Sheet Pan Pancakes

These sheet pan pancakes make breakfast on weekends a breeze! They’re easy to whip up and they’re freezer-friendly. Perfect for breakfast meal prep!

The post Sheet Pan Pancakes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m always looking for ways to get breakfast and dinner on the table faster and these Sheet Pan Pancakes might just be my new best friend! Not only are they easy to whip up, but they’re super convenient. You can pour the entire pancake batter on one baking sheet and top it with your favorite toppings, or leave it plain and let everyone add their own toppings after it bakes. What I love most about these sheet pan pancakes are that they’re perfect for breakfast meal prep. They freeze perfectly and whenever I need a quick breakfast, I just pop 2 pancakes in my toaster and breakfast is done!🙌

Overhead view of sheet pan pancakes with fresh fruit and maple syrup on the side.

Why Sheet Pan Pancakes?

I’m not sure if your family loves pancakes as much as mine, but it has now turned into our Saturday morning routine. But flipping and making several batches of regular pancakes takes quite a while. And I have to try and keep the first few batches warm in the oven, while I make the rest of the pancakes. Sheet Pan Pancakes keeps you from having to do that back and forth dance. You can make pancakes for the whole family in one big batch, all on one baking sheet, and customize it with their favorite mix-ins and toppings. It’s honestly genius!

Ingredients For Sheet Pan Pancakes

To make these sheet pan pancakes, I used our homemade pancakes recipe as a base foundation and adjusted the measurements to accommodate a larger portion size. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Flour adds structure and is the foundation of the pancakes.
  • Baking Powder: Baking powder is what makes the pancakes light and fluffy instead of dense and gummy.
  • Sugar: A little bit of sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the pancakes.
  • Milk: Milk combines with the flour to add moisture and helps create the batter.
  • Egg: Eggs help hold the pancakes together and also helps leaven the pancakes.
  • Butter: Butter adds flavor and richness to the pancakes.
  • Vanilla Extract: A small amount of vanilla extract adds a wonderful flavor and depth to the pancake.
  • Salt: A little bit of salt helps enhance the flavor of the pancakes.
  • Toppings: This is where you can really have fun! I used a combination of my favorite fruits like strawberries and blueberries. And for some variety I added some chocolate chips and peanut butter & raspberry jam.

More Toppings and Mix-in Ideas

My favorite part about making sheet pan pancakes is adding different mix-ins and toppings. I personally love adding fresh fruit, but here are some more topping ideas for you to try:

Close up side view of sheet pan pancakes on a serving plate with maple syrup being drizzled over the top.

Recipe Tips!

  1. Don’t overmix the batter. Stir the dry and wet ingredients together until they are just combined and there are no traces of dry flour left in the bowl. Over-mixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour and make the pancakes rubbery rather than soft and fluffy.
  2. Grease your sheet pan well. Make sure to generously coat your sheet pan well with cooking spray to keep the pancakes from sticking.
  3. Dry your fruit well. If you’re adding fresh fruit, make sure to wash and dry your fruit well with paper towels to prevent any excess water or fruit juices from bleeding into the pancake batter.
  4. If necessary, use some parchment paper. Sheet pan pancakes seem to work better with baking sheets that aren’t too old. So if your baking sheet is older or a little beat up, you may want to line it with some parchment paper first.

How To Store & Freeze Sheet Pan Pancakes

What I love most about making sheet pan pancakes is that they’re extremely easy to store and freeze for later when you need a quick & easy breakfast. To store, let the pancakes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the cooled pancakes in a freezer safe storage bag, in single layers with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. You can easily reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or in the microwave until hot.

Overhead view of sheet pan pancakes cut into squares with one slice being lifted out.
Overhead view of sheet pan pancakes cut into squares with one slice being lifted out.
Print

Sheet Pan Pancakes

These sheet pan pancakes make breakfast on weekends a breeze! They’re easy to whip up and they’re freezer-friendly. Perfect for breakfast meal prep!
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $2.22 recipe / $0.55 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 (2 pancakes each)
Calories 467kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour $0.40
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar $0.10
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder $0.18
  • 3/4 tsp salt $0.08
  • 1 1/2 cup milk $0.30
  • 2 large eggs $0.33
  • 4 Tbsp butter, melted $0.53
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract $0.30
  • cooking spray

Optional Toppings*

  • fresh strawberries, sliced
  • blueberries
  • chocolate chips
  • peanut butter and fruit jam

