Category: Uncategorized

  • Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Super flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken cooks up perfectly every time! It’s tender and juicy on the inside, with a tasty teriyaki sauce coating the outside. Pair with rice and veggies for an easy meal on busy nights!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    So Easy: This air fryer teriyaki chicken is a simple meal that comes together quickly!

    Great Taste and Texture: Air frying the chicken makes it perfectly juicy with very little effort!

    Versatile Main: Enjoy with a variety of sides, from broccoli or green beans to any other vegetables your family likes! We also love this chicken with rice!

    Ingredients Needed

    Air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe is incredibly simple to make! You’ll just need a handful of basic ingredients to whip up a flavorful main dish that’s better than takeout. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut the chicken into small pieces to absorb the flavor and crispy from the air fryer.

    Soy Sauce: Gives the marinade a delicious salty taste.

    Brown Sugar: Provides a bit of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

    Vinegar: Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to help tenderize the meat.

    Garlic: Minced garlic is a must in any Asian glaze.

    Sesame Oil: Gives the sauce an earthy, nutty flavor.

    Ground Ginger: Adds a hint of warm spice.

    Water & Cornstarch: Whisked together to thicken the sauce.

    Garnish: Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

    How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    This baked teriyaki chicken is a family favorite, but I think I might love this air fryer version even more! It has the same great sweet and savory flavor and can be cooked in half the time! I know all you busy mamas need that in your life!

    Prep: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces, then place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and set aside.

    Combine: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce and set aside.

    Marinate: Pour the remaining sauce into the bowl of chicken pieces, then cover and marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes. 

    Air Fry: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket. Space the chicken pieces evenly in a single layer. Close the basket and cook for 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Open the basket and flip the chicken pieces. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until cooked through. The safe internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Heat the Sauce: Place the reserved ¼ cup of sauce into a small saucepan. In a small bowl whisk the water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add the mixture to the sauce and whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

    Serve: Baste the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve the chicken over rice! Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice if desired.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Tips and Variations

    When it comes to cooking, you can adjust things to suit your preferences. Here are some easy ways to make this recipe exactly how you want!

    Vinegar: I love using rice vinegar in this recipe, but white vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great substitutes!

    Ginger: Use freshly grated ginger in place of ground ginger!

    Serve With: Serve over rice or noodles to complete the meal! For a low-carb option, you can add chicken as a protein to a salad. It would also be delicious with my easy fried rice!

    Spice: To give the teriyaki sauce a kick, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of Sriracha sauce!

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    Using the air fryer to reheat leftovers works great! It quickly warms up and crisps these teriyaki chicken pieces perfectly, all in less time than using the oven.

    Fridge: Allow the air fryer teriyaki chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Freezer: Once placed in an airtight container, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

    Reheat: Pop it in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes or until warmed. You can also microwave the chicken in 30-second increments until warmed.

    More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

    Air fryers have changed cooking for the better. They cook food so quickly, and everything that comes out tastes amazing. Here are some of my most popular air fryer recipes that you should definitely try!

    Air Fryer Pork Belly

    40 mins

    Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

    15 mins

    The BEST Air Fryer “Roasted” Potatoes

    25 mins

    Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    23 mins

    Print

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Super flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken cooks up perfect every time! It’s tender and juicy on the inside with a tasty teriyaki sauce coating the outside. Pair with rice and veggies for an easy meal on busy nights!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American, Asian American
    Keyword air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe, easy teriyaki chicken
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
    Marinate 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 42 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 235kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound½ cup soy sauce cup brown sugar1 tablespoon rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar1 clove garlic, minced1 teaspoon sesame oil¼ teaspoon ground ginger¼ cup water1 tablespoon cornstarchsesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

    Instructions

    Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and set aside.
    In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger; reserve ¼ cup of the sauce and set aside.
    Pour the remaining sauce into the bowl of chicken pieces. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
    Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket. Evenly space the chicken pieces in a single layer. Close the basket and cook for 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Open the basket and flip the chicken pieces. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until cooked through. The safe internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Place the reserved ¼ cup marinade into a small saucepan. In a small bowl whisk the water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add the cornstarch to the sauce mixture and whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
    Baste the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve the chicken over rice! Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1757mg | Potassium: 509mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Cherry Cordials

    Homemade cherry cordials are a tasty, nostalgic treat! They’re made with sweet cherries that are coated in a rich chocolate shell. Make them for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, and watch them disappear!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    An Irresistible Sweet Treat: I’m a fan of chocolate-covered anything! I can’t get enough of sweets like chocolate covered strawberries and creamy chocolate covered banana bites. But these chocolate cherries might be my favorite!

    Better Than Store-Bought: All you need is a little time and patience, and you’ll have a treat everyone will love. Plus, homemade is more special!

    Perfect for Any Occasion: These are great year-round, but I especially love to make them for gifting around the holidays.

    Cherry Cordial Ingredients

    The ingredient list for this cherry cordials recipe is short and simple! Invertase is a unique ingredient, but you can easily find it at baking supply stores or online. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the exact measurements.

    Maraschino Cherries: These sweet cherries add a juicy burst of flavor with each bite!

    Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for the fondant.

    Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the fondant mixture.

    Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the filling nice and smooth.

    Maraschino Cherry Liquid: Adds extra cherry flavor.

    Invertase: Creates the signature gooey texture of the inside filling.

    Almond Extract: For a warm, nutty flavor.

    Chocolate: Use coating chocolate or almond bark to create the candy shell.

    How to Make Classic Cherry Cordials

    Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps in this recipe. The instructions are very simple and easy to follow. You’ll be biting into sweet, gooey cherry cordials before you know it!

    Dry the Cherries: Drain the cherries and reserve the liquid. Lay the cherries out on a few layers of paper towels. Pat them dry well with a few more paper towels. Set aside.

    Make the Fondant: Add the water, sugar, corn syrup, and cherry juice to a heavy bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat until boiling. Use a pastry brush to carefully brush water around the inside rim of the pan. This will melt any sugar granules into the pot.

    Make the Syrup: Use a candy thermometer and cook the syrup until it reaches 240-244ºF, about 5-8 minutes.

