Try these easy Thanksgiving Tips and ideas to be better prepared for Thanksgiving! Prepare Thanksgiving meals easier and just get ready for the big day!
7 Ideas For An Easier Thanksgiving – Easy Tips
This is just a little reminder to take your turkey out to start thawing on Saturday if it is about a 20 pound turkey. I would start thawing any turkey on Sunday at the latest. I like to have my turkey thawed at least a day or two ahead of time so I can get it all prepared, in the pan and ready to just pull out and stick in the oven. I have so many things to do the day before Thanksgiving that this is one less thing to worry about.
For all you new or inexperienced cooks be sure to take out the “guts” or giblets as most people call them and the neck, which are usually stuffed inside of the turkey.
If you need to dry bread for your stuffing, lay the bread out this weekend so it will get good and dry. Break it up, place it in the bowl you are going to be mixing it in and have that much done ahead of time.
This weekend, wash and iron your linens for the table and get your silverware and dishes organized.
On Wednesday, do as much as you can so you’re not doing it all at the last minute. Clean the veggies for the relish dish and salads or side dishes. If you are making something like a sweet potato casserole get it all prepared so that all you have to do on Thanksgiving is pop it in the oven.
If you don’t want to be mashing potatoes two minutes before you sit down, mash them and place them in a crockpot on low to keep warm. You can keep them in the crockpot beautifully for one hour but no more. Beyond that, they get “yucky” quickly.
Most of all, for you new cooks or those of you cooking your first Thanksgiving dinner, don’t panic. It is really no more difficult than any other regular meal, except that you are probably preparing more of everything. If you are really nervous, do a trial run this weekend. Practice by roasting a chicken and making mashed potatoes, one or two sides and a dessert. It’s just like a mini Thanksgiving.
If something goes wrong (and most of us have had something go wrong once in a while), just laugh about it. Usually, it is the Thanksgiving everyone will remember with fond, happy memories. It will give you something to tell your future daughter in law, granddaughter or daughter about.
I remember being so scared my first Thanksgiving cooking alone. My friend who was older and who was going to be one of my guests told me how on her first Thanksgiving everything was perfect. The table looked great and everyone was laughing, joking and enjoying the food but half way through the meal she noticed something – she had forgotten the turkey.
She had set it on top of the fridge to move it out of the way for a minute and had left it there. Either no one noticed or they were too polite to say anything. Things may happen, but don’t panic – Thanksgiving wasn’t meant to be perfect– just a time of fun, enjoying being with friends and family.
This quick and easy sweet potato casserole recipe is a great dish for holiday dinners and potlucks as it can be made the day before and baked the next day!
Tasty Sweet Potato Recipes
This sweet potato casserole recipe is a great dish for holiday dinners and potlucks. It is an amazingly delicious addition to any meal, but is especially wonderful with traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. If your family isn’t fond of nuts, you can leave out the pecans.
Sweet potato dishes are a perfect addition to late fall and winter meals, making them a perfect recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner. Sweet potatoes are generally harvested in September and early October, but since they take up to eight weeks of curing and storage after harvest to sweeten, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start using them! This is why so many of us have fond memories of our grandmothers or mothers serving sweet potato casserole and other sweet potato dishes at Thanksgiving and Christmas!
If you’re expecting things to be hectic or if you’ll be short on time, you can make the sweet potato casserole the day before you need it and then just bake it the next day. When you’re preparing a lot of holiday dishes, it is great to spread out the work over a couple days so you’re not overwhelmed doing it all at once.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans Or Marshmallows?
The sweet potato casserole recipe below is our original recipe with a tasty carmely topping made from pecans and brown sugar. It is still my favorite way to make it but not all of my family appreciated the pecans. You can just leave the pecans out of the recipe and it will still turn out delicious.
If you prefer, you can easily add a marshmallow topping instead. To do that, simply make the sweet potato casserole recipe with mini-marshmallows instead of the pecan topping. After mixing the main casserole ingredients and placing them in the casserole dish, spread a bag of mini marshmallows over the top and bake as directed below. The marshmallows should turn a golden brown.
The gooey browned marshmallows add a nice flavor to the sweet potato casserole, which my kids have always loved.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also make the sweet potato casserole recipe with pecans just as the recipes calls for and THEN add the mini-marshmallows and bake! Oh YUM! Talk about a sweet and nutty flavor explosion!
This sweet potato casserole recipe is from volume 1 of our cookbook! For more easy and delicious recipes like this, check out our cookbooks here!
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If you’re in the mood for something different, here’s an easy candied sweet potatoes recipe you can also make to take advantage of the extra sweet potatoes you bought. This recipe is also good for holiday meals, but I often serve it throughout the winter as a side to some of our other easy family dinners.
Here’s an easy 4 step process to clean a stainless steel sink, with a video demonstration. We also share what cleaners to use and include natural options.
How To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink
Keeping your stainless steel sink clean isn’t as difficult as it seems. It does seem like it can be intimidating when you aren’t sure what products to use. Below, you will find 4 simple steps to get it clean and keep it that way.
You can see our video demonstrating how to clean a stainless steel sink here:
4 Steps To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink
Get the gross OFF! Use a solution of dish soap and water to wipe down all the food and grime. Do not rinse. Just let it soak for a minute until it loosens all the stuck-on food. When everything is softened, wipe out the sink with fresh water.
