Maple Roast Vegetables

These Maple Roast Vegetables are a holiday favorite in our house but also the perfect side dish any night of the week. Roasted to perfection then lightly sweetened with maple syrup, they’re an irresistible recipe the whole family will love. Why I Love This Recipe The Ingredients Substitutions and Variations How to Make Maple Roasted…

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These Maple Roast Vegetables are a holiday favorite in our house but also the perfect side dish any night of the week. Roasted to perfection then lightly sweetened with maple syrup, they’re an irresistible recipe the whole family will love.

Maple Roast Vegetables on serving platter.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for Thanksgiving: Maple roast vegetables are perfect whether you’re hosting a big gathering or keeping it cozy with family. Looking for more ideas? Check out my Thanksgiving Menu and Prep Schedule and Easy Thanksgiving Sides!
  • Side dish star: Thanksgiving sides steal the show, and these veggies pair perfectly with Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes in Orange Cups, Super Simple Stuffing, and Green Bean Casserole.
  • Tasty leftovers: These veggies might be even better the next day! Roast double to enjoy flavorful leftovers all week.
  • Kid-friendly Veggies: Even picky eaters love these. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, and the maple syrup makes them irresistible. This recipe got my kids hooked on squash!
  • Hands-off: A quick chop is all the effort needed. Pop them in the oven, and let the roasting handle itself while you prep other dishes.

The Ingredients

Ingredients for maple roast vegetables.
  • Peppers: Select fun colors of bell peppers (besides green) to have the sweetest options.
  • Squash: Choose winter, hard-shell squash options like butternut squash, delicata, acorn or kabocha. Looking for more winter squash recipes? Try Sweet and Sour Roasted Squash, Roast Acorn Squash, Roasted Kabocha Squash or Stuffed Butternut Squash!
  • Carrots: I like to add other colors besides just orange!
  • Onion: A regular white or yellow onion pairs well here.
  • Maple Syrup: Just a touch! This adds to the sweetness and caramelization that makes everyone go nuts for more.

Substitutions and Variations

  • More Bite: Want more bite? Add a red onion instead of other options.
  • More Color: You can use any colors of peppers or carrots here. Go ahead and play around so that everything on your pan isn’t one color family.
  • Switch the Sweet: You can use a touch of honey if you prefer that flavor over maple syrup. Just keep in mind that then your vegetables won’t be suitable for vegans.

How to Make Maple Roasted Vegetables

Squash cut in half with seeds removed.

Step 1: Cut squash and remove seeds.

Diced veggies ready for roasting.

Step 2: Dice remaining veggies in similar sizes.

Diced veggies on a sheet pan.

Step 3: Add oil and salt and stir to combine. Spread on a baking sheet in an even layer.

Roasted veggies on a sheet pan.

Step 4: Roast veggies in a 425°F oven for 50 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until tender and golden. Top with maple syrup and roast an additional 5 minutes or until caramelized.

Tips and Tricks

  • To Peel or Not Peel: Butternut squash you need to peel, but if you select other options as well like delicata or acorn, they actually don’t need to be peeled! The skin will add a lot of fiber.
  • Make it Easy: You can often find already peeled and cubed butternut squash in the produce section to help you save time.
  • Make it Ahead: I’m all about saving time, especially when you are making a bunch of dishes all at once. You can chop and add the oil to the veggies, pop in the fridge in an airtight container or bag up to 48 hours in advance.
  • Reheating: If you’re wanting to make this dish entirely then reheat, you can absolutely do that. Reheat vegetables in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Perfect for prepping then taking to a Friendsgiving!
Roast Vegetables being topped with maple syrup.

FAQs

What is the best way to prepare butternut squash?

Prepping butternut squash doesn’t have to be intimidating! Start with a sharp knife—it’s safer and easier to handle. Cut off both ends to create a flat surface, then stand it upright and use a veggie peeler to remove the skin. If you’re feeling confident, you can use the knife to trim the skin, but you might lose a bit of the good stuff that way.

Do I need to peel all squash?

Some varieties of winter squash do have thinner skin that is a delicious treat. Delicata, acorn, or honey nut all have thin skin that really softens up when roasted. Kabocha you can peel if you want, but it’s not necessary. Butternut should always be peeled. While edible, its skin is thicker, hard to chew and also don’t necessarily taste the best. You do also have to remove the seeds from all types, but remember they can be roasted like pumpkin seeds!

Should I cut all of my vegetables?

If you have smaller carrots, you can sometimes leave them whole, or even simply in half for a beautiful presentation. The main goal is to cut all vegetables to similar size so they are all done at the same time. Your onion is the most likely to burn, but you can help that by leaving the layers in large chunks rather than separating them all out.

More Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These Maple Roast Vegetables are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a must-have on your Thanksgiving table. Whether it’s for the big day or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!

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Print

Maple Roast Vegetables

Roasting is one of the best techniques for getting the maximum amount of flavor out of vegetables. They become super tender, sweet on the inside and a bit caramelized on the outside.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 120kcal

Ingredients

  • 7 carrots, peeled, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 red bell peppers, cut into large chunks
  • 1 delicata squash, unpeeled, split lengthwise, seeds removed and cut into half moons (you could also use peeled butternut squash or a combination of the two)
  • 1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Place all the vegetables on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat all the vegetables and sprinkle with salt. Alternatively at this point you can place the vegetables in a large zipper bag and refrigerate overnight.
  • Roast for 45-50 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until tender and golden.
  • Remove the vegetables from the oven, drizzle with maple syrup and roast an additional 5 minutes or until caramelized and golden. 
  • Serve with additional salt to taste. 

