Black Pepper Chicken

If you want to add a burst of flavor to weeknight dinners, this Chinese-inspired black pepper chicken is the perfect recipe to try! With its amazing homemade sauce, each bite is packed with savory, peppery, and slightly tangy flavors that will leave your mouth watering.

I love trying to recreate my favorite Chinese dishes at home. After you make this amazing black pepper chicken, try this homemade sweet and sour chicken, Szechuan chicken, or kung pao chicken!

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you love Chinese cuisine, prepare to meet your new favorite dinner – black pepper chicken! With its crispy exterior, vibrant bell peppers, and a homemade sauce bursting with the boldness of black pepper, garlic, and ginger, this dish will have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen. It’s super easy to make and only takes 30 minutes to cook, just as long as it would take someone to deliver Chinese takeout to your door!

Black pepper chicken is so tender and juicy, you won’t be able to get enough! Plus, when you make it at home, you can customize it to your heart’s content. Want it extra spicy? Go ahead and add a pinch of chili flakes. Craving more veggies? Load it up with your favorites! This stir fry recipe is better than takeout and one that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for the Stir Fry and Sauce

From the juicy chicken coated in a crispy mix of cornstarch and flour to the zesty homemade sauce featuring garlic, ginger, and tangy soy sauce, each ingredient in this dish adds a delicious element. This combination of flavors is so amazing! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Chicken Breasts: Provides juicy and tender meat as the main ingredient.

Cornstarch: Gives a crispy coating to the chicken.

All-Purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch for an extra crunch.

Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

Black Pepper: Adds a spicy and aromatic kick.

Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken in.

Yellow Onion: Adds texture and a savory but slightly sweet taste. You can also use red onion, white onion, or shallot instead.

Red and Green Bell Peppers: Provides freshness, crunch, and vibrant color.

Black Pepper Sauce

Black Pepper: This warm and flavorful spice brings a peppery taste to the black pepper sauce, giving it a bold kick.

Garlic Powder: Because you can never go wrong with garlic!

Ground Ginger: This fragrant spice adds a gentle zing and earthy flavor.

Brown Sugar: Acting as a natural sweetener, the brown sugar balances the sauce by mellowing out the spiciness and tanginess.

Soy Sauce: As the base of the sauce, soy sauce brings a savory umami taste that adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

Shaoxing Wine: This traditional Chinese cooking wine contributes a subtle sweetness and complexity, elevating the sauce with its unique flavor.

Chinkiang Vinegar: Chinkiang vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and contrast to the sauce.

Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent, cornstarch ensures the sauce has a smooth and velvety consistency, allowing it to coat the chicken and vegetables perfectly.

Tips and Tricks

Take your black pepper chicken to the next level with these simple tips and variations!

Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers.

Add Extra Veggies: Experiment with different vegetables to add color and texture. Try adding broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snap peas for a vibrant and nutritious twist.

Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes to 1 hour before coating and cooking. This step adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to ensure the dish is gluten-free.

Garnish: Just before serving, top your black pepper chicken with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for a burst of freshness and picture perfect presentation.

Serve With: Accompany your black pepper chicken with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles for a satisfying and complete meal.

Storing Leftovers

Don’t let those tasty leftovers go to waste! Store your leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container in the fridge (it will stay good for about 4 days), and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready for another round of deliciousness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan or microwave until warmed through, and get ready to relish the flavors all over again.

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Black Pepper Chicken

If you want to add a burst of flavor to weeknight dinners, this Chinese-inspired black pepper chicken is the perfect recipe to try! With its amazing homemade sauce, each bite is packed with savory, peppery, and slightly tangy flavors that will leave your mouth watering.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword black pepper chicken, black pepper chicken recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 45 minutes minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 222kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 2 inch pieces½ cup cornstarch¼ cup all purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon black pepper2 tablespoons vegetable oil1 yellow onion coarsely chopped1 large green bell pepper coarsely chopped1 large red bell pepper coarsely chopped

Black pepper sauce

1 teaspoons black pepper1 teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon ground ginger2 tablespoons brown sugar½ cup soy sauce¼ cup shaoxing wine¼ cup chinkiang vinegar1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss your cubed chicken in the cornstarch, flour, salt and pepper. Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and saute your chicken until it is just cooked through. Remove your chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add your onion and bell peppers to the skillet, saute in the remaining oil and juices from the chicken until they begin to tenderize.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for sauce, taking care not to let the cornstarch clump together.
Reduce the heat to medium low and add in your sauce mixture. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add your chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Saute everything together for a few minutes more until your sauce has reduced to the desired thickness.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1236mg | Potassium: 525mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 503IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Mouthwatering Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar is a delicious blend of beans and fresh veggies all coated in delicious seasonings that make the perfect dip. This appetizer is easy to make and has a fresh and flavorful blend!

This is the perfect combination of a savory appetizer! If you are a dip fan and need an easy and delicious appetizer, try this 5-Minute Million Dollar Dip, this delicious Asiago Dip or my easy Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip (Poolside Dip).

Mouthwatering Cowboy Caviar

This easy cowboy caviar is so simple to make and comes together quickly. It is one of the best dips and so fresh from start to finish. It’s packed with fresh veggies and canned beans (which makes this so easy to mix up in onoy a few minutes). The flavors complement each other perfectly and once you add in the crunch of a delicious tortilla chip, you won’t be able to stop!

This appetizer is perfect for game day or any family gathering, It feeds a crowd but it’s so delicious, I recommend doubling it if you want everyone to have a chance to eat some. If you don’t like heat then make sure to deseed the jalapeños and leave out the membrane. Then you can enjoy the delicious taste but it won’t be too spicy.

