This easy oatmeal muffins recipe is super easy to make and EVERYONE loves them! You can add blueberries, cranberries, chocolate chips, or raisins to the recipe to add some pizzaz!
This is also a great recipe to have the kids start helping out in the kitchen! Let them choose what add-ins to put into the recipe. Then they can take the muffins in lunches or for an after school snack!
This bean and bacon soup recipe makes a hearty bean soup perfect for hungry families! The bacon makes it extra tasty! It makes a great main dish, especially on weeknights when you don’t feel like cooking. Serve with cornbread and biscuits for a perfect meal. It’s easy to make with about 5 minutes prep time and then simmer.
This bean and bacon soup recipe is delicious and easy to make with about 5 minutes prep time. It’s warm and savory and very filling.
This soup makes a great main dish, especially on weeknights when you don’t feel like cooking. Serve with cornbread or homemade biscuits for a perfect meal. It also makes a nice complement to sandwiches like grilled cheese or cold cut lunch sandwiches.
You can easily double or triple this recipe. While you’re making it, make some extra and freeze so that when you have a particularly hectic day, you can just warm it up and have dinner ready.
You can freeze it in individual portions and microwave it for an easy lunch. If you have access to a microwave, take it frozen in the container to work or school and it will be partly defrosted by lunchtime.
Ingredients for the soup recipe
Bacon – Bacon is the ingredient that makes the bean and bacon soup extra delicious! You can use whatever kind of bacon you like. To save money, I like to buy the bacon in the “ends and pieces” packages. It’s the same bacon, but since the pieces are irregular it is a lot cheaper than the full-size strips. Bacon ends and pieces are perfect for soups and seasoning things like baked potatoes and breakfast items.
Onion – I like to use white onions for this recipe. You can use yellow onion, but they have more bite. For a little more color, you can garnish the tops with green onions when you serve the soup.
Garlic – The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, but you can adjust to your taste if you like. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer.
Ranch-style beans – It is possible to use other beans for the bean and bacon soup recipe, like pinto beans or Great Northern Beans, but I prefer the Ranch-style beans. Ranch-style beans already include green chiles and some seasonings that make this recipe a lot easier. If you have more time and want to experiment, you can try other beans and add some canned green chiles.
Cooked rice – I add the rice to give the recipe more body. If you want to stretch it a little further, you can add a little more rice than the recipe calls for and it will still taste good. We usually cook rice in our handy rice cooker and keep some in the fridge so it’s easy to use on the spot with any meal or to add to recipes like this.
Stewed Tomatoes – The recipe calls for stewed tomatoes, but pretty much any canned tomatoes will work. Just make sure if you use a different kind, that you cut them to bite-sized pieces. You can also use diced canned tomatoes or diced fresh tomatoes if you prefer. This recipe is a good way to use tomatoes from your garden.
Paprika – There are varying flavors of paprika, but the typical paprika at the grocery store is made of a combination of dried peppers that are very mild in flavor, and that paprika adds a sweet taste with a subtle touch of heat.
To make the bean and bacon soup recipe
Start by dicing the bacon and frying lightly in a large saucepan. Next, sauté the onions and garlic in the remaining bacon fat. This preserves a lot of the delicious bacon flavor! Then add all of the remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 1 1/2 hours to allow the flavors to blend. It’s Ok to let it simmer longer.
This bean and bacon soup recipe is in Volume 1 of our Dining On A DimeCookbook:
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These easy 2 ingredient dough recipes include a super simple 2 ingredient dough and other easy recipes you can make from the dough including cinnamon rolls, pizza, bagels and more!
I love 2 ingredient dough recipes because they’re quick and easy to make. In this post, I have included a super simple 2 ingredient dough recipe, which you can use to make your favorite easy bread recipes quickly.
I have also included some of my favorite recipes for things you can make with this dough. You’ll find tasty cinnamon rolls, easy pizza, bagels and more!
My family especially loves the Naan flatbread! We just discovered Naan a few years ago and everyone in the family loves it. You can make the basic dough recipe in less than 5 minutes and then each of the other recipes can be made with just a few minutes’ prep time!
This super simple 2 ingredient dough recipe is quick and easy to make in less than 5 minutes! Low in calories and fat, it is perfect for diets like weight watchers. It’s not only quick and easy, but you’ll know exactly what is in it! Make a batch and try it with one of the easy recipes below!
These easy 2 ingredient dough recipes are from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 2:
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This easy cinnamon rolls recipe makes quick and delicious cinnamon rolls your family is sure to love! You can make this gooey and sweet treat with around 5 minutes prep time starting with the 2 ingredient dough recipe above!
You can make this easy homemade pizza starting with the 2 ingredient dough recipe above and save a lot of money instead of buying pizza out. It’s quick and easy to make in less time than going to pick up a store pizza. Customize with your choice of toppings for a fresh homemade meal your family will love!
Now you can make fresh, homemade breadsticks at home, starting with our 2 ingredient dough recipe. They’re perfect for pizza and Italian dishes, but can easily be used as a tasty bread for virtually any meal!
Here is an easy 2 ingredient dough bagels recipe you can make with just a few minutes’ prep time! Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, garlic and herb seasoning or your favorite combination of bagel seasonings!
This 2 ingredient dough garlic cheddar rolls recipe makes tasty dinner rolls that are perfect as a bread for a chicken dinner, roast or virtually any meal!
This 2 ingredient dough naan flatbread recipe makes a delicious naan flatbread like the kind you get at your favorite Indian restaurant! It’s easy to make in just a few minutes. This is a perfect addition to dinner when you’re making something like our easy chicken curry recipe!
