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Jiffy Corn Casserole With Cheese

November 16, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 17 Comments

If there's one dish that I love and will always get excited to make (and eat!), it's Jiffy Corn Casserole. This is one of those nostalgic, Midwest-style comfort foods that I grew up with. It shows up at nearly every holiday, potluck, and Sunday dinner and it never disappoints. It's soft, buttery, slightly sweet and super decadent.

What makes it even better? It's wildly easy. Just sauté some onions and green peppers in butter, stir everything together, and bake. That's it. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps-just simple pantry staples, a box of Jiffy mix, and a whole lot of flavor. This casserole is always the first to disappear, and I always wish I had made a second pan. ALWAYS.

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Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe Ingredients

Yellow Onion and Green Pepper – the whole recipes starts by sauteeing these two ingredients in a TON of butter… as Ina says "how bad could that be?"
Butter – Salted butter is the only one we recognize as butter here at Mom's Dinner. You need a full stick to sautee the onion and green pepper. You know it's going to be good when it starts with a stick of butter.
8.5 oz box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – just the standard box of Jiffy Corn Mix is what you need here, nothing fancy. It helps bake this up into a sort of corn pudding.
Whole Kernel Corn and Creamed Corn – a mix of these two with the corn muffin mix add just the right amount of texture and corn flavor.
Sour Cream – adds flavor and moisture to the corn casserole.
Cheese – although I usually say fresh shred your cheese for the best melt… this one is the exception to the rule. You can absolutely use pre-shredded cheese here and it works perfectly. Can I get an A-men, because if you've been around here a while you know I hate shredding cheese.
Eggs – mixes with the Jiffy Corn Mix to give this corn casserole a little structure.

How to Make Jiffy Corn Casserole

This is actually a super easy side dish recipe. Which is great for the holidays when you have a lot of labor intensive dishes to make.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a saute pan, over medium heat, melt 1 stick of butter… always a good sign when you start with a stick of butter!!

Add the chopped onions, green peppers and salt & saute for about 5 -10 minutes.

While the veggies soften, mix all the other ingredients together in a large mixing bowl:

canned corn, drained
cream corn
cheese
sour cream
eggs
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

corn casserole mixture in a glass mixing bowl

Let the onions and green peppers cool for a few minutes then stir it into the corn mixture.

Pour that mixture into a small baking dish, like a 9×9 pan.

At this point you can refrigerate the Corn Casserole and bake the next day.

When you are ready to serve the Corn Casserole, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Corn casserole in an oval baking dish, with a silver antique spoon to the side

Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe Tips

Can Corn Casserole be made ahead of time?

To make this dish a day ahead, simply prepare the batter completely and pour into your baking dish. Cover and pop in the fridge. Pull out of the fridge and bake when you are ready!

Doubling

This recipe is also easily doubled for a crowd! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13 baking dish, you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Or when doubling, use two separate 9×9 casserole dishes and bake as directed.

What to Serve With Corn Casserole With Jiffy

Jiffy Corn Casserole is a common dish on our Holiday Table (Thanksgiving and Christmas). But it also goes with just about anything BBQ, like this BBQ Pork Tenderloin or these Boneless BBQ Ribs.

How to Store Jiffy Corn Casserole

If you are lucky enough to have leftover Jiffy Corn Casserole (we always seem to eat the whole pan)…. it is SO GOOD as leftovers!!!! Keep it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

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Originally Posted Nov 8, 2018 – Copy Updated November 16, 2020

Thanksgiving Dinner For 10 with Recipes

November 14, 2020 by Susie Weinrich Leave a Comment

If you need a few tried and true recipes or this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving or you want some new recipes to add to your menu, this is a great resource with all the Thanksgiving recipes you need! Everything from Roasted Turkey, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Savory Gravy, Herbed Stuffing, and Pie! Make sure you have your Traditional Thanksgiving Menu planned and ready to go.

Thanksgiving table with a plate full of food

Feeding Your Thanksgiving House Guests

You may be hosting friends and family in your home for more than just Thanksgiving Day. Most likely they are staying for a couple nights over the long Holiday weekend.

You will obviously want to feed then while they are staying with you… to make that task as easy as possible check out this post Easy Meals for House Guests, it will help you feed everyone during their stay!

It includes 4 breakfast menus, 4 lunch menus, 12 dinner menus with recipes, store bought and make ahead items.

coffee cup with a coffee carafe in the background

20+ Recipe for house guests

Use these menus and recipes to plan meals for your house guests. Everything you need from breakfast and lunch to dinner and drinks!

Get the recipes

Breakfast Before Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a day of EATING. Generally we start with a big breakfast and then don’t eat again until the main event, which tends to be mid-day. Here is an amazing breakfast menu to serve your crowd:

Cranberry Orange Muffins or Morning Glory Muffins (can be made ahead and frozen!)
Scrambled Eggs or Make Ahead Sausage Egg Cups
Oven Cooked Bacon
Fresh Fruit Bowl

cranberry orange muffins on a black and white napkin

Thanksgiving Dinner

Here is the main event, Thanksgiving Dinner… Below are all the recipes you need from turkey to dessert, and even some ideas for your leftovers!

Don’t forget to grab this FREE THANKSGIVING PRINTABLE for your place settings, asking everyone what they are thankful for on Thanksgiving!

free thanksgiving printable that says Happy Thanksgiving I am thankful for...

Turkey

Choose one option for your turkey. If you are serving 10 people you will want to have a 10-12 lb. turkey. If you are buying a frozen turkey, make sure you set a reminder to take it out of the freezer about 3 days in advance and pop it in the fridge for thawing.

Rosemary & Orange Glazed Roast Turkey - Zestful Kitchen

This glazed roast turkey recipe is juicy, flavorful, and absolutely gorgeous. Brined, roasted, and glazed, it's everything you love about the holidays.

Amazing Roast Turkey

Roast Turkey in Parts

Looking for a quick, no-fuss roast turkey recipe? This Roast Turkey in Parts recipe is SO simple, quick to make, moist and flavorful.

Roast Turkey In Parts

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

A delicious and juicy turkey breast with golden skin and flavorful herbs. Plus a savory gravy from the pan drippings. Perfect for dinner or your holiday table.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Mashed Potatoes

Some people like to have two potato options; mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. You can choose to have both or choose to just have mashed potatoes.

how many potatoes to make

When you make mashed potatoes you want to have ½ lb. of raw potatoes per person. Most of these recipes are for 3 lbs of potatoes, I would double the recipes for 10 people, that way you have leftovers too!

A large serving bowl of Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes topped with melting butter

The Best Yukon Mashed Potatoes + Video

The creamiest and MOST FLAVORFUL Yukon Gold Mashed Potato recipe you will find!!! These are the mashed potatoes you want on your table! So delicious you don't even need gravy.

