5-Ingredient Salmon Salad (easy lunch idea)

You’ve tried tuna salad and chicken salad, but have you ever eaten salmon salad? You can make this healthy high-protein lunch with leftover salmon or poach it in the microwave in two minutes! Cold Salmon Salad If you need a healthy salad loaded with om…

You’ve tried tuna salad and chicken salad, but have you ever eaten salmon salad? You can make this healthy high-protein lunch with leftover salmon or poach it in the microwave in two minutes! Cold Salmon Salad If you need a healthy salad loaded with omega-3s, you’ll love this easy salmon salad. It only takes 5

Peanut Noodles with Chicken

These Peanut Noodles with Chicken are an easy meal with a rich, creamy, sweet, and savory flavor that is completely addictive.

The post Peanut Noodles with Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Are you looking for a quick, creamy, lusciously rich, and easy dinner? I got you. These Peanut Noodles with Chicken are straight-up addictive with their sweet-savory-spicy-rich sauce and tender chunks of chicken breast. Plus, the whole recipe comes together in a cinch, so this is a great last-minute meal for those days when you just need something easy and GOOD. I think you’re going to love this one!

Overhead view of peanut noodles with chicken in a skillet with tongs.

What Are Peanut Noodles

This dish features noodles (any kind) and small bites of tender chicken breast drenched in a creamy sauce that’s inspired by Thai peanut sauce. The sauce is a rich mix of creamy coconut milk, savory peanut butter, spicy sriracha sauce, fresh garlic and ginger, a little soy sauce and brown sugar, and a splash of lime juice to keep everything bright. This easy sauce is absolutely divine and you’re going to want to spoon it over everything!

Can I Sub the Chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re not a chicken fan you can easily substitute it with shrimp, cubed tofu, or even just leave it out and enjoy the noodles plain. It’s all about that sauce, anyway. ;)

What to Serve with Peanut Noodles

I would consider these peanut noodles a meal in and of themselves, but if you’re a side dish kind of person I would suggest pairing these rich noodles with something super light. Try Sesame Cucumber Salad, Sesame Slaw, or Roasted Broccoli Salad with Almonds.

How Are the Leftovers?

This dish is definitely the best when eaten right away because the creamy, luscious sauce tends to get soaked up by the noodles when it’s stored in the refrigerator. That being said, I probably wouldn’t turn down a plate of these noodles after reheating, but I also wouldn’t expect them to be as saucy and creamy. So if you’re big on texture making a half batch might be a better option than counting on eating the leftovers.

Peanut noodles on a plate with a fork twirled in the noodles.
Close up overhead view of peanut noodles in the skillet with tongs.
Print

Peanut Noodles with Chicken

These Peanut Noodles with Chicken are an easy meal with a rich, creamy, sweet, and savory flavor that is completely addictive.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Thai
Total Cost $9.20 recipe / $2.30 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 727kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup smooth natural-style peanut butter $0.40
  • 2 Tbsp sriracha $0.23
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.08
  • 1 fresh lime (2 Tbsp juice) $0.59
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce $0.06
  • 1 clove garlic, minced $0.08
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger $0.10
  • 1 13.5oz. can coconut milk $2.99
  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ lb.) $3.33
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
  • 8 oz. noodles* $0.89
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts $0.19
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro $0.22

Instructions

  • Prepare the peanut sauce first. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sriracha, brown sugar, soy sauce, 2 Tbsp lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Add the coconut milk to the peanut sauce and whisk until smooth again.
  • Cut the chicken breast into small ½ to 1-inch sized pieces.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.
  • Add the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet, turn the heat down to medium-low, and stir to dissolve any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce over low, stirring occasionally, while you cook the noodles.
  • Cook your noodles according to the package directions, then drain in a colander.
  • Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet with the peanut sauce and chicken. Toss until everything is evenly mixed and coated in sauce.
  • Top the noodles with chopped peanuts and cilantro, then enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*We used fettuccine for this dish but you can use any type of long noodle like spaghetti, rice noodles, or ramen noodles. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 727kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 43g | Sodium: 632mg | Fiber: 4g
Close up overhead view of peanut noodles in the skillet with tongs.

