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Experience the delicious taste of Italy with this easy Pasta Pomodoro recipe. Cook the pasta and make a flavorful tomato sauce with shallots, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Top it off with melted parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more!

Easy pasta dishes are so delicious and can be whipped up so fast! That’s why I love this pasta pomodoro recipe so much. Try more of my family’s favorites like this classic Cheesy Baked Ziti, this Easy Instant Pot Lasagna, and this delicious One Pot Chicken and Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo.

What is Pasta Pomodoro?

Pasta Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta that is quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. Pomodoro translates to the word “tomato” in Italian, and this pasta and sauce is just that! I’ve even heard of this dish being called Pomodoro Pasta. Either way, it still means the same, and it is still DELICIOUS. Tender pasta topped with a tasty tomato sauce…the perfect Italian dish. You’ll love the sauce because it’s light and not too heavy.

Pasta dishes like this pasta pomodoro are great for weeknight dinners. And I LOVE a good pasta sauce! If you’re looking for more pasta sauces to try I recommend my wildly popular Alfredo sauce. I also love this healthier version of my Alfredo sauce because it tastes nearly identical. This Bolognese sauce is also an absolute must! Your family will love it!

What’s In Pasta Pomodoro?

This Pasta Pomodoro recipe is filled with perfect Italian flavors, making the taste delicious. Made with simple ingredients you will most likely have on hand so you can quickly make this pasta. The best recipes are the ones that I don’t have to make an extra trip to the store for! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient measurements.

Thin Spaghetti: I love thin spaghetti in this recipe, but you can use regular spaghetti if you prefer.

Olive Oil: Olive oil for sauteeing the onions and garlic. I love extra-virgin olive oil for this recipe!

Shallots: Shallots are so delicious. I prefer shallots over onions in this recipe.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is a MUST!

Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a little bit of heat, but feel free to leave it out.

Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes make this easy.

Salt: Salt to taste.

Pepper: Pepper to taste.

Parmesan Cheese: Shredded fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish. I use a peeler to get big shredded pieces.

Basil: Fresh chopped basil for garnish adds so much flavor!

The Best Pasta Pomodoro Recipe

This Pasta Pomodoro dish is a no-brainer for dinner because it takes less than 30 minutes to make! Add everything together in the pan for the sauce. Cook the pasta, then combine the pasta and sauce. It’s a match made in heaven! And don’t forget to top it with some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving! Follow the recipe card below for step-by-step instructions.

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, but reserve ⅓ cup of the pasta water. Set the noodles and water aside separately.

Saute the Shallots, Garlic, and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced shallots for about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and sauté for a minute.

Add Tomatoes, Pasta Water, Salt, Pepper, and Simmer: Add the can of crushed tomatoes, reserved pasta water, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 6-8 minutes.

Add Pasta, Cheese, and Basil: Once the sauce has simmered down and is the desired consistency, add the cooked pasta, parmesan cheese, and basil.

Continue to Cook: Continue to cook and stir constantly until all the cheese is melted.

Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the pasta from the pan. Serve with additional parmesan cheese and basil before serving.

This burrata appetizer is a flavor bomb made with juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet dried figs, and a tangy balsamic kick. Topped with creamy burrata cheese, it’s pure indulgence. Perfect for parties or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special!

Looking for more great appetizers you can easily make in a skillet? Try this shakshuka or provoleta next! They’re both so delicious and flavorful.

Burrata and Tomato Appetizer

You’ve got to try this burrata appetizer – it’s seriously delicious! Just imagine juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet dried figs, and creamy burrata cheese all coming together in one pan. This dish is similar to caprese salad, but made with cherry tomatoes and burrata. It’s also served warm and is perfect for serving with toasted bread or crackers. It’s seriously one of the best flavor combinations I’ve had in a minute. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! Just toss everything in a skillet, let the flavors meld together, and you’re good to go. No fuss, no hassle, just pure yumminess.

Trust me, once you try this tomato and burrata appetizer, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for any gathering or a quick treat for yourself. Serve it up with some toasted baguette slices or crostini, and you’ve got an appetizer that’ll impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat. You won’t be able to get enough of this one-pan wonder! It’s cheesy, filled with soft, flavorful veggies, and so irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This burrata appetizer uses a lot of different seasonings and herbs to really bring out the best in the dish. They complement the creamy cheese, tomatoes, and figs perfectly! Exact measurements can all be found below.

