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Green Enchilada Sauce

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Last Updated April 4th, 2024 at 01:08 pm by Lisa

Cook green enchilada sauce at home, and skip the cans at the store! With a few simple steps, it will become one of your favorite ways to enjoy fresh green chilis, onions, and tomatillos.

Layer into authentic chicken enchiladas verde, one of everyone's favorite Mexican dishes for dinner. Year-round, choose to fire grill or oven-roast the vegetables. Either way adds so much flavor to your very own homemade enchilada sauce...

Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Most of us grew up with some type of enchiladas for dinner. My Mom used cans of green chiles and old el paso verde enchilada sauce and sour cream. It is easy to make your own enchilada sauce, and that fresh taste from scratch makes all the difference.

Next time you are at the local grocery store, grab some tomatillos, onions, and green chilies. Follow these easy steps to make your own homemade green enchilada sauce recipe. Make a double batch. One for dinner and freeze this flavorful sauce to make later on.

Tomatillo Enchilada Sauce Recipe Ingredients

This authentic enchilada sauce is also known as a Verde sauce, as it uses green chiles. You can swap in fresh red chiles if you wish, and make an easy homemade red enchilada sauce!

PRO TIP: The best part is you can easily scale this recipe in different quantities right inside the recipe card below. Freeze portions of this flavorful green enchilada sauce for future cooking!

  • 6-7 whole Poblano Pasilla Peppers (or New Mexico Hatch or Anaheim chiles)
  • 3-4 pounds fresh tomatillos
  • 1 whole jalapeño pepper (seeded) or Serrano chile
  • 3 whole brown onions (medium size) or white onion
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock

PRO TIP Pepper Heat: When using hot chili peppers like jalapeno or serrano peppers, it's a good idea to taste a tiny piece to see how hot that pepper is, they vary widely!

The ingredients to make green enchilada sauce on a table with spices, chicken stock, and peppers in a basket.

Chiles & Peppers - There are several green chiles at the market. The day I went they didn't have Anaheim chiles, so I used Poblano peppers, also called Pasillas. And there are other options like New Mexico Hatch Chilies, which are fantastic. Take a look at all my favorite recipe ideas and ways to use them!

Hatch Chiles ~ 80+ Recipe Ideas!
80+ Amazing New Mexico Hatch Chile Recipes and How To Roast, Prep, and Freeze them at home. Hatch Chile season tips for roasting events near you, and more.
GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
Showing how to remove seeds from roasted Hatch Chiles to use them in recipes.

Spicy Sauce Notes - If you don't like it spicy, leave out the jalapeno to make it a mild sauce.

Olive Oil - You can swap in a good quality vegetable oil for olive oil. The little oil on the surface of the vegetables helps to roast and blister them with added flavor.

Chicken Stock - Homemade stock is always the best, and you can try my recipe linked from the recipe card. Substitute vegetable stock or Chicken Broth. Or vegetable broth to make it vegan.

Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) Plus Freezer Tips and 15+ Recipe Uses!
Make Chicken Stock aka Bone Broth at home to create other tasty recipes with chicken stock, plus cooking tips and 15+ delicious recipe ideas!
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3 small Mason jars filled with chicken stock and black heart shaped labels.

Enchilada Sauce Instructions

First, choose the cooking method:

  • Fire Grill: The fire grill cooking method is faster, and takes 30 minutes. There are lots of enchilada sauce recipes, some made in the instant pot or slow cooker. And those are fine, but you won't get that deeper flavor when you grill or roast the veggies!
  • Oven Roasting Cook Time: Takes 40 minutes, and you have more liquid on the sheet pan which is great in your enchilada sauce.

An authentic green enchilada sauce starts with fresh, not canned chiles, tomatillos, and onions.

First, peel the papery husks off the tomatillos and rinse them clean under cool water. Chop into large chunks.

Rinse the jalapeno, slice the top off, slice in half, and use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and membrane where most of the heat resides in the jalapeno peppers.

Rinse the Pasilla or Anaheim chiles, slice off the top, and remove the seeds. Chop into large pieces.

Peel and slice the onions into chunks.

Grilling Method (Option 1)

  1. Turn on the grill to medium heat. Toss the cut tomatillos, Anaheim peppers, onions, and jalapeno halves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin in a bowl. Use a stainless grilling tray, the one with holes. Evenly spread the chopped tomatillos, onions, seeded jalapeno, and poblano peppers.
  2. Grill for about 10 minutes until nice grill marks form, and the onion is just turning color on the edges. The grilling adds great flavor! Then flip over using a metal burger flipper. Grill for 20 more minutes for a total of 30 minutes.

Oven Roasting Method (Option 2)

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Toss the cut tomatillos, Pasilla or Anaheim peppers, onions, and jalapeno halves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin in a bowl.
  3. Next, spread all the vegetables on a sheet pan or large baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes and stir. Roast another 20 minutes, until soft. There will be juices in the pan, keep that for the sauce!

Blend The Sauce

Load the grilled or roasted vegetables into a high speed blender with any juices. Alternatively, use a food processor or immersion blender.

Add approximately 2 cups of chicken stock (homemade or store bought) to cover the vegetables. And blend into a smooth sauce. If it doesn’t all fit in your blender, mix in a couple of batches.

Keep in an airtight container or Mason jar and use within two days in recipes. Portion cooled enchilada sauce in freezer bags and freeze flat or in a freezer-safe container.

Two zip topped plastic freezer bags filled with green enchilada sauce on a colorful striped piece of cloth.

Use this green sauce in my Chicken Enchilada Casserole, one of my all time favorites...

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
A big scoop of this layered chicken enchilada casserole defines cozy, yummy, comfort food. What makes this a great recipe, is you can cook the filling on the stovetop or simmer in a slow cooker all day. There are layers of soft tortillas, filled with tender juicy shredded chicken, melted cheeses, sliced black olives, and fire roasted salsa verde for added depth of authentic delicious flavors of this traditional Mexican dish.
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A white casserole dish with chicken enchilada casserole topped with black olives and lots of melted cheese.
A wood spoon scooping out a spoonful of green enchilada sauce from a wood bowl of it.

Let's Talk About Tomatillos!

Tomatillos are sometimes called Mexican green tomatoes or jam berries and have a tart, fruity flavor. They are easier to find in local markets year-round and are always in Latin American grocery stores. Find them, and make the best green enchilada sauce recipe!

Overall, the tomatillo flavor is bright, and the interior texture is denser and less watery than tomatoes. Cooking helps soften the thick skin and brings out even more flavor, grilling is even better and the way I like to use them.

The green papery husk on tomatillos comes right off very easily, and when you rinse them under cool water, it helps to remove the slight sticky residue on the tomatillo skin.

Enchilada Sauce FAQ

What's the difference between salsa verde vs green enchilada sauce?

The main difference is salsa verde is raw, cool, and uncooked, enjoyed with tortilla chips, on tacos, or other Mexican foods. A green chile enchilada sauce is a cooked sauce, and served warm in enchilada recipes. A red sauce or green sauce is created depending on the type of chili in the homemade sauce.

What are some of the best ways to use an easy enchilada sauce recipe?

Use this versatile sauce to mix into enchilada casseroles, mix with pulled pork for tacos, and drizzle on taquitos or nachos. It goes great into enchilada soups, and even mixed into guacamole!

How do you make creamy chicken enchiladas?

Make a creamy green enchilada sauce by mixing in some cream cheese or sour cream, Diced Cooked Chicken or shredded chicken, green chiles, a sprinkle of oregano, garlic powder, and white or black beans. Roll in corn tortillas, and top with more grated cheese. Once baked sprinkle on parsley or chopped cilantro.

More Mexican Food Recipes

The fresh amazing taste of this Tomatillo Salsa aka Salsa Verde comes from the fire-roasted grilled flavor, and it has just the right kick of heat with tortilla chips. Drizzle Avocado Salsa is often served on Mexican foods like tacos, burritos, and taquitos, or served with tortilla chips as a dip. Many people call it Taco Sauce, Salsa de Aguacate, or green sauce.

Authentic Mexican Street Corn aka Elotes is fire grilled and brushed with a creamy cilantro sauce sprinkled with Cotija cheese and dusted with chile powder. Mexican Pickled Red Onions are an easy recipe with no canning skills needed, and the lime juice does the pickling! Ready in 30 minutes to top hamburgers, salads, tacos, taco salads, tostadas, and pulled pork.

Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

A glass jar with a clamp filled with green enchilada sauce on a colorful striped piece of cloth.
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Green Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Cook green enchilada sauce at home, and skip the cans at the store! With a few simple steps, it will become one of your favorite ways to enjoy fresh green chilis, onions, and tomatillos. Layer into authentic chicken enchiladas verde, one of everyone's favorite Mexican dishes for dinner. Year-round, choose to fire grill or oven-roast the vegetables. Either way adds so much flavor to your very own homemade enchilada sauce.
Course Dinner & Main Dishes
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword authentic enchilada sauce, enchilada recipe, green enchilada sauce, Mexican enchilada sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 65kcal
Author Lisa Hatfield

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6-7 whole Poblano Pasilla peppers New Mexico Hatch or Anaheim chiles
  • 3-4 pounds tomatillos
  • 1 whole jalapeno (seeded) or Serrano chile
  • 3 whole brown onions medium size
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth

Instructions

  • An authentic green enchilada sauce starts with fresh, not canned chiles, tomatillos, and onions.
  • First, peel the papery husks off the tomatillos and rinse them clean under cool water. Chop into large chunks.
  • Rinse the jalapeno, slice the top off, slice in half, and use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and membrane where most of the heat resides in the jalapeno peppers.
  • Rinse the Pasilla or Anaheim chiles, slice off the top and remove the seeds. Chop into large pieces.
  • Peel and slice the onions into chunks.

Grilling Method (Option 1)

  • Turn on the grill to medium heat. Toss the cut tomatillos, Anaheim peppers, onions, and jalapeno halves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin in a bowl. Use a stainless grilling tray, the one with holes.
    Evenly spread the chopped tomatillos, onions, seeded jalapeno, and poblano peppers.
  • Grill for about 10 minutes until nice grill marks form, and the onion is just turning color on the edges. The grilling adds great flavor! Then flip over using a metal burger flipper. Grill for 20 more minutes for a total of 30 minutes.

Oven Roasting Method (Option 2)

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  • Toss the cut tomatillos, Pasilla or Anaheim peppers, onions, and jalapeno halves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin in a bowl.
  • Next, spread all the vegetables on a sheet pan or large baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes and stir. Roast another 20 minutes, until soft. There will be juices in the pan, keep that for the sauce!

Blend The Sauce

  • Load the grilled or roasted vegetables into a high speed blender with any juices. Alternatively, use a food processor or immersion blender. Add approximately 2 cups of chicken stock (homemade or store bought) to cover the vegetables. And blend into a smooth sauce. If it doesn’t all fit in your blender, mix in a couple of batches.
  • Keep in an airtight container or Mason jar and use within two days in recipes. Portion cooled enchilada sauce in freezer bags and freeze flat or in a freezer-safe container.

Video

Notes

Chiles & Peppers - There are several green chiles at the market. The day I went they didn't have Anaheim chiles, so I used Poblano peppers, also called Pasillas. And there are other options like New Mexico Hatch Chilies, which are fantastic. Take a look at all my favorite recipe ideas and ways to use them!
PRO TIP Pepper Heat: When using hot chili peppers like jalapeno or serrano peppers, it's a good idea to taste a tiny piece to see how hot that pepper is, they vary widely!
Spicy Sauce Notes - If you don't like it spicy, leave out the jalapeno to make it a mild sauce.
Olive Oil - You can swap in a good quality vegetable oil for olive oil. The little oil on the surface of the vegetables helps to roast and blister them with added flavor.
Chicken Stock - Homemade stock is always the best, and you can try my recipe linked from the recipe ca

Nutrition

Serving: 12g | Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Oven Roasted Pulled Pork

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Last Updated April 4th, 2024 at 01:27 pm by Lisa

Oven Roasted Pulled Pork is moist and super savory! Season with a homemade rub and cook with these slow-roasting secrets.

We are covering how to make pulled pork at a low oven temperature as opposed to slow cooked in a crockpot. And why a loin is the best cut!

The low heat temperature and a long cooking process make the meat easy to shred as it becomes tender over the hours. And the result. Amazing slightly caramelized edges with the best flavor...

There are many different ways of cooking pork around the world. What would otherwise be a tough cut of meat is cooked slowly at low temperatures. Usually by a smoking method. This helps the meat become tender enough so that it can be "pulled", or easily broken into individual small pieces.

As you cook it slowly over the hours, it breaks down into juicy tender meat so it shreds really well. Non-barbecue cooking methods can also work like a slow cooker, pressure cooker, instant pot, or a domestic oven.

How To Make Pulled Pork

For the best pulled pork recipe, we are taking a low and slow approach. The key is to keep the meat moist and create a nice crust. The low temperature and slow, cooking process make it easy to shred as it tenderizes over the hours.

In the Summer, ultimately a smoker outside gets that smoky flavor that melts in your mouth. But so many of us don't have smokers.

One afternoon, try oven roasting indoors! You can create BBQ dishes that will make your friends and your whole family want seconds and thirds.

Pulled Pork Recipe Oven Roasted Ingredients

This recipe works with a PORK LOIN (NOT PORK TENDERLOIN) for the best results as these are two different cuts of pork.  A tenderloin cut does not hold up well with these long cooking times because they are a much smaller cut of meat. 

Gas or Electric Oven?

IMPORTANT PRO TIP: This recipe was tested in a GAS OVEN. If you have an electric oven, cook uncovered at 225 for 5 hours and an additional hour covered with a small amount of water on the bottom.

10-Pound Pork Loin

The loin cut from a pig is not as fatty as other pork cuts and is quite inexpensive per pound. I pick up a mine at Costco. Be sure to get a pork loin and not a tenderloin that cut is too small for this recipe.

Homemade Rub Seasoning (½ cup)

You will need about ½ cup of lb for a 10 lb loin, this is one of my favorite recipes!

First, Mix The Rub

Making your own BBQ and grill rub is easy, inexpensive, and preservative-free! It just takes a few simple ingredients in your spice cabinet you probably have on hand right now.

Gather these ingredients. ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar, ¼ cup paprika, 3 tablespoons cracked black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of Kosher sea salt. I highly recommend Kosher salt. If you want to use table salt, only use 1 tablespoon. Then add 2 tablespoons lemon pepper, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons celery seeds, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

In a small bowl combine with a whisk.

A small white bowl filled with a dry rub for BBQ and grilling with a small white scoop stuck in the seasoning.

If you want the printable recipe, here you go!

The Best BBQ Dry Rub
Use this grilling and BBQ dry rub on chicken, steaks, pork, hamburgers, and as a rib rub. This seasoning blend adds amazing flavor and color!
GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
A large pork loin roast with a lot of dry rub seasoning pouring over the top.

PRO TIP: Store in an airtight Mason jar or a spice jar. Keep out of the light and away from heat. Your rub will last for at least 6 months.

PRO TIP: Use a shaker jar to season large pieces of meat quickly. Place parchment paper under the lid to keep your rub fresh.

Prepare The Meat

One of the first things to do is to grab a large roasting pan.

Place the meat with the fat layer facing up before roasting.

Sprinkle the dry rub all over the surface and ends of the meat, and be sure to coat every part.

PRO TIP: In fact, did you know loin roast, is just a few calories more than skinless chicken breast? And it is lower in fat and calories than chicken thighs and chicken legs?

And Finally, Roast Time!

Preheat your oven to 225 degrees f.

Cook Time: It will take about 5 hours for a 10 lb pork loin roast. 

Insert an oven-safe thermometer into the center or thickest part of the loin.

A fully cooked pork loin just out of the oven in a metal roasting pan covered with bbq rub, and ready to shred into pulled pork.

Roasting is a dry cooking technique. The food is cooked uncovered in the oven. A wet cooking technique is where you add a cooking liquid while braising, stewing in a Dutch oven with the lid on, covering with aluminum foil, or steaming in the pan.

Roasting cooks the dish evenly with hot dry air all around the food.  You can roast at low, moderate, or high temperatures depending on the food you are cooking. This will vary with the recipes and ingredients.

A fully cooked pork loin roast with homemade BBQ Dry rub all over the outside and the pan juices in the roasting pan.

Safe Pork Loin Temperature

Check the temperature throughout cooking, using a wireless digital thermometer. I use mine for everything from baking, frying, and roasting meat.

Try a wireless bluetooth smoke thermometer or instant read thermometer. The advantage of wireless is you can constantly monitor the temperature. Some Bluetooth devices have phone apps too, which is so convenient.

Shredding The Meat

In the roasting pan, pulling the meat with two forks working is easy going in opposite directions.

And mix in the pan juices, they are full of delicious flavor! And toss into your favorite barbecue sauce or vinegar based sauce.

How To Eat The Perfect Pulled Pork

The next day, tuck extra leftovers into freeze in zip lock bags, or an airtight container, or use a vacuum sealer and have it on hand for quick easy meals. Makes fantastic make ahead party food! Are ya hungry yet?

Best Cut Of Pork

I know. I know. Everyone (but me) uses the most common cut of Whole Pork Shoulder or Whole Boston Butt Roast. And usually either smoke, slow cook, or braise in liquid. And commonly it is served with or without a vinegar-based sauce or BBQ sauce.

In the United States, smoking a whole pig roast is very popular. A whole hog has these mixed cuts:

  • spare ribs
  • pork chops
  • pork belly
  • ham
  • shoulder blade
  • loin and tenderloin

Pork Shoulder Roast or Picnic Shoulder: This cut is the hog's front leg and shoulder. And remains the most popular type of meat used to make pulled pork. Local grocery store butchers will cut the whole full pork shoulder into two cuts; the picnic roast and the Boston butt (also called the Boston roast). It weighs between 5-10 pounds and is either bone-in or boneless. A tough cut of meat, full of muscle fibers, connective tissue, and is quite fatty.

And that's why I love using the loin cut! You avoid all the fat bits.

Pork FAQ

When is pork is cooked?

Once the pork loin has reached a safe internal temperature of between 145-160 degrees internal temperature. Shut off the oven and let the pork loin roast cool for an hour before removing it from the oven.

How long is pulled pork safe to refrigerate?

Cover and chill leftovers in the fridge for three to four days. Or freeze for 4-6 months well wrapped and sealed while frozen.

A white casserole dish with roasted pulled pork just out of the oven and seasoned with bbq rub.

More Pork Recipes

There are endless side dishes that will go well with pulled pork. Here are a few classic favorites. Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Picnic Pasta Salad, Coleslaw, Cowboy Baked Beans, Ice Cold Blueberry Lemonade, or Frozen Margaritas. Make a few of these recipes and you have a party!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches start with an easy crock pot version that is so juicy! Top each sandwich with coleslaw, pickle chips, and tangy barbeque sauce.

Tater Tot Nachos have layers of golden crispy tater tots in place of tortilla chips. Then load on juicy shredded pork or rotisserie chicken. A creamy tomatillo sauce, lots of melted cheese, and other scrumptious favorite nacho toppings. Cherry Balsamic Pork Roast is perfect for family dinner, entertaining, or the holidays.

An easy 10-minute prep recipe that serves a crowd. Cuban Sliders are golden brown with a butter Dijon sauce. Then topped with melted Swiss cheese, shredded pork and ham, and pickles. Serve a tray of these slider sandwiches for dinner, parties, or on game days!

Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

A white casserole dish with oven roasted pulled pork shredded and ready to eat in tacos or a recipe for dinner.
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Oven Roasted Pulled Pork Recipe (Pork Loin)

Oven Roasted Pulled Pork is moist and super savory! Season with a homemade rub and cook it with these slow-roasting secrets. We cover how to make pulled pork at a low oven temperature as opposed to slow cooked in a crockpot. And why a loin is the best cut! The low heat temperature and a long cooking process make the meat easy to shred as it becomes tender over the hours. The result: perfectly moist yet slightly caramelized edges with the best flavor.
Course Dinner & Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Keyword oven roasted pork, pork loin recipe, pulled pork, pulled pork recipe, shredded pulled pork
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 12
Calories 561kcal
Author Lisa Hatfield

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 10 lb pork loin

Homemade Pork Rub (½ cup)

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • ¼ cup paprika
  • 3 tablespoons cracked black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Optional

  • ½ cup BBQ Sauce
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix the rub. In a large mixing bowl combine the spices well with a whisk.
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup paprika, 3 tablespoons cracked black pepper, 3 tablespoons of sea salt, 2 tablespoons lemon pepper, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons celery seeds, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  • Preheat your oven to 225 degrees.
  • Optional: trim the fat layer if you wish. In a large roasting pan, rub the dry rub over the meat.
  • Place the meat uncovered with the fat layer facing up before roasting.
  • IMPORTANT: This recipe was tested in a GAS OVEN. If you have an electric oven, cook uncovered at 225 for 5 hours and an additional hour covered with foil and a small amount of water or apple juice on the bottom.
  • Insert an oven-safe thermometer into the center or thickest part of the pork loin. Check the temperature throughout cooking, a wireless digital thermometer makes this really easy.
  • Once the internal temperature has reached 200 degrees, shut off the oven and let the pork loin roast cool for an hour before removing it from the oven.
  • Cooking Time: 5 hours for a 10 lb pork loin roast.
  • In the roasting pan, shred and pull the meat with two forks working in opposite directions. Toss into more rub and drippings if desired.
  • Optional: Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce.

Notes

pork loin

This recipe is tested with PORK LOIN (NOT PORK TENDERLOIN) for the best results as these are two different cuts of pork.  A tenderloin cut does not hold up well with these long cooking times because they are a much smaller cut of meat. 

bbq rub

You will need about ½ cup (but add more if you wish!) of rub for a 10 lb pork loin.

gas or electric oven

This recipe was tested in a GAS OVEN. If you have an electric oven, cook uncovered at 225 for 5 hours and an additional hour covered with a small amount of water on the bottom.

Nutrition

Calories: 561kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 86g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 238mg | Sodium: 2063mg | Potassium: 1574mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1317IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 3mg

Cuba Libre Cocktails

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The Cuba Libre are classic Cuban cocktails similar to Rum and Coke. During my trip to Cuba, I learned how they make them in a uniquely Cuban way and it is the national drink of Cuba!

This drink is well over 100 years old. It has quenched the thirst of travelers and people around the world who enjoy this Coke cocktail. With the addition of fresh lime juice, it is simple yet sublime...

Cuba Libre Cocktail Recipe

The Mojito, The classic Daiquiri, and this classic Cuba Libre all come from Cuba. Each of these drinks carries a lot of history in the creation of these cocktail recipes. Hotels and bars have become famous for mixing popular drinks for thirsty tourists. The bartenders are highly skilled professionals. Today, I will share some of their secrets to share with you!

Rum and Coke is a classic combination with the lime and honors the very essence of Cuban rum in the best way...

Cuba Libre Ingredients

  • 1-2 ounces rum. Use a light white or dark rum (1-3 years Puerto Rico Bacardi is close to Cuban rum)
  • Coca-Cola bottled in Mexico (as used in Cuba)
  • Lime wedges
  1. Fill a tall glass or highball cocktail glass with ice, then squeeze a little lime juice in. Toss the spent lime shell.
  2. Add rum 1-2 shots of good rum, and top with Coca-Cola.
  3. Stir with a bar spoon, and garnish with a wedge of lime.

Lime Juice ~ adds a tangy zing and balance to the sweetness of the cola.

Coca-Cola ~ Look for Coca-Cola soda made in Mexico. It is sweeter, and not easy to find in stores, but you can order it on Amazon. In Cuba, they can't buy US bottles of Coke, so this is one of the authentic tips for this drink.

Rum ~ Both light and dark aged rum work well in this coke cocktail. The añejo blanco 3 años Havana Club rum is easy to find and buy everywhere in Cuba. And commonly used in bars and restaurants. In the United States, American distillers like Bacardi rum are a good brand, and you can also use premium golden rum you prefer.

Lime Garnish ~ By the way, in Cuba, they do not use mint as a garnish on a Cuba Libre. This drink often has a piece of mint for online photos in an American bar in the United States, but that is not authentic. They do use colorful straws sometimes, but keep it simple with just the lime they squeeze in, or a zested round of lime.

A Word About Cuban Rum

Rum is a liquor that starts by fermenting and then distilling sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice. The distillate is a clear liquid. And usually aged in oak barrels.

While in Cuba, I took a tour of a farm that grows and processes cane sugar. And we each took a sip of the sugar cane juice.

Rum is a distilled liquor that comes from sugarcane products. It is a by-product of sugar manufacturing, one of Cubas's leading industries.

A collage of photos from Cuba of people, cars, food and more.

The Cuban sugar economy is the principal agricultural economy in Cuba. Throughout history, the Cuban economy heavily relied on sugar exports, however, sugar production has declined over the decades.

Cuba and Puerto Rico are known for their light-body rums. The fuller-flavored higher-proof rums are widely produced in Jamaica and the Caribbean islands.

A travel collage of photos from Cuba picturing people, cocktails, and cars in Cuba.

Memories Of Cuba

Cuba Libre cocktails in this photo collage are from my trip to Cuba when I first arrived in Havana. It is culinary "research"! There are so many things to love about Cuba, it is an intoxicating country of contrasts. Of course, you know about the colorful classic cars and cigars.

Some of my favorite memories are that Cubans love their families, and take their time doing things. They have extremely talented artists, and everyone works at something. "Fast service" is not part of the Cuban way, there is no rush. Waiting for food and drink from your server, is normal. However, it's worth the wait. Even with a reservation. The pace is slow. Eventually, you relax and sink right into the low key pace.

Cuban Food & Drinks

The food was surprisingly delicious, I tried many dishes in the 3 weeks of my travels, and there are strong Spanish and French influences in their cuisine. Some of my favorite dishes were; Croquettes, Paella, Cuban Sandwich, Malangas "fritters", Tapas, Ajicao (Cuba's national dish), Ropa Vieja-shredded beef, and Congri -mixed black beans and rice.

The Caribbean sun produces some of the best tropical fruits like crops of banana, pineapples, mango, cacao, coconuts, and mamey - the national fruit, to name a few.

Other famous local crops include tobacco for rolling cigars, and sugarcane to make rum cocktails, which have grown on the island of Cuba for centuries.

The internet was quite undependable. And we loved the disconnect! Everything is so clean. The Cuban people are so kind and take great pride in their homes with lovely gardens. The older buildings are sometimes crumbling, and I saw one literally held up by old trees that grew inside the structure.

Photos from Cuba of blue cars, doors, a man holding cigar box and more.

Homes and buildings occasionally collapse. As that happens, the land is cleared and a new park is ready for the neighborhood to gather and socialize.

It is common to see Cuban neighbors sharing a bottle of rum, no cups or ice just sipping it, listening to great music, and always dancing.

Cuba Libre FAQ

The History Of The Cuba Libre Cocktail

The Treaty of Paris was the end of the Spanish-American War and was signed on December 10, 1898. Spain renounced all claims to Cuba formerly under Spanish rule.

The origin of the Cuba Libre dates back to the Ten Years War, where, as the story goes, a group of American soldiers were in a Cuban bar.
A Captain in the US Army stationed in Havana ordered a rum and Coca-Cola, and toasted Cuban friends with the words por Cuba libre meaning Free Cuba. The toast helped name the drink and celebrates Cuban independence to this day.

More Cocktails and Drinks

Straight from Cuba, this Mojito recipe is 100% authentic. Learn the real ingredients from Cuban bartenders in Havana. And what makes these famous cocktails the real deal! Classic mojitos are the very essence of beach cocktails.  St. Germain Cocktails have notes of floral flavor with Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco or Champagne, tropical tea syrup, and a splash of club soda over crushed ice.

Serve this White Wine Sangria recipe for a light and refreshing summer sipper. It is great for July 4th celebrations, picnics, barbecue cookouts, or any summer party. Hibiscus Cocktails have under 100 calories each, are low in carbohydrates, vegan, low sugar keto, and gluten-free!

Fireball Whiskey Cocktails has fresh oranges, cinnamon, cloves, apple cider, and cinnamon flavored whiskey. Serve these fireball whisky drinks for game days, the holiday season, brunch, Fall parties, and Thanksgiving Day.

For a slushy refreshing drink, whip up a CoronaRita Margarita or serve Aperol Spritz cocktails, perfect for pool parties, outdoor potlucks, and BBQs. A Candy Corn Martini is the ultimate Halloween drink for parties, with simple ingredients that are easy to find.

Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Four tall Havana Club glasses with Cuba Libre cocktails garnished with lime on a wood tray.
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Cuba Libre Cocktail Recipe (Cuban Rum and Coke)

Cuba Libre Cocktails from my trip to Cuba. Learn the secret ingredient in these famous Cuban cocktails and what makes them authentic. And yes, this cocktail is a Rum and Coke, but made the Cuban way!
Course Drinks & Cocktails
Cuisine Cuban
Keyword authentic cuban cocktail, cuba libre, cuba libre cocktails, cuban cocktail, green cocktail recipe, rum and coke
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 157kcal
Author Lisa Hatfield

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 slice lime juice
  • 1-2 shots dark or white rum good US or Puerto Rican brand, Cubans typically use Havana Club 3 year white rum
  • Coca-Cola-Bottled in Mexico
  • 2 slices lime wedge garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a glass, add ice and a squeeze of lime. Next, add 1-2 shots dark or white rum.
  • Add a few more ice cubes, and top with chilled Coca Cola. In Cuba they don't add lots of ice.
  • Garnish with a lime, you can zest it in strips, then slice into wedges.

Video

Notes

Cuban Rum

Havana Club - El Ron De Cuba, is not currently available in the US due to the import embargo.
You can find some good options like Havana Club - Puerto Rico available at specialty liquor stores.
Another good brand is Bacardi Black, this Puerto Rican dark rum aged between 1-3 years in oak barrels, works well in Cuba Libre. 

Coca Cola - Mexico Bottled

Try to buy it in Mexican or Latin markets, and sometimes Taqerias (taco shops) sell bottles on ice. There is a difference, to me, it is sweeter and just tastes better! People go crazy for it here in Southern California. 
 
 
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Sodium: 31mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 9.7mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg

100 Patriotic 4th of July Desserts

[heart_this] · · 24 Comments

Last Updated April 25th, 2024 at 04:55 pm by Lisa

Celebrate Independence Day with 4th of July desserts and red, white, and blue recipes for your block party, potluck picnic, or backyard cookout!

Browse over 100 Fourth of July party ideas including cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, easy dessert recipes, frozen treats, and so much more.

Wishing you a Happy July 4th with friends and the whole family. Create a fun 4th July dessert, be safe, and enjoy the yummy patriotic food! And may God Bless the USA...

These all American desserts are perfect for Summer holidays. Find delicious July 4th dessert recipes or ideas for a Memorial Day backyard BBQ. Try a recipe for your Summertime Cookout or end of Summer Labor Day weekend party! Fill your dessert table with sweet treats and Summer desserts...

A slice of red, white and blue cake topped with white frosting and red berries.

Table of Contents

100+ 4th of July Desserts

This recipe collection is created by Food Bloggers all over the USA willing to share their favorite 4th of July recipes! Choose from patriotic desserts like impressive cake recipes to easy cupcakes, pies, tarts, cookies, and no bake red, white, and blue treats! Or make an easy trifle with angel food cake, fruit, and whipped cream. Freeze some fruit popsicles, or dip ice cream sandwiches in melted chocolate and sprinkles.

You will also find easy patriotic dessert ideas like flag shaped red, white, and blue cakes, Oreo ice cream cakes, and even cheesecakes with graham cracker crusts topped with strawberries and blueberries to look like our flag.

A red white and blue old Sam hat blowing in the wind on 4th of July.

From the time I was a young girl, I always loved a good July BBQ on the 4th. We would decorate our bikes for the Independence Day party with red, white, and blue crepe paper, flags, and ribbons. And my Aunt always made the best dessert for 4th of July. Usually her flag cake recipe!

I can remember the smell of the sparklers, and how the fireworks were loud and scary but so exciting. ✨ 💥 Our family had an all-day picnic in the park, and the holiday was always a time for family, food, and fun.

A special heartfelt thank you to each person who shared a dessert recipe for this collection, I am so blessed to do what I love, and to share it with others. "Food people truly are the best kind of people!"

An American flag pie made with a blueberry filling cooling on a counter outside with a insect cover.

Fourth of July Dessert Recipes ~ Pies and Tarts

Pies and tarts are so classic, look at all these options! Is there a better way to celebrate America than with a pie or tart? Bake a flag shaped slab pie, bake a pie with blueberry pie filling right on your gas grill and keep the kitchen cool (see above!), or make a beautiful fruit tart.

Create a sheet pan pie filled with fresh summer berries and pie crust stars and stripes. The best part is these are all classic Summer dessert ideas to enjoy anytime.

Every one of these patriotic recipes will show your American spirit!

A sheet pan filled with a flag pie made with strawberries, blueberries, and pie crust.
American Flag Strawberry Blueberry Pie ~ Delicious Table
A large cherry pie with rolling pin and bowl of cherries ready to cut a slice.
Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
A white pavlova topped with blueberries and strawberries on a sheet pan.
Berry Pavlova
Mini blueberry hand pies in a dish all ready to eat garnished with blueberries.
Blueberry Hand Pies
A glass dish holding a berry pie topped with strawberries, blueberries, and pie crust stars.
Star Spangled Berry Sheet Pan Pie
A blueberry pie with a flag crust baked on a grill.
Grill Baked Blueberry Pie
A large fruit tart made with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Fresh Fruit Tart
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie ~ A Farmgirl's Kitchen

Pie Recipes

The quintessential American 4th of July dessert is a homemade pie! Here are some of the best recipes and baking ideas for your patriotic party Fourth of July celebration.

Mini round lattice apple pies on a white tray freshly baked and ready to eat.
Mini Apple Pies ~ Seanna's Kitchen

Delicious Dessert Tart Recipes

Most of these red, white, and blue desserts are easy! Use homemade or store-bought crusts. Some of these festive dessert ideas even use filo cups and cookie dough as the crust! So smart.

4th of July Desserts Easy Cookies

Cookies are a great simple dessert for picnics in the park, or at the beach, they easily pack and can be made ahead like M&M cookie bars. Look for red, white, and blue M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles in the store, and create all kinds of cookies, bars, and easy 4th of July desserts!

Stars and Stripes Cookies ~ A Bakers House
Star-Spangled Cookies
Red, White, and Blue Swirl Cookies
Chewy M&M Cookies
Patriotic Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookies
Patriotic red, white and blue cookies with sprinkles and a drizzle of white icing on a plate at a July 4th party.

No Bake Desserts for 4th of July

We get it, sometimes it is SO hot the thought of baking doesn't sound fun. So go with some 4th of July easy desserts, that are a no-bake recipe. An easy way to keep the house cool on a hot summer day.

Krispie Treats Fireworks Pops
Easy Patriotic Dipped Pretzels
Watermelon Pizza
Patriotic Chocolate Bark
No-Bake Red White and Blue Parfaits ~ Shockingly Delicious
A layered pound cake with whip cream in between the layers and strawberries and blueberries on top.
No-Bake Red White and Blue Cake ~ Home Made Interest

Assorted Fourth of July Desserts

Take a look at these elegant, fun, unique, and beautiful desserts! Using fresh blueberries, blackberries, fresh strawberries, and raspberries is the easiest way to get the pop of patriotic colors. And so many of them are easy recipes, and come together in minutes!

American Flag S'mores Dip
Triple Berry Pavlova
Mixed Berry Fool ~ Lemon Blossoms
4th of July Donuts ~ The Simple Sweet Life

Fourth of July Cakes & Cupcakes

Cakes and Cupcakes are classic dessert choices. These red, white, and blue Fourth of July desserts will make your party one to remember! From strawberry shortcakes, to Jell-O poke cakes with white cake mix, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. All of these easy Fourth July desserts will make people so happy.

Patriotic Mini Trifles
Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcakes
Red White and Blue Firework Cupcakes
Red White and Blue Cake
Patriotic Funfetti Mason Jar Cupcakes ~ Valerie's Kitchen
An American flag cake decorated with blueberries, raspberries, and white frosting with a patriotic star towel.
American Flag Cake ~ Delicious Table
American Flag July 4th Cake Recipe
Bake a patriotic American Flag July 4th Cake with red, white, and blue marbled vanilla cake inside. And, an amazing, scrumptious, bakery-style buttercream frosting that is not too sweet, and spreads like a dream.
GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
An American flag cake decorated with blueberries, raspberries, and white frosting with a patriotic star towel.
A beautful layered cake with red white and blue layers, and blue star tip icing and sprinkles for July 4th.
Firecracker Cake ~ Love Bakes Good Cake

Trifle Recipe 4th of July Dessert Ideas

Layered Funfetti trifles are so easy with a boxed cake mix or angel food cake, sprinkles, a vanilla pudding topping, and fresh berries and whipped cream.

Cheesecake July 4th Dessert Ideas

Cheesecake desserts are always a make-ahead hit to serve on July 4th! Red, white, and blue mini cheesecakes, and parfaits topped with berries are adorable, and so easy. Transform simple blocks of cream cheese into the best 4th of July desserts! And be sure to try the classic cheesecake recipe with a berry jello glaze on top for one heck of a decadent dessert!

Wave Your Flag Cheesecake
Mini Berry Swirl Cheesecakes
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake with Oreo Crust
No-Bake Patriotic Cheesecake Parfaits
Berry Cheesecake Flag Dessert ~ That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Frozen 4th July Desserts

Break out the ice cream maker, and make some homemade ice cream. And beat the Summer heat in a fun way with frozen Fourth of July treats!

A white inflateable swan floating in a pool filled with red and blue July 4th beach balls.

The perfect way to cool off outdoors by the pool is with coconut water fruit popsicles, ice pops, or a slice of ice cream pie or icebox cakes coated in cool whip.

On a hot day, an ice cream sandwich is a classic Summery dessert. And dipped in chocolate and red, white, and blue sprinkles is an easy way to decorate frozen treats really fast. Try my Patriotic Ice Cream Cake, a family recipe we have made for decades.

An ice cream cake for July 4th with a slice cut out of it on a patriotic red, white, and blue star tablecloth.
Patriotic Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream sundaes with strawberries, blueberries, and vanilla ice cream and whip cream.
Angel Cake Berry Trifle Sundaes
A single coconut water popsicle with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Fruit Popsicles
Five red white blue smoothie popsicles on a tray with strawberries.
Smoothie Popsicles
Frozen coconut water popsicles on a plate with berries and a July 4th towel.

July 4th FAQ

What is July 4th, Independence Day, or the Fourth of July Celebrating?

A national American holiday celebrating the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Why is our American Flag Red, White, and Blue?

The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.

Close up of a red white and blue flag cake made with fruit.

More Summer Party Food

Celebrate all Summer with July 4th Recipes on Independence Day at your Grill and BBQ party, Cookout, or Picnic. Make it one to remember with these Summer recipes...🇺🇸

100+ July 4th Recipes for your cookout menu including grilling recipes, side dishes, and picnic food ideas with drinks, desserts, and more! Some of the classic “must-haves” on the 4th of July are more than tradition, they make our celebrations into memories with friends and family! Many of these recipe ideas have patriotic red, white, and blue colors, and all are easy.

This complete guide has over fifty Bridal Shower Food Ideas to host an elegant party for the bride-to-be. Choose from creative, delicious recipes with planning tips for a beautiful wedding shower for the bride.

Celebrate with over 50+ high school and college Graduation Party Food Ideas. Throw an awesome 2023 grad party full of delicious food and drinks!

These are the best side dishes to make during cookout season! This ultimate list has 30+ Cookout Side Dish Recipes that will inspire you to create the yummiest food for family gatherings, summer picnics, outdoor cookouts, backyard barbecues, or church potlucks.

Look through 42 of the Best Burger Sides! These recipes will help you throw a legendary backyard cookout or July 4th BBQ with clever Summer party food ideas.

A complete Cookout Menu with over 60 recipes for grilling, sides, drinks, desserts, potluck sides, and more for your outdoor BBQ party. Plus inspiring ideas, tips, and hacks to make your cookout spectacular.

More Party Food Ideas

Gather your party guests and throw a legendary football party with spectacular, delicious Super Bowl foods for the biggest game of the year. And tailgate in style with all your fan favorites with some of these amazing Football Food Ideas.

Boo! Take a peek through 200+ of the Best Halloween Recipes from inspiring Food Blogger friends!

Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

A graphic loaded with July 4th desserts with red white and blue cakes, pies, and treats.
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100+ July 4th Dessert Recipes + American Flag Cake

Celebrate Independence Day with 4th of July desserts and red, white, and blue recipes for your block party, potluck picnic, or backyard cookout! Browse over 100 Fourth of July party ideas including cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, easy dessert recipes, frozen treats, and so much more.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword flag cake, July 4th cake, July 4th Dessert, July 4th recipes
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 20
Calories 585kcal
Author Lisa Hatfield

Equipment

Ingredients

9 X 13 rectangle cake

  • 1 boxed white vanilla cake mix 16 cups cake batter for pans than 3”
  • water vegetable oil eggs called for on cake mix box
  • red food color or gel
  • blue food color or gel
  • fresh raspberries
  • fresh blueberries

cake frosting

  • 2 cups salted butter - room temperature (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 10 cups powder sugar (confectioners sugar)
  • 4 tablespoons hot water
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but great!)

Instructions

cake pan

  • Put a few drops of vegetable oil in bottom of your cake pan. Next, line with parchment paper cut to fit the bottom of the pan.
  • This will help release the cake from the pan and makes clean up much easier. If you are serving the cake right from the pan and not removing the cake to decorate, don’t line the pan of course!

make frosting

  • Beat soft butter and shortening in a mixer on high until creamy for 5 minutes.
  • At low speed, add powder sugar 1 cup at a time until smooth.
  • On high speed, mix in vanilla, almond extract, and hot water for 5 minutes until fluffy and smooth.

bake cake

  • Mix your cake batter in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer according to the box directions. (Deeper pans might need more cake batter - I used a deeper pan (3 inches deep, most pan are 2 inches deep) so I mixed up 2 boxes of cake batter).
  • In a small bowl place 1-2 cups of batter, stir in red food color until it’s the red you like. In another small bowl, place 1-2 cups of the batter; stir in blue food color until it’s the blue you like.
  • Now, pour dollops of the batter into the pan alternating from red, white and blue. Try to place the batter on top of each area, it will begin to spread out.
  • When all the batter is in the cake pan, use a skewer to pull lines from the center outward, and then do some slight swirls around the pan. This helps create the marble design. Rap the pan down on the counter to help level the batter and pop any bubbles in the batter that would make the cake bake uneven.
  • Bake according to your cake box directions, most classic cake mixes require a 350-degree oven for 28 minutes for a regular 9x13 cake pan. (If you use a cake pan deeper than 2 inches, reduce baking temperature to 325 degrees and bake longer for 55 minutes). Check with a toothpick, if it comes out clean the cake is done.

decorate cake

  • Cool cake for 10 minutes in the cake pan, then remove it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Cool the cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours or preferably overnight before decorating. I like to bake cakes one day, then decorate them the next. This helps release the steam in the cake and the frosting holds on the cake when chilled, otherwise, it melts.
  • Place a dollup of frosting on a small piece of cardboard or a tray, and set the cake on top. This keeps the cake from sliding around while decorating.
  • Frost the cake with frosting using a small offset spatula. Smooth out the frosting as best you can all over the top and sides of the cake.
  • Using a knife, draw a line about 5 inches long and 4 inches tall for the blue part of the flag in the upper left corner. Place blueberries in that box, pick the best larger ones and place them with the smooth side up.
  • Starting at the top of the cake, use large raspberries pointed up and make long rows of red, leaving 1" white stripe in between each row of raspberries.
  • Fill a large piping bag with a large 1M star tip and frosting. PRO TIP: rest the piping bag in a tall sturdy jar or glass and pull the piping bag down, it really helps to fill it up. Pipe stars on blueberries for the stars of the flag working in slightly offset rows like the flag.
  • Pipe stars in between rows of raspberries, and decorate the sides of the cake if you wish. You will have some frosting leftover, it freezes great in a zip-top bag, and can be used for another dessert.
  • The cake will hold well overnight in the refrigerator for 1 day, and possibly 2 days if your berries are really fresh. I would decorate the cake either the day of your party or the night before. I have also had guests decorate it during the party which was SO much fun!

Video

Notes

cake storage

The flag cake will last up to 2 days chilled in the fridge. The frosting will firm up, so remove the cake at least one hour before serving to let the frosting soften up before serving. 

frosting

This frosting recipe is SOOO fluffy and easy to spread at room temperature. But it firms up nicely when chilled in the fridge, so decorate your cake with room temperature frosting. You can freeze any leftover frosting, and use it for another dessert.

baking pans

You can bake this in a sheet pan, glass 9 x 13 dish, or metal cake pan. If you use a pan deeper than 3 inches, you will want to lower the temperature from 350 down to 325 degrees and bake it longer, about 50 minutes. Also, be sure to line the pan with parchment, it makes taking the cake out so much easier, and in one piece. 🍰

batter

Coloring the batter is really easy, be sure to use bowls that won't stain with the dye, and just work to put big dollops on top of each other, with lots of white batter all over. Then use a chopstick to pull outward from the center and then in a circle, this makes the swirls you want! 🥣

baking

You can bake the cake a day ahead, and keep it chilled in the fridge until it's time to decorate it. You will want the cake very cool before you frost it!

decorating

A small offset spatula makes it really easy, but you can use a butter knife too. I had fun piping stars on the cake, totally optional but looks so patriotic. 🇺🇸 Use a large piping bag and 1M tip to create the stars. I used regular food coloring, just mix until it's a dark enough shade. Red took the whole little bottle.

berries

I used blueberries and raspberries, but you could use strawberries for the red stripes. You could also use colored sugar or sprinkles for the stripes. 🫐❤️

July 4th Recipes

I have a collection of over 100+ July 4th Desserts with treats from my food blogger friends plus a few of mine, with something for everyone. Happy July 4th 🇺🇸, you can also get over 100+ July 4th Recipes and food ideas for your party.

July 4th Cookouts, BBQs, and Picnic Tips!

  • Use serving pieces you have, red, white, and blue are great but not necessary. Look high and low for the thing you have-trust me you have great pieces to use. Find trays, baskets, bowls, or buy inexpensive ones. 
  • Plan an area for all the food. A nice long table in the shade, the dinner table, or a kitchen counter space all work great. Serve out of the heat, cover food, and try to keep any salads or meat items covered.
  • For summer pool parties, I make sure to get food back in the fridge after about an hour or so to keep it safe, then take it out later in the day when people get hungry again.
  • Plan for your number of guests, and space to walk around the table, and chairs, and places to sit in the shade.
  • Have containers to send leftovers home with guests, people love it! I use inexpensive Chinese paper takeout containers or grocery store brands.
  • If serving outside, plan out to keep food protected from flying insects with food tents, chill salads, and keep dishes out of the direct sun if possible. 
  • Use what you have to create different heights if possible and to keep people moving around trying different dishes. I sometimes use boxes under pretty linens and tablecloths to create high and low places.
  • Use American flags, linens, flowers, and patriotic decorations.
  • Serve salads in large chilled bowls on ice packs with a pretty towel covering the ice packs.  There are also platters that stay chilled for up to two hours, I have a couple and love them. 

     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 585kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 567IU | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

    50+ Bridal Shower Food Ideas

    [heart_this] · · 3 Comments

    Last Updated July 31st, 2024 at 08:32 am by Lisa

    Today's forecast calls for bridal showers! Honor the Bride-To-Be with this complete guide of over 50+ Bridal Shower Food Ideas to host an elegant party plus planning tips.

    Choose from creative, delicious recipes that range from healthy and light to cozy comfort food. One thing is for sure, everyone wants really good food at a beautiful wedding shower.

    Host a tea party in the afternoon or try some of these bridal shower brunch ideas. Party food is a snap with finger sandwiches, drinks, and a few easy shower appetizers...

    A bridal shower party with pink and white cake on a white cake stand, decorations, and glasses of pink champagne.

    Table of Contents

    Bridal Shower Menu Planning

    Gather your guest list, and decide the time of day. Are you having a morning breakfast or brunch style party? Or an early afternoon lunch and tea party?

    Select your menu of bridal shower food, and add your personal touch of glamour and elegance! And this collection will also work for future baby shower appetizers and main dishes.

    Every good party starts with a reason, so choose a creative bridal shower theme that goes with the time of day. Usually, a bridal shower party is organized by the maid of honor with help from family members and close friends. Decide if you will host a sit-down meal, open house style, a truly formal meal, a high tea, or a causal buffet with grazing boards. Start planning these details first.

    • Time Of The Party
    • Number of Guests
    • Weather & Time of Year
    • Outdoor or Indoors
    • Bridal Shower Games
    • Fresh Flowers & Decorations
    • Party Room Space - Tables and Chairs
    • Great Food!
    • Recording Gift Opening
    • Music - Spotify playlists
    Who organizes a bridal shower?

    Traditionally, the maid of honor plans and hosts the shower with the help of family, great friends, and bridesmaids. Communication is key in keeping decorations and bridal shower food ideas on a budget.

    Close up of a white cake topped with pastel frosing flowers and a decoration that says "future Mrs" at a bridal shower party

    Bridal Shower Food Ideas

    Arrange a bridal shower snacks table with some or all of these classic ideas. Start with a list of wedding shower menu ideas, and have people sign up to bring a dish, help decorate, or clean up. These menu ideas are a perfect option for a baby shower or special occasions like a birthdays or even Mother's Day!

    Tea Sandwich Ideas

    Looking down on a glass tiered tea tray stacked with various tea sandwiches.

    Make Ahead Appetizers

    Choose one main course, a salad, and some finger foods. Choose some make ahead bridal shower recipes like cheese boards, a beautiful layered Sliced Cheese, Homemade Boursin with crackers, or Mini Cheese Balls!

    Offer cool drinks like iced tea or lemonade, or a nice homemade Punch. And have some alcoholic beverages such as Champagne or Mimosas. A signature cocktail is also a nice idea. You can buy pink prosecco or champagne, or try my recipe in the printable recipe card below for Pink Mimosas!

    A pink and white cake decorated for a wedding shower with pink champagne.

    Beautiful Finger Foods, Salads & Sandwiches

    A fun way to host a shower is a potluck with bridal shower recipes. Have plenty of food options and enough space on a long table or counter for people to serve themselves. It's nice to serve dainty small cut portions of sandwiches on trays for people to try a selection of yummy items.

    Pretty Easter deviled eggs with green filling and decorated with fresh herbs and edible flowers.

    Pretty Deviled Eggs

    Deviled eggs decorated with edible flowers and herbs are the perfect appetizer and shower food idea. Decorated like little spring baskets complete with grass and flowers!

    PRETTY DEVILED EGGS
    An egg salad sandwich on brown bread stacked on a wood stand with a pickle on top.

    Egg Salad

    The best egg salad recipe starts with perfectly cooked eggs and fresh, quality, simple ingredients. It's mixed together into a rich creamy texture and loaded onto Rye or Pumpernickel sandwich bread with a pickle on top! There are endless different ways to enjoy a traditional egg salad. Add shredded chicken, and its chicken salad! It's a great way to use up eggs and works for family lunches, bridal, baby showers, or afternoon tea in the best egg salad sandwich ever.

    EGG SALAD
    A white platter with crostini recipe topped with edible flowers and herbs.

    Spring Crostini Appetizers

    Spring garden crostini with edible fresh flowers and herbs is a spectacular easy appetizer, perfect for a tea, garden party, wedding shower, or Mother's Day. Toast baguette slices brushed with olive oil, layer a creamy herb spread, and garnish with beautiful edible herbs and flowers!

    SPRING CROSTINI APPETIZERS
    A white platter filled with cheese truffles (mini cheese balls) with crackers and pretzels at a party.

    Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls)

    Cheese Truffles are loaded with delicious flavors and a variety of toppings. Serve with crackers or pretzels for an easy appetizer and fun party food! Scooped in small bites, these mini cheese balls are rolled in fine herbs, toasted nuts, cheese cracker crumbs, seasoning mixes, or assorted grated cheeses. We all want appetizer ideas that look super impressive, can be prepped ahead, are very tasty, and everyone keeps reaching for during the party.

    MINI CHEESE BALLS "CHEESE TRUFFLES"
    A wooden bowl filled with pasta salad and wooden serving tongs.

    Easy Pasta Salad

    An easy Pasta Salad and mayo-less side dish, is perfect for hot weather and holds at room temperature for outdoor picnics, a potluck, or your next Summer cookout! Cold pasta salads are easygoing party food. Add veggies like bell pepper, red onion, fresh herbs, and little cubes of mozzarella cheese all tossed in a light dressing.

    EASY PASTA SALAD
    Marinated mozzarella balls in a beige ceramic dish with appetizer toothpicks.

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Everyone loves cheese appetizers, and there is nothing easier than Marinated Mozzarella Balls on a gorgeous Charcuterie Board with some crackers, crusty bread, and drinks to get the party going. Take mini fresh mozzarella to a whole new level of deliciousness!

    MARINATED MOZZARELLA BALLS
    Looking down into a scooped out watermelon filled with rounded watermelon balls garnished with mint and feta cheese.

    Watermelon Salad

    Watermelon Salad is one of the most incredible refreshing summer fruit salads. It has a light citrus dressing, and fresh mint, topped with crumbled feta cheese. Serve this side dish for picnics, potlucks, and BBQ cookouts in a carved-out watermelon for the salad bowl!

    WATERMELON SALAD
    A plate full of pizza salad topped with mini pepperoni, mushrooms, mozzarella balls, pepperoncinis, and black olives with a artistic black fork on the edge of the plate.

    Pizza Salad

    A colorful Pizza Salad loaded with popular favorite pizza toppings like mini pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, tangy pepperoncinis, tiny ripe tomatoes, and little balls of mozzarella cheese. This Italian salad pizza inspired recipe is healthy, low carb, drizzled with a creamy sun-dried tomato dressing with all the flavors of pizza we crave.

    PIZZA SALAD
    White round plate filled with cheese appetizers with crackers and garnished with basil.

    Easy Layered Cheese Appetizers

    Gorgeous layered cheese appetizers with deli-style sliced cheeses and a creamy filling loaded with chopped nuts and dried fruit. Eat them as a snack or fancy finger food hors d'oeuvres! Keep the simple ingredients on hand for any potluck or holiday party, and assemble up to a day ahead. People will be fascinated by the elegant stacks, and they are so pretty on charcuterie or cheese board.

    EASY LAYERED CHEESE APPETIZERS
    A white platter filled with apple brie skewers for Thanksgiving appetizers.

    Caramel Apple Brie Appetizers

    Need a fast easy appetizer for Halloween or Thanksgiving? Caramel Apple Brie Appetizers come together in minutes, and they are always wildly popular at Fall parties! If you like caramel apples, then you will love this scrumptious combination with creamy brie, the crunch of macadamia nuts, and tart-sweet dried cranberries. It is addictive.

    CARAMEL APPLE BRIE APPETIZERS
    A sliced open BLT sandwich loaded with succulent lobster, bacon, lettuce and tomato stacked on a board.

    BLT Lobster Sandwich

    A BLT Lobster Sandwich recipe with succulent lobster, thick crispy applewood smoked bacon, golden grilled sourdough bread, and slathered with an easy dill-caper aioli sauce. Oh, and it won a 1rst Place Blue Ribbon at the Orange County Fair during a live cooking competition!

    BLT LOBSTER SANDWICH
    A cutting board with crudites and dip with bright colored vegetables cut into strips and sticks.

    Crudités With Dip

    Crudités with Green Goddess Dip is an easy appetizer. Serve veggie cups and a purple cabbage "bowl" for a unique relish tray at your party with sliced jicama, carrot sticks, green beans, celery and more.

    CRUDITES WITH DIP
    A wooden cutting board with small baguettes sliced open with a white bowl of whipped creamed cheese spread on a slice.

    Boursin Cheese

    Boursin Cheese whips together in just minutes for an easy appetizer. One of the best ways to eat it is simply with toasted warm bread or crackers. What makes this herb cream cheese spread so good? The creamy texture from the whipping process of the cream cheese mixture, a grate of real parmesan cheese, and real herbs like fresh basil leaves.

    BOURSIN CHEESE
    A ham salad sandwich sliced in half, stacked on a wood pedestal with crisp lettuce.

    Ham Salad

    Ham Salad is a classic deli meat combo spread to go onto crackers for an easy appetizer. But it's most famous on sliced bread for a ham salad sandwich recipe! Oh, and it's a fantastic way to use up all that leftover holiday ham into beautiful little finger sandwiches for baby showers, bridal showers, and ladies luncheons.

    HAM SALAD
    Red and green Bell pepper halves filled and green tortilla wraps filled with no mayo Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad.

    Healthy Tuna Salad

    A healthier Tuna Salad loaded with crunchy celery, creamy avocado, basil, capers, kalamata olives, pepperoncini's, and sun-dried tomatoes. One of my favorite things about this recipe is it can be rolled up in a tortilla wrap, scooped in colorful bell pepper bowls, or in mini-stuffed peppers, or inside lettuce leaves for low carb lunches! The mayonnaise is swapped out for avocado and Greek yogurt which becomes a more creamy texture than just mayo. Each bite is full of crunchy little tasty pops of Italian flavors, and it is so fresh and clean.

    HEALTHY TUNA SALAD
    Tea sandwiches stacked on a 3 tiered glass tray at a tea party with assorted fillings and flavors.

    Tea Sandwiches

    Elegant, dainty, crustless tea sandwiches are quintessential pinkies-up party food for a beautiful light lunch garden party, a bridal shower, or a Mother’s Day brunch. Today, we will cover everything from bread choices to filling options, the best ways to make tea sandwiches ahead, and how to create incredible savory flavors. Choose from over two dozen creative small bites from classic cucumber tea sandwiches from Buckingham Palace fit for a Queen, egg salad sandwiches, easy ham salad, and so much more.

    AFTERNOON TEA SANDWICHES
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    Cobb Salad

    The original Cobb Salad became famous in Los Angeles at the Brown Derby restaurant served with French Dressing loaded with chopped tomato, cubed chicken breasts, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, chopped eggs, and topped with Roquefort cheese. Now you can make this famous iconic salad at home exactly how it was made back in the day in the golden age of Hollywood, California.

    COBB SALAD
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    7 Layer Salad

    7 Layer Salad (aka Overnight Salad) is one of the most popular potluck dishes for picnics, a BBQ side for cookouts, or a summer side dish.

    7 LAYER SALAD
    A vegetable spring roll or rice paper roll cut in half showing the bright veggies inside with a ginger dipping sauce in a small bowl.

    Vegetable Spring Rolls

    Vegetable Spring Rolls with a peanut ginger dip sauce for a healthy vegetarian/vegan lunch. Eat the rainbow with gorgeous fresh veggies! These are also known as Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Each crunchy bite is filled with flavor, as the sauce adds just the right amount of savory sweet heat all wrapped up in a tender rice paper wrapper. Fresh spring rolls are an easy recipe to up your veggie game, rolling them is a breeze, and healthy is so stunningly beautiful.

    VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS

    Bridal Shower Brunch or Breakfast

    An easy way to plan a bridal shower food menu is to serve a brunch buffet or full-fledged breakfast! Guests can sip coffee or tea, smoothies, or Mimosas, play games, and then the bride can open her shower gifts.

    A glass mug with Irish Coffee on a vintage green table topped with green sprinkles and edible gold.

    Irish Coffee

    Just like they serve in the pubs of Ireland, this is a classic Irish Coffee recipe for any time of year! It can be made with a kick of Jameson Irish whiskey and or a dash of Baileys Irish Cream. Garnish with beautiful edible gold, shamrock sprinkles, or shaved chocolate to make this one fancy coffee drink. This original Irish coffee is a simple recipe for special dinners, St. Patrick's Day, or the holidays for an after dinner drink. Or one of the best ways to relax on chilly evenings is to get cozy with a Baileys Coffee in front of the fire...

    IRISH COFFEE
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    Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

    Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is an easy recipe with 15 minutes of prep time and bakes to golden hot in just 45 minutes. Put this in a baking dish a day ahead for relaxed weekends, special occasions, or during the holidays. Add in different breakfast meats like sausage, bacon, ham, cheeses, and even veggies to make it just the way you want. It will be an absolute hit in your home, with those brown and bubbly edges.

    TATER TOT BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
    Baked pancake muffins in a tin topped with blueberries, mini chocolate chips, and raspberries.

    Pancake Muffins

    Hand dip Pancake Muffins in warm maple syrup and serve for breakfast or brunch parties. Decorate with blueberries, raspberries, and mini chocolate chips!

    PANCAKE MUFFINS
    Small round breakfast egg muffins stacked on a white cake plate for a brunch or breakfast filled with different flavors.

