Creamy Polenta

This creamy polenta recipe is cozy, comforting, and a godsend on busy weeknights! Simple to make in under 25 minutes it can easily be turned into a meal with our favorite toppings. Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable.

This creamy polenta recipe is cozy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights; it is easy to make in under 25 minutes! Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable.
This creamy polenta recipe is cozy, comforting, and a godsend on busy weeknights! Simple to make in under 25 minutes it can easily be turned into a meal with our favorite toppings. Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable.

Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are the ultimate classic appetizer and finger food. This version adds sour cream and a splash of pickle juice for extra creaminess and tang. Ingredients Needed How to make deviled eggs Topping ideas for deviled eggs Classic deviled eggs a…

Deviled eggs are the ultimate classic appetizer and finger food. This version adds sour cream and a splash of pickle juice for extra creaminess and tang. Ingredients Needed How to make deviled eggs Topping ideas for deviled eggs Classic deviled eggs are a great vehicle for flavor and can be jazzed up in a variety...

Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and made conveniently in the air fryer.

The post Air Fryer Baked Potatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Looking for an easy side dish to add to your dinner plate this week? Well, don’t overlook these simple, no-fuss, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s budget-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. And I absolutely love cooking them in the air fryer. The potato skins get nice and crispy thanks to the air fryer and the potato flesh on the inside is perfectly soft & fluffy. Keep things simple with a little bit of butter, salt, and pepper or try out some of our favorite topping ideas listed below!

Overhead view of air fryer baked potatoes dressed with toppings on a white platter.

Which is Faster: Oven or Air Fryer?

You may be wondering which cooking method is faster for baking potatoes, the oven or the air fryer? From my experience the air fryer is just a little bit faster than the oven, about 10 minutes faster, depending on how soft you like your potatoes to be. But here are some other great benefits to baking potatoes in the air fryer:

  • Using the air fryer to bake potatoes keeps you from heating up your entire kitchen with a super hot oven. 
  • I also noticed the potato skin was crispier in the air fryer compared to the oven. And who doesn’t love a crispy potato skin!
  • If you’re making multiple dishes for dinner, it frees up your oven to cook other things.
  • And I was surprised to notice that the potato flesh on the inside was a lot fluffier and softer compared to the inside of an oven-baked potato.

Because of the super fluffy potato texture and the slightly shorter cook time, this is now my new favorite way to cook easy baked potatoes!😊

How Long To Cook Potatoes In The Air Fryer?

The cook times for air fryer baked potatoes will depend on the size of your potatoes and how tender you would like them to be. I like for my potatoes to be very tender and easily pierced with a fork or knife with no resistance. When air frying at 400°F, a ½ pound potato will take about 40-45 minutes for a soft inside texture. Larger potatoes will take slightly longer to cook.

Should I Wrap My Potato In Foil?

There’s actually no need to wrap your potatoes in foil when cooking them in the air fryer. You can simply air fry the potatoes uncovered, brushed with oil, and sprinkled with salt to get a nice crispy skin.

Baked Potato Topping Ideas

I was tempted to stuff these potatoes similar to my twice baked potatoes that I loveee, but I said to myself, “let me not get too carried away!” But just know if you wanted to take a few extra minutes to make some air fryer bacon while your potatoes are cooling off…you won’t regret it! Here are a few more great options to choose from:

Side view of air fryer baked potatoes on a white platter.
Overhead view of air fryer baked potatoes in an air fryer basket.
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Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and made conveniently in the air fryer.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $3.10 recipe / $0.77 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 199kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 russet potatoes (1/2 lb. each) $2.96
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.12
  • 1 pinch of salt $0.02

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the potatoes well, then use a fork to prick each potato several times.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, then use your hands or a silicone brush to brush the oil over each potato until it is fully coated. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt.
  • Place the potatoes inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork or knife. Total baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
  • Once the potatoes are done air frying, remove them from the air fryer basket and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully cut the potatoes open, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1potato | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 11mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead view of air fryer baked potatoes in an air fryer basket.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Step by Step Photos

Four russet potatoes being poked with a fork.

Wash and dry four 1/2 lb. russet potatoes well, then use a fork to prick each potato several times to allow steam to evaporate while they cook.

Four russet potatoes being brushed with oil and salted.

Drizzle 1 Tbsp olive oil over the potatoes, then use your hands or a silicone brush to brush the oil over each potato until it is fully coated. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt.

Four russet potatoes in an air fryer basket.

Place the potatoes inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork or knife.