This homemade lotion bars recipe is one of our new FAVORITE recipes! We just love using these lotion bars for everything! The best part is that the recipe takes just a few minutes to make and you can easily make several bars at once.
Ways to use these homemade lotion bars:
Keep a lotion bar in a soap dish by the sink in the kitchen and rub it on before doing the dishes so your hands don’t get chapped.
Keep a lotion bar in a soap dish next to the bathroom sink and rub it on after washing your hands.
Put a lotion bar on your dogs’ paws to keep them from getting chapped in the winter.
Put a lotion bar on before a walk to protect your dogs’ paws from snow and ice.
Pour the lotion mixture into small molds (about 1-2 inches) and then put in a mint tin for mini lotion bars.
Pour the lotion bar mixture into an empty chapstick container for the kids to carry in their coat pockets or backpacks to rub on their dry hands at school.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase this product we will get a small commission to help us bring more free and recipes and tips to you!
Here’s a tasty treat you can make in 5 minutes! This no bake chocolate cheesecake recipe with cream cheese makes a cheesecake with a rich chocolate flavor and velvety smooth texture. It’s so easy you’ll want to make it for all of your get togethers! Just melt chocolate chips, blend everything together, put it in a pie crust, chill and serve!
This no bake chocolate cheesecake recipe is absolutely divine!
I have to tell you about this no bake chocolate cheesecake recipe with cream cheese because it’s one of those desserts I end up making over and over again! It’s super simple, takes just a few minutes to throw together, and every single time I make it, it disappears fast.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cheesecake, this is the one to try. This no bake chocolate cheesecake takes all the stress out of making cheesecake! There’s no baking, no worrying about cracks, and no complicated steps. You literally melt some chocolate, mix everything together, pour it into a crust, and stick it in the fridge. That’s it. It almost feels too easy for how good it turns out.
What I love most about this easy recipe is how smooth and creamy it is! It’s kind of like a mix between cheesecake and chocolate mousse—rich, but still light enough that you don’t feel like you overdid it after one slice (although going back for seconds definitely happens around here). The chocolate flavor really stands out, especially if you use darker chocolate chips.
This easy no bake chocolate cheesecake recipe is one of my favorite desserts to make when I need something quick for company or a family get-together. A cheesecake recipe like this is perfect because you don’t have to plan ahead much, and it still feels like you made something special. I’ve taken it to potlucks, served it for holidays, and even just made it on a random weeknight when we wanted something sweet.
Here’s how make this easy no bake chocolate cheesecake recipe:
You can also modify this cheesecake depending on what you have. Sometimes I sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, or add a little whipped topping before serving. If you have some in the fridge, fresh berries are really good with this no bake chocolate cheesecake, too!
Once you try this simple no bake chocolate cheesecake recipe, you’ll see why it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep handy for special occasions! It’s easy, it’s chocolate, and it always hits the spot. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to chill long enough to slice.
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For an easy homemade pie crust to use for this no bake chocolate cheesecake, check out our easy Graham Cracker Pie Crust Recipe!
This Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and ready in just 15–20 minutes! Why pay for Panera when you can make this delicious, budget-friendly version at home for pennies? Perfect for busy nights, beginner cooks, and even kids learning to cook, this family favorite from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1 is a must-try!
It was one of the first recipes I made when I started cooking because it’s so easy and delicious and my husband loved it! We prefer the taste of American cheese, but if you prefer broccoli cheddar soup, you can simply use cheddar cheese.
Why spend so much for Panera broccoli cheddar soup, when you can easily make your own homemade broccoli soup for pennies?
This broccoli cheese soup recipe is one of the first recipes I made when I started cooking. My husband and I used to eat it all the time when we were first married and broccoli cheese soup is still one of our favorite recipes!
This is such an easy broccoli soup recipe that even husbands and older kids and new cooks can make it! This would be a good recipe to use to teach your kids how to cook!
This soup is so versatile, you can serve it with almost anything. We like to serve it with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches or as a main course served with a nice salad. And if you want to make it really fancy, you can serve the broccoli soup in mini bread bowls. If you do, wait to pour it into the bread until you’re ready to serve.
This easy broccoli cheese soup recipe is from our cookbook:
This easy garlic butter chicken recipe is a super delicious, savory restaurant quality garlic flavored dish that families love! It is easy to make in under 15 minutes for a lot less money than a similar restaurant meal, so you’ll be able to serve a high quality meal fast without all the stress of going out to eat!
Everyone loves this garlic butter chicken, but it’s especially popular with men and teenage boys! My husband is especially crazy about garlic so this recipe is perfect for him and my teenage boys absolutely love it!
Serve with rice, pasta or potatoes. The garlic sauce that you make with the chicken makes a perfect flavoring for these items as well.
I usually serve this garlic butter chicken recipe with rice and a vegetable because it’s super easy. We often make extra rice once or twice a week and then warm it up for dinner while making a recipe like this for dinner.
I often microwave a frozen vegetable like broccoli, corn, green beans or mixed vegetables. It’s easy to warm up the vegetable and the rice while cooking the chicken and have dinner on the table in under 10 minutes.
One great way to save money on family dinner recipes like this is to stock up on the meat items when they’re on sale and freeze. If you wait until you plan to serve chicken to buy it, you will usually pay a higher price, so for the best price, keep your eyes open for specials!
I shop around for sales and when I see a deal on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I buy a lot of them and freeze right in the store package. If you have a small family, you could re-package into smaller containers, but I prefer the easiest route possible! I rarely pay more than $1.99 for boneless, skinless chicken because I buy this way.
