Smoked Salmon Bagel

There’s not much better than a smoked salmon bagel (aka lox)! Top with herb cream cheese for a stunning breakfast,…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

There’s not much better than a smoked salmon bagel (aka lox)! Top with herb cream cheese for a stunning breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Smoked salmon bagel

When it comes to a lazy weekend brunch or a deli-style lunch, smoked salmon to the rescue! There’s nothing better than a great Smoked Salmon Bagel or lox, though there are some subtle differences we’ll cover below). It’s a study in bold contrasts: homemade herbed cream cheese against smoky, buttery salmon, herbaceous dill against briny capers, and of course a fluffy, perfectly toasted bagel. Guess what? You can make a next-level version of this treat right at home. Or, use our alterative option and make a homemade deli-style smoked salmon cream cheese! Let’s get to it.

Ingredients for smoked salmon bagels

The classic smoked salmon bagel is a deli special, pairing buttery salmon with briny capers and cream cheese. It’s also known as lox or gravlax, though lox is technically brined salmon that may or may not be smoked. But the two types of salmon are generally served in the same way: on a bagel with cream cheese and tasty toppings. Here’s what you’ll need for this smoked salmon bagel recipe:

  • Fresh bagels
  • Smoked salmon: Look for cold-smoked salmon or lox (with a soft texture), not hard-smoked (which is flaky and more like cooked salmon).
  • Cream cheese: This homemade herb cream cheese brings the best herbaceous flavor, but you can substitute with plain cream cheese
  • Capers: Briny capers add a pop of salty flavor and are required here (see below)
  • Red onion: Another classic topping that cannot be missed
  • Fresh dill sprigs: Dill adds fresh flavor and completes the look
  • Lemon wedge: Garnishing with a lemon wedge before eating adds just the right pop of acidity
  • Optional toppings: Thinly sliced English cucumber and tomato are also traditional on a smoked salmon bagel, but to us they’re not essential.
Smoked salmon bagel brunch
Bagel brunch with herb cream cheese and smoked salmon spread

Variation: smoked salmon cream cheese!

Want a variation on a smoked salmon bagel that uses the same flavors in a different way? Try the bagels with Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese! This tasty spread mixes cream cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh dill and smoked salmon into a savory, salty deli-style spread. Make it instead of the standard, or use it along with the herb cream cheese as another option! Go to Smoked Salmon Spread.

Why capers and salmon go hand in hand

Capers are often paired with fish like smoked salmon or baked fish, because they add a pop of briny, salty flavor that complements this protein. What are they, exactly? Capers are a berry of the caper bush, a plant that’s native to the Mediterranean. They’re round and dark green gray, about the size of a peppercorn. You’ll find them in Italian and Mediterranean recipes.

Capers are served pickled, and they’re always sold in a long, thin jar. Find capers for this smoked salmon bagel in the condiments near the olives at the grocery store. Or check in the international aisle near the Italian products. PS You can use up the rest with our favorite Caper Recipes, like Lemon Caper Sauce, Pasta Puttanesca, and more.

Smoked salmon bagel

Bagel brunch board ideas

This smoked salmon bagel is ideal for a bagel brunch! Make a big platter with bagels and different types of cream cheese and bagel toppings, and it’s ideal for a lazy brunch with friends. Or try it for Mother’s Day, baby showers, Easter, or more! Here are a few ideas for what to have on hand for a bagel brunch:

Smoked salmon bagel

More smoked salmon recipes

Love smoked salmon? Here are a few more smoked salmon recipes you’ll love:

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Smoked salmon bagel

Perfect Smoked Salmon Bagel


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 bagel

Description

There’s not much better than a smoked salmon bagel (aka lox)! Top with herb cream cheese for a stunning breakfast, brunch or lunch.


Ingredients

  • 1 bagel
  • 2 tablespoons Herb Cream Cheese (recommended; or plain cream cheese)
  • 1 to 2 ounces smoked salmon
  • 4 red onion slices
  • 1 teaspoon capers, drained
  • Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
  • 1 lemon wedge, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the Herb Cream Cheese.
  2. Toast the bagel. Top it with a slather of herb cream cheese, smoked salmon slices, onion slices, capers, and fresh dill. Squeeze with a lemon wedge, then serve immediately.
  3. Alternative method: Make a batch of Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese and top with dill sprigs.
  • Category: Breakfast or Lunch
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Keywords: Smoked salmon bagel

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer

This warm goat cheese appetizer is perfect for entertaining! Just 4 ingredients make this tasty dip for crostini or crackers.…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This warm goat cheese appetizer is perfect for entertaining! Just 4 ingredients make this tasty dip for crostini or crackers.

Goat Cheese Appetizer

Our favorite recipes for easy entertaining? Those that have minimal ingredients and prep time, but achieve maximum flavor. There’s no better example of that than this warm goat cheese appetizer! It’s got just 4 ingredients, takes just 10 minutes to bake, and tastes like an absolute dream. The tangy, gooey goat cheese against the citrusy marmalade and herbaceous thyme is pure bliss. It’s become a total go-to in our house: and we know it will be for years to come.

Ingredients in this goat cheese appetizer

Guests are coming? Quick, grab these four ingredients for a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone parked around the dish. The simplicity here is magic: the creaminess of the cheese with the sweet tart marmalade is the perfect combination. Here are the only ingredients you’ll need for this goat cheese appetizer:

  • Goat cheese log (aka chevre)
  • Marmalade or jam or any kind
  • Pistachios
  • Fresh thyme

Throw the goat cheese into the oven with the marmalade and bake 10 minutes, then top with chopped nuts and fresh thyme sprigs. The oven warms it so it’s spreadable on crackers or crostini. It’s so simple and perfect for any occasion: dinner parties, Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and everything in between.