How to Make Peanut Noodles with Chicken – Step by Step Photos

Peanut sauce ingredients in the bowl, not mixed together.

Make the peanut sauce first so the ingredients have a few minutes to mingle and the sauce is ready to go when you need it later. Add ⅓ cup smooth natural-style peanut butter, 2 Tbsp sriracha, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 Tbsp lime juice to a bowl.

Coconut milk being poured into the peanut sauce.

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, then add in one 13.5 oz. can of coconut milk. Whisk until smooth again and then set the sauce aside.

Chicken cut into chunks on an orange cutting board.

Cut one large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ lb.) into small ½ to 1-inch chunks.

Cooked chunks of chicken in a skillet.

Heat 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t cooked through at this point. Avoid overcooking the chicken or it will become tough.

Peanut sauce being poured into the skillet with the chicken.

Pour the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Turn the heat down to low and stir to dissolve any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce over low, stirring occasionally, as you cook the noodles.

Cooked linguine added to the skillet.

Cook 8 oz. noodles according to their package direction, then drain in a colander. You can use linguine, spaghetti, rice noodles, ramen noodles, or any kind of long noodle.

Finished peanut noodles in the skillet without toppings.

Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet and stir to combine.

Peanut noodles in the skillet topped with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

Top the peanut noodles with ¼ cup chopped peanuts and ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Overhead view of a plate full of peanut noodles with a fork on the side.

Enjoy the peanut noodles hot. If you have any leftover lime, cut it into wedges and squeeze a bit over top just before eating.

Overhead view of peanut noodles in the skillet with open tongs.

SO GOOD.

The post Peanut Noodles with Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Tofu Poke Bowl

If you want a tasty plant-based dinner, you’ll love these vegan Tofu Poke Bowls that replace tuna poke with tofu. Tofu Poke Bowl I keep getting requests for more plant based recipe. I LOVED these Tofu Poke Bowls! High in protein, easy to make and…

If you want a tasty plant-based dinner, you’ll love these vegan Tofu Poke Bowls that replace tuna poke with tofu. Tofu Poke Bowl I keep getting requests for more plant based recipe. I LOVED these Tofu Poke Bowls! High in protein, easy to make and cheaper than using sushi grade fish. Traditional poke bowls are

Green Smoothie

This Green Smoothie is creamy, tangy, and light! Yes, it’s good for you, but more importantly, it’s so yummy you’ll start to crave it.

The post Green Smoothie appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This Green Smoothie is creamy, tangy, and light! Yes, it’s good for you, but more importantly, it’s so yummy you’ll start to crave it. I started making it to sneak more greens into my kiddo’s diet during the blisteringly hot LA summer months, but we loved it so much that it became a year-round favorite. PS I’ve made this green smoothie recipe for hundreds of kids at the cooking classes I host at schools all over the country. I’ve never had anyone not drink the whole thing. So this one’s a winner!

Side shot of green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

What Is A Green Smoothie?

A green smoothie is a velvety blend of leafy greens like spinach and kale, frozen fruit to add natural sweetness, and a liquid or creamy ingredient to help bring everything together and create a smooth texture. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

What You’ll Need

This green smoothie recipe is simple because I’m not particularly eager to complicate my morning routine. I love that I can put the green smoothie ingredients in freezer packs if I’m facing a busy week. Sometimes I’ll blend the smoothie the night before, shake it up in the morning, and it’s still absolute perfection.