Olive Oil: This is where the magic starts! It’s what we use to sauté the shallot, garlic, and thyme, giving the whole dish that awesome richness.

Shallot: These little guys are sweet, mild onions that add a ton of flavor to the mix.

Garlic: Say hello to that amazing aroma! Minced garlic brings that mouthwatering savory kick we all love.

Fresh Thyme: This is the secret herb that makes everything taste oh-so-good! It adds that earthy, herby touch to the tomatoes and figs.

Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness, these colorful gems create the perfect base for our appetizer. Grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, and heirloom tomatoes also work, but they’ll change the texture and taste of the appetizer slightly.

Dried Figs: Sweet and slightly chewy, figs add a nice contrast to the tomatoes.

Kosher Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential! These two make sure all the flavors pop just right.

Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and a little sweet, this glazes the tomatoes and figs and takes the dish to a whole new level!

Burrata Cheese: The superstar of the show! Creamy, dreamy, and totally indulgent, this cheese is what makes everything so darn delicious. If you’re having trouble finding burrata cheese, you can also use fresh mozzarella. You just won’t get that creamy effect.

Fresh Basil: Finely chopped basil adds a burst of fresh and peppery goodness that amps up the flavors.

Baguette: I like to toast up some baguette slices to serve the burrata appetizer with. It gives you the perfect vehicle to scoop up all this yumminess!

How to Make the BEST Burrata Appetizer

Grab your skillet, because it’s time to make a dish that will blow everyone away! The flavors and textures in this burrata appetizer are so impressive, no one will know that it only took 25 minutes to make.

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté Shallot, Garlic, and Thyme: Add the shallot and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme, and sauté for an additional minute.

Add in Tomatoes and Figs, Season: Add the tomatoes, figs, salt, and pepper. Then cover and sauté for about 10-12 minutes undisturbed.

Remove the lid, add the balsamic vinegar, then stir. Reduce heat to medium and continue to sauté until any excess liquid has cooked off, stirring occasionally.

Rest: Remove the skillet from heat and let the tomatoes and figs rest for about 8-10 minutes to cool the skillet slightly.

Add Burrata: Place the burrata on top of the tomatoes and figs. Then garnish with fresh basil and kosher salt.

Serve: Serve with toasted baguette slices, sourdough, or your favorite dipping bread!

Caramel Apple Slab Pie has a thin and flaky melt-in-your-mouth crust that is topped with juicy apples and a crisp topping. It is drizzled in homemade caramel and perfect for feeding a crowd!

Caramel Apple Upside Cake is a twist on my tried and true favorite Pineapple Upside Down Cake and it is a must-try recipe.  It is loaded with all the crave-worthy fall flavors like rich caramel and sweet apple!

Caramel Apple Slab Pie

This twist on a classic favorite is the perfect dessert to satisfy your fall cravings all year long. The blend of cinnamon and apples baking together is simply amazing. And when the ooey, gooey caramel mixture is simmered and drizzled over the pie, it becomes irresistible. Each bite is perfection with its flaky crust, crunchy topping, and tender, juicy apples, all drenched in a rich, sweet cinnamon-apple flavor. Simply delish!

This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings and get-togethers. It has quickly become one of my favorite desserts ever, and I’m sure you and your guests will love it just as much as we did!

Ingredients in Slab Pie

This dessert is just screaming all of my favorite things about fall. From the thin and flaky melt-in-your-mouth pie crust, the fresh juicy apples, and the crisp topping, to the sweet caramel drizzle on top.  All of the exact ingredient measurements are listed at the bottom of the post on the recipe card.

All-purpose flour: This adds strength and structure to the crust.

Salt: This is a must to bring out the delicious flavors in the recipe.

Shortening: I used butter-flavored shortening to create a more tender, flaky dough.

Cold water: Add in a few drops at a time until your dough is the perfect texture.

Sugar: This will sweeten up the crust.

Ground cinnamon: The cinnamon adds a sweet and savory warm spice to the apple mixture.

Granny Smith apples: These apples are perfect for baking.

Crumb Topping

Rolled oats: Quick-cooking oats give the perfect crunch in the topping.