    Breakfast Egg Muffins

    Breakfast food can be so incredibly easy with Egg Muffins! They can be made just the way you want them in a muffin pan with cooked breakfast meats like smoked ham, bacon, or crumbled sausage. Or fill them with a diced confetti of vegetables and top them with different herbs and cheeses. There are five egg muffins recipes for you to try, and it's so simple to make individual muffins for everyone in your family for weekday breakfast.

    BREAKFAST EGG MUFFINS
    A glass mug filled with Pumpkin Spice Latte with whip cream and sprinkles.

    Pumpkin Spice Latte

    Whip up a Pumpkin Spice Latte made with real fresh ingredients, and cozy Fall spices. Top your PSL with decadent toppings like whip cream and Fall sprinkles. You can swap in the plant-based milk you love, and add some good strong hot coffee or a shot of espresso.

    A baked loaf of pumpkin bread sliced thick with a silver knife.s

    Pumpkin Bread

    A rich delicious Pumpkin Bread scratch recipe with warm Fall spices, fresh orange juice, and loaded with milk chocolate chips. This quick bread recipe comes together in minutes, with just a spatula and a bowl! Bake this as a classic pumpkin bread recipe or add nuts like pecans or walnuts and bake.

    Four small yogurt parfaits made with yogurt, granola and berries.

    Yogurt Parfaits

    Yogurt Parfaits are a great make-ahead breakfast or snack on the go. This recipe includes homemade granola and can be made the night before!

    YOGURT PARFAITS
    Two glasses of a green smoothie recipe garnished with grapefruit slices and straws.

    Green Smoothie Recipe

    Full of green goodness and healing ingredients to hydrate, detox, and nourish you, this green smoothie recipe will start your day right! Made with sweet ripe pineapple, banana, spinach, tangy ginger, chia seeds, and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, this is one of the best green smoothies recipes ever.

    6 perfectly hard boiled eggs with a cracked half of an egg shelf on top.

    Steamed Hard Boiled Eggs

    Steamed hard boiled eggs cook perfectly every time with no green ring. So easy to peel, the eggshells miraculously slip right off in minutes!

    A handmade ceramic bowl filled with yogurt and topped with granola, raspberries, and black berries.

    Homemade Granola

    Granola made with quality ingredients is the best breakfast cereal, use this recipe in yogurt bowls, granola bars, cookies, and more!

    HOMEMADE GRANOLA
    A vintage wire rack with four baked brie and bacon mini quiche.

    Brie and Bacon Mini Quiche

    Make Brie and Bacon Mini Quiches in muffin tins or small pie dishes. Serve for brunch or breakfast, the bacon and brie combination is scrumptious!

    BRIE AND BACON MINI QUICHES
    Three golden crispy edged hash browns baked in a muffin tin on cutting board.

    Oven Baked Hash Browns

    Crispy Oven Hash Browns are baked in muffin tins using frozen or real potatoes. This is the easy way to make perfect hash browns without spending time at the stove. Skip the traditional cooking method of frying in a large skillet altogether. Both sides and the bottom of each one have a crispy exterior. And no messy stovetop to clean.

    OVEN BAKED HASH BROWNS
    A white cake topped with a "future Mrs" decoration and a bottle of pink champagne with glasses at a bridal shower party.

    Shower Drinks and Signature Cocktails

    For mid afternoon bridal shower food ideas, be sure to add some drinks and signature cocktails for the wedding of your best friend! It's a great option to have someone provide beverage and cocktail service during the shower. The easiest way to do this is to have a tray of drinks and bring them to guests or refill them during the party with a pitcher.

    A big glass beverage container filled with holiday Christmas Punch.

    Party Punch

    Through the years, this cherished holiday recipe has been at so many parties, bridal showers, and it is also is one of the best Christmas punch recipes ever! It is great to have a non alcoholic punch along with cocktails. You can mix this festive drink inside a beverage container or large punch bowl in a matter of minutes, it just has 4 ingredients and a garnish. The tangy cranberries go so well with the lime flavors, and the ginger ale adds a sparkling finish. Swap in raspberries in the Summer!

    PARTY PUNCH
    Close up view of strawberry cocktails with heart shaped garnish made from a strawberry on the rim.

    Strawberry Cocktails

    Strawberry Cocktails are wonderful for romantic date nights, Valentine's Day, or cocktail party celebrations. Oh, and these are keto, low carb, low sugar, and low-calorie, now how can you beat that? Enjoy every sip of these summer cocktails that don't have processed sugar or simple syrup.

    STRAWBERRY COCKTAILS
    A New Years Eve party with champagne cocktails made with Goldschlager gold liquor.

    Champagne Cocktails

    Chic Champagne Cocktails glitter with real gold and bubbles of fine Champagne or prosecco for New Year's Eve or holiday celebrations like a Christmas party! Everyone wants bubbly drink recipes that sparkle for the festive season. Ring in the new year and toast to all the luck in the world with an elegant cocktail in hand.

    CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS
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    Authentic Mojito Recipe

    Straight from Cuba, this Mojito recipe is 100% authentic. Learn the real ingredients from Cuban bartenders in Havana. And what makes these famous cocktails the real deal! Classic mojitos are the very essence of beach cocktails. Rum drinkers around the world have treasured them for centuries. These bar drinks have quenched thirsty travelers and people on vacation for decades. The recipe card will scale up to make batch cocktails for a pitcher of mojitos!

    MINT MOJITOS
    Three glasses of Aperol Spritz on a table with appetizers at a Fall party.

    Autumn Aperol Spritz

    A taste of Fall in every sip, these Aperol Spritz cocktails have cider, Aperol, and fresh citrus juice topped with prosecco or Champagne bubbles. These refreshing drinks are great for brunch, happy hours, Friendsgiving, and Thanksgiving.

    APEROL SPRITZ
    A pitcher of bloody marys with two drinks garnished with olives, pepperoncinis, and beef sticks.

    Spicy Bloody Marys

    One sip of these Spicy Bloody Marys, and you will never want the bottled mix again! These have the right amount of heat, and bolder spices than boring tomato juice mixes. Fire-roasted grilled chilies, onions, and fresh ripe garden tomatoes create different flavors that are complex and extraordinary. Set up the ultimate bloody mary bar with classic garnishes and favorite toppings like crunchy celery, beef sticks, pepperoncini's, pickled green beans, stuffed olives, and dill pickle spears.

    BLOODY MARYS
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    Easy Limeade Margaritas

    Limeade Margaritas have three simple ingredients mixed in a pitcher on ice. And there is no blender or cocktail shaker for these easy drinks! You won't believe how good these pitcher margaritas taste for summertime picnics or cookouts, Cinco de mayo, tailgating, or pour a big batch on game day and serve with delicious Mexican food.

    EASY LIMEADE MARGARITAS
    Mason jar handled glasses with blueberry lemonade garnished with blueberries, mint, and lemons halves.

    Blueberry Lemonade

    Ice cold Blueberry Lemonade captures Summer in every sip, it is made in minutes with homemade blueberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and honey.

    BLUEBERRY LEMONADE
    The side of a frozen floral ice bucket with pink and purple flowers and a bottle of wine inside chilling.

    Party Ice Bucket

    Make a DIY Ice Bucket for your party and add instant style to your celebration. Chill beverages, wine, or champagne bottles to fit your party theme! Have fun and get creative using flowers, herbs, sliced fruit, or greenery in this gorgeous party wine chiller.

    DIY ICE FLORAL ICE BUCKET
    A large glass punch bowl filled with Fall and Thanksgiving punch with apples and oranges floating on top.

    Fireball Punch

    Fireball Thanksgiving Punch with orange, apple cider, and Fireball whisky. Serve Fall "big batch cocktails" for Friendsgiving & Thanksgiving. And is great to serve a crowd for birthdays and showers.

    FIREBALL PUNCH
    A decorative etched cocktail glass with a red hibiscus keto cocktails garnished with an orange slice.

    Hibiscus Cocktails

    Hibiscus cocktails have under 100 calories each, are low in carbohydrates, vegan, low sugar keto, and gluten-free! Dried hibiscus flowers create a wonderful gorgeous bright color and the floral flavors go so well in these refreshing drinks. Mix up these pretty sippers to enjoy for outdoor parties, picnics, bridal showers, or even the holiday season without the guilt of sugar, carbs, and calories.

    HIBISCUS COCKTAILS
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    St. Germain Cocktails

    St. Germain Cocktails have notes of floral flavor with Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco or Champagne, tropical tea syrup, and a splash of club soda over crushed ice. Pour these sparkling Spring and Summer cocktails for brunch, Easter, a birthday party, or bridal showers. St Germain spritz drinks are refreshing, delicious, and absolutely gorgeous.

    ST. GERMAIN COCKTAILS
    Close up of a bridal shower cake with flowers and a cake topper that says future mrs.

    Sweet Treats and Desserts

    Trays of small baked goods are a great choice for a party. Slice cakes and bars into small portions and bites, and avoid desserts that need a lot of time to serve. Also on hot days avoid anything that melts. No one wants melted chocolate ice cream dripping everywhere!

    A freshly baked and decorated strawberry cake with real strawberries as decorations.

    Fresh Strawberry Cake

    You can taste the real strawberry flavor in this fresh strawberry scratch cake, as it skips ingredients like food coloring and jello gelatin and uses strawberry jam and real fresh strawberries! Use this recipe to bake a strawberry layer cake, a sheet cake, or even cupcakes. Then spread on the strawberry buttercream frosting with its beautiful pink color on every layer, and decorate with sweet juicy strawberries, it's the real deal.

    STRAWBERRY CAKE
    Overhead looking a madeleines cooled on a round baking rack with fresh pineapple and coconut fruit.

    Pineapple Coconut Madeleines

    Classic French madeleines are small signature shell shaped butter cakes that are absolutely delightful. Pack them for picnics, in school lunch boxes, or enjoy as snacks with a cup of tea or coffee. Sometimes madeleines have additions like fruit or nuts. These have fresh pineapple pieces and sweet coconut to create a nice crumb and incredible tropical flavors. There are also top baking tips and detailed instructions to make these famous French tea cakes classic just like the bakeries in France.

    PINEAPPLE COCONUT MADELEINES
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    S'more Cookie Dough Truffles

    S'more Cookie Dough Truffles are an easy no-bake dessert candy with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows just like a campfire s'mores!

    S'MORE COOKIE DOUGH TRUFFLES
    Small white cake plate with homemade raspberry scones studded with white chocolate chips and sweet red raspberries.

    Raspberry Scones

    White Chocolate Raspberry Scones filled with white chocolate, studded with sweet raspberries, and drizzled with vanilla icing! Soft, light, and fluffy because of the cream.

    RASPBERRY SCONES
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    Peach Cheesecake Pie (No-Bake)

    Peach Cheesecake Pie is a 30-minute no-bake recipe with a crisp graham cracker crust, sweet whipped filling, and juicy summer peaches!

    NO-BAKE PEACH CHEESECAKE PIE
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    Cake Mix Cookies

    Cake Mix Cookies are an easy cookie recipe baked in 11 minutes and with just 4 ingredients. Top with candies, sprinkles, or chocolate chips!

    CAKE MIX COOKIES
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    Caramel Apple Dip

    Make a Caramel Apple Dip with crisp green apples, salted caramel sauce, and crushed Health bars. A beloved recipe for potlucks, holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all through the Autumn apple season.

    CARAMEL APPLE DIP
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    Palmiers

    Palmiers are airy flaky crisp French cookies with only 2 ingredients. This sweet treat easy dessert bake is divine any time of day!

    PALMIERS
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    Coconut-Lime Lemon Bars

    A tropical version of traditional lemon bars, this lemon bar recipe has lemon-lime filling and a toasted coconut shortbread cookie crust. The buttery shortbread crust in these Coconut-Lime Lemon Bars gets toasty golden brown, and is topped with tart lemon and lime filling with sweet coconut, and real lime juice, what could be better in a fresh fruit lemon dessert!

    COCONUT LIME LEMON BARS
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    Nut Goodie Bar Candy

    Nut Goodie Bar Candy is an addictively sweet chocolate peanut butter candy bar famous in Midwest USA. An easy no-bake candy served right from the freezer.

    NUT GOODIE BAR CANDY
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    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A pink and white cake with buttercream flowers on a cake plate with glasses of pink champagne at a bridal shower.
    Print

    50+ Bridal Shower Food Ideas + Pink Grapefruit Mimosa Recipe

    This complete guide has dozens of Bridal Shower Food Ideas to host an elegant party for the bride-to-be. Choose from creative, delicious recipes with planning tips for a beautiful wedding shower for the bride. Bridal shower recipes can range from healthy and light to cozy comfort food. One thing is for sure, everyone wants really good food! Host a tea party in the afternoon or try some of these bridal shower brunch ideas. Party food is a snap with finger sandwiches, drinks, and a few easy shower appetizers!
    Course lunch
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Bridal Shower Food, Bridal Shower Party Food, Shower party food, Wedding Shower Food
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 116kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 bottle Prosecco or Champagne 25 ounce/750 ml
    • 3 cups fresh grapefruit juice 3 whole grapefruit

    Instructions

    • Squeeze fresh grapefruits using a hand juicer or electric juicer. Chill in refrigerator. Or buy a container of grapefruit juice.
    • Chill the bottle of Prosecco or Champagne. Pour in half grapefruit juice, and top with chilled Prosecco or Champagne. Sip and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Prosecco, Champagne, or Dry Sparkling Wine

    Some stores even offer pink champagnes and sparkling wines, so that is an option. If you are making your own grapefruit mimosas, a good Prosecco from Italy is perfect. You can certainly splash out and get French Champagne too! White sparkling wine works as well, it is sometimes sweeter than Prosecco or Champagne. 

    Grapefruit Juice

    Press fresh grapefruit juice using a citrus juicer or use store-bought grapefruit juice. Chill the juice in the fridge and get it nice and cold before serving.  
    1 real grapefruit yields approximately 1 cup of juice. 

    Wedding Shower Sample Menu Inspiration

    Nutrition

    Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    Easy Pasta Salad

    [heart_this] · · 4 Comments

    Last Updated June 17th, 2023 at 06:09 pm by Lisa

    An easy Pasta Salad and mayo-less side dish, perfect for hot weather at outdoor picnics, a potluck, or your next Summer cookout!

    Cold pasta salads are easygoing party food. Add veggies like bell pepper, red onion, fresh herbs, and little cubes of mozzarella cheese all tossed in a light dressing...

    Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

    Pasta salad recipes usually have a lot of mayonnaise and other creamy sauces. This pasta salad dressing is simple, light and lets the ingredients stand out. One of the best things about this recipe, is the leftovers are amazing...

    A wood bowl with pasta salad and wood tongs resting on the edge on a colorful striped towel.

    Pasta Salad Ingredients

    • Cavatappi Pasta (or any shape; shells, bow tie, etc.)
    • extra-virgin olive oil
    • white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
    • fresh parsley chopped
    • fresh basil leaves chopped
    • orange bell pepper chopped
    • yellow bell pepper chopped
    • fresh red onion or pickled onion diced finely
    • kosher sea salt
    • Monterey jack cheese ½” cubes

    Pasta Salad Instructions

    1. In a large pot, bring cold water to boil then add the pasta. Stir to keep water moving, 5-8 minutes.
    2. Drain pasta, shake, and rinse (so it’s not sticky).
    3. Place pasta in a large bowl, and add extra virgin olive oil and sea salt immediately to the hot pasta. Toss well to coat. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
    4. Meanwhile, finely chop the red onion, parsley, and basil. Slice the yellow and orange bell pepper into small pieces. And cut the Monterey Jack cheese into small ½" cubes.
    5. Into the chilled bowl of pasta, add the diced red onion, vinegar, chopped parsley and basil, diced orange, and yellow bell pepper. Add the cheese cubes toss well, and chill again for at least 2 hours. It will hold overnight really well.
    6. Store leftovers in a covered small bowl or airtight container for up to 5 days.

    Different Pasta Shapes To Try

    • Small Cut Macaroni Salad Pasta
    • Farfalle "bow tie"
    • Fusilli "spirals"
    • Rotini Pasta "corkscrew"
    • Elbow Macaroni "curved"
    • Conchiglie "shells"
    How long does pasta salad last?

    On hot days, be sure to refrigerate it after 2-3 hours after you're done digging in. It will last 3-5 days in the fridge well covered.

    A wood bowl filled with pasta salad and fancy wooden serving tongs.

    Pasta Salad Flavor Variations & Additions

    Make a Greek Pasta Salad version with chopped kalamata olives, feta cheese, tomato, cucumber, and a Parmesan Vinaigrette Dressing with lemon juice. Or try an Italian Pasta Salad, and mix in sliced salami, pepperoni, pepperoncini, juicy San Marzano tomatoes, Italian dressing, Marinated Mozzarella, and olives.

    Pasta salad in a wood bowl with serving wood tongs on a colorful towel.

    What To Serve With Pasta Salads?

    Grilled Cheeseburgers and Hot Dogs are classic to serve with chilled pasta salads. Refreshing drinks are next. Have small water bottles, drinks for kids like this Blueberry Lemonade Recipe, and some adult beverages if permitted where you are having your picnic like Mojitos or Limeade Margaritas.

    The best recipes to make for a picnic outdoors are food that can be served in small containers like Bacon Potato Salad or BBQ Potato Salad passed around or held in your hand like a Cut Sandwich that stays together.

    Small Bite-Size desserts like Madeleines that hold their shapes (and don’t melt) are a great choice as well! Cookies, Lemon Bars, and desserts are great choices.

    Recipes without ingredients like mayonnaise (that can become unsafe in hot temperatures) are also preferred.

    Foods that pack well in a cooler, wrapped individually in parchment, plastic, or foil wraps are also a great idea.

    Use small containers or zip bags to portion things for each person, and small splits of wine or champagne are nice too!

    A wood bowl and tongs with pasta salad recipe inside on a colorful striped towel.

    More Pasta Salad & Picnic Food Ideas

    A classic Macaroni Salad recipe with chopped eggs, dill pickles, pickle juice, and crunchy celery. A cherished old fashioned family recipe! A healthier Italian Tuna Salad loaded with crunchy celery, creamy avocado, basil, capers, kalamata olives, pepperoncinis, and sun-dried tomato. Roll up in a tortilla wrap, scooped in colorful bell pepper bowls, or put inside lettuce leaves for low carb lunches! 

    Watermelon Salad is one of the most incredible refreshing summer fruit salads. It has a light citrus dressing, and fresh mint, topped with crumbled feta cheese. Serve this side dish for picnics, potlucks, and BBQ cookouts in a carved-out watermelon for the salad bowl! Yummy Picnic Food is easy with Pressed Italian Sandwiches that are both neat to eat and easy to make ahead. This pressed sandwich recipe is bursting with flavor from the olives, pepperoncini, salami, deli meat, and more! 

    A Broccoli Salad with vibrant colors of crisp green apples, crunchy broccoli, and sweet grapes. Topped with a creamy orange tangy dressing and salty pistachios mixed into this summer salad. And a 7 Layer Salad is ready to go to your party chilling in your fridge overnight complete with the dressing on top. It is a classic side dish for a potluck picnic and family gatherings.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A wooden bowl filled with pasta salad and wooden serving tongs.
    Print

    Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

    An easy Pasta Salad and mayo-less side dish, is perfect for hot weather and holds at room temperature for outdoor picnics, a potluck, or your next Summer cookout! Cold pasta salads are easygoing party food. Add veggies like bell pepper, red onion, fresh herbs, and little cubes of mozzarella cheese all tossed in a light dressing.
    Course Side Dishes & Vegetables
    Cuisine American
    Keyword 4th of July potato salad, cold pasta salads, cookout side dishes, easy pasta salad, easy side dishes, pasta salad recipe no mayo, picnic food, potluck recipes, summer party food, summer pasta salads, summer salad
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 8 minutes
    Total Time 38 minutes
    Servings 15
    Calories 277kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb Cavatappi pasta or any shape: shells, bow tie, etc.
    • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • ½ cup white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
    • ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
    • ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
    • 2 large orange bell pepper chopped
    • 2 large yellow bell pepper chopped
    • ¼ cup red onion diced finely
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 3 cups Monterey jack cheese ½” cubes
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a large pot, bring cold water to boil then add the pasta. Stir to keep water moving, 5-8 minutes until al dente. In other words slightly firm but not a super soft texture.
    • Drain pasta, shake and rinse (so it’s not sticky).
    • Place pasta in a large bowl, and add extra virgin olive oil and sea salt immediately to the hot pasta. Toss well to coat. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, finely chop the red onion, parsley, and basil. Slice the yellow and orange bell pepper into small pieces. And cut the Monterey Jack cheese into small ½" cubes.
    • Into the chilled bowl of pasta, add the diced red onion, vinegar, chopped parsley and basil, diced orange, and yellow bell pepper. Add the cheese cubes toss well, and chill again for at least 2 hours. It will hold overnight really well.
    • Store leftovers in a covered small bowl or airtight container for up to 5 days.

    Notes

    Great salad to make ahead, and serve outdoors as because is mayo-less!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 915IU | Vitamin C: 52.3mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 0.9mg

    American Flag Pie

    [heart_this] · · 19 Comments

    Bake an American Flag Pie, the ultimate July 4th dessert. It's great for parties! This patriotic slab pie serves up to 20 people for Summer cookouts, backyard barbeques, and picnics.

    To get the flag shape, this fruit pie is baked in a large sheet pan. Use homemade or store-bought crusts. I have both blueberry and strawberry filling recipes for you or try cherry pie fillings. A party-sized dessert pie will be the star of your Independence Day celebration, Happy 4th of July...

    How To Bake An American Flag July 4th Pie

    This patriotic red, white, and blueberry pie recipe has blueberry and strawberry filling. You can use any fresh fruit filling you like, I love how the colors are from our American flag. All the ingredients are easy to find at local grocery stores.

    Homemade Pie Crust Recipe

    • 5 pie crusts 4 pie crusts - for the bottom crust and 1 pie crust for stars and stripes
    • ¼ cup fine sugar
    • Two 13 x 18 large sheet pans
    • small star cookie cutter
    • ruler
    • parchment paper
    • pizza cutter wheel
    • clean scissors
    1. Sift all dry ingredients; flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the butter with a pastry blender or cutter into the mixture (or use 2 knives going in opposite directions). Next, add ice water and form a ball, mixing with your hands until it comes together. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, in two halves, and chill for 60 minutes.
    2. Prepare the large sheet pans or large cookie sheets. Lightly spray one sheet pan with coconut nonstick spray, and line the other with baking parchment paper. Make sure they will fit in your fridge to chill the dough before baking.
    A flag slab pie baked with a silver pie server utensil.

    Pie Filling Recipes

    PRO TIP: Try any red white and blue fruits you like cherries, raspberries, blackberries, elderberries, plums, or apples. You could also make a mixed berry pie to keep it simple.

    Blueberry Pie Filling

    • 2 cups (1 pint) fresh blueberries (or frozen blueberries)
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca flour (one minute)
    • 1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

    Rinse the blueberries in cold water, in a medium bowl mix the blueberries, sugar, tapioca flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside, and keep the blueberry filling separate from the strawberry filling.

    A wood box filled with fresh blueberries and some on a white table.

    Strawberry Pie Filling

    • 2 quarts fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (8 cups, 4 - 16 oz boxes)
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 4 teaspoons cornstarch or tapioca flour
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    1. Rinse the strawberries in cold water and pull the stems using a straw, push from the bottom of the strawberry to pop the stem off the top. Cut the strawberries in half.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cut strawberries and mix in the sugar, tapioca flour, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside, and keep the strawberry filling separate from the blueberry filling.
    Fresh bright red real strawberries in a pink ceramic basket ready to bake into a strawberry cake.

    How To Hull Strawberries

    1. Rinse the strawberries in cool water.
    2. Push a sturdy straw inside the strawberry up from the bottom to pop the stem off the top!

    Blind Bake Bottom Pie Crust

    Prepare the bottom crust. On a floured work surface, roll out pie crusts with a rolling pin, lay them on the sprayed sheet pan, and piece together four crusts to form a larger piece of pastry for one bottom crust.

    As you work, fit them into the large sheet pan which is your pie dish. You can bake in regular 9" round pie tins and make a smaller version, but this makes a lot of filling so it will most likely bake two pies.

    PRO TIP: Poking holes in unbaked pie dough, crackers, flatbread, or pastry is called docking. This helps the steam that builds up during baking escape, so the baked dough stays even and flat and doesn't puff up.

    PRO TIP: Pie crust bakes properly when very chilled going into a hot oven and makes a flaky crust. If your sheet pans don't fit in the fridge, set them on ice packs to keep the dough as cold as possible before baking!

    Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to cut pieces and patch together the excess dough to make a full bottom crust. Gently press them together and up the sides of the pan. Use a fork to poke small holes (aka docking) all over the bottom crust of the sheet pan, this helps the crust lay flat during the pre-bake or blind-bake as it is called. Sprinkle fine sugar on the bottom crust. Chill that crust in the fridge until ready to bake. Heat the oven to 425 degrees.

    Cutting stars from pie dough to decorate a flag pie.

    Make the Stars and Stripes

    Use the 5th pie crust to cut the stars and stripes. Cut 25 small stars out with a 1" star shaped small cookie cutter.

    Using a clean ruler, lay it on the crust and use a knife or pizza wheel to cut 3 short stripes the width of the ruler and 9" long wide strips for the stripes of the flag.

    Reroll the dough using the scraps, and use a clean ruler, lay it on the dough, and cut with a knife, pizza cutter, or pastry wheel 3 long strips the width of the ruler and 16" long. 

    Lay all the stars and stripes on the parchment lined baking sheet as you go, and sprinkle with fine sugar.

    If possible, re-chill your cut stars and stripes in the fridge prior to baking on the sheet pans for an hour.

    If large sheet pans don't fit in your fridge, set the pans on ice packs to keep the dough as cold as possible before baking.

    Crusts bake properly when very chilled going into a hot oven which helps bake a flaky crust.

    PRO TIP: By sprinkling sugar on this sugary baked pie crust, it does two things. One it sweetens the crust, and second, gives it a nice crunch.

    How To Bake A Flag Pie

    1. Bake both the bottom crust and the stars and stripes at 425 degrees for 15 minutes until the crusts are just turning golden brown. Pull both pie crusts out of the oven.  Leave the oven heat on.
    2. On the bottom crust, spread blueberry filling into the upper left corner in a small rectangle of the baked pie crust for the blue part of the flag. Next, add the strawberry filling into the pie. (Don't add the stars and stripes yet)
    3. Bake the bottom crust and the filling at 425 for 25-30 minutes, until the berries are bubbling.
    A strawberry pie baked in a sheet pan with pie crusts stripes and stars to look like an American flag.

    Decorate & Serve The Flag Pie

    1. Now finish decorating, place the baked stars on top of the blueberry section, add the 3 shorter stripes to the right of the blueberries, and the 3 longer stripes on the strawberries at the bottom of the pie, and you are done!
    2. Serve with whip cream and or vanilla ice cream.
    Close up of American flag pie baked in sheet pan with strawberry filling.

    Slab Pie FAQs

    What is a slab pie?

    A pie or pastry baked in a "slab" or flat sheet pan (jelly-roll pan) is usually a rectangular shape.

    Why bake a slab pie?

    Slab pies serve a large crowd, about 20 people so they are great party food! Plus almost everyone has a large sheet pan at home.

    How to prevent a soggy pie crust?

    No one wants a soggy bottom pie crust where the filling makes the crust all wet and gooey, yuck. Here is why it happens, and ideas to help you!
    Use fresh Fruit: Use fresh, not overripe, fruit in baked pies. Overripe fruit releases a lot of extra liquid while baking.
    Blind Bake Bottom Crusts: By pre-baking a pie shell without the filling, to allows the crust to bake evenly and keeps it from getting soggy.
    Bake at a moderate temperature (350 degrees F) for about 10 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned. Simply add your filling and finish baking.
    Thickeners: Use a thickener, such as flour, cornstarch, potato starch, or tapioca flour. Baking fruit pies pulls water out of the fruit. Flour and cornstarch will help thicken the filling but some can make the filling cloudy. Use potato starch for a clear filling. Cornstarch must be heated with your pie filling in order to thicken it prior to baking.

    A close up view of a baked sheet pan pie shaped like an American Flag with strawberries and blueberries.

    More July 4th Desserts

    Take a look at my collection of 100+ Patriotic Fourth of July Desserts to make your July 4th, Memorial Day, Flag Day, or Labor Day celebration spectacular. Pies, tarts, cookies, no-bake desserts, cakes, cupcakes, trifles, cheesecakes, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, or bake a classic American dessert like Apple Pie and so many more perfect dessert ideas.

    And make sure you check out this 100+ Ultimate July 4th Party Guide! It is full of recipe ideas to make your cookout, picnic, or party one to remember.

    Bake a patriotic American Flag Cake with red, white, and blue marbled cake inside and bakery-style frosting.

    Oh, and before I go... In the heat of summer, did you know you can keep your house cool and bake on your grill? Bake one of my other delicious patriotic desserts, a Blueberry Pie Outdoors right on your grill!

    And cool everyone down with an Ice Cream Cake, it is a beloved family recipe, and so fun for the 4th.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A sheet pan filled with a flag pie made with strawberries, blueberries, and pie crust.
    Print

    American Flag July 4th Pie

    Bake an American Flag Pie, the ultimate July 4th dessert. It's great for parties! This patriotic slab pie serves up to 20 people for Summer cookouts, BBQs, and picnics. To get the flag shape, this fruit pie is baked in a large sheet pan. Use homemade or store-bought crusts. I have both blueberry and strawberry filling recipes for you or try cherry pie fillings. A party-sized dessert pie will be the star of your Independence Day celebration, Happy 4th of July.
    Course Desserts & Sweets
    Cuisine American
    Keyword American flag pie, flag pie, sheet pan pie, slab pie
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 20
    Calories 256kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 5 pie crusts 4 pie crusts - for the bottom crust and 1 pie crust for stars and stripes
    • ¼ cup fine sugar

    Blueberry Pie Filling

    • 2 cups fresh blueberries 1 pint
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 teaspoon tapioca flour
    • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

    Strawberry Pie Filling

    • 2 quarts fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (8 cups; 4 - 16 oz boxes)
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 4 teaspoons tapioca flour
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Homemade Pie Crust

    • Sift all dry ingredients; flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the butter with a pastry blender or cutter into the mixture (or use 2 knives going in opposite directions). Next, add ice water and form into a ball, mixing with your hands until it comes together. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, in two halves and chill for 60 minutes.
    • Prepare the large sheet pans or large cookie sheets. Lightly spray one sheet pan with coconut nonstick spray, and line the other with baking parchment paper. Make sure they will fit in your fridge to chill the dough before baking.

    Blueberry Pie Filling

    • Rinse the blueberries in cold water, in a medium bowl mix the blueberries, sugar, tapioca flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside, and keep the blueberry filling separate from the strawberry filling.

    Strawberry Pie Filling

    • Rinse the strawberries in cold water and pull stems using a straw, push from the bottom of the strawberry to pop the stem off the top. Cut the strawberries half.
    • In a large bowl, add the cut strawberries and mix in the sugar, tapioca flour, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Set aside, and keep the strawberry filling separate from the blueberry filling.

    Bottom Crust

    • On a floured work surface, roll out pie crusts with a rolling pin, lay them on the sprayed sheet pan and piece together four crusts to form a larger piece of pastry for one bottom crust. As you work, fit them into the large sheet pan which is your pie dish. You can bake in a regular 9" round pie plate pan and make a smaller version, but this makes a lot of filling so it will most likely bake two pies.
    • Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to cut pieces and patch together the excess dough to make a full bottom crust. Gently press them together and up the sides of the pan.
      Use a fork to poke small holes (aka docking) all over the bottom crust of the sheet pan, this helps the crust lay flat during the pre-bake or blind-bake as it is called. Sprinkle fine sugar on the bottom crust. Chill that crust in the fridge until ready to bake. Heat the oven to 425 degrees.

    Stars and Stripes

    • Use the 5th pie crust to cut 25 small stars out with a 1" star shaped small cookie cutter. Using a clean ruler, lay it on the crust and use a knife or pizza wheel to cut 3 short stripes the width of the ruler and 9" long wide strips for the stripes of the flag.
      Reroll the dough using the scraps, and use a clean ruler, lay it on the pie dough and cut with a knife, pizza cutter, or pastry wheel 3 long strips the width of the ruler and 16" long. 
    • Lay all the stars and stripes on the parchment lined baking sheet as you go, and sprinkle with fine sugar. If possible, re-chill your cut stars and stripes in the fridge prior to baking on the sheet pans for an hour.  
    • If large sheet pans don't fit in your fridge, set the pans on ice packs to keep the pie dough as cold as possible before baking. Pie crust bakes properly when very chilled going into a hot oven which helps bake a flaky crust.

    Baking

    • Bake both the bottom crust and the stars and stripes at 425 degrees for 15 minutes until the crusts are just turning golden brown. Pull both pie crusts out of the oven.  Leave the oven heat on.
    • On the bottom pie crust, spread blueberry filling into the upper left corner in a small rectangle of the baked pie crust for the blue part of the flag. Next, add the strawberry filling onto the pie. (Don't add the stars and stripes yet)
    • Bake the bottom crust and filling at 425 for 25-30 minutes, until the berries are bubbling.

    Decorating & Serving

    • Now finish decorating, place the baked stars on top of the blueberry section, add the 3 shorter stripes to the right of the blueberries, and the 3 longer stripes on the strawberries at the bottom of the pie. Your pie is done!
    • Serve with whip cream and or vanilla ice cream.

    Notes

    Docking

    Poking holes in pie dough, crackers, flatbread, or unbaked pastry are called docking. This technique helps the steam that builds up during baking escape, so the baked dough stays even and flat and doesn't puff up as it is baked. 

    Preventing Soggy Pie Crust

    No one wants a soggy bottom pie crust where the filling makes the crust all wet and gooey, yuck. Here is why it happens, and ideas to help you!.

    Fruit

    Use fresh, not overripe, or frozen fruit in baked pies. Overripe or frozen fruit releases a lot of water while baking.

    Blind Baking

    Blind baking helps the crust to bake evenly and keeps the crust from getting soggy by pre-baking without the filling.

    Brush Blind-Baked Crust With Fruit Preserves

    These can be brushed on the blind-baked pie crust to seal it from the fruit juices from the filling. Simply brush prebaked crust, and then add your filling before final baking.

    Pie Filling Thickeners

    Use a thickener, such as flour, cornstarch, potato starch, or tapioca flour. Baking fruit pies pulls water out of the fruit into the pie. Flour and cornstarch will help thicken the filling but makes the filling cloudy.  Use potato starch for a clear filling. Corn starch needs to be heated in the filling in order to work as a pie thickener, it is a chemical reaction while cooking. 

    Sugar On Pie Crust

    By sprinkling sugar on pie crust, it does two things..one it sweetens the crust, and second, gives it a nice crunch. My Mom always finished her pies this way, and so do I. It is optional but really nice. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1.4mg

    American Flag July 4th Cake

    [heart_this] · · 7 Comments

    Bake a patriotic American Flag July 4th Cake with red, white, and blue marbled vanilla cake inside. And, an amazing, scrumptious, bakery-style buttercream frosting that is not too sweet, and spreads like a dream.

    Show your patriotic spirit on the Fourth of July! And hand out slices of this 4th of July Flag Cake dessert for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Summer Cookouts, or Picnics...

    Marbled Cakes are SO easy! And thought, how cute would be to bake a colorful surprise inside?

    Homemade Fluffy Frosting is worth your time. Canned frosting is expensive, and really sweet. This white buttercream is made in minutes with the right "spreadability".

    So I set out to create a smooth, creamy, not-too-sweet frosting just like the bakery shops. And here it is, on my new favorite cake...

    American Flag Cake Recipe

    This cake is similar to a Jell-O poke cake, as the coloring goes all over the inside. In this recipe, the colored batter is layered, swirled, and then baked.

    Now you could get fancy and make this into a rectangle layer cake too, or change up the flavors. I went for a classic vanilla cake so the colors would show in swirls! And that classic flag shape rectangle. I used an extra deep pan, but any rectangle pan or glass 9 x 13 works.

    Fourth of July Cake Ingredients

    Marbled Cake

    • boxed white vanilla cake mix
    • water vegetable oil eggs called for on the box
    • red food color or gel
    • blue food color or gel
    • fresh raspberries (or fresh strawberries)
    • fresh blueberries

    Buttercream Frosting

    • salted butter - room temperature
    • vegetable shortening
    • powder sugar (confectioners' sugar)
    • hot water
    • almond extract (optional, add wonderful flavor!)
    • vanilla extract try my recipe, it is so easy and makes a great food gift...
    Vanilla Extract Recipe
    Taste the difference in homemade frostings, vanilla bean ice cream, cookies, cakes, pies, and other desserts, and make your own vanilla extract! A good quality vanilla extract can be expensive due to the cost of growing the pods on tropical vanilla orchids. Not all extracts are alike. Create this easy recipe at home with concentrated fragrant vanilla flavor to use in baking or gift during the holidays.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    A glass flip top bottle filled with vanilla extract, and real vanilla bean pods on the table.
    A sheet can, frosting, and berries to decorate a cake.

    Prep The Pan

    1. Put a few drops of vegetable oil in the bottom of your pan. Next, line with parchment paper cut to fit the bottom of the pan.
    2. This prepared pan will release the cake easier and makes for a faster cleanup. If you are serving right from the pan don’t line the pan of course!

    Mix The Cake Frosting

    1. Beat soft butter and shortening in a mixer on medium-high speed until creamy for 5 minutes.
    2. At low speed, add powder sugar 1 cup at a time until smooth.
    3. On high speed, mix in vanilla, almond extract, and hot water for 5 minutes until fluffy and smooth. This frosting holds really well at room temperature for a few hours.

    Bake The Flag Cake

    1. Stir your boxed mix and ingredients in a medium bowl, in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer on medium speed.
    2. Deeper pans might need more batter. I used a deeper pan that is 3 inches deep, so I stirred up 2 boxes of mix. Most standard pans are 2 inches deep.

    In a small bowl place 1-2 cups of batter and scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go, stir in red food color until it’s the red you like. In another small bowl, place 1-2 cups of the batter; stir in blue food color until it’s the blue you like. Save 1-2 cups of plain white batter.

    Now, pour the batter in dollops into the prepared baking pan alternating from red, white, and blue.

    Try to place the batter on top of each area, it will begin to spread out.

    When all the batter is in the pan, use a skewer to pull lines from the center outward, and then do some slight swirls around the pan.

    This helps create the marble design. Rap the pan down on the counter to help level the batter and pop any bubbles in the batter that would make it bake unevenly.

    Heat oven to 325 degrees. Bake in the center of the oven according to your box mix directions. Most classic boxed mixes require a 350-degree oven for 28 minutes for a regular 9 x 13 pan. If you use a pan deeper than 2 inches, reduce the baking temperature to 325 degrees and bake longer for 55 minutes.

    Check with a toothpick, if it comes out clean the cake is done.

    Decorating A Flag Cake

    Cool it for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Cool it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or preferably overnight before decorating. I like to bake one day, then decorate them the next. This helps release the steam in the cake and the frosting holds on when chilled, otherwise, it tends to melt.

    The corner of a white frosted cake decorated with raspberries with a patriotic towel.

    Frost The Cake

    Place a dollop of frosting on a small piece of cardboard or a tray, and set the cake on top. This keeps it from sliding around while decorating and makes it easier to transfer cakes to a party.

    Frost the entire cake with the vanilla buttercream using a small offset spatula. Smooth out the frosting in an even layer as best you can all over the top and sides.

    Flag Design - Blueberries First

    For the flag design, use the tip of a small knife and draw a line about 5 inches long and 4 inches tall for the blue part of the flag in the upper left corner.

    Place blueberries in that box, pick the best larger ones, and place them with the smooth side up.

    Red Stripes - Raspberries

    Starting at the top edge, use large raspberries pointed up and make long rows of red, leaving a 1" white stripe in between each row of raspberries.

    Star Piping Decorations

    Fill a large pastry bag with a large 1M large star tip and the frosting. To fill the piping bag, rest the piping bag in a tall sturdy jar or glass and pull the piping bag down around the edge of the container, this helps to fill it up the bag.

    Pipe stars on blueberries for the stars of the flag working in slightly offset rows like the American flag.

    For the white stripes of the flag, pipe stars in between rows of raspberries, and decorate the sides if you wish.

    You might have some frosting left over. It freezes great in a zip-top bag and can be used for other desserts like cupcakes or cookies.

    The cake will hold well overnight in the refrigerator for 1 day, and possibly 2 days if your berries are really fresh. I would decorate either the day of your party or the night before. I have also had guests decorate it during the party which was SO much fun!

    The best way to keep any leftovers is to cover it on the board with plastic wrap and put the entire thing in the refrigerator. Eat up the leftovers within a couple of days.

    Flag Cake Decorating Tips

    Baking Pans

    You can bake this in a sheet pan, glass 9 x 13 dish, or metal pan. If you use a pan deeper than 3 inches, you will want to lower the temperature from 350 down to 325 degrees and bake it longer, about 50 minutes. Also, be sure to line the pan with parchment, it makes taking the cake out so much easier, and in one piece. 🍰 Sheet cakes are already in the shape of a flag, so this is a simple bake.

    Batter

    Coloring the batter is really easy. PRO TIP: Be sure to use bowls that won't stain with the dye. To create the marble look, just work to put big dollops on top of each other, with lots of white batter all over. Then use a chopstick to pull outward from the center and then in a circle. This makes the swirls you want! 🥣

    Baking

    Sometimes we run out of time to bake. Your local grocery store bakery sells frosting! Buy some bakery-style frosting and bake a sheet pan size cake. One year I ran out of time to bake and decorate, and everyone at the party decorated the cake during the July 4th party! 🇺🇸

    You can bake a day ahead, and keep it chilled in the fridge. You will want the cake very cool before you frost it!

    A slice of cake showing the red white and blue colors with a fork taking out a bite.

    Cake Frosting

    A small offset spatula makes it really easy, but you can use a butter knife too. I had fun piping the stars. Totally optional, but looks so patriotic. 🇺🇸 Use a large piping bag and 1M tip to create the stars. I used regular food coloring, just mix until it's a dark enough shade. Red took the whole little bottle. You can also use cool whip cream or a cheese frosting, but those will not hold up on the cake in hot weather or at an outdoor party. This is a popular "bakery-style" cake frosting that is soooo fluffy and not too sweet.

    Fresh Berries

    I chose to use fresh fruit and love the look of blueberries and raspberries 🫐❤️. But you could slice strawberries for the red stripes. You could also use colored sugar or sprinkles for the stripes or even colored candy.

    Variations

    • Swap in your favorite cream cheese frosting.
    • Decorate with strawberries sliced thin for the stripes.
    • Use different flavors like a lemon, chocolate cake, or even red velvet.
    • Create cake decorations out of white chocolate.
    • Instead of fruit, decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles.

    Marbled Cake FAQ

    What is a marbled cake?


    A cake that is baked using light and dark-colored batters with a swirled appearance once baked and sliced. The effect is easy to create by using at least two flavors of cake batter (like chocolate and vanilla) or colored batter like red, white, and blue.

    When the batter is loaded in the pan by alternating colors on top of each other, then a skewer is used to make a "marbleized" effect. When the cake is baked, and sliced open, it will have color layers and swirls.

    As a young girl, I remember my Aunt Barbara making a 4th of July cake shaped like an American Flag. I loved that dessert as a kid. She baked one for our annual July 4th picnics at Lacy Park in Los Angeles. The fireworks and cake. What could be better? And that inspired this cake...

    Close up of the corner on a Flag Cake decorated with white frosting, raspberries, and blueberries.

    The cake will hold well overnight in the refrigerator for 1 day, and possibly 2 days if your berries are really fresh.

    I would decorate either the day of your party or the night before. I have also had guests decorate it during the party which was SO much fun, they still talk about it.

    It is so fun to slice into the corner and surprise your guests...

    More 4th of July Desserts

    These recipes are a great way to show your patriotism for July 4th, Memorial Day, or as a summer Dessert for your cookout or picnic.

    I have a collection of over 100+ July 4th Desserts with treats from my food blogger friends plus a few of mine, with something for everyone! Make a fabulous Patriotic Ice Cream Cake or these Patriotic Cookies. Bake a patriotic flag-shaped pie like this Grill Baked Blueberry Pie (yes you can bake in your grill!) or a sheet pan American Flag Pie that serves a big crowd. Happy July 4th 🇺🇸, you can also get over 100+ July 4th Recipes and ideas for your party...

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    An American flag cake decorated with blueberries, raspberries, and white frosting with a patriotic star towel.
    Print

    American Flag July 4th Cake Recipe

    Bake a patriotic American Flag July 4th Cake with red, white, and blue marbled vanilla cake inside. And, an amazing, scrumptious, bakery-style buttercream frosting that is not too sweet, and spreads like a dream.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword American flag cake, flag cake, flag cake recipe, Flag Sheet Cake, Fourth of July cake, July 4th cake, July Fourth cake, Red White & Blue Cake
    Prep Time 45 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 20
    Calories 585kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Marbled Vanilla Cake

    • 1 white vanilla boxed cake mix
    • water vegetable oil eggs called for on the box
    • red food color or gel
    • blue food color or gel
    • fresh raspberries
    • fresh blueberries

    White Buttercream Frosting

    • 2 cups salted butter - room temperature (4 sticks)
    • 1 cup vegetable shortening
    • 10 cups powder sugar (confectioners' sugar)
    • 4 tablespoons hot water
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but great!)

    Instructions

    Pan Prep

    • Put a few drops of vegetable oil in the bottom of your pan. Next, line with parchment paper cut to fit the bottom of the pan.
    • This prepared pan will release the cake easier and makes for a faster clean up. If you are serving right from the pan, don’t line the pan of course!

    Make Buttercream

    • Beat soft butter and shortening in a mixer on medium-high speed until creamy for 5 minutes.
    • At low speed, add powder sugar 1 cup at a time until smooth.
    • On high speed, mix in vanilla, almond extract, and hot water for 5 minutes until fluffy and smooth. This frosting holds really well at room temperature for a few hours.

    Baking

    • Stir your boxed cake mix and ingredients in a medium bowl, the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer on medium speed.
    • Deeper pans might need more cake batter. I used a deeper pan, 3 inches deep, so I mixed up 2 boxed mixes. Most standard pans are 2 inches deep, so 1 box will be fine.
    • In a small bowl place 1-2 cups of batter and scrap down the sides of the bowl as you go, stir in red food color until it’s the red you like. In another small bowl, place 1-2 cups of the batter; stir in blue food color until it’s the blue you like. Save 1-2 cups of plain white batter.
    • Now, pour batter of dollops into the prepared baking pan alternating from red, white and blue. Try to place the batter on top of each area, it will begin to spread out.
    • When all the batter is in the pan, use a skewer to pull lines from the center outward, and then do some slight swirls around the pan. This helps create the marble design. Rap the pan down on the counter to help level the batter and pop any bubbles in the batter that would make it bake unevenly.
    • Heat oven to 325 degrees. Bake in the center of the oven according to your box directions. Most classic cake mixes require a 350-degree oven for 28 minutes for a regular 9 x 13 cake pan. If you use a pan deeper than 2 inches, reduce baking temperature to 325 degrees and bake longer for 55 minutes. Check with a toothpick, if it comes out clean the cake is done.

    Decorate The Cake

    • Cool the cake for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove it to a wire rack to finish cooling. It is best to cool it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or preferably overnight before decorating. I like to bake one day, then decorate the next. This helps release the steam in the cake and the frosting holds on well.
    • Place a dollup of frosting on a small piece of cardboard or a tray, and set the cake on top. This keeps it from sliding around while decorating and makes it easier to transfer cakes to a party.
    • Frost the entire cake with the vanilla buttercream using a small offset spatula. Smooth out the frosting in an even layer as best you can all over the top and sides.
    • For the flag design, use the tip of a small knife and draw a line about 5 inches long and 4 inches tall for the blue part of the flag in the upper left corner. Place blueberries in that box, pick the best larger ones and place them with the smooth side up.
    • Starting at the top edge, use large raspberries pointed up and make long rows of red, leaving a 1" white stripe in between each row of raspberries.
    • Fill a large pastry bag with a large 1M large star tip and cake frosting. To fill the piping bag, rest the piping bag in a tall sturdy jar or glass and pull the piping bag down around the edge of the container, this helps to fill it up the bag. Pipe stars on blueberries for the stars of the flag working in slightly offset rows like the American flag.
    • For the white stripes of the flag, pipe stars in between rows of raspberries, and decorate the sides of the cake if you wish. You will have some frosting leftover, it freezes great in a zip-top bag, and can be used for another dessert like cupcakes.
    • The cake will hold well overnight in the refrigerator for 1 day, and possibly 2 days if your berries are really fresh. I would decorate either the day of your party or the night before. I have also had guests decorate it during the party which was SO much fun!
    • The best way to keep any leftovers is to cover it on the board with plastic wrap and put the entire thing in the refridgerator. Eat up the cake within a couple of days.

    Video

    Notes

    cake storage

    The flag cake will last up to 2 days chilled in the fridge. The frosting will firm up, so remove it at least one hour before serving to let the frosting soften up before serving. 

    frosting

    This frosting recipe is SOOO fluffy and easy to spread at room temperature. But it firms up nicely when chilled in the fridge, so decorate your cake with room temperature frosting. You can freeze any leftover frosting, and use it for another dessert.

    baking pans

    You can bake this in a sheet pan, glass 9 x 13 dish, or metal cake pan. If you use a pan deeper than 3 inches, you will want to lower the temperature from 350 down to 325 degrees and bake it longer, about 50 minutes. Also, be sure to line the pan with parchment, it makes taking the cake out so much easier, and in one piece. 🍰

    batter

    Coloring the batter is really easy, be sure to use bowls that won't stain with the dye, and just work to put big dollops on top of each other, with lots of white batter all over. Then use a chopstick to pull outward from the center and then in a circle, this makes the swirls you want! 🥣

    baking

    You can bake a day ahead, and keep it chilled in the fridge until it's time to decorate it. You will want the cake very cool before you frost it!

    decorating

    A small offset spatula makes it really easy, but you can use a butter knife too. I had fun piping stars on the cake, totally optional but looks so patriotic. 🇺🇸 Use a large pastry bag and 1M tip to create the stars. I used regular food coloring, just mix until it's a dark enough shade. Red took the whole little bottle.

    berries

    I used blueberries and raspberries, but you could use fresh strawberries and slice them for the red stripes. You could also use colored sugar or sprinkles for the stripes. 🫐❤️

     

    July 4th Recipes

    I have a collection of over 100+ July 4th Desserts with treats from my food blogger friends plus a few of mine, with something for everyone. Happy July 4th 🇺🇸, you can also get over 100+ July 4th Recipes and food ideas for your party.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 585kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 567IU | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

    Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    Last Updated April 25th, 2024 at 11:19 am by Lisa

    This Coleslaw Recipe has a clean vinegar-based dressing and no mayo! It goes great with pulled pork sandwiches or as a classic side dish at potluck summer picnics and BBQ cookouts.

    A classic coleslaw recipe is usually loaded with mayonnaise and white sugar. However, this cabbage salad is clean, light, and tangy. This homemade slaw can safely remain at room temperature and balances nicely with any grilled main dish or savory BBQ. And has a crisp, cool, refreshing crunch...

    A large clear bowl filled with colorful cole slaw made with purple and green cabbage and carrots with wood serving tongs.

    How To Make Coleslaw

    For an easy coleslaw recipe, buy pre-shredded cabbage to toss this slaw together fast, or thinly slice some at home. I love using bright purple and green together, it looks so colorful with the orange carrots.

    Make a double batch of this healthy coleslaw recipe for large parties. It is an awesome pulled pork coleslaw. And the total time needed to pull it together is just 15 minutes!

    Pouring a no mayo dressing on a tri color coleslaw recipe in a clear bowl.

    Homemade Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

    • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 teaspoons whole celery seeds
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon black cracked pepper

    No-Mayo Coleslaw Mix Ingredients

    • carrots
    • green cabbage
    • purple cabbage

    PRO TIP: Grab some bagged coleslaw or cabbage salad mix and shredded carrots to save time!

    No Mayo Coleslaw Dressing

    1. In a small Mason jar with a fitted lid , combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, celery seeds, sea salt, and pepper. Shake until well combined for 1 minute.
    2. Or add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl, and whisk well until combined.

    PRO TIP: Make dressings in small jars and pop them right into the fridge to use again that week. It is the best way to mix them with no bowls to wash!

    Coleslaw Cabbage Mixture

    1. On a cutting board, thinly slice green and purple cabbage with a sharp knife. Using a box grater, grate the carrots (or buy pre-grated) and place them in a large bowl. Or shred the cabbage and carrots in a food processor or on a mandoline.
    2. Pour the dressing on the coleslaw mixture of purple and green cabbage and carrots, and toss using tongs. Best if served that day.
    3. Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last a day or two.
    Carrots with purple and green cabbage shredded finely in a clear bowl to make coleslaw.

    Variations & Optional Dressing Add-Ins

    Cole slaw is a must-have cookout side dish best served with Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Hamburgers, grilled chicken, Pork Sliders, and barbecue ribs. It also is great for fish tacos and pulled pork tacos. Mix up the ingredients to create your own version of delicious slaw.

    Kind of Vinegar: Swap in good champagne vinegar, rice vinegar, or white vinegar, or even add a squeeze of lemon juice into the dressing for a tangy coleslaw.

    Cabbage & Carrots: You can buy a premade cabbage mix and shredded carrots at the grocery store and just whip up the dressing to save time.

    Crunchy Vegetables: Napa cabbage will work great in this recipe, you can also add green onions (spring onions), Pickled Red Onions (yellow onion is too hot), or red pepper. Any crisp fresh vegetables will work even jicama or celery. Fresh parsley adds nice flavor and color.

    Coleslaw in a clear bowl tossed with wood serving tongs in a kitchen.

    Seasonings: Celery seeds make the dressing taste amazing, but you can swap in or add caraway seeds.

    Creamy Slaw: You can make this a creamy coleslaw recipe if you wish and add ½ cup of mayonnaise, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt.

    Sweetness: You can add some additional granulated sugar to make it sweeter as well.

    Spicy Coleslaw: You can up the heat and spiciness with a dash of hot sauce or mix in a sprinkle of a Nashville chicken spice mixture. Or add some good Dijon mustard for great zing.

    A white bowl filled with a tri color coleslaw recipe with wood salad tongs.

    Pulled Pork Slaw Recipes

    Pick one of your favorite pulled pork recipes, and make it your way with a pork butt, or pork shoulder, or try my two recipes below that use pork loin!

    Red white check paper lined basked holding a pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw.

    This is the best coleslaw for Pulled Pork Sandwiches made with pork loin is so juicy. Top these pulled pork sandwiches with this vinegar coleslaw recipe, Dill Pickle Chips, and tangy barbecue sauce all on a golden bun. This clean colorful salad with crunchy cabbage and carrots is so good with rich succulent pulled pork.

    Oven Roasted Pulled Pork cooks at a low temperature and slow, in a long cooking process making the pork roast easy to shred as it becomes tender over the hours. The result: perfectly moist yet slightly caramelized edges, a super savory pulled pork made from pork loin.

    Coleslaw in a clear bowl with wood serving tongs.

    Cole Slaw FAQ

    So is it Coleslaw? Or Cole Slaw. Well, the correct spelling for this cookout classic is coleslaw. Some people even say, "cold-slaw"! The word's origins are from the Dutch word koolsa. The word cole refers to a crop like cabbage.

    What to serve coleslaw recipes with?

    Cole Slaw with Pulled Pork is a classic summer dish! Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ Ribs, and Grilled or BBQ Chicken are also excellent to pair it with.
    Other cookout sides and picnic food ideas to serve along with coleslaw are Corn On The Cob, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Macaroni Salad, or Pasta Salads.

    Will fresh coleslaw keep overnight?

    Yes, but it is best to not mix the dressing with the cabbage. Wait till a couple of hours before your party, pour on the dressing do a quick toss and it's ready!

    How long will coleslaw keep fresh?

    Thinly sliced cabbage and carrots will last at least 3 days in a well-sealed airtight container. The coleslaw no mayo dressing will last up to 30 days in a sealed Mason jar in the refrigerator.

    Which kind of cabbage for coleslaw?

    You can use green cabbage, red (purple) cabbage, savoy cabbage, or Napa cabbage. For a multi-colored or multi-textured coleslaw, use a combination of at least 2 kinds. Buy bags of pre-shredded cabbage, carrots, or coleslaw mix and save time!
    A white bowl filled with colorful tri color cole slaw with salad tongs.

    Summer Cookout Side Dishes

    These are some of the easiest side dishes for cookouts and picnic food ideas. More easy recipes to serve with this coleslaw without mayo are Corn On The Cob, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, or Macaroni Salad

    Pasta Salads or 7 Layer Salad are a wildly popular make-ahead potluck salad, so beautiful and loved by everyone. Mango Jicama Slaw is light, crisp with lime vinaigrette, and goes great with grilled fish and steaks. Mexican Street Corn "Elotes" are slathered with creamy cilantro sauce.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A clear glass bowl filled with tri color cole slaw and wooden tongs stuck in the slaw.
    Print

    Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

    This Coleslaw Recipe has a clean vinegar-based dressing and no mayo! It goes great with pulled pork sandwiches or as a classic side dish at potluck summer picnics and BBQ cookouts. A classic coleslaw recipe is usually loaded with mayonnaise and white sugar. However, this cabbage salad is clean, light, and tangy. This homemade slaw can safely remain at room temperature and balances nicely with any grilled main dish or savory BBQ. And has a crisp, cool, refreshing crunch.
    Course Side Dishes & Vegetables
    Cuisine Side Dish
    Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, no mayonnaise cole slaw, vinegar cole slaw
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 150kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    No Mayo Dressing

    • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 teaspoons whole celery seeds
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon black cracked pepper

    Slaw Mix

    • 2 cups carrots (2 large carrots shredded)
    • 2 cups green cabbage thinly sliced
    • 2 cups purple cabbage thinly sliced

    Instructions

    • In a small Mason jar with a fitted lid , combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, celery seeds, sea salt, and pepper. Shake until well combined for 1 minute. Or add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl, and whisk well until combined.
    • On a cutting board, thinly slice green and purple cabbage with a sharp knife. Using a box grater, grate the carrots (or buy pre-grated) and place them in a large bowl. Or shred the cabbage and carrots in a food processor or on a mandoline.
    • Pour the dressing on the coleslaw mixture of purple and green cabbage and carrots, and toss using tongs. Best if served that day.
    • Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last a day or two.

    Video

    Notes

    make-ahead

    Keep the dressing in a Mason jar until ready to serve, then pour, toss and serve. 

    quick prep 

    You can buy bags of pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix and save time!

    cabbage

    You can use green cabbage, red (purple) cabbage, savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage. For a multi-colored or multi-textured coleslaw, use a combination of at least 2 kinds.

    Optional Dressing Add-Ins

    You can make this dressing creamy if you wish and add ½ cup of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.
    You can add some additional granulated sugar to make it sweeter as well.

    what to serve with coleslaw

    Cole Slaw is a classic summer side dish best served with Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ Ribs, and Grilled Chicken.

    Other great summer sides to serve along with coleslaw are grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, or pasta salad.

    storage & serving

    Keep your sliced cabbage chilled,  but it is best to not mix the dressing with the cabbage. Wait till a couple of hours before your party, pour on the dressing do a quick toss and it's ready!

    Variations & Optional Dressing Add-Ins

    Cole slaw is a must-have cookout side dish best served with Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Hamburgers, grilled chicken, Pork Sliders, and barbecue ribs. It also is great for fish tacos and pulled pork tacos. Mix up the ingredients to create your own version of delicious slaw.
    Kind of Vinegar: Swap in good champagne vinegar, rice vinegar, or white vinegar, or even add a squeeze of lemon juice into the dressing for a tangy coleslaw.
    Cabbage & Carrots: You can buy a premade cabbage mix and shredded carrots at the grocery store and just whip up the dressing to save time.
    Crunchy Vegetables: Napa cabbage will work great in this recipe, you can also add green onions (spring onions), Pickled Red Onions (yellow onion is too hot), or red pepper. Any crisp fresh vegetables will work even jicama or celery. Fresh parsley adds nice flavor and color.
    Seasonings: Celery seeds make the dressing taste amazing, but you can swap in or add caraway seeds.
    Creamy Slaw: You can make this a creamy coleslaw recipe if you wish and add ½ cup of mayonnaise, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt.
    Sweetness: You can add some additional granulated sugar to make it sweeter as well.
    Spicy Coleslaw: You can up the heat and spiciness with a dash of hot sauce or mix in a sprinkle of a Nashville chicken spice mixture. Or add some good Dijon mustard for great zing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 216mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3740IU | Vitamin C: 13.9mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.5mg

    Authentic Mojito Recipe

    [heart_this] · · 4 Comments

    Last Updated April 25th, 2024 at 11:43 am by Lisa

    Straight from Cuba, this Mojito recipe is 100% authentic. Learn the real ingredients from Cuban bartenders in Havana. And what makes these famous cocktails the real deal!