Plan on ½ lb. of raw potato per person.

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

a large bowl of Instant Pot mashed potatoes on a table for dinner

The Best Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

This Instant Pot Mashed Potato recipe is one of the most flavorful (and easiest) mashed potato recipes you will ever make. Just 11 minutes and NO DRAINING! This will become your new go-to!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

a large bowl of roasted garlic mashed potatoes topped with butter

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato Recipe

Super creamy mashed potatoes mixed with 2 heads of roasted garlic, sour cream, cream cheese, kosher salt and butter. No lack of flavor here!

Serve with or without gravy.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes in a bowl with a spoon to the side

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Shallots and garlic are sauteed in butter, then red skin potatoes are boiled to tender perfection with the skins on. The two are blended together with sour cream and half and half added. These are SUPER FLAVORFUL mashed red skin potatoes.

Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes

Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes served in a large serving bowl with grated parmesan and melted butter garnished on top with a serving spoon resting in the mixture.

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Recipe

REALLY flavorful mashed potatoes made from Yukon Gold Potatoes mixed with garlic, parmesan, sour cream, butter and milk. They make an amazing side dish and don't need gravy!

Garlic Parm Mashed Potatoes

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A delicious mashed sweet potato side dish that is made of roasted sweet potatoes mixed with savory ingredients like roasted garlic and balsamic vinegar. It is a perfectly balanced sweet potato dish that isn't overly sweet!

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A sweet potato souffle in a 2 quart casserole pan and a spoon dishing some out.

Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe

Sweet potatoes are boiled until fork tender and then blended with spices, butter, brown sugar, vanilla and eggs then poured into a 2 quart pan and baked. The texture of this Sweet Potato Souffle is soft and fluffy, yet substantial.

Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe

mashed sweet potatoes topped with butter and cinnamon sprinkled on top

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a great side dish and the perfect colorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This recipe combines sweet, savory and a little hint of balsamic vinegar to round out the flavors!

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Gravy

If you are having turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, there better be some gravy. Don’t worry about making sure you have enough drippings to make the gravy. I have easy (and super flavorful) gravy recipes that don’t need drippings.

HOw Much Gravy To Make

All of these recipes will make about 3 – 3.5 cups, I would recommend doubling the recipe for 10 people. You can freeze any leftovers too!

Glass gravy boar with turkey gravy ready to serve.

Turkey Gravy Recipe without Drippings + Video

An over-the-top flavorful turkey gravy that won't have you waiting on the drippings from roast turkey! This is the stress free Thanksgiving gravy recipe you have been looking for.

Turkey Gravy Recipe

Super Flavorful Gravy Recipe without Drippings

Homemade gravy made without drippings. This is an easy gravy recipe that only requires a couple ingredients and a little time. It is perfect to serve over potatoes, stuffing, chicken, or turkey!

Gravy Without Drippings

Instant Pot Gravy in a gravy boat, garnished with parsley

Instant Pot Gravy Recipe + Video

Instant Pot Gravy is a great way to make a delicious savory gravy when you don't have drippings and when all your appliances are monopolized with other dishes. This gravy is perfect for any mashed potato!!

Instant Pot Gravy

Mushroom gravy being spooned over mashed potatoes

Savory Brown Mushroom Gravy

Really delicious and rich recipe for Mushroom Gravy. Perfect over mashed potatoes, pork chops, skillet chicken or country fried steak.

No drippings required, just ingredients from your pantry and fridge.

Mushroom Gravy Recipe

brown gravy being ladled over mashed potatoes

Brown Gravy (with Beef Broth)

This is a super flavorful Brown Gravy recipe that starts by caramelizing onions and garlic and is seasoned with beef base and spices. Perfect for gravy or any beef recipe!

Brown Gravy Recipe

Stuffing or Dressing

Is it stuffing or dressing?! Whatever you call it, make sure you have at least one variety on your holiday table.

How much stuffing to make

I would recommend doubling any of these recipe for 10 people, that ensure some leftovers too!

Homemade Stuffing Recipe + Video

A traditional recipe for Homemade Stuffing made with dried bread cubes mixed with onions and celery sauteed in plenty of butter then mixed with herbs and broth (and more butter) and baked until golden and delicious!

It is the perfect stuffing recipe for your Thanksgiving table! Can easily be doubled for a crowd and can be made a day in advance.

The Best Homemade Stuffing

Savory Bacon and Apple Stuffing Recipe

A super flavorful stuffing recipe filled with buttery bread cubes, granny smith apples, salty bacon, fresh herbs and plenty of butter. Perfect for your holiday menu!

Apple Stuffing Recipe

glass casserole dish with sausage stuffing

Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

A delicious savory side dish perfect for your holiday table. The inside of this sausage stuffing is buttery and soft, filled with herbs, sausage, and cranberries, and the top is crispy and golden.

Sausage Stuffing Recipe

an oval casserole dish with baked cornbread stuffing and a spoon

Savory Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Homemade cornbread is cubed and mixed with onions, celery, garlic, fresh herbs and plenty of butter. It is baked to perfection. The middle is buttery and moist and the top is golden and slightly crisp around the edges of the cornbread pieces.

Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Close up of baked stuffing with the serving spoon resting in the mixture.

Stove Top Stuffing Recipe

Take 2 boxes of Stove Top Stuffing and turn it into the most amazing Stuffing that tastes like it is homemade. You'll just add lots of butter, some onions, celery, herbs and more butter! Perfect for Thanksgiving and the Holidays.

Make ahead instructions below!!

Stove Top Stuffing Recipe

Cranberries

We are mildly obsessed with cranberries here at Mom’s Dinner. Choose one of these cranberry recipes for your Thanksgiving table. 1 recipe will be plenty for 10 people.

a cowl of cranberry sauce with a spoon for serving

Canned Cranberry Sauce Recipe + Video

A recipe to turn your canned cranberry sauce into a spectacular side dish for your Holiday feast! They will taste just like homemade, no one will ever know they started in a can!

Amazing Canned Cranberry Recipe

Simple Cranberry Sauce Recipe + Video

A really simple recipe for Cranberry Sauce made with simmered cranberries, sugar, orange and spices. Perfect tart-sweet cranberry sauce for your holiday table.

Simple Cranberry Recipe

Cranberry jello salad in a glass bowl with whipped cream and whole cranberries garnished on top.

Fresh Cranberry Jell-O Salad

This Cranberry Jell-O Salad is the perfect cranberry side dish for your Holiday table. It is a wonderful blend of raspberry Jell-O, cranberries, lemon yogurt (secret ingredient), and orange zest.

Cranberry Jell-O Salad

bowl of cranberry relish with a spoon and raw cranberries in the background

Raw Cranberry Relish Recipe

Blend up whole fresh cranberries and a granny smith apple together with orange and spices for an amazing Cranberry Relish. No need to boil your cranberries, this recipe uses them raw.