Video

Notes

  • To Peel or Not Peel: Butternut squash you need to peel, but if you select other options as well like delicata or acorn, they actually don’t need to be peeled! The skin will add a lot of fiber.
  • Make it Easy: You can often find already peeled and cubed butternut squash in the produce section to help you save time.
  • Make it Ahead: I’m all about saving time, especially when you are making a bunch of dishes all at once. You can chop and add the oil to the veggies the night before and pop in the fridge in an airtight container or bag.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1240mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g

The post Maple Roast Vegetables appeared first on Weelicious.

Mashed Potato Casserole

Make this Mashed Potato Casserole ahead of time for a budget-friendly holiday side. It’s loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and onions!

The post Mashed Potato Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Potatoes: one of the most filling budget-friendly foods out there! This recipe for Mashed Potato Casserole will fill up everybody’s holiday plate for pennies. Even better, I can make this ahead of time and pop it in the oven day-of to finish. It’s the perfect side dish for when I want to maximize time spent with loved ones instead of standing over a hot stove all day. Topped with crumbled bacon, gooey cheese, and a handful of green onions, this easy casserole has become a new family favorite.

Overhead view of mashed potato casserole in a white baking dish.

What is Mashed Potato Casserole?

Mashed potato casserole is the best way to prep mashed potatoes ahead of time. The potatoes are mashed and mixed with onions, garlic, sour cream, milk, and seasonings, then topped with a layer of cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon. It’s like our loaded potato soup but in casserole form! My family loves the creamy potatoes with the salty bacon and melted cheese—it’s hearty, comforting, and a must-make this holiday season.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy mashed potato casserole:

  • Bacon: Cook the bacon in the oven until crispy before crumbling and topping your casserole! Vegetarian? Use your favorite veggie bacon substitute, or leave it out completely.
  • Russet Potatoes: I usually reach for Russet or Yukon gold potatoes when making mashed potatoes. Both are high-starch potatoes, which means they’re great for mashing and making the fluffiest, creamiest potatoes. I opted for Russet in this recipe because they’re cheaper, but you can use whatever kind you prefer.
  • Water: You need enough water to cover the potatoes for boiling.
  • Salted Butter: Use this to grease your baking dish and to make your potatoes extra buttery and rich!
  • Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics add a delicious depth of flavor to your casserole.
  • Whole Milk: Helps make your potatoes creamy and smooth. It’s also lighter and more cost-effective than heavy cream.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tangy flavor and even more creaminess.
  • Shredded Parmesan & Shredded Cheddar: If possible, shred your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheeses often include anti-caking agents that can affect the melt and texture of the cheese.
  • Seasonings: I use salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (optional), but feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You’ll also need a little salt to season the water the potatoes boil in.
  • Green Onions: Dice 2 green onions and sprinkle them on top after baking. They add to the ‘loaded’ flavor in this casserole recipe and go great with the bacon and cheese!

How to Fix Gummy Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can get thick and gummy if they’re overworked or if the excess starch isn’t properly removed. That’s why I recommend rinsing the diced potatoes twice (before and after boiling) to wash away extra starch. I’ve also noted in the recipe not to overmix the potatoes when mashing. But if, despite your best efforts, your potatoes still turn out gummy, don’t worry! Add 1 Tbsp of additional butter at a time, stirring to combine, until you like the texture better. 1 Tbsp of butter per pound of potatoes usually does the trick. You can then assemble your mashed potatoes casserole as directed and bake!

Make Ahead Instructions

I mentioned earlier how this casserole can be made ahead—it’s such a time saver! Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. When you’re ready to cook, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, remove the plastic wrap, and then bake as directed. So easy!

Serving Suggestions

Like our potato casserole (which is made with diced potatoes, not mashed), this easy casserole is a great side for any occasion. It’s much easier to keep warm than traditional mashed potatoes, and the cheesy topping stops it from drying out. It’s the perfect Christmas or Thanksgiving side dish (don’t forget the gravy!), but it also goes well with almost any main! A saucy dish, like our chicken meatballs in cream sauce, would be a great pairing with steamed veggies and crusty bread.

How to Store

Any leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Either cover the casserole dish or portion out individual servings and store them in airtight containers. This loaded mashed potato casserole is best reheated in the oven (cover with foil if the bacon and cheese are getting too crispy) but can also be reheated in the microwave. While you can freeze this casserole for 2-3 months, the sour cream in the potatoes may separate a bit when thawed, so keep that in mind.

