Category: Cooking Oil

French Toast

It’s hard not to go “Mmmmm.” when you bite into this crispy, fluffy, custardy, cinnamon and vanilla-scented French toast.

The post French Toast appeared first on Budget Bytes.

It’s hard not to go “Mmmmm.” when you bite into this crispy, fluffy, custardy, cinnamon and vanilla-scented French toast. And that’s why I love this recipe so much! With a few tricks and just a handful of ingredients, you are just minutes away from the best French toast ever!

Side view of four slices of french toast stacked on a white plate being drizzled with maple syrup.

INGREDIENTS FOR FRENCH TOAST

Here’s what you’ll need to make the most unforgettably easy and scrumptious French toast ever!

  • Bread– A thick slice of stale bread with a dense crumb is best for French toast. Try Texas Toast, Challah, Brioche, Milk Bread, a Baguette, or a Croissant.
  • Whole Eggs – Help to thicken and set the milk and create structure. You can substitute eggs with cornstarch. This technique is explained in the recipe card.
  • Whole Milk – Softens the bread, creates richness, and helps with browning. You can also use full-fat dairy-free milk, like coconut and almond. You need the fat to create the right mouth feel, so steer clear of low-fat options.
  • Cinnamon – Flavors the batter. Substitute cinnamon in French toast with pumpkin or apple pie spice, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, or cloves.
  • Vanilla – Flavors the batter. Substitute vanilla in French toast with: orange zest, instant coffee, almond extract, bourbon, and rum (What? I’m Puerto Rican.)
  • Salt – Balances the sweetness of the sugars in the milk.
  • Butter – Delivers a flavorful, crispy, golden brown outer layer of French toast.
  • Cooking Oil – Raises the smoke point of butter and prevents it from burning.
  • Sugar – Helps brown and caramelize the outer layer of French toast.

what’s the right texture for french toast?

The right texture is a personal preference. French toast has two layers: a crispy outside and a custard-like center. Thin slices of bread give you crispier results, and thicker slices deliver more of that custardy center. You do you.

Overhead shot of three slices of cooked french toast on a white plate with sliced strawberries.

When IS FRENCH TOAST ready?

The cooking time for French toast varies depending on the thickness of your bread and how much batter it’s soaked up. So instead of relying on a timer, press the center of the toast lightly with your finger. The bread will feel firm and will spring back. If your finger leaves an indentation, keep cooking.

How To Make Perfect French Toast

No one wants soggy French toast that’s burnt on the outside. Follow these tips for French toast perfection: 

  • The Bread:  Choose thicker slices of stale bread without holes in the crumb. If you’re using fresh bread, try toasting it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it.
  • The Batter: Mix the liquids and spices until they run in an uninterrupted line through the tines of a fork.
  • The Soak: Fresh or thinly sliced bread needs a brief dip in the batter. Thicker, sturdier slices can hang for a minute. Give thick slices of stale bread a few minutes to soak up the batter and rehydrate.
  • The Fry: Use a heavy-bottomed pan, butter, and oil (which helps keep your butter from burning). Keep your temperature at a steady medium-low, so the outside doesn’t char before the inside cooks.
Side view of four slices of french toast stacked on a white plate.
Side view of four slices of french toast stacked on a white plate being drizzled with maple syrup.
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French Toast

Your mornings deserve crispy, fluffy, custardy French Toast! With a few tricks and a handful of ingredients, you're just minutes away from the best breakfast ever!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Total Cost $3.69 recipe / $0.92 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 2 slices each
Calories 340kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 slices stale bread, thick slices with a dense crumb $1.04
  • 3 large eggs* $1.25
  • 1 cup milk $0.69
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon $0.01
  • 1 pinch salt $0.01
  • 5 Tbsp butter $0.62
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.01
  • 1 tsp sugar $0.01

Instructions

  • Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until they run in an uninterrupted line through the tines of a fork.
  • Warm a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and a 1/2 tablespoon of cooking oil. Heat until the butter foams.
  • Dip the slices of bread in the batter, covering both sides. The slice should feel heavy, like a wet sponge, but shouldn't drip like a soaking wet sponge.
  • Place the slices in the pan and sprinkle the tops with a pinch of sugar. Cook until they've browned on the bottom. Flip and sprinkle the browned tops with a second pinch of sugar.
  • When you press your finger in the slice's center and it springs back, turn it over again and cook briefly to caramelize the last sprinkle of sugar. Repeat for all slices, adding more oil and butter as needed. Slice and serve warm.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If you want to substitute the eggs, add the milk and spices to a small pot. Whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch until it’s completely dissolved, then place the milk over medium heat. Continue whisking until the milk comes to a boil. Continue to cook and whisk for 1 minute at a full boil. Take the thickened milk off the heat and cool before dipping the slices of bread into it.

Nutrition

Serving: 2slices | Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 399mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead shot of three slices of cooked french toast on a white plate with sliced strawberries.

How to Make French toast – Step by Step Photos

Custard ingredients all added to a white bowl with milk being poured in.

Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until they run in an uninterrupted line through the tines of a fork.

Overhead shot of butter melted and foamed in a pan.

Warm a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and a 1/2 tablespoon of cooking oil. Heat until the butter foams.

Hand dipping slice of bread into custard mixture in a white bowl.

Dip the slices of bread in the batter, ensuring both sides are covered. The amount of time the bread should be left in the batter depends on the type of bread used and the staleness of the bread. The slice should feel like a wet sponge but not a soaking wet sponge.

A hand sprinkling sugar over two slices of french toast cooking in a pan.

Place 2 slices in the pan and sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the top. Cook until the slice has browned on the bottom. Flip and sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the browned top.

Two pieces of french toast in a pan after cooking.

When you press your finger in the slice’s center, and it springs back, turn it over again and cook briefly to caramelize the sugar. Repeat for all slices, adding more oil and butter as needed.

Side view of four slices of french toast stacked on a white plate being drizzled with maple syrup.

If you’re making a big batch, keep the slices warm in a 200°F oven. Serve and get ready for all of the high-fives from the fam! This one’s going on repeat!

More “French” Recipes

I can’t say French without thinking of the movie Better Off Dead. Do you remember this scene? In the spirit of one of the best food moments in movie history, check out these other “Fraaanch” recipes:

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Queso Fundido

If you’re looking for a smash hit appetizer that’s easy to make and feeds loads of people, you definitely need to try this simple recipe for unctuous Queso Fundido.

The post Queso Fundido appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you’re looking for a smash hit appetizer that’s easy to make and feeds loads of people, try this recipe for unctuous Queso Fundido. This simple Mexican melted cheese and sausage dip can silence even the rowdiest table because everyone’s too busy stuffing their face to do much more than grunt in approval.

Overhead shot of Queso Fundido in a cast iron pan with a hand dipping a chip into it.

What’s The Difference Between Queso and Queso Fundido?