Here are some recipes that go well with this garlic butter chicken:
How to cook rice – OK, not a recipe, but a helpful how-to in case you need to know how to make rice.
Baked Potatoes – Here’s how to make them and suggestions for tasty toppings!
Garlic Bread – Butter some bread, sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. (French Bread is great, but any bread works if you don’t want to go to too much trouble!) Toast face down in a frying pan or set under the broiler until it browns. Watch carefully because it can quickly go from uncooked to incinerated! And be careful using the broiler!
Garlic Salad – This is a super delicious garlicky coleslaw!! Yum!! If you have never tried it, you should make it TODAY!
Garlic Cheese Biscuits – This easy garlic cheese biscuits recipe is super yummy and tastes like the garlic biscuits at Red Lobster. We love it and serve it with lots of meals. It would definitely be a nice compliment to the garlic butter chicken recipe.
For more easy and delicious family recipes, check out our cookbooks!
This is the best homemade vanilla or chocolate pudding recipe—a creamy, delicious treat that’s perfect for dessert or a snack, especially for kids! It’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you already have at home! And with a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy it in vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch flavors. No boxed mixes needed—just rich, homemade goodness in every bite!
Why settle for store-bought pudding when you can make a rich, creamy, and delicious version right at home? This simple homemade pudding recipe starts with a classic vanilla base, and with just a few tweaks, you can turn it into chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch! It’s quick to make with basic pantry ingredients—no box mix needed, just pure, comforting goodness. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this pudding is a foolproof way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Check out the easy variations in the recipe and customize it to your taste!
We absolutely love this easy stacked enchiladas recipe! It makes a quick and easy meal that’s great for families! Our entire family loves it, including the kids and I have often served it when I don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
Easy Enchiladas Recipe!
This stacked enchiladas recipe is different from a traditional enchilada recipe in that you don’t roll the enchiladas. Instead, you layer the toppings between 2 or more layers of filling and then add cheese and salad toppings on the top.
As written, the recipe serves 4, and includes 2 tortillas per stacked enchilada, but I often included an extra layer in the middle for my husband. My husband and the kids absolutely love this recipe. The kids love it with homemade tortilla chips and sopapillas!
I often cut tortillas into quarters and fry them in oil to make tortilla chips, especially when I have a pack of corn tortillas that is not quite as fresh and the tortillas are more brittle than flexible. These make great chips and give life to tortillas you might otherwise throw away.
This easy enchilada recipe is very flexible. I make it with these ingredients because everybody likes them, the recipe doesn’t cost a lot to make and it’s super easy. If you wanted to make it fancier, you could add a can of black beans or pinto beans to the mixture. If you prefer, you could leave out the beef.
You could also add black olives or chopped green onions to the top for a different kind of garnish. Or smother it in green chile if you prefer! Oh YUM! Really, any kind of Mexican food type modifications would probably be wonderful! If you make any modifications, tell us about them in the comments and how they turned out!
For more quick, easy and delicious recipes like this Homemade Stacked Enchiladas Recipe, check out our cookbook!
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Other Recipes That Go Great With These Stacked Enchiladas:
This easy spinach artichoke dip recipe makes a delicious dip that’s great for parties and other get-togethers! It’s quick, easy to make and simply yummy!
This creamy, cheesy easy spinach artichoke dip recipe is unbelievably easy to make! It tastes just like the one from your favorite restaurant—but at a fraction of the price. We love making this dip for Christmas and special occasions, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
It only takes about 5 minutes of prep to throw this dip together, so you can easily make it ahead of time and simply reheat at 350° for 20 minutes when you’re ready to serve.
You can keep most of the ingredients on hand, so whenever you need a quick, delicious dip for a get-together, this recipe is ready to go!
We usually serve spinach artichoke dip with:
tortilla chips bread chunks crackers bagel chips and vegetables
Spoil yourself and your friends with this truly delicious treat!
For lots more quick and easy home cooked recipes, check out our Dining On A Dime Cookbooks!
This homemade hot oil treatment recipe makes a great homemade hot oil treatment for dry hair. Simply spread onto wet hair and wrap for 30 minutes to one hour!
If your hair feels dry, brittle, or just in need of some serious moisture, this DIY hot oil treatment is the perfect solution! Using natural ingredients, this treatment deeply conditions, restores shine, and helps repair damage caused by heat styling, harsh weather, and daily wear and tear.
Making your own hot oil treatment at home is simple and cost-effective. Just warm up a nourishing oil blend, apply it to damp hair, wrap, and let it work its magic for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing. Your hair will feel softer, smoother, and healthier after just one use!
This recipe is great for all hair types and can be customized with your favorite oils, such as coconut, olive, or argan oil. Whether you have curly, straight, or wavy hair, this treatment will give your locks the hydration boost they need. Keep reading to learn how to make and use this easy hot oil treatment at home!
Today’s post includes easy and delicious Easter brunch recipes, lots of helpful ideas and a menu including homemade IHOP pancakes, overnight French toast and breakfast sausage!
Easter Brunch Tips:
Our family loves having an Easter brunch! One thing that can be fun for your Easter brunch is to have different “bars” set up with bowls of fixings for all sorts of different things for example:
Breakfast Burrito Bar
Breakfast meats like bacon, sausage or ham, scrambled eggs, chopped hard boiled eggs, different cheeses, veggies or fruits, salsa or sauces and of course flour tortillas.
Don’t forget to put out a supply of soft butter and cinnamon/sugar mix or different flavors of jams for those who want to spread their tortillas with a sweet treat to go with their coffee.
