Weekly Meal Plan #23

Classics like fried chicken, enchiladas and classic comfort food casseroles are all on this weeks meal plan! You are going to love it!

What’s for Dinner This Week?

My kids love this weeks menu plan! If you are looking for ideas for some sides to go with this weeks meals, try making these 1-Hour Rolls, these yummy Tender Roasted Root Vegetables or this classic Wedge Salad.

Monday: Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken

Tuesday: Pork Enchiladas

Wednesday: One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

Thursday: Zupas Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup

Friday: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

How Many Does it Feed?

This free weekly menu plan is just what you need to get your week started. It provides 5 meals that will feed 4-6 (depending on if you are feeding adults or kids) AND it includes a shopping list! With fresh new ideas and easy to make recipes this weekly menu plan will be a life-saver

Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken

4.39 from 18 votes
Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken is SO delicious and doesn’t have to cook in any oil! It is crunchy and golden on the outside, and tender, juicy, and full of flavor inside! This is how the chicken was meant to be eaten.

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Pork Enchiladas

5 from 3 votes
These delicious enchiladas are filled with juicy pork carnitas and smothered in melted cheese. Topped off with homemade red enchilada sauce, this is a dinner that the whole family will go crazy over.

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One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

5 from 12 votes
One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is creamy, hearty, easy and a savory perfection meal. It is going to be dinner winner! Tender mushrooms, tasty ground beef and luscious served with noodles for a beautiful dish your whole family will love.

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Zupas Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup

3.84 from 6 votes
This delicious Zupas Wisconsin Cauliflower soup is warm, creamy, cheesy and oh so luscious! Save yourself the hassle of going out and make this hearty soup at home. 

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

4.50 from 2 votes
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect easy meal for those who love the combination of chicken and ham with plenty of cheese and creaminess in the classic cordon bleu recipe! This dish is easy to make and will be a hit with your whole family!

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Why Should I Meal Plan? 

If you haven’t tried planning your meals ahead of time, this is going to be a game-changer for you! Here’s why I swear by meal planning:

Time Saver: No more 4:00 PM panic about dinner. With a menu plan, you know exactly what’s on the menu, what you need, and how long it takes to cook.

Money Saver: Prepare to be amazed – meal planning works wonders for your wallet. When you organize your shopping list for the week, then you’ll easily spot opportunities to buy in bulk and creatively repurpose leftovers for future meals. It’s a clever approach that keeps more money in your pocket.

Bye-Bye Takeout: When meals are planned and groceries are stocked, you’re less likely to hit the drive-thru. Because you are cooking at home, that means more savings and healthier eating. Win-win!

Side Dishes for Dinner

Smashed Brussels Sprouts

1 hr 10 mins

Garlic Butter Rice

25 mins

Croissant Bread

4 hrs

How to Boil Corn on the Cob

15 mins

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

Storing Leftovers for Meal Planning

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

Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake

Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake is the perfect dinner solution when you need something incredibly tasty and totally fuss-free! This is a complete meal with delicious Asian flavors in one pan, without needing to pre-cook anything.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Complete One-Pan Meal: This Asian-inspired combo of noodles, mixed vegetables, and chicken has it all. No need to worry about sides with this one!

Flavor: Everyone will love this dish! The sweet and sticky sauce, the tender chicken, noodles, and vegetables, it’s just so yummy!

What’s in an Asian Chicken Noodle Bake?

This dish is easy to throw together, your kids could even make it! It is for sure one of the easiest, most flavorful meals to make. Check out the recipe card for exact measurements.

Chicken Breasts: Cut 1-pound chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.

Spaghetti Noodles: Spaghetti noodles soak up all the delicious sauce while baking.

Vegetables: You can use any frozen vegetable medley you’d like. For this recipe, I really like to use an Asian medley.

Chicken Broth: Provides moisture so the pasta cooks while in the oven.

Soy Sauce: This umami sauce creates the flavorful base for the teriyaki sauce.

Honey & Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and a hint of honey taste.

Rice Vinegar: Gives the sauce the perfect hint of sweetness and tanginess.

Sesame Oil: One of the key ingredients for getting a complex, rich flavor.

Ground Ginger: Adds the best punch of flavor.

Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful savory taste.

Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce.

Garnish: Before serving, top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onion for extra texture and color.

How to Make This Chicken Noodle Bake

This chicken noodle bake could not be easier! There is no need to cook anything ahead of time! Just dump everything in one pan, bake, and dinner is on the table in just over 30 minutes!

Prep: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Then, place the uncooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Add Veggies: Sprinkle the frozen vegetables over the noodles.

Add Chicken: Next, add the chicken pieces to the baking dish.

Make the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Then, pour over the pasta, vegetables, and chicken. 

Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Or until the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender. Do not stir the noodles! They need to stay completely in the sauce to fully cook through. Enjoy with sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top!

Chicken Noodle Bake Tips and Variations

One of the best things about this meal is how easy it is to change to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for changing a few things to make it just how you like it!

Vegetables: Use any frozen vegetable medley you like! You can also use fresh vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Protein: Substitute the chicken for pork, beef, or tofu!

Noodles: I recommend using spaghetti noodles for this recipe because the ratio of noodles to sauce is perfect. Additionally, using different noodles could affect the outcome of the recipe!

Heat: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce on top if you like a little kick!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Is there anything better than leftover Chinese food? This chicken noodle bake is especially good for reheating the next day!

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

To Reheat: Warm each serving in a microwave safe dish for 30 seconds at a time until heated through.

More One Pan Dinner Recipes

Dinner time is hard enough without having to do a million dishes! That’s why I’ve created these one pan meals, to save you time and effort! Here are some of my favorites for you to try!

Smothered Pork Chops

30 mins

Chicken and Broccoli

25 mins

Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers

30 mins

One-Pot French Onion Pasta

50 mins

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Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake

Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake is the perfect dinner solution when you need something incredibly tasty and totally fuss-free! This is a complete meal with delicious Asian flavors in one pan, without needing to pre-cook anything.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian American
Keyword asian noodle casserole, chicken noodle bake, easy, Honey sesame chicken noodle bake recipe, one pan recipe, sesame chicken casserole
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 355kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked1 (10.8-ounce) frozen vegetable medley, I used an Asian medley2 cups chicken broth¼ cup soy sauce¼ cup honey2 tablespoons brown sugar2 tablespoons rice vinegar1 tablespoon sesame oil½ teaspoon ground ginger1 teaspoon minced garlic1 tablespoon cornstarchsesame seeds and chopped green onion, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 11 x 7 x 2-inch rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place the uncooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place the frozen vegetables on top of the uncooked spaghetti noodles.
Next, add the chicken pieces on top of the noodles and vegetables.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Pour over the pasta, vegetables, and chicken.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender. Do not stir the noodles; they need to stay submerged in the sauce to cook fully.
Enjoy with sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top!