Cooked russet potatoes in an air fryer basket.

The fork should slide easily into the center of the potato with no resistance. Total baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.

Four air fryer baked potatoes cut open with butter added on top.

Once the potatoes are done air frying, remove them from the air fryer basket and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully cut the potatoes open, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings!

One air fryer baked potato on a white plate with a fork on the side.

Enjoy as a simple side dish or load it up with some homemade chili, BBQ chicken, or your favorite protein. The combinations you can come up with are endless for baked potatoes, so get creative and have fun!

The post Air Fryer Baked Potatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

How To Fry An Egg

Knowing how to fry an egg is one of the first skills to learn in the kitchen. Fried eggs are so versatile, nutritious and absolutely delicious. Here I’ll walk you through frying an egg, step-by-step, making sure you fry the perfect egg. Every ti…

Knowing how to fry an egg is one of the first skills to learn in the kitchen. Fried eggs are so versatile, nutritious and absolutely delicious. Here I’ll walk you through frying an egg, step-by-step, making sure you fry the perfect egg. Every time! What pan is best for fried eggs? There are a few...

How To Fry An Egg

White Bean Hummus

You won’t miss the chickpeas in this protein-packed white bean hummus! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make at home.

The post White Bean Hummus appeared first on Budget Bytes.

My family is a hummus family, through and through. My husband, stepdaughter, and I love to make White Bean Hummus, cut up a ton of veggies, and put on a big spread for a healthy snack! Now, my 3 year old daughter has joined the gang, and she’s crazy about this hummus, too. It’s a crowd-pleaser and works out to be much cheaper than store-bought hummus! You only need 5 ingredients and a food processor to make this delicious, protein-packed dip. I’m sure your family will love it just as much as mine does!

A hand dipping a carrot stick into a bowl of white bean hummus

What is White Bean Hummus?

We’ve been on a white bean kick recently here at Budget Bytes (Tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes or chicken sausage white bean skillet, anyone?!), so it only makes sense that I share my favorite white bean hummus recipe with y’all. It’s just as delicious as traditional chickpea hummus but is made with creamy white beans instead. I add canned cannellini beans, toasted garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil to a food processor and blend until smooth—that’s it!

Side note: I love following Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and one of his teachings has always stuck with me: G-BOMBS! Fit in greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds daily, and you’re on the road to excellent health. This easy white bean hummus recipe combines a few of those requirements, so it’s always in my refrigerator as an easy-to-grab snack!

Ingredients for White Bean Hummus

Aside from the cannellini beans, this recipe stays true to the classic ingredients found in regular hummus. Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade white bean hummus recipe:

  • Cannellini Beans: Most of us probably have a few tins of this creamy white bean in the pantry, making it a great option for a last-minute dip! Drain and rinse the beans before using. Butter beans, navy, and Great Northern beans could also work.
  • Tahini: This is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s one of the main ingredients in most hummus recipes and adds a nutty, slightly bitter flavor. You can usually find it in the nut butter or international aisle of your grocery store.
  • Garlic: Crush your garlic cloves to release all that delicious flavor. We’ll toast them in a skillet before blending to mellow out the sharpness.
  • Olive Oil: Use it to cook the garlic and to add richness to the hummus.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright acidity that balances out the creaminess of the beans and tahini. 
  • Water: Use some cold water to thin out the hummus to your desired consistency.
  • Seasonings: Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors of this white bean hummus.

Serving Suggestions

This white bean dip is the best snack to take on the go! I dip everything from carrots and celery to crackers and pita bread in it. If you’re serving this hummus at a party, try drizzling some extra olive oil, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper on top (as I did in these photos!). Here are a few more ideas for serving this creamy cannellini bean hummus:

Storage Instructions

This recipe for white bean hummus makes about 4 cups, so there’s a good chance you’ll have leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top of the hummus before storing to help keep it fresher for longer, but this is optional.