Pancake Bar
A pancake bar is where everyone can request what they would like sprinkled on their own personal pancake while it is cooking. This is a great special treat for an Easter brunch. You can have a couple of electric griddles set up so more than one person can cook them.
Have things like an assortment of cooked and crumbled meats (bacon, sausage or ham), nuts, chopped fruits, or chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and other flavored chips.
Include a variety of syrups, flavored butters and powdered sugar. Don’t forget the peanut butter. Of course you will need whipped cream and sprinkles to top it all!
Breakfast Bar
For the breakfast bar, you can just set out a variety of breakfast food including meats, assorted fruits, muffins, donuts, coffee cakes, hash browns and breakfast casseroles.
If these aren’t enough ideas, then think of what kinds of things appealed to you at the last nice motel where you stayed or the last restaurant where you went out to breakfast and use their ideas.
Quick And Easy Breakfast Bar
Some Easter mornings can be hectic and you may want to have a quick Easter brunch. If that is the case for you then try laying out a large assortment of breads, bagels, croissants, English muffins, muffins, biscuits, quick breads, donuts and pastries on platters. You can put them on the platters the day before you need them and cover them. Then, at breakfast time, you can uncover them and serve.
Don’t forget to include flavored butters, jams and honey to go with them. Serve platters of fruit and slices of ham, bacon and sausage (made the day before and warmed right before serving). Add different juices and several flavors of coffee and tea.
Crumbles, Cobblers And Crisps
Sometimes we forget that cobblers, crunches and crisps are great for breakfast. They’re especially good for special occasions like an Easter brunch.
Crisps usually use oatmeal or granola like topping with lots of fruit in them. You can make a simple cobbler by topping a fruit filling (homemade or canned) with canned biscuits or crescent roll dough and then baking it until the crust is brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cereal Bar
Set out a large assortment of cereal. Don’t forget to add things like marshmallows, sprinkles, granola and brown sugar to use for toppings.
Easter Brunch Menu:
IHOP Pancakes Overnight French Toast Breakfast Sausage (From our Dining on a Dime Cookbook) Ham and/or Bacon Fruit Cups or fruit platter Assortment of donuts, muffins and quick breads Variety of juices, hot coffee and tea
Easter Brunch Recipes:
Here are a couple of recipes to use for an Easter brunch breakfast buffet or for a delicious breakfast treat any morning. Make sure to read the recipe for Breakfast Sausage because it needs to be made a couple of days ahead of time.
I never really thought making your own homemade sausage could be so easy and really taste so much better until Tawra put this recipe in Dining on a Dime Volume 1. It is really worth trying and is a perfect addition to your Easter brunch!
For hundreds of recipes for quick and easy inexpensive home cooked meals, check out our Dining On A Dime Cookbooks!
Do you need good but inexpensive Easter gift ideas for the kids? Here are 27 cheap but cute Easter basket ideas to save you money this Easter. These Easter basket ideas are cute, fun and easily customizable for each recipient! (more…)
This easy make-ahead egg brunch bake recipe is loaded with cheese, meat, and classic breakfast flavor—perfect for feeding a hungry Easter crowd with minimal effort!
One Dish Easter Brunch Recipe Everyone Loves!
Celebrate Easter morning with this cozy, crowd-pleasing egg brunch bake recipe! Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand—like eggs, bread, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meat—this hearty dish is the perfect main course for your holiday gathering. It’s easy to prep the night before, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven Easter morning. With melty cheese, savory meat, and a creamy egg base, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. (And let’s be real—anything with bacon is a win!) Serves 18, so it’s great for feeding a crowd!
One of the best things about this easy Easter egg brunch bake is that you can easily adjust it depending on what you already have in the fridge. Leftover ham from a holiday dinner? Toss it in. Only have bacon on hand? Perfect. Even a mix of meats works great if you’re trying to use up odds and ends. This is one of those “clean out the fridge” recipes that still tastes like you planned it all along!
If you’re feeding a crowd (and with 18 servings, you definitely can!), this dish takes a lot of the stress out of hosting. Instead of juggling multiple pans on Easter morning, you’ve got one hearty, filling main dish ready to go. Serve it with a simple fruit salad, some muffins, or even just a pot of coffee and juice, and you’ve got a complete brunch spread with very little effort.
Another bonus? Kids and picky eaters love this easy brunch casserole recipe. The flavors are familiar and comforting—nothing fancy or unusual—just classic breakfast ingredients baked together into something warm and satisfying. If you have little helpers, they can even assist with layering the bread and sprinkling the cheese, making it a fun family activity the night before.
Want to stretch your grocery budget even further? This recipe is perfect for that too. Using basic pantry staples like eggs, milk, and bread keeps costs low, and you can buy whichever breakfast meat is on sale. It’s a great reminder that you don’t need expensive ingredients to serve a meal that feels special and festive.
For best results, don’t skip the overnight refrigeration. This step allows the bread to soak up all that creamy egg mixture, giving the bake its soft, custard-like texture. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and let it do its thing while you enjoy your Easter morning with family.
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want something easy and comforting, this brunch bake is a simple, budget-friendly way to make Easter breakfast feel extra special!
Here’s an easy hard boiled eggs recipe to make the perfect hard boiled eggs that are super easy to peel! For years I tried every method known to man. Then I found out the secret!
How To Make The Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs That You Can Actually Peel
If you’re planning to hard boil eggs for Easter this year, be sure to buy them early! For years, I tried every method under the sun to get perfectly peelable hard boiled eggs—and nothing worked. Then I learned the secret.
The kids and I lived in the country for a while with our own chickens (That was a hoot. We were all afraid to touch them!) But we managed to gather eggs from under the hens, and of course, one of the first things I tried was hard boiling them.
