Cowboy Queso

Get ready to rustle up some serious flavor with this Cowboy Queso! Packed with zesty sausage, hearty beans, and a kick of beer, it’s the perfect dip for any gathering—just grab your tortilla chips and dig in!

This appetizer is the perfect pairing for taco night or really any Mexican meal. And you’ll definitely want to serve it at your next party or potluck! Here are some of our other go-to dips to try next: easy taco dip, addicting bean dip or this classic 7-layer dip.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a Crowd Favorite: Queso is always a welcome dip and especially when it tastes as incredible as cowboy queso!

Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes is all you need for the best Mexican-style dip ever!

SO Addicting: This appetizer will be the hit of any party! Once you start dipping, you just can’t stop!

Quick Tips Title

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What is Cowboy Queso?

This has quickly become my go-to dip when I need something easy that I know everyone will devour! Cowboy queso is very similar to our smoked queso dip, made with sausage and Velveeta cheese. However, this cowboy version is taken to the next level with the addition of beer, beans and corn! It’s quick and easy to whip up and makes a great appetizer for any occasion from parties to lazy weekends!

Ingredients in Cowboy Queso

Velveeta cheese is a must in this dip because it’s incredibly melty and has the creamiest texture for dipping. Combine that with the sausage and all of the other flavorful ingredients, and you’ll have an amazing appetizer for game day, parties, or family get-togethers. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Mild Sausage: 1 pound cooked and crumbled.

Chili Powder: For a subtle kick of heat.

Onion powder: Gives this dip the perfect onion flavor.

Pale Ale Beer: Adds robust deep flavor.

Rotel: A delicious combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

Velveeta Cheese: Don’t try to substitute the Velveeta. You will love the creamy texture it gives the dip.

Monterey Jack Cheese: If you have the time, shred this yourself from a block. It will have the best flavor and melt more smoothly.

Black Beans: Rinse and drain for added fiber, flavor and texture.

Corn: Use canned or frozen corn for a hint of sweetness in every bite.

For Serving

Garnish: A garnish of fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños adds color, texture and extra flavor.

Tortilla Chips: The classic option for any type of queso dip!

Beer Replacement

Use chicken broth or beef broth to replace the beer in this recipe if you prefer!

How to Make Cowboy Queso

This cowboy queso recipe requires little effort and has the best cheesy consistency and mouth-watering flavor! You won’t want to stop dipping!

Cook the Sausage: In a large cast iron skillet, add the sausage. Cook and crumble over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any grease once cooked through.

Add Seasonings and Beer: Stir in the chili powder, onion powder, and beer. Allow the beer to cook and reduce for about 4-5 minutes.

Add Cheese: Add the Velveeta and Monterey Jack cheeses. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the cheese, stirring occasionally.

Add the Beans, Corn, and Rotel: Once the cheese is melted, stir in the beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes and heat through for about 5 minutes. 

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. Serve warm with chips!

Cook the sausage.

Add the onion powder, chili powder, and beer.

Add the Velveeta and Monterey Jack cheese then stir to warm and melt the cheese.

Stir in the Rotel, corn, and black beans.

Cowboy Queso in the Crockpot

Cook and brown the sausage over the stove then drain any excess grease. Add all of the remaining ingredients to the crock pot. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.

Tips and Variations

Here are some suggestions for ways that you can customize this dip to make it your own and ideas for fun serving options!

Swap the Meat: The sausage adds great flavor, but ground beef, chicken, or pork all work! Season with taco seasoning and cook before adding. Cooked chicken breast or carne asada would also be super tasty.

Add More Spice: Add spicy Rotel, hot sausage, sautéed diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Serve With: Cowboy queso dip is delicious served with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, pretzel bites, toasted bread, or even vegetables like celery and bell peppers.

How to Store Leftover Queso

This delicious cowboy queso dip is easy to store and keeps for days. Here’s the best way to keep it fresher longer.

In the Refrigerator: Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Transfer to a microwave-safe container and microwave on medium heat for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Or, for more even heating, transfer the dip to a small saucepan over low heat, stirring consistently, until it’s hot and bubbly.

More Delicious Hot Dips

Hot dips are just SO delicious! If you are looking for more incredible dip recipes, you have to try some of our other tried and true favorites! The hardest part is deciding which one to make first!

Sausage Dip

20 mins

Insanely Delicious Hot Crab Dip

25 mins

Jalapeno Popper Dip

30 mins

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

25 mins

Print

Cowboy Queso

Get ready to rustle up some serious flavor with this Cowboy Queso! Packed with zesty sausage, hearty beans, and a kick of beer, it’s the perfect dip for any gathering—just grab your tortilla chips and dig in!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex Mex
Keyword cowboy queso
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 484kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 pound mild sausage1 teaspoon chili powder1 teaspoon onion powder1 cup pale ale beer10 ounces Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained16 ounces Velveeta cheese2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded1 can black beans, drained and rinsed1 cup corn, canned or frozencilantro, tomatoes, and jalapenos, for servingtortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

In a large cast iron skillet, add the sausage. Cook and crumble over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any grease once cooked through.
Stir in the chili powder, onion powder, and beer. Allow the beer to cook and reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
Add in the Velveeta cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the cheese, stirring occasionally.
Once the cheese is melted, stir in the beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes and heat through for about 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños.
Serve warm with chips!

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1439mg | Potassium: 594mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 985IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 564mg | Iron: 2mg

Father’s Day Menu Plan

I’ve put together this Father’s Day menu plan which means less stress and more fun, letting you spoil your dad with all his favorite foods! It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable and delicious celebration!

There are so many yummy recipes that Dad will love this year for Father’s Day! In addition to this menu plan, check out this Father’s Day recipe round up for all of my favorite Father’s Day recipes!

Reasons You’ll LOVE This Holiday Menu Plan

Stress-Free Planning: Holidays are so much easier when you can plan the menu out beforehand, and Father’s Day is no different. This menu takes the guesswork out of meal prep, letting you focus on celebrating.

Dad-Approved Dishes: This menu hits all the best stuff that dads love! From savory grilled options to classic sides and indulgent desserts, it’s tailored to make the day special.

Variety of Flavors: The menu offers a fantastic variety, ensuring there’s something delicious for every taste, making the meal enjoyable for everyone.

Sweet Finishes: Ending the meal on a high note, the dessert options add a sweet and satisfying conclusion that any dad will love.

How to Plan a Father’s Day Menu

Holidays are so much easier when you can plan the menu out beforehand! And Father’s Day is no different. This menu hits all the best stuff that dads love! Grilled options, classic sides and of course, dessert!

Entree: Grilled Steak Fajitas

Entree: Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Side Dish: Charro Beans

Side Dish: Amazing Grilled Vegetables

Dessert: Bourbon Pecan Pie

Dessert: Congo Bars

How Many Does this Feed?