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 1252mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

This crock pot crack potato soup is the best and easiest soup you will ever make! It’s loaded with creamy cheese, potatoes, hearty chicken, and savory bacon, all seasoned to perfection! Your family will love smelling this cooking when they get home from school! They will like how it tastes even better!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: This soup is the ultimate comfort food! It’s seasoned with ranch mix, which perfectly complements potatoes and bacon. It’s perfectly served with my one-hour rolls or homemade cornbread.

Make Ahead: You can make this at the beginning of the week and have dinner to heat up quickly on a busy weeknight or for quick hearty lunches.

Easy to Make: All you need to do is throw the ingredients into your crock pot. Let it cook all day, and you will have dinner ready when you get home!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Potato Soup

I see you busy mama, and I want to help any way I can! So, the ingredients needed for this recipe are pre-made, making your life as easy as possible! For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

Cooked Bacon: Adds the best savory, salty flavor that goes so well with potatoes and ranch dressing mix.

Frozen Diced Potatoes: Use these frozen hash browns to make your life easier.

Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for the soup.

Can Cream of Chicken Soup: Use store-bought or my homemade cream of chicken soup recipe.

Cream Cheese: Gives the soup the most amazing creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

Ranch Seasoning Mix: You can use store-bought or my homemade ranch seasoning mix.

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

Onion Powder: Adds a nice savory onion flavor without using real onions.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Using sharp cheddar gives the soup a bold cheesy flavor and creamy texture.

Half and Half: Adds a smooth consistency and creamy flavor.

Green Onion: The perfect garnish to enhance the ingredients in this soup.

How to Make Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

This crack potato soup recipe couldn’t be easier! Simply dump the ingredients into the crock pot, set the heat, and let it do all the work! Is there anything better than walking into your house after a busy day and the smell of dinner hits you? Follow the easy steps below to have dinner waiting for you!

Dump: Combine the frozen potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup cooked bacon pieces in a 6-quart slow cooker.

Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Stir: Fifteen minutes before serving, open the lid and stir the soup to incorporate the cream cheese into the soup. Then, stir in the half and half and shredded cheese. Put the lid back on and warm until melted.

Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and additional ¼ cup bacon pieces, if desired.

Crack Potato Soup Tips and Variations

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Frozen Potatoes: I love the convenience of using frozen potatoes in this soup recipe! I prefer the frozen diced potatoes because of the texture they add to the soup! Feel free to use frozen shredded hashbrowns if you would like.

Chicken Broth: The potatoes absorb a lot of the chicken broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, add a splash of chicken broth!

Half and half Substitute: Any milk will work! You can also use heavy cream if you want a rich, thick soup!

How to Store Crock Pot Potato Soup

This crock pot crack potato soup makes fantastic leftovers! You can even double the batch and freeze some for a later day! 

In the Refrigerator: Once your soup has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last about 3-4 days. 

In the Freezer: You can make this potato soup ahead of time and freeze it for later! Once it has cooled, then you can place it in a ziplock bag and lay it flat. It will last for about three months! 

To Reheat: If you are reheating from frozen, then take the soup out the night before and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it on your stove or in the crock pot until it is warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to add moisture to the soup if needed. The potatoes absorb a lot of the liquid when it is stored, so it’s normal to need more liquid to reheat it.

More Crock Pot Soup Recipes

I love cozying up to a warm bowl of soup on a crisp fall evening. It’s even better if I can enjoy my soup without having worked in the kitchen all day! These crock pot soup recipes will perfectly warm you up on a fall day with minimal effort on your part!

Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

45 mins

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

4 hrs 10 mins

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

6 hrs 20 mins

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup

7 hrs 10 mins

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Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

This crock pot crack potato soup is the best and easiest soup you will ever make! It’s loaded with creamy cheese, potatoes, hearty chicken, and savory bacon, all seasoned to perfection! Your family will love how it tastes!
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword crock pot crack potato soup recipe, potato soup
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 3 hours hours
Total Time 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 460kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Equipment

Crock-Pot

Ingredients

cups cooked bacon, chopped and divided1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced potatoes4 cups chicken broth1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix½ teaspoon pepper½ teaspoon onion powder2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, extra for serving1 cup half and halfgreen onion, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Combine the frozen potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup cooked bacon pieces in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
15 minutes before serving, stir the soup to incorporate the cream cheese into the soup. Pour in the half and half and shredded cheese. Cover and warm until melted.
Garnish with chopped green onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and additional ¼ cup bacon pieces, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 1380mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1041IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Shirred Eggs

Shirred Eggs are a breakfast worth waking up for in the morning! They’re a creamy, custardy combination of eggs, cheese, cream, and bacon that bake in individual ramekins. It’s a simple yet super tasty way to start the day!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Wonderful Flavor and Texture: Shirred eggs have a creamier texture than fried eggs or scrambled eggs. The contrasting soft creaminess paired with crusty bread for dipping is SO good! Plus, you’ll love the savory, cheesy flavor!

Easy to Make: With simple, inexpensive ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you will want to whip up this breakfast on repeat.

Versatile: This recipe is easy to customize—feel free to change up the cheese, use different meat, and add herbs!

Ingredients to Make Shirred Eggs

This shirred eggs recipe will definitely up your breakfast game! You’ll just need a handful of simple ingredients. These perfectly portioned eggs and bacon cups combine so easily to create incredibly creamy, savory goodness!

Butter: A little bit of softened butter is used to grease the inside of the ramekins.

Grated Parmesan: Even though you can use other varieties of cheese to make this egg recipe, parmesan cheese is the classic cheese used in shirred eggs.

Eggs: This recipe calls for six eggs to make three ramekins of shirred eggs.