What a disaster! I could not get those shells off to save my life.
After weeks of fighting with egg shells, I mentioned it to an older woman, and she told me, “The fresher the egg is, the harder it is to peel.” Sure enough, she was right.
Since then, I’ve tested it again and again—boiling both fresh eggs and slightly older ones. Every single time, the older eggs peel easily while the fresh ones end up a crumbly mess, no matter what trick I try: cold start, hot start, ice bath, vinegar—you name it.
So make your life easier on Easter morning and buy your eggs now!
From: Terri
Hello! Love your site. I have a tip for making hard boiled eggs. After your eggs have come to a boil, wait five minutes. Then turn the burner off and put a lid on it. In 20 minutes, you will have perfectly boiled eggs. Works every time!
This easy egg salad recipe is another tasty recipe to help use up all those colored hard boiled eggs after Easter. You can make up a big batch and have it for several lunches. You can add lettuce leaves or celery for extra crunch. This recipe can be found in our Dining On a Dime Cookbook, Volume 1.
This golden morning sunshine recipe is a great recipe that you can use to make Easter morning or a few days after Easter. It’s a great way to use up all those colored eggs and have a tasty breakfast or dinner.
This homemade white sauce recipe is super easy to make and is useful for enhancing all kinds of meals. It is easily adaptable for various recipes. White sauce and white gravy are essentially the same thing, so you can use it for biscuits and gravy or as a sauce for many main dish and breakfast recipes.
This hard boiled egg chicken supreme recipe makes a hearty casserole that is a great way to use leftover chicken or hard boiled eggs. It’s a nice variation that will please your family or guests!
More Tips for using Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs
You can use chopped up leftover hard boiled eggs and use them in so many ways:
Sprinkle chopped hard boiled eggs on salads (especially good on spinach salads).
Spread them on top of cream soups (like potato soup).
Use leftover hard boiled eggs in tuna salad, chicken salad or ham salad.
You can add almost anything to meatloaf too and that includes hard boiled eggs.
Leftover hard boiled eggs also make great breakfast burritos. I know we usually use scrambled eggs but once the eggs are mixed with everything else, no will know or care that the eggs are not scrambled.
Don’t freeze leftover hard boiled eggs. They can become very rubbery and taste nasty.
For more easy recipes for simple things like like how to make hard boiled eggs, check out our cookbooks:
This Easter egg chocolate pie recipe makes an easy and delicious sweet treat your whole family will love! It’s super easy and fast to make and it’s a great way to use extra chocolate you might have left over after Easter! You can also adapt this pie to use leftover chocolate from any holiday!
I don’t know about you, but after Easter there’s always that one bowl sitting on the counter with a bunch of random chocolate left in it! A few chocolate eggs, some candy nobody grabbed, maybe a handful of M&M’s. It’s too good to throw away… but also not super exciting just sitting there. That’s exactly why I started making this Easter egg chocolate pie recipe!
This is one of those recipes I pull out when I want something sweet but don’t feel like putting in a ton of effort. It’s really simple, no baking, and honestly kind of fun to throw together. I like how you can use whatever chocolate you already have, so nothing goes to waste.
The filling is super creamy from the cream cheese and pudding, and it sets up nicely in the fridge! I usually mix everything while I’m cleaning up the kitchen or doing dishes, then just layer it into the crust. Half the filling goes in, then I toss in those chopped chocolate eggs (this part is my favorite), and then cover it with the rest. It already looks pretty good at that point, but once you add the whipped topping and candies on top, it turns into something that feels a little special.
One thing I’ve learned — don’t skip the chilling time. I know it’s tempting to dig in early (I’ve done it), but it really does taste better once it’s had time to firm up. It slices easier too, which is helpful if you’re serving it to other people and not just sneaking bites straight from the fridge.
This Easter egg chocolate pie recipe isn’t just an Easter thing! You can totally swap in leftover Halloween candy, Christmas chocolates, or whatever you’ve got hanging around. It’s kind of one of those “use what you have” desserts that still feels like a treat.
Around here, this pie disappears fast! Like… faster than I expect every single time. If you’ve got extra candy sitting around, this is a really good way to use it up without overthinking anything.
You should definitely give it a try soon — it’s easy, it’s yummy, and it might just become your go-to for leftover chocolate too.
For more easy desserts like this chocolate pie recipe, check out our cookbooks!
If you want a quick, really tasty dinner that doesn’t take much time, these Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwiches are just the thing! The chicken turns out nice and juicy under the broiler, brushed with that sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce that has just a subtle kick. Serve on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato, and you’ve got an easy, satisfying meal! Perfect for busy weeknights, or summer meals! You’ll also find recipes for some cool summer treats!
If you’re in the mood for something quick and really tasty for dinner, you’ve got to try these Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwiches! The chicken comes out nice and juicy, coated in this homemade sauce that’s sweet from the honey, tangy from the Dijon, and has just a little kick. Serve it on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato, and it’s one of those meals that hits the spot every time.
To make it a full meal without much work, I usually serve these with a plate of fresh veggies and our easy mozzarella dip. It’s creamy, cheesy, and disappears fast—mix mayo, sour cream, grated mozzarella, Parmesan, some dried onion, sugar, and a couple dashes of salts, then chill it for an hour. Perfect for dipping carrots, celery, peppers, whatever you’ve got.
And if you want something sweet to finish, try today’s Sherbet Crunch Bliss! It’s got a crunchy Rice Krispies and brown sugar crust, a layer of sweetened whipped topping, scoops of pineapple, raspberry, and lime sherbet, then more crunch on top.