Brown sugar: Make sure to pack it when it’s measured to get just the right amount of sweetness.

All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the crumb topping and binds it together.

Butter: I use unsalted for more control over the saltiness of the dessert.

Homemade Caramel

Brown Sugar: This caramelizes to be a delicious flavor.

Butter: The butter adds a rich taste and makes a chewy caramel texture.

Half-and-half: This makes the caramel smooth and creamy.

Vanilla: A splash of vanilla brings out the other flavors and adds a rich depth to the flavor.

Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the topping for this caramel apple slab pie.

Let’s Make a Slab Pie!

This caramel apple slab pie comes together simply and will get rave reviews every time!  Take your time on the dough and work through each section, and in no time, you will have a huge hit dessert ready to enjoy!

Prep: Start by spraying a 15x10x1 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Then, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle one tablespoon of the cold water over the mixture and toss with a fork. Repeat using one tablespoon of water at a time until it is moistened, and knead the dough into a ball.

Place dough in baking pan: Roll dough into a 19×13-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Wrap it around the rolling pin and unroll it into the prepared baking pan. Ease dough into the pan and up the sides, being careful not to stretch it. Trim the dough to ½ inch beyond the edge of the pan. Fold dough edge over and flute as desired.

Combine apple mixture: In an extra-large bowl, combine the sugar, ⅓ cup flour, cinnamon, and apples. Toss until coated. Spoon the mixture on the dough and spread evenly.

To Make the Crumb Topping

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together quick-cooking rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until the topping mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on top of apples.

Bake: Place in a preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the apples are tender. Cover the top with foil for the last 5-10 minutes if it starts to brown too fast. Cool slightly.

To Make the Homemade Caramel

Mix all ingredients: Mix ingredients together in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Continue to cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until thicker. Then, turn off the heat. Serve warm or refrigerate until cold. Finally, drizzle on top of the caramel apple slab pie.

Treat your felines to this cat birthday cake made with pate, catnip, and a mashed potato “frosting!” It’s easy to make and customizable, so even your pickiest kitties will love it!

I’m so excited to be sharing my first cat recipe! If you have a dog as well, you’ll have to try this dog birthday cake or pupcakes!

Birthday Cake for Cats

Today’s recipe is for all of the feline friends in your household! Whether it’s their birthday or you just want to treat them to something special, this cute homemade cake is the way to go. My sister’s cats are pretty picky when it comes to treats, but even they loved it! The great thing is, this cat birthday cake is easy to customize so if there’s something you know your cat won’t like, you can just swap it out! (I’ve included some variations below!)

The “filling” of the cake is made with pate. You can use any kind you want! To make it extra enticing, I blended up some cat treats into a fine powder and mixed it in. From there, all you have to do is frost the cake with some plain mashed potatoes and then decorate it however you’d like! Cut it into slices and voila! You have the perfect cat birthday cake to share with your fur babies. Even dogs can enjoy a slice!

Everything You’ll Need to Make It

This is everything you’ll need to make the filling, frosting, and then decorate the cat birthday cake with. If you know your kitty doesn’t like one of the following ingredients, feel free to swap it out. Note: exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

Dry Cat Treats: Some of these will be blended into a powder and added to the cat food. Be sure to also save extra for decorating! I used Temptations cat treats but any type will work.

Canned Pate Cat Food: I recommend staying away from shreds or anything too liquid-y so your cake can hold its shape.

Plain Instant Mashed Potatoes: Plain is key here! You don’t want any extra seasonings or spices added, as they can upset your cat’s digestive system.

Catnip: (For topping) Not only gives the cake a decorative touch, but makes it more irresistible to your cats.

How to Make a Cat Birthday Cake

It’s so simple, anyone can do it! My kids love to help with frosting and decorating.

Cat Treat Powder: Use a blender, spice grinder, or food processor to blend the cat treats into a fine powder.

Pate Mixture: Add the pate (without the liquid, if there is any) and powdered cat treats to a bowl and mix until combined.

Shape: Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and wrap tightly, so the cat food mixture forms a puck or a ball, depending on how you want to shape your cake. You can chill it like this, or you can carefully press the mixture (still wrapped in plastic) into a bowl, ramekin, or mold, to make it a specific shape. I used a 4-ounce ramekin for mine.