Goat Cheese Appetizer

Variation ideas

There are endless variations on this goat cheese appetizer idea! I sent this to my mother and she made it the same day using blueberry preserves! Here are some ideas:

  • Preserves and jam: Use orange apricot marmalade like we do, or any type of preserves. Good flavor pairings with goat cheese are blueberry, blackberry, fig, and tomato jam.
  • Nuts: Use any type of chopped nuts! Instead of pistachios, use almonds, pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts.
  • Herbs: The fresh thyme has a distinct flavor here that we highly recommend! You can substitute dried thyme if desired. Chopped chives, rosemary or sage would also work.

Serving this goat cheese appetizer

Pull this goat cheese appetizer out of the oven, and you can serve it immediately! Baking the cheese is key, because it makes it warm enough to be spreadable. Here are a few ideas to use for dipping in:

Goat Cheese Appetizer

Tip for making in advance and taking to a party

Taking this goat cheese appetizer to a party? Here’s what to do:

  • Bake first. Bake it your house, then cover the dish in foil and warp it a towel to keep it warm. It should stay warm for about 20 minutes this way.
  • Bake at the party. Or, have the host preheat the oven for you in advance! Pop it in right when you get to the party.
Goat Cheese Appetizer

More goat cheese recipes

This goat cheese appetizer is one in a long list of favorite recipes starring this ingredient! (We’re goat cheese fanatics, in case you couldn’t tell.) Here are some great goat cheese recipes to try:

This goat cheese appetizer recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free (using gluten-free crackers).

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Goat Cheese Appetizer

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8

Description

This warm goat cheese appetizer is perfect for entertaining! Just 4 ingredients make this tasty dip for crostini or crackers.


Ingredients

  • 10 ounces goat cheese log
  • ½ cup orange apricot marmalade, or preserves or jam of any flavor*
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Crostini, bread or crackers, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Spread ⅓ cup of the preserves in a small baking dish. Add the goat cheese log. Top with 2 tablespoons of the preserves. Bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the dish from the oven and top with pistachios and fresh thyme. Use as a dip for crostini, bread, or crackers.

Notes

*Other great options are blueberry, blackberry, fig, tomato jam, and more.

  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Appetizer
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Goat cheese appetizer

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Easy Ranch Dip

This homemade ranch dip recipe will amaze you! It takes just 5 minutes and tastes irresistibly creamy and fresh. Here’s…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This homemade ranch dip recipe will amaze you! It takes just 5 minutes and tastes irresistibly creamy and fresh.

Ranch Dip

Here’s our favorite trick that we come back to time and time again: this homemade Ranch Dip Recipe! In just 5 minutes you have a stellar dip that’s irresistibly creamy, savory and fresh. No ranch seasoning packet needed: this dip uses all seasonings you probably already have on hand in your pantry. It’s the perfect party dip to throw together at moment’s notice, or a healthy snack for kids. Even eat it as an easy side at dinnertime! Let’s get mixing.

Ingredients in this ranch dip recipe

This ranch dip recipe is quick and easy: and you won’t believe the fresh flavor! Thanks to the magic of Greek yogurt, this ranch dip is a bit lighter and fresher than those that use sour cream. It’s got ⅓ of the calories, but you’d never know it here! Combined with a little mayonnaise, it’s just as full flavored as any you’ve had. Here’s what you’ll need (see the recipe below for quantities):

  • Greek yogurt, 2% or whole milk
  • Mayonnaise: using this in combination with the yogurt adds a hint of richness
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried dill
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh chives (optional)

The fresh chives add a great nuance to the flavor, but if you don’t have them on hand you can omit them. We grow them in our garden every summer, but in the winter fresh herbs can be expensive at the grocery. Mix everything together in a bowl, and it’s done! Simple as that.

Ranch dip recipe

Ideas for dipping

What can’t you dip in ranch dip? While you might not need ideas, we’ve got a few standard and more creative ideas for making a ranch dip platter. Here are some for what to dip in ranch dip:

  • Carrot sticks or rainbow carrots
  • Celery sticks
  • Broccoli
  • Bell pepper strips
  • Cucumber slices
  • Kohlrabi sticks or jicama sticks
  • Potato chips
  • Pretzels
Homemade ranch dip

Other uses for ranch dip

Of course, you can also use this ranch dip in the same way you’d use a ranch dressing. (Or, head over to our Ranch Dressing recipe if that’s what you’re after!) Here are a few fun ways to use it:

More party dips

This ranch dip is the ideal dip for chips! Here are a few more party dips and fun ideas for easy snacks:

This recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

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Ranch Dip

Ranch Dip


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 ¼ cups

Description

This homemade ranch dip recipe will amaze you! It takes just 5 minutes and tastes irresistibly creamy and fresh.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups (18 ounces) 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 1 week.
  • Category: Dip
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Dip
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Ranch dip, ranch dip recipe

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Baked Falafel

This baked falafel recipe with canned chickpeas is easy and healthy! Eat it with dips, in a pita, on a…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This baked falafel recipe with canned chickpeas is easy and healthy! Eat it with dips, in a pita, on a salad, and more.

Baked Falafel

Want to make falafel at home but daunted by frying? Here’s the recipe you need: Baked Falafel with canned chickpeas! This spin on Classic Falafel distills the traditional flavors into a shortcut that works for weeknights. Bake up these tasty balls of savory, herby goodness and dunk them into dips, throw them in a Falafel Sandwich, or top them on a Falafel Salad. They save well, making them perfect for refrigerating or freezing for quick and easy meals! They’re also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. Here are the tricks to this quick method.

Want to make classic falafel that’s baked? Go to Classic Falafel and use the baked option.

Baked falafel with canned chickpeas

Falafel is a Middle Eastern ball of chickpeas, herbs and spices that’s deep fried. Classic falafel is always made with soaked dried chickpeas, which gives them the ideal crispy texture. The problem is: you have to remember to soak the chickpeas overnight. If you have time and the ability to think ahead, try the classic version! It’s absolutely worth it for the flavor, and you can bake it as well. Go to Classic Falafel.

