Potato Casserole

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

The post Potato Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this creamy, cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this potato casserole recipe is comfort food at its best. The crunchy, cheesy topping is a little sweet, a lot savory, and makes this the perfect side for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

What is Potato Casserole?

Diced potatoes are blanketed in a sauce made from cheddar cheese, milk, and sour cream; seasoned with onions and garlic; and topped with crunchy corn flake cereal. It’s the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and crunchy side dish. So grab a 5 lb. bag or potatoes and get cooking!

Ingredients for Potato Casserole

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are in between starchy and waxy, making them perfect for this casserole since they hold their shape well. You’ll need 3 lbs. or about 6 medium potatoes.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor to the dish and helps prevent the onions and garlic from burning in the pan.
  • Onion and Garlic: These alliums add a classic earthy and sweet flavor that adds depth to this dish.
  • Salt: Kosher salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A little bit of flour helps to thicken up the sauce.
  • Milk: Milk adds moisture to the sauce. You can use any kind of milk you have on hand, including plant-based.
  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: We love the flavor of extra sharp, but any kind of cheddar works well.
  • Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a touch of brightening tanginess and richness to the dish.
  • Corn Flake Cereal: Crushed corn flakes create the perfect slightly sweet, super crunchy topping for this casserole. You can also use Panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers if that’s what you have on hand.

What Else Can I Add To Potato Casserole?

This is a great recipe for using up leftovers. Got some bacon or ham burning a hole in your refrigerator? Throw it in! You can swap the sour cream for Greek Yogurt if that’s what you have on hand. And feel free to top it with any leftover herbs you have lying around– parsley, chives, or scallions would all be delicious!

How to Serve Potato Casserole

Serve this creamy, cheesy potato casserole with Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Classic Homemade Meatloaf, or some Turkey Meatballs. It’s also great for breakfast with Fried Eggs or Maple Sage Breakfast Sausage.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover potato casserole tightly covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or you can wrap it in a double-layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat it covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly.

close up view of a wooden spoon in potato casserole.
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Potato Casserole

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.06 recipe / $0.90 serving
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 459kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes $3.00
  • 1/4 cup butter $0.53
  • 1/2 onion $0.16
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.05
  • 2 cups milk $0.96
  • 3 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided $3.21
  • 1/2 cup sour cream $0.53
  • 1 cup crushed corn flake cereal $0.44

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel and dice the potatoes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
  • Add the potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, cooking for 8-10 minutes until fork tender. Strain in a colander. Then, transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
  • While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat.
  • Add in the onion and salt, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then, stir in the flour.
  • Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to incorporate.
  • Add in 2 cups of cheese and the sour cream. Stir until melted and incorporated.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Gently combine until the potatoes are fully coated.
  • Top with the crushed cereal and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 615mg | Fiber: 4g

how to make Potato Casserole – step by step photos

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel and dice 3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, finely chop 1/2 onion, and mince 2 cloves garlic.

Add the potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, cooking for 8-10 minutes until fork tender. Strain in a colander. Then, transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.

While the potatoes are boiling, melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add in the onion and 1/2 tsp salt, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then, stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.

Slowly pour in 2 cups milk while whisking to incorporate.

Add in 2 cups of cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir until melted and incorporated.

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Gently combine until the potatoes are fully coated.

Top with 1 cup crushed corn flake cereal and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

This savory and cheesy potato casserole is the perfect side dish for your next brunch or dinner party!

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Fried Cabbage

This fried cabbage recipe is a super easy side dish that goes with just about any meal. It’s flavorful, budget-friendly comfort food at its best!

The post Fried Cabbage appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Fried cabbage is an incredibly underrated side dish, IMHO. It’s cheap, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, and it goes with everything. Plus, cabbage is one of my favorite budget ingredients because it’s so filling and nutritious, and you really don’t need a lot to make it taste great. This Fried Cabbage recipe is as easy as it gets and it’s so good that I find myself making it over and over. It’s one of those recipes where I actually look forward to eating the leftovers!

Overhead view of fried cabbage in a skillet.

Fried cabbage is a classic Southern side dish that you’re likely to find at BBQ joints and soul food kitchens across the Southern United States. It’s simply chopped cabbage that has been fried in bacon grease until golden brown and delicious. Seriously, words can not describe how amazing this melt-in-your-mouth cabbage is.