Easy Cowboy Caviar Ingredients

The ingredients for this cowboy caviar are simple and fresh! Each ingredient adds texture, and flavor and all together compliments each other. Make this cowboy caviar as easy as possible, and start dipping!

Black Beans and Black Eyed Peas: Cans are easiest and can be opened quickly and then poured in.

Red Onion: Dice the onions into small cubes.

Corn: This corn can be from a can, or it can be fresh from the cob. If you use canned corn, make sure that you drain and rinse the corn before adding to to the dip.

Avocados: Slice and dice the avocados into small cubes. Add in the avocado very last so that it doesn’t brown.

Roma Tomatoes: The fresh tomatoes add a pop of color as well as flavor.

Cilantro: Perfect blend of heat and sweetness.

Jalapeno: Spiciness added into the dip. 

Olive Oil: This is a base for all veggies to be mixed in.

Lime: This adds a pop of citrus, which this dip needs.

Cumin and Chili Powder: These seasonings add a hint of spice but not too much heat. Add more if you like it spicy!

Salt and Pepper: These enhance all of the flavors in the cowboy caviar.

How to Make the Ultimate Cowboy Caviar:

This appetizer is the perfect dip and comes together quickly and easily. Prepare and cut up most ingredients, then place in a bowl together to be tossed. All of the ingredients mixed together make the perfect combination!

Mix Together: In a medium-sized bowl combine black beans, black-eyed peas, onion, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder.  Toss until combined and coated.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Mix and match your favorite ingredients to make this cowboyy caviar your own. Try it sweet and savory with a little more spice. So many options to choose from!

Beans: Instead of canned beans, try using dried beans. These are healthier with a lower sodium content and just as easy as the canned beans.

Vinegar: Add apple cider or red wine vinegar for a hint of sweetness with a little tart taste.

Onions: Mix together white, yellow, or a few green onions to mix into the caviar.

Spicy: To add a little heat to this appetizer, add in the seeds and membrane from the jalapeño. to take out some heat, use less jalapeño and onions.

Storing Fresh Texas Caviar

It is easy to store this fresh cowboy caviar. Avocado is the only ingredient that tends to turn brown and discolor. I would leave out the avocado until you are about to serve the dip.

Make ahead: Mix together all the ingredients except for the avocado. Leave that out until you are ready to serve the appetizer. This will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Storing: If you are worried about storing for a long period of time, prepare each ingredient and set it aside in their own individual containers store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, place everything into a mixing bowl and gently stir it together, mixing and blending it well.

Leftover Ideas: If you want to use the leftover cowboy caviar or something other than a dip, add it to an omelet, top any meat or toss it in a green salad for added flavoring.

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Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar is a delicious blend of canned beans, corn and fresh Roma tomatoes, onions and avocados all chopped and prepared to be mixed together to start dipping in. This appetizer is easy to make and has a fresh and flavorful blend! 
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword caviar dip, cowboy caviar
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 12 People
Calories 84kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed1 (15 ounce) can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed½ red onion diced1 cup corn1 avocado diced2 roma tomatoes diced1/4 cup cilantro chopped1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped1/4 cup olive oiljuice of one lime1/2 teaspoon cumin1/2 teaspoon chili powdersalt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium sized bowl combine black beans, black eyed peas, onion, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. Toss until combined and coated. Salt and pepper to taste.

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Notes

Originally Posted on August 20, 2020

Updated on June 8, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Chocolate Trifle

A classic English dessert that is every chocolate lover’s dream! This chocolate trifle is made with layers of devil’s food cake, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and toffee bits that will have you savoring each and every bite.

Trifles are the easiest desserts to make and filled with layers of sweet goodness. Try this classic English trifle or lemon berry trifle next!

Chocolate Cake Trifle

Get ready to dive into a chocolatey paradise with this easy-to-make and incredibly indulgent chocolate trifle. It’s made with Devil’s food cake mix for perfectly rich chocolate flavor! The layers of caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk add a heavenly sweetness that will make your taste buds sing. Then to top it all off, there’s fluffy whipped topping and a sprinkle of crushed Heath bars for a delightful crunch.

Best of all, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make this delicious dessert. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a truly decadent dessert that will have you coming back for bite after bite. It’s similar to this better than anything cake, just in the traditional English layered style! Serve your trifle in a glass dish so that your guests can see all those dreamy layers.

Chocolate Trifle Ingredients

It only takes 5 simple ingredients to put this chocolate trifle together! Even though we’re using boxed cake mix here, the flavor of this dessert is anything but ordinary. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do! Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This convenient box of Devil’s food cake mix is the secret ingredient that gives the chocolate trifle its rich and decadent taste. Just prepare according to package directions to create a moist and flavorful chocolate cake base that will make your trifle irresistible. If you have another chocolate cake mix that you prefer, feel free to use that instead!

Caramel Sauce and Sweetened Condensed Milk: These are combined together and drizzled over each cake layer. Together they add moisture and sweetness to the chocolate trifle.

Whipped Topping: What’s a trifle without a light and fluffy topping? It adds a delightful cloud of creaminess to each spoonful. Instead of packaged whipped topping, you can also make your own whipped cream at home for a similar result.

Crushed Heath Bars: For that irresistible crunch and a burst of toffee flavor, crushed Heath bars are the perfect addition to your chocolate trifle. Sprinkle a generous amount of the crumbs between the layers to add texture and a delightful surprise with every bite.

Chocolate Trifle Recipe

If you’re making this dessert for an event, be sure to leave yourself enough time. It needs to chill in the fridge for an hour to soak up the delicious caramel and condensed milk mixture. Trust me, it tastes better this way!

Prepare Cake: Bake the cake according to the directions. I opted to bake it in two 8-inch rounds, but you can also bake it as a 9×13 if you choose to. Let cool completely.