    Classic mojitos are the very essence of beach cocktails. Rum drinkers around the world have treasured them for centuries. These bar drinks have quenched thirsty travelers and people on vacation for decades...

    Classic Mojito Recipe (Real Cuban Mojito)

    Cuba is renowned for its aged rum and hand-rolled cigars made by the Cuban people. And have been for hundreds of years. Here is how you use good rum to make a real mojito...

    4 mojitos on a woven grass placemat with Cuban cigar nearby.

    Mojito Ingredients

    This mint mojito recipe makes one cocktail. The recipe card will scale up if you click the quantity box, to make a batch of cocktails for a pitcher of mojitos!

    • white cane sugar (granulated sugar)
    • fresh lime juice
    • fresh mint leaves on long mint sprigs - (spearmint or yerba buena mint)
    • white rum - good US or Puerto Rican brand Cubans typically use Havana Club 3 year white rum (labeled añejo blanco 3 años)
    • aromatic bitters Angostura brand is the best
    • sparkling water (or club soda)
    • Mojito glasses & muddler (a small wooden spoon work fine)

    Mojito Recipe Instructions

    Step 1: In each glass: add 2 teaspoons of white cane sugar and the fresh lime juice of half a lime wedge. In Cuba, they don't place the lime into the glass, just the lime juice!

    The bartenders in a Cuban bar won't leave a lime in your glass. As the lime peel turns the drink a little bit bitter.

    STEP 2: Next place one long mint stem into each glass and simply muddle, push down, and twist the stem.

    PRO TIP: Muddle, simply push down and twist the bottom of the mint stems. NOT THE LEAVES into the sugar and lime juice. This way, you don't get a strong bitter taste when you over-muddle the mint leaves, AND they stay pretty and green not brown and bruised!

    This top bar tip comes from the Cantineros (bartenders) we met on our trip and my good friend Abel who is a Cuban travel guide, and trust me, he knows a thing or two about mojitos!

    I found a box of these glasses in the city of Havana in a shop, with the Havana Club name on them. The perfect mojito glass, cheers!

    STEP 3: Next, add 1 ½-2 shots of white rum, and 3 drops of aromatic bitters.

    STEP 4: Add a few ice cubes. By the way, The Cuban way is to not add a lot of ice. Next, pour in sparkling water (or club soda), mint garnish, stir, and sip!

    Note: This mint mojito recipe makes one cocktail. The recipe card will scale up to make batch cocktails for a pitcher of mojitos!

    A bartender pouring lime juice into mojitos on a bar counter in glasses.

    Ingredient Notes

    Rum

    Mojitos start with good white rum, light yellow rum is ok. You want to not use dark or spiced rums, they bring way too much flavor. Let that mint and lime shine through!

    Ideally, you want a Cuban rum. And it is not sold in the United States under the embargo. Buy a Puerto Rican rum with the Havana Club name.

    The Havana Club name brand of rum dates to 1934. Originally produced, by family-owned José Arechabala S.A., in Cárdenas, Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the new Cuban government nationalized the company.

    PRO TIP: Cubans typically use Havana Club 3 year white rum labeled añejo blanco 3 años.

    Lime

    Use juicy, ripe, real fresh squeezed limes for the best flavor. Ripe limes feel a little heavier, meaning they are full of juice. Pick limes that are firm, not too hard, squeezable, and not too soft.

    Granulated Sugar

    Classic mojito recipes call for granulated white sugar. Bars will commonly use simple syrup. It is a fast way to mix drinks. Cubans do not use it! One option is to use superfine baking (caster sugar) in place of granulated sugar. It will dissolve more easily into cold liquid.

    Sparkling Water

    Pour cold sparkling water or club soda into the glass to finish the cocktail. This gives balance to the sweetness and mint flavors.

    Fresh Mint

    The mint pictured above, is from the garden of a Cuban seaside restaurant. They grow their own mint, called Mojito Mint (Mentha x villosa), and it made the most refreshing mojitos. For an authentic Cuban mojito, use Mojito Mint!

    Mojito Mint (Mentha x villosa) was brought to North America about 15 years ago and is native to Cuba. Look for it in your local nurseries, and it's easy to grow at home. Just be sure to plant it in a pot, or it will take over your garden! At the store, most fresh mint herb packages won't usually say the specific plant species.

    Yerba Buena from Columbia is also common to use in place of Mojito Mint. Both are popular in these cocktails as they have a similar flavor.

    Top Secrets For Cuban Mojitos

    The first secret to the best mojito recipes is to use aromatic bitters! It balances out the sweetness of the mint and sugar. The brand I prefer is Angostura, a product from the Caribbean islands that you can easily find online, and in stores US and globally.

    Secondly, crush the mint stem. Not the mint leaves.  Normally mudding results in brown smashed mint leaves in the drink which is not pretty or tasty.

    And finally, there is no cocktail shaker needed to shake this drink. Also, no simple syrup, or slices of lime in a real mojito cocktail!

    A blue convertible car in Cuba with people riding around Havana.

    How I got The Real Mojito Recipe

    Learning how to make a mojito in a famous historic hotel, is the best souvenir ever! Forget the gift shop. And, here is the drink they served us. This post has a lot of photos and travel notes toward the recipe card to share my travel adventure.

    Along with lifelong friends, our group traveled to Cuba in January 2016 for over two weeks. An adventure filled with food and the history of a unique tropical paradise. Master bartenders gave us a cocktail class at the Hotel Nacional, famous for these classic Cuban cocktails.

    By the way, the hotel is a landmark visited by many famous people. And the location for a 1946 Italian-American Mafia meeting the Havana Summit.

    And oh, by the way, there are many legends and stories at Havana bars that claim Mojitos were Ernest Hemingways favorite drink. Who knows if that's true? However, this is Hemingway's desk at his home in . He lived in Cuba on and off for over 30 years. Writing prolifically while living on the island. Hemingway stated, “I live in Cuba because I love Cuba—that does not mean a dislike for anyplace else. And because here I get privacy when I write.”

    Mojito Recipe Variations (Not Cuban)

    Okay, these are NOT, I repeat, not Cuban recipes. People do enjoy different mojito flavors. Along with mint, you can muddle in fresh strawberries for a strawberry mojito and raspberries for raspberry mojitos. Blackberries, pineapple, watermelon, cucumber, mango, a bit of honey, or even try a blueberry mojito. Almost all berries will work in this drink! Simply crush in the glass with a muddler, or blend before mixing.

    Why can't you get real Cuban Rum in the US?

    The US government will not allow Cuban Rum imports due to the 1960s trade embargo. Cuban products are widely available in Mexico, Europe, and other parts of the world. Today, US Citizens can bring home up to $100 USD in cigars and alcohol goods from Cuba. Make a plan to carry your Cuban Rum on board your flight, as US shipping is not allowed.

    Readers Love This Cuban Recipe

    • "We love these real mojitos, OMG - So darn good!"
    • "Lisa, loved all your pictures of Cuba and the directions on how they make real Mojitos in Cuba!"
    • "Mojitos are my favorite! This recipe is a keeper. Thanks, Lisa"
    • "What a refreshing cocktail recipe. LOVE your photos from Cuba (and those Havana Club glasses)!"
    Where were mojitos invented?

    Many people believe that the original Mojito first started as a medicinal drink to curb disease on the island of Cuba. A creation of homemade "moon shine" rum-type alcohol mixed with fresh mint, lime juice, and cane sugar syrup to ward off illness. Other people credit local South American Indians who came ashore to Cuba with their medicinal remedy for various tropical illnesses.

    How To Visit Cuba

    People ask, what is the best way to see Cuba? The answer is easy. Travel with Mary Drobny, her company is Cultural Journeys. She handles all the Visas and travel details. Mary is adored by the people of Cuba and is a part-time resident. Plus she is kinda "famous" in Cuba! Hey, they know her at the airport. She literally has friends all over the country!

    Go to Cuba, it is amazing. The cars and cigars are great. The people, food, art, and architecture will enchant you! And bring your camera...

    My Cuba Travel Photography

    The Caribbean sun produces some of the best tropical fruits like bananas, pineapple, mango, cacao, coconuts, and mamey - the national fruit, to name a few.

    Other famous local crops include tobacco for rolling cigars, and sugarcane to make rum cocktails, which have grown on the island of Cuba for centuries.

    Sugar Cane
    A travel collage of photos of Cuba with cars, rum, flowers and the city of Havana.

    Memories of Cuba

    The colorful classic cars and cigars are what you expect. The best way to describe the country is that it is overflowing with fascinating contrasts. And it will intoxicate you with a tropical, relaxed pace.

    Some of my favorite memories are that Cubans love their families, and take their time doing things. They have extremely talented artists, and everyone works at something. "Fast service", does not really exist. Good food does.

    No one is in a rush. Patiently, you wait for food and drink. It's worth your time. And somehow, you slowly, gently, sink into the Cuban way of life. It's a sublime pace.

    A travel photo collage of Cuba with cars, a palm tree, the beach and people with cars.

    The food is absolutely delicious. I tried many dishes in the 3 weeks of my travels, and there are strong Spanish and French influences in their cuisine. Some of my favorite dishes were; Croquettes, Paella, Cuban Sandwiches, Malangas "fritters", Tapas, Ajicao, Ropa Vieja-shredded beef and Cuba's national dish, and Congri- mixed black beans and rice.

    With mostly undependable internet, we actually embraced the disconnect. Cuban people are very kind. With care put into their homes and lovely gardens. It's common to see people out sweeping, everything is spotlessly clean!

    The older buildings are sometimes crumbling, and the only thing holding it up was old trees that grew up inside the structure!

    New neighborhood parks pop up all the time for the community as old structures collapse. Commonly, you will see Cuban neighbors sharing a bottle of rum. Sometimes just sipping it warm out of cups. Listening to great music, as always, and then breaking out dancing!

    More Summer Cocktail Recipes

    White Wine Sangria is a great summer cocktail and perfect for July 4th with little flags and straws for July 4th. The Cuba Libre aka "Rum & Coke", a classic Cuban cocktail is well over 100 years old. And has quenched the thirst of travelers and people around the world for decades. Enjoy this refreshing sweet cocktail. It is simple yet sublime...

    Hibiscus Cocktails have under 100 calories each, are low in carbohydrates, vegan, low sugar keto, and gluten-free! For a slushy refreshing drink, whip up a CoronaRita Margaritas! 

    or serve Aperol Spritz cocktails, perfect for pool parties, outdoor potlucks, and BBQs. And for a fast easy party cocktail, make a batch of 3 ingredient Margaritas, you won't believe how good they are!

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Four Havana club glasses filled with mojitos garnished with mint.
    Print

    Real Mojito Recipe

    Straight from Cuba, this Mojito recipe is 100% authentic. Learn the real ingredients from Cuban bartenders in Havana. And what makes these famous cocktails the real deal! Classic mojitos are the very essence of beach cocktails. Rum drinkers around the world have treasured them for centuries. These bar drinks have quenched thirsty travelers and people on vacation for decades. The recipe card will scale up to make batch cocktails for a pitcher of mojitos!
    Course Drinks & Cocktails
    Cuisine Cuban
    Keyword beach cocktails, cuban mojitos, Cuban recipe, mojito recipe, mojitos, Summer cocktails, tropical drinks
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1
    Calories 144kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons white cane sugar
    • ½ whole lime juice only
    • 1 whole long mint sprig Mojito mint or Yerba Buena
    • 1.5 ounces white rum Good US or Puerto Rican brand, Havana Club 3 year white rum
    • 3 drops aromatic bitters Angostura brand is best
    • 6 ounces sparkling water
    • wooden muddler small wooden spoons work fine
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In each glass: add 2 teaspoons of white cane sugar and the juice of half a lime. In Cuba, they don't place the lime into the glass, just the lime juice!
    • Place one long mint stem into each glass. Now muddle, simply push down and twist the bottom of the mint stems. NOT THE LEAVES into the sugar and lime juice. This way, you don't get a strong bitter taste when you over-muddle the mint leaves, AND they stay pretty and green not brown and bruised!
    • Next, add 1- 2 shots of good white rum, and 3 drops of aromatic bitters.
    • Add few ice cubes, in Cuba they don't add lots of ice because it is not commonly used, pour in sparkling water, add mint garnish, stir, and sip away!

    Notes

    Top Secrets For Cuban Mojitos

    The first secret to the best mojito recipes is to use aromatic bitters! It balances out the sweetness of the mint and sugar. The brand I prefer is Angostura, a product from the Caribbean islands that you can easily find online, and in stores US and globally.

    Secondly, crush the mint stem. Not the mint leaves.  Normally mudding results in brown smashed mint leaves in the drink which is not pretty or tasty.

    And finally, there is no cocktail shaker needed to shake this drink. Also, no simple syrup, or slices of lime in a real mojito cocktail!

    Cuban Rum

    Havana Club - El Ron De Cuba, is not currently available in the US due to the import embargo. You can find some good options like Havana Club - Puerto Rico available at specialty liquor stores. Buy a 3 year aged white rum, a yellow rum is fine too. Just avoid dark spiced rum. 

    Mint Growing Tip

     Plant Mojito Mint or Yerba Buena Mint in a pot in your garden, mint sends runners and will run everywhere in your garden and you don't want that.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.04g | Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    42 Amazing Burger Sides For Cookouts

    [heart_this] · · Leave a Comment

    Last Updated November 16th, 2025 at 09:09 am by Lisa

    Look through 42 of the best burger sides! These recipes will help you throw a legendary backyard cookout or July 4th BBQ with clever Summer party food ideas.

    Mix up your menu, with new easy sides to go with your favorite burgers! Think about warm cozy sides like Cowboy Baked Beans, Crispy Chicken Wings, or Thick Chili. Family burger night just got a whole lot more exciting, plus every easy recipe here can double for potluck sides all Summer...

    Burger Sides & What To Serve With Hamburgers

    A Classic Burger is typically served at fast-food restaurants with the same side options. Classic French fries, sweet potato fries, potato chips, steak fries, potato wedges, or onion rings. And those are all great! Today we are thinking way outside of the box and having some fun.

    A grilled hamburger recipe in a white food basket with glasses of lemonade.

    Be sure to have some healthy sides along with other delicious grilled cookout favorites, cool drinks like iced tea or lemonade, and refreshing Summer cocktails. Cool things down with Pasta Salad, cold Layered Salads, Potato Salad, and Coleslaw.

    Plan for a few light and healthy burger sides. Make a quinoa salad with fruit. Try my Watermelon Fruit Salad it is gorgeous!

    Go for classic pairing options of delicious side dishes of a Greek salad, Cobb, 7 Layer, cucumber, or tomato side salads.

    And don't forget the best part, toppings like melted cheese, BBQ sauce, and all the best condiments. Add some dips, relishes, unique sauces, and pickled things, and dinner is on.

    Let's get into the list of delicious sides...

    A wooden bowl filled with pasta salad and wooden serving tongs.

    Easy Pasta Salad

    An easy Pasta Salad and mayo-less side dish, is perfect for hot weather and holds at room temperature for outdoor picnics, a potluck, or your next Summer cookout! Cold pasta salads are easygoing party food. Add veggies like bell pepper, red onion, fresh herbs, and little cubes of mozzarella cheese all tossed in a light dressing.

    A messy grilled burger topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles and burger sauce in a basket with a bottle of burger sauce.

    Burger Sauce

    Make one of the best burger sauces! It is made just like the In-N-Out spread from the west coast drive-through chain that started in Southern California. And has super simple ingredients. When you crave a great burger, here is the best way to make a copycat recipe of the real In-N-Out spread special sauce.

    BURGER SAUCE
    Mexican pickled red onions in a clamp jar and white bowl with chiles and limes on a colorful striped cloth.

    Pickled Red Onions

    Make Pickled Red Onions with no canning. These are easy beginner pickles that take 10 minutes to prepare and are ready to eat in 30 minutes. This sweet onion recipe tastes even better after a couple of days, full of great flavors. Load on Mexican food like tacos, tostadas, taco salad, hamburgers, pulled pork, or grilled cheese sandwiches. What a versatile, great condiment!

    RED ONIONS
    A bowl of turkey chili topped with sour cream, grated cheese, and green onions with corn bread muffins.

    Turkey Chili With Black Beans

    Turkey Chili with Black Beans is a simple meal and can be made in a slow cooker, crockpot, or stovetop. This recipe is a fave of the whole family and even the neighbors. With years of rave reviews! It's one of my go-to main course dishes, especially on game days. Top with grated cheese, sour cream, and green onions. And is a great side with hamburgers or grilled sausages at cookouts.

    TURKEY CHILI
    A large glass clamp jar filled with pickled eggs, fresh jalapeno slices, and spices.

    Jalapeno Pickled Eggs

    Make old-fashioned homemade deli-style Pickled Eggs with jalapenos, garlic, and pickling spice. A low-carb keto protein-packed pickled egg recipe ready in 7 days.

    JALAPENO PICKLED EGGS
    A white platter filled with crispy chicken wings and one dipping into buffalo sauce.

    Crispy Chicken Wings

    There is a secret to Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings, the ultimate bar snack and cookout side as a big game appetizer! Perfectly cooked wings are totally possible with a super crisp exterior that looks and tastes deep-fried and the different seasonings will have your taste buds cheering! Skip frying, this will become your new favorite way to make wings.

    CRISPY CHICKEN WINGS
    Showing how to remove seeds from roasted Hatch Chiles to use them in recipes.

    Hatch Chiles (80+ Recipes)

    These are great on grilled hamburgers! Plus there are 80+ Amazing New Mexico Hatch Chile Recipes and How To Roast, Prep, and Freeze them at home.

    HATCH CHILES
    Three jars of pickled green beans with a fork stuck inside the jar and some in a dish.

    Pickled Green Beans (Dilly Beans)

    Pickled Green Beans also called Dilly Bean are a quick pickle recipe that requires no canning Jazz up relish trays, and a great choice to pop them into Bloody Marys, or toss pickled beans into salads! This crisp crunchy dilly bean recipe will keep for up to 1 month chilled in the fridge if they last that long.

    PICKLED DILLY GREEN BEANS
    A person pulling a dill pickle chip out of a clear glass canning jar of homemade pickles.

    Refrigerator Dill Pickles

    Refrigerator Dill Pickles with jalapenos, garlic, and fresh dill require no canning and make perfectly crisp, crunchy pickles. Pickling cucumbers at home is easy, anyone can do it. I promise you will enjoy the process, it is quite relaxing. Make spears, chips, and halves, and wait just one day to let the flavors build. Once you can't wait any longer, crack open a jar.

    QUICK DILL PICKLES
    A glass quart jar filled with zucchini pickles with a fork resting on jar spearing a pickle.

    Zucchini Pickles

    Zucchini Pickles don't take much time to make and are ready in 30 minutes with no canning! Use any summer squash for these quick pickles that are a great option for zippy flavor and a crisp crunch in homemade pickles.

    ZUCCHINI PICKLE CHIPS
    A small white bowl with homemade relish in to top hot dogs in paper lined baskets.

    Hot Dog & Hamburger Relish

    Mix up this fresh crunchy homemade relish recipe, to top grilled foods. Serve this condiment at your next cookout or BBQ.

    HOMEMADE RELISH
    A red plastic food basket lined with paper holding a loaded grilled hot dog.

    Spiral Grilled Hot Dogs

    Spiral-Cut Grilled Hot Dogs get nice nooks and crannies to hold more toppings like mustard, ketchup and relish. Grill these full-flavor dogs at your next cookout and put out a bar of condiments for one of the easiest grilling recipes ever!

    GRILLED DOGS
    A cornbread muffin in an orange muffin tin paper with a piece out of it and crumbs on the table.

    Cheddar Cheese Jalapeño Cornbread

    Bake these Cheddar Cheese Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins made with just 3 ingredients and are super soft and cheesy. Serve hot with a big slather of honey butter for a great side with dinners like bowls of chili, pork chops, fried chicken, or BBQ ribs.

    CHEESY JALAPENO CORNBREAD
    Pouring dressing on a full plate of mango slaw with a gold fork on edge of ceramic plate.

    Mango Jicama Slaw

    Celebrate Summer with fresh, clean, light dishes like this Mango Slaw. It has shredded green cabbage, crisp jicama, and a tangy lime juice based vinaigrette, balanced with juicy sweet mangos!

    MANGO JICAMA SLAW
    A white long plate with a stack of fried green tomatoes with remoulade and buttermilk ranch dressing.

    Fried Green Tomatoes

    These are the best Fried Green Tomatoes, and one of the most famous Southern recipes of all time. Each slice has a crunchy crust to dip into a remoulade creamy sauce, buttermilk ranch dressing, or comeback sauce. There are a few secrets to frying them perfectly golden crisp, and the three dipping sauces take these right over the top. And a great way to use up the main ingredient star of the show, green tomatoes!

    FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
    Chilled cucumber soup topped with crab meat and grape garnish served in bowls over ice.

    Cucumber Gazpacho Soup

    A chilled cucumber gazpacho recipe is so refreshing in the summer months with yogurt, grapes, and green apples, topped with almonds and lump crab meat. This cold cucumber soup recipe includes lots of other garnish topping ideas for you too!

    CHILLED CUCUMBER GAZPACHO SOUP
    A sheet pan of smashed potatoes with fresh herbs baked with crispy golden brown edges.

    Crispy Smashed Potatoes

    Crispy Smashed Potatoes served with melted herb butter are one of the most heavenly potato recipes. These are pure comfort food and a beautiful side dish for family dinners, romantic date nights, holidays, or dinner parties. Soft fluffy centers are surrounded by a golden-brown crust on each and every one. And those crunchy edges are simply addictive.

    SMASHED POTATOES
    A white casserole dish filled with mashed potatoes and squares of melted butter on top.

    Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

    Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are creamy smooth, buttery, fluffy, and melt in your mouth. There are five reheating methods here plus tips on how to keep them warm for dinner, or holiday meals like Thanksgiving. We all want that creamy classic buttery warm goodness, and this recipe will help you master one of the most popular side dishes in America.

    MASHED POTATOES
    Crinkled parchment paper with a mug of beer, yellow pickled eggs, and pretzel sticks.

    Tavern Bar Style Pickled Eggs

    Tavern Bar Style Pickled Eggs are a popular bar food served for hundreds of years to hungry patrons. These spicy eggs get their bright cheery yellow color from chili peppers, turmeric, and pickling spice. This fun easy pickled egg recipe can be a healthy snack, appetizer, or cold hor d'oeuvre.

    TAVERN PICKLED EGGS
    Baked Buffalo Cauliflower on a plate with ranch dip sprinkled with fresh herbs.

    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a healthy appetizer that taste and look just like chicken wings. Baked full of zesty flavor, vegetarian, gluten free, and absolutely no guilt of extra calories. Created in a Southern California pub, dunk these buffalo wings into your favorite dipping sauces like blue cheese dressing or buttermilk ranch for the perfect game-day snack with a cold beer.

    BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER WINGS
    Wedge salad with avocado dressing drizzled on top with pistachios on a black slate board.

    Iceberg Wedges

    Dig your fork into this icy cold iceberg Wedge Salad with a Pistachio-Avocado Dressing. The mild flavor compliments sizzling grilled steaks, chicken, or shish kabobs at cookouts or dinner parties. And for lunch, add some more protein like chopped bacon, chicken or hard boiled egg.

    CHILLED ICEBERG WEDGES
    A lady dipping a potato chip into onion dip.

    Sour Cream Onion Dip

    Onion Dip aka California or Sour Cream Dip is the easiest recipe ever, with only 2 ingredients! Made in minutes, serve with a large bowl of your favorite potato chips and assorted fresh-cut veggies. This is a classic iconic American party food dip that has earned a respected place in many people's hearts with its savory onion flavor.

    CALIFORNIA DIP
    A plate full of pizza salad topped with mini pepperoni, mushrooms, mozzarella balls, pepperoncinis, and black olives with a artistic black fork on the edge of the plate.

    Pizza Salad

    A colorful Pizza Salad loaded with popular favorite pizza toppings like mini pepperoni, black or kalamata olives, mushrooms, tangy pepperoncini, tiny ripe cherry tomatoes, and little balls of mozzarella cheese. This Italian salad pizza inspired recipe is healthy, low carb, drizzled with a creamy sun-dried tomato dressing with all the flavors of pizza we crave. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese on top!

    PIZZA SALAD
    A cutting board with crudites and dip with bright colored vegetables cut into strips and sticks.

    Crudités With Dip

    Crudités with Green Goddess Dip is an easy appetizer. Serve veggie cups and a purple cabbage "bowl" for a unique relish tray at your party!

    CRUDITES WITH DIP
    A white square plate filled with colorful Cobb Salad made with chicken, eggs, avocados, tomatoes, and bacon.

    Cobb Salad

    The original Cobb Salad became famous in Los Angeles at the Brown Derby restaurant served with French Dressing loaded with chopped tomato, cubed chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, chopped eggs, and topped with Roquefort cheese. Now you can make this famous iconic recipe at home exactly how it was made back in the day in the golden age of Hollywood, California.

    COBB SALAD
    A ham salad sandwich sliced in half, stacked on a wood pedestal with crisp lettuce.

    Ham Salad

    Ham Salad is a tasty spread to go onto crackers for an easy appetizer. But it's most famous on sliced bread for a ham sandwich recipe! Oh, and it's a fantastic way to use up all that leftover holiday ham. Pack up sandwiches in school or work lunchboxes, or take them on a picnic. Also, this classic ham salad recipe layers beautifully into little finger sandwiches for baby showers, bridal showers, and luncheons.

    HAM SALAD
    A large white spoon scooping a serving of cowboy baked beans out of a casserole dish.

    Cowboy Beans

    Cowboy Baked Beans (aka Calico Beans) are loaded with ground beef and applewood smoked bacon. This a great party food recipe for large groups, and is one of the best sides with a perfect burger. Once you make these, it will be one of your all-time favorite sides!

    COWBOY BAKED BEANS
    A white plate full of taco salad topped with taco meat, grated cheese, Fritos, sour cream, black olives and tomatoes.

    Easy Taco Salad

    Taco Salad with 25+ topping ideas plus a delicious taco meat recipe. Works as lunch, family dinner, or party food for a large gathering.

    EASY TACO SALAD
    Looking down on a white plate filled with macaroni salad and a silver fork.

    Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

    A classic macaroni salad recipe with chopped eggs, dill pickles, pickle juice, and crunchy celery. A cherished old fashioned family recipe!

    CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD
    A white oval casserole dish with a hot dip being scooped out with a large corn chip.

    Jalapeno Popper Dip

    Jalapeno Popper Dip is always a hit! Make this melty hot appetizer for parties, it is a simple recipe with pantry ingredients. Scoop up with large corn chips! It's a take on the super poplular jalapeno poppers. Double this recipe for large groups, it goes fast! It's so easy, and all the ingredients combine into utter flavor deliciousness!

    JALAPENO POPPER DIP
    An egg salad sandwich on brown bread stacked on a wood stand with a pickle on top.

    Egg Salad

    The best egg salad recipe starts with perfectly cooked eggs and fresh, quality, simple ingredients. It's mixed together into a rich creamy texture and loaded onto Rye or Pumpernickel sandwich bread with a pickle on top! It's a great way to use up leftover Easter eggs and works for family lunches, picnics, bridal, and baby showers, or afternoon tea in the best egg salad sandwich ever.

    EGG SALAD
    A glass trifle dish filled with 7 Layer Salad full of colorful ingredients.

    7 Layer Salad

    7 Layer Salad (aka Overnight Salad) is one of the most popular potluck dishes for picnics, a BBQ side for cookouts, or a summer side dish.

    7 LAYER SALAD
    A turquoise salad bowl filled with broccoli salad with colorful grapes and pistachios.

    Broccoli Salad

    A Broccoli Salad with vibrant colors of crisp green apples, crunchy broccoli, and sweet grapes. Topped with a creamy orange tangy dressing and salty pistachios mixed into this summer salad. A classic broccoli salad typically has lots of mayonnaise. This has a no-mayo dressing that swaps in Greek yogurt for the mayo cutting fat and calories.

    BROCCOLI SALAD
    Several grilled elotes Mexican street corn on the cob sprinkled with Cotija cheese on a platter.

    Mexican Street Corn (Authentic Elotes)

    Authentic Mexican street corn recipe aka elotes is made from fire grilled, sweet, fresh corn brushed with a creamy cilantro sauce sprinkled with Cotija cheese.

    ELOTES STREET CORN
    A larger serving basket with Grilled Corn unwrapped in foil laying in the basket before eating.

    Grilled Corn On The Cob

    When sweet corn is in season, try this recipe for the best Grilled Corn On The Cob. It cooks in 10 minutes and can be put together ahead of dinner. There are 12+ creative flavor ideas to try, use seasoning blends or homemade compound butter. With endless flavor options, this is a great party food

    GRILLED CORN ON THE COB
    A game day food table with chili dogs loaded with relish, cheese, and onions.

    Hot Dog & Burger Chili

    Use this recipe as a Hamburger topping or Hot dog chili sauce! It is "go-to" football food on game days, for Superbowl parties, tailgating, or summer cookouts. And the best thing, this great recipe is ready in just 20 minutes or can simmer away in a slow cooker all during the big game! Salsa and beer add great unique flavor to this delicious recipe. Adding a can of refried beans is an easy way to make chili nice and thick, perfect for piling on top of chili dogs.

    CHILI RECIPE
    Lifting a scoop of sweet potato casserole out of a white casserole dish with large serving spoon.

    Sweet Potato Casserole (Ruth's Chris Recipe)

    For all you avid fans of the Sweet Potatoes, this AMAZING Sweet Potato Casserole at the famous Ruth's Chris Steak House, this is their original recipe and signature side dish. The combination of the fluffiness of the sweet potato mixture topped with a pecan crumble takes this classic holiday side way over the top.

    SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
    A clear glass bowl filled with tri color cole slaw and wooden tongs stuck in the slaw.

    Easy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo)

    This Easy Coleslaw Recipe has a clean apple cider vinegar-based dressing and no-mayo! You can also swap in a great addition too. It goes great with rich pulled pork sandwiches and is one of the classic sides at potluck summer picnics and BBQ cookouts.

    NO MAYO COLESLAW
    A small white bowl filled with bacon potato salad garnished with crispy bacon.

    Bacon Potato Salad

    Bacon potato salad is loaded with crispy bacon, blue cheese, and white or red potatoes. A perfect side for summer potluck cookouts and BBQs. Since there are no eggs and no mayonnaise, this is a great picnic food idea. Make a double batch of this classic potato salad, it disappears quickly!

    BACON POTATO SALAD
    A large white bowl of BBQ potato salad garnished with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions on a red and white check gingham cloth.

    BBQ Potato Salad

    A BBQ Potato Salad recipe with yummy flavors from your favorite bbq sauce, crumbled bacon, buttermilk ranch, crunchy celery, and cheddar cheese. Made with secret ingredients in place of mayo, this super creamy potato salad is inspired by one of America's favorite recipes, a loaded baked potato! A great recipe that uses any kind of potatoes, and is a fresh new twist on a classic. Mix up a double batch, and watch people gobble it up at your next cookout.

    BBQ POTATO SALAD
    A lady dipping a zucchini chip into a lemon dill yogurt dip.

    Baked Zucchini Chips

    Make a batch of low-calorie Baked Zucchini Chips or zucchini fries and scoop them into a lemon-dill yogurt dip made with fresh lemon juice and zest. The coating get super cripsy with panko, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven or your air fryer! What a great way to use up summer squash when it is popping up faster than you can pick it!

    ZUCCHINI CHIPS & DIP
    Looking down into a scooped out watermelon filled with rounded watermelon balls garnished with mint and feta cheese.

    Watermelon Salad

    Watermelon Salad is one of the most incredible refreshing summer fruit salads. It has a light citrus dressing, and fresh mint, topped with crumbled feta cheese. Serve this side dish for picnics, potlucks, and BBQ cookouts in a carved-out watermelon rind for the bowl!

    WATERMELON SALAD
    A cooked hamburger in a white basket with potato chips at a cookout.
    A lady holding a hamburger loaded with burger toppings at a party by the pool.

    Hamburger FAQ

    What are classic burger toppings?

    Crispy Bacon
    Grilled Onions or Caramelized Onions
    Sauteed Mushrooms
    Dijon Mustard
    Burger Sauce
    Pickle Chips
    Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Remoulade
    Ortega or Hatch Chiles
    BBQ Sauce
    Creamy Horseradish Sauce
    Cheeses: Cheddar Cheese, Blue Cheese, Pepper Jack, etc.
    Guacamole
    Ranch Dressing
    Pickled Jalapenos
    Red Onion
    Fried Onions
    Your Favorite Hot Sauce

    A grilled hamburger in a white food basket with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    More Hamburger Recipes

    These are some of my best ground beef recipes. When you crave the real thing, try my favorite copycat recipe of the In-N-Out burger spread special sauce. It is a new recipe, and a very messy burger situation, with all that drippiness and melted cheese on a savory burger.

    Burger Seasoning makes a flavor-filled juicy burger. Mix up a batch for your next cookout, grill, or BBQ party. Try it on a veggie burger, with ground pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey homemade burgers.

    Is there anything better than a big fat juicy Cheeseburger? Top with tons of melted cheese and the best toppings for burgers like pickles, tomato slices, and crisp cold lettuce.

    Hamburger Recipe For The Best Cheeseburgers
    Is there anything more American than a hamburger recipe or a classic cheeseburger? This favorite recipe for burgers also has a copycat In-N-Out Burger Sauce made famous in Southern California! There is nothing better than a big fat juicy cheeseburger. Top with tons of melted cheese and the best toppings for burgers like pickles, tomato slices, and crisp cold lettuce.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    A person holding a messy grilled burger topped with melted cheese, burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

    Cheeseburger Sliders are oven-baked mini burgers stuffed with cheddar cheese, baked, then spread with burger sauce. In the winter when you can't grill outside, oven bake these! And they work as fun Party Food ideas for summer Cookouts or celebrations like birthdays and Graduation Parties.

    Grilled Hamburger Seasoning

    [heart_this] · · 5 Comments

    Last Updated May 14th, 2024 at 08:48 pm by Lisa

    Mix up a hamburger seasoning recipe for the most delicious, juiciest burgers. Everyone will rave over at your next backyard BBQ cookout!

    Add amazing flavor with just a few insider secrets like what beef to buy, how to make the burger patties, and pro grilling tips. Grill restaurant-quality hamburgers in your own backyard this summer...

    A parchment lined sheet pan with hamburger patties ready to grill.

    Hamburger Seasoning Mix Recipe

    The best burger seasoning recipe is made with simple ingredients you might already have on hand. Make the best hamburgers with this easy recipe in your own kitchen today...

    • brown sugar
    • sweet paprika
    • cracked black pepper
    • sea salt (kosher salt)
    • lemon pepper
    • chili powder
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • celery seeds
    • cayenne pepper
    1. Mix in a small bowl, use a whisk or fork helps to blend this hamburger seasoning mix well. Store in an airtight container, spice jar, mason jar, or glass clamp jar for up to 6 months.
    2. You will need 1-2 tablespoons of diy burger seasoning for each pound of ground meat. And this isn't the only way you can use it. Try this perfect burger seasoning mix on ground lamb, turkey burgers, or pork!

    PRO TIP: Use good sea salt. Kosher sea salt is not as salty as table salt because the salt grains are not as small.

    A lady holding a messy grilled burger wrapped in paper with baskets of burgers in the background.

    Storing Homemade Burger Seasoning Blend

    • The best way to store your own spice mixes is to keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
    • Mark your containers of seasonings with a black marker, add the expiration date, and rotate out expired seasonings twice a year.
    • Create a spice cabinet location that is a dry place away from moisture and extreme heat.
    • Make a big batch of this as an extra seasoning, or add in a few of your favorite spices. Dried herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley work in a dry drub for great burgers.
    A small white bowl filled with a dry rub for BBQ and grilling with a small white scoop stuck in the seasoning.

    Let's Make Flavorful Burgers!

    An amazing burger needs a few things. A starting point for homemade hamburger patties is good ingredients, seasoning, and the right grill heat...

    • 3 pounds 80/20 ground beef (use 1-2 tablespoons burger seasoning blend per pound of ground beef or meat)
    • ¼ cup burger seasoning
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

    Mix The Burger Meat

    Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to mix using a small whisk to evenly combine.

    In a large bowl, mix ¼ cup of burger seasoning into 3 pounds of ground beef, preferably 80/20 hamburger meat which is ground chuck. Optional: Mix ground beef, seasoning, and 2-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.

    Use a large ice cream scoop to even portion the homemade hamburger meat patties, then press hamburger patties on a parchment-lined sheet pan in the center of the burger with your fingers to flatten.

    Now, Grill The Burgers...

    Heat your charcoal grill or gas grill to medium-hot heat. Cook over the direct heat of the flames for 5-7 minutes cook time on each side of the burger until the burgers reach 165 degrees internal temperature. Use a good instant read thermometer or digital thermometer. Cooking times will vary, based on your grill heat, and the burger meat temperature.

    You want a medium heat to high heat, for the best burgers. You can melt a slice of cheese and put it on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings.

    Store the remaining burger seasoning in a clamp jar for up to 6 months, and use it to add natural flavors to season chicken, steak, or ribs.

    A white bowl filled with ground beef and burger seasoning being scooped onto a parchment lined sheet pan with an ice cream scoop.

    Best Burger Seasoning Tips

    The flavor of your burger will gain so much flavor with these tips. Mixing in a seasoning blend before grilling is the best thing for a good burger.

    Making Burgers

    • Only mix your ground beef and rub for under a minute. This makes an amazing juicy burger that doesn't overwork the meat which can make them tough. A dense burger is not what you want. This technique also creates a nice crust. The hot grill sears the outside of the burgers with all those nooks and crannies, so you get the perfect burger every time!
    • Season the beef burgers evenly and add Worcestershire sauce for an even more maximum flavorful burger taste.
    • If you cook burgers indoors in a cast iron skillet, one of the best ways to add flavor is to cook in a bit of bacon grease! It adds the best flavor and is a chef's secret. Brush some on the sides of the patty too.
    • My favorite way to portion each burger patty from the whole batch is to use a large ice cream scoop. The great thing is this keeps them an even size so they all cook at the same time!
    • Press the burgers on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You can cover a lot of burgers with plastic wrap and chill to grill off to grill later.

    Grilling Burgers

    • Spread butter on the buns, and toast the buns on the grill for maximum flavor in your Homemade Hamburgers.
    • Wire brush the grill well, then use a light coating of vegetable oil on a paper towel for a non-stick surface on your grill grates.
    • This burger seasoning works for all kinds of best homemade burgers, even veggie burgers, pork, lamb, or chicken.
    • And the last and MOST important thing, Burger Sauce! This recipe is very similar to In-N-Out Burgers in Southern California, which is known as one of the best hamburger drive thru joints!
    Burger Sauce Recipe -In-N-Out "Animal Style" Spread
    Make one of the best burger sauces just like the In-N-Out spread from the west coast drive-through chain that started in Southern California.
    When you crave the real thing, here is the best way to make a copycat recipe of the real In-N-Out burger spread special sauce.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    A messy grilled burger topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles and burger sauce in a basket with a bottle of burger sauce.
    Hamburger Recipe For The Best Cheeseburgers
    Is there anything more American than a hamburger recipe or a classic cheeseburger? This favorite recipe for burgers also has a copycat In-N-Out Burger Sauce made famous in Southern California! There is nothing better than a big fat juicy cheeseburger. Top with tons of melted cheese and the best toppings for burgers like pickles, tomato slices, and crisp cold lettuce.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    A person holding a messy grilled burger topped with melted cheese, burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

    Hamburger FAQ

    What is the best choice for ground beef patties?


    Ground Chuck is the classic burger choice because it has the most flavor due to the higher fat content. Fat equals flavor! It will be labeled 80/20 at the grocery store.

    Ground Chuck "80/20" is a ratio of 80 percent lean beef to 20 percent fat, typically ground chuck.

    "85/15" is 85 percent lean and 15 percent fat labeled ground round.

    "90/10" is 90 percent lean and 10 percent fat ground sirloin has great flavor, is lower in flat so won't be as juicy of a burger, and is more expensive.

    Lean ground beef options like ground round and ground sirloin don't have as much fat and are typically more expensive than chuck.

    More Seasoning Blends

    Making your own seasoning blends and homemade spice mixes is so easy and will add tremendous flavor to your dishes. All of these recipes include simple ingredients available at any grocery store, and most use dry herbs you might have on hand right now. This is a great way to use up those extra seasonings in your pantry!

    If you're looking for grill seasonings or BBQ seasonings, try this easy Homemade Grill & BBQ Rub recipe. The best part, it is a great all-around steak seasoning and works on both pork loin and ribs.

    Make your own Cajun Seasoning Mix with a simple spice mix and take your Cajun cooking to the next level. Use on shrimp, oven fries, or in recipes for jambalaya, and classic gumbo. This spice blend would even work in a good hamburger for a Cajun twist, and you could add some more red pepper flakes if you like heat!

    Mix your own Pumpkin Pie Spice. You can certainly buy it, but it is a great way to use pantry spices and tastes so much better homemade.

    Make homemade Pickling Spice and add this spice mix to create amazing pickles, corned beef, braised stews, and rice, or use it in marinades to flavor meat.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    The steps to season hamburgers, with them shaped on parchment paper as burgers before grilling.
    Print

    Hamburger Seasoning Recipe

    Mix up a hamburger seasoning recipe for the most delicious, juiciest burgers. Everyone will rave over at your next backyard BBQ cookout! Add amazing flavor with just a few insider secrets like what beef to buy, how to make the burger patties, and pro grilling tips. Grill restaurant-quality hamburgers in your own backyard this summer.
    Course Seasoning
    Cuisine Seasoning
    Keyword burger seasoning, burger seasoning recipe, hamburger seasoning, hamburger seasoning recipe, hamburger spice blend, the best burger seasoning
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 24
    Calories 21kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • ¼ cup paprika
    • 3 tablespoons cracked black pepper
    • 3 tablespoons sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoons onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons celery seeds
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

    Instructions

    • Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to mix using a small whisk to evenly combine.
    • Mix ¼ cup burger seasoning into the ground beef, preferably 80/20 hamburger meat. Optional: Add 2 tablespoons Worcesertshire sauce. Press into hamburger patties on a parchment lined sheet pan, then grill 5-7 minutes each side until burgers reach 165 degrees internal temperature.
    • Store the remaining burger seasoning in a clamp jar for up to 6 months to season hamburger meat.

    Video

    Notes

    Storing Homemade Burger Seasoning Blend

    • The best way to store your own spice mixes is to keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
    • Mark your containers of seasonings with a large black marker with the expiration date, and rotate out expired seasonings twice a year.
    • Create a spice cabinet location that is a dry place away from moisture and extreme heat.

    Best Burger Seasoning Tips

    The flavor of your burger will gain so much flavor with these tips. Mixing in a seasoning blend before grilling is the best thing for a good burger.
      • Only mix your ground beef and rub for under a minute. This makes an amazing juicy burger that doesn't overwork the meat which can make them tough. A dense burger is not what you want. This technique also creates a nice crust. The hot grill sears the outside of the burgers with all those nooks and crannies, so you get the perfect burger every time!
      • Season the beef burgers evenly and add Worcestershire sauce for an even more maximum flavorful burger taste.
      • If you cook burgers indoors in a cast iron skillet, one of the best ways to add flavor is to cook in a bit of bacon grease! It adds the best flavor and is a chef's secret. Brush some on the sides of the patty too.
      • My favorite way to portion each burger patty from the whole batch is to use a large ice cream scoop. The great thing is this keeps them an even size so they all cook at the same time!
      • Press the burgers on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You can cover a lot of burgers with plastic wrap and chill to grill off to grill later.
      • Spread butter on the buns, and toast the buns on the grill for maximum flavor in your Homemade Hamburgers.
      • Wire brush the grill well, then use a light coating of vegetable oil on a paper towel for a non-stick surface on your grill grates.
      • This burger seasoning works for all kinds of best homemade burgers, even veggie burgers, pork, lamb, or chicken.
      • And the last and MOST important thing, Burger Sauce! This recipe is very similar to In-N-Out Burgers in Southern California, which is known as one of the best hamburger drive thru joints!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 878mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

    Ham Salad

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    Last Updated June 2nd, 2023 at 09:19 am by Lisa

    Ham Salad is a tasty spread to go onto crackers for an easy appetizer. But it's most famously put on sliced bread as a ham salad sandwich recipe! Oh, and it's a fantastic way to use up all that leftover holiday ham.

    Pack up sandwiches in school or work lunch boxes, or take them on a picnic. Also, this classic ham salad recipe layers beautifully into little finger sandwiches for baby showers, bridal showers, and luncheons...

    Ham Salad Recipe

    These easy ham salad recipe ingredients are simple pantry staples, and this recipe comes together in minutes. And if you are packing a Picnic, take a look towards the bottom of the post for more delicious Sandwich ideas!

    Ham salad on bread to make a ham salad sandwich ready to eat.

    Ham Salad Ingredients

    • slices white bread or sourdough
    • Smoked Ham
    • Hardboiled Eggs
    • celery finely diced
    • mayonnaise or miracle whip
    • Dijon mustard
    • Pickled Red Onion, chopped red onions, or green onions
    • sweet pickle relish, dill pickle relish or Dill Pickles chopped
    • black pepper
    • optional: crisp lettuce

    Try my Kahlua Pineapple Glazed Ham or Double Smoked Ham recipe, with a sweet glaze just like Honey Baked stores!

    Boil Eggs

    Boil 2 eggs, and dice into fine pieces. Try my Steam Hard-Boiled Eggs method to cook eggs in just 12 minutes. It is an amazingly simple recipe.

    Steamed Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe
    Steamed hard boiled eggs cook perfectly every time with no green ring. So easy to peel, the eggshells miraculously slip right off in minutes!
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    6 perfectly hard boiled eggs with a cracked half of an egg shelf on top.

    Grind The Ham

    In a food processor or a meat grinder, place the Smoked Ham in larger pieces and pulse until ground, about 4-5 times.

    Scrape down the sides and keep pulsing until it becomes a finer consistency.

    Another easy way to prep the meat is to chop it on a board into either a fine or chunkier texture, as you prefer.

    Mix Up The Ham Spread

    Scrape the finely ground meat into a medium bowl. Add the diced Hard Boiled Eggs, and next add in the mayonnaise, red onions, dill (or sweet) pickle relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

    Mix until well combined with a rubber spatula, cover, and chill in an airtight container for at least a few hours.

    This ham salad spread recipe gets even better chilled overnight, with so much flavor! And lasts up to four days refrigerated.

    Ham salad on a sandwich sliced in half with an olive garnish.

    Homemade Ham Salad Additions

    Ham Meat: The main ingredient is the star of the show. When you buy a good honey-baked ham, this will put those leftovers to good use. Or if a whole one is not practical, consider a ham steak.

    They are a good way to go and are a precut slice from a whole ham roast. You can also buy deli ham, but that does get pricey.

    Close up of smoked ham on a cutting board garnished with oranges and apples on a cutting board.

    Pickle Relish: You can add a touch of relish you like. Try a sweet relish, dill relish, or my homemade Relish Recipe. Chop up some dill pickles, butter pickles, sweet gherkins, or cornichon pickles. It is also great to add a splash of a little pickle juice!

    Seasonings: Different seasonings like Finishing Salts add a nice touch of flavor. Add a dash of my homemade Celery Salt, or a little onion powder or garlic powder for more of a little kick.

    A homemade ham salad sandwich on a piece of parchment on a wood stand.

    Mayonnaise Dressing: In place of the mayo, you can swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can even use some creamy salad dressing! My Buttermilk Ranch Dressing would be great. Those all alter the flavor but will be delicious.

    Sandwich Spread: Some people love a good spread of ham mixture on their favorite bread or slider bun without anything else. Other people like to have a condiment spread on their bread. Try my Creamy Balsamic Horseradish Sauce for a spicy kick or Remoulade with this simple ham salad recipe!

    What is the history of ham salad?

    Ham salad is a traditional American and British chilled cold salad. The main ingredient is finely-chopped ham, mixed with mayonnaise, celery, sweet or dill relish, onion, seasonings, and other ingredients like chopped hard boiled eggs. It is used to make sandwiches and enjoyed as a side dish for dinner, lunch, picnics, and cookouts. Today, it is loved throughout the United States and the UK and is considered a classic Southern dish in America.

    Originally ham salad was a recipe created from cooked leftover deli meat or canned products. It started as a regional favorite recipe in Northern Ohio and Eastern Pennsylvania. Leftover ham salad is great on crackers as an appetizer or snack!

    How To Eat The Best Ham Salad Recipe

    If you are wondering what is best to eat with this amazing ham salad besides on sandwiches, the most simple way is on your favorite cracker!

    For parties, uses a 1" springloaded scoop. It goes fast and looks pretty, garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

    Nothing is better than a little ham salad on a cracker...

    You can also scoop it into mini bell pepper halves, celery sticks, or lettuce cups for a low-carb option!

    More Sandwich Recipes

    Get some new recipe inspiration with any of these salads that are great on their own or piled on slices of bread. They all have basic ingredients available at local stores and grocery stores.

    Use this perfect ham salad on elegant, dainty, crustless Tea Sandwiches. Quintessential pinkies-up party food. And host a beautiful light lunch garden party, a bridal shower, or a Mother’s Day brunch.

    Summer picnic food is easy with this popular recipe, Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches. They are bursting with the best flavor, neat to hold and eat, made ahead, and then toss into a cooler or picnic basket.

    A BLT Lobster Sandwich Recipe with succulent lobster, thick crispy applewood smoked bacon, golden grilled sourdough bread, and slathered with an easy dill-caper aioli sauce. Oh, and this great recipe won a 1st Place Blue Ribbon at the Orange County Fair during a live cooking competition!

    One of my favorite things about this Italian Tuna Salad recipe is it can be rolled up in a tortilla wrap, scooped in colorful bell pepper bowls as an easy side dish, or put inside lettuce leaves for low-carb lunches!

    Make an elegant beef roast for a special dinner, then serve thick deli-style Roast Beef Sandwiches the next day. These are out of this world heavenly, and all made at home with a creamy dressing spread.

    Easy recipes like Egg Salad are fast to put together and go so well on good bread like pumpernickel or rye. Be sure to put a pickle on top!

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A ham salad sandwich sliced in half, stacked on a wood pedestal with crisp lettuce.
    Print

    Ham Salad Recipe

    Ham Salad is a tasty spread to go onto crackers for an easy appetizer. But it's most famous on sliced bread for a ham salad sandwich recipe! Oh, and it's a fantastic way to use up all that leftover holiday ham. Pack up sandwiches in school or work lunchboxes, or take them on a picnic. Also, this classic ham salad recipe layers beautifully into little finger sandwiches for baby showers, bridal showers, and luncheons.
    Course Lunch & Picnic
    Cuisine American
    Keyword halloween party food, ham salad, ham salad sandwich, picnic food, tea sandwich recipes
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 453kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 8 slices white bread or sourdough
    • 2 cups smoked ham finely ground in food processor
    • 2 whole hardboiled eggs
    • 1 cup celery finely diced
    • ½ cup mayonnaise or miracle whip
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • ¼ cup red onion pickled red onion, or green onions
    • ¼ cup dill pickle or sweet pickle relish chopped
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Boil 2 eggs, dice into fine pieces.
    • In a food processor or a meat grinder, place the smoked Ham in larger pieces and pulse until ground, about 4-5 times.
      Scrape down the sides and keep pulsing until it becomes a finer consistency.
    • Another easy way to prep the ham is to chop on a board into either a fine or chunkier texture, as you prefer.
    • Scrape the finely ground ham into a large bowl. Add the diced hard boiled eggs. Add in the mayonnaise, red onions, dill (or sweet) pickle relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
    • Mix until well combined with a rubber spatula, cover and chill in an airtight container for at least a few hours and it's even better overnight.

    Video

    Notes

    Homemade Ham Salad Additions

    Ham Meat: The main ingredient is the star of the show. When you buy a good honey-baked ham, this will put those leftovers to good use. Or if a whole one is not practical, consider a ham steak.
    They are a good way to go and are a precut slice from a whole ham roast. You can also buy deli ham, but that does get pricey.
    Pickle Relish: You can add a touch of relish you like. Try a sweet relish, dill relish, or my homemade Relish Recipe. Chop up some dill pickles, butter pickles, sweet gherkins, or cornichon pickles. It is also great to add a splash of a little pickle juice!
    Seasonings: Different seasonings like Finishing Salts add a nice touch of flavor. Add a dash of my homemade Celery Salt, or a little onion powder or garlic powder for more of a little kick.
    Mayonnaise Dressing: In place of the mayo, you can swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can even use some creamy salad dressing! My Buttermilk Ranch Dressing would be great. Those all alter the flavor but will be delicious.
    Sandwich Spread: Some people love a good spread of ham mixture on their favorite bread or slider bun without anything else. Other people like to have a condi

    Nutrition

    Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1703mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 4mg

    The Best Cheeseburger

    [heart_this] · · 3 Comments

    Last Updated June 15th, 2023 at 09:44 pm by Lisa

    Is there anything more American than a hamburger recipe or a classic cheeseburger? This favorite recipe for burgers also has a copycat In-N-Out Burger Sauce made famous in Southern California!

    There is nothing better than a big fat juicy cheeseburger. Top with tons of melted cheese and the best toppings for burgers like pickles, tomato slices, and crisp cold lettuce...

    A lady holding a messy grilled cheeseburger wrapped in paper with baskets of burgers in the background.

    Best Hamburger Recipe

    A good burger starts with the best burger recipe. Choose good ingredients, and add a juicy burger seasoning. Above all, be sure to serve your perfect burger with crisp hot golden french fries, or open a nice bag of kettle potato chips and cool drinks!

    • 8 grilled hamburger patties
    • 8 slices American cheese or Cheddar try Deli Deluxe Kraft cheese
    • 8 pieces of iceberg lettuce
    • 24 dill or sweet pickle chips
    • 8 slices tomatoes
    • 3-5 slices of onions
    • 8 hamburger buns
    • 4-6 tablespoons butter (softened)
    • burger sauce

    Ground Beef Burger Patties

    To make the best burger recipe, you also need some chef secrets up your sleeve. Today we will cover everything you need to make a drive-through restaurant burger any home cook will be proud to serve.

    • 80/20 ground beef (ground chuck)
    • burger seasoning (see below for ingredients)
    • Worcestershire sauce

    PRO TIP: Ground chuck has the most flavor due to the 20 percent fat content and is the classic choice for burger recipes. You want a good amount of fat to make them taste good. Fat equals flavor! It will be labeled 80/20 at the grocery store.

    Seasoning Juicy Burgers

    Good hamburger recipes taste even better with seasoned ingredients. A basic recipe for a spice mix makes all the difference in the grilled flavor!

    • brown sugar
    • paprika
    • cracked black pepper
    • kosher salt (coarse sea salt)
    • lemon pepper
    • chili powder
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • celery seeds
    • cayenne pepper

    Mix in a bowl, a small whisk or fork helps to blend it well. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. This is a multi-purpose seasoning and one of those easy recipes you will make over and over. It's a great way to add tremendous flavor to grilled steaks, chicken, or pork.

    1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and Grill and BBQ Rub until mostly combined for about 1 minute. IMPORTANT: Don't over mix, this creates pockets and makes a tender burger.
    2. Line a sheet pan or baking sheet with parchment paper, using a large ice cream scoop, portion out the seasoned ground beef, and press into round patties.

    PRO TIP: You can swap in ground turkey for beef in this burger patty mix too to make turkey burgers!

    Showing how to mix the grill and BBQ rub into ground beef for hamburger patties on the grill.

    Mix The Burger Sauce

    There is nothing like a good cheeseburger, and a secret sauce takes it right over the top.

    • mayonnaise
    • ketchup
    • dill relish
    • white wine vinegar
    • sugar
    1. In a bowl using a whisk, mix mayo, ketchup, relish, white wine vinegar, and sugar.
    2. Cover and chill in a small bowl or a condiment squeeze bottle. Can be made days ahead, and the great thing is this keeps for a month.
    Mixing ingredients in a glass bowl to make Burger Sauce for grilled burgers.

    Grill The Best Homemade Cheeseburgers

    1. Wire brush the grill well, then use vegetable oil on a paper towel for a non-stick surface.
    2. Butter the inside of the buns with soft butter, this helps them toast on the grill and taste so delicious.
    3. Heat the grill direct heat to medium-high, 450-500 degrees. Grill how you prefer, I prefer them to medium-well. Cook one side for 4-5 minutes and flip for another 4-5 minutes of cooking. Don't press them down in the middle of the patty, that causes flare-ups and pushes out all the juices. If the fire flares, reduce the heat and shut the lid on the grill. If you like them rarer, then grill for less time. The minimum internal temperatures of all your cooked burgers should be 160 degrees. Test with a good meat thermometer.
    4. Toast the buttered buns until light marks form, and they are lightly toasted to a golden brown. Any buns you like work, the ones with sesame seeds or soft brioche buns would make a great burger.
    5. Once the burgers are almost done, add slices of cheese to the center of each patty. Remove to a platter with the buns.
    6. Add the toppings you love. I added melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, dill pickle chips, tomato slices, and sauce.

    Hamburger Recipe Tips

    Here are some top tips and secrets to make the best hamburger recipes for your next cookout party. Your friends and the entire family will love these cheeseburger recipes...

    A parchment lined sheet pan with hamburger patties ready to grill.

    What Ground Beef To Buy?

    Really good cheeseburgers the best quality ingredients. Buy ground chuck, the classic choice for burger recipes.  It has the most flavor due to the higher fat. Fat equals flavor! It will be labeled 80/20 at the grocery store.

    There are lean ground beef options like grass-fed beef. However, those don't have the flavor due to their lower fat content. Again, you want some fat in the meat for the best cheeseburger flavor!

    A grilled hamburger recipe in a white food basket with glasses of lemonade.

    Best Burger Cheese

    You will want to use the best burger cheeses. A good American Cheese like Kraft Deli Deluxe melts beautifully and is a better way to go. And in my humble opinion is the best cheese on a burger.

    I also chose American cheese because it's just like In-N-Out burgers! Other cheese options for the best cheeseburgers are...

    • Swiss Cheese
    • Aged Cheddar Cheese
    • Brie
    • Monterey Jack
    • Pepper Jack
    • Provolone
    • Smoked Gouda
    • Stilton blue cheese

    PRO TIP: Place a slice of cheese on the patties while still on the grill for just a couple of minutes then remove them to a platter. You will look like a grilling guru!

    Seasoning Burgers

    • Season the ground beef with a good seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, as it adds an umami flavor and works as a meat binder to hold the patties together.
    • Only mix for under a minute, this is the best thing that makes them juicy and amazing with "nooks and crannies".
    A graphic of the steps to season hamburger patties, with them shaped on parchment paper.

    Hamburger Recipe Portions

    • To get equal portions of ground beef per burger, use a large ice cream scoop, this also makes the prep go faster.
    • Press the beef patties on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for fast easy cleanup.

    Grilled Hamburger Recipes

    • To keep the meat from sticking on the grill, the only thing you need to do is wire brush the grill well. Then use vegetable oil on a paper towel and rub the grills for a non-stick surface!
    • Spread soft butter on the buns, and toast the buns on the grill for maximum flavor and those crispy edges, yum!
    A lady holding a hamburger loaded with burger toppings at a party by the pool.

    Delicious Burger Ideas

    • Gourmet hamburger recipes can really take it over the top. With the addition of diced caramelized onions, pickled onions, sauteed mushrooms, and other fancy toppings, these are some of the best cheeseburger ideas as far as toppings. Or use ground meat for lamb burgers or chicken burgers!
    • The most important thing is the Burger Sauce. This recipe is very similar to the fast food restaurant burger spread at In-N-Out in Southern California. I grew up eating In-N-Out, where I live so I know that taste...I have had hundreds. 🍔🍟🥤
    A messy grilled burger topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles and burger sauce in a basket with a bottle of burger sauce.

