Pesto Meatball Melts.

These pesto meatball melts are a satisfying weeknight meal! Pesto turkey meatballs on a toasty baguette with lots of cheese. Delish! Have a ton of garden basil hanging around? I’ve got you covered! These pesto meatball melts make for the most satisfying weeknight meal. They are super versatile and a great way to utilize some […]

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These pesto meatball melts are a satisfying weeknight meal! Pesto turkey meatballs on a toasty baguette with lots of cheese. Delish!

Have a ton of garden basil hanging around? I’ve got you covered!

pesto meatball melts

These pesto meatball melts make for the most satisfying weeknight meal. They are super versatile and a great way to utilize some pesto you may have at the end of the summer season! 

pesto on a baguette

This is one of those meals that I *thought* would be good, but didn’t realize just HOW good it would be until I started making it regularly. 

Oh my word. 

We LOVE this dish. It’s so flavorful and a different way to enjoy meatballs.

turkey pesto meatballs

I got the idea of the melt from my french onion meatballs. Love serving those on top of sourdough. I didn’t want to make a full blown meatball sub with these, but I knew I wanted to do something cheesy and sandwichy.

Sandwichy. I guess that’s a word now. 

So meatball melts were born! 

pesto meatball melts

I like using sliced baguettes here, but of course you could use toast or even a bun if it’s what you have on hand. And my preference is to use ground turkey, but of course you can use ground chicken or beef too!

I love adding the pesto to meatballs because it’s like the pesto is working overtime for you. The pesto is already loaded with basil and garlic and parmesan. Adding that to the meatballs means it’s almost all we have to add – no need for a ton of stuff! I do this in my mini pesto meatball soup and it’s perfect.

pesto meatball melts

After testing these a few times, I decided that I do like a little extra parmesan. I know, shocking. But other than that, it’s really just the pesto, some breadcrumbs and eggs to bring it all together. So super simple and such a great way to use up basil from the garden or another kind of pesto you may have.

I love making fresh pesto – I make a batch almost every single week. I also will freeze it at the end of the summer season so I always have it on hand. However! If you’re in a pinch and want to bring a flavorful meal together, you can always use your favorite store-bought pesto. It really is that easy.

pesto meatball melts

So back to the melts.

I like to spread pesto on the baguette too. Yes, if you haven’t figured this out by now, it is for pesto lovers! Top pesto-covered baguettes with meatballs, top with cheese and throw in the oven for a few minutes. 

This is heavenly!

pesto meatball melts

You can serve them for dinner, of course. You could also make them a game day snack by slicing the baguette into bite-size squares and topping with just one meatball. So like little meatball melt squares. Really the options are endless.

They’re warm and cheesy and toasty and so hearty. We love ’em! (more…)

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Porchetta Sandwiches with Garlic Herb Mayo.

This porchetta sandwich is sponsored by the National Pork Board! Today we’re spicing things up with the perfect porchetta roast!  We’re turning this melt-in-your-mouth porchetta into an incredible sandwich with a savory mayo for dinner tonight. It’s unbelievably delicious and such a treat to make at home!  I’m excited to be partnering with the National […]

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This porchetta sandwich is sponsored by the National Pork Board!

Today we’re spicing things up with the perfect porchetta roast! 

porchetta sandwiches with garlic herb mayo

We’re turning this melt-in-your-mouth porchetta into an incredible sandwich with a savory mayo for dinner tonight. It’s unbelievably delicious and such a treat to make at home! 

garlic, lemon zest, herbs

I’m excited to be partnering with the National Pork Board again today, bringing you this incredible delicious porchetta sandwich! For the rest of the year, I’m participating in the National Pork Board’s United States of Pork campaign, which celebrates all the diverse flavors and different pork dishes that we make across the country – starting with some hometown favorites! 

(P.S. remember last year’s pork curry meatballs? I still can’t get enough!)

pork roast and pork belly

The National Pork Board surveyed consumers in every state to find out what their most-loved pork dishes are. The most popular dish here in Pennsylvania was the Italian hoagie! It’s definitely been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember – but it’s rarely something we make at home. It tends to be something we order when we’re out.

The traditional Italian hoagie has personally never been a serious favorite of mine, so I decided to take things into my own hands and make a twist on the way it’s prepared.

stuffed porchetta roast

So… I went completely out of my comfort zone with this one and made porchetta!! 

OH YES.

olive oil, garlic and herbs

We love porchetta – Eddie still talks about the porchetta sandwich he had in San Francisco a decade ago. For the longest time, I was super intimidated to make it at home. But I’m so excited to tell you that it’s not only possible to make it at home – it’s fairly easy with the method that I’m going to show you! 