    Cool the Syrup: Remove it from the heat and pour it onto a small greased baking sheet. Let the syrup cool until it reaches 120ºF, about 20-30 minutes.

    Beat the Syrup: Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a stand mixer bowl. Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until the syrup becomes opaque and runny. Pour into a container and store in the fridge until you are ready to dip your cherries.

    Dipping the Cherry Cordials

    Warm the Fondant: Before dipping, gently warm the fondant in 20-second increments in the microwave until it is runny and flows off a spoon in ribbons. You can also use a double boiler. Stir in the invertase and almond extract.

    Dip in Fondant: Dip the cherries in the fondant. Let the excess drip off, and then wipe the bottoms on the side of the bowl.

    Let Them Sit: Place the fondant dipped cherries on a greased baking sheet. Warm the fondant as necessary to keep it workable. The more it cools down, the thicker it will coat the cherries. Let them sit until fully set.

    For the Chocolate Coating

    Heat the Chocolate: Once the cherries have been dipped and the fondant is set, heat the coating chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stir well between each increment until all the chocolate is melted.

    Dip the Bottoms: Dip just the bottoms of the cherries in the chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

    Dip the Whole Cherry: Once the bottoms have set, dip the whole cherry in the chocolate. Make sure they are fully coated and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet until fully set. Store in an airtight container for at least 48 hours or up to 3 weeks. This will allow the invertase to liquify the fondant before serving. You can check if they are ready by cutting open a cherry every other day or so until they have liquified to your preference.

    Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cordial Tips

    New to making candy? These tips will ensure you make the best chocolate covered cherries!

    What is invertase? Invertase is an enzyme used in candy making to help break down candy into liquid sugar. It takes time to work. You can dip the cherries in firm fondant icing and then coat them in chocolate. The best part? No candy mold is needed! Over a few days or up to three weeks, the invertase breaks down the fondant into syrup for the signature oozing cherry cordial.

    Do you HAVE to use invertase? You don’t have to! The cherries will still taste delicious, just not like traditional liquid-filled cordials. For an adult version, soak them in the liquor of your choice. Bourbon, amaretto, cherry liqueur, or Kirsch.

    Using Chocolate Chips: If you use chocolate chips to dip your cherries, add a tablespoon or two of shortening or butter. This will increase the fat content to avoid streaked chocolate. I prefer almond bark or candy melts because they are so easy to melt and dip. You can even temper chocolate to get the absolute most beautiful dipped cherries.

    Using Stemless Cherries: If you use maraschino cherries without stems, use gloves. Don’t worry about making the fondant coating perfect since you’ll cover it with chocolate. Wear gloves and drizzle chocolate all around to fully coat the cherries. And use them to decorate with chocolate swirls or drizzles.

    Dipping Cherries: When dipped in the fondant, don’t bother with parchment paper. Place them right on a greased baking sheet.

    Almond Extract: You don’t have to add the almond extract if you don’t care for it! It won’t affect the outcome of the fondant, just the flavor.

    Making the Sugar Syrup

    Making Sugar Syrup: When cooking the sugar syrup, don’t stir it! This can disturb the sugar and cause little sugar crystals to form outside of the syrup. Even one sugar crystal can cause your syrup to crystalize and turn grainy as it cools. So, it’s important not to disturb it once you’ve cleaned the inside of the pot with the pastry brush. Also, be sure to thoroughly wash any utensils used to stir the sugar mixture if you end up stirring it together before heating it.

    Cooling the Syrup: You don’t have to pour the syrup onto a baking sheet to cool. You can pour it into a greased microwave safe bowl instead, but it will take longer to cool to 120ºF. Pouring it into a greased baking sheet helps speed up the process!

    How to Store Leftovers

    I recommend storing at room temperature, if you love that gooey center! However, you can freeze them too, so make a double batch!

    Storing: Place the cherry cordials in an airtight container. Store at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 months.

    In the Freezer: You can freeze the candies, but this may cause the chocolate to crack and the liquid fondant to leak out. If you do freeze them, freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Enjoy them frozen or left at room temperature to thaw for a few hours.

    More Cherry-Inspired Desserts to Try

    If you are craving something sweet with cherry and chocolate, I’ve got you covered. Try the recipes below! Let me know which is your favorite!

    Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

    1 hr

    Martha Washington Candy

    45 mins

    Black Forest Cake

    1 hr 20 mins

    Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars

    30 mins

    Print

    Cherry Cordials

    Homemade cherry cordials are a tasty, nostalgic treat! They’re made with sweet cherries that are coated in a rich chocolate shell. Make them for Christmas or Valentine’s Day and watch them disappear!
    Course candy, Dessert
    Cuisine American, French, French American
    Keyword Cherry Cordials, Cherry Cordials recipe, Chocolate covered cherry cordials, Homemade Cherry Cordials
    Prep Time 1 hour hour
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    cooling 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 36 cordials
    Calories 168kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    36 maraschino cherries, with or without stems¼ cup water2 cups granulated sugar cup light corn syrup2 tablespoon maraschino cherry liquid1 teaspoon invertase½ teaspoon almond extract24 ounces coating chocolate or almond bark, chopped

    Instructions

    Drain the cherries and reserve the liquid. Lay the cherries out on a few layers of paper towels and pat them dry well with a few more paper towels. Set aside.
    Make the fondant to dip the cherries in by adding the water, sugar, corn syrup, and maraschino cherry liquid to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat until boiling. Use a pastry brush to carefully brush water around the inside rim of the pan, melting any sugar granules into the pot.
    Use a candy thermometer and cook the syrup until it reaches 240-244 degrees Fahrenheit, or the soft ball stage, about 5-8 minutes.
    Remove it from the heat and pour it onto a small greased baking sheet. Let the syrup cool until it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit, about 20-30 minutes or so.
    Once cooled, transfer the syrup to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until the syrup becomes opaque and runny. Pour into a container and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to dip your cherries.
    When you are ready to dip your cherries, gently warm the fondant in 20-second increments in the microwave or over a double boiler until it is runny and flows off a spoon in ribbons. Stir in the invertase and almond extract.
    Dip the cherries in the fondant and let the excess drip off, then wipe the bottoms on the side of the bowl.
    Place the fondant-dipped cherries on a greased baking sheet. Warm the fondant as necessary to keep it workable, as the more it cools down, the thicker it will coat the cherries. Let them sit until they are all fully set up.
    Once the cherries have been dipped and the fondant is set, heat the coating chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each increment until all the chocolate is melted.
    Dip just the bottoms of the cherries in the chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    Once the bottoms have set, dip the whole cherry in the chocolate. Ensure they are fully coated and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet until fully set. Store in an airtight container for at least 48 hours or up to 3 weeks to allow the invertase to liquefy the fondant before serving. You can check if they are ready by cutting open a cherry every other day or so until they have liquified to your preference.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.03mg
  • Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta is a quick and simple dish yet packed with flavor. Angel hair pasta is bathed in a buttery garlic sauce and topped with Italian seasoning. It’s great to feed the kids or serve as a side dish.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: This recipe is so simple and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a great recipe to teach your kids, and they will also love it!