I have included 2 entrees, 2 side options and 2 desserts. If you make all of them, you should be about to feed at least 12 adults! Stick to the shopping list that I have provided and you don’t even need to figure anything out. It’s so easy!

Grilled Steak Faijtas

5 from 2 votes
These Grilled Steak Fajitas are the perfect departure from burgers and hot dogs for simmer grilling. Marinated in the morning, throw on the grill with a medley of bell peppers and onions, and serve in charred tortillas with all your favorite fixings.

View Recipe

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

4.91 from 31 votes
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a five star recipe! The marinade is quick and easy and full of such amazing flavor! You will make this again and again!

View Recipe

Charro Beans

5 from 9 votes
Mexican Charro Beans, also known as Frijoles Charros, are loaded to the brim with flavor! Pinto beans are cooked in a chicken broth seasoned with warm and inviting spices. Throw in some bacon, tomato, onions, ham, and jalapenos for the perfect blend of bold flavors.

View Recipe

Grilled Vegetables

These delicious grilled vegetables are the perfect side to enhance any meal. They are drizzled with a savory garlic marinade that amplifies each vegetable’s amazing flavor and texture!

View Recipe

Bourbon Pecan Pie

5 from 2 votes
This gooey Bourbon Pecan Pie is a delicious twist on a classic! The alcohol will cook out while baking and you are left with rich flavor and a sweet filling that will leave your mouth watering. You won’t want to make it any other way!

View Recipe

Congo Bars

Congo bars are soft and chewy, filled with chocolate chips and walnuts. They’re like a gooey chocolate chip cookie in bar form and will have you savoring every bite!

View Recipe

Meal Planning with Leftovers

You might have extras from this Father’s Day menu plan cause it’s a lot of food! But Leftovers are the best! If you do have leftovers, make sure to store them properly in an airtight container in your fridge.

More Delicious Summer Recipe Ideas

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables

40 mins

Blue Cheese Burger

30 mins

World’s Best Baked Beans

1 hr 15 mins

Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu

6 hrs 10 mins

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables

This sheet pan teriyaki chicken with vegetables is a family favorite! It’s loaded with tender chicken and veggies that get tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. A one pan dinner recipe that is super easy to throw together.

Sheet pan meals are perfect for busy weeknights! Everything is cooked on one pan and clean up is a breeze. Try some of our favorites like this Cajun shrimp and sausage, this tasty cashew chicken, or these cheddar pork chops.

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables

This sheet pan teriyaki chicken with vegetables will be a go-to meal for your family because everyone will love it! Everything is cooked and served on one pan making this so easy. The sweet and sticky sauce coats the tender chicken and vegetables and every bite is flavor-packed. Serve it over rice or noodles and watch your family come back for seconds. I am always able to sneak in any kind of vegetables because the homemade teriyaki sauce steals the show!

Sheet pan dinners are the answer to when you don’t know what to make! They are practically effortless and you can have the entire dinner done all at once. It truly is one of easiest most practical dinners to make. And don’t forget you can use the sheet pan method to make nachos and fajitas.

Ingredients Needed

Making your own teriyaki sauce for this sheet pan teriyaki chicken and vegetables is the best way to get the most flavor. Its easy to make so keep it this recipe on hand to use in other recipes like stir fry.

Soy Sauce: This umami sauce creates the base for the teriyaki sauce. It’s a must.

Brown Sugar: Gives the teriyaki sauce it’s sweet flavor!

Sesame Oil: This is a finishing oil, so it will go perfectly as drizzle over the vegetables too.

Garlic cloves: Mince the garlic so it will release the flavor.

Grated ginger: Use fresh ginger for the best punch of flavor.

Cornstarch: Thickener for the sauce.

Water: You will mix this with the cornstarch so it will dissolve.

Salt and black pepper: to taste

Skinless chicken breasts: cut in half lengthwise (about 1 1/2 pounds)

Broccoli Florets: about 2 bunches

Sliced carrots: Use big carrots that you cut yourself, they will be more flavorful than baby carrots.

Red Onion: Feel free to slice or chop the red onion. Green onion would also be delicious!

Red Bell Pepper: Sliced red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch of texture. Any variety of bell peppers would work.

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables Recipe

The best part about this dish is how little effort it takes, plus you’ve got one amazing meal your entire family will love! Enjoy it alone or serve it over your favorite rice or noodles. Either way, you choose, this sheet pan recipe is much easier and healthier than takeout!

Prepare: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a large sheet pan with pan spray and set aside.

Combine the Sauce Ingredients and Bring to a Boil: Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat and simmer for about five minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and lay in the center of the sheet pan. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, then spread them evenly on either side of the sheet pan and drizzle everything with about 2/3 of the teriyaki sauce.

Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are caramelized and the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a thermometer.

Toss With Remaining Sauce and Serve: Remove pan from oven and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Cut up the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Drizzle vegetables with oil.

Prepare the teriyaki sauce on the stove.

Spread the veggies and chicken on the sheet pan and drizzle with teriyaki sauce

Tips and Variations For Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables

This sheet pan recipe is one of the easiest ways to feed your family. Make it just the way they like it by using any vegetables you have on hand. You are going to love how fast this is to make!

Chicken: This recipe calls for chicken breasts but you can use chicken thighs. The chicken breasts should be the same size and thickness so that they cook evenly.

Prep Ahead of Time: This is a great recipe to even marinate the ingredients in the sauce for that added flavor. After preparing it ahead of time you will want to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. I would recommend baking it within 24-48 hours of preparing it.

Vegetables: Experiment with any vegetables your family likes! Try asparagus, cauliflower, green beans, mushrooms, or snap peas. So many options!

More Add-Ins: I love adding delicious textures like water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or edamame!

Storing Leftovers

This sheet pan teriyaki chicken with vegetables makes delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s also great for meal prep! Follow my steps below for storing and reheating leftovers.

In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes before stirring it around and heating it for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fully heated. Try to avoid overheating the chicken or it will end up rubbery.

In the Freezer: Freeze the chicken in one bag and the vegetables in another. Add the sauce to a small bag and store all of them in a large freezer bag or in an airtight container.

To Cook From Frozen: You can cook everything directly from frozen, but it will leave some extra liquid in the pan. For the chicken to be fully cooked from frozen you should anticipate an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time. If you have time, I recommend thawing the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator overnight before cooking, though you can use the vegetables frozen or thawed.