Ingredients for Fried Cabbage

It doesn’t take a lot to make fried cabbage taste incredible. Here are the few simple ingredients you’ll need to make this fried cabbage recipe:

  • Cabbage: This is the bulk of the recipe. It’s inexpensive, filling, and has tons of fiber (yay)! Look for cabbage that has a nice green color and isn’t very heavy for its size. Dense, compact cabbage can be underripe, have a tough texture, and lack flavor.
  • Bacon: Bacon adds flavor, salt, and fat to the cabbage, making it extra finger-licking good. See below for suggestions if you prefer a vegetarian fried cabbage or can’t eat pork.
  • Onion: Adding an onion to the fried cabbage brings both savory and sweet flavors to the table. The onion caramelizes a bit in the skillet bringing a slight natural sweetness.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid helps steam and soften the cabbage, which can otherwise be quite tough. Using chicken broth instead of plain water ensures maximum flavor. You can substitute with other broth flavors, if preferred.
  • Seasoning Salt: I like to season my fried cabbage with an all-in-one seasoning salt, like Lawry’s or Tony Chacherie’s. We used Tony’s because I love the slightly spicy kick, but Lawry’s is equally as delicious.
  • Butter: A little bit of butter melted into the cabbage at the end gives the fried cabbage a deliciously rich finish.

Vegetarian Fried Cabbage

The bacon and chicken broth bring a large portion of the flavor to this dish, but you do have options if you’d like to make a vegetarian fried cabbage recipe. Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth or a vegetarian “chicken” flavored broth to start. To replace the smoky flavor and fatty mouthfeel of the bacon, I suggest either adding more butter or a tablespoon of coconut oil and some smoked paprika. You may also want to increase the seasoning salt to replace the salt from the bacon.

What to Serve with Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage is the perfect side dish for any Southern-style dinner. Try pairing it with Pulled Pork, BBQ chicken, pork chops, potato salad, black-eyed peas, cornbread, or ham.

How to Store Leftovers

Fried cabbage is quite delicious as a leftover and you don’t need to take any special measures when refrigerating it. Simply place it in a food storage container and refrigerate for up to five days. To reheat the fried cabbage you can either microwave until hot or place it back into a non-stick skillet and sauté over medium heat until heated through. I do not suggest freezing fried cabbage as it will likely get very mushy upon thawing.

Overhead view of fried cabbage in a bowl.
Close up overhead view of fried cabbage in a skillet.
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Fried Cabbage

This fried cabbage recipe is a super easy side dish that goes with just about any meal. It's flavorful, budget-friendly comfort food at its best!
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $3.39 recipe / $0.85 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 (about 1 cup each)
Calories 184kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. bacon $1.33
  • 1/2 head green cabbage (about 1.25 lbs or 6 cups chopped) $0.99
  • 1 yellow onion $0.37
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth $0.52
  • 1/2 tsp seasoning salt $0.05
  • 1 Tbsp butter $0.13

Instructions

  • Add the bacon to a very large skillet and cook over medium heat until the bacon is brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain the excess bacon fat, leaving about 2 Tbsp in the skillet (reserve the drained fat for later).
  • While the bacon is cooking, finely dice the onion and chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces.
  • After removing the bacon from the skillet, add the diced onion and continue to sauté over medium heat until the onions become soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). The moisture from the onions will begin to dissolve the browned bacon bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Once the onions are soft, add the chopped cabbage and chicken broth. Continue to let the cabbage cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until it has softened, most of the liquid has evaporated, and the edges begin to brown. If the skillet dries up before the cabbage is soft, add 2 Tbsp of water and continue to sauté until softened.
  • Once the cabbage is soft and the liquid has evaporated, add the butter to the skillet and stir until it has melted and coated the cabbage. Turn the heat off and add the seasoning salt, starting with ¼ tsp, then adding more to taste.
  • Finally, crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the cabbage. Give the cabbage a taste and adjust to your liking. Garnish with some freshly cracked pepper, serve, and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 577mg | Fiber: 3g
Close up side view of fried cabbage in the skillet.

How to Make Fried Cabbage – Step by Step Photos

Cooked bacon in a large skillet.