Cranberry Relish Recipe

Instant Pot Cranberries in a bowl with fresh cranberries around the side of the bowl

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe

An amazing Cranberry Sauce recipe that is made in the Instant Pot! Full of sweet crushed pineapple, whole fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a dash of cinnamon. This is the perfect sweet and tart Holiday side dish.

Instant Pot Cranberries

Vegetable

Choose one veggie to have as a side dish.

a bowl of roasted carrots garnished with parsley

Oven Roasted Carrot Recipe + Video

A great vegetable side dish of Roasted Carrots that only requires 3 ingredients and 25 minutes.

Roasted Carrot Recipe

cooked haricot verts on a plate with a pat of butter

Four Ways to Cook Haricot Verts

Learn four different ways to cook Haricot Verts, the thin French green bean. It makes a great side dish for just about any dinner.

Choose the method below that is right for you.

Green Bean Recipe

Extra Side Dish

Isn’t abundance the name of the season. Choose one or two extra side dishes to add to your Thanksgiving menu.

Corn Casserole Recipe With Jiffy Mix

Jiffy Corn Casserole is an easy side dish that can be made ahead. Sweet corn is mixed with cheese, sour cream, onions, green peppers, and Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. This makes a great side dish for barbecues, holidays, or Sunday family dinner.

Corn Casserole Recipe

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This is the classic recipe for Green Bean Casserole that will complete your holiday table. It is the old fashioned recipe with cream of mushroom soup and canned green beans, all topped with those delicious crispy fried onions.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

sweet potato casserole with a pecan brown sugar topping

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Sweet Potato Casserole made with canned yams, mashed up and mixed with butter, eggs, brown sugar and spices/seasonings. The topping is a pecan and brown sugar crumble that is SO delicious.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

raspberry jello fluff salad in a stemmed glass with a raspberry garnish

Raspberry Jello Salad Recipe + Video

Raspberry Jello Salad is a delicious classic Jello salad recipe. It is easy to make and only requires 4 ingredients! This is a great Jello side dish for large savory dinners. It is a staple on our table for 4th of July, Easter, and Christmas.

JellO Salad Recipe

Easy Recipe for Broccoli Salad with Bacon

A classic Broccoli Bacon Salad recipe that has raw broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet raisins and sunflower seeds with a sweet and tangy dressing. Makes a great side dish for any holiday or barbecue.

Can also be prepped a day ahead!

Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe (+ Video)

A traditional recipe for classic deviled eggs using mayonnaise and mustard . A super easy recipe with tips for piping the filling into the eggs.

Deviled Egg Recipe

Bread & Rolls

If you love to bake, by all means make some homemade rolls! But store bought or bakery rolls are also great, this is a great place to save some time and energy in the kitchen.

How Many rolls to make + butter

You will want to plan on 2 rolls per person, so for 10 people make sure you have 20 rolls. Don’t forget the butter, and don’t forget to put it out to soften!

Dinner rolls baked in a pan with a kosher salt, sugar and dill topping

Dinner Rolls from Scratch

This is an over-the-top delicious dinner roll made with simple ingredients like; dry active yeast, milk, sugar, kosher salt, butter and oil. All the tips and tricks (plus a video) are included to make your rolls turn out pillowy soft, golden and buttery.

Dinner Roll Recipe

Pumpkin Sage Challah Rolls

These delicious pumpkin sage challah rolls, made partially with whole-wheat flour, are a wholesome and flavorful twist on classic challah. Light and tender, these knot-like rolls are great as a side dish (especially at Thanksgiving!) or used as buns for your favorite sandwich.

Check out this recipe

Dessert

Some say this is the part of the mean anyone remembers, so make it really really good! Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream and Pecan Pie are traditional, but here are some other options:

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Trifle Recipe

A delicious trifle recipe that is perfect for Thanksgiving or fall time. It is a beautiful layered dessert with crushed Biscoff Cookies, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mousse, and Whipped Cream, all topped with toffee bits.

Pumpkin Trifle Recipe

A stack of pecan pie bars that have a shortbread crust

Easy Pecan Pie Bar Recipe

Pecan Pie Bars start with a buttery shortbread crust that is baked and then topped with a caramel-like pecan filling. They're the perfect handheld version of a classic pecan pie.

Check out this recipe

apple crostata with a spoonful of caramel

Apple Crostata with Caramel Sauce

Apple Crostata is a rustic version of a apple pie or apple tart. Flaky pastry is filled with tart apples that are sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon. Serve slices topped with a homemade caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream!

Apple Crostata Recipe

Pumpkin Bar on a plate with forks to the side

Pumpkin Bar Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect moist cake bar that has delicious spiced pumpkin flavor, it is topped with the best Cream Cheese Frosting recipe I have ever had (my Grandma's recipe!).

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

Grandma's Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream in a 9x13 pan

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Carrot Cake (with pineapple)

An Old Fashioned Carrot Cake recipe that is tried and true from my Grandma’s recipe box. It is super moist carrot cake made from scratch. A little pineapple is added to keep the cake moist and sweet. The icing is a perfectly flavored 4 ingredient Cream Cheese Buttercream. This is the Carrot Cake recipe you will add to your recipe box!

Carrot Cake Recipe

Drinks

We love a good cocktail, especially at the holidays. These drinks are prefect for the winter weather and flavored for the holidays.

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Our very favorite leftover turkey recipe is Turkey Pot Pie, hands down!

Homemade Turkey Pot Pie

A delicious double crust, savory pot pie loaded with turkey, veggies, and herbs all in a creamy sauce. This is a great dish to make with leftover roasted turkey.

Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Or you can swap out the chicken for shredded turkey in any of these recipes:

Leftover mashed potatoes can be dressed up to make Twice Baked Potato Casserole.

Your leftover cranberry sauce can be turned into these AMAZING Easy Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs, which would go great with the potato casserole linked above!

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How to Make Stuffing Recipe

November 12, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 148 Comments

This Homemade Stuffing was one of my very first recipes to go 'viral' and it's become a holiday staple in thousands of homes ever since. And for good reason, it's absolutely delicious! Just scroll down and check out one of the 100+ five-star reviews to see for yourself.

a baking dish with homemade stuffing on a Thanksgiving table

This is a traditional recipe made with dried bread cubes mixed with onions and celery sauteed in plenty of butter then mixed with herbs and broth (and more butter) and baked until golden and delicious! You are going to love the buttery center and the golden crispy top.