You can skip this step if your sink isn’t too bad but it’s a good idea to do it if you have a lot of stuck on food.
Scrub it! Use either a stainless steel cleaner or baking soda and vinegar. (Bar Keepers Friend is a good inexpensive stainless steel cleaner brand, which does not contain bleach.)
You can use a product like Comet with bleach if you want. I prefer to use the Comet but YOU CAN NOT LET BLEACH SIT IN THE SINK. If you use a cleanser with bleach, you must rinse it off right away as bleach can pit and stain your sink. Also, if you use this kind of abrasive cleanser, use a lot of water to prevent scratching.
If you use stainless steel cleaner, just rub on with the grain of the sink and rinse.
If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar, then scrub the sink with baking soda first. When you’re finished scrubbing, leave the baking soda on. Then pour some vinegar over the sink and let it bubble. Rinse with water. Vinegar is somewhat useful in disinfecting, but the vinegar will not disinfect as well as bleach.
IMPORTANT: When you’re cleaning the sink, make sure you wipe around the edges and the back of the faucet. (See our video.) A lot of people miss this area. This is where a lot of gross stuff can collect, causing unpleasant odors, and the grime can build up over time so that you will have to scrape it off.
If you have missed this area a lot and you have a big build up, you can take a plastic scraper like a pot scraper or a plastic knife and scrape away the build-up.
Dry the sink: Wipe down the clean sink and counters with a dry cloth. This makes the sink look shiny and extra clean.
Shine It! To add even more shine to your stainless steel sink, wipe down with a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil and shine with a dry cloth.
To freshen your disposal, you can put a piece of lemon or orange peel in your disposal and run it. The lemon will help clean and freshen, so if you have odors you might try this.
Here’s my #1 Tip for keeping your sink looking good: WIPE IT DOWN IMMEDIATELY AFTER EVERY LOAD OF DISHES!!! Seriously! It takes about 30 seconds to wipe and dry your sink and if you do this every time it will keep the grime from building up. While you’re at it, make sure to wipe the counters, too, and be sure to dry them as towel drying makes counters look shiny and extra clean just like it does with the sinks.
That’s it! As you can see in our video, it really doesn’t take much to get it clean. Once you know what cleaners to use, you can scrub away and have a fresh clean sink in just a minute or so!
Save money making your traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year! These easy tips make your Thanksgiving feast less expensive and reduce the stress!
Inexpensive Thanksgiving Dinner – How to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving can be a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the thought of everything that you need to do, especially if you’re preparing a big Thanksgiving feast. By making some simple changes to the way you approach some of the Thanksgiving preparation, you can save time and money and spend more time enjoying your Thanksgiving dinner and less time dreading it! Here are a few tips to help you make this Thanksgiving more fun and less stressful!
For More Ways To Save On Thanksgiving, Check Out Our Video!
How To Save On Turkey At Thanksgiving And All Year
Larger turkeys are usually less expensive so buy the largest one you can. I hear some of you groaning now about what to do with all those leftovers because you really don’t need a 22 pound turkey for 6 people. Not to worry — just don’t bake the whole thing.
I discovered one year by accident that my butcher (at a regular national chain grocery store) would cut the turkey in half for me. Even if it is frozen, he can still cut the turkey in half. This discovery really changed my life. (That sounds dramatic, but I was really having a problem becoming “one” with my turkeys.)
I suddenly had the revelation that I didn’t have to deal with the mounds of leftover turkey that haunted my post-Thanksgiving menu for years. I had just enough for a good old turkey sandwich and some soup. I mean Thanksgiving really isn’t Thanksgiving without a few leftovers, is it?
It was so much easier to handle and prepare an 11 pound turkey rather than to manhandle a 22 pound one. Getting the turkey cleaned and into the pan was a breeze and getting it in and out of the oven was just plain simple.
Just wrap the other half and freeze it to use for Christmas. I’ve often made ham for Christmas just because by Christmas we are so sick of turkey that we don’t want to think of preparing another one — ever! If there are fewer leftovers after your Thanksgiving dinner, your family might not mind having turkey again. Then you would have one less thing to buy for Christmas dinner.
If you still don’t want to have turkey for Christmas, save it for some cold day in January. If you have a large enough crockpot, cook the turkey in the crockpot. If not, cook it on very low in the oven so that it slow cooks all day. It is amazingly delightful it is to come home to the yummy smell of slow cooked turkey!
Save On Thanksgiving Pies That Taste Better!
Save money by making your own pies instead of buying the expensive pre-made ones. If the thought of making pie crust is too daunting, just buy a ready made crust. They are usually on sale for very little around Thanksgiving.
It really isn’t that hard to make the filling for most pies. Pies are often easier to make than cakes or cookies. If you like the traditional pumpkin pie, most cans of pumpkin have the recipe on the back. I also know of a really good cookbook that includes the recipe called Dining on a Dime Cookbook, Volume 1. HA! HA!
If your family and friends aren’t fussy about having the traditional pumpkin pie, you can make banana cream, chocolate, or butterscotch pie. Just mix a box of banana pudding and pour it into a baked pie crust. Cover it with sliced bananas and whipped topping. For the chocolate pie, use chocolate pudding with chocolate chips in it and cover it with whipped topping. For the butterscotch, use butterscotch pudding and whipped topping and sprinkle with butterscotch chips. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
You don’t have to make so many pies that you could open a bakery. I have found that most kids are just as happy with a platter of cookies. Don’t overdo it. You’ll just wear yourself out! If you have time, make the cookies in the shapes of pumpkins and turkeys.
