresh toppings (optional).

Air Fryer: You can also reheat them in an air fryer. Heat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, place totchos in the bottom of the basket, and set the timer for 5 minutes.

More Delicious Appetizers

Bring on the appetizers! Whether you’re gearing up for game day, hosting a party, or having a fun gathering, these snacks and starters are sure to wow everyone!

Crispy Potato Skins

35 mins

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

21 mins

Stuffed Pizza Bites

30 mins

Mozzarella Sticks

1 hr 17 mins

Print

Tater Tot Nachos

Tater Tot Nachos are made with crispy golden tater tots, topped with seasoned beef, scoops of refried beans, corn, black beans, salsa and melty cheese. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican American
Keyword beef nachos, tater tot nachos
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 505kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

2 pounds tater tots, frozen½ pound ground beef2 tablespoons taco seasoning½ cup refried beans½ cup corn½ cup black beans½ cup salsa½ cup sharp cheddar cheese½ cup monterey jack cheese

Instructions

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the pan.
Bake the tater tots for 10 minutes. Toss the tater tots and continue baking for another 10 minutes.
While the tater tots are in the oven, heat a skillet over medium high heat, then add the ground beef. Cook the meat until it is evenly browned.
Drain the excess grease from the ground beef, then add in the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
Once the tater tots come out of the oven, set the oven to broil. Top the tater tots with the cooked beef, scoops of refried beans, corn, black beans, salsa, cheddar and monterey jack cheese.
Put the topped tots back into the oven and broil about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Take the tater tot nachos out of the oven and top with desired toppings!

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 1150mg | Potassium: 645mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 406IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 2mg

Poke Sauce

The best Poke Sauce is easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients! Whether you are using salmon or tuna to make a poke bowl at home, this sauce is seriously delicious and will add SO much flavor to your dish.

Nothing beats a good homemade sauce recipe! Plus, we have a variety of tried and true Asian-inspired sauces that will really take your meal to the next level.Here are some of our favs that you’re sure to love: yakitori sauceyum yum sauce, katsu sauce or sweet chili sauce!

Reasons You’ll Love This Poke Sauce

Simple Ingredients: This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also relies on basic pantry staples, making it incredibly convenient. Additionally, with just a few essential ingredients on hand, you can whip up a delicious dish in minutes. It’s perfect for busy days or when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.

Such Delicious Flavor: If you’ve never made your own poke sauce, then you’re in for a real treat. The blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey creates a delicious balance of flavors. As a result, you’re going to absolutely love the way it tastes!

Versatile Uses: This sauce is not only perfect for poke bowls, but it also works wonderfully as a marinade or drizzled over rice and seafood bowls.

What’s in Poke Sauce?

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up this poke sauce recipe. In fact, you might already have everything you need in your kitchen! To get started, check out the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

Soy Sauce: This umami-packed ingredient contributes depth and richness to the sauce.

Rice Vinegar: This is the perfect way to brighten the taste.

Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, earthy flavor that is so good with all of the other ingredients.

Honey: This will add sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. Depending on how sweet you like your sauces, you can add more or less.

Ginger: For a fresh and tangy kick.

Garlic: Fresh garlic will infuse your fish with a wonderful savory taste!

Lime Juice: Acidity to balance the sweetness and saltiness of the other ingredients.

Sea Salt: To enhance the flavor.

How to Make This Recipe

You’ll love how quickly you can whip up this sauce and enjoy a homemade poke bowl! It’s so simple, and the result is absolutely mouthwatering!

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients, then whisk them together.

Serve: Pour over a poke bowl, or use as a marinade for poke bowl ingredients.

Combine the ingredients into a bowl and whisk.

Tips and Variations

You can easily customize this poke sauce to suit your tastes! By making a few additions or substitutions, you can make it sweet or spicy. Moreover, this versatile sauce can be used in a variety of ways. Here’s how:

Use as a Marinade: If you are using it as a marinade, marinate your fish or other ingredients for at least an hour. 

Make it Spicy: If you like spice, try adding 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce. 

Poke sauce uses: This sauce can be used for your favorite poke recipe. Whether it’s a tuna poke bowl, a salmon poke bowl, fresh ahi, shrimp, or tofu poke, it all tastes amazing! You can also use it in a seaweed salad or even as a sauce for sushi.