  • Baby spinach – this is the “green” in your smoothie. It blends easily, and the fruit in the smoothie overpowers its mild flavor. You can sub with baby kale or your favorite super greens blend.
  • Plain Yogurt – adds creaminess and a smooth texture. I use yogurt with probiotics to up the nutrition factor. You can substitute the yogurt with milk, cottage cheese, or plant-based alternatives.
  • Orange Juice – helps to loosen the smoothie texture and adds a sweet tang that helps cover the bitterness of the raw spinach. You can sub with apple juice, pineapple juice, or with water.
  • Green Apple – adds fiber and acidic notes that mask the spinach flavors. You don’t have to peel your apple, but make sure you scrub the peel with baking soda to remove the wax used to preserve it. You can substitute the apple with any other apple, grapes, peaches, mango, or pear.
  • Frozen Bananas – you need to blend frozen fruit to create a creamy smoothie texture. Ice will only water down your results and ruin the blades of your blender. Bananas should be ripe, as their natural sugars will help sweeten the blend. Substitute bananas with frozen avocado, or frozen mango.
  • Frozen Pineapple – the bright, tart notes of pineapple help mask the spinach flavor. You can freeze pineapple canned in its own juices to help lower costs. Reserve the juices and use them instead of orange juice.
Overhead shot of three green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

Green Smoothie Benefits

Greens are the most nutrient-dense when consumed raw, like in this smoothie. This green smoothie recipe is a good source of Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, Potassium, and Calcium. These nutrients help with bone strength and digestive health and support immunity. Learn more about the health benefits of green smoothies HERE.

How To Make A Smoothie Pack

I use a large mason jar to store my smoothie packs because I pour the smoothie back into the jar as soon as I blend it. You can keep the ingredients in your freezer-safe container of choice.

  1. Slice the bananas and add them to your freezer-safe container.
  2. Follow with the pineapple and the apple.
  3. Top with spinach and seal.

When you’re ready to enjoy your smoothie, add the juice and yogurt to a blender jar, add the spinach from the pack, and process until creamy. Follow with the remaining ingredients in the pack and blend until smooth.

Side shot of hand holding green smoothie with a straw in it.
Side shot of green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.
Print

Green Smoothie

This Green Smoothie is creamy, tangy, and light! Yes, it's good for you, but more importantly, it's so yummy you'll start to crave it.
Course Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.21 recipe / $0.78 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 75kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup orange juice $0.50
  • 1/2 cup yogurt, plain $0.34
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, packed (5 oz container) $3.00
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks $1.25
  • 1 green apple, chopped $0.62
  • 2 bananas, frozen $0.50

Instructions

  • Add orange juice and yogurt to a blender jar. Top with fresh baby spinach and blend until smooth.
  • Add the pineapple, apple, and bananas and blend until smooth. Add more juice (or water) to thin out the smoothie to your preference.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a day to ensure maximum freshness, nutrition, and flavor.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg | Fiber: 2g
Overhead shot of three green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

How to Make A Green Smoothie – Step by Step Photos

Side shot of juice being added to a blender full of spinach.

Add 1 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup yogurt to a blender jar. Top with 4 cups fresh baby spinach and blend until smooth.

Side shot of frozen fruit being added to blended spinach.

Add 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks, one green apple peeled and chopped, and two frozen bananas. Blend until smooth. Add more juice (or water) to thin out the smoothie to your preference.

Overhead shot of finished smoothie in a blender.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a day to ensure maximum freshness, nutrition, and flavor.

Side shot of green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

More Great Smoothie Recipes

The post Green Smoothie appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Taco Soup

Taco soup is an easy and hearty soup with all the flavor of your favorite tacos in a warm and delicious bowl of soup.

The post Taco Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Taco soup was one of the first things I ever posted on Budget Bytes, and now I’m ready for this tasty soup to make a roaring comeback. Not only do I appreciate how quick and easy this soup is to make, but now I’ve got my own homemade versions of all the seasoning mixes so I can go 100% homemade, or take the store-bought shortcut when needed! I like having options. ;)

Overhead view of a bowl of taco soup with toppings.