Add to Trifle Dish: Once cooled, cut the layers of chocolate cake into small pieces. Then layer ⅓ of the pieces in the bottom of the trifle bowl.

Caramel Mixture: In a small bowl combine the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Then drizzle ⅓ of the mixture over the cake in the trifle dish.

Layer Whipped Topping: Spoon ⅓ of the whipped topping over the cake and then cover with a generous handful of heath bars.

Repeat: Repeat twice more so you have 3 layers of cake, sauce, whipped topping, and heath. Drizzle additional caramel on top of chocolate trifle if desired.

Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to allow the cake to absorb all that delicious sauce.

Tasty Variations

Chocolate trifle is the perfect dessert for satisfying a sweet tooth. These are a few more ways to make it just the way you like it!

Other Sauces: Instead of caramel sauce, try using white chocolate sauce or even just regular chocolate sauce for a death by chocolate trifle! It’s every chocolate lovers dream.

More Fillings: Swap the whipped topping out for a chocolate pudding layer! You can also use chocolate mousse or white chocolate mousse.

Mix-Ins: Add your favorite chopped nuts or cookie pieces! I love adding Oreos.

Brownie Layer: Instead of chocolate cake, feel free to use brownies instead. This is a great way to add a little extra fudginess.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of your chocolate trifle, tightly cover your trifle dish with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the longer this dessert sits, the more moist it will become from the sauces and whipped topping seeping into the cake.

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Chocolate Trifle

A classic English dessert that is every chocolate lover’s dream! This chocolate trifle is made with layers of devil’s food cake, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and toffee bits that will have you savoring each and every bite.
Course Dessert
Cuisine English
Keyword chocolate trifle, chocolate trifle recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Chill Time 1 hour hour
Total Time 1 hour hour 50 minutes minutes
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 623kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 box Devil’s food cake mix12 ounces caramel sauce1 14- ounce can sweetened condensed milk16 ounce whipped topping thawed1 cup crushed heath bars more if desired

Instructions

Bake the cake according to the directions. I opted to bake it in two 8-inch rounds, but you may bake it as a 9×13 if you choose to. Let cool completely.
Once cooled, cut the cake into small pieces. Layer ⅓ of the pieces in the bottom of the trifle dish.
In a small bowl combine the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Drizzle ⅓ of the mixture over the cake in the trifle dish.
Spoon ⅓ of the whipped topping over the cake and cover with a generous handful of heath bars.
Repeat twice more so you have 3 layers of cake, sauce, whipped topping, and heath. Drizzle additional caramel on top, if desired.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to allow the cake to absorb all that delicious sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 179IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 2mg

Homemade Chicken Broth

This homemade chicken broth recipe is a keeper and you will love all the many uses you can get out of it! Chicken broth is a staple cooking ingredient used in soups, casseroles, sauces, and many more everyday recipes.

Making chicken broth at home allows you to make a lot to store for later. Whenever I make this recipe, I have plenty of broth to last me a couple of weeks. I simply store it in the fridge to use throughout the week for recipes like our favorite soup, this yummy pasta, or this easy stir fry recipe.

What is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is the liquid created from simmering chicken and vegetables. You can also add herbs and spices for additional flavor. My recipe uses lots of veggies and herbs, but feel free to get creative and use the veggies and herbs that sound good to you! Sometimes I switch out the herbs depending on what I have on hand.

I love making homemade versions of store-bought ingredients because I am able to control the flavors and what goes in them. I also love that I can play with the seasonings and spices to make it the way that I want it. Try my homemade version of the best alfredo sauce, this cheese sauce that can be used in so many ways, or this easy teriyaki sauce that I always have on hand.

Chicken Broth Recipe Ingredients

Homemade chicken broth is so easy and can be prepped in 10 minutes! You will love using this broth in your recipes because it adds so much flavor. The exact measurements for these ingredients are below in the recipe card.

Whole Chicken: One whole chicken that is about 6 pounds.

Yellow Onions: Onion adds so much flavor! Feel free to use shallots or any other kind of onion you desire.

Whole Carrots: Cut the carrots into 2-inch pieces. No need to peel them!

Celery Stalks:  I use the whole stalk including leaves.

Garlic Cloves: Garlic is a must!

Parsley: Fresh is best.

Thyme: For added flavor.

Rosemary: For added flavor.

Salt: I love that I can control the sodium in this recipe.

Whole Black Peppercorns: For added flavor.

Water: Essential! The flavors from the chicken, veggies, and herbs absorb into the water creating the chicken broth.

How to Make Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is such an essential cooking ingredient and you will love being able to make your own right at home. There are so many uses for chicken broth. Follow my instructions below because I walk you through how easy it is. I can’t wait for you to learn. It’s easier than you think, and homemade tastes incredible.

Add Chicken, Veggies, and Herbs to a Pot: Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken. 

Cover With Water and Bring to a Boil: Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken then discard the carcass and use it as desired for recipes. 

Strain the Broth: To strain the broth, remove all of the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Carefully strain the chicken broth into a large container. Continue to strain if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.

Use For Recipes: Use the broth as needed for recipes or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

What’s the Difference between Broth and Stock?

Most people think broth and stock are the same, but they are made differently. They can have the same uses, but it’s interesting to learn the difference in how they are made. Stock is made from bones, while broth is made mostly from meat and vegetables. Using bones in stock creates a thicker liquid and it takes much longer to make. Broth is a thinner liquid and the outcome is much lighter in color and more flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

Storing homemade chicken broth is different than storebought pantry broth. Be sure to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its freshness because it doesn’t have any added preservatives that store-bought chicken broth requires. Follow my instructions below for storing and freezing your homemade broth.

In the Refrigerator: Store homemade broth in an air-tight container or jars `in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

In the Freezer: To extend the freshness, store the broth in the freezer in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 6 months.