Overhead view of a spoon taking mashed potato casserole from a baking dish.
Side view of a spoon taking mashed potato casserole from a baking dish.
Print

Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Make this Mashed Potato Casserole ahead of time for a budget-friendly holiday side. It's loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and onions!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($7.94 recipe / $0.52 serving)
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 15 servings (about 1 cup each)
Calories 180kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 strips bacon $1.74
  • 3 lbs russet potatoes* $1.95
  • water** $0.00
  • ½ tsp salt $0.01
  • 5 Tbsp salted butter (plus a little extra to butter your casserole dish) $1.25
  • ½ yellow onion, diced small $0.47
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.09
  • ½ cup whole milk $0.14
  • ¼ cup sour cream $0.31
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.05
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika $0.08
  • salt, to taste (I added about 1 tsp) $0.01
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional) $0.06
  • ¼ cup shredded parmesan $1.07
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar $0.56
  • 2 green onions (about 2 Tbsp), diced $0.15

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Cook bacon in the oven until crispy.
  • Once cooked and crispy, drain your bacon on paper towels. Set aside for now.
  • Peel potatoes and dice them into 1–2-inch cubes, rinse well.
  • Put potatoes in large pot, covered by 2 inches of water. Add ½ tsp salt.
  • Boil until fork-tender (on the softer side), about 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain potatoes and rinse with warm water. Set aside. Rinse out potato pot briefly and give it a quick wipe.
  • Melt salted butter in the potato pot and add onion. Cook until soft and glossy.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add cooked potatoes back to pot with onions and garlic. Mash with potato masher until they are the consistency you prefer, being careful not to overmix to avoid a gummy texture.
  • Add whole milk, sour cream, pepper, smoked paprika, salt (to taste), and chili flakes (optional) and combine.
  • Butter a 9×13” casserole dish. Transfer potatoes to the buttered casserole dish and smooth out with a spatula.
  • Top with shredded parmesan, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon.
  • Bake in oven at 400ºF for 20 minutes covered with foil, then uncover for 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with green onions and serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are both great choices for mashed potatoes, so use whichever you like best that fits your budget. Yukon Gold is typically more expensive, so I made this recipe with Russets.
**The amount of water needed will depend on the size of your pot. You need enough to cover the potatoes by about 2 inches.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (about 1 cup) | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 382mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of mashed potato casserole in a white baking dish.

how to make Mashed Potato Casserole – step by step photos

Raw bacon on a baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Cook 6 strips bacon in the oven until crispy.

Crispy cooked bacon on a paper towel lined plate.

Once cooked and crispy, drain your bacon on paper towels. Set aside for now.

Diced potatoes in a colander.

Peel 3 lbs russet potatoes and dice them into 1–2-inch cubes, rinse well.

Diced potatoes in a pot of water with a spoon of salt being added.

Put potatoes in large pot, covered by 2 inches of water. Add ½ tsp salt.

Diced potatoes in a saucepan of water with a fork checking for doneness.

Boil until fork-tender (on the softer side), about 15-20 minutes.

Cooked diced potatoes in a colander.

Drain potatoes and rinse with warm water. Set aside. Rinse out potato pot briefly and give it a quick wipe.

Onions and butter added to a saucepan.

Melt 5 Tbsp salted butter in the potato pot and add ½ a diced yellow onion. Cook until soft and glossy.

Minced garlic added to a saucepan with diced onions and garlic.

Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

A hand mashing potatoes with a potato masher.

Add cooked potatoes back to pot with onions and garlic. Mash with potato masher until they are the consistency you prefer, being careful not to overmix to avoid a gummy texture.

Seasonings, milk, and sour cream added to a pot with mashed potatoes.

Add ½ cup whole milk, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt (to taste), and ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional) and combine.

Mashed potato casserole in a baking dish.

Butter a 9×13” casserole dish. Transfer potatoes to the buttered casserole dish and smooth out with a spatula.

Mashed potato casserole topped with shredded cheese and bacon crumbles in a baking dish.

Top with ¼ cup shredded Parmesan, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon.

Freshly baked mashed potato casserole in a baking dish.

Bake in oven at 400ºF for 20 minutes covered with foil, then uncover for 10 minutes.

Overhead close up of mashed potato casserole topped with bacon and green onions.

Garnish with 2 diced green onions and serve. You’ll never look back once you try this make ahead mashed potato casserole—it’s the ultimate comfort food!

The post Mashed Potato Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sausage Stuffing

This easy Sausage Stuffing recipe is perfect for the holidays, with savory sausage, sweet apple, and crispy bread cubes. Plus, it’s egg-free!

The post Sausage Stuffing appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this apple Sausage Stuffing recipe needs a permanent spot on your holiday menu! It’s rich, savory, and made completely from scratch (while still being super easy to prepare!). The top is crispy, the center is soft and moist, and the sausage adds a meaty flavor to every bite. And because I don’t use eggs, this recipe is also egg-free and can easily be made veggie/vegan! Pile it high on your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner plate, and I guarantee you won’t have any leftovers.

Overhead view of sausage stuffing in a casserole dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sausage apple stuffing:

  • Bread: I slice bread into cubes and toast them slightly in the oven before mixing with the other ingredients. You can use any bread you like—seriously, it doesn’t have to be fancy. I used a mix of brioche, multi-seed, and sourdough.
  • Mild Ground Italian Sausage: I chose a mild Italian sausage for this savory holiday side dish. It added the perfect amount of kick while still letting the herbs and spices in the poultry seasoning shine through. I’ve also shared some ideas below for making this dish vegetarian or vegan.
  • Butter: You’ll need one stick of salted butter, about 4 oz. This is used to sauté the veggies and add flavor to your sausage stuffing.
  • Yellow Onion & Celery: I dice these veggies small for an even mix throughout. They help create that classic stuffing flavor and stretch this recipe without adding too much expense, so don’t skip them!
  • Garlic: Infuses everything with a light garlic flavor.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning are the perfect mix of seasonings! I usually find poultry seasoning (a mix of herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, and more) down the spice aisle in most grocery stores.
  • Chicken Bouillon & Hot Water: We almost always use Better Than Bouillon when making broth here at Budget Bytes! It’s simple to use, affordable and adds so much flavor.
  • Apple: I’ve always added apple to my homemade sausage stuffing, and my family loves it. I like using a tart, green apple like Granny Smith. Different varieties will bring different levels of sweetness, so choose your favorite.
  • Parsley: For sprinkling on top once the baking dish comes out of the oven.