    Flavorful: Garlic and butter are a match made in flavor heaven! I can’t get enough! These noodles are also cooked in chicken broth which adds the best flavor!

    Budget-Friendly: I’m always looking for ways to feed my family cheaply. This recipe is great for that, and here are some other budget-friendly recipes to try: beefaroni, chicken and noodles, and pita pizza.

    Ingredients Needed for Garlic Butter Pasta

    There are only a few simple ingredients that go into this recipe, and you probably already have them in your kitchen. For exact measurements, look for the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Angel Hair Pasta: I like angel hair the best, but feel free to use whatever you have.

    Chicken Broth: The noodles are cooked in chicken broth, making them extra flavorful.

    Unsalted Butter: We will be adding seasoning and salt and pepper so I like to use unsalted butter to control the amount of sodium.

    Garlic Cloves: For me, the more, the merrier! This recipe is oozing with garlic goodness!

    Italian Seasoning: You can use store-bought or make your own with my homemade Italian seasoning recipe.

    Salt and Black Pepper: Helps enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

    How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

    This garlic butter pasta recipe couldn’t be easier. It’s so simple but tastes so good! All the decadent butter and garlic are the perfect paring with angel hair pasta. Whip this up for your kids on a busy weeknight.

    Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in the chicken broth until it is al dente. Don’t overcook the pasta; it will finish in the sauce. Drain the pasta, reserve ¼ cup of the broth, and set the pasta aside.

    Butter & Garlic: Melt the butter over medium-high heat in the same pot. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute or until it’s fragrant.

    Garlic Butter Sauce: Whisk in the reserved broth, along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, stir, and cook to fully incorporate.

    Combine: Cook the pasta in the sauce, stirring continually, until the noodles absorb the liquid and the sauce has thickened a bit, about 3 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and serve the pasta fresh.

    Garlic Butter Pasta Tips and Variations

    This recipe is foolproof, but I wanted to give you some ideas of how you can change it up to suit your tastes. You can really get creative with this one, here are so ideas to get you started.

    Pasta Water: Use pasta water in the sauce because the starch from cooking the pasta helps fully emulsify it with the melted butter, creating a creamy texture. Using regular water will cause the sauce to separate.

    Salt and Pepper: Season this pasta to your liking, I suggest only ½ teaspoon salt and pepper but you can season it as much as you want. 

    Pasta: I like angel hair pasta for this recipe, but you can use whatever you have. Try regular spaghetti, gluten-free pasta or linguine noodles.

    Protein: If you’re like me, then you’re always looking for ways to get more protein in your diet. Just toss in a few shrimps or some leftover chicken.

    Toppings: You can top with some parmesan cheese, lemon, chopped parsley, or any fresh herbs. Spice it up with some red pepper flakes.

    Leftovers

    Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

    More Garlic Pasta Dishes to Try

    Spaghetti alla Nerano (Stanley Tucci Zucchini Pasta)

    1 hr

    Easiest Garlic Sesame Noodles

    15 mins

    Asiago Garlic Alfredo Pasta

    15 mins

    Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti

    15 mins

    Print

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta is a quick and simple dish yet packed with flavor. Angel hair pasta is bathed in a buttery garlic sauce and topped with Italian seasoning.
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword butter pasta, garlic butter pasta, garlic pasta
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 280kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    8 ounces angel hair pasta4 cups chicken broth2 tablespoons unsalted butter3 teaspoons minced garlic, about 3 cloves1 teaspoon Italian seasoning½ teaspoon salt, more to taste½ teaspoon pepper, more to taste

    Instructions

    Cook the pasta according to the package directions in the chicken broth until it is al dente, don’t overcook the pasta it will finish in the sauce.
    Drain the pasta, reserve ¼ cup of the broth, and set the pasta aside.
    In the same pot melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute or until it’s fragrant.
    Whisk in the reserved broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, stir, and cook to fully incorporate.
    Cook the pasta in the sauce, stirring continually, until the noodles absorb the liquid and the sauce has thickened a bit, about 3 minutes.
    Remove the pot from heat and serve the pasta fresh.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 1167mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Queso Fundido

    Queso Fundido is a delicious cheesy appetizer with a kick of heat from the Mexican chorizo. It’s loaded with buttery, melty cheeses and covered in spicy chorizo sausage.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: You can literally whip this up in no time! Bake the cheese until it is melty, then add the chorizo and top with whatever you like!

    Customizable: Switch up the type of chorizo and even cheese to make this yummy dip the way you like!

    Versatile: This is the perfect snack for the next big game, Cinco de Mayo party, or movie night. Serve it with my 7-layer dip, guacamole, and amazing Mexican corn salad.

    Ingredients Needed for Queso Fundido

    The ingredients list is short and to the point! Grab yourself some Mexican cheeses and chorizo, and you’re ready to go! You can find the cheese in the Mexican section of the dairy aisle in most grocery stores. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Shredded Chihuahua Cheese: Adds buttery flavor and a smooth, creamy, melty texture.

    Shredded Oaxaca Cheese: Gives the dip its iconic melty texture! The slightly milky flavor balances out the other ingredients.

    Cooked Chorizo: Adds a nice meaty pork texture and spicy flavor.