Chill: Let it chill in the fridge for 30-40 minutes to make sure it maintains its shape.

Transfer to Serving Plate: Once chilled, remove the cake from the plastic wrap and place it on your chosen serving plate.

Frost: Use an offset spatula to “frost” the cat cake with the instant mashed potatoes. You may also use a piping bag and piping tips to pipe decorative borders. If your potatoes are too soft or too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding either another teaspoon of instant potatoes or another teaspoon of water until it spreads and pipes just right for you. 

Decorate: Sprinkle a pinch or two of catnip on to act as sprinkles and decorate with cat treats.

This Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad combines tender bowtie pasta with crisp celery, juicy red grapes, and slivered almonds all tossed in a creamy lemon yogurt dressing. This refreshing salad complements any dish and is perfect for even the pickiest of eaters!

I love a good pasta salad. There are so many flavors and textures and the combination is so delightful! Try out some other pasta salad recipes like this Incredible Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, this delicious Orzo Pasta Salad, and this classic Shrimp Pasta Salad.

Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad comes from the sunny kitchens of Mediterranean cuisine, blending vibrant flavors and easy preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time cooking. Whether you need a quick and satisfying main dish or a yummy side that everyone will love, this recipe has got you covered.

Trust me when I say that you’ve got to make this recipe! It’s a crowd-pleaser that will make everyone want seconds. The tangy lemon, crispy veggies, and creamy dressing combine to create a tasty mix that will make you want seconds. Pasta salads always make delicious leftovers, and I love having it for lunch the next day!

Ingredients You Need

The ingredients in this lemon tarragon pasta salad are simple! But the key will be the fresh tarragon. You don’t want to skip out on this because it’s the ingredients that bring all of the flavors together. When it’s combined with the lemon… Well, you will just have to try it and see why I love it so much! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Pasta Salad

Bowtie Pasta: If you don’t have farfalle pasta on hand, then I would use penne pasta instead.

Celery: This adds texture and crunch to the pasta salad

Red Grapes: I love the juicy flavor that this brings to the salad.

Green Onions: The onion flavor adds a savory flavor to the salad.

Slivered Almonds: These nuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor,

Dressing

Mayonnaise: You can buy it at the store, but I love my homemade recipe!

Lemon Yogurt: The creamy lemon yogurt forms the base of the dressing, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the salad.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice enhances the zesty and citrusy flavors.

Lemon Zest: The grated lemon really elevates the flavor.

Dried Thyme: This adds an earthy taste to the dressing.

Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper enhance all of the flavors in the lemon tarragon pasta salad.

Fresh Tarragon: This ingredient is key to this recipe.

Honey: This is optional, so depending on the sweetness of the yogurt, honey can be added to the dressing.

How to Make Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad

This pasta salad only takes a few steps, and voila! You have a delicious side dish (or light dinner or lunch option) ready to eat! The flavors meld together perfectly. You are going to love it!

Cook and Drain Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking and cool down the pasta.

Add Fruits and Veggies: Place the drained pasta in a large bowl. Add the celery, grapes, green onions, and almonds.

Make the Dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped tarragon in a medium bowl. Whisk together until smooth and combined. Depending on how sweet your yogurt is will determine if your dressing needs honey or not. I like mine on the sweeter side, so I add about one teaspoon of honey.

Pour over Salad: Pour ¾ of the dressing over the pasta salad. Save the rest of the dressing for right before serving. Toss well to coat. It may seem like a lot of dressing, but it will soak into the pasta as it chills. 

Chill: Chill for at least one hour and toss with the remaining dressing right before serving.

Get ready to dig into this amazing strawberry trifle! Layers of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy pound cake come together to create the ultimate summer dessert!

Trifles are a classic English dessert, and if you’ve never made one before, here’s your sign to! Try this chocolate trifle or lemon berry trifle next!

Strawberry Trifle Recipe

Let me introduce you to the mouthwatering dessert that is strawberry trifle. It’s a fruity dessert dream come true! Imagine layers of sweet strawberries, soft pound cake, and a creamy mix of cheesecake pudding and whipped cream. The strawberries get all juicy and sugary, soaking the cake with flavor. The creamy part is light and fluffy, making each spoonful heavenly. Oh, and don’t forget the zesty orange twist—it adds a little zing to the whole thing!