This baked falafel recipe is a shortcut for when you didn’t think ahead and don’t want to mess with frying. So, it’s not an authentic recipe: it’s a variation for weeknights so you can enjoy similar flavors! Make it with canned chickpeas, which you bake in the oven instead of frying them. Falafel is usually shaped as a round ball, but for baked it’s easier to make a disc shape.

Baked Falafel

Tips for this easy baked falafel recipe

Ready to try this baked falafel with canned chickpeas? Here are a few tips for how to make this easy falafel recipe:

  • A food processor is key. It’s easiest for chopping everything for the dough. (If you’re ambitious and don’t have one, you could try using oat flour, finely chopping the veggies, and mashing the chickpeas with a fork.)
  • You can use rolled oats or oat flour. We use rolled oats and process them in the food processor to form oat flour, but if you keep oat flour on hand you can skip this step.
  • Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry. Because you’re using canned chickpeas, you’ll want to remove as much liquid as possible.
  • Be careful not to over-process the dough! Be careful not to over-process the dough: you’ll want it uniform and shape-able with a little texture. See the photo below.
  • Pat the dough into disc shapes. This makes them easy to bake (versus ball shapes). Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop if you have it, which helps to portion the dough evenly. Then bake 15 minutes on one side and 10 on the other!

Ready to give it a go? Head to the recipe below.

Baked Falafel
The dough should be uniformly chopped but still have some texture: resist the urge to over-process!

Leftovers save well: try a double batch!

This easy baked falafel recipe is ideal because leftovers save very well! Because of this, we recommend making a double batch and saving the leftovers: especially if you’re feeding hungry eaters. You’ll need a large food processor (shown above). Here’s the recommended storage info:

  • Store baked falafel refrigerated for up to 1 week. They’re easy to throw into lunches or onto salads!
  • Or, freeze for up to 2 months. Then defrost in the refrigerator prior to enjoying. You can reheat them or eat at room temp.
  • To double the recipe, use the 2x button on the recipe below! This makes it easy to double the quantities.
Baked Falafel Salad

Ways to serve baked falafel

There are so many fun ways to eat baked falafel! We make Classic Falafel on special occasions, but this baked version is more of an everyday style recipe. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

More Mediterranean recipes

This recipe is a great idea for a filling vegan dinner or Mediterranean diet meal! Here are a few more great Mediterranean recipes to try:

This easy baked falafel recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Baked Falafel

Baked Falafel


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Description

This baked falafel recipe with canned chickpeas is easy and healthy! Eat it with dips, in a pita, on a salad, and more.


Ingredients

  • 15-ounce can chickpeas
  • ⅓ cup Old Fashioned rolled oats (or use ⅓ cup oat flour)
  • 1/4 small red onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed (or fresh parsley)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Dab the chickpeas with a paper towel to remove extra moisture and set them aside.
  3. Place the rolled oats in a bowl of a food processor. Process 30 seconds to 1 minute until they are the texture of flour. Pour into a separate bowl and set aside. (If using oat flour, skip this step.)
  4. Roughly chop the red onion and peel the garlic. Place them into the food processor with the cilantro and pulse until finely minced, stopping and scraping down the bowl once. Add the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper and process until combined, stopping and scraping the bowl once. Then add the oats and pulse until a uniform dough forms. (Be careful not to over-process the dough: you’ll want it uniform and shape-able with a little texture. See the photo above!)
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands to roll the dough into 12 balls that are 1 ½ tablespoons each, then flatten them into discs (use a size 40 cookie scoop, if you have it). Place the discs on the baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil.
  6. Bake the falafel for 15 minutes until golden brown, then flip and bake for 10 minutes, until golden brown on the other side. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes before eating. (Storage info: The baked falafel store very well! Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months. Consider making a double batch and storing leftovers.)

Notes

*Makes 12 small falafel: consider making a double batch and storing leftovers. To make a short-cut version of this salad, use frozen purchased falafel. Or, it’s a way to repurpose leftover falafel from restaurant takeout!

  • Category: Appetizer or Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Baked falafel, Falafel recipe baked

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Easy Smoothie Bowl

Here’s how to make a smoothie bowl! These tips and tricks make it easy to whip up this tasty breakfast…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make a smoothie bowl! These tips and tricks make it easy to whip up this tasty breakfast or snack homemade.

Smoothie Bowl

Need breakfast or snack inspiration? Try a quick and easy Smoothie Bowl! Instead of sipping the fruity puree through a straw, grab a spoon and eat it in a bowl loaded up with toppings. It’s a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that honestly tastes more like dessert than a healthy way to start the day! Here are a few tips to making a killer smoothie bowl: how to avoid melting too fast, how to pack it with protein, and the best toppings to use.

How to make a smoothie bowl (base recipe)

Making a smoothie bowl is simple, but you’ll a few tricks. The smoothie bowl concept is modeled after an Acai Bowl, a Brazilian dish that’s a frozen puree of acai berries topped with fruit, granola, coconut and nut butter. It was invented in the 1980’s in Brazil and spread to the US in the 2000’s. Now, smoothie bowls hold a place in popular culture: made with any type of frozen fruit. Here’s what to know about how to make a smoothie bowl:

  • Freeze the bowl first. This quick tip helps to avoid the smoothie melting too fast.
  • Prep the toppings while the bowl freezes. You’ll want them all ready to go before you blend it up.
  • Memorize the base recipe. The base recipe for a smoothie bowl is thicker than a normal smoothie. Use 1 ½ cups frozen fruit, 1 banana, ½ cup Greek yogurt and ½ cup orange juice, plus any more to get it to blend. (For vegan, omit the Greek yogurt and add enough orange juice until the puree is able to blend.)
Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowl flavors

You can vary a smoothie bowl in so many different ways using different frozen fruit! Shown in these photos is the mixed berry smoothie, using frozen mixed berries (the package with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries). But there are infinite variations on the base recipe. Here are some ideas for varying the 1 ½ cups frozen fruit:

  • Strawberry using frozen strawberries, or a combination of strawberry blueberry, strawberry mango, strawberry peach or strawberry pineapple.
  • Blueberries using frozen blueberries, or blueberry peach or blueberry pineapple.
  • Mango using frozen mangos, or mango peach, mango pineapple, or mango blueberry.
  • Peach using frozen peaches, or peach pineapple or peach raspberry.
  • Pineapple using frozen pineapple.
  • Green smoothie bowl using frozen mango or pineapple as the fruit, along with 2 cups spinach or baby kale.
Smoothie Bowl

Packing the bowl with protein

This smoothie bowl has a dose of protein from the Greek yogurt: and you can add more if desired! Protein is important for keeping you full and satiated, especially important if you’re eating this smoothie bowl as a meal. Here are a few ways to add protein to a smoothie bowl, including plant-based options:

  • Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and flavor, along with 12 grams protein in a ½ cup serving.
  • Protein powder adds a a major boost of staying power (we like this protein powder that has 24 grams protein per scoop).
  • Chia seeds are a great way to add plant-based protein, with 2 grams protein per tablespoon.
  • Nut butter in the topping also adds a nice boost of plant-based protein, adding 3.4 grams protein per tablespoon of almond butter.

Smoothie bowl toppings

What are the best smoothie bowl toppings? A mix of fruity, crunchy and drizzled items makes the ideal topping blend. The key element that ties everything together is nut butter, in our opinion. The way it slightly solidifies in the smoothie reminds us of hot fudge in a sundae! Here are our ideal toppings:

How to make a smoothie bowl

Vegan variation

Our standard smoothie bowl recipe has Greek yogurt because of the creamy texture it lends and protein it adds, which helps to keep you full longer. Want a vegan smoothie bowl? Simply omit the Greek yogurt and add more orange juice until the smoothie blends. You also may want to add another protein source like protein powder or chia seeds to make the bowl more filling.

More smoothie recipes

You can even make a smoothie bowl with an existing smoothie recipe! Important tip: reduce the liquids slightly so that the texture of the smoothie is a bit thicker. Here are a few of our favorite smoothies:

This smoothie bowl recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based and dairy-free, see the notes in the recipe below.

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Smoothie Bowl

Easy Smoothie Bowl


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 smoothie bowl

Description

Here’s how to make a smoothie bowl! These tips and tricks make it easy to whip up this tasty breakfast or snack homemade.


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups frozen mixed berries (or any frozen fruit)
  • 1 banana (room temperature)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt*
  • ½ cup orange juice, plus more as needed
  • Optional: 1 scoop protein powder or 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • Toppings: fresh berries, sliced bananas or other fruit, granola or nuts, coconut, almond butter, honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Place the bowl for the smoothie in the freezer, then prepare the toppings (this helps to slow the melting process).
  2. Place the frozen fruit, banana, Greek yogurt and orange juice in a blender. Blend until thick and smooth, adding a splash more orange juice as necessary.
  3. Pour into the bowl and quickly top with the toppings. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

*For vegan, omit the Greek yogurt and add more orange juice until the smoothie blends. Consider adding the optional protein powder or chia seeds.

  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Blender
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Smoothie bowl

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Ricotta Toast

Ricotta toast makes a deliciously easy breakfast or lunch! Slather on ricotta, then top with sweet or savory toppings. Here’s…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Ricotta toast makes a deliciously easy breakfast or lunch! Slather on ricotta, then top with sweet or savory toppings.

Ricotta Toast

Here’s a genius simple idea that tastes far greater than the sum of its parts: Ricotta Toast! Spread ricotta cheese on toast, then load it up with sweet or savory toppings. Go basic with juicy ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, or hearty with tender smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill. Or go sweet with fruit, a drizzle of honey and cinnamon. Anything goes here! It’s a simple meal that feels luxuriously elegant, and we’re making them on repeat over there.

What you need for ricotta toast

Ricotta toast is ricotta cheese that’s spread on toast, then topped with savory or sweet toppings. It got loads of exposure after going viral on TikTok, but it’s a basic idea that’s been around for years. Use either plain seasoned ricotta or whipped ricotta as the base, then top it with the creative toppings of your choice. Here are the required ingredients:

  • Bread: It’s best with artisan-style crusty bread, but you can use any store-bought loaf
  • Ricotta: This healthy cheese is packed with protein and makes the ideal smooth base. It’s great right out of the container, but you’ll want to season with salt and pepper since its flavor is rather bland. Or, you can make Whipped Ricotta: an airy, fluffier version that tastes transcendental.
  • Toppings: The great thing about ricotta toast? It works sweet or savory. Add the veggies, protein or fruits of your choice. See below for more options!
Ricotta Toast

Whipped ricotta vs plain

Ricotta toast is fantastic with ricotta cheese right out of the tub, seasoned with salt and pepper. But to make the most delicious of all ricotta toast, try the whipped version! Here’s why it’s worth the extra time:

  • Whipped ricotta has a light and airy texture to contrast with the bread and toppings. It really does make this toast that much better.
  • How to make it? Place 16 ounces whole milk ricotta, 3 tablespoons milk and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl and whisk with a whisk for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Ricotta Toast

Ricotta toast topping ideas

The fun part about ricotta toast is creativity: there are endless ideas of how to arrange the toppings! It’s a customizable idea that works for breakfast, lunch, snacks…or even a simple dinner (like on days where you just don’t want to think). Here are a few ideas for ricotta toast toppings, both savory and sweet:

  • Smoked salmon: A favorite: packed with both flavor and protein! Add capers, red onion and fresh dill
  • Tuna: Canned tuna is also great and filling
  • Prosciutto: Add prosciutto is another savory protein-filled option
  • Hard boiled eggs: Add additional protein with Stovetop Hard Boiled Eggs or Steamed Hard Boiled Eggs.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy ripe heirloom tomatoes are divine
  • Avocado: Avocado ricotta toast is another filling, hearty idea
  • Other vegetables: Try cucumbers, radishes, pickled vegetables, shredded carrots, and so forth
  • Fresh herbs: Herbs add great flavor (chives, thyme, dill, basil, etc)
  • Apples and pears: Sliced apples with a drizzle of honey and dusting of cinnamon is another favorite
  • Berries: Sliced strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are also fantastic
  • Chopped nuts: Top a fruity toast with chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds or other nuts
Ricotta Toast

Is ricotta healthy?