Heavy Cream: Combined with the eggs, they have a fluffy texture and rich flavor.

Bacon: Perfectly crispy bacon is the perfect match for any type of egg.

Fresh Chives: Adds some freshness and a pop of color.

Salt & Pepper: Makes the baked eggs super flavorful!

How to Make Shirred Eggs

Shirred eggs are baked eggs that are cooked in small ramekins with cheese, cream, and bacon. Once done, you’ll have a wonderful, flavorful, creamy custard to enjoy with crusty pieces of bread. Here are the easy step-by-step instructions!

Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter the insides of 3 4-ounce ramekins and place them inside a baking dish.

Add the Cheese: Split the parmesan evenly between the three ramekins.

Add Eggs and Cream: Crack two eggs into each ramekin, then top each one with two tablespoons of heavy cream, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper.

Bake: Pour water into the baking dish until it is ⅔ of the way up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the whites are opaque but the egg still has some jiggle and runniness to it. Add crumbled bacon and chives on top. Serve warm with toast or crostini on the side.

Tips and Variations

Here are my top tips to follow when making shirred eggs and a few ways to customize the recipe to make it exactly how you like.

Baking Time: The wider and shallower your ramekins are, the less time your shirred eggs will need to bake. If you have wide and shallow ramekins or choose to use 6-ounce ramekins instead of 4-ounce, I recommend reducing the bake time to 10-12 minutes. 

Skip the Water Bath: Traditionally, shirred eggs don’t use a water bath, but I chose to use one as it helps the eggs bake more evenly. You may forego the water bath if you would like! Your eggs may cook a bit faster on the edges, so keep a close eye on them to make sure you don’t cook them beyond your liking. 

Mix It Up: Change up the flavors by using different cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, gruyere, or pepper jack. You can add ham or sausage, different herbs, a little shredded hash browns, or top with some fresh herbs or micro greens. 

Dairy-Free Options: You can replace the heavy cream with unsweetened non-dairy creamers, such as almond milk or coconut milk. 

Adjust for More Eggs: If you are trying to hit protein goals, you can easily adjust this recipe to however many eggs you want. Use one tablespoon of cream and ½-1 tablespoon of cheese for every egg. Add your other toppings freely. 

Use a Muffin Pan: To make a large batch, spray the wells of a muffin pan very well with pan spray and treat each well like its own ramekin. After baking, spoon the eggs out of the pan to serve. 

Make Ahead and Serve Immediately

Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the ramekins up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Once ready to cook, place the ramekins in the baking dish and continue with step 4.

Serve Immediately: Serve shirred eggs within 5-10 minutes of coming out of the oven. I don’t recommend saving leftovers.

More Breakfast Recipes

I’m a huge fan of a savory breakfast. Eggs are my go-to in the morning to get my protein in! I have so many delicious tried and true breakfast recipes that incorporate eggs. Here are some of my favorites!

Breakfast Chili

1 hr 20 mins

Breakfast Monkey Bread

1 hr

Sheet Pan Eggs

30 mins

Crustless Quiche

1 hr

Print

Shirred Eggs

Shirred Eggs are a breakfast worth waking up for! They’re a creamy, custardy combination of eggs, cheese, cream, and bacon that bake in individual ramekins. It’s a simple yet super tasty way to start the day!
Course Breakfast, brunch
Cuisine French
Keyword baked eggs, Coddled Eggs, eggs en cocotte, Shirred Eggs
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes minutes
Total Time 29 minutes minutes
Servings 3 servings
Calories 245kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

unsalted butter, softened2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan6 large eggs6 tablespoons heavy cream, or half & half2 pieces crisp bacon, crumbledfresh chives, choppedsalt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter the insides of 3 4-ounce ramekins and place them inside a baking dish.
Split the parmesan evenly between the three ramekins before cracking two eggs into each one.
Top each ramekin with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add water to the baking dish until it is ⅔ of the way up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the whites are opaque, but the egg still has some jiggle. Don’t worry if it looks a little undercooked! It will continue to bake after it comes out of the oven.
Add crumbled bacon and chives on top. Serve warm with toast or crostini on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 364mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 945IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2mg

How to Use an Instant Pot: A Beginner’s Guide

STOP being scared of your Instant Pot! This beginner’s guide on How to Use an Instant Pot will help you feel comfortable and confident when using this magical kitchen appliance. It makes cooking fast, easy, and convenient.

Reasons to Use an Instant Pot

Faster Cooking Time: The instant pot speeds up the cooking time and gives the same results as the slow cooker!

Easy and Convenient: Throw it in and let the Instant Pot do all the work! Perfect for those busy nights when you are short on time.

All-In-One Appliance: The Instant Pot does it ALL! Use it to simmer, slow cook, steam, and cook endless recipes.

What is an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a modern-day pressure cooker that speeds up the cooking process! Basically, it’s magic for busy moms! The boiling point rises in the instant pot and traps the steam inside. The hot steam and pressure is what cooks the food. It’s a multi-use appliance that will make your life so much easier. My goal with this guide is to walk you through how it works and to help you feel comfortable using an Instant Pot.

If you’ve ever wondered what an Instant Pot can do, my answer for you is, “What can’t it do?” Yes, an instant pot acts like a pressure cooker, but it does so much more. Use it for sauteing, as a steamer, a rice cooker, a slow cooker, or as a yogurt maker! The possibilities are endless. There are so many Instant Pots on the market, but this guide is going to focus on the classic 6-quart Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Parts

Before we get into all its wonderful functions, let’s talk about its parts. The many parts of an Instant Pot can be overwhelming, but once you know what they all do, you won’t be as intimidated.

Base Unit: The base of your instant pot is where the heating element and control panel live. The base of the instant pot can get hot while it’s in use, don’t handle it without hand protection

Inner Pot: The inner pot is where you place the food. Once in use, the inner pot is extremely hot, so be sure to use hand protection!

Lid: The lid contains the pressure valve and gauge. The pressure valve is what controls whether the pressure inside the pot can escape or stays sealed. The pressure gauge pops up when the pressure builds. The gauge drops back down when the pressure is released.

Trivet: Trivets will come with the purchase of your instant pot! They are great for steaming and creating a barrier between certain foods and the bottom of the hot pot. I use the trivet for cooking potatoes and hard-boiling eggs!