    Burger Eating Tips

    • Wrap your messy hamburgers in small sheets of parchment paper. It really helps to hold them together when loaded with toppings and makes eating them easier!
    • One of the best ideas for burgers, is to order inexpensive plastic food baskets and paper liners to serve at Cookouts!
    A cooked hamburger in a white basket with potato chips at a cookout.

    Hamburger FAQ

    How to keep burgers from sticking to the grill?


    Option 1: Spray a nonstick coconut cooking spray onto the grill grates, and use a wire brush to clean any food that is stuck.
    Option 2: Make your grill nonstick naturally with onion, orange, lemon halves. This works to clean and season your grill surface, brillant!
    Option 3: Season the grill grates with oil. Use a paper towel and tongs. Get enough vegetable oil on a paper towel coated not dripping, and just rub it all over before turning on the grill. This method is very effective.

    How to cook stovetop burgers?


    Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium high heat and to get a good sear on your hamburger patty, be sure you have a hot skillet.

    You can also use a grill pan or hot griddle on the stove, but any cast iron pan will make an amazing burger. Season your burger meat well for great flavor and don't over work the ground beef.

    Best Burger Topping Ideas

    There are endless burger toppers for this best grilled hamburger recipe. Here is a collection of inspiring ideas to top burgers at your next dinner, Cookout, or backyard party. Whether you keep it classic or go wild, it is so fun to try out new flavors with simple ingredients...

    More Hamburger Recipes

    These are some of my best ground beef recipes. When you crave the real thing, here is my favorite copycat recipe of the In-N-Out burger spread special sauce. It is a new recipe, and a very messy burger situation, with all that drippiness and melted cheese.

    Burger Seasoning makes flavor-filled juicy hamburgers. Mix up a batch of hamburger seasoning for your next cookout, grill, or BBQ party.

    Cheeseburger Sliders are the best burger recipes. Oven baked mini burgers are stuffed with cheddar cheese, baked, then spread with burger sauce.

    In the winter when you can't grill outside, oven bake one of the best burger dinner ideas! These are fun Party Food for summer Cookouts, or celebrations like birthdays and Graduation Parties.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A person holding a messy grilled burger topped with melted cheese, burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
    Print

    Hamburger Recipe For The Best Cheeseburgers

    Is there anything more American than a hamburger recipe or a classic cheeseburger? This favorite recipe for burgers also has a copycat In-N-Out Burger Sauce made famous in Southern California! There is nothing better than a big fat juicy cheeseburger. Top with tons of melted cheese and the best toppings for burgers like pickles, tomato slices, and crisp cold lettuce.
    Course Dinner & Main Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Keyword best cheeseburgers, best hamburger, burger recipe, cheeseburgers, grilled cheeseburgers, grilled hamburgers, hamburger recipe, hamburgers
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 811kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Ground Beef Patties

    • 3 pounds 80/20 ground beef
    • ¼ cup burger seasoning
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

    Cheeseburgers

    • 8 grilled hamburger patties
    • 8 slices American cheese or Cheddar try Deli Deluxe Kraft cheese
    • 8 pieces iceberg lettuce
    • 24 dill or sweet pickle chips
    • 8 slices tomatoes
    • 3-5 slices onions
    • 8 hamburger buns
    • 4-6 tablespoons butter (softened)
    • burger sauce

    Burger Sauce

    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons relish (dill or sweet)
    • 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon sugar

    Seasoning

    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • ¼ cup paprika
    • 3 tablespoons cracked black pepper
    • 3 tablespoons sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoons onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons celery seeds
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Instructions

    Make Patties

    • In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and grill and BBQ rub until mostly combined for about 1 minute. Don't over mix, this creates pockets and makes the burger so juicy!
    • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, using a large ice cream scoop, portion out burgers, and press into round patties.

    Mix Burger Sauce

    • In a bowl using a whisk, mix mayo, ketchup, relish, white wine vinegar, and sugar. Cover and chill. Can be made days ahead.
    • Cover and chill. And the best part is these can be made days ahead and covered with plastic wrap on a parchment lined sheet pan.

    Grilling

    • Wire brush the grill well, then use vegetable oil on a paper towel for a non-stick surface.
    • Butter the tops and bottoms of the buns with soft butter, this helps them toast and taste so delicious.
    • Heat the grill to medium-high, 450-500 degrees. I prefer medium-well, so I cook one side for 4-5 minutes, and flip for another 4-5 minutes. Don't press them down during the cooking process, that causes flare-ups and pushes the beef fat and juices from the burgers. If the grill flares, reduce the heat and shut the lid on the grill.
      If you like them rarer, then grill for less time. The minimum safe internal temperature for ground beef is 160 degrees.
    • Toast the buttered buns until light grill marks form, and they are lightly toasted to a golden brown.
    • Once the burgers are almost done, add slices of cheese to the center of each patty. The internal temperatures of all your burgers should be 160 degrees. Remove to a platter with the buns.
    • Add the toppings for burgers you love. I added melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, dill pickle chips, tomato slices, and sauce.
    • Alternatively, you can "grill" burger patties in your kitchen in any hot pan like a cast iron skillet, or on a grill pan over medium-high heat.

    Video

    Notes

    Best Burger Topping Ideas

    There are endless options with this best grilled hamburger recipe. These are just a few inspiring ideas to top burgers at your cookout. Whether you keep it classic or go wild, it is so fun to try out new flavors with simple ingredients...

    Bread Buns

    • Brioche Buns
    • Regular Hamburger Buns
    • Sesame Seed
    • Potato
    • Pretzel
    • Lettuce - low-carb
    • Ciabatta
    • Onion
    • Jalapeno Cheese

    Nutrition

    Calories: 811kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1127mg | Potassium: 782mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1019IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 377mg | Iron: 6mg

    Coconut Lime Lemon Bars

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated April 24th, 2024 at 08:44 pm by Lisa

    The buttery shortbread crust in these Coconut-Lime Lemon Bars gets toasty golden brown. Then topped with tart lemon and lime filling with sweet coconut. What could be better in a fresh fruit lemon dessert, with a tropical twist...

    Lemon bars on a plate cut into big squares with limes and lemons in the background.

    Table of Contents

    Coconut-Lime Lemon Bar Recipe

    With layers of a toasted coconut shortbread cookie crust, topped with the citrus curd filling, these are simply out of this world. Good!

    A large lemon bar sliced on a white plate with the filling dripping out.

    Recipe Ingredients

    These are the ingredients for the shortbread cookie crust. It is incredible and a dessert in and of itself. The crust for this recipe will be darker than a traditional lemon bar, due to the toasting of the coconut.

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 (or 8 x 10) dish with nonstick spray. Or line the dish with a piece of parchment paper.

    Pull the butter out to get it soft at room temperature. 

    PRO TIP: Zest citrus first. Then, juice the fruit, it is so much easier!

    • flaked sweet coconut
    • all purpose flour
    • powdered sugar
    • cornstarch
    • kosher salt
    • soft butter

    These are the ingredients you will need for the filling...

    • all purpose flour
    • granulated sugar
    • large eggs
    • lime zest - optional for garnish
    • lemon zest - optional for garnish
    • lime juice 
    • lemon juice 
    • garnishes: powdered sugar, more zest, toasted coconut

    Ingredient Notes & Tips

    Soft Butter: Soft butter makes mixing the shortbread crust easier, and helps to press it into the pan.

    Coconut: Toasting the coconut adds depth of flavor, and "coconuttyness".

    Granulated Sugar: In the filling helps to balance the sweetness with the fresh citrus juice and zest.

    Powdered Sugar: Mixes into the crust well, and adds the sweetness you need in shortbread. And classic dusted-on dessert bars.

    Corn Starch: Makes a more tender baked good result in the crust.

    Flour: Flour is used in both the crust and filling. The flour in the crust helps to form the "cookie" shortbread texture and ¼ cup of flour is in the filling.

    Salt: Brings out all the citrus flavors, and balances the sweetness.

    Eggs: These create the citrus custard egg base filling, and bring most of the structure in while baking.

    Zest & Juice: Fresh lemons juiced with their zest adds brightness to baking and great fresh citrus flavor. I highly recommend using fresh real lemons. For this recipe, I used Meyer, a dear friend gave me a bag from her tree. However, regular fresh lemons work perfectly in this recipe.

    Lime Zest & Juice: Fresh lime/s juiced and their zest adds zing and pairs well with the coconut. Again, I recommend using fresh real limes, and not bottled citrus products or dried citrus peel.

    PRO TIP: Toasting the coconut and baking the shortbread crust with coconut in it will give it a golden color, unlike traditional lemon bars which are usually paler in color.  

    Lemon bars baked in a white dish that have lemon and lime filling on a cookie crust base.

    Baking Instructions

    In a skillet on medium-high heat, toast the coconut flakes for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

    Keep stirring and don’t walk away, as soon as the coconut turns brown, remove it from the pan to prevent over toasting so part of the coconut is white and some slightly brown.

    Toasted coconut in a cast iron skillet with a lemon decorated towel around the handle and a wooden spoon.

    In a medium bowl, mix all the crust ingredients; sweet coconut, flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and sea salt.

    Add 1 cup soft butter, and cut into chunks with a hand mixer or large spoon until butter is in small pieces. Use clean hands to mix it well to get the dough to come together.

    Press the crust into the bottom of your baking dish, just up the sides a bit. Use a small measuring cup to level and push into the edges baking pan.

    A measuring cup pressing the coconut cookie crust into the pan for lemon bars.

    Bake till golden brown, 25 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes. Leave the oven on.

    A baked cookie crust made from coconut for tropical lemon bars.

    Whisk together flour and sugar in a bowl using a hand whisk. Then whisk in eggs, lemon, and lime juice, and then the zest from the peel. 

    Whisk just before you pour the mixture over the cooled crust, that way the lemon and lime zest show on the top of your bars!

    Baked crust for lemon bars with whisk in bowl of lemon bar filling.

    Bake for 25 minutes until there is only a slight jiggle, but not a lot of movement.

    If it still jiggles a lot, bake for about 5 more minutes or they will be under-baked in the center. Most recipes call for lower bake time and temperature, and that is the issue.

    A small white baking dish filled with baked lemon bars just out of the oven.

    Let cool on the kitchen counter for an hour or two, then chill for several hours or overnight in the fridge, and cut into bars using a small sharp knife. 

    Garnish with a dusting of sprinkled powder sugar through a small sieve, toasted coconut, lemon, or lime zest!

    A pan of fresh baked lemon bars with a knife stuck cutting them into bars.

    Lemon Bar Baking Tips

    Best Baking Dishes?

    Use either glass or ceramic (not metal pans-they give off a metallic taste) for this recipe, a 9 x 13 works well, if you want the bars to be tall and thicker, you can use an 8 x 10 as I did, but you will need to bake the crust and the filling/crust about 5 minutes longer. 

    Your dish and oven will all affect the baking time, so be sure to check them at 20 minutes and give them a gentle shake.

    Close up of a lemon bar on a plate with crumbs.

    How To Tell When Lemon Bars Are Done?

    Bake them until there is only a slight jiggle. If they move too much, they still aren't baked enough. After baking, allow them to set up and cool on the counter for 2 hours, then chill in the fridge.

    Large slice lemon bars dusted with powder sugar and lime zest on a white plate.

    Top Lemon Bar Tips & FAQs

    How to neatly cut lemon bars?

    Use a hot wet, very sharp knife on to cut your chilled bars. A serrated blade works well. Be sure to chill them overnight to get neat edges. 

    Best way to store lemon bars?

    You can keep them on a platter during a party for a couple of hours. Citrus curd desserts bars have an egg custard base, and should be kept cool in the refrigerator for any longer than 2 hours.

    How long do lemon bars last?

    And they last for up to 4 days in an airtight container. 

    Why do the top of baked lemon bars look white?

    Do you notice the white foamy top of air bubbles, on top of your baked lemon bars? It happens because the air from the eggs rose to the top. This won't affect the taste, sometimes it helps to gently mix the mixture before pouring on the top of the crust, or just sprinkle confectioners sugar on top!

    Can you freeze lemon bars?

    Yes! Just wrap in parchment paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap and seal in a zip top bag. They are even good cold right out of the freezer.

    More Fruit Desserts & Lemon Recipes

    If you love lemons, take a look at my 15+ Lemon Recipe Collection! Raspberry Sorbet is a real fruit dessert, that is dairy-free, vegan, and has no refined sugar.

    Classic French Madeleines are small signature shell shaped butter cakes that are absolutely delightful. Pack them for picnics, in school lunch boxes, or enjoy them as snacks with a cup of tea or coffee.

    You can taste the real strawberry flavor in this Fresh Strawberry Cake, as it skips ingredients like food coloring and jello gelatin and uses strawberry jam and real strawberries!

    I love desserts and so many times I don't have time to bake, so that's when I turn to no-bake desserts; Peach No-Bake Cheesecake. Bake this Blueberry Pie Recipe outdoors on your gas or charcoal grill. It works just like an indoor oven and keeps your house cool on scorching hot days.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A white plate with large lemon bars cut into squares dusted with powder sugar.
    Print

    Coconut-Lime Lemon Bar Recipe

    The buttery shortbread crust in these Coconut-Lime Lemon Bars gets toasty golden brown. Then topped with tart lemon and lime filling with sweet coconut. What could be better in a fresh fruit lemon dessert, with a tropical twist.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword coconut lime lemon bar recipe, lemon bar desser, lemon bar recipe, lemon bars, lemon dessert, lemon dessert recipe, Lemon Desserts, lemon recipes
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 50 minutes
    cooling 20 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 16 minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 505kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    crust

    • 2 cups flaked sweet coconut
    • 1 ½ cups AP flour
    • ¾ cup powder sugar
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup butter soft, cut into chunks

    lemon filling

    • ¼ cup AP flour
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons lime zest make optional for garnish
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest make optional for garnish
    • ¼ cup lime juice 1-2 limes
    • ¼ cup lemon juice 1 regular or Meyer lemon

    garnish

    • powder sugar
    • lemon or lime zest
    • toasted coconut

    Instructions

    prep

    • Pull the butter out to get it soft at room temperature.  
    • In a skillet on medium-high heat, toast the coconut flakes for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Keep stirring and don’t walk away, once just turning brown remove from pan to prevent over toasting so part of the coconut is white and some slightly brown.
    • Zest limes and lemons. Then, juice the lime/s and lemon.
    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 (or 8 x 10) dish with nonstick spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the lemon bars

    bake the crust

    • In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients with a hand mixer or large spoon until butter is in small pieces. Use clean your hands to mix it well to get the dough to come together.
    • Press crust into bottom and of your baking dish, just up the sides a bit. Use a small measuring cup to level and push into the edges of the baking pan.
    • Bake till golden brown, 25 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes. Leave oven on.

    mix the filling

    • Whisk together flour and sugar in a bowl using hand whisk. Then whisk in eggs, lemon and lime zest, and lemon and lime juice. 
    • Whisk just before you pour the mixture over the cooled crust, that way the lemon and lime zest show on the top.
    • Bake for 25 minutes until there is only a slight jiggle, but not a lot of movement. If it still jiggles a lot, bake for about 5 more minutes or they will be under baked in the center. Most recipes call for lower bake time and temperature, and that can be the issue.
    • food processor plastic wrap aluminum foil paddle attachment stand mixer electric mixer pulse wire rack
    • After baking, allow them cool on the kitchen counter for an hour to set up, then chill in the fridge overnight. Cut into bars using a sharp knife.
    • Garnish with a dusting of sprinkled powdered sugar through a small sieve, toasted coconut, lemon or lime zest!

    Video

    Notes

    coconut shortbread

    Toasting the coconut and baking the shortbread crust with coconut in it will give it a darker golden color, unlike traditional lemon bars which are usually paler in color.  

    storage tips

    You can keep them on a platter during a party for a couple of hours, but lemon bars should be kept cool in the refrigerator for any longer and overnight as they have an egg custard base. And they last for up to 4 days in an airtight container. 

    baking dishes

    Use either glass or ceramic (not metal pans-they give off a metallic taste) for this recipe, a 9 x 13 works well, if you want them to be tall and thicker, you can use an 8 x 10 as I did, but you will need to bake the crust and the filling/crust about 5 minutes longer. 

    foamy top on baked bars

    Do you notice the white foamy top of air bubbles, on top of your baked bars? It happens because the air from the eggs rose to the top. This won't affect the taste, sometimes it helps to gently mix the mixture before pouring on the top of the crust, or just sprinkle confectioners sugar on top!

    slicing tips

    Use a hot wet, very sharp knife to cut your chilled bars. Be sure to chill them overnight to get neat edges. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 505kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 552IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

    How To Make Herb Butter

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    Last Updated April 25th, 2024 at 10:37 am by Lisa

    Herb Butter is fantastic melted on roasted vegetables, hot pasta, sizzling grilled steaks, warm baguettes, spread on tea sandwiches, or dinner rolls.

    Flavored butter is an easy condiment to create in your kitchen and will keep for weeks. When dinner is ready, have it ready to slather on hot food and bread...

    A clear round small dish filled with herb butter and herbs chopped on a cutting board.

    Herb Butter Recipe

    Once you taste this herbed butter recipe, you will use it in so many ways it will change your cooking.

    A white ceramic dish homemade herb butter and fresh herbs on a cutting board.

    This recipe is a base. If you want to make it into a garlic herb compound butter, go for it! Simply add a couple cloves garlic finely crushed.

    Use garlic herb butter for steaks, potatoes, artichokes, toasted warm bread and so much more.

    • ½ cup butter soften at room temperature
    • ¼ cup fresh herbs minced rosemary, parsley, thyme, basil
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
    All the ingredients labeled to make herb butter including fresh herbs, butter, salt and pepper.

    Mix Herbed Butter

    PRO TIP: Cut the cube into little cubes and it will soften faster!

    Leave the butter out at room temperature for 2 hours to soften or cut into little cubes and it will soften faster.

    Chop herbs finely on a cutting board with a good chef's knife. Or, try this. Snip fresh herbs in a small mug or glass jar with clean kitchen scissors until the herbs are finely minced!

    A pair of silver kitchen scissors in a glass jar with fresh herbs and butter to making herb butter.

    In a small bowl, mix softened butter, ¼ cup finely chopped herbs, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper in a small bowl with a spatula.

    Place your mixture in a small sealed container with a lid, or cover with a piece of plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for a week.

    Herb butter wrapped in a piece of white parchment paper on a cutting board with fresh herbs.

    Place on parchment paper (or wax paper) in a log shape, roll, and twist the ends closed. Place in a ziptop bag, and freeze for up to 4 months. OR Place in a small sealed container with a lid, it will keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks. 

    For fancier shapes, use silicone molds or wood butter paddles. See recipe notes for more ideas.

    Fancy Butter Shapes For Parties

    Molded Shapes: For the holidays, you can press it into a leaf shaped candy mold or any fancy shape for that holiday like trees, hearts, or bunnies!

    Classic Coins: In cooking school, they taught us to wrap the soft mixture into parchment paper in a log, freeze it, then slice it into "coins". This is free, fast, and pretty. I keep the sliced coins in a freezer bag, frozen, then pull out a couple when I want them.

    Butter Balls: Scoop small 1" portions of semi room temperature butter between wood paddles (that are actually used for gnocchi) and create beautiful herb butter balls!

    Container Storage: Store in a small covered container, or bowl wrapped in plastic wrap, or wrap in parchment paper. Chill until it is firm enough to be sliced. Bring to room temperature to spread.

    Cutting board with a small glass round dish filled with homemade herb butter.

    More Butter Herbs And Add-Ins

    Take this herbal butter recipe and snip herbs and seasonal ingredients growing in your garden. In the Fall try sage and rosemary. For summer, lemon, basil, dill, or chives.

    What a great way to use up extra herbs you have on hand, or pick from your garden...

    • fresh thyme
    • fresh rosemary
    • crushed garlic
    • fresh sage
    • fresh dill
    • minced chives
    • fresh tarragon
    • lemon zest or lemon juice
    • fresh oregano
    • diced green onions

    I used fresh basil, Italian parsley, rosemary, and thyme from my herb garden.🌿🍃🪴

    Compound Herb Butter Top Tips

    Pick a high-quality brand of fresh butter, I recommend salted but unsalted works fine. Let it soften to room temperature for a couple of hours so it's easier to mix and blend in the seasonings.  

    Fresh herbs work best, you can clean them underwater and allow them to air dry for several hours prior to chopping.

    Both dried and fresh herbs may be used to season, but I think fresh-grown ones have much more flavor than dried herbs, and they are beautiful!

    Fresh herb butter in a white dish on a cutting board with herbs.

    The Easy Way To Cut Herbs

    My Mom taught me how to make this recipe, and I always think of her when I am making a batch.

    She also taught me to snip the herbs in the jar or coffee cup. Of course, you can always chop on a cutting board. I just do it the way she showed me all those years ago...it is fast, easy, and effective. And any unused herbs can stay in the jar for other recipes!

    A natural basket with fresh herbs piled in the basket.
    Fresh herb butter in a white dish on a cutting board with herbs.
    Can you freeze fresh herb butter?

    Yes, place soft compound butter on parchment paper in a log shape, roll, and twist ends closed. Place in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. 

    What is a compound butter recipe?


    Compound butter is made by mixing soft butter with other ingredients like fresh herbs, citrus, and spices. They are created and used to build flavor in recipes such as melting on meats, vegetables, and seafood, or spread on fresh-baked bread.

    Herb butter in a small glass container on a cutting board with herbs.

    Herb Butter Recipes

    Try this recipe on my super easy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, just what you want if you like leftover turkey for Thanksgiving or the holidays...🦃 The herb mixture flavors the poultry and keeps it moist while helping to crisp the skin of the roast chicken or turkey.

    Turkey Breast Recipe
    Turkey breast recipe using boneless turkey breast plus a gravy recipe from pan drippings. Easier to roast and carve for Thanksgiving turkey.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    Top down view of a roasted turkey breast sliced thick and garnished with fresh herbs.
    Herbed butter wrapped in parchment paper on a vintage cutting board with fresh herbs.

    More Compound Butter Recipes

    Lemon-Dill Butter
    Make Lemon Dill Compound Butter and melt on grilled salmon and vegetables like asparagus. Stores great in the freezer for months!
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    Small brown round cutting board with slices of lemon dill butter garnished with fresh lemon and dill.
    Sun Dried Tomato Butter (Compound Butter)
    Sun Dried Tomato Butter is amazing on hot pasta, roasted vegetables, sizzling grilled steak, or oven warmed baguettes and dinner rolls.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    A glass bowl filled with compound butter made with herbs and sun dried tomatoes, and them scattered on the cutting board.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Homemade herb butter wrapped in parchment paper on a cutting board with fresh herbs.
    Print

    Herb Butter Recipe

    Herb Butter is fantastic melted on roasted vegetables, hot pasta, sizzling grilled steaks, warm baguettes, spread on tea sandwiches, or dinner rolls. Flavored butter is an easy condiment to create in your kitchen and will keep for weeks. And when dinner is ready, have it ready to slather on hot food and bread.
    Course Sauces, Marinades, & Condiments
    Cuisine American
    Keyword compound butter, compound herb butter, herb butter, herb butter recipe, herbed butter
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 68kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup butter soften at room temperature
    • ¼ cup fresh herbs minced rosemary, parsley, thyme, basil
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
    • other herbs to try! sage, dill, chives, tarragon, oregano, or green onions
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Leave the butter out at room temperature for 2 hours to soften or cut into little cubes and it will soften faster.
    • Chop herbs finely on a cutting board with a good chef knife. Or, try this. Snip fresh herbs in a small mug or glass jar with clean kitchen scissors until the herbs are finely minced!
    • In a small bowl, mix softened butter, ¼ cup finely chopped herbs, ½ teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper in a small bowl with a spatula. (
    • Place your mixture in a small sealed container with a lid, or cover with a piece of plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for a week.
    • Place on parchment paper (or wax paper) in a log shape, roll, and twist the ends closed. Place in a ziptop bag, and freeze for up to 4 months. 
      OR Place in a small sealed container with a lid, it will keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks. 
    • For fancier shapes, use a silicone mold or wood butter paddles. See recipe notes for more ideas.

    Video

    Notes

    Uses & Recipe Ideas

      • Use as herbed butter for steak
      • Melt slices on grilled or baked potatoes
      • Make homemade garlic butter, and add crushed garlic!
    • Rub under turkey or chicken before roasting. Try this recipe on my super easy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, just what you want if you like leftover turkey!
    Once you snip your herbs in the jar if you have extra, simply screw on the lid and use the herbs up in other dishes or salads. They stay fresh for a few days!

    Fancy Butter Shapes For Parties

    Molded Shapes: For the holidays, you can press it into a leaf shaped candy mold or any fancy shape for that holiday like trees, hearts, bunnies!
    Classic Coins: In cooking school, they taught us to wrap the soft mixture into parchment paper in a log, freeze it, then slice it into "coins". This is free, fast, and pretty. I keep the sliced coins in a freezer bag, frozen, then pull out a couple when I want them.
    Butter Balls: Scoop small 1" portions of semi room temperature butter between wood paddles (that are actually used for gnocchi) and create beautiful herb butter balls!
    Container Storage: Store in a small covered container, or bowl wrapped in plastic wrap, or wrap in parchment paper. Chill until it is firm enough to be sliced. Bring to room temperature to spread

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12g | Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 261mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

    50+ Graduation Party Food Ideas

    [heart_this] · · Leave a Comment

    Last Updated December 2nd, 2025 at 11:15 am by Lisa

    Celebrate with over 50+ high school and college graduation party food ideas. Throw an awesome 2024 grad party full of delicious food and drinks!

    Toss those graduation caps, and mark the occasion with friends and family. You did it, cherish every moment of all that hard work. Cheers, and enjoy your grad party as high school and college graduates...

    First, Choose A Graduation Party Style

    Decide what kind of party are you hosting. Will this be an outdoor graduation party? A huge party? Open houses? Or a smaller party with close friends or a family at a sit-down dinner?

    Whether you are party planning for a large crowd or a small gathering, grad parties are easy with a good plan. Consider how many people you are gathering for your high school graduation party or college graduation parties.

    With a large amount of guests, a buffet style party is always the best option. Guests can fill their plates, and it is so easy to set the food out in a nice display.

    Also, it's a good idea to plan how close to the graduation ceremony you are having your party. Open houses are also a great choice, with food that can stay at room temperature for several hours. Think through how to keep food hot or cold throughout the party.

    Electric heating trays and ice serving platters are a best option and the perfect way to control food temperatures and keep them hot or cold.

    Next, Decide On A Graduation Party Menu

    You can make all the food at home, buy a few things, or splash out and hire a catering company or private chefs! But let's keep it real, most of us want to keep it simple with graduation party menu ideas. Let's get your planning started...

    Fun Graduation Party Food Ideas

    You can create cute photo banners of your grad on burlap string banners and make signs for your custom food bar. And celebrate with your own unique graduation party idea. One of the most important things, is to balance buying a few things with making homemade delicious graduation party foods. The best part, is

    Consider going with one of these fun themed food bars. An easy graduation party food idea that expresses your personality with the favorite foods of the college student or high school graduate! A great addition is colorful food. Pick some special graduation recipes. Use paper cups and plates around a theme. The best part is coming up with the graduation party ideas!

    • Graduation Food Ideas: Create a food bar idea on a large tray of the grads snacks, munchies, & favorite things! This is so fun to create and will make everyone smile.
    • Serve Platters: It's ok to buy platters of graduation party appetizers, trays of roll up sandwiches and pinwheels. Or try my Italian Pressed Sandwiches, or Small Finger Sandwiches. Add a custom touch, and stick graduation picks into the appetizers, or wrap sandwiches in parchment paper. Hit your local party store and see what you can find!
    A grad party with red, white, and black food themed items on a table like a cake and snacks.
    • School Colors: Have school color themed decorations, accents on Charcuterie Boards like little graduation caps or diplomas, and wrap burgers and sandwiches in colorful paper with string.
    • Baked Party Rings: Bake up little smokies, pizza, or ham and cheese on a large sheet pan in a large pull apart ring. Everyone loves these!
    • Crowd Pleasers: Have a huge batches of Potato Salads, Macaroni Salads, or Easy Pasta Salads as a side dishes to feed large parties. And these taste even better made ahead.
    • Main Dish Ideas: Have the whole party revolve are a main dish theme like tacos, pizza, or pasta. What does your grad love?
    • Snack Bar ~ Arrange your grad's favorite snack foods in pretty baskets like chips, bags of mini chocolate chip cookies, pretzels, popcorn, candy, gumballs, licorice, crackers, gummy bears, and more.

    Graduation Party Food Bar Ideas

    Hot Dog Bar ~ make easy Hot Dog Chili and all the best toppings!

    Red food baskets filled with hot dogs and toppings at a cookout party.

    Burger Bar ~ grill the best Cheeseburgers and serve them with In-N-Out Burger sauce (such a delicious sauce!) and top with Homemade Pickle Relish.

    Cookout Bar ~ hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings is always a crowd pleaser!

    A lady holding a messy grilled hamburger wrapped in paper with baskets of burgers in the background.

    Candy Bar ~ Fill mason jars with favorite candies and sweet treats like peanut butter cups and top with chocolate bar pieces to look like graduation caps. Order M&Ms in the school colors and name of your high school or college graduate! And have little scoops and cups for people to serve themselves little candies. And treat bags to go. Or place quality chocolates and caramels on a platter with cute graduation picks...

    Pasta Bar ~ have hot pasta with 2-3 white, red, or pink sauces, cooked crumbled sausage or Diced Chicken, and real parmesan cheese to go on top.

    Pizza Bar ~ bake or grill pizzas with people's favorite toppings! Or try my super easy Pita Pizzas with tons of creative flavors. You can also bake off a platter of pizza rolls to keep it super easy peasy.

    Crostini Bar ~ put out crostini bread with all kinds of toppings, and let graduation party guests build their own amazing flavor combinations...isn't it gorgeous? And have a drink station nearby for people to serve themselves.

    Beverage Bar ~ serve hot and cold iced tea, lemonade, and punch. Or chilled champagne, iced beer, wine, sodas, and signature cocktails for guests over 21.

    Baked Potato Bar ~ Bake potatoes and put out toppings like grated cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, chives, and more.

    DIY Popcorn Bar ~ have paper bags, melted butter, and seasonings with a popcorn machine.

    Deli Subs Bar ~ let people make their own subs with deli meat, cheeses, pickles, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and delicious spreads.

    Finger Food & Sandwich Bar ~ Make an assortment of different sandwiches and cut them into small shapes for people. Try my Egg Salad Sandwiches or Roast Beef Sandwiches with a creamy balsamic spread!

    Making different kinds of sandwiches, and each one is open, one most prominent is the egg salad sandwich.

    Nacho Bar ~ have warm corn tortilla chips, melted queso or nacho cheese dip, and pickled jalapenos for guests to eat out of paper cups.

    Taco Bar ~ Put out all your favorite taco toppings with Salsa, Guacamole, grated cheeses, olives, lettuce, and Mexican Pickled Red Onions.

    Walking Taco Bar ~ Have bags of Fritos with warm taco meat and all the topping for tacos, served with forks and lots of napkins!

    Coffee Bar ~ Place out a coffee maker, espresso machine, or pod coffee maker with creamers and toppings. Try my Baileys Irish Coffee for good luck!

    A glass mug with Irish Coffee on a vintage green table topped with green sprinkles and edible gold.

    Chocolate Fountain Bar ~ Dip fruit, chocolate cookies, marshmallows, donut holes, and fortune cookies of course.

    Fruit Bar ~ Cut up and arrange a sliced fruit tray or toss your best fruit salad recipe for the party. Put out a melted chocolate fountain to dip in. Have some cold fruit juices or even smoothies for a healthy option.

    Dessert Bar ~ Lay an assortment of different kinds of cookies, Lemon Bars, pies, and a graduation cake of course, try my Ice Cream Cake or large Sheet Cake with Bakery Style Frosting! Have lots of small plates, spoons, and forks on the dessert table. Guests love to take food home, have some to go boxes or take out containers.

    50+ Easy Graduation Party Food Ideas

    With graduation season in full swing, there are all types of food to choose from. Go with classic popular options like burgers and hot dogs, and a few modern trendy great ideas. The good thing is, these graduation party food ideas all go together. The ingredients and food items are easy to find in any grocery store too. Have fun planning a wonderful party...

    White round plate filled with cheese appetizers with crackers and garnished with basil.

    Easy Layered Cheese Appetizers

    Gorgeous layered cheese appetizers with deli-style sliced cheeses and a creamy filling loaded with chopped nuts and dried fruit. Eat them as a snack or fancy finger food hors d'oeuvres! Keep the simple ingredients on hand for any potluck or holiday party, and assemble up to a day ahead. People will be fascinated by the elegant stacks, and they are so pretty on charcuterie or cheese boards.

    CHEESE APPETIZERS
    Marinated mozzarella balls in a beige ceramic dish with appetizer toothpicks.

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Everyone loves cheese appetizers, and there is nothing easier than Marinated Mozzarella Balls on a gorgeous Charcuterie Board with some crackers, crusty bread, and drinks to get the party going.

    MARINATED MOZZARELLA BALLS
    A white platter filled with brie and bacon palmier appetizers golden brown and ready to eat.

    Brie and Bacon Palmiers

    Brie and Bacon Palmiers baked in 15 minutes with 3 ingredients. You will need store-bought puff pastry (the key ingredient), crisp crumbled bacon, and some brie. An easy last-minute appetizer packed with bacony goodness, golden puff pastry, and that classic brie taste...

    BRIE AND BACON PALMIERS
    A glass trifle dish filled with 7 Layer Salad full of colorful ingredients.

    7 Layer Salad

    7 Layer Salad (aka Overnight Salad) is one of the most popular potluck dishes and a great option for picnics, a BBQ side for cookouts, or a summer side dish.

    7 LAYER SALAD
    Looking down into a scooped out watermelon filled with rounded watermelon balls garnished with mint and feta cheese.

    Watermelon Salad

    Watermelon Salad recipe with a light citrus dressing, fresh mint, and topped with crumbled feta cheese. Serve this side dish for picnics, potlucks, and BBQ cookouts in a carved-out watermelon for the salad bowl!

    WATERMELON SALAD
    A person holding a messy grilled burger topped with melted cheese, burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

    The Best Cheeseburger

    What is more American than hamburgers or classic cheeseburgers? These are topped with a copycat In-N-Out Burger sauce spread and seasoning.To make the best burger recipe, you have got to have so secrets up your sleeve. Today we will cover everything you need. Plus cookout grilling tips and 20+ burger topping ideas.

    THE BEST CHEESEBURGER
    Five freshly baked puff pastry beef wellington appetizers on a rectangle white platter.

    Beef Wellington Appetizers

    Bake delicious hors d'oeuvres of individual servings of beef wellington appetizers, they are so fancy to pass around at a party. These beef wellington appetizers are a modern take on the classic English dish made easy with golden brown edges of flaky puff pastry, juicy filet mignon, and a creamy mushroom filling.

    BEEF WELLINGTON APPETIZERS
    A wooden platter filled with Shish Kabob grilled skewers.

    Shish Kabobs

    Grilling season is perfect for these Shish Kabobs with a beef marinade made with pineapple and dark rum. The rum is totally optional of course! Plus take a look at dozens of ideas to make these colorful grilled skewers your way with all the best shish kebob side dish ideas.

    SHISH KABOBS
    A close up of a oval cast iron pan with tater tots, pulled pork, cut avocado, and drizzled with white sauce.

    Tachos Tater Tot Nachos

    Tachos are a delicious modern twist on the classic nachos appetizer! Tater tot nachos have layers of golden crispy tater tots in place of tortilla chips loaded with juicy pulled pork or rotisserie chicken, creamy tomatillo sauce, lots of melted cheese, and other scrumptious favorite nacho toppings. Tater Tatchos are an easy comfort food dish that can be put together quickly for snacks, cozy game day football food, or heck why can't this be dinner...

    TATER TOT NACHOS
    Two tall glasses of white sangria loaded with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and apple star garnish.

    White Wine Sangria

    This White Sangria Recipe is light and refreshing. This is the best sangria for July 4th celebrations, picnics, BBQ, and cookouts.

    WHITE WINE SANGRIA

    Easy Pasta Salad

    An easy Pasta Salad with fresh herbs, bell pepper, and cheese. This is a mayo-less salad, perfect to serve at outdoor picnics or cookouts.

    EASY PASTA SALAD
    A white plate filled with freshly baked cake mix cookies with pastel m&m candies.

    Graduation Cake Mix Cookies

    Cake Mix Cookies are a simple recipe baked in 11 minutes and with just 4 ingredients. Top with candies, sprinkles, or chocolate chips. And for graduation parties, use your school colors!

    CAKE MIX COOKIES
    Thick sliced roast beef on baguettes with lettuce, horseradish sauce, and shaved parmesan.

    Roast Beef Sandwiches

    Roast Beef Sandwiches with a homemade deli meat (and a secret ingredient), creamy balsamic horseradish sauce, shaved parmesan, and lettuce on crusty baguettes!

    ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES
    A clear glass bowl filled with tri color cole slaw and wooden tongs stuck in the slaw.

    Easy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo)

    This Easy Coleslaw Recipe has a clean vinegar-based dressing and has no-mayo. It goes great with pulled pork sandwiches, or as a classic side dish at potluck summer picnics and BBQ cookouts.

    COLE SLAW
    A clear glass plate with shrimp cocktail, cocktail sauce, and two glasses of champagne.

    Shrimp Cocktail

    The best Shrimp Cocktail (prawn cocktail) is made by oven-roasting, then dipping them in homemade shrimp cocktail sauce! The shrimp cooks in just 15 minutes and is such an easy appetizer for the holiday season, New Year's Eve, or party food for special occasions and celebrations. Roasting is a great way to go versus dealing with a large pot of boiling water, a sheet pan is so much easier with less cleanup, and the roasting adds deep rich, delicious shrimpy flavor.

    SHRIMP COCKTAIL
    A white plate filled with July 4th red white and blue cookies with icing and star sprinkles.

    Graduation M&M Cookies

    These Patriotic Sugar Cookies are made with red, white, and blue M&Ms, frosting stripes, and star sprinkles. Great for picnics, parties, and the 4th of July!

    M&M COOKIES
    Slices of green Granny Smith apples around a white dish with a sweet dessert dip inside a low small white dish with a ruffled edge, and a piece of apple sticking into the dip.

    Caramel Apple Dip

    Make a Caramel Apple Dip with crisp green apples, salted caramel sauce, and crushed Health bars. A beloved recipe for potlucks, graduation, holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all through the Autumn apple season.

    CARAMEL APPLE DIP
    The steps to season hamburgers, with them shaped on parchment paper as burgers before grilling.

    The Best Burger Seasoning

    Mix up the best burger seasoning recipe for delicious, juicy hamburgers everyone will rave over at your next backyard barbecue cookout. Add amazing flavor with just a few insider secrets like what beef to buy, how to make the burger patties, and pro grilling tips. This seasoning mix is made with simple ingredients you might already have on hand. Grill restaurant-quality hamburgers in your backyard this summer...

    BEST BURGER SEASONING
    A bountiful Thanksgiving charcuterie cheeseboard fill with colorful meats, cheeses nuts and more for Thanksgiving.

    Charcuterie Boards

    Create a gorgeous easy charcuterie board filled with your favorite sliced meats, an assortment of cheeses, crackers, fruit, nuts, and a few and sugary treats. A Fall cheeseboard is so easy to put together for parites and gatherings. Make for an after-school snack board for kids, or to host a happy hour for friends with simple appetizers and drinks.

    CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
    Loaded plate of hot appetizers of Buffalo Chicken on tortilla chips ready for game day food

    Buffalo Chicken Appetizer

    Buffalo Chicken Appetizer made with tortilla chips, buffalo wings sauce, blue cheese, and crisp celery made in 20 minutes with 6 ingredients.

    BUFFALO CHICKEN APPETIZER
    A plate full of pizza salad topped with mini pepperoni, mushrooms, mozzarella balls, pepperoncinis, and black olives with a artistic black fork on the edge of the plate.

    Pizza Salad

    A colorful Pizza Salad loaded with popular favorite pizza toppings like mini pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, tangy pepperoncinis, tiny ripe tomatoes, and little balls of mozzarella cheese. This Italian salad pizza inspired recipe is healthy, low carb, drizzled with a creamy sun-dried tomato dressing with all the flavors of pizza we crave.

    PIZZA SALAD
    A large white spoon scooping a serving of cowboy baked beans out of a casserole dish.

    Cowboy Beans

    Cowboy Baked Beans (aka Calico Beans) are loaded with ground beef and applewood smoked bacon. A great party food recipe for large groups.

    COWBOY BAKED BEANS
    A sliced open BLT sandwich loaded with succulent lobster, bacon, lettuce and tomato stacked on a board.

    BLT Lobster Sandwich

    A BLT Lobster Sandwich recipe with succulent lobster, thick crispy applewood smoked bacon, golden grilled sourdough bread, and slathered with an easy dill-caper aioli sauce. Oh, and it won a 1rst Place Blue Ribbon at the Orange County Fair during a live cooking competition!

    BLT LOBSTER SANDWICHES
    Three pulled pork sandwiches on Hawaiian buns with pickles, cheese and ham on a cutting board.

    Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders

    Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders are brushed with butter dijon sauce, baked until golden brown with melted Swiss cheese, pulled pork and ham, and pickles. Serve a tray of these slider sandwiches for main meals, dinner parties, and are great to feed a large crowd!

    PULLED PORK SLIDERS
    Mini cheeseburgers with melted cheese, tomato, and lettuce with American flag toothpick decoration on top.

    Cheeseburger Sliders

    Cheeseburger Sliders are mini burgers stuffed with cheese, spread with burger sauce, and oven-baked. The perfect party food for summer, and one of the easiest main dishes for cookouts and backyard parties.

    CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS
    A slice of peach pie on a white plate with a silver fork on a red white check tablecloth.

    Peach Cheesecake Pie (No-Bake)

    Peach Cheesecake Pie is a 30-minute no-bake recipe with a crisp graham cracker crust, sweet whipped filling, and juicy summer peaches!

    PEACH NO BAKE CHEESECAKE PIE
    A single coconut water popsicle with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

    Homemade Fruit Popsicles

    Homemade real fresh Fruit Popsicles are one of the healthy dessert options. Made with coconut water, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. These are refreshing low-sugar treats for hot summer days. But you can certainly mix it up and make these creamy, sweeter, or to your tastes. With an inexpensive popsicle mold and 10 minutes of time,  you can have popsicles waiting in your freezer in about 3 hours.

    FRUIT POPSICLES
    A lady holding a s'more cookie dough truffle cut open with mini marshmallows inside.

    S'more Cookie Dough Truffles

    S'more Cookie Dough Truffles are an easy no-bake dessert candy with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows just like a campfire s'mores!

    S'MORE COOKIE DOUGH TRUFFLES
    Ruffled potato chips on a plate with homemade French onion dip.

    French Onion Dip

    French onion dip is an easy appetizer with rich flavor from caramelized onions and fresh simple ingredients. This perfect party appetizer tastes even better if you make it a day or so ahead! This an easy dip recipe for parties, and holidays, and a classic to serve on exciting big game days with a big bag of potato chips. Whip up this homemade onion dip, and take a look at all the creative ways to use up the leftovers of this creamy dip if there are any!

    FRENCH ONION DIP
    A wood platter loaded with soft pretzels shaped like footballs and beer cheese dip in a bowl nearby.

    Pretzels With Beer Cheese Dip

    Bake warm soft pretzels and scoop them into an easy beer cheese dip. Every bite has a chewy, golden crust with soft, fluffy centers. Homemade pretzels are the perfect appetizer for relaxed weekends at home or big game-day football parties! And they just take about an hour. You can shape the pretzel dough like footballs, small soft pretzel nuggets, knots, or the classic pretzel shape...

    PRETZELS WITH BEER CHEESE DIP
    A wood bowl with a lady scooping out homemade salsa with a tortilla chip.

    Tomatillo Salsa

    Tomatillo salsa has a fresh taste you will never get out of a jar from any store. The fire-grilled flavor and medium heat in this homemade salsa will have people loving each and every bite with tacos, nachos, and taquitos. Grab a bowl, and a bag of tortilla chips, and wait for lots of compliments, crunching, and munching, as people dip chips into this roasted tomatillo salsa recipe. 

    TOMATILLO SALSA
    Small mini tacos topped with black olives, tomato, green onions, cheese and crema sauce.

    Mini Tacos

    Crunchy Mini Tacos are loaded with your favorite toppings! Tucked inside are layers of juicy taco meat, refried beans, cheeses, black olives, pickled jalapeños and more drizzled with a quick Mexican crema sauce. Serve these mini beef tacos as a delicious appetizer for a Cinco de Mayo party, family taco night dinner, birthday parties, or perfect party food for the big game.

    MINI TACOS
    A white platter filled with crispy chicken wings and one dipping into buffalo sauce.

    Crispy Chicken Wings

    The secret to make Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings, the ultimate bar snack and big game appetizer! When it comes to party wings, we want tons of flavor, tender juicy meat, a crispy coating, and a deep-fried texture without going through the trouble of frying. Perfectly cooked wings are totally possible with a super crisp exterior that looks and tastes deep-fried. Gather your party guests and throw a legendary football party with spectacular, delicious Super Bowl foods for the biggest game day of the year. Spicy chicken wings are an easy appetizer and winning party food.

    CRISPY CHICKEN WINGS
    A round bacon cheese ball topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and surrounded by crackers and pita chips for an easy appetizer.

    Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball

    Dip into a Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball with a cracker or pretzel, and enjoy every bite of this easy delicious appetizer dip made with simple ingredients and quick prep time. Roll it in crispy bacon crumbles or assorted cheeses. Get creative and add your twist to this bacon ranch cheese ball flavor with one of the dozens of ideas.

    BACON CHEDDAR RANCH CHEESEBALL
    A wooden cutting board with small baguettes sliced open with a white bowl of whipped creamed cheese spread on a slice.

    Boursin Cheese

    Boursin Cheese whips together in just minutes for an easy appetizer. The best way to eat it is simply with toasted warm bread or crackers. What makes this herb cream cheese spread so good? The creamy texture from the whipping process, a grate of real parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. And if you are a goat cheese lover, you can add that in this recipe.

    BOURSIN CHEESE
    A white platter filled with apple brie skewers for Thanksgiving appetizers.

    Caramel Apple Brie Appetizers

    Need a fast easy appetizer for Halloween or Thanksgiving? Caramel Apple Brie Appetizers come together in minutes, and they are always wildly popular at Fall parties! If you like caramel apples, then you will love this scrumptious combination with creamy brie, the crunch of macadamia nuts, and tart-sweet dried cranberries. It is addictive.

    CARAMEL APPLE BRIE APPETIZERS
    A messy grilled burger topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles and burger sauce in a basket with a bottle of burger sauce.

    Burger Sauce

    Make one of the best burger sauces just like the In-N-Out spread from the west coast drive-through chain that started in Southern California. When you crave the real thing, here is the best way to make a copycat recipe of the real In-N-Out burger spread special sauce.

    BURGER SAUCE
    Mason jar handled glasses with blueberry lemonade garnished with blueberries, mint, and lemons halves.

    Blueberry Lemonade

    Ice cold Blueberry Lemonade captures Summer in every sip, it is made in minutes with homemade blueberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and honey.

    BLUEBERRY LEMONADE
    A white rectangle platter with green jello shots and jigglers shaped like shamrocks.

    Green Jello Shots & Jigglers

    Slurp emerald green Jello Shots or Jell-O jigglers and have some shenanigans with a wee bit of mischief at your college graduation party!

    JELLO SHOTS AND JIGGLERS
    A white platter filled with cheese truffles (mini cheese balls) with crackers and pretzels at a party.

    Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Ball Appetizers)

    Cheese Truffles are loaded with delicious flavors and toppings. Serve with crackers or pretzels for an easy appetizer and fun party food! Scooped in small bites, these mini cheese balls are rolled in fine herbs, toasted nuts, cheese cracker crumbs, seasoning mixes, or assorted grated cheeses. We all want appetizer ideas that look super impressive, can be prepped ahead, are very tasty, and everyone keeps reaching for during the party. These check every box.

    CHEESE TRUFFLES
    An ice cream cake with a slice removed and covered in colorful sprinkles.

    Graduation Ice Cream Cake

    Ice Cream Cakes are sooooo good for graduations! This dreamy frozen dessert has an incredible red velvet Oreo cookie crust, layers of ice cream, pound cake, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, cool whip topping, and colorful fun sprinkles and be sure to use your schools colors! Assemble this easy Oreo cake recipe in a standard 9 x 11 glass dish or in a springform pan for the classic round shape. Everyone loves this scrumptious dessert any time of year, it makes the party one to remember.

    GRADUATION CAKE
    An egg salad sandwich on brown bread stacked on a wood stand with a pickle on top.

    Egg Salad

    The best egg salad recipe starts with perfectly cooked eggs and fresh, quality, simple ingredients. It's mixed together into a rich creamy texture and loaded onto Rye or Pumpernickel sandwich bread with a pickle on top! There are endless different ways to enjoy a traditional egg salad. It's a great way to use up leftover Easter eggs and works for family lunches, picnics, bridal, and baby showers, or afternoon tea in the best egg salad sandwich ever.

    EGG SALAD SANDWICHES
    Blue rimmed margarita glasses with margaritas in them on ice cubes with sliced lime garnish.

    Easy Limeade Margaritas

    Limeade Margaritas have three simple ingredients mixed in a pitcher on ice. And there is no blender or cocktail shaker for these easy drinks! You won't believe how good these pitcher margaritas taste for summertime picnics or cookouts, Cinco de mayo, tailgating, or pour a big batch on game day and serve with delicious Mexican food.

    EASY LIMEADE MARGARITAS
    A white oval casserole dish with a hot dip being scooped out with a large corn chip.

    Jalapeno Popper Dip

    Jalapeno Popper Dip is always a hit! Make this melty hot appetizer for parties with simple pantry ingredients and scoop up with large corn chips. Double this recipe for large groups, it goes fast! It's so easy, and all the ingredients combine into utter flavor deliciousness!

    JALAPENO POPPER DIP
    A white plate full of taco salad topped with taco meat, grated cheese, Fritos, sour cream, black olives and tomatoes.

    Easy Taco Salad

    Taco Salad with 25+ topping ideas plus a delicious taco meat recipe. Works as lunch, family dinner, or party food for a large gathering.

    EASY TACO SALAD

    American Flag Cake

    Bake a patriotic American Flag Cake with red, white, and blue marbled cake inside and "bakery-style" frosting. Always a party crowd pleaser for July 4th and one of the most celebratory cakes!

    AMERICAN FLAG CAKE
    A cast iron skillet filled with a smore chocolate chip cookie with a fork inside.

    S'more Pizookie Skillet Cookies

    S'more chocolate chip skillet cookies also called pizookies, are baked into the ultimate cookie dessert, loaded with milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini peanut butter cups, graham cracker shards, and toasted marshmallows all melted together into a gooey cookie.

    S'MORE PIZOOKIE SKILLET COOKIES
    A lady dipping a potato chip into onion dip.

    Sour Cream Onion Dip

    Onion Dip aka California or Sour Cream Dip is the easiest recipe ever, with only 2 ingredients! Made in minutes, serve with a large bowl of your favorite potato chips and assorted fresh-cut veggies. This is a classic iconic American party food and delicious dip that has earned a respected place in many people's hearts with its savory onion flavor.

    SOUR CREAM ONION DIP
    A small white bowl filled with bacon potato salad garnished with crispy bacon.

    Bacon Potato Salad

    Bacon potato salad is loaded with crispy bacon and blue cheese. A perfect side for summer potluck cookouts and BBQs. Since there are no eggs and no mayonnaise, this is a great picnic food idea. Make a double batch, and it disappears quickly!

    BACON POTATO SALAD
    A large white bowl of BBQ potato salad garnished with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions on a red and white check gingham cloth.

    BBQ Potato Salad

    A BBQ Potato Salad recipe with yummy flavors from your favorite bbq sauce, crumbled bacon, buttermilk ranch, crunchy celery, and cheddar cheese. Made with secret ingredients in place of mayo, this super creamy potato salad is inspired by one of America's favorite recipes, a loaded baked potato! A great recipe that uses any kind of potatoes, and is a fresh new twist on a classic. Mix up a double batch, and watch people gobble it up at your next cookout.

    BBQ POTATO SALAD
    Looking down on a white plate filled with macaroni salad and a silver fork.

    Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

    A classic macaroni salad recipe has chopped eggs, dill pickles, pickle juice, and crunchy celery. This is a cherished old fashioned family recipe and a great way to feed a crowd with a main course like grilled hot dogs or hamburgers!

    MACARONI SALAD
    A game day food table with chili dogs loaded with relish, cheese, and onions.

    Hot Dog Chili

    Hot dog chili sauce is a "go-to" football food on game days, Superbowl parties, tailgating, or summer cookouts. And the best thing, this great recipe is ready in just 20 minutes or can simmer away in a slow cooker all during the big game! Salsa and beer add great unique flavor to this delicious recipe. Adding a can of refried beans is an easy way to make chili nice and thick, perfect for piling on top of chili dogs.

    HOT DOG CHILI

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    Egg Salad

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated May 27th, 2023 at 05:13 pm by Lisa

    The best egg salad recipe starts with perfectly cooked eggs and fresh, quality, simple ingredients. It's mixed together into a rich creamy texture. And loaded onto Rye or Pumpernickel sandwich bread with a pickle on top!

    There are endless different ways to enjoy a traditional egg salad. It's a great way to use up leftover Easter eggs. And works for family lunches, picnics, bridal, and baby showers, or afternoon tea in the best egg salad sandwich ever...

    Egg Salad Recipe

    This is a classic recipe for dill egg salad. But, if you prefer to leave the dill out or can't find it, try some other flavor variations in the printable recipe card.

    • 4 slices white, rye bread, pumpernickel, etc.
    • 6 Hard-boiled Eggs peeled diced
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
    • ¼ cup diced celery
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons fresh dill finely minced
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • optional: Pickled Red Onions

    First Thing, Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

    Ever struggled to make perfect hard-boiled eggs? With the main ingredient being the star of the show, you want perfect eggs, with no black ring on the egg yolks, and beautiful egg whites.

    Let's face it, there are many ways to boil eggs, plus new fads, and trends. Some are classic like a large pan on the stove top, a trend started with baking them in the oven, or a pressure cooker egg recipe also known as the new instant pot method. But of all these, my personal preference is a simple recipe that steams them in just 12 minutes!!!

    Looking down on a white ceramic egg dish with hard boiled eggs and one sliced open to reveal the yolk

    Most importantly, the cooking process should be fast and the eggs should peel easily, and the clean up minimal. This is the easiest way to cook your eggs, so next time try out this amazing method.

    EGG BOILING PRO TIP: To steam hard boil eggs, bring cool water to a boil. Place a vegetable steamer basket in the pan. Use just enough cold water to be right below the steamer basket. Place eggs in the basket, cover with a lid, and set a timer for 12 minutes. Remove to an ice bath for 10 minutes, the egg shells peel right off!

    The secret is the high heat of the steaming over hot water. It shocks the eggs so they cook and peel perfectly!

    A collage of recipes showing how to steam eggs in a white pot with a veggie steamer rack to make boiled eggs.
    Steamed Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe
    Steamed hard boiled eggs cook perfectly every time with no green ring. So easy to peel, the eggshells miraculously slip right off in minutes!
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    6 perfectly hard boiled eggs with a cracked half of an egg shelf on top.

    Next, Mix The Egg Salad Mixture

    Once your eggs are cooked, peel and chop them finely into small pieces, and place them into a large bowl.

    Add the sea salt, black pepper, tangy Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, finely minced fresh dill, fresh lemon juice (it add great brightness and flavor!), and finely diced celery with the chopped eggs.

    Gently fold with the chopped eggs. Chill before serving for at least an hour. Overnight, is even better to let the flavors develop for the best traditional egg salad sandwiches!

    Spread your egg salad recipe with dill on white, rye, or pumpernickel bread. It is also great to add some more minced fresh dill and pickled red onions!

    Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and eat within 3-5 days. Creamy egg salad needs to be refrigerated, and should not be a room temperature for more than 2 hours.

    Easy Egg Salad Flavor Variations

    All classic egg salad recipes have boiled eggs, mustard, salt, pepper, onion, mayo, celery, and dill pickle relish. And there are many different additions to customize with ingredients you have on hand to create the best egg salad sandwich recipes.

    Fresh Herbs: Try fresh chives or green onions, or fresh parsley. If you can't find fresh dill weed in your store, some dried dill works in a pinch.

    Dill Pickles or Dill Pickle Relish: Adding dill relish or sweet relish is so good, and many people adore a dill pickle egg salad recipe.

    Seasonings: A pinch of celery seed, garlic powder, or onion powder are also a nice addition.

    Acids & Oils: There are people who like a dash of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, pickle juice, or a splash of apple cider vinegar in theirs.

    Mustards: Brown or yellow mustard is always delicious and works in place of Dijon mustard.

    Creamy Additions: In place of mayonnaise, try sour cream or any plain yogurt.

    Fun Additions: Some chopped bacon, dill pickles, red onions, and chopped green olives are great. Also, capers or fresh vegetables like diced cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and even avocado!

    Leftover Egg Salad Ideas

    Serve homemade egg salad in large or mini bell peppers. Or make lettuce wraps for a low carb easy lunch to take to work or a picnic.

    Meal prep a large bowl, wrap in romaine lettuce leaves. Or serve on a bed of iceberg lettuce for a great lunch.

    Serve an egg salad sandwich on pumpernickel bread or sourdough bread. And try this great recipe for Pickled Red Onions and stick a pickle on top with a skewer!

    Mix a cold dill pickle pasta salad with any cooked pasta you prefer, chopped pickles, and egg salad. Try my easy Refrigerator Dill Quick Pickles!

    And for Afternoon Tea, make Tea Sandwiches with this recipe, and serve hot or cold iced tea with some mini desserts.

    What to mix into Egg Salad sandwiches?

    Add diced chicken, smoked ham, cooked shrimp, or chopped bacon. Spice things up with some hot sauce, and other ingredients like dill relish for the best flavors.

    What to serve with Egg Salad Sandwiches?

    A small bowl of Tomato Soup or Cheese Soup would be excellent choices for a delicious lunch or dinner.
    For lunches or picnics, a pickle of course! And pack some fresh fruit salad, mozzarella string cheese sticks, a small green salad, small bags of different potato chips, and glasses of lemonade or iced tea.
    For dinner, hot french fries or sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or fancy Caesar salad.

    More Sandwich Recipes

    Any of these recipes are great on their own or piled on slices of bread. They all have basic ingredients available at all local stores and grocery stores.

    Use this classic egg salad sandwich recipe for elegant, dainty, crustless Tea Sandwiches, quintessential pinkies-up party food. And host a beautiful light lunch garden party, a bridal shower, or a Mother’s Day brunch.

    Summer picnic food is easy with Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches that are bursting with the best flavor. Easy and neat to hold and eat, made ahead, and then toss into a cooler or picnic basket.

    A BLT Lobster Sandwich Recipe with succulent lobster, thick crispy applewood smoked bacon, golden grilled sourdough bread, and slathered with an easy dill-caper aioli sauce. Oh, and it won a 1st Place Blue Ribbon at the Orange County Fair during a live cooking competition!

    One of my favorite things about this Tuna Salad recipe is all the ways to enjoy it. Roll up into a tortilla wrap or scoop in colorful bell pepper bowls as an easy side dish. And place some inside lettuce leaves for low-carb lunches!

    Make an elegant beef roast for a special dinner, then serve thick deli-style Roast Beef Sandwiches the next day. These are out of this world heavenly, and all made at home with a creamy dressing spread.

    Ham Salad is a tasty spread to go onto crackers for an easy appetizer. But it's most famous on sliced bread for a ham salad sandwich recipe! Oh, and it's a fantastic way to use up all that leftover holiday ham.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    An egg salad sandwich on brown bread stacked on a wood stand with a pickle on top.
    Print

    Egg Salad Recipe

    The best egg salad recipe starts with perfectly cooked eggs and fresh, quality, simple ingredients. It's mixed together into a rich creamy texture and loaded onto Rye or Pumpernickel sandwich bread with a pickle on top! There are endless different ways to enjoy a traditional egg salad. It's a great way to use up leftover Easter eggs and works for family lunches, picnics, bridal, and baby showers, or afternoon tea in the best egg salad sandwich ever.
    Course Lunch & Picnic
    Cuisine American
    Keyword dill egg salad, egg recipe, egg salad, egg salad sandwiches, tea sandwich recipes
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 12 minutes
    Total Time 22 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 368kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 8 slices white, rye bread, pumpernickel etc.
    • 6 hard-boiled eggs peeled diced
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise or swap plain yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • ¼ cup diced celery
    • 2 teaspoons fresh dill finely minced
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • optional: pickled red onions

    Instructions

    • Steam boil 6 eggs, or cook by your method. Peel and chop them finely, and place them into a large bowl.
      Add the sea salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice (adds brightness-try it), finely minced fresh dill, and finely diced celery.
      Gently fold the chopped eggs in with the remaining ingredients into a mixing bowl using a spatula. Chill before serving for at least an hour, overnight is even better!
    • Spread on white, rye, or pumpernickel bread and add some more minced fresh dill and pickled red onions.