Cook 4oz. of bacon in a very large skillet over medium heat until well browned and crispy. While the bacon is cooking, finely dice one yellow onion and chop ½ head of cabbage into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups once chopped).

Sautéed onion in the bacon fat.

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and drain most of the bacon fat leaving about 2 Tbsp in the skillet (reserve the drained bacon fat for later). Add the diced onion and continue to sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent. The moisture from the onions should dissolve the browned bacon bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Chopped cabbage added to the skillet, broth being poured into the side.

Add the chopped cabbage and chicken broth to the skillet. Let the cabbage cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, allowing it to wilt down. If the skillet becomes too dry before the cabbage has softened, reduce the heat and add a couple of tablespoons of water.

Wilted cabbage in the skillet, seasoning being sprinkled over top.

Continue cooking the cabbage until it has softened, most of the liquid in the skillet has evaporated, and the edges of the cabbage begin to brown. Once the cabbage is soft, add 1 Tbsp butter and stir until it has melted and coated the cabbage. Turn the heat off and season with the seasoning salt, starting with ¼ tsp and adding more to taste (we used about ½ tsp).

Crumbled bacon added to the cabbage.

Finally, crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the cabbage.

Finished fried cabbage in the skillet.

Taste the cabbage and adjust to your liking. You can garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and freshly cracked pepper.

Close up overhead view of fried cabbage in a bowl.

The post Fried Cabbage appeared first on Budget Bytes.

33+ Easy Thai Recipes with Authentic Flavors!

Here are our best, easy Thai Recipes bursting with authentic Thai flavor! These better-than takeout meals are easily made at home and will soon become your new favorites!

Easy thai recipes
Here are our best, easy Thai Recipes bursting with authentic Thai flavor! These better-than takeout meals are easily made at home and will soon become your new favorites!

Glazed Carrots

Five ingredients and 20 minutes is all you need to make these easy & delicious Glazed Carrots. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals!

The post Glazed Carrots appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Easy and inexpensive side dishes like these Glazed Carrots are my go-to during busy weeknights. They’re super simple to make, they have the perfect amount of sweetness, and they pair well with so many different meals. They’re not only great for weeknight dinners, but they’re also perfect for special occasions and holidays like Easter and Thanksgiving. This recipe is a favorite in my household, and the best part is…five ingredients and 20 minutes is all you need!

Overhead view of glazed carrots in a white serving dish.

Ingredients For Glazed Carrots

Coming in at under $2 a recipe with only five ingredients, it doesn’t get much easier than these delicious Glazed Carrots! Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Carrots: We used whole carrots for this recipe. Look for carrots that are fairly even in length and girth so they’ll cook more evenly. You can either scrub or peel the carrots, however I prefer to peel them. 
  • Butter: Butter adds a rich flavor to the carrots and combines with the brown sugar to help make the delicious glaze.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the glaze. We used dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, but feel free to use light brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Cinnamon: I love adding a little bit of ground cinnamon to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Salt: Salt to season the carrots and balance the sweetness of the glaze.

To serve, we also added a little bit of fresh cracked black pepper and fresh parsley (optional).

Recipe Variations

We went with the classic brown sugar glazed carrots for this recipe, but you can certainly switch things up and experiment with flavors based on what you have in your pantry or spice drawer. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Savory Carrots: If you’re looking for more savory carrots, skip the brown sugar and instead season with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Sweet & Tangy: If you really want to switch things up, try our Roasted Carrots with Honey Balsamic Glaze! They’re sweet, tangy, and rich, all at the same time.
  • Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill adds a pop of color and more flavor to the dish.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Brown sugar is inexpensive and a lot more budget-friendly, but feel free to substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Both taste equally delicious!

What to Serve With Glazed Carrots

These glazed carrots are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed with just about any dinner meal. I love serving them with Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts and Baked Chicken Drumsticks. They also taste great with pork chops, Classic Meatloaf, or Glazed Ham Steaks. If you’re serving these during the holidays for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, they would be perfect along side Baked Ham or Roasted Turkey Breast.

Side close up view of glazed carrots in a serving dish and garnished with parsley.

And if you love carrot recipes, then definitely try our classic Roasted Carrots recipe next!