Save On Thanksgiving Sides And Relish Dishes
Save money on your relish dish. Buying ingredients for a relish dish can get expensive, especially where we live. One year I paid more for my relish dish items than my turkey. If you have this problem, only use 3 or 4 vegetables on the relish dish instead of 10 and cut out on the more expensive vegetables. Broccoli and cauliflower are very high priced for us so, if I needed to save, I would probably use carrots and celery. Fill the celery with cheese or peanut butter or cut them into fancy shapes. On this occasion, the turkey is the star and most people won’t even notice that you cut back on the relish dish.
Don’t make so many side dishes– Like I said, the turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes are more important for your traditional Thanksgiving dinner than everything else. By the time everyone stuffs themselves on those, they only eat a token amount of the side dishes. Why? —Because, of course, everyone wants to save room for dessert!!!!!
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Setting Up For An Easier Thanksgiving
Here are some easy tips to make setting up for Thanksgiving go a lot smoother:
Short of seating space for your holiday dinner? Pull out your ironing board (some of you may not remember what that is. HA!HA!). Throw a table cloth over it and it works great as a kids’ table. Because you can move it up and down to different heights you can adjust it to the height of the chairs that you have or to the heights of the kids.
No kids coming to your party or dinner? Use the ironing board as a buffet table. Once again, cover it with a table cloth and use it for platters of cookies, bowls of Chex Mix, etc.
The ironing board can work well as a serving table, too. If your dining table has room for everyone to sit but not enough room for all of the food, set up the ironing board close to the table (being narrow means it doesn’t take up much space) to hold the serving dishes. Then mom or grandma won’t need to jump up and run to the kitchen every time someone needs seconds.
Some ironing boards are a little wobbly but if you put your ironing board on a hardwood or tile floor or up against a wall, that will help. Use your own judgment in setting it up and determining what is light enough to put on it. I probably wouldn’t put my heavy crystal heirloom punch bowl full of punch on it, but a basket of dinner rolls, chips or cookies would work fine.
It seems that no matter what you do when setting up for Thanksgiving, there are always so many last minute things to do the moment before you get ready to set everything on the table. One of those last minute things is mashing the potatoes. This year, you can stay ahead of the game by mashing them early and keeping them warm in your crockpot. They will keep up to 2 hours on low in the crock pot and will be just as fresh as if you had just mashed them. Put them on low and grease your crock pot. They start going down hill after two hours, so don’t leave them in there any longer.
Cranberry sauce is always on sale for a very good price this time of year. Stock up on it and use it through out the year. You don’t need to save cranberry sauce just for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It makes a nice change from the usual side dishes you serve with chicken or ham in February or August. As an added bonus, it is really good for you. Don’t forget dried cranberries, too. They are great in homemade trail mixes (mix up some trail mix for Christmas gifts), or tossed into your favorite quick bread.
Would you like help preparing a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner? Our Thanksgiving On A Dime e-book can give you peace and the confidence to know that you can do it! Learn More Here!
This easy crockpot candy recipe is the ultimate no-fuss treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of work! If you love easy Christmas candy recipes, you’ll love this crockpot candy! It’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress friends and family this holiday season.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this easy crockpot candy recipe is exactly what you need! Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a simple snack to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this candy is rich, gooey, and packed with flavor—all without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s made in your crockpot, so there’s minimal cleanup and almost no effort involved.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—peanuts, white almond bark, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips—you can create a decadent candy that tastes like it came from a candy shop. The crockpot gently melts the chocolate and almond bark while coating the peanuts in a creamy, irresistible mixture. All you have to do is stir, scoop, and let it set. Add sprinkles for a festive touch, and you’ve got a candy that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a home cook short on time, or just someone who loves easy desserts, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. You don’t need to be an expert chocolatier to make it look and taste amazing. Plus, it’s versatile—you can swap in your favorite nuts or even mix in mini candies for a fun twist.
In just a couple of hours, your kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate and peanut butter, and you’ll have a batch of homemade candy that’s perfect for gift-giving, snack time, or indulging whenever a sweet tooth strikes. This easy crockpot candy recipe proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most irresistible—and everyone will be asking for seconds.
I love pecan pie and I love cheesecake! But what can you do if both of them sound delicious? You no longer have to decide which of your favorite pie to have. This easy Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe includes the best of both worlds — pecan and cheesecake rolled into one! Not only did we make the decision easy to make but we made the recipe even easier to make!
If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecans and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, this Pecan Cheesecake Pie recipe makes a dessert you absolutely need in your repertoire! Imagine the gooey sweetness of a classic pecan pie layered over a smooth, velvety cheesecake base—every bite is a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert that looks like it belongs in a restaurant, yet is surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavor, but in its simplicity. You start with a buttery pie crust, which can be store-bought or homemade, then layer it with a luscious cheesecake filling made from cream cheese, sugar, and a touch of egg. On top of that goes the signature pecan layer, a heavenly combination of dark corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and of course, plenty of pecans. Once baked, the pie puffs up beautifully in the oven and then gently sinks as it cools, leaving a perfectly set, sliceable dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a special dinner, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this Pecan Cheesecake Pie is guaranteed to impress. It offers the rich flavors of classic Southern pecan pie while adding the creamy texture of cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. With minimal effort and common ingredients, you can create a show-stopping pie that tastes like it took hours of work, but comes together in no time. Prepare for compliments, second helpings, and requests for the recipe—it’s that irresistible.
