Adventures of Mel

Category: Appetizers

I love appetizers and finger foods! Here you’ll find loads of appetizer recipes, including dip recipes, finger food recipes, party appetizers, holiday appetizers, and all sorts of snack ideas.

Reader favorites include this ultimate baked potato bar, sheet pan chicken nachos, and ultimate mashed potato bar. Potatoes are hot!

All the best appetizer recipes
  • Simple and Easy Fruit Salsa Recipe With Cinnamon Chips

    Simple and Easy Fruit Salsa Recipe With Cinnamon Chips

    How to make sweet and delicious homemade fruit salsa with crispy cinnamon tortilla chips, juicy strawberries, mangos, kiwis, raspberries, apples and apricots. Simple and easy fresh fruit salsa recipe that makes a healthy snack or appetizer for summer picnics, parties and potlucks.

    Summertime is almost upon us, which means I’m craving fresh salsa. Last year I made this mango peach salsa, and I liked it so much that I decided to try making my own fruit salsa recipe. I’m happy to report that this recipe has been a big hit with the whole family, including the kids!

    fruit salsa in a white bowl on a decorative blue saucer with fresh lemon quarters and a pile of crispy cinnamon tortilla chips

    This recipe can be served as more of a dessert with crispy cinnamon chips, or you can pair with all your favorite proteins and savory dishes. Fruit salsa is so easily customizable, and you can add or take away so many different fruits and herbs based on your own preferences. This recipe is packed full of essential vitamins and nutrients, and there’s no sugar. It makes a super healthy snack or side dish!

    fruit salsa recipe ingredients lined out on a large wooden cutting board

    Ingredients & Substitutions Notes

    In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a deliciously sweet and juicy fruit salsa, and then we’ll make crispy cinnamon chips to go with it.

    Fruit Salsa Recipe

    • Fruit – For this recipe, I used diced Granny Smith apples, diced mangoes, diced strawberries, peeled and diced kiwis, and halved raspberries. You can add or take away fruit based on your own preferences. For best flavor and keeping qualities, I recommend using fruit that is as fresh as possible, but you can use canned fruit in a pinch. Just don’t use frozen fruit to make fruit salsa, or else you’ll create a mushy, nasty mess!
    • Lemon Juice – Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is always best, but for the sake of ease, I just use bottled lemon juice from the grocery store!
    • Apricot Preserves – I always like to add a little bit of apricot preserves to balance out all the different flavors, and it also helps to keep your fruit salsa fresh for longer. If you don’t have apricot preserves on hand, use peach preserves or orange marmalade instead.
    • Herbs – Fresh mint makes an appealing garnish for fruit salsa.

    Crispy Cinnamon Chips

    • Flour Tortillas – Flour tortillas are cheap, and they make the best cinnamon chips with fruit salsa.
    • Butter – I prefer salted butter, but unsalted butter will work just fine if that’s all you have on hand.
    • Cinnamon & Sugar – Of course, you’ll need cinnamon and cane sugar to make your cinnamon tortilla chips!

    How to Make Fruit Salsa With Cinnamon Chips

    Before getting started, use a kitchen knife to dice up the apples, mangoes, strawberries and kiwis on a large cutting board. Then slice the raspberries into halves or quarters.

    salsa recipe with fruit ingredients lined out on a large wooden cutting board with a large chef's knife

    How to Make Fruit Salsa

    1. Start by adding the diced apples and the lemon juice to a large mixing bowl, stirring to combine.
    2. Add all of the remaining fruit to the large bowl, stirring again ’til well combined.
    3. Next, add the apricot preserves, mixing everything together well.
    3 step photo collage showing how to make salsa recipe with fruit in a large white mixing bowl

    Cover your salsa with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Now you’re ready to make homemade cinnamon crisps to go with it!

    Crispy Cinnamon Chips Recipe

    Before making your cinnamon chips, preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable silicone baking mat instead.

    1. First, use a fork to combine both the sugar and cinnamon together in a small mixing bowl.
    2. Melt butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or ’til completely melted. Then use a basting brush to brush it onto both sides of the tortillas.
    3. Sprinkle the buttered tortillas with the cinnamon and sugar mixture that you mixed up in the first step.
    4. Use a pizza cutter or large knife to cut the cinnamon tortilla chips into triangles.
    5. Place each cinnamon crisp onto a large baking sheet, and bake them at 400ºF for 3-4 minutes. Flip each chip, and let them continue to bake for another 3-4 minutes, or ’til golden brown.
    6. Serve and enjoy with your new favorite salsa recipe!
    6 step photo collage showing how to make crispy cinnamon chips for fruit salsa

    What to Serve With Fruit Salsa

    Not sure what to serve with your homemade fruit salsa? Here are a few ideas…

    fruit salsa and cinnamon chips in a white bowl on a large blue decorative plate with fresh lemon quarters

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Is this fruit salsa recipe gluten free?

    Yes, all of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free. That said, I always recommend checking your ingredient labels over to ensure that they are truly gluten free.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Fruit salsa is best eaten fresh, but thanks to the lemon juice and apricot preserves, you can store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before it will start to go bad.

    How do you can fruit salsa?

    Personally, I always just make this recipe fresh since it’s so quick and easy. You may can your own fruit salsa, but I would recommend using a tested canning recipe. There are lots of salsa recipes for canning out there to use. That said, you can most definitely freeze this recipe instead!

    Can you freeze fruit salsa?

    Yes, you can freeze any salsa. Store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let thaw out in the refrigerator overnight before you’re ready to eat.

    Recipe Variations

    overhead photo showing fruit salsa in a white bowl on a decorative blue saucer with fresh lemon quarters and a pile of crispy cinnamon tortilla chips

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Fruit Salsa

    Make sweet and delicious fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. Simple & easy fresh fruit salsa recipe that makes a healthy snack or appetizer!

    • Kitchen Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Plastic Wrap
    • Baking Sheet
    • Parchment Paper
    • Small Mixing Bowl
    • Pizza Cutter

    Fruit Salsa

    • 2 Granny Smith Apples (diced)
    • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
    • 1 Large Mango (diced)
    • 1 cup Strawberries (diced)
    • 2 Kiwis (peeled and diced)
    • 1/2 cup Raspberries (halved)
    • 1/4 cup Apricot Preserves
    • Mint (for garnish)

    Cinnamon Chips

    • 5 Flour Tortillas
    • 1/2 cup Salted Butter
    • 4 tablespoons Cane Sugar
    • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

    How to Make Fruit Salsa

    1. Before getting started, use a kitchen knife to dice up the apples, mangoes, strawberries and kiwis on a large cutting board. Then slice the raspberries into halves or quarters.

    2. Add the diced apples and the lemon juice to a large mixing bowl, stirring to combine.

    3. Add all of the remaining fruit to the large bowl, stirring again 'til well combined.

    4. Next, add the apricot preserves, mixing everything together well.

    5. Cover your fruit salsa with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Now you're ready to make homemade cinnamon crisps to go with it!

    Crispy Cinnamon Chips Recipe

    1. Before making your cinnamon chips, preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    2. First, use a fork to combine both the sugar and cinnamon together in a small mixing bowl.

    3. Melt butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or 'til completely melted. Then using a basting brush to brush it onto both sides of the tortillas.

    4. Sprinkle the buttered tortillas with the cinnamon and sugar mixture that you mixed up in the first step.

    5. Use a pizza cutter or large knife to cut the cinnamon tortilla chips into triangles.

    6. Place each cinnamon crisp onto a large baking sheet, and bake at 400ºF for 3-4 minutes. Flip each chip, and let them continue to bake for another 3-4 minutes, or 'til golden brown.

    7. That's it! Serve and enjoy with your new favorite fruit salsa recipe.

    How do you store fruit salsa?

    You can store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before it will start to bad.

    Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack, Sweet Snacks
    American, Side Dish, Side Dish or Appetizer, Snack
    fruit salsa, fruit salsa and cinnamon chips, fruit salsa recipe, fruit salsa with cinnamon chips, salsa recipe with fruit
  • Easy Bite Sized Meatloaf Muffins Recipe With Oatmeal

    Easy Bite Sized Meatloaf Muffins Recipe With Oatmeal

    How to make quick and easy meatloaf muffins from scratch using old fashioned oatmeal in 30 minutes or less. Fun, bite sized twist on this classic dinnertime staple that the whole family will love! This recipe also makes a great appetizer for parties, potlucks or any other large gathering.

    I’ve been making meatloaf with oatmeal for a long time. My mom used to make the best traditional meatloaf recipe with bread crumbs, but I’ve come to prefer the lighter, fluffier texture that oats provide. But I’ll confess that lately I’ve been a little bored with regular meatloaf, and so I’ve started baking these mini meatloaf muffins in muffin tins instead. And boy am I glad I did!

    closeup photo of mini meatloaf muffins sliced in half with a silver fork on a small white plate

    These bite sized meatloaf muffins are easy to make ahead of time for busy weeknights, and kids tend to like them better because they’re easier to eat. I can sneak just about any veggie into the meat mixture, and they’ll never notice! They also make a fun party appetizer or snack, and you can serve them up at potlucks or any other large gathering with all the fixin’s!

    meat loaf muffins ready to eat on a small white decorative saucer

    Ingredients & Substitutions Notes

    How to Make Easy Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

    Before getting started, preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease up your muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. If you don’t want to use a muffin tin, you can use these silicone muffin cups lined out on a large baking sheet instead!

    Mixing the Meatloaf

    1. Start by adding the ground beef, egg, onion and seasoned salt to a large mixing bowl, and mix with a large wooden spoon ’til well combined.
    2. Add the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce and oatmeal to the large bowl, mixing ’til evenly dispersed throughout the meat mixture.
    2 step photo collage showing how to make meatloaf muffins recipe in a large green mixing bowl

    How to Cook Meatloaf Muffins

    1. Use a spoon to scoop your meatloaf mixture into the greased muffin cups.
    2. Squirt ketchup all over the tops of each muffin and bake at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads at least 165ºF with a meat thermometer.
    2 step photo collage showing how to make meatloaf muffins recipe

    That’s it! Serve and enjoy these cute little mini meatloaf muffins with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes, sweet corn and honey glazed carrots!

    meatloaf muffins served up with mashed potatoes and green beans on a small white plate

    What to Serve With Meatloaf Muffins

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Is this recipe gluten free?

    Thankfully all of the ingredients in this recipe are usually gluten free. That said, I always recommend checking all of the ingredient labels over just to make sure!

    Can I make meatloaf muffins ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make meatloaf muffins ahead of time. Leftover meatloaf muffins will last up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also mix up the meat mixture, scoop it into your muffins tins, cover with plastic wrap and transfer those to the refrigerator to bake at a later date. Stored in the refrigerator, they should last up to 3-4 days before going bad.

    Can you freeze meatloaf muffins?

    Yes, meatloaf muffins freeze well! Leftovers can be placed into an airtight container or freezer bag and into the freezer for up to 3 months. If you prefer not to bake the muffins until you’re ready to eat, scoop the meatloaf mixture into the muffin tins, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for the about the same length of time.

    How do you reheat meatloaf muffins?

    You can reheat refrigerated leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 10-15 minutes, or ’til heated through. Keep in mind that you may need to add another 5-10 minutes when reheating from frozen. You can also reheat them in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes in a pinch, but this can sometimes cause them to become soggy. If baking raw meatloaf muffins that you prepped and stored ahead of time, follow the instructions given in the recipe card below.

    meatloaf muffins sliced in half and ready to eat on a small white plate with mashed potatoes and green beans

    Recipe Variations

    • Try adding different toppings. My mom always laid whole bacon strips across the top of her meatloaf before baking. You can also swap out the ketchup topping with barbecue sauce or a mixture of the two!
    • Use these mini meatloaf muffins to make the ultimate meatloaf sliders, sort of like my family’s favorite Philly cheesesteak sliders!
    • Looking for a keto meatloaf muffins recipe? Try using the meat mixture from this low carb meatloaf recipe to make low carb meatloaf muffins!

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Meatloaf Muffins

    Easy meatloaf muffins from scratch in 30 minutes or less. Bite sized twist on this classic dinnertime staple that the whole family will love!

    • Muffin Tins
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Large Wooden Spoon
    • Meat Thermometer
    • 1 pound Ground Beef
    • 1 Large Egg
    • 1/2 Yellow Onion (minced)
    • 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
    • 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • 1/4 cup Ketchup
    • 1/4 cup Barbecue Sauce
    • 1 cup Old-Fashioned Oats

    For the Topping

    • 1/4 cup Ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons Parsley

    1. Before getting started, preheat your oven to 350ºF, and grease up your muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

    2. Start by adding the ground beef, egg, onion and seasoned salt to a large mixing bowl, and mix with a large wooden spoon 'til well combined.

    3. Add the Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, barbecue sauce and oatmeal to the large bowl, mixing 'til evenly dispersed throughout the meat mixture.

    4. Use a spoon to scoop your meatloaf mixture into the greased muffin cups.

    5. Squirt an additional 1/4 cup ketchup all over the tops of each muffin and bake at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads at least 165ºF with a meat thermometer.

    6. That's it! Garnish with fresh parsley, serve and enjoy!

    How do you store leftover meatloaf muffins?

    I recommend storing your meatloaf muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

    Appetizer, Appetizers, dinner, Dinner Ideas, Meat & Seafood
    American, Appetizer, Dinner
    meat loaf muffins, meatloaf muffin recipe, meatloaf muffins, meatloaf muffins recipe
  • Easy & Fresh Mango Peach Salsa Recipe From Scratch

    Easy & Fresh Mango Peach Salsa Recipe From Scratch

    How to make a fresh and colorful mango peach salsa recipe from scratch. Sweet and savory, quick and easy side dish or appetizer with just the right amount of spice. This healthy and delicious spin on traditional salsa is perfect for the summer!

    It’s no secret that my family loves a good fresh tomato salsa. I mean, I put up a TON of salsa every year with fresh ingredients right out of the garden, but sometimes regular old salsa just gets old. We love fruit salsa, but sometimes we want something that’s not quite as sweet!

    peach mango salsa in a medium white serving bowl with tortilla chips

    That’s where mango peach salsa comes in. This fruity spin on tomato salsa is a great way to change things up every now and again, and it’s really easy to make! Not only does it make a great party appetizer, but it also goes great on all the Tex-Mex fixins’, including ground beef tacos, Mexican pizza, chicken fajitas or chicken quesadillas.