Actually, it’s super easy. It’s a little time consuming, but it’s all mostly down time. As long as you plan ahead, you’re golden. And you will have the most incredible pork sandwich in your possession. 

porchetta roast

If you haven’t had porchetta, it’s a boneless pork roast stuffed with fresh herbs and garlic – and it most often uses pork belly! It’s so tender and juicy and rich and decadent. I love pork belly, but it’s not exactly easy to find in my area. I found a method for porchetta using pork butt, and I may enjoy it even more. This way, if pork belly is tricky to find in your area, you can make a version of this with pork butt too. 

porchetta

Of course, I also threw some pork belly in with the pork butt too – but either work! 

The key is to make a delicious herb paste with garlic and lemon zest and olive oil. Oh my gosh – this is heavenly. The smell alone gets you excited enough to eat! This gets stuffed inside the pork and creates layers and layers of flavor.

porchetta sandwiches with garlic herb mayo

Much like when I make roasted turkey or even beef tenderloin, it’s important to let the porchetta sit in the fridge overnight. This helps give you a super crispy skin.

Because while the herb filling is wonderful, the signature of porchetta is the super crispy outer layer. Think roasted chicken skin, but… better. If that’s even possible.

And it is! The crispy outside of porchetta is unreal. 

Once the pork butt roasts have been slathered in the herb paste and take a time-out in the fridge, they go in for a slow roast. After the slow roast, I crank up the oven temperature and throw them back in to really crisp up the outsides.

I’m telling you: it’s divine. (more…)

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Marinated Tomato BLATs.

These marinated tomato BLTs are fantastic! Made with marinated tomatoes, crispy bacon, sourdough and avocado, they are a summer dream dinner! Marinating the tomatoes takes this to the next level and it’s a must-try for your garden tomatoes!  How perfect is this lunch bite?! Everything I want to eat right now is right up there […]

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These marinated tomato BLTs are fantastic! Made with marinated tomatoes, crispy bacon, sourdough and avocado, they are a summer dream dinner! Marinating the tomatoes takes this to the next level and it’s a must-try for your garden tomatoes! 

How perfect is this lunch bite?!

marinated tomato BLAT sandwiches

Everything I want to eat right now is right up there in that sandwich. Oh my heavens.

sliced sumemr tomatoes

A few weeks ago on instagram, my friend Rachel was making BLTs and MARINATED HER TOMATOES!! Uh huh.

Marinating them!

I was hooked. Instantly. I didn’t know exactly what she was marinating the tomatoes in, but I got ingredients figured a way to make the sandwich the next day!

OMG, let’s just say it is life changing. Pretty much puts my lobster BLT to shame.

marinated tomatoes

Yes yes yes. 

Just look at these tomatoes? The marinade is so tangy and rich. It brings life into these tomatoes, regardless of how perfect they may be right out of your garden.

fresh lettuce

For my marinade, I used a simple olive oil and balsamic combo. If you’re in a pinch or want to make this on vacation or something, you could even marinate these in your favorite bottled italian or balsamic dressing. The key is just to marinate them in something you love!

marinated tomatoes

Seriously, after I saw Rachel make these, I knew they’d be my go-to summer dinner. I have her to thank for this delicious idea that has been holding me over postpartum and basically, feeding my family. After I made them multiple times on instagram, so many of you reached out about how I marinating the tomatoes, that I had to share! 

You can’t go one more summer day without these.

frying bacon

I went the BLT route for the tomatoes but of course, I also had to go the BLAT route. All I could think of was my favorite sandwich on our northern michigan vacation – it’s a BLAT from a local sandwich shop and is absolute perfection. 

The sourdough is toasty but not too crunchy. The avocado is creamy, the bacon is crispy. It has mayo and maybe even a little dressing?

Either way, it’s soooo good and I get at least one every year on vacation. 

marinated tomato BLAT ingredients

That made it simple for me: I knew I wanted to add avocado! I also did a thin layer of mayo. My favorite sourdough, toasted of course!

marinated tomato BLAT sandwiches

Oh! And the other key that a few of you suggested on instagram?! Drizzle the extra marinade from the tomatoes onto the bread. It makes for one messy, but seriously delicious sandwich that you won’t be able to stop eating.

marinated tomato BLAT sandwiches

I can’t even express how GOOD this is. I will never eat a BLT another way again.