These sandwiches prove you can make a really good dinner at home faster (and cheaper) than grabbing takeout. Give them a shot—I think your family will ask for them again soon!
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Easy Meal Plan For The Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwiches
Here’s a simple meal plan with recipes that pair perfectly with the comforting mustard chicken sandwiches for a delicious, well-rounded meal!
Grind or chop leftover roast or meatloaf, add a little onion, ketchup or tomato paste and use it for stuffed baked green peppers.
One of the recipes above says to add 3 Tbsp. or sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla to the whipped topping. You can add these ingredients to less expensive whipped topping when you use it to give it a richer taste and make it taste more like the more expensive whipped topping.
With picnics and outdoor barbecues, we often use paper plates, cups and disposable silverware. To save time, store all of these things with a few napkins in an plastic container. Then, when you are getting ready for your party, just grab your container and you’ll have it all right there.
This easy homemade hush puppies recipe makes tasty golden hush puppies just like your favorite restaurant! Crisp and buttery on the outside and delicious and moist and tender on the inside, they are the perfect complement to all kinds of meals!
If you love Long John Silvers Hush Puppies you will LOVE this homemade hush puppies recipe! They are so good they could be a meal by themselves! You can find this recipe in volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook.
Hush puppies are a tasty Southern fried cornbread side dish typically served with seafood, barbecue, fried chicken or other deep fried foods. They are small, deep-fried round bread-like balls made from a cornmeal-based batter, with a delicious savory flavor.
Crisp on the outside with a moist tender middle, with a salty, buttery onion flavor, these hush puppies are super delicious! We prefer the recipe just as it is, but some people mix things like finely diced garlic, corn, peppers or scallions into the batter for a slightly different taste and colorful look.
If you have eaten at a Seafood restaurant in the Southern United States or at a fast food restaurant like Long John Silver’s, you are probably familiar with this tasty treat, but did you know they’re super easy to make at home?
You’ll absolutely adore this best lemon pound cake recipe – soft, moist, and packed with wonderfully bright lemon flavor, it’s made with simple ingredients and takes only a few minutes to prepare! Whether you stick with the classic version or try the rich sour cream variation, these cakes turn out delicious every time. Perfect for busy days, tight budgets, or anytime you need a reliable dessert everyone will love!
If you need an easy classic dessert that always turns out and everyone loves, these lemon pound cake recipes are exactly what you’re looking for! There’s something about bright, fresh lemon flavor paired with a soft, buttery texture that makes every bite feel like a treat. And the best part? Both of these recipes use easy, inexpensive ingredients you probably already have on hand.
The best lemon pound cake recipe is perfect when you need something quick and foolproof. Using a cake mix and a simple shortcut ingredient, you get a perfectly moist, tender cake every single time. It’s one of those recipes you can throw together in minutes but still proudly serve to guests. Add a simple lemon glaze on top, and it instantly feels like something from a bakery.
If you want to take things up just a notch, the sour cream version is absolutely worth trying! The sour cream adds richness and creates a softer, more velvety texture, while the lemon zest and extract give it that bold, fresh flavor. It’s still incredibly easy to make, but it has that “wow” factor that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Both of these lemon pound cake recipes are perfect for so many occasions. Serve them for a family dessert, bring one to a potluck, or slice it up for a special afternoon treat with coffee or tea. They also make a great option when you need something reliable for holidays or gatherings without blowing your grocery budget.
You don’t need a long list of ingredients or a lot of time in the kitchen to make a dessert everyone will love! With these recipes, you get amazingly delicious flavor with a small amount of effort—and that’s exactly what makes them keepers!
Try these Easter treats recipes to add a little pizazz to your Easter festivities! You’ll find super easy 2 ingredient lemon bars, strawberry mousse, jelly bean bark and more! They’re great for parties or any get together where you need some sweet treats!
Recipes for Homemade Easter Treats
Here are some recipes for some delicious homemade Easter treats your kids are sure to love! These recipes are tasty and easy to prepare. They’re great for parties or family get togethers!
This easy strawberry mousse recipe makes a quick and easy strawberry dessert your kids are sure to love!
This easy 2 ingredient lemon bars recipe makes a super yummy dessert! The lemony flavor, creamy texture and powdered sugar meld to make a dessert that is magical!
A Magical Easter Twist: Jelly Bean Lollipops!
Looking for a fun and whimsical twist on the classic Easter egg hunt? Try this sweet idea: the night before Easter, have your kids “plant” 3–5 jelly beans in a little patch of dirt or a small pot. The next morning when the kids get up, they should find that a lollipop that has grown where the jelly beans were planted!
For an extra touch of magic, match the lollipop colors to the jelly beans they planted—or use a mix of colors to grow multicolored lollipops!
And just a heads-up: once they experience the magic, kids might want to plant jelly beans every night. So, to help out all you parents, let them know this special candy-growing magic only works the night before Easter. Gotta stay one step ahead, right? ;-)
For more fun Easter treats, check out these posts:
Cheap Paper Towels? Using a lot of paper towels can get expensive, but it’s easy to save money on paper towels. Check out our head to head paper towels test to see which one was the cheapest and learn to save money and clean better with fewer paper towels!
Cheap Paper Towels! The Great Paper Towel Test For The Betterment Of Mankind!
I often get asked how to get cheap paper towels, so I tested these 10 paper towels to see which ones saved the most money. I don’t use all that many paper towels, so it never occurred to me that it might be a big part of a family budget.
In my test, I discovered that the paper towels that many people expected to be cheapest were not. It was especially important to note that when you’re looking for cheap paper towels, the bulk size packages were almost never the cheapest.