Get ready to enjoy a dessert that combines the best of both worlds: nutty, gooey pecan pie and smooth, creamy cheesecake, all in one spectacular slice.
This easy gluten free pumpkin bread recipe makes a super moist pumpkin bread you’re sure to love! Indulge in the delightful flavors of pumpkin bread without any worries! Enjoy every bite of this delectable treat that’s perfect for anyone who has been missing out on the goodness of pumpkin bread due to gluten intolerance. It is also dairy-free!
Discover the joy of baking with our simple and delightful gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe! This mouthwatering treat is not only moist and delicious but also dairy-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Indulge in the irresistible taste of pumpkin bread without compromising your gluten-free lifestyle. Ideal for sharing with friends, family, or enjoying all by yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your gluten-free baking repertoire. Don’t miss out on the pumpkin bread you’ve been craving – give this easy recipe a try today!
How to Make The Pumpkin Bread
Believe it or not, you can eat delicious baked foods even when you are gluten free. This pumpkin bread is so easy to make you’ll want to try it today! he beauty of this recipe is you can make it in one bowl, so it makes for a super simple cleanup!
First, you will preheat your oven to 350°.
Then mix the wet ingredients together in a mixing bowl. After that, add the dry ingredients and water and mix. This should result in a thin batter that is about the consistency of pancake batter.
The bread is perfect like this, but if you prefer, you can add your choice of nuts or raisins. Pecans and walnuts are a particularly good choice. If you decode to go with raisins or nuts, stir them into the batter now.
If you like, you can experiment with adding other dried fruit bits instead of raisins.
Next, grease a loaf pan and coat the inside with gluten free flour. This will make it easier to get the pumpkin bread out of the baking pan when it is finished. This step is important because this pumpkin bread is so moist that you want to make sure it doesn’t disintegrate when you take it out of the pan.
Bake for one hour. When it is finished, you can stick a knife into the bread and when you pull it out, the knife should come out clean. If there is still batter on the knife, it is not quite done in the center and you can put it in the oven for a few more minutes.
When it is done, set it on the counter and allow it to cool. You can eat it when it is still warm, but it might fall apart if you try to eat it right away.
This pumpkin bread is delicious servedwith honey butter. I have included an easy honey butter recipe with the recipe below! Enjoy!
This easy gluten free pumpkin bread recipe is from our Dining On A Dime Gluten Free Dairy Free Cookbook:
Here’s an easy recipe and tips for how to roast a turkey! This is the best roast turkey recipe ever and everyone raves about how moist and delicious it is!
How To Roast A Turkey
If you don’t know how to roast a turkey, you’re going to love this super easy roast turkey recipe! There are only 2 ingredients and it takes just 5 minutes to prepare. Then it can roast in the oven overnight and will be perfectly juicy, moist and delicious just in time for your holiday meal!
I will actually be sharing 2 turkey recipes with you today. Both of them make wonderfully tasty and juicy Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey. The reason I’ll share 2 recipes is that the easiest turkey tastes amazing but is so fall off the bone tender that it does not have the crispy top traditional Christmas movie look.
The second recipe is also very delicious, but also has the classic crispy top look, in case you’re trying to wow your extended family with your Thanksgiving turkey roasting prowess! It’s slightly more time-consuming to prepare, but just as tasty!
Either way, you’re sure to have a juicy and delicious roast turkey!
If you choose the first recipe, the super easy turkey recipe, you can pretty much spend 5 minutes prepping it and then put it in the oven and leave it alone until it is done. The only extra work is turning down the temperature after an hour.
If you choose the second (slightly more complicated) recipe, be sure to baste regularly according to the recipe directions or the turkey will get dry. Also, be sure to add the water to the pan as directed if you start to run out of juices for basting to make sure that the turkey stays nice and moist.
Be Sure To Allow Sufficient Time To Thaw The Turkey!
Sometimes turkeys do not cook properly because they don’t get thawed. It is super important to properly thaw your turkey before you try to roast it. If you don’t thaw it ahead of time, you might find that it gets overly cooked on the outside and is still raw or undercooked in the middle. That would obviously not be good, so if necessary, set a reminder or write “thaw turkey” on the calendar so you don’t forget!
You need to allow 1 day of thawing time for every 4 lbs. of turkey. You can keep a thawed turkey in the fridge for at least 3-4 days, so if it is done thawing a little bit early, it won’t hurt anything. Thaw your turkey with the breast side down so the juices will run into the breast. (The turkey breast is the thick part of the meat that is usually on the top.)
Buy Whole Turkeys Around Holidays While They Are On Sale
Turkey isn’t expensive at all, especially around the holidays so stock up now. I got two turkeys today for $.39/lb. I had the butcher cut them in half just like last year and the year before!
If you haven’t heard of cutting them in half, you can often ask a butcher to cut a turkey in half and wrap the two halves separately. Normally, each half would be closer to the size of a chicken, so you can serve it in place of chicken for any normal size meal. We have a stand up freezer so I often buy extra turkeys when they are on sale. You can stock up during the holidays when turkey is cheap, serve turkey in place of chicken and save a bundle on your food bill!
How To Roast A No Fail Turkey!