What’s the Best Bread for Stuffing?

When I said you can use any type of bread for this stuffing, I meant it! It’s a great recipe for using up the heels of bread from sandwich loaves you may already have on hand. You can even use burger and hot dog buns! Just try to end up with about 9 ½ cups of bread cubes.

I like using a mixture of bread for different flavors and textures, but whatever you have on hand will work great.

Vegetarian and Vegan Option

This side dish is easily made vegan or vegetarian-friendly with a few simple swaps. You can use a vegetable bouillon and find a vegan sausage or ground beef substitute in place of the chicken broth and sausage. I also recommend double-checking that the bread you use is vegan-friendly, as some can contain dairy or eggs. We also have a vegetarian stuffing recipe you can check out as well!

Recipe Tips & Variations!

  1. As you stir in the homemade bread cubes, they’ll begin to soak up the moisture and oils from the vegetables and sausage in the pan, which will make it easier to handle. The bread eventually soaks up all of the yummy liquid; this is almost like a savory bread pudding when finished.
  2. I saw a lot of recipes calling for eggs, but we never used eggs in our sausage stuffing growing up, so I saved a bit of cash but didn’t sacrifice any flavor or quality while making this.
  3. Feel free to add any mix-ins you like! I think dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or extra veggies like mushrooms would all work well in this recipe. You can also play around with the seasonings and add your favorite herbs or spices.
  4. This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Or, better yet, I’d make these leftover stuffing muffins out of them!

Make It Ahead

I love an easy make-ahead dish, especially over the holidays when my kitchen is already overflowing with food! You can prep this Italian sausage stuffing recipe up to two days in advance. I’d toast the bread cubes and then follow the recipe as written up to step 5, stopping just before the chicken broth is added. Let everything cool, cover it with a lid or some foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready, pour the chicken broth over the top and bake as directed.

A wooden spoon scooping sausage stuffing from a casserole dish.
Overhead view of sausage stuffing in a casserole dish.
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Sausage Stuffing Recipe

This easy Sausage Stuffing recipe is perfect for the holidays, with savory sausage, sweet apple, and crispy bread cubes. Plus, it's egg-free!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($11.95 recipe / $1.49 serving)
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 8 servings (about ¾ cup)
Calories 441kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Bread Cubes

  • 12 slices of bread*, cut into 1 inch cubes (9 ½ cups total) $2.56
  • cooking spray $0.01

Stuffing Ingredients

  • 1 lb mild ground Italian sausage $3.57
  • 1 stick salted butter $1.06
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups) $0.94
  • 4-5 celery stalks, diced (about 1 ½ cups) $0.95
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced $0.12
  • 2 Tbsp poultry seasoning, dried $1.32
  • ½ tsp salt $0.01
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.04
  • 1 apple, cored and diced (skin on) $1.00
  • 3 tsp chicken bouillon** $0.27
  • 2 ¾ cups hot water (to be mixed with bouillon) $0.00
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced $0.10

Instructions

Bread Cubes Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray the bread cubes lightly with cooking spray. Bake in 350F oven for 15 minutes until dehydrated and lightly toasted. You should have around 9 ½ cups of bread cubes. Set aside.

Stuffing Directions

  • In a large sauté pan, cook ground sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned. Strain excess fat and set cooked sausage off to the side in a bowl.
  • Wipe out the sauté pan and melt the stick of butter. Add diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Cook over medium heat until the onions and celery are glossy and have softened, about 5-8 minutes.
  • Add cooked sausage and a handful of toasted bread cubes to the sauté pan and mix to combine.
  • Add more bread cubes until all have been used up. Then, add diced green apple.
  • Pour chicken broth (made from combining bouillon and hot water) over the top of the stuffing mixture.
  • Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in 350 degree oven. If top is starting to get too dark for your liking, add a tinfoil tent, but you want the top to crisp up a bit.
  • You can serve it hot straight out of the oven or let it cool a bit for a firmer texture. Sprinkle with parsley just before serving.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*12 slices of any kind of bread will do. This is a great opportunity to use the heels of any sandwich bread you have leftover, or use some slightly stale bread you haven’t had the heart to throw away. I had the following on-hand: 4 slices brioche, 4 slices multi-seed, and 4 slices of sourdough combined from other recipes I was testing and sandwich fixings from the week before.
**We pretty much exclusively use Better Than Bouillon here at Budget Bytes!
I used a 3-quart casserole dish for this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (about ¾ cup) | Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 1050mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead close up of sausage stuffing.

how to make Sausage Stuffing – step by step photos

Bread cubes on a baking tray.

Preheat oven to 350f. Cut 12 slices of bread into 1-inch cubes and spread out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray the bread cubes lightly with cooking spray. Bake in 350F oven for 15 minutes until dehydrated and lightly toasted. You should have around 9 ½ cups of bread cubes. Set aside.

Ground sausage cooking in a skillet.

In a large sauté pan, cook 1 lb ground sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned. Strain excess fat and set cooked sausage off to the side in a bowl.