    Why You’ll Love This Fruit Salsa Recipe

    • This recipe makes the easiest side dish or appetizer I know. It uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that you can get at almost any local grocery store.
    • Peach mango salsa is sweet and savory with just the right amount of spice. This fresh and colorful spin on traditional salsa will have everyone coming back for more!
    • If you’re looking for a great Game Day snack or appetizer, then look no further. Everybody loves chips and salsa, and this recipe makes a quick, healthy snack that you can mix up in 15 minutes or less. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly!
    • It’s also great for parties, holidays, family gatherings and your favorite weeknight Tex-Mex meals.
    • You can make peach mango salsa ahead of time. It will stay good for nearly a week in the refrigerator, and it freezes well. In fact, letting it set in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight will significantly improve the flavor.
    • It’s great for kids! My kids will absolutely devour a jar of fruit salsa any time, anywhere.
    • You don’t have to use peaches and mangos for this recipe. In fact, you can use in any fruit or veggie you want. Fruit salsa is so versatile!
    peach mango salsa ingredients lined out on a white countertop

    Ingredients & Substitutions Notes

    This recipe uses pretty simple ingredients. You may already have most of what you need on hand…

    • Peaches & Mangos – You can use fresh, frozen or canned fruit for this recipe. For the sake of ease I usually just use canned peaches and mangos. No washing, no peeling and really no fuss.
    • Cherry Tomatoes – I prefer to use diced cherry tomatoes in fruit salsa. The higher sugar content in cherry tomatoes actually pairs really well with the sweetness of most fruits. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, both grape tomatoes and roma tomatoes work good too.
    • Bell Peppers – You can actually use whatever peppers you want, but I prefer red and yellow bell peppers for their extra sweetness.
    • Red Onion – Red onions work best for this recipe. They have beautiful color and a mild flavor, which makes them a good pick for most recipes that call for fresh onion.
    • Jalapenos – I like to toss in a couple of seeded and diced up, fresh jalapeño peppers for just a hint of spice. If you don’t care for spicy foods, you can choose to omit them entirely. You can also add diced serrano peppers, chile peppers, habanero peppers, chipotle peppers, poblano peppers and even banana peppers. If you prefer sweet over spicy, maybe go for mini sweet peppers instead. Get creative!
    • Cilantro – Fresh cilantro gives the best flavor, but you can also substitute dried cilantro if that’s all you have on hand. If you use dried cilantro, remember to use roughly half of what you would use fresh. This recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, so you would want to use 2 tablespoons of dried cilantro.
    • Juiced Lime – The juice from 1/2 of a fresh lime adds great zesty flavor to just about any fruit salsa. Although fresh limes are usually better, you can also just use about 1 tablespoon of bottled lime juice instead.
    • Kosher Salt – I like to use a coarse kosher salt for this recipe. The larger crystal size takes longer to dissolve into the salsa, which can help to distribute the salt more uniformly.
    • Garlic Cloves – You’ll need to mince up a couple garlic cloves for this peach and mango salsa. Sometimes I cheat and use already minced garlic from the store instead.

    How to Make Mango Peach Salsa

    Peach and mango salsa is pretty easy to make. It never takes more than about 15 minutes…

    Prepping the Ingredients

    Before getting started, the peaches, mangos, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, jalapenos, cilantro and garlic cloves will all need to be finely diced with a large knife or vegetable chopper. If you don’t know how to dice, here’s a handy guide on how to cut a pepper, which includes step by step instructions for dicing just about any fruit or veggie on a cutting board. Of course, you can also just pulse everything a few times in a food processor if you have one.

    Don’t forget to slice your bell peppers and jalapeno peppers in half and use a spoon to scrape the seeds out before you dice them up! You can skip this step if you prefer a spicier salsa.

    diced up fruits and veggies on a large wooden cutting board ready to make a batch of peach mango salsa

    Last but not least, you’ll also need to squeeze out the juice from 1/2 of a fresh lime. If you don’t know how, here’s a great guide on how to juice a lime. It’s super easy!

    How to Make the Salsa

    1. Once you’ve gotten all of your ingredients prepped, add everything, excluding the minced garlic, to a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together with a large wooden spoon, ’til all of the ingredients have come together.
    2. Next, go ahead and add your minced garlic to the large bowl and mix again until everything is fully combined.
    3. Be sure to give it a taste test after you’ve mixed everything together. You can add more salt, lime juice or jalapeno peppers to taste, as needed.
    4. Serve and enjoy with your favorite crackers or tortilla chips! This is the best peach mango salsa, and it makes the perfect snack, side dish or appetizer to feed a crowd.
    4 step collage showing how to make peach mango salsa recipe

    What to Serve with Mango Peach Salsa

    Don’t know how to serve peach mango salsa? Here are some ways that my family likes to serve it…

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Is mango peach salsa spicy?

    Thanks to the jalapeno, this fruit salsa has just the right balance of sweetness to spiciness. It’s just spicy enough, but it’s not so overpowering that you’ll have to drown your mouth out with water to cool it down afterward. If you don’t like spicy food, you can drop the jalapenos from this recipe altogether.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make peach mango salsa ahead of time. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover salsa should keep for up to 5-7 days. In fact, letting it set in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving may improve the flavor!

    Can you freeze fruit salsa?

    Yes, you can freeze this mango peach salsa. Store it in an airtight container or scoop it into plastic freezer bags, and it should keep in the freezer for 1-2 months. Be sure to pull it out and set it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before serving.

    mango peach salsa in a medium white serving bowl

    Optional Add-Ins and Recipe Variations

    Here are a few ways you can spruce your fruit salsa up a little bit…

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Mango Peach Salsa

    Fresh and colorful mango peach salsa recipe from scratch. Sweet and savory, quick and easy appetizer with just the right amount of spice!

    • Cutting Board
    • Large Knife
    • Vegetable Chopper
    • Food Processor
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Large Wooden Spoon
    • 15 ounces Peaches (finely diced)
    • 15 ounces Mangos (finely diced)
    • 10 ounces Cherry Tomatoes (finely diced)
    • 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper (finely diced)
    • 1/2 cup Yellow Bell Pepper (finely diced)
    • 1/4 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
    • 1-2 Jalapenos (seeded and finely diced)
    • 4 tablespoons Cilantro (finely chopped)
    • 1/2 Lime (juiced)
    • 1/4 teaspoon Coarse Kosher Salt
    • 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)

    1. Before getting started, go ahead and get your ingredients prepped. You'll need to use a large knife, a vegetable chopper or food processor to dice up the peaches, mangos, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers*, red onion, jalapenos*, cilantro and garlic cloves. You'll also want to squeeze the juice out of 1/2 of a fresh lime.

    2. Once you've gotten all of your ingredients prepped, add everything, excluding the minced garlic, to a large mixing bowl, and stir it all together with a large wooden spoon 'til all of the ingredients have come together.

    3. Next, go ahead and add your minced garlic to the bowl and mix again until everything is fully combined.

    4. Be sure to give it a taste test after you've mixed everything together. You can add more salt, lime juice or jalapeno peppers to taste, as needed.

    5. Serve and enjoy with your favorite crackers or tortilla chips!

    *Unless you prefer a super spicy salsa, I recommend slicing your bell peppers and jalapeno peppers in half, and then use a spoon to scrape the seeds out before you dice them up. 

    How should I store mango peach salsa?

    Peach and mango salsa stores best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

     

     

    Appetizer, Appetizers, dinner, Dinner Ideas, Side Dish
    American, Appetizer, Side Dish, Side Dish or Appetizer, Tex-Mex
    Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
    mango peach salsa, mango peach salsa recipe, peach and mango salsa, peach mango salsa
  • Best Ever Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the Oven

    Best Ever Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the Oven

    How to make juicy and flavorful garlic parmesan chicken skewers in the oven that are perfectly tender with a crisp, crunchy bite on the outside. Easy weeknight dinner recipe that you can make to feed a crowd in 30 minutes or less with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.

    If you like baked chicken drumsticks, you’ll love these easy garlic parmesan kabobs. They’re so easy to make, and you can make them out of just about anything. My family loves maple bourbon marinated grilled shrimp kabobs, and sometimes we even make fruit kabobs!

    garlic parm chicken skewers stacked up in a deep dish white rectangular platter

    I think these garlic parmesan chicken skewers will be a great addition to my summertime recipe repertoire. I can’t think of a better appetizer to serve up alongside CrockPot hot dogs, homemade bacon cheeseburgers, and corn on the cob.

    Why I Know You’ll Love This Recipe

    • It’s quick and easy. You can make these garlic parmesan kabobs in 30 minutes or less, and this recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
    • I’ll show you how to bake chicken skewers in the oven, but you can also cook them in the air fryer or even on the grill.
    • These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are tender and juicy with a perfectly crisp, crunchy bite on the outside. This is a truly mouthwatering dish.
    • They’re full of cheesy garlic flavor, and the savory goodness of parmesan cheese makes this the best appetizer to feed a crowd.
    • This recipe is perfect for all of your summertime parties and events, including backyard BBQ’s, Memorial Day and even the 4th of July.
    • The best part is that you can prep your garlic parmesan chicken skewers ahead of time with a flavorful marinade, and store them up in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is great if you’re making your kabobs alongside other dishes to feed a lot of people.
    garlic parmesan chicken skewers ingredients lined out on a bright white countertop

    Ingredients & Substitutions Notes

    • Chicken – I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken thighs because they are more tender and flavorful due to the higher fat content. That said, boneless skinless chicken breasts will work just fine too.
    • Butter – You’ll need to melt unsalted butter for this recipe.
    • Parsley – I recommend using chopped fresh parsley for the best flavor, but you can also use dried parsley if that’s all you have on hand. If you go this route, a good rule of thumb is to use about 1/3 of the amount of dried parsley as you would fresh parsley.
    • Parmesan Cheese – You’ll want grated parmesan cheese for this recipe.
    • Garlic – Fresh, minced garlic cloves are always best. Sometimes I cheat and buy already minced garlic from the store. The richness of garlic adds a lot of flavor to this recipe.
    • Lemon Juice – You can squeeze your lemon juice from fresh lemons, but I just use bottled lemon juice from the store.
    • Kosher Salt – It’s important that you use a coarse kosher salt to make this recipe. Kosher salt is usually best when you’re mixing up any kind of seasoning, because it has a uniformly large crystal size that distributes much more evenly throughout the other spices.
    • Spices – Don’t be fooled by the spices; these garlic parmesan chicken skewers aren’t spicy at all! But you will need some garlic powder, paprika, onion powder and ground black pepper for this recipe.

    How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

    If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, I recommend placing them in water to soak about 20 minutes before getting started with this recipe; this just helps the chicken to slide on easier later on. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

    Set your oven to preheat to 400ºF, and line 2 13×9 baking sheets with parchment paper. Let’s get started…

    Assembling Your Chicken Skewers

    1. Start by using a large knife to slice your chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces on a large cutting board. Set aside.
    2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic cloves, lemon juice, kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and ground black pepper until well combined. 
    3. Place the cubed chicken onto the skewers and transfer to the butter sauce. Keep a little room between each piece of chicken so they will cook evenly.
    4. With clean hands rub the butter mixture over the chicken before transferring to your parchment paper-lined baking sheets. I like to use a large, deep dish rectangular platter for this step.
    4 photo collage showing how to make and marinate garlic parm chicken skewers

    Alternatively, if you’re looking to make this recipe ahead of time, you could mix up the cubed chicken and the butter mixture together in a large mixing bowl. Then cover your bowl with plastic wrap and transfer into the refrigerator to marinate for a few hours or even overnight.

    When you’re ready to bake, simply slide your marinated chicken onto the skewers and put them in the oven. You’ll have the most delectable garlic parmesan chicken skewers.

    How to Bake Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

    1. Once your chicken skewers are well coated and placed onto the baking sheets, bake them in the oven at 400ºF for about 5 minutes, ’til golden brown.
    2. After 5 minutes has passed, use a pair of tongs to flip your chicken skewers, and let them bake on the other side for an additional 5 minutes of cooking time.
    3. Once the juices on the baking sheet run clear and the internal temperature of the chicken pieces reads 165ºF with a meat thermometer, you can pull your garlic parmesan chicken skewers out of the oven and serve!
    3 photo collage showing how to make garlic parmesan chicken skewers

    If you’ve never made chicken kebobs before, you may be somewhat perplexed as to how to eat them! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. The best way to do this is by eating the chicken right off the skewer, or you can use a fork to slide them off onto a plate before serving.

    closeup photo of holding up a freshly baked garlic parmesan chicken kabob over a large silver baking sheet full of garlic parm chicken kabobs

    I like to serve my chicken skewers topped off with a fresh batch of mango peach salsa, and my kids love this fruit salsa recipe!

    What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

    Not sure what to serve with your chicken skewers? Here are a few ideas that come to mind…

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Can I cook chicken skewers in the air fryer?

    Yes, you can cook garlic parmesan chicken skewers in the air fryer. Line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper, and then transfer your prepped chicken skewers to the basket. Cook at 400ºF for about 5 minutes. Flip your skewers and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF with a meat thermometer.

    Can I grill parmesan garlic chicken skewers?

    Yes, you can also cook your chicken kabobs on any kind of grill. You’ll want to preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, and then cook your chicken skewers for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Serve and enjoy!

    Why are my chicken skewers dry?

    You probably overcooked them. Remember, you only have to cook your chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. If you cook them any longer than this, the chicken will dry out and become tough and chewy. That said, chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts, so the thighs will be more forgiving if you accidentally overcook your skewers.

    How should I store leftovers garlic parmesan chicken skewers?

    Leftover chicken skewers are best stored in an airtight container or zip-loc bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat your chicken skewers at 350ºF on a large baking sheet in the oven ’til warm.

    garlic parmesan chicken kabobs ready to serve on a deep dish white rectangular platter

    Recipe Variations

    Here are a few fun ideas as to how you can make garlic parmesan chicken skewers even more interesting…

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

    How to make the best ever garlic parmesan chicken skewers in the oven. Easy weeknight dinner recipe that you can make in 30 minutes or less!

    • Skewers
    • 13×9 Baking Sheets
    • Parchment Paper
    • Large Knife
    • Large Cutting Board
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Whisk
    • Tongs
    • Meat Thermometer
    • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
    • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
    • 10 Garlic Cloves (minced)
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
    • 1/8 teaspoon Coarse Kosher Salt
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Paprika
    • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

    1. Before getting started, preheat your oven to 400ºF, and line 2 13×9 baking sheets with parchment paper.*

    2. Start by using a large knife to slice your chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes on a large cutting board. Set aside.

    3. In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, parsley, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and ground black pepper until well combined. 

    4. Slide the cubed chicken onto the skewers and transfer to the butter mixture. Keep a little room between each piece of chicken so they will cook evenly.

    5. With clean hands rub the butter mixture over the chicken before transferring to your parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

    6. Once your chicken skewers are well coated and placed onto the baking sheets, bake them in the oven at 400ºF for about 5 minutes, 'til golden brown

    7. After 5 minutes has passed, use a pair of tongs to flip your chicken skewers, and let them bake on the other side for an additional 5 minutes.

    8. Once the juices on the baking sheet run clear and the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165ºF with a meat thermometer, you can pull your garlic parmesan chicken skewers out of the oven.

    9. Serve and enjoy!

    *If you’re using wooden skewers, I recommend placing them in water to soak about 20 minutes before getting started with this recipe; this just helps the chicken to slide on easier later on.

    How should I store leftovers garlic parmesan chicken skewers?

    Leftover chicken skewers are best stored in an airtight container or zip-loc bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat your chicken skewers at 350ºF on a large baking sheet in the oven ’til warm.

    Appetizer, Appetizers, dinner, Dinner Ideas, Meat & Seafood, Poultry & Chicken Recipes
    American, Appetizer, Dinner
    garlic parm chicken skewers, garlic parmesan chicken kabobs, garlic parmesan chicken skewers, parmesan garlic chicken skewers
  • Loaded Chili Cheese Fries in a Cast Iron Skillet

    Loaded Chili Cheese Fries in a Cast Iron Skillet

    How to make loaded chili cheese fries in a cast iron skillet with crispy homemade French fries and canned chili. Easy, budget-friendly recipe that makes the best Game Day or party appetizer, and you can make it in 30 minutes or less!

    My kids love my homemade chili cheese dip, and it’s not hard to imagine that they also love chili cheese fries! Although I’ve made these crispy seasoned steak fries for years now, I’ve never actually made homemade chili cheese fries until now. Boy am I glad that I did!

    loaded chili cheese fries with shredded cheese and green onions in a large black cast iron skillet

    You can make this easy chili cheese fries recipe at home on the stovetop, but we love to make it in a cast iron skillet over the campfire. It makes such an easy meal when we’re out camping in the boonies, and the campfire gives it an even richer, smoky taste that is out of this world delicious!