Though the name of this traditional Mexican comfort food translates to “melted cheese,” don’t confuse it with its Tex-Mex cousin, Queso. In their simplest forms, Queso is just a bowl of melted yellow cheese, while Queso Fundido is white cheese melted over a second major component: chorizo.

Ingredients for Queso fundido

You only need two ingredients to make a traditional Queso Fundido: Mexican Chorizo and white Mexican melting cheese. Then, garnish it with green onions, tomatoes, or cilantro. Serve it with soft tortillas or thick tortilla chips. If you’re not a fan of Mexican Chorizo, you can substitute it with any other sausage. You can even make this dish vegetarian by using soy-based chorizo.

What cheese can I use to make Queso Fundido?

The best cheeses for this dish are Queso Asadero, Queso de Oaxaca, Queso Quesadilla, or Queso Chihuahua AKA Menonita. You can also use shredded Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella. Steer clear of Queso Fresco, Cotija, or Ranchero, which don’t melt well.

Side shot of Queso Fundido in a cast iron pan with a hand dipping a chip into it.

How to Store Leftover Queso Fundido

Place any leftovers in an air-tight container. Make sure there is a little breathing room left in the container, and press a sheet of plastic on the surface of the dip before sealing it. This helps prevent a thick skin from forming. Refrigerate for up to three days. Freeze for up to three months.

How To Reheat Queso Fundido

If reheating from frozen, thaw the Queso Fundido overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the Queso Fundido in a non-stick pan and set it over medium heat. Stir until the cheese warms and loosens. It might separate, with a pool of water forming at the top of the dip. That’s ok. Just keep stirring. If the consistency is too thick, you can thin it with a few tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk.

Overhead shot of Queso Fundido in a cast iron pan.
Overhead shot of Queso Fundido in a cast iron pan with a hand dipping a chip into it.
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Queso Fundido

If you're looking for a smash hit appetizer that's easy to make and feeds loads of people, you definitely need to try this simple recipe for unctuous Queso Fundido.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Total Cost ($10.60 recipe / $1.33 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 441kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
  • 1 lb. Mexican chorizo, beef or pork $4.58
  • 20 oz. queso quesadilla, shredded $5.98

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F. Remove the chorizo from its casing (if any) and grate the cheese on the largest holes of a box grater.
  • Set an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, and add the tablespoon of oil. Cook the chorizo for 7 to 8 minutes, until the fat renders and the sausage is bubbly.
  • Drain the fat from the skillet, reserving 3 tablespoons of chorizo for garnish. If it's very greasy, place it on top of paper towels to get as much fat off of it as possible before putting it back in the pan. Top the chorizo with the grated cheese.
  • Place the skillet in the oven and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Place the skillet on a heat-proof surface, garnish with reserved chorizo, and serve immediately.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 36g | Sodium: 1038mg
Overhead shot of Queso Fundido in a cast iron pan with a hand dipping a chip into it.

How to Make Queso Fundido – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of chorizo and cheese in their [packaging on a counter top.

Preheat oven to 300°F. Remove the chorizo from its casing (if any) and grate the cheese on the largest holes of a box grater.

Overhead shot of chorizo cooking in a cast iron pan with a slotted spoon in it.

Set an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, and add the tablespoon of oil. Cook the chorizo for 7 to 8 minutes, until the fat renders and the sausage is bubbly. Chorizo tends to stick, so stir the pan frequently and don’t turn up the heat.

Overhead shot of chorizo topped with shredded cheese in a cast iron pan.

Drain the fat from the skillet and reserve about 3 tablespoons of chorizo for garnish. If the chorizo is very fatty, place it on top of paper towels to get as much fat off of it as possible before putting it back in the pan. Top the chorizo with the grated cheese.

Overhead shot of Queso Fundido in a cast iron pan with a hand sprinkling sliced green onions on top.

Place the skillet in the oven and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Don’t overcook the cheese, as it will clump. Place the skillet on a heat-proof surface, garnish with reserved chorizo, and serve immediately. If you wish, you can also garnish with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro leaves.

Overhead shot of Queso Fundido in a cast iron pan .

Great Salsas To Serve With Queso Fundido

Serve Queso Fundido with sour cream, pickled jalapeños, flour or corn tortillas, tortilla chips, and your favorite salsa. Try:

caption

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Puerto Rican Rice And Beans

Boricuas eat Puerto Rican Rice and Beans almost every day because the dish has bold flavors, it’s easy to prepare, and it’s budget-friendly!

The post Puerto Rican Rice And Beans appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Boricuas (i.e., people from Puerto Rico) eat Puerto Rican Rice and Beans almost every day because the dish has bold flavors, is easy to prepare, and is budget-friendly! Arroz Con Habichuelas, as it’s called on the island, can be a meal on its own with a side of ripe yellow plantain slices, or you can serve it as a sidekick to any protein. Welcome to your new favorite weeknight staple!

Overhead shot of a white bowl of red beans and rice.

A Note On Authenticity

This is not a historically authentic recipe. We strive to create recipes that are accessible to everyone, which means ingredients need to be available at a mainstream budget grocery store. We test recipes using the least amount of steps, tools, and ingredients while still honoring the spirit of the recipe. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and look forward to a time when our ingredients are available in mainstream markets. Until then, buen provecho!

Can I Substitute The Canned Kidney Beans?

I love how versatile this recipe is. If kidney beans are not your favorite, you can substitute them with almost any other canned bean. Try chickpeas, white, pink, or black beans to keep it truly island-inspired. If you’re working with dry beans, prepare about 3/4 cup of the dried to substitute for a 15-ounce can of beans.

Can I Substitute The WhIte Rice?

Since the medium grain white rice cooks in its own pot, making substitutions is easy. Don’t skip rinsing the rice, as it removes excess starches so the rice won’t clump together. Also, make sure to toast the rice in the oil, which develops nutty flavors and allows the rice to come to a boil faster since it is already warm. The only thing you really have to change is the amount of water you use to make the rice, as different grains require different amounts of liquid to cook fully. Follow these easy guidelines:

  • Brown Rice: 1 cup rice – 1 3/4 cups water
  • Basmati Rice: 1 cup rice – 1 3/4 cups water
  • Jasmine Rice: 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water
  • Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup rice to 2 cups water
  • Medium grain White Rice 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water
  • Short Grain White Rice: 1 cup rice to 1 1/4 cups water

How To Make Vegan Red Beans And Rice

You can make this recipe vegan by omitting the salt pork and substituting the chicken bouillon with vegetable stock. You should also make your own sazón, the all-purpose spice blend that gives Puerto Rican food its deep earthy flavors and orange hues. Many brands of sazón are made with a mineral salt that is animal based. Once you make your sazón, your first step will be to bloom it in the oil. Blooming is chef speak for warming the spices in oil until fragrant, a great trick to keep up your sleeve when you want to add deeper flavors to any recipe. Then just follow the rest of the recipe for Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. Here is a recipe to make your own sazón:

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground annatto
  • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground oregano
Overhead shot of a white bowl of red beans and rice with a side of ripe plantain slices. and a black spoon in it

Storing Red Beans and Rice

This is the best recipe for meal prep because it’s easy to store and holds up for five days in the fridge. Just place the rice in an airtight container, and do the same with the beans. Then, refrigerate until you’re ready to reheat them. You can also freeze individual portions. They will keep for up to six months.