More Teriyaki-Flavored Recipes

Teriyaki Beef Skewers

50 mins

Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

25 mins

Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon

25 mins

Amazing Teriyaki Burgers

15 mins

Print

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

This sheet pan teriyaki chicken with vegetables is a family favorite! It’s loaded with tender chicken and veggies that get tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. A one pan dinner recipe that is super easy to throw together.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian American
Keyword baked teriyaki chicken, sheet pan teriyaki chicken
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 250kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce¼ cup brown sugar1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil3 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon grated ginger1 tablespoon cornstarch¼ cup watersalt and black pepper, to taste3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (about 1 1/2 pounds)2 cups broccoli florets1 cup carrots sliced½ red onion, sliced1 bell pepper, sliced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a large sheet pan with pan spray and set aside.
Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about five minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and lay in the center of the sheet pan. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, then spread them evenly on either side of the sheet pan and drizzle everything with about 2/3 of the teriyaki sauce.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are caramelized and the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a thermometer.
Remove pan from oven and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Video

Notes

Updated on June 13, 2024

Originally Posted on April 27, 2019

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 3382mg | Potassium: 795mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 6587IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg

Breakfast Egg Rolls

Breakfast Egg Rolls are a fun and delicious way to change up breakfast! The inside is filled with savory sausage, creamy eggs, hash browns, and plenty of cheese. Fry them up for a gooey, tender, savory center and a delicately crunchy exterior. This is a fun and unique breakfast that everyone will love!

Once you get the hang of using egg roll wrappers, you’ll see that it’s so easy! You’ll be inspired to try our other delicious egg roll recipes. From dessert cheesecake egg rolls to buffalo chicken egg rolls and the best avocado egg rolls, there are endless options!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the crispy texture of egg rolls, and when they are filled with classic breakfast foods, the whole family will be hooked!

Meal Prep Recipe: Cook these ahead of time for a special brunch meal or a quick grab-and-go breakfast. They keep for days and reheat well in the air fryer or oven.

Customize the Filling: I used sausage, eggs, hash browns, and cheddar, but you can easily switch these up and use bacon or ham and whatever cheese you have on hand.

Breakfast Egg Rolls

To prepare breakfast egg rolls, start with classic breakfast foods like eggs, sausage, and hash browns. Next, stuff them into egg roll wrappers and fry them to perfection. Not only do they enhance any brunch spread, but they are also hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal. They’re cheesy and tender on the inside, while crispy and crunchy on the outside.

I love how these offer a unique, special breakfast option that stands out from traditional egg rolls. Serve them at your next breakfast gathering, holiday brunch, or any occasion. They won’t last long!

Ingredients Needed

To make this breakfast egg roll recipe, start with simple ingredients, mainly standard breakfast items like eggs and sausage. First, grab some egg roll wrappers, then basic breakfast items, and you’re ready to go! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Breakfast Sausage: Cooked and crumbled for added protein, flavor and heartiness.

Eggs: We’re scrambling 6 large eggs to fill the breakfast egg rolls.

Half and Half: Whisked with the eggs to make them super creamy and rich.

Salt and Pepper: To taste!

Butter: For scrambling the eggs.

Hash Browns: You don’t need to thaw your frozen potatoes; just cook them as-is! Try different shapes/sizes. Diced hashbrowns work great!

Cheese: For melty cheesiness throughout the egg rolls, we fill them with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Wrappers: Egg roll wrappers will hold all of the ingredients together and become crispy and golden brown on the outside when fried!

Vegetable Oil: Used to fry the egg rolls, giving them a crunchy and golden exterior.

How to Make Breakfast Egg Rolls

If you’ve never made egg rolls before, don’t be intimidated, it’s actually so easy! Just follow the step-by-step instructions and take a look at the visual instructions below.

Cook the Sausage: In a medium skillet, cook the breakfast sausage. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside. Drain any fat.

Cook the Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, and salt and pepper. Heat the butter in the same skillet the sausage was cooked in and scramble the eggs.

Cook the Hash Browns: Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside. Cook the hash browns according to the package directions and set them aside.

Prep Ingredients: Set up a workstation with all the bowls of ingredients ready alongside the wrappers and a small bowl of water to help seal the egg rolls shut.

Roll the Egg Rolls

Fill the Wrapper: Start with one wrapper on the work surface with a corner facing you. Fill the bottom third of the wrapper with sausage, eggs, hash browns, and cheddar cheese.

Roll the Wrapper: Roll the corner up over the filling, fold the sides in, and continue rolling the wrapper the rest of the way. Use a little water on the edge of the wrapper to seal your breakfast egg roll closed.

Heat Oil: While the egg rolls are being filled, heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry the Egg Rolls: Once all the egg rolls are filled, start frying them in batches. There should be space between each egg roll while they fry. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Let Rest and Serve: Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper-towel lined plate. Let them rest for at least 5 minutes before enjoying them.

Cook the breakfast sausage.

Whisk the eggs, half and half, and salt and pepper, then cook.

Cook the hash browns.

Place ingredients in the center of the egg roll wrapper.

Fold in the corners and roll tightly, sealing with water.

Fry the egg rolls!

Tips and Variations

Here are my top tips for breakfast egg rolls that will make them turn out absolutely perfect every time you make them!

Change the Protein: You can add any of your favorite items to these breakfast egg rolls, you can replace the sausage with bacon or have it in addition to the sausage. 

Add Veggies: Add your favorite veggies, including mushrooms, onions, or peppers.

To Air Fry the Egg Rolls: Once all the egg rolls are filled, lightly spray or brush them with oil and place them in an even layer in the air fryer with space between. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees and fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. 

Tip for Cooking the Eggs: When scrambling your eggs, keep in mind they will cook more once they are in the egg rolls. You want them to be slightly undercooked.

Hash Browns from Scratch: For the hash browns, I used frozen to make the process quicker, but you can make them from scratch.

How to Store Leftovers

These breakfast egg rolls keep well for several days if stored properly! 

In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Reheat: To make sure your leftovers are nice and crispy, cook them in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes.

More Savory Breakfast Recipes

A hot, savory breakfast will always get me out of bed in the morning! There are so many tasty and satisfying options to choose from. For instance, you can enjoy fun handheld quiches, breakfast casseroles, or even sheet-pan eggs. Here are some of my go-to savory breakfast recipes that I make all the time, and I know you will love them too!

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

40 mins

Baked Scrambled Eggs

27 mins

Breakfast Tacos

25 mins

Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites

45 mins

Print

Breakfast Egg Rolls

Breakfast Egg Rolls are a fun and delicious way to change up breakfast! The inside is filled with savory sausage, creamy eggs, hash browns and plenty of cheese. Fry them up for a gooey, tender, savory center and a delicately crunchy exterior. A fun and unique breakfast that everyone will love!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast egg rolls, sausage egg rolls
Prep Time 50 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings 18 egg rolls
Calories 160kcal

Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage6 large eggs cup half and halfSalt and pepper to taste1 tablespoon butter2 cups hash browns, frozen1 cup shredded cheddar cheese12-18 egg roll wrappersVegetable oil for frying egg rolls

Instructions

In a medium skillet, cook the breakfast sausage. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside, drain any fat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, and salt and pepper. Heat the butter in the same skillet the sausage was cooked in and scramble the eggs.
Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside. Cook the hash browns according to the package directions and set them aside.
Set up a workstation with all the bowls of ingredients ready alongside the wrappers and a small bowl of water to help seal the egg rolls shut.
Start with one wrapper on the work surface with a corner facing you, fill the bottom third of the wrapper with sausage, eggs, hash browns, and cheddar cheese.
Roll the corner up over the filling, fold the sides in and continue rolling the wrapper the rest of the way and use a little water on the edge of the wrapper to seal it closed.
While the egg rolls are being filled, heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Once all the egg rolls are filled, start frying them in batches. There should be space between all the egg rolls while they fry. Fry the egg rolls for 3-4 minutes, until they are golden brown.
Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel lined plate. Let them rest at least 5 minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 279mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg

Italian Pasta Salad

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this irresistible Italian pasta salad. Each bite is bursting with flavor from cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salami, olives, and fresh herbs topped with zesty Italian dressing. It’s like a taste of sunny Italy!