So, why should you give this strawberry trifle a try? Well, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or just treating yourself to a delicious dessert. You can even get creative and add your favorite fruits or toppings. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. So, go ahead and indulge in this delightful strawberry trifle—you won’t regret it! Your taste buds will thank you, big time! Psst- for more great strawberry desserts, find my full list of recipes here.

6 Ingredients to Make It

The nice thing about strawberry trifle is it’s simple, simple, simple! You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make it.

Fresh Strawberries: We’re talking juicy, sweet, and totally scrumptious! They soak in sugar, becoming even more amazing and adding that fruity kick we all love.

Pound Cake: It’s soft, spongy, and so dang good. Cut it into cubes, and it soaks up all the tasty flavors, giving the trifle that perfect texture.

Instant Cheesecake Pudding: For some creamy goodness! This stuff brings the rich and indulgent taste we crave. Mix it up with the whipped cream, and it’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Whole Milk: The creamy base for the pudding, making everything smooth and velvety.

Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection! Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy layer that’s pure bliss.

Orange Zest: A little zest, a lot of flavor! It adds a little tangy yum to the mix.

How to Make Strawberry Trifle

Make sure you leave yourself enough time for the strawberries to soften properly and the trifle to chill in the fridge. Trust me, a good trifle is one that has had time to sit and let all the flavors and creamy layers meld! It’s so much better this way.

Macerate Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries and sugar to a bowl and set aside for 30 minutes so the strawberries can macerate. After 30 minutes have passed, strain out the syrupy liquid and save for soaking the cake.

Prepare Creamy Filling: While the strawberries macerate, whisk together the pudding powder and milk in a large bowl and then set aside while it thickens. In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the cream and orange zest until stiff peaks form. Then fold the pudding into the whipped cream.

Cake Layer: Layer ½ of the pound cake on the bottom of the trifle dish. Brush with about ½ of the syrup and then top with ½ of the strawberries. You can stand sliced strawberries against the glass to form a decorative edge, but it isn’t necessary.

Cream Layer: Add ½ of the cream mixture on top of the strawberries and then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: pound cake, syrup, strawberries, and cream. Set in the fridge for 1-2 hours so all the flavors can meld.

Add Toppings and Serve: When ready to serve, decorate the top with more strawberries and enjoy!

Garlic parmesan sauce is a copycat recipe from the famous Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. This creamy garlic sauce is best known as a wing sauce, but it’s perfect for pasta, on pizza, or used as a dipping sauce.

If you’ve ever been to Buffalo Wild Wings, you know how amazing the garlic parmesan sauce is. That’s why I knew I had to make it! I love making copycat recipes of my favorite sauces at home. That way I can enjoy them any time I want! Try my yum yum sauce, the famous Utah fry sauce, or everyone’s favorite boom boom sauce.

What Is Garlic Parmesan Sauce?

This delicious and creamy garlic parmesan sauce originated as a wing sauce from an American restaurant called Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s loaded with garlic, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and Italian seasonings for added flavor. The sauce is perfect for coating chicken wings, as a sauce for pasta, or as a dip…the possibilities are endless.

This flavorful sauce is so incredible that the restaurant sells it in bottles for customers to buy and take home. I especially love this copycat recipe because not everybody has access to buy this sauce. But why buy it when you can make a big batch at home to enjoy any time you want? Use it as a dipping sauce for this easy wing recipe or as a pizza sauce with my quick pizza dough. It would also be delicious to dip these breadsticks in! I am telling you, this sauce is good on EVERYTHING!

Ingredients Needed

This list is short, sweet, and to the point. You don’t need anything complicated to make this amazing garlic parmesan sauce. In fact, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Butter: The melted butter adds a rich buttery flavor to the sauce.

Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic. This the star of the show in this recipe.

Italian Seasoning: I love the added flavors from the Italian herbs.

Flour: Add the flour to make a roux. This helps thicken the sauce.

Chicken Broth: I use chicken broth, but vegetable broth works as well. Broth helps thin out the sauce making it perfectly dippable and pourable.

Heavy Cream: Adds to the creaminess of the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: The other key ingredient in this sauce.