Overhead view of glazed carrots in a white serving dish.
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Glazed Carrots

Five ingredients and 20 minutes is all you need to make these easy & delicious Glazed Carrots. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $1.92 recipe / $0.48 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 120kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. whole carrots $1.50
  • 1/2 cup water $0.00
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.27
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.08
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon $0.05

Instructions

  • Wash, peel, and slice the carrots diagonally into ½ inch thick slices.
  • Add the carrots to a large skillet along with the water. Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes or just until the carrots start to soften.
  • Remove the lid and add the butter, brown sugar, salt and ground cinnamon. Stir until the butter and brown sugar have melted. Leave the lid off and continue cooking the carrots for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and a glaze starts to form.
  • Once the carrots are tender to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat and season with freshly ground black pepper and fresh chopped parsley (optional).

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 417mg | Fiber: 3g
Very close up overhead view of glazed carrots.

How to Make Glazed Carrots – Step by Step Photos

Carrots being cut on a cutting board.

Wash, peel, and slice 1 lb. of carrots diagonally into ½ inch thick slices.

Carrots added to a sauté pan with water.

Add the carrots to a large skillet along with 1/2 cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes or just until the carrots start to soften.

Carrots in a sauté pan with butter, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon added.

Remove the lid and add 2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir until the butter and brown sugar have melted.

Overhead view of cooked glazed carrots in a sauté pan.

Leave the lid off and continue cooking the carrots for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and a glaze starts to form.

Overhead view of glazed carrots in a sauté pan garnished with chopped parsley.

Once the carrots are tender to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat and season with freshly ground black pepper and fresh chopped parsley (optional). Now all that’s left to do is enjoy these delicious glazed carrots with your favorite dinner meal!

The post Glazed Carrots appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes are probably one of our favorite, easy, classic, delicious side dishes we both make all the time! Our recipe produces truly crispy, crunchy on the outside, while fluffy and creamy on the inside roasted potatoes – which are simply the best! Not only do we love this recipe because it results in some of the most delicious potatoes ever, but also because it’s so EASY! We absolutely love a simple, minimal…

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The post Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes appeared first on Spoon Fork Bacon.

Crispy roasted potatoes on a platter with a fork.

Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes are probably one of our favorite, easy, classic, delicious side dishes we both make all the time! Our recipe produces truly crispy, crunchy on the outside, while fluffy and creamy on the inside roasted potatoes – which are simply the best!

Not only do we love this recipe because it results in some of the most delicious potatoes ever, but also because it’s so EASY! We absolutely love a simple, minimal ingredient recipe and this is exactly that!

How to Make Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients

Crispy potatoes ingredients.

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 425˚F. Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with water until completely covered. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes begin to get tender but are still firm.
  2. Drain completely in a colander and allow steam to dissipate, 5 minutes.
Potatoes boiling in a pot of water.
Potatoes draining in a colander.
  1. Toss potatoes in the colander with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to create craters all over each potato.
  2. Pour oil into a baking sheet with a rim (or a baking dish). Place in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Drained potatoes in a colander with salt.
Butter melted in a baking sheet.
  1. Gently toss potatoes until coated in oil, then turn each potato piece so all are cut-side down in an even, singe layer.
  2. Roast potatoes for about 30 minutes or until fork tender, making sure not to touch the potatoes until after they’ve roasted. Remove from oven and transfer potatoes to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and serve.
Potatoes in a baking sheet about to be roasted.
Crispy potatoes out of the oven.

Why These Are The Best Oven Roasted Potatoes

We truly think these are the BEST oven roasted potatoes ever and we’ve got lots of reasons to back that claim up, but most importantly:

  • They’re crazy easy to make! Like you don’t even have to toss them around or shake them up a million times when they’re roasting; once they’re in the oven, you basically set it and forget it!
  • They’re DELICIOUS! The exterior of each piece of potato gets SUPER crisp, while the inside gets very creamy – the best of both worlds!
  • There are only TWO ingredients needed -four if you count the salt and pepper!
Crispy roasted potatoes on a platter.

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Parboiling the potatoes will help them get super fluffy and soft inside.
  • Vigorously tossing/shaking the potatoes once they’re parboiled, to get the rough edges, are what will produce the extra crispy exterior…so definitely don’t skip this step!
  • Not touching the potatoes while roasting them will also help to create the crisp exterior, so try to hold in the urge to give them a stir with a wooden spoon!