    Video

    Notes

    Flavor Variations 

    Mustards: Brown or yellow mustard is always delicious. And works in place of Dijon mustard.
    Creamy Additions: In place of mayonnaise, try sour cream or any plain yogurt.
    Fun Additions: Some chopped bacon, dill pickles, red onions, and chopped green olives are great. Also, capers or fresh vegetables like diced cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and even avocado!
    Fresh Herbs: Try fresh chives or green onions, or fresh parsley. If you can't find fresh dill weed in your store, some dried dill works in a pinch.

    Dill Pickles or Dill Pickle Relish: Adding dill relish or sweet relish is so good, and many people adore a dill pickle with this recipe.

    Seasonings: A pinch of celery seed, garlic powder, or onion powder are also a nice addition.

    Acids & Oils: There are people who like a dash of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, pickle juice, or a splash of apple cider vinegar in theirs.

    Leftover Ideas

    Serve in large or mini bell peppers. Or make lettuce wraps for a low carb easy lunch to take to work or a picnic.
    Meal prep a large bowl, wrap in romaine lettuce leaves. Or serve on a bed of iceberg lettuce for a great lunch.
    Serve on pumpernickel bread or sourdough bread. And try this great recipe for Pickled Red Onions and stick a pickle on top with a skewer!
    Mix a cold dill pickle pasta salad with any cooked pasta you prefer, chopped pickles, and this recipe. Try my easy Refrigerator Dill Quick Pickles!
    And for Afternoon Tea, make Tea Sandwiches with this recipe, and serve hot or cold iced tea with some mini desserts.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 638mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 436IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 3mg

    Ice Cream Cake

    [heart_this] · · 12 Comments

    Last Updated April 29th, 2024 at 07:42 pm by Lisa

    Ice Cream Cakes are sooooo good on hot summer days. They are wonderful for birthdays, special occasions, a cool dessert on July 4th, or for a pool party. This dreamy frozen dessert has an incredible red velvet Oreo cookie crust, layers of ice cream, pound cake, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, cool whip topping, and colorful fun sprinkles.

    Assemble this easy Oreo cake recipe in a standard 9 x 11 glass dish or in a springform pan for the classic round shape.

    Everyone loves this scrumptious dessert any time of year, it makes the party one to remember...

    Many people believe that cold ice cream cakes have a long culinary history dating back to the 14th century. I have made this frozen Oreo cake dessert for decades, and it truly is a family favorite. Sometimes I make two for big parties!

    This dessert was my favorite birthday cake as a kid, from the first time I tasted one. Maybe you had a homemade one too or tried one like the Blizzard Dairy Queen ice cream cakes that are so famous.

    Easy Ice Cream Cake Recipe

    For all you Oreo lovers, try some different cookie flavors. Most any sandwich cookie will work, and the best part is next time the weather is hot you won't have to bake dessert and heat up the kitchen. You will want to plan ahead and let this freeze overnight for the best ice cream cake.

    No Bake Red Velvet Oreo Crust

    • 1 package of red velvet Oreos, crushed or regular ones
    • ½ cup salted butter (1 stick melted butter)

    Homemade Ice Cream Cake Layers

    • 12 oz container of real vanilla bean ice cream
    • 12 oz pound cake
    • 12 oz hot fudge sauce or chocolate sauce (Hershey's)
    • 15 oz caramel sauce

    Cool Whip Cake Frosting

    For the best frosting, use a frozen cool whip topping. It works great and holds up better than heavy cream or whipping cream.

    • 24 oz Cool Whip two 12 oz containers
    • 1 jar of colorful sprinkles
    1. Make room in the freezer for your round springform cake pan or a 9 x 13 glass dish. Put your dish or pan in the freezer to chill, it helps the layers set up faster!
    2. Meanwhile, take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer to soften for 1 hour at room temperature on the counter. This makes it the right consistency for pouring even layers. NOTE: larger deep dish glass dishes might need up to 2 quarts vanilla ice cream.
    A white round ice cream cake with red white and blue sprinkles and pinwheels.

    First, Make The Easy No-Bake Oreo Crust

    1. Melt a stick of butter in the microwave in a small bowl.
    2. Crush the Oreo cookies in a sealed gallon size freezer bag, and roll the large chunks with a rolling pin into fine crumbs. You can also make crushed Oreos in a food processor. Pour the melted butter into the plastic bag with the fine Oreo cookie crumbs, seal, and mix well.
    3. Pour the crushed Oreo crumbs with the melted butter into the bottom of the springform pan in an even thick layer. Use the bottom and side of a standard measuring cup to press the crust into the bottom of the pan. Be sure to press evenly all over the inside of the cake pan or dish. Chill the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes to set the buttery Oreo crust.

    Next, Assemble The Cake Layers

    Next, slice the pound cake into small ½-1” small pieces. This is optional, but such a fun addition and so good! You can use any cake flavor you like.

    Take the pan out of the freezer, and place cut pound cake pieces in the bottom, spread evenly on the Oreo cookie crust.

    Making an ice cream cake with a velvet oreo cookie crust in a springform pan with some cake pieces on top.

    For the next ice cream layer, pour ½ container of softened vanilla all over the cookie crust and poundcake pieces and smooth with a small rubber spatula.

    Reserve ½ of the container for the next layer. Softened chocolate ice cream, strawberry, birthday cake, or cookies and cream are also great choices.

    For best results, whisk fudge with a spoon after heating a bit in the microwave so it pours easily. Chocolate sauce is good to go out of the bottle. Drizzle about ½ of each container in layers of chocolate fudge sauce and then caramel sauce all over.

    Don't add too much chocolate sauce (fudge layer) or it is TOO sweet! Pour the other ½ of melted vanilla on top and smooth evenly and refreeze overnight.

    PRO TIP: Keep placing the pan back in the freezer as you work through the layers. This helps freeze the cake faster as the pan is quite cold.

    Unlock the clamp of the springform pan if using one, and remove the ring. It should pop off easily if the cake is frozen solid. Leave the cake on the springform pan plate. Or leave it in the glass 9 x 13 dish to decorate.

    Finally, Decorate The Cake

    1. Unlock the clamp of the springform pan, and remove the ring. It should pop off easily if the cake is frozen solid. Leave the cake on the springform mold pan plate. Spread the Cool Whip mixture using a small rubber spatula all over evenly. Decorate with sprinkles on the sides and top of the cake mixture layers.
    2. Refreeze the cake for an hour or so, then carefully cover it with clear plastic wrap until ready to eat.
    3. Dip a sharp knife or cake server in hot water to cut the cake easily. Keep the cake wrapped well and frozen, eat within a week. An airtight container helps prevent ice crystals and keeps leftovers fresh.

    Best Ice Cream Cake Tips

    Grab a few simple ingredients from the store, and make this no-bake freezer dessert just the way your family wants it flavored.

    PRO TIP: Be sure to pull the cartons of ice cream out of the freezer so they pour and spread easily into the pan!

    Try Different Flavor Combinations: Buy your personal favorite ice cream flavors and sandwich cookies to create your very own original cake flavors.

    • chocolate + peanut butter cookie crust
    • peanut butter + chocolate cake + peanut butter cookie crust
    • mint chocolate chip + Oreo cookie crust
    • chocolate fudge flavor + graham cracker crust
    • strawberry shortcake + vanilla cookie crust

    Oreo fans: There are SO many flavors to choose from these days! I was so excited to try the Red Velvet Oreos, that crust is awesome. You can pick your favorite sandwich cookies, and heck they even have gluten-free Oreos now.

    Cake Flavors: Cake is totally optional, but makes it well, a cake! You can bake and make a chocolate ice cream cake or any flavor you love. It is so easy to pickup a pound cake from the freezer section at the store, try it!

    Chocolate Fudge: You can use a hot fudge sauce, just heat and be sure to whisk the fudge sauce well so it drizzles. I use Hershey's chocolate sauce, it works great right out of the bottle. Just don't use too much (which is tempting) as it makes the cake way too sweet! Also, chocolate ganache would be amazing.

    A white ice cream cake in a cake shape with red white and blue sprinkles.

    Caramel Sauce: Buy a good one, the better the ingredients the better the results. Drizzle but don't overdo it.

    Whipped Topping: Cool whip works really well, and it is stable and it sets up in the freezer. Whipped cream is tempting to use, but it is messier and melts fast in the heat, and won't ever firm up.

    Sprinkles: I just love all the patriotic sprinkles. You can buy or mix some you have at home.

    Decorated ice cream cake with sprinkles and pinwheels.

    Cake Shapes & Pan Choices: For years I made this dessert in a 9 x 11 glass casserole dish. Then I thought, why not make it in a Large Springform Pan shaped like a traditional baked cake form? And it works perfectly!

    The one I bought, has a very sturdy base and is only a tiny bit dripped out. You can easily wipe off any excess drips with a damp paper towel.

    A springform pan works for cheesecakes, and are round cake pans with a bottom that pops out, held by a locking collar forming the sides and keeping liquid from dripping out. You will want to freeze the cake overnight, and it will pop right out of the ring easily once rock solid.

    Ice Cream Cake FAQ

    How do you store ice cream cake?


    Keep in the freezer. If you buy one, keep it in the box. Homemade recipes can be kept in the dish or pan you make them in, and wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and or foil.

    It will keep well up to 2 weeks in the freezer. Be sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap and or a long 24-inch-long piece of foil, or place it in an airtight container in the freezer.

    What is the best ice cream cake frosting?


    One of the best easy "frostings" is a whip topping product. It spreads so well and holds sprinkles and other decorations. It will firm up in the freezer somewhat which makes it easier to cover and keep frozen.

    A round ice cream cake made at home with patriotic sprinkles and a slice removed.

    More Frozen Desserts

    These cold desserts will make your summer party fantastic and cool down your guests. Fruit Popsicles are a simple recipe made with coconut water, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are refreshing low-sugar treats for hot summer days.

    Frozen Bananas are a healthy treat for chocolate lovers. Freeze bananas, dip them in dark chocolate, and roll in nuts and dried fruit. A healthy vegetarian and vegan treat for hot summer days! You can go crazy adding any toppings you love.

    5 ingredient Cherry Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches are an easy summer treat to cool you down on hot days.

    Raspberry Lemon Sorbet is a real fruit frozen dessert, that is dairy-free, vegan, and has no refined sugar. A clean refreshing great recipe treat!

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    An ice cream cake with a slice removed and covered in colorful sprinkles.
    Print

    Ice Cream Cake Recipe

    Ice Cream Cakes are sooooo good on hot summer days, for birthdays, as a cool dessert on July 4th, or for a pool party. This dreamy frozen dessert has an incredible red velvet Oreo cookie crust, layers of ice cream, pound cake, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, cool whip topping, and colorful fun sprinkles. Assemble this easy Oreo cake recipe in a standard 9 x 11 glass dish or in a springform pan for the classic round shape. Everyone loves this scrumptious dessert any time of year, it makes the party one to remember.
    Course Desserts & Sweets
    Cuisine Dessert
    Keyword Healthy Frozen Dessert, ice cream cake recipe, ice cream ideas, oreo ice cream cake, summer desserts
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Freezer Time 8 hours
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 207kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    red velvet oreo crust

    • 1 package red velvet Oreos, crushed or regular ones
    • ½ cup salted butter (1 stick melted butter)

    cake layers

    • 12 oz container real vanilla bean ice cream
    • 12 oz pound cake
    • 12 oz hot fudge sauce or chocolate sauce (Hershey's)
    • 15 oz caramel sauce

    "frosting"

    • 24 oz Cool Whip two 12 oz containers
    • 1 jar colorful sprinkles

    Instructions

    • Make room in the freezer for your round springform pan or 9 x 13 glass dish. Put your dish in the freezer to chill, it helps your layers faster.
    • Meanwhile, take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer to soften for 1-2 hours at room temperature. This makes it easier to get even layers. NOTE: larger deep dish glass dishes might need up to 2 quarts vanilla ice cream.

    Make The Oreo Crust

    • Melt a stick of butter in the microwave in a small bowl.
    • Crush the Oreo cookies in a sealed gallon size freezer bag, and roll the large chunks with a rolling pin into fine crumbs. You can also make crushed Oreos in a food processor. Pour the melted butter into the plastic bag with the fine Oreo cookie crumbs, seal, and mix well.
    • Pour the crushed Oreo crumbs with the melted butter into the bottom of the springform pan in an even thick layer. Use the bottom and side of a standard measuring cup to press the crust into the bottom of the pan. Be sure to press evenly all over the inside of the cake pan or dish. Chill the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes to set the buttery Oreo crust.

    Assemble The Layers

    • Next, slice the pound cake into small ½-1” small pieces. This is optional, but such a fun addition and so good!
    • Take the pan out of the freezer, and place cut pound cake pieces in the bottom, spread evenly on the Oreo cookie crust.
    • For the next layer, pour ½ container of softened vanilla all over the cookie crust and pound cake pieces and smooth with a small rubber spatula. Reserve ½ of the container for the next layer. Chocolate, strawberry, birthday cake, or cookies and cream are also great flavor choices.
    • For best results, whisk fudge after heating a bit in the microwave so it pours. Chocolate sauce is good to go out of the bottle. Drizzle about ½ of each container of chocolate sauce and caramel sauce all over. Don't add too much chocolate sauce or it is TOO sweet! Pour the other ½ of melted vanilla on top and smooth evenly and refreeze overnight.

    Decorate

    • Unlock the clamp of the springform pan if using one, and remove the ring. It should pop off easily if the cake is frozen solid. Leave the frozen cake on the springform pan plate. Or leave in the glass 9 x 13 dish to decorate.
    • Using a small rubber spatula, decorate with Cool Whip all over, and spread the Cool Whip mixture. Then add colorful sprinkles on the sides and top of the cake mixture layers.
    • Refreeze the cake for an hour or so, then carefully cover with clear plastic wrap until ready to eat.
    • Dip a sharp knife in warm water to cut the cake easily. Keep the cake wrapped well and frozen, eat within a week or two.

    Video

    Notes

    glass 9 x 11 pan

    For years, I made ice cream cakes in glass 9 x 11 dishes, but using a springform pan really works and it looks just like a classic round cake shape!

    springform pan

    • You don't have to line the springform pan. The one I bought, has a very sturdy base, and just a tiny bit dripped out. You can easily wipe off any excess drips with a damp paper towel.
    • It should pop right out of the ring easily once frozen overnight. 

    sprinkles

    Fancy Sprinkles has the most amazing sprinkles for cake decorating...I am loving this company. (I was not sponsored by them, I just love their products).
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.5mg

    Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls)

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated April 25th, 2024 at 11:59 am by Lisa

    Cheese Truffles are loaded with delicious flavors and toppings. Serve with crackers or pretzels for an easy appetizer and fun party food!

    Scooped in small bites, these mini cheese balls are rolled in fine herbs, toasted nuts, cheese cracker crumbs, seasoning mixes, or assorted grated cheeses.

    We all want appetizer ideas that look super impressive, can be prepped ahead, are very tasty, and everyone keeps reaching for during the party. These check every box...

    Cheese Truffle Recipe

    PRO TIP: Make these cheese ball bites up to a day ahead, keep in an airtight container on parchment paper chilled until your party starts.

    I guarantee right now, you might even have all the ingredients to make these today! Take a peek in your pantry, freezer, and fridge...

    • 2 - 8 ounce boxes of cream cheese
    • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup pepper jack cheese
    • ½ cup crispy crumbled bacon or bacon bits
    • ¼ cup green onions or chives
    • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ cup sour cream
    • Serve with crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Cheese Truffles Toppings

    • assorted grated cheeses
    • crumbled crispy bacon, green onions, and grated cheddar cheese
    • crushed regular or candied pecans
    • chopped fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, and parsley
    • crushed pretzels
    • crushed parmesan whisps cheese crips
    • crushed cheddar cheese crackers

    Pull the 2 packages of cream cheese out on the kitchen counter at least 30 minutes so they are easier to mix.

    Make the crumbled bacon (it's worth the time!) but good bacon bits work in a pinch and save time. Cook bacon the way you like to and crumble it, you will need 1 cup for this recipe.

    PRO TIP: 1 pound of sliced bacon makes about 1 ½ cups of crispy crumbled bacon so you will have some extra.

    A pile of strips of crisp bacon in a pile to use in a recipe.

    To cook in a large skillet or cast iron pan, slice a package of bacon slices into ½ pieces, and saute over medium heat, stir the chopped bacon pieces with a wooden spoon until crispy. Takes about 12 minutes. Drain the crumbled bacon on a paper towel over a baking sheet.

    Grate the cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese on a box grater or food processor. Pregrated cheeses are fine too!

    In a large bowl, add the two cream cheese blocks, grated sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, crumbled crispy bacon, green onions, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and sour cream.

    Mix cream cheese mixture with a hand mixer, in the metal bowl of a stand mixer, or stir with a large spatula until well combined.

    Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Use a small 1" springloaded scoop and make individual cheese truffle balls. A scoop is great, and makes it go faster.

    Or measure out 1 tablespoon of cream cheese truffles into balls. Roll them round in your hands.

    Crush your toppings in a small food processor, in a plastic zip-top bag with a rolling pin, or chop on a board with a chef's knife. Place each topping in each bowl.

    The toppings I used are; assorted grated cheeses, crushed pecans or Candy Pecans, chopped herbs, crushed pretzels, crispy bacon/green onions/cheddar cheese, crushed cheddar cheese crackers, and crushed parmesan whisps cheese crips.

    Roll one truffle at a time in the mixture, and press the toppings onto each truffle. Sprinkle on some extra in spots. Place your tasty truffles on a platter. Wrap well with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve for up to 1 day.

    Serve chilled on a platter with assorted crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Flavors & Variations

    Use some ingredients you prefer or have on hand. Here are a few ways to mix things up...

    Bacon

    Real bacon is the best, if you buy a 1-pound package of sliced bacon, it will cook down to 1 ½ cups of cooked crumbled bacon. You will need 1 cup for this recipe.

    Seasonings

    Instead of the Ranch seasoning packet, add a teaspoon of a seasoning salt blend, some Worcestershire sauce, or Everything Bagel seasoning.

    Veggies, Dried Fruits, & Herbs

     In place of green onions, add fresh parsley, dill, or some chopped basil and rosemary. Or add some chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes or confetti of chopped colorful bell peppers. Dried cranberries or cherries would be so pretty for the holidays!

    Meats

    Add in chopped salami, slice some ham or pepperoni into thin small ribbons and mix it into the cheese ball.

    Nuts & Seeds

     Roll in crushed toasted or Candied Pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, sesame seeds, or toasted pine nuts.

    Cheeses

    Good grated cheese will make your cheese ball really tasty, add in Monterey jack cheese, parmesan cheese, feta, pecorino romano, white cheddar cheese, or Colby jack cheese.

    Goat Cheese Truffles

    For all you goat cheese fans, swap in goat cheese in place of the cream cheese, and make goat cheese balls rolled in different toppings!

    More Cheese Appetizers

    Make Holiday Cheese Balls appetizers this year. There are four flavors of these Christmas appetizers to serve as party food all season. The Cheese Ball flavors are White Cheddar Rosemary Pomegranate, Pimento Cheese, Garlic Chive Goat-Cheese, and Cranberry Pecan. For game day football food, make a Bacon Ranch "Football Shaped" Cheese Ball and serve it with assorted crackers and pretzels or keep it classic and round Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball.

    Serve a "pumpkin-shaped" Everything Bagel Cheese Ball appetizer for your next Fall party, Thanksgiving, and it's always a hit! Easy to make ahead in 15 minutes, chill, and take to a gathering.

    Gorgeous Layered Cheese Appetizers with deli-style sliced cheeses and a creamy filling loaded with chopped nuts and dried fruit. Eat them as a snack or fancy finger food hors d'oeuvres! People will be fascinated by the elegant stacks, and they are so pretty on charcuterie boards.

    Everyone loves cheese appetizers, and there is nothing easier than Marinated Mozzarella Balls on a gorgeous Charcuterie Board with some crackers, crusty bread, and drinks to get the party going.

    Boursin Cheese whips together in just minutes for an easy appetizer. One of the best ways to eat it is simply with toasted warm bread or crackers. What makes this spread so good? The creamy texture from the whipping process, a grate of real parmesan cheese, garlic & fine herbs.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A white platter filled with cheese truffles (mini cheese balls) with crackers and pretzels at a party.
    Print

    Cheese Truffles Recipe (Mini Cheese Balls)

    Cheese Truffles are loaded with delicious flavors and toppings. Serve with crackers or pretzels for an easy appetizer and fun party food! Scooped in small bites, these mini cheese balls are rolled in fine herbs, toasted nuts, cheese cracker crumbs, seasoning mixes, or assorted grated cheeses. We all want appetizer ideas that look super impressive, can be prepped ahead, are very tasty, and everyone keeps reaching for during the party. These check every box.
    Course Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
    Cuisine American
    Keyword cheese truffles, easy appetizer
    Prep Time 25 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings 24
    Calories 83kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Cheese Truffles Ingredients

    • 2 - 8 ounce boxes cream cheese
    • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup pepper jack cheese
    • ½ cup crispy crumbled bacon or bacon bits
    • ¼ cup green onions or chives
    • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ cup sour cream
    • Serve with crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Cheese Truffles Toppings

    • assorted grated cheeses
    • crumbled crispy bacon, green onions, and grated cheddar cheese
    • crushed regular or candied pecans
    • chopped herbs: rosemary, thyme, and parsley
    • crushed pretzels
    • crushed parmesan whisps cheese crips
    • crushed cheddar cheese crackers

    Instructions

    • Pull the 2 packages of cream cheese out on the kitchen counter at least 30 minutes so they are easier to mix.
    • Make the crumbled bacon (it's worth the time!) but good bacon bits work great too and save time. Cook bacon the way you like to and crumble, you will need 1 cup for this recipe.
    • 1 pound of sliced bacon makes about 1 ½ cups of crispy crumbled bacon so you will have some extra.
    • To cook in a large skillet or cast iron pan, slice a package of bacon slices into ½ pieces, and saute over medium heat, stir the chopped bacon pieces with a wooden spoon until crispy. Takes about 12 minutes. Drain the crumbled bacon on a paper towel on a baking sheet.
    • Grate the cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese on a box grater or food processer. Pregrated cheeses are fine too!
    • In a large bowl, add the two cream cheese blocks, grated sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, crumbled crispy bacon, green onions, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and sour cream. Mix cream cheese mixture with a hand mixer or stir with a large spatula until well combined.
    • Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Use a small 1" springloaded scoop and make individual cheese truffle balls. Or measure out 1 tablespoon of cream cheese truffles into balls, and roll them round in your hands.
    • Crush your toppings in a small food processor, in a plastic zip top bag with a rolling pin, or chop on a board with a chef's knife. Place each topping in bowl.
    • Toppings I used are; assorted grated cheeses, crushed pecans or Candy Pecans, chopped herbs, crushed pretzels, crispy bacon/green onions/cheddar cheese, crushed cheddar cheese crackers, and crushed parmesan whisps cheese crips.
    • Roll one truffle at time in the mixture, and press the toppings onto each truffle. Place on a platter. Wrap well with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.
    • Serve on a platter with assorted crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Video

    Notes

     
    Flavors & Variations
    Use some ingredients you prefer or have on hand. Here are a few ways to mix things up...

    Bacon

    Real bacon is the best, if you buy a 1-pound package of sliced bacon, it will cook down to 1 ½ cups of cooked crumbled bacon. You will need 1 cup for this recipe.

    Seasonings

    Instead of the Ranch seasoning packet, add a teaspoon of a seasoning salt blend, some Worcestershire sauce, or Everything Bagel seasoning.

    Veggies, Dried Fruits, & Herbs

     In place of green onions, add fresh parsley, dill, or some chopped basil and rosemary. Or add some chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes or confetti of chopped colorful bell peppers. Dried cranberries or cherries would be so pretty for the holidays!

    Meats

    Add in chopped salami, slice some ham or pepperoni into thin small ribbons and mix it into the cheese ball.

    Nuts & Seeds

     Roll in crushed toasted or Candied Pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, sesame seeds, or toasted pine nuts.

    Cheeses

    Good grated cheese will make your cheese ball really tasty, add in Monterey jack cheese, parmesan cheese, feta, pecorino romano, white cheddar cheese, or Colby jack cheese.

    Goat Cheese Truffles

    For all you goat cheese fans, swap in goat cheese in place of the cream cheese, and make goat cheese balls rolled in different toppings!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 229mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    Boursin Cheese

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated May 21st, 2023 at 11:48 pm by Lisa

    Boursin Cheese whips together in just minutes for an easy appetizer. One of the best ways to eat it is simply with toasted warm bread or crackers.

    What makes this spread so good? The creamy texture from the whipping process, a grate of real parmesan cheese, garlic & fine herbs...

    Boursin Cheese Recipe

    Make homemade Boursin Cheese packed full of delightfully fresh high quality flavors.

    There are no artificial preservatives or added ingredients in this easy whipped cream cheese recipe. Boursin from the store is great, and I buy it alot, but it has shelf stable ingredients. So let's make it with a few special fresh natural ingredients right in our kitchen...

    PRO TIP: An herbed cheese spread is the perfect choice to make ahead, and tuck in the fridge even a day or two before your party!

    • 8 ounces of regular cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup fresh herbs parsley chives, dill, basil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoons real grated parmesan cheese
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, heavy cream, or whole milk

    How To Make Boursin

    1. Bring the cream cheese block to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment add the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, sea salt, and finely chopped herbs. I used fresh parsley, chives, dill, and basil. And the best way to chop them quickly is in a coffee mug, with a clean pair of kitchen shears!
    2. Using a hand mixer, beat until well combined on medium-high speed and fluffy with a smooth texture. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the large bowl. This airy texture adds lightness and makes it easy to spread onto bread, crackers, etc. Add 1-2 more tablespoons of heavy cream until its a soft smooth texture.
    3. Make this cream cheese mixture up to a day ahead, and is a great option if you want to assemble a day before your party. Store in the fridge in an airtight container or small bowl covered with plastic wrap. Bring it to room temperature to help it spread easily.
    Close up of a white ceramic bowl filled with a white creamy herb dip garnished with fresh herbs.

    Who invented Boursin?

    The story goes that a man named François Boursin from Normandy, France invented the now famous Boursin Cheese.

    François was a cheesemaker who perfected his signature cheese product over many years. Eventually in 1957 he opened a cheese factory in Croisy-sur-Eure, in northern France to produce his famous cheese.

    How To Eat Boursin Cheese

    Next time you need a last minute idea, try this homemade boursin cheese recipe and use it in so many different ways...

    • Serve it with warm bread sticks or baguettes, or crackers.
    • For some fancier ideas, use it as a topping for Spring Crostini or some Fall Crostini Bar ideas with all kinds of toppings!
    • Spread on Finger Sandwiches with tea and scones.
    • Add to a Cheese Board or Charcuterie Board with some small spreader knives and crackers.
    • Slather on warm bread and serve with all kinds of salads! My Cobb Salad or Pizza Salad would be so good with some herb cheese on warm bread along with a good salad.
    • Makes great pasta dishes, jutt mix it into hot pasta for a wonderful fast white sauce, add some Diced Cooked Chicken and blistered cherry tomatoes! Get all my tips to cook Chicken Breasts for lots of recipes.
    • Spread it on your morning bagel just like at bagel shops, and is the perfect topping on English muffins, or toast!
    • Put out with a Crudite with other dips. Slice veggies like celery and bell peppers into sticks and serve with this spread.
    • For the holidays, put it on a Charcuterie Board with bread sticks and crackers.
    • Host a tea party! This whipped version is just the right consistency as a filling in sandwiches, or decorate with a piping bag on top of gorgeous Tea Sandwiches!
    Close up of handmade tea sandwiches on a tray.

    Whipped Cream Cheese vs Regular Cream Cheese?

    Regular blocks of cream cheese are hard and don't spread easily especially cold from the fridge. And, they really don't have a lot of flavor. By simply bringing the block up to room temperature, and whipping it with a hand mixer adds an airy texture for ease of spreading onto breads, toast, bagels and more. Savory flavors can be added from like herbs or vegetables to sweet fruits of strawberry, blueberry, cranberry, cinnamon, or jam.

    Homemade Boursin cheese spread on a piece of warm baguette bread on a cutting board.

    Different Flavor Variations

    There are so many ways to add extra flavors! Use quality ingredients, and get creative using things you love in your kitchen.

    Fresh Herbs: Create the kind of cream cheese that sounds good to you. Try sage, thyme, oregano (go easy it's strong), fine scallions, or green onions. Mince them fine for a mild taste, also, dried herbs like chives, dill, parsley, or shallots are great additions. But fresh adds a pop of green color and freshness you can't get with dry herbs. Other herbs to try like marjoram, tarragon, lavendar, or rosemary would be so nice.

    Real Cream: Quality dairy products always make a big difference in your recipes. Use heavy whipping cream if possible, other swaps that work are a mixture of milk and some Greek yogurt or plain yogurt (which will add a tangy taste), and regular or skim milk in a pinch.

    Savory Additions: Make a more garlicky flavor, and add some fresh finely crushed real garlic with the same ingredients. Minced caramelized onions would also be amazing.

    Best Cream Cheese: Buy a quality brand and stay with the regular fat version, not the low fat ones. The amount of fat makes a difference when whipping cream cheese. Also, did you know you can make homemade cream cheese? It just takes whole milk, lemon juice, and salt!

    Butter: Some recipes out there call for regular salted butter or unsalted butter. I didn't find it was necessary, and the texture is simply amazing and so spreadable in this recipe.

    Parmesan Cheese: Use good fresh cheese for this recipe, it is worth it to grate real parmesan, and use a good Microplane grater. Or try a different type of cheese like grated pecorino romano or asiago.

    Herb Cream Cheese Dip: Transform this recipe into a delicious dip, that is easy to eat with thin potato chips. Simply mix in a good amount of mayonnaise or sour cream until it has a dip consistency!

    What's the difference between cream cheese vs cream cheese spread?

    Cream Cheese is sold in a solid block or in a tub container and is used in many kinds of recipes or to spread on bagels.
    Spreads are sold in stores and can be whipped or mixed with various flavors. Philadelphia original cream cheese spread is sold in a resealable tub, has a fluffy texture, and sold in different flavors like garlic herb, strawberry, chive, buffalo style, and more. These products have a longer shelf life.

    What kind of cheese is Boursin?


    Boursin is garlic and fine herb mixed and spreadable French cheese that can be made at home. True Boursin has a slightly crumbly texture, and spreads onto crackers or bread easily.
    This all natural Gournay cheese is widely available around the world in many flavors.

    More Cream Cheese Recipes

    Traditional cream cheese is one of the most versatile main ingredients I always keep on hand. As a true fan of cream cheese, there are many favorite ways here to use this delicious ingredient for both savory flavor and sweet treats.

    Use this recipe in elegant, dainty, crustless Tea Sandwiches are quintessential pinkies-up party food for a beautiful light lunch garden party, spring brunch occasions like a bridal shower, or a Mother’s Day brunch.

    Spring Crostini Appetizers are little toasts topped with a creamy cheese spread, edible flowers, and herbs for Easter, holiday brunch, bridal showers, teas, or Mother's Day.

    Dip into a Bacon Cheese Ball with crackers or pretzels, and enjoy every bite of this easy delicious appetizer. One of the easiest savory recipes of all time, it is made with simple ingredients and quick prep time. Roll it in crispy bacon crumbles or assorted mixed cheeses.

    Make a Caramel Apple Dip with crisp green apples, salted caramel sauce, and crushed Health bars. One the easiest sweet recipes and the perfect dip for potlucks, holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all through the Autumn apple season.

    A wooden cutting board with small baguettes sliced open with a white bowl of whipped creamed cheese spread on a slice.
    Print

    Boursin Cheese Recipe

    Boursin Cheese whips together in just minutes for an easy appetizer. One of the best ways to eat it is simply with toasted warm bread or crackers. What makes this herb cream cheese spread so good? The creamy texture from the whipping process, a grate of real parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
    Course Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
    Cuisine American
    Keyword cream cheese spread, easy appetizer, herb cream cheese, homemade cream cheese spread recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 24
    Calories 38kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup fresh herbs parsley chives, dill, basil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or fresh milk
    • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    • Bring the cream cheese block to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, add the soft cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, sea salt, heavy cream, and finely chopped herbs. I used fresh parsley, chives, dill, and basil. And the best way to chop them quickly is in a coffee mug, with a clean pair of kitchen shears!
    • Using a hand mixer, beat until well combined and fluffy with a smooth texture. This adds lightness and makes it easy to spread onto bread, crackers, etc. Add a bit more cold heavy cream to get a luxuriously light texture if needed.
    • Make this mixture up to a day ahead, and is a great option if you want to assemble a day before your party. Store in the fridge in an airtight container or small bowl covered with plastic wrap.
    • Bring it to room temperature to help it spread easily. Serve with crostini, warm bread sticks or baguettes, or crackers.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    Tea Sandwiches

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated November 16th, 2025 at 09:09 am by Lisa

    Elegant, dainty, crustless tea sandwiches are quintessential pinkies-up party food for a beautiful light lunch garden party, a bridal shower, or a Mother’s Day brunch.

    Today, we will cover everything from bread choices to filling options, the best ways to make tea sandwiches ahead, and how to create incredible savory flavors.

    Choose from over two dozen creative small bites from classic cucumber tea sandwiches from Buckingham Palace fit for a Queen, egg salad sandwiches, easy ham salad, and so much more...

    An assortment of different tea sandwiches on a tiered glass tray with different fillings.

    Tea parties remind us of happy memories of fancy dresses and white gloves, just kidding we really don't wear those anymore but you can! And some of my favorite sandwich recipes are here to inspire you.

    Whether you serve traditional English tea sandwiches for those white glove occasions (again just kidding!) or take tiny sandwiches to a shower, a church social, at bridge club, sorority ladies' luncheons, or an afternoon snack, all of these are the perfect finger foods...

    Table of Contents

    What are traditional tea sandwiches?

    They are simply regular sandwiches with the crusts removed and sliced into small two or three-bite sizes for ease of serving and eating with hot or cold tea.
    There are many varieties of flavors and shapes of dainty finger sandwiches. Thinly sliced cold meats, vegetables, spreads, and finely chopped fillings of typically ham or chicken salad or cucumber with a cream cheese spread are very popular worldwide.

    Tea Sandwich Recipes

    A clever English duchess created tea time with savory finger sandwiches as a way to keep her energy up in the late afternoon before the main meal dinner was served, which is absolutely brilliant! Create the best finger sandwiches for your next tea party, with these step-by-step instructions and tried and true processes.

    There are endless different ways to present a tray of gorgeous, fancy classic high tea savory recipes...

    Best Things To Know!

    Traditional afternoon tea sandwiches are usually served with an assortment of small-sized sweet desserts, hot tea, cream, and sugar.

    Select a variety of tea sandwiches you wish to serve at your next event, go modern or with traditional choices. Plan on 4 sandwiches per lady, up to 6 for men, 2-3 for kids.

    It's a good idea to make the fillings like a Boursin herb cream cheese recipe, egg, ham, or chicken salads up to 2 days ahead to save time and have everything ready to go for the day of your party.

    Assemble your sandwiches the night before in an assembly line fashion or the morning of your event, there are lots of tips to keep them fresh in this post.

    Bake or buy sweet treats and choose your teas, cups, plates, and saucers. It's also nice to have a 3-Tier Serving Tray. You can also serve your sandwiches stacked or in a single layer on nice glass, silver trays, or cake stands are good candidates.

    The Best Tea Sandwich Menu

    Choose your favorite tea sandwich recipes and make or buy some mini-sized desserts like scones, tiny cookies, little tarts or small size cakes, or macarons. There are so many options right at the grocery store, and this is a fun way to pull a tea together quickly. The main thing is to have fun!

    MAKE AHEAD PRO TIP: The good news these savory sandwiches keep overnight. Cover with slightly damp doubled paper towels so the bread doesn’t dry out, then cover in plastic saran wrap. Keep sandwiches chilled overnight. The only exception, is its best to make the cucumber ones right before your party so they are super fresh!

    Each of these simple recipes for party sandwiches has all the ingredients with and complete detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

    This list of tea sandwich recipes works for garden parties, a bridal or baby shower, there are lots of options for you to choose a selection of favorite tea sandwiches from both the UK and the US as well...

    Buckingham Palace Cucumber Sandwiches "The Queen's Favorite"

    Smoked Salmon Sandwiches With Dill Spread

    Roast Beef With Cream Sauce

    Pear & Roquefort Butter

    Turkey, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese

    Egg Salad With Dill

    Smoked Ham Salad

    Goat Cheese & Minced Olives

    Herb Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

    Traditional Tea Sandwiches

    While on a trip to the United Kingdom, I enjoyed a truly British cream tea with dear friends at the Grim's Dyke Hotel. That is what afternoon tea is all about. In addition, some of these are family recipes with a United States American flair that I learned from my Mother, and have served for decades.

    Our family originally immigrated to the US from the UK, so we carry on a few traditions of low tea parties (aka served at the coffee table) over the years for all kinds of family celebrations.

    Traditional English Tea Sandwiches

    In the United Kingdom, these are some of the most popular tea sandwiches served for afternoon cream tea have cucumber, smoked salmon, and cornation chicken.

    • Buckingham Palace Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches
    • Simple Ham Salad & Mustard
    • Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Dill Lemon Butter or Cream Cheese
    • Egg Salad with Cress
    • Coronation Chicken (Creamy Curry Sauce)
    • Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce
    • Prawn (Shrimp) Salad
    • Salmon Mousse
    • Curry Chicken Salad
    • Cheddar Cheese and Chutney

    American Tea Sandwiches

    In the US, the most popular flavors of savory tea sandwiches are cucumber, egg, ham, chicken salad with of course a few for kids.

    • Turkey, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese
    • Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
    • Goat Cheese & Olive
    • Cucumber Cream Cheese
    • Kid's Peanut Butter & Jelly/Jam
    • Kid's Strawberry & Nutella Chocolate/Banana
    • Kid's Cheese Sandwiches
    • Tuna Salad
    • Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella
    • Shrimp Rolls
    • Ham & Brie
    • Pear & Roquefort Butter
    • BLTs - Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato

    British Cucumber Sandwiches

    These sandwiches are featured on menus from Buckingham Palace and are reported to have been The Queen's favorite!

    • 2 slices white bread crusts removed
    • 2 slices brown bread
    • ½ whole Regular or English cucumbers (peeled and sliced very thin)
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter
    • 1-2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint
    • sea salt
    • fine black pepper
    1. First, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. Set salted butter to soften at room temperature. Peel the cucumber with a vegetable peeler, then slice very thin paper-thin rounds. Place into a bowl or small colander and sprinkle a little sea salt on the slices, after for 15 minutes dab with paper towels. Cucumbers can release a lot of water, so this step keeps the sandwiches from getting soggy.
    2. Spread slices of white bread and brown bread with soft butter. Buttering prevents soggy bread and adds flavor. If possible, it is best to add the cucumbers right before serving. Place a layer of cucumber slices on the bottom slice, sprinkle with finely chopped mint, and a tiny bit of black pepper. Top with another buttered slice. Press down lightly with the palm of your hand. Slice all crusts off with a sharp serrated knife. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally into halves, then again into small triangles. Serve in alternate rows of brown and white bread sandwiches, with the points facing up.

    Parties To Serve Tea Sandwiches

    There are so many good reasons to create a tray of really delicious classic combinations or use things you have on hand. Good food can be really easy for your next party hosting tea..

    • Anniversaries & Special Occasions
    • Birthdays
    • Girls Night In
    • Graduation Parties
    • First Course Cheese Board Additions
    • Summer Beach Picnics
    • Baby or Bridal Showers
    • Happy Hour Munchies
    • Road Trips
    • Afterschool Perfect Snacks
    • Romantic Valentines Picnics
    • Outdoor Music Special Events
    • Holiday Appetizers

    Kids Tea Sandwiches

    It's super easy to create a simple easy menu for kids. Make a few easy finger sandwiches with savory fillings they love, or sweet sandwiches for kids' afternoon snacks or tea time.

    • Kid Flavors: Make two of the children's favorite sandwiches in a mini sizes small hands can hold. Try P&J, Nutella with strawberries, or bananas. Make any kind of sandwich, slice off the sides creating crustless bread, and cut into shapes like long finger sizes or use cute cookie cutters like hearts or flowers.
    • Type Of Bread: Kids usually like things very simple, use slices of white bread.
    • Simple Finger Foods: Create Mini Crudites Cups, with Ranch Dip or Green Goddess Dip, and cut small pieces of string cheese, or crackers and cheese. Kids also love mini fresh fruit cups too.
    • Desserts & Sweets: Mini desserts like mini cupcakes, small cut cake pieces, or shortbread cookies. American tea cakes, chocolate petit four mini cakes, or lemon tarts.
    • Kids Drinks: Young children love a pot of cold lemonade or punch for their "pot" of tea. Older kids might like hot or iced-cold teas.
    Layered tea sandwiches and ones filled with curry chicken and egg salad on a fancy tray.

    Making Tea Sandwiches Ahead Tips

    PRO TIP: Make homemade fillings ahead of time at least a few hours and preferably overnight. Cover in bowls with cling film so the flavors combine, and chill in the refrigerator. Great fillings to make ahead are egg salad, ham salad, or chicken salads!

    • Time Savers: To save a lot of time next time for yourf tea party, pick two flavors of small sandwiches. Go with a couple of popular choices like cucumber and herbed cream cheese, or a few chicken, tuna, or ham salads.
    • Freshness: To keep your bread fresh and from drying out, put them close together in a single layer on a tray, a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or wax paper, or in a plastic container with a lid. Lay damp doubled paper towels over them, then tightly fit plastic wrap over the plate or platter, or snap on the container lid to prevent them from drying out.
    • Cold Sandwiches: Place sandwiches on a beautiful tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Keep them covered with a clean damp paper towel and clean towel. This helps keep the cold sandwiches moist and the various flavors to enhance. Place your serving tray out for guests just after they arrive because the bread will dry out quickly. Stacking them also keeps them moist and fresh on a tiered tray.
    Close up of a tiered tray filled with tea sandwiches that have assorted fillings and bread.

    Easy Storebought Sandwich Fillings

    Over the years, these are my top time-saving tips and ideas to host a beautiful tea party with sandwich appetizers.

    PRO TIP: Buy store-bought ingredients like dips that make perfect sandwich spreads, and chicken salad. Look in the deli department, near the fish counter, or cooler where cold dips and prepared salads are sold. Grab a few of these and make one or two homemade items!

    Years ago I hosted a large tea for a large group of ladies in my home and didn't have much time to prepare all those mini sandwiches for my party. So here is what I did.

    You can make dozens of sandwiches very fast with mini bread rolls great nontraditional bread options, premade salads, spreads, and dips from Trader Joe's!

    • Boursin or Allouette Cheese Spreads: My favorites to quickly make small sandwiches are to use Alouette or Boursin as a spread with sliced turkey or rotisserie chicken.
    • Curry Chicken Salad: Pair it with some dark brown bread and that's it! You can sometimes find it sold in stores, or take a plain chicken salad, and stir in a small amount of curry powder, that's it!
    • Storebought Chicken Salad: Great on any sourdough, white bread, or rye. Sometimes chicken salads have pecans and grapes in them or you can add some for additional flavor.
    • Cold Shrimp (Prawn) or Crab Dips: Buy a small container, load it onto white bread, remove the crusts, and cut it into the shapes you want.
    • Carmelized Onion Dip: Sour cream caramelized onion dip pairs incredibly well with sliced roast beef or turkey.
    • Fresh Basil Pesto: Is a wonderful spread on simple white bread with juicy ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

    Tips To Create The Best Flavor Combinations

    Fresh Highest-Quality Ingredients: Make all the difference. Get the best ingredients you can find for the finest flavors in your dainty sandwiches.

    Flavor Pairings: Pair the bread and different fillings together. Balance flavors and textures, and consider offering some vegetarian or vegan gluten free options as well. Match spreads, fillings, and bread together. Stronger flavors like curry chicken, smoked salmon, or tuna salad will go on any bread, and really pairs great on dark breads like pumpernickel or squaw. Sweet pears or cucumber mint, or herbed cream cheese go best with lighter mild white bread or sourdough so their flavors come through.

    Traditional Fillings: Cucumber, smoked salmon, and egg salad are classic choices, but it's fun to try new flavors and ingredients by mixing things up.

    There are tons of ideas below in the recipe card for you to try!

    Try my Creamy Horseradish Sauce with roast beef or turkey, and any of these compound butters like Fresh Garden Herb, Sun Dried Tomato, or Lemon Dill pair so well with smoked salmon, my healthy Italian Tuna Salad, or even chicken salad. Let them soften on the counter for an hour or so to spread easier, then butter the bread, add any toppings like meats or cheese, and slice it into small sandwiches.

    Slicing Beautiful Tea Sandwiches

    Spread the cream cheese side, thin layer of butter, and fillings in an even thin layer for best results. Resist the temptation to overfill the amount of filling, this ensures guests can eat them neatly with one hand in a couple of bites while sipping tea!

    The best thing to do when making fillings is to make sure the mixture is in diced in small pieces so it spreads well on the bread. This is how you create sharp triangles, squares, or those posh and fancy layers.

    Two trays of handmade tea sandwiches ready for afternoon tea.

    The best way to get tidy neat edges and not crush them is to slice in straight even cuts with a sharp knife. Cold frozen bread and fillings also help make clean cuts. The best knife to use is a sharp serrated knife or a good chef's knife.

    PRO TIP: Freeze the bread to get a clean slice, soft room temperature bread doesn't hold its shape as well when you cut it.

    Round Cookie Cutters: Assemble your sandwiches first, freeze them for about 2O minutes, and make a straight cut down with large or small round cookie cutters. It works best to use a creamy filling to hold the bread in place as you cut out the shape.

    Close up of handmade tea sandwiches on a tray.

    Slicing Ideas: It looks so pretty to use different shapes. Slice little sandwiches into squares, elegant finger sandwiches, small triangles, and try triple layers with different color of light and dark bread slices!

    Finishing Garnishes: Spread some extra butter or cream cheese on one side, and dip or sprinkle on chopped herbs like chives or dill, nuts-try toasted almonds or pistachios, or sesame seeds.

    Triple Layer Sandwiches: First, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. The best filling for these posh layered sandwiches is a creamy one like Herbed Cream Cheese, Boursin, or Goat Cheese which hold the layers together. Spread even layers of filling on each piece of bread. Alternate light and dark bread slices for a beautiful look. Next, stack the three slices of bread together on top of each. Place dark slices on the top and bottom and a light one in between. Carefully slice off all crusts into little long rectangles.

    Serve the tea sandwiches immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. For food safety, you can serve these for no more than 3 hours at room temperature, or just a couple hours on a hot day.

    Best Bread For Small Finger Sandwiches

    Any different kind of sandwich bread will work, but it is nice to use thin bread for clean slices if you are doing stacked or layers.

    What Kind Of Bread? Use good quality fresh bread. Don't follow the advice of day-old bread, I am sharing my techniques that work every time!

    PRO TIP: Stronger flavors and fillings like smoked salmon or chicken curry are wonderfully paired with a full-flavor bread like Russian rye or dark brown pumpernickel.

    • Sourdough Bread
    • Country White Bread
    • Russian Rye Bread With Carraway Seeds
    • Pumpernickel Bread (Dark Rye Dark)
    • Whole Wheat Bread
    • Everything Bagel Whole Grain Bread
    • Multigrain Seed Bread
    • Squaw Brown Bread
    • Walnut Raisin Bread
    • Gluten-Free Bread
    • Plain Soft White Bread

    More Soft Bread Options

    You can buy small prebaked bread from a bakery or grocery store, slice small rolls, or cut bread into different shapes. You can also bake homemade rolls or your own bread, check out my recipe for beautiful easy Dinner Rolls.

    • Mini or Sliced Baguettes or Croissants
    • Jalapeno Cheese Buns
    • Potato Buns
    • Hawaiian Rolls
    • Sesame Seed Rolls
    • Poppy Seed Rolls
    A selection of different flavors of tea sandwiches on a tiered glass tray.

    More Tea Party Recipes

    Take a look at my entire Tea Menu post with dozens of ideas for drinks and sweet desserts. And for Brides to be, I have 50+ Bridal Shower Food Ideas!

    Bake a batch of Raspberry Scones studded with sweet berries, and white chocolate chips, and drizzled with vanilla icing, for light, soft fluffy results and serve with clotted cream and jam.

    Classic French Madeleines are small signature shell-shaped butter cakes that are absolutely delightful. Pack them for picnics, in school lunch boxes, or enjoy them as snacks with a cup of tea or coffee.

    Hibiscus Cocktails have under 100 calories each, enjoy these pretty sippers for tea, outdoor parties, picnics, bridal showers, or even the holiday season without the guilt of sugar, carbs, and calories.

    Use this recipe for real Strawberry Cake to bake mini little individual cakes or slice a sheet cake into dainty bites or tiny cupcakes and decorate them with sweet juicy strawberries.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Tea sandwiches stacked on a 3 tiered glass tray at a tea party with assorted fillings and flavors.
    Print

    Tea Sandwich Recipes

    Elegant, dainty, crustless tea sandwiches are quintessential pinkies-up party food for a beautiful light lunch garden party, a bridal shower, or a Mother’s Day brunch. Today, we will cover everything from bread choices to filling options, the best ways to make tea sandwiches ahead, and how to create incredible savory flavors. Choose from over two dozen creative small bites from classic cucumber tea sandwiches from Buckingham Palace fit for a Queen, egg salad sandwiches, easy ham salad, and so much more.
    Course Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks, Lunch & Picnic
    Cuisine American, British
    Keyword finger sandwiches, make ahead tea sandwiches, Shower party food, summer party food, tea sandwich recipes, tea sandwiches
    Prep Time 2 hours
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 2 hours
    Servings 24
    Calories 328kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Buckingham Palace Cucumber Sandwiches "The Queen's Favorite"

    • 2 slices white bread
    • 2 slices brown bread
    • ½ whole Regular or English cucumbers peeled, sliced very thin
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter
    • 1-2 teaspoons fresh mint finely chopped
    • fine black pepper

    Smoked Salmon Sandwiches With Creamy Dill Spread

    • 4 slices pumpernickel bread
    • cup smoked salmon
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 whole garlic clove, finely crushed
    • pinch salt and freshly ground pepper

    Egg Salad With Dill & Cress

    • 4 slices white, rye bread, pumpernickel
    • 6 hard-boiled eggs peeled diced
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise or swap plain yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • ¼ cup diced celery
    • 2 teaspoons fresh dill finely minced
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • optional: add watercress "cress" or microgreens
    • optional: raw or pickled red onions

    Herb Cream Cheese Spread

    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup fresh herbs parsley, chives, dill, basil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

    Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Dip or Creamy Horseradish Sauce

    Turkey, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese

    • 4 slices sourdough or white bread
    • 3-4 slices sliced turkey
    • ½ avocado
    • 2 slices cheddar cheese

    Pear & Roquefort Butter

    • 4 slices white bread
    • 1 whole ripe green Anjou pear
    • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese, Roquefort, or gorgonzola
    • ¼ cup salted butter softened

    Goat Cheese & Olives

    • 4 slices white bread
    • 5 ounces goat cheese softened or herbed cream cheese
    • ¼ cup green, kalamata or black olives finely chopped

    Ham Salad

    • 4 slices sourdough bread
    • 1 cup smoked ham finely minced
    • 1 whole hardboiled egg finely chopped
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • ½ cup celery finely diced
    • 2 tablespoons red onion, pickled red onion, or green onions
    • 2 tablespoons dill pickle or sweet pickle relish chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    Classic British Cucumber Sandwiches

    • First, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. Set salted butter to soften at room temperature. Peel the cucumber with a vegetable peeler, then slice very thin paper-thin rounds. Place into a bowl or small colander and sprinkle a little sea salt on the slices, after for 15 minutes dab with paper towels. Cucumbers can release a lot of water, so this step keeps the sandwiches from getting soggy.
    • Spread sliced white bread and brown bread with soft butter. Buttering prevents soggy bread and adds flavor. If possible, it is best to add the cucumbers right before serving. Place a layer of cucumber slices on the bottom slice, sprinkle with finely chopped mint and a tiny bit of black pepper. Top with another buttered slice. Press down lightly with the palm of your hand.
      Slice all crusts off with a sharp serrated knife. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally into halves, then again into small triangles. Serve in alternate rows of brown and white bread sandwiches, with the points facing up.

    Salmon Sandwiches

    • Freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. Make either seafood dill spread or herbed cream cheese. Both are amazing! Spread onto two slices of pumpernickel bread. Add a layer of thin sliced smoked salmon. Close the sandwich and press lightly with the palm of your hand.
    • Slice off the crusts, and cut into shapes you desire. Triangles or squares work well with this filling.

    Egg Salad Filling With Dill

    • Steam boil 6 eggs, or cook by your method. Peel and finely chop the hard boiled eggs. Place them into a large bowl, add sea salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely minced fresh dill, and finely diced celery. Gently fold with the chopped eggs. Chill before serving for at least an hour, overnight is even better!
    • First, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. Evenly spread the egg salad on the first slice of rye bread, and add watercress ("cress" in the UK) or microgreens. Place the other bread slice on top and press slightly with the palm of your hand. Trim crusts off each side using a good serrated blade knife, then slice them into squares, triangles, rectangles, etc.

    Herb Cream Cheese Sandwiches

    • In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, sea salt, and finely chopped herbs. I used fresh parsley, chives, dill, and basil.
    • Make this cream cheese mixture up to a day ahead, and is a great option if you want to assemble your sandwiches a day before your party. Store in the fridge in an airtight container or small bowl covered with plastic wrap until ready to assemble sandwiches.
      Bring to room temperature to help it spread easily. For a fancy touch, transfer some herbed cream cheese mixture into a piping bag with a star tip, and pipe a dollop on small round sandwiches.

    Roast Beef & Cheddar Cheese

    • Spread either a caramelized onion dip or some of my creamy balsamic horseradish sauce on the sliced bread. Lay sliced roast beef and cheddar cheese slices.
    • Remove the crusts, and slice into triangles, rounds, squares, hearts etc.

    Turkey, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese

    • First, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip top bag to allow clean, neat slices. Remove the avocado from the peel, and lightly smash with a fork and spread on the bread of your choice, like everything whole grain bread.
    • Layer thin turkey slices and cheddar cheese slices. Note: thick slices of turkey or chicken can slide out of dainty sandwiches. Buy thin deli meats or cut smaller slices. Place the other slice on top and press down with the palm of your hand and slice as you wish. Cut into triangles, squares, or circles.

    Goat Cheese & Olives

    • First, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. Let the goat cheese soften at room temperature for at least an hour. Meanwhile, on the work bowl of a food processor (or chop finely on a board), pulse the olives until a finely chopped mixture. Spread the goat cheese onto the bread in an even layer.
    • Using a small offset spatula, spread 1 tablespoon of olive mixture onto the bread slices. These are good sandwiches to make into triple layers. Read below for those instructions.
      Use a serrated knife to trim the crusts off. Go slow, and use a soft steady back and forth motion.

    Ham Salad

    • In a food processor, place the chunks of smoked ham and pulse until finely ground, about 12 times. You can also finely mince the ham on a cutting board with a good chef's knife. You want the ham in smaller pieces so the sandwiches hold together.
    • Place the minced ham into a large bowl, add in the mayonnaise, dill or sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thin sliced green onions, salt, and pepper.
    • Mix until well combined with a rubber spatula, cover and chill for at least an few hours and it's even better overnight.
    • Before assembling ham sandwiches, first freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. Then spread on the ham salad in even layers, remove crusts, and slice into circles, squares, triangles etc.

    Assembly & Make Ahead Tips

    • MAKE AHEAD PRO TIP: The good news these savory sandwiches keep overnight. Cover with slightly damp doubled paper towels so the bread doesn’t dry out, then cover in plastic saran wrap. Keep sandwiches chilled overnight. The only exception, is its best to make the cucumber ones right before your party so they are super fresh!
    • Once you have made your fillings and assembled your ingredients. You will need a good cutting board, and sharp chef's knife preferably a serrated one. Keep your knife clean, rinsed under warm water and dried in between making the next batch.
    • First, in a zip-top bag, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes to allow cleaner cuts. Room temperature bread compresses under the blade of the knife and smooshes the edges, not pretty!
      Using a mini spatula, spread a thin, even layer of the filling or cream cheese mixture you choose on each slice of bread, making sure to cover up to the edges.

    Slicing Tea Sandwiches

    • Place the other bread slice on top and press slightly with the palm of your hand. Add any fillings you want like cold meats, thin sliced vegetables like cucumbers, sliced cheese, microgreens, etc.
    • Now, neatly trim crusts off each side using a good serrated blade knife, then slice them into squares, triangles, rectangles, etc. You can also use cookie cutters like round or flower shapes to create adorable little tea sandwiches!

    Triple Layer Sandwiches

    • First, freeze the bread slices for 20 minutes in a large zip-top bag to allow clean, neat slices. The best filling for these posh layered sandwiches is a creamy one like Herbed Cream Cheese, Boursin, or Goat Cheese which hold the layers together.
      Spread even layers of filling on each bread slice. Alternate light and dark bread slices for a beautiful look. Next, stack the three slices of bread together on top of each. Place dark slices on the top and bottom and a light one in between. Carefully slice off all crusts into little long rectangles.
    • Serve the tea sandwiches immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.

    Video

    Notes

    Tea Sandwich Tips

    Traditional tea sandwiches are usually served with an assortment of small-sized sweet desserts, hot tea, cream, and sugar.
    Select a variety of tea sandwiches you wish to serve at your next event, go modern or with traditional choices.
    For portions per person, plan on 4 sandwiches per lady, up to 6 for men, 2-3 for kids.
    It's a good idea to make the fillings like Boursin cheese or herb cream cheese, egg, ham, or chicken salads up to 2 days ahead to save time and have everything ready to go for the day of your party.
    Assemble your sandwiches the night before in an assembly line fashion or the morning of your event, there are lots of tips to keep them fresh in this post.
    Bake or buy sweet treats and choose your teas, cups, plates, and saucers. It's also nice to have a 3-Tier Serving Tray. You can also serve your sandwiches stacked or in a single layer on nice glass, silver trays, or cake stands are good candidates.

    Traditional English Tea Sandwiches

    In the United Kingdom, these are some of the most popular tea sandwiches served for afternoon cream tea have cucumber, smoked salmon, and coronation chicken.
      • Buckingham Palace Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches
      • Simple Ham Salad & Mustard
      • Egg Salad with Cress
      • Coronation Chicken (Creamy Curry Sauce)
      • Prawn (Shrimp) Salad
      • Salmon Mousse
      • Curry Chicken Salad
      • Cheddar Cheese and Chutney

    American Tea Sandwiches

    In the US, the most popular flavors of savory tea sandwiches are cucumber, egg, ham, chicken salad with of course a few for kids.
      • Turkey, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese
      • Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
      • Goat Cheese & Olive
      • Cucumber Cream Cheese
      • Kid's Peanut Butter & Jelly/Jam
      • Kid's Strawberry & Nutella Chocolate/Banana
      • Kid's Cheese Sandwiches
      • Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella
      • Shrimp Rolls
      • Pear & Roquefort Butter
      • BLTs - Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato

    Making Tea Sandwiches Ahead Tips

      • Time Savers: To save a lot of time next time for yourf tea party, pick two flavors of small sandwiches. Go with a couple of popular choices like cucumber and herbed cream cheese, or a few chicken, tuna, or ham salads.
      • Freshness: To keep your bread fresh and from drying out, put them close together in a single layer on a tray, a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or wax paper, or in a plastic container with a lid. Lay damp doubled paper towels over them, then tightly fit plastic wrap over the plate or platter, or snap on the container lid to prevent them from drying out.
      • Cold Sandwiches: Place sandwiches on a beautiful tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Keep them covered with a clean damp paper towel and clean towel. This helps keep the cold sandwiches moist and the various flavors to enhance. Place your serving tray out for guests just after they arrive because the bread will dry out quickly. Stacking them also keeps them moist and fresh on a tiered tray.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 2mg

    St. Germain Cocktails

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated May 21st, 2023 at 11:49 pm by Lisa

    St. Germain Cocktails have notes of floral flavor with Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco or Champagne, tropical tea syrup, and a splash of club soda over crushed ice.