What is Taco Soup?

Taco soup is a really easy soup made with ground beef, tons of beans, some vegetables like onions, tomatoes, green chiles, and corn, and a generously spiced tomato broth. It’s got a ton of flavor and texture, but requires barely any work to prepare. And the best part? It’s just begging for all the fun toppings that you might find on a taco!

Here’s what you’ll need to make taco soup:

  • Ground beef: Ground beef helps make this soup really hearty and meal-worthy, but if you don’t like beef you can substitute with ground turkey, pork, pulled pork, or even make it vegetarian by adding extra beans and vegetables.
  • Beans: Beans help bulk up this recipe while keeping the cost lost. For this recipe we use two kinds of beans (pinto and black beans), but you can always add more if you’d like!
  • Vegetables: A medley of vegetables keeps this bowl of soup colorful AND flavorful. We used onion, garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and corn. And the sky’s the limit when it comes to adding more veggies.
  • Seasonings: This soup is not short on flavor thanks to not just one but TWO seasoning mixes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning. You can use our homemade recipe for either one or take a shortcut and use a store-bought seasoning packet. This bold mix of flavors makes sure that every spoonful is a ten!
  • Tomato paste: A few tablespoons of tomato paste helps thicken the broth just a bit and adds a little brightness to the soup.
  • Toppings: This is where the soup gets fun! Add all your favorite taco toppings to your bowl, or make it a spread and allow each person to build their own bowl.
Overhead view of a pot of taco soup with toppings and a ladle.

What to Serve with Taco Soup

Taco soup has a lot going on in each bowl, so it could easily be considered a whole meal in one bowl, but if you want to add a little something-something on the side, I’d go for some simple cornbread or maybe some Cilantro Lime Rice.

But before you even get to the side dishes, make sure you have some of these fun toppings for taco soup:

  • Tortilla chips
  • Avocado
  • Sour Cream
  • Green onion
  • Pickled red onion
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fresh lime

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Seasonings

One of the reasons taco soup is so popular is because it’s easy to make and uses a lot of convenient, shelf-stable pantry ingredients. Instead of measuring out ten different herbs and spices you can use store-bought seasoning mixes in one go. But those store-bought seasoning packets do tend to be a sodium bomb. So if you want a little more control over the ingredients in your taco soup, we have homemade versions of BOTH seasoning packets that you can use in their place. :) See our Homemade Taco Seasoning and Homemade Ranch Seasoning for a more “from scratch” option.

How to Store taco Soup

Taco soup is great for meal prep because the flavors just get better as they chill in the fridge! Divide this soup up into single servings just after cooking to allow it to cool faster, then store in the fridge for 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can transfer the chilled soup to the freezer and store for about three months. The soup reheats easily in the microwave or in a saucepot over medium low.

Overhead view of three bowls of taco soup with different toppings.
One bowl of taco soup with toppings.
Print

Taco Soup

Taco soup is an easy and hearty soup with all the flavor of your favorite tacos in a warm and delicious bowl of soup.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Total Cost $11.84 recipe / $1.97 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 1.5 cups each
Calories 419kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil and ground beef to a large soup pot. Cook over medium heat until the beef is fully browned. If using a high-fat content beef, drain the excess fat from the pot.
  • While the beef is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to the pot with the beef and continue to cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Add the frozen corn, pinto beans (drained), black beans (drained), and diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juices), and stir to combine.
  • Add the tomato paste, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and water to the pot. Stir to combine. Turn the heat up to high, place a lid on the pot, and bring the soup up to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

* In place of store-bought seasoning packets you can use our homemade taco seasoning and homemade ranch seasoning

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 1412mg | Fiber: 12g

How to Make Taco Soup – Step by Step Photos

Cooked ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a soup pot.

Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and one pound of ground beef to a large soup pot. Cook over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. If using a high-fat content beef, drain the excess fat from the pot. Once the beef is cooked, add one diced yellow onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Continue to stir and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.

Beans, corn, and tomatoes in the pot.

Add one cup frozen corn kernels, one 15oz. can black beans (drained), one 15oz. can of pinto beans (drained), and two 10oz. cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juices). Stir to combine.

Water pouring into the pot.

Add 3 Tbsp tomato paste, one packet of taco seasoning (or one recipe homemade taco seasoning), one packet of ranch seasoning (or one recipe homemade ranch seasoning), and 2 cups water. Stir to combine.

Finished taco soup in the pot.

Turn the heat up to medium-high and place a lid on top. Allow the soup to come up to a boil. Once boiling, give it a stir, turn the heat down to medium-low, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finished taco soup in the pot with no toppings.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking (I did not add anything additional).

One bowl of taco soup with toppings.

Serve the soup hot with your favorite toppings! (shown: tortilla chips, cilantro, and sour cream)

Three bowls of taco soup with different toppings.

The post Taco Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a delicious, comforting soup that can be enjoyed year-round for lunch or dinner.  Broccoli Cheddar Soup Cheddar Broccoli Soup is the ultimate comfort food! I love it for lunch with a salad or half …

This classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a delicious, comforting soup that can be enjoyed year-round for lunch or dinner.  Broccoli Cheddar Soup Cheddar Broccoli Soup is the ultimate comfort food! I love it for lunch with a salad or half sandwich, sandwich, or for weeknight dinners as a first course. Healthier and lighter than Panera’s since

Beer Cheese Dip

Looking for a melted cheese appetizer that’s sure to be the hit of the party? You’ll love the unique taste cheddar gives this Beer Cheese Dip!

The post Beer Cheese Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This quick and easy Beer Cheese Dip recipe combines two casual party staples (Beer! Cheese!) into one creamy, decadent cheese dip. This ooey-gooey melted cheese appetizer is similar to queso. But the Cheddar cheese we use gives it a sharp, slightly-tangy flavor that makes it really unique (in a good way!). This funky twist on fondue is the perfect thing to serve up the next time you want to impress without the stress. 

A large white bowl filled with beer cheese dip on a blue background surrounded by different types of pretzels, a wooden cutting board with apple slices and a glass cup of beer.

WHAT IS BEER CHEESE?

This Beer Cheese Dip is precisely what it sounds like: a saucy cheese dip made with beer. The beer is simmered to reduce its alcohol content but still maintains its tangy flavor. Then it’s melded with a combo of cream cheese and extra-sharp cheddar cheese to create an ultra-rich and decadent dip. We also added Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and seasonings to round out the flavors.

This dish, which originated in Kentucky, shouldn’t be confused with the German cow’s milk cheese Bierkäse, which literally translates to “beer cheese.” It’s also very different from Obatzda, an authentic German cheese spread made with super-funky soft cheese that’s served cold alongside Bavarian-style soft pretzels. 

CHEESE OPTIONS

You can use almost any kind of cheese to make this recipe, but some will be more successful than others. We used a block of extra-sharp, store-brand cheddar cheese since it’s the most traditional and budget-friendly option. It’s also super flavorful (but not too funky!). Here are some more tips to consider when using different types of cheese:

  • Make sure the cheese and beer taste good together — and are ones you enjoy! (Since both heavily impact the sauce’s final flavor, color, and texture.)
  • For the grated cheese, reach for a semi-firm cheese (like Cheddar, Edam, or Gouda) or a semi-soft cheese (like Mozzarella, Jack, Fontina, and Munster). Both types of cheese will shred easier when cold. Hard cheeses and ones that are “aged” or “extra-sharp” can also be used, but don’t melt as easily as their softer, milder counterparts.

BEER OPTIONS

It doesn’t matter what kind of beer you use for this recipe – just pick one you like to drink! We used Pabst Blue Ribbon, a budget-friendly light beer with a mild, malty taste that wouldn’t compete with the flavor of our sharp cheddar cheese. 