Reheating Beans and Rice

You have a few options when it comes to reheating. I prefer to use a non-stick pan for the rice because I like the added crunch it gives to the grains on the bottom of the pan. I also sprinkle a little bit of water over the rice (about 1/8th of a teaspoon per cup) to rehydrate the grains. Finally, I reheat the beans in a microwave-safe container until they steam. Of course, you can reheat the rice in the microwave as well. Just remember that sprinkle of water.

WHAT TO DO WITH LeftoverS

If you want to go all out, reheat equal parts of rice and beans and make “Arroz Mamposteao.” Most Puerto Ricans do it with day-old rice and beans, and it is a DELIGHT. You’ll use 1 part beans to 2 parts rice. First, dice some salt pork, about 1/4 cup, and render the fat in a large pot. When the pork is crispy and golden, add a few more tablespoons of sofrito and cook until fragrant. Then add the beans and heat until they are steaming and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes. Finally, add the rice, mix, and cook until the rice absorbs the sauce. Boom! You’re welcome!

Side shot of a white bowl of red beans and rice with a side of ripe plantains and a spoon in it.
Overhead shot of a white bowl of red beans and rice.
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Puerto Rican Style Red Beans and Rice

Puerto Rican Rice and Beans is a dish with bold flavors, it's easy to prepare, and it's budget-friendly! Make it a meal with a side of ripe yellow plantain slices, or serve it as a sidekick to any protein.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Latin
Total Cost ($8.24 recipe / $0.69 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 1/2 cup beans + 1/2 cup rice
Calories 314kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp cooking oil, divided $0.16
  • 1 packet sazón $0.17
  • 1/2 cup salt pork, small dice $1.83
  • 1 onion, diced $0.42
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced (about 3 cloves) $0.14
  • 8 oz tomato sauce $0.59
  • 4 Tbsp sofrito $0.72
  • 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon, Roasted Chicken Base* $0.12
  • 2 Tbsp distilled white vinegar $0.07
  • 1 large sweet potato, large dice $0.74
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced $0.79
  • 2 15 oz. cans kidney beans, drained $1.68
  • 2 cups white medium grain rice, rinsed $0.76
  • 3 cups boiling water $0.00
  • 2 tsp salt, plus more to taste $0.05

Instructions

  • Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to a medium-sized heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once it has warmed, add the salt pork and sazón. Fry until the fat has rendered and the salt pork is golden, about 4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the tomato sauce, sofrito, chicken bouillon, and vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, reducing the sauce and developing the flavors.
  • Add the green bell pepper and the sweet potato. Cook for five minutes.
  • Add the beans and enough water to cover them. Stir and taste the broth. Add salt to taste.
  • Cook uncovered over medium heat for 20 minutes until the sweet potato has softened. If halfway through the cook, the liquid in the beans reduces too much, add 1/4 cup of water.
  • For the rice, set a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. When the oil has warmed, add the rice, mix it into the oil and let it toast for a minute. Next, add the boiling water and 2 teaspoons of salt to the rice and stir.
  • Cook uncovered until the water begins to evaporate and you see little steam holes form over the surface of the rice, about 5 minutes. Stir the rice once, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot tightly with a heavy lid, so steam does not escape.
  • Cook the rice without stirring until the grains are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. After you portion out the rice, scrape up the crispy bits on the bottom of the pot to serve on top of your rice.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*A packet of sazón contains about 1.5 teaspoons of sazón.
*If you cannot source Better Than Bouillon, Roasted Chicken Base, use 1 cup of chicken stock.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 885mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make Puerto Rican Red Beans And Rice – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of salt pork frying in a silver pot.

Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a medium-sized heavy-bottomed pot over mid-high heat. Once it has warmed, add 1/2 cup of diced salt pork and a packet of sazón. Fry until the fat has rendered and the salt pork is golden, about 4 minutes.

Overhead shot of salt pork, onions, and garlic, frying in a silver pot.

Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Overhead shot of gray rubber spoon with wood handle scraping the bottom of a silver pot to part sofrito.

Once the garlic releases its aroma, add the 8 ounces of tomato sauce, the 4 tablespoons of sofrito, the teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon, and the 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, reducing the sauce and developing the flavors.

Overhead shot of diced green bell peppers and diced sweet potatoes in a silver pot with sofrito.

Add the diced green bell pepper and the diced large sweet potato. Cook for five minutes.

Overhead shot of water being added to a silver pot full of red beans.

Add the 2 cans of beans and enough water to cover them. Stir and taste the broth. Add salt to taste, but don’t over salt. As water evaporates, the salt will become more pronounced.

Overhead shot of finished red beans in a silver pot with a spoon scooping a cup full.

Cook uncovered over medium heat for 20 minutes until the sweet potato has softened. If halfway through the cook, the liquid in the beans reduces too much, add 1/4 cup of water.

Overhead shot of water being poured into toasted rice in a silver pot.

For the rice, set a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. When the oil has warmed, add the 2 cups of rinsed rice, mix it into the oil and let it toast for a minute. Next, add the 3 cups of boiling water to the rice. Finally, add the 2 teaspoons of salt and stir.

Overhead shot of a silver pot of rice with steam vents on the surface of the rice

Cook uncovered until the water begins to evaporate and you see little steam holes form over the surface of the rice, about 5 minutes. Stir the rice once, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot tightly with a heavy lid, so steam does not escape. Cook the rice without stirring until the grains are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Overhead shot of cooked rice in a silver pot.

After you portion out the rice, scrape up the crispy bits on the bottom of the pot to serve on top of your rice. No, you did not burn your rice. The crispy bits are called “pegao,” and in Puerto Rico, it’s the part of the meal that everyone wants a piece of.

Side shot of a white bowl with red beans and rice and slice ripe plantain with a black spoon in it.

To serve, scoop a 1/2 cup of rice into a bowl and top it with a 1/2 cup of beans. If you want to take it one step further, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and add a few slices of ripe plantain on the side as we did. It’s a knockout!! As we say in Puerto Rico, “Buen provecho!”

What To Serve With Red Beans And Rice

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Pumpkin Bread

Lightly scented with warming pumpkin spice and moist throughout, this old-fashioned pumpkin bread comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

The post Pumpkin Bread appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Lightly scented with warming pumpkin spice and moist throughout, this old-fashioned pumpkin bread comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Bonus: the recipe makes enough for two loaves, so you can have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and a snack. (If you have self-control around baked goods, I’m in desperate need of a tutorial.)