Can ricotta cheese be considered a healthy cheese? Yes! Ricotta is a creamy, white cheese that’s loaded with protein. Here are a few nutrition facts about ricotta (via Healthline):

  • Ricotta is high in protein. One ½ cup serving of ricotta has 12 grams protein!
  • The whey in ricotta could promote muscle growth and help lower blood pressure.

More ricotta recipes

There are so many great ways to eat ricotta: of course, this ricotta toast is a favorite! Here are a few more fun ricotta recipes:

This ricotta toast recipe is…

Vegetarian.


Print
Ricotta Toast

Ricotta Toast


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving

Description

Ricotta toast makes a deliciously easy breakfast, lunch or snack! Slather on ricotta, then top with sweet or savory toppings.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese or Whipped Ricotta (see Step 1)
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • Slices of bread
  • For the salmon toast: Smoked salmon, capers, red onion, fresh dill
  • For the tomato toast: Ripe tomatoes, garlic salt, chives or green onion, olive oil
  • For the avocado toast: Ripe avocado, radishes, garlic salt
  • For the apple honey toast: Apple slices, honey, chopped pistachios, cinnamon
  • Other ideas: Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, pears, cucumber, canned tuna, canned salmon, prosciutto, hard boiled eggs, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, etc.

Instructions

  1. Stir together the ricotta with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and several grinds of fresh ground pepper; taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Or, make the Whipped Ricotta: place 16 ounces whole milk ricotta, 3 tablespoons milk and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl and whisk with a whisk for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Toast the bread.
  3. Salmon toast: Spread the ricotta on the toast. Top with smoked salmon, drained capers, sliced red onion and fresh dill sprigs. Add 1 grind fresh black pepper.
  4. Tomato toast: Spread the ricotta on the toast. Top the toast with the sliced tomatoes, chopped chives or green onion, drizzle of olive oil, a small pinch salt and fresh ground pepper.
  5. Avocado toast: Spread ricotta on the toast. Top the toast with sliced radishes, drizzle of olive oil, and a small pinch salt and fresh ground pepper.
  6. Apple honey toast: Spread ricotta on the toast. Add apple slices, a drizzle of honey, chopped pistachios, and a pinch of cinnamon.
  • Category: Breakfast or Lunch
  • Method: No cook
  • Cuisine: Healthy
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Ricotta toast

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Try this chocolate chip banana bread recipe: the best way to use the ripe fruit! It’s moist and sweet, flavored…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Try this chocolate chip banana bread recipe: the best way to use the ripe fruit! It’s moist and sweet, flavored with brown butter.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Got ripe bananas ripening on the counter? Here’s a decadent way to use them: this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! This recipe takes the standard up a notch by using browned butter, infusing a rich, nutty flavor into the entire loaf. It’s perfectly moist, studded with semi-sweet bits of chocolate and scented with just the right hint of cinnamon. In a word, it’s downright heavenly.

Ingredients in this chocolate chip banana bread recipe

This chocolate chip banana bread are pretty standard, with the exception of the browned butter which we’ll cover below. It includes a bit of whole wheat flour and a little less chocolate chips than the standard: but it tastes just as decadent. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Very ripe bananas
  • Butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Banana chocolate chip bread

Tips for browned butter

The best part of this chocolate chip banana bread? It’s flavored with browned butter. Browned butter is butter that’s heated until it turns light brown, bringing out a complex, nutty flavor. It takes just a few minutes, and if you have to melt butter for a recipe anyway, why not make browned butter? Here are a few tips:

  • Slice it into pieces for even melting. This way, the butter is heated at the same rate (vs a entire stick melting gradually).
  • Butter browns quickly, so keep an eye on it. Don’t leave the stove! It can go from browned to burned in an instant.
  • Remove it to a bowl to stop the cooking. This helps to prevent burning. Cool it for a minute before adding to the wets for your batter.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Mix-ins and flavor variations

Chocolate chip banana bread is one thing, but add another flavor or mix-in and you’ll really impress whoever you’re baking for. Here are a few ideas:

  • Chopped nuts: Add ¼ to ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Other chips: Use a mix of chocolate and peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips
  • Sea salt: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to the top after baking
  • Orange zest: Add ½ teaspoon orange zest to the batter
  • Bourbon: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon for a boozy nuance
  • Sprinkles: Add a dash of sprinkles to the top, because why not?
Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

More ripe banana recipes

There are so many ways to make a great banana bread…and don’t stop there! Make muffins, pancakes, cake, and more! Here are a few top ripe banana recipes to try:

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Try this chocolate chip banana bread recipe: the best way to use the ripe fruit! It’s moist and sweet, flavored with brown butter.


Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups mashed very ripe bananas (3 medium bananas)
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • ¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter an 8 or 9-inch loaf pan.
  2. Brown the butter: Place the butter (sliced into pieces) in a skillet over medium heat. Heat for a few minutes until it melts, turns foamy, and then starts to become golden brown in color and smells nutty. Immediately remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl to cool for a minute before adding to the batter.
  3. Make the batter: Mash the bananas in the bottom of a large bowl, enough for 1 ¼ cup. Whisk in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the browned butter once it’s ready.
  4. Add the baking soda, cinnamon, kosher salt, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour to another bowl and mix. Add to the bowl with the wet ingredients and stir together with a spoon. Gently fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and top with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips. Bake 55 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (or the internal temperature is 200 degrees): the exact timing will depend on the size of the pan. Optional: add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt when you remove the bread from the oven.
  6. Cool: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then run a knife around the edge and invert the loaf onto a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Storage info: The bread lasts 4 to 5 days at room temperature wrapped in aluminum foil, refrigerated for 10 days, or frozen for 3 months (slice it into pieces and wrap it in plastic wrap then a freezer-safe bag or container).
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Quick bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Baked

Keywords: Chocolate chip banana bread, chocolate chip banana bread recipe, banana chocolate chip bread

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Quick Tortilla Pizza

The tortilla pizza is a genius quick meal! It forms the crust of this crispy pie, ideal for an easy…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

The tortilla pizza is a genius quick meal! It forms the crust of this crispy pie, ideal for an easy dinner or appetizer.