You don’t need things to be fancy – you can easily skip the avocado. But this classic combo of bacon and lettuce and (now marinated) tomatoes is one I won’t be letting go of anytime soon. (more…)

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Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich

Are you ready for the best healthy sandwich recipe? This Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich is my all-time favorite. Two of my favorite ingredients, chickpeas and avocado, come together to create the most amazing salad sandwich. It is kind o…

Are you ready for the best healthy sandwich recipe? This Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich is my all-time favorite. Two of my favorite ingredients, chickpeas and avocado, come together to create the most amazing salad sandwich. It is kind of a twist on egg salad, but there are no eggs involved. The creaminess comes…

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Our Favorite Warm & Buttery Lobster Rolls!

These warm and buttery lobster rolls are the best take on our favorite connecticut-style lobster rolls! So rich and decadent, perfect for a summer meal with an icy beer or chilled glass of wine! We have reached the pinnacle of summer with my perfect buttery lobster rolls! Seriously does it GET any better than this?! […]

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These warm and buttery lobster rolls are the best take on our favorite connecticut-style lobster rolls! So rich and decadent, perfect for a summer meal with an icy beer or chilled glass of wine!

We have reached the pinnacle of summer with my perfect buttery lobster rolls!

warm and buttery lobster rolls

Seriously does it GET any better than this?! Look at those buttery chunks of lobster! The fresh herbs, lemon, the buttery bread!

I could eat this every single day for the rest of the season.

lobster meat with butter and herbs

You may remember a few years ago when we went to Maine and basically took ourselves on a lobster roll tour for four days. I mean, we ate so many lobster rolls that I was fearful for my cholesterol when we returned from that trip. We waited in line after line and tried all the best places. 

Totally worth it.

lobster meat with butter and herbs

Both Eddie and I are definitely connecticut-style lobster roll people. We love the lobster drenched in butter on a warm (and sometimes toasty?) brioche bun. The best ones we had were at Eventide and I’m pretty sure they actually use brown butter. Which was absolutely INSANE. SO, so so good.

And since that trip, I’ve been making lobster rolls at home at least once a summer. 

warm and buttery lobster rolls

I mean… YUM.

I love to use claw meat because it’s my favorite – and then a mix of lobster tails too. I know that most lobster roll recipes used steamed meat, but I prefer to cook mine in butter! It only needs to be in the pan for a few minutes, which ensures that it is so tender and soft and not overcooked,

Then comes lots of melted butter, some fresh herbs, a spritz of lemon and… that’s it. 
(more…)

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Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches.

We absolutely adore these grilled chicken caesar sandwiches! They are so juicy and flavorful, smoky and simple. The caesar dressing is practically drinkable and they are super easy to throw together. Perfect for a quick summer dinner! I’ve got a new favorite dinner in the line up for you! These grilled chicken caesar sandwiches are […]

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We absolutely adore these grilled chicken caesar sandwiches! They are so juicy and flavorful, smoky and simple. The caesar dressing is practically drinkable and they are super easy to throw together. Perfect for a quick summer dinner!

I’ve got a new favorite dinner in the line up for you!

grilled chicken caesar sandwiches

These grilled chicken caesar sandwiches are one of those meals that look ridiculously simple, and well… they kind of are. But they are SO incredibly flavorful and just taste so GOOD. These are idea for a warm summer evening or even a busy weeknight. Add in a glass of chilled white wine and HELLO it is heaven.

grilled chicken caesar sandwiches ready to go

I’m always looking for easy, delish dinner ideas for weeknights and these cannot be beat. I was inspired to make them after falling in love with my grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches last year – which we freaking LOVE! They are so flavorful and delicious.

I knew we could do something similar with another combo that I adore so much – chicken caesar salad! Just… minus the salad.

But we do have some green leaves sooooo… there’s that. 

greek yogurt caesar dressing

The caesar dressing is my classic fave that I’ve used for years. You’ve read me ramble about it for ages and it’s truly the best. Greek yogurt based with a little bit of everything. Don’t skip the anchovy paste! It really makes it taste like traditional caesar and adds that savory pop. 

You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. I don’t use the actual dressing as marinade, but instead toss together some olive oil, garlic and dijon for a quick marinade for the chicken. The caesar dressing is just going to be our sauce/topping for the sandwiches. Or our dip! Whatever you want it to be.

marinated grilled chicken

The marinade is so easy and you can let the chicken soak for 30 minutes or even overnight, whatever you have time for. The real kicker is how smoky and wonderful the chicken tastes right off the grill!

grilled chicken caesar sandwiches

I love to use brioche buns here (they are the best) and crispy romaine leaves for the sandwiches. This combo is what really makes up the chicken caesar flavor explosion.