To Reuse: Allow the chicken broth to sit on the counter and come to room temperature before using because fat can sometimes settle on top as it cools.

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Homemade Chicken Broth

This homemade chicken broth recipe is a keeper and you will love all the many uses you can get out of it! Chicken broth is a staple cooking ingredient used in soups, casseroles, sauces, and many more everyday recipes.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken broth, homemade chicken broth
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 4 hours hours
Total Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 217kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, about 6 pounds1 yellow onions, chopped2 whole carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces4 celery stalks, including leaves, cut into 4 inch pieces4 whole garlic cloves1 bunch of parsley10 sprigs of thyme5 sprigs of rosemary2 tablespoons salt1 tablespoon whole peppercornswater

Instructions

Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken.
Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken and use it as desired for recipes.
To strain the chicken stock, remove all of the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Carefully strain the chicken stock into a large container. Continue to strain if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.
Use the chicken stock as needed for recipes or store in the refrigerator for later use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1814mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Air Fryer Sausage Patties

For a quick and delicious breakfast, try making frozen sausage patties in the air fryer! In less than 10 minutes they turn tender and juicy, perfect for adding to your favorite English muffins!

For chaotic, busy mornings, air fryers are a lifesaver! They make breakfast quick and easy. You’ll have to try these air fryer hash browns out as well!

Frozen Sausage Patties in the Air Fryer

I know I seem like a broken record, but air fryers are the BEST for cooking frozen food. (Frozen shrimp, meatballs, chicken wings, the list goes on and on!) You’ll see today why they’re so great for breakfast, too!

Now, you know when you’re craving a sausage McMuffin but breakfast is over? With these air fryer breakfast sausage patties, you can achieve the same result in minutes from the comfort of your kitchen! They only take 8 minutes to cook and end up perfectly cooked and so juicy every time.

Ingredients Needed

This ingredient list is as simple as it gets. A bag of frozen sausage patties and your cooking spray of choice is all you need!

Frozen Sausage Patties: You can usually cook about 6-8 at a time, depending on how big your air fryer is. Just make sure there’s plenty of room in between them, air fryers need plenty of air flow to cook properly.

Non-Stick Cooking Spray: This will give your patties a slightly crispy crust. Yum!

How to Make Sausage Patties in the Air Fryer

Juicy, crispy goodness in less than 10 minutes. With how easy these sausage patties are to make, they’ll become a new breakfast staple!

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add Patties to Basket: Then add the frozen sausage patties to the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook more or less depending on the size of your patties. Also spray with non-stick cooking spray if you want them crispy.

Air Fry: Close the basket and cook in the air fryer for 4 minutes flipping the sausage halfway through the cooking process. Then cook an additional 4 minutes or until it reaches desired crispiness. 

Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind so your air fried sausage patties turn out as delicious as possible!

Cook a Single Layer at a Time: Again, air flow is crucial for air fried foods to cook through properly. Only cook a single layer at a time with plenty of space in between each patty. Patties stacked on top of each other may remain frozen or undercooked.

Easy Cleanup: Try using air fryer liners! They’re so convenient! You can just throw them away when you’re done cooking your sausage patties, without having to scrub away oil and grime.

Storing Leftover Patties

If you have leftover sausage patties, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat, or the air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Air Fryer Sausage Patties

For a quick and delicious breakfast, try making frozen sausage patties in the air fryer! In less than 10 minutes they turn tender and juicy, perfect for adding to your favorite English muffins!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer sausage patties, frozen sausage patties in the air fryer
Prep Time 2 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 12 minutes minutes
Servings 6
Calories 129kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

6-8 frozen sausage pattiesnon-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the frozen sausage patties to the air fryer tray or basket in a single layer. Cook more or less depending on the size of your patties. Spray with non-stick cooking spray if you want it crispy.
Close the basket and cook in the air fryer for 4 minutes flipping the sausage halfway through the cooking process. Cook an additional 4 minutes or until it reaches desired crispiness.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1patty | Calories: 129kcal | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 270mg | Potassium: 105mg | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip (Poolside Dip)

Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip is packed with so many delicious flavors that friends and family won’t be able to get enough of it. Perfect for the pool or potlucks!

I love ranch-flavored anything, which is why I think this dip is so delicious. If you love ranch too, then you should try these ranch-flavored sides like these Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites, this yummy Incredible Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, or this Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Homemade Creamy Ranch Dip Recipe

The temperatures are so hot this week we have been loving our neighborhood pool and have been there every single day! We are doing our best to try to stay cool. We love to take snacks to the pool because it seems to be an all-day affair. All of my kiddos are fish and could swim all day long.

This creamy ranch dip has all of the ingredients I love in it, plus it gave me a chance to sneak some veggies in for the kids.  This dip is positively addicting, and we couldn’t get enough of it!  Whether you are heading to the pool or to a potluck, plan on taking this dip with you! It is incredible! It will be the most addicting and delicious dip you ever eat!

Ingredients for Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip

All of these ingredients come together so well in this creamy dip adding such flavor and texture.  It has red bell peppers, olives, corn, olives and jalapeño for some added kick. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Cream cheese: Make sure that the cream cheese is at room temperature so it can can be easily mixed in with other dip ingredients.

Red bell pepper: Finely diced sweet peppers give the dip a great crunch in each bite!

Jalapeno: If you want a bit more kick, leave the seeds and membrane in when you are dicing up the jalapeño.

Black olives: One small can of sliced olives add a salty and slightly bitter taste.

Corn: Drain one can or use 15 oz of fresh corn instead to add sweetness.

Ranch seasoning mix: A perfect mix of herbs and spices that give this dip the classic ranch dressing flavor.

How to Make this Easy Dip

The ranch dip is creamy and amazing, filled with so much flavor. Just a few ingredients mixed together in one bowl all together. It is simple and comes together quickly.