If you want to bring more international flair to your table, check out these other recipes from around the globe; Mexican pasta salad, Asian Ramen salad, or this Greek tzatziki pasta salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This Italian pasta salad recipe comes together quickly and easily. All ingredients are ready to go, you just need to chop, slice, dice, and combine!

Versatile: I love how versatile this recipe is. You can omit or add items according to your preferences!

Great for Entertaining: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd! It’s hearty and bursting with flavors that both young and old enjoy!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

I love making this recipe when I need something quick and easy, especially when I need to feed a group. First of all, having the pasta as a base makes this hearty and filling. There is something for everyone to enjoy!

Additionally, any store-bought Italian dressing works to dress this salad, however I love using my copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing or Easy Italian Dressing. It adds authenticity, but my guests always know the salad was made with love!

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Italian Pasta Salad?

As mentioned above, this recipe is great because you can customize it to suit your tastes. I love the fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, al dente pasta, and salty cheeses. For exact measurements of each item, see the recipe card below.

Rotini Pasta: Is the base for the salad and absorbs the dressing.

Salami: Adds a savory flavor and chewy texture.

Small Pepperonis: Introduces a spicy taste and meaty texture.

Black Olives: Provides saltiness with a firm texture.

Green Bell Pepper: Offers a fresh, crisp texture and mild sweetness.

Red Onion: Adds a pop of color, sharp flavor, and crunch.

Grape Tomatoes: Contributes a sweet, tangy flavor and pop of color.

Fresh Parsley: Brings a beautiful green color and herby flavor.

Fresh Basil: Adds a sweet-peppery flavor that enhances the overall freshness.

Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty taste and gritty texture that complements the pasta.

Fresh Mozzarella: Offers a creamy mild flavor and soft texture.

Italian Dressing: This ties all the ingredients together with its tangy-sweet flavor and adds moisture to enhance the consistency of the salad.

How do I Make Italian Pasta Salad?

Although the list of ingredients may seem long, they’re all ready to go—you’ll just need to chop, slice, or dice them!

Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss together until everything is well mixed and coated in the dressing.

Serve immediately or cover and serve within 24 hours.

Add the ingredients to a large bowl.

Pour on the dressing and toss to combine.

Tips and Substitution Ideas

To ensure your Italian pasta salad turns out how you want it, follow these tips below.

Pasta Variations: Use your favorite kind of pasta! I like the shape of rotini, but any bite-size pasta shape will work well. You can even use brown rice or chickpea pasta to make this salad gluten-free. 

Al Dente: Cook your noodles just until they are al dente! If you overcook your pasta, it will get mushy and break apart when you stir all the ingredients together.

Absorption: Pasta salad tends to absorb liquid as it sits, so keep that in mind if you are making the pasta salad in advance. If I prepare the pasta salad the night before, I like to reserve about ¼ of the bottle of dressing to toss with the pasta salad right before I serve it. 

Customizable: You can easily customize the ingredients by adding alternative veggies or cheeses or omitting the ones you do not like.

How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad

Whether you prepare this pasta ahead of time or enjoy it as leftovers, the noodles will absorb some of the sauce. Be sure to have a little extra sauce on hand to add right before serving.

In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

**Note that the salami and pepperoni may lose a bit of their color after 2 days or so, but that does not mean they have gone bad.**

More Ideas for Similar Dishes

Tuscan Pasta Salad

Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

25 mins

Italian Spaghetti Salad

30 mins

Pesto Pasta Salad

2 hrs 20 mins

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Italian Pasta Salad

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this irresistible Italian pasta salad! Each bite will be bursting with flavor from cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salami, olives, and fresh herbs topped with Italian dressing. It’s like a taste of sunny Italy!
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian American
Keyword Easy Pasta Salad, Pepperoni Pasta Salad, Salami Pasta Salad, Summer Side Dish, Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 15 minutes minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 393kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

16 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and cooled4 ounces salami, diced5 ounces small pepperonis½ cup sliced black olives1 green bell pepper, diced½ red onion, diced1 pint grape tomatoes, quartered2 tablespoons parsley, chopped2 tablespoons basil, chopped½ cup shredded parmesan cheese4 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced16 ounces Italian dressing, bottled or homemade

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss together until everything is well mixed and coated in the dressing.
Serve immediately or cover and serve within 24 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 994mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 571IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 1mg

Guide to Different Cuts of Meat

Learn the basics of using meat in the kitchen! I walk you through the different cuts of meat and help you feel confident with your delicious meat recipes. You will LOVE this helpful guide to understanding beef, pork, and chicken!

Cooking meat in the kitchen can be intimidating, but the outcome is SO worth it! From perfectly tender London broil, to fall-apart pork roast and crispy chicken drumsticks…let’s talk meat!

Saves Money: Understanding basic cuts helps you make budget-friendly choices at the store and take advantage of sales.

Maximizes Flavor: Knowing which cuts to use and how to cook them ensures delicious, flavorful meals every time.

Cook with Confidence: With knowledge of basic cuts, you can approach recipes with confidence, mastering different cooking techniques and flavors.

Why is it Important to Know the Different Cuts of Meat?

Understanding meat cuts is like having a secret weapon in the kitchen—it elevates your cooking game and helps you in all of your shopping decisions. Each cut cooks differently, has different amounts of flavor, and really should be picked correctly so it can be the star of the show. Understanding these cuts will make you feel like a culinary expert, cooking up impressive dishes every time.

But it’s not just about cooking—it’s about saving money and feeling confident too! With meat cut know-how, you’ll shop like a pro, getting the best bang for your buck but without sacrificing taste. This guide to understanding the different cuts of meat will change how you look at cooking. You will love how your recipes turn out because they will be packed with flavor.

Different Cuts of Beef

Let’s dive into beef! Here are the main cuts and where they come from:

Chuck: From the shoulder area, chuck is tough and fatty, perfect for ground beef and slow-cooked dishes like pot roast.

Rib: Ribs 6-12, excluding the first five, offer tender, juicy cuts ideal for grilling or roasting. Think prime rib or ribeye steaks.