    If you are making this over the campfire, you may benefit from reading through my campfire cooking equipment guide. You may also want to skim through these 6 quick and easy tips for campfire cooking.

    Why You’ll Definitely Want to Make This Recipe

    • This recipe is easy to make with simple, budget friendly ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
    • Believe it or not, I usually make this easy recipe over the campfire, but you can also make it right at home in the oven.
    • Loaded chili cheese fries are the ultimate comfort food. They’re chock full of melty, cheesy goodness and a rich, smoky flavor that comes from the campfire.
    • I use homemade crispy French fries for best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen French fries from the store for the sake of ease.
    • Chili cheese fries are the perfect Game Day or party appetizer. They also make a great movie night snack!
    • This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite cheeses and toppings. It’s so simple and easy to swap out or add in ingredients based on your preferences.
    holding a crispy French fry over top of a large black cast iron skillet full of chili cheese fries

    Ingredients Notes & Substitutions

    This recipe uses simple ingredients, so you may already have what you need…

    How to Make Chili Cheese Fries

    If you’re making campfire chili cheese fries, start by getting a good fire going. It’ll need to burn down to hot coals before you cook the French fries. You’ll probably also want to use a campfire grill to set a large cast iron skillet up over the hot coals.

    Once the fire has burned down to hot coals, pour about 1/4 inch of oil in the large skillet, and set it on the campfire grill over top of the coals to pre-heat. You want your oil to reach 325º before adding the potatoes.

    large black cast iron skillet on top of a campfire grill over a hot campfire

    You may need to move the coals off to the side to keep the pan from getting too hot, rotating the skillet 90º every now and again to promote even heating. I like to keep a small camping shovel on hand to move the coals or add more hot coals as necessary.

    If you’re making classic chili cheese fries at home in the oven, just pour about 1/4 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet and heat it over a medium-high flame on the stovetop. Again, you want your oil to reach right about 325ºF before adding the potatoes, so adjust the heat as necessary.

    Prep the Potatoes

    While waiting on your cast iron skillet to heat up, it’s time to get your potatoes prepped and seasoned.

    1. Start by washing the potatoes, and use a small paring knife to cut out any bad spots.
    2. Next, cut use a large chef’s knife to cut your potatoes lengthwise into 1/4″ wide strips.
    3. Then cut each strip into uniformly-sized 1/4″ matchsticks, as shown in the picture below.
    4. Finally, toss the sliced potatoes with the pinch of salt, pepper and about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large bowl.
    5. Once everything is well-coated, it’s time to cook your French fries.
    slicing up russet potatoes to make crispy homemade French fries

    How to Make Crispy French Fries

    1. As soon as your oil has reached 325ºF, drop the seasoned potato slices into the skillet, and cook them over a medium-high heat until crispy and tender, stirring often. This usually takes about 15-25 minutes.
    2. While your fries are cooking, pour the chili into a separate cast iron skillet and place it on the campfire grill to heat up, ’til hot and bubbly. I really like this small Dutch oven for this.
    2 step collage showing, 1. crispy French fries cooking in a large black cast iron skillet on a campfire grill over the campfire; 2. can of chili on top of a campfire grill next to a large black cast iron skillet

    If you’re making this recipe at home, you can just heat the chili in a microwave-safe bowl on high setting in the microwave for a few minutes, until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, you can also heat it in a medium-size saucepan on medium heat on the stovetop for a few minutes.

    How to Make Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

    Once the fries are done cooking, you’ll need to drain the oil. However you do this, NEVER drain the oil near or over the fire. This will start a grease fire. Take your skillet away from the fire and drain the oil responsibly.

    crispy French fries cooking in a cast iron skillet on a campfire grill over a bed of hot coals

    French fries are fully cooked when they’re crisp and tender. Drain the oil by holding the fries to the side of the skillet with a paper towel, while at the same time tipping the pan over to the opposite side as the grease flows right on out. Mop up any remaining oil with the same paper towel.

    Finally, pour the hot chili over the golden brown fries. Generously sprinkle your favorite cheese over top of the chili fries, and then add the toppings over the melted cheese. I like to serve my chili cheese fries with a big dollop of sour cream on top!

    forkful of French fries with chili cheese over top of a large cast iron skillet full of chili cheese fries

    What to Serve with Chili Cheese Fries

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Can I make vegan chili cheese fries?

    Yes, you can easily make vegan chili cheese fries. You’ll want to find vegan canned chili without beans, or you can make this homemade vegan chili instead of homemade beef chili. There are tons of plant-based cheeses available at the grocery store nowadays, and of course, you’ll want to use only vegan-approved toppings. As always, be sure to check all of your ingredients over to ensure that they are truly vegan!

    What causes soggy chili cheese fries?

    Assuming that you followed the recipe exactly, this most likely happened because your chili is too watery. If this is the case, use a thicker chili or serve the chili and toppings separately alongside the fries.

    On the other hand, you may have cooked the fries at too low of a temperature, resulting in soggy, oily French fries. Try to maintain a frying oil temperature of 325ºF at all times, and don’t forget to drain the oil out of the pan after the fries have fully cooked.

    Can I make chili cheese fries ahead of time?

    I don’t recommend making this recipe ahead of time. For the best results, chili cheese fries are best served immediately, or else they will become soggy after a while.

    If you’re using homemade chili, you can make the chili ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Then add the leftover chili and fresh toppings to your French fries when ready. This is a great way to do it if you’re out camping.

    chili cheese fries with shredded cheese and green onions in a large black cast iron skillet

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Chili Cheese Fries

    Loaded chili cheese fries with crispy French fries and canned chili. Easy Game Day appetizer that you can make in 30 minutes or less!

    • Campfire Grill
    • Large Cast Iron Skillet
    • Paring Knife
    • Chef's Knife
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Camping Shovel
    • 1 Qt Dutch oven
    • Paper Towels
    • 3 Russet potatoes
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 15 oz. canned chili (no beans)
    • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 3 green onions (chopped)

    How to Make Chili Cheese Fries on the Stovetop

    1. Start by pouring about 1/4 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet and heat it over a medium-high flame on the stovetop. Again, you want the oil to reach right about 325ºF before adding the potatoes.

    2. While you're waiting on your cast iron skillet to heat up, wash the potatoes and use a small paring knife to cut out any bad spots.

    3. Next, cut use a large chef's knife to cut your washed potatoes lengthwise into 1/4" wide strips.

    4. Then cut each strip into uniformly-sized 1/4" matchsticks.

    5. Toss your French fries with the salt, pepper and about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large bowl.

    6. Once your oil has reached 325ºF, drop the seasoned potato slices into the cast iron skillet, and cook them over a medium-high heat until crispy and tender, about 15-25 minutes. Keep them stirred with a wooden spoon, and adjust the heat as necessary to keep that temperature right around 325ºF.

    7. While the French fries are cooking, heat the chili up in a microwave-safe bowl on high setting in the microwave for a few minutes, until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, you can also heat it in a medium saucepan over a medium heat on the stovetop.

    8. Once your French fries are crisp and tender, remove the skillet from the heat and drain out as much oil as possible. I like to hold the French fries to the side of the skillet with a paper towel while tipping the pan over to the opposite side and letting the grease flow right on out.*

    9. Finally, go ahead and pour the hot chili over the fries. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese and green onions over top of chili, as well as any other toppings you may use.

    10. Serve and enjoy with a big dollop of sour cream!

    How to Make Chili Cheese Fries Over the Campfire

    1. Start by getting your fire going. You'll want to let it burn down to hot coals before you cook your French fries.

    2. Once your coals are ready to go, pour about 1/4 inch of oil in your skillet and set it on your campfire grill over top of the coals to pre-heat.* You want to get your oil up to about 325ºF.

    3. Wash, slice, season and cook the potatoes exactly as described in the stovetop chili cheese fries instructions above.

    4. While the French fries are cooking, pour your chili into a the small Dutch oven and place it on top of the campfire grill to heat up, until hot and bubbly.

    5. Once your French fries are crisp and tender, remove them from the heat and drain out the oil. Then pour on the hot chili, shredded cheese and toppings as described above.

    *NEVER drain your grease anywhere near a fire. This will create a grease fire. It’s always best to take the skillet away from the fire and drain the oil responsibly.

    *If you are making chili cheese fries over the fire, it may be necessary to move the coals off to the side to keep your skillet from getting too hot. If you do this, be sure to rotate the skillet 90º every so often to promote even heating as everything cooks. 

    How do you store chili cheese fries?

    I don’t recommend making this recipe ahead of time. Chili cheese fries are best served immediately, or else they will become soggy after a while.

     

    Appetizer, Appetizers, Camping, Camping Recipes, Side Dish
    American, Appetizer, Side Dish, Side Dish or Appetizer
    chili cheese fries, chili cheese fries recipe, french fries chili cheese, fries chili cheese, loaded chili cheese fries
  • Easy Apple Cheese and Crackers Snacks

    Easy Apple Cheese and Crackers Snacks

    Top crackers with apple slices and cheddar to make apple cheese and crackers, an easy snack and appetizer idea both grown-ups and kids will love! They’re the perfect bite-sized finger food for your next party or get together with friends.

    I love the sweet and salty blend the flavors of this snack bring to the table. Who knew such a simple snack could be so good?

    apple cheese and crackers stacked on wooden cutting board

    Why You’ll Love This Appetizer Too

    • They’re super easy to make; you can throw them together in minutes.
    • You only need 4 ingredients to make them.
    • They’re the perfect bite-sized finger food for a sweet and salty snack, or rather a simple appetizer you can serve at a party or get together.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Ritz Crackers – You can also use gluten-free entertainment crackers.
    • Cheddar Cheese – While I prefer extra sharp cheddar, you can switch this up and try other types of cheese, as well. Cheddar, Brie, and smoked cheddar pair well with a sweeter apple; another cheese like Gouda or goat cheese might pair better with a more tart apple.
    • Apples – When it comes to the best kind of apples, I prefer to use whatever I can get instore… Some of my favorites are Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, and JonaGold. You can also use Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Granny Smith is going to be really tart; Pink Lady is a combination of sweet and tart.
    • Cream Cheese

    How to Make Apple Cheese and Crackers

    Before you put these tasty snacks together, be sure to slice up the apples and cheese. Then just do this…

    1. Layer a slice of cheddar cheese, a thin slice of apple, and about a teaspoon of cream cheese between 2 Ritz crackers, forming a crispy sweet and salty sandwich.
    stacking apple slice and cheddar with cream cheese on Ritz crackers
    1. Repeat the steps above with the rest of the Ritz crackers, and place all the apple cheese and crackers on a serving platter for serving.
    making cheese and crackers with apples stack on wooden cutting board

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Can I make this snack ahead of time?

    Because it’s such a quick snack to make, I wouldn’t recommend making it ahead of time; I’d make it right before serving, because you risk the apples turning brown and not looking very pretty or edible. Now you can slice up the cheese ahead of time, or buy pre-sliced cheese that’s ready to go, to make it even quicker.

    How should I store leftovers?

    I’d store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; the cream cheese, cheese, and apples need to be refrigerated.

    cheddar apple crackers on wooden cutting board

    More Easy Snack Recipes

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Apple Cheese and Crackers

    Top crackers with apple slices and cheddar to make apple cheese and crackers, an easy snack and appetizer idea grown-ups and kids will love!

    • 24 Ritz crackers
    • 12 slices cheddar cheese
    • 2 large apples (washed, peeled, and thinly sliced)
    • 4 tablespoons cream cheese

    1. Layer a slice of cheddar cheese, a thin slice of apple, and about a teaspoon of cream cheese between 2 Ritz crackers, forming a crispy sweet and salty sandwich.

    2. Repeat the steps above with the rest of the Ritz crackers, and place all the apple cheese and crackers on a serving platter for serving.

    Cheese – While I prefer extra sharp cheddar, you can switch this up and try other types of cheese, as well. Cheddar, Brie, and smoked cheddar pair well with a sweeter apple; another cheese like Gouda or goat cheese might pair better with a more tart apple.

    Apples – When it comes to the best kind of apples, I prefer to use whatever I can get instore… Some of my favorites are Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, and JonaGold. You can also use Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Granny Smith is going to be really tart; Pink Lady is a combination of sweet and tart.

    Can I make this snack ahead of time?

    Because it’s such a quick snack to make, I wouldn’t recommend making it ahead of time; I’d make it right before serving, because you risk the apples turning brown and not looking very pretty or edible. Now you can slice up the cheese ahead of time, or buy pre-sliced cheese that’s ready to go, to make it even quicker.

    How should I store leftovers?

    I’d store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; the cream cheese, cheese, and apples need to be refrigerated.

    Appetizers
    American
    apple cheese and crackers, apples and cheese, cheese and crackers
  • Easy Dill Pickle Ham Roll Ups

    Easy Dill Pickle Ham Roll Ups

    Whip up a batch of dill pickle ham roll ups in 10 minutes or less. These easy to make pinwheels make the best snacks and perfect party appetizers. All you need are 4 ingredients!

    Ham and dill pickle pinwheels are so yummy, I challenge you to try and stop at just one. They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for a party platter.

    dill pickle ham roll ups on wooden cutting board

    Why You’ll Love This Appetizer

    • Ham and dill pickle roll ups are super quick and easy to make. You can make a platter full of pinwheels in 10 minutes or less.
    • There are only 4 ingredients, and you likely already have them in your pantry or fridge.
    • These pinwheels are cheap to make. You can get a lot of pinwheels out of minimal ingredients.
    • They’re easy to change up. You can substitute or add in certain ingredients for different flavors and textures.

    Ingredient Notes

    Dill pickle rollups are made with 4 simple ingredients…

    • Flour Tortillas – You can use regular flour tortillas or gluten-free tortillas. Or you can use no tortillas at all, and just wrap everything up in the ham.
    • Cream Cheese – I recommend a full fat cream cheese, just regular ole Philadelphia cream cheese works great. The creamier, the better. You can also use a flavored cream cheese like chive and onion cream cheese; or add a bit of Ranch dressing or horseradish to give it a little kick.
    • Dill Pickles – You can also substitute sweet pickles or bread ‘n’ butter pickles.
    • Deli Ham – I prefer to use honey ham because I think it’s the best ham for pickle roll ups; but you can also use smoked ham or Black Forest ham. If you don’t like ham, try shaved turkey, roast beef, or chicken.
    • Other Options – You can add cheddar cheese; smoked cheese would be delicious. I like to also sprinkle green onions in our dill pickle ham roll ups.

    You’ll find a complete ingredient list with measurements in the pickle roll ups recipe card below.

    How to Make Dill Pickle Ham Roll Ups

    Follow these steps to whip up a batch of dill pickle wraps with ham in just a few minutes…

    1. Spread the cream cheese onto a flour tortilla. Then add 2 long, thinly sliced dill pickles (we prefer to use pickle spears, but you can also chop or dice up pickle rounds). Then add 2 slices of thinly sliced ham on top.
    how to make dill pickle rollups using flour tortilla, cream cheese, ham, and dill pickle spears
    1. Roll up the tortilla, making sure to wrap it tightly. Then slice into 1-inch slices, or pinwheels.
    2. Place the pinwheels on a serving platter, and serve.
    how to roll and slice dill pickle ham roll ups for serving on plate

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Tip: Be sure to dry your pickles with a clean kitchen towel (or paper towel) before adding to the rollups; that way, you don’t do like me and have a big puddle of pickle juice that will likely make your pickle wraps soggy.

    Can you pre-make pinwheels?

    Yes, you most certainly can. You can make these up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge ’til ready to serve. However, I recommend you wait to slice them right before serving.

    How should you store leftover pinwheels?