Overhead shot of sliced pumpkin bread with two mini pumpkins next to it on a dark background.

How To Make Tender Pumpkin Bread

For a crumb that’s as tender as a love song, don’t overmix. Mixing develops gluten, the protein strands that help give your bread structure. The more you mix, the more gluten you develop, and the tougher your bread becomes.

How you combine your ingredients is also important. Mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients in separate bowls, and then add the dry on top of the wet. Finally, fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until a batter forms. Don’t worry about lumps. Just don’t overmix.

What Else Can I Add?

This recipe is jam-packed with flavor, but it is bare bones. Add deeper flavors by substituting the water in the recipe for orange juice or apple juice. If you want to add a little texture, try mixing in a 1/2 cup of the following:

  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Raisins
  • Chopped dehydrated apples
  • Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Orange Zest (not a third cup, just two tablespoons)

How Can I Tell When My Pumpkin Bread Is Done?

Making a quick bread with a dense batter can be a little nerve-wracking. It can rise beautifully and look like it’s ready to serve. Then as soon as you slice into it, you find it’s underbaked. To prevent that kind of crippling letdown (I take pumpkin bread very seriously, ok?), follow these tips:

  • Place a rack in the center of your oven, so air can circulate around your pan, and bake your loaf evenly.
  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the required 350°.
  • Don’t open your oven door during the bake. Opening it for even twenty seconds can cause temperatures to drop by up to 50 degrees.

To test if your loaf is done, remove it quickly from the oven and place it lightly on a heat-proof surface. Touch the top of the loaf. If the surface has a springiness to it, insert a butter knife through one of the cracks in the crust. When the knife hits the bottom of the pan, remove it and look at the blade. Is there wet batter stuck to it? Put your bread back in the oven. If it comes out clean with just a whisper of moisture, it’s ready to go.

Overhead shot of pumpkin bread in a loaf pan with two mini pumpkins next to it on a dark background.

What If I Don’t Have A Loaf Pan?

No worries! Use what you have, but be mindful that the type of pan you use will affect the baking time. You’ll need to rely on visual cues and the trusty butter knife trick. Whichever pan you use, make sure you don’t overfill it. Your bread needs room to rise. ( I feel like there’s a life lesson in there somewhere.)

How To Store Pumpkin Bread

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil, plastic, or beeswax and store them in an air-tight container at room temperature. They’ll keep up to 2 days. To store your pumpkin bread for up to 2 weeks, freeze it. First, let it cool completely, wrap it in plastic, then in foil, and place it inside an air-tight freezer-safe container.

What To Serve With Pumpkin Bread

Side shot of sliced pumpkin bread.
Overhead shot of sliced pumpkin bread with two mini pumpkins next to it on a dark background.
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Pumpkin Bread

Lightly scented with warming pumpkin spice, this old-fashioned pumpkin bread comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients.
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Total Cost $5.94 recipe / $0.37 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 16 slices
Calories 321kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 15 oz pumpkin puree $1.99
  • 2 cups sugar* $0.78
  • 2/3 cup oil $0.53
  • 4 eggs $1.10
  • 1 tsp vanilla $0.72
  • 2/3 cup water $0.00
  • 4 cups sifted flour $0.49
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder $0.08
  • 1 tsp baking soda $0.02
  • 2 tsp salt $0.08
  • 2 tsp pumpkin spice $0.10
  • 1 tsp butter, for greasing $0.05

Instructions

  • Place a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 350°F. Grease 2 loaf pans with butter. In a medium bowl, mix the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
  • In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and water.
  • Add the dry ingredients on top of the wet ingredients.
  • Mix the dry ingredients lightly into the wet, just until a batter forms. Small lumps are ok.
  • Split the batter between the two greased loaf pans and smooth the top.
  • Bake for about an hour, or until a knife inserted into the crack in the loaf's top crust hits the bottom of the pan and comes out clean.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*While sugar is technically a dry ingredient, in some types of batters (like cake and quick bread batters), it is treated as a wet ingredient.  Dissolving the sugar in the wet ingredients helps to weaken gluten-forming proteins, so you don’t get chewy pumpkin bread. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 393mg | Fiber: 2g
Side shot of sliced pumpkin bread.

How to Make PumPkin Bread – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of dry ingredients in a white bowl.
Place a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 350°F. Grease 2 loaf pans with butter. In a medium bowl, mix the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
Overhead shot of wet ingredients in a white bowl.

In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and water.

Overhead shot of dry ingredients being dumped on top of wet ingredients.

Add the dry ingredients on top of the wet ingredients.

Overhead shot of whisk mixing pumpkin bread batter in a white bowl.

Mix the dry ingredients lightly into the wet, just until a batter forms. 

Overhead shot of two loaf pans of pumpkin bread. batter.

Split the batter between the two greased loaf pans and smooth the top.

Overhead shot of two loaves of finished pumpkin bread.

Bake for about an hour, or until a knife inserted into the crack in the loaf’s top crust hits the bottom of the pan and comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool before taking it out of the loaf pan. Slice it up and enjoy!

Other Easy Quick Breads

The post Pumpkin Bread appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)

Pollo Guisado is a hearty Puerto Rican chicken stew that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and ready to devour in a little under an hour.

The post Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew) appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Warm your bones and fill your belly with Pollo Guisado, a hearty Puerto Rican chicken stew that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and ready to devour in about an hour. Granted, we eat this year-round on my little island, where it rarely dips below 70 degrees. But it’s especially delightful when the weather turns chilly and you’re looking for a hearty meal to make you feel all sorts of toasty.

Overhead shot of Guisado de Pollo in a yellow bowl with a spoon in it.

What Is Pollo Guisado?

Pollo Guisado (pronounced puh-yuh gee-sah-duh) is a Puerto Rican stew made up of braised chicken, potatoes, carrots, and olives in a tomato-based broth. Like most savory dishes from the island, its deep flavor comes from sofrito, a blend of peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro. The unctious chicken, briny olives, and subtle sweetness of the carrots make a truly perfect bite.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE CHicken?

While this is a chicken stew, feel free to use any protein that benefits from a long braise. You can substitute chicken with chuck roast, top round, or even steak. Using these cuts will lengthen your cooking time by thirty or so minutes. If you are vegetarian or vegan, use a vegetable-based broth and substitute the chicken with mushrooms. Brown them, just as you would the chicken, which helps them release moisture and develop big flavors.

Overhead shot of Guisado de Pollo in a white Dutch oven with a ladle above it.

What To Do If Your Broth Won’t Thicken

If you find your broth to be entirely too watery at the end of the cook, here are a few tips to help you thicken it.