This first recipe is my mom Jill’s roast turkey recipe. It is the one we all make the most often because of how super easy and delicious it is! It is a no-fail turkey recipe that literally only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
The secret to why this is a no-fail turkey recipe is that it is slow-cooked at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time, resulting in a perfectly moist and juicy turkey with very little work. Mom only uses this turkey recipe and I use this one most often because it is so easy.
Because this recipe calls for cooking the turkey upside down, the turkey meat ends up so tender that it falls off the bone without cutting. For this reason, you will want to serve this turkey already carved. If you have never cooked a turkey before or if you just like things to be as easy as possible and still taste great, this is the recipe for you.
This first roast turkey recipe does not have the traditional crispy top that you see in the movies, but it is amazingly delicious! If you really prefer to have a turkey that has the classic crispy top look, the roast sticky turkey recipe below can’t be beat.
Both recipes are juicy, tender and delicious! The biggest differences are that the super easy one is almost no work and the roast sticky turkey recipe requires more work but has the picture perfect crispy skin.
A Few Notes About Turkey Safety
Some people are concerned about roasting turkey this way because of the lower baking temperature of this recipe but it is perfectly safe if you start at 250° and then turn down to 200° after an hour. When it is finished, the internal temperature at the thigh should be 180° or higher.
Like chicken, you need to be sure to wash your hands after handling raw turkey before touching other things so you don’t contaminate surfaces and other foods.
Some people like to rinse their turkeys before cooking them, but we don’t recommend it. Rinsing is not necessary and can actually increase the likelihood of spreading dangerous bacteria everywhere as the water can carry germs to nearby surfaces. Cooking your turkey at the proper temperatures will kill harmful bacteria and as I like to say, no self-respecting germ would survive!
These Roast Turkey Recipes Are In Volume 1 of Our Cookbook:
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How To Roast A Prettier Turkey (with a little more work)
Here is another super delicious roast turkey recipe! If you want to know how to roast a turkey that is picture perfect with the crispy skin like you see in the classic movies, then this is the recipe for you. It takes a little bit more work than the super easy recipe above, but it’s still fairly easy and definitely delicious!
This recipe takes a little bit longer to prepare, but still not more than 10 minutes. In order to keep the crispy top from drying out and burning, you have to base it every 30-45 minutes as it bakes, which is easy but requires more of your attention than Mom’s turkey recipe above.
(If you haven’t done it before, basting a turkey is easy. You just pull the turkey partway out of the oven, spoon the juices over the top to keep it moistened and then slide it back into the oven until the next basting.)
This easy chicken cacciatore recipe is a tasty Italian dish that is quick and easy to make! A traditional family favorite that will leave everyone asking for more!
For more quick and easy chicken dinner recipes like this chicken cacciatore recipe, check out our cookbooks!
Here are a bunch of traditional Thanksgiving recipes for holiday favorites like roast turkey, sweet potato casserole, homemade stuffing, turkey gravy and homemade pies all in one place!
The best news!! All of these are dairy free and gluten free recipes and they ACTUALLY TASTE GREAT! You can make this gluten free dairy free Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people for under $35! (The cost depends on how many pies you make.) Don’t let your food sensitivity hold you back! Try these recipes and enjoy Thanksgiving without paying for it later! (more…)
Here’s an easy gluten free cornbread recipe that actually tastes AMAZING! This recipe is perfect for those who need to avoid gluten and dairy, and the balance of sweetness and tang makes it a real crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Try this easy Homemade Pie Crust Recipe, which will help you make a yummy pie crust the entire family will love! Super light and flaky, this recipe makes the very best pie crust!
I admit it, I hate pie crust, that is all except mom’s “very best” pie crust! It seems like it is usually difficult to make a crust that tastes great and also has a good texture.
Tawra
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From A Reader:
I purchase frozen pies most of the time. My husband prefers peach. To make them “more like Mama’s” when they come out of the oven, I sprinkle the tops of the pies with a few sprinkles of granulated sugar & a few sprinkles of cinnamon. I always have multiple compliments on my “homemade pies”.
I love your newsletter!!
Sincerely, Terri H., Pahrump, NV
Thanks for the great tip Terri. You can add the sugar before you bake it too. Try carving your last name initial in the top crust before you bake it with a knife. You would really have them fooled then. : )
This easy baked apples recipe makes a yummy and healthy dessert that the whole family will love! You’ll also find a delicious apple dumpling recipe!
When making baked apples, you can put all kinds of things in the center, including candied pineapple, orange peel, ginger, peaches, berries, raisins, honey, corn syrup, caramels and even marshmallows. Below is a basic baked apple recipe to get you started.
This million dollar chicken recipe makes a delicious, quick and easy chicken dinner your family will love with only 5 minutes’ work! It’s super creamy with bacon, cheese and green onions melded together with rich cream cheese!
Life can get busy, and when it comes to putting food on the table the whole family will love, it can be a challenge! When it’s mid week, you want something filling, tasty, and satisfying that doesn’t take too long to make. Is that too much to ask? No, it is not!
This Million Dollar Chicken recipe makes a chicken main dish, rich in flavor with bold combinations that are a match made in heaven! Tender chicken breast is layered with two types of cheese, bacon, and green onions. With minimal preparation, you can set it to bake and then the oven does all of the hard work for you! What’s not to like?
This is a tried and tested recipe that is easy to make! It is a one-pot dish that is perfect for busy nights when you just want a hearty meal on the table pronto. To put it into perspective it can go from fridge to oven in around 10 minutes. It is also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. So without further ado, here is everything you need to know to make Million Dollar Chicken.