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In the same bowl, add in the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk the wet ingredients together with the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.
  • Generously coat a 11×17-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Pour the pancake batter onto the baking sheet. Spread the batter evenly around the baking sheet with a rubber spatula or tap the pan a few times on the counter to even out the batter.
  • Visually divide the pancake batter into four equal sections and add your desired toppings on top into each section. I used a combination of sliced strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, and a peanut butter and raspberry jam swirl. To make the pb&j swirl, I simply added dollops of natural peanut butter and jam, then swirled the two together using a toothpick.
  • Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Allow the pan to cool slightly, then slice the sheet pan pancake into 8 equal portions. Feel free to make smaller slices if you want to make more servings. Serve warm with syrup and extra toppings if you like. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I added about 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and blueberries. For the strawberries and PB&J swirl, I simply eyeballed it until I filled up each section.

Nutrition

Serving: 2pancakes | Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 912mg | Fiber: 2g
Overhead view of sliced sheet pan pancakes on two serving dishes with fruit and syrup on the side.

How to Make Sheet Pan Pancakes – Step by Step Photos

Dry ingredients in a bowl for sheet pan pancakes.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp baking powder, and 3/4 tsp salt.

Dry and wet ingredients in a bowl for sheet pan pancakes.

In the same bowl, add in 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 large eggs, 4 Tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Sheet pan pancake ingredients mixed in a bowl.

Whisk the wet ingredients together with the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over mix at this point.

Sheet pan pancake batter poured onto a sheet pan.

Generously coat an 11×17-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Pour the pancake batter onto the baking sheet. Spread the batter evenly around the baking sheet with a rubber spatula or tap the pan a few times on the counter to even out the batter.

Sheet pan pancake batter with fruit added on top poured onto a sheet pan.

Visually divide the pancake batter into four equal sections and add your desired toppings on top into each section. I used a combination of sliced strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, and a peanut butter and raspberry jam swirl. To make the pb&j swirl, I simply added dollops of natural peanut butter and jam, then swirled the two together using a toothpick.

Finished sheet pan pancakes with four different toppings on top.

Place the sheet pan in the pre-heated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Overhead view of sheet pan pancakes cut into squares with one slice being lifted out.

Allow the pan to cool slightly, then slice the sheet pan pancake into 8 equal portions. Feel free to make smaller slices if you want to make more servings. Serve warm with syrup and extra toppings if you like!

Sheet pan pancakes in a freezer bag.

These pancakes are super easy to freeze! Just place the cooled pancakes in a freezer safe storage bag, in single layers with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Frozen sheet pan pancakes in a toaster.

You can easily reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or in the microwave until hot.

Close up side view of strawberry sheet pan pancakes on a serving plate with maple syrup being drizzled over the top.

The post Sheet Pan Pancakes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Minted Pea Soup

This Minted Pea Soup is refreshing and light. Perfect for spring gatherings, it’s fast and easy to make using fresh or frozen peas. Vegan-adaptable.

This Minted Pea Soup is refreshing and light. Perfect for spring gatherings, it's fast and easy to make using fresh or frozen peas. Vegan-adaptable.
This Minted Pea Soup is refreshing and light. Perfect for spring gatherings, it's fast and easy to make using fresh or frozen peas. Vegan-adaptable.

Tempeh Salad

This healthy tempeh salad recipe is made with crispy blackened tempeh, avocado, kale and creamy vegan cajun ranch dressing. Vegan.

This healthy vegan tempeh salad recipe is hearty enough for dinner and can be turned into a wrap. It's made with cajun blackened tempeh, kale, avocado, radishes, pickled onions, and a creamy vegan Cajun Ranch Dressing!
This healthy tempeh salad recipe is made with crispy blackened tempeh, avocado, kale and creamy vegan cajun ranch dressing. Vegan.

Buffalo Beans and Greens

These Buffalo beans and greens are a little bowl of luxury on a shoestring budget. We just can’t get enough!

The post Buffalo Beans and Greens appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I love any dish where I can sneak in some kale without complaints from the haters; there’s just something so fun about sneaking them in and hearing the good ol’, “I usually hate kale, but this is SO good!” These Buffalo beans and greens pack in a whole lot of nutrition and flavor on a shoestring budget. Creamy white beans, rich kale, and wholesome diced veggies all tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Drizzle it with some blue cheese dressing, and I just can’t get enough! One of my favorite Nashville institutions recently closed (I sob) and they had a killer Buffalo beans and greens dish on their menu, so this tip of the hat goes out to my friends at The Wild Cow.

overhead view of buffalo beans and greens over white rice on a white plate with white sauce drizzled over top.