  • Uncover the pot and turn the heat up to medium-high. Allowing the steam to escape will reduce the broth and thicken it.
  • Break up some of the potatoes. The starches will naturally thicken the broth.
  • If all else fails, use a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the stew, then bring the stew to a boil for 1 minute while continuously stirring.

What To Serve With POllO GuiSAdo

On the island, this stew is traditionally served over white rice. But feel free to break with tradition and serve it with:

Overhead shot of Guisado de Pollo in a white Dutch oven with a spoon in it.
Side shot of Guisado de Pollo in a yellow bowl with a spoon in it.
Print

Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)

Warm your bones and fill your belly with Pollo Guisado, a hearty Puerto Rican chicken stew packed with flavor that's easy to make and ready to devour in under an hour.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Puerto Rican
Total Cost ($9.37 recipe / $2.34 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4 2 cup servings
Calories 470kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. Cut into 2-inch cubes. Season with Adobo.
  • Set a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Once it has warmed, add the chicken in one layer and brown.
  • Once the chicken has browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the onion to the pot, and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the sofrito and tomato sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it is thick and bubbly.
  • Add the sazón, bay leaves, oregano, olives, potatoes, carrots, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Add the chicken back into the pot. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Take the stew off the heat, sample it, and add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*A packet of sazón contains about 1.5 teaspoons of sazón. If you cannot source sazón use:
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground annatto
  • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground oregano

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 843mg | Fiber: 6g
Overhead shot of Guisado de Pollo in a white Dutch oven with a spoon in it.

How to Make Pollo Guisado – Step by Step Photos

Dry the 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. Then dice them into 2-inch cubes. Finally, season the chicken with 2 teaspoons of adobo. (Helpful hint: freeze the chicken thighs for about 15 minutes to make them easier to dice.)

Set a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of oil to the pre-heated Dutch oven. Once it has warmed, add the diced chicken in one layer. Do not crowd the pot. Brown in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. 

Next, add the diced yellow onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Then add the 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the 1/2 cup of sofrito and 8 ounces of tomato sauce to the pot.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it is thick and bubbly. If you run a spoon through it, the sauce should remain divided.

Add the packet of sazón, 2 teaspoons of oregano, 2 bay leaves, 1 cup of diced potatoes, 1 cup of sliced carrots, 1/4 cup of manzanilla olives, and 3 cups of chicken stock into the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the chicken back into the pot. Lower the heat, cover the pot and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. If the stew hasn’t thickened, break a few of the potatoes apart with a fork, and keep the stew simmering with the lid off until it thickens.

Overhead shot of Guisado de Pollo in a white Dutch oven with a spoon in it.

When it is off the heat, sample the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with cilantro (optional) and serve with white rice (optional). As we say in Puerto Rico, buen provecho!

Overhead shot of Guisado de Pollo in a white Dutch oven with a spoon in it.

More Tasty Stew Recipes

The post Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew) appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Dollar Store Dinners – Sausage and Rice

This Sausage and Rice skillet is an easy and filling meal that you can make with ingredients found at the dollar store.

The post Dollar Store Dinners – Sausage and Rice appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I hit the jackpot at the dollar store this week! They were more well-stocked than the last time I visited, so I was able to brainstorm several quick dollar store dinners to keep us going for the next few weeks. This week we made this super quick Sausage and Rice, which is a simplified version of my Cajun Sausage and Rice recipe. And the Cajun Sausage and Rice is a simplified version of jambalaya, so I guess you could say that this dollar store sausage and rice recipe is kind of like jambalaya’s third cousin, twice removed. 😆

Dollar Store Dinners

Welcome to the new Dollar Store Dinners series on Budget Bytes. We’re making quick and simple meals using only ingredients found at the dollar store. While the availability of ingredients will vary from store to store, hopefully, these easy recipes will give you some inspiration for when money is tight and access to groceries is limited!

Overhead view of a sausage and rice skillet with hot sauce on the side.

What’s in This Meal?

This super simple meal is cooked all in one pot for maximum flavor and minimum cleanup. It starts with smoked sausage and a mix of frozen vegetables (onion, bell pepper, and celery), then we add rice, chicken broth, and a little creole seasoning. Everything is simmered together until the rice is tender, then topped it off with a couple of dashes of hot sauce, plus a little more creole seasoning to taste. Simple, yet good!

Here’s what we bought at the dollar store:

  • Smoked sausage $1.25
  • Frozen seasoning blend $1.25
  • Vegetable oil $1.25
  • Long grain white rice. $1.25
  • Chicken bouillon $1.25
  • Creole seasoning $1.25
  • Hot sauce $1.25

Total $8.75

And we have plenty of leftover oil, rice, bouillon, Creole seasoning, and hot sauce to use in other recipes!

Dollar store ingredients.

What Kind of Sausage To Use

Since we got all of the ingredients for this dish at the dollar store, there was no room to be choosy about what type of sausage to use. Luckily they had a package of “smoked sausage” that I snatched up immediately. This sausage looked exactly like the “hot dogs” on the shelf next to them, so I’m pretty sure the only difference was the addition of smoke flavoring. If all you had available was hot dogs, I’m sure this would still make a tasty meal!

But if you do have access to a variety of sausage, definitely go for a smoked pork or beef sausage, like andouille or kielbasa.

What Kind of Seasoning to Use

A lot of the flavor in this dish comes from the smoked sausage and chicken broth. I also added some creole seasoning, but if your dollar store doesn’t have that there are other options. Try adding some salt-free all-purpose seasoning (like Mrs. Dash), taco seasoning, or even steak seasoning. Just be aware of the salt content of your seasoning so you don’t over salt the dish.

What else can I add?

If you want to bump up this recipe a bit, try adding a drained can of kidney beans, or maybe a can of diced tomatoes (reduce the broth by the amount of liquid in the can of tomatoes). And I’m a “cheese makes everything better” type of person, so if I had some cheddar I’d throw that on top and let it melt, too. :P

See my full “grocery store” version of this recipe here: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet.

close up side view of a plate full of sausage and rice.
Overhead view of sausage and rice in the skillet.
Print

Sausage and Rice

This Sausage and Rice skillet is an easy and filling meal that you can make with ingredients found at the dollar store.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.75 recipe / $2.19 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 1.25 cup each
Calories 436kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. smoked sausage $1.25
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $1.25
  • 10 oz. frozen seasoning mix (celery, onion, bell pepper, parsley) $1.25
  • 1 cup long grain white rice $1.25
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth (made with bouillon) $1.25
  • 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning $1.25
  • hot sauce to taste $1.25

Instructions

  • Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds.
  • Add the cooking oil to a deep skillet and heat over medium. Once hot, add the smoked sausage and continue to cook until the sausage has browned (3-5 minutes).
  • Add the frozen seasoning mix to the skillet and continue to cook and stir over medium heat until the vegetables are heated through.
  • Add the rice, Creole seasoning, and chicken broth to the skillet, then stir until everything is combined.
  • Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and let the broth come up to a boil. When it reaches a full boil, turn the heat down to medium-low, and let the skillet simmer for 15 minutes (do not lift the lid, do not stir).
  • After simmering for 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the skillet rest with the lid in place for an additional five minutes.
  • Finally, lift the lid, fluff the rice, and add more Creole seasoing and hot sauce to taste. Serve and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

The prices listed for this recipe are the purchase price for the full container of the ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 23g | Sodium: 813mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make Sausage and Rice – Step by Step Photos

Dollar store ingredients.