Ingredients you need for the Million Dollar Chicken
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly cut or pounded
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled (about 8 slices)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped (about 4 onions)
1 1/2 cups Colby jack cheese shredded
Garnish
Crumbled bacon
Green onions
How to make the Million Dollar Chicken
Now that you have all of the ingredients gathered together, it is time to make the dish.
This recipe serves 4.
First, you will preheat the oven to 350˚. Getting the oven up to temperature will help to cook the chicken breasts evenly.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayo, bacon crumbles, green onion, and half of the cheddar cheese until combined.
Place the chicken breasts into a baking dish and spread the cheese mixture over the chicken. Once you have done this you will want to top the chicken with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Place the chicken dish into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. (This will give you a reading of 165˚ internal temperature.)
Garnish with additional bacon and green onions and serve hot and with your choice of accompaniment or side dishes.
Recipe notes and tips
Here are a few suggestions to ensure that you can get the recipe right the first time.
Try not to overbake the chicken. Chicken breast is one of those meats that can be dry and bland when not cooked properly. The creamy topping will help keep the meat juicy and tender. Check the chicken at around the 30 minute mark to see it is looks done. If not, use the extra minutes to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. If you can’t tell, you can test by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the thickest part, and it should read 165˚.
Get the ingredients ready ahead of time. You can prepare the bacon in advance so that it is ready to go with this dish.
The dish will be hot, so be careful if you are bringing it straight from over to the table. Bringing it to the table or serving “buffet style” can be a great way to let your family help themselves and save you a little work, but since it will be hot you might want to portion this one out for younger kids. (Pro tip: If you find that a lot of food is getting wasted every meal, serving the portions yourself can help you prevent waste and save any extra for future meals.)
Variations to try
This recipe doesn’t need to be followed exactly. You can feel free to adjust the recipe to your own taste when it comes to what you add or how you make it, but if you are not very experienced at cooking, it might be best to try it as written the first time. Here are a couple of recommended variations that you might want to try.
If you are counting calories, then why not use light cream cheese instead to make this a skinnier version?
For added flavor, try adding a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the cream cheese mixture.
You could also add some extra vegetables to this dish. Things like zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, and spinach will all go well with this recipe. Just be sure to mix it all well before adding the extra cheese on top and putting it in the oven to bake.
You could use boneless chicken thighs as a nice alternative, Chicken thighs have a little more, flavor, tend to be jucier and are usually less expensive than chicken breasts.
You could make this a veggie dish if you want to try something different. Start with the cream cheese mixture. Then spread it over a load of vegetables and bake for a nice veggie alternative.
FAQs
Can you make this ahead of time?
You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before you bake it if you wish.
You can also prepare this dish and freeze it, so you have something ready to pop in the oven on a night you know you will be busy. Lay out the chicken breast onto the dish and top with the cream cheese mixture. Freeze without baking or adding the additional toppings.
Make sure you thaw out the chicken in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. If you don’t let the chicken thaw, it will be raw in the middle, so be sure to allow adequate time to thaw.
What should I do with leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for a few days in the refrigerator or you can make any leftovers into another meal the next day. Serve it with potatoes, add a different side dish or even make it into Million Dollar Chicken sandwiches. Get creative and love your leftovers.
What can I serve with the Million Dollar Chicken?
This dish is so versatile, you can serve it with virtually anything. Here are some side dishes that go well with the million dollar chicken:
Mashed potatoes
Fries
Rice or pasta
Garlic bread
Side salad with a ranch dressing
Roasted vegetables
Loaded potato skins
Frozen vegetables, warmed up in the last 5 minutes of baking. I find this to be a super easy option and I’ll often serve dishes like this with broccoli, mixed vegetables, french cut green beans or some other easy frozen vegetable.
The options are endless and the creamy cheesy goodness works so well with the tender and juicy chicken breast that every time you make this recipe you might want to try something different.
I hope you enjoy eating this Million Dollar Chicken!
This fresh homemade salsa recipe makes a tasty Mexican salsa perfect served with Mexican food or eaten with chips or as a salad topping! My husband and I have enjoyed this recipe our entire married life and it is delicious!
Save money with this delicious and easy homemade salsa recipe! Fresh salsa is a tasty way to use all of those tomatoes, onions, and peppers from your garden!
For more quick and easy recipes like this easy homemade salsa recipe, check out our cookbooks!
Here are 2 easy chili recipes you’re sure to love! The first one is our regular easy chili recipe with all of the goodies! It’s delicious and easy to prepare. The second recipe is an easy 5 ingredient chili recipe that is less exciting for chili connoisseurs, but perfect for picky eaters. Both recipes are easy to make and perfect to serve for busy days!
This easy homemade chili recipe makes a quick and easy dinner that you can throw together before work or in the morning and let it simmer all day long. Throw together a batch of our Best Ever Cornbread and you’ll have a full meal the entire family will love!
This yummy and easy 7 Layer Bar Cookies Recipe makes a delicious treat your whole family will love! They are great for parties or anytime you need a great dessert!
(If you need some delicious and easy recipes that your family will love, you’ll definitely want to check out our cookbooks!)
This maple glazed chicken recipe makes a very tasty chicken dinner. It’s quick and easy and certain to please your family and friends!
This maple glazed chicken recipe is one of our readers’ favorite recipes, and for good reason! It is DELICIOUS!!