Five Star Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Wonderful recipe! I've made it once with the Artesano bread (came out amazing!) and once with Udi's gluten free hot dog buns - also came out amazing. I have been using recipes from your website for a few years now, and have yet to find a recipe that isn't excellent. Thank you for the work you do - you've added variety and yum to my monthly meal rotations as well as to our holidays.” – Vic

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Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Recipe

There are over 100 five star reviews on this Homemade Stuffing, if that doesn't convince you this is an amazing recipe, let me give you 5 more reasons:

It is made with stale bread cubes instead of store bought dehydrated bread, which gives it a buttery texture in the center and a crispy topping.
The combo of FRESH sage and parsley set this one apart from others. Really punches up that "holiday" flavor.
We are not skimping on the butter in this recipe! The veggies are sauteed in butter and then the top is dotted with butter.
The egg helps hold the stuffing together, giving it that classic stuffing texture rather than just loose bread cubes.
If you want classic stuffing flavors without any extras, THIS is your recipe! It is the taste of the Holidays.

Stuffing vs. Dressing

The old argument – is it stuffing or dressing?

Traditionally you call this dish stuffing only if it is stuffed and cooked inside of the turkey. It is dressing if it is served on the side of the turkey.

Even though this recipe is not cooked INSIDE of the bird I am still calling it stuffing. That has more to do with people being able to find it on the internet than tradition.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe Ingredients

Of course one of the most important ingredients in stuffing is bread. It is so important that we devoted a whole section on it below. You can pop down there and read more about it:

Salted Butter – The salted version is the only butter we recognize here at Mom’s Dinner. You are going to need a lot of butter for this stuffing. Generally when you have stuffing, you aren’t counting calories. The butter is perfect for softening the celery and onions, then it gets cubed for the top of the stuffing.

Traditional Stuffing Recipe ingredients on a table

Onion & Celery – It’s CLASSIC to have onion and celery added to your stuffing. I recommend you use a yellow onion for the most classic flavor, and use the celery ribs and leaves!

Egg – The eggs will bind the stuffing together for the perfect texture.

Chicken Broth – Using the right amount of chicken broth moistens the dried bread cubes perfectly, so that they are buttery and soft in the middle, and not soggy.

Herbs – It is crucial to use fresh herbs if you want your stuffing to be over-the-top. A combo of fresh chopped sage and parsley are perfect for a traditional stuffing flavor.

Seasonings – kosher salt, black pepper, marjoram and poultry seasoning blend perfectly to finish off the stuffing recipe.

Bread

Bread is the main ingredient in traditional stuffing (dressing). So you want to make sure that you buy a nice hearty bread that will stand up to the butter, eggs and broth that are added.

Look for a thicker cut, quality bread. I have used these brands and they work perfectly:

Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread
Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White, Butter or Potato Bread

You will also want to make sure that your bread is stale. This is key to allowing the bread to absorb the butter, broth and eggs, which makes your stuffing so buttery and golden!

How To Make Stale Bread Cubes

You have 2 options to make your bread nice and stale for this stuffing recipe:

Stale Bread Cubes

Overnight– Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes and let it sit on a sheet pan, on the counter overnight.
Quick Method– Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes and spread on a large sheet pan. Dry in a 250 degree oven for 30 minutes, tossing every 5-10 minutes so it doesn’t brown. (You will have time for this while the onions and celery soften!)

Making stale bread cubes allows the bread to absorb all the flavor (butter, broth, seasonings) and not disintegrate! Don’t skip this step.

How to Make Homemade Stuffing Recipe

You can also watch Susie make this Stuffing Recipe and Sausage Stuffing Recipe on a 30 minute episode of Pinterest TV!

Make sure that you are starting with stale bread cubes -see the section above for help with that! These steps will give you a general over view of how to make homemade stuffing. For more detailed instructions and ingredient amounts, jump down to the recipe card.

a baking sheet full of stale bread cubes

Step 1

Dry your bread cubes using one of the two methods above.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9×9 baking pan, if doubling use a 9×13 or 10×15 baking pan.

softening onions and celery in butter, in a large skillet.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat melt the ¾ cup butter. Add the onions and celery and sauté until they are completely softened, this will take about 20-30 minutes.

celery, onions, sage, parsley and seasonings in a skillet

Step 4

Off the heat stir in the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, marjoram, fresh chopped sage, and fresh chopped parsley.

two eggs and chicken broth being whisked together

Step 5

Whisk together the 2 eggs and cup of chicken broth.

How to make homemade stuffing with bread-4

Step 6

In a large bowl stir together the onion/herb mixture and stale bread cubes. Now pour in the egg/broth mixture and stir until the bread absorbs the liquid.

holiday stuffing in a butter dish, a hand placing butter cubes over top

Step 7

Pour into the buttered pan. Cube 2 tablespoon of butter and dot the top of the stuffing.

a pan of baked holiday stuffing on the counter

Step 7

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. If you like a really crispy top you can broil for the last minute or two!

How to Double the Stuffing Recipe

If you are hosting a larger crowd you can absolutely double this stuffing recipe. Simply double all the ingredients, bake in a 9×13 or 10×15 dish, and the baking time will be the same.

Can Be Made Ahead!

You can make this stuffing a day in advance. Simply prepare the stuffing completely, but don’t bake it. Cover and pop in the fridge overnight. The next day you can bake it per the recipe card instructions. If the stuffing looks a little dry after being in the fridge overnight you can also sprinkle a little extra chicken stock over top.

Recipe Card Shortcut

Use the +/- buttons and change for the amount of people you are serving. It will change all the ingredient amounts for you!!

How to Store Homemade Stuffing

Homemade Stuffing makes amazing leftovers! Actually you might want to double or triple the recipe just so you have extra. Keep leftover stuffing in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. You can reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

More Holiday Recipes To Love

Build a beautiful holiday meal around your delicious Homemade Stuffing by adding some of the recipes below:

WATCH SUSIE ON FOOD NETWORK!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The new gameshow, 100 Cooks, premieres on Food Network June 7th, 2026 at 9est/8cst. I hope you will tune in!

More Recipes you will love

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce (Quick Dinner Recipe)

November 12, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 36 Comments

This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe is a staple at our house, especially on a weeknight when things are busy and the fridge is bare. It is a kid friendly dinner that everyone will happily eat. Follow this recipe to turn your favorite jarred marinara sauce into delicious and simple pasta dinner.

spaghetti with meat sauce on top and garnished with parsley

This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce recipe comes straight from my real life kitchen-cooked, tested, and loved. I know that in a busy house weeknight dinners need to be both delicious and doable. This meat sauce achieves just that; we take a short cut of store bought marinara but punch up the flavor with our favorite cooking tips like the timing of the garlic, the layering of the seasonings, and the perfect ratio of meat to sauce. It is going to taste like you've been in the kitchen all day!

If you are like me and have a pasta dinner in the menu plan, BUT like to keep it real simple, also check out this Easy Tomato Cream Sauce recipe.

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Jarred Sauce or Homemade Sauce

In this recipe we are using a jarred marinara sauce and doctoring it up with a pound of ground beef and some spices for a super simple dinner. We highly recommend trying Rao’s Marinara or Tomato Basil Sauce. They are a little more expensive at the store but totally worth it!!!