Combine all ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl and cream cheese, bell pepper, jalapeño, olives, corn, and ranch package. Mix together until incorporated.

Serve: Immediately serve with your favorite chips or allow to chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

What to Serve with Poolside Dip

This creamy ranch dip will be a huge hit with family and friends! You will need to have plenty of things ready to go to scoop it up! Although you can’t go wrong with this dip, here are some of my favorite things to serve it with.

Crackers: A salty cracker is the perfect platform for this creamy dip!

Chips: A thick tortilla chip will be best to scoop without breaking your chip.  Frito’s scoops work great!

Fresh Veggies: This colorful dip looks great on a veggie platter with carrots, celery, and broccoli!

How to Store Ranch Dip

This creamy ranch dip can be made ahead of time and stored for days! It’s easy to whip up the day before you need it so you don’t have to spend time making it on the day of your party.

In the Refrigerator: Once you have made your dip then, store it in an airtight container and put it in your fridge. It will last about 3-4 days.

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Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip (Poolside Dip)

Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip is packed with so many delicious flavors you won’t be able to get enough of it! Perfect for the pool or potlucks!
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword creamy ranch dip, dip, loaded creamy ranch poolside dip, poolside dip, ranch dip
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 216kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened1 red bell pepper finely diced1 jalapeño finely diced (leave the seeds in for more kick)1 small can black olives chopped1 can corn 15 ounce, drained1 package ranch seasoning mix

Instructions

In a medium sized bowl and cream cheese, bell pepper, jalapeño, olives, corn, and ranch package. Mix together until incorporated.
Serve immediately with your favorite chips or store for up to 24 hours.

Video

Notes

Updated on June 6, 2023

Originally Post on July 12, 2016

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 483mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1333IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

Banana Coffee Cake

Banana coffee cake is a great way to use up any overripe bananas you might have lying around! With a moist, fluffy, vanilla banana-flavored interior and a buttery streusel topping, this is a unique twist on coffee cake that will have you hooked after the first bite!

Coffee cake is a breakfast staple and a great way to add a little sweetness to your day! More great recipes to try next: blueberry buckle, apple coffee cake, and coffee cake muffins!

Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

Recently I’ve been doing a lot of baking with bananas after finding myself faced with a mile-high pile of well-browned bananas. They were just past their prime and desperately needed to be baked into something or would shortly need to be thrown out (and my freezer was and always is way too full to even consider storing them there).

I made batch after batch of my favorite banana bread, but eventually I wanted to try something different. So, this recipe for banana coffee cake was born! Trust me when I say that this is one of the best coffee cake recipes ever. It’s so moist and sweet, with a crumbly texture and delicious glaze on top that will leave you wanting more. This banana coffee cake is a great make-ahead breakfast or Mother’s Day brunch option, it’s simple, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s get into all the ingredients you need!

Coffee Cake Ingredients

I know it looks like a lot, but trust me, this banana coffee cake is so worth it! It’s the most delicious way to use up overripe bananas. See the recipe card below for all measurements.

Streusel

Melted Butter: Adds a rich flavor to the streusel and also helps everything stick together.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the streusel topping structure.

Light Brown and Granulated Sugar: I use both for the perfect sweetness and flavor!

Ground Cinnamon: You can’t go wrong with a little warm spice in homemade desserts.

Banana Coffee Cake

Unsalted Butter: Softened so it mixes together smoothly with the other ingredients.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake itself.

Ripe Bananas: Have your overripe bananas mashed and ready to go.

Large Eggs: Give the banana coffee cake structure.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to the cake. Use pure vanilla extract if you can!

Sour Cream: The secret ingredient for an ultra-moist and tender cake!

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake structure. All-purpose flour is great because it has a low protein content and will make your coffee cake light and crumbly.

Baking Powder and Soda: Makes your cake light and airy.

Ground Cinnamon: Another place to add a touch of this tasty spice.

Salt: A little goes a long way to boost all the flavors in this cake.

Glaze (optional)

Powdered Sugar: Makes the glaze sweet and also gives it substance.

Milk: For adjusting the consistency.

How to Make Banana Coffee Cake

I’ve broken it up into 3 parts: the streusel, the cake, and the glaze! Despite all of the instructions this delicious cake is actually super easy to make.

Preheat Oven, Prep Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease and flour a 9×9 baking pan. Then set aside.

Sugar Mixture: Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl and use an electric mixer). Beat until well-combined, then stir in mashed bananas.

Mix In Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, stirring well after each addition, and then add sour cream and vanilla extract and stir well.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet, stirring until completely combined (be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl). I prefer to do this with a spatula to avoid over-mixing the batter.

Add to Pan: Pour cake batter evenly into prepared 9×9 pan. Prepare streusel.

Streusel

Melt Butter: Melt butter in a medium-sized bowl on 10 second increments (stirring between) until just melted (you don’t want it to be too hot).

Combine With Other Ingredients: Use a fork to whisk together your flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Pour melted butter over mixture and use a fork to stir until combined (mixture should be crumbly).

Sprinkle Crumb Mixture on Top: Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over batter.

Bake: Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes, or until centers spring back to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with few moist crumbs or clean.

Cool: Allow to cool before drizzling with glaze (if using) and slicing and serving.

Glaze

Combine Ingredients: If desired, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over cooled banana coffee cake.

Tips and Tricks

Banana coffee cake is really straightforward to make, but here are a few tips to make it turn out as perfectly as possible! I’ve also included a couple ways to customize it.

Use Overripe Bananas: The #1 tip is to find the ripest bananas you can! The browner and spottier they are the better; this is going to give your banana coffee cake the best flavor and soft texture. Mash them up well (you can use a potato masher or even just a fork) and add them to your butter, sugar, eggs, and other wet ingredients.