    Place leftovers in an airtight container, and store in the fridge. They should keep for about 3-4 days.

    ham and dill pickle pinwheels piled on wooden cutting board

    More Tasty Bite-Sized Appetizers

    This recipe is also included in my list of top 3 super easy appetizer recipes anyone can make.

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Dill Pickle Ham Roll Ups

    Whip up a batch of dill pickle ham roll ups in 10 minutes or less. These easy to make pinwheels make perfect snacks and party appetizers.

    • 2 medium flour tortillas
    • 8 tablespoons cream cheese
    • 2 dill pickles (spears)
    • 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)

    1. Spread the cream cheese onto the flour tortillas.

    2. Add 2 long, thinly sliced dill pickles to each tortilla.

    3. Then add 2 slices of thinly sliced ham on top.

    4. Roll up the tortilla, making sure to wrap it tightly. Then slice into 1-inch slices, or pinwheels.

    5. Place the pinwheels on a serving platter, and serve.

    I like to also sprinkle green onions in our ham and dill pickle pinwheels.

    Tip: Be sure to dry your pickles with a clean kitchen towel (or paper towel) before adding to the rollups; that way, you don’t do like me and have a big puddle of pickle juice that will likely make your pickle wraps soggy.

    Can you pre-make pinwheels?

    Yes, you most certainly can. You can make these up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge ’til ready to serve. However, I recommend you wait to slice them right before serving.

    How should you store leftover pinwheels?

    Place leftovers in an airtight container, and store in the fridge. They should keep for about 3-4 days.

    Appetizers
    American
    cream cheese pinwheels, dill pickle ham roll ups, dill pickle rollups, dill pickle wraps with ham, ham and dill pickle pinwheels, ham and dill pickle roll ups, pickle roll ups recipe, pinwheels
  • Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese Appetizer

    Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese Appetizer

    All you need are 4 ingredients to make bacon wrapped apples with cheese. They’re insanely delicious, and they make an easy appetizer recipe that’s absolutely perfect for your next party or get-together.

    bacon wrapped apples with cheese on wooden cutting board

    Why You’ll Love This Appetizer

    • They’re super easy to make. Only thing you have to cook is the bacon; slice up some apples and cheese, and you’re good to go!
    • They’re so tasty with sweet and salty flavor!
    • They’re a finger food that’s perfect for both kids and adults!

    Ingredient Notes

    You only need 4 simple ingredients…

    • Bacon – I just use regular breakfast bacon strips we’ve baked in the oven or fried in a pan. You’ll need warm, freshly cooked bacon for this, ready to wrap without breaking.
    • Cream Cheese – This ingredient is totally optional, but it definitely gives the appetizer a creamy effect. It’s so delicious.
    • Cheddar Cheese – We prefer to use extra sharp.
    • Apples – Slice up your favorite kind of apples for a sweeter or more tart flavor. I love a good, crisp apple like Honeycrisp for this recipe.

    You’ll find a complete ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.

    How to Make Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese

    1. Layer about a teaspoon of cream cheese on the end of a piece of bacon. Then add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the cream cheese.
    2. Add an apple slice on top.
    3. Then wrap everything tightly in the bacon.
    steps for how to make bacon wrapped apples and cheese on wooden cutting board

    And that’s it! Place on a platter or in a container for serving. These finger-sized bites are the perfect mix of sweet and salty, along with a bit of smoky savory goodness from the bacon.

    apple cheese bacon appetizer on white plate

    More Deliciously Easy Appetizers to Go with These

    This recipe is also included in my list of top 3 super easy appetizer recipes anyone can make.

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese

    All you need are 4 ingredients to make bacon wrapped apples with cheese. Insanely delicious, easy appetizer recipe, perfect for a party.

    • 12 slices bacon (fully cooked)
    • 12 slices cheddar cheese
    • 2 whole apples (sliced thinly)
    • 4 tablespoons cream cheese

    1. Layer about a teaspoon of cream cheese on the end of a piece of bacon. Then add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the cream cheese.

    2. Add an apple slice on top.

    3. Then wrap everything tightly in the bacon.

    4. Place the bacon wrapped apples and cheese on a serving platter and serve.

    *We prefer to use Honeycrisp apples for their crispness, as well as extra sharp cheddar cheese. A smoked cheddar or Gouda would also be delicious.

    Appetizers
    American
    apple cheese bacon appetizer, apples and cheese, bacon wrapped apples and cheese, bacon wrapped apples with cheese
  • Easy Chili Cheese Dip {Microwave, Oven, or CrockPot}

    Easy Chili Cheese Dip {Microwave, Oven, or CrockPot}

    How to make amazing chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, oven, or CrockPot. Easy, homemade, crowd favorite appetizer recipe!

    A good dip recipe makes the perfect appetizer for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a tailgating party or a baby shower, this chili cream cheese dip definitely fits the bill for any and all occasions. It would make the perfect appetizer to serve alongside slow cooker hot dogs!

    chili cheese dip, topped with avocado, cilantro, and fresh diced tomatoes, in cast iron skillet on wooden cutting board with corn chips

    Now, you can make this a Hormel chili cheese dip with Hormel chili; or you can make homemade chili. We’ll talk about the type of chili you want to use below, whether you want beans or no beans and why or why not.

    What I love about this chili dip is we can make it in about 5 minutes using the microwave; or we can take a little longer and use the oven or slow cooker. It’s so easy to just throw all the ingredients together and cook it.

    All you need are 5 ingredients, and then a few toppings to make it even more delicious. Tortilla chips, crackers, or raw vegetables on the side, and you’ve got the makings of a crowd-favorite game day appetizer that’s right up there with my favorite chili cheese fries!

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my dip making tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the chili cheese dip recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    LET’S TALK INGREDIENTS

    Cream Cheese: While I prefer to use a full-fat cream cheese, you can use the low-fat kind, or Neufchatel cheese. It won’t change too much about the dip besides making it slightly less creamy.

    Chili without Beans: Choosing the right chili is all about what you like. You can use any canned chili or homemade chili with or without beans. Hormel chili is one of the most popular chilis to use, and it comes with or without beans. While beans are high in protein and fiber, they will add a chunky texture to your dip. So keep that in mind when choosing whether to go with beans or not.

    Taco Seasoning: Badia Taco Seasoning is my favorite; it’s delicious and gluten-free. I keep a big container of it because we use it a lot, in tacos, chicken fajitas, quesadillas, etc.

    ingredients for chili dip in glass bowls, including chili without beans, shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic, and taco seasoning

    Garlic Clove: You can chop up a fresh garlic clove, or even just use garlic powder. Sometimes I like to cheat and use already minced garlic. Hint: While you can certainly order it on Amazon, you can usually get a jar of minced garlic for less than $3 at the grocery store.

    Cheese: Our recipe calls for a shredded Mexican cheese blend, or shredded fiesta cheese; this is a blend of Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, Asadero, and queso quesadilla cheeses. Another favorite choice you might think about using is shredded triple cheddar cheese, a mixture of Vermont cheddar, sharp cheddar, and mild cheddar.

    Keep in mind, all of the ingredients and ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

    KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED:

    Mixing Bowl and Spatula

    Microwave-Safe Bowl or Baking Dish or Slow Cooker – I like to use my cast iron skillet if I’m baking it.

    Cheese Grater

    Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife – If you want to add toppings like cilantro or fresh tomatoes.

    HOW TO MAKE CHILI CHEESE DIP

    Making this easy chili dip is as simple as mixing ingredients in a bowl and cooking that mixture ’til it’s hot and bubbly.

    Just follow these steps…

    1. Whisk the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl ’til smooth and creamy.
    2. Add in the chili, taco seasoning, garlic, and cheese.
    3. Stir everything together ’til it’s well combined.
    4. Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl, baking dish, cast iron skillet, or CrockPot.
    steps for how to make chili cheese dip in green mixing bowl, including 1: whisking cream cheese, 2: adding chili, taco seasoning, garlic, and cheese, 3: stirring everything together, and 4: transferring mixture to microwave-safe bowl.

    Now it’s ready to cook.

    COOK IT IN THE MICROWAVE:

    To make chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, cook it on high for 5 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. Then stir before serving.

    BAKE IT IN THE OVEN:

    In a 350°F pre-heated oven, bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling. Stir it up well before you serve it.

    MAKE IT IN THE CROCKPOT:

    To make slow cooker chili cheese dip, mix all your ingredients together and spread the cream cheese mixture into a greased slow cooker. Cook on high for about 2 hours, or low for about 3-4 hours.

    FAQ:

    How can I make my chili cream cheese dip more spicy?

    You have a lot of options to make chili cheese dip spicy. Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika come to mind. You can also use chili powder, a mixture of red chili peppers, cumin, onion, and garlic powder. Other ideas are hot sauce or diced green chilies, which come in “mild” or “hot”.

    How should I store chili cheese dip with cream cheese?

    Store chili dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

    How do I reheat chili dip?

    To reheat the dip, you can place it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching; or you can reheat it in the oven at 350° F ’til hot.

    Can I freeze chili dip?

    Yes, you can freeze chili and cream cheese dip. Use an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Stored properly, this dish will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.

    close up of chili dip, topped with sliced avocado, cilantro, and fresh diced tomatoes, in cast iron skillet

    WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHILI CHEESE DIP

    There are all sorts of toppings that hit this dip out of the park. Things like…

    Of course, you’ll also need whatever crunchy foods you’re serving with the dip, whether you choose tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh raw veggies. Fritos Scoops are another snack that pair really well with chili and cream cheese dip.

    MORE CREAM CHEESE DIP RECIPES:

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love hot chili cheese dip as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    Easy Chili Cheese Dip {Microwave, Oven, or CrockPot}

    How to make amazing chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, oven, or CrockPot. Easy, homemade, crowd favorite appetizer recipe!

    • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
    • 30 ounces chili without beans*
    • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
    • 1 garlic clove (minced)
    • 8 ounces Mexican blend shredded cheese
    1. Whisk the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl ’til smooth and creamy.
    2. Add in the chili, taco seasoning, garlic, and cheese.
    3. Stir everything together ’til it’s well combined.
    4. Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl, baking dish, cast iron skillet, or CrockPot.
    5. Microwave Instructions: To make chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, cook it on high for 5 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. Then stir before serving.
      Oven Instructions: In a 350°F pre-heated oven, bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling. Stir it up well before you serve it.
      CrockPot Instructions: To make slow cooker chili cheese dip, mix all your ingredients together and spread the cream cheese mixture into a greased slow cooker. Cook on high for about 2 hours, or low for about 3-4 hours.
    6. Serve with your favorite toppings, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Ideas for toppings include sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions.

    How can I make my chili cream cheese dip more spicy?

    You have a lot of options to make chili cheese dip spicy. Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika come to mind. You can also add a little chili powder, a mixture of red chili peppers, cumin, onion, and garlic powder. Other ideas are hot sauce or diced green chilies, which come in “mild” or “hot”.

    How should I store chili cheese dip with cream cheese?

    Store chili dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

    How do I reheat chili dip?

    To reheat the dip, you can place it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching; or you can reheat it in the oven at 350° F ’til hot.

    Can I freeze chili dip?

    Yes, you can freeze chili and cream cheese dip. Use an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Stored properly, this dish will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.

    Appetizers
    Tex-Mex
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  • Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

    Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

    Make the best Philly cheesesteak sliders on Hawaiian rolls, packed with steak, onion, sliced peppers, and your choice of provolone or Cheez Whiz. It’s the perfect recipe for a party crowd!

    Whether you need a really delicious appetizer or an actual meal, these Philly cheese sliders are the bomb. They’re ooey gooey with melted cheese, the steak is packed with flavor from ingredients like smoked paprika (my new favorite seasoning), and the onions and green peppers have a slightly crispy texture.

    Philly cheesesteak sliders on Hawaiian rolls, sprinkled with Italian parsley, on gray plate with white and blue striped towel

    Not to mention the tops of the rolls are brushed with garlic butter and Italian parsley. Steak and cheese sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are good all by themselves; but when you add the garlic butter… I wish I could put into words how delicious these little sandwiches really are.

    If it’s a slightly healthier alternative you want, cheesesteak stuffed peppers made with ground beef are the recipe for you.

    Why You’ll Love Philly Steak Sliders

    • The meat mixture is the same as my regular homemade Philly cheesesteak, except I’ve added smoked paprika. It gives a little kick to the sliders, and I’ll never make cheesesteaks without it, ever again.
    • Just like my Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak, these cheese steak sliders are perfect for a Game Day crowd, holiday guests, or a party spread.
    • They’re really easy to make. Just cook the meat mixture, layer the sandwiches, and pop them in the oven.
    Philly cheesesteak sliders ingredients on white marble countertop

    Ingredients and Substitutions Notes:

    To make this easy Philly cheesesteak sliders recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients…

    • Sirloin Steak – When it comes to the best meat for a cheesesteak, most people will recommend ribeye steak; but ribeye steak is usually really expensive. Others recommend top round steak. My butcher has always recommended sirloin steak, sliced thinly, for a more affordable option. Sirloin has just enough fat to give the meat a lot of flavor and to make the meat quite tender when cooked. Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat… 1) You need to be able to slice it thinly, almost like shaved steak. And 2) It needs to be tender, not tough; fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.
    • Garlic Cloves – Or you can do like me and just buy already minced garlic in the produce section at the grocery store.
    • Yellow Onion – I like to use an onion that isn’t sweet, partially because it’s a bit healthier, but also because we get enough sweetness from the bell peppers. Yellow onion helps give a little kick. As an alternative, for more caramelized onions on your sliders, you’d just use a sweet onion; then cook the onions over a lower heat.
    • Fresh Mushrooms – You can use canned mushrooms, if you prefer.
    • Green Bell Pepper – I’ve had a lot of comments from people who say it isn’t a real cheesesteak if it has bell pepper. Thing is, I never claimed this was an authentic cheesesteak. I just enjoy the flavor and deliciousness that bell peppers give to the steak mixture.
    • Smoked paprika – This is my “not so secret” ingredient. Man this spice gives a flavor kick like no other. It really does make a difference.
    • Worcestershire Sauce
    • Hawaiian Rolls – You can use King’s Hawaiian Rolls or generic, or better yet, homemade Hawaiian Rolls for slider rolls! You also have other options, like homemade dinner rolls, brioche slider buns, regular slider buns, potato slider buns, or gluten-free dinner rolls. I find Hawaiian sweet rolls to make the best mini sandwiches.
    • Mayo – When layering the sandwiches, be sure to use real mayo, not that other salad dressing. That other salad dressing has its place, but that place is not the cheesesteak slider.
    • Provolone cheese and/or Cheez Whiz – I leave the choice to you; if it were up to me, I’d do both. When it comes to the best cheese for cheesesteaks, opinion really varies, and it really is a debate if you research it. The traditional consensus says either Cheez Whiz or provolone. Some even say American cheese pairs well with the provolone. While I love provolone, Cheese Whiz won my taste buds over. However, it’s up for debate in our house too because a couple of my guys really love provolone.So I live on the wild side and use both. I add the provolone on the bottom layer of the rolls, and then add Cheez Whiz to the top of the meat mixture.
    • Salted Butter, Roasted Garlic Powder, and Fresh Italian Parsley – All of which will be brushed on the tops of the buns before baking.
    Philly steak sliders, sprinkled with Italian parsley and brushed with garlic butter, on metal baking sheet

    How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

    Your first steps are to prepare the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Garlic and mushrooms need to be minced; onion and peppers need to be sliced.

    If you’re not sure how to cut a pepper into strips, I’ve got you covered.