    Pour these sparkling Spring and Summer cocktails for brunch, Easter, a birthday party, or bridal showers. St Germain spritz drinks are refreshing, delicious, and absolutely gorgeous...

    St Germain Cocktails Recipe

    • St-Germain liqueur (French liqueur)
    • Prosecco or Champagne
    • crushed ice
    • top with club soda
    • chilled hibiscus floral tea
    • assorted flowers or herbs for garnish

    Mix The Cocktails

    Make hibiscus tea. In a saucepan boil 2 cups water. Turn off the heat. Add 2 hibiscus flower tea bags or 4 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers into a tea infuser ball. Steep for 5 minutes, and remove the strainer. Chill tea in the fridge until ready to use. 

    Add crushed ice to each glass, and let the glass chill for a few minutes. 

    In each glass pour ¼ cup or 2 jigger shots of hibiscus tea into each glass, 1 jigger shot of St-Germain, and top with 1 cup Prosecco, with a splash of club soda. 

    Garnish with small tropical flowers like purple orchids and Madagascar jasmine. Or use herbs you have in your garden, thyme or basil would be lovely. It is best to use edible flowers or herbs grown with no pesticides you have in your garden.

    PRO TIP: Batch Cocktails: You can mix the hibiscus flower tea, Prosecco, St. Germain, and club soda in a pitcher, punch bowl, or beverage container with crushed ice to serve a crowd. 

    Spritz Variations

    Alcohol Additions: Add different alcohols along with the St Germain floral liqueur like gin, vodka, tequila for a hibiscus tequila cocktail, bourbon, or whiskey. You can also try out the different flavored vodkas like strawberry basil or pear vodka for a unique twist for a garden party.

    Hugo Spritz: This is an elderflower spritz drink. Muddle mint leaves with St-Germain liqueur, then strain into a glass with a splash of prosecco, and soda water on top of the cocktail over ice.

    French Gimlet:  Make a sophisticated gimlet. In a cocktail shaker with ice, mix gin, St Germain, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Garnish with lime peel.

    Sweetness: Simple syrups made from any citrus or summer fruit like peaches, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries.

    Bitters: It is also nice to add a drop or two of bitters, to balance out the sweetness.

    Mixers: Add mixers if you use gin try tonic water, or splashes of fresh lemon juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, cranberry juice, or different fresh orange juices.

    Champagne: Make these champagne cocktails, and add a few ounces of French bubbly.

    Two glasses filled with St Germain cocktails garnished with tiny purple orchids and white jasmine flowers.

    St Germain Cocktail Garnishes

    Garnish Ideas: A slice of cucumber, a lemon twist, or orange or lime rounds look so nice. Use any small flowers or herbs, you can read more about edible flowers in my post for Spring Garden Crostini. Be sure to use ones with no pesticides or fertilizers.

    In my garden, hibiscus, Madagascar jasmine, and purple orchids bloom in June-August right in the heat of summer. Although the hibiscus can bloom almost year-round in Southern California!

    The purple orchids came from my uncle's garden in Fallbrook San Diego. I took some cuttings years ago and potted them in a large blue pot above my pool. I always think of Uncle Russ when the orchid plant is in bloom. He was very influential in my home cooking and love for gardening as he was a talented botanist.

    What is St. Germain Liqueur?

    An artisanal French liqueur containing up to 1,000 of the very best elderflower blossoms, these small white stary flowers are hand-picked and gathered from the hills in the French Alps for just a few weeks in springtime.

    What does St. Germain taste like?

    Saint Germain liqueur is fragrantly sweet, light, and many appreciate it's warm floral notes. As the world’s first, finely crafted all-natural elderflower liqueur, its flavor is as subtle and delicate as it is captivating, evidenced in its sublime notes of peach, pear, and grapefruit.

    More Summer Cocktail Recipes

    White Wine Sangria is great all summer long, and so cute on July 4th with little flags and straws. Sip on a Cuba Libre aka Rum and Coke, but these are the real Cuban cocktail. And I share all my tips to make it the Cuban way.

    For a slushy refreshing drink, whip up a CoronaRita Margarita or serve Aperol Spritz cocktails, perfect for pool parties, outdoor potlucks, and BBQs.

    For a fast easy party cocktail, make a batch of 3 ingredient Margaritas, you won't believe how good they are! And learn to make classic Cuban Mojitos ~ I learned to make these IN CUBA just for YOU!

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Two glasses filled with St Germain cocktails garnished with tiny purple orchids and white jasmine flowers.
    Print

    St Germain Cocktails

    St. Germain Cocktails have notes of floral flavor with Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco or Champagne, tropical tea syrup, and a splash of club soda over crushed ice. Pour these sparkling Spring and Summer cocktails for brunch, Easter, a birthday party, or bridal showers. St Germain spritz drinks are refreshing, delicious, and absolutely gorgeous.
    Course Drinks & Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Keyword hibiscus tea, spritzer, St Germain cocktails, St. Germain cocktail, Summer cocktails
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 2
    Calories 339kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    St. Germain Cocktail

    • 2 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon hibiscus flower tea bags Tazo tea bags, tea shop or online
    • 1 oz St-Germain liqueur
    • 2 cups Prosecco or Champagne
    • crushed ice
    • top with club soda
    • 1 shot chilled hibiscus flower tea
    • assorted flowers or herbs for garnish

    Instructions

    • Make hibiscus tea. In a saucepan boil 2 cups water. Turn off the heat. Add 2 hibiscus flower tea bags or 4 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers into a tea infuser ball. Steep for 5 minutes, and remove the strainer. Chill tea in the fridge until ready to use. 
    • Add crushed ice to each glass, let the glass chill for a few minutes. 
    • In each glass pour ¼ cup or 2 jigger shots of hibiscus tea into each glass, 1 jigger shot of St-Germain, and top with 1 cup Prosecco, with a splash of club soda. 
    • Garnish with small tropical flowers like purple orchids and Madagascar jasmine. Or use herbs you have in your garden, thyme or basil would be lovely. It is best to use edible flowers or herbs grown with no pesticides you have in your garden.

    Notes

    Batch Cocktails

    You can mix the hibiscus tea, Prosecco, St. Germain, and club soda in a pitcher, punch bowl, or beverage container with crushed ice to serve a crowd. 

    Garnish

    Use any small flowers or herbs, you can read more about edible flowers on my post for Spring Garden Crostini. 

    Spritz Variations

    Alcohol Additions: Add different alcohols along with the St Germain floral liqueur like gin, vodka, tequila for a hibiscus tequila cocktail, bourbon, or whiskey. You can also try out the different flavored vodkas like strawberry basil or pear vodka for a unique twist for a garden party.
    Hugo Spritz: This is an elderflower spritz drink. Muddle mint leaves with St-Germain liqueur, then strain into a glass with a splash of prosecco, and soda water on top of the cocktail over ice.
    French Gimlet:  Make a sophisticated gimlet. In a cocktail shaker with ice, mix gin, St Germain, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Garnish with lime peel.
    Sweetness: Simple syrups made from any citrus or summer fruit like peaches, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
    Bitters: It is also nice to add a drop or two of bitters, to balance out the sweetness.
    Mixers: Add mixers if you use gin try tonic water, or splashes of fresh lemon juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, cranberry juice, or different fresh orange juices.
    Champagne: Make these champagne cocktails, and add a few ounces of French bubbly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 415mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin C: 2.7mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 3.2mg

    Hibiscus Cocktails

    [heart_this] · · 6 Comments

    Last Updated May 21st, 2023 at 11:49 pm by Lisa

    Hibiscus cocktails have under 100 calories each, are low in carbohydrates, vegan, low sugar keto, and gluten-free!

    Dried hibiscus flowers create a wonderful gorgeous bright color and the floral flavors go so well in these refreshing drinks.

    Mix up these pretty sippers to enjoy for outdoor parties, picnics, bridal showers, or even the holiday season without the guilt of sugar, carbs, and calories...

    Hibiscus Cocktails Recipe

    Hibiscus keto cocktails and are low carb, low sugar, vegan, and gluten-free, here is how to make them. First you will need...

    • hibiscus flower tea bags (or loose-leaf tea in a tea ball)
    • boiling water
    • organic liquid stevia drops a healthy calorie-free sweetener made from the stevia leaf with zero carbohydrates
    • vodka Tito’s is gluten-free, and 100 calories per 1.5 ounces
    • sparkling mineral water zero-calorie Perrier, La Croix, etc
    • squeeze fresh lime juice or lemon juice
    • garnish: fresh or Dried Orange Slices or lime wheel slices
    • ice
    Making hibiscus tea using real tea, a strainer, and hot water.
    1. In a saucepan boil 2 cups of water on the stove or heat in a microwave in a glass, ceramic container, or teapot.
    2. Make a concentrated hibiscus simple syrup. Place 4 tea bags or 8 teaspoons of loose tea into the 2 cups of boiling water. Use a fine mesh strainer or tea strainer if you use loose tea, be sure to strain out the loose tea pieces. Let steep for a minimum of 5 minutes or until cool. You can double or quadruple the batch as needed for parties.
    3. Once cool, put ice in a glass, add 1 shot vodka (a gluten-free brand if possible), a couple of splashes of concentrated hibiscus tea-concentrate a squeeze of lime, 5-7 drops liquid stevia, top with lime sparkling water or club soda, and stir.
    4. Make the hibiscus syrup ahead by adding your sweetener, and keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve for up to 3 days.

    Hibiscus Simple Syrup

    You can buy hibiscus floral tea in a couple of ways.

    Hibiscus Flower Tea Bags are easy to use and enjoy.

    Loose Hibiscus Flower leaves are more economical, you will get a larger quantity and will need a fine mesh strainer or loose tea ball infuser.

    There are also teapots with infusers built-in, that hold the loose tea and steep it in the hot water.

    Garnishes: Add a slice of citrus, use orange, thin lime wheel slices. For the holidays, a rosemary stem with a couple cranberries on the end of the stem, is so festive! Mint or edible flowers are also a nice garnish for Spring and Summer.

    Alcohol Variations: You can also make these cocktails with gin, rum, or tequila as you prefer.

    For mocktails: Or to make it sweeter, add dashes of ginger or pineapple simple syrup. Or a few drops of honey if you like it even sweeter, which will add calories of course.

    What does hibiscus floral tea taste like?

    A bright red-colored tea, it has a slight tart sourness sort of like cranberries, so a sweetener is often added like sugar or honey.

    More Martinis & Cocktail Recipes

    Find your perfect cocktail recipe for any happy hour party you host. It will be over-the-top legendary with one of these easy recipes for girl's night out, game day, or the holidays.

    A CoronaRita is simply defined as, "an overturned bottle of Corona draining into a margarita." Works for me, how about you?

    Candy Cane Martinis (aka Peppermint Martinis) are sweet treats with a festive Christmas twist on classic martini cocktails made with peppermint vodka that you can make at home.

    A Candy Corn Martini is the ultimate in sweet cocktails and a great Halloween drink for parties with simple ingredients that are easy to find. Have lots of fun chilling out with these, oh and homemade candy corn vodka is super easy to make!

    Let the shenanigans begin at your St. Patrick's Day party, and slurp some Green Jello Shots and Jell-O Jigglers! ☘️☘️☘️ Emerald green jelly shots are a fun way to celebrate as the bagpipes play.

    Chocolate martinis are delightful cocktails with sweet flavors every chocolate lover will adore. These creamy Chocolate Martinis are so fun on special occasions like Easter, Valentine's Day, or during the holidays!

    Let the cheeky shenanigans begin with the wearing of green and delicious drinks to match. Bring the luck of the Irish into your St. Patrick's day fun with these Tipsy Leprechaun Green Cocktails.

    These St. Germain Cocktails are easy spritzers with floral flavor Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, tropical tea syrup, and a splash of club soda over crushed ice. Brunch, holiday celebrations, and bridal showers are ideal for these St Germain spritz drinks.

    Limeade Margaritas have three simple ingredients mixed in a pitcher on ice. And there is no blender or cocktail shaker for these easy drinks! You won't believe how good these Easy Limeade Pitcher Margaritas taste for summertime picnics or cookouts, Cinco de Mayo, tailgating, or pour a big batch on game day and serve with delicious Mexican food.

    A fancy etched cocktail glass filled with a red hibiscus tea keto cocktail.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A decorative etched cocktail glass with a red hibiscus keto cocktails garnished with an orange slice.
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    Hibiscus Cocktail Recipe

    Hibiscus cocktails have under 100 calories each, are low in carbohydrates, vegan, low sugar keto, and gluten-free! Dried hibiscus flowers create a wonderful gorgeous bright color and the floral flavors go so well in these refreshing drinks. Mix up these pretty sippers to enjoy for outdoor parties, picnics, bridal showers, or even the holiday season without the guilt of sugar, carbs, and calories.
    Course Drinks & Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Keyword healthy cocktail recipe, hibiscus cocktails, low carb cocktail, low sugar cocktail, strawberry keto cocktails, tea cocktail
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 98kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    4 cocktails:

    • 4 hibiscus flower tea bags or hibiscus loose tea
    • 2 cups boiling water
    • organic liquid stevia drops
    • 1 shot of vodka per cocktail Tito’s is gluten free, and 100 calories per 1.5 oz shot
    • sparkling mineral water zero calorie Perrier, La Croix etc
    • squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice
    • garnish: oranges slices fresh or dried
    • ice
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a saucepan boil 2 cups of water on the stove or heat in a microwave in glass or ceramic container.
    • Make a concentrated hibiscus simple syrup. Place 4 tea bags or 8 teaspoons of loose tea into the 2 cups of boiling water. Use a fine mesh strainer or tea strainer if you use loose tea to strain out the loose tea pieces. Let steep for a minimum of 5 minutes or until cool. You can double or quadruple the batch as needed for parties.
    • Once cool, put ice in a glass, add 1 shot vodka (a gluten free brand if possible), a couple splashes of concentrated hibiscus tea-concentrate, squeeze of lime, 5-7 drops liquid stevia, top with lime sparkling water or club soda, and stir.
    • Garnish with citrus, a slice of orange, thin lime wheel slices, rosemary stem with cranberries
    • Variations: You can also make these cocktails with gin, rum, or tequila in place of vodka. For mocktails, or to make it sweeter, add dashes of ginger or pineapple simple syrup. Or a few drops of honey if you like it sweeter.
    • Make the hibiscus syrup ahead, and keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve up to 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 98kcal | Sodium: 56mg | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 16mg
    A decorative etched cocktail glass with a red hibiscus keto cocktails garnished with an orange slice.
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    Hibiscus Cocktail Recipe

    Hibiscus cocktails have under 100 calories each, are low in carbohydrates, vegan, low sugar keto, and gluten-free! Dried hibiscus flowers create a wonderful gorgeous bright color and the floral flavors go so well in these refreshing drinks. Mix up these pretty sippers to enjoy for outdoor parties, picnics, bridal showers, or even the holiday season without the guilt of sugar, carbs, and calories.
    Course Drinks & Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Keyword healthy cocktail recipe, hibiscus cocktails, low carb cocktail, low sugar cocktail, strawberry keto cocktails, tea cocktail
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 98kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    4 cocktails:

    • 4 hibiscus flower tea bags or hibiscus loose tea
    • 2 cups boiling water
    • organic liquid stevia drops
    • 1 shot of vodka per cocktail Tito’s is gluten free, and 100 calories per 1.5 oz shot
    • sparkling mineral water zero calorie Perrier, La Croix etc
    • squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice
    • garnish: oranges slices fresh or dried
    • ice
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a saucepan boil 2 cups of water on the stove or heat in a microwave in glass or ceramic container.
    • Make a concentrated hibiscus simple syrup. Place 4 tea bags or 8 teaspoons of loose tea into the 2 cups of boiling water. Use a fine mesh strainer or tea strainer if you use loose tea to strain out the loose tea pieces. Let steep for a minimum of 5 minutes or until cool. You can double or quadruple the batch as needed for parties.
    • Once cool, put ice in a glass, add 1 shot vodka (a gluten free brand if possible), a couple splashes of concentrated hibiscus tea-concentrate, squeeze of lime, 5-7 drops liquid stevia, top with lime sparkling water or club soda, and stir.
    • Garnish with citrus, a slice of orange, thin lime wheel slices, rosemary stem with cranberries
    • Variations: You can also make these cocktails with gin, rum, or tequila in place of vodka. For mocktails, or to make it sweeter, add dashes of ginger or pineapple simple syrup. Or a few drops of honey if you like it sweeter.
    • Make the hibiscus syrup ahead, and keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve up to 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 98kcal | Sodium: 56mg | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 16mg

    Pineapple Coconut Madeleines

    [heart_this] · · 6 Comments

    Last Updated April 4th, 2024 at 01:23 pm by Lisa

    Classic French madeleines are small signature shell shaped butter cakes that are absolutely delightful. Pack them for picnics, in school lunch boxes, or enjoy them as snacks with a cup of tea or coffee.

    Sometimes madeleines have additions like fruit or nuts. These have fresh pineapple pieces and sweet coconut to create a nice crumb and incredible tropical flavors. There are also top baking tips and detailed instructions to make these famous French tea cakes classic just like the bakeries in France...🍍🥥🌴

    French Madeleine Recipe

    According to French chefs, perfect madeleines have the signature bump from their sponge-like batter that puff up in the shell-shaped depressions of the pan and a slight golden color. For the best madeleine recipe, you need a simple génoise cake batter.

    The flavor of authentic French Madeleine recipes are similar to but somewhat lighter than a sponge cake. All the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. Traditional recipes typically include very finely ground nuts, usually almonds in these tender mini butter cakes.

    Madeleine Ingredients

    • melted butter (pan preparation)
    • flour (pan preparation)
    • sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
    • finely chopped fresh pineapple (optional)
    • large eggs, room temperature
    • granulated sugar
    • vanilla extract (or swap in lemon, orange, or almond extract!)
    • unsalted or salted butter (melted)
    • all-purpose flour
    • cornstarch
    • baking powder
    • sea salt

    PRO TIP: Use room-temperature eggs, they triple in volume when beaten, cold eggs don't. If you forget, submerge whole eggs in warm water for 10 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.

    Preparing The Pan

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Melt butter over medium heat (stovetop or microwave) and set aside.
    2. Lightly brush melted butter into your madeleine pan covering all the parts of the shell, and flour the madeleine pans covering all the shells. Tap the excess flour out of the pan onto a piece of parchment paper for faster cleanup.

    PRO TIP: For better results, when you reuse your pan for more batches, you will want to wash, dry, and rebutter/flour your pan, or the madeleines will stick, even in a non-stick pan.

    Making Madeleine Batter

    PRO TIP: Why sift ingredients? It puts air into the mixture and prevents lumps!

    1. Finely chop both the pineapple and coconut and set aside.
    2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or using an electric hand mixer in a large bowl, place eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract and beat on medium to high speed for 8-9 minutes.
    3. After beating, the egg mixture and sugar will be pale and fluffy-smooth. Watch for the ribbon stage. When the beater is raised, a thick ribbon of madeleine batter will slowly fall back into the bowl.
    4. Next, add ½ cup melted cooled butter and blend in for 1 minute, turn off the mixer. We will do the rest by hand!
    5. Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold ½ of the flour mixture into the batter with a rubber spatula. (see notes below on a good folding technique) Add the rest of the flour mixture and fold in carefully.
    6. Stir in the finely chopped pineapple and coconut. This is optional, you can certainly leave one or both out, or add chopped nuts, cocoa powder, etc.
    7. The batter will be thick and sticky.

    Filling Madeleine Pans & Baking

    Pastry Piping Bags: Some recipes call for a pastry bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut off. However, I find that deflates the batter and is so much more work and clean up.

    PRO TIP: Why Fold? Don't stir (which will deflate the batter). Instead, place a rubber spatula into the bowl's center. Cut through to the edge, lift, and turn the batter over flour gently. Give the bowl a quarter turn, and repeat until flour is mixed into the batter.

    1. Just fold the batter until the pineapple and coconut are incorporated. Grab your prepared madeleine pan and spoons or scoop.
    2. Fill each shell, ¾ full with batter using two regular spoons. The batter will be thick and sticky. Spoons work great! You can also use a small 1" ice cream or cookie scoop. Don't spread the batter, just place it into the pan. This helps keep the air in the batter for lighter fluffy shell-shaped cakes with bigger humps. The main key is to NOT overfill the mold!
    3. The batter will fill and puff up in baking, don't worry that it doesn't fill the shells yet.
    4. Place on the center rack of a preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes. This can vary according to the oven itself (gas or electric), and the type of pan you use.
    5. To unmold, simply tap the back of the madeleine pan, and they will pop right out. If any stick, use the edge of a small rubber spatula to release them out of the pan.

    Correctly Baked Madeleines

    Madeleines are done when they puff up, have the signature hump, spring back when pressed slightly, with slightly golden brown edges. They will have a visible bump on top, that means they are baked correctly!

    Once baked, tap the madeleines out on a baking rack or piece of parchment paper and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Store leftover madeleines in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    How do you know when madeleines are done baking?


    Madeleines are done when they puff up, and spring back when pressed slightly, with slightly golden brown edges. They will have a visible bump on top, which means they are baked correctly!

    How do you get madeleines out of the pan?


    Tap the madeleines out on a baking rack or piece of parchment paper and allow them to cool.

    Madeleine Pan Tips

    Buying Pans: These special pans are easily found online and at stores like HomeGoods, Williams-Sonoma, and Sur La Table. Other than the madeleine pan, no other fancy equipment is needed, however in a pinch, you can use a small size mini muffin pan and skip baking the traditional shell-shaped madeleines cakes.

    You won't get the classic shell shapes, but that's okay if it's what you have on hand. There are also silicone molds for baking madeleines. I haven't tried those yet but people rave about how easy they are to use and that the French butter cakes with their classic madeleine hump, pop right out!

    Pan Baking: You will want to wash, dry, butter, and flour your pan prior to baking each batch of Madeleine cookies, or they will stick. Be sure to knock out any excess flour. Or you can spray with coconut oil non-stick spray.

    I used a Nonstick-madeleine pan, it was about $25 from Sur La Table. Use a small pastry brush to get softened butter into every crevice of the scallop shells. It will prevent sticking and help achieve a golden color on the baked madeleines.

    A coconut cracked open with fresh pineapple pieces inside.

    Different Flavors & Additions

    • Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest, lime zest, or orange zest to your batter and a few drops of lemon, orange, or lime oil or extract. Almond extract is also really nice, and in France, ground almonds are commonly added.
    • Chocolate Dipping: You can use this recipe then make melted chocolate in a small bowl heatproof bowl, and dip away or drizzle on top.
    • Brown Butter: In a small saucepan, let the butter melt down and get really brown. This is one of the best ways to get a lot of flavor into your madeleines. This step isn't necessary but makes a big difference in the flavor!

    History of Madeleines

    Some sources say madeleines may have been named for a 19th-century pastry cook, Madeleine Paulmier, a cook in the 18th century for Stanisław Leszczyński, whose son-in-law, Louis XV of France, named after her.

    The story goes that Louis XV called this tiny cake "Madeleine" for the first time in 1755 in honor of his father-in-law's cook Paulmier.

    Louis XV's wife then introduced them to the Court of Versailles and they quickly became loved all over France. Marcel Proust, a well-known author, describes Madeleines as "a little shell of cake, so generously sensual beneath the piety of its stern pleating…"

    Another Version of Madeleine History

    The Larousse Gastronomique offers another version of the history of the Madeleine. This story says the madeleine name came from Jean Avice, the "master of choux pastry," who worked as a pastry chef for Prince Talleyrand. Avice is said to have invented Madeleines in the 19th century by baking little cakes in aspic molds. The small portions and pretty shapes meant the madeleines baked quickly and could be delivered right to the table without embellishment.

    We will never know the true story of how madeleines came to be, but we do know these little cakes have been enjoyed for hundreds of years. And we will continue to love them for their simple pretty shell shape with a cup of coffee or tea.

    More Baking Recipes

    If baking is your thing, be sure to take a look at all my dozens of Baking recipes!

    Bake a Christmas Bundt Cake loaded with your favorite holiday flavors of peppermint. This Christmassy bake is gorgeous for a fancy holiday dinner party and easy enough to make with kids for a merry, joyful, perfect dessert.

    Bake a delicious Apple Crisp with a sweet crust, caramelized Apple Filling, and a streusel crumb topping. Serve this easy dessert after a nice family dinner, and it is fancy enough for the holidays or other special occasions!

    And for Easter, bake up an adorable Bunny Cake! It is an easy dessert for Easter dinner. Get step-by-step instructions to make this cut-up cake with inspiring decorating tips.

    If you love to bake classic desserts try this Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting using real strawberries. Or bake a batch of Raspberry Scones studded with sweet berries, white chocolate chips, and drizzled with vanilla icing, for light, soft fluffy results.

    Bake an American Flag Pie for your patriotic dessert this July 4th, that will serve 20 people for summer cookouts and picnics.

    Apple Pie Filling is one of my most popular original recipes. What a great way to use up apples and is freezer friendly, and makes the BEST Apple Crumble Pie aka Dutch Apple Pie.

    Bake this Blueberry Pie Recipe outdoors on your gas or charcoal grill. It works just like an indoor oven and keeps your house cool on scorching hot days.

    Bake warm Soft Pretzels and scoop them into an easy beer cheese dip. Every bite has a chewy, golden crust with soft, fluffy centers.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Overhead looking a madeleines cooled on a round baking rack with fresh pineapple and coconut fruit.
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    Pineapple Coconut Madeleines Recipes

    Classic French madeleines are small signature shell shaped butter cakes that are absolutely delightful. Pack them for picnics, in school lunch boxes, or enjoy as snacks with a cup of tea or coffee. Sometimes madeleines have additions like fruit or nuts. These have fresh pineapple pieces and sweet coconut to create a nice crumb and incredible tropical flavors. There are also top baking tips and detailed instructions to make these famous French tea cakes classic just like the bakeries in France.
    Course Cakes, Desserts & Sweets
    Cuisine American, French
    Keyword French madeleines, madeleine cakes, madeleine cookies, madeleine recipe, madeleines
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 10
    Calories 254kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons melted butter salted or unsalted butter is fine to prepare the madeleine pan
    • 2 tablespoons flour to prepare the madeleine pan
    • ½ cup fresh pineapple finely chopped
    • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut finely chopped
    • 3 extra-large eggs room temperature
    • ⅔ cup sugar granulated caster sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 stick
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup cornstarch
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Preparing The Pan

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter over medium heat (stovetop or microwave) and set aside. Lightly brush melted butter into your madeleine pan covering all the parts of the shell, and flour the madeleine pans covering all the shells. Tap the excess flour out of the pan onto a piece of parchment paper for faster cleanup.
    • Important Note: When you reuse your pan for more batches, you will want to wash, dry, and rebutter/flour your pan or the madeleines will stick, even in a non-stick pan.

    Making The Batter

    • Finely chop both the pineapple and coconut, set aside.
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or using an electric hand mixer in a large bowl, place eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract and beat on medium to high speed for 8-9 minutes.
    • After beating, the egg mixture and sugar will be pale and fluffy-smooth. Watch for the ribbon stage. When the beater is raised, a thick ribbon of madeleine batter will slowly fall back into the bowl.
    • Next, add ½ cup melted cooled butter and blend in for 1 minute, turn off the mixer. We will do the rest by hand!
    • Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold ½ of the flour mixture into the batter with a rubber spatula. (see notes below on a good folding technique) Add the rest of the flour mixture and fold in carefully.
    • Stir in the finely chopped pineapple and coconut. This is optional, you can certainly leave one or both out, or add chopped nuts, cocoa powder, etc.

    Baking Madeleines

    • Fill each shell, ¾ full with batter using two regular spoons. The batter will be thick and sticky. Spoons work great! You can also use a small 1" ice cream or cookie scoop. Don't spread the batter, just place it into the pan. This helps keep the air in the batter for lighter fluffy shell-shaped cakes with bigger humps. The main key is to NOT overfill the mold!
    • Place on the center rack of a preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes. This can vary according to the oven itself (gas or electric), and the type of pan you use.
    • Madeleines are done when they puff up, have the signature hump, spring back when pressed slightly, with slightly golden brown edges. They will have a visible bump on top, that means they are baked correctly!
    • Once baked, tap the madeleines out on a baking rack or piece of parchment paper and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Store leftover madeleines in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Video

    Notes

    Madeleine Baking Tips: 

    • Make Sure Madeleines Don't Stick in the Pan: Even in a non-stick pan, lightly brush melted butter and dust with flour, and knock out excess flour. Or, spray with Coconut Oil non-stick spray before filling the batter into the pan, use a small pastry brush to get softened butter into every crevice of the scallop shells. I like to knock the flour onto a large piece of parchment paper to ease cleanup. It will prevent sticking and help achieve a golden color on the baked madeleines.
    • Madeleine Pan: I used a Nonstick-madeleine pan, it was about $25 from Sur La Table. And I still used melted butter and flour to prevent sticking.
    • Re-Baking In Your Madeleine Pan: You will want to wash, dry, and rebutter/flour your pan, or the madeleines will stick because of the prior batch.
    • Why Sift Dry Ingredients? Puts air into the mixture and prevents lumps.
    • Why Fold? Don't stir (which will deflate the batter). Instead, place a rubber spatula into the bowl's center. Cut through to the edge, lift, and turn batter over flour gently. Give the bowl a quarter turn, and repeat until flour is mixed into the batter.
    • Filling Batter into the Pan: A small 1" spring cookie scoop works great, 2 regular spoons work as well, or a pastry bag (or ziplock bag with the corner cut off) will make the quickest, neatest work of filling the prepared molds three-quarters full.
    • Unmolding the Madeleines: Tap the back of the pan, and the madeleines will pop right out. If any stick, use a small knife to release them out of the pan.
    • Make-Ahead: The batter can be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
    • Use Room-temperature eggs:  Triple in volume when beaten, cold eggs don't. If you forget, submerge whole eggs in warm water for 10 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 187mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 428IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

    Chocolate Easter Bunny Martinis

    [heart_this] · · 4 Comments

    Last Updated March 29th, 2024 at 02:44 pm by Lisa

    Chocolate martinis are delightful cocktails with sweet flavors every chocolate lover will adore. These creamy chocolate martinis are so fun on special occasions like Easter, Valentine's Day, or during the holidays!

    Serve with bright-colored straws inside real candy Easter bunnies or in martini glasses with chocolate shavings and a swirl of sauce, with a mini candy bunny on top...

    Chocolate martini in a garnished glass for Easter sunday and a basket filled with eggs.

    Best Chocolate Martini Recipe

    This delicious cocktail is the ultimate chocolate martini recipe. First, it is so easy. Second, it uses simple and easy-to-find ingredients from any grocery store. No hunting at specialty liquor stores for Godiva liqueur is required, but you can certainly indulge in mixing it your chocolate cocktails...

    Ingredient List

    • 1 ounce vodka (plain vodka)
    • 2 ounces dark Creme De Cacao (a white chocolate liquor)
    • 2 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream (or Godiva dark chocolate liqueur)
    • hollow chocolate Easter bunny
    • drizzle chocolate syrup
    • dash vanilla extract
    • cups of ice

    Garnishes

    • hollow mini chocolate bunnies
    • grated chocolate bar (dark, milk chocolate, or bittersweet)
    • marshmallow cream

    Garnished Martini Glasses

    On a small plate, use a grater and make shaved chocolate. Place a dollop of marshmallow cream on the plate, dip the rim of the glass into the marshmallow then into the chocolate shavings, turning the glass around until well coated.

    Set glasses aside, or place them in the refrigerator so you will have chilled martini glasses.

    You can also rim the glass, then drizzle even more Ghirardelli sauce inside of the martini glass, then pour in the drinks for the perfect dessert cocktail.

    A martini glass with the edge rimmed in chocolate shavings and ingredients to make chocolate martinis.

    Mixing Martinis

    In an ice-filled cocktail shaker pour in one ounce of vodka, two ounces of dark creme de cacao, and two ounces of Baileys Irish cream. Then add a dash of vanilla extract and a drizzle of syrup. Add the shaker top and give it a good shake.

    A chocolate martini on an Easter table with chocolate bunnies filled with cocktails.

    Easter Bunny Drinks

    Unwrap the foil off your bunnies. You can cut off a bit of the bunny ear to pour the cocktail inside and make a hole for the straw.

    Real chocolate Easter bunny wrapped in bright color foil.

    Use either a large metal drinking straw or the end of a metal cake decorating piping tip.

    Carefully, heat it up for about 15 seconds with a lighter, then press onto the bunny and turn around to score a little hole.

    A chocolate Easter bunny filled with a chocolate martini cocktail and a colorful straw.

    Serving Inside Easter Bunnies

    Once your cocktail is mixed use a small funnel to pour the martini cocktail inside the candy bunny, add a colorful bright straw, and serve.

    Serving In Martini Glasses

    Add some grated chocolate and syrup in a swirl on top, and float a mini candy bunny on top of the martini glasses.

    An Easter sunday table with chocolate martinis using chocolate bunnies.

    Easy Chocolate Martini Recipe Variations

    White Chocolate Martini: Use the clear white creme de cacao (white chocolate liqueur) in place of the dark one, for a light color white chocolate twist on your martini. Garnish with white chocolate shavings on the rim.

    Super Chocolaty Martini: Add an additional ounce chocolate liqueur. There are several brands on the market, and Godiva is a well-known one. And add a big swirl of syrup!

    Vanilla Vodka: Try vanilla vodka in place of plain vodka. Or try caramel vodka, that would be so good. You can also add hints of vanilla, with vanilla extract.

    Kahlua Coffee: Creamy coffee liqueurs like Kahlua add both rum and coffee flavor to your dessert martinis.

    Chocolate Peppermint Martini: For the holidays, add peppermint vodka and some peppermint cream liqueur aka peppermint bark liquor.

    Godiva Chocolate Martinis: Godiva chocolate liqueur drinks are a specialty spirit available in most liquor stores, but it can be hard to find. It is a classic, popular ingredient with professional bartenders and will satisfy your sweet tooth in a perfect Godiva chocolate martini.

    Two chocolate Easter bunnies filled with chocolate martinis on an Easter table.

    More Martinis & Cocktail Recipes

    Find your perfect cocktail for any happy hour party you host. It will be over the top legendary with one of these easy recipes for girl's night out, game day, or the holidays.

    A CoronaRita is simply defined as, "an overturned bottle of Corona draining into a margarita." Works for me, how about you?

    Candy Cane Martinis (aka Peppermint Martinis) are sweet treats with a festive Christmas twist on classic martini cocktails made with peppermint vodka that you can make at home.

    A Candy Corn Martini is the ultimate in sweet cocktails, and a great Halloween drink for parties with simple ingredients that are easy to find. Have lots of fun chilling out with these, oh and homemade candy corn vodka is super easy to make!

    Let the shenanigans begin at your St. Patrick's Day party, and slurp some Green Jello Shots and Jell-O Jigglers! ☘️☘️☘️ Emerald green jelly shots are a fun way to celebrate as the bagpipes play.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A chocolate martini served in a glass garnished with a mini chocolate bunny.
    Print

    Chocolate Martini Recipe

    Chocolate martinis are delightful cocktails with sweet flavors every chocolate lover will adore. These creamy chocolate martinis are so fun on special occasions like Easter, Valentine's Day, or during the holidays! Serve with bright-colored straws inside real candy Easter bunnies or in martini glasses with chocolate shavings, a swirl of chocolate sauce, and a mini candy bunny on top.
    Course Drinks & Cocktails
    Cuisine Alcohol Drinks
    Keyword chocolate cocktails, chocolate martinis, Easter cocktails, Easter martinis
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1
    Calories 393kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 ounce vodka
    • 2 ounces dark Creme De Cacao
    • 2 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream or Godiva dark chocolate liqueur
    • hollow chocolate Easter bunny
    • drizzle chocolate syrup
    • dash vanilla extract
    • cup ice

    Garnishes

    • mini chocolate bunnies
    • grated chocolate bar
    • marshmallow cream

    Instructions

    Garnished Martini Glasses

    • On a plate, use a grater and make shaved chocolate. Place a dollop of marshmallow cream on the plate, dip the martini glass rim into the marshmallow then into the shaved chocolate.
    • Set glasses aside, or place them in the refrigerator so you will have chilled martini glasses.

    Easter Bunny Drinks

    • Unwrap the foil off your bunnies. You can cut off a bit of the bunny ear to pour the cocktail inside or make a hole for the straw. Use either a large metal drinking straw or the end of a metal decorating piping tip. Carefully, heat it up for about 15 seconds with a lighter, then press onto the bunny and turn around to score a little hole.
    • To serve in chocolate bunnies; once your cocktail is mixed use a small funnel to pour the martini cocktail inside, add a colorful bright straw, and serve.
    • For martini glasses; add some grated chocolate shavings, and a swirl of syrup, and float a mini candy bunny on top of the martini glasses.

    Mixing Martinis

    • In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes. Pour in one ounce of vodka, two ounces of dark creme de cacao, and two ounces of Baileys Irish cream. Then add a dash of vanilla extract and a drizzle of syrup. Add the shaker top and give it a good shake.
    • Pour into garnished martini glasses or candy Easter bunnies, using a small funnel.

    Batch Martinis - makes 4

    • In a large cocktail shaker, add a cup of ice. Pour in four ounces of vodka, 8 ounces of dark creme de cacao, and 8 ounces of Baileys Irish cream. Then add a dash of vanilla extract and a good drizzle of chocolate syrup. Add the shaker top and give it a good shake.

    Video

    Notes

    White Chocolate Martini: Use the clear white creme de cacao (white chocolate liqueur) in place of the dark one, for a light color white chocolate twist on your martini. Garnish with white chocolate shavings on the rim.
    Super Chocolaty Martini: Add an additional ounce chocolate liqueur. There are several brands on the market, and Godiva is a well-known one. And add a big swirl of syrup!
    Vanilla Vodka: Try vanilla vodka in place of plain vodka. Or try caramel vodka, that would be so good. You can also add hints of vanilla, with vanilla extract.
    Kahlua Coffee: Creamy coffee liqueurs like Kahlua add both rum and coffee flavor to your dessert martinis.
    Chocolate Peppermint Martini: For the holidays, add peppermint vodka and some peppermint cream liqueur aka peppermint bark liquor.
    Godiva Chocolate Martinis: Godiva chocolate liqueur drinks are a specialty spirit available in most liquor stores, but it can be hard to find. It is a classic, popular ingredient with professional bartenders and will satisfy your sweet tooth in a perfect Godiva chocolate martini.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 16g | Iron: 0.02mg

    Easter Bunny Cake

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated April 26th, 2024 at 08:00 am by Lisa

    An adorable Bunny Cake that is an easy dessert for Easter dinner. Get step-by-step instructions to make this cut-up cake with inspiring decorating tips.

    After all the eggs and chocolate bunnies are collected into Easter baskets, serve this sweet treat for Easter Sunday. Bunny-shaped cakes are so much fun, everyone gets a kick out of them. This little cutie pie is made from two round cakes, vanilla frosting, and decorated with coconut and candy...

    Easy Easter Bunny Cake Recipe

    This coconut cake idea came from a little 1960s cookbook. And is the first thing I ever remember baking. With my Mom's help, I learned how to make an Easter bunny cake, and took it to a school bake sale.

    I was so proud of it and kept the book of "cut up cakes" all these years in my with my original recipes. It has all kinds of ideas for special party cakes for everything from baby showers to birthday cakes.

    This Easter cake will be the cutest Easter table decoration ever! And the best part, it just takes a few simple ingredients...

    Two 9" Round Cakes

    • vanilla cake mix (two 9” round cakes or a homemade recipe)
    • water
    • vegetable oil
    • eggs (or egg white mixture like Egg Beaters)

    Buttercream Vanilla Frosting

    Decorating Bunny Cake Ideas

    • sweetened shredded coconut
    • pink food coloring
    • colored jelly beans
    • black licorice

    Prepare Cake Pans and Bake

    1. Lightly spray two 9” round cake pans with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper rounds. Be sure to spray the sides of the pan.
    2. Mix the white cake mix according to the box directions in a large bowl. Or make homemade cake batter, and pour the batter into prepared pans. PRO TIP: Tap the pans on the table to bring the bubbles up in the batter, this bakes flatter cakes.
    3. Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 24 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes in the pan. Carefully turn over and rest on wire racks till completely cool before decorating.

    Vanilla Frosting Recipe

    Mix the buttercream vanilla frosting if making homemade. In a mixing bowl, beat butter (cream room temperature butter) with a electric mixer on medium speed. Use the paddle attachment in the bowl of a stand mixer on low speed, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy.

    Next, slowly add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Add milk and the vanilla extract, then beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add more milk if necessary to make it spreadable and smooth.

    Next, slowly add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Add milk and the vanilla extract, then beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add more milk if necessary to make it spreadable and smooth.

    Cut Up Cake Layers

    1. Place the two cake rounds on a cutting board. Cut four sides off the first cake 9" round layer, leaving a 6 ½” square. This will be the bunny's body. The 4 side pieces will be the bunny ears.
    2. On the second cake (9” round layer), measure 1 ½” from the edge, slice evenly around in a circle. The center circle will be the bunny's head. Then cut the outer ring into 8 equal pieces. Start at the top, bottom, then each side, then cut those in half so you have 8 even slices. Those will be the bunny paws.

    Assemble Rabbit Cake

    1. On your wrapped board, spread a small amount of frosting. Place the large square of the body toward the bottom of the tray.
    2. Place more frosting on the board, and place the head on top of the square. PRO TIP: The frosting helps to hold the cake pieces in place!
    3. Next, put frosting in between two side edge pieces with flat sides together. Form an ear shape for the ears and place on top of the round head. Secure with more frosting to the board.
    4. Put frosting in between 2 of 8 ring pieces on top of each other for each paw. Place on each side of the square, again put some frosting on board to secure. Now your bunny is ready to decorate.

    Prepare To Decorate

    1. Wrap a cutting board, tray, or firm cardboard measuring 13x20 minimum. Wrap with safe sturdy colorful paper to use as your board. Tie a bright color ribbon or bow for the bunny, and set it aside.
    2. Place 1 cup of coconut in a bowl, and add pink food coloring. A drop gives you light pink. Toss with a fork until the coconut is evenly tinted to the color you want, and set aside. I mixed a couple of shades for fun.
    3. Mix the buttercream vanilla frosting if making homemade.
    4. On a cutting board, use a small rest of the cake small notch finished product serrated knife to slice the licorice thin for all the pieces you will need to decorate the bunny. See below for more details.
    5. Organize all your decorating items; buttercream frosting, pink coconut, bow, jelly beans, and licorice pieces. Now you are ready to build your easy bunny cake!

    Frosting and Coconut

    1. Place the cake pieces and secure them on the board with small dollops of frosting. Use a small offset spatula or butter knife.
    2. Frost in between the earpiece halves and stack paws flat side down.
    3. Frost the top top of the head and all sides of the cake, ears, and stacked paws with white buttercream frosting. This helps the coconut stick on top of the cake.
    4. Sprinkle white coconut all over the bunny, cover the sides. Slip a piece of parchment paper (wax paper or a piece of paper) as you work to catch the coconut flakes on your work surface.
    5. Use a small pastry brush and paper plate (or small bowl) to clean up the coconut pieces on the board.

    Adorable Easter Bunny Cake Face Details

    1. Ears - sprinkle pink coconut inside the inner ear. You can also make different colors; green coconut, purple, etc.
    2. Eyes - trim thin licorice pieces, curve them, and place them on top of the black jelly beans turned sideways.
    3. Mouth - sprinkle some pink coconut, then place a red jelly bean turned sideways for the tongue. Next place two white jelly beans side by side for the bunny's front teeth.
    4. Nose - use a sideways pink jelly bean on top of the pink coconut.
    5. Whiskers - use 3 thin slices of black licorice on each side about 3-4 inches.

    Bunny Body Details

    1. Upper Paws - use 3 snips of black licorice for upper paws about 1" each. Bottom paws - use pink coconut.
    2. Bow Tie - Add a bright-colored bow and serve!

    Easter Cake Ideas & Decorating Tips

    This cute bunny cake is so easy to put together and decorate. It starts with two simple cakes in a single cake layer. You simply frost and decorate the entire thing. Get creative, use things you have, and have fun...

    Instead Of Licorice: use a black frosting pen, or a tube of black buttercream, or make black frosting at home. You can also use melted candy melts and a piping bag or zip-top bag. You can use either the thin black licorice or the thicker sticks of the licorice. Just carefully slice the thick licorice pieces into the shapes you need to decorate your cute bunny cake.

    Coconut Colors: I made a couple of shades of pink coconut, totally optional. But you could decorate your fluffy bunnies fur purple, yellow, green etc.

    Bundy Cake Pans: To keep it really simple, buy a bunny shaped cake pan or bundt pan, bake cake and decorate it!

    Cake Flavors: Try your favorite cake recipe flavor like a carrot cake, strawberry, vanilla, or chocolate cake mix!

    Coconut Clean-Up: Use a small pastry brush and a paper plate to "sweep up" the pieces of coconut that don't stick from your cake board.

    Buttercream Frosting Tip: Keep stirring your buttercream as you decorate, as it will crack on the surface a bit. If your buttercream frosting is too thick, you can add more milk, too thin you can add more powdered sugar.

    Candy & Icing Decorations:  Use gumballs for eyes and mouth, or red licorice will work great as well. If coconut is not your thing, you can simply ice the whole cake or decorate it with a star tip all over in any color like white and pink frosting.

    Use a little pink coconut or some pink jelly beans or candies on the ears and paws. Or color a little pink icing, pink buttercream, or pink candy melts to make the mouth and nose. Drops of green food coloring in coconut can become grass the bunny sits on or try or your favorite color. Red icing or colored coconut with a red jelly bean works for the tongue.

    A close up of an Easter cake that is a bunny rabbit, with pink coconut ears and licorice whiskers.
    How to make a bunny cake without a mold?

    Bake two 9" cake rounds. Cut four sides off the first cake 9" round cake, leaving a 6 ½” square, this will be the bunny's body. The 4 side pieces will be the bunny’s ears.
    On the second 9” cake round, measure 1 ½” from the edge, slice evenly around the cake in a circle. The center circle will be the bunny's head. Then cut the outer ring into 8 equal pieces. Start at the top, bottom, then each side, then slice those in half so you have 8 even slices from the outer edge, those will be the paws.
    On your wrapped cake board, spread a small amount of frosting under and in between all pieces, then frost and decorate the bunny cake with jelly beans, coconut, or other Easter candy.

    How is frosting different than icing?


    Frosting is whipped until thick, fluffy, and spreadable. It is commonly used to coat the outside (and often the inner layers) of a baked cake. 

    Icing is a thinner consistency and is and shines than frosting, and can be used as a glaze, for dipping or drizzling over desserts or for detailed decorating.

    More Baking & Frosting Recipes

    Try my other frosting recipes! This bakery-style white Fluffy Buttercream Frosting is sooo good, and not too sweet. Or the Chocolate Buttercream spreads so well on cakes and cupcakes. And Vanilla Extract is so easy to make at home, and makes a great gift for bakers. You can also use a cream cheese frosting and bake a carrot cake for your bunny cake, that would be so good!

    More Easter Desserts

    One of my favorite easy Easter desserts are these adorable Chocolate Easter Bunny Cupcakes. These cake bunnies are so easy you won't believe it!

    How cute are these "Bunny Butt" Easter Cupcakes? These naughty bunnies are digging up the garden!

    Or bake up these elegant Coconut Macaroon Cookies, they are so pretty on the Easter dinner table. Take a look at my collection of Easter Desserts for your Easter Celebration.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    An adorable bunny cake on a hot pink background surrounded with jelly beans.
    Print

    Easter Bunny Cake Recipe (Cut-Up Cake)

    An adorable Bunny Cake that is an easy dessert for Easter dinner. Learn step-by-step instructions to make this cut-up cake plus inspiring decorating tips. After all the eggs and chocolate bunnies are collected into Easter baskets, serve this sweet treat for Easter Sunday. Bunny-shaped cakes are so much fun, everyone gets a kick out of them. This little cutie pie is made from two round cakes, vanilla frosting, and decorated with coconut and candy.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Bunny Cake, Easter Bunny Cake, Easter cake, Easter dessert
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 24 minutes
    Decorating Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 24
    Calories 253kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Two 9" Round Cakes

    • 1 vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz/432 gram box) makes two 9” round cakes or homemade recipe
    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup vegetable oil
    • 3 eggs

    Buttercream Vanilla Frosting

    • 4 cups powder sugar
    • 1 cup butter softened, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
    • 4 tablespoons milk add more milk if necessary until smooth, spreadable, and fluffy

    Decorating

    • 14 ounces sweetened coconut
    • pink food coloring
    • colored jelly beans 1 pink, 2 black, 1 red, 2 white
    • black licorice thin or thick-just slice it (or use black gel pens or pipe on black buttercream frosting)

    Instructions

    Bake and Cut Two 9" Round Cakes

    • Lightly spray two 9” round cake pans with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper rounds.
    • Mix the cake mix according to the box directions or make homemade cake batter, and pour the batter into prepared pans.
    • PRO TIP: Tap the pans on the table to bring the bubbles up in the batter, this bakes flatter cakes.
    • Bake 350 degrees for 24 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then carefully turn over and rest on a rack till completely cool before decorating.

    Prepare To Decorate

    • Wrap a cutting board, tray, or firm cardboard measuring 13x20 minimum, wrap with safe sturdy colorful paper to use as your cake board. Tie bright color ribbon or bow set aside.
    • Place 1 cup coconut in a bowl, add pink food coloring ( a drop gives you light pink), toss with a fork until coconut is evenly tinted to the color you want, set aside. I mixed a couple shades for fun.
    • Mix the buttercream vanilla frosting if making homemade: Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Next, slowly add the powder sugar until fully incorporated. Add milk and the vanilla extract, then beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add more milk if necessary to make it spreadable and smooth.
    • On a cutting board, use a small knife to slice the licorice thin, for all the pieces you will need to decorate the bunny. See below for more details.
    • Organize all your decorating items; butter cream frosting, pink coconut, bow, jelly beans and licorice pieces. Now you are ready to build your bunny cake!

    Cut Cake Pieces

    • Place the two cake rounds on a cutting board. Cut four sides off first cake 9" round cake, leaving a 6 ½” square, this will be the bunnys body. The 4 side pieces will be the bunny’s ears.
    • On the second 9” cake round, measure 1 ½” from edge, slice evenly around the cake in a circle. The center circle will be the bunny's head. Then cut the outer ring into 8 equal pieces. Start at top, bottom, then each side, then slice those in half so you have 8 even slices from the outer edge, those will be the paws.

    Assemble The Bunny

    • On your wrapped cake board, spread a small amount of frosting and place the large square as the body toward bottom of the tray. Place more frosting on the board, and place the head on top of the square. TIP: The frosting helps to hold the cake pieces in place!
    • Next, put frosting in between two side edge pieces with flat sides together forming the ears on top of round head and secure with more frosting to the board.
    • Put frosting in between 2 of 8 ring pieces on top of each other for each paw on each side of the square, again put some frosting on board to secure. Now your bunny is ready to decorate!

    Decorate The Bunny

    • Using a small offset spatula or butter knife, frost all the bunny pieces including sides of cake, ears, and stacked paws with white buttercream frosting. Sprinkle white coconut all over the entire cake, covering all the sides. Use a small brush and paper plate to clean up the coconut pieces.
    • Ears - sprinkle pink coconut inside ears.
    • Eyes - trim thin licorice pieces, and curve them, place on top of each black jelly bean turned sideways.
    • Mouth - sprinkle some pink coconut, use a red jelly bean turned sideways for the tongue and place two white jelly beans side by side for the bunny's front teeth.
    • Nose - use a sideways pink jelly bean on top of pink coconut.
    • Whiskers - use 3 thin slices of black licorice on each side about 3-4 inches.
    • Upper Paws - use 3 snips of black licorice for upper paws about 1" each. Bottom paws - use pink coconut.
    • Add bright colored bow and serve!

    Video

    Notes

    cake mix:  

    One standard box of cake mix will make two 9" layers.

    baking:

    Tap the pans on the table to bring the bubbles up in the batter, this bakes flatter cakes.

    coconut:

    I used sweetened coconut for this bunny cake, you could just frost the entire cake and skip the coconut, and use just a bit of pink coconut for decoration or color frosting pink. 

    frosting: 

    You can buy a storebought brand, ask for it in your grocery bakery, or make homemade buttercream frosting. 

    decorating tips: 

    • You can use either the thin black licorice or the thicker sticks of the licorice. Just carefully slice the thick licorice pieces into the shapes you need to decorate your bunny cake.
    • Another option to get the black decorations on the bunny is to use a black frosting pen or tube of black buttercream from the store or make your own black frosting at home.
    • I made a couple of shades of pink coconut, totally optional.
    • Use a small pastry brush and a paper plate to "sweep up" the pieces of coconut that don't stick.
    • Keep stirring your buttercream as you decorate, as it will crack on the surface a bit. Also, if your buttercream frosting is too thick, you can add more milk, too thin you can add more powder sugar.
    • Alternative decoration ideas: Use gumballs for eyes and mouth, or red licorice will work great as well! If coconut is not your thing, you can simply ice the whole cake, and use a little pink coconut or some pink jelly beans or candies on the ears and paws, or color some buttercream pink.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 24g | Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

    Easter Cookies

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated April 4th, 2024 at 08:59 am by Lisa

    Bake these Easter Cookies with classic sugar cookie dough, drizzled with easy buttercream vanilla icing, and lots of cute pastel sprinkles on top!

    You will love this frosting. This wet icing sets up fast once chilled in the fridge. So you decorate quickly and can stack the iced cookies on a platter or pack them into boxes to share. These cute Spring cookies are so happy and bright...

    A large sheet pan lined with parchment paper and baked and decorated Easter cookies with sprinkles and icing.

    How To Make Easter Sugar Cookies

    For years every time I make these butter cookies for Easter brunch, people go crazy. I honestly use the same recipe for Christmas too, these Easter egg cookies are soooo soft and chewy. And make a nice gift for friends and family, you can wrap them in little pastry containers or cookie bags.

    And for all, you avid cookie decorators, take a look at my royal icing using edible pens for more decorated cookie inspiration! You can make royal icing with meringue powder or egg whites and flood the surface of cookies with white royal icing. Let it dry, then kids can write sweet notes to the Easter bunny and have a little bit of fun creating their own designs.

    Happy decorating your Easter egg sugar cookies!

    Cut Out Sugar Cookie Ingredients

    • butter
    • granulated sugar
    • EggBeaters or an Egg
    • baking powder
    • orange juice freshly squeezed from an orange
    • good vanilla extract
    • all-purpose flour

    Vanilla Buttercream Icing Ingredients

    • powdered sugar
    • butter softened, room temperature
    • vanilla extract (or swap in almond extract)
    • milk  
    • Easter sprinkles
    1. In a large bowl or an electric mixer, add sugar and softened butter. Mix until combined on medium speed.
    2. Next add egg, baking powder, orange juice, vanilla, and mix. Next, add flour gradually, and mix until the dry ingredients are well combined.
    3. Wrap cookie dough in plastic food wrap and chill dough until firm for 1-2 hours.
    4. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ¼ thickness using a rolling pin and a pastry mat for easy cleanup.
    5. Use Easter shaped cutter to cut out the cookies from the rolled-out dough. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or cookie sheets at least 1-2 inches apart.
    6. Heat oven to 400 degrees, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
    7. Cool the cookies completely on their baking tray or a wire rack, and then decorate. Leave on the cooling rack for 8-10 minutes.
    8. Spread the frosting with a small offset spatula, use Ziploc bag, or piping bag to pipe out curvy squiggle patterns, white dots, or your own design.

    PRO TIP: Chilling the dough really helps the cookies to cut easier and hold their shape while baking. 

    Make The Vanilla Buttercream Icing

    1. Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Next, slowly add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
    2. Add milk and the vanilla extract, then beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
    3. Add more milk if necessary to make it soft to ice the cookies.

    Cookie Decorating

    1. Fill a strong ziptop bag and snip the end or, fill a pastry bag fitted with a small tip, and pipe a zig-zag line back and forth over each cookie going back and forth.
    2. Next, add sprinkles on top of the frosting.
    3. Chill the cookies in a single layer in the refrigerator to set the icing.
    4. Stack on a plate and enjoy!
    Two steps showing cutting out Easter cookies on a pastry mat and them baked on top of the oven.

    PRO BAKING TIP: Load frosting in a zip-top or pastry bag, snip a small corner off, and use a back and forth motion to ice your cookies then add colorful sprinkles. This is the easiest way to decorate a lot of cookies fast!

    A great way to celebrate Spring and Easter is with different-shaped cookies. Here are some inspiring ideas for you to try, or why not make one huge giant sugar cookie and decorate it as a family!

    Another great option if you are short on time is to buy cookie kits at your local supermarket or grocery store. They will have pre-baked cookies and frosting ready to go!

    • Carrot Cookie Cutter ~ use orange and green icing
    • Bunny Cookies
    • Bunny Head
    • Flowers - daisies, tulips, and roses
    • Easter eggs ~ use egg cookie cutters
    • Baby Chicks
    • Easter Baskets
    • Spring Shapes (flowers, ducks, bunnies)
    • Egg Shapes ~ add squiggles, lines, and dots!

    Easter Designs

    Sugar cookies are great, if you want to make another recipe try my Simple Shortbread Cookies with different spring flavors like mint, lemon, or orange to make them your own creation and put your fun twists on them.

    • Order some Easter Sprinkles with carrots, eggs, and bunnies
    • Try Edible Markers to write on the surface of the sugar cookies!
    • Color Icing: liquid food colouring will color any white icing
    • Drizzle Icing: sprinkle mini white or chocolate chips, crushed candy, or jelly beans
    • Flavor Additions: add some lemon, lime, or orange zest to your cookie dough or icing for great fresh flavor. Or add lemon or orange extract.
    • Melted Chocolate: gel food colouring works great to color white chocolate to make it pastel colors, or orange and green for carrots
    • Pastel Sprinkles: mix your own with sprinkles at home; mix pink, green, pastel blue, and yellow sprinkles and use up some things you have on hand
    • Chocolate Eggs: bake egg shape cookies, spread chocolate brown icing, and add chocolate sprinkles with color dots and squiggle lines
    • Color Sugars: white sanding sugar or even regular sugar can be colored with drops of food coloring in a zip bag
    • Homemade Frosting Recipes: Add my White Frosting, Chocolate Frosting, or cream cheese frosting to your cookies.

    Sugar Cookies & Frosting FAQ

    How long will sugar cookies last in the refrigerator?


    The best way to keep them fresh for at least two weeks is wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.

    Can sugar cookies with frosting be frozen?


    Yes, a good way to store them is in a sealed container or on a paper plate covered with a zip-top bag.

    Can you freeze buttercream frosting?


    You can freeze buttercream frosting. When ready to use it, simply place it on the kitchen counter and bring it to room temperature. Remix or whip if too stiff. You can add a bit more milk to thin out the frosting to the right consistency.

    Easter Dinner Recipes

    Take a look at dozens of 80+ Easter Menu Ideas included in this collection of recipes. You will find all the traditional Easter Dinner classics like Glazed Ham, a grilled Rack of Lamb, sides like glazed carrots, Roasted Baby Potatoes, or Mashed Potatoes, and scrumptious desserts like an adorable Bunny Cake.

    There are also inspiring non-traditional Easter dishes, fresh new appetizers like Deviled Eggs that look like little Spring baskets, drinks, cocktails, potluck sides, and more for your celebration after Easter egg hunts.

    A collage of Easter dinner recipes including ham, bunny cake, beef roast, Easter cookies and cupcakes.

    More Easter Desserts

    Some of my favorite easy Easter treats are these adorable Easter Bunny Cupcakes that are all so easy you won't believe it. Or this adorable Easter Bunny Cake, which is made from two 9" round cakes.