Don’t Overmix Streusel: Take care not to overwork the streusel mixture, or you’ll end up with a paste! You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs that you can use your hands to drop evenly over your banana coffee cake.

Mix-Ins: If you want your coffee cake to have more texture, add in chopped walnuts or pecans!

Add a Drizzle: Instead of the powdered sugar glaze, try adding caramel sauce or white chocolate sauce!

Storing Leftovers

Here are a few different ways to keep your banana coffee cake fresh and delicious:

At Room Temperature: Store wrapped with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

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

In the Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and then transfer to a freezer bag. Your cake will stay good for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let come to room temperature before serving.

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Banana Coffee Cake

Banana coffee cake is a great way to use up any overripe bananas you might have lying around! With a moist, fluffy, vanilla banana-flavored interior and a buttery streusel topping, this is a unique twist on coffee cake that will have you hooked after the first bite!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword banana coffee cake, banana coffee cake recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes minutes
Total Time 50 minutes minutes
Servings 16
Calories 296kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Streusel

6 Tablespoons butter melted1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour1/2 cup light brown sugar tightly packed1/3 cup sugar3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Banana Coffee Cake

¾ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature3/4 cup sugar3 very ripe bananas mashed (1 ½ cups)2 large eggs lightly beaten (room temperature preferred) teaspoon vanilla extract2 Tablespoons sour cream1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour¾ teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon salt

Glaze (optional)

1/2 cup powdered sugar2-3 teaspoons milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease and flour a 9×9 baking pan. Set aside.
Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl and use an electric mixer). Beat until well-combined, then stir in mashed bananas.
Add eggs, stirring well after each addition, and then add sour cream and vanilla extract and stir well.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet, stirring until completely combined (be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl). I prefer to do this with a spatula to avoid over-mixing the batter.
Pour batter evenly into prepared 9×9 pan. Prepare Streusel.

Streusel

Melt butter in a medium-sized bowl on 10 second increments (stirring between) until just melted (you don’t want it to be too hot).
Use a fork to whisk together your flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Pour melted butter over mixture and use a fork to stir until combined (mixture should be crumbly).
Sprinkle streusel evenly over batter.
Bake on 350F for 35 minutes, or until centers spring back to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with few moist crumbs or clean.
Allow to cool before drizzling with glaze (if using) and slicing and serving.

Glaze

If desired, make glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over cooled banana coffee cake.

Notes

Originally posted April 27, 2018

Updated on June 5, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1.9mg

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are the perfect answer when you want a juicy, flavorful burger that’s a bit healthier. With a seared outside and moist tender inside it’s the ideal burger!

Air frying is quick, delicious, and usually a healthier way to cook and you must try it out! Start with some of my best classic air fryer recipes like this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese, this delicious tender and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast or this Perfect Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter.

The Best Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Frying burgers has rocked my world! The way the air fryer uses circulating air to create a heavenly crust while leaving the inside juicy and moist is heaven. So often, poultry in general, will dry out so quickly before the inside has a chance to get done. The air fryer changes that. The forced air browns and crisps, just like an oven would, but faster which allows the inside to cook and stay juicy. This is all accomplished with minimal oil or fat added!

These turkey burgers are perfect for the main meal. Top your burger these with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and all your favorites, and then place them on your favorite bun and enjoy! Serve them up with some Homemade Air Fryer French Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. Add some Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts and you’ll have a complete air fryer meal!  Plus, using the air fryer means you don’t have to heat up the grill when it’s cold outside!

Turkey Burgers Ingredients

With only 4 ingredients, these burgers can’t get much easier. Feel free to add more spices to your turkey burgers to vary the flavor as desired. You can find ground turkey next to ground beef in your local grocery store. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient measurements.

Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or ground beef can also be used.

Garlic: The garlic should be minced finely to blend in nicely with the burgers.

Salt and Pepper: Use these to flavor your burger as desired.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds incredible umami flavor to the burgers

Toppings: Sprouts, butter lettuce, and sliced tomato.

Making Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer

Using fresh ground turkey in your burgers will make them easier to shape than frozen ground turkey. Air frying them is going to give them that crusty outside and tender and juicy inside.

Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the turkey, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Shape: Shape into four patties, keeping them ½ inch thick because they will shrink.

Fry: Add two patties to the basket and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. Then, flip the patties and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked throughout. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the burgers are done.

Tips for Amazing Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

There isn’t a whole lot that can go wrong with turkey burgers, but there are a few tips to remember to make sure you have incredible burgers.

Checking for Doneness: Because all air fryers are different, always remember to judge if your burger is done by the temperature, not the time. Check your user manual for your air fryer for best cooking times and adjust if needed. Turkey burgers are done when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sticky: Sometimes your ground turkey is sticky and hard to form or shape. If this happens, use parchment paper to help form them.  You can also refrigerate or freeze the meat for a little bit to help firm it up.

Divot: To help the burgers keep from shrinking too much, push your thumb into the middle and create a divot.

Turkey: Any ground turkey will work for these burgers. I typically use lean turkey meat like 97/3 or 85/15.

Perfect Turkey Burger Variations

Another nice thing about turkey burgers is how easy they are to customize. And just like any burger you can make a bunch of them and freeze them for quick dinners on a busy night. Then you will be all ready to go with little preparation for dinner!

Add-Ins: Turkey burger meat is ideal for adding vegetables. Finely chopped mushrooms, peppers, onions, or shredded zucchini all give the turkey flavor and add moisture.

Seasonings: I love the flavor that the simple ingredients of garlic and Worcestershire sauce add to these burgers. But the possibilities for other seasonings are endless.  BBQ seasonings, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, greek spices, and even Italian spices would all be amazing.

Toppings: Tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, BBQ Sauce, avocado, and sprouts, are all great additions to a turkey burger.