What Are Buffalo Beans and Greens?

If you’ve made our Saucy White Beans with Spinach, then you know how good stewed beans can be. These buffalo beans and greens are a fun riff on the classic “Buffalo chicken” that all Americans know and love, but we’ve turned it into a veg-friendly complete meal. It’s a balanced, comforting, and wholesome meal with just the right amount of spice.

Ingredients for Buffalo Beans and Greens

Here’s what you’ll need to make buffalo beans and greens:

  • Unsalted Butter: Helps sauté the veggies without burning and adds richness to the dish. Dairy free? No problem, olive oil is a suitable substitute.
  • Vegetables: Yellow onion, celery, and carrots create a sweet, earthy, and crunchy base of flavor for this dish.
  • Garlic: Adds an earthy and savory element to the dish.
  • Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are a great meat replacement and are packed full of fiber and protein.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Adds a touch of spice to the dish.
  • Blue Cheese Dressing: You can use as much or as little as you like. It’s just for a drizzle on top at the end. Blue cheese can be polarizing, so if you’re not a fan, you can leave it off or try a drizzle of Homemade Ranch Dressing instead!
  • Fresh Kale: Wilts into this dish to create a delightfully earthy flavor and texture.
  • White Rice: Serve these beans and greens over rice for a complete, filling meal.

What Else Can I Put In Buffalo Beans and Greens?

This is a great recipe for fridge cleanout day since it’s easy to add any number of leftover veggies, meats, or cheeses to it. Try:

  • Broccoli or cauliflower florets
  • Diced zucchini or summer squash
  • Cut green beans or asparagus
  • Frozen peas or corn
  • Cooked bacon, Italian sausage, or pancetta
  • Leftover shredded chicken
  • Crumbled blue cheese

What to Serve with Buffalo Beans and Greens

We love the simplicity of this dish served over white rice, but of course, brown rice is a great healthy alternative. You could also serve it over some Mashed Potatoes, Deruny, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Creamy Polenta, or Cheese Grits. And if you hate blue cheese, try serving these buffalo beans and greens drizzled with Homemade Ranch Dressing.

overhead view of buffalo beans and greens in a pan.
overhead view of buffalo beans and greens over white rice on a white plate with white sauce drizzled over top.
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Buffalo Beans and Greens

These Buffalo beans and greens pack in a whole lot of nutrition and flavor on a shoestring budget. I just can't get enough!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.61 recipe / $1.65 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 (about 1.5 cups each)
Calories 569kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter $0.75
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced small $0.39
  • 3 celery stalks, diced small $0.26
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small $0.26
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced $0.42
  • 2 15oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed $2.56
  • 1/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce $0.52
  • 2 tbsp water $0.00
  • 2 cups fresh kale, chopped $0.50
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing $0.31
  • 1 cup white rice, cooked $0.64

Instructions

  • Cook rice according to package directions. (1 dry cup will yield about 3 cooked cups of rice.) Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.
  • Dice celery, yellow onion, and carrots to make a mirepoix.
  • Add the butter, salt, celery, onions, and carrots to a large skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or just until the veggies begin to soften. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the white beans, Buffalo-style hot sauce and water to the skillet. Stir and cook over medium heat until the beans are heated through.
  • Add the kale to the pan and stir until bright green and wilted. No need to cook for too long. Serve a heaping spoonful on top of rice, drizzling blue cheese dressing over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 569kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 682mg | Fiber: 14g
overhead view of buffalo beans and greens over white rice with white sauce on a white plate with a fork.

how to make Buffalo Beans and Greens – step by step photos

finely diced onion, carrot, and celery on a bamboo cutting board.

Cook rice according to package directions. (1 dry cup will yield about 3 cooked cups of rice.) Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Dice 3 stalks celery, 1/2 of a yellow onion, and 2 medium carrots to make a mirepoix.

onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a pan.

Add 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, celery, onion, and carrots to a large skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or just until the veggies begin to soften. Add 6 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.

cannellini beans and buffalo sauce added to sauteed veggies in a pan.

Add 1 can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, 1/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce, and 2 Tbsp water to the skillet. Stir and cook over medium heat until the beans are heated through.

kale added to buffalo beans in a pan.