Here are all of the ingredients we used: smoked sausage, frozen seasoning blend (onion, celery, bell pepper, parsley), vegetable oil, white rice, chicken bouillon, Creole seasoning, and hot sauce.

sliced sausage on a cutting board.

Slice 8 oz. of smoked sausage.

Browned sausage in a skillet.

Heat 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (or any cooking oil) in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.

seasoning mix added to the skillet with the sausage.

Add the frozen celery, bell pepper, onion, and parsley mix (called “seasoning mix) and sauté until heated through.

Rice, broth, and seasoning added to the skillet.

Add one cup of rice, ½ tsp of Creole seasoning, and 1.5 cups chicken broth (made with the bouillon). You don’t want to add too much Creole seasoning here because it contains salt and you don’t want to over-salt the dish.

Sausage and rice ready to be simmered.

Stir everything together until evenly combined. Place a lid on top, turn the heat up to medium-high, and allow the broth to come up to a boil.

Simmered sausage and rice.

When it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the skillet simmer for 15 minutes (do not remove the lid or stir it). After simmering for 15 minutes, turn the heat off and let it rest with the lid in place for an additional five minutes.

Hot sauce being sprinkled over the sausage and rice.

Fluff the rice with a fork, then season to your liking with extra Creole seasoning and hot sauce.

Overhead view of a plate full of sausage and rice.

The post Dollar Store Dinners – Sausage and Rice appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Ricotta Pancakes

Once you taste these luscious ricotta pancakes, you’ll be making them non-stop. Ricotta transforms them into airy, creamy, custardy delights.

The post Ricotta Pancakes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you haven’t added ricotta to your pancake game-you’re truly missing out. I know, I know. Cheese in a pancake sounds awful. But stay with me. Ricotta transforms pancakes into airy, creamy, custardy delights. Once you taste these luscious ricotta pancakes, you’ll be making them non-stop.

Side shot of a stack of ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce on top.

Why would I add Ricotta to a pancake?

Why? Not to steal Loreal’s thunder, but- because you’re worth it. That’s precisely why you need ricotta in your pancakes. It’s still a pancake… just better. And you always deserve better. Plus ricotta doesn’t necessarily add flavor as much as it does mouth feel. It doesn’t taste cheesy, and it’s not ooey-gooey. Instead, these pancakes taste creamy, and the crumb is so moist it’s almost custard-like. The whipped egg whites lend airiness. You almost don’t need syrup. Almost. I can’t stop myself from dropping loads of blueberry sauce on each one.

Do I Have To Whip Egg Whites?

Yes, you’re going to have to whip egg whites. IT’S WORTH IT. These are birthday-breakfast-in-bed-tell-me-you-love-me pancakes. This is the recipe you use to impress your future mother-in-law. The one you trot out for that special brunch attended by the frenemy you imaginary fight with when you’re stopped at a red light. (Don’t act. We all have at least one.)

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS YOU CAN ADD TO RICOTTA PANCAKE BATTER

In the case that you want to take this batter to the next level (I’m talking a Princess Jasmine A Whole New World MOMENT) try adding these little nuggets of goodness:

  • A 1/2 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest
  • A 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips
  • A 1/4 cup of chopped dried apricots
  • A 1/4 cup of your favorite berry
  • A 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
Overhead shot of ricotta pancake stack with a pat of butter.

Can I make RICOTTA PANCAKE batter ahead of time?

I wish. Because it has whipped egg whites, this batter is more fragile than a Hollywood ego. (Don’t come at me if you live in LA. You know exactly what I’m talking about.) The fluffiness of those whipped whites doesn’t last forever. So as soon as you make the batter, you should cook it. The best you can do to save time is to mise everything out. (That’s just chef speak for measuring out all of your ingredients and having everything ready to go.) You can pre-mix the dry ingredients, of course. But you’ll have to make the batter the day of.

How To Store, Thaw, and Reheat Ricotta Pancakes.

I doubt you’ll have leftover pancakes. But in case you do: refrigerate in an air-tight container with parchment paper between each layer for up to four days. Do the same if you’re going to freeze them, where they will keep for a couple of months. To reheat, you can just put them in the microwave and cook in 30-second increments until they start to steam. I prefer to warm them in an oven at 350°F. Add a cup of water to an oven-safe container and place it in your oven before you start preheating. It will keep the pancakes from drying out.

What Can I Serve RICOTTA Pancakes With?

Top them with lemon curd, blueberry sauce, or strawberry syrup. Serve them with Fruit Salad or an Omelet. Or eat them with your bare hands while you watch a Handmaid’s Tale and wonder what happened to women’s rights. (Very specific, I know. But I highly recommend it.)

Side shot of a stack of ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce on top.
Side shot of a stack of ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce on top.
Print

Ricotta Pancakes

Once you taste these luscious ricotta pancakes, you'll be making them non-stop. Ricotta transforms them into airy, creamy, custardy delights.
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $2.29 recipe / $0.57 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 2 pancakes each
Calories 364kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs $0.36
  • 1 cup flour $0.09
  • 1 tsp baking powder $0.03
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar $0.01
  • 1/8 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1 cup ricotta* $1.22
  • 1 cup milk $0.24
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract $0.29
  • 2 Tbsp oil, for cooking $0.04

Instructions

  • Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. Set the whites aside. Beat the egg yolks until they run in a smooth stream through the tines of a fork.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to a small bowl. Whisk it together to incorporate it fully.
  • Add the strained ricotta, milk, beaten egg yolks, and vanilla to a large bowl. Mix to combine.
  • Add the dry ingredients on top of the ricotta mixture and gently fold it in.*
  • Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add a few tablespoons of the fluffy egg whites to the batter and stir them in to lighten it.
  • Add the remaining egg whites to the top of the batter and fold them in with a spatula. Lumps are OK; if you over-mix, you will remove all the air from the batter.
  • Place a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add a 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Use a 1/3 cup ladle or measuring cup to add batter to the pan.
  • Cook the pancake until you see a few bubbles popping through the batter, about 3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook another 2 minutes until golden. Repeat with the remaining batter. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil as needed. Makes about 8 pancakes.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If ricotta is very wet, set it in a fine-mesh strainer and press down on it with a ladle to remove excess liquid.
*Folding is a series of gentle strokes to create an airy batter. Use a wide rubber spatula to slice straight down through the dry ingredients. When the spatula hits the bottom of the bowl, scrape alongside the curve of the bowl for a few inches, scooping up the batter and bringing it towards the top, then “folding” it on top of the dry ingredients. Rotate the bowl fifteen degrees and continue the stroke until the wet and dry are incorporated.