    Corn Tortillas: Provides the perfect vehicle to scoop the melty, cheesy goodness and get it in your mouth!

    How to Make Queso Fundido With Chorizo

    You will be amazed at how easy this recipe is. You just heat the cheese in your oven, let it get all golden and bubbly, throw on the chorizo, and it’s ready to devour! Serve it with some of my flour or corn tortillas!

    Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or spray the inside of a medium sized oven safe skillet with pan spray. Add the cheese to the skillet and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.

    Serve: Top with cooked chorizo and the toppings of your choice. Serve hot with corn or flour tortillas. If desired, toast them over an open burner for about 15 seconds on either side until very lightly charred.

    Queso Fundido Tips and Variations

    I love this recipe for so many reasons and one of them is how easy it is to change and make it with what you have and what you like. Here are a few ideas to get your started.

    Cheese: The best cheeses to use for queso fundido are Chihuahua cheese and Oaxaca cheese. They melt so perfectly and, most importantly, are incredibly stretchy! You can also use queso asadero, Monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

    Chorizo: You can add the chorizo on top after the cheese has melted. Or you can layer it on the bottom and the top before placing the skillet in the oven.

    Additions: You can cook up some onions and peppers in the skillet before adding the cheese, then put it in the oven to melt it.

    Serve With: Traditionally, people serve queso fundido with warm tortillas to create a taco like dish. You can serve it with tortilla chips instead if you would like!

    Amount of Cheese: The amount of cheese and chorizo in the recipe is easy to change. Whether to suit your personal preferences or to match the size of your skillet. Use the chorizo you prefer, and then add an even mixture of Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheeses to the skillet. Scale it up or down depending on your needs.

    Topping: You can add chopped onions, fresh cilantro, pico de Gallo, hot salsa, avocado, poblanos, tomatoes, sour cream, or lime juice. Queso fundido is packed with flavor, so feel free to leave them off completely.

    Leftover Suggestion

    This dish is made of melted cheese, so I don’t recommend preparing it ahead of time or saving it for later. It’s the best while it’s still hot and melty!

    More Queso-Inspired Appetizers to Try

    I am in love with dips, and if they involve cheese, I am all over it! If you are like me and love delicious cheesy dips, check out these recipes below!

    Queso Chicken Skillet

    45 mins

    Queso Verde Corn Dip

    35 mins

    Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

    20 mins

    Cowboy Queso

    20 mins

    Print

    Queso Fundido

    Queso Fundido is a delicious cheesy appetizer with a kick from the Mexican chorizo. It’s loaded with buttery, melty cheeses and covered in spicy chorizo sausage.
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Mexican, Mexican American
    Keyword Chorizo Fundido, Queso Fundido, Queso fundido con chorizo
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 381kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    3 cups shredded Chihuahua cheese3 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese9 ounces cooked chorizocorn tortillas

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or spray the inside of a medium-sized oven-safe skillet with pan spray.
    Add the Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheeses to the skillet and bake for 10-15 minutes, until all the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.
    Top with cooked chorizo and the toppings of your choice. Serve hot with corn or flour tortillas. If desired, toast the tortillas over an open burner for about 15 seconds on either side until very lightly charred.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 66mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 781IU | Calcium: 528mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Marry Me Chicken Soup

    Fall in love with the creamy, comforting flavors in this marry me chicken soup! It’s loaded with shredded chicken and tender noodles in a rich and creamy soup base. The irresistible flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese take this soup over the top!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Soup!

    Incredible Flavor: This soup is the ultimate comfort food! It’s bursting with chicken, tender noodles, sun-dried tomatoes, and incredible flavors. Every bite leaves you wanting more!

    Crowd Pleaser: My popular “Marry Me” recipes like this chicken or this pasta are always a crowd pleaser! That means this soup is sure to be a hit!

    Quick and Easy: This soup recipe only takes 30 minutes to make! It’s all made in one pot and easy to throw together. Using precooked chicken is the trick to making soup quickly!

    Ingredients to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

    These simple ingredients come together to create a cozy and delicious soup that everyone will love! This marry me chicken soup is creamy, savory, and so satisfying!

    Olive Oil: Used to cook and soften the onion and garlic.

    Onion: The onions get diced small but add lots of flavor!

    Garlic: Fresh is always best!

    Tomato Paste: Helps to thicken the soup.

    Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup.

    Shredded Cooked Chicken: I used rotisserie chicken, but any cooked leftover chicken will work!

    Paprika: I love this seasoning in this soup! It’s delicious and adds a smokiness.

    Dried Italian Seasoning: Adds Tuscan-inspired flavors to this soup recipe.

    Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drain the oil and chop it into bite-size pieces.

    Egg Noodles: I love the tender egg noodles in this soup.

    Heavy Cream: Thickens and adds creaminess, it’s SO delicious!

    Parmesan Cheese: I prefer to grate fresh parmesan cheese because it melts the best!

    Spinach: Baby spinach wilts down perfectly, but you can chop the spinach if you prefer.

    Salt and Pepper: Season to taste and adjust the flavors to your liking!

    Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for garnish and serving!

    Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

    Here’s how to make this easy marry me chicken soup in just 30 minutes! If your family loves “marry me” recipes then they’ll love this soup added to the dinner rotation.

    Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

    Stir in the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

    Add the Broth, Chicken, and Seasonings: Add the chicken broth, cooked chicken, paprika, and Italian seasoning then stir to combine.

    Stir in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Noodles and Cook: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and noodles. Cook over medium-high heat until the noodles soften, about 10 minutes.

    Stir in the Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheese, and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and spinach. Heat until the cheese melts and the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with red pepper flakes and additional parmesan cheese then enjoy!

    Tips and Variations

    Personalize this marry me chicken soup by switching up the pasta, and tomatoes, or make it extra spicy! Here’s just how to do that:

    Pasta: We love egg noodles in this recipe, but feel free to use any kind of pasta you like! I’d recommend using smaller noodles like small shells or ditalini noodles.

    Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutions: Sun-dried tomatoes are a signature ingredient in “marry me” recipes so I highly recommend using them. If you can’t find them, then try using canned stewed tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes.

    Basil: Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor!

    Add a Little Heat: Bring more heat to the dish by sprinkling in extra red pepper flakes! I love extra red pepper flakes in my bowl!