Cheese: Don’t forget the cheese! Because cheese is my favorite, I love switching it up with Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, feta, blue cheese, and Monterey jack. They will all change up the flavor and no matter what, you can’t go wrong.

Can You Make Turkey Burgers Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make a double or even a triple batch of these air fryer turkey burgers to freeze and then pull them out to cook when you need them.

Form the turkey into a burger shape and place it on a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and freeze for 1-2 hours or till firm but not frozen solid.

Using parchment paper to separate the patties, stack the burgers and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to use, you can cook the burgers in the air fryer from frozen, adding 3-5 more minutes to the cooking time. Or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are the perfect answer when you want a juicy, flavorful burger that’s a bit healthier. With a seared outside and moist tender inside it’s the ideal burger!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer turkey burgers, turkey burger recipe, turkey burgers
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 4 Patties
Calories 134kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey3 cloves garlic mincedsalt and pepper1 Tablespoon worchestershire sauce4 hamburger buns

Toppings

butter lettucetomatoessprouts

Instructions

In a medium sized bowl combine the turkey, garlic, salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce. Shape into four patties keeping them ½ inch thick because they will shrink.
Add two patties to the air fryer basket and cook at 360 degrees for 7 minutes. Flip the patties and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked throughout.
Place the patties onto your hamburger bun and add desired toppings and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 378mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Pork Enchiladas

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

You can’t go wrong with enchiladas for dinner. They’re just so hearty, cheesy, and flavorful! A few more great recipes to try: white chicken enchiladas, enchiladas with avocado cream sauce, or to jazz up the most important meal of the day – breakfast enchiladas!

Carnitas Enchiladas

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food: pork enchiladas that will have everyone begging for seconds. Imagine juicy pork carnitas wrapped in soft flour tortillas and smothered in a savory red enchilada sauce, packed with smoky flavors. The diced green chilies add a gentle kick of heat, perfectly complementing the savory pork.

But wait, there’s more! The gooey, melted blend of Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese takes these enchiladas to another level of deliciousness. You can never go wrong with heaps of melty cheese. Each bite is an amazing combo of tender pork, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese. And don’t forget the final touch—a sprinkle of fresh cilantro! This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or potluck with friends. I know your family will love them as much as mine does.

What is Carnitas?

Carnitas is a delicious dish that features tender Mexican pulled pork. The meat is simmered in things like chili powder, cumin, and citrus juices until it becomes tender and juicy. You can make it either in the slow cooker or Instant Pot!

Ingredients for Pork Enchiladas

This is everything you need to put this tasty dish together! The combination of flavors will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!) Measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Pork Carnitas: Juicy, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection! Prepare ahead of time using my recipe here.

Red Enchilada Sauce: You can use canned enchilada sauce, but I recommend using homemade sauce for the best flavor! You can also use green enchilada sauce if you prefer.

Diced Green Chilies: These add mild heat and delicious flavor to the enchiladas.

Shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Jack Cheese: This is my favorite blend of cheeses for Mexican inspired dishes! It’s so melty and flavorful! You could also use shredded Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese for easy prep.

Flour Tortillas: The flour tortillas serve as the vessel for the pork carnitas, holding all the delicious ingredients together. Feel free to swap these out for corn tortillas if that’s what you prefer!

Fresh Cilantro: Fresh herbs are a must! Add chopped cilantro to the pork enchiladas for an extra pop of bright flavor.

How to Make the Best Pork Enchiladas

Carnitas enchiladas are actually super easy to prepare! Fill your tortillas, cover with cheese and sauce, then pop your baking dish in the oven! After 20 minutes of bake time, you’ll have meaty, cheesy goodness ready to enjoy!

Prepare Carnitas: Prepare pork carnitas ahead of time. A link is provided in the recipe card.

Preheat Oven, Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking dish.

Combine Pork and Chilies: In a large bowl, combine the pork carnitas and diced green chilies, mixing them well.

Fill Tortillas, Add to Baking Dish: Take a flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the pork and chili mixture onto it. Roll it up tightly, placing it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Cover With Sauce: Pour the red enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Coat evenly. Set aside a small amount of sauce for later use.

Top With Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas, reserving a small amount for garnish.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese has melted.

Melt: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Add Toppings: Once done, take the enchiladas out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then drizzle the reserved red enchilada sauce over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve: Serve warm out of the oven.

Cooking Tips and Delicious Variations

Make these pork enchiladas your own! Here are a few ideas on how to customize and perfect them:

Warm Your Tortillas: Before you assemble the enchiladas, warm up your flour tortillas. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolling. You can heat them in a dry skillet or microwave them for a few seconds until they become soft and easier to work with.

Use Different Sauce: I use red enchilada sauce in this recipe- it’s rich, savory, and made with warm spices! If you want, you can use green enchilada sauce instead. It’s bright and tangy with a mild kick of spice.

Swap Out Chilies: If you want more heat, swap out the green chilies for diced jalapenos, chipotle peppers, or serrano peppers.

More Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocados, or salsa!

Serve With: These enchiladas are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of refried beans, black beans, or Mexican rice.