If you use 1 roll of paper towels per day, it works out to $365/year! If you use 1 roll of paper towels per week, it works out to $50/year!
Here is how I calculated the cheapest of the cheap paper towels:
I did this test to compare how well different brands of paper towels work, along with how well different kinds of rags and cleaning cloths work. I also compared the cost of each of these cleaning solutions.
Conclusion: If you switch from Bounty Full Sheets to Great Value Everyday Strong you would save 50% on paper towels.
Here is how I evaluated the cheap paper towels
I counted the cost of a roll of paper towels. Then I determined how many of each kind of paper towels it took to clean up a typical spill and divided the cost of a roll by how many sheets it took for each use.
I also included the cost to use various cleaning rags, towels and cloths for the same spills.
Regular Towel – It took 30 seconds to clean and got most moisture but didn’t completely dry.
Flour Sack Towel, Regular – Took 30 seconds to clean and got most moisture but didn’t completely dry.
Multipurpose Cloths – $5 for 10 – $.50/cloth Dry 20 seconds completely dry Wet 25 seconds wring out once dry
Skoy Cleaning Cloth It took 24 seconds. I had to wring it out once and wipe again to completely dry. $1.39 per rag – 200 days – 6000 uses minimum – $0.00023/use
Great Value Everyday Strong Paper Towels, Split Sheet = 1 1/2 regular rolls 1 pack – 140 sheets/roll – $.98/roll 30 seconds – 7 sheets/use – $0.048
So I determined that if you switch from Bounty Full Sheets to Great Value Everyday Strong you would save 50% on paper towels.
If you look at the cost of using towels, rags and cleaning cloths, you could also save a lot of money if you used those items at least some of the time instead of using even the cheap paper towels.
If you’d like to see some of my tests in my search for cheap paper towels, here is our show where I’m demonstrating how well each kind of paper towels cleans up spills.
Of course, rather than just looking for cheap paper towels, you can save a lot more if you simply use fewer paper towels! I know many people are afraid of certain kinds of messes and I admit that I have my limit, too, like pet messes and such, but many spills can be easily accomplished with cleaning rags instead of paper towels.
One thing that leads to spending too much money on paper towels is leaving them out where a family can easily reach them. Often minor spills, like water, juice, soda or Kool Aid spilled on a countertop doesn’t really require paper towels to clean up, but if the roll is on the counter or underneath the cabinets, husbands and kids especially will simply yank a big wad of them off the roll rather than using a rag, simply because they’re within view. Even when you buy cheap paper towels, the cost will add up if your family is wasting them.
You can save a lot if you keep the paper towels underneath the kitchen sink in a cabinet and put rags in a more convenient location so the family is inclined to grab them first.
We will be sharing more later in this post about how to spend less on paper towels by using rags more. Some people are afraid of using rags, thinking that they’ll be spreading germs around as they clean, but as long as you wash them regularly, and be cautious about not continuing to clean with one that has been in contact with raw meat or something, you’ll be fine and you’ll be able to save a lot of money.
How to Save on Paper Towels – Paper Towels vs. Rags
I do love paper towels – there’s no denying their convenience. But I don’t use them often, so hunting for the best deal has never been a priority for me. I once had a friend who seemed to use nothing but paper towels. And not just one or two – she’d rip off three or four at a time for a job that only needed one! It was clear she needed to rethink her paper towel habit. In most cases, a rag can get the job done better, faster, and without all the waste.
That said, I do still use paper towels on occasion – mostly for draining bacon or lining my fruit and veggie drawer in the fridge. When the bins get dirty, I can toss the paper towels and wipe them down in a snap. They also come in handy under my spices and containers to catch spills, making cleanup way easier.
But after seeing so many people buying them in bulk, and even one woman’s shower stall filled to the brim with them, I began to wonder: Do most people use paper towels the way I do? I’ve realized that many people not only skip using rags, but they may not even know how or why they’re useful. And that’s where I hope these next few paragraphs come in – to rethink how you use them and and help you save money on paper towels.
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My Rag Background
Yes, you read that right. I have a background in rags – something not many people can say. And no, it’s not as strange as it sounds, I promise! My grandmother was a true rag expert. In fact, she built her whole life around them. My family didn’t throw away fabric – we turned it into art.
My grandmother wove rag rugs for a living. She did it all of her life and her mom did it before that. They made unbelievably beautiful rugs, completely different from the ones you see sold now. The colors and designs she used would make any artist break down and weep and she made them all with rags.
Nothing went to waste. Every button, zipper and piece of trim was carefully cut off and saved. I guess frugality must be in my blood. : ) And over the years, I learned a lot about rags – knowledge that I’m excited to share with you so you can see rags (and paper towels) in a whole new light.
Cleaning Rags – A Great Way to Save Money On Paper Towels
One of the main complaints we get against using cleaning rags to save money on paper towels is that people don’t like to wash them because they get so nasty sometimes. I don’t like to wash them either, so I don’t. My cleaning rags fall into two categories: rags to toss and rags to wash.
Rags to Toss
The cleaning rags I toss are the ones I use for the nasty jobs:
If something is sticky like a bottle of spilled syrup
My dust rags
If I use them to dust mop my floors
To clean really dirty tools or really dirty anything
At times, if I just don’t want to wash them, I toss them.
By the time a rag gets to my “use and throw” pile, it is already pretty far gone. I have probably used it for many other “clean” jobs and it is on its last leg, so I have no qualms about tossing it. I use it just like I would a paper towel.
