all things food
If you don’t already keep homemade freezer meals stashed for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking, consider this your (cost-saving…thank yourself later) invitation! This 1-POT pumpkin turkey chili is a freezer meal we never go without.
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If you don’t already keep homemade freezer meals stashed for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking, consider this your (cost-saving…thank yourself later) invitation! This 1-POT pumpkin turkey chili is a freezer meal we never go without.
Not only is it everything you want in a chili (hearty, thick, smoky, and spicy), but it’s nutrient-packed and a great way to use up almost any veggie you have around.
1-Pot Pumpkin Turkey Chili (Freezer-Friendly!) from Minimalist Baker →
Twice baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food featuring fluffy mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and more delicious toppings.
The post Twice Baked Potatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.
I thought I loved loaded baked potatoes, until I tried Twice Baked Potatoes. Two words…Next Level! Who knew a deconstructed loaded baked potato, mixed perfectly with all your favorite toppings, then restuffed into crispy potato skins would taste so good? Yes, it’s an extra step but it’s sooo worth it! Beth and I made these twice baked potatoes three times and each time we debated on who would get to take the leftovers home. Listen, I’m just saying if you’ve ever been hesitant on whether the extra step to make “twice” baked potatoes was worth it…trust us it’s worth it!!
Unlike regular baked potatoes, twice baked potatoes are indeed baked twice in the oven. They’re first baked whole until the insides are fluffy and tender. The creamy potato flesh is then scooped out and mixed with all your favorite mix-ins like butter, sour cream, bacon, and cheese. Now the fun part, the hollowed potato skins are restuffed with the perfectly combined potato mixture and baked a second time in the oven.
Picture a loaded baked potato except each bite has the perfect amount of toppings. It’s actually genius and I’m kinda upset that I wasn’t making these years ago!
Of course the potato is the key ingredient, so you’ll want to use a large sturdy potato like Russet Potatoes for this recipe. But the mix-ins that you choose is what really makes these twice baked potatoes stand out! Here’s what we used:
But hey, no pressure. Feel free to use whatever toppings you have on hand. You can also switch things up and use one of the combinations listed in our traditional Baked Potatoes blog post.
You can easily store twice baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They reheat well in the microwave, but if you have some extra time you can certainly reheat them in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through.
To freeze twice baked potatoes just wrap them tightly in plastic, then place in an air-tight freezer container, and they can keep for about 3 months. Reheat in the microwave (defrost function first), or let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash and dry 4 russet potatoes well, then use a fork to prick each potato several times.
Place the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle 1 Tbsp of olive oil over the potatoes, then use your hands or a silicone brush to brush the oil over each potato until it is fully coated. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork. The total baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
While the potatoes are baking, cook 4 oz. of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until brown and crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and allow it to drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, rough chop the bacon into smaller pieces.
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin rim of potato (about ¼ inch rim) around the edges to help the skin hold its shape. Be extra careful when scooping the potato flesh so you don’t break through the skin, but make sure to scoop out enough of the flesh to combine with the rest of the ingredients.
Place the scooped out potato flesh in a large bowl and add 4 Tbsp butter, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to blend the potatoes until light and fluffy.
Add the chopped bacon, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced green onions to the mashed potatoes, then fold to combine.
Fill the potato skins with about 1/3 cup of the potato mixture, then sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of each potato.
Bake the potatoes in the oven just until heated through and the cheddar cheese is melted on top, about 20 minutes.
Top with the remaining green onions then get ready to enjoy some of the best twice baked potatoes you’ve ever tasted! ;)
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Arroz Verde is a vibrant Mexican green rice dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and infused with lots of earthy, herby flavors!
The post Arroz Verde (Green Rice) appeared first on Budget Bytes.
Rice is one of our favorite budget-friendly side dishes, so when we saw the recipe for Arroz Verde in Karla Salinari’s new book, Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen: Vegan Cuisine Inspired by Latin & Caribbean Family Recipes, we knew we had to give it a try! This simple Arroz Verde (Green Rice) recipe is bright, full of earthy flavor, and the perfect way to use up any herbs or leafy greens in your fridge! So if you’re looking for a new tasty way to enjoy this weeknight staple side dish, then definitely give this green rice recipe a try!
Arroz Verde is a popular Mexican and Latin American green rice dish that’s known for its vibrant green color and herby flavors. It’s often made by cooking rice in a blended herb and leafy greens puree until it’s fluffy and infused with lots of earthy flavor.
This green rice recipe includes lots of vegetables and packs a ton of flavor! Here’s what you need to make this simple rice dish:
Arroz Verde would pair nicely with Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken, Garlic Butter Baked Cod, Pan Seared Chicken Breasts, or even with a side of Seasoned Black Beans! Other Mexican-inspired dishes like Cheese Enchiladas or Black Bean and Avocado Enchiladas would also go great with this rice dish!
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Add 1 cup of chopped Swiss chard, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 cup parsley, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1/2 cup olive oil, and 3 garlic cloves (roughly chopped) to a food processor.
Process on high until mixture reaches a paste-like consistency.
Place a medium size pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, transfer the green vegetable mixture to the pot and sauté until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
Add 2 cups long-grain white rice (washed & rinsed) to the pot and mix to combine, coating the rice with the green mixture.
Add 2 cups of boiling water and salt to taste to the pot, then let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover with a tight lid. Cook for 20 min or until the rice is tender.
Once done remove the pot from the heat and using a fork fluff the rice. Add 1/2 cup cooked green peas and 1/4 cup sliced scallions and combine.
Serve and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Simple and delicious! Enjoy!
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This crisp and refreshing apple slaw is the perfect easy side dish for weeknight meals or potlucks during the fall season.
The post Apple Slaw appeared first on Budget Bytes.
This light, crunchy, and refreshing Apple Slaw recipe takes just a few minutes to put together and makes a huge amount of slaw for well under a dollar a serving. It’s one of my favorite slaw recipes because it’s incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish (I love it topped with Roasted Chicken) or as a side dish for a quick weeknight meal. It also travels really well, so it’s an excellent option for your next potluck. The best part? It holds up beautifully throughout the week.
Apple Slaw is a cold chopped salad. Crunchy sliced apples, carrots, green onions, and shredded cabbage are tossed in a creamy dressing, creating the perfect addition to any weeknight meal or backyard BBQ.
Serve this tangy slaw topped with roasted chicken for a light lunch. Or use it as topping on a Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken sandwich. I also love it served as a side for BBQ Ribs paired with Corn On The Cobb.
Store Apple Slaw in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Do not freeze, as it will change the texture of the cabbage. Always mix the slaw a few times and taste for salt before serving.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp honey, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper to make a dressing.
Shred or slice one small cabbage into 2 by ⅛-inch strips. Shred or slice two carrots into 2 by ¼-inch strips. Peel and core two apples, then shred or slice them into 2 by ⅛-inch strips and keep them in water with lemon juice or vinegar added, so they don’t brown. Cut three green onions on the diagonal into 1/8-inch thick slices.
Mix the apples and vegetables with the dressing in a large bowl. If necessary, add more salt to taste.
Keep the apple slaw refrigerated until ready to serve. Mix before serving, and add more salt to taste.
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