Loin: Between the ribs and hind legs, the loin is split into short loin and sirloin. Short loin cuts like T-bone and Porterhouse are leaner, while sirloin cuts are flavorful but a bit tougher.

Round: From the hind legs, these cuts are lean and tough. They’re great for roasting or braising, especially after marinating. The marinade adds flavor and tenderness.

Flank: Located below the loin, flank steak is lean and perfect for grilling. Marinate it to tenderize, then slice thinly for stir-fries or tacos.

Plate (Short Plate): From the belly, these cuts are flavorful but need longer cooking times. They are great for braising because it keeps them moist and tender.

Brisket: From the chest, brisket is tough and best for slow cooking methods like smoking or braising because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

Shank: From the legs, above the knee. Very lean and tough, shank cuts are ideal for stews and braising, turning into rich, comforting dishes.

Know Your Beef Grades

Here’s how to know the quality of beef you are buying:

Prime-Grade: The highest quality of beef with most marbling! Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Commonly served at high-end restaurants and steakhouses.

Choice-Grade: This still ranks as a high quality beef, but has less marbling than prime. Filets are often choice-grade beef cuts.

Select-Grade: Select is the lowest quality of the 3 grades. It is typically a tougher and leaner cut of meat. Select has less marbling than higher grades and can lack flavor.

Different Cuts of Chicken

Next, let’s talk chicken! Here’s a quick breakdown of its main cuts:

Breast: Found in the chest, including the tenderloin. It’s lean, white meat, available bone-in, boneless, or thinly sliced. Extremely versatile because you can cook it any way you like.

Thighs: The upper leg, between the hip and knee, is rich, fatty, dark meat with more flavor than the breast. Available bone-in and skin-on, but boneless and skinless is my go-to. They’re an affordable alternative to breast meat.

Drumstick (Leg): The lower leg portion, perfect for handheld bites. Dark, flavorful meat that’s great for frying or baking, especially with rubs and marinades.

Wings: The ultimate finger food! Dark, flavorful, and easy to cook, wings are affordable and made up of the drumette, wingette, and wing tip.

Different Cuts of Pork

Let’s talk about the pig! Here’s a breakdown of the main cuts of pork:

Leg: This includes the hind leg and rump, often called “the ham.” It’s best cooked low and slow for a flavorful result.

Loin: Located behind the shoulder to the back leg, this section has the most tender cuts like tenderloin, chops, and baby back ribs. These are easy to cook and perfect for roasting, searing, or grilling.

Shoulder: This area includes the neck, shoulder blade, and upper front legs. It’s high in fat and tough, making it great for low and slow cooking methods like braising or smoking. Common cuts are picnic shoulder, Boston butt, and pork blade steaks.

Belly: The underside and sides of the abdomen, known for being very fatty. Cuts like bacon, pork belly, and spare ribs are best when some fat is rendered down, so try frying, searing, smoking, or grilling.

Why Marinate?

Marinating your meat enhances the flavor, adds moisture making it extra juicy, and tenderizes your meat. Try marinating cheaper cuts of meat like skirt steak to add flavor and tenderness. Then give my favorite marinades a try for steak, chicken, and pork!

Is Bone-in Better Than Boneless?

Absolutely! Here’s why bone-in is often the way to go:

More Tender and Juicy: Bones help keep the meat juicy and tender as it cooks. Think of it like a natural flavor shield!

Bursting with Flavor: Bones add extra yumminess to your dish. They release savory goodness that makes your meal taste even better.

Less Expensive: Bone-in cuts are often cheaper because you’re paying for meat plus bonus flavor. More bang for your buck!

Keeps Its Shape: With bones in the mix, your meat holds its shape better while cooking. It’s like having a built-in support system.

Cooks Slower: Bone-in cuts take a bit longer to cook, but that slow process means more flavor and tenderness in the end.

How to Save Money When Buying Meat

Knowing your meat cuts helps plan meals based on weekly sales. For instance, when chicken breasts are on sale, I grab extras to freeze for later! Here are some ideas for all of the different cuts of meat:

Beef: Swap out pricier cuts like ribeye for more affordable flat iron steak. Is prime rib too costly? Try strip loin or sirloin instead. And if flank steak is breaking the bank, then give skirt steak, tri-tip, hanger steak, or round steak a try.

Chicken: Go for the flavorful and budget-friendly chicken thighs instead of pricier breasts. Use boneless, skinless thighs in recipes calling for breast meat. Snag whole chickens for the best bang for your buck then break cut them down into pieces at home.

Pork: Pork is a budget-friendly option! When beef roasts are too pricey, opt for pork roasts instead. Save even more by purchasing a whole pork loin and slicing it into chops at home. And for a leaner, cheaper option to pork butt, consider picnic pork—it just needs a bit more time to tenderize.

Internal Meat Temperatures

It’s important to cook your meat at safe temperatures! Chicken and pork have consistent safe internal temperatures, while beef can vary depending on the recipe. For steaks, you can choose your preferred doneness, but I’ve provided a safe range below for most meat dishes.

Chicken: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Beef: Cook to an internal temperature of 140-160°F (60-71°C).

Pork: Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

My Favorite Meat Recipes

Grilled Pork Chops

50 mins

Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites with Potatoes

25 mins

Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Ribs

6 hrs 20 mins

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

4 hrs 35 mins

Swedish Cream with Berries

Treat yourself to this luxurious and refreshing Swedish Cream, a classic dessert that’s easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some chill time, you’ll have a delightful treat topped with fresh berries and mint.

No-bake desserts are perfect for entertaining during the summertime! No need to turn on the oven for this Swedish Cream! If you’d like to try other easy, no-bake dessert recipes, I have a no-bake lemon pie, these 3-ingredients Oreo balls and these classic cookies that are loved by all.

Reasons You’ll LOVE This Recipe

Easy: You only need 5 ingredients, plus water to make this simple dessert and there’s no baking required!

Perfect for Summer: It’s cool, creamy and so delicious with fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, making it a great dessert for summer celebrations!

Fun Individual Servings: I love that this treat can be served in perfectly portioned individual serving cups, for a fun grab-and-go option.

What is Swedish Cream Dessert?

Swedish cream is similar to panna cotta in ingredients but is much less Jello-y in texture. It has a silky, firm custard texture and has a really luscious mouthfeel. It’s more akin to lemon posset in flavor, but instead of a bright lemon zing the tang is sharper from the sour cream. If panna cotta, lemon posset, and cheesecake all had a baby, you’d get Swedish cream!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Swedish Cream recipe is short and sweet! You only need 5 ingredients plus water. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

Water: The water is used to dissolve the gelatin and sugar.

Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the Swedish cream and brings balance to the tanginess of the sour cream.

Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin works best, so you can really taste the true flavor of the dessert.

Sour Cream: This not only adds delicious tanginess but it helps make it creamy.

Heavy Cream: This creates a rich, luscious texture, making it wonderfully creamy.