    How to Thinly Slice the Meat and Start the Cooking Process

    1. Slice the steak as thin as possible, slicing it against the grain (to retain tenderness) into thin slices for cooking. Be sure to leave as much of the fat as possible on the meat. Fat gives meat flavor, especially during the cooking process.
    2. Heat bacon grease or olive oil in a large skillet, and sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or ’til softened. Then set aside.
    3. Add the steak, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Cook over low to medium heat until the meat is almost done.
    4. At this point, add the veggies back in with the meat, stir, and simmer ’til fully cooked.
    How to slice steak thinly for cheesesteaks on wooden cutting board and how to cook Philly cheesesteak meat, onion, and peppers in a cast iron skillet

    How to Layer Cheesesteak Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

    Now for the fun part… Layering your mini cheesesteak sandwiches and baking them.

    Before you get started, slice the Hawaiian Rolls in half, as a whole. You’ll have the top layer of the rolls, and then a bottom layer.

    1. Place the bottom layer of the rolls in a greased baking dish or baking sheet, and spread the bottoms of the rolls with mayo.
    2. Add a layer of provolone cheese.
    3. Now add a layer of meat and vegetables. Tongs work great for this. Go ahead and pile up the meat and veggies, no skimping allowed.
    4. Add a dollop of Cheez Whiz to every single slider.
    5. Now add the top layer of the rolls.
    6. Mix together the melted butter, roasted garlic powder, and minced parsley in a small bowl; then brush the top of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture, and sprinkle with extra Italian parsley if desired.
    layering and making Philly cheesesteak sliders with Hawaiian Rolls, provolone cheese, cheese steak meat and vegetables, Cheez Whiz, and garlic butter on baking sheet

    How to Bake Steak and Cheese Sliders

    1. Cover with aluminum foil to keep your rolls from browning too quickly, and bake at 350° F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or ’til the cheese is melted.
    2. Then uncover and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes or so.

    And that’s it. Oh my gosh, they are so good! My mouth is watering just thinking about these wonderful beef Philly cheesesteak sliders.

    Cheese steak sliders with Cheez Whiz, sprinkled with Italian parsley on gray plate, on blue and white striped tea towel on white marble countertop

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes and no. You can totally cook the meat and vegetables and have your meat mixture ready to go. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Then when you’re ready to make your sliders, all you need to do is assemble the sandwiches and bake them. Reason you want to wait to assemble your sandwiches, is you don’t really want them sitting, soaking up all that moisture into the rolls for that long. It will make them a soggy, yucky mess.

    How should you store leftovers?

    Leftover sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind, they may get a bit soggy sitting in the fridge, but they should still be edible for 2-3 days.

    Can I freeze steak and cheese sliders on Hawaiian Rolls?

    Again… You can totally cook the meat and vegetables, then freeze the meat mixture in an airtight container that’s also freezer-safe. You can also freeze the rolls, but separately. Then when you’re ready to make your sliders, all you need to do is get everything out ahead of time to thaw; then assemble the sandwiches and bake them. This will prevent soggy sliders.

    baked Philly steak and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls with green bell peppers and onions on metal baking sheet

    What’s a Good Side to Serve with Steak Sliders?

    There are quite a few delicious sides you can serve with sliders. We usually eat cheese steaks with fresh veggies, chips, and/or fruit.

    They pair really well with steak fries or chili cheese fries, French fries, onion rings, tater tots, pasta salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, this vegetable finger salad, and even corn on the cob.

    Philly cheese steaks on Hawaiian Rolls brushed with garlic butter and Italian parsley, topped with Cheez Whiz, on gray plate with blue and white striped towel

    More Party Favorites Everyone Will Love

    If you love these steak sliders, you’ll love these other party foods too…

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

    Best Philly cheesesteak sliders on Hawaiian rolls, packed with steak, onion, sliced peppers, and your choice of provolone or Cheez Whiz!

    • Cutting Board
    • Chef's Knife
    • Large Skillet
    • Baking Sheet
    • Tongs
    • Pastry Brush
    • 1 pound sirloin steak (thinly sliced)
    • 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or olive oil)
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • 1/2 medium yellow onion (sliced)
    • 2 ounces fresh mushrooms (minced)
    • 1/2 large green bell pepper (sliced)
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 12 Hawaiian Rolls
    • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
    • 6 slices provolone cheese
    • 3/4 cup Cheez Whiz

    Garlic Butter:

    • 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
    • 1/4 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon Italian parsley (minced)
    1. Prepare the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Garlic and mushrooms need to be minced; onion and peppers need to be sliced.

    2. Pre-heat the oven to 350° F.

    3. Slice the steak as thin as possible, slicing it against the grain (to retain tenderness) into thin strips for cooking. Be sure to leave as much of the fat as possible on the meat. Fat gives meat flavor, especially during the cooking process.

    4. Heat bacon grease or olive oil in a large skillet, and sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or 'til softened. Then set aside.

    5. Add the steak, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Cook over low to medium heat until the meat is almost done.

    6. At this point, add the veggies back in with the meat, stir, and simmer ’til fully cooked.
    7. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls in half, as a whole. You’ll have the top layer of the rolls, and then a bottom layer.

    8. Place the bottom layer of the rolls in a greased baking dish or baking sheet.

    9. Spread the bottoms of the rolls with mayo.
    10. Add a layer of provolone cheese.

    11. Now add a layer of meat and vegetables. Tongs work great for this. Go ahead and pile up the meat and veggies, no skimping allowed.

    12. Add a dollop of Cheez Whiz to every single slider.

    13. Now add the top layer of rolls.

    14. In a separate small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix together the melted butter, roasted garlic powder, and minced parsley.

    15. Brush the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture, and sprinkle with extra Italian parsley if desired.

    16. Cover with aluminum foil to keep your rolls from browning too quickly, and bake at 350° F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or 'til the cheese is melted.

    17. Then uncover and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes or so.

    18. And that's it! Serve while warm and enjoy!

    Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat…

    • You need to be able to slice it thinly.
    • It needs to be tender, not tough, and fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.

    *While I prefer fresh mushrooms, you can also use canned mushrooms.

    Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

    Yes and no. You can totally cook the meat and vegetables and have your meat mixture ready to go. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Then when you’re ready to make your sliders, all you need to do is assemble the sandwiches and bake them. Reason you want to wait to assemble your sandwiches, is you don’t really want them sitting, soaking up all that moisture into the rolls for that long. It will make them a soggy, yucky mess.

    Appetizers
    American
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  • Crispy Seasoned Steak Fries over the Campfire

    Crispy Seasoned Steak Fries over the Campfire

    How to make the best homemade steak fries, seasoned and grilled to crispy perfection in a cast iron skillet over the campfire. Easy comfort food recipe.

    cooked steak fries, sprinkled with chopped parsley, in a cast iron skillet

    There’s just nothing quite as delicious as a burger and fries, especially when the French fries have the smoky flavor of a campfire. Sometimes I even make chili cheese fries over the campfire!

    While I’ve never been a fan of big, thick fries or really thick potato wedges, I do love a skinnier fry. And while these steak cut fries aren’t exactly skinny, they’re still crispy, and that makes all the difference.

    Lightly seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and a few more seasonings, these seasoned steak fries have a really delicious flavor.

    And they require only a minimal amount of work. Even cooking them over the fire isn’t much work at all. They’re so easy peasy and make the perfect side to a juicy bacon cheeseburger, baked chicken drums, roast beef Philly cheesesteaks, pressure cooker salmon or my favorite crock pot sloppy joes.

    Can’t have a campfire? No problem! You can still make these on the grill or on the camp stove.

    cooking steak cut fries in a cast iron skillet over the campfire on a campfire grill

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my campfire cooking/grilling tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the steak fries recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”jtey6fo2npyzreojuzyq” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/video/upload/jtey6fo2npyzreojuzyq.jpg” title=”Crispy Seasoned Steak Fries over the Campfire” volume=”100″]

    WHAT ARE THE BEST POTATOES FOR STEAK CUT FRIES?

    While you can use red potatoes or Yukon Gold (my preferred potato for mashed potatoes), I recommend using plain ole Russet potatoes to make homemade steak fries.

    Russets will give you a crispier texture than the other two potatoes.

    As will a good, firm potato. Make sure the potatoes you use are fresh and not too old or soft.

    HOW TO CUT STEAK FRIES

    Cutting up the fries is actually really easy, and there’s no peeling required. The skin will give your fries a crispier texture, so you’ll want to leave it on the potatoes.

    Be sure you give your potatoes a good washing before you start to slice. Also, be sure to cut out any bad spots.

    To cut your potatoes into steak fries…

    1. Lay the potato on its side, and cut the potato, lengthwise, into 4 sections.
    2. Then cut potatoes into thinner wedges, or steak fries.
    how to cut steak fries out of Russet potatoes with large knife on blue cutting board

    And that’s all there is to it. Easy peasy!

    WHAT TO USE FOR STEAK FRY SEASONING

    Now the seasoning is something you can totally switch up. But I will say, these fries have incredible flavor with the seasonings we chose to use.

    I’ll also say, I’m not a huge fan of paprika. But the smoked paprika on these fries really can’t be beat. It adds to the smoky flavor the campfire gives, and it’s just so delicious.

    Here’s a rundown of the seasonings we use (exact amounts in the recipe card below)…

    BEFORE YOU GET STARTED COOKING…

    Your fire should be down to coals, with a little bit of flame here and there.

    While we usually use our tripod grill, we decided instead to use our homemade campfire grill this time.

    You’ll want to watch it closely, though, as you may need to adjust the placement of the grill over the fire, so the pan or griddle you’re using doesn’t get so hot that it cooks everything too quickly.

    HOW TO MAKE STEAK FRIES

    Before you cook the fries, you’ll need to season them. Place the cut fries into a large bowl, and toss and coat potatoes with canola oil or olive oil and seasonings.

    making seasoned steak fries by coating potatoes with olive oil and seasonings in large bowl

    Cooking up steak fries on the grill is actually a really simple process.

    how to make steak fries by cooking in cast iron skillet on campfire grill
    1. Place about 1/4 inch of canola oil or olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, and heat over the fire (or on the grill/camp stove).
    2. Once the oil is hot and bubbly, place the fries carefully in the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to splatter hot oil on your hands. Use grilling tongs or a flipper spatula, along with grilling gloves, to avoid burns.
    3. Cook the fries for about 15 to 30 minutes, flipping and turning as needed to make sure both sides are cooked evenly. Fries should be tender, crispy, and golden brown when done.
    golden brown steak cut fries, sprinkled with parsley, in cast iron skillet

    Drain the oil responsibly and serve the fries with ketchup or fry sauce.

    WHAT TO SERVE WITH STEAK CUT FRIES

    You definitely need some ideas for what to make with your fries. Here are a few…

    dipping potato wedges in ketchup in small blue bowl

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS AND CAMPING KITCHEN GEAR FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Vegetable or Potato Brush

    Cutting Board and Outdoor Knife Set

    Large Bowl

    Large Cast Iron Skillet 

    Grilling Flipper or Tongs

    Tripod Grill or Campfire Grill – While we rigged up our own campfire grill, you can also buy them. They come with shorter legs and smaller grates, but definitely still usable over the fire.

    Portable Charcoal Grill or Camp Stove

    Welding Gloves – These work so much better for cooking over a campfire than regular grilling gloves/mitts.

    We’ve put together a list of camping cooking equipment you may need for your next adventure. Be sure to check it out for all the essentials!

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    crispy seasoned steak fries recipe

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    Crispy Seasoned Steak Fries over the Campfire

    How to make the best homemade steak fries, seasoned and grilled to crispy perfection in a cast iron skillet over the campfire. Easy comfort food recipe.

    • Collapse-it Silicone Mixing Bowls
    • Welding Gloves HEAT RESISTANT BBQ/Camping/Cooking
    • Cutting Board
    • GSI Outdoors – Santoku Knife Set
    • Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle
    • Folding Campfire Grill
    • 3 Russet potatoes
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoons canola oil*
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
    1. Wash the potatoes really well.
    2. Lay each potato on its side on a cutting board.
    3. Cut the potato, lengthwise, into 4 sections.
    4. Then cut each section into thinner wedges, or steak fries.
    5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the seasonings together.
    6. Place the cut fries into the bowl, and toss and coat with the seasonings and olive oil.
    7. Place about 1/4 inch of canola oil or olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, and heat over the fire (or on the grill/camp stove).
    8. Once the oil is hot and bubbly, place the fries carefully in the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to splatter hot oil on your hands.**
    9. Cook the fries for about 15 to 25 minutes, flipping and turning as needed to make sure both sides are cooked evenly. Fries should be tender, crispy, and golden brown when done.
    10. Drain the oil responsibly, sprinkle the fries with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with ketchup or fry sauce.

    *You can use canola oil or olive oil.

    **Use grilling tongs or a flipper spatula with welding/grilling gloves on to avoid burns.

    Camping Recipes
    American
    homemade steak fries, how to cut steak fries, how to make steak fries, seasoned steak fries, steak cut fries, steak fries, steak fries on the grill, steak fries recipe
  • Easy Deviled Eggs in 30 Minutes or Less

    Easy Deviled Eggs in 30 Minutes or Less

    How to make easy deviled eggs in 30 minutes or less with this simple, classic recipe, the best ever for Easter, holidays, and summer get togethers!

    Making deviled eggs has never been easier than this. In fact, you can probably make them almost as fast as your family will eat them.

    easy deviled eggs sprinkled with paprika on a wooden cutting board

    My husband, Dan, came up with this deviled eggs recipe a few years back, so along with bacon Ranch deviled eggs, it’s one we’ve made over and over again. We like to make them for Easter and other occasions, especially summer holidays and potlucks.

    While we make these deviled eggs with Miracle Whip, we do occasionally switch up the recipe, and I’ll share a few ideas for toppings and mix-ins below.

    If you enjoy these classic deviled eggs, be sure to add the recipe to your Easter dinner menu for a crowd.

    classic deviled eggs on a wooden cutting board

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my tips for how to make deviled eggs, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the deviled eggs recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    WHAT ARE DEVILED EGGS?

    Deviled eggs are boiled eggs that have been peeled, cut in half, and filled with a mixture made out of the yolks.

    Usually the yolks are mixed with things like mayo, Miracle Whip, mustard, paprika, and sometimes other ingredients like bacon.

    They’re usually served at holiday dinners, especially on special occasions like Easter, the 4th of July, etc.

    They go by other names too, like stuffed eggs, Russian eggs, dressed eggs, salad eggs, and mimosa eggs.

    WHY ARE THEY CALLED DEVILED EGGS?

    As I was making this recipe, my oldest son asked a really good question. Why do we call them deviled eggs?

    So, of course, we had to look it up, because honestly, I wasn’t really sure myself. I thought I had an idea, though, and I was close.

    In the 1800’s, the word deviled had to do with hot and spicy foods. And according to What’s Cooking America’s Culinary Dictionary, the word deviled describes food that is dark, rich, chocolate, spicily piquant, or stimulating…  Means a highly seasoned, chopped, ground, or whole mixture that is served hot or cold.

    History actually has a fascinating read on The Ancient History of Deviled Eggs, dating them all the way back to the days of ancient Rome.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE DEVILED EGGS

    First of all, you want to determine how many eggs you’ll need, based on how many people you’ll be feeding. We usually use about a dozen eggs, unless we’re making them for a big potluck, in which case we make more.

    Once they’re boiled, peeled, and cooled, the process is really simple.

    HOW TO BOIL EGGS FOR DEVILED EGGS

    You can simply boil eggs in water on the stove for about 12 minutes or a little longer.