  • Light Beers: Considered best for beer cheese. Light beers are usually milder in taste. So they’re less likely to overpower easy-to-melt cheeses like basic Cheddar. Fruity wheat beers pair especially well with cheese!
  • Dark Beers: Stouts and porters also make a great beer cheese sauce, but are best paired with a sharp, funky cheese that can stand up to their strong, rich flavors. 
  • Super-hoppy IPAs: If you love this style of beer, go for it. (They’re truly an “acquired taste!”) But if you don’t like drinking them, you probably won’t enjoy the lingering, bitter aftertaste they give your beer cheese sauce either!

Why is my beer cheese lumpy or grainy?

It’s important not to overheat your cheese dip. High heat makes the proteins and fat in the cheese separate, causing the sauce to “break” and turn into a lumpy mess. If this happens, it can be difficult (or impossible) to repair. You might be able to fix the cheese sauce by adding more cream cheese or Dijon, which are both emulsifying ingredients. Add these ingredients a little at a time, stirring vigorously to incorporate them before adding any more. 

DOES BEER CHEESE CONTAIN ALCOHOL?

Boiling beer reduces the alcohol content a lot but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. I promise, no one will get “drunk” from eating too much beer cheese! If consuming alcohol isn’t part of your lifestyle, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic beer! Or try one of our other easy cheese sauce recipes, like:

eat it fresh & keep it warm

This recipe is best eaten right after it’s prepared. The leftovers probably won’t stay as smooth and creamy, so I’d suggest reducing the serving size of the recipe to avoid wasted ingredients.

serving suggestions

Serve this decadent dip with an assortment of pretzels and crackers, apple slices, or a vegetable party tray. Our Beer Bread and Easy Soda Bread are also great vehicles for this cheese sauce!

A side view of giant Bavarian pretzel that's just been half-dipped in beer cheese is hovering over a large white bowl filled of the dip and is surrounded by an assortment of other pretzels and a glass cup of beer.
An overhead view of a hand swirling a pretzel crisp into a white bowl of beer cheese dip that's surrounded by an assortment of pretzels, a glass cup of beer, a wooden cutting board topped with apple slices, and a small bowl of pretzel salt.
Print

Beer Cheese Dip

Looking for a melted cheese appetizer that's sure to be the hit of the party? You'll love the unique taste cheddar gives this Beer Cheese Dip!
Course Appetizer, Dip, Side Dish
Cuisine American, German
Total Cost $3.95 RECIPE / $0.66 SERVING
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 1/3 cup each
Calories 210kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup beer $0.92
  • 1 Tbsp warm water $0.00
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.03
  • 2 oz. cream cheese $0.44
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded $2.49
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.02
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.01

Instructions

  • Heat the beer in a saucepan on medium-high heat. While the beer heating up, whisk together the cornstarch and warm water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
  • Once the beer comes to a rolling boil, let it continue to boil for about 5 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling beer, whisking constantly to fully incorporate it. Allow the beer to come back up to a boil, at which point the cornstarch slurry will slightly thicken the beer.
  • Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into chunks, then whisk it into the beer until fully melted.
  • Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, continuing to whisk until the cheese is fully melted before adding more.
  • Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the cheese dip and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your liking.
  • Cover the cheese dip and keep the pot sitting over low heat so it stays warm and melted (or transfer it to a small chafing dish, crockpot, or electric fondue pot). Stir the cheese dip occasionally to prevent a thick skin from forming on the surface.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.33cup | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 494mg | Fiber: 0.1g
A overhead view of a white bowl of cheese dip sprinkled with black pepper that is surrounded by an assortment of pretzels, a bowl of pretzel salt, a wooden cutting board of apples and a glass cup of beer.