How to Place the Trivet in the Pot: Trivets have handles to help lift items in and out of the pot. Hold the handles as you place it in the pot. The handles should rest against the inside walls of the pot.

Silicone Ring: Helps create suction to seal the lid. Simply room it and hand wash it, but be sure it is in place before you use the Instant Pot!

How to Secure the Lid?

Placing on the lid can be frustrating if you don’t know how. Simply place your hand on the handle and locate the portion of the lid containing the valve and gauge. This portion slides from left to right on the back section of the Instant Pot. Twist and move the lid from left to right to lock the handle in place. If you’re lucky, your model will sing you a quick song to indicate it’s locked correctly!

Seal Mode vs. Vent Mode

There are so many different Instant Pot models on the market, but they all have some kind of seal and vent mode. Read your owner’s manual to know how to use your seal and vent mode correctly.

Seal Mode: The sealed mode indicates that your instant pot will pressurize and cook. Always be sure it is in the sealed position while cooking. The pressure valve will pop up when the pot is pressurizing. Do not open the instant pot when it is in this mode.

Vent Mode: The vent mode indicates that your instant pot will depressurize and will be safe to open. When the pressure valve is down, the lid will easily open and sing a pretty song to you!

Instant Pot Control Panel

The control panel is convenient! It gives options for pre-programmed dishes that make it easy to select for the specific food you are cooking. It takes out the guesswork of programming the time and mode. Every model is different, but I will highlight some of the most used buttons on the control panel.

Pressure Cook/ Manual: When in doubt, use this button! Selecting this button allows you to manually enter a cooking time. Close and seal the lid and select steam mode. Press the “pressure cook” button and set it to the desired cook time.

+/- Buttons: These buttons are used to adjust cooking time. Select (+) to add time and (-) to decrease time.

Digital Screen: The screen will go on when you plug in the Instant Pot. During this time your control panel will say “ON” and when the cooking time has started you will see the numbers counting down the cooking time. Once the cooking time is finished, another timer will start to indicate how many minutes the natural release time is. It takes the Instant Pot a few minutes to heat up and build pressure, so the time will register on the screen when it’s ready.

Natural Release vs. Quick Release

You will see this a lot when cooking with the instant pot, what it means is whether you let the pressure release on its own, slowly, or quickly by opening the valve. It’s important to follow a recipe when it indicates which pressure release technique to use. Some recipes will say “natural release for 20 minutes” This means you let the instant pot rest for 20 minutes (remember the timer will start when cooking is finished) before opening the valve.

Instant Pot Safety Tips

Instant pots are electric pressure cookers and they can be dangerous if not used properly. Safe handling procedures should be followed when using this appliance. Here are some basic rules to follow, but refer to your owner’s manual for more safety precautions!

Use in an Open Space: The countertop away from cupboards is the best way to use an Instant Pot. Hot steam will release from the lid so you don’t want anything in the way.

Don’t Block the Vents: Instant pots have vents and pressure valves on the lid. Make sure these are kept free from clutter or objects.

Don’t Move It: Don’t try to move or carry the instant pot when it’s under pressure. Leave it on a flat surface and keep it in its place. 

Don’t Touch the Hot Surfaces: Always use hand protection when handling the Instant Pot. The metal parts on the lid get very hot while it’s in use. Don’t ever touch it with your bare hands. Use pot holders!

Keep Away From Heat: Keep the instant pot away from the stove or an open flame.

Don’t Over-Fill the Pot: Overfilling the pot can cause it to leak. It also can undercook your food. A rule of thumb is to leave 2-3 inches of space from the food to the top of the inside pot.

Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Here are a few of my easy go-to recipes to cook in the Instant Pot! There are so many ways to utilize an instant pot. Save the hassle of cooking rice, hard-boiling eggs, or making baked potatoes because it can all be done in the instant pot! I also use it often to cook frozen chicken or to quickly cook soups and stews.

How to Clean an Instant Pot

Always refer to your owner’s manual for the cleaning and care instructions of your Instant Pot. Here are some basic cleaning tips!

Cleaning the Inner Pot: You can remove the inner pot from the base and either hand wash it or place it in the dishwasher.

Cleaning the Lid: Always hand wash the lid and do not place it in the dishwasher. Remove the silicone sealing ring to clean, but replace it after washing and before using it again. 

Cleaning the Base: For the base of the instant pot, you can wipe it down with a damp towel. I like to use a Clorox wipe! Be sure the instant pot is unplugged. Always inspect the body of the instant pot before using it. Be sure there is no liquid or debris inside where the inner pot needs to sit. Keep the steam collector clean if your model has one. 

Classic Dinners Made in the Instant Pot!

Now that you know how to use an Instant Pot, here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot recipes to get you started! Your family will love them all!

Instant Pot Ham

30 mins

Instant Pot Chili

45 mins

Instant Pot Meatloaf

40 mins

Easy Instant Pot Lasagna

25 mins

Cornflake Crack Brittle

This cornflake crack brittle is crispy, chewy, and to die for! With only six ingredients and 8 minutes of prep, you can have this yummy treat ready in no time. This brittle is crunchy cornflakes mixed with a buttery caramel sauce and drizzled in rich chocolate.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe only uses six simple ingredients and comes together quickly and easily. They are similar to my simple, no-bake cornflake cookies.

Sweet and Salty: I love the combination of sweet and salty for my treats. This recipe hits all the notes: sweet, salty, and a touch of rich dark chocolate. YUM!

Great for Sharing: Looking for an easy, budget-friendly treat to make and share this holiday season? Look no further. This recipe is perfect for making a big batch and sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients Needed for Cornflake Crack

You only need a few simple ingredients to create this tasty cornflake crack brittle. The great thing is that all of these ingredients are simple to find and won’t break the bank.

Salted Butter: Helps create the caramel, making the texture crispy and chewy.

Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness.

Light Corn Syrup: Gives the caramel a nice smooth texture and adds sweetness.

Cornflakes: The base of the treat that adds a crunchy texture.

Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: Gives a touch of rich chocolatey flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.

How to Make Cornflake Crack Brittle

Making this yummy cornflake brittle is simple and doesn’t take much time. Make the caramel sauce, pour it over the cornflakes, stir it up, and bake! The hardest part is waiting for it to cool!

Prep: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside. Add the butter, sugar, and corn syrup to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar and butter are fully melted.