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    This marry me chicken soup makes fantastic leftovers! You can even double the batch and freeze some for a later day! 

    In the Refrigerator: Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

    In the Freezer: Transfer the cooked and cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Leave some space at the top to account for expansion as the soup freezes. Then, label it with the date. The soup will last about 2-3 months. 

    To Reheat: When you’re ready to use the frozen soup, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated throughout.

    More Iconic Marry Me Recipes!

    My popular “Marry Me” recipes are a must! Enjoy the Tuscan-inspired flavors using salmon, shrimp, or meatballs! Give these recipes a try!

    Marry Me Chicken (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken)

    35 mins

    Marry Me Salmon

    30 mins

    Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

    30 mins

    Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

    35 mins

    Print

    Marry Me Chicken Soup

    Fall in love with the creamy, comforting flavors in this marry-me chicken soup! It’s loaded with shredded chicken and tender noodles in a rich and creamy soup base. The irresistible flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese take this soup over the top!
    Course Dinner, Soup
    Cuisine American
    Keyword creamy marry me soup, marry me chicken soup recipe, marry me soup
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 467kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 tablespoon olive oil½ onion, diced2 teaspoons minced garlic2 tablespoon tomato paste4 cups chicken broth3 cups shredded cooked chicken, I used rotisserie chicken1 teaspoon paprika2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped8 ounces dry egg noodles1 cup heavy cream,1 cup grated parmesan cheese3 cups fresh baby spinach 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste¼ teaspoon pepperred pepper flakes, optional for garnish

    Instructions

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
    Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
    Add the chicken broth, cooked chicken, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
    Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and noodles. Cook over medium-high heat until the noodles soften, about 10 minutes.
    Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and spinach. Heat until the cheese melts and the spinach has wilted.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with red pepper flakes and additional parmesan cheese and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 2543mg | Potassium: 1146mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3171IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 375mg | Iron: 4mg
  • Gingerbread Loaf

    Starbucks copycat gingerbread loaf is the ultimate holiday treat! It’s coated in a simple cream cheese frosting and is full of warm spices and rich molasses flavor. Enjoy it for Christmas brunch or a sweet treat at night!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Bread Recipe

    Perfect for Christmas: This gingerbread loaf is the BEST quick bread to make for the holiday season. Your family will love it!

    It’s So Easy to Make: The recipe comes together in a flash with ingredients you probably already have!

    Flavorful and Tender: Every bite has a nostalgic and festive taste! Gingerbread is a holiday favorite at my house. If you love it too, try my gingerbread cheesecake and gingerbread pancakes!

    Ingredients ForStarbucks Gingerbread Loaf

    I love whipping up this copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf recipe during the holiday season! It’s perfect for potlucks, brunches and homemade gift-giving. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand! You can find exact measurements in the recipe card below.

    All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bread structure and tenderness.

    Baking Powder: Makes the bread rise and get fluffy.

    Spices: A mix of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves adds a cozy, warm flavor.

    Salt: Brings all the flavors together.

    Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness.

    Oil: Adds moisture and richness.

    Eggs: Help hold the ingredients together.

    Applesauce: Keeps the quick bread moist and tender without having to use extra oil or butter.

    Molasses: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

    Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract or make your own blend.

    For the Frosting

    This simple cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for a spiced gingerbread loaf cake. It’s really good without the frosting, too!

    Powdered Sugar: Makes the glaze nice and sweet, and also gives it a smooth texture.

    Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor.

    Vanilla Extract: Mix in a tsp for sweet warmth.

    Milk: Gives the frosting the perfect texture.

    How to Make a Gingerbread Loaf

    This irresistible bread is so easy to make and smells wonderful while baking. Just follow these simple steps for major deliciousness.

    Mix the Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

    Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, molasses, and vanilla.

    Stir Batter Together: Using a spatula or spoon, add the flour mixture to the sugar and oil mixture. Mix until everything comes together into a batter.

    Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

    Make the Frosting: For the frosting, using a hand mixer whisk the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add the vanilla, milk, and ¼ cup of powdered sugar, and mix until incorporated.

    Frost the Loaf: Continue adding more powdered sugar until a soft frosting texture is reached. Frost the loaf when it is completely cooled.

    Helpful Tips

    This gingerbread loaf is even tastier than the one from Starbucks! Here are some simple tips and variations to try.

    Don’t Over Mix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, only mix until just incorporated. Over-mixing can make the loaf dense.

    Softened Cream Cheese: Be sure to soften the cream cheese, so it mixes easier to make the frosting.

    Add Nuts: You can add nuts to this loaf if you’d like. Chopped pecans would be good as a topping.

    Butterscotch Chips: Try adding butterscotch chips to the loaf! I would try ⅓-½ cup of chips.

    How to Store Leftover Gingerbread Loaf

    This Starbucks gingerbread loaf is delicious for days! If you enjoy it warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

    Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

    In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, store in the fridge for up to a week. 

    In the Freezer: You can freeze the loaf in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and enjoying. 

    More Gingerbread Recipes

    If you love gingerbread flavor as much as I do, then you’ll definitely want to try some of these tasty recipes! They’re all so delicious and make your kitchen smell incredible. You can also find my full list of Christmas recipes here!

    Gingerbread House

    59 mins

    Gingerbread Bundt Cake

    1 hr 20 mins

    Gingerbread Cupcakes

    1 hr 5 mins

    Cheesecake Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies

    2 hrs 55 mins

    Print

    Gingerbread Loaf

    Starbucks copycat gingerbread loaf is the ultimate holiday treat! It’s coated in a simple cream cheese frosting and is full of warm spices and rich molasses flavor. Enjoy it for Christmas brunch or a sweet treat at night!
    Course Bread, Dessert
    Cuisine American, Holiday
    Keyword gingerbread loaf, starbucks copycat loaf, starbucks gingerbread loaf, Sweet Bread
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes
    Servings 1 loaf
    Calories 3918kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder2 teaspoons ground ginger2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground nutmeg½ teaspoon ground clove1 cup granulated sugar½ cup vegetable oil2 large eggs cup applesauce1 tablespoon molasses1 teaspoon vanilla