How to Make beer cheese dip – Step by Step Photos

A small saucepot being filled with beer from a glass measuring cup held above the bottom right corner of the pot.

Heat 1 cup (8 oz.) of beer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the beer comes to a rolling boil, let it boil for about 5 minutes. While the beer heating up, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of warm water in a small bowl.

A cornstarch slurry is being poured into the left side of a small saucepot of beer, and a whisk is resting in the bottom right corner of the pot.

Add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling beer, whisking constantly to fully incorporate it. Bring the beer back up to a boil, at which point the cornstarch slurry will slightly thicken the beer.

A small saucepot of boiled beer with chunks of unmelted cream cheese in the right side of the pot ready to be mixed into the beer.

Turn the heat down to low. Cut 2 ounces of cream cheese into chunks, and then whisk them into the beer until fully melted.

A hand is sprinkling shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a small saucepot containing a mixture of beer, cornstarch, and cream cheese.

Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the saucepot a handful at a time. Continue whisking after each addition until all the cheese has melted before adding the next handful.

A hand is pouring Worcestershire sauce into a small saucepot of melted cheese, and there are small piles of unmixed salt and black pepper sitting on the surface.

Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk to combine. Taste the cheese dip and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your liking. 

A small saucepot of finished beer cheese dip.

Cover the cheese dip and keep it over low heat so it stays warm and melted. You could also transfer it to a small chafing dish, crockpot, or electric fondue pot. Stir it occasionally to prevent a thick skin from forming on the surface of the cheese sauce. 

An extreme close up of a giant Bavarian soft pretzel that's just been dipped into a white bowl filled with melted cheese sauce, and an assortment of pretzels and a glass cup of beer are blurred in the background.

There’s nothing quite like a vat of melted cheese and a soft pretzel as big as your face, amirite?! ~ Marion :)

The post Beer Cheese Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Beer Bread

Transform a can of beer into a tasty loaf of Beer Bread! This easy, no-knead bread recipe is packed with flavor and only takes an hour.

The post Beer Bread appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Looking for a way to use that random can of beer hanging out in the back of the fridge? Transform it into a loaf of deliciously-cheesy Beer Bread! Thanks to the beer, this super-easy quick bread recipe still delivers on the classic, yeasty flavor of a long-fermented loaf, but comes together in a fraction of the time. Best of all, there’s no kneading required.

A loaf of beer bread with three slices overlapping on a long wooden cutting board surrounded by glass jars filled with beer, a PBR can, a wooden bowl of shredded cheese and a small metal dish of soft butter and a small butter knife.

WHAT IS BEER BREAD?

Beer Bread is a type of “quick bread” that uses the flavor and carbonation in beer to create a fluffy, buttery, tangy loaf in just an hour. Unlike most homemade bread recipes, this one doesn’t require any kneading, resting time, or additional yeast. We also included some shredded cheddar cheese to make our loaf extra rich and flavorful! 

BEST BEERS FOR BEER BREAD

We chose a budget-friendly, light beer for our loaf, but almost any kind of beer can be used to make this recipe. Keep in mind: the beer you choose will influence the flavor of the bread, so make sure to pick something you like! How to choose the best beer for beer bread:

  • Light beers – Generally, light beers will create a light-colored loaf with an airy texture and a more subtle, malty flavor.
  • Dark beers – Darker beers like stouts and porters will give the bread a slightly darker color and more robust flavor than light beer.
  • Hoppy beers & IPAs – Since pale ales tend to be very bitter, they aren’t an ideal choice. That intense flavor will carry over and may give the bread a lingering sour aftertaste.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the bread in the pantry or on the counter (for 1-2 days) or in the fridge (for 4-5 days). This bread also freezes beautifully. Tightly wrap the loaf in a layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

serving suggestions

This beer bread lands somewhere between a regular, sliceable loaf of bread and a savory, ultra-rich loaf cake. So the possibilities are kind of endless!