Not only that, it is super easy to make with just 5 ingredients. I have made this chicken recipe for our family for years and my husband and the kids have always gobbled it up! I usually make some rice and a vegetable like broccoli to go with it, but you can serve it with any easy side and vegetable.
Here are some good side options for the maple glazed chicken:
Rice – This is my favorite because it’s easy to just throw some rice on and it will be done in 15 minutes. My husband likes using a rice cooker so we just toss the rice in there and it cooks itself. He also uses rice for other lunches so he often makes a big batch and then we can just warm up some of it to go with whatever dinner I’m serving.
Potatoes – Potatoes are also a good option – I usually cube them and boil until tender, but you could also make mashed potatoes or baked potatoes if you prefer.
Dinner rolls or bread – Don’t be afraid to just serve with sliced bread or store bought dinner rolls. If you’re short on time, it is OK to take shortcuts to make dinner easier. It is much easier and cheaper than eating out and most kids appreciate simple meals.
A vegetable – I usually serve it with broccoli because my family always eats it, but you can serve with mixed vegetables, squash, a California blend if you want it to look fancy or even stir fry vegetables. We mostly use the frozen vegetables and just microwave them shortly before the chicken is ready.
A salad – This could be a dinner salad with your favorite lettuce as simple or as complicated as you like. For an easy salad, I often slice cucumbers and onions and add a viniagrette salad dressing. This would be really good with black olives, too.
A sliced veggie tray – I like to make a combination of cucumbers, baby carrots, sliced bell peppers.
“I made your maple glazed chicken recipe for a cooking contest at church. We had 45 minutes and $30 to feed 20 people 3 courses. My team did it for $22.” -Elizabeth Polk
“I made Maple Glazed Chicken last night so yummy even my husband loved it!! 😊” -Cindy
Try these recipes to go with the Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe!
If you have time to make them, these recipes also go well with this tasty chicken recipe!
Here are 7 deliciously easy apple cider recipes you’re sure to love! From rich apple cider fudge to warm mulled cider, fluffy pancakes, and more, these quick fall recipes bring the nostalgic flavors of autumn right to your kitchen. Each recipe is simple to make and takes just a few minutes!
Discover the perfect blend of cozy and delicious with our collection of easy apple cider recipes! This blog post is packed with easy-to-make recipes using apple cider that add warmth and flavor to your autumn days.
From a rich apple cider fudge to a comforting mug of mulled apple cider, you’ll find a recipe to enjoy at any time of day. Try fluffy apple cider pancakes for breakfast, or bake a batch of apple cider muffins as a tasty treat. And for the ultimate fall spread, our apple butter made with apple cider will add a seasonal touch to toast, biscuits, and more.
Ready to bring the magic of apple cider to your kitchen? Dive into these simple, irresistible recipes!
Apple Cider Pancakes
Starting with pancake mix: Follow the directions on pancake mix but use apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar) instead of milk or water.
Try these easy and delicious homemade soup recipes! Soup is an easy way to use leftovers and get meals on the table fast and so wonderful when it’s cold!
Here are some easy healthy soups that you can simmer all day if you like. They are easy to make, to freeze or to use for 2-3 days after you make them at mealtime or in lunches. Don’t be afraid to experiment with them and add your own favorite spices.
You can use canned soups if you like. On a cool winter’s day, a nice hot bowl of canned chicken noodle soup can really be good when served with crackers, fruit and mom’s love. Add some of your own ingredients to make it seem more homemade, like that small container of frozen cooked chicken, or add that leftover ham to canned split pea soup. Any leftover veggies can be added to canned vegetable soup. You can add your own spices to canned soup, too.
I’m not sure why, but sometimes gently simmering canned soup in a pan for 5-10 minutes somehow adds to the flavor a little, rather than just nuking it in the microwave.
Soup Tips:
Tie up your onion peels, carrot peels and celery tops in a cheese cloth to cook and make vegetable, beef or chicken stock. (Or use your old panty hose! LOL Just Kidding…)
When using canned soup, don’t be afraid to add things like fresh, canned or frozen vegetables.
Add some mushrooms, onions, celery or carrots to canned soup.
Keep a container of leftover vegetables in the freezer for something like this.
Think out of the box. Add the vegetables or chunks of beef to tomato soup for a different taste.
Spice it up. Adding just a few of your own spices will totally change the taste of canned soup.
Tasty Soup Recipes
This first recipe calls for barley. For years I didn’t know what barley was until I had this soup. Don’t be afraid to try it. It is good for you and tastes good too, even to a picky eater like me. ;-) This soup is about as low-cal, healthy, and filling as they come. You can find it easily in any grocery store in with the rice. It’s a nice change to barley from rice and noodles.
Here’s a basic easy vegetable soup recipe. You can add to it or take away according to what different vegetables you have on hand or what your family prefers. Certain vegetables take longer to cook than others so you will need to adjust the time when you throw them into the pot to cook. For example, potatoes and carrots will need to start cooking an hour or hour and half before serving while peas can go in 30 minutes before.
Don’t be afraid if you have to dump everything (except rice and noodles) in to simmer all day. I find that most stews and soups can handle it all going in together and simmering for several hours.
This easy orange chicken recipe makes a tasty quick and easy meal. You’ll also find a meal plan, tips and a tasty pretzel brownies dessert.
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe, Pretzel Brownies And More
Tips:
Disconnect a bunch of bananas at the stem to keep them fresh longer.