    Frosting

    1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla2-3 teaspoons whole milk

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray.
    Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
    In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, molasses, and vanilla.
    Using a spatula or spoon, add the flour mixture to the sugar and oil mixture and mix until everything comes together into a batter.
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
    Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.
    For the frosting, using a hand mixer whisk the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add the vanilla, milk, and ¼ cup of powdered sugar, and mix until incorporated.
    Continue adding more powdered sugar until a soft frosting texture is reached. Frost the loaf when it is completely cooled.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 3918kcal | Carbohydrates: 590g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 161g | Saturated Fat: 44g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 67g | Monounsaturated Fat: 38g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 443mg | Sodium: 2842mg | Potassium: 1788mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 406g | Vitamin A: 2055IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 656mg | Iron: 15mg
  • Weekly Meal Plan #29

    This week’s meal plan is all about easy, flavorful dinners the whole family will love. It has all your comfort dishes that will make perfect leftovers!

    What’s on the Menu?

    The goal of this week’s meal plan? Keeping dinner simple, satisfying, and stress-free. Bonus: most of these recipes make enough for leftovers, so you’ll have a head start on lunches or another quick dinner later in the week!

    Monday: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Tuesday: Slow Cooker Ragu

    Wednesday: Mexican Street Corn Soup

    Thursday: Saucy Asian Meatballs

    Friday: Garlic Butter Chicken

    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Chicken pot pie casserole is a fun twist on the classic pot pie. It’s made with buttery biscuit dough, tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and the most delicious creamy sauce loaded with incredible seasoning.

    View Recipe

    Slow Cooker Ragu

    This Slow Cooker Ragu recipe is an easy to make comfort food that your whole family will love! Not to mention it makes a LOT and is freezer-friendly!

    View Recipe

    Mexican Street Corn Soup

    5 from 1 vote
    Mexican street corn soup has all the incredible flavors of street corn in a warm, comforting, delicious soup. This soup has fresh corn, lots of cotija cheese, spices, cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream to make it smooth and creamy.

    View Recipe

    Saucy Asian Meatballs

    4.80 from 5 votes
    are the perfect blend of flavors and are drenched in the most insanely delicious sauce! Perfect for dinner or even an appetizer, they will certainly get a “WOW!” at your next get together! 

    View Recipe

    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.

    View Recipe

    How Many Does it Feed?

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

    Why Should I Meal Plan? 

    Meal planning isn’t just about what’s for dinner—it’s about making life smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s why it works for me:

    Less Stress: Knowing what’s on the menu takes the guesswork out of mealtime, so you can relax and focus on what matters.

    More Variety: Planning ahead lets you mix things up and try new recipes without falling into the same dinner rut.

    Family Time: When dinner is sorted, there’s more time to sit down together and enjoy it.

    Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite habit!

    Side Dishes for Dinner

    Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes

    40 mins

    Perfectly Soft Buttery Rolls

    1 hr 45 mins

    Wedge Salad

    10 mins

    Super Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

    5 hrs 15 mins

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

    Storing Leftovers for Meal Planning

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

  • Eggnog Poke Cake

    Eggnog Poke Cake could not be more perfect for the holiday season! It combines the rich flavor of eggnog with the soft, moist texture of a classic poke cake. Add fluffy whipped topping and a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon to really wow your family!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Dessert

    Easy to Make: It uses simple ingredients and comes together effortlessly.

    Moist and Decadent: The cake is perfectly moist, and the pudding fills every bite with creamy goodness.

    Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this for holiday gatherings and parties, and your family and guests will absolutely love it!

    Festive Flavors: This dessert perfectly captures the rich, creamy taste of holiday eggnog. If you’re a fan of eggnog, try my eggnog cheesecake and eggnog cookies, too!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    One of the best parts of this eggnog poke cake recipe is that the ingredients are SO simple! We’re using a box of vanilla cake mix for convenience, and the topping is made with instant vanilla pudding and whipped topping. The cake and the topping both call for eggnog for plenty of festive flavors! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Cake Mix: A boxed vanilla cake mix is the base for this poke cake.

    Oil: Add in a little vegetable oil for moisture.

    Eggs: Three large eggs bind the cake mixture together.

    Eggnog: You can use store-bought eggnog or use my delicious homemade eggnog for the best taste.

    Topping

    Ground Nutmeg: Adds a festive, warm flavor that pairs wonderfully with the eggnog.

    Instant Vanilla Pudding: Mix the pudding with eggnog to create a creamy mixture that soaks into the cake’s holes.

    Eggnog: Adds rich, creamy holiday flavor.

    Whipped Topping: Makes a light, fluffy, sweet topping.

    Ground Cinnamon: For dusting over the top.

    How to Make Eggnog Poke Cake

    If you’ve never baked a poke cake, then you should definitely try this eggnog version! My strawberry poke cake is a favorite in the summertime, but this one with eggnog mixed in is the perfect dessert for the holidays, and everyone will be so impressed!

    Make the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13x3-inch baking dish with pan spray. Combine the cake mix, oil, eggnog, eggs, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Beat at medium-high speed for 2 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.

    Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or according to the directions on the box of the cake mix. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.

    Poke Holes: Once cooled, use the clean handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.

    Make the Topping: In a large bowl, whisk the pudding, eggnog, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, then let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

    Add the Topping: Pour the pudding over the top of the cake, spreading it out evenly. Cover and then chill for about two hours to allow the pudding to fully set up. 

    Add the Whipped Topping and Garnish: Before serving, top the cake with the whipped topping and dust the top with freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon.

    Eggnog Poke Cake Tips and Variations

    Here are some simple things to keep in mind while you make your eggnog poke cake! These easy fixes and substitutions will help make this dessert perfect.

    Use Homemade Whipped Cream: If you would like to substitute homemade whipped cream for the whipped topping, add 1 ½ cups of chilled heavy whipping cream, ¼ cups of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to a stand mixer and whip on high with the whisk attachment until the cream reaches medium-stiff peaks. Use in place of the whipped topping in step 7.

    Spike it! Spike your eggnog pudding by replacing ¼-½ cup of the eggnog called for in the topping with your favorite spiced rum.