Diced onion, celery, garlic, and seasonings in a skillet.

Wipe out the sauté pan and melt 1 stick salted butter. Add 1 medium diced onion, 4-5 diced celery stalks, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 Tbsp poultry seasoning, ½ tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.

Cooked mirpoix in a casserole dish.

Cook over medium heat until the onions and celery are glossy and have softened, about 5-8 minutes.

Toasted bread cubes and ground sausage added to cooked mirepoix in a skillet.

Add cooked sausage and a handful of toasted bread cubes to the sauté pan and mix to combine.

A wooden spatula mixing diced apples into sausage stuffing in a casserole dish.

Add more bread cubes until all have been used up. Then, add 1 diced green apple.

Chicken bouillon being poured into sausage stuffing in a casserole dish.

Pour chicken broth (made from combining 3 tsp chicken bouillon and 2 ¾ cups hot water) over the top of the stuffing mixture.

Sausage stuffing in a casserole dish before baking.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in 350F oven. If the top is starting to get too dark for your liking, add a tinfoil tent, but you want the top to crisp up a bit.

Finished sausage stuffing in a casserole dish.

You can serve it hot straight out of the oven or let it cool a bit for a firmer texture. Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp fresh parsley just before serving.

Side view of sausage stuffing in a casserole dish.

You won’t believe how easy making this stuffing with sausage is. You’ll never go back to using a store-bought mix again!

The post Sausage Stuffing appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Pot Roast Recipe – Savory & Tender

This is the perfect pot roast recipe for comfort cooking at its best. Chuck roast is slow cooked in the oven with potatoes and vegetables until fork tender, then served with delicious gravy.

This is the perfect pot roast recipe for comfort cooking at its best. Chuck roast is slow cooked in the oven with potatoes and vegetables until fork tender, then served with delicious gravy.

Creamed Kale

This easy Creamed Kale recipe has the creamiest, cheesiest sauce that’ll convert even the biggest kale skeptics. Ready in just 30 minutes!

The post Creamed Kale appeared first on Budget Bytes.

There are plenty of kale haters out there, but I’m not one of them. Quite the opposite, in fact! I LOVE kale. But if you share your table with some kale skeptics, give my recipe for Creamed Kale a try, and I guarantee you’ll convert at least one of them! The sauce is smooth and creamy (but not too heavy), and the kale still has a little bite to it. This easy side is ready in just 30 minutes and is a family-friendly way to enjoy this nutrient-packed leafy green!

Overhead view of creamed kale in a square-shaped dish.

As I said, I love kale! I love to grow it, I love to massage it with vinaigrette and eat it raw, I love to use it in pesto, I love to steam it, heck… I even love to work it into bouquets of flowers here on our farm! Kale forever, in all its forms! So, when it comes to the holidays, you already know this easy creamed kale recipe is going to be on our table.

What is Creamed Kale?

This recipe is a twist on the classic creamed spinach. I blanch fresh kale in boiling water for a few minutes to give it that perfect texture—not too raw, but not overcooked and mushy, either. Then I make a simple creamy sauce using salted butter, onion, garlic, half ‘n half, and seasonings. The kale gets stirred into the sauce with a sprinkling of Parmesan, left to simmer for a few minutes, and voila! Creamed kale is born. It’s a delicious veggie side for any meal and an easy way to add more greens to your diet!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade creamed kale recipe:

  • Kale: I use fresh kale, specifically Lacinato kale (also known as ‘Dinosaur Kale’ due to its bumpy appearance resembling the skin of a dinosaur!). Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but I much prefer the texture of Lacinato in this recipe. But that said, you can totally use regular curly kale, too. Be sure to remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  • Yellow Onion & Garlic: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Salted Butter: Softens the onion and sautés the garlic, adding richness to the creamy sauce.
  • Seasonings: Nutmeg and red pepper flakes add warmth and a tiny bit of heat to balance out the creaminess. I also add salt when cooking the onions, and then I season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Half ‘n Half: I add this to the sauce to create a creamier and richer consistency. Be sure to use room temperature half ‘n half to avoid curdling when added to the hot pan.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds an irresistible, nutty, cheesy flavor that perfectly complements the earthy kale.

Can I Make it Dairy-Free?

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can easily swap the butter for vegan butter and the half ‘n half for coconut milk. If you’re going to use coconut milk, you could even add some curry powder to the mix! Holy YUM!

Top Tip!

If your sauce isn’t thickening up enough, don’t add cornstarch or flour; add ½ tsp of vinegar! Whisk, whisk, whisk, and watch your cream turn nice and thick fast. Essentially, it’s like making your own buttermilk, but I promise it’ll yield a thicker and creamier sauce if you find it needs a little help. I also love the brightness a little vinegar adds to just about any dish.

Can I Use Frozen Kale?

I much prefer fresh kale in this recipe, but you can use frozen kale if that’s all you have to hand. Be sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator and squeeze out excess liquid before using. There’s also no need to blanch it if the kale was already blanched before freezing. Just note the texture of your creamed kale will likely be softer and less firm compared to using fresh kale.