We will not be going to the lengths of making a homemade sauce… that is reserved for this recipe for Homemade Marinara. Which you can absolutely use if you prefer homemade.

meat sauce in a skillet with a wooden spoon

This is more of an easy, weeknight dinner when you have a pound of ground beef and want something delicious that everyone will eat.

Spaghetti Meat Sauce Ingredients

Here is what you will need for this Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe:

spaghetti noodles or your favorite pasta shape
24 oz favorite jarred marinara – we love Rao’s Traditional
1 lb ground beef – see notes below
onion – yellow onion is great here
garlic – 3 cloves is what I use, but you add as many as you want!!
spices and herbs – dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder
ground beef – I recommend using an 85/15 ground beef for your spaghetti. It has enough fat to be flavorful, but not so much that your beef is greasy.
You could also use ground turkey (I recommend using 93/7, not the 99% lean!) or Ground Italian Sausage.
marinara sauce – We really love and recommend the Rao’s Marinara or Tomato Basil sauce. It is more expensive than other brands but definitely worth it. If you have a Costco membership it is much cheaper there!

pouring water into a mostly empty jar of marinara

Mom’s Tip

To get all the sauce out of the jar add just a little water or broth, shake it up and add it to the pan. The extra liquid will simmer out.

How Much Pasta Per Person

This is always the issue, right!? You make enough pasta to feed an army, when you only need 2 portions.

If you plan on 1 lb of pasta feeding about 5-6 hungry people you should be good to go!

Listen To The Recipe!

How To Make Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

This is a quick overview of how to make meat sauce for spaghetti, for the full recipe with detailed instructions and measurements pop down to the recipe card.

Step 1

Brown and crumble ground beef in a pan with a little oil.

Step 2

Drain any excess grease before moving on. I like to tip the pan to the side and sop up the grease with a paper towel held by tongs.

Adding onions to the pan with ground beef

Step 3

Add the onions and garlic to soften.

Adding seasonings and spices to ground beef

Step 4

Measure in the seasonings and spices. Customize how you like it! If you love extra basil, add it!

Adding sauce to browned ground beef with onions and garlic

Step 5

Pour in your favorite marinara and stir around the pan to heat through. Taste for seasonings and add the cooked pasta.

How To Freeze and Reheat Spaghetti Meat Sauce

If you like to batch cook or prep meals ahead for the freezer, or if you have leftover meat sauce, this is the perfect recipe.

You can make this meat sauce completely, cool it and then freeze it in a freezer safe baggie or container. Just make sure you leave room for a little expansion during freezing.

spaghetti that has been tossed with a meat sauce, in a skillet with two forks

When you are ready to use it just thaw it in the fridge overnight or take it straight from the freezer and place it in a warm sauce pot and simmer over medium low until it is warmed through.

Serve it up with your favorite pasta noodle.

Troubleshooting your Meat Sauce Flavor

Here are a few tips to make sure this recipe is exactly what you want it to be!

Don’t have ground beef? You can use ground turkey, ground Italian sausage or even ground chicken.
Sauce is too thin or watery? Keep the lid off of the pot and simmer over low for 10 minutes to concentrate. In a pinch you can also add 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cool water while the sauce is simmering. This should thicken it immediately.
Sauce is too thick? Add a small 8oz can of tomato sauce. Then taste for additional seasoning.
Sauce is too tangy? Add a couple teaspoons of sugar.
Sauce is too sweet? Add acid, which can be in the form of balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar or tomato sauce. Add the vinegar sparingly, it can quickly take over the sauce!
Sauce is too salty? Add cream or half and half at the end.
Want more depth of flavor? Instead of water add red wine.

Side Dishes

Classic side dishes for a pasta dinner are of course garlic bread and Caesar salad.

You can also pair this spaghetti with sauteed green beans, a big Italian Salad, or breadsticks.

More Simple Pasta Recipes

Check out ALL the Pasta Recipes on Mom’s Dinner!

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More Recipes you will love

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Cranberries

November 10, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 6 Comments

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is such a perfect side dish. It is salty from the crispy bacon, mixed with a little sweetness from the dried cranberries. Nothing better than sweet and salty!

brussels sprouts in a black bowl with a cookie sheet in the background and a small bowl of dried cranberries

It is a great recipe to use during the holidays when you have a lot of heavy casserole dishes on the menu and need a green vegetable, for balance. They are tasty enough to stand next to all the decadent dishes of the Holidays.

Some other great brussels sprouts recipes are Creamy Orzo with Chicken and Brussels and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner.

How to Trim Brussels Sprouts

Trim about a ¼ in from the stem end of the sprout.
Peel away any loose outer leaves.
Cut them in half, lengthwise.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Cranberries

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and grab a large sheet pan.

Start by washing and trimming your brussels sprouts.

Place the trimmed brussels sprouts, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss with clean hands.

Cut the bacon into small ½ inch chunks and sprinkle the separated pieces over the brussels sprouts. If you put the bacon in the pan in clumps it will not get crispy.

fresh brussels sprouts trimmed and topped with raw bacon

Place the pan in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Half way thru the cooking turn the bacon and brussels sprouts with a spatula.

At the end of 15 minutes add the dried cranberries and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Oven roasted brussels sprouts on a sheet pan with a fork sitting on a black cooling rack

Remove the pan from the oven and let cool for a couple minutes.

Serve & Enjoy!!

Serving

This recipe makes a great side dish with hamburgers, turkey burgers, beef roast, steaks, grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, pork chops, pork tenderloin, or seafood. Just about any protein will match up with these Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

roasted brussels sprouts in a black bowl

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Cranberries

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with crispy bacon and sweet dried cranberries. It is all cooked in the oven on one sheet pan. This is an easy side dish to make.

5 from 8 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: people

Author: Susie Weinrich

Ingredients

▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ 1 lb. fresh brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half (lengthwise)
▢ ¼ tsp salt
▢ pepper to taste
▢ 4 strips of bacon, cut into small ½ inch pieces
▢ ⅓ cup dried cranberries
▢ optional 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil to drizzle on at the end

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, grab a large sheet pan.
Put the brussels sprouts on the sheet pan and drizzle with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. With clean hands toss the brussels sprouts so they are coated evenly with the oil.
Sprinkle the bacon over top of the brussels sprouts, making sure the bacon is not in large clumps. By separating the pieces you will ensure you end up with crispy bacon.
Bake for 15 minutes, flipping the brussels sprouts and bacon half way thru with a spatula.
Add the cranberries and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
If your bacon did not release enough grease and the brussels sprouts look a little dry you can toss everything with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter at this point.

Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!