Storing Leftovers

Poke sauce, like most sauce recipes, becomes more flavorful the longer it sits. Therefore, here’s how to store any leftovers you might have:

In the Refrigerator: Store unused sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Other Sauces to Try

My favorite way to dress up a simple meal is with a tasty homemade sauce. They’re quick and easy to mix up, and there are plenty of different options for almost any occasion! Here are some of my favorite recipes that you HAVE to try!

Horseradish Sauce

2 hrs 5 mins

Homemade Buffalo Sauce

5 mins

Arby’s Sauce

7 mins

Firecracker Sauce

5 mins

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Poke Sauce

The best Poke Sauce is so easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients! Whether you are using salmon or tuna to make a poke bowl at home, this sauce is seriously delicious and will add SO much flavor to your dish.
Course Sauce
Cuisine Asian
Keyword hawaiian poke bowl, poke sauce, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 minutes minutes
Calories 214kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

¼ cup soy sauce2 tablespoons rice vinegar1 tablespoon sesame oil2 teaspoons honey1 teaspoon ginger grated1 teaspoon garlic grated1 teaspoon lime juice½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

In a small bowl whisk together all the ingredients.
Pour over a poke bowl, or use as a marinade for poke bowl ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 4405mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 2mg

Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs

Try these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs, a fun new way to enjoy the flavors of the classic Philly Cheesesteak. Tender beef, veggies, and melty cheese are grilled or baked together for a wonderful crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!

Foil packs make dinnertime really fun! Plus, they are so quick and easy to prepare! Here are some of our favorite meals cooked in foil: shrimp boil foil packetshoney garlic chicken, and chicken fajitas.

Reasons You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you will have the taste of Philly to serve 6 people! These packets come together with little effort and have major flavor in each bite!

So Flavorful: You’ll love how this meal captures the iconic flavors of a Philadelphia sandwich in a fresh and delightful way, all with less mess.

Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs

Get ready to switch things up with your favorite Philly Cheesesteak flavors! Instead of being served on a roll, the classic Philly Cheesesteak ingredients are prepared and cooked in foil packs. We’re using a mix of thinly sliced steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and baby potatoes topped with melted cheese.

Foil pack recipes like this are great for camping when you don’t want to spend a lot of time on meal prep. You can have them assembled and waiting, and when it’s time for dinner, fire up the grill or campfire and dig in.

What You Need to Make Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs

Enjoy tender cuts of meat, along with plenty of vegetable goodness. Additionally, the tangy Worcestershire sauce and melty cheese create an irresistible Philly cheesesteak flavor. For the exact measurements, refer to the recipe card below.

Ribeye Steak: I like to use ribeye with a lot of marbling. This will ensure that they are perfectly tender.

Green Bell Pepper: First, green pepper adds a delicious crunch to every bite. Additionally, the zing from the green pepper enhances the overall flavor, making it an essential component of this beloved dish.

Mushrooms: Sliced for incredible texture and heartiness.

Baby Potatoes: Tender baby potatoes replace the bread used in traditional Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches.

Yellow Onion: Diced to add sweet and savory flavor.

Olive Oil: Adds moisture to the steak and veggies.

Worcestershire Sauce: For a tangy and umami kick to the steak and veggies.

Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Provolone Cheese: I like sliced provolone cheese because it is rich and savory and melts perfectly. You can substitute provolone for Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack cheese.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Foil Pack

Throw together this easy Philly Cheesesteak foil pack recipe, and you’ll have dinner on the table in just over 30 minutes! Here’s how to assemble foil packs for the oven or grill:

Prep: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or grill to 500-525 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced steak, bell pepper, mushrooms, potatoes, onion, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper.

Assemble Foil Packets: Divide the meat and veggies evenly into 6 sheets of foil and fold in the sides and top of the foil until it is sealed and forms a packet.

Cook: Place the foil packets in the oven or grill for 25-30 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender. For the grill, flip the foil packs over halfway through cooking.

Add Cheese: Remove the foil packs from the oven or grill and then open them. Place 2 slices of provolone cheese on top of each pack and return them to the oven or grill for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Serve: Remove and enjoy!

Toss together the steak, veggies, oil, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper.

Divide the mixture into 6 foil sheets.

Seal the packs and place on the grill.

Add the cheese and grill for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.

Customize Your Philly Cheesesteak Foil Dinner

Here are a few customization ideas and tips on making this Philly Cheesesteak foil pack recipe perfect!

Cheese: The recipe calls for Provolone, but you can use any cheese you prefer. Avoid Cheez Whiz, as it won’t cook well on high heat.