    Or bake up these elegant Coconut Macaroon Cookies, they are so pretty on the Easter dinner table. Take a look at my collection of Easter Desserts for your Easter Celebration.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Easter cookies with sprinkles and icing on parchment paper lined cookie tray.
    Print

    Easy Easter Sugar Cookies

    Bake these Easter Cookies with classic sugar cookie dough, drizzled with easy buttercream vanilla icing, and lots of cute pastel sprinkles on top!
    You will love this frosting. This wet icing sets up fast once chilled in the fridge. So you decorate quickly and can stack the iced cookies on a platter or pack them into boxes to share. These cute Spring cookies are so happy and bright.
    Course Desserts & Sweets
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Easter cookies, Easter desserts, Easter sugar cookies
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    3 days
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings 36
    Calories 178kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Cookie Recipe

    • 1 cup butter softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 egg I used EggBeaters, it works perfectly!
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed from an orange
    • 1 tablespoon good vanilla extract
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

    Vanilla Buttercream Icing

    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • ½ cup butter   softened, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 4-6 tablespoons milk  add more milk if necessary until icing is easy to decorate on cookies
    • festive Easter sprinkles
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Cookie Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl or an electric mixer, add sugar and softened butter. Mix until combined on medium speed.
    • Next add egg, baking powder, orange juice, vanilla, and mix. Next, add flour gradually, and mix until the dry ingredients are well combined.
    • Wrap cookie dough in plastic food wrap and chill dough until firm for 1-2 hours.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼ thickness using a rolling pin and a pastry mat for easy cleanup.
    • Use Easter shaped cutter to cut out the cookies from the rolled-out dough. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or cookie sheets at least 1-2 inches apart.
    • Heat oven to 400 degrees, and bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
    • Cool the cookies completely on their baking tray or a wire rack, and then decorate.

    Vanilla Buttercream

    • Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Next, slowly add the powder sugar until fully incorporated.
    • Add milk and the vanilla extract, then beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add more tablespoons of milk if necessary to make it soft and the correct consistency to ice the cookies.

    Decorate The Cookies

    • Fill a strong zip top bag and snip the end or, fill a pastry bag fitted with a small tip, and pipe a zig zag line back and forth over each cookie going back and forth.
    • Next, add sprinkles on top of the icing. Enjoy!
    • Chill the cookies in a single layer on a piece of wax paper in the refrigerator to set the icing quickly.
    • Then stack in a container, keep chilled. Will stay good in fridge up to two weeks.

    Video

    Notes

    cookie dough

    Chilling the dough really helps the cookies to cut easier and hold their shape while baking. 

    buttercream frosting

    You can freeze this buttercream, simply place it on the kitchen counter and bring it to room temperature. Snip a small corner off the zip-top bag, and use a back and forth motion to ice your cookies, then add colorful Easter sprinkles. 
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 248IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

    Beef Stew

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    Last Updated January 4th, 2024 at 11:31 pm by Lisa

    Traditional beef stew is a beloved dinner worldwide and one of the great recipes of all time. We all crave cozy warm bowls of comfort food on cold Winter nights. This Dutch oven beef stew can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker crock pot.

    Delicious red wine beef stew starts with meat browning, creating succulent tender beef and a rich depth of flavor. Then topped off with tender potatoes and carrots in a thick dark hearty stew to dunk crusty bread into...

    Best Beef Stew Recipe

    This hearty beef stew is a great way to warm right up and is a classic recipe for cold nights. So much flavor is added to the red wine sauce from the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and the sauteing of the meat. Serve with slices of bread and a glass of wine for the adults!

    Beef Marinade

    • red wine
    • bay leaf
    • whole garlic cloves
    • Worcestershire sauce (or balsamic vinegar)

    Browned Meat

    • good quality beef chuck roast well trimmed cut into 1 ½ inch cubes. (see below for more beef cuts that work!)
    • all-purpose flour
    • baking soda
    • Kosher salt
    • black pepper
    • olive oil (or vegetable oil)

    Best Stew Beef Cuts: Choose a package of stew meat, boneless beef chuck roast, bottom round, or tenderloin, cut into 1 ½ inch cubes, and be sure to trim the silver skin and fat or ask the butcher for well-trimmed stew meat.

    Vegetables: You can add different root veggies like sweet potatoes, celery, parsnips, Yukon gold potatoes, russet potatoes, or red potatoes. Another classic addition is to add frozen peas. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking so they stay bright green and don't get mushy.

    Best Red Wine: A nice bottle of red wine you would drink is the best choice. A dry red wine, a merlot, a pinot noir, or a cabernet sauvignon all work well. I found well-priced bottle (under $10!) of French red wine at Trader Joe's. If you don't want to use wine, swap in beef broth into your marinade!

    Beef Broth: Ideally beef broth is best for this stew. You can swap in chicken broth or chicken stock, and if you have it add in some beef bullion like Better Than Bouillon.

    Cooking The Beef Stew

    •  yellow onions diced
    • sun dried tomatoes or sub tomato paste
    • beef broth preferred (or sub chicken stock)
    • small baby potatoes - Yukon gold, red potatoes halves
    • carrots peeled, cut on a diagonal 1-½"
    • garnish: fresh parsley

    Here are the ingredients you will need...

    All these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store and are great to keep on hand for this stew recipe.

    Stove Top Stew Instructions

    Remove any silver skin or tough shiny membrane from the meat. Read below for more tips to remove the silver skin. Cut the meat into 1 ½” cubes, and place the small pieces of cut meat in a covered airtight container with marinade.

    Marinade: Pour in 1 cup of wine, peeled garlic cloves, 3 whole bay leaf, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Marinate overnight in the fridge (or for at least a couple of hours), this adds tremendously rich flavor.

    Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

    Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

    PRO TIP: Baking soda raises the PH and helps to brown the beef to a golden brown!

    Using tongs, remove the garlic and bay leaves and discard. Grab 2 large plates. On one plate, remove the meat from the marinade using tongs (don’t throw out marinade!) and toss a few pieces into the flour mixture in the bowl. Coat all the pieces in the flour mix and place the floured beef on the other plate.

    On the stovetop, in a large dutch oven or large pot that has a fitted lid, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Brown for 5-7 minutes in batches removing to a plate as you go.

    If the meat sticks to the pan, it isn't quite seared enough, wait a few more minutes and if it releases from the pan it has formed a brown seared crust and will easily lift with tongs.

    PRO TIP: Don’t overcrowd the pan, this develops deep flavor and the flour coating will help the stew thicken as it cooks!

    Cook all the beef, and add a little bit more oil as needed while you saute.

    Now add the diced chopped onion to the dutch oven. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Cook the onion until it starts to soften and turn brown for about 5 minutes.

    Next, into the large dutch oven, on top of the cooked onions, place all the reserved marinade, beef stock, browned meat, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well, cover, and place in the oven for 1 hour at 300 degrees.

    After 1 hour, carefully remove the pot from the oven, add the cut carrots and sliced potatoes, stir well, and cover. Place it back into the oven for 1 additional hour at 300 degrees. TIP: If the stew gets too hot and boils, reduce heat to 250 degrees. Once the meat and vegetables are tender, the stew is ready to eat.

    PRO TIP: If the stew isn't as thick as you desire, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch into some cold water, this prevents lumps! Then add to the stew and stir to combine. Cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour!

    Serving Ideas: Side dish recipes that go with your hearty stew dinner can be these beautiful Dinner Rolls, a big loaf of French crusty bread, or baguettes with butter would be amazing too. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

    Beef Stew Slow Cooker Instructions

    Slow Cooker / Crock Pot Tips: Follow the recipe and brown the beef, and transfer the browned pieces into the slow cooker as you work. Next, add the onion, and cook for 5 minutes, scraping up the brown bits with a wooden spoon. Place the cooked onions, all the reserved marinade, beef stock, and sun-dried tomatoes into your slow cooker. Stir well, and cover. On a low setting cook for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are fork tender.

    Red Wine Stew Top Cooking Tips

    • Time & Patience: The secret to delicious stew, is time. Both prep time and cooking time. Stews have tougher cuts of meat that need a long, slow cooking process to break down the meat into succulent tender bites and release a depth of flavor.
    • Silver Skin: Be sure to slice it all off or have the butcher remove the silver skin. No one wants a chewy tough bite of meat!
    • Cooking Oil: lean meat beef cuts will need more oil, you can use olive oil, or a high temperature cooking oil like vegetable or avocado oil.
    • Beef Browing: baking soda raised the PH and browns the meat better, and that is why it is in the flour coating mixture.
    • Thicker Stew: You don't need any cornstarch slurry or thickeners, because the flour mixture on the browned meat pieces does all that work for you!

    Leftovers: The next day, portion servings in an airtight container or zip top bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator, and heat in a microwave safe bowl or on the stove in a small pot for a great lunch or dinner on a cold day.

    More Seasonings & Flavor Add-Ins: Fresh rosemary and or fresh thyme are also nice for additional flavor. Be sure to remove the stems before serving. Some people love to add a packet of Lipton onion soup mix for added flavor! Another addition is to crisp up some bacon and use a bit of bacon fat in your stew for flavor. To make a rich velvety stew sauce, at the end of cooking, stir in a couple of tablespoons of butter. It adds shine, flavor, and richness. This is a French term called Monter au Beurre that adds shine, flavor, and richness to sauces and stews.

    What is beef stew vs. beef bourguignon?

    An American Beef Stew is a simple easy stove-top recipe, usually made with stew beef, carrots, and potatoes.

    Beef bourguignon or bœuf bourguignon is a classic French beef stew with meat and vegetables braised in red wine and beef stock. This dish is also called beef Burgundy and bœuf à la Bourguignonne in France. Traditionally, ingredients include carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms, garlic, and bacon.

    How to remove the silver skin from meat?

    Silver skin is a shiny white membrane of connective tissue on a variety of meat cuts, especially on large cuts of meat and underneath ribs. Insert the tip of a sharp paring knife in between the silver skin and meat. Hold the silver skin in one hand with a paper towel to grip it and slowly slice away the tough membrane moving your knife back and forth. If you leave on the silver skin, it will not break down while cooking and is super chewy and tough.

    More Beef Dinner Recipes

    Make the best Corned Beef with a delicious spice crust, and juicy fork-tender slices. An Irish tradition especially for St. Patrick's Day! Dishes that go with your cooked brisket dinner are these Roasted Cabbage Steaks with golden crispy edges from the olive oil, Mashed Potatoes, Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, or Red Potatoes. Cheddar Irish Bread, Brown Soda Bread, or Dinner Rolls would be amazing too!

    Make an elegant Beef Roast (aka Roast Beef) from a tenderloin or New York steak. Wonderful to serve for dinner parties, special occasions, or the holidays with a rich red wine sauce.         

    Shredded Beef is fall-apart tender and bursting full of flavor from slow cooking with the Latin Caribbean sofrito ingredients. It is one of those easy dinners that takes just 10 minutes of prep. Add flank steak, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices to your slow cooker for a delicious cozy dinner!

    Try a Beef Stroganoff recipe with tri-tip steak, mushrooms, and creamy rich stroganoff sauce. It is easy enough for a weeknight dinner and yummy enough for company.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Beef stew in a white bowl with chunks of beef, sliced potatoes, carrots, and slice of baguette with a silver spoon.
    Print

    Beef Stew Recipe

    Traditional beef stew is a beloved dinner worldwide and one of the great recipes of all time. We all crave cozy warm bowls of comfort food on cold Winter nights. This Dutch oven beef stew can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker crock pot. Delicious red wine beef stew starts with meat browning, creating succulent tender beef and a rich depth of flavor. Then topped off with tender potatoes and carrots in a thick dark hearty stew to dunk crusty bread into.
    Course Dinner & Main Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Keyword beef stew, beef stew recipe, meat stew
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 2 hours
    Servings 8
    Calories 381kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Beef Marinade

    • 1 cup good red wine cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, or French red
    • 3 whole bay leaf
    • 3 whole garlic cloves
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or swap in balsamic vinegar

    Brown Beef

    • 2-3 pounds good quality beef (well trimmed stew meat, bottom round, chuck beef, or tenderloin, cut into 1 ½ inch cubes)
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon black pepper
    • olive oil

    Cooking The Beef Stew

    • 2 whole yellow onions diced
    • ½ cup sun dried tomatoes or sub 3 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 2 cups beef broth or sub chicken stock - 32 oz. is 2 cups
    • 2 pound small baby potatoes Yukon gold, red etc. halves
    • 1 pound carrots peeled, cut on diagonal 1-½"
    • garnish: fresh parsley

    Instructions

    • Remove any silver skin or tough shiny membrane from the meat. Cut into 1 ½” cubes, and place the small pieces of cut beef in a covered airtight container with marinade.
    • Marinade: Pour in 1 cup of wine, peeled garlic cloves, 3 whole bay leaf, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Marinate overnight preferably, or at least 2 hours in fridge to add tremendous flavor.
    • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
    • In a small bowl or plate, combine all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. PRO TIP: baking soda raises the PH and helps to brown the meat!
    • Using tongs, remove the garlic and bay leaves and discard from the marinade. Grab 2 large plates. On one plate, remove the beef from the marinade using tongs (don’t throw out marinade!) and toss a few pieces into the flour mixture in the bowl. Coat all the pieces in the flour mix and place the floured beef on the other plate.
    • On the stove top, in a large dutch oven or large pot that has a fitted lid, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Brown for 5-7 minutes in batches removing to a plate as you go.
    • PRO TIP: Don’t overcrowd pan, this develops deep flavor and the flour coating will help the stew thicken as it cooks. Cook all the beef, and add a little bit more olive oil (or you can use vegetable oil) as you brown them. If the meat sticks to the pan, it isn't quite seared enough, wait a few more minutes and if it releases from the pan it has formed a brown seared crust and will easily lift with tongs.
    • Now add the diced chopped onion to the dutch oven. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Cook the onion until it starts to soften and turns brown for about 5 minutes.
    • Next, into the dutch oven, on top of the cooked onions, place all the reserved marinade, beef stock, browned beef, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well, cover, and place in the oven for 1 hour at 300 degrees.
    • Peel and slice the carrots into diagonal 1-½" pieces. Wash and slice the baby potatoes in halves. Set aside.
    • After 1 hour, carefully remove the pot from the oven, and add the cut carrots and sliced potatoes, stir well and cover. Place it back into the oven for 1 additional hour at 300 degrees. TIP: If the stew gets too hot and boils, reduce heat to 250 degrees. Once the meat and vegetables are tender, the stew is ready to eat.
    • Serve hot with crusty bread or baguettes.

    Video

    Notes

    How to remove the silver skin from meat?
    Silver skin is a shiny white membrane of connective tissue on a variety of meat cuts, especially on large cuts of meat and underneath ribs. Insert the tip of a sharp paring knife in between the silver skin and meat. Hold the silver skin in one hand with a paper towel to grip it and slowly slice away the tough membrane moving your knife back and forth. If you leave on the silver skin, it will not break down while cooking and is super chewy and tough.

    Best Stew Top Ingredient & Cooking Tips

      • Time & Patience: The secret to delicious stew, is time. Both prep time and cooking time. Stews have tougher cuts of meat that need a long, slow cooking process to break down the meat into succulent tender bites and release a depth of flavor.
      • Silver Skin: Be sure to slice it all off or have the butcher remove the silver skin. No one wants a chewy tough bite of meat!
      • Cooking Oil: lean meat beef cuts will need more oil, you can use olive oil, or a high temperature cooking oil like vegetable or avocado oil.
      • Beef Browing: baking soda raised the PH and browns better, that is why it is in the flour coating mixture.
      • Thicker Stew: The flour mixture on the pieces, helps to thicken the stew!
    Beef: Choose a package of stew meat, boneless beef chuck roast, bottom round, or beef tenderloin, cut into 1 ½ inch cubes, and be sure to trim the silver skin and fat or ask the butcher for well-trimmed stew meat.
    Vegetables: You can add different root veggies like sweet potatoes, celery, parsnips, Yukon gold potatoes, russet potatoes, or red potatoes. Another classic addition is to add frozen peas. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking so they stay bright green and don't get mushy.
    Best Red Wine: A nice bottle of red wine you would drink is the best choice. A dry red wine, a merlot, a pinot noir, or a cabernet sauvignon all work well. I found well-priced bottle of French red wine at Trader Joe's. If you don't want to use wine, swap in beef broth in your marinade!
    Beef Broth: Ideally beef broth is best for stew. You can swap in chicken broth or chicken stock, and if you have it add in some beef bullion like Better Than Bouillon.
    Leftovers: The next day, portion servings in an airtight container or zip top bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator, and heat in a microwave safe bowl or on the stove in a small pot for a great lunch or dinner on a cold day.
    Thickeners: You don't need any cornstarch slurry or thickeners, because the flour on the browed meat does that work for you
    Seasonings & Flavor Add-Ins: Fresh rosemary and or fresh thyme are also nice for additional flavor. Be sure to remove the stems before serving.  Some people love to add a packet of Lipton onion soup mix for added flavor! Another addition is to crisp up some bacon and use a bit of bacon fat in your stew for flavor. To make a rich velvety stew sauce, at the end of cooking, stir in a couple of tablespoons of butter. It adds shine, flavor, and richness. This is a French term called Monter au Beurre that adds shine, flavor, and richness to sauces and stews.
    Serving Ideas: Side dish recipes that go with your hearty stew dinner can be these beautiful Dinner Rolls, a big loaf of French crusty bread, or a baguette.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0g | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1406mg | Potassium: 1418mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 9545IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 5mg

    80+ Easter Dinner Ideas

    [heart_this] · · 5 Comments

    Last Updated May 17th, 2026 at 10:06 am by Lisa

    Dozens of Easter Menu Ideas are included in this recipe collection. All the traditional Easter Dinner classics like glazed ham, rack of lamb, roasted or mashed potatoes, and scrumptious desserts like an adorable bunny cake.

    There are inspiring non-traditional Easter dishes, and creative appetizers too. Spring basket deviled eggs, drinks, cocktails, potluck sides, and more for your holiday feast celebration.

    Plus ideas, tips, and hacks to make your family gathering spectacular from Good Friday through Easter Sunday. ✝️👒🌷

    These are some of the best Easter dinner ideas whether you are having an easy brunch or a holiday dinner. Happy Easter everyone...

    Traditional Easter Dinner Main Courses

    This sample Easter dinner menu is full of delicious food, great ideas, and recipes to celebrate with family and friends. Some are sure to become traditions in your home year after year.

    Start planning a sample menu plan with traditional Easter dinner ideas that are classic Easter dinner must-haves. Then add in a couple of non-traditional Easter recipes and then narrow it down as people volunteer to bring main dish items to your gathering.

    What are the traditional Easter menu main dishes?


    A traditional Easter menu typically has a favorite meat main dish like ham, or lamb, and then sides of scalloped potatoes, spring vegetables, bread, and a tasty treat like cupcakes and cakes.

    These are the most common Easter dinner entree dishes and sides according to the Food Network.

    -glazed ham
    -roast lamb
    -scalloped potatoes
    -cheesy potato casserole
    -au gratin potatoes
    -roasted potatoes
    -glazed carrots
    -deviled eggs
    -macaroni and cheese
    -asparagus
    -hot cross buns
    -Easter bread
    -carrot cake
    -bunny cake

    Delicious Easter Dinner Ideas 

    Classic Ham & Beef Roast Dinner

    Enjoy this fun fresh take on a classic ham it could start a new tradition for your Easter ham dinner. Most people bake hams in the oven, and slow cooker ham recipes are so popular now as a main course.

    But I gotta tell you, Kahlua Pineapple Glazed Ham is the BEST spiral-cut baked ham recipe to serve a crowd. The pineapples bake in the same pan and it has a brown sugar glaze. It kinda breaks the traditional ham dinner rules in a good way and has a perfect balance. 🐷🍍

    Serve this Beef Roast Recipe with a wine marinade as an elegant dinner for the holiday. 🍖🍷

    The prep on this is easy, and oh you can serve it with my Creamy Balsamic Horseradish Sauce and make Roast Beef Sandwiches the next day. 🥩🥪

    Make a Twice Smoked Spiral Cut Ham just like a smokehouse pit boss. This holiday meal classic has an amazing smoky flavor with an apple cider orange honey glaze, but it is a winner any time of year! 🐷🍊🍎🔥

    Fancy Grilled Lamb

    Roast lamb is classic, and most people cook a roast leg of lamb. But what about an elegant grill recipe ready in just 45 minutes? Impress your family and guests with this Cabernet-Rosemary Grilled Rack of Lamb sliced into Lamb Chops served with refreshing Watermelon Skewers. 🐑 🍉

    Grilled Lamb Chops are rubbed and seasoned with mint salt and paired with sweet juicy Peaches for an easy side. Top with parmesan mint pesto, for a gorgeous spring party food idea! 🍖🍑🌿

    Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are great, wrap a pita around grilled lamb meatballs with chopped tomato, cucumber, and a little parsley. The grilled lamb kabobs are sublime with the cool veggies and sauce all tucked in a pita... 🥙

    Non Traditional Easter Dinner Ideas

    Gorgeous Fish Ideas

    The 46 days leading up to Easter Sunday are called Lent. These are great choices for those who observe Lent and typically fast from eating meat on Fridays.

    Lobster Ravioli with a Lemon-Limoncello Butter Sauce uses a baked ravioli technique you can make in just over an hour or prep ahead for your holiday dinner party. 🦞🍋

    Grilled Salmon with fresh asparagus, zucchini ribbons, and lemon-dill butter all wrapped in cedar and is a complete recipe all in one. Make this clean healthy dinner for entertaining in minutes, it looks so pretty garnished with lemon slices! 🎣🌿🔥

    A fast oven-baked Shrimp Boil is easy and ready in 35 minutes. Get all the deep delicious taste of this low country classic dish without the fuss of boiling water. 🦐🍤🌿🥔🌽

    Pork & Chicken Ideas

    There really are no rules for Easter, even pork chops or a chicken recipe can be a great choice. Grilled chicken breasts, a golden roast chicken, or Stuffed Gorgonzola Chicken would be so nice to serve, and this chicken recipe has a pan gravy that is heavenly. 🍗🌿

    For something fancier, this Cherry Balsamic Pork Loin (pork roast) takes minutes to prep and is a gorgeous presentation. Pork tenderloin is another option, these are smaller cuts of meat than the loin cut in this recipe. 🐷🍒 I have served this holiday meal for New Year's with rave reviews.

    With the weather warming up, it is the perfect time to serve Huli Huli Chicken in pineapple bowls with tropical rice. You will feel like you are on vacation! 🍗🍍🌴

    Comfort Food Ideas

    A turkey recipe like this easy Roast Turkey Breast made with homemade Herb Butter will be amazing. By the way, turkey roasts are easy to find in grocery stores year-round in the freezer section. 🦃🌿

    The best juicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe is bursting with flavor. Each slice is light, fluffy, and tender. 🍔🥓

    Classic Beef Stroganoff made with ground beef is so popular and beloved worldwide. But what if I shared my secrets to pack in flavor and use various beef cuts like tri-tip? 🥩🍄

    Classic Spring Vegetables & Side Dishes

    The perfect way to enjoy a holiday is to serve a simple side dish or two and let people bring their signature dish.

    Of all my recipes, this one might have surprised me the most! Learn my trick to get Mashed Potatoes super creamy (hint: cream cheese). It is wildly popular, and people love to make these ahead and reheat them cleverly. Or bake a delicious side dish of Smashed Potatoes with golden crispy edges. 🥔🧈🥣

    Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables can be prepped ahead, and then roasted the day of your party. 🍠🥕🌿

    Make sure these easy Dinner Rolls (Pull-Apart Bread) are on your table. They are beautiful and easy to make with store-bought frozen dough. Brush with melted butter, and add toppings you love like grated cheeses & herbs. Everyone goes crazy for these, both kids and adults, these make picky eaters happy. 🍞🧀🌿

    This Sauteed Asparagus recipe is a perfect side dish every time. Loaded with fresh flavor and topped with Gremolata. 🌱🌿 Plus it's an easy low-carb keto recipe.

    Green Goddess Dressing bursts with fresh herb flavor. This is my Mom's 1970's original recipe from California. 🍃💚

    Non-Traditional Easter Side Dishes

    Parmesan Risotto has an amazingly deep flavor. But the best part is hands-free cooking requiring no constant stirring like most risotto recipes. It's an easy side for a delicious meal full of artichokes and toasted pine nuts. 🧀🍚💛

    Cowboy Baked Beans are loaded with browned hamburger meat and crispy applewood smoked bacon. A wildly popular party food recipe and great to bring to potlucks. 🤠🥣

    This is no boring soggy cabbage recipe. Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks get crunchy edges and golden brown centers. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for a savory finish. 🥬🍋🌿

    For all you avid fans of Sweet Potato Casserole, this signature side dish is the original recipe from the famous Ruth's Chris Steak House. The combination of the pecan and fluffiness of the sweet potato mixture takes this great non traditional holiday side for Easter way over the top. It is so scrumptious, the whole family will rave and want a second scoop, and it might just become an Easter tradition. 🧡🍠

    A classic famous Cheese Soup with simple ingredients and extraordinarily deep rich flavors. An easy soup recipe and one of my favorite things to serve on chilly nights in the winter months when it's soup time. 🧀🫕

    A healthier Alfredo Sauce recipe is possible with just a fraction of the calories. Let's lighten things up and ditch the high fat version loaded with carbs. It has the right creamy texture and clings to the fettuccini with cheesy goodness. 

    Breakfast & Easter Brunch Menu

    Easter Pie (Pizzagaina) is an Italian type of quiche made from a pie crust base and filled with ham, salami, prosciutto, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. For easy Hash Browns, bake them in a muffin tin! 🧑🏼‍🍳🥔

    Everyone will love to dive into this bubbly Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole right after the Easter egg hunt. Another amazing recipe is a Brie and Bacon Mini Quiche. Baked up in a muffin tin, and so darn pretty. 🥓🥚🍳

    Easter Dinner Side Salads

    Potato Salad is a classic BBQ side dish. Loaded with crispy bacon and blue cheese and topped with fresh parsley. This is a great picnic food idea because it has no eggs or mayo. 🥔🥓

    Try this Frozen Wedge Salad with Pistachio-Avocado Dressing. 🥬🥑💚

    Broccoli Salad with crisp green apples, crunchy broccoli, and grapes create all tossed with a creamy 3-ingredient orange sweet dressing. 🥦🍇

    Seven-Layer Salad also known as an overnight salad or "7 Layer Salad", is a colorful party food recipe that serves large groups, and everyone goes for seconds. 🥗💚

    An easy Pasta Salad with fresh herbs, bell pepper, and cheese. This is a mayo-less salad, perfect to serve crowds for parties and picnics. 🧺🌿🥣

    The BEST Macaroni Pasta Salad recipe with chopped eggs, pickles, and PICKLE JUICE! A favorite old-fashioned recipe loved by all but just a little different with those pickles. 💚🍽

    Dressings & Vinaigrettes

    Take any green salad and top with homemade dressing from this collection of recipes. Each one of these is an easy recipe, and would be an excellent choice for your family gathering! I love to make vinaigrettes at home with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Then toss on mixed greens or a spinach salad.

    Added bonus: each one of these can be made in a mason jar in minutes with simple ingredients. You can drizzle on any spring green salad mix and toss in fresh herbs and grated parmesan for a gorgeous salad. 🍶🍋🥗

    Easter Dinner Party Appetizers

    As the family gathers, put out some gorgeous tasty recipes for people to nibble on. Put out a plate of Easter Deviled Eggs that look like little spring baskets, are they pretty or what? They have fresh herbs and edible flower garnish with tons of tips. 🥚💐🪴🧺

    Crudités with a green goddess dip is an easy appetizer. Serve veggie cups and a purple cabbage "bowl" for a unique relish tray at your party. Little dipping cups are great for kids and guests to enjoy munching on veggies while the party gets going. 🥒🥕🫑🥦

    And Crostini is an easy appetizer topped with a cream cheese spread, edible flowers, and herbs. 🥖🌸🌱🌼🧺🌺

    Serve with bubbly champagne or drinks at your gathering...

    Looking down into a pastel blue egg shaped plate loaded with deviled eggs for Easter decorated with edible flowers and herbs.

    Easter Drinks & Cocktails

    One of the best parts of life is relaxing with those you love over a beverage. Offer a variety of alcohol and no-booze options for guests. Lemonade, iced tea, punch, or serve hot cocoa or coffee and let guest top their creations with bright color spring sprinkles, whip cream, or chocolate shavings.

    Chocolate Easter Bunny Martinis are delightful cocktails with sweet flavors every chocolate lover will adore. These creamy chocolate martinis are so fun on special occasions like Easter, Valentine's Day, or during the holidays! 🍫🐰

    Make a DIY Wine Ice Bucket with flowers frozen inside the ice. It is gorgeous and chills bottles of wine or champagne. This is best at an outside party as the ice melts! 🧊🍾💐

    Just like they serve in the pubs of Ireland, make this classic Baileys Irish Coffee for Easter Sunday brunch. It can be made with a kick of Jameson Irish whiskey or a dash of Bailey's Irish Cream. 

    These St. Germain Cocktails are easy spritzers with Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, hibiscus tea, and a splash of club soda over crushed ice. 🌸🍾

    Hibiscus Tea Cocktails are low carb, low sugar, vegan, keto, and gluten-free. A healthier refreshing keto cocktail under 100 calories! 🌺🍹

    Ice cold Blueberry Lemonade can be made in minutes with homemade blueberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and sweet honey. 🫐🍋

    Limoncello is also known as Lemoncello. It is an icy cold Italian lemon liqueur, perfect to serve on holiday evenings. 🍋

    These Mojitos are 100% authentic Cuban Mojitos! Learn the secret ingredient in these famous Cuban cocktails. 🧊🌿🌴

    Bloody Marys have a mix of fire-grilled green chiles (jalapeno, Anaheim, or Hatch Chiles) tomatoes, onions, horseradish, and spices. And try my recipe for Pickled Green Beans! 🍅🌶🌿

    Indulgent Desserts Ideas

    With 2-3 desserts, that is a party! 🎉 I usually buy a few things and make a couple. Prepare ahead and bake a cake or cookies, or make a nice snack mix with pastel Easter candy M&Ms, nuts, and pretzels.

    You could set up a chocolate fondue bar or even a chocolate fountain and let guests dip away! This works great with strawberries, marshmallows, cookies, and pineapple. 🍓☁️🍪🍍🍫

    Each year I try to come up with the best treats for celebrations and potluck parties with family and friends. These are the desserts everyone always loves.

    Of course my all time favorite is this Bunny Cake, it was the first cake recipe I baked as a young girl. 🐰💝🐇

    One of the best Easter Dinner Ideas, an adorable bunny cake on a hot pink table surrounded with jelly beans.

    Coconut Macaroons shaped like bird nests with chocolate eggs are so dang cute!! 🐣💛

    Lemon Bars are a classic for springtime, but these take you to a tropical island with coconut and lime 🍋💛🥥

    Easy Easter Desserts

    Festive Easter desserts that are made in minutes, and these are great recipes for kids! Easter Cupcakes with a homemade Frosting Recipe, that is fluffy, not too sweet, and so spreadable. Cake Mix Cookies are an easy recipe baked in 11-minutes and just 4-ingredients. You can mix in candies, sprinkles, or chocolate chips. 💕🍪🥣

    And Chocolate Bunny Cupcakes are an easy dessert. Top baked cupcakes with buttercream frosting, sprinkles, and chocolate bunnies-nothing could be easier. 🐰🥕🐇🌸🌷

    Easter Cookies are great to decorate, set up a decorating station for the kids at your party, where they can decorate cookies, eggs, or a cake together!

    Fruity Desserts

    Peach Cheesecake Pie is a 30-minute no-bake easy recipe with a crisp graham cracker crust, sweet cream cheese filling, and juicy summer peaches! 🍑🍰

    These Pineapple Coconut Madeleines have fresh pineapple pieces and sweet coconut to create a nice crumb and prevent them from drying out while baking. 🍍🥥🌴

    A real fresh Strawberry Cake with no artificial ingredients like food coloring or jello. It has sweet juicy summer strawberries and is topped with amazing strawberry buttercream frosting. 🍓🍰

    Easter Gathering Ideas

    Table Setting Ideas: Pick white, vintage print, or pastel dishes. It might be time to finally use that vintage china from your family with the flower patterns!

    Plan an area for your dining table, buffet, or serving area. A nice long table, the dinner table, or a kitchen counter spaces all work great for special occasions. Plan for your number of guests and space to walk around the buffet or space at the dining table for each guest.

    Buffet Table Tips: Try to set up a buffet table with levels. Use what you have to create different heights and to keep people moving around trying different dishes. I sometimes use boxes under pretty linens and tablecloths to create high and low places.

    Place things up high, low, and spilling out of spring-colored baskets. Pick bright spring linens and floral prints. Use or use colorful paper goods, basket grass, fresh flowers, bright-colored fruit, and eggs.

    Use serving pieces you have, look high and low for trays, baskets, cute bunny bowls, or buy inexpensive ones. Trust me you have great pieces to use or borrow from family and friends!

    Guests: Plan for your number of guests, space to walk around the table, chairs, and places to sit in the shade. Set up additional folding tables and chairs, and borrow them from friends and neighbors if you need more seats.

    Grazing Boards: Arrange a long-serving table and put a GRAZING BOARD down the middle! Oh my goodness, this has changed how I entertain. I load it full of...cheese crackers, chips, pretzels, or breadsticks. Sliced cheeses, string cheese, and spreadable cheese roasted salted peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, chocolate-covered almonds, candies, caramels, or mints.

    Leftover Tip: Have containers to send leftovers home with guests, people love it! I use inexpensive Chinese paper takeout containers or grocery store brands.

    A great recipe for Easter dinner white cake plate with bird nest coconut marcaroons with candy eggs.

    Easter Party Checklist

    Easy Decorations

    • Use fresh spring flowers like lilies, daffodils, daisies, or tulips. You can even add fresh carrots with tops into the arrangements! Just add those at the last minute. 🥕💐🌼🌷
    • Arrange a large beverage container, fill with punch or lemonade, and decorate with flowers and decor pieces you love all around the base.
    • For simple pretty table decorations, place flowers tied with ribbons in small jars, glass bowls, or tiny buckets.
    • Scatter jelly beans or small candies on the table or put cute little fluffy chicks in small baskets. 🍭🍬🧺🍫🐥
    • Serve bread, cookies or rolls from spring baskets with bright cloth napkins.

    Ways To Keep Food Warm

    1. Use an electric Heated Warming Tray. These are great for large gatherings when people can arrive at different times.
    2. Put a Hot Pad Under A Dish Towel, and place your casserole dish right on top.
    3. A classic Chaffing Dish with Sterno Cans is a great way to keep food hot.
    4. To transport dishes to a party, take them from the oven, wrap them with heavy aluminum foil, and cover them with towels. Place in a cardboard box to keep the food warm in the car.
    5. Slow Cookers are so great to serve from at buffets and are how I love to make crowd pleasers like my Cowboy Baked Beans.

    Ways To Keep Food Cold

    1. Serve out of the heat, cover food, and try to keep any salads or meat items covered or under food nets.
    2. Serve salads in large chilled bowls on ice packs with a pretty towel covering the ice packs underneath.

    PRO TIP: Buy platters that stay chilled for up to two hours, I have a couple and love them. They also can be heated in the winter for parties and holiday celebrations!

    Serving Inside Or Outside?

    Plan for the weather, I have found that by the time Spring is here most of us will be entertaining indoors because the weather is so unpredictable, and for many parts of the US and around the world, it is too cold outside.

    Best to have a backup plan, and if you do have your party outside set up under a covered patio or use a popup tent and patio heater.

    In Southern California, we can usually get away with being outside in spring. You could light up a smokeless fire pit which are all the rage now for people to cozy up to. And have a nice stack of matching inexpensive cotton blankets the ones I love are from Mexico!

    More Party Food

    A complete Cookout menu with over 60 recipes for grilling, sides, drinks, desserts, potluck sides, and more for your outdoor BBQ party. Plus inspiring ideas, tips, and hacks to make your party spectacular. 🍔🌭🔥

    100+ July 4th recipes for your cookout menu including grilling recipes, side dishes, and picnic food ideas with drinks, desserts, and more! 🇺🇸🧨💫

    Learn how to set up a Fall Crostini Bar with all the toppings, plus get beautiful design inspiration for arranging an easy and relaxed party for Fall gatherings, Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving.🍂🥖🌿

    And speaking of Thanksgiving, here are plenty of Thanksgiving Appetizers to celebrate the holiday season. 🦃 🍽

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    An Easter Dinner Ideas collage of recipes for dinner, desserts, and appetizers.
    Print

    Easter Dinner Recipes & Ideas + Sugar Cookies

    Dozens of Easter Menu Ideas are included in this recipe collection. All the traditional Easter Dinner classics like glazed ham, rack of lamb, roasted or mashed potatoes, and scrumptious desserts like an adorable bunny cake and Easter Cookies with a classic sugar cookie dough recipe drizzled with an easy buttercream vanilla icing and lots of adorable sprinkles.
    There are inspiring non-traditional Easter dishes, and creative appetizers too. Spring basket deviled eggs, drinks, cocktails, potluck sides, and more for your holiday feast celebration.
    Plus ideas, tips, and hacks to make your family gathering spectacular from Good Friday through Easter Sunday. ✝️👒🌷
    These are some of the best Easter dinner ideas whether you are having an easy brunch or a holiday dinner. Happy Easter everyone...
    Course Dinner & Main Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Easter Dinner Recipes, Easter Menu, Easter recipes, Sunday Easter Dinner Ideas
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    3 days
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings 36
    Calories 178kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Easter Sprinkles

    Cookie Recipe

    • 1 cup butter softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 egg I used EggBeaters, it works perfectly!
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed from an orange
    • 1 tablespoon good vanilla
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

    Vanilla Buttercream Icing

    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • ½ cup butter   softened, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 4-6 tablespoons milk  add more milk if necessary until icing is easy to decorate on cookies
    • festive sprinkles
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Cookie Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add sugar and softened butter. Mix until combined.
    • Next add egg, baking powder, orange juice, vanilla, and mix. Next add flour gradually, mix until well combined.
    • Wrap cookie dough in plastic food wrap and chill until firm 1-2 hours.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼ thickness. Use a pastry mat for easy cleanup.
    • Use Easter shaped cutter to cut out the cookies. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 1-2 inches apart.
    • Heat oven to 400 degrees, and bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
    • Cool the cookies completely, then decorate.

    Vanilla Buttercream

    • Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Next, slowly add the powder sugar until fully incorporated.
    • Add milk and the vanilla extract, then beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add more tablespoons of milk if necessary to make it soft and the correct consistency to ice the cookies.

    Decorate The Cookies

    • Fill a strong zip top bag and snip the end or, fill a pastry bag fitted with a small tip, and pipe a zig zag line back and forth over each cookie going back and forth.
    • Next, add sprinkles on top of the icing. Enjoy!
    • Chill the cookies in a single layer on a piece of wax paper in the refrigerator.
    • Then stack in a container, keep chilled. Will stay good in fridge up to two weeks.

    Video

    Notes

    cookie dough

    Chilling the dough really helps the cookies to cut easier and hold their shape while baking. 

    buttercream frosting

    You can freeze this buttercream, simply place it on the kitchen counter and bring it to room temperature. Snip a small corner off the zip-top bag, and use a back and forth motion to ice your cookies, then add colorful Easter sprinkles. 
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 248IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

    Easter Dessert Recipes

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    Last Updated August 14th, 2023 at 10:28 pm by Lisa

    These Easter dessert recipes are delicious and downright adorable for Sunday dinner after church. Choose from bright and happy cupcakes, a bunny cake, a fruit pie, and more. Because everyone always remembers dessert...

    An ad for Easter Dessert recipes showing bright colored bunny cupcakes and Easter bunny cakes and desserts.

    Easter Dessert Ideas

    Pick a classic traditional Easter recipe or a creative twist for Spring celebrations and potluck parties with family and friends.

    Once the kids finish their egg hunt with their Easter baskets full of treats, it's time for Easter brunch. Add some cookies or a slice of pie for an extra special treat.

    A vintage Easter basket filled with bright color eggs for one of the best Easter dinner ideas.
    Easter dessert idea, bunny butt cupcakes digging in the garden.

    Bunny Butt Easter Cupcakes

    Some people call these "Bunny Bums", as these naughty bunnies are digging up the garden on these Bunny Butt Easter Cupcakes. 🐇🍃😂 The decorations are easy to find online and in craft stores. They are white chocolate candy kit that takes just minutes to assemble...

    BUNNY BUTT EASTER CUPCAKES
    Easter cookies with sprinkles and icing on parchment paper lined cookie tray.

    Easter Sugar Cookies

    Who doesn't love sugar cookies? A famous holiday and party dessert, these Easter Sugar Cookies 🐰 💕are a classic butter sugar cookie dough drizzled with vanilla buttercream for easy icing, and sprinkles...

    EASTER SUGAR COOKIES
    An adorable bunny cake on a hot pink background surrounded with jelly beans.

    Easter Bunny Cake

    An adorable Bunny Cake that is an EASY dessert for Easter Sunday! Learn step-by-step to make this "cut-up" Easter cake plus all the decorating tips. 🐰🍰💕
    This cake is one of the first recipes I ever remember making.
    I baked this bunny cake (with Mom's help) and took it to a school bake sale, I was so proud of it!
    What an adorable Bunny Cake for your Easter celebration, it is made from two round cakes, vanilla frosting, and decorated with candy...


    EASTER BUNNY CAKE
    A white plate filled with freshly baked cake mix cookies with pastel m&m candies.

    Cake Mix Cookies

    Cake Mix Cookies are an easy cookie recipe baked in 11 minutes and with just 4 ingredients. Top with candies, sprinkles, or chocolate chips!
    Who doesn't love cookies? 🐰🥣🍪 Cake Mix Cookies are such a popular dessert right now. Mix a box of cake mix, butter, and eggs, and decorate with some adorable Easter candy like pastel color M&Ms...

    CAKE MIX COOKIES
    Overhead looking a madeleines cooled on a round baking rack with fresh pineapple and coconut fruit.

    Pineapple Coconut Madeleines

    These Pineapple Coconut Madeleines have fresh pineapple pieces and sweet coconut to create a nice crumb and prevent them from drying out while baking. Enjoy the tropical island twist on a classic French madeleine recipe. These are great for Easter brunch or having with coffee while the kids hunt for eggs. Ohhhh and the tropical flavors take you straight to an island paradise...🍍🥥🌴

    PINEAPPLE COCONUT MADELEINES
    A white plate with large lemon bars cut into squares dusted with powder sugar.

    Coconut-Lime Lemon Bars

    A tropical version of traditional lemon bars, the toasted coconut shortbread cookie crust, and lemon-lime filling are simply out of this world. A fresh twist on a classic, and very Eastery!
    The crust on these Coconut-Lime Lemon Bars gets golden, it is after all a cookie! This easy lemon bar recipe has tart lemon and lime notes balanced with sweet coconut, what could be better in a dessert...🥥🍋

    COCONUT-LIME LEMON BARS
    A slice of peach pie on a white plate with a silver fork on a red white check tablecloth.

    Peach Cheesecake Pie (No-Bake)

    Peach Cheesecake Pie is a 30-minute no-bake recipe with a crisp graham cracker crust, sweet whipped filling, juicy peaches, and a pile of whipped cream!

    A recipe that came from my Mom, it was one of our favorites. Only 7 ingredients for this refreshing easy Spring and Easter dessert! 🍑🥧

    PEACH CHEESECAKE PIE
    Small white cake plate with homemade raspberry scones studded with white chocolate chips and sweet red raspberries.

    Raspberry Scones

    White Chocolate Raspberry Scones filled with white chocolate, studded with sweet raspberries, and drizzled with vanilla icing!

    Many times, dessert scones are cakey, dry, and crumbly. These raspberry scones are soft, light, and fluffy because they are made with crème fraîche and heavy whipping cream. These are everything you want and great for brunch...💕🥣

    RASPBERRY SCONES
    A freshly baked and decorated strawberry cake with real strawberries as decorations.

    Fresh Strawberry Cake

    You can taste the real strawberry flavor in this fresh Strawberry Cake, as it skips ingredients like food coloring and jello gelatin and uses strawberry jam and real strawberries!

    Use this recipe to bake into layers, a sheet cake, a bundt cake, or even cupcakes for Easter, and decorate with some fresh berries and Easter candies. Then spread on the strawberry buttercream frosting with its beautiful pink color on every layer, and decorate with sweet juicy strawberries, it's the real deal.

    I used all-natural ingredients, no dye, jello, or preservatives. 🍓🍰 The strawberry buttercream frosting 🥣 is divine...

    STRAWBERRY CAKE
    A display of Easter cupcakes decorated with chocolate bunnies and green sprinkles.

    Chocolate Easter Bunny Cupcakes

    One Easter, I found some silicone baking cups that looked like garden pots at the craft store (they work great in paper wrappers too), baked Chocolate Easter Bunny Cupcakes with a cake mix, grabbed some little chocolate bunnies, and some sprinkles. These are so easy and fun to make, kids adore them! 🍫🧁🐰

    CHOCOLATE EASTER BUNNY CUPCAKES
    An overhead view of fresh baked and decorated Easter dessert coconut macaroon cookies.

    Easter Coconut Macaroons

    These Easter Coconut Macaroons aka Birds Nest Cookies are drop-style cookies using shredded coconut for an easy Easter dessert. They have rough edges that turn brown and are chewy inside, they look like a bird's nest, and are so fun to decorate with melted chocolate and candy eggs or jelly beans! 🥥


    COCONUT MACAROON BIRD NESTS

    Traditional Easter Desserts

    What are the most popular traditional Easter desserts?

    Some of the most popular Spring flavors for Easter recipes are citrus, and coconut, with lemony desserts being some of the most loved. A drizzle of lemon glaze over any cake, cream cheese frosting on a carrot cake, or a slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream are super traditional.
    Cakes & Cupcakes: Carrot cakes, cupcakes, or any dessert with carrots works for Easter! Classic vanilla and chocolate are always a welcome flavor and pair well with different kinds of frosting and candy toppings. 
    Cookies & Bars: Sugar cookies or any dessert bars with lemons are always popular. Cut out cookies with shapes like bunnies, a cross, eggs, and flowers, and decorate with pastel sprinkles.
    Fruit Pies & Tarts: Fresh citrus flavors like lemon pie, orange, strawberry, or peach pies are a great choice. A slice of lemon meringue pie is always classic for Easter. Berries are great for breakfast parfaits, scones, or cheesecakes and are wonderful for Easter weekend. And don't forget coconut pie, it's always a favorite!
    Banana Pudding: This is one of the most beloved Spring desserts, whether you bake yours or make the recipe off the Nilla wafers box.

    More Easter Recipes

    Dozens of Easter Menu Ideas are included in this collection of recipes. You will find all the traditional Easter Dinner classics like either Orange Honey Glaze Ham, Kalua Pineapple Glazed Ham, Cabernet Rack of Lamb, sides like glazed carrots, Roasted Potatoes, or Mashed Potatoes, and scrumptious desserts like an adorable Bunny Bake.

    There are also inspiring non-traditional Easter dishes, fresh new appetizers like Deviled Eggs that look like little Spring baskets, drinks, cocktails, potluck sides, and more for your Easter celebration.

    Lemony Buttercream

    Bake a lemon cake or cupcakes for Easter, it would be great as a birthday cake, for baby showers, or for afternoon tea. The full printable recipe is below in the recipe card.

    The buttercream is "lick the spoon" delicious. You can decorate any cake with edible flowers, cute buttercream decorations piped on, seasonal candy like jelly beans, chocolate foil eggs, and a bunny, or colorful sprinkles...

    One of the best lemon recipes,a round lemon cake with lemon buttercream decorated with a chocolate bunny and eggs.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Easter Dessert recipes showing bright colored bunny cupcakes and Easter bunny cakes and desserts.
    Print

    Easter Dessert Recipes + Lemon Dessert Buttercream

    These Easter dessert recipes are delicious and downright adorable for Sunday dinner after church. Choose from bright and happy cupcakes, a bunny cake, a fruit pie, and more. Because everyone always remembers dessert.
    Course Desserts & Sweets
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Easter baking desserts, Easter desserts, Easter dinner ideas, Lemon cake, Lemon Desserts, traditional Easter recipes
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 5404kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup butter softened
    • 6 tablespoons lemon zest
    • 8 cups powder sugar
    • 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Beat butter until creamy, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and powder sugar. Add extra lemon juice to make the frosting spreadable.
    • Use an offset spatula to frost cakes or cupcakes.
    • For Easter, decorate with jelly beans, chocolate eggs or an Easter bunny!

    Video

    Notes

    What are the most popular traditional Easter desserts?
    Some of the most popular Spring flavors for Easter recipes are citrus, and coconut, with lemony desserts being some of the most loved. A drizzle of lemon glaze over any cake, cream cheese frosting on a carrot cake, or a slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream are super traditional.
    Cakes & Cupcakes: Carrot cakes, cupcakes, or any dessert with carrots works for Easter! Classic vanilla and chocolate are always a welcome flavor and pair well with different kinds of frosting and candy toppings. 
    Cookies & Bars: Sugar cookies or any dessert bars with lemons are always popular. Cut out cookies with shapes like bunnies, a cross, eggs, and flowers, and decorate with pastel sprinkles.
    Fruit Pies & Tarts: Fresh citrus flavors like lemon pie, orange, strawberry, or peach pies are a great choice. A slice of lemon meringue pie is always classic for Easter. Berries are great for breakfast parfaits, scones, or cheesecakes and are wonderful for Easter weekend. And don't forget coconut pie, it's always a favorite!
    Banana Pudding: This is one of the most beloved Spring desserts, whether you bake yours or make the recipe off the Nilla wafers box.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12g | Calories: 5404kcal | Carbohydrates: 969g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 184g | Saturated Fat: 117g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 488mg | Sodium: 1482mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 943g | Vitamin A: 5694IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 1mg

    Tipsy Leprechaun Green Cocktails

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    Last Updated April 25th, 2024 at 12:08 pm by Lisa

    Let the cheeky shenanigans begin with the wearing of green and delicious drinks to match. Bring the luck of the Irish into your St. Patrick's day fun with these Tipsy Leprechaun green cocktails.

    These are easy to make for parties. Celebrate with four-leaf clover sprinkles on the rim with a good luck wish in every sip...

    Four green cocktails on a tray with gold coins for St. Patrick's day.

    Tipsy Leprechaun Cocktails

    To make these Midori vodka cocktails, fill a cup with fresh ice cubes.

    • 2 oz vodka
    • 2 oz Midori
    • Top with 6 oz of Fresca, and stir.

    Fresca: You can swap out the Fresca with lemon-lime soda like 7up or sour mix.

    Fruit Flavors: Or you can make a simple syrup and add orange bitters, fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, or fresh lime juice.

    Top these delicious cocktails with equal parts of club soda water, stir and enjoy.

    Shamrock Sprinkle Garnish

    1. To create the clover sprinkle rim, melt white chocolate wafers in microwave according to the package.
    2. Dye with green drops. PRO TIP: you must use special chocolate food coloring or the chocolate candy wafers will seize and not melt.
    3. Pour the St. Patrick's Day sprinkles on a plate. Green sugar works too!
    4. Dip the rim of a glass in the melted chocolate, then dip the rim into the sprinkles. Let the chocolate set, and mix your drink!
    5. These vivid green drinks also look great in copper mugs, a punch bowl, or highball glass.

    What is Midori Melon Liquor?

    Midori Melon Liquor is a sweet, bright green-colored, muskmelon-flavored liqueur made by Suntory in Japan, the United States, Mexico, and France. It was first released in 1964 under the name "Hermes Melon Liqueur", but changed its name to "Midori" in 1978. Its name is the Japanese word for "green" (緑).

    The Midori formulated in France is sweeter than the original Japanese version. Classic cocktails made with Midori include the Japanese Slipper and a Midori Sour. There are now countless drink recipes with Midori all over the world.

    Take a look at my other bright green drink for Halloween, a Witches Brew Midori Sour!

    Green Cocktails and Drinks FAQ

    How do you create green cocktails?


    For all shades of pale to vivid bright green drinks, use different liqueurs or natural ingredients for that pop of color to mix up a perfect drink!

    There are endless cocktails ideas online for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and St. Patrick's Day drinks.

    Try a green liqueur like Midori, Absinthe, Green Chartreuse, or Crème de menthe.

    Garnish with small pieces of herbs like rosemary, a mint sprig, basil leaves, lemon verbena, fresh oregano, and thyme sprigs all look great as garnishes in a cocktail recipe.

    Use vegetables like cucumber slices, celery sticks, jalapeno peppers, olives, green beans, and chilies in a green bloody mary.

    Grab some margarita glasses and whip up some green margaritas in an electric blender with a drop or two of green food color and garnish with a lime wheel.

    Try fruits like a lime wedge or lime slices, or slices of kiwi, green apples, pears, and honeydew melon. And speaking of fruit, this reminds me of tropical drinks with umbrellas. Did you know that if you add either orange juice or pineapple juice to blue curacao, it will turn green? Add in a splash of coconut rum to the cocktail shaker, and the party is on!

    Use food coloring in drinks and food. For coloring chocolate green, you need to use a special food dye that doesn't seize up your chocolate. Dip shot glasses in chocolate and sprinkles for some St. Patricks Day mischief.

    How do I make St. Patrick's Day sprinkles?


    Make your own lucky shamrock sprinkles by mixing various ones you have at home. Look for any shade of green light or dark. Use gold sparkling sugars, stars, or gold dragees. White looks great too and yellow will work just fine.

    You can order some shamrock-shaped sprinkles online and mix those in as well. Use different shapes, sizes, nonpareils, hundreds-and-thousands, jimmies, sanding sugars, crystal sugars, pearl sugar, and dragees. Store them in a small mason jar.

    How do you make green beer?


    Take a tall glass or beer mug and chill it well in the freezer. Pour in an ice cold beer like ginger beer or any light color beer. Add a few drops of food-safe green color, it won't change the color of the beer. Sip and enjoy.

    More St Patrick's Day Recipes

    Just like they serve in the pubs of Ireland, make one of their original recipes, Irish Coffee! With a kick of Jameson Irish whiskey and or Baileys Irish Cream for an after dinner drink.

    For dinner, serve the Best Corned Brisket you ever had! Pair it with classic sides like Roasted Cabbage, glazed carrots, rosemary baby gold potatoes, and Horseradish Cream Sauce.

    Try a potato recipe for either creamy Mashed Potatoes or Smashed Potatoes all smothered with butter. Green Goddess dressing will go great on any salad. The silly Green Oreos are one of my original St. Paddy's day treats, and so many people still love them.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Four glasses of green cocktails for St. Patrick's day on a green tray with gold coins.
    Print

    Tipsy Leprechaun Green Cocktails

    Bring the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's day with Tipsy Leprechaun Green Cocktails in lucky gold and shamrock sprinkled drinking cups!
    Course Drinks & Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Keyword green cocktail recipe, green cocktails, green drinks, St. Patrick's Day cocktails, St. Patrick's Day green drinks, vodka cocktails
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1
    Calories 352kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz vodka
    • 2 oz Midori
    • 6 oz Fresca soda
    • ice

    Instructions

    decorate the cup rims

    • To create the clover sprinkle rim, melt white chocolate wafers in the microwave according to the package. Dye with green drops made for chocolate.
    • PRO TIP: you must use special chocolate food coloring or the chocolate candy wafers will seize and not melt.
    • Pour the St. Patrick's Day sprinkles on a plate. Dip the rim of a glass in the melted chocolate, then dip the rim into the sprinkles. Let the chocolate set, and mix your drink!

    mix the Tipsy Leprechauns

    • Fill a cup with ice. You can also add ice to a chilled cocktail glass, copper mug, or crystal high ball glass.
    • Add 2 oz vodka, 2 oz Midori, and top off with 6 oz of Fresca.

    Video

    Notes

    Fresca

    You can swap out the Fresca with lemon-lime soda like 7up or sour mix. Or you can make a simple syrup and add fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, or fresh lime juice. Top with equal parts of club soda water, stir and enjoy.

    Homemade Green Sprinkles

    Make your own lucky shamrock sprinkles by mixing various ones you have at home. Look for any shade of green light or dark. Use gold sparkling sugars, stars, or gold dragees. White looks great too and yellow will work just fine.
    You can order some shamrock-shaped sprinkles online and mix those in as well. Use different shapes, sizes, nonpareils, hundreds-and-thousands, jimmies, sanding sugars, crystal sugars, pearl sugar, and dragees. Store them in a small mason jar.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 2mg | Sugar: 38g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

    Green Jello Shots & Jigglers

    [heart_this] · · 3 Comments

    Last Updated July 31st, 2024 at 08:30 am by Lisa

    Let the shenanigans begin at your St. Patrick's day party, and slurp some green jello shots and Jell-O jigglers! ☘️☘️☘️

    Emerald green jelly shots are a fun way to celebrate as the bagpipes play. These are so easy to make ahead for parties and will take you back to your college days. Top each one with a lucky clover, to bring good fortune, and a wee bit of mischief...

    How To Make Easy Green Jello Shots

    prep time 20 minutes

    total time chilling minimum 5 hours, makes 16

    • 2 cups boiling water
    • 1 6 oz green lime Jell-O
    • 1 cup of vodka (vanilla vodka, lemon vodka etc)
    • 1 cup cold water
    • garnish: whip cream and green sprinkles
    • jello shot cups - grocery store or online
    1. Boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
    2. Into a heat-proof mixing bowl, add 6 oz green jello powder, use a glass measuring cup to pour the hot water, and use a whisk to stir.
    3. Add ½ cup regular vodka (or the flavor you want) and ½ cup cold water. Whisk well.
    4. Set up 3 oz cups (shot cups) on a tray, and pour the mixture into each cup just about ¼" from the rim. Cover with the plastic lids, and chill overnight in the fridge. Don't freeze.
    5. When the Jell-o shots set, garnish with whipped cream (or cool whip) and green St. Patrick's Day sprinkles...

    Different Holiday Jello Shot Flavors

    There are endless different ways to create your own jello shot recipes with unique flavors, during any holiday season. The hard part is to not add too much alcohol or they won't set! Classic jello shots can be updated from plain vodka to create your own flavors for different holidays with some easy substitutes and variations.

    1. Halloween Party: Mix up a flavor of jello like red, orange jello, or purple in a Halloween baking mold or in jello shot syringes. These will be the perfect recipe to spook your friends at your Halloween party.
    2. Christmas Party: Layer a festive red layer and a second color of green for Christmas jello shots, and top with whip cream. Or mix up Grinch jello shots with a light color neon green with small red heart candies.
    3. Tropical Island: Go to a warm tropical island and mix up blue Hawaiian jello shots with pineapple jello malibu rum, topped with red cherries and pineapple pieces.
    4. New Year's Eve: Champagne jello shots are a fun recipe with real bubbly champagne and unflavored gelatin, decorate with gold sugar rims and star sprinkles.
    5. Appletini Jello Shots: Make green apple jello shots and flavor with a box of Jolly Rancher Green Apple Gelatin, apple schnapps, or apple pucker.
    6. Lime Margarita Jello Shots: Mix up a margarita flavor with lime juice, tequila, and top with a lime wedge.
    7. Caramel Apple Pie: Use different colors, Jolly Ranchers green apple Knox gelatin, sour apple pucker, apple vodka, salted caramel vodka, and caramel topping.
    8. St Patrick's Day: Try to add Irish alcohol like a good whiskey or Baileys Irish cream for a perfect way to celebrate St. Paddys day. And you can make them in different green colors to make green layers.
    9. Fruit Flavors: Add your favorite flavor fruit juices in place of the cold water like pineapple juice, white grape juice, strawberry or mango juice.

    What is the ratio of Jello, Gelatin, and Alcohol?

    Gelatin is typically sold in either a 6-ounce box or a 3-ounce box. The ratio of water to gelatin mixes will be on the package of jello gelatin, read the side of the box to be sure.

    But when you add alcohol, this will change the ratio, so how do you know if you are adding too much alcohol? When you add more than ½ cup of alcohol, you run the chance the shots won't set up, they will stay liquid.

    The strongest you can make jello shots (that will set) is a 3 to 1 ratio of 80-proof alcohol like vodka to water, and it takes overnight to set up.

    • one cup hot water or juice
    • one 6 oz packet of jello gelatin
    • ½ cup of cold water
    • ½ cup of alcohol (4 oz of alcohol 80 proof)
    How many jello shots per person at a party?


    When throwing a party, you'll probably want to prepare 4-6 Jello Shots for each guest.

    a 6-ounce box makes 16-18 2-ounce shots
    a 3-ounce box makes 8-10 2-ounce shots

    Can you leave jello shots at room temperature?


    You can, but they slowly soften and become melted in the cups.
    they can last for seven to 10 days in a covered plastic container in the refrigerator.

    Can I make jello shots ahead?


    Jello shots are their best for 3 – 5 days after making them.

    You can make them in advance to save time, but it's best if you can make them just about 3 days in advance.

    What kind of cups and glasses are best?

    Try small 3 oz plastic containers with a lid. This way you can easily stack and for a party. I found these little plastic cups in the grocery store aisle right by the standard packages of jello powder.