Tortilla Pizza

Need food…fast? There’s nothing better than a cheater pizza to the rescue, and this one is loads faster than delivery pizza. Try the mighty crispy Tortilla Pizza! This genius concept uses a tortilla to make the crust of the pizza pie, making for a delightful crunch for each bite. We love naan pizza and pita pizza, so it was time for testing it with a tortilla…which we like even better! Here’s how to make the best crispy tortilla pizza: ideal for weeknight dinners, kid foods or even a quick appetizer.

Methods for tortilla pizza

The most important thing when you use a tortilla as the crust for a pizza? Getting the tortilla very crispy. No one wants a wimpy pizza. There are three different methods for tortilla pizza, each of which have pros and cons. Here’s what to know:

  • Pizza stone (crispiest): The best method for a tortilla pizza is a pizza stone. While it’s special equipment, the pizza comes out the crispiest. (Here’s the pizza stone we have). You can cook about 2 to 3 tortilla pizzas at once on a stone, depending on your stone and the size of the tortillas.
  • Cast iron skillet (single serve): Don’t have a pizza stone? Make a tortilla pizza in a cast iron skillet. This method comes out very crispy. The only downside? You can only make one at a time.
  • Oven grates (multi-serving): Tortilla pizza comes out great cooked right on the oven racks! This version doesn’t come out quite as crispy, but it still tastes great. You can cook several pizzas at once, which is great for serving a family. Make sure to place a baking sheet in the oven to catch drips with this method.
Tortilla Pizza

Another key: a great pizza sauce

Picked your method? The only other trick you’ll need to make a killer tortilla pizza? Our 5 minute Homemade Pizza Sauce. Here’s the thing: storebought pizza sauce is fine in a pinch. But this homemade sauce will blow your mind with the fresh, garlicky robust flavor. It takes every pizza up a notch. And it only takes 5 minutes to make, so why skimp?

  • This pizza sauce takes 5 minutes in a blender. All you need are canned tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt and olive oil. In fact, we have the recipe memorized. Take one bite from the blender, and it’s life changing.
  • It capitalizes on the magic of fire roasted tomatoes. Fire roasted tomatoes are key for the flavor here! They’re tomatoes that have been roasted on an open flame, making them taste sweet right out of the can. Try them once, and you’ll never go back.
Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla pizza topping ideas

When it comes to tortilla pizza, our favorite flavor is margherita: a great pizza sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. But you can customize this any way you like! The only thing to keep in mind? Chop the toppings very small, and don’t overload the pizza. Because a tortilla is not as strong as a standard crust, you’ll need small and light toppings. Here are some flavor combination ideas (scale down the quantities for personal-sized pizza):

Gluten free options

What’s a good gluten free option for tortilla pizza? We don’t recommend using corn tortillas because of their strong flavor. But there are lots of grain free tortillas on the market that could work! Use your favorite brand: the thicker the better. The brand Siete has various options like almond flour tortillas or cassava flour tortillas. We have not tested gluten-free tortilla pizza, so let us know in the comments below if you have good options.

Tortilla Pizza

More pizza recipes

There are so many fun ways to make a pizza! Here are a few more alterative pizza ideas to add to your arsenal:

This tortilla pizza recipe is…

Vegetarian. For gluten-free, see the notes above.

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Tortilla Pizza

Quick Tortilla Pizza


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 pizzas
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

The tortilla pizza is a genius quick meal! It forms the crust of this crispy pie, ideal for an easy dinner or appetizer.


Ingredients

  • 8-inch flour tortillas* (the thicker the better)
  • ¾ cup Homemade Pizza Sauce (required!)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with a pizza stone if you have one (or a cast iron skillet, if using).
  2. Make the Homemade Pizza Sauce.
  3. Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil. Top each tortilla with 3 tablespoons pizza sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a small pinch of salt. Add additional bite-size chopped toppings if desired (but not the basil).
  4. Cook using one of the following methods:
    1. Pizza stone or cast iron pan (crispiest): Place as many pizzas as fit directly onto the preheated pizza stone, or place one pizza into the preheated cast iron pan. Bake 4 to 5 minutes until crispy and the cheese is melted.
    2. Oven rack: Place the pizzas directly onto the oven racks, placing a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips. Bake 5 to 6 minutes until crispy and the cheese is melted.
  5. Top with fresh basil, if using. Slice into pieces and serve.

Notes

*For gluten-free, use your favorite brand of grain free tortilla: as thick as possible. We don’t recommend using corn tortillas because of their strong flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Pizza

Keywords: Tortilla pizza

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Crumpets

Traditional English crumpets are perfect for breakfast or snacks! This crumpet recipe has all the tricks to making them homemade.…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Traditional English crumpets are perfect for breakfast or snacks! This crumpet recipe has all the tricks to making them homemade.

Crumpets

Behold: perfect circles of golden batter that’s crispy on the outside and spongy on the inside, ideal for topping with butter or jam. Yes, they’re traditional English crumpets! This mashup of an English muffin and a pancake is one of the most satisfying breakfast or snacks you’ll find. We were craving the magic of this tasty treat, so we spent hours honing this homemade crumpet recipe for you! It’s a fun cooking project that results in irresistible golden orbs with the best yeasted flavor and spongy texture. Our family can’t resist one warm from the toaster. Here’s how it’s done!

What is a crumpet?