Add 2 cups chopped fresh kale to the pan and stir until bright green and wilted. No need to cook for too long. Serve a heaping spoonful on top of rice, drizzling blue cheese dressing over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

overhead view of buffalo beans and greens in a pan.

This rich and filling buffalo beans and greens is sure to become a weeknight staple!

The post Buffalo Beans and Greens appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Strawberry Oatmeal

Dive into a bowl of juicy berry flavor with strawberry oatmeal recipe! It’s fast and easy to make as a…

Dive into a bowl of juicy berry flavor with strawberry oatmeal recipe! It’s fast and easy to make as a satisfying breakfast: the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Strawberry oatmeal

It’s easy to get in a rut with breakfasts. Here’s a fun spin on the classic breakfast that will make you look forward to mornings: strawberry oatmeal! Who can say no to pink oatmeal? The sweet berry flavor is irresistible, and topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup and a hint of cream, it’s absolutely sublime.

Why we love this recipe: Alex and I eat a lot of oatmeal around here (it’s a daily occurrence!). This berry spin is our new favorite because it’s so much fun: sweet, cozy, and such a fun way to use seasonal berries. Strawberries and cream? Count us obsessed.

Ingredients in strawberry oatmeal

This strawberry oatmeal recipe relies on simple ingredients to make a fun, wholesome breakfast. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Old Fashioned rolled oats: Old Fashioned oats are the key to the texture and cook time. Avoid substituting instant oats, quick cook oats, or steel cut oats here.
  • Diced strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best in this recipe: they have the sweetest flavor, and they are necessary as a garnish for the full flavor to come out. You can use frozen berries too, but they have a slightly more tart flavor (add extra sweetener if desired).
  • Pure maple syrup: Maple syrup is our natural sweetener of choice. You can also use honey or granulated sugar, if desired.
  • Heavy cream or half and half: To make the strawberries and cream vibe, we’ve used a hint of heavy cream here. If desired, you can use half and half, whole milk, or a non-dairy creamer or coconut milk (oat milk is an option, but it doesn’t have the rich quality that cream brings).
  • Vanilla extract and kosher salt: These ingredients round out the flavor.
Strawberry Oatmeal Ingredients: oats, vanilla, strawberries, maple syrup, cream.

How to make strawberry oatmeal: step by step

Strawberry oatmeal is quick and easy to make: the entire process takes about 10 minutes. It’s a great fun easy breakfast idea to look forward to. Here are the basic steps (or go to the full recipe):

Step 1: Dice the strawberries.

Step 2: In a saucepan, add the oats, water, strawberries, syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and the oats are tender. Smash the berries with the back of a large spoon as you stir.

Step 3: Garnish with fresh strawberries and maple syrup. This is important to allow the flavor to pop! If desired, add a drizzle of cream.

Fresh vs frozen strawberries

🍓Both fresh or frozen strawberries work here, but it’s best with fresh berries because the have the sweetest flavor. Also, adding fresh strawberries as a garnish is what makes the strawberry flavor pop.

But if all you have is frozen strawberries, they work too! Consider saving out a few and thawing them for a garnish (you don’t need to thaw the berries that go into the pot with the oatmeal). Since they’re more tart than fresh berries, you may need to add a little extra maple syrup.

Strawberry Oatmeal in bowl with fresh strawberries.

Flavor variations for strawberry oatmeal

We think this strawberries and cream oatmeal is so much fun as a healthy breakfast idea: there’s really no need to change the flavor at all! But if you love changing things up, here are a few flavors that would pair well:

  • Nuts and seeds: A topping of sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds add a nice crunch and healthy fats.
  • Nut butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter as a topping (for PB&J vibes)
  • Cinnamon: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon while cooking.
  • Blueberries: You can make this with blueberries instead: go to Blueberry Oatmeal.

Leftover storage and make ahead tips

Leftovers store refrigerated for up 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, and make sure to garnish again with fresh strawberries and maple syrup. 

A few of our top strawberry recipes

We love mixing up recipes with this seasonal berry! Here are some of our top strawberry recipes:

Dietary notes

This strawberry oatmeal recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free (using gluten-free oats). For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use plain non-dairy creamer or coconut milk.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of oats are best for strawberry oatmeal?

Rolled oats are the perfect choice for stovetop oatmeal, offering a creamy texture that complements the strawberries. If you prefer a quicker option, you can use instant oats, but be aware they might cook up a bit mushier.