Steak: The more tender the cut of meat, the better your end product will be. I use Ribeye, but skirt steak would also work really well. Just avoid really tough cuts of meat, or you will end up with very chewy pieces of meat.

Change the Meat: To create a delicious chicken version, substitute the steak with thinly sliced chicken breasts or tenders. However, be aware that cooking time may vary.

Make it Spicy: To enhance the flavor, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix for an extra kick of heat.

Forming the Packets: When forming the foil packs, I find it helpful to shape the foil in a bowl first. This method makes it easier to form around the filling.

Storing Leftovers

These Philly Cheesesteak foil packs make fantastic leftovers! As a result, you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner the next day. Additionally, you can add everything to a roll to make it a delicious sandwich!

In the Refrigerator: Keep your packets in an airtight container. Cooked steak will last for up to 3 days.

Reheating: For best results, rewarm in the oven until heated through.

More Philly Cheesesteak Recipes

We cannot get enough of that delicious Philly Cheesesteak flavor! If you love it too, here are some more delicious twists on the classic sandwich everyone loves!

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

30 mins

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

25 mins

Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks

6 hrs 10 mins

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

25 mins

Print

Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs

Try these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs, a new way to enjoy the flavors of the classic Philly Cheesesteak. Tender steak, veggies, and melty cheese are grilled or baked together for a wonderful crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword philly cheese steak foil packs, steak foil packets, steak foil packs
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 400kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 pound ribeye steak, thinly sliced and cut into 2 inch pieces.1 large green bell pepper, sliced4 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced2 cups baby potatoes, quartered½ yellow onion, diced2 tablespoon olive oil3 tablespoons worcestershire sauceSalt and pepper to taste12 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or grill to 500-525 degrees fahrenheit.
In a large bowl toss together the sliced steak, bell pepper, mushrooms, potatoes, onion, olive oil, worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper.
Divide the meat and veggies evenly into 6 sheets of foil and fold in the sides and top of the foil until it is sealed and forms a packet.
Place the foil packets in the oven or grill for 25-30 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender. For the grill, flip the foil packs over halfway through cooking.
Remove the foil packs from oven or grill and open them up, place 2 slices of provolone cheese on top of each pack and place back in the oven or grill for another 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Remove and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 432mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 354IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 316mg | Iron: 3mg

Tri Tip Marinade

This tasty tri tip marinade is the best way to infuse your tri-tip steak with delicious flavor and make it perfectly tender. It’s easy to mix together with ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh garlic and seasonings for the most wonderful savory, sweet, and tangy taste.

It doesn’t matter if it’s steak or chicken, I know that if I’m using a good marinade, the meal will be delicious! For maximum flavor, I highly recommend a homemade marinade like this steak marinade, this yummy Asian-inspired marinade, and my classic  chicken marinade!

Reasons to LOVE This Recipe

Easy: To make this tri-tip marinade, you’ll only need about 5 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients.

Flavorful: With a marinade that tastes as good as this one, you’ll want to use it on everything, not just tri tip steaks! It’s great on chicken and other types of steak too!

Perfect for Grilling Season: This is the perfect time to give this delicious marinade a try! Trust me, everyone will love it.

Tri-Tip Marinade Recipe

With this delicious tri-tip marinade you’ll never have to worry about dry, flavorless steak again! It’s the most delicious combination of ingredients that will bring flavor to the meat while making it juicy and tender. Plus, the marinade adds moisture and helps to keep it from becoming dry while cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive Oil: This will give the marinade the perfect consistency and add moisture to the meat.

Fresh Lime Juice: The citrus will help to tenderize the steak.

Soy Sauce: Adds salty, savory flavor.

Brown Sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a hint of sweetness.

Worcestershire Sauce: For the best umami flavor.

Fresh Garlic: Provides a pungent aromatic flavor.

Onion Powder: Brings a subtle onion taste without having to use fresh onions.

Italian Seasoning: A combination of outstanding herbs. 

Salt & Pepper: Cracked black pepper and kosher salt brings all of the flavors together.

Tri-Tip Steak: This marinade is the perfect amount for 2 to 3 pounds of tri-tip steak.

How to Make Tri Tip Marinade

This recipe could not be easier! After trying this homemade marinade, you’ll never want store-bought again.

Make the Marinade

Whisk: In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.

Marinate: Place 2-3 pounds of tri-tip steak in a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag. Pour your marinade into the bag and marinate for one hour or up to 24 hours.