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Originally Posted November 20, 2018 – Copy Updated November 10, 2020

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

November 9, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 6 Comments

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food recipe, updated for your modern electric pressure cooker! Creamy chicken stew is filled with tender chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings. It is a family friendly dinner that everyone will love!

Chicken and dumplings in a bowl with a dumpling cut open

You can also make this on your stove top with this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.

For a REALLY easy chicken and biscuit recipe, great for weeknights or if you don’t have an Instant Pot, check out this recipe for Chicken & Biscuits.

Dumplings

Dumplings are light and fluffy dough balls that are cooked in liquid. The outside stays moist and the inside has more of a biscuit texture.

To make amazing dumplings you need flour, baking powder, salt, butter and milk. There are two key secrets to really great dumplings:

Don’t overmix the dough!
Let them simmer in the liquid without disturbing them. No stirring!

Flavoring

Another option with dumplings is adding some herbs to flavor them. Consider adding a couple teaspoons of rosemary, thyme or chives to your dumpling dough.

Size

You can decide what size dumplings you like. If you want more of a bite size, use a teaspoon to drop the dumplings. If you like a larger dumpling that you have to cut into then use a heaping tablespoon.

Note that they will expand a little when they simmer in the liquid.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

There are a few steps involved in making this pressure cooker chicken and dumpling recipe, but it is so worth it!

Start by turning your pot on to sauté mode, add the oil and sauté the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes.

Turn the pot off and add in the carrots, celery, turmeric, onion powder, salt, pepper, bay leaf, chicken base, chicken, water, chicken broth.

making chicken and dumplings in an instant pot

Pop the lid on and set to cook on high pressure mode for 5 minutes. Do a 5 minute natural release, then do a quick release with the remaining pressure.

WHILE THE POT IS DOING A NATURAL RELEASE/QUICK RELEASE mix the dumpling dough:

In a bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Lightly stir in the milk and melted butter JUST UNTIL IT COMES TOGETHER. Don’t overmix the dough.

Remove the lid from the Instant Pot. Optionally you can shred a few pieces of the chicken if you like smaller pieces.

Turn the pot on to sauté mode.

Drop spoonfuls dumpling dough into the hot liquid. Resist the urge to stir the pot and stir the dumplings.

Pro Tip: do not stir the dumplings into the liquid until they are fully cooked. By letting them simmer untouched they will have better texture.

Once the pot comes to a boil hit the sauté button twice until it scrolls through to “low”.

Simmer on low for 15 minutes.

Turn the pot off and pour in ½ cup heavy whipping cream. NOW you can stir the pot!

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to cool and thicken a little.

creamy chicken and dumplings in an electric pressure cooker

Serving

Chicken and Dumplings is pretty much a complete meal with your protein, starch and veggies all in one. You could absolutely serve it with a side salad!

Recipe Tips

Do not overmix your dumpling dough.
Use a quick release melon baller to make easy work of scooping and releasing the dumplings.
Do not roll your dumpling dough into a perfect circle. You want the edges to be a little craggy. It makes for amazing texture!
Resist the urge to stir your dumplings while they are cooking.
Don't skip the chicken base. The flavor won't be the same without it.

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Chicken Enchiladas with Cream Cheese

November 6, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 32 Comments

I'm embarrassed to say I could probably eat an entire pan (ok maybe half a pan) of these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas. When I created this recipe I tested and tested and tested again until the texture and flavor were spot on. And they have turned out to be the most perfect Chicken Enchiladas with Cream Cheese, if I do say so myself!

cream cheese chicken enchiladas baked in a glass casserole pan with margaritas in the background

They start with yellow corn tortillas that are filled with shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, green chilies, onions and garlic then they are topped with red chili sauce and cheese.

FIVE STARS – Love this recipe! It's perfect!!! Family devours it every time I have to make two pans lol. Thank you!!!! – Jessica

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Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Tortillas – For the most authentic flavor you want to use corn tortillas, specifically yellow corn tortillas. Choose a high quality one that won't rip and tear. Also make sure you prep your corn tortillas by warming them before rolling.

Cooked Chicken – Any combo of cooked and shredded chicken will work- all white meat, dark meat or a mix of the two. I like to buy a rotisserie chicken and shred the meat for a great short cut, or use leftover chicken. You can also bake or poach the chicken.

Cream Cheese – Go for the full fat cream cheese here! You also want to make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temp so it will mix in with the ingredients.

Sour Cream – A little sour cream added to the mixture breaks up the cream cheese and adds a nice flavor.

Onion & Garlic (Jalapeno optional) – Sauteed white or yellow onion with some garlic adds great flavor. If you like a little spice, dice up a jalapeno and add it in too.

Green Chilies – One can of diced green chilies adds great flavor without overpowering the cream cheese chicken filling.

Cheese – As always, fresh shredded cheese will melt creamier and more flavorful than the pre-shredded stuff. I love this grater to make this job easier. You can use a Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Cheddar, or Colby Jack.

Enchilada Sauce – There are two options here – red chili enchilada sauce or verde enchilada sauce. Both will work with the cream cheese chicken enchiladas. If you love the red, this is our very favorite recipe for homemade enchilada sauce.

Tips for Tortillas

It is completely up to you whether you use yellow corn tortillas or flour tortillas.

Corn tortillas add more flavor and are traditional for enchiladas. But flour tortillas are easier to use!

If you use corn tortillas I recommend going with yellow corn because they have a stronger flavor. Here are some ways to prep your corn tortillas if you go that route:

(my preferred method, and the easiest method) Stack about 5-6 tortillas together, wrap them in a very damp paper towels covering them completely. Microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Then use right away.

(my second preferred method) place a cast iron skillet over medium heat and rub it with a little vegetable oil. Warm 1 tortilla at a time, about 30 seconds per side.

(most labor intensive option) Add some vegetable oil to a skillet over medium heat. Fry each tortilla for about 15 seconds per side, keep on a plate covered with a towel while you fry remaining tortillas.

(a method I learned from Rick Bayless) Put a little water in the bottom of a pot and add a steamer basket. Stack your tortillas and place them on a steamer basket. Place over low heat and cover the pot. Steam while you prepare the enchilada filling.

Tips for Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are perfect to make when you have leftover chicken! However if you aren’t lucky enough to have chicken already cooked and sitting in your fridge one of these options is great:

Mom’s Tip – Shredded Chicken

Try shredding your WARM cooked boneless chicken breast in your stand mixer with a paddle attachment or with a hand held mixer (don’t try it with cold chicken, it won’t work as well!). Run the mixer on low-medium for about 30 seconds. It works like a CHARM!!! There may be 2-3 larger pieces left to shred with your hand, but better than the whole chicken. Warning- Don’t over mix the chicken or it will turn to crumbles.

Watch The Recipe

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas

If you love watching cooking shows you can watch me make this in a 30 minute episode of Pinterest TV.

This is a quick overview of how to make this Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, for more detailed instructions and ingredient amounts pop down to the recipe card.