    Or if you have an Instant Pot, you can follow this recipe for easy peel hard boiled eggs.

    Once you’ve cooled and peeled the eggs, they’re ready for making deviled eggs.

    HOW DO YOU MAKE DEVILED EGGS?

    Now you’re ready to prep the eggs and mix up the yolk mixture.

    • Slice each egg in half, and remove each egg yolk, setting each egg white aside.
    • Mash the yolks in a mixing bowl, and combine them with Miracle Whip. You can mash them with a hand mixer or just by hand.
    • Mix the mustard into the yolk mixture.
    • Then add pepper and stir it all up again.
    • Spoon the creamy yolk mixture back into each halved egg white.
    how to make deviled eggs, step by step, from removing the yolks to mixing up the yolk mixture and spooning it back into the egg whites

    Optional last step: Dust each egg with a dash of paprika.

    Easy deviled eggs are great for family dinners, church potlucks, holiday parties, and sometimes just a yummy snack.

    DEVILED EGGS TOPPINGS AND ALTERNATIVE IDEAS

    You can tweak this recipe to add a taste of this or that. Just a few ideas…

    • Use dijon mustard in place of yellow mustard.
    • Use mayo and pickle relish instead of Miracle Whip.
    • Or better yet, just add a little pickle relish or pickle juice either way.
    • Add bacon on top. Deviled eggs with bacon are very yummy.
    • Add a little mashed avocado to the yolk mixture.

    These are just a few ideas to get your wheels turning as to how many different ways you can make deviled eggs.

    WHAT GOES WELL WITH THESE YUMMY APPETIZERS?

    making deviled eggs with a sprinkle of paprika on a wooden cutting board

    HOW LONG DO DEVILED EGGS KEEP?

    Food Network really gives the lowdown in Easter Eggs 101, and it answers this very question.

    Normally, in our house, they don’t last more than a day. But 3 to 4 days max are how long I’d keep them.

    CAN DEVILED EGGS BE FROZEN?

    While you can freeze the egg yolks themselves or the yolk mixture, there’s no reason to do that without the egg whites. Freezing the egg whites would ruin the flavor and texture.

    So, no, I don’t recommend freezing them at all.

    HOW TO TRANSPORT DEVILED EGGS

    When looking for ways for how to store deviled eggs and transport them (because it’s likely you’re making them for a get together), there are a few options.

    Snapware Snap ‘N Stack Food Storage Container with Egg Holder Trays

    Rubbermaid Egg Keeper

    SnapLock Collapsible Egg Carrier

    Rubbermaid Specialty Egg Keeper

    Buddeez Deviled Tray with Lid

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Mixing Bowl

    Hand Mixer

    Cake Decorating Tool – If you wanna get fancy and pipe the yolk mixture into the egg whites, this might come in handy.

    Egg Tray for Serving

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Classic and easy deviled eggs recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

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    Easy Deviled Eggs in 30 Minutes or Less

    How to make easy deviled eggs in 30 minutes or less with this simple, classic recipe, the best ever for Easter, holidays, and summer get togethers!

    • 12 large hard boiled eggs
    • 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
    • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon paprika ((optional))
    1. Slice each hard boiled egg in half, and remove each egg yolk, setting the egg whites aside.
    2. Mash the yolks in a mixing bowl, and combine them with Miracle Whip.*
    3. Mix the mustard into the yolk mixture.
    4. Then add pepper and stir it all up again.
    5. Finally, spoon the creamy yolk mixture back into each halved egg white.
    6. Sprinkle each deviled egg with a tiny dash of paprika.
    7. Chill the eggs in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

    *You can mash them with a hand mixer or just by hand.

    Appetizers
    American
    classic deviled eggs, deviled eggs, easy deviled eggs, how to make deviled eggs

    (Update Notes: Post originally published in March 2013, republished with more tips and larger photos in March 2019.)

  • Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls

    Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls

    Leftover Ham Crescent Rolls – Easy appetizer recipe with leftover ham, stuffing, and crescent rolls. Simple and delicious finger foods, perfect for party snacks or lunch with the kids!

    crescent rolls with leftover ham, stuffing, and cheese baked inside, stacked on a white plate

    Sometimes I think leftovers are even better than the main dish, especially when it comes to leftover ham and crescent rolls. When you combine the two with a few tasty ingredients, you’ve definitely got the makings of a delicious snack, lunch, or appetizer.

    Not too long ago, I shared how to make the yummiest leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers. Well, now we’re going to do the same thing, only with ham.

    Because Christmas and Easter are all about ham, right? So now you’ll have a way to use up all those holiday leftovers in a really delicious way.

    stuffed crescent rolls made with leftover ham, cheese, and stuffing

    These ham and cheese crescents really are the perfect finger foods to serve as easy appetizers or even a fun lunch with your kids.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR LEFTOVER HAM AND STUFFING CRESCENT ROLLS?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    CAN I JUST USE DELI HAM IF I DON’T HAVE LEFTOVER HAM?

    Yes, you can; in fact, that’s what I did for this recipe.

    leftover ham recipe made with crescent rolls, crescent roll appetizers stacked on a white plate and cookie sheet

    You can use any kind of ham, including a fully cooked ham, pineapple honey glazed ham, deli ham, or even chicken or roasted turkey.

    You can also use sausage and make something similar to my favorite maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, only with crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry.

    DOES IT MATTER WHICH CHEESE I USE?

    The type of cheese used is really up to the individual because cheese is such a personal choice. At least, that’s how I look at it anyway.

    I’ve been a cheese lover since I was a kid, sneaking pieces of American cheese out of the fridge when Mom wasn’t looking. In fact, I’d have much rather had a slice of cheese over a cookie any day… Unless they were chocolate chip cookies, of course.

    shredded cheddar cheese for leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls recipe

    You can use just about any cheese you want with these. A few suggestions might be…

    • American Cheese
    • Extra Sharp Cheddar
    • Smoked Cheddar – One of my favorites.
    • Speaking of smoked, smoked Gouda would be fabulous, as would smoked Swiss or smoked Gruyére.
    • Pepper Jack

    Really, your options are limitless. Pick a cheese, any cheese, and you’ll have the most delicious crescent roll appetizers ever.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE LEFTOVER HAM AND TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLLS

    The first step for making these easy party appetizers is to gather your ingredients. You’ll need canned crescent rolls (or you can make homemade crescent dinner rolls), leftover ham, stuffing, your choice of cheese, and green onions.

    When I first made these, I used American cheese, but these days I’d rather use extra sharp cheddar or pepper jack.

    making leftover ham and cheese crescent rolls, easy party appetizers

    Take each piece of crescent roll dough, and add a quarter slice of cheese (or shredded cheese), as well as a small pile of leftover ham.

    Then add a bite of turkey stuffing (or Christmas stuffing or whatever type of stuffing you want).

    making leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls on cookie sheet

    Another additional ingredient idea is leftover cranberry sauce. You can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the ham for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

    Finally, add a little pile of chopped green onions. Don’t leave these out because they add so much delicious flavor.

    making leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls with cheese, ham, stuffing, and green onions

    Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can. They’ll probably be a bit bulky and might not be quite as pretty as they  normally would, but that’s ok; they’ll still taste amazing.

    Finally, pop them in the oven and bake as usual, per the instructions on the can.

    When you take them out of the oven, they’re best eaten while warm. Dip them in leftover ham gravy and enjoy!

    leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls baked on a cookie sheet, ready to serve as easy appetizers

    Mmmm…. Happy Holiday Leftovers Season! You’ll find even more ideas in our big list of Christmas recipes.

    MORE LEFTOVER HAM RECIPES AND CRESCENT ROLL RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

    These 3 easy appetizer recipes are 3 of my favorites; the ham and dill spirals are perfect for using up leftover ham. You can also make the most delicious ham and cheese egg muffins (recipe coming soon).

    Venturing out into friend land, Mommy Hates Cooking has a Leftover Ham and Stuffing Frittata that looks out of this world amazing. And Crazy Adventures in Parenting made the most delicious looking Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Sandwiches.

    pile of leftover ham crescent rolls on white plate with a sprinkling of green onions

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THESE EASY APPETIZERS

    Cookie Sheet – This is by far my favorite cookie sheet; I use it for so many things.

    Cheese Slicer

    Rustic Appetizer Server

    Holiday Dessert/Appetizer Plates

    Disposable Holiday Plates

    LEFTOVER HAM AND STUFFING CRESCENT ROLLS RECIPE

    If you love this leftover ham recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls

    Easy appetizer recipe with leftover ham, stuffing, and crescent rolls. Simple and delicious finger foods, perfect for party snacks or lunch with the kids!

    • 2 cans crescent rolls
    • 1 1/2 cups ham (leftover and chopped or sliced)
    • 1 1/2 cups stuffing (leftover*)
    • 2 cups cheddar cheese (**shredded)
    • 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
    1. Pre-heat your oven to 375°F.
    2. Separate each crescent roll.
    3. Add a bite of cheese, a small pile of ham, a bite of stuffing, and a sprinkling of green onions in that order.***
    4. Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can, and place on an un-greased cookie sheet.
    5. Bake at 375° for 11 to 13 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn a golden brown.
    6. They’re best served while warm, right out of the oven.

    *You can use leftover stuffing or even boxed stuffing for this recipe.

    **You can use any kind of cheese you want. I’ve used American, Extra Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, etc.

    ***If you like, you can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

    Appetizers
    American
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    Leftover Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls with Stuffing Recipe
    Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers Recipe
  • Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers

    Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers

    Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls – Make an easy recipe for crescent roll appetizers, filled with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese! Simple and delicious finger foods for holiday parties!

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent rolls with green onions on a white plate, easy party appetizers

    Every Thanksgiving we buy a turkey to cook on Black Friday or over the weekend. Even though we usually enjoy dinner with family on Thanksgiving Day, we always plan to make our own too, along with turkey gravy and all the fixin’s.

    It’s sorta become a family tradition. Of course, we have a ton of leftovers afterward, so leftover turkey sandwiches on homemade dinner rolls, cheesy turkey noodle casserole,  and turkey enchilada casserole are a given for the next day or two.

    One year instead of ordinary sandwiches, we tried something new. We stuffed crescent rolls with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese, creating the most delicious crescent roll appetizers ever.

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll sliced in half with turkey, stuffing, and green onions

    Turns out, these little Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect finger foods to serve at holiday parties or even just lunch with the kids.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR LEFTOVER TURKEY CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious leftover turkey crescent rolls recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    DO I HAVE TO USE LEFTOVER TURKEY?

    Nope, the great thing about these stuffed crescent rolls is you can make them with roasted turkey, chicken, or even make leftover ham crescent rolls!

    You can also use sausage and make something similar to my favorite maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, only with crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry.

    baked leftover turkey crescent rolls with green onions on a cookie sheet

    They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from Christmas and Easter.

    DOES IT MATTER WHICH CHEESE I USE?

    Ok, so cheese is really up to the individual because cheese is such a personal choice. At least, that’s how I look at it anyway.

    I’ve been a lover of cheese since I was a kid, sneaking pieces of American cheese out of the fridge when Mom wasn’t looking. In fact, I’d have much rather had a slice of cheese over a cookie any day… Unless they were chocolate chip cookies, of course.

    leftover turkey, stuffing, American cheese, and green onions being stuffed into a crescent roll for Thanksgiving appetizers

    But no, you can use just about any cheese you want with these. A few suggestions might be…

    • Good old American Cheese
    • Extra Sharp Cheddar
    • Smoked Cheddar – One of my favorites.
    • Speaking of smoked, smoked Gouda would be fabulous, as would smoked Swiss or smoked Gruyére.
    • Pepper Jack
    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers with Pepper Jack cheese

    Really, your options are limitless. Pick a cheese, any cheese, and you’ll have the most delicious appetizers ever.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE LEFTOVER TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS

    The first step for making these easy party appetizers is to gather your ingredients. You’ll need canned crescent rolls (or you can make homemade crescent rolls), leftover turkey, stuffing, your choice of cheese, and green onions.

    easy crescent roll appetizers with leftover turkey, cheese, and turkey stuffing on white plate with green onions

    When I first made these, I used American cheese, but anymore I’d rather use cheddar or pepper jack.

    leftover turkey and stuffing with cheddar cheese on crescent roll dough

    Take each piece of crescent roll dough, and add a quarter slice of cheese, a bite of turkey stuffing, and a small pile of leftover turkey.

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll dough with shredded cheddar cheese

    Another additional ingredient idea is leftover cranberry sauce. You can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

    Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can. They’ll probably be a bit bulky and might not be quite as pretty as they  normally would, but that’s ok; they’ll still taste amazing.

    baked leftover turkey crescent rolls on OXO cookie sheet

    Finally, pop them in the oven and bake as usual, per the instructions on the can. When you take them out of the oven, they’re best eaten while warm.

    delicious party appetizers made with leftover turkey, stuffing, cheese, and crescent rolls, on a white plate

    Mmmm…. Happy Thanksgiving Leftovers Season!

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers on an ivory plate with cookie sheet behind

    MORE EASY PARTY APPETIZERS YOU’LL LOVE:

    3 Super Easy Appetizer Recipes Anyone Can Make

    Chicken Dip Pinwheels

    Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball

    sliced leftover turkey crescent rolls on white plate

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS CRESCENT ROLL RECIPE

    Cookie Sheet – This is by far my favorite cookie sheet; I use it for so many things.

    Cheese Slicer

    Rustic Appetizer Server

    Holiday Dessert/Appetizer Plates

    Disposable Holiday Plates

    LEFTOVER TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS RECIPE

    If you love this leftover turkey recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

    FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

    Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers

    Make an easy recipe for crescent roll appetizers, filled with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese! Simple and delicious finger foods for holiday parties!

    • 2 cans crescent rolls
    • 1 1/2 cups turkey (leftover and shredded)
    • 1 1/2 cups stuffing (leftover*)
    • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (**shredded)
    • 1/3 cup green onions (chopped)
    1. Pre-heat your oven to 375°.
    2. Separate each crescent roll.
    3. Add a bite of cheese, a bite of stuffing, a small pile of turkey, and a sprinkling of green onions in that order.***
    4. Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can, and place on an un-greased cookie sheet.
    5. Bake at 375° for 11 to 13 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn a golden brown.
    6. They’re best served while warm, right out of the oven. 

    *You can use leftover stuffing or even boxed stuffing for this recipe.

    **You can use any kind of cheese you want. I’ve used American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, etc.

    ***If you like, you can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

    Appetizers
    American
    crescent roll appetizers, crescent roll recipe, crescent rolls, easy party appetizers, leftover turkey, leftover turkey recipes, stuffed crescent rolls, thanksgiving appetizers, turkey dressing, turkey stuffing
    crescent roll recipe with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese
    crescent rolls stuffed with leftover turkey, stuffing, cheese, and green onions
  • The Ultimate Mashed Potato Bar with the Best Toppings

    The Ultimate Mashed Potato Bar with the Best Toppings

    Feed a crowd with the ultimate mashed potato bar at your next party, wedding, or celebration. How to create a crowd pleasing buffet with ideas for all sorts of delicious mashed potato toppings. It’ll be the talk of the party!

    There are so many things you can do with a mashed potato bar; the choices for mashed potato bar toppings are endless. Pretty much anything you think up you can use.

    mashed potato bar, including mashed potato cup with bacon, cheese sauce, and chives, with spoon in ready to eat

    It’s the perfect appetizer idea, or side dish, for a wedding or party. I experienced my first mashed potato bar, or rather a mashtini bar, at a blogging conference; I’d never seen such a beautiful thing in all my life.