Best Oil to Use for Oven Roasted Potatoes

We like using an avocado oil because it can withstand high heat, but is also mild in flavor. You can really use any high smoke point oil for this recipe such as safflower oil, canola oil, or canola oil.

Crispy roasted potatoes speared onto a fork.

What to Serve with Oven Roasted Potatoes

Not only is this an absolutely delicious side dish, but it also pairs incredibly well with so many main dishes! Some of our favorite pairings for our crispy oven roasted potatoes are:

Crispy roasted potatoes close up.

More Delicious Potato Recipes You Will Love

Crispy roasted potatoes on a platter with a fork.
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Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Crispy Roasted Potatoes that are actually crispy! We love these super simple to make extra crispy potatoes! They make the most perfect side dish to any roast, seared fish, burgers, or even on their own as a little snack, with a side of aioli! Everyone will be thrilled to see these potatoes on the table!
Course dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine peruvian
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 251kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds baby gold potatoes quartered
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425˚F. Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with water until completely covered. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes begin to get tender but are still firm.
  • Drain completely in a colander and allow steam to dissipate, 5 minutes. Toss potatoes in the colander with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to create craters all over each potato.
  • Pour oil into a baking sheet with a rim (or a baking dish). Place in the oven for about 10 minutes.
  • Gently toss potatoes until coated in oil, then turn each potato piece so all are cut-side down in an even, singe layer.
  • Roast potatoes for about 30 minutes or until fork tender, making sure not to touch the potatoes until after they’ve roasted.
  • Remove from oven and transfer potatoes to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and serve.

Notes

Tips and Tricks for Success
  • Parboiling the potatoes will help them get super fluffy and soft inside.
  • Vigorously tossing/shaking the potatoes once they’re parboiled, to get the rough edges, are what will produce the extra crispy exterior…so definitely don’t skip this step!
  • Not touching the potatoes while roasting them will also help to create the crisp exterior, so try to hold in the urge to give them a stir with a wooden spoon!

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 882mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes appeared first on Spoon Fork Bacon.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!

The post Creamy Mushroom Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m all about the creamy soups during the cold winter months, and this incredibly creamy Mushroom Soup is one of the best. This mushroom soup recipe is so easy to make and is as cozy as it gets. You’ll want to serve this soup with some crusty bread or crackers to soak up every drop of that savory creamy broth because it is just to die for. And the best part? Because this mushroom soup is so simple and uncomplicated, it’s also very inexpensive, even when the cost of mushrooms is on the higher side!

Side view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon lifting some out of the bowl.

Ingredients for Mushroom Soup

I love this Creamy Mushroom Soup for its simplicity. It’s just sautéed mushrooms, a creamy broth, and a few simple seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mushroom soup:

  • Mushrooms: I highly suggest using baby bella mushrooms for this soup because they have a nice deep color and rich flavor. White button mushrooms will not add as much color or flavor to the soup. You could also chop up some larger portobello mushroom caps to use in place of the Baby Bellas.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the mushrooms so they get a nice deep brown color, which adds both flavor and color to the soup.
  • Garlic: Garlic adds depth to the flavor and Pairs just perfectly with the flavor of the mushrooms.
  • Butter: Butter adds richness to the soup and combines with the flour to create a roux, which thickens the broth.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour combines with the butter to create a roux, which thickens the broth. Without the flour, the broth will be very thin.
  • Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth is the base for this soup and it provides complexity to the flavor, as well as a nice brown color. You can use mushroom broth instead if you have it.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a deliciously rich and creamy flavor to the soup.
  • Seasonings: This mushroom soup is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, thyme, and soy sauce. The soy sauce adds a wonderfully earthy umami flavor that enhances the mushrooms.

What Else Can I Add?

If you want to put your own spin on this mushroom soup recipe, here are a few other ingredients you can add:

  • Paprika: Add sweet paprika to make it closer to a Hungarian Mushroom Soup.
  • Onion: If you want even more savory vegetable flavor, sauté a finely diced onion with the mushrooms.
  • Sour Cream: To make the soup even richer and to add a slight tang, stir a few dollops of sour cream into the broth at the end.
  • Homemade Croutons: Top your soup with homemade croutons for a delicious garlicky crunch!