It goes like this:

The brioche buns are buttery and soft. They almost melt in your mouth – and if you grill them? Even better. 

The romaine is so refreshing and crisp and reminds you of that base of a classic caesar salad.

Our chicken is smoky, flavorful and juicy. I like to use thin-sliced chicken breasts, whether you buy them like that or slice them thin yourself, because that’s just what I prefer to bite in to. You know?

And then the caesar dressing finishes it all off. That stuff is drinkable, I swear. (more…)

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Roasted Broccoli Pimento Cheddar Melts.

These roasted broccoli pimento cheese melts are a lovely little lunch or snack! Toasted sourdough, melty pimento cheese and charred broccoli come together to make the most perfect cheesy, crunchy toast. We love them! These pimento cheese melts are the way to my heart!  They are embarrassingly easy and incredibly delicious. So simple, yet pack […]

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These roasted broccoli pimento cheese melts are a lovely little lunch or snack! Toasted sourdough, melty pimento cheese and charred broccoli come together to make the most perfect cheesy, crunchy toast. We love them!

These pimento cheese melts are the way to my heart! 

roasted broccoli pimento cheese melts

They are embarrassingly easy and incredibly delicious. So simple, yet pack a big punch.

A big lunch punch?!

Okay I’ll stop. They must find their way into your kitchen this week!

broccoli ready to roast

Last week, I promised you something fantastic with that pimento cheese recipe. And here is number one. A toasty sourdough, charred broccoli, melty, cheesy toast that will brighten your day. It can be a toast or even a crostini bite on little baguette slices. 

pimento cheese

If you find yourself with a plethora of pimento cheese… you have got to use it to make these wonderful melts! Sure, I’ve made pimento cheese grilled cheese before. And it’s super good. Very decadent and melty and wonderful. 

But if you want something slightly simpler and if you want to incorporate a little of that classic broccoli cheddar flavor, this melt will be your new BFF.

Make it into a sandwich, keep it open-faced – whatever you desire!

roasted broccoli pimento cheese melts out of the oven

It’s no secret what a fan of roasted broccoli we are in this house. I’ll spare you the ramble of “I just don’t know how it’s possible….” considering I loathed the sight of broccoli a few years ago. But it’s such a staple for us now – and if there is cheddar or any form of cheese involved?

HELLO I am so there.

roasted broccoli pimento cheese melts

First, we have all sorts of delish flavor going on here. Charred, roasted broccoli. Chewy yet toasted sourdough. All the savory, salty cheesy goodness. It’s a combination that cannot be beat.

Next, we have tons of texture too. The toast! The roasted broccoli! And the the gooey melty cheese. 

It’s an actual treat for your tastebuds.

roasted broccoli pimento cheese melts

As simple as it may be, it’s such a satisfying little meal. Pair it with a good greens salad or even an extra side of roasted broccoli. It’s filling, tastes wonderful and so super easy to throw together. (more…)

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Avocado Egg Salad

We make hard boiled eggs every single week. They are a great healthy snack to have in the fridge. I also use them to make egg salad, deviled eggs, and this healthy Avocado Egg Salad. Adding creamy avocado changes everything. Avocados really do make eve…

We make hard boiled eggs every single week. They are a great healthy snack to have in the fridge. I also use them to make egg salad, deviled eggs, and this healthy Avocado Egg Salad. Adding creamy avocado changes everything. Avocados really do make everything better! I promise you are are going to love this…

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Egg Salad

Easter is right around the corner and that means we will be up to our eyeballs in hard-boiled eggs. We always dye way too many eggs, but it is so fun! Plus, I love having extra hard boiled eggs to make deviled eggs and Egg Salad! I love making Avocado …

Easter is right around the corner and that means we will be up to our eyeballs in hard-boiled eggs. We always dye way too many eggs, but it is so fun! Plus, I love having extra hard boiled eggs to make deviled eggs and Egg Salad! I love making Avocado Egg Salad, but this classic…

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

When I dip, you dip, we dip! These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a classic! My boys love dipping their beef sandwiches into the homemade au jus, a fun and delicious meal! And the best part? The sandwiches are so easy to make because the slow co…

When I dip, you dip, we dip! These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a classic! My boys love dipping their beef sandwiches into the homemade au jus, a fun and delicious meal! And the best part? The sandwiches are so easy to make because the slow cooker does most of the work. The beef…

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