    It was filled with all sorts of delicious mashed potato toppings, along with all sorts of potatoes, including purple mashed potatoes! The mashed potatoes themselves were served in martini glasses, and you could go right down the buffet line, adding any mashed potatoes toppings you wanted.

    You talk about delicious and one of my favorite things ever. That was hands down the BEST food I’ve ever had at a conference. Comfort food at its best, and man, was it delicious.

    baked potato bar with baked potatoes and baked potato toppings

    Why Create a Mashed Potato Bar?

    When I created my first baked potato bar, I thought it only appropriate to also create a mashed potato bar. Because who doesn’t love a loaded down cup of hot mashed potatoes smothered in cheese and bacon?

    • A mashed potato bar wedding buffet will definitely be a great idea and a favorite with guests.
    • A mash potato bar is also perfect for that big holiday family gathering, like Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or Easter dinner.
    • New Year’s is also a great time to put together a mashed potato martini bar. To save on cost, make a big batch of mashed potatoes, and have each guest bring their favorite toppings to add to the ones you provide. Then you get different perspectives, different ideas, and guests get to contribute their favorite topping idea to the mix.
    mashed potatoes with mashed potato bar toppings on gray countertop with white and blue kitchen towel

    How to Make Mashed Potatoes

    I’ve got you covered with this delicious and easy mashed potatoes recipe.

    Ingredient Notes:

    • Potatoes – I prefer to use yellow potatoes, but again, you can have fun with this and use all sorts of potatoes, including yellow, russet, red potatoes, even purple potatoes.
    • Salted Butter – Don’t skimp on the butter; it gives the best flavor.
    • Heavy Cream or Whole Milk – While you can use skim milk, you’ll get the best texture and flavor with whole milk or cream.
    • Sea Salt and Black Pepper – for added flavor.

    Steps for Making Stovetop Mashed Potatoes:

    1. Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes.
    2. Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan on the stove over low to medium heat, until they’re soft enough to easily jab with a fork, about 20-30 minutes.
    3. Drain the water off the boiled potatoes, and leave them in the saucepan.
    4. Add the butter and heavy whipping cream to the potatoes.
    5. Use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes, adding salt and pepper to taste. You can also use a potato masher if you don’t have a hand mixer; your potatoes may just be a little bit chunky.
    6. Once they’re whipped, they’re ready to serve.

    If you’d rather, you can make Instant Pot mashed potatoes instead.

    mash potato bar with mini trifle bowls of mashed potatoes covered in toppings like bacon, cheese sauce, chives, broccoli, sloppy joe meat, and red onion

    How to Set up or Assemble a Mashed Potato Bar

    Gather your ingredients for your potato bar… You’ll need mashed potatoes and toppings. Your main work will be cooking the potatoes and prepping any toppings for your guests to choose from.

    Whether you’re getting together with friends for game night, hosting a family dinner, or setting up a potluck, a mashed potatoes bar is the perfect way to feed and entertain your guests. And it really doesn’t take a whole lot of time and effort on your part.

    Mash Potato Bar Ideas and Expert Tips

    • If you’d rather use sweet potatoes over regular potatoes, you can make Instant Pot sweet potatoes.
    • Prep the toppings, adding each topping to a separate dish or compartment for serving. Prepping may involve cooking, re-heating, or simply chopping.
    • Set everything out buffet style, so your guests can create their very own delicious mashed potato creations.
    • If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, try using a large charcuterie board with small bowls for a variety of toppings all around a large bowl of mashed potatoes.
    • If you’re wondering how to keep the mashed potatoes warm without warmers, you can create a CrockPot mashed potato bar or Instant Pot mashed potato bar.

    The Ultimate List of Mashed Potato Bar Toppings:

    When it comes to what toppings are good on mashed potatoes, including what to put on mashed potatoes besides gravy, this list of toppings will answer that question in a most delicious way.

    broccoli and cheese sauce on mashed potato in small glass trifle dish
    sloppy joe meat and red onions on mashed potato in small glass trifle dish
    bacon and cheese topping for mashed potato bar in small glass trifle dish

    The sky’s the limit on ideas for a mashed potato buffet because there are so many toppings you can add to this list. But this is a great start.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    How much does a mashed potato bar cost?

    Really, this depends. For a small family gathering, if you make your own mashed potatoes and put together just a few simple toppings, you can get away with less than $20. If you’re creating a larger buffet for a large crowd, your cost will depend on how many ingredients and supplies are needed to feed said crowd.

    What potatoes are best for a mash potato bar?

    While I do prefer yellow potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, you can use any kind of potatoes you prefer, including Russet potatoes, red potatoes, even purple potatoes if you can find them. I’ve also gone so far as to search for the best mashed potatoes near me, and I found Bob Evans mashed potatoes in my grocery store. If you really don’t want to make mashed potatoes, ready made potatoes could be just the thing.

    Can you make mashed potatoes and toppings ahead of time?

    Yes, you can. You can make mashed potatoes and prep most of the toppings 1-2 days ahead of time. You’ll just need to store everything in airtight containers in the fridge.

    How can you keep the mashed potatoes warm at a party?

    You can either use a buffet server and food warmer. Or you can keep the mashed potatoes in a Crock Pot or Instant Pot on the “Keep Warm” setting.

    How should you store leftovers?

    Definitely store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

    More Family Favorite Potato Recipes

    If you love this mashed potato bar and think it’s as much fun as I do, you’ll love these recipes too…

    mashed potato bar toppings with small glass trifle bowls of mashed potatoes

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    The Ultimate Mashed Potato Bar

    Feed a crowd with a mashed potato bar at your next party, wedding, or celebration. Ideas for all sorts of delicious toppings.

    • Stockpot
    • Hand Mixer
    • Potato Masher
    • Cutting Board
    • Vegetable Cleaver
    • Buffet Server and Food Warmer
    • Serving Bowls
    • Sectioned Serving Tray
    • Mini Appetizer Cups
    • Plastic Martini Glasses

    Mashed Potatoes:

    • 16 medium potatoes
    • 12 tablespoons salted butter
    • 4 tablespoons whole milk (or heavy cream)
    • 2 teaspoons sea salt (to taste)
    • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper (to taste)

    Mashed Potato Bar Toppings:

    • 1 1/2 cups salted butter
    • 1/4 cup salt
    • 1/4 cup ground black pepper
    • 1 1/2 cups sour cream
    • 3 cups cheese sauce
    • 12 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese (*shredded)
    • 2 cups red onion (minced)
    • 2 cups green onion (chopped)
    • 2 cups chives (chopped)
    • 6 cups broccoli (cooked)
    • 6 cups sloppy joe meat
    • 1 1/2 cups bacon (cooked and crumbled)
    • 4 1/2 cups ham (chopped)

    Mashed Potatoes:

    1. Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes.

    2. Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan on the stove, until they're soft enough to easily jab with a fork, about 20-30 minutes.

    3. Drain the water off the boiled potatoes, and leave them in the saucepan.

    4. Add the butter and heavy whipping cream to the potatoes.

    5. Use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes, adding salt and pepper to taste. You can also use a potato masher if you don't have a hand mixer; your potatoes may just be a little bit chunky.

    6. Once they're whipped, they're ready to serve. 

    Potato Bar Toppings:

    1. Choose and prep your toppings*, adding each topping to a separate dish or compartment for serving. Prepping may involve cooking, re-heating, or simply chopping.

    2. Set everything out buffet style*, so your guests can create their very own delicious baked potato creations.

    * You can use any kind of shredded cheese you prefer. I recommend Extra Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, Mozzarella, etc.

    *More mashed potato bar topping ideas include cooked cauliflower, chili, beef taco meat, taco chicken, pulled pork, sausage, ground beef, steak, bacon bits, cubed pepperoni, BBQ sauce, Ranch dressing, pizza sauce, turkey gravy, ham gravy, ham gravy with cornstarch, chicken stock gravy, tomatoes, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, fire roasted green chiles, corn, peas, etc.

    *You may need warmers to keep the mashed potatoes warm; you can also use a slow cooker or Crock pot. Otherwise, you may use a serving platter or serving bowls for toppings.

    Side Dish
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    the ultimate mashed potato bar recipe and how-to
  • Asian Chicken Salad Wonton Cups

    Asian Chicken Salad Wonton Cups

    Make delicious Asian chicken salad in crunchy baked wonton cups. Easy appetizer filled with ginger soy chicken, crunchy almonds, red cabbage, and more! Thanks to StarKist and The Motherhood for sponsoring this post.

    While we love our more traditional chicken salad recipe with eggs, I’ve also fallen in love with Asian chicken salad. Especially now that StarKist® Chicken Creations™ chicken pouches make it so easy to make this quick appetizer, we can whip it up in minutes. 

    asian chicken salad wonton cups in cast iron muffin pan

    Filled with Ginger Soy chicken, broccoli slaw, red cabbage, almonds, and more crunchy deliciousness, it’s super flavorful. And I don’t even have to add any dressing, because the chicken is already flavorful enough for the whole salad.

    Asian chicken salad recipe made in baked wonton cups in a cast iron muffin tin

    Wonton cups are easy to bake, as well. Just place wonton wrappers in muffin cups, put them in the oven, and they’re ready to go in about 10 minutes. 

    Even my kids loved this salad, filled with protein and a host of colorful veggies. I can see myself making this easy chicken salad recipe, along with our favorite Chicken Fried Rice Spring Rolls, for all kinds of events, from family get togethers to holiday parties.

    What are StarKist® Chicken Creations™?

    StarKist Chicken Creations pouches

    Let me just make your day because StarKist® Chicken Creations™ pouches are ready to go, whether you want to make a recipe or eat right out of the pouch. These single serve, no drain pouches make a quick and easy lunch or snack option, especially on the go. 

    Choose from four delicious flavors:

    • BOLD Buffalo Style
    • Zesty Lemon Pepper
    • Ginger Soy
    • Chicken Salad
    StarKist Chicken Creations Chicken Salad on a cracker, eating right out of the pouch

    I love eating the Chicken Salad flavor right out of the pouch with crackers or veggies. 

    The Ginger Soy makes a delicious chicken appetizer. The premium, white meat chicken is sourced from farms right here in the U.S., where chickens are raised cage free and hormone free.

    Asian chicken salad made with StarKist Chicken Creations Ginger Soy and added to baked wonton

    StarKist® Chicken Creations™ Ginger Soy has a tangy soy seasoning, mixed with chicken and vinegar, reminiscent of your favorite Asian food. It’s also a great option if you’re watching what you eat, with only 90 calories and 10g protein per pouch. 

    You can find a printable recipe below, but let’s walk through how to make this yummy appetizer recipe.

    Asian Chicken Salad Wonton Cups Ingredients:

    • 12 wonton cups
    • 3 pouches StarKist® Chicken Creations™ Ginger Soy
    • 1 cup broccoli slaw
    • 1/2 cup red cabbage, chopped or sliced
    • 1/2 cup green onion, minced
    • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
    • 1/4 cup water chestnuts, minced
    • 1/2 cup chow mein noodles

    Tips for how to make an Asian salad:

    Pre-heat the oven to 425°. Then prepare your muffin tins by spraying the cups with cooking spray.

    baked wonton cups in cast iron muffin pan

    Press 12 wonton wrappers down in your muffin tins, ’til they form wonton cups. Bake at 425° for about 8 to 10 minutes. Then allow them to cool. 

    Chop or slice the red cabbage, and mince the green onions. Then drain and mince the water chestnuts.

    easy Asian salad recipe in blue mixing bowl

    In a mixing bowl, mix together the Ginger Soy chicken, broccoli slaw, red cabbage, green onions, almonds, and water chestnuts. Mix in the chow mein noodles last. 

    easy chicken salad recipe and wonton recipe with Asian flavors

    Add spoonfuls of the Asian chicken salad to the baked wonton cups, creating deliciously crunchy wonton appetizers. 

    bite sized wonton appetizers filled with Asian chicken salad

    I’m telling you, they are so full of flavor, and if you love the blend of Ginger Soy with veggies, you are going to love this appetizer. 

    Asian Chicken Salad wonton recipe

    If you’re looking for an easy appetizer, this Asian chicken salad wonton recipe is just the thing. It’s quick, simple, and delicious.

    Be sure to follow @StarKistCharlie on Instagram and Twitter, and Like StarKist on Facebook.

    More Asian recipes you may enjoy:

    Asian Chicken Salad Wonton Cups

    Make delicious asian chicken salad in crunchy baked wonton cups. Easy appetizer filled with ginger soy chicken, crunchy almonds, red cabbage, and more! 

    • 12 whole wonton wrappers
    • 7.8 ounces StarKist® Chicken Creations™ Ginger Soy ((3 pouches))
    • 1 cup broccoli slaw
    • 1/2 cup red cabbage (chopped or sliced)
    • 1/2 cup green onion (minced)
    • 1/4 cup almonds (sliced)
    • 1/4 cup water chestnuts (minced)
    • 1/2 cup chow mein noodles
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 425°. 
    2. Prepare your muffin tins by spraying the cups with cooking spray.
    3. Press 12 wonton wrappers down in your muffin tins, ’til they form wonton cups. 
    4. Bake at 425° for about 8 to 10 minutes. Then allow them to cool.
    5. Chop or slice the red cabbage, and mince the green onions. 
    6. Drain and mince the water chestnuts. 
    7. In a mixing bowl, mix together the Ginger Soy chicken, broccoli slaw, red cabbage, green onions, almonds, and water chestnuts. 
    8. Mix in the chow mein noodles last.
    9. Add spoonfuls of the Asian chicken salad to the baked wonton cups, creating deliciously crunchy wonton appetizers. 
    10. And that’s it. They’re ready to serve and enjoy!

    Baking times on the wonton cups may vary with different ovens.

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  • Delicious Salmon Patties Recipe

    Delicious Salmon Patties Recipe

    Simple and easy salmon patties, made with crackers. Delicious with tzatziki sauce and perfect for dinner or served as an appetizer.

    delicious salmon patties on white platter with small bowl of tzatziki sauce

    My mom used to make the best salmon patties when I was growing up; my dad did a lot of deep sea fishing, so a lot of times, she’d make them with home canned salmon. 

    Like grilled fish fillets, fried crappie and Instant Pot salmon, these fried salmon patties have so much flavor. Mom always knew just the right seasonings to add.

    fried salmon patties on a white serving platter with small bowl of tzatziki sauce

    While my salmon cakes can probably never live up to hers, I still enjoy making them for dinner, especially when we make tzatziki sauce to go with them. 

    I’ll keep perfecting my salmon patties recipe, and hopefully, some day I’ll come close to Mom’s.

    salmon patties torn in half in hands

    You can find a printable recipe below. 

    Ingredients you need to make this recipe for salmon patties:

    ingredients for salmon patties recipe, including canned salmon, Saltine crackers, lemon juice, eggs, fresh chives, fresh parsley, Miracle Whip, salt, and pepper

    Tips for how to make salmon patties:

    The first thing you’ll want to do if you’re using canned salmon, is to drain and rinse the salmon. Then add it to a large mixing bowl.

    Add the eggs and lemon juice to the salmon, and give it a good stir.

    Crush the Saltine crackers in a plastic baggie, using a rolling pin. Then add the crackers to your salmon mixture.

    Next, mix in the Miracle Whip.

    ingredients for salmon cakes in large blue mixing bowl with spatula

    Then add the salt, pepper, chives, and chopped fresh parsley. The mixture should be just right for forming 1 to 2 dozen salmon patties, depending on the size you make them.

    Add a dash of olive oil or a couple tablespoons of butter to a skillet and begin to warm.