Cooking Mistakes
It is a mistake to boil water instead of simmering it. There is a difference. A simmer is where the bubbles are just under the surface of the water with one or two bubbles popping up once in a while. Boiling is when there are a lot of rapid bubbles on the surface. If a recipe says simmer, it is best to simmer. One example where this is important is when you are cooking meat. If you are in a hurry and you boil your meat for 30 minutes and then make it into a soup your meat will be very tough compared to simmering it for a couple of hours or more.
Another common cooking mistake is undercooking baked goods. When we first start cooking we are usually afraid we are going to burn something so we take it out before it is done. Unless the recipe states otherwise, leave your cakes, biscuits, cornbread and other baked goods in the oven long enough to brown slightly. Even if the toothpick test comes out clean, if it isn’t brown leave it in a bit longer.
Orange Chicken Meal Plan:
Orange Soda Chicken Brown or Steamed Rice Peas and Carrots Pretzel Brownies
Recipes:
Here’s an easy way to make a delicious orange chicken with just a small amount of work! This orange chicken recipe makes a quick and easy meal. I would probably serve with rice and broccoli so it is tasty and easy!
Discover the sweetest holiday treats with these easy Christmas bark candy recipes, perfect for gift-giving, parties, or festive snacking. From classic peppermint to fruity, nutty, and chocolatey variations, these recipes are simple, delicious, and fun to make at home!
There’s something magical about homemade Christmas candy, and few treats capture the holiday spirit like Christmas bark candy recipes. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for gift-giving or holiday gatherings, candy bark is a festive favorite that everyone loves. From classic peppermint bark to colorful fruit and nut variations, these recipes are simple enough for beginners but fun to experiment with for seasoned bakers.
With just a few ingredients, you can create show-stopping treats that look as good as they taste. White chocolate, dark chocolate, crushed candy canes, nuts, and dried fruits come together to create layers of flavor and texture that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making candy for a holiday party, a school bake sale, or a thoughtful homemade gift, Christmas bark candy recipes offer endless possibilities to customize flavors and decorations.
In this collection, you’ll find a variety of easy-to-follow recipes, including Peppermint Bark, Sheet Pan Pretzel Bark, Lemon Sunshine Bark, Cherry Bark, and even a fun Valentine-inspired candy. Each recipe is designed to be simple, using 2–3 main ingredients, with optional mix-ins to make your bark uniquely yours. You can get creative with nuts, caramel, M&M’s, dried fruit, or even swirls of chocolate for a marbled effect.
Not only are these barks delicious, but they’re also perfect for creating a festive candy tray, stocking stuffer, or party favor. Making your own candy bark at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy gourmet flavors without the store price, and the process is quick enough to do with kids or friends for a fun holiday activity.
Scroll down to explore this delightful selection of Christmas bark candy recipes, including a special fruit and nut bark recipe that’s perfect for sharing. These easy, festive, and tasty treats will make your holiday season sweeter than ever!
This delightful beef and bacon pasta recipe is a refreshing twist on typical beef dinners that is sure to satisfy your family’s taste buds! If you’re in search of something new to add to your go-to meals, this recipe is a must-try. It’s a great way to use leftover roast and other beef!
Beef and Bacon!! What can be yummier than these classic favorites together! Combining the classic favorites of beef and bacon, this easy beef pasta recipe creates a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that will leave you craving more. With a nice mixture of tasty ingredients, it offers a unique and flavorful dinner option that is both comforting and delicious.
Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal, this dish is bound to please even the pickiest eaters. Husbands and kids alike will love the rich and savory taste that this beef and bacon pasta brings to the table.
If you find yourself with leftover roast or beef, this recipe is an excellent way to use them in a creative and delicious way. The recipe calls for leftover beef, but you don’t have to use leftovers. This beef pasta recipe would be especially delicious with leftover pot roast or chipped beef, but you can also use steak or even ground beef. This flexibility makes it a great choice for using whatever ingredients you have on hand, while still creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
How To Make The Beef And Bacon Pasta Recipe
This recipe is so super simple to make!
If you don’t have leftover beef, you will want to cook your beef first. Don’t over-cook it. That way the meat will stay tender when you add it to the beef pasta dish.
You’ll also want to boil some pasta and drain it so that it’s ready to serve when the recipe is done. You can use any type of pasta you like (I use spiral pasta) and you can cook the pasta at the same time you are preparing the beef dish.)
First, you’ll fry the bacon in a skillet until it is nice and crispy. Then remove the bacon from the pan, cool and crumble it. Save the bacon grease in the frying pan to add a rich flavor to the entire dish.
After crumbling the bacon, set it aside. Then add the garlic, onion and green pepper to the bacon grease and sauté lightly until the onions and green pepper are a little tender, but not mushy.
Then you will add in the flour to thicken it and beef stock to give it a little more flavor. If you don’t have beef stock (beef broth), you can make it with bouillon cubes or buy it pre-made at the store. Stir until smooth.
Once the sauce is smooth, add the spices, beef, black-eyed peas and bacon and then simmer a little longer to give the flavors a chance to meld.
Once it is done, serve over the warm pasta.Parmesan cheese is a nice addition if you have any, but the recipe is still delicious without it!
This easy beef and bacon pasta recipe is from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1:
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More leftover beef recipes you may like:
If you’re looking for other great ways to use leftover beef, these recipes are also delicious!