A crumpet is a traditional English round bread made with flour, milk, and yeast and cooked on a griddle. The surface of a crumpet has delicate round holes, bubbles from the yeast that rise to the surface during cooking. They’re often served topped with butter, jam, clotted cream, or honey.

Crumpets are a traditional tea time snack (tea and crumpets, anyone?). They’re popular in the UK and other former British territories like Canada and Australia. Crumpets are similar to English muffins, but English muffins have a more bready texture, are served split in half, and don’t have the signature holes on top.

Crumpets

How to make this crumpet recipe: an overview!

Purchased crumpets give something to be desired in the flavor and texture department. So why not make them homemade? We spent hours honing this master crumpets recipe for how to make these treats at home. Here’s the basic outline of what you’re getting yourself into with this crumpet recipe. The process takes about 2 hours total. You can then refrigerate or freeze them for eating all week! Here’s an outline of what you’ll have to do (jump to the recipe for full details):

Mix the batter5 minutes active
Rest1 hour hands off
Mix and rest again2 minutes active, 30 minutes hands off
Cook30 minutes active
Cool45 minutes, hands off
Crumpets

Equipment needed: crumpet rings

The only special equipment you’ll need to make homemade crumpets? Crumpet rings! These 3 1/2-inch wide rings make the signature round shape. Here are a few things to note about the rings:

  • To keep the crumpets from sticking, find non-stick crumpet rings. Our first set of rings had some issues with sticking, so we found some non-stick rings that did the trick! Here are the non-stick English muffin rings we used: they work like a charm.
  • The rings have many other uses: like English muffins, eggs, cakes and even for forming burgers. So they’re not a one-use gadget!
Crumpets recipe

A few tips on this crumpet recipe

Once you’ve got the rings, you’re well on your way to homemade crumpets. Here are a few tips on the batter-making and cooking process:

  • The batter should be very thick but pourable. You may need to add just a splash of water to the batter to get the correct consistency.
  • Have patience: the first batch may not be perfect! It’s just like cooking pancakes or crepes. You’ll need to get used to the process during the first batch. Continue to make adjustments and hone the process as you go!
  • Are the crumpets sticking to the rings? Use a sharp knife to pop out them out of the ring if necessary. Using the non-stick rings mentioned above is the best way to keep them from sticking! But you may need some extra help popping them out with a knife.

Crumpet storage

The best crumpet is one that’s hot off the griddle, slathered with salted butter! But since this recipe makes 12 to 14, you won’t be eating all of them that way. Here are a few notes on storing homemade crumpets:

  • Refrigerate up to 1 week. They may pick up some moisture during storage, but pop them into a toaster oven prior to serving and they crisp up perfectly.
  • Freeze up to 2 months. Crumpets freeze well too! Place them in a sealed container and store 2 to 3 months. Don’t go right from the freezer to the toaster, however. Take out a batch of them and place them in the refrigerator, or take out a singleton and let it warm at room temperature prior to toasting. (Otherwise, the outsides get too browned when toasting while the center is still frozen.)
Crumpets

How to serve crumpets

And now for the best part: eating them! This crumpet recipe is best toasted: so make sure to pop it in the toaster prior to serving. Then top it with one or more of the toppings below:

  • Salted butter
  • Jam or preserves: try our easy strawberry jam or purchased blackberry, blueberry or apricot preserves
  • Clotted cream, another English delicacy
  • Honey
  • Peanut butter

More DIY baked goods and breads

We love a good baking project around here! Here are a few more fun homemade bread recipes:

This crumpet recipe is…

Vegetarian. For vegan or plant-based, use oat milk.

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Crumpets

Crumpets


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 14 crumpets
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Traditional English crumpets are perfect for breakfast or snacks! This crumpet recipe has all the tricks to making them homemade.


Ingredients

  • 125 grams (1 cup) bread flour
  • 125 grams (1 cup) all purpose flour
  • 1 cup cup lukewarm water, divided
  • 1 cup lukewarm milk (or oat milk for vegan**)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Equipment: Non-stick English muffin rings / crumpet rings*

Instructions

  1. Mix the batter: In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the flours. In a liquid measuring cup, microwave ½ cup of the water with the 1 cup milk in 30 second bursts until warm, about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir in the sugar and yeast until dissolved. Pour the wet mixture into the flours and mix vigorously with a spatula for three minutes, or attach the paddle attachment to a stand mixer and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes.
  2. Rest for 1 hour: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
  3. Add liquid and rest 30 minutes: After 1 hour, whisk together the baking soda, kosher salt and the remaining ½ cup water. Stir the liquid mixture into the dough. (If the batter is very thick and not pourable, add a splash more water until the batter is just pourable.) Rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Prep for cooking: Heat a griddle to just under medium heat; allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. Grease the griddle and inside of the 4 crumpet rings with paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Place the rings on the griddle and scoop ¼ cup scoops into each ring.
  5. Cook 1 batch of crumpets: Cook the batch of crumpets for 6 to 9 minutes, until the bottom is browned and top is almost set. Use tongs or oven gloves to carefully remove each of the rings, sliding a sharp knife around the edge if it sticks. Carefully flip the crumpets and and cook additional 1 minute until lightly browned.
  6. Cook the remaining batches: Oil the griddle and crumpet rings again, and repeat with the remaining batches of crumpets. If necessary, add a splash of water to batter to keep it pourable.
  7. Serve / storage info: Serve warm from the griddle, or cool on wire racks and then store. Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 2 months; toast in a toaster before serving. (If frozen, don’t go straight from the freezer to the toaster: either place a batch of frozen crumpets in the refrigerator and allow to partially thaw before toasting, or leave a single crumpet at room temperature for a few minutes prior to toasting.)

Notes

*We found it’s worth investing in non-stick rings, since we had issues with sticking on aluminum rings.