Make it Vegan

It’s very easy to convert this recipe to a vegan mushroom soup. Simply use coconut oil in place of the butter to make the roux, and then use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream. Coconut milk tastes really good in savory recipes like this and actually pairs very well with mushrooms! Check out our Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen for another example of these flavors together.

What to Serve with mushroom Soup

The broth in this soup is extremely rich and creamy and you’re going to want to sop up every drop, so I highly suggest serving it with some crusty bread like our No-Knead Bread, Focaccia Rolls, or Soda Bread. Or, if you don’t want to make homemade bread, at least make sure you have some crackers on hand!

I’d also suggest adding some vegetables on the side to lighten things up, and I’d go for a wintery roasted vegetable like Roasted Brussels Sprouts or our Roasted Cauliflower Salad.

How to Make Mushroom Soup Taste Better

Using really good, full-flavored broth is key to making mushroom soup taste its best. We suggest using Better Than Bouillon to make the broth used in this soup because it has tons of flavor, is budget-friendly, and reduces waste compared to boxed and canned broths. We used their vegetable-flavored bouillon, but you could certainly use their mushroom flavor if you have it.

Overhead view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon in the center.
Side view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon lifting some out of the bowl.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.82 recipe / $1.71 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 (1 cup each)
Calories 299kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms $4.59
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.24
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 1 pinch salt & pepper $0.05
  • 4 Tbsp butter $0.47
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.04
  • 3 cups vegetable broth $0.51
  • 1 tsp soy sauce $0.02
  • 1/8 tsp dried thyme $0.02
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.75

Instructions

  • Wash the mushrooms to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic.
  • Add the olive oil, mushrooms, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a soup pot. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they have released all of their moisture, all the liquid has evaporated from the bottom of the pot, and the mushrooms become very dark brown. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for one minute more.
  • Add the butter and flour to the pot. Stir and cook for about two minutes more, or until the butter coats the bottom of the pot and turns deep golden brown.
  • Once the flour mixture is a bit browned, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and thyme. Stir to dissolve all of the flour from the bottom of the pot. Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer, at which point the flour will slightly thicken the broth.
  • Finally, stir the cream into the soup. Give the soup a taste and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 904mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of a ladle full of creamy mushroom soup held over the soup pot.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup – Step by Step Photos

Sliced mushrooms on a cutting board.

Begin by rinsing and slicing one pound of baby Bella mushrooms.

Sautéed mushrooms in a soup pot.

Add the mushrooms to a soup pot with 1 Tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they release all of their water, the water evaporates, and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add three cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute more.

Flour and butter added to the soup pot with the mushrooms.

Add 3 Tbsp of salted butter and 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour to the pot. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and create a paste with the flour that coats the mushrooms.

Browned roux showing on the bottom of the pot under the mushrooms.

The butter and flour will begin to coat the bottom of the pot. When it becomes medium brown, it’s time to add the liquid to the pot.

Vegetable broth being poured into the soup pot.

Add three cups of vegetable broth, ⅛ tsp thyme, and 1 tsp soy sauce to the soup pot and stir to dissolve all of the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Allow the broth to come up to a boil, at which point it will thicken slightly from the flour and butter roux.

Heavy cream being poured into the soup.

Once the soup has reached a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and add ½ cup heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through and begin to simmer gently.

Finished soup being stirred.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt or other seasonings if desired. The soup may need additional salt depending on the salt content of the broth used. We used Better Than Bouillon, which tends to be on the salty side, so we did not need any additional salt.

Overhead view of two bowls of mushroom soup garnished with parsley.

Serve the creamy mushroom soup with your favorite crusty bread and enjoy!

The post Creamy Mushroom Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Air Fryer French Fries

These 5-ingredient Air Fryer French Fries are simply seasoned and the perfect side dish for any meal!

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I really love french fries, but deep frying can be such a hassle. On busy weeknights when I’m craving a crispy side, I make these Air Fryer French Fries, and all my troubles just melt away! Seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic and onion powder, and salt, these fries pack a punch and are mess-free! This air fryer french fry recipe is the kind of easy side dish I’m serving up every week because it’s just so simple.