How Long Should You Marinate Tri Tip?

For maximum flavor, tenderness and juiciness, we recommend marinating your steak at least one hour but a few hours is even better. You can leave the steak marinating for up to 24 hours.

To Cook the Steak

Cook: Cook the tri-tip with your preferred method, you can grill, bake, or cook them on the stovetop. Cook to the desired doneness. Check out this post for all of my tips and tricks to cooking Tri Tip

Rest and Slice: Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Be sure to slice the meat against the grain!

Add the marinade ingredients to a bowl.

Whisk to combine.

Add the tri-tip to a sealable bag.

Pour the marinade on top of the meat, seal, and marinate.

How to Customize Tri Tip Marinade

There are so many ways to infuse different flavors into this marinade! Here are a few ideas for you to try!

Use a Different Citrus: Lemon juice or orange juice work great to replace the lime juice.

Soy Sauce Substitutions: Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce, and for a gluten-free option, use tamari!

Italian Seasoning: Add in some extra flavor by using Italian seasoning. You will love this homemade Italian seasoning! Or use store-bought if that’s easier!

How to Store Tri Tip Steak Marinade

In the Refrigerator: Homemade tri tip marinade will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container. However, once the marinade has mixed with raw meat or fish, it will need to be discarded.

In the Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag and freeze for 3-6 months.

More Delicious Marinade Recipes

A tasty marinade will really elevate your protein! It will add so much more flavor and moisture to everything from salmon and shrimp to chicken and pork chops! Check out some more delicious marinades that you can use to add flavor to just about any type of meat.

Salmon Marinade

32 mins

The Best Shrimp Marinade

1 hr 5 mins

Bourbon Marinade

10 mins

Pork Chop Marinade

5 mins

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Tri-Tip Marinade

This tasty tri-tip marinade is the best way to infuse your tri-tip steak with delicious flavor and make it perfectly tender. It’s easy to mix together with ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh garlic and seasonings for the most wonderful savory, sweet, and tangy taste.
Course marinade
Cuisine American
Keyword tri tip marinade
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings 2 Tri Tip Steak
Calories 613kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil1/4 cup fresh lime juice or lemon or orange juice2 tablespoons soy sauce or GF Tamari2 tablespoons brown sugar2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced1 teaspoon onion powder1 tablespoon Italian seasoning1 teaspoon cracked black pepper1 tablespoon Kosher salt2 – 3 pounds tri-tip steak

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.
Place 2-3 pounds of tri-tip steak in a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag. Pour your marinade into the bag and marinate for one hour or up to 24 hours.
Cook the tri-tip with your preferred method, you can grill, bake, or cook them on the stovetop. Cook to the desired doneness.
Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Be sure to slice the meat against the grain!

Nutrition

Calories: 613kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 4.81mg | Potassium: 832mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 77IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 5mg

Raspberry Fluff Salad

Fresh and fruity Raspberry Fluff Salad is a sweet and creamy side or dessert with a mix of raspberries, vanilla yogurt and Cool Whip. Made with just 4 ingredients in 5 minutes, it’s SO easy to make and perfect for potlucks and picnics!

If you love the rich, jam-like sweetness of raspberries, chances are you’ll be a fan of these other desserts: lemon raspberry cake, raspberry pretzel salad and raspberry pie!

Reasons You Will LOVE This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Creamy fruit salads like this raspberry fluff salad can be made in a matter of minutes. Plus, you only need 4 easy-to-find ingredients and about 5 minutes!

So Delicious: The combination of sweet, tart raspberries, creamy vanilla yogurt and sweet, fluffy Cool Whip is absolutely heavenly.

Great for Any Season: Of course, this is perfect for serving during summer celebrations, but because frozen raspberries are recommended, you can make this anytime of year.

What is Raspberry Fluff?

Whether you serve this raspberry fluff salad as a side dish or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit! Sweet and simple and bursting with fruity raspberry, vanilla pudding and Cool Whip flavors, you will have a new favorite dessert salad after you try this recipe! The yogurt gives the mixture a smooth, creamy consistency while the Cool Whip keeps it light and fluffy. Make this for your next potluck, BBQ or party and just wait for all of the rave reviews to come pouring in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this creamy and light raspberry fluff recipe. It can be whipped up in a moment’s notice and is great for feeding a crowd! Exact measurements can be found below in the recipe card.