Rags to Wash
These are my studier cleaning rags. They are usually old tea towels, wash rags, etc. I use them to:
Wipe fingerprints off of the wall
Wipe mildly sticky things from furniture
Wipe the spray starch off of my ironing board
Shine my mirrors
Wash the insides of my windows
Wipe my bathroom faucets and wipe dry everything in the bathroom
Now here’s part 2, we’ll look at where to get cleaning rags and ways to make the most of them to make your life easier and save money on paper towels and cleaning in general.
This Easy Enchilada Casserole recipe layers all the bold, zesty flavors of classic enchiladas into a simple, no-roll bake! It’s a fast, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to customize. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!
This easy enchilada casserole recipe makes a quick and easy meal with a Tex-Mex feel, the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something hearty, delicious, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It brings all the bold, zesty flavors of traditional enchiladas into a simple layered dish—no rolling required! With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a comforting Tex-Mex inspired meal on the table that the whole family will love!
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily adapt it to fit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you already have on hand. Prefer a meatless version? Simply skip the ground beef and add extra beans. Want it extra hearty? Add more beef or pile on additional cheese. You can even mix things up with black olives, green chilies, or a dollop of sour cream baked right in or served on top.
This casserole is also a fantastic way to use up leftover taco ingredients. If you have extra cooked meat, beans, or tortillas from taco night, this recipe transforms them into a whole new meal with very little effort. The layers of soft corn tortillas, seasoned beef and beans, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheese come together to create a delicious, comforting dish that feels like a treat but is easy enough for any night of the week.
For serving, you can keep things simple or let everyone customize their own plates. Set out toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, extra cheese, sour cream, or salsa so each person can build their perfect bite. Pair it with a simple tossed salad or even some rice for a complete meal.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a go-to dinner everyone will love, this Easy Enchilada Casserole is a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
This easy 7 layer taco dip recipe is the ultimate easy appetizer—loaded with creamy, cheesy layers and bold flavor in every bite. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and always the first dish to disappear at parties, making it a go-to favorite for any gathering!
If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly appetizer that always gets rave reviews, this 7 layer taco dip recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style—perfect for potlucks, game days, family gatherings, or even a simple snack night at home. The best part? It comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and there’s no cooking required.
The combination of delicious Mexican style layers is what makes this dip so irresistible! It starts with a smooth and savory base of refried beans topped with a creamy and slightly tangy layer of seasoned cream cheese and sour cream, and then all the fresh, flavorful toppings like guacamole, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, and crisp green onions. Every bite is packed with texture and flavor, from creamy to crunchy and everything in between.
This 7 layer taco dip recipe is incredibly flexible, which is perfect if you’re trying to save money or use what you already have in your fridge. Don’t have black olives? Use diced tomatoes. Want to stretch the recipe further? Add extra beans or a little more sour cream. You can even spice it up with hot salsa or jalapeños if your family likes a little heat. My son doesn’t like tomatoes, so he makes his without them.
It’s super easy to make this dip ahead of time. Just assemble the layers, pop it in the fridge for about an hour, and it’s ready to go when you are. That makes it a great option when you’re hosting and don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen at the last minute.
Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or even fresh veggies for dipping. However you enjoy it, this 7 layer taco dip recipe is guaranteed to be a hit—and you might want to make a double batch because it goes fast!
This 7 layer taco dip recipe is from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 2:
This easy garlic cheese biscuits recipe is super yummy and tastes like the garlic biscuits at Red Lobster. It’s one of our family’s favorite recipes! You can find this recipe in volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook. You’ll also find a meal plan including a yummy confetti chicken recipe and a tasty frozen fruit fluff!
If you’ve ever wished you could recreate those warm, buttery restaurant biscuits at home, this garlic cheese biscuits recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers that same rich, savory flavor you love—but at a fraction of the cost and with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Even better, this recipe comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when you simply want something comforting and homemade without the hassle.
One of the best things about this garlic cheese biscuits recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make! With only about 5 minutes of prep time, you can have these biscuits ready to pop into the oven. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment—just mix, drop, and bake. The result is a batch of soft, fluffy biscuits with a golden crust and a delicious blend of garlic and cheesy goodness in every bite.
This recipe has become a staple in our home because it tastes great served with just about any meal. Serve these biscuits alongside soups, salads, pasta dishes, or your favorite budget-friendly dinners. They’re also a hit on their own as a snack or quick side. If you’re feeding a family, you’ll love how this recipe stretches simple ingredients into something that feels special and indulgent.
This garlic cheese biscuits recipe is flexible because you can easily customize it. Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist, toss in some pepperoni for a fun variation, or sprinkle in extra cheese if you’re a true cheese lover. The optional chives add a subtle pop of flavor and color, but the biscuits are just as delicious without them.
This recipe is featured in Volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, where you’ll find even more quick, affordable, and family-approved meals. If you enjoy easy recipes that save time and money while still tasting amazing, this garlic cheese biscuits recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
The easy garlic cheese biscuits recipe is from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1:
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Meal Plan:
Here’s an easy meal plan you can make to serve with the garlic cheese biscuits, along with the additional recipes! You’ll also find some easy cooking tips at the bottom of the post!
Confetti Chicken and Rice* Garlic – Cheese Biscuits* Frozen Fruit Fluff*
Recipes:
Tips:
Quick Meatballs – add 2/3 cup of crushed seasoned stuffing mix to 1 lb. hamburger. Mix and roll into balls.
Use up stir fry leftovers by adding a little soy sauce to the vegetables and rice. Then spread the mixture on a warm flour tortilla and roll burrito style.
Keep a plastic knife in your canisters to level off things like flour or sugar.