Vanilla Extract: I always have extract on hand but for a stronger vanilla taste, you can add in vanilla paste.

Garnish: Adding the berries is optional, but I love the fresh flavor they add to the creamy dessert.

How to Make Swedish Cream

This deliciously creamy treat only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Keep in mind that you will need at least 4 hours for the Swedish cream to chill and fully set. This makes it a great dessert to make ahead of time for a party or get-together! Here are visual step-by-step instructions for how to make it:

Mix Gelatin with Water and Sugar: Add the water, sugar, and gelatin to a medium saucepan and mix until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes. 

Boil Mixture: After 5 minutes, bring the pan to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and whisk in the sour cream until no lumps remain. Whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla. 

Divide Mixture into Dishes: Pour the mixture into your chosen dish, or dishes. This recipe makes 32 ounces and can be divided as desired. You may use one large jello mold or bundt pan and cut it to serve, or you may pour it into individual cups. I poured it into 4 cups in 8-ounce portions. 

Chill and Serve: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Top with fresh berries and mint, if desired, before serving.

Let the water, sugar, and gelatin sit for 5 minutes.

Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Whisk in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.

Pour into serving glasses and chill.

Helpful Tips and Variations

Swedish cream looks elegant and impressive, yet it’s super easy to make. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly!

Light Sour Cream: You can use light sour cream if you prefer, but the full-fat sour cream adds to the silky texture.

Change the Flavor: You can change up the flavor a couple of ways: You can use vanilla paste or scrape the caviar from a vanilla bean, or you can replace the vanilla altogether with another extract such as coconut, pineapple, lemon, orange, or even add some fresh citrus zest for flavor.

Toppings: Instead of berries, you can serve it with a spoonful of your favorite pie filling, lemon curd, caramel or chocolate sauce.

How to Store Swedish Cream Leftovers

These no-bake Swedish Cream cups won’t last long! But if you have leftovers, just make sure to keep them covered so they stay fresh! Here are my tips on storing leftovers. 

In the Refrigerator: Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap until you are ready to serve it. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store leftovers the same way.

More Berries and Cream Ideas

If you are like me and LOVE the combination of sweet cream and tangy berries, you will love the recipes below!

The BEST Yogurt Parfait Recipe

5 mins

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

4 hrs 20 mins

Delicious Panna Cotta

45 mins

No Bake Very Berry Cheesecake

10 mins

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Swedish Cream with Berries

Treat yourself to this luxurious and refreshing Swedish Cream, a classic dessert that’s easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some chill time, you’ll have a delightful treat topped with fresh berries and mint.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword easy desserts, individual dessert, panna cotta, vintage recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
chill time 4 hours hours
Total Time 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 635kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

cup water¾ cup granulated sugar1 ¼ teaspoon unflavored gelatin, 1 packet16 ounces sour cream1 ¼ cup heavy cream1 tablespoon vanilla extract, or vanilla pasteberries, for garnish, optionalfresh mint, for garnish, optional

Instructions

Add the water, sugar, and gelatin to a medium saucepan and mix until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, bring the pan to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and whisk in the sour cream until no lumps remain. Whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla.
Pour the mixture into your chosen dish, or dishes. This recipe makes 32 ounces and can be divided up as desired. You may use one large jello mold or bundt pan and cut it to serve, or you may pour it into individual cups. I poured it into 4 cups in 8-ounce portions.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Top with fresh berries and mint, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 635kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 218mg | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 1800IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Blue Cheese Burger

Get ready to be blown away by this Blue Cheese Burger! It’s thick, juicy, and filled with flavor. If you love blue cheese dressing, this recipe is for you! That unique tangy flavor is the perfect addition to the juiciest patty ever.

I love creating new and different burgers at home! They turn out even more delicious than what you can get at your local burger joint. If you’re looking to switch things up, try these recipes next: smash burgersmushroom Swiss burgers, or Oklahoma fried onion burgers!

Reasons You’ll LOVE This Burger Recipe

So Delicious: The combination of creamy, tangy blue cheese with the savoriness of the bacon and hamburger patty is truly a match made in heaven.

Versatile: You can easily cook this on a skillet OR a grill! Enjoy these burgers, no matter what the season! 

Quick and easy: These are so simple to make! You can have a hot, fat blue cheese burger ready in just about 30 minutes.

What You Need to Make Blue Cheese Burgers

Here is everything you’ll need to make this amazing blue cheese burger recipe. Grab some basic ingredients like ground beef, blue cheese, bacon, buns and your favorite fixings. So delicious, you won’t want burgers any other way! You can find the exact measurements below in the recipe card.

Blue Cheese: The star of the show! Blue cheese dressing and blue cheese crumbles add a distinct, yet delicious tangy flavor.

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef to give these burgers maximum flavor!

Salt and Pepper: To enhance and bring out all of the flavors.

Buns: You can use regular hamburger buns, brioche buns, ciabatta or whole wheat buns. 

Butter: For toasting the buns and making them deliciously buttery.

Butter Lettuce: Adds extra texture and freshness.

Red Onion: I like red onions best on burgers because they are milder and less pungent than white or yellow onions, plus they add a pop of color.

Tomatoes: Choose meaty large-sized tomatoes for burgers and slice them into rings.

Bacon: Salty and savory, crispy cooked bacon is so good on almost any burger!

How to Make Blue Cheese Burgers

These blue cheese burgers are super easy to make! Start by mixing the blue cheese topping, then cook the meat and assemble. Follow the simple step-by-step instructions and you’ll have juicy burgers in no time!

Make the Blue Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the blue cheese dressing and the blue cheese crumbles, don’t break the crumbles down too much. Cover and place in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the burger.

Prep: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls and shape into patties. Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook the Patties: Place two patties on the hot griddle or skillet and season with salt and pepper. You can cook all of the patties at the same time if they all fit on the griddle.

Prep the Buns: Cook the burgers 2-3 minutes on each side. Once the patties are cooked, butter and toast the buns on the same skillet.

Assemble: Assemble from the bottom up; start with a toasted bun, then lettuce, onion, tomato, bacon, hamburger patty, a generous helping of the blue cheese mixture, and the top bun.

Mix together the blue cheese dressing and blue cheese crumbles then refrigerate.

Cook the burgers on a griddle or grill.

Butter and toast the buns.

Assemble the burgers.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are making blue cheese burgers, and also some ways to customize them to your taste preference.

Use a Different Patty: This recipe works great swapping the regular patty out for a turkey or veggie burger, for a vegetarian option just leave out the bacon and use a veggie burger.

Prep the Toppings: I recommend preparing the toppings before cooking the patties, so they are all ready to go as soon as the burgers are cooked.

Don’t Press: You might be tempted to press down on the patties while cooking, but this will squeeze out all of the juiciness that is meant to be inside the meat.

Let it Rest: Let the hamburger meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to distribute throughout the patty.