Kosher Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper. I love using cracked black pepper here!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce

I love this easy garlic parmesan sauce copycat recipe! It’s so tasty and perfect for almost any occasion. I share some of my favorite ways to serve and eat this sauce in the tip box because you have to know ALL the ways! It’s easy to make and so delicious. Here’s how to make this simple sauce.

Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add Garlic and Italian Seasonings: Add the garlic and Italian seasonings. Cook until fragrant for 1 minute.

Whisk in the Flour: Whisk in the flour to form a paste.

Stir in the Broth: Slowly pour in the broth, whisking constantly until smooth and combined.

Simmer to Thicken: Bring to a low simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes then it will thicken.

Add Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk and heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Season With Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper and adjust to your liking.

Enjoy: Enjoy over pasta, on top of pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Runza is a tasty, handheld pastry stuffed with a scrumptious mix of ground beef, onions, garlic, cabbage, and spices, all snug inside soft pizza dough. It’s golden brown, comfort-food goodness that’s totally worth digging into!

Need more meat-filled goodies? Some recipes similar to runza are empanadas, egg rolls, or calzones! I mean, you can’t go wrong with crispy on the outside, meaty on the inside, no matter the cuisine!

What is Runza?

Ever heard of Runza? It’s this awesome, handheld pastry filled with a killer combo of ground beef, onions, garlic, shredded cabbage, and some tasty seasoning, all wrapped up in a soft and cozy pizza dough. This heavenly creation hails from the Midwest, especially Nebraska, and let me tell you, it’s become a total sensation there! You can enjoy it as a main course or grab it as a super-satisfying appetizer. No matter how you choose to munch on it, this stuff is just pure comfort food bliss.

Trust me, you’ve gotta give it a shot if you haven’t already! The flavors are out of this world, and the way everything comes together is like a party in your mouth. Whether you’re in a hurry and need a quick and hearty lunch or you’re hosting a gathering and want to impress your friends, Runza is the answer. It’s got that perfect blend of savory goodness that’ll leave you craving more.

Runza Ingredients

One of the great things about runza is all of the simple ingredients it uses! This is everything you’ll need to whip up these hearty delights:

Pizza Dough: The soft and delicious outer layer that wraps around the flavorful fillings. You can make your own or buy premade pizza dough for easy prep!

Lean Ground Beef: Hearty and flavorful, providing the main meaty element. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and great aromatics to the filling.

Garlic: Provides a lovely garlicky kick to enhance the taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder also works!

Shredded Cabbage: Adds texture and a touch of freshness. Want to switch things up? Try this red cabbage slaw! It’s so fresh and flavorful!

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the filling. Adjust to taste!

Old Bay Seasoning: Brings a unique blend of herbs and spices for added flavor. You can also use Cajun seasoning for a slightly different twist.

Egg White: Helps bind the dough and gives it a golden crust.

Water: Used to create the egg wash for brushing on the dough.

How to Make Runza

Bursting with savory flavors, these hand-held pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and cabbage will win hearts at any gathering or as a delicious meal. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!

Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 6 equal pieces, then cover and set aside.

Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium high heat cook the ground beef until it is nearly completely browned. Then drain and discard the grease.

Sauté Veggies: To the skillet, add the onion, garlic, cabbage, salt and pepper and continue to cook with the beef until the cabbage is tender. About 10 more minutes.

Cool: Remove the beef mixture from heat and allow it to cool.

Preheat Oven: While the beef filling is cooling, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Assemble: Roll the pieces of dough out into rectangles and fill each one with a portion of meat filling. Then fold in the ends and roll the dough over the filling to create a cylinder of meat filled dough.

Add to Baking Sheet: Pinch the dough seams together and place the runzas on a parchment lined baking sheet, so the seam side is down.

Prepare Egg Wash: Mix the egg white and water together to make an egg wash.

Bake: Brush the top of each runza with the egg wash and then bake them for 18-20 minutes. Or until they are all golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and then allow them to cool for a few minutes before enjoying!

Ding Dong cake is the upgraded version of your favorite snack cakes, featuring a moist chocolate cake with a creamy ermine filling and a mouthwatering chocolate ganache on top! It’s a seriously tasty dessert you won’t be able to resist!

If you love chocolate cake, then this post is for you! A few more desserts to add to the lineup are: classic chocolate cake, chocolate icebox cake, and Coca Cola cake!