    Grab about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and begin forming a patty. Repeat and continue until all of the mixture has been formed into patties.

    fried salmon patties in cast iron skillet

    Add the patties to your skillet (or griddle) and fry each side until the patties have turned a golden brown color and have a crispy texture. 

    salmon patties served on white platter with tzatziki sauce

    When they are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and serve while warm. 

    recipe for salmon patties, crispy and delicious

    If you have leftovers, they’re just as good the next day. 

    What to serve with salmon patties

    Salmon cakes are delicious when served with pasta, rice, vegetables, and more. We enjoy pairing them with a salmon patties sauce like tzatziki sauce, as well as spaghetti squash alfredo (minus the chicken).

    salmon patties cut in half served with salmon patties sauce

    They’d also pair well with a colorful salad. 

    More fish and seafood recipes you may enjoy:

    easy salmon cakes on white platter, served with homemade tzatziki sauce

    Kitchen tools you may need to make salmon patties:

    Strainer – This makes it easy to drain and rinse the salmon.
    Mixing bowl – You’ll need a large mixing bowl to mix up the salmon patties recipe.
    Rolling Pin – Makes it easy to crush up the Saltines.
    Skillet or Griddle – You’ll need a way to fry the salmon patties.
    Flipper or Turner – for turning the patties in the skillet.

    salmon cakes and tzatziki sauce on white platter

    Delicious Salmon Patties Recipe

    Simple and easy salmon patties, made with crackers. Delicious with tzatziki sauce and perfect for dinner or served as an appetizer.

    • 20 ounces canned salmon (boneless and skinless)
    • 4 whole eggs
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 64 whole Saltine crackers ((about 2 sleeves))
    • 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)
    • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or salted butter)
    1. Drain and rinse the salmon. Then add it to a large mixing bowl.
    2. Add the eggs and lemon juice to the salmon, and give it a good stir.
    3. Crush the Saltine crackers in a plastic baggie, using a rolling pin. 
    4. Add the crackers to your salmon mixture.
    5. Next, mix in the Miracle Whip.
    6. Then add the salt, pepper, chives, and fresh parsley. Mix everything together well.
    7. Add a dash of olive oil or a couple tablespoons of butter to a skillet and begin to warm.
    8. Grab about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and begin forming a patty. Repeat and continue until all of the mixture has been formed into patties.
    9. Add the patties to your skillet (or griddle) and fry each side on low to medium heat until the patties have turned a golden brown color and have a crispy texture.
    10. When they are cooked through, remove them from the skillet, allow to drain, and serve while warm. 
    11. They pair deliciously well with this homemade tzatziki sauce.

    You can use canned salmon or fresh salmon, totally up to you.

    You can also substitute dried chives or parsley for fresh.

    If you have leftovers, these salmon patties are just as good the next day.

    Seafood Recipes
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    Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in 2013, but was re-published with bigger photos and more details in July of 2018.

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  • Maple Bourbon Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

    Maple Bourbon Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

    Easy recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs marinated with the most delicious, two ingredient, maple bourbon grilled shrimp marinade, then skewered with pineapple chunks and thrown on the grill.

    maple bourbon grilled shrimp kabobs with pineapple on a cookie sheet

    We’ve been a huge fan of the flavor that maple syrup and bourbon give together, especially since we shared the recipe for our Maple Bourbon Brined Turkey. We had to give a similar (but much simpler) glaze a try with our grilled shrimp kabobs. 

    Shrimp is so easy to make, I don’t know why we haven’t shared more easy shrimp recipes. But get ready because I have a feeling we’ll be sharing more in the near future.

    up close shrimp kabobs with pineapple grilled and placed on a cookie sheet

    I’m not quite sure how to describe the flavor that maple and bourbon give together. It’s slightly sweet, slightly tangy. These grilled shrimp kabobs are juicy and flavorful, just like my garlic parmesan chicken skewers.

    Our grilled shrimp marinade is as simple and easy as 2 ingredients. And just in case you’re wondering where to buy shrimp if you don’t live near a coast… We bought frozen, already cooked shrimp at Aldi, $4.99 for a 12-ounce bag.

    How to make a simple grilled shrimp marinade:

    You’ll need 2 ingredients for this simple marinade recipe… Real maple syrup (make sure it’s real) and bourbon. If you’re not sure where to buy bourbon, Saucey will deliver it right to your home.

    maple bourbon marinade for grilled shrimp recipe
    • Mix the maple syrup and bourbon together in a bowl.
    • Then pour into a gallon-sized bag with your shrimp (about two 12-ounce bags of already cooked shrimp).
    • Seal the bag and allow the shrimp to soak in the mixture for 20 to 25 minutes in the refrigerator.
    soak shrimp in grilled shrimp marinade in gallon bag

    Meanwhile, get the grill heated up and going; we prefer using a charcoal grill, but you can use any type of grill.

    Tips for how to make grilled shrimp kabobs:

    Gather the rest of your ingredients… You’ll need the marinated shrimp, fresh pineapple chunks, and optional cayenne pepper.

    add marinated shrimp and pineapple chunks to skewers for shrimp kabobs

    Take your skewers and alternate adding the marinated shrimp and pineapple chunks to each skewer. 

    grilling marinated shrimp kabobs on a charcoal grill

    Once your skewers are filled with shrimp and fresh pineapple chunks, place them on the already heated grill. 

    grilled shrimp recipe for maple bourbon grilled shrimp kabobs sprinkled with cayenne pepper on the grill

    Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper on the kabobs… This step is optional but adds a little spicy taste. 

    brushing a maple bourbon grilled shrimp marinade or glaze on shrimp kabobs on the charcoal grill

    Brush a bit of the marinade on when the shrimp kabobs begin to cook, and grill on high for 5 to 7 minutes per side. 

    maple bourbon grilled shrimp kabobs, easy shrimp recipe

    And that’s really all there is to this grilled shrimp recipe. Easy peasy! I like to top mine off with a fresh batch of sweet fruit salsa, or sometimes peach and mango salsa!

    More grilling recipes you may enjoy:

    Tools you may need to make shrimp kabobs:

    grilled maple bourbon shrimp kabobs with pineapple chunks and bits of parsley

    Mixing Bowl – A medium sized bowl will come in handy for mixing the maple syrup and bourbon together before pouring it over the shrimp in a gallon-sized bag.
    Charcoal Grill or Gas Grill – We love using our charcoal grill.
    Skewers – You’ll need skewers to make kabobs; we have metal skewers similar to this, and they’re so easy to use.
    Grilling Tongs – You’ll need tongs to turn the shrimp kabobs on the grill.
    Basting Brush – to brush on the maple bourbon grilled shrimp marinade. 

    Maple Bourbon Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

    Easy recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs marinated with the most delicious, two ingredient, maple bourbon grilled shrimp marinade, then skewered with pineapple chunks and thrown on the grill.

    • 1/4 cup real maple syrup
    • 1/4 cup bourbon
    • 24 ounces frozen cooked shrimp (thawed)
    • 1 whole pineapple (cut into chunks)
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    1. Mix the maple syrup and bourbon together in a bowl.
    2. Then pour the mixture into a gallon-sized bag with the thawed shrimp.
    3. Seal the bag and allow the shrimp to soak in the mixture for 20 to 25 minutes in the refrigerator.
    4. Meanwhile, heat up the grill; we prefer using a charcoal grill, but you can use any type of grill. 
    5. Take your skewers and alternate adding the marinated shrimp and pineapple chunks to each skewer.
    6. Once your skewers are filled with shrimp and fresh pineapple chunks, place them on the already heated grill.
    7. Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper on the kabobs… This step is optional but adds a little spicy taste.
    8. Brush a bit of the marinade on when the shrimp kabobs begin to cook, and grill on high for 5 to 7 minutes per side. The shrimp and pineapple will start to blacken up just a bit.
    9. Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove from the grill and serve immediately with your favorite sauce.
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  • Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs, made with lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Healthy and delicious recipe your family will love!

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs Raw Before Baking

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs are delicious in spaghetti and as party appetizers. They’re another one of my experiments, but this time an experiment gone totally right.

    Making dinner healthier has been a priority; bread crumbs in meatballs doesn’t necessarily add up to healthier, especially when you’re watching carb counts.

    However, cauliflower makes an excellent substitute for bread crumbs in Italian style meatballs, as well as in my low carb meatloaf recipe.

    Cauliflower makes a moist meatball, but not so moist that you even realize there’s cauliflower in there. It’s like having your vegetables and eating them too. Hidden veggies are fun, aren’t they?

    Serve them up with a homemade pasta sauce and spaghetti, and you’re all set for a delicious dinner with your family.

    Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti with Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Tips for How to Make Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs:

    Gather your ingredients… You’ll need lean ground beef, eggs, onion, steamed cauliflower, parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, fresh parsley, sea salt, and ground black pepper.

    • Mince the already steamed cauliflower into cauliflower rice (you can also use a food processor or blender to do this).
    • Add the cauliflower rice and parmesan cheese to the meat mixture.
    • Next, mix in all of your herbs and seasonings, including the oregano, basil, fresh minced parsley, sea salt, and ground black pepper.
    • At this point, you can keep stirring with a large fork; or get your hands into the mixture and mix it all together really well.
    • Take small amounts of the meat mixture and roll into meatballs, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. You can also use a scoop for this.
    • Place all the meatballs on your cookie sheet.
    • Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes or until they’re entirely cooked through and up to temperature.
    • Serve with spaghetti, as an appetizer, etc.
    Spaghetti with Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Meatballs really aren’t that complicated to make. They require a bit of patience as you take the time to roll each of them up, but they’re totally worth it.

    The ingredients are simple. The process is simple. And you end up with delicious meatballs packed full of flavor.

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs on a Cookie Sheet

    Pair Italian Style Meatballs with:

    More Cauliflower Recipes You May Enjoy:

    Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice

    Low Carb Chicken Casserole

    Chicken Fried Rice Spring Rolls

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs on Spaghetti Squash

    Kitchen Tools You May Need to Make Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs:

    Mixing Bowl – You’ll need a mixing bowl to mix up your meatballs.

    Cutting Board and Vegetable Cleaver – Perfect for prepping all your ingredients.

    Meatball Scoop – If you don’t want to roll them with your hands, this scoop may be just the thing.

    Cookie Sheet/Baking Pan or Meatball Baking Pan– You’ll definitely want to use a pan that has sides, to catch any juices.

    Spaghetti with Healthy and Delicious Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Want to see how to make the recipe? Watch our video!

    Print the Recipe for Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs, made with lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Healthy and delicious recipe your family will love!

    • 2 pounds lean ground beef
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 small onion
    • 1 cup cauliflower rice
    • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon basil
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350° and spray your cookie sheet/baking pan with cooking spray.
    2. In a mixing bowl, mix together the lean ground beef and eggs.
    3. Mince or chop the onion, and stir it into your beef mixture.
    4. Mince the already steamed cauliflower into cauliflower rice (you can also use a food processor or blender to do this).
    5. Add the cauliflower rice and parmesan cheese to the meat mixture.
    6. Next mix in all of your herbs and seasonings, including the oregano, basil, fresh minced parsley, sea salt, and ground black pepper. 
    7. At this point, you can keep stirring with a large fork; or get your hands into the mixture and mix it all together really well.
    8. Take small amounts of the meat mixture and roll into meatballs, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. You can also use a scoop for this. 
    9. Place all the meatballs on your cookie sheet. 
    10. Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes or until they’re entirely cooked through and up to temperature.
    11. Serve with spaghetti, as an appetizer, etc.
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  • Chicken Fried Rice Spring Rolls

    Chicken Fried Rice Spring Rolls

    Fried rice spring rolls are fried to perfection, so crispy, flaky, and delicious. Fill them with wok chicken fried rice, fried rice with pork or a healthier alternative, cauliflower chicken fried rice. It’s a super easy recipe for your favorite takeout side.

    I’ve always wanted to try making homemade rice paper spring rolls, fried to perfection (versus soggy egg rolls); I love the spring rolls they make at our favorite Thai place.

    Fried rice spring rolls stacked on bamboo plate

    For some reason, the wraps we used in the past just didn’t create the kind of flaky, crispy texture we were trying to achieve.

    But then we found a local Asian market that sells a pack of Spring Roll Pastry that makes perfectly flaky, crispy fried rice paper rolls. We had to hunt for them and finally found them in a deep freezer they keep in the store. Game on.

    And I’m just going to address the elephant in the room and come right out and say it… Frying these is a must to get that flaky texture. It really is. Baking just isn’t the same.

    rice paper spring rolls fried to perfection and stacked on bamboo plate with one cut in half

    When you’re filling the insides with delicious cauliflower chicken fried rice, it’s no surprise that these little appetizers, sides or snacks (however you choose to enjoy them) disappear quickly.

    How to Make Fried Rice Spring Rolls

    First things first… Gather your ingredients. You’ll need a batch of chicken fried rice (or cauliflower chicken fried rice), 1 pack spring roll pastry, all-purpose flour, water, and canola oil.

    1. Mix up a sort of paste with the flour and water; you’ll use this to seal the spring rolls as you wrap each one.
    2. Prepare the spring roll wraps according to the package directions; for us, this just meant separating each wrap and placing them all in a loose pile.
    3. Lay out a wrap on your cutting board or work surface.
    4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of chicken fried rice into the corner of the wrap.
    5. Fold that corner over the mixture, folding the left and right sides in to form a more rectangular shape. Then roll the wrap to where it’s wrapped pretty tightly but not tight enough to tear.
    6. Dab a bit of your flour paste mixture to the tip of the wrap and finish wrapping tightly (but again, not tight enough to tear).
    7. Repeat the above steps for each spring roll wrap.
    8. You can use a pre-heated deep fryer, air fryer, or a large skillet with at least 1/2 inch of canola oil to fry the spring rolls.
    9. Fry the spring rolls until each one is golden brown.
    10. Remove and drain before serving. Tip: A new (clean) brown paper lunch bag works great for draining; you can also place a few paper towels on a plate and put your spring rolls on the towels to drain.
    11. Serve while warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
    fried rice paper rolls stacked in cast iron skillet on blue cloth

    Kitchen tools you may need to make Chicken Fried Rice Spring Rolls

    stacked fried rice spring rolls on bamboo plate with dipping sauce in small blue bowl

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    Chicken Fried Rice Spring Rolls

    Fried rice spring rolls are fried to perfection, so crispy, flaky, and delicious. Fill them with chicken fried rice. Super easy recipe for your favorite takeout side.

    • 5 cups Chicken Fried Rice
    • 1 pack Spring Roll Pastry
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 3 tablespoons water
    1. Mix up a sort of paste with the flour and water; you’ll use this to seal the spring rolls as you wrap each one.
    2. Prepare the spring roll wraps according to the package directions; for us, this just meant separating each wrap and placing them all in a loose pile.
    3. Lay out a wrap on your cutting board or work surface.
    4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of chicken fried rice into the corner of the wrap.
    5. Fold that corner over the mixture, folding the left and right sides in to form a more rectangular shape. Then roll the wrap to where it’s wrapped pretty tightly but not tight enough to tear.
    6. Dab a bit of your flour paste mixture to the tip of the wrap and finish wrapping tightly (but again, not tight enough to tear).
    7. Repeat the above steps for each spring roll wrap.
    8. You can use a pre-heated deep fryer, air fryer, or a pan with at least 1/2 inch of canola oil to fry the spring rolls.
    9. Fry the spring rolls until each one is golden brown.
    10. Remove and drain before serving. Tip: A new (clean) brown paper lunch bag works great for draining; you can also place a few paper towels on a plate and put your spring rolls on the towels to drain.
    11. Serve while warm with your favorite sauce. 
    Appetizers
    Asian
    chicken fried rice spring rolls, chicken spring rolls, fried spring rolls, spring rolls