Simmer: Stir until the mixture boils. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, remove the pan from the heat.

Combine: Add the cornflakes to a large, heat-safe bowl and then pour the sugar mixture over them. Immediately stir the cornflakes until they are evenly coated.

Bake: Pour the cornflake mixture onto the lined baking tray and then bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and then let it cool completely.

Drizzle: Once cooled, gently melt the chocolate in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each. Once fully melted, drizzle the chocolate over the cooled brittle. Let the chocolate set completely before cracking into pieces for serving.

Cornflake Crack Brittle Tips and Variations

The great thing about this cornflake crack brittle recipe is that you can adjust it so it tastes just how you like. I have some tips and ideas to get you started.

Caramel Tips: To ensure the cornflake brittle crack doesn’t turn out grainy or soft, bring the sugar and butter mixture to a full boil before you turn down the heat and set the timer. The sugar needs to reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit (known as the “hard crack stage”) to give it that distinct brittle crack.

Sheet Pan Size: I used a ¼ sheet pan, which prevented the brittle from spreading too much. But, you can use a larger sheet pan (½ sheet or a 10 x 15 x 1 jelly roll pan) if you’d like, just be aware that the brittle will likely spread more and be thinner. 

Sea Salt: If you like, then you can sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for an extra little punch of flavor!

Chocolate: I used semi-sweet chocolate chips to drizzle on top, which balances out the sweetness of the crack, but you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark, peanut butter chips, or leave the chocolate off altogether.

Topping: This snack is great for being crushed up and used as a delicious topping for ice cream!

How to Store Leftover Cornflake Crack

If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers of this addictive snack, here is the proper way to store it. Might I suggest making 2 batches? One for your family and one for you to hide from your family!

Countertop: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 weeks. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as it tends to weep and get soft when kept there.

Freezer: You can freeze cornflake crack for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container and freezing. Let it thaw at room temperature for an hour or so before serving. 

More Sweet Treats to Try

Churro Crack

14 mins

S’mores Crack

16 mins

5 ingredient Graham Cracker Toffee (Christmas Crack)

22 mins

Christmas Crack (Saltine Cracker Toffee)

20 mins

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Cornflake Crack Brittle

This cornflake crack brittle uses crunchy cornflakes mixed with a buttery caramel sauce and drizzled in rich chocolate. It’s to die for!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Corn flake brittle, Corn Flake Crack, corn flake toffee, cornflake brittle, cornflake crack
Prep Time 8 minutes minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 314kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature½ cup packed brown sugar¼ cup light corn syrup3 cups cornflakes½ cup semisweet chocolate chips for drizzle

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
Add the butter, sugar, and corn syrup to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar and butter are fully melted.
Stir until the mixture boils. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, remove the pan from the heat
Add the cornflakes to a large heat-safe bowl and pour the sugar mixture over them. Immediately stir the cornflakes until they are evenly coated.
Pour the cornflake mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, gently melt the chocolate in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each. Once fully melted, drizzle the chocolate over the cooled brittle. Let the chocolate set completely before cracking into pieces for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 491IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 5mg

Sweet and Sour Wings

These sweet and sour wings are the perfect appetizer to serve for your next party, game day, or after-school snack. They are baked to crispy perfection and then doused in a sticky, sweet, and sour sauce.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Combo: You are going to love the sweet and sour flavor combination in these wings.

Game Day: These are a great appetizer to bring to the next big game. For the perfect snack table, serve them next to onion rings, veggie dip, and little smokies.

Yummy Glaze: The sweet and sour sauce perfectly coats the wings and gives them the most delicious glaze! It’s the perfect combo with the tender chicken wings.

Ingredients Needed for Sweet and Sour Wings

There are only a few simple ingredients for this tasty dish. The wings and the sauce! You can follow the recipe for my sauce or buy premade sauce in a bottle to save yourself time.

Wings

Chicken Wings and Drumettes: You can buy party wings already portioned or grab whole wings and break them down yourself. For each wing, cut through two joints, toss the tip, and use the drumette and wingette.

Baking Powder: Helps the wings get crispy and crunchy on the outside while sealing the moisture on the inside.

Kosher Salt: Brings out the flavors in the chicken and the sauce.

How to Make Wings Crispy

Pat those wings really dry—don’t skimp on paper towels! It takes a bit of work, but dry wings mean crispy wings. Totally worth it!

Sauce

In a rush? You can use bottled sweet and sour sauce. My recipe makes about 16 ounces, so look for a similar-sized bottle.

Pineapple Juice: Adds a tangy sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the tropical feel.

Rice Vinegar: Gives the sauce a nice acidity that balances out the sweetness.

Brown Sugar: Provides a depth of sweetness and helps the sauce stick to the wings.

Ketchup: Gives the sauce its red color and adds an acidic sweetness.

Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savory flavor that balances the sweet.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.

Water: Combined with the cornstarch, creates a paste that thickens the sauce.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings?

This sweet and sour chicken wing recipe comes together easily, especially if you use already portioned party wings. Simply bake your wings, heat up some sauce and you are ready to eat these yummy wings!

Wings

Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place a baking rack on top of the baking sheet and spray lightly with pan spray. Set aside. Pat the wings dry with paper towels before adding them to a large bowl. Add the baking powder and salt and toss until they are evenly coated.

Separate: Arrange the wings on the prepared baking rack, making sure they don’t touch each other. No baking rack, no problem! Flip the wings halfway through baking and make sure they’re nice and dry. You’ll still get crispy wings.

Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the outside is crispy and golden and the inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other Ways to Cook Wings

Oil Fried Wings: Heat oil to 375°F and cook wings for 10-12 minutes until they’re crispy and reach 165°F inside.

Air Fryer Wings: After adding them to your air fryer, cook the wings in 2-3 batches at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crispiness.

Sauce

Simmer: While the sweet and sour wings bake, add the pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce to a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering.

Make a slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Whisk into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Turn off the heat.

Toss: Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large, heat-safe bowl and pour over about ⅔ of the sauce. TIP: Wait until the last minute to toss the wings in the sauce. If you add it too soon, they’ll get soggy after all your work to make them crispy. Toss to combine. Serve the wings immediately with the extra sauce on the side for dipping

Sweet and Sour Wings Tips and Variations

I want your wings to turn out crispy and delicious, just how you like them! Here are some of my tips for getting crispy wings!