Ding Dong Cake Recipe

Calling all chocoholics! If you haven’t tried Ding Dong cake yet, you’re seriously missing out on a slice of heaven. It’s a luscious, moist chocolate cake that practically melts in your mouth, generously filled with a creamy, dreamy ermine frosting. Even better than a Hostess Ding Dong! As if that’s not delicious enough, it’s got a layer of chocolate ganache on the outside to seal in all of that goodness. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste, you won’t want to stop. It’s just so good!

So what is ermine frosting? Ermine frosting, also known as boiled milk frosting, is a creamy and light frosting made by cooking sugar, flour, and milk together, then mixing it with butter. It’s not too sweet and has a lovely hint of vanilla. This fantastic frosting pairs perfectly with Ding Dong cake, boosting its rich chocolate flavor and adding a fluffy and delightful touch to every bite. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

Cake and Frosting Ingredients

Here is everything you will need so you too can create a Ding Dong cake! Thankfully, it uses a lot of basic pantry staples, so you can whip it up without spending a fortune. Note: exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

Ding Dong Cake

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake super moist and tender, no dry bites here!

Warm Coffee: Gives the chocolate a serious flavor boost, making it extra rich and irresistible.

Large Eggs: Holds everything together and keeps the cake nice and fluffy.

Vanilla Extract: Adds that yummy aroma and makes the cake even more tasty.

All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the base of the cake.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetness to the max, making each bite a treat.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (not Dutch process): The star ingredient, delivering intense chocolate goodness.

Baking Powder and Soda: So the cake has a perfect rise.

Salt: A pinch of flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness.

Ermine Frosting

Granulated Sugar: The sweet stuff that makes ermine frosting taste just right, not too sugary but perfectly delicious.

Flour: The secret ingredient that, when mixed with milk, creates the smooth and creamy base of ermine frosting.

Milk: The liquid magic that combines with flour to give ermine frosting its velvety texture.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of flavor that makes ermine frosting extra yummy and aromatic.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the tasty flavors.

Ganache

Semi-Sweet Chocolate: For that deep chocolatey flavor. Either semi-sweet chocolate chips or a baking bar will work. You can also use dark chocolate if you prefer!

Heavy Cream: Adjusts the consistency of the ganache and makes it nice and smooth. Trust me, it’s the best addition to Ding Dong cake.

Let’s Make Ding Dong Cake!

Now that your ingredients are ready to go, here’s how to turn them into a tasty chocolate cake. I’ve separated the instructions into a few different groups so you can prepare your Ding Dong cake like a pro!

Cake

Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. Add parchment rounds to the bottom of the pans and spray the parchment with cooking spray. Then set aside.

Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl whisk together the vegetable oil, warm coffee, eggs, and vanilla until combined.

Combine With Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl sift together the flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently whisk together until fully combined.

Bake: Fill the two pans evenly and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center of the cake springs back lightly when pressed on, or a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the Ding Dong cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting the pan on a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Cream Filling

Milk Mixture: Add the flour, sugar, and milk to a pan. Cool over medium heat while whisking constantly until thick and pudding-like, about 10 minutes.

Chill: Remove from the heat and add to a heat-proof bowl or quarter sheet pan. Cover with plastic wrap so the plastic touches the top of the mixture and prevents a film from forming. Chill in the fridge for 40 minutes

Whip: Add the room-temperature butter to a stand mixer and whip with the whisk attachment for about 8 minutes, until the butter is light and fluffy.

Add in Flour: Add the flour mixture to the butter one scoop at a time until it is all incorporated

Add in Vanilla: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and switch to the paddle attachment. Add the vanilla and salt and beat on medium-high for 10-13 minutes, until smooth and fluffy.

Ganache

Melt and Combine: Place the chocolate in a small bowl. Heat the cream in the microwave until steaming but not boiling, about 1 minute and a half. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a whisk to combine the chocolate and cream until smooth. Set aside to cool while the cake chills.

Assembly

Layer: Place one layer of cake on an 8’ cake board. Mound the cream on top of the cake and then top with the second layer of cake, preferably upside down so the top of the cake is very flat.

Chill: Use an offset spatula or a clean bench scrape to smooth the cream between the layers, making sure there are no gaps or holes. Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Transfer to Cooling Rack: Once the Ding Dong cake has chilled, remove it from the fridge and place it on a cooling rack with parchment underneath to catch any drips.