    Homemade Cake: If you would like to use a homemade cake recipe instead of eggnog added to a cake mix, use my Eggnog Cake instead! Add the cake batter to the prepared 9×13-inch cake pan and bake as directed in step 3, or until the center of the cake springs back lightly when pressed on and a toothpick comes out clean.

    Poking the Holes: I used a wooden spoon with a narrower handle but next time I would use a wider handle to get bigger pockets of pudding throughout the cake. Poke about ⅔ of the way through the cake when making your holes. Whatever tool you end up using to poke the cake, make sure it’s clean!

    Storing Leftover Cake

    If you happen to have leftovers of this mouthwatering cake, here’s how to store it for the best results! I’m sure you won’t have leftovers for long! It’s too good to pass up.

    In the Refrigerator: Store Eggnog Poke Cake in the fridge in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

    Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this cake, as the pudding and whipped topping don’t tend to stand up well to being frozen and thawed.

    More Holiday Desserts

    If these delicious holiday desserts don’t put you in the Christmas spirit, I don’t know what will! They’re all festive, fun, and oh-so delicious! Which one will you try first?

    Peppermint Cheesecake

    2 hrs

    Cranberry Christmas Cake

    1 hr 15 mins

    Glazed Eggnog Pound Cake

    1 hr 15 mins

    Christmas Tree Cupcakes

    42 mins

    Print

    Eggnog Poke cake

    Eggnog Poke Cake could not be more perfect for the holiday season! It combines the rich flavor of eggnog with the soft, moist texture of a classic poke cake. Add fluffy whipped topping and a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon to really wow your family!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword christmas cake, Christmas Desserts, Eggnog Cake, Eggnog Dessert, Eggnog Poke Cake, holiday dessert
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes minutes
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 255kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 (14.25) box vanilla cake mix cup vegetable oil3 large eggs1 cup eggnog

    Topping

    ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, more for dusting on top1 (3.2-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding3 cups eggnog1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawedground cinnamon, for dusting

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13x3-inch baking dish with pan spray.
    Combine the cake mix, oil, eggnog, eggs, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Beat at medium-high speed for 2 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
    Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or according to the directions on the box of the cake mix. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
    Once cooled, use the clean handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
    In a large bowl, whisk the pudding, eggnog, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
    Pour the pudding over the top of the cake, spreading it out evenly. Cover and chill for about 2 hours to allow the pudding to fully set up.
    Before serving, top the cake with the whipped topping and dust the top with freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 267mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Cranberry Salsa (The Best Holiday Appetizer!)

    Cranberry salsa is a fresh cranberry mixture of sweet and savory that is laid over cream cheese. It makes for the BEST holiday appetizer! You can also serve it in place of cranberry sauce with your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Crowd Pleaser: I have never had so many people ask me for a recipe more! It’s the perfect combo of sweet and savory.

    Easy to Make: It’s so easy to make and can be made in minutes. Simply blend all the ingredients, then lay your cream cheese on a plate and pour your cranberry salsa over the top.

    Appetizer Season: If you love holiday appetizers as much as I do then you must try these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts, these Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites, or this Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball!

    Ingredients in Cranberry Salsa

    Bring this cranberry salsa to your next holiday party. Try it out and then you will see how simple this cranberry salsa is to make this holiday season! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Fresh cranberries: Using fresh cranberries is perfect for the season. Fresh and tart really add to this dish!

    Granny Smith apple: This adds a great crunch to the texture.

    Green Onions, Cilantro and Jalepeno: This is where the savory flavor comes in! They add a beautiful color as well as a little kick with the jalepeno.

    Sugar: This adds some sweetness to counter the tanginess of the cream cheese.

    Apple cider vinegar: I like that this adds a different taste to mix it all with.

    Juice of one lime: A little citrus cools down the jalapeño.

    Salt and Black Pepper: To taste!

    Cream cheese: This will be in brick form, with the salsa added over top of it.

    Let’s Make Some Salsa!

    This fresh cranberry salsa recipe will blow you away with how good it is! It’s going to be a hit at any holiday party! Go ahead and try it, everyone is going to love it!

    Add: In a food processor, add the cranberries, apple, green onion, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, vinegar, and lime juice.

    Blend: Pulse the ingredients until coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers or pour over a block of cream cheese for dipping!

    Tips and Tricks to Making Cranberry Salsa

    This holiday season be sure to make this cranberry salsa with fresh ingredients and know that it will be gone in minutes with everyone raving about it. Here are a few tips that will help make this cranberry salsa even better!

    Food processor: If you do not have a food processor then a blender will work just as well to chop and blend all the ingredients together. Watch over your blender making sure you do not completely blend it all together. You will still want the cranberry salsa to be coarse, almost a chunky cranberry salsa.

    Cranberries: Fresh is best and not canned for this cranberry salsa recipe. Cranberries are a little tart but with the sugar and juices it all blends together nicely.

    Preparing Cranberries: Be sure to wash the cranberries and remove any cranberry that is squishy or too soft.

    Jalapeños: Cut the ends off the jalapeños then slice in half and remove the seeds from them. The seeds hold in most of the heat. Add as little to no seeds to the food processor or blender depending on how hot you like your cranberry salsa. Then, finish chopping your jalapeño.

    Honey: If you would like another sweetener then add honey or substitute it for the sugar. This will give you a glaze look on your cranberry salsa and still have the sweet taste.

    Limes: Fresh limes are great or using lime juice from a bottle will work well too.

    What to Serve it With

    This cranberry salsa makes for the best holiday appetizer and is sure to please a crowd. Enjoy it with these fun ways of spreading and dipping it into the salsa this holiday season!

    Crackers: Ritz crackers are soft but they still have the salty texture and great for spreading. Wheat thins, Triscuits or a whole wheat cracker are great for a sweet and salty blend.

    Pretzels: The thick, flatter pretzels that are a little bigger in size are the best for dipping in this cranberry salsa.

    Chips: Tortilla chips or plain corn chips are delicious to dip in!

    Bread: Slice up some Sourdough Bread, a Crostini or this French Baguette. Then, either spread this on or dip it in!

    How to Store Leftovers (Or Make it Ahead of Time!)