Room Temperature: Let your wings sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.

Make it Spicy: Want to turn up the heat? Just add ½-1 teaspoon of red chili flakes to the sauce.

Garnish: Optional garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Can You Make Wings Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can do a few things to make this process simpler for the day you plan on serving them.

Prep and Refrigerate: Prepare the wings and then arrange them on the baking rack, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. **You don’t need to cover them; letting them sit in the open air will help remove any residual moisture from the skin. **

Come to Room Temperature: Remove them from the refrigerator about an hour before baking to allow them to come to room temperature, which will help them bake evenly. 

How to Store Leftover Sweet and Sour Wings

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

Reheating: Reheat your wings in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

More Delicious Wing Recipes You’ll Love

Wings are some of my favorite appetizers. They just always hit the spot! My boys and my husband love them for game day, and my girls and I love them for after-school snacks or when I can’t think of anything else to eat! Here are a few of my go-to recipes for the best wings!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

21 mins

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Sriracha Wings

Thai Glazed Chicken Wings

55 mins

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings

25 mins

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Sweet and Sour Wings

These sweet and sour wings are the perfect appetizer to serve for your next party, game day, or after-school snack. They are baked to crispy perfection and then doused in a sticky, sweet, and sour sauce.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian American
Keyword Oven Baked Chicken Wings, Sweet and Sour Buffalo Wings, Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings, sweet and sour sauce for wings, Sweet and Sour Wings
Prep Time 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Servings 5 servings
Calories 408kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Wings

2 ½ pounds chicken wings and drumettes1 ½ teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce

1 6-ounce can pineapple juice¼ cup rice vinegar½ cup brown sugar¼ cup ketchup3 tablespoons soy sauce2 tablespoons cornstarch2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Wings

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place a baking rack on top of the baking sheet and spray lightly with pan spray. Set aside.
Pat the wings dry with paper towels before adding them to a large bowl. Add the baking powder and salt and toss until they are evenly coated.
Arrange the wings on the prepared baking rack, making sure they don’t touch each other. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the outside is crispy and golden and the inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sauce

While the wings bake, add the pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce to a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering.
In a small bowl combine the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Whisk into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Turn off the heat.
Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large, heat-safe bowl and pour over about ⅔ of the sauce. Toss to combine.
Serve the wings immediately with the extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Fry: Instead of baking your wings, you can fry them in fry oil that is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Air Fry:  Spray the basket of your air fryer with pay spray and arrange your wings so they are not touching. You may need to cook the wings in 2-3 batches. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1275mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 243IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2mg

Coffee Cake Cookies

You will absolutely adore these Coffee Cake Cookies! They are loaded with classic cinnamon sugar flavor, and the crumbly cinnamon streusel is to die for. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy at a special brunch, for the holidays, or as a sweet treat for any night of the week.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Wonderful Flavor: Coffee cake in cookie form? I can’t think of anything more delicious!

Amazing Texture: These coffee cake cookies are soft and chewy with a slightly crisp, buttery streusel on top that makes them dangerously addictive!

Great for any occasion: I love to bake these year round, but they’re especially great for the holidays!

Ingredients Needed for Coffee Cake Cookies

Your family and friends will go crazy with how amazing these coffee cake cookies taste! The recipe uses simple baking ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the exact measurements.

Streusel

Flour: Provides the structure of the crumble topping.

Sugars: The streusel uses both granulated sugar and brown sugar for sweetness.

Ground Cinnamon: Adds extra cinnamon goodness!

Salt: Balances out the sweet cinnamon flavors!

Unsalted Butter: Cold butter provides a rich, crunchy streusel that pairs so well with the tender cookies.

Coffee Cake Cookies

Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Also, be sure to soften your butter to room temperature so it combines properly with the sugars.

Brown Sugar: Combines with the granulated sugar for a moist cookie with rich flavor.

Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Egg: Helps to bind the ingredients.

Vanilla Extract: For sweet vanilla flavor.

Flour: I recommend all-purpose flour for a perfectly soft and tender texture.

Cornstarch: This is my secret ingredient that makes cookies extra soft and thick. 

Baking Staples: A combination of baking powder and baking soda helps these rise and bake properly.

Ground Cinnamon: You can’t have coffee cake without cinnamon!

Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors in the cookie.

Glaze

Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the icing smooth.

Milk: Provides the perfect consistency for the glaze.

Vanilla Extract: For an extra boost of flavor.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies

To make coffee cake cookies, you start with a basic cookie dough and then add a generous topping of buttery streusel before baking. Once cooled, drizzle them with a sweet glaze for the perfect finishing touch.

For the Streusel

Prep and Start the Streusel: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Add the flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl and whisk until combined.

Add in the Butter: Add the butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or fork until it has been fully absorbed into the flour mixture. You may alternatively use clean hands to mash the butter into the flour mixture. Cover and refrigerate until the cookie dough is ready to be topped.

Make the Coffee Cake Cookie Dough

Cream the Butter: Add the butter and both sugars to a large bowl and beat on medium-high speed with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for 3-4 minutes until it is light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift or whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined. The dough will be quite dry and crumbly.

Scoop Dough: Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 ½ tablespoons) to scoop the dough into cookie dough balls. You may have to press the dough into the scoop and level it off due to the crumbly texture. Place the cookie dough scoops onto the lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between them. Use the back of the cookie scoop to gently press an indent into the tops of the cookies.

Add Streusel: Fill the indents with a generous amount of streusel. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are set. The cookies won’t brown very much, if at all, so do not wait for them to start browning. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before you transfer them to a cooling rack.

Make the Glaze

Add Glaze: Once the coffee cake cookies are completely cool, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Thicken the glaze by adding powdered sugar one teaspoon at a time or thin it by adding ½ teaspoon of milk at a time. Do this until you reach the consistency you like. Drizzle the glaze across the cookies before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

Check out these simple tips to ensure your cookies are perfectly baked every time you make them!

To Indent Cookies: Instead of a cookie scoop to make the indent on the cookies, you can use your thumb or the back of a spoon.

Flavorings: You can ramp up the vanilla or cinnamon flavor in the cookies by doubling the amount!

Glaze: The glaze is optional but adds a sweet touch to the buttery cookies.