Fresh or frozen strawberries?

Both work well! Fresh strawberries offer a brighter flavor, while frozen strawberries can add a thicker consistency (add additional sweetener to taste).

How can I sweeten my strawberry oatmeal?

Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or even chopped dates are all delicious options. You can also use a sprinkle of brown sugar for a touch of caramel flavor.

What are some other toppings for strawberry oatmeal?

Nuts and Seeds: Sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds add a nice crunch and healthy fats.

Yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavored yogurt adds a creamy richness.

Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top.

Chocolate: A drizzle of chocolate syrup or dark chocolate shavings is a decadent treat.

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Strawberry oatmeal

Strawberry Oatmeal


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2

Description

Dive into a bowl of juicy berry flavor with strawberry oatmeal recipe! It’s fast and easy to make as a satisfying breakfast: the perfect balance of sweet and tart.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup diced strawberries, fresh or frozen*
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or oat milk, for vegan)
  • For topping: maple syrup and fresh strawberries (required)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, add the oats, water, strawberries, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and the oats are tender, smashing the berries with the back of a large spoon as you stir. (Try to smash the majority of the berries to give the oatmeal its pink color.)
  2. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup and sliced strawberries: this is required and what brings out the strawberry flavor. If desired, add a drizzle of cream. 
  3. Leftovers store refrigerated for up 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, and make sure to garnish again with fresh strawberries and maple syrup. 

Notes

*Fresh or frozen strawberries work. Keep in mind that adding fresh strawberries as a garnish is what makes the strawberry flavor pop. If all you have is frozen berries, they work too! A few tips: consider saving out a few and thawing them for a garnish (you don’t need to thaw the berries that go into the pot with the oatmeal). Since they’re more tart than fresh berries, add a little extra maple syrup.

  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Easy Tofu Sofritas

This easy sofritas recipe will make you want to skip Chipotle’s! Savory, Mexican-spiced tofu crumbles are full of flavor and high in protein, and ready in 10 minutes flat!

This easy sofritas recipe will make you want to skip Chipotle's! Savory, Mexican-spiced tofu crumbles are full of flavor and high in protein, and ready in 10 minutes flat!
This easy sofritas recipe will make you want to skip Chipotle's! Savory, Mexican-spiced tofu crumbles are full of flavor and high in protein, and ready in 10 minutes flat!

45 Fresh and Healthy Mexican Recipes

Here’s a collection of our most popular Mexican recipes! Whether you are looking for Cinco de Mayo recipes, easy vegetarian meals, tasty Mexican appetizers, authentic Mexican classics, or fresh and tasty side dishes, you’ll find inspiration here.

shrimp enchiladas
Here's a collection of our most popular Mexican recipes! Whether you are looking for Cinco de Mayo recipes, easy vegetarian meals, tasty Mexican appetizers, authentic Mexican classics, or fresh and tasty side dishes, you'll find inspiration here.

Tostadas

These tostadas made with mashed pinto beans are piled high with salsa, veggies, and cheese for a satisfying (and fun!) weeknight meal.

The post Tostadas appeared first on Budget Bytes.

With the sun working overtime during these hot summer months, I’ve got tacos on my mind (and tortillas in my fridge) 24/7. I love how balanced and fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine can be, and these tostadas are no exception! Crispy tortillas are piled high with mashed pinto beans, salsa, veggies, and cheese for a different spin on your typical taco night. Plus, I love that I can use up any leftover tortillas I have on hand so nothing goes to waste! These are super customizable based on your family’s preferences, so you can add or omit just about anything you want.

close up of a hand holding a tostada.

What Is A Tostada?

The word “tostada” translates to “toasted” in reference to the crispy toasted tortilla shell that serves as the base of the dish. It’s sort of like a flattened taco piled high with filling. It’s also a great way to use up the last of those leftover tortillas that are starting to go stale!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tostadas:

  • Onion: I used white onion because it was on sale, but yellow or Vidalia will also work well in this recipe.
  • Jalapeño: Adds a bit of heat to the filling.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the filling cook without burning. Neutral cooking oils like canola or vegetable also work well.
  • Pinto Beans: Create a mushy, refried bean-like texture. If you have some leftover, our favorite (Not) Refried Beans can also work well in this recipe!
  • Taco Seasoning: An easy way to add classic Mexican flavors.
  • Water: Helps make the beans easier to mash.
  • Salsa: Adds freshness to the tostadas. I love this Fire Roasted Salsa, but store-bought works just fine.
  • Tostada Shells: These small, crunchy corn tortillas are like a flat hard taco shell. A Mexican open-faced sandwich, if you will!
  • Radishes: Add a delightful, fresh crunch!
  • Slaw Mix: A cheap and easy hack to add extra veggies to this dish.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess.
  • Cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
  • Avocado: Adds a creamy texture. Guacamole also works well.
  • Queso Fresco: Can’t find queso fresco or cotija cheese? Cheddar cheese will do just fine, or omit it altogether.