Vanilla Yogurt: The creaminess of the yogurt combines wonderfully with the pudding powder and whipped topping to make a light and sweet filling.

Instant Pudding: This adds rich vanilla flavor to the fruit salad while maintaining a fluffy texture.

Cool Whip: Make sure the Cool Whip is thawed, so that it mixes up nice and fluffy!

Frozen Raspberries: Adds the most delicious sweet, tart flavor to the salad.

How to Make Raspberry Fluff

Get ready for the easiest, tastiest fruit salad ever! Simply stir together the ingredients and then let this chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it!

Add the Yogurt: Empty the container of yogurt into a large bowl.

Combine with Pudding Mix: Add the instant pudding powder and whisk until smooth removing any lumps.

Add the Cool Whip: Fold in the Cool Whip until combined.

Stir in the Frozen Raspberries: The more you stir the more the berries melt and turn the fluff a pretty pink color.

Serve: Enjoy right away or chill until ready to serve! The mixture will thicken as it chills.

Add the yogurt and pudding powder to a large bowl.

Whisk until smooth.

Fold in the cool-whip.

Fold in the raspberries and chill until serving.

Raspberry Fluff Variations

Fruit salads are super versatile and there are lots of ways that you can change this raspberry fluff to make it your own. Here are some options:

Yogurt: Switch up the yogurt and use plain or Greek yogurt. I love the vanilla yogurt in this recipe because it adds more vanilla flavor!

Fruit: If you don’t like raspberries then use frozen blueberries or blackberries. Frozen fruit is best because it melts and the juices add flavor and color!

Instant Pudding Powder: Make sure the pudding powder is instant! Switch up the flavor and use cheesecake pudding powder instead!

Sugar-Free Option: Make this entire salad sugar-free! I like to use sugar-free vanilla Greek yogurt, sugar-free vanilla instant pudding, and sugar-free Cool Whip! And it’s still sweet and delicious…no one will ever know!

Storing Leftovers

This raspberry fluff salad makes perfect leftovers because it thickens as it chills! Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in your refrigerator. It will keep for about 2-3 days, if it lasts that long!

More Fruit Salads

Cold and creamy fruit salads scream summer! I love to serve some type of delicious, refreshing fruit salad as a sweet side dish for any potluck, picnic or cookout. They are always a welcome contrast among the meats and other more savory dishes. Here are some of our tried and true favorites that I know you will love too!

Very Berry Cheesecake Salad

15 mins

Best Ever Ambrosia Salad

10 mins

Snickers Salad

1 hr 20 mins

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

4 hrs 20 mins

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Raspberry Fluff Salad

Fresh and fruity Raspberry Fluff Salad is a sweet and creamy side or dessert with a mix of raspberries, vanilla yogurt and Cool Whip. Made with just 4 ingredients in 5 minutes, it’s SO easy to make and perfect for potlucks and picnics!
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword raspberry fluff, raspberry fluff salad
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 minutes minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 229kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

32 ounces vanilla yogurt, I prefer light yogurt5.1 ounces vanilla instant pudding powder8 ounces Cool-Whip, thawed12 ounces frozen raspberries

Instructions

Empty the container of yogurt into a large bowl.
Add the instant pudding powder and whisk until smooth removing any lumps.
Fold in the Cool-Whip until combined.
Stir in the frozen raspberries. The more you stir the more the berries melt and turn the fluff apretty pink color.
Serve right away or chill until ready to serve! The mixture will thicken as it chills.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 112IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

This strawberry cream cheese pie has a smooth, creamy filling topped with sweet strawberries and held together by a crumbly buttery crust. It’s simply divine!

There is nothing quite like the combination of strawberries and cream. If you love this combo as much as I do, you should definitely try strawberry pretzel salad, this classic no-bake strawberry and cream pie, or my family’s favorite strawberry cheesecake salad!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This strawberry cream cheese pie recipe comes together quickly and easily. Make sure you give yourself time to let it set up in the fridge before serving.

Fabulous Flavor Combo: The combination of the tangy cream cheese and the sweet, juicy strawberries is a delightful experience.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

This fresh strawberry pie recipe requires only a few simple ingredients, yet it will undoubtedly become a cherished family favorite. It’s perfect for family get-togethers, BBQs, or summer parties.

For more recipes that are perfect for gatherings, you can also try making this cookie salad or this red, white, and blue cheesecake salad. They are always a hit!