Storing Leftovers

Pork enchiladas are super easy to store and heat up later for a quick and easy meal. I doubt you’ll have any leftovers, but just in case, here’s how to keep them fresh:

In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your enchiladas, heat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

In the Freezer: Wrap enchiladas in aluminum foil and then place in a freezer bag. They will stay good in the freezer for 2 months. Before serving, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Pork Enchiladas

These delicious enchiladas are filled with juicy pork carnitas and smothered in melted cheese. Topped off with homemade red enchilada sauce, this is a dinner that the whole family will go crazy over.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword carnitas enchiladas, pork enchiladas
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4
Calories 960kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

3 cups pork carnitasred enchilada sauce4 oz diced green chilies2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded1 cup. Colby jack cheese shredded8-12 flour tortillasfresh cilantro

Instructions

Prepare pork carnitas ahead of time. A link is provided in the recipe card.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the pork carnitas and diced green chilies, mixing them well.
Take a flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the pork and chili mixture onto it. Roll it up tightly, placing it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Pour the red enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside a small amount of sauce for later use.
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas, reserving a small amount for garnish.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese has melted.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
Once done, take the enchiladas out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the reserved red enchilada sauce over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve warm out of the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 960kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 2198mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 1322IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 1012mg | Iron: 5mg

Furikake Seasoning

Furikake seasoning is a delightful mix of savory, umami goodness with a hint of saltiness. It’s made with a blend of nutty seeds, spices, dried fish, and crispy seaweed- don’t knock it ’til you try it! Sprinkle this Japanese condiment over rice, noodles, veggies, or even chips or popcorn to instantly elevate their flavors and add a satisfying crunch.

Furikake seasoning is the condiment you didn’t know you needed! Try it on a sushi bake or poke bowl for a pop of extra flavor.

What is Furikake Seasoning?

Furikake seasoning is a tasty condiment that originated in Japan. If you’ve never tried it before, it’s a flavorful blend of ingredients like sesame seeds, seaweed, dried fish, and spices. This delightful seasoning is commonly used to sprinkle over rice, noodles, and vegetables to enhance their taste and add a satisfying crunch. It has become a beloved staple in Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

If you’re not familiar with it, I know that a seasoning made with seaweed and dried fish might seem unusual. But trust me on this one! The savory, umami, and slightly nutty flavor of furikake seasoning is SO good! It’s the perfect finishing touch for all of your favorite Asian dishes. Let’s make some!

Ingredients for Furikake Seasoning

Mix all these ingredients together, and voila! You have homemade furikake seasoning that will elevate your dishes with its incredible flavors and textures. Keep in mind that you may need to check out your local Asian market to find some of these ingredients! And as always, exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

Nori: These are dried seaweed sheets that add a savory and slightly briny taste to furikake. Simply crumble or cut them into small pieces.

White and Black Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds bring a nutty and toasty flavor to the mix. Feel free to use one or both.

Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the savory flavors of the furikake seasoning.

Salt: Adjust to taste.

Bonito Flakes (optional): These are thin shavings of dried fish, commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Dried Shrimp (optional): Adding dried shrimp brings a hint of umami and seafood essence to the seasoning. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can skip this ingredient or also substitute it with other dried seafood like scallops or anchovies.

Ichimi Togarashi (optional): This is a Japanese chili pepper spice that adds a touch of heat and a subtle kick. If you can’t find it, cayenne pepper also works.

Dried Shiso Leaves (optional): Shiso leaves have a unique herby and minty flavor. When dried and crushed, they bring a refreshing element to furikake. If you can’t find dried shiso leaves, you can omit them or experiment with other dried herbs like basil or parsley.

Wasabi Powder (optional): Wasabi powder adds a delightful zing and heat to the furikake seasoning.

Let’s Make Furikake!

It takes less than 10 minutes to make this classic Japanese seasoning. Plus, once you’ve made it, it has a long shelf life so you can use it again and again for all of your favorite Asian and Hawaiian dishes!

Toast Seeds: Add the white sesame seeds to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the seeds begin to become golden brown and fragrant.

Cool: Remove the seeds from the heat and then pour onto a piece of parchment paper. Cool completely.

Small Nori Pieces: Use your hands or kitchen shears to crush or cut up the nori sheets so you achieve tiny pieces.

Combine Ingredients: Add the toasted sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, sugar, and salt plus any additional seasonings and then mix to combine.

Customize Your Seasoning

Like other homemade seasonings, this furikake recipe is great because you can tweak it to preference. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Play With Proportions: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste buds. If you love sesame seeds, add a little extra. If you enjoy a kick of heat, amp up the ichimi togarashi or try using your favorite chili powder instead.

Get Creative: Feel free to add your own personal touch to the mix. Toss in dried mushrooms, or experiment with toasted nuts like almonds or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.

Ways to Use It: While furikake seasoning is often sprinkled over rice, don’t limit yourself! Sprinkle it over noodles, salads, popcorn, roasted veggies, or even use it as a yummy topping for your favorite avocado toast. It’s a great switch up from everything bagel seasoning!

How Long Will it Last?

As long as your furikake seasoning is in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place, it should stay good for up to 3 months.

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Furikake Seasoning

Furikake seasoning is a delightful mix of savory, umami goodness with a hint of saltiness. It’s made with a blend of nutty seeds, spices, dried fish, and crispy seaweed- don’t knock it ’til you try it! Sprinkle this Japanese condiment over rice, noodles, veggies, or even chips or popcorn to instantly elevate their flavors and add a satisfying crunch.
Course condiment, Seasoning
Cuisine Japanese
Keyword furikake seasoning, furikake seasoning recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes minutes
Total Time 8 minutes minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 379kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

3 sheets of nori¼ cup white sesame seeds2 tablespoons black sesame seeds1 teaspoon granulated sugar½ teaspoon salt2 tablespoons bonito flakes optional1 tablespoon dried shrimp optional¼ teaspoon ichimi togarashi optional2 teaspoons dried shiso leaves optional½ teaspoon wasabi powder optional

Instructions

Add the white sesame seeds to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the seeds begin to become golden brown and fragrant.
Remove the seeds from the heat and pour onto a piece of parchment paper. Cool completely.
Use your hands or kitchen shears to crush or cut up the nori sheets into tiny pieces.
Add the toasted sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, sugar, and salt plus any additional seasonings and mix to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 1705mg | Potassium: 303mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 543IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 589mg | Iron: 9mg
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