What Is the Difference Between A Tostada and a Tortilla?

A tostada is a tortilla that has been baked or fried until it is crispy. You can purchase ready-made tostada shells from popular brands like Old El Paso, or you can make your own by baking 6-inch corn tortillas until toasted and crispy.

How to Eat A Tostada

Tostadas are finger foods, so use your hands, not a fork and knife! I like the two-handed method of holding the edges of the tostada and taking bites like a slice of toast. I also like to crack the tostadas into smaller pieces and eat it in smaller bites that way.

side view of tostadas on a piece of parchment paper on a blue table.
holding a tostada over a table topped with tostadas.
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Tostadas

These tostadas made with mashed pinto beans are piled high with salsa, veggies, and cheese for a satisfying (and fun!) weeknight meal.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 535kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.20
  • 1/2 white onion, diced $0.45
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced $0.24
  • 1 1-oz. packet taco seasoning $0.59
  • 2 15-oz. cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed $1.78
  • 1 cup water $0.00
  • 8 tostada shells $0.88
  • 1/2 cup salsa $0.49
  • 3 radishes, julienned $0.37
  • 1/2 14-oz. bag pre-chopped slaw mix $0.99
  • 1/4 cup sour cream $0.31
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro $0.12
  • 1 avocado, sliced $0.99
  • 2 Tbsp crumbled queso fresco $0.35

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil, onions, jalapeño, and taco seasoning mix to a skillet. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and glossy.
  • Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with 1 cup of water and simmer for 5-8 minutes, until the beans start to dissolve and break down and the liquid reduces to about 1/2.
  • Remove from the heat and mash the bean mixture together. Set aside.
  • Crumble queso fresco, julienne or slice radishes, mince cilantro, thinly the avocado, and gather your premixed cabbage and salsa of choice.
  • Spread out tostada shells on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This makes the tostadas extra crunchy!
  • Assemble tostadas: The tostada shell will be on the bottom, topped with mashed pinto beans.
  • Then, add all other toppings; divide the pre-chopped slaw mix, salsa, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado, and crumbled queso fresco between all tostadas. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

This recipe is easily made vegan by leaving off the sour cream and cheese. There are amazing vegan substitutes available for both of those ingredients nowadays, too!

Nutrition

Serving: 2tostadas | Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 1649mg | Fiber: 19g

how to make Tostadas – step by step photos

onion, jalapeno, and taco seasoning in a frying pan.

Add the 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 diced white onion, 1 seeded and diced jalapeño, and 1 oz. packet of taco seasoning mix to a skillet. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and glossy.

step 2: add beans and water

Add the 2 cans of drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with 1 cup of water and simmer for 5-8 minutes, until the beans start to dissolve and break down and the liquid reduces by about 1/2.

step 4: mash the beans

Remove from the heat and mash the bean mixture together.

step 6: chopped veggies on cutting board

Crumble 2 Tbsp queso fresco, julienne or slice 3 radishes, mince 2 Tbsp cilantro, thinly slice the avocado, and gather your premixed cabbage and salsa of choice.

step 6 lay out tostadas and toast

Spread out 8 tostada shells on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This makes the tostadas extra crunchy!

step 7: add beans to tostatdas

Assemble tostadas: The tostada shell will be on the bottom, topped with mashed pinto beans.

8 add all the toppings 1 by 1 to tostadas

Then, add all other toppings; divide the 1/2 bag of pre-chopped slaw mix, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 sliced avocado, and 2 Tbsp crumbled queso fresco between all tostadas. Enjoy!

overhead view of tostadas on a piece of parchment paper on a blue table.