A close up shot of long wooden cutting board with a half a loaf of beer bread in the left corner of the frame, two slices on the upper right corner of the frame and in between a slice is being covered with salted homemade butter with a small metal butter knife.
A side shot of a loaf of beer bread on a wooden cutting board with three slices slightly overlapping in the foreground of the image, and behind the cutting board is a small wooden bowl filled with shredded cheese and a glass cup of beer is visible in the upper right corner of the frame.
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Beer Bread

Transform a can of beer into a tasty loaf of Beer Bread! This easy, no-knead bread recipe is packed with flavor and only takes an hour.
Course Bread, Easy, Side Dish
Cuisine American, German
Total Cost $2.35 RECIPE / $0.29 SERVING
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 1 slice each
Calories 269kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour $0.30
  • 1 Tbsp sugar $0.06
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder $0.12
  • 2 tsp salt $0.04
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese* $0.62
  • 4 Tbsp butter, divided** $1.20
  • 12 oz. beer (one regular-sized can) $0.92

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
  • Melt the butter in a small sauce pot. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of a 9×5 loaf pan with butter. Set the remaining butter aside.
  • Add the beer to the flour mixture and stir until a thick batter forms. Transfer the batter to the prepared bread pan, making sure to spread it out evenly inside the bread pan.
  • Pour the rest of the melted butter on top of the bread dough.
  • Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes, or until deeply golden brown on top.
  • Once slightly cool (about 10 minutes), run a butter knife around the inside edge of the pan gently to loosen the edges, and then turn the bread onto a cutting board to slice and serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

* or Parmesan cheese
** If using unsalted butter, you may want to add an additional ¼ teaspoon of salt with the rest of the dry ingredients or sprinkle the same amount on top of the loaf just before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 834mg | Fiber: 1g
An overhead shot of a half-sliced loaf of beer bread on a long, wooden cutting board surrounded by glass cups of beer, a can of beer, a butter dish and knife, and bowl of cheese, and a grey and white striped dish cloth.

How to Make BEER BREAD – Step by Step Photos

A white ceramic mixing bowl filled with piles of unmixed flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, sugar and shredded cheddar cheese.

Preheat the oven to 375℉. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.

An overhead shot of two hands preparing a metal loaf pan with a pastry brush next to a small skillet of melted butter.

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small sauce pot or skillet. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of a 9×5″ loaf pan with about 1/2 tablespoon of the melted butter. Set the rest of the butter aside.

A white, ceramic mixing bowl filled with the mixed dry ingredients to make beer bread, a spatula is resting in the right side of the bowl and beer is being poured into the left side of the bowl from a glass liquid measuring cup.

Pour 12 oz. (1 1/2 cups) of beer into the flour mixture. Mix until a thick batter forms and no clumps of dry ingredients remain. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, making sure to spread it out evenly. Tap it on the counter a few times to help eliminate any air pockets.

A metal loaf pan filled with unbaked bread dough is being covered with melted butter poured from a small, white bowl on the left side of the frame.

Pour the rest of the melted butter (about 3 1/2 tablespoons) on top of the bread dough. 

A horizonal image of a baked loaf of bread with a golden-brown, crunchy top in metal loaf pan.

Bake the beer bread for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is evenly golden brown and crispy. Let the bread cool slightly (about 10 minutes) in the loaf pan. Run a butter knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the edges, then flip the bread out onto a cutting board to slice and serve.

A vertical close up of a loaf of bread on a wooden cutting board with three slices slightly overlapping in the foreground of the image, and behind the cutting board is a small wooden bowl filled with shredded cheese and a can of beer is visible in the upper right corner of the frame.

As one of my favorite TikTok creators (@tanaradoublechocolate) would say: “It ain’t gonna slide down easy if it ain’t cheesy!” Hope y’all love this Easy Beer Bread as much as we do! ~Marion :)

The post Beer Bread appeared first on Budget Bytes.

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