Ingredients You Need for Strawberry Cream Pie

There are only a few ingredients needed to make this pie. You can also save some time and use a store-bought graham cracker crust. It won’t have the same buttery crunch, but it could save you some time. For exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below.

Crust

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a sweet, toasty flavor and crunchy texture.

Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.

Melted Salted Butter: The butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, and the salt in the butter gives a depth of flavor.

Filling

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy tangy base to the pie filling.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and sweetness to the pie filling.

Thawed Whipped Topping: Gives the filling an airy, light texture and adds a touch of sweetness.

Fresh Strawberries: These are the highlight of the pie, offering a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.

Strawberry Jam: The jam acts as a glaze that intensifies the strawberry flavor and helps bind the fresh strawberries.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Making this strawberry cream cheese pie will take about 20 minutes, and then it needs to set in the fridge for at least 3 hours. I love that it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your event.

Crust

Preheat: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Crush: If you are using whole graham crackers, you can crush them in a ziplock bag and a rolling pin, or you can blend them into fine crumbs using a food processor or a blender.

Combine: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.

Pack Crumb Crust: Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. I like to use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to pack it down tightly.

Bake: Bake crust for 10 minutes. Set on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Combine all crust ingredients.

Press crust into pie dish.

Cream Cheese Mixture

Beat: Add the cream cheese and vanilla to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.

Fold and Spread: Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth. Spread into the cooled pie crust and smooth over the top. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill for at least 3 hours.

Strawberry Topping: Just before serving, toss the fresh strawberries in a large bowl with the strawberry jam. The longer the berries sit in the jam, the more juice they will release. 

Serve: Top the chilled pie with the berries, discarding the liquid. Serve immediately.

Beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.

Fold in whipped topping.

Spread into pie crust and chill.

Toss berries with jam before topping the cream cheese filling.

Tips and Variations

This strawberry cream pie is so great because it is so versatile. Here are some ways to change it up!

Pie Filling: If you don’t want to spend time cutting strawberries, you may replace the strawberries and jam with (1) 21-ounce can of strawberry filling.

Whipping Cream: If you prefer homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping, whip 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream with 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar until you have stiff peaks. Fold the cream into the cream cheese as directed in the recipe card.

Crust: You may use a store-bought graham cracker crust instead of homemade if that is easier.

No-Bake Crust: Make a no-bake graham cracker crust by using 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix them until combined and press evenly into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill for at least 30 minutes before adding the cream cheese filling.

Toppings: Top the cream cheese base with any fresh berries or canned pie filling or some fresh homemade jam!

Preparing Ahead of Time and Storing Leftovers

This recipe is great because you can make almost everything ahead of time; just add the fresh fruit when you are ready to serve.

Make it Ahead of Time: This pie is best served fresh due to the fresh strawberries used in it. If you would like to prepare it in advance, I recommend preparing the crust and cream cheese layer and keeping the berries separate until just before serving.

In the Refrigerator: Leftovers may be covered and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though after 24 hours, the juice from the berries will start making the crust soggy.

Easy Desserts to Try

If you love this easy strawberry cream cheese pie, you”ll also enjoy these simple, fresh desserts. You’ve got to try out these other fresh and fruity desserts!

Easy Creme Brûlée

40 mins

Peaches and Cream

15 mins

The Easiest Fresh Strawberry Pie

45 mins

No-Bake Lemon Pie

6 hrs 30 mins

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

This strawberry cream pie has a smooth, creamy filling is topped with sweet strawberries, and is held together by a crumbly, buttery crust. Simply divine!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Cream Cheese Pie, Easy Pie, strawberry dessert
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Chill Time 3 hours hours
Total Time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 369kcal

Ingredients

Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs, about 16 whole crackers2 tablespoons granulated sugar5 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract8 ounces whipped topping, thawed1 ½ pounds fresh strawberries, quartered or sliced2 tablespoons strawberry jam

Instructions

Crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are using whole graham crackers you can crush them in a ziplock bag and a rolling pin, or you can blend them into fine crumbs using a food processor or a blender.
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together in a medium bowl until it resembles damp sand.
Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. I like to use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to pack it down tightly.
Bake for 10 minutes. Set on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Filling

Add the cream cheese and vanilla to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth. Spread into the cooled pie crust and smooth over the top. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill for at least 3 hours.
Just before serving toss the fresh strawberries in a large bowl with the strawberry jam, keeping in mind that the longer the berries sit in the jam, the more juice they will release.
Top the chilled pie with the berries, discarding the liquid. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 631IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg
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