Side view of a bowl of white bean hummus
Close up of a hand dipping a carrot stick into a bowl of white bean hummus
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White Bean Hummus

You won't miss the chickpeas in this protein-packed white bean hummus! It's creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make at home.
Course Dip
Cuisine Mediterranean
Total Cost ($4.15 recipe / $0.34 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings 12 servings (⅓ cup per serving)
Calories 145kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cans cannellini beans, strained and rinsed $1.72
  • ½ cup tahini $1.28
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.57
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed $0.15
  • 4 Tbsp lemon juice $0.20
  • ¼ tsp salt $0.01
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.22
  • ¼ cup cold water $0.00

Instructions

  • Gather all your ingredients and set aside until time to use.
  • In a small frying pan, combine smashed garlic cloves and olive oil. Cook on medium low heat to gently cook the garlic, swirling it in the pan occasionally to infuse the olive oil. After about 4 minutes or when the garlic has some light color on it, remove pan from heat.
  • In a food processor, combine cannellini beans, tahini, olive oil and garlic from the frying pan, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Process until smooth, streaming in cold water as-needed to help blend and smoothen the hummus.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to your liking and serve with fresh vegetables, toasted pita or crackers. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 210mg | Fiber: 4g
A hand spooning white bean hummus onto pita bread

how to make White Bean Hummus – step by step photos

Ingredients for white bean hummus

Gather all your ingredients and set aside until time to use.

Smashed garlic cloves in a pan with oil

In a small frying pan, combine 3 smashed garlic cloves and 3 Tbsp olive oil. Cook on medium low heat to gently cook the garlic, swirling it in the pan occasionally to infuse the olive oil.

Garlic cloves toasted in hot oil in a pan

After about 4 minutes or when the garlic has some light color on it, remove pan from heat.

Ingredients for white bean hummus added to a food processor

In a food processor, combine 2 cans cannellini beans, ½ cup tahini, the olive oil and garlic from the frying pan, 4 Tbsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.

A hand pouring water into a food processor making white bean hummus

Process until smooth, streaming in ¼ cup cold water as-needed to help blend and smoothen the hummus.

White bean hummus in a food processsor.

Adjust salt and pepper to your liking and serve with fresh vegetables, toasted pita or crackers. Enjoy!

A bowl of white bean hummus topped with olive oil and fresh herbs

Who knew making hummus at home could be so simple? This creamy white bean hummus is the perfect snack or appetizer for the whole family!

The post White Bean Hummus appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Yaki Udon

Yaki Udon is one of my favorite weeknight meals to make. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s delicious and can be make a million different ways. We’ve made our version today with lots of vegetables, but it can be made with some diced/ground chicken, beef or shrimp for some added protein. What is Yaki Udon? Yaki udon is a Japanese stir-fry dish using udon noodles and a soy sauce based…

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The post Yaki Udon appeared first on Spoon Fork Bacon.

Yaki udon noodle recipe in a bowl with chopsticks.

Yaki Udon is one of my favorite weeknight meals to make. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s delicious and can be make a million different ways. We’ve made our version today with lots of vegetables, but it can be made with some diced/ground chicken, beef or shrimp for some added protein.

What is Yaki Udon?

Yaki udon is a Japanese stir-fry dish using udon noodles and a soy sauce based sauce. It can contain a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bok choy, cabbage, onion, mushrooms, etc as well and protein such as chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, pork.

How to Make Yaki Udon

Yaki udon ingredients to make a yaki udon recipe.

Process

  1. In a small bowl whisk together sauce ingredients. Set aside.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Submerge noodles for 2 to 3 minutes to loosen, gently stirring to help them break apart. Drain into a colander, gently rinse in cool water and set aside.
Yaki udon sauce wjisked together in a measuring cup.
Udon noodles cooked and draining in a colander.
  1. Place a wok or large pan over medium-high heat and add oil. Add onion and carrot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, mushroom and bok choy and continue to sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables wilt have started to brown around the edges.
Cooking vegetables to make yaki udon.
Vegetables cooking in a skillet to make yaki udon noodles.
  1. Add sauce and noodles to skillet and toss together until everything is fully and evenly coated in sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing/stirring frequently until noodles have just cooked through.
Yaki udon noodles cooking in a skillet.
  1. Remove yaki udon from heat and top with green onions. Serve.
Udon noodles in a bowl with green onions on top.

What is Dark Soy Sauce?

Dark soy sauce is a more viscous soy sauce with a darker color and sweeter taste. It’s often used as a marinade, sauce or glaze rather than in a dipping sauce. Although dark soy sauce contains more salt than light soy sauce, it has a more distinct soy flavor that makes it taste less salty.

Yaki udon noodles in a bowl.

Tips for Making the Best Yaki Udon

  • Don’t overcook the noodles and make sure to give them a small rinse once boiled, to prevent the noodles from becoming gummy.
  • Although it may not seem like a lot of sauce it’ll be just enough to coat the noodles (you don’t want to overdo it with the sauce or the dish will become too salty).
  • There’s no need to season with salt or pepper because the sauce itself is very salty and will provide enough for the yaki udon.
  • You can find fresh udon noodles at most grocery stores these days, in the refrigerated section usually by the tofu.
Yaki udon noodles with chop sticks taking a bite.