Storage Instructions

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through. I recommend adding a splash of half ‘n half if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

Side view of creamed kale in a squash-shaped serving platter.
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Creamed Kale Recipe

This easy Creamed Kale recipe has the creamiest, cheesiest sauce that'll convert even the biggest kale skeptics. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($8.18 recipe / $1.02 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings (½ cup per serving)
Calories 68kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches kale* $5.38
  • ¼ tsp salt, divided $0.01
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter $0.16
  • ½ yellow onion, julienned (thinly sliced) $0.47
  • 1 clove garlic, minced $0.03
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes $0.03
  • tsp nutmeg $0.03
  • ½ cup half 'n half, room temperature $0.84
  • 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese $1.23

Instructions

  • De-stem and rinse kale in cold water.
  • Coarsely chop kale and blanch in boiling water seasoned with ⅛ tsp salt for about 3 min. Quickly transfer kale to an ice bath to maintain color. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining ⅛ tsp salt and the julienned (thinly sliced) onion.
  • Cook until softened. Then, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg and cook another 2 minutes.
  • Add the room temperature half 'n half over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens to a sauce consistency, about 5 minutes.
  • Add kale and Parmesan cheese and toss to coat and let it soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from the heat. Transfer to your favorite casserole dish or serving plate to serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I used Lacinato Kale (aka Dinosaur Kale), but this recipe works with curly kale, too. I didn’t love the texture of curly kale as much with this soft, rich sauce, so I decided to splurge on Lacinato kale. I was willing to spend a little extra to see my family gobble up all of this creamed kale!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (½ cup per serving) | Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 156mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of creamed kale in a square-shaped dish.

how to make Creamed Kale – step by step photos

Hands removing the stems from a leaf of kale.

De-stem and rinse 2 bunches of kale in cold water.

Tongs holding blanched kale over a bowl of iced water.

Coarsely chop kale and blanch in boiling water seasoned with ⅛ tsp salt for about 3 min. Quickly transfer kale to an ice bath to maintain color. Set aside.

Sliced onions in a skillet.

Melt 2 Tbsp salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining ⅛ tsp salt and the julienned (thinly sliced) ½ an onion.

Sauted sliced onions in a skillet with seasonings and garlic added.

Cook until softened. Then, add the 1 clove minced garlic, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, and ⅛ tsp nutmeg and cook another 2 minutes.

A hand pouring half and half into a skillet with sliced onions and seasonings.

Add ½ cup room temperature half ‘n half over medium heat.

Creamy onion sauce for creamed kale in a skillet.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens to a sauce consistency, about 5 minutes.

Blanched kale with parmesan cheese added to a creamy sauce in a skillet.

Add the blanched kale and 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese and toss to coat and let it soften, about 5 minutes.

Finished creamed kale in a skillet.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from the heat. Transfer to your favorite casserole dish or serving plate to serve.

Overhead view of creamed kale in a serving dish.

Enjoy this smooth, cheesy creamed kale with your favorite protein for a well-rounded and delicious dinner!

The post Creamed Kale appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Squash Casserole

This easy Squash Casserole is creamy and cheesy with a buttery cracker crust. It’s full of sweet yellow squash and is SO simple to make!

The post Squash Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m pretty certain this easy Squash Casserole recipe will be the only one you make from now on! Why? The texture is perfect, thanks to the crumbled crackers, melt-in-your-mouth ribbons of onion, and perfectly cooked squash. The worst kind of squash is the kind that’s overcooked to oblivion and turns into mush—I promise this is not that!

A wooden spoon scooping some squash casserole out of a casserole dish.

What is Squash Casserole?

Squash casserole is a Southern classic that almost always makes an appearance at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. There are a few variations, but for my recipe, I use yellow squash (also known as summer squash), butter, yellow onion, eggs, milk, Ritz crackers, seasonings, and a generous sprinkling of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The cheesy cracker topping is perfectly crispy, while the squash filling is soft and creamy—it’s serious comfort food! This casserole is a delicious, home-cooked side dish for the holidays, but I think it’s equally perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yellow squash casserole recipe:

  • Yellow Squash: This sweet, mild squash is readily available during the summer months and can be found in most grocery stores year-round. You’ll need about 4 cups total (around 2-3 sliced squash, depending on the size). I go for a straight neck, but crooked neck yellow squash will also work. You can even use a mix of yellow squash and zucchini in this recipe (they’re from the same plant family!).
  • Yellow Onion: I use yellow onion as it has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with the squash. Slice your onion into thin strips (a julienne cut) so it melds into the casserole once cooked.
  • Cheddar Cheese & Parmesan: Makes this casserole extra cheesy and flavorful! I mix the cheddar into the filling and sprinkle the Parmesan on top for a perfect crispy topping.
  • Garlic: Makes everything taste better!
  • Salted Butter: Helps the onion to caramelize slightly, adding even more depth of flavor.
  • Eggs: Binds the filling and gives it a creamy texture.
  • Milk: My ingredient of choice for a creamy filling. It’s much cheaper than heavy cream and tastes just as good! Use any type of milk you like (whole, 2%, etc.).
  • Herbs & Spices: I add salt, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, but feel free to play around with different herbs and make this your own.
  • Ritz Crackers: I use these little butter crackers in the filling and on top for a crunchy, buttery texture. You can use any type of butter cracker you like.

Recipe Tips!