    I found some cute glitter shamrock stickers to put on top for a cheeky bit of fun. ☘️

    PRO TIP: You can try to use plastic shot glasses, but the issue is the shot might not release. So lightly coat the inside of the glasses with a bit of nonstick coconut oil to get them to release.

    How To Make Vodka Jello Jigglers

    Green Shamrock Jiggler Recipe (makes 24)

    These are just a regular jello recipe with extra gelatin and vodka added. The idea here is you can pick them up and eat them!!

    • 2 6 oz green Jello boxes
    • 2 ½ cups hot water
    • 1 cup vodka
    • 2 packets dry gelatin mix (unflavored gelatin)
    1. Spray a 13-inch by 9-inch pan (glass or ceramic) with non stick cooking spray, and get the sides of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe up any excess.
    2. Boil water in a small saucepan on high heat.
    3. In a large heatproof bowl or container with a pour spout, add 2 ½ cups hot water, two 6 oz boxes of lime jello, and use a whisk to stir.
    4. Add 1 cup vodka, and sprinkle gelatin (2 packets of gelatin), whisk well.
    5. Use a strainer and pour the mixture into the pan to remove any small pieces of gelatin.
    6. Cover with jello mixture with a piece of plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge overnight. Don't freeze!
    7. Use shamrock shaped cookie cutters in 2-3 sizes, and serve on a platter.

    Top Jello Jiggler Tips

    It is easy to make the perfect jello jigglers recipe for your party.

    • For a cleaner cut, rinse the cookie cutter in hot water and dry it, then keep cutting.
    • If the cut shapes stick, use a butter knife to release the from the cookie cutter onto a platter.
    • You can make sugar free jello jigglers, just look for that on the package of Jell-O gelatin and make them low carb.
    • Place mold on a cookie sheet once filled to keep it stable to move in and out of the refrigerator before opening.

    Creative Jiggler Shapes

    These jiggly snacks are not the ones we had as kids, since they have vodka!

    • Use a jello mold or jigglers mold to create fun shapes.
    • Make some spooky jello jigglers shaped like skulls or bones with 3D silicone molds for a fun treat on Halloween.
    • For a valentine's day party, use cookie cutters in different heart shapes and try white rum or Fireball whiskey in your finger jello recipe.
    • For July 4th, make patriotic jello jigglers with red, white, and blue layers or cut cubes in a small bowl topped with whip cream.
    • In summertime, make some decorative shapes like palm trees, sun glasses, pineapples, or flip flops. So much fun!
    • There are so many different shapes for Easter. Make classic individual egg halves or try some springtime favorite shapes like ducks, bunnies or carrots. These will be a great thing to have for the adults!

    PRO TIP: You don't need fancy pans or cookie cutters to make this easy treat for adults. But you can make them in any shallow pan, spray it with nonstick spray and make some jiggly adult treats by slicing with a sharp knife into cubes.

    Use a sharp knife to slice through, and cut into squares, small cubes, or cute shapes for a holiday or party theme.

    • small bread pan
    • metal square pan for baking
    • shallow glass or ceramic pan
    A white dish with green jello jigglers cut out in shamrock shapes.

    More St Patricks Day Recipes & Green Food

    Plan a green party menu for St Paddys including drinks, finger foods, and the classics.

    This will be the Best Corned Beef Brisket you ever make. Pair it with classic sides like Roasted Cabbage, glazed carrots, rosemary baby gold Roasted Potatoes, and Horseradish cream Sauce.

    Let the cheeky shenanigans begin with the wearing of green and delicious drinks to match. Bring the luck of the Irish into your St. Patrick's day fun with these Tipsy Leprechaun Green Cocktails.

    For a fun dessert make some Green Oreo Cookies, and relax with an Irish Coffee. A splash of Bailey's or Irish Whiskey is optional.

    Green food is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition for the luck of the Irish! 💚🍀 An all-Green Snack Board is a super fun twist and a better way to celebrate with fresh vegetables, fruit, and a magical clean dip.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A white rectangle platter with green jello shots and jigglers shaped like shamrocks.
    Print

    Green Jello Shots and Jigglers

    Slurp emerald green Jello Shots or Jell-O jigglers and have some shenanigans with a wee bit of mischief at your St. Patrick's day party!
    Course Drinks & Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Keyword green jello jigglers, green jello recipes, green jello shots, st patricks day
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    chill to set 8 hours
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 16
    Calories 70kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Green Jello Shots (makes 16)

    • 2 cups boiling water
    • 1 6 oz green Jello
    • 1 cup vodka
    • 1 cup cold water
    • garnish: whip cream and green sprinkles

    Green Shamrock Jigglers (makes 24)

    • 2 6 oz green Jello boxes
    • 2 ½ cups hot water
    • 1 cup vodka
    • 2 packets unflavored gelatin

    Instructions

    Jello Shots

    • Boil water in a medium saucepan, then add two cups into a heatproof medium bowl.
    • Add 6 oz green jello packet into the hot water and whisk.
    • Add 1 cup vodka, and 1 cup cold water. Whisk well.
    • Set up 3 oz cups (shot cups) on a tray, and pour mixture into each cup just about a ¼" from the rim. Cover with the plastic lids, and chill overnight in the fridge. Don't freeze.
    • When set, garnish with whip cream and sprinkles right before serving.
    • If kept at room temperature, they slowly soften and become melted in the cups. Jello Shots can last for seven to 10 days in a covered container in the refrigerator.

    Jigglers

    • Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
    • In a large heatproof bowl with a spout, add 2 ½ cups hot water, two 6 oz boxes of lime jello and whisk.
    • Add 1 cup vodka and 2 gelatin packets, whisk well.
    • Use a strainer and pour the gelatin mixture into the pan to remove any small pieces of gelatin.
    • Cover with a piece of plastic wrap, and chill overight in the fridge. Don't freeze!
    • Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Or slice into small cubes or squares with a sharp knife.
    • Keep covered and chilled in the fridge until ready to enjoy. Jigglers hold well at room temperature for a few hours.

    Video

    Notes

    What kind of jello shot cups and glasses are best?

    Try a small 3 oz plastic container with a lid. This way you can easily stack and take them to a party. I found these little plastic cups in the grocery store aisle right by the standard packages of jello powder.
    I found some cute glitter shamrock stickers to put on top for a cheeky bit of fun. ☘️
    PRO TIP: You can try to use plastic shot glasses, but the issue is the shot might not release. So lightly coat the inside of the glasses with a bit of nonstick coconut oil to get them to release.

    What is the ratio of Jello, Gelatin, and Alcohol?

    Gelatin is typically sold in either a 6-ounce box or a 3-ounce box. The ratio of water to gelatin mixes will be on the package jello gelatin, read the side of the box to be sure.
    But when you add alcohol, this will change the ratio, so how do you know if you are adding too much alcohol? When you add more than ½ cup alcohol, you run the chance the shots won't set up.
    The strongest you can make jello shots (that will set) is a 3 to 1 ratio of 80-proof alcohol like vodka to water, and it takes overnight to set up.
    • one cup hot water or juice
    • one 6 oz packet of jello gelatin
    • ½ cup of cold water
    • ½ cup of alcohol (4 oz of alcohol 80 proof)

    How many shots per person?

    When throwing a party, you'll probably want to prepare 4-6 for each guest.
    6-ounce box makes 16-18  2-ounce shots
    3-ounce box makes 8-10  2-ounce shots

    Nutrition

    Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

    Irish Coffee With Baileys or Whiskey

    [heart_this] · · 3 Comments

    Last Updated April 24th, 2024 at 09:34 pm by Lisa

    Just like they serve in the pubs of Ireland, make this classic Irish Coffee any time of year. It can be made with a kick of Jameson Irish whiskey or a dash of Bailey's Irish Cream. Garnish with beautiful edible gold, shamrock sprinkles, or shaved chocolate for one fancy coffee drink.

    This original Irish coffee is a simple recipe for special dinners, St. Patrick's Day, or the holidays for an after dinner drink. One of the best ways to relax on chilly evenings is to get cozy with a Baileys Coffee in front of the fire...

    Original Irish Coffee Recipe

    • 1 cup hot water
    • 2-3 teaspoons light brown sugar
    • ¾ cup brewed black coffee (6 ounces of hot coffee) or decaf coffee
    • 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey 1 shot
    • ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream (for topping)
    • optional garnish: chocolate shavings 24 karats edible gold, green shamrock sprinkles
    1. Brew a pot of good quality strong coffee, I like to grind my favorite beans.
    2. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream (¼ cup makes one creamy coffee drink) in a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer or by hand, and whisk the cream until soft peaks form. The cream should be thick but still pourable.
    3. Fill the handle Irish coffee glass with a footed mug with hot water and let sit for 1 minute. Pour out hot water and add brown sugar to your mug. Pour in hot coffee till the glass is ¾ full and stir to dissolve sugar, then pour in the whiskey.
    4. Top with cream by gently pouring over the back of a warm spoon to form a thick layer on top of the coffee.
    5. Garnish with chocolate shavings, edible gold leaf (use a toothpick to place it), or fun green shamrock sprinkles on top of the thick cream.

    PRO TIP:  Traditional Irish Coffee glasses have a handle and are great for serving hot drinks any time of day, like lattes, hot chocolate, mulled cider, mulled wine, and hot teas.

    Irish Coffee Tips

    This is the classic Irish coffee recipe, a famous Irish coffee cocktail, and is so much more than just a cup of coffee...

    • Irish Whiskey: There are many Irish whiskeys on the market. Some of the most popular are, Jameson, Teeling, and Bushmills. These brands are available at grocery or specialty liquor stores. Some people use Baileys Irish Cream in Irish Coffees and love it.
    • Coffee: Brew up regular coffee, grind your favorite beans, or use decaf.
    • Chocolate: Use a good quality bar of dark chocolate, and a small handheld grater to garnish the top.
    • Shamrock Sprinkles: Can be ordered online, and look great on the white whipped cream.
    • Edible Gold: Yes, that's right. Order 24K edible gold online, and use a toothpick to place it on the whipped cream. It is perfectly safe and used in all kinds of desserts and drink recipes.
    • Glass Cups: You can use any mug, but pretty Irish coffee glass cups really make this Irish cream coffee next level. Irish coffee glasses are a footed mug with a handle and are great to use for many drinks and coffees.
    • Heavy Whipping Cream: Mix with a small hand mixer or whip with a whisk. You can drop a couple of drops of green dye into the dairy cream for St Patrick's Day. Whip until thickens but still moves when poured over the back of a spoon on top of the drink.

    Baileys Irish Coffee Recipe

    PRO TIP: To make a Bailey's Irish coffee recipe, simply add 1 shot of Baileys Irish Cream in addition to the other ingredients in this Irish coffee recipe. Or leave out the whiskey altogether!

    Irish Coffee Twists and Variations

    Warning coffee lovers: These inspirational ideas are not true Irish coffee ingredients. But, these are fun twists, popular flavor swaps, and extra kick additions to the original, and are in the recipe card below. This drink is an American favorite to have as a Christmas morning coffee, to sip in front of the fireplace while opening presents...

    • Your Favorite Coffee or Decaf Coffee
    • Spoon of Cool Whip
    • Splash Of Bailey Irish Cream Liqueur for a Bailey’s Irish coffee
    • Sugar Cubes
    • Sweet Finish of Chocolate Liqueur
    • Instant Coffee
    • Sugar Sprinkles on Pretty Glass Rim
    • Chocolate Coffee Bombs
    • Sprinkle of Cinnamon
    • Dash of Cocoa Powder
    • Ice Cream
    • Coconut Milk
    • Maple syrup
    • Grate of Real Nutmeg
    • Caramel Syrup
    • Simple Syrup
    • Extra Whiskey
    • Spoonful of Sugar
    Who Invented Irish Coffee?



    The Irish Coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Chef Joe Sheridan at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland.

    As the weather can be quite cold toward the west coast of Ireland, Joe decided to create a great drink that would warm his guests up and so he created the famous Irish Coffee. The story goes that when an American passenger first drank it he asked “Is this Brazilian coffee?” in which Joe replied, “No, that's Irish coffee”.

    What is Irish Coffee called in Ireland?

    caife Gaelach

    Irish coffee (Irish: caife Gaelach) is a cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, stirred and topped with cream.

    What is edible gold?

    Edible gold is a 24K edible gold leaf product authorized by the United States and the European Union as a safe food additive and decoration. It's typically sold in small leaf sheets and is used to decorate fancy food, desserts, and great drinks.

    There are neither negative effects nor benefits from eating gold since it is biologically inert, and it is suitable for use in food since it does not oxidize or corrode in moist air, unlike many other metals.

    More Coffee Drinks and Cocktail Recipes

    Whip up this simple recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte made with real fresh ingredients, and cozy Fall spices. Top your PSL with decadent toppings like whip cream and Fall sprinkles. You can swap in the plant-based milk you love in this creamy drink, and add some good strong hot coffee or a shot of espresso.

    Next time you ring in the holiday season, start with cozy glasses of Mulled Wine infused with warm spices, brandy, red wine, apple cider, sliced fruit, and honey. This recipe is so popular, it was published in a magazine!

    Let the shenanigans begin at your St. Patrick's day party, and slurp some Green Jello Shots and Jell-O Jigglers! ☘️☘️☘️ Fun and festive green food ideas and drinks are so fun to serve at your party. Let the cheeky shenanigans begin! Wear something green, and try this easy recipe for delicious drinks. Bring the luck of the Irish into your St. Patrick's day fun with these Tipsy Leprechaun green cocktails!

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A glass mug with Irish Coffee on a vintage green table topped with green sprinkles and edible gold.
    Print

    Irish Coffee Recipe (Baileys and Whiskey)

    Just like they serve in the pubs of Ireland, this is a classic Irish Coffee recipe for any time of year! It can be made with a kick of Jameson Irish whiskey and or a dash of Baileys Irish Cream. Garnish with beautiful edible gold, shamrock sprinkles, or shaved chocolate to make this one fancy coffee drink. This original Irish coffee is a simple recipe for special dinners, St. Patrick's Day, or the holidays for an after dinner drink. Or one of the best ways to relax on chilly evenings is to get cozy with a Baileys Coffee in front of the fire...
    Course Beverages
    Cuisine Irish
    Keyword Baileys Coffee, Irish Coffee, Jameson Whiskey, St. Patrick's Day Drink
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 1
    Calories 454kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup hot water
    • 2-3 teaspoons light brown sugar
    • ¾ cup brewed hot coffee
    • 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey 1 shot
    • ¼ cup heavy cream for topping
    • chocolate shavings, 24 karat edible gold, green shamrock sprinkles
    • 3 tablespoons optional: Bailey's Irish Cream 1 shot

    Instructions

    • Brew a pot of good quailty coffee.
    • Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream (¼ cup makes one drink) in a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer or by hand, whisk cream until soft peaks form. Cream should be thick but still pourable.
    • Fill the glass mug with hot water and let sit 1 minute. Pour out hot water and add brown sugar to your mug. Pour in hot coffee till the glass is ¾ full and stir to dissolve sugar, then pour in the whiskey.
    • Top with cream by gently pouring over the back of a warm spoon to form a thick layer on top.
    • Garnish with chocolate shavings, edible gold leaf, or sprinkles on top of thick cream.

    Video

    Notes

    Irish Coffee Top Tips

    • Irish Whiskey: Is the classic way to make Irish Coffee. There are many Irish whiskeys on the market. Some of the most popular are, Jameson, Teeling, and Bushmills. Some people also use Baileys Irish Cream and love it but it is not in the original recipe. 
    • Chocolate: Use a good quality bar of dark chocolate, and a small handheld grater to garnish the top.
    • Shamrock Sprinkles: Can be ordered online, and look so fun for this St. Patrick's Day recipe on white whipped cream.
    • Edible Gold: Yes, that's right. Order 24K edible gold online, and use a toothpick to place it on the whipped cream. It is perfectly safe and used in all kinds of desserts and drink recipes.
    • Glass Cups: You can use any mug, but glass cups really make this special!
    • Heavy Whipping Cream: Mix with a small hand mixer or whip with a whisk. You can drop a couple of drops of green dye into the cream for St Patrick's Day. Whip until thickens but still moves when poured over the back of a spoon on top.

    Irish Coffee Twists and Variations

    Warning coffee lovers: These inspirational ideas are not true Irish coffee ingredients. But, these are fun twists, popular flavor swaps, and extra kick additions to the original, and are in the recipe card below. This is an American favorite to have on Christmas morning coffee to sip in front of the fireplace while opening presents...
    • Your Favorite Coffee or Decaf Coffee
    • Spoon of Cool Whip
    • Splash Of Bailey Irish Cream Liqueur for a Bailey’s Irish coffee
    • Sugar Cubes
    • Sweet Finish of Chocolate Liqueur
    • Instant Coffee
    • Sugar Sprinkles on Pretty Glass Rim
    • Chocolate Coffee Bombs
    • Sprinkle of Cinnamon
    • Dash of Cocoa Powder
    • Ice Cream
    • Coconut Milk
    • Maple syrup
    • Grate of Real Nutmeg
    • Caramel Syrup
    • Simple Syrup
    • Extra Whiskey
    • Spoonful of Sugar

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 144mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg

    Dinner Rolls

    [heart_this] · · 4 Comments

    Last Updated April 25th, 2024 at 02:12 pm by Lisa

    Dinner Rolls aka Bread Rolls, are beautiful and easy to make. Brush store-bought frozen rolls with melted butter, and add toppings you love.

    Grab a bag of frozen dough, and try different grated cheeses, seasonings, and fresh herbs. This hack for homemade yeast rolls gives you perfect golden brown tops with soft fluffy interiors.

    You will get lots of "Are you making the rolls again this year?". They are a true delight and crowd-pleaser, something for everyone. These dinner rolls go fast, so make plenty...

    Easy Dinner Rolls

    When I first made these dinner rolls, not only were they tasty, they were a topic of conversation at the table. A few people have already started asking if they are going to be on the table again this year during the holidays and for Thanksgiving. I do love to make my Mom's recipe from scratch, but these are so amazing and save a ton of time.

    • These pull-apart rolls will make everyone happy! Everyone can grab the flavor they like best.
    • There are no rules here, and it isn't really a recipe. Use toppings you like.
    • They may be fancy dinner rolls, but they're easy enough for everyday weeknight dinners. 
    • Next time you get groceries, grab a bag or two of frozen rolls in your freezer section and use the toppings you have on hand anytime.
    • You can make them even more festive for Christmas and the holidays, see below for my Wreath Dinner Rolls idea! 🎄

    Ingredients for Frozen Dinner Rolls

    • frozen Bridgford White Rolls Dough or frozen Parkerhouse Style Rolls (dough), or similar dough*
    • melted butter
    • toppings

    *While Bridgford products are sold in most of the U.S., their white rolls and Parkerhouse-style roll dough aren't sold in every state. (You can search for product availability here.) If you can't find them in your local grocery store, look for similar unbaked frozen pull-apart dough rolls.

    How To Bake Dinner Rolls

    Step 1: Spray coconut oil or a non-stick cooking spray like canola oil in a shallow pan, ovenproof pie dish, baking dish, or cast iron skillet.

    Step 2: In your prepared pan or dish, place rolls and be sure dough the frozen dough roll pieces are about 1" apart so they have some room to rise. 1" apart they will rise and touch while baking if you want them separate give them 2" spacing.

    PRO TIP: You can thaw and rise the dough overnight in the fridge, just cover it with clear wrap. In the morning, brush with melted butter, decorate with toppings, and bake.

    Step 3: Let the dough rise for about 3 hours, in a warm place in your kitchen. To speed method, place the pan of rolls on the top of the stove, and turn the oven on to the lowest setting. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, will affect the actual time. Go by the tips on your package of dough.

    Regular Rising Method: To let them rise slowly overnight, cover with clear plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight.

    Faster Method: The dough will double in size in about 2-3 hours on the counter, and goes a little faster if the pan is on or near a heated oven, but not in the oven yet!

    Step 4: When you are ready to bake them, brush tops of each dough piece with melted butter. If you prefer, you can brush with eggs or an egg wash instead of butter.

    Step 5: Sprinkle toppings on each roll, and alternate flavors to make your pull-apart rolls pretty!

    Step 6: Bake per the package, 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

    To reheat leftover rolls, simply wrap them in foil and bake them at 375 for 10 minutes.

    Dinner Roll Make Ahead Tips

    PRO TIP: You can rise the dough on the counter or overnight in the fridge. Once your dough has risen, you can brush with melted butter, and decorate them with toppings.

    Either bake right away, or decorate, and bake later. Just keep covered in the fridge on a sheet pan.

    Baked Roll Topping Ideas

    All these variations are all a great addition to your rolls, have fun with different flavors for your family!

    • Grated Cheddar Cheese
    • Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • Sesame Seeds
    • Garlic Powder
    • Fresh Rosemary
    • Poppy Seeds
    • Minced Dry Onions
    • Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • Chopped Fresh Dill
    • Chopped Fresh Chives
    • Lemon Pepper
    • Chopped Fresh Parsley
    • Paprika
    • Chopped Almonds
    • Chopped Pistachios

    Another option is to rise and then bake rolls in muffin tins for individual rolls. Once baked, they can be removed and cooled on a wire rack.

    Frozen Bread Dough FAQ

    What are the best frozen dinner rolls to buy?

    Bridgford frozen dough because it bakes up so well, as good as homemade! Just like Bridgford, they come frozen and need time to rise before baking.

    Can I reheat dinner rolls?

    Yes! Leftover rolls can be reheated for 10 minutes in a 300-degree oven. Simply wrap them in foil and heat in the oven, the microwave will make them tough.

    Holiday Wreath Dinner Rolls

    Easy festive Holiday Wreath Dinner Rolls are made with frozen dinner roll dough, brushed with butter, and sprinkled with toppings like cheese and herbs. Shaped like a wreath, serve on a holiday paper-wrapped cutting board, and pop a bow on for your holiday party.

    And these can be made ahead and baked off right before your party...

    1. Line an extra large baking sheet pan with parchment paper. You need a very large sheet to make a round wreath shape.
    2. On the extra large parchment lined baking tray, arrange the frozen dough roll pieces about 1" apart on the pan into a wreath shape.
    3. Let the dough rise for about 3 hours, in a warm place in your kitchen. If you want to let it rise slowly overnight, cover with clear wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure your large baking tray fits in the fridge first! The dough will double in size in about 2-3 hours on the counter or overnight in the fridge in about 3-5 hours.
    4. When you are ready to bake, brush each dough piece with melted butter. This helps the toppings stick, adds great flavor, and helps them bake to a golden brown.
    5. Sprinkle toppings on each roll, alternate flavors to make it pretty.
    6. Bake per the package, 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
    7. Once cool, tie a festive bow and lay on top of the rolls. Fun to serve them on a large cutting board wrapped in holiday wrapping paper!

    More Side Dishes

    Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are creamy smooth, buttery, and melt in your mouth! Reheated 5 Ways, learn how to keep them warm for dinner or your holiday party.

    Is there anything better than oven Roasted Potatoes? The golden crisp sides and pillowy soft, fork-tender centers are so good.

    Roasted Vegetables work for dinner any day of the week or make a classic side dish for the holidays. Learn how easy it is to oven roast vegetables at home!

    Another great side dish for entertaining is Smashed Potatoes + Homemade Herb Butter...beautiful and easy!

    Easy Grilled Corn On The Cob, takes 15 minutes to prep and grills in 10 minutes, with endless flavor options using spices you have like bbq rub, seasoning salt, or just good sea salt and pepper.

    Cowboy Baked Beans are loaded with browned hamburger meat and crispy applewood smoked bacon. The addition of ground beef makes these absolutely amazing and almost a meal itself.

    Crispy roasted Cabbage Steaks get crunchy edges and golden brown centers. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for a savory finish.

    3-ingredient Easy Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bread Muffins served with honey butter are incredibly easy and incredibly delicious.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A close up of baked Frozen Dinner Rolls topped with cheeses, herbs, and seasonings.
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    Dinner Rolls Recipe (Frozen Store Bought Dough)

    Dinner Rolls aka Bread Rolls, are beautiful and easy to make. Brush store-bought frozen rolls with melted butter, and add toppings you love. Grab a bag of frozen dough, and try different grated cheeses, seasonings, and fresh herbs. This hack for homemade yeast rolls gives you perfect golden brown tops with soft fluffy interiors.
    Course Side Dishes & Vegetables
    Cuisine American
    Keyword bread rolls, dinner rolls, frozen dinner rolls, frozen dough rolls, pull apart rolls
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 16
    Calories 123kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 package frozen Bridgford White Rolls Dough   or frozen Parkerhouse Style Rolls
    • ½ stick melted butter
    • Toppings: grated cheddar cheese grated parmesan cheese, poppy seeds, minced dry onion, sesame seeds, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh chives, lemon pepper, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, or chopped almonds.
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Spray coconut oil or a non-stick cooking spray like canola oil in shallow pan, ovenproof pie dish, or baking pan, or cast iron skillet.
    • In your prepared pan or dish, place rolls and be sure dough the frozen dough roll pieces are about 1" apart so they have some room to rise. 1" apart they will rise and touch while baking, if you want them separate give them 2" spacing.
    • Let the dough rise for about 3 hours, in a warm place in your kitchen. To speed method, place the pan of rolls on the stop of the stove, and turn the oven on to the lowest setting. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, it will affect the actual time. Go by the tips on your package of dough.
    • Rising Regular Method: To let them rise slowly overnight, cover with clear plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight.
      Faster Method: The dough will double in size in about 2-3 hours on the counter, and goes a little faster if the pan is on or near a heated oven.
    • When you are ready to bake them, brush tops of each dough piece with melted butter. If you prefer, you can brush with eggs or an egg wash instead of butter.
    • Sprinkle toppings on each roll, alternate flavors to make it pretty.
    • Bake rolls per the package, 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
    • To reheat leftover rolls, simply wrap them in foil and bake them at 375 for 10 minutes.

    Notes

    Baked Roll Topping Ideas

    All these variations are great additions to your rolls, have fun with different flavors for your family!

    • Grated Cheddar Cheese
    • Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • Sesame Seeds
    • Garlic Powder
    • Fresh Rosemary
    • Poppy Seeds
    • Minced Dry Onions
    • Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • Chopped Fresh Dill
    • Chopped Fresh Chives
    • Lemon Pepper
    • Chopped Fresh Parsley
    • Paprika
    • Chopped Almonds
    • Chopped Pistachios

    Can I Reheat Dinner Rolls?

    Yes! Leftover rolls can be reheated for 10 minutes in a 300-degree oven.

    What are the Best Dinner Rolls to Buy?

    I love Bridgford frozen dough because it bakes up so well, as good as homemade! If you can't find Bridgford in your area, try looking for Rhodes Bake-N-Serv dinner rolls. (The Rhodes store locator is here.) Just like Bridgford, they come frozen and need time to rise before baking.
    *While Bridgford products are sold in most of the U.S., their white rolls and Parkerhouse style roll dough are not sold in every state. (You can search for product availability here.) If you can't find them in your local grocery store, look for similar unbaked frozen pull-apart dough rolls.

    Make-Ahead Tips

    You can rise the dough overnight in the fridge, just cover with clear wrap. In the morning, brush with melted butter, and decorate with toppings, and bake. 

    Holiday Wreath Dinner Rolls

    1. Line an extra-large baking sheet pan with parchment paper. You need a very large sheet to make a round wreath shape.
    2. On the extra-large parchment-lined baking tray, arrange the frozen dough roll pieces about 1" apart on the pan into a wreath shape.
    3. Let the dough rise for about 3 hours, in a warm place in your kitchen. If you want to let it rise slowly overnight, cover with clear wrap and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure your large baking tray fits in the fridge first! The dough will double in size in about 2-3 hours on the counter or overnight in the fridge.
    4. When you are ready to bake, brush each dough piece with melted butter. This helps the toppings stick, adds great flavor, and helps them bake to a golden brown.
    5. Sprinkle toppings on each roll, alternate flavors to make it pretty.
    6. Bake per the package, 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
    7. Once cool, tie a festive bow and lay on top of the rolls. Fun to serve them on a large cutting board wrapped in holiday wrapping paper! 🎄
    Nutrition information is calculated without toppings of your choice.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 245mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Oven roasted cabbage steaks have crispy edges and golden brown centers. Sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for a delightfully savory finish.

    This an easy recipe that uses up a whole head of cabbage in a fresh, delicious, new way. And tons of topping options are in the recipe card below so your cabbage steak tastes just the way you like it.

    A great side dish to pair with family dinners like corned beef, chicken, pork roast, steak, and fish. A delicious way to turn a humble green vegetable into something sublime...

    A white platter filled with cabbage steak, topped with shaved parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts with lemon wedges.

    Cabbage Steak Recipe

    Next time you are at the grocery store, don't pass by the cabbage heads. Pick one up! And make my new favorite cabbage recipe. With these simple ingredients and in just a couple of minutes you have a perfect side dish with great flavor.

    We are using a roasting cooking method in order to get the right texture, and crunch in your recipe at home. If you were to bake these at a lower oven temperature, the cabbage bakes with steam, gets too tender, and will not get golden crisp.

    • 1 whole green cabbage (red or savoy, big or small cabbage works too!)
    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (not hot paprika)
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 whole lemon
    Close up of a roasted cabbage steak on a white platter.

    How To Roast Crispy Cabbage Steaks

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet pan (a well used dark pan is best!) with nonstick coconut oil spray. It is best to not use any aluminum foil or parchment paper. The thick cabbage slices need direct contact with the pan surface to crisp up golden brown!
    2. Next, remove any wilted, brown, or loose outer leaves from a whole head of cabbage. Leave the stem in place to hold the slices of cabbage together.On a cutting board, use a large sharp chef's knife and cut down the center of the cabbage into two halves, keeping the root end intact as much as possible.Then slice each half into thirds, for six 1" thick rounds.
    3. Lay each of the six pieces onto the prepared baking sheet pan in a single layer.
    4. In a small bowl, add extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
    5. Using a small basting utensil, brush a generous amount of olive oil mixture evenly onto each of the thick cabbage slices. Use all the mixture and get a bit of olive oil on the surface and in the crevices of all the flat discs of cabbage.
    6. Roast at 425 f oven temperature for 25-30 minutes. The edges will turn brown and golden crispy and some will darken a bit.
    7. Place steaks on a warm platter, and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Serve with lemon wedges, that squeeze of lemon juice is amazing! Serve warm.

    You'll Love Roasted Cabbage Recipe!

    Raw cabbage has a unique bitter taste, but when cooked gains a sweetness and is easily accented with the flavor of other ingredients, think of the humble cabbage as a plain canvas to create your own little masterpiece.

    In addition, cabbage is a low-carb, keto, and gluten, and is vitamin C–rich!

    • a great way to eat more cruciferous vegetables
    • low calorie and a filling meal idea
    • an easy side made quickly, a simple recipe for weeknights
    • use up remaining cabbage in the fridge with this recipe
    • the paprika chili powder adds great golden color
    • roasting brings out the natural sweetness
    • toss leftover cabbage steaks into cabbage soup
    • make unstuffed cabbage rolls with leftovers, and easy casserole made with ground beef, cabbage, garlic, and tomatoes
    • create a new favorite recipe with toppings you love
    • perfect for a low carb keto diet
    • this recipe works with red cabbage too!
    • will hold even at room temperature, and reheats fast

    More Cabbage Steak Seasoning Ideas

    There are so many creative ways to dress up this roasted cabbage recipe. Think of these as a blank canvas, and with some basic ingredients you can create a flavor profile everyone will rave over.

    The best part of your dinner might just be that these taste just the way each person loves it...

    • Cheeses: sprinkle blue cheese, gorgonzola cheese, or pecorino romano
    • Nuts: toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds
    • Herbs: sprinkle fresh herbs like fresh parsley, thyme, or basil
    • Seasonings: use your particular savory blend seasoning or Finishing Salt, try my recipe! Or dust with finishing flakes of Maldon sea salt and fresh ground pepper
    • Garlicky: add onion powder, garlic powder, and roasted garlic gloves into the olive oil mixture
    • Bacon: for a delicious alternative, sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon or pancetta
    • Balsamic: drizzle some syrupy aged balsamic vinegar on top
    • Spicy: spice things up with a few red pepper flakes or a chili seasoning
    • Flavored Oils: drizzle a few tablespoons of oil like walnut, Meyer lemon olive oil, or truffle oil for great flavor
    • Crunch: toast some breadcrumbs or Panko with carraway seeds sprinkled on top

    Cabbage FAQ

    How to select a fresh cabbage?

    For the best cabbage, look for a tight, firm, brightly colored head that feels heavy for its size. Select a large or small one for your recipe.

    The leaves should be crisp and not wilted. Napa cabbage should have tightly packed leaves, and not have dry ends or discoloration.

    What types of cabbages are best?

    Cabbages are cruciferous vegetables and are closely related to cauliflower, kale, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

    Green Cabbage is the most common variety you will find in grocery stores. One of the most versatile vegetables to use in salads, coleslaw, stir-frys, braising, or sauteing recipes.

    Savoy Cabbage has beautiful curly ruffled lacy ridged leaves. The leaves are less tightly packed, and it is a bit more tender than green or red. It is delicious thinly sliced in salads, quickly stir-fried, or braised in butter.

    Red Cabbage is a magenta dark purple color and tends to be a bit smaller than green cabbages. Pick tightly packed firm heads that feel heavy for their size. Slice thin for salads, braising, and stir-frys. A great recipe to use it for is pickled to top on fish tacos.

    Napa Cabbage is also called Chinese or celery cabbage. It is not round like the green ones but has long light green leaves like romaine lettuce. Delicious raw, steamed, or lightly sauteed. The choice for making kimchi.

    What To Eat With Roasted Cabbage Steaks?

    These steaks go with any main dish and one of the best things to get on the dinner table fast!

    • use as a main course and pair with Sauteed Asparagus topped with Gremolata for a great vegan dinner recipe
    • serve with cauliflower steaks and a green wedge salad
    • this will become a new favorite side dish with pork chops and mashed potatoes
    • pair with classic Corned Beef Brisket, Horseradish Cream Sauce, glazed carrots, and rosemary potatoes.
    • sear grilled cabbage steaks in a large skillet on the stovetop over high temperature on a cast iron grill grate pan
    • slice thin, and pack into an egg roll recipe, dip in soy sauce!
    An entire corned beef dinner with sliced corned beef, roasted cabbage, roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, and glasses of beer.

    More Cabbage Recipes

    Take a look at these other easy cabbage recipes, that are so popular! Classic Cole Slaw (no mayo), homemade Hot Dog Relish, and a delicious Mango Jicama Slaw that is clean, light, and healthy.

    More Dinner Side Dishes

    Make perfectly Roasted Vegetables with these cooking tips and techniques. Plus get roasting times and ideas to use seasonal veggies like sweet potato, butternut squash, rainbow carrots, and Brussels sprouts.

    Vegetable side dishes work for dinner any day of the week or make a hearty side dish for the holidays like Thanksgiving or Easter. Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables can be prepped ahead, and then roasted the day of your party.

    Potatoes are always a favorite hearty side dish, whip up some creamy Mashed Potatoes and get all my reheating tips for the holidays! Or make a sheet pan of crispy golden Smashed Potatoes, and melt Herb Butter on top.

    Green vegetables don't have to be boring, Sauteed Asparagus cooks perfectly every time and is full of fresh flavor when topped with Gremolata. This low-carb keto dinner recipe is an easy side dish for family dinner or company. Is there anything better than oven Roasted Potatoes? The golden crisp sides and pillowy soft, fork-tender centers are so good. 

    Frozen Dinner Rolls (aka Bread Rolls) are beautiful and easy to make. Brush store-bought frozen rolls with melted butter, and add toppings you love. Try different grated cheeses, seasonings, and fresh herbs. Then bake to a golden brown.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Cabbage steaks on a white rectangle platter garnished with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.
    Print

    Cabbage Steaks Recipe

    Oven roasted cabbage steaks have crispy edges and golden brown centers. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for a savory finish. This an easy recipe that uses up a whole head of cabbage in a fresh, delicious, new way. And tons of topping options are in the recipe card below. This great side dish pairs well with family dinners like corned beef, chicken, steak, and fish. A delicious way to turn a humble green vegetable into something sublime.
    Course Side Dishes & Vegetables
    Cuisine American
    Keyword baked cabbage, cabbage recipe, cabbage steaks, oven roasted cabbage steaks, roast cabbage, roasted cabbage
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 83kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 whole green cabbage
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (not hot spicy paprika)
    • 1 teaspoon sea kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 whole lemon

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet pan (a well used dark pan is best!) with nonstick coconut oil spray. It is best to not use any aluminum foil or parchment paper. The thick cabbage slices need direct contact with the pan surface to crisp up golden brown!
    • Next, remove any wilted, brown, or loose outer leaves from a whole head of cabbage. Leave the stem in place to hold the slices of cabbage together.
      On a cutting board, use a large sharp chef's knife and cut down the center of the cabbage into two halves, keeping the root end intact as much as possible.
      Then slice each half into thirds, for six 1" thick rounds.
    • Lay each of the six pieces onto the prepared baking sheet pan in a single layer.
    • In a small bowl, add extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
    • Using a small basting utensil, brush a generous amount of olive oil mixture evenly onto each of the thick cabbage slices. Use all the mixture and get a bit of olive oil on the surface and in the crevices of all the flat discs of cabbage.
    • Roast at 425 f oven temperature for 25-30 minutes. The edges will turn brown and golden crispy and some will darken a bit.
    • Place steaks on a warm platter, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Serve with lemon wedges, that squeeze of lemon juice is amazing! Serve warm.

    Video

    Notes

    You'll Love Roasted Cabbage Recipe!

    • a great way to eat more cruciferous vegetables
    • low calorie and a filling meal idea
    • an easy side made quickly, a simple recipe for weeknights
    • use up remaining cabbage in the fridge with this recipe
    • the paprika chili powder adds great golden color
    • roasting brings out the natural sweetness
    • create a new favorite cabbage recipe with toppings
    • perfect for a low carb keto diet
    • this recipe works with red cabbage too!
    • will hold even at room temperature, and reheats fast

    More Cabbage Steak Seasoning Ideas

    There are so many creative ways to dress up this roasted cabbage recipe. Think of these as a blank canvas, and with some basic ingredients you can create a flavor profile everyone will rave over.
    The best part of your dinner might just be cabbage steaks that taste just the way each person loves it...
    • sprinkle of blue cheese, gorgonzola cheese, or pecorino romano
    • toasted walnuts, pecans or almonds
    • sprinkle fresh herbs like fresh parsley, thyme, or basil
    • use your particular savory blend of salt to finish
    • add onion powder crushed garlic into the olive oil mixture
    • for a delicious alternative, sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon or panchetta
    • drizzle some syrupy aged balsamic vinegar on top
    • spice things up with a little bit of red pepper flakes or chili seasoning
    • pour a few tablespoons oil like walnut, meyer lemon, or truffle oil
    • dust with finishing flakes of maldon sea salt and fresh ground pepper

    Nutrition

    Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 388mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

    Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated May 21st, 2023 at 11:49 pm by Lisa

    Dip into a Bacon Cheese Ball with crackers or pretzels, and enjoy every bite of this easy delicious appetizer. It is made with simple ingredients and quick prep time. Roll it in crispy bacon crumbles or assorted mixed cheeses.

    Get creative and add your twist to this bacon ranch cheese ball with one of the dozens of flavor ideas...

    Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe

    Whip this party food fappetizer together in just a few minutes. And if you are serving it for a game day, take a look at how to shape it just like a football 🏈, and make a Football Cheese Ball!

    Cheese Ball Ingredients

    • cream cheese (2 boxes)
    • sharp cheddar cheese
    • pepper jack cheese
    • crispy crumbled bacon or bacon bits
    • green onions or chives
    • packet ranch seasoning mix
    • garlic powder
    • sour cream

    Garnish Toppings

    • crumbled crispy bacon
    • green onions
    • grated cheddar or pepper jack
    • Serve with crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Pull the 2 packages of cream cheese out on the kitchen counter for at least 30 minutes so they are easier to mix.

    Make the crumbled bacon (it's worth the time!) but good bacon bits work great too and save time. Cook bacon the way you like to and crumble it, you will need 1 cup for this recipe.

    1 pound of sliced bacon makes about 1 ½ cups of crispy crumbled bacon so you will have some extra. 🥓🥓🥓

    To cook in a large skillet or cast iron pan, slice a package of bacon slices into ½ pieces, and saute over medium heat, stir the chopped bacon pieces with a wooden spoon until crispy. Takes about 12 minutes. Drain the crumbled bacon on a paper towel.

    A pile of strips of crisp bacon in a pile to use in a recipe.

    Grate the cheddar cheese and pepper jack on a box grater or food processor. Pregrated pregrated-cheeses are fine too!

    In a large bowl, add the two cream cheese blocks, grated sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, crumbled crispy bacon, green onions, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or stir with a large spatula until well combined.

    Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula, and place the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around, and form a round ball and wrap the plastic tightly.

    Chill on a serving platter or large plate in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.

    When ready to serve, remove it the from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap. Roll in crumbled bacon bits, cheddar, and or green onions. Serve on a platter with assorted crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Keep leftovers in an airtight container, and use them within a week.

    A bacon cheese ball coated on a plate with crumbled bacon, grated cheese, and green onions.

    Flavor Variations

    Use some ingredients you prefer or have on hand. Here are a few ways to mix things up.

    Seasonings: Instead of the Ranch seasoning packet, add a teaspoon of the seasoning salt blend, some Worcestershire sauce, or Everything Bagel Seasoning.

    Veggies & Herbs: In place of green onions, add fresh parsley, or some chopped basil and rosemary. Or add some chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes or confetti of chopped colorful bell peppers.

    Meats: Add in chopped salami, slice some ham or pepperoni into thin small ribbons.

    Nuts: Roll in crushed toasted or Candied Pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, or toasted pine nuts.

    Good Grated Cheeses: This will make your cheese ball really tasty, add in Monterey jack, parmesan, goat cheese, pecorino romano, white cheddar cheese, or Colby jack.

    Cheese Truffle Bites: Use a mini scoop or teaspoon and portion out small scoops formed into little ball shapes, then rolled in chopped herbs, nuts, crushed cracker crumbs, and chopped dried fruit. And it is fun to push a small pretzel stick pushed in for a "grab and go" easy appetizer.

    Who invented the cheese ball?

    The origins according to Michelle Buffardi, author of Great Balls of Cheese, are that in 1801, a farmer named Elisha Brown, Jr. in Massachusetts created the original cheese ball weighing in at over 1,200 pounds! It was presented to President Jefferson at the White House.

    More Cheese Balls & Appetizer Recipes

    Make Holiday Cheese Balls appetizers this year. There are four flavors of these Christmas appetizers to serve as party food all season. The flavors are White Cheddar Rosemary Pomegranate, Pimento Cheese, Garlic Chive Goat-Cheese, and Cranberry Pecan.

    Serve a "pumpkin-shaped" Everything Bagel Cheese Ball appetizer for your next Fall party, Thanksgiving, and it's always a hit! Easy to make ahead in 15 minutes, chill, and take to a gathering.

    Gorgeous Layered Cheese Appetizers with deli-style sliced cheeses and a creamy filling loaded with chopped nuts and dried fruit. Eat them as a snack or fancy finger food hors d'oeuvres! People will be fascinated by the elegant stacks, and they are so pretty on charcuterie boards.

    Everyone loves appetizers, and there is nothing easier than Marinated Mozzarella Balls on a gorgeous Charcuterie Board with some crackers, crusty bread, and drinks to get the party going.

    Cheese Truffles are loaded with delicious flavors and toppings. Serve with crackers or pretzels for an easy appetizer and fun party food!

    Boursin Cheese whips together in just minutes for an easy appetizer. One of the best ways to eat it is simply with toasted warm bread or crackers.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A round bacon cheese ball topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and surrounded by crackers and pita chips for an easy appetizer.
    Print

    Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe

    Dip into a Bacon Cheese Ball with a cracker or pretzel, and enjoy every bite of this easy delicious appetizer dip made with simple ingredients and quick prep time. Roll it in crispy bacon crumbles or assorted cheeses. Get creative and add your twist to this bacon ranch cheese ball flavor with one of the dozens of ideas.
    Course Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
    Cuisine American
    Keyword bacon cheese ball, cheese ball appetizer, easy appetizer
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 8 minutes
    Total Time 28 minutes
    Servings 24
    Calories 148kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Cheese Ball Ingredients

    • 2 - 8 ounce boxes cream cheese
    • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup pepper jack cheese
    • ½ cup crispy crumbled bacon or bacon bits
    • ¼ cup green onions or chives
    • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ cup sour cream

    Cheese Ball Garnish Decorations

    • ½ cup crumbled crispy bacon
    • 1 tablespoon green onions
    • ¼ cup grated cheddar or pepper jack
    • Serve with crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Instructions

    • Pull the 2 packages of cream cheese out on the kitchen counter at least 30 minutes so they are easier to mix.
    • Make the crumbled bacon (it's worth the time!) but good bacon bits work great too and save time. Cook bacon the way you like to and crumble, you will need 1 cup for this recipe.
    • 1 pound of sliced bacon makes about 1 ½ cups of crispy crumbled bacon so you will have some extra.
    • To cook in a large skillet or cast iron pan, slice a package of bacon slices into ½ pieces, and saute over medium heat, stir the chopped bacon pieces with a wooden spoon until crispy. Takes about 12 minutes. Drain the crumbled bacon on a paper towel.
    • Grate the cheddar cheese and pepper jack on a box grater or food processer. Pregrated cheeses are fine too!
    • In a large bowl, add the two cream cheese blocks, grated sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, crumbled crispy bacon, green onions, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and sour cream. Mix cream cheese mixture with a hand mixer or stir with a large spatula until well combined.
    • Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula, and place the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around tightly, and form a round ball.
    • Chill on a serving platter or large plate in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.
    • When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap. Roll in crumbled bacon bits, cheddar cheeses, and or green onions. Serve on a platter with assorted crackers, pretzels, or pita chips.

    Video

    Notes

    bacon

    Real bacon is the best, if you buy a 1-pound package of sliced bacon, it will cook down to 1 ½ cups of cooked crumbled bacon. You will need 1 cup for this recipe.

    Flavor Variations

    Use some ingredients you prefer or have on hand. Here are a few ways to mix things up.

    Seasonings: Instead of the Ranch seasoning packet, add a teaspoon of the seasoning salt blend, some Worcestershire sauce, or Everything Bagel Seasoning.

    Veggies & Herbs: In place of green onions, add fresh parsley, or some chopped basil and rosemary. Or add some chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes or confetti of chopped colorful bell peppers.

    Meats: Add in chopped salami, slice some ham or pepperoni into thin small ribbons.

    Nuts: Roll in crushed toasted or Candied Pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, or toasted pine nuts.
    Good Grated Cheeses: This will make your cheese ball really tasty, add in Monterey jack, parmesan, goat cheese, pecorino romano, white cheddar cheese, or Colby jack.
    Cheese Truffle Bites: Use a mini scoop or teaspoon and portion out small scoops formed into little ball shapes, then rolled in chopped herbs, nuts, crushed cracker crumbs, and chopped dried fruit. And it is fun to push a small pretzel stick pushed in for a "grab and go" easy appetizer.

     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 287mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    Creamy Balsamic Horseradish Sauce

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    If you enjoy spicy foods, this Creamy Balsamic Horseradish Sauce is a great compliment to savory dishes like thick slices of Beef Roast, prime rib, Corned Beef, or to slather on beef tenderloin Roast Beef Sandwiches.

    Add deep flavor and a spicy, fiery kick to your home cooking. Dollop this creamy sauce on a good french dip sandwich or grilled filet mignon. And it lasts in the fridge for over two weeks. You will feel like you are dining at the finest restaurant or steak house every day...

    Homemade Horseradish Sauce Recipe

    Horseradish cream sauce is so delicious to make at home. It starts with simple ingredients, with the main ingredient of prepared horseradish. You can make it from scratch at home, read on for those tips.

    • sour cream or cream fraiche
    • prepared horseradish
    • balsamic vinegar
    • Dijon-style mustard (or spicy brown mustard)
    • salt (kosher sea salt)
    • ground pepper
    • Worcestershire sauce
    1. In a glass prep bowl, use a small rubber spatula and mix sour cream, prepared horseradish, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, pepper, and Worcestershire until well combined.
    2. Keep covered in an airtight container and chilled in the fridge, will keep for 2-3 weeks.

    Try Horseradish Cream Sauce With...

    • Prime Rib - A holiday or party food favorite, this is a must.
    • Roast Beef - An elegant dinner with a dollop on top.
    • French Dip Sandwiches - takes French dips over the top.
    • Roast Beef Sandwiches - my favorite way to use this recipe!
    • Roast Beef Crostini - toast small baguette slices, top with roast beef with a spoonful, and garnish with chives.
    • Corned Beef - slather on a corned beef brisket and serve with roasted potatoes, cabbage steaks, and carrots for an amazing dinner.
    • Bloody Mary - stir in that zippy classic horseradish taste and munch cool on garnishes like celery, olives, or dill pickles.
    • Potato Salad - add a couple of spoonfuls to a classic or my BBQ potato salad for a spicy kick.
    • Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon - dip these savory bites right on in.
    • Lemon Vinaigrettes - mix into salad dressings for extra flavor.
    • Deli Sandwiches - Use this spread on your favorite sandwich or sub.
    • Beef Tenderloin or Filet Mignon - a steak house classic pairing.
    • Try it with my Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Appetizers, amazing!
    • Deviled Eggs -use a basic recipe and mix some in.
    • Baked Potatoes - try a dollop on fluffy hot baked potatoes.
    Dipping bacon wrapped filet mignon on a toothpick into creamy horseradish sauce.

    Roast Beef Sandwiches on crusty French bread spread with this creamy horseradish sauce are divine. I have served smaller versions of these during the holidays and for parties. People just go crazy! You can serve them warm or cold.

    Use really good ingredients, fresh-baked baguettes, and good shaved Parmesan cheese, and you can make your buy roast beef...

    Three stacked and sliced roast beef sandwiches on French bread with lettuce, cheese and a creamy spread on parchment paper ready to eat.

    Prepared Horseradish vs. Horseradish Sauce

    There are two types of Horseradish Sauce products sold in markets, Pickled and Creamed. And both can be made fresh at home. The recipe below if for a creamed horseradish recipe.

    Pickled Prepared Horseradish

    A condiment and common ingredient made from fresh horseradish root and other seasonings.

    • Prepared horseradish can be bought or made homemade and mixed into recipes.
    • High quality commercial brands are sold in grocery stores in the condiment aisle or in the chiller section of supermarkets. There is even a beet horseradish sold by Silver Springs in stores.
    • Coarser in texture, with a pungent flavor and a strong smell.
    • Prepared horseradish is a jarred condiment made from grated horseradish, a spicy root vegetable in the mustard family. mixed with vinegar and salt.
    • A pickled or prepared version is more popular in North America.
    • Whisk into dressings and vinaigrettes, drizzle steaks, fish, or stir into mayonnaise for a brighter egg salad sandwich. Prepared horseradish adds a zippy flavor to any dish.

    Creamed Horseradish Sauce

    A "cream style" horseradish sauce is prepared horseradish blended with a creamy element and seasonings, and other tangy ingredients. It can be purchased or made at home.

    •  Horseradish sauce has a dairy product either heavy cream, sour cream, or mayonnaise. It is not as hot as pickled prepared.
    • Creamy texture to spread or dollop onto your favorite foods.
    • A condiment sauce and dip with a strong taste and this creamed version are ready to use on foods.
    • A creamed version is popular in Britain and what people call horseradish sauce.
    • Store Bought Lable Ingredients: Water, Soybean Oil, Horseradish, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Egg Yolk, Mustard Flour, Natural Flavor, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Vitamin E, Xanthan Gum, Paprika, Spices.

    Homemade Prepared Horseradish Recipe

    You can make homemade prepared horseradish, and skip buying the prepared product at the store. Horseradish is a spicy root vegetable and part of the mustard family that grows in colder areas.

    Buy a good quality root from the Farmer's markets or grocery store. You will need 4-6 ounces of horseradish grated root, 2-3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and a small pinch of sea salt.

    1. Use a vegetable peeler and remove the skin off of the root, chop it into small pieces, then run through a food processor until the grated pulp is fine.
    2. In a bowl mix the grated pulp, water, vinegar, and salt. Keep in an airtight container or tightly covered jar and use within a month.

    Horseradish FAQ

    Best horseradish substitute?

    In a pinch, when you are out of prepared horseradish the best substitute is real Japanese horseradish called wasabi root. It is sold as wasabi paste and is the best substitute in small amounts for horseradish in recipes.
    Runners-up and good substitutes are wasabi powder, wasabi oil, or Chinese hot mustard. Those have a similar flavor profile, but nothing beats the real thing.

    How to use fresh horseradish?

    A whole fresh root from a horseradish plant will last and can be stored for about four weeks in the fridge crisper drawer. Once the root is cut, it will last for about two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to six months, either whole or finely ground, but the flavor diminishes as it ages.

    How do you make dehydrated horseradish powder?

    Without much work, you can dry horseradish into pieces or powder. To do this, first, wash the root, and grate or slice it in a food processor. Dry on a dehydrator tray following the manufacturer's directions. Or, dry on a sheet pan in the oven at the lowest heat setting, until horseradish is brittle. Then blend into a powder to use in recipes using a spice grinder or food processor.

    Why is there so much heat in horseradish?

    Use as both a spice and condiment, when the root is ground or grated, it releases a strong piquant flavor and has the unique pungent aroma of horseradish. This is because the root cells contain highly volatile oils which are released by enzyme activity when the root cells are crushed.

    More Sauce Recipes

    Sheet pan BAKED Lobster Ravioli in an amazing Lemon Butter Limoncello Cream Sauce can be made ahead with wonton wrappers (no pasta) plus no boiling pots of water or fuss.

    Remoulade is a popular condiment and a classic dip for fried foods. Usually paired with seafood, cold meats, and fried foods like French fries and fried green tomatoes.

    Fresh Cocktail Sauce made in minutes for easy appetizers like Shrimp Cocktail. Dollop this on oysters, clams, crabs, and more.

    Make Burger Sauce at home, this recipe is very similar to the In-N-Out Spread from Southern California. Hamburgers go from boring to spectacular with all the toppings, and I have lots of ideas to make your BBQ cookout party amazing.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    Looking down into a wooden bowl with creamy balsamic horseradish sauce swirled in the center, and a wooden spreader resting on the edge of the bowl with a rustic beige tablecloth underneath and on a woven rattan placemat.
    Print

    Creamy Balsamic Horseradish Sauce

    If you enjoy spicy foods, this Creamy Balsamic Horseradish Sauce is a great compliment to savory dishes like thick slices of Beef Roast, prime rib, Corned Beef. Or to slather on beef tenderloin Roast Beef Sandwiches. Add deep flavor and a spicy fiery kick to your home cooking. Dollop this creamy sauce on a good french dip sandwich or grilled filet mignon. And it lasts in the fridge for over two weeks. You will feel like you are dining at the finest restaurant or steak house every day.
    Course Sauces, Marinades, & Condiments
    Cuisine Condiment
    Keyword condiment, condiment sauce, cream style horseradish sauce, horseradish sauce, horseradish spread, prepared horseradish, sandwich spread
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 42kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup regular sour cream
    • ¼ cup prepared horseradish
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
    • Dash Worcestershire sauce

    Instructions

    • In a glass prep bowl, use a small rubber spatula and mix sour cream, prepared horseradish, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, pepper, and Worcestershire until well combined.
    • Keep covered and chilled in fridge, will keep for 2-3 weeks.

    Notes

    Storage

    Keep covered and chilled in the fridge, will keep for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container. It is great as soon as you make it but even tastes better after a couple days. 

    Try Horseradish Cream Sauce With...

      • Prime Rib - A holiday or party food favorite, this is a must.
      • Roast Beef - An elegant dinner with a dollop on top.
      • French Dip Sandwiches - takes French dips over the top.
      • Roast Beef Crostini - toast small baguette slices, top with roast beef with a spoonful, and garnish with chives.
      • Corned Beef - slather on a corned beef brisket and serve with roasted potatoes, cabbage steaks, and carrots for an amazing dinner.
      • Bloody Mary - stir in that zippy classic horseradish taste and munch cool on garnishes like celery, olives, or dill pickles.
      • Deli Sandwiches - Use this spread on your favorite sandwich or sub.
      • Beef Tenderloin or Filet Mignon - a steak house classic pairing.
      • Baked Potatoes - try a dollop on fluffy hot baked potatoes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12g | Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    Roasted Potatoes

    [heart_this] · · 2 Comments

    Is there anything better than oven Roasted Potatoes? The golden crisp sides and pillowy soft, fork-tender centers are so good. Their flavor pairs so well with main dishes from sizzling steaks to roast chicken, and are a classic beloved side dish all around the world.

    Hands down, this is the easiest way to make the best roasted potatoes for dinner every single time...

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe

    • baby gold Yukon gold potatoes
    • olive oil
    • sea salt
    • cracked black pepper
    • fresh rosemary
    • fresh thyme
    • garnishes: add a little bit more fresh thyme, rosemary, flaked sea salt

    Wash the baby potatoes in cold water. Slice them in half and place in a large bowl, airtight container, or zip top freezer bag to prep ahead.

    Baby potatoes cut in half on a cutting board with a bunch of fresh herbs, seasoning and olive oil.

    Chop your herbs, thyme, and rosemary, and pull the leaves off. Put them in a coffee cup or small bowl. Discard the tough stems. Snip with clean cooking scissors until a fine mix of smaller pieces.

    This hack is great for kids to help in the kitchen! Or chop on a board with a good chef's knife. I used fresh thyme and rosemary from my garden...

    Toss the ¼ cup of herbs into the bowl or plastic bag, and pour in ½ cup of good olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

    Seal the bag and toss, then store the seasoned potatoes in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. This is the best way to prep ahead for dinner. Bring to room temperature for at least an hour before roasting in the oven.

    Adjust the oven so you can use the lowest shelf in the oven, which is right above the heating element. Preheat oven to 425 degrees f. This is a roasting temperature and cooks the them in a higher dry heat as opposed to baking which is typically is a much lower temperature oven setting.

    Spray a prepared baking sheet with non stick spray, I prefer coconut oil spray. If possible, use a dark well loved sheet pan, this actually helps get golden crispy skin. Don't use a new nonstick pan, aluminum foil, or parchment paper for this recipe, we want them to reach crispy perfection!

    Lay the potato chunks in a single layer with space in between.

    In a preheated oven, place potatoes on the bottom shelf for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the hot oven, set it on a hot pad on the counter, flip them over using tongs or a spatula, and roast another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

    Total cooking time can vary based on your oven, the pan, and even the size or type of potato. Transfer potatoes to a pretty dish, sprinkle with more fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, flaked sea salt, and serve with butter or try my homemade Herb Butter, so delicious!

    So why does this recipe work?

    There are a few good reasons, let's go through them:

    • First, this easy recipe is great to prep ahead, see my tips below.
    • The oven temperature and a hot oven are key! The 425-degree temperature of the oven is a big deal to get a golden crispy exterior when roasting. If it is too hot they burn, a low temperature results in them becoming limp, undercooked, without browning on all sides.
    • These are roasted not baked potatoes.
    • Using a dark pan is best. That actually helps get crispy roasted potatoes! I use the same method in my Roasted Vegetables recipe, give it a try too.
    • Toss the potatoes, olive oil, herbs, sea salt, and pepper ahead to get the flavor locked in. My favorite way to prep for entertaining!
    • Simple easy ingredients to grab at any grocery store, and pantry staples.

    Roast Potatoes Top Tips

    Best Potatoes To Use

    There are a lot of potatoes out there! 🥔🥔🥔 The truth is, all potatoes will roast. You can do this with potato wedges, potato slices, or potato chunks using regular potatoes, sometimes they roast a bit differently and don't get as golden. I recommend that you soak potatoes like Russets or Idaho, in water to get the excess starch out first and pat very dry if using these types of regular baking white potatoes. My personal preference is to use baby Yukon golds or fingerlings for roasting, they are a great size, have less starch, and are easy to find at stores.

    Best Herbs To Choose

    All herbs will darken in the heat of the oven, but rosemary, thyme, and parsley endure the heat a little better. Herbs like basil, sage, and dill also are great for roasting as well.

    Flavor and Seasoning Variations

    • Garlic salt or garlic powder is better than crushed fresh garlic cloves which will burn in the high heat of the oven.
    • Olive oil is preferred, and healthier, but vegetable oil will work in a pinch.
    • Onion powder also adds good flavor.

    Leftover Potatoes

    