**We have not tested a vegan variation, but it should work with oat milk! Let us know if you try. 

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: English

Keywords: Crumpets, what is a crumpet, crumpet recipe

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded potato skins are the best party appetizer! Make them crispy baked and shower with toppings (this recipe has a…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Loaded potato skins are the best party appetizer! Make them crispy baked and shower with toppings (this recipe has a time saving trick).

Potato Skins

Who doesn’t love potato skins? Those crispy, savory vessels for creamy, cheesy deliciousness could melt even the most stone cold heart. So when you’re looking to impress, why not try them at home? They’re not without a little effort: you’ll need to throw these spuds in the oven quite a few times. But! Our method offers some innovations so you can complete it in less time than most potato skin recipes. Ready to get started?

Overview of this potato skins recipe

Why does a potato skins recipe take so long? Well, you’ve got to bake the potatoes, then scoop out the flesh and bake them again, then add cheese and bake them again! But here’s where our time saving obsession comes in. Use our “quick bake” method for the first bake and you can cut down precious prep time. Here’s an overview of this potato skins recipe:

  • Bake the potatoes (30 minutes): Using our quick baked potato method, you can cut the time for this step from up to 1 hour to just 30 minutes!
  • Remove the flesh and season (10 minutes): Remove the flesh from inside the potatoes, then brush them with butter and season.
  • Bake again (10 minutes): Place on a baking rack over a baking sheet (to help get them crispy with maximum air flow!). Bake another 10 minutes.
  • Add cheese and bake again (3 to 4 minutes): Add cheese and bake until it melts.
  • Add toppings and serve! Load ’em up and serve warm.
Potato Skins

Small to medium potatoes are key

The size of the potatoes in this potato skins recipe is key. You’ll want small to medium russet potatoes. Smaller potatoes make a nice handheld potato skin, and they also bake faster! You don’t want a large, floppy potato skin. Small to medium potatoes are key here.

Quick bake method saves time

The quick bake method for potatoes is something we use all the time to speed up baked potatoes. Why bake potatoes whole when you can bake them…in half? Slice the potatoes in half and it takes about half the time to bake them: and they taste just as good (or better!).

When it came to a potato skins recipe, we knew our quick bake method would be perfect. Turns out, it’s the perfect innovation here: and cuts the prep time to about 1 hour start to finish.

Potato Skins

Toppings for potato skins

This is a classic potato skins recipe, so we used all the classic toppings! Of course, you can add innovations of your own. Here are some notes on what we think are essential:

  • Sour cream: A quick tip: loosen the sour cream with a bit of water before you dollop it! It makes it much easier. Want dairy free? Use vegan sour cream (and of course, your favorite dairy-free cheese).
  • Green onions: They’re essential for that savory crunch.
  • Bacon: It’s classic! We generally eat plant based so we used a purchased vegan bacon. The brand isn’t one we’d recommend, so let us know if you have vegan bacon brands you recommend in the comments below! Homemade coconut bacon would be perfect here.
  • Smoked salt: Because we used vegan bacon, we added a hint of smoked salt here. We’d highly recommend it, no matter what type of bacon you use. It adds an irresistibly smoky undertone.
  • Hot sauce: Just a hint of hot sauce adds another dimension, but it’s not required.
Potato Skins

Making this recipe for a crowd

This potato skins recipe makes 16 potato skins, or about enough to feed 8 servings. Of course, they’re so delicious that we could polish off the entire tray between the two of us! The only downside of this recipe is that it does feel like quite a bit of effort for something that’s gone in a flash. But that’s the fun of it!

If you’re serving a big party, you may want to consider making a double recipe here. Use the 2x recipe button below and two large trays in your oven. The only note is that the bake times may be slightly longer, since you have more surface area to bake in the oven. The recipe will likely also take you slightly longer to assemble, with more potatoes to scoop and top.

More easy party appetizers

And that’s it! These potato skins are one of our favorite party appetizers around. But they are a bit of effort to put together! Here are a few more fun ideas that are less effort:

Want more? Try these 30 Super Bowl Food Ideas & Snacks.

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Potato Skins

Easy Potato Skins


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 potato skins (serves 8)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Loaded potato skins are the best party appetizer! Make them crispy baked and shower with toppings (this recipe has a time saving trick).


Ingredients

  • 8 small to medium russet potatoes (2 to 2 1/2 pounds)*
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter (or more olive oil for vegan)
  • ½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
  • 2 green onions
  • Sour cream
  • Cooked bacon or vegan bacon (purchased or coconut bacon), for garnish (optional)
  • Smoked salt, for sprinkling (recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Bake the potatoes: Wash the potatoes and slice them in half lengthwise. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the potatoes on top and rub them with olive oil, just enough to coat. Turn the potatoes cut side down and prick the tops several times with fork. Bake until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned on the edges, about 25 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes. Prick them with a fork to assess doneness. (While baking, you can cook the bacon if using, and prep the other toppings.)
  3. Remove the flesh: Allow the potatoes cool slightly. Use a sharp paring knife to cut a 1/4-inch border around the flat edge of the potato, then use a spoon to carefully scoop out the insides (cutting with a knife first helps to puncture the crisp roasted surface). Reserve the scooped potatoes for another use.
  4. Season and bake again: Place a metal baking rack on top of a large baking sheet. Brush melted butter all over the potato skins on both sides. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and chili powder in a small bowl and add a pinches to the top of each potato, using the entire mix. Sprinkle with a few grinds of black pepper. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. 
  5. Add cheese and bake again: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Add the shredded cheese evenly to the tops. Return to the oven and bake again until the cheese melts, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  6. Top and serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Add a sprinkle of salt or smoked salt to the top of each. Dollop with sour cream**, then add the sliced green onions and bacon crumbles. if using. Serve immediately. The potato skins taste great at room temperature as well (so they work to leave out at a party).

Notes

*Makes 16 potato skins. Double for a large crowd and use two baking sheets: you may need to increase the baking time slightly with more surface area in the oven.

**Stir in a few teaspoons of water to the sour cream to help make dollops.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Potato skins, potato skins recipe

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.