More Recipes with Tortillas

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Moroccan Butternut Squash Stew with Chickpeas

This Moroccan Butternut Squash Stew is packed with tender butternut squash, protein-packed chickpeas, and Moroccan-inspired spices. It’s a little bit savory, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot of delicious. I’ve always been a sucker for butternut squa…

This Moroccan Butternut Squash Stew is packed with tender butternut squash, protein-packed chickpeas, and Moroccan-inspired spices. It's a little bit savory, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot of delicious. I've always been a sucker for butternut squash. I mean... what's not to love? It's a hearty veggie that makes a great base for...

Read More

This article was written and published by Oh My Veggies. It may not be reproduce or republished without permission of the author. The original article can be found here: Moroccan Butternut Squash Stew with Chickpeas.

Taco Dip

This 4-ingredient Taco Dip is creamy, super easy to make, and has the perfect amount of spice. It’s great for parties or to treat yourself!

The post Taco Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m that person who always chooses queso or spinach dip when I go out to my favorite restaurants. Dips are my absolute favorite appetizer and they’re perfect for sharing at parties and family gatherings. This 4-ingredient Taco Dip is creamy, super easy to make, and has the perfect amount of spice. Toppings are optional but I loved adding some tomatoes, jalapeños and sliced green onions on top of mine. And you don’t have to wait until the next big event to make this taco dip recipe…treat yourself this weekend to some chips & dip, you deserve it!😉

Overhead view of a serving bowl full of taco dip, topped with cherry tomatoes and jalapenos and chips served on the side.

What’s In Taco Dip?

When I say this dip recipe is super easy, I really mean it. It’s one of those recipes you can memorize after making it one time and it’s easy to keep all the ingredients on hand for whenever you want to whip up a quick batch. For this taco dip we simply used cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and a little bit of salsa. That’s it! You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings or keep it simple and enjoy with lots of tortilla chips!

Can I Add Meat?

Oftentimes you may see taco dip made similar to our 7 layer dip recipe with ground beef added and layered with lots of veggies. I opted for a simpler version that can be made quickly with fewer ingredients, but still packs in lots of those Mexican-inspired flavors that I love. With that being said, you can definitely add some seasoned taco meat if you want to make this dip more filling. I suggest adding ½ lb. of seasoned ground beef on top of the cream cheese layer, then finish with your favorite toppings.

Topping Ideas

I love adding my favorite nacho-style toppings to this creamy dip. You can keep things simple like we did with a few tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and sliced green onions or have fun adding any of these toppings listed below:

Making It Ahead & Storing Leftovers

You can easily make this taco dip ahead of time and just wait to add on any extra toppings. Follow the recipe listed below then cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Side view of a hand scooping some taco dip with a tortilla chip.
Overhead view of Taco Dip in a serving bowl with a chip scooping some out.
Print

Taco Dip

This 4-ingredient Taco Dip is creamy, super easy to make, and has the perfect amount of spice. It’s great for parties or to treat yourself!
Course Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine American
Total Cost $3.98 recipe / $0.40 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 10 (about 1/4 cup each)
Calories 128kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened* $1.85
  • 1 cup sour cream $1.12
  • 2 Tbsp taco seasoning** $0.59
  • 1/4 cup salsa $0.42

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and salsa.
  • Using a hand mixer blend all the ingredients together until completely smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
  • Add the taco dip to a serving dish and top with your favorite toppings. I topped mine with some grape tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, and sliced green onions. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Make sure your cream cheese is softened so the ingredients can blend easily and smoothly.
**You can use our homemade taco seasoning recipe or a store-bought taco seasoning packet. The store-bought packets are about 3 Tbsp of seasoning mix. You can use the entire packet for a more intense flavor or measure out 2 Tbsps and save the rest for later. I tested this recipe with 2 Tbsp of seasoning mix vs. the entire seasoning packet, and 2 Tbsp was definitely the way to go!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 161mg | Fiber: 0.2g

How to Make Taco Dip – Step by Step Photos

Taco Dip ingredients in a white bowl.

In a large bowl combine 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup salsa. I like using chunky mild salsa.

Taco Dip mixed together in a white bowl.

Using a hand mixer blend all the ingredients together until completely smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.

Taco Dip spread out in a serving bowl.

Transfer the taco dip to a serving dish or bowl and top with your favorite toppings. I topped mine with some grape tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, and sliced green onions.

Overhead view of Taco Dip in a serving bowl with a chip scooping some out.

Now just grab a bag or tortilla chips and enjoy by yourself or with your family and friends!

The post Taco Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.