Cold Streusel: Keep the streusel topping cold while you prepare the cookie dough. This will help it maintain its shape while baking! The longer it sits at room temperature, the more the streusel will melt and spread.

Baking: Don’t overbake these cookies! Bake until the edges are set and the tops (however much you can see of the tops through the streusel) have turned matte instead of shiny.

Let Cool: Be sure to let the coffee cake cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will continue the baking process but won’t overbake them.

Storing Leftover Coffee Cake Cookies

Baked Cookies: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Let the cookies come to room temperature before serving.

In the Freezer: The cookies may be frozen after they have been baked. Store in an airtight container or a freezer ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours to thaw before serving. I recommend not adding the glaze before freezing, as it will melt and become sticky when frozen and thawed.

Freezing Cookie Dough: I don’t recommend freezing these cookies before they have been baked. The streusel will have a hard time staying on the cookie dough.

More Delicious Cookie Recipes

You can find my full list of cookie recipes here!

Pistachio Pudding Cookies

23 mins

Biscoff Cookies

1 hr

Chocolate Pudding Cookies

18 mins

Butterscotch Cookies

25 mins

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Coffee Cake Cookies

You will absolutely adore these Coffee Cake Cookies! They are loaded with classic cinnamon sugar flavor, and the crumbly cinnamon streusel is to die for. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy at a special brunch, for the holidays, or as a sweet treat for any night of the week.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies, Cinnamon Streusel Cookies, Coffee Cake Cookies, Fluffy sugar cookies, gilmore girls coffee cake cookies
Prep Time 40 minutes minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes minutes
Total Time 53 minutes minutes
Servings 15 cookies
Calories 284kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Streusel

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 tablespoons granulated sugar2 tablespoons packed brown sugar½ teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon salt3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold

Cookies

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature½ cup brown sugar, packed cup granulated sugar1 large egg, room temperature½ teaspoon vanilla extract2 cups all-purpose flour2 tablespoons cornstarch1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon salt

Glaze

¾ cup powdered sugar2 tablespoons milk¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Streusel

Add the flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
Add the butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or fork until it is fully absorbed into the flour mixture. Alternatively, you may use clean hands to mash the butter into the flour mixture.
Cover and refrigerate until the cookie dough is ready to be topped.

Cookies

Add the butter and both sugars to a large bowl and beat on medium-high speed with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Sift or whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined. The dough will be quite dry and crumbly.
Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 ½ tablespoons) to scoop the dough into cookies. You may have to press the dough into the scoop and level it off due to the crumbly texture.
Place the cookie dough scoops onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them. Use the back of the cookie scoop to gently press an indent into the tops of the cookies.
Fill the indents with a generous amount of streusel.
Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are set. The cookies won’t brown very much, if at all, so do not wait for them to start browning.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Glaze

Once the cookies are completely cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Thicken the glaze by adding powdered sugar one teaspoon at a time, or thin it by adding ½ teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach a consistency you like.
Drizzle the glaze across the cookies before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 349IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful one-pan recipe that’s on the dinner table in just 30 minutes! Seasoned, tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and then nestled in a simple yet tasty garlic butter sauce.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleasing: This garlic butter chicken has the best flavor, yet it’s simple enough that even kiddos love this one!

Easy to Prepare: No need to marinate the chicken! You’ll have this ready to serve in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Budget-Friendly: If you’re looking for a restaurant quality meal that won’t break the bank, this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients You Need to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

You probably already have most of the ingredients you need to make this garlic butter chicken recipe on hand. You will love how quickly it comes together! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

Chicken Breasts: You’ll need four boneless skinless chicken breasts. Lightly pound them into thinner pieces so they cook evenly.

Salt & Pepper: To really bring out the flavor of the chicken.

Seasonings: We’re coating the chicken with a mix of parsley, oregano, and basil to add plenty of delicious herby flavor.

Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.

White Wine Vinegar: Brightens the flavor and cuts the richness.

Chicken Broth: Adds flavor to the sauce and makes the consistency just right.

Butter: The butter creates a rich, delicious sauce, which will soak into the chicken for major flavor.

Shallot: Adds onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Garlic: Minced garlic provides a wonderful depth of flavor.

How to Make This Easy Chicken Recipe

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re hosting guests, this garlic butter chicken recipe is perfect. It’s super easy to make, and it tastes great! Here’s how it all comes together in one pan:

Prep: Prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them with a meat tenderizer until they are about 1.5 inches thick.

Mix Seasonings: Mix the salt, parsley, oregano, basil, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub the chicken breasts with the dried herbs.

Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until a golden crust has formed. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side.

Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the pan, then add in the white wine vinegar, chicken broth, butter, and shallot. Saute until the shallot is tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Garlic: Add the garlic to the pan and saute for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the Chicken to the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and then add the chicken back to the pan. Coat each breast with the garlic butter sauce mixture. Continue basting the breasts with the sauce until the chicken is cooked through. Flip the chicken after 5 minutes to evenly cook. Remove the pan from heat and serve the chicken fresh with the sauce spooned over the top.

Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

Your family is going to love this super flavorful chicken recipe, and I love how easy it is to make!

Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts, if they are bone-in skip the tenderizing process. 

Type of Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter, just depending on your preference.

Chicken Doneness: You want your chicken cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to be sure you have perfectly cooked chicken. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for the juices to run clear. 

Serving Suggestions: This chicken goes well with rice, orzo, spaghetti, or potatoes

Storing Leftovers

Garlic butter chicken makes great leftovers! It stays garlicy and delicious for days!

In the Refrigerator: Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: You can freeze your leftovers in a freezer safe plastic bag or container for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to add moisture if desired.

Make it a Meal!

One of my favorite things about this chicken recipe is that it pairs well with so many different sides! Here are a few of my favorites to make this a complete meal!