Pouring red enchilada sauce into a 9x13 pan

Step 1

Prep a 9×13 pan w/ cooking spray and pouring about 5 oz of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish.

sauteeing onions, garlic and jalapeno in a skillet

Step 2

In a skillet saute the onions, garlic and jalapenos (if using) in the olive oil until they are softened.

Cream Cheese Chicken filling being mixed together

Step 3

In a bowl mix together the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, green chilies and the onion mixture.

rolling a cream cheese chicken enchilada with a little cheese on top

Step 4

Fill each tortilla with about 3 tablespoon of chicken mixture. Then sprinkle a little cheese on top, Roll up and set in the pan, seam side down.

pouring red enchilada sauce over rolled chicken enchiladas with cream cheese

Step 5

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas.

Cheese on top of enchiladas with enchilada sauce, ready for the oven

Step 6

Top with remaining cheese, cover with foil and bake.

Susie placing a pan of Chicken Enchiladas with Cream Cheese on a counter

Step 7

Let the enchiladas cool. Then serve them up!

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas Ahead of Time

You can absolutely make these ahead! Prepare them until the point you would pour enchilada sauce over top. Do not top with the sauce! Instead cover the dish with foil and pop in the fridge for 1-2 days.

When it is time to bake pour the sauce over the rolled tortillas, sprinkle with cheese and cover with foil, bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes.

Serving

When it is time to have dinner serve each person 2 enchiladas (one for kids). They go great with some shredded lettuce topped with pico de gallo and a side of Instant Pot Mexican Rice or Mexican Rice AND 15 minute refried beans or Instant Pot Refried Beans

two enchiladas filled with creamy chicken on a plate with avocado, lettuce and pico de gallo

If it’s the weekend or you just need a cocktail after a long day any tequila cocktail pairs great with this recipe!

More Delicious Enchiladas

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Cranberry Punch

November 5, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 1 Comment

Cranberry Punch is a sweet and refreshing punch recipe that is made with cranberry juice cocktail, pineapple juice and ginger ale. They are mixed together and served over ice and garnished with cranberries and limes. It is perfect for adults and kids at any party and especially at the Holidays!

a pitcher of cranberry punch garnished with cranberries and limes

The cranberries make it especially appropriate for Thanksgiving. I also love how the bright red cranberries pair with the green limes to make those traditional Christmas colors.

There is an option below to make this an adult beverage with alcohol. Or you can check out this recipe for Cranberry Margaritas!

If you have fresh or frozen cranberries leftover you can make these amazing Cranberry Orange Muffins!

Making Cranberry Punch

This recipe is as easy as opening, pouring and stirring!

In a large pitcher mix together 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail, 2 cups good pineapple juice, 2 cups sparkling ginger ale. Garnish the pitcher with lime slices and fresh (or frozen) cranberries.

Serve it over ice in festive glasses.

cranberry punch in a glass over ice garnished with cranberries and limes

Make Ahead

You can make this punch ahead. Simply mix the cranberry juice cocktail and pineapple juice together and pop into the fridge overnight. When it is time to serve pour in the ginger ale, give it a stir, and garnish.

Adult Punch

To make this more of an adult beverage fill a rocks sized glass (8-10 oz) with ice. Pour in 1-2 ounce of tequila, rum or vodka. The mix in 3-4 ounces of cranberry punch. Garnish with cranberries and a lime slice.

More Festive Drinks

Cranberry Punch Recipe + Video

A deliciously sweet and refreshing punch that has the flavors of the Holidays. Perfect for the Thanksgiving table, Holiday Party or Christmas dinner! Can also be made as an adult beverage with vodka or tequila

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate Save

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 0

Servings: cups

Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

▢
Large Pitcher

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
▢ 2 cups pineapple juice
▢ 2 cups ginger ale - or ginger beer (we love Q Mixer brand)
▢ 1 cup fresh cranberries - garnish
▢ 2 fresh limes, sliced - garnish

Instructions

Cranberry Punch

In a large pitcher stir together all the ingredients.
4 cups cranberry juice cocktail, 2 cups pineapple juice , 2 cups ginger ale , 1 cup fresh cranberries , 2 fresh limes, sliced
Serve in glasses over ice.

Make Ahead

If you want to mix this up the day before a party, simply add all the ingredients except the ginger ale. Then right before guests arrive, stir in the ginger ale.

Adult Cranberry Punch

Add 2 oz. of silver rum, vodka, or tequila to a glass filled with ice, top with the cranberry punch. Garnish with a lime. Cheers!

Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!

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Cranberry Orange Muffins

November 4, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 2 Comments

Cranberry Orange muffins are a tender and moist muffin recipe that is full of fresh tart cranberries and sweetened with fresh orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon. The cinnamon sugar crumble topping really takes these muffins over the top!

These are the perfect muffin to make during the holidays when fresh cranberries are available. They would make the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving brunch or Christmas morning breakfast. You could also add these Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins and Sweet Cornbread Muffins!

Fresh Cranberries

Fresh cranberries are available in the US between October to December. They keep for a long time in the fridge – 3-4 weeks! So if you buy some in December you can make these cranberry muffins all the way into January.

Fresh cranberries are actually considered a superfood and have some great health benefits!

cranberry muffin broken open to show the inside with is orange with bright red cranberries

Frozen

You could also make this recipe with frozen cranberries if you don’t have access to fresh. Use the same amount as the fresh. Do not thaw the cranberries, use them frozen!! Toss them lightly in flour before adding to the batter. That will help them not sink to the bottom of the muffin.

(note- I have not tested the recipe with frozen cranberries)

Dried

If you try the recipe with dried cranberries lessen the amount to 1 cup. Soak them in very hot water for about 10 minutes. Pat them dry and then toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter.

(note- I have not tested the recipe with dried cranberries)

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make these Cranberry Orange Muffins:

Flour
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
salt
Brown Sugar
Vegetable Oil
Eggs
Vanilla
Buttermilk
Orange (zest)
Fresh Cranberries
Pecans (optional)
Butter
Sugar
Cinnamon

steps showing how to make cranberry orange muffins

Storing

Fresh made muffins can be stored at room temp in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

You could also freeze the muffins! Just let them cool completely and pop them in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp overnight.

Cranberry Orange Muffin Recipe

Kids Charcuterie Board

November 3, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 4 Comments

A Kids Charcuterie Board is perfect for how most kids eat anyway – grabbing a little bite at a time while playing! So why not cater to that and just make a little snack board that they can graze on for dinner. This is especially helpful at a party where the kids would rather be playing than eating.

If you are also feeding dinner to a gang of hungry kids, any one of these recipes are really kid friendly:

Charcuterie

A charcuterie is typically a board that is full of cold meats and cheeses. Since this board is specifically for kids we are expanding that to include chips, crackers, sweets, fruit, pizza and chicken nuggets!