Nutrition

Serving: 2pancakes | Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 285mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead shot of ricotta pancake stack with blueberry sauce and a fork with a slice of the stack on it.

How to Make RICOTTA PANCAKES – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of egg yolksd and egg whites in separate ramekins.

Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. Beat the egg yolks until they run in a smooth stream through the tines of a fork. Set the whites aside

Overhead shot of dry ingredients and a whisk in a white bowl.

Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to a small bowl. Whisk it together to incorporate it fully.

Overhead shot of wet ingredients in a white bowl.

Add the strained ricotta, milk, beaten egg yolks, and vanilla to a large bowl. Mix to combine.

Overhead shot of wood handled rubber spatula mixing wet and dry ingredients.

Add the dry ingredients on top of the ricotta mixture and gently fold it in. Folding is a series of gentle strokes to create an airy batter. Use a wide rubber spatula to slice straight down through the dry ingredients. When the spatula hits the bottom of the bowl, scrape alongside the curve of the bowl for a few inches, scooping up the batter and bringing it towards the top, then “folding” it on top of the dry ingredients. Rotate the bowl fifteen degrees and continue the stroke until the wet and dry are incorporated.

Overhead shot of hand mixer whipping egg whites in a white bowl.

Use a hand mixer with whisk attachments to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. If you don’t have a hand mixer, use a whisk and a whole lot of elbow grease.

Overhead shot of egg whites being mixed into pancake batter in a white bowl with a wood handled rubber spatula in it.

Add a few tablespoons of the fluffy egg whites to the batter and stir them in to lighten it. Add the remaining egg whites to the top of the batter and fold them in with a spatula.

Overhead shot of pancake batter in a white bowl with a wood handled rubber spatula in it.

Continue to gently fold in the egg whites until they’re incpororated. Lumps are OK; if you over-mix, you will remove all the air from the batter.

Overhead shot of pancake cooking in a pan.

Place a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Use a 1/3 cup ladle or measuring cup to add batter to the pan. Cook the pancake until you see a few bubbles popping through the batter, about 3 minutes.

Overhead shot of cooked pancake in a pan.

Flip the pancake and cook another 2 minutes until golden. Repeat with the remaining batter. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil as necessary. Makes about 8 pancakes.

Side shot of a stack of ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce on top.

Check Out These Other Awesome Breakfast Recipes

The post Ricotta Pancakes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sweet Potato Cornbread

OMG, y’all. Stop everything. This is important. I knew I loved cornbread, but I didn’t know I could love it this much. I decided to add some sweet potato mash to my Everyday Cornbread, plus a couple spices and sour cream for richness and… WHOA. It took everything in me not to eat the entire […]

The post Sweet Potato Cornbread appeared first on Budget Bytes.

OMG, y’all. Stop everything. This is important. I knew I loved cornbread, but I didn’t know I could love it this much. I decided to add some sweet potato mash to my Everyday Cornbread, plus a couple spices and sour cream for richness and… WHOA. It took everything in me not to eat the entire pan of this Sweet Potato Cornbread.

Originally posted 10/17/2015, updated 11/2/2020.

Sweet potato cornbread in a cast iron skillet with butter on top

This recipe is a hybrid between my Everyday Cornbread and these amazing Sweet Potato Corn Bread Muffins from the New York Times. The NYT’s addition of cinnamon and nutmeg was absolutely spot on and gave the cornbread an amazing aroma. Since I had already bought some sour cream to top my chili, I decided to incorporate that into the batter, like this recipe from Leite’s Culinaria. Neither of those recipes used nearly enough sweet potato for me, though, so I upped mine to 1.5 cups. I didn’t want to waste that lovely sweet potato!

What Does Sweet Potato Cornbread Taste Like?

This cornbread is definitely on the sweeter side as far as cornbread goes, but it also has a good amount of warm, aromatic spices to keep it from being too dessert-like. It pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors. The texture is rich and thick, so one piece will definitely add a lot to your meal!

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cornbread

The subtle sweetness of this sweet potato cornbread pairs absolutely perfectly with the warm spices of a bowl of chili, but I also have to say, it’s awesome with coffee. I’ve also been eating it for breakfast with a thick pat of butter and with a fried egg on the side. 

How to Store the Leftovers

Make sure you allow the cornbread to cool completely to room temperature before placing the leftover pieces in a resealable container and storing in the refrigerator. This cornbread also freezes quite well! I suggest wrapping each piece in plastic or waxed paper, then storing all of them in an air-tight freezer bag or freezer-safe container. You can thaw them at room temperature or with a quick zap in the microwave.

One slice of sweet potato cornbread on a plate with a fork

baked sweet potato cornbread with butter on top

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Mashed sweet potato, fragrant spices, and rich sour cream make this Sweet Potato Cornbread a decadent fall treat.
Total Cost $4.00 recipe / $0.50 serving
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 373.49kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. sweet potato $1.56
  • 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal $0.36
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour $0.13
  • 1/2 cup sugar $0.40
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder $0.12
  • 1 tsp salt $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg $0.05
  • 2 large eggs $0.52
  • 1/2 cup sour cream $0.47
  • 3/4 cup milk $0.23
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
  • 1/2 Tbsp cooking oil for the skillet $0.02

Instructions

  • Peel the sweet potato and cut it into one-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil the potatoes until they're tender and fall apart with pierced with a fork (about ten minutes). Drain the potatoes and set aside.
  • Coat the inside of a 10" cast iron skillet with cooking oil. Place the skillet in the oven and begin to preheat the oven to 425ºF.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well mixed.
  • Mash the drained sweet potatoes until fairly smooth. Transfer 1.5 cups of the mashed potatoes to a large bowl. Add the sour cream, milk, and 2 Tbsp oil, and whisk until combined. Add the eggs and whisk until combined again.
  • Pour the sweet potato mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the two together just until combined and no dry mix remains on the bottom of the bowl. It's okay if the mixture is a little lumpy, just be sure not to over mix.
  • Carefully take the hot skillet out of the preheated oven and scoop the batter into the skillet. Smooth out the top of the batter until it's even, then return it to the oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the center is puffed, the top is golden brown, and it's slightly cracked around the edges. Remove the cornbread from the oven, cut into eight pieces, and serve (preferably with butter).