Overhead view of 2 french fries dipped into ketchup on a platter of fries.

Why Make French Fries in the Air Fryer

I don’t know about you, but I love my air fryer. It’s the perfect little hero appliance for all types of fried foods. If you hate a mess in the kitchen as much as I do, you need this air fryer french fries recipe in your life! These fries are just as crispy as if they came fresh from the fryer but without the hassle and burning eyes! This is the perfect recipe to use up those last few potatoes from that 5-pound bag in the pantry before they start sprouting.

Ingredients for Air Fryer French Fries

You’re just 5 simple ingredients away from crispy, crunchy french fries! Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer french fries:

  • Russet Potatoes: Just one pound of potatoes, or approximately 2 medium Russet potatoes, is all you need to make air fryer french fries. Russet are creamy on the inside and a classic fry potato, but Yukon Gold are a great choice if you like firmer fries.
  • Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice– vegetable or canola can help cut costs) to help the seasoning stick to the potatoes and help the potatoes to brown evenly while cooking.
  • Seasoning: A combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and salt is simple but oh-so flavorful!

What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer French Fries?

This simple seasoning blend is quick, easy, and delicious, but you can also get creative with seasonings. Try:

Tips for Making Air Fryer French Fries

To get the crispiest french fries in the air fryer, follow these tips:

  • Soak the cut potatoes to remove excess starch.
  • Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy of crispy.
  • Work in batches to ensure every fry is crisp. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries, so cook in a single layer with space in between.
  • Test each batch of fries to ensure they are properly cooked.
  • When in doubt, keep cooking! Every air fryer is a little different, so your fries may need more time.
  • Recrisp all of the fries together for 1-2 minutes in the air fryer at the end so everything is hot and ready for serving.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, these air fryer french fries can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a single layer in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Overhead view of 2 french fries dipped into ketchup on a platter of fries.
Overhead view of air fryer french fries on a white plate with ketchup.
Print

Air Fryer French Fries

These 5-ingredient Air Fryer French Fries are simply seasoned and the perfect side dish for any meal!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $1.75 recipe / $0.87 serving
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 307kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.
  • Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
  • Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

Cook time reflects making the fries in two batches.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 594mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead view of air fryer french fries on a white plate with ketchup.

how to make Air Fryer French Fries – step by step photos

Wash and dry 1 lb. of Russet potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.

Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.

raw french fries in the basket of an air fryer.

Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with 3 Tbsp of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.

These fries are the ultimate weeknight hero. Simple, mess-free, and so flavorful!

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Vegetable Stew

Hearty and delicious, this vegan Vegetable Stew is made with a rich, flavorful homemade broth and tender winter veggies. Gluten-free.

Hearty and delicious, this vegan vegetable stew recipe is made with a rich, deep-flavorful homemade broth and tender veggies. Gluten-free.
Hearty and delicious, this vegan Vegetable Stew is made with a rich, flavorful homemade broth and tender winter veggies. Gluten-free.

30+ Cozy Vegetarian Soup Recipes

This collection of cozy, hearty Vegetarian Soup Recipes highlights the best of seasonal produce—a beautiful way to celebrate and embrace each season. Includes many vegan soup recipes; most are vegan-adaptable. Be sure to scroll to the end to see how to…

This collection of cozy, hearty Vegetarian Soup Recipes highlights the best of seasonal produce—a beautiful way to celebrate and embrace each season. Includes many vegan soup recipes; most are vegan-adaptable!
This collection of cozy, hearty Vegetarian Soup Recipes highlights the best of seasonal produce—a beautiful way to celebrate and embrace each season. Includes many vegan soup recipes; most are vegan-adaptable. Be sure to scroll to the end to see how to make the most flavorful Vegetable Broth! Video. What is more comforting than a warming…

Longevity Noodles

Filled with savory umami flavor, Longevity Noodles are seasoned with vegan oyster sauce and tossed with shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and scallions. Vegan & Gluten-free adaptable.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Longevity Noodles, to bring long life, luck and prosperity. Seasoned with vegan oyster sauce and tossed with shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and scallions. Vegan & Gluten-free adaptable.
Filled with savory umami flavor, Longevity Noodles are seasoned with vegan oyster sauce and tossed with shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and scallions. Vegan & Gluten-free adaptable.