Pour on Ganache: Carefully pour the cooled ganache on top of the chilled cake and use an offset spatula to spread the ganache so it spills down the sides of the cake. Carefully use the spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the whole cake, letting the excess drip onto the parchment.

Allow to Set: Let the Ding Dong cake chill in the fridge for an hour or so before serving.

This grinder salad is a deconstructed version of the classic sandwich, made with lettuce, brussels sprouts, salami, ham, provolone, and fresh veggies. It’s all coated in a creamy, savory dressing that you won’t be able to get enough of!

Don’t underestimate the power of a good chopped salad! Try this Italian chopped salad or Portillo’s chopped salad next, they’re so tasty!

Grinder Salad Recipe

Let me tell you why this grinder salad is the best and why you’ve gotta try it ASAP! Imagine all the epic flavors of a classic Italian grinder sub, but with a fresh and vibrant twist that your taste buds will go crazy over. First things first, this dressing is the real deal. Creamy mayo meets tangy red wine vinegar, and then we throw in some Italian seasonings, zesty garlic, and a kick of pepperoncini pepper liquid. Oh, and don’t forget the grated parmesan for that extra savory punch!

Now, let’s talk about the salad itself. We’ve got crisp shredded iceberg lettuce and thin slices of Brussels sprouts for some serious crunch. But wait, it gets better! We pile on the salami and deli ham for some mouthwatering protein, and the provolone cheese adds a creamy, dreamy touch. And oh boy, the chopped red onion and pepperoncini peppers give it that tasty kick, while the grape tomatoes bring juicy sweetness into the mix. Even if you’re not a big salad lover, this is one recipe you won’t want to miss. Grinder salad is the perfect balance of meaty and fresh!

Dressing and Salad Ingredients

When you toss all these ingredients together with that fantastic dressing, it’s the ultimate flavor combo! And if you’re into that extra oomph, go ahead and sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Seriously, the grinder salad is the way to go when you’re craving those grinder sub vibes but want something lighter and just as tasty.

Dressing

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the dressing smooth and rich. If you want a healthier option, try using Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo.

Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick that goes great with the creaminess. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will do the trick. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will change slightly.

Salt and Pepper: Season until the dressing tastes just the way you like it!

Italian Seasonings: A tasty blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that gives the dressing that classic Italian taste. You can also use a store-bought Italian seasoning mix.

Fresh Minced Garlic: Adds a bold kick. If you like it milder, roasted garlic or garlic powder can be used instead.

Pepperoncini Pepper Liquid: The secret ingredient for some heat and tanginess.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a savory kick to the grinder salad.

Grinder Salad

Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: This is where the freshness and crunch come from, giving the salad that light and cool vibe.

Brussels Sprouts: These little green goodies bring a fun twist and extra crunchiness.

Sliced Salami: Get ready for some serious flavor! This tasty protein gives the salad that classic grinder sub taste. If you’re not into salami, you can swap it with turkey or roast beef – equally delish!

Deli Ham: Another hero from the deli, bringing a milder and slightly sweet touch. It plays so well with the other ingredients.

Sliced Provolone Cheese: Oh, cheesy goodness! This creamy delight is one of the things that makes this grinder salad so irresistible.

Chopped Red Onion: Adds a sharp kick to balance out the flavors.

Sliced Pepperoncini Peppers: Tangy and mildly spicy, these little peppers bring the party to the salad. If you can’t find them, go for banana peppers or pickled jalapeños – still awesome!

Halved Grape Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these little gems enhance the whole flavor game.

Red Pepper Flakes (For Serving): Okay, spice lovers, here’s your moment! Sprinkle some of these fiery flakes on top if you’re up for some extra heat.

How to Make a Grinder Salad

Don’t wait another minute – get your hands on those ingredients and treat yourself to a salad experience like no other! You’ll be hooked from the first bite, guaranteed!

Mix Up the Dressing: To make the dressing, add the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, Italian seasonings, garlic, and pepperoncini liquid to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine, then stir in the parmesan cheese. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad.

Add Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add all of the prepared salad ingredients.

Toss Together: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad ingredients together with the dressing.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes before serving if desired. Enjoy immediately!