  1. Don’t skip the saute step! This precooks your squash and helps release excess water to avoid a watery casserole. If there’s a lot of extra liquid in the bottom of your skillet after sauteing, drain it off before adding the veggies to your casserole dish.
  2. I recommend sauteing your squash until al dente (slightly firm, with a little bite). It’ll continue to cook and soften in the oven, so overcooking in the saute step might make it mushy.
  3. Shredding your own cheese is best for ultimate meltiness and flavor, but pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch. Just note pre-shredded cheese often has added anti-caking agents, which can stop it from melting as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese.
  4. There’s no need to peel or de-seed your yellow squash! The skin and seeds are soft and tender—you won’t even notice them in the finished casserole.
  5. You can make this dish ahead of time by assembling it up to 1 day in advance, covering it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerating it until ready to bake. I wouldn’t add the Parmesan and cracker topping until just before baking to keep it crispy.

Serving Suggestions

I promise this recipe for squash casserole will be a welcome change from your usual steamed, boiled, or sauteed veggies! The creaminess goes well with any protein, but fried chicken is a popular pairing for a classic Southern meal. I also think it would be the perfect side dish for your turkey breast and cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving! Or, for a veggie main, I’d serve it with homestyle cornbread and a green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette—yum.

How to Store

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350F until heated through. You can also freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months (just note the squash and the cracker crust might be softer after thawing!).

I’d portion the casserole into individual servings before freezing and then let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Side view of squash casserole being scooped out of a casserole dish with a wooden spoon.
Overhead view of squash casserole in a casserole dish.
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Squash Casserole Recipe

This easy Squash Casserole is creamy and cheesy with a buttery cracker crust. It's full of sweet yellow squash and is SO simple to make!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($5.81 recipe / $0.96 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 58 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 13 minutes
Servings 6 servings (¾ cup each)
Calories 207kcal

Equipment

  • 3 Quart Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • 2-3 yellow squash, cut into ¼'' discs (about 4 cups) $2.20
  • ½ yellow onion, julienned (finely sliced) $0.47
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese $0.73
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese $0.67
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.09
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter $0.30
  • 1 tsp salt, divided $0.01
  • 2 eggs $0.44
  • ½ cup milk $0.14
  • ½ Tbsp fresh parsley $0.05
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes $0.15
  • 18 Ritz crackers, crushed and divided $0.54

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Gather your yellow squash cut into discs, sliced yellow onion, shredded cheddar, shredded Parmesan, and minced garlic cloves.
  • In a large skillet, melt salted butter and add yellow onion and ¼ tsp salt over medium heat until tender and starting to caramelize, about 6 minutes
  • Add squash and cook until “al dente” but not too soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Transfer cooked veggies to casserole dish.
  • Beat eggs with milk, fresh parsley, remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and pour egg mixture over the squash in the casserole dish.
  • Add half the Ritz crackers and the shredded cheddar to a bowl. Mix to combine.
  • Stir in the Ritz cracker and cheese mixture into the casserole dish with the squash.
  • Top the casserole with the remaining Ritz crackers.
  • Sprinkle over the shredded Parmesan.
  • Bake the casserole for 45 minutes.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

I used a 3-quart casserole dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (¾ cup) | Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 689mg | Fiber: 2g

how to make Squash Casserole – step by step photos

Sliced squash, onions, minced garlic, and shredded cheeses on a wooden chopping board.

Preheat oven to 350F. Gather 2-3 yellow squash (cut into ¼” discs, about 4 cups total), ½ a finely sliced yellow onion, ¾ cup shredded cheddar, ¼ cup shredded Parmesan, and 3 minced garlic cloves

Sliced onions in a skillet.

In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp salted butter and add the sliced ½ yellow onion and ¼ tsp salt over medium heat until tender and starting to caramelize, about 6 minutes.

Sliced yellow squash cooking in a skillet with onions.

Add the 4 cups sliced squash and cook until “al dente” but not too soft, about 5 minutes.

Sliced yellow squash cooking in a skillet with onions and minced garlic.

Add the 3 minced garlic cloves, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Slices of squash and onions in a casserole dish.

Transfer cooked veggies to casserole dish.

A bowl pouring cream sauce over squash casserole.

Beat 2 eggs with ½ cup milk, ½ Tbsp fresh parsley, remaining salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, and pour egg mixture over the squash in the casserole dish.

Crushed ritz and shredded cheese in a bowl.

Add half the crushed 18 Ritz crackers and the ¾ cup shredded cheddar to a bowl. Mix to combine.

A spoon mixing squash casserole ingredients together in a casserole dish.

Stir in the Ritz cracker and cheese mixture into the casserole dish with the squash.

A hand sprinkling crushed ritz crackers over a squash casserole in a casserole dish.

Top the casserole with the remaining Ritz crackers.

Squash casserole topped with shredded cheese in a casserole dish.

Sprinkle over ¼ cup shredded Parmesan.

Baked squash casserole in a casserole dish.

Bake the casserole for 45 minutes.

Overhead view of squash casserole in a casserole dish.

This yummy casserole is the perfect way to showcase yellow squash. It’s simple to make with budget-friendly ingredients—what more could you want?!

The post Squash Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

This hearty crock pot chicken pot pie recipe is quick to prep with mostly ready-made ingredients. Just toss the chicken in the crockpot with the other ingredients and let it slow simmer for hours. When you’re ready, top with some baked Bisquick biscuit…

This hearty crock pot chicken pot pie recipe is quick to prep with mostly ready-made ingredients. Just toss the chicken in the crockpot with the other ingredients and let it slow simmer for hours. When you're ready, top with some baked Bisquick biscuits and dig in!