Check for Doneness: The temperature of ground beef is ready to eat when it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check this by using a meat thermometer!

Storing Leftovers

These Blue Cheese Burgers obviously taste the best fresh, but it never hurts to have a few extra patties on hand to reheat and eat over the next few days!

Store the Ingredients Separately: Leftover patties and toppings should be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

In the Refrigerator: The bleu cheese mixture will keep for 1 week.

To Reheat Leftover Burgers: Reheat burgers over the stove on medium heat until warmed through or pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

What to Serve With Your Burger

Blue cheese burgers are great on their own or just with a pickle and some chips on the side. However, if you really want to enhance your burger experience, try making some of these easy sides!

World’s Best Baked Beans

1 hr 15 mins

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

30 mins

Amazing Air Fryer French Fries

30 mins

Crispy Onion Rings (Baked or Fried!)

30 mins

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Blue Cheese Burger

Get ready to be blown away by this Blue Cheese Burger! It’s thick, juicy, and filled with flavor. If you love blue cheese dressing, this recipe is for you! That unique tangy flavor is the perfect addition to the juiciest patty ever.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword blue cheese burger, blue cheese dressing
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 795kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

cup blue cheese dressing cup blue cheese crumbles1 ½ pounds ground beefsalt and pepper to taste4 hamburger bunsbutter for toasting bunsbutter lettucered onion, sliced into ¼ inch ringstomatoes, sliced into ¼ inch rounds8 slices bacon, cooked

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the blue cheese dressing and the blue cheese crumbles, don’t break the crumbles down too much. Cover and place in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the burger.
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls and shape into patties. Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place two patties on the hot griddle or skillet and season with salt and pepper. You can cook all of the patties at the same time if they all fit on your griddle.
Cook the burgers 2-3 minutes on each side. Once the patties are cooked, butter and toast the buns on the same skillet.
Assemble from the bottom up; start with a toasted bun, then lettuce, onion, tomato, bacon, hamburger patty, a generous helping of the blue cheese mixture, and the top bun.

Nutrition

Calories: 795kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 629mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 103IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 5mg

Creamy Avocado Dressing

This creamy Avocado Dressing is packed with flavor and so creamy! It’s delicious on salads, burrito bowls, tacos, and even burgers and wraps. I love how quick and easy it is to make with simple ingredients, and it has the perfect balance of tangy, nutty and subtly sweet flavors.

Homemade salad dressings are a must for really elevating your salads to the next level! Once you make your sauces and dressings from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought! Here are a few more tried and true recipes that you should try next: Greek salad dressing, my yummy southwest dressing and this homemade Caesar dressing!

Reasons to LOVE This Avocado Dressing

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh produce and herbs brighten this dressing in a major way! You’re going to want to make this again and again!

Quick and Easy to Make: Blend all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and this will be ready to go in less than 10 minutes!

Versatile: This dressing can be used on so many different foods! Of course, it’s incredible on salads, but it’s also really delicious as a dip with fresh-cut veggies, spread on grilled chicken or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe

Skip using store-bought dressing! This homemade avocado dressing is packed with the most wonderful fresh flavor without any additives or preservatives! It’s super creamy thanks to the greek yogurt, which also gives it a boost of protein!

What I really love is the addition of fresh cilantro and lime juice. It is so good served on this hearty beef taco salad and this chili lime chicken salad. But don’t limit it to salads, try it on this cilantro grilled chicken and these chicken lettuce wraps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This creamy lime avocado dressing recipe comes together easily with just a handful of simple ingredients. It has the best refreshing flavor and creamy texture—you’re going to love it! Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Avocado: You can use any variety of avocados. I especially like using Haas avocados because they’re extra rich and creamy.

Greek Yogurt: Keeps the calories lower while adding protein and major creaminess.

Lime Juice: Adds fresh flavor and acidity.

Fresh Cilantro: Has a mix of lemon-citrus flavor with a bit of a peppery taste.

Garlic: Fresh garlic will give this dressing the best flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the richness of the avocado and yogurt.

Honey: Adds just a hint of sweetness.

Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance and bring out all of the flavors.

Water: For the perfect dressing consistency.

How to Make Avocado Dressing

You just need a blender and about 10 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious dressing that you’ll want to put on almost everything! Here are the simple instructions of how to mix everything together:

Blend: Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Pour: Pour the dressing from the blender into a sealable container. Use right away or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Add all of the ingredients to a blender or food processor.

Blend until smooth.

Tips and Variations

It’s so easy to customize this avocado dressing recipe! Switch it up with your favorite seasonings, use sour cream, and more! You will absolutely love how it turns out!

Add Seasoning: I love how customizable this dressing can be just by using different seasoning blends. I recommend trying 2 tablespoons of Southwest Seasoning, or Ranch Seasoning for a fun twist to match the salad you’d like to use it on. 

Use Sour Cream: Sour cream is great in place of the greek yogurt.

Make it Spicy: If you add jalapeño with the seeds, it will add a kick of heat. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Ways to Use: Not only is this amazing on salads, but we love using it as a dip for crudités or chips. I also love it drizzled onto buddha bowls, roasted veggies, or burrito bowls.

How to Store Leftovers

I love being able to make this avocado dressing and use it for the next few days on different salads, bowls or just as a dip for veggies!

In the Refrigerator: Store homemade avocado dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Make it Ahead of Time: Feel free to make this about 24 hours before you plan to serve it. As it sits, the ingredients will meld and intensify, and the dressing will become even more flavorful.

More Delicious Dressing Recipes

I love coming up with new flavorful dressings and vinaigrettes to take salads and other foods from ordinary to extraordinary! We have a large variety of salads to try and here are some of our favorite recipes for dressing them!

Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

10 mins

Thousand Island Dressing

5 mins

Green Goddess Dressing

10 mins

Olive Garden Salad Dressing Copycat

5 mins

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Easy Avocado Dressing

This dressing is packed with flavor and so creamy! It’s delicious on salads, burrito bowls, tacos, and even burgers and wraps. I love how quick and easy it is to make with simple ingredients, and it has the perfect balance of tangy, nutty and subtly sweet flavors.
Course Dressing
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword avocado dressing recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
Servings 12 Ounces
Calories 35kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado, pitted½ cup greek yogurt2 tablespoons lime juice2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced1 clove garlic, minced1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar1 teaspoon honey1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon black pepper¼ cup water

Instructions

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You may want to add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time until a desired consistency is reached.
Pour the dressing from the blender into a sealable container. Use right away or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Honey lime chicken enchiladas are a family favorite! These enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken and melty cheese and then smothered in a creamy enchilada sauce. The combination of honey and lime takes these enchiladas to the next level!

Everyone needs to experience this honey lime chicken enchiladas recipe! They are sure to be a family favorite! Serve these enchiladas with this easy corn on the cob, mexican rice, and my simple 5-minute blender salsa.