More Delicious Noodle Recipes You Will Love

Yaki udon noodles in bowl being eaten.
Print

Yaki Udon

A simple and delicious recipe for Yaki Udon, made in under 30 minutes! Our recipe is packed full of flavor, vegetarian friendly and can be easily customized based on personal preference! We promise you will love this easy weeknight dinner!
Course dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Japanese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 279kcal

Ingredients

sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili sauce (such as Sambal Oelek)

noodles

  • 16 ounces fresh udon noodles
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1/2 small onion thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot julienne (cut into matchsticks)
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 6 shiitake mushrooms stemmed and thinly sliced
  • 2 baby bok choy ends removed and thinly sliced on a bias
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced

Instructions

  • In a small bowl whisk together sauce ingredients. Set aside.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Submerge noodles for 2 to 3 minutes to loosen, gently stirring to help them break apart. Drain into a colander, gently rinse with cool water and set aside.
  • Place a wok or large pan over medium-high heat and add oil. Add onion and carrot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add garlic, mushroom and bok choy and continue to sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables wilt have started to brown around the edges.
  • Add sauce and noodles to skillet and toss together until everything is fully and evenly coated in sauce.
  • Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing/stirring frequently until noodles have just cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and top with green onions. Serve.

Video

Notes

**If using light soy sauce increase amount to 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons.**
Tips for Making the Best Yaki Udon
  • Don’t overcook the noodles and make sure to give them a small rinse once boiled, to prevent the noodles from becoming gummy.
  • Although it may not seem like a lot of sauce it’ll be just enough to coat the noodles (you don’t want to overdo it or the dish will become too salty).
  • There’s no need to season with salt or pepper because the sauce itself is very salty and will provide enough for the yaki udon.
  • You can find fresh udon noodles at most grocery stores these days, in the refrigerated section usually by the tofu.

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1156mg | Potassium: 178mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 5131IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Yaki Udon appeared first on Spoon Fork Bacon.

Tomato Confit

This cherry tomato confit recipe takes only 5 minutes of hands-on time before transforming in your oven, into the most tender, juicy little heavenly bites.

This cherry tomato confit recipe takes only 5 minutes of hands-on time before transforming in your oven, into the most tender, juicy little heavenly bites.
This cherry tomato confit recipe takes only 5 minutes of hands-on time before transforming in your oven, into the most tender, juicy little heavenly bites.

How to Roast Hazelnuts

If you’ve never roasted hazelnuts at home, you’re missing out on one of life’s simplest pleasures. Roasting hazelnuts brings out their rich, buttery flavor and makes them a perfect snack or a special ingredient for your favorite recipes.  Whether …

If you’ve never roasted hazelnuts at home, you’re missing out on one of life’s simplest pleasures. Roasting hazelnuts brings out their rich, buttery flavor and makes them a perfect snack or a special ingredient for your favorite recipes.  Whether you want to toss them into salads, blend them into a smooth nut butter, or just...

Read More

This article was written and published by Oh My Veggies. It may not be reproduce or republished without permission of the author. The original article can be found here: How to Roast Hazelnuts.

Easy Baked Ziti

This super cheesy vegetarian baked ziti recipe with its extra creamy cheese layer is a delicious and easy family favorite for dinner. What is baked ziti? Baked ziti is a very popular American Italian pasta casserole/ bake made with Ziti pasta. It is o…

Easy baked ziti
This super cheesy vegetarian baked ziti recipe with its extra creamy cheese layer is a delicious and easy family favorite for dinner. What is baked ziti? Baked ziti is a very popular American Italian pasta casserole/ bake made with Ziti pasta. It is often made with a tomato-based Italian sausage/meat sauce and layered with ricotta...

Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Air Fryer Green Beans

This 10-minute air fryer green beans recipe is the easiest way to cook this versatile vegetable. We love it served alongside our favorite dinner recipes as a delicious and healthy side dish. Ingredients and Substitutions How to cook green beans in the…

Air fryer green beans
This 10-minute air fryer green beans recipe is the easiest way to cook this versatile vegetable. We love it served alongside our favorite dinner recipes as a delicious and healthy side dish. Ingredients and Substitutions How to cook green beans in the air fryer Can I make this ahead? Any leftovers can be kept in...

Easy Air Fryer Green Beans