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 373.49kcal | Carbohydrates: 58.94g | Protein: 7.13g | Fat: 12.29g | Sodium: 570.19mg | Fiber: 3.15g

Front view of sweet potato cornbread in the skillet with butter melting on top

How to Make Sweet Potato Cornbread – Step by Step Photos

Diced sweet potato in a pot with water

Peel a 1 lb. sweet potato and cut it into one-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a pot, cover them with water, and bring the pot up to a boil over high heat. Let the sweet potatoes boil until they’re soft and fall apart when pierced with a fork (about 10 minutes). Drain the sweet potatoes and set them aside.

Once the sweet potatoes are done boiling, get the skillet ready and begin to preheat the oven. Rub about 1/2 Tbsp of oil inside a 10″ cast iron skillet, place it in the oven, then set it to preheat to 425ºF.

cornbread dry ingredients in a bowl

While the potatoes are boiling (or after they’ve drained), combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. Stir them together until they are very well combined.

cornbread wet ingredients in a bowl

Mash the sweet potatoes until they’re fairly smooth. Transfer 1.5 cups of the sweet potato mash to a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup sour cream, 3/4 cup milk, 2 large eggs, and 2 Tbsp cooking oil. 

Whisked wet ingredients in a bowl

Whisk the ingredients together until fairly smooth. You may still have a few small chunks of sweet potato, but that’s okay.

Sweet potato cornbread batter in the bowl

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the bowl with the mixed dry ingredients and stir them together just until mixed. It’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy, just don’t over mix it. The sweet potato cornbread batter will be fairly thick.

cornbread batter in the hot skillet

Carefully take the preheated skillet out of the oven, scoop the batter into it, then spread it around until it’s smooth on top. Return it to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes.

Baked sweet potato cornbread

Or until it’s puffed in the center, golden brown on top, and cracked around the edges. Cut the sweet potato cornbread into eight pieces and enjoy!

baked sweet potato cornbread with butter on top

A little melted butter takes sweet potato cornbread to the next level.

Sweet potato cornbread with one sliced removed and on a plate on the side

Yes. Just yes.

The post Sweet Potato Cornbread appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing

Ever since I made that Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing a couple weeks ago I’ve been using everything and anything as a vehicle to get it in my mouth. 😅 One of my favorite vehicles, by far, are potatoes. So this week I made these Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing as sort of a […]

The post Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Ever since I made that Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing a couple weeks ago I’ve been using everything and anything as a vehicle to get it in my mouth. ? One of my favorite vehicles, by far, are potatoes. So this week I made these Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing as sort of a deconstructed potato salad. Just drizzle the dressing on top, sprinkle a few green onions in there, and DEVOUR.

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet containing crispy potatoes with lemon dill tahini dressing, a bowl of dressing and bowl of green onion on the side

What to Serve with Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing

So, I totally just ate them right out of the skillet, but I know some (read: most) of you will want to know what kind of meal to pair this with, so here are a few suggestions. I think these Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing would be an awesome side to some Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers, Sun Dried Tomato, White Bean, and Kale Skillet, or Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches. If you’re a meat eater, these potatoes would make a great side to just about any grilled or roasted meat. 

How to Store Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing

These potatoes are undoubtably the best right after cooking, when they’re crispy. You’ll want to drizzle the dressing on just before eating because if left on too long the dressing will tend to soak into the potatoes. So, if you plan on storing some of these to eat as leftovers I suggest keeping the three components separate (potatoes, dressing, green onion). Reheat the potatoes in a skillet to crisp them up again, then add the dressing and green onions just before eating.

Do I have to use baby gold potatoes?

Nope! I just happen to be in love with these tasty little potato-lettes, so I was okay with paying the premium price for them. But if this type of potato doesn’t fit your budget you can use regular sized Yukon Gold Potatoes or red skinned potatoes. I like the Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they have a creamier texture than the slightly more grainy texture of russet. If using larger potatoes, simply dice them into large cubes before boiling.

Close side view of a skillet full of potatoes topped with tahini dressing and green onion

 

Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing

These Crispy Potatoes with Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing are like a deconstructed vegan potato salad, with a creamy homemade dressing.

Crispy Potatoes

  • 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes* ($3.29)
  • 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.08)

Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing

  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder ($0.02)
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley ($0.05)
  • 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • freshly cracked pepper ($0.03)
  • 1/4 cup tahini ($0.75)
  • 1/4 cup water ($0.00)
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice ($0.09)
  • 2 green onions ($0.09)

  1. Place the potatoes in a pot and add 1/4 tsp salt and enough water to cover the potatoes by one inch. Place a lid on the pot, turn the heat on to high, and allow the water to come to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fork tender.

  2. While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, some freshly cracked pepper (about 10 cranks of a pepper mill), tahini, water, and lemon juice to a bowl. Stir or whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too runny, place it in the refrigerator and it will thicken as it chills.

  3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle. Once slightly cooled, slice the potatoes in half.

  4. Add 2 Tbsp cooking oil to a non-stick skillet (I prefer cast iron for this recipe). Heat the oil over medium-high. Once hot, add the potatoes. Let the potatoes cook, stirring only occasionally, until they are browned and crispy on the outside (about 10 minutes total).

  5. While the potatoes are frying in the skillet, slice the green onions.

  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and either transfer the potatoes to a serving dish or use the skillet as the serving dish. Drizzle a generous amount of the lemon dill tahini dressing over top, then add the green onions. Serve immediately.

*see the notes above the recipe for instructions on using other types of potatoes.

Scroll down for the step by step photos!

Half eaten skillet of crispy potatoes with lemon dill tahini dressing and green onions

Step by Step Photos

Add potatoes, salt, and water to the pot

Add 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes, 1/4 tsp salt, and enough water to cover the potatoes by one inch to a pot. Place a lid on the pot, then turn the heat on to high, and allow the water to come up to a boil. Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Lemon Dill Tahini Dressing dripping off a spoon into a white bowl.

While the potatoes are boiling, make the lemon dill tahini dressing. Add 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, some freshly cracked pepper (about 10 cranks of a pepper mill), 1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup water, and 3 Tbsp lemon juice to a bowl. Whisk or stir until it is smooth. If your dressing is super runny, just pop it in the refrigerator and it will thicken up as it cools.

Boiled Potatoes sliced in half.

Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes, or just until they are cool enough to handle. Once slightly cooled, slice them in half.

Crispy fried potatoes in a cast iron skillet

Add 2 Tbsp cooking oil to a non-stick skillet. I prefer cast iron for this one, and I’m using the 10″ Lodge cast iron skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the potatoes and cook them until brown and crispy, about 10 minutes, stirring only occasionally. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Sliced green onions on a cutting board

While the potatoes are frying, slice two green onions.

tahini dressing being drizzled over potatoes, close up

Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish, or leave them in the skillet if you want to use that as your serving dish. Drizzle a liberal amount of lemon dill tahini dressing over the potatoes.

Finished crispy potatoes with lemon dill tahini dressing and sliced green onions

Finally, top with the sliced green onions and serve immediately. YUM.

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