    With simple ingredients and with quick and easy instructions, this cranberry salsa comes together beautifully for your next holiday appetizer! Here are some great ways to store it.

    Can you make cranberry salsa recipe ahead of time? Yes! This cranberry salsa will last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days when sealed in an airtight container. When ready to serve it then simply take it out and add it over cream cheese and crackers.

    Fridge or Freezer: It is best served fresh, but if needed, you can freeze it for up to one month. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator. Before serving, drain all of the extra juices from the cranberry salsa, leaving it with only the chunks rather than the juice.

    Print

    Cranberry Salsa

    Cranberry salsa is a fresh cranberry mixture of sweet and savory that is laid over cream cheese. It makes for the BEST holiday appetizer! You can also serve it in place of cranberry sauce with your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword christmas appetizer, cranberry, cranberry dip, cranberry jalapeno salsa, cranberry salsa, cranberry salsa recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 42kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 12- ounce package fresh cranberries1 small Granny Smith apple chopped1/4 cup chopped green onions1/4 cup chopped cilantro1 jalapeño deseeded and diced1/2 cup sugar1 tablespoon apple cider vinegarjuice of one limesalt and pepper to taste1 8- ounce package cream cheese, softened, for serving

    Instructions

    In a food processor, add the cranberries, apple, green onion, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, vinegar, and lime juice.
    Pulse the ingredients until coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Serve with crackers or pour over a block of cream cheese for dipping!

    Video

    Notes

    Updated on December 5, 2024

    Originally Posted on December 11, 2019

    Nutrition

    Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

    Chicken cordon bleu pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s a fun twist on the classic. It combines savory ham, tender chicken, melty cheese, and delicious seasonings. Easy to make and sure to please!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe!

    Classic Recipe Made EASY: All the flavors of chicken cordon bleu in pasta form! This version is much easier to make and is a tasty twist on a classic recipe!

    Delicious One-Pot Meal: I love a one-pot meal idea, and this one is a keeper! Your family will love the combination of chicken and ham because it’s hearty and filling. It comes together in less than an hour, and clean-up is a breeze!

    Family-Friendly: People of all ages love the flavor combinations in this pasta. It’s creamy and comforting, and it makes everyone happy!

    Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

    You likely already have most of the ingredients needed to make this dish, as they are simple and basic. In fact, it doesn’t take much at all to create this super yummy meal!

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: The perfect protein to absorb all the flavors and complement the ham, cheese, and pasta.

    Salt & Black Pepper: To taste!

    Cubed Ham: Gives the dish its signature smoky ham flavor and texture.

    Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and ham.

    Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce, allowing each bite full of creamy flavor and sauce.

    Unsalted Butter: Used to cook the onions and create a roux to thicken the sauce.

    Onion: Adds a wonderful savory flavor.

    Garlic: Measure this with your heart!

    All Purpose Flour: Creates a paste or roux, making the sauce thick and creamy.

    Chicken Broth: Adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.

    Half and Half: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.

    Dijon Mustard: Gives a sharp, robust, tangy flavor that is the perfect complement to ham and cheese.

    Seasonings: Add some Dried Thyme and Dried Parsley to give the dish its signature flavor.

    Swiss Cheese: This sweet, tangy cheese is the perfect complement to ham! I can’t get enough of this combination. If you like this combo as much as I do, try my ham and Swiss pinwheels, ham and Swiss stromboli, or my honey dijon ham and Swiss chicken.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe

    This recipe comes together in about 45 minutes. It’s perfect to make on busy weeknights. Serve it with my crock pot carrots and homemade crescent rolls. Let’s get started!

    Prepare: Cut the chicken and then season with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

    Cook: Add the chicken and ham to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and ham from the pot and then set aside. While the chicken cooks, cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.

    Cook: Using the same pot, add the butter and onion, then cook over medium-high heat until the onion is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Whisk the flour into the butter and onion mixture, creating a paste.

    Add: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the half and half. When the liquid is well incorporated and has created a sauce, add mustard, thyme, parsley, and additional salt and pepper to taste.

    Stir: Return the chicken, ham, and cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.

    Cheese: Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the cheese until well incorporated and melted. Serve fresh!

    Cordon Bleu Pasta Variations

    There isn’t much you would want to change with this recipe. I just have a few suggestions for using what you already have for convenience.

    Cheese: Gruyere cheese can be used instead of Swiss cheese or a combination of the two!

    Pasta: Any pasta will work for this recipe. I like the penne because it holds the creamy sauce inside the noodles.

    How to Store Leftover Chicken Pasta

    Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

    Freezer: If you are freezing the leftovers, I recommend freezing them in portions of about 1 ½ cups, making reheating a portion much easier.

    More Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipes

    One of my favorite flavor combinations is ham and Swiss cheese. Chicken cordon bleu delivers that flavor and so much more. Here are a few recipes you need to try if you like these flavor combinations.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

    55 mins

    Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu

    40 mins

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu

    6 hrs 10 mins

    Chicken Cordon Bleu

    1 hr 50 mins

    Print

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

    Chicken cordon bleu pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s a fun twist on the classic. It combines savory ham, tender chicken, melty cheese, and delicious seasonings. Easy to make and sure to please!
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American, French American
    Keyword chicken cordon bleu, chicken cordon bleu pasta
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 601kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, about 1-2 breasts cut into ½-inch piecessalt and pepper, to taste8 ounces diced or cubed ham1 tablespoon olive oil8 ounces penne pasta2 tablespoons unsalted butter½ cup minced onion, about ½ medium onion2 teaspoons minced garlic, about 2 cloves2 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 cups chicken broth2 cups half and half2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon dried parsley2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

    Instructions

    Cut the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
    Add the chicken and ham to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and ham from the pot and set aside. While the chicken cooks, cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.
    Returning to the same pot, add the butter and onion and cook until the onion is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Whisk the flour into the butter and onion mixture, creating a paste.
    Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half and half. When the liquid is well incorporated and has created a sauce, add the mustard, thyme, parsley, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
    Add the chicken, ham, and cooked pasta into the pot with the sauce. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
    Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the cheese until well incorporated and melted. Serve fresh!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 601kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 1009mg | Potassium: 598mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 734IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 441mg | Iron: 2mg