Reasons to Make These Enchiladas

Crowd-Pleasing Meal: You can never go wrong with these honey lime chicken enchiladas. Both kids and adults LOVE them! Make a big batch to feed a crowd.

Sweet and Savory: A unique and tasty version of classic chicken enchiladas. You’ll love the subtle sweetness of the honey that complements the enchilada flavors!

What are Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas?

Honey lime chicken enchiladas are sweet, savory, and SO tasty! It’s a twist on traditional enchiladas with a hint of honey and lime to brighten the flavors. The honey is subtle but noticeably delicious! This recipe starts with an easy chicken filling made in the crockpot. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, it marinates in a honey lime marinade before assembling. After you try this enchilada recipe, you’ll see why it is one of my favorites. 

Enchiladas are so versatile and there are so many ways to change the flavors and ingredients. Try these white chicken enchiladas, these tasty buffalo enchiladas, or cream cheese enchiladas.

Ingredients to Make Honey Lime Enchiladas

You will love the flavors in these enchiladas and most of the ingredients are common things to have on hand. Follow the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Onion: I like to use sweet onions but if you prefer others you can substitute.

Chicken Breasts: The recipe calls for a total of 3 chicken breast halves.

Chicken Broth: Helps tie everything together and bring out the flavor.

Chili Powder: Gives that little kick that everyone loves.

Garlic: I use about 2-3 cloves and mince them.

Salt & Pepper: Of course, to taste! 

Honey: Adds that bit of sweetness to make the enchiladas incredible!

Lime Juice: Adds delicious zing to the chicken!

Flour Tortillas: If you prefer corn tortillas you can use those instead.

Monterey Jack Cheese: I normally use Monterey Jack but if you have others on hand this is a simple substitution.

Green Enchilada Sauce: Can choose to add more than what’s listed depending on personal preference. 

Heavy cream: Helps thicken the sauce.

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These honey lime have a few steps, but if you plan ahead they are easy to make! I like to cook the chicken in the crockpot in the morning or even the day before. Then marinating and assembling is simple to do.

Cook the Chicken in the Crockpot: Add the chicken, onion, chicken broth, chili powder, garlic, and salt and pepper to a crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Shred and Marinate the Chicken: Once the chicken can easily shred, remove it from the crockpot and shred it all. Drain all of the remaining liquid except ¼ cup. Add the shredded chicken, reserved liquid, honey, and lime juice to a large bag and set aside to marinate for 30-40 minutes.

Preheat/ Prepare the Pan: While the chicken is marinating, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 pan with pan spray. Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the pan.

Fill the Tortillas: Fill the tortillas with chicken and both kinds of cheese, saving about 1 ½ cups of cheese to sprinkle on top.

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining enchilada sauce with the heavy cream.

Top With Sauce and Cheese Then Bake: Pour the sauce on top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is browning and bubbling. Serve hot and top with your favorite enchilada toppings.

Cook and shred the chicken.

Add the chicken and cheese to the tortillas.

Place the filled tortillas in the baking dish coated with enchilada sauce.

Prepare the enchilada sauce.

Pour the enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.

Top with cheese and bake.

Tips and Variations

These honey lime chicken enchiladas can be time-consuming, but don’t let that intimidate you! The steps are very easy, and SO worth it in the end when you take your first bite! Here are my tips and variations below to make this recipe even easier and tastier.

Chicken: Speed up the prep time and grab a rotisserie chicken at the store or use any leftover chicken you may already have. This greatly reduces the amount of preparation and makes this meal an easy weeknight dinner that you can throw together quickly. Toss the chicken with ¼  cup of chicken broth, the seasonings, honey, and lime juice, and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes before assembling your enchiladas.

More Lime Flavor: For more lime flavor, use the zest of 1-2 limes in addition to the lime juice in the marinade.

Tortillas: You may use corn tortillas instead of flour if you prefer, but you will likely need twice as many because they are much smaller.

Make Ahead Tips: The chicken can be prepared at any time and frozen after it is shredded and marinated. I like preparing the chicken in a large batch that will make 3-4 pans of enchiladas and freezing most of it for when I need it later.

More Ways to Cook the Chicken

You don’t have to have a crockpot to cook the chicken! Here are other ways to cook the chicken. These methods are also much faster!

Over the Stovetop: you can boil the chicken in a large pot with a little extra chicken broth and the rest of the ingredients until cooked through and can easily shred for about 20-30 minutes.

In the Instant Pot: Add the chicken, chicken broth, and seasoning to the Instant Pot and cook under high pressure for 10 minutes. Once it is done cooking, manually release the steam and then carefully open the Instant Pot. Shred the chicken and marinate as directed.

Storing Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

These honey lime chicken enchiladas make great leftovers! It’s also a great meal to make ahead and freeze for later. Here are my tips for storing these delicious enchiladas.

In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the baked enchiladas into an airtight container. Store for up to 5 days.

To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second increments, or reheat the whole pan in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes, until the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the Freezer: Prepare the entire pan of enchiladas as a freezer meal by using a foil baking pan. Cover tightly with foil and then wrap the entire pan in 3-4 layers of plastic wrap. Store for up to 3 months.

To Thaw: Remove from the freezer and bake with the foil on for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit before removing the foil and baking for 10 more minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and browning and the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

More Delicious Enchilada Recipes

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

5 hrs 20 mins

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

30 mins

Cream Cheese Enchiladas

1 hr

Enchilada Pie

1 hr 15 mins

Print

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Honey lime chicken enchiladas are a family favorite! These enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken and melty cheese and then smothered in a creamy enchilada sauce. The combination of honey and lime takes these enchiladas to the next level!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican American
Keyword honey lime chicken enchiladas
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Marinate 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 725kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds chicken breast 1 small sweet onion, peeled & diced½ cup chicken broth1 tablespoon chili powder1 teaspoon garlic, minced salt & pepper, to taste6 tablespoons honey5 tablespoons fresh lime juice8-10 large flour tortillas8 ounces Monterey jack cheese, shredded8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded16 ounces green enchilada sauce½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Add the chicken, onion, chicken broth, chili powder, garlic, and salt and pepper to a crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once the chicken can easily shred, remove it from the crockpot and shred it all. Drain all of the remaining liquid except ¼ cup. Add the shredded chicken, reserved liquid, honey, and lime juice to a large bag and set aside to marinate for 30-40 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 pan with pan spray. Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the pan.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining enchilada sauce with the heavy cream.
Fill the tortillas with chicken and both kinds of cheese, saving about 1 ½ cup of cheese to sprinkle on top.
Pour the sauce on top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is browning and bubbling. Serve hot and top with your favorite enchilada toppings.

Video

Notes

Updated on May 07, 2024

Originally Posted on September 28, 2012

Nutrition

Calories: 725kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 1657mg | Potassium: 632mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 1902IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 640mg | Iron: 3mg
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