Super Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

5 hrs 15 mins

Tender Roasted Root Vegetables

35 mins

Sweet Potato Rolls

2 hrs

Air Fryer Vegetables

15 mins

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Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful one-pan recipe that’s on the dinner table in just 30 minutes! Well-seasoned, tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and then nestled in a simple, yet tasty sauce made with vinegar, broth, butter, shallots and plenty of garlic.
Course Dinner, Main Course, main dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Butter, Garlic, Garlic butter chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 440kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Equipment

skillet

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, about 2 pounds1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon parsley1 teaspoon oregano1 teaspoon basil½ teaspoon pepper2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon white wine vinegar¼ cup chicken broth¼ cup unsalted butter1 small shallot, minced, about ¼ cup2 tablespoons minced garlic, 5-6 cloves

Instructions

Prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them with a meat tenderizer until they are uniformly about 1.5 inches thick.
Mix the salt, parsley, oregano, basil, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the chicken breasts with the dried herbs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until a golden crust has formed. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side.
Remove the chicken from the pan. Add in the white wine vinegar, chicken broth, butter, and shallot. Saute until the shallot is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and saute for another 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken back to the pan. Coat each breast with the sauce mixture. Continue basting the breasts with the sauce until the chicken is cooked through. Flip the chicken after 5 minutes to evenly cook.
Remove the pan from heat and serve the chicken fresh with the sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

Standard practice is to use unsalted butter, you can use salted butter in this recipe, just season to taste. 

 

You can use chicken thighs in this recipe. Do not tenderize the chicken if it’s bone-in thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 992mg | Potassium: 905mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 437IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

Cheeseburger Dip

Cheeseburger dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer for potlucks, parties, and get-togethers! This recipe takes delicious cheeseburger ingredients like beef, onion, tomato, relish, and cheese and turns them into a deliciously addicting snack! 

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor: If you’re a cheeseburger lover, this dip will not disappoint!

Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love a cheesy, meaty dip?! This one is so good that it never lasts long. Kids love it, too!

Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes is all you need for creamy, cheesy, bubbly perfection! Crockpot instructions are included, too!

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Dip

If you love burgers as much as I do, then you will love this dip. It’s cheesy, meaty, flavorful, and so simple to throw together! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground chuck will add more flavor, but feel free to use leaner ground beef if you’d like. It will be amazing either way!

Diced Onion: Sautéed to add depth of flavor.

Diced Tomatoes: Use a can of petite diced tomatoes for a sweet, acidic taste and extra texture. Instead of using diced tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes with green chiles! This will add some heat if you prefer a spicy dip.

Dill Relish: Adds a bit of tangy sweetness, just like when you add pickles to burgers!

Velveeta Cheese: Provides the perfect melty, gooey, creamy texture.

Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, rich flavor and texture.

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

Toppings: You can add any toppings you’d like, but our favorites are shredded lettuce, grilled onions, and diced cherry tomatoes.

Let’s Make Cheeseburger Dip!

I love to whip this dip up for potlucks, holiday parties, and game days! This is super easy to cook either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. See the recipe card for slow cooker instructions. Get ready to be obsessed with this ooey-gooey, hearty dip!

Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a medium skillet or cast iron pan. Cook over medium heat until cooked through and no pink remains. Drain the fat except for one tablespoon and remove the beef from the pan.

Sauté the Onions: Add the onions to the pan and stir into the remaining beef fat. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until the onions are tender and translucent.

Combine: Add the cooked beef, diced tomatoes, and relish to the onions. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes, until heated through.

Finish with Cheeses and Toppings: Cut the Velveeta and cream cheese into cubes and add to the pan. Cook and stir until all the cheese has melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and top with shredded lettuce, caramelized onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve with bread or crackers.

Want to Cook this in a Crockpot Instead?

Cook the beef in a skillet until browned, then add to the bottom of a 4-quart crockpot.

Add the onions, diced tomatoes, relish, Velveeta, and cream cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through and melted. Before serving, taste and season it with salt and pepper.

Tips and Variations

This amazing cheeseburger dip will already be a party in your mouth, but let’s take it to the next level with some simple tips!

Lean Ground Beef: If you use lean ground beef, there may not be much fat left to cook the onions. If this is the case, add a couple of teaspoons of butter or olive oil to the pan and let it heat before adding the onions.

Type of Cheese: If you don’t want to use Velveeta or it isn’t available, substitute the Velveeta for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of cream cheese. The texture and flavor will be a little different, but the overall result will still be absolutely delicious! For the smoothest dip, use mild cheddar instead of sharp or extra sharp.

Add More Toppings! The great thing about cheeseburgers is everyone likes to make them different. So you can adjust this dip to suit your tastes. Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, diced avocados, sliced jalapenos, or even a few tablespoons of barbeque sauce!

Store Leftover Cheeseburger Dip

Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Reheating: Reheat over medium-low heat until steaming and fully heated through before serving.

Make Ahead: You can prepare this dip 2-3 days in advance. Store and reheat as noted above.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the Velveeta becomes grainy when it thaws from being frozen.

More Delicious Dip Recipes

Here are several more irresistible dip recipes that your family and friends will devour! They are all super tasty and so easy to make! For more snack inspiration, check out my full list of appetizers!

Sausage Dip

20 mins

Smoked Queso Dip

2 hrs 10 mins

Taco Dip

5 mins

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Dip

2 hrs 10 mins

Print

Cheeseburger Dip

Cheeseburger dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer for potlucks, parties, and get-togethers! This recipe takes delicious cheeseburger ingredients like beef, onion, tomato, relish, and cheese and turns them into a deliciously addicting snack! 
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword cheeseburger appetizer, Cheeseburger Dip, cheesy ground beef dip, Game day dip, party dip
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 351kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef½ cup diced onion, about ½ medium onion1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes4 teaspoons dill relish½ pound velveeta cheese4 ounces cream cheesesaltground black pepper

Toppings

shredded lettucegrilled onionsdiced cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Add the ground beef to a medium skillet or cast iron pan and cook over medium heat until cooked through and no pink remains. Drain the fat except for 1 tablespoon and remove the beef from the pan.
Add the onions to the pan and stir into the remaining beef fat. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until the onions are tender and translucent. Add the cooked beef, diced tomatoes, and relish to the onions. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes, until heated through.
Cut the Velveeta and cream cheese into cubes and add to the pan. Cook and stir until all the cheese has melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Transfer to a serving dish and top with shredded lettuce, caramelized onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve with bread or crackers.

Notes

Crockpot Instructions: Complete step 1 before adding the cooked and drained beef, onions, diced tomatoes, relish, Velveeta, and cream cheese to a 4-quart crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through and melted. Before serving taste and season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 747mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 631IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 2mg
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