For the kids board I like to think in terms of food groups and including a few items from each of these groups:

Cheese 1-2 items
Protein (entree) 2-3 items
Dip or Sauce 1-2 items
Cracker or Chip 2-3 items
Fruit 2 items
Veggie 1-2 items
Sweets 2 items

Kid Friendly Charcuterie Items

I set my board with the things I know my kids like, however you can build your board to suit your kids taste. Here are a few items to consider including:

fresh mozzarella pearls, cheese sticks, cheese cubes, mini babybel cheese, yogurt tubes, applesauce pouches
mango, pineapple, watermelon, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries
cucumber slices or mini cucumbers, olives, celery, mini pickles, mini sweet peppers, sugar sap peas, baby carrots, carrots chips
trail mix, Chex mix, Fritos, Doritos, crackers, veggie straws, Cheez-its, pretzel thins, popcorn
pizza rolls, mini pb&j, chicken fingers or chicken meatballs, salami, rolled up deli meat
Reese’s Pieces, gummy bears, gummy worms, Starbursts, Twizzlers, Hershey kisses

More Kid Favorite Recipes

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Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

November 2, 2020 by Susie Weinrich Leave a Comment

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is the centerpiece of many holiday tables! This recipe is made with a bone in turkey breast that is basted in butter with sage, rosemary and parsley. White wine, garlic and onions baste the turkey from the baking dish.

oven roasted turkey breast on a plate with herbs

It is a flavorful and juicy turkey recipe with crispy skin. You also get to make a tasty gravy from the cooking liquid in the pan!

Pair this turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and brussels sprouts for a great dinner or holiday meal!

Thawing a Frozen Turkey Breast

Even though your bone in turkey breast is way smaller than the average whole turkey, it will still take a couple days to thaw your turkey breast in the fridge! Plan 2-3 days to defrost it in the fridge.

You can also do a quick defrost by soaking your WRAPPED frozen turkey breast in a bath of cold water. Add enough cold water to cover the turkey completely. Change the water every 30 minutes. Plan on about 30 minutes per pound.

How to Prep Your Turkey Breast for the Oven

Here is step by step how to prep your thawed turkey breast to be roasted to golden perfection:

Make the butter and herb mixture. Set aside
Place the bird in a roasting pan that has chopped onion and crushed garlic. Pat the turkey breast dry with a couple paper towels. Gently pull the breast skin from the bird by running your fingers between the skin and meat.
If there is an excess of neck skin, trim a little with kitchen shears.
Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. Then rub ¼ of the butter mixture over the meat. Pull the skin back in place over the butter and meat.
Turn the bird over and rub ¼ of the butter mixture on the underside.
Cover the top of the turkey breast skin with the remaining butter/herb mixture.
Pour 1 cup white wine into the bottom of the pan.
Ready to cook! Follow cooking instructions in the recipe card.

first four steps of prepping a turkey breast for the oven

final four steps to prep a turkey breast for the oven

Amount Per Person

When you are cooking for a crowd you want to plan about ½ lb of turkey per person.

Carving

Carving a turkey breast is going to be a lot less complicated than carving a whole turkey! You have two options. The first can be brought to the table off the bone already carved. The second option can be brought the table and carved:

First find the chest bone between the two breasts. Carve the two breasts from the bones by running your knife between the breast and the chest bone. Slice each breast into individual slices, similar to cutting a chicken breast.

It is going to be similar to carving a rotisserie chicken (except you won’t have legs, thighs or wings), like in this video:

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2. Or you can slice the breast while it is still on the bone, like they show in this carving video from Butterball.

Wine

If you do not normally have wine in the house you can sub chicken stock for the bottom of the pan. However you can also purchase just a small carton of wine which will be almost 2 cups. Black Box makes a great one!

If you don’t want to drink the rest you can freeze your wine (but only if you plan to cook with it!!!). Pop the wine carton in a freezer baggie and freeze for up to 3 months until you are ready to use it in another recipe. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

This instant pot mushroom risotto recipe would be a great recipe to use up the rest of the wine.

Recipes for Leftover Turkey

This is going to a much smaller amount of turkey than if you cooked a whole turkey. However if only a couple people are eating you may have some leftovers. Here are a couple recipes that would be amazing for your leftover turkey.

Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey Tetrazzini
Enchilada Casserole (swap turkey for the beef)
White Chicken Chili (swap turkey for the chicken)
Creamy Chicken and Noodles (swap turkey for the chicken)

More Holiday Dinner Recipes

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Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies

October 30, 2020 by Susie Weinrich Leave a Comment

Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies are an easy to make treat that everyone will love! They are made from just a few ingredients – Funfetti Cake Mix, eggs, oil, and almond extract. Add some extra rainbow jimmie sprinkles on top and they are ready in just 10 minutes.

funfetti cookies on a cake plate with milk in the background

Some other cake mix cookie recipes to check out are chocolate cake mix cookies, cake mix brownies, and hot cocoa cookies!

Ingredients

Here are the things you need to grab to make these Funfetti Cookies:

15.25 Box Funfetti Cake Mix (Rainbow Chip or Rainbow Confetti cake mixes work too!)
2 eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
almond extract
rainbow jimmie sprinkles

Cake Mix

The nice thing about using a cake mix to make cookies is that most of the ingredients are already mixed for you – flour, sugar, leavener, and flavorings. All you need to do is add the eggs and oil. In this case we also add a little almond extract because it is delicious!! And don’t forget the extra sprinkles.

funfetti cookie dough, dough on baking sheet ready for the oven and a baked cookie broken in half

It doesn’t matter if you use Pillsbury (Funfetti), Betty Crocker (Rainbow Party Chip), or Duncan Hines (Rainbow Confetti)… they will all work!

Funfetti Cake Mix Cookie Recipes

Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies

Cookies made with Funfetti (or Rainbow Chip) Cake Mix! They are easy to make with only 5 ingredients and everyone will LOVE them!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Servings: cookies

Author: Susie Weinrich

Ingredients

▢ 15.25 box Funfetti Cake Mix - – Party Rainbow Chip or Rainbow Confetti will work too!
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ ⅓ cup vegetable oil
▢ ¼ teaspoon almond extract
▢ 2 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles/jimmies

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl stir together the funfetti cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and almond extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
With a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle the dough with the rainbow sprinkles.
Bake for 9-11 minutes.
For a darker baking sheet – 9-10 minutes
For a lighter baking sheet – 10-11 minutes
NOTE: If you are baking in batches, pop the unused dough in the fridge while the first batch bakes.
Let the cookies cool on a cooling rack for about 5-10 minutes before eating.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Make these perfect for any Holiday by purchasing the current holiday version of funfetti cake mix: pastel for Easter, green and red for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween, etc..

Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!

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