French Onion Chicken

This French onion chicken bake is irresistibly savory, pairing tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese! It’s perfect…

This French onion chicken bake is irresistibly savory, pairing tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese! It’s perfect for parties, holidays, and any time you need a showstopper dish. This one is a big winner in our family and we love it for holidays.

French onion chicken

Imagine with us for a moment: French onion soup, but with chicken. (Insert mind exploding emoji.) Yes, Alex and I wanted to create a chicken bake with all the flavors of your favorite cozy soup—and my, does it deliver on flavor! No canned French onion soup needed.

This French onion chicken is a crowd pleasing chicken dinner: the juicy chicken is accentuated with Dijon mustard, herbs, Gruyere cheese, and mounds of tender, savory caramelized onions. It takes a bit of time to put together, but it’s absolutely worth it for holidays and dinner parties: plus we’ve got some make ahead tips for weeknights. When we served it to out-of-town family recently, they raved!

“This was fabulous! The Dijon mustard really added a wonderful taste to the chicken, I can’t quite place it, but it added warmth and depth. The onions smelled DIVINE while cooking and it felt very cozy in the kitchen while it was so cold outside. ” -Tanvee

Tips for caramelized onions

The longest lead time item for this French onion chicken is the caramelized onions. You can’t rush this, folks! (Trust us: we’ve tried. There’s really no shortcut!) The onions will go from white to nicely browned and caramelized in about 45 minutes. Here’s what to do:

  • Thinly slice the onions. About 1/8-inch thick works well. Here’s our tutorial on How to Cut an Onion.
  • Sauté the onions for 10 minutes on medium high heat. Melt butter, then add the onions and sauté until they’re soft.
  • Switch to medium low until tender and dark brown, about 45 minutes total. You’ll see the onions go through stages: first golden brown, then medium brown, then very dark brown. They’re done when the flavor is developed and sweet, and they’re almost falling apart they’re so tender.
How to caramelize onions

The flavor maker: Dijon mustard

As two cookbook authors who specialize in from-scratch meals, Alex and I wanted this French onion chicken bake to be fully homemade, not using canned French onion soup like in some casserole recipes.

The caramelized onions have loads of savory flavor on their own, but the Dijon mustard really takes it over the top in this dish. It infuses a tangy, salty flavor that makes people say, “Wow! What’s in this?”

Make ahead notes to make it weeknight friendly

Because of the time for caramelization, this French onion chicken recipe isn’t really weeknight dinner friendly. However, you can make it in advance! Here are a few make ahead notes:

  • Make the caramelized onions ahead of time. You can simply refrigerate until serving, up to 2 days in advance.
  • Marinate the chicken in advance. The chicken can marinate up to 24 hours in advance. You can make it up the night before, which greatly reduces the prep time.
  • With advanced prep, bake time is only 25 minutes. These prep steps put this back recipe into weeknight dinner territory!

Ways to make it a meal

This French onion chicken bake is a celebratory meal, great for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas or dinner parties. We like to pair it with dishes that don’t use the oven (since it’s busy with this chicken!).

It’s great with mashed potatoes or horseradish mashed potatoes, or green vegetables like green beans almondine, sauteed broccoli or sauteed broccolini. It’s also ideal with a crisp salad like arugula salad, apple salad, pear salad, or apple fennel salad. Or, pair it with a simple whole grain or pasta like lemon rice, quinoa, farro, orzo or couscous.

Here are more of our favorite easy side dishes if you’re looking for more ideas!

French onion chicken in pan with spoon

Storing leftovers

This French onion chicken recipe stores up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 400°F oven.

Dietary notes

This French onion chicken recipe is gluten-free. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella cheese (there are now several great brands on the market; we tend to like Daiya but experiment to find a brand you love).

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French Onion Chicken

French onion chicken
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This French onion chicken bake is irresistibly savory, pairing tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese! It’s perfect for parties, holidays, and any time you need a showstopper dish.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Chicken
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the onions

  • 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced (4 large, 8 cups sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, destemmed
  • ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the chicken

  • 3 pounds chicken breast (6 boneless skinless breasts)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 to 5 ounces gruyere cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
  • Chopped fresh parsley and thyme, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the onions (45 minutes): In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with the kosher salt, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried and fresh rosemary. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 45 to 50 minutes until the onions are very softened and lightly brown. Reduce the heat slightly after 10 to 15 minutes as they start to soften. You want them to steam out, not sauté. Be patient—this process takes time but it’s worth it for that rich, sweet flavor! (Can be caramelized in advance; refrigerate until ready to bake.)
  2. While the onions are cooking, preheat and marinate the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, Dijon mustard and olive oil to form a paste. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then toss them thoroughly with the Dijon mixture. Rest until onions are caramelized. (If the onions are caramelized in advance, marinate at least 30 minutes; or you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours.)
  3. Prepare for baking: When the onions are done, stir in the balsamic vinegar, then spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bottom of a 9” x 13” baking dish. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the caramelized onions in the baking dish. Top each piece of chicken generously with shredded gruyere cheese.
  4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 22 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for the last few minutes (or a few minutes more) to brown the cheese.
  5. Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and thyme before serving. Leftovers last up to 3 days refrigerated. 

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Everything Bagel Pasta

This everything bagel pasta takes linguine pasta with a creamy cheese sauce and elevates it to out-of-this-world delicious with the popular bagel spice.

This everything bagel pasta takes linguine pasta with a creamy cheese sauce and elevates it to out-of-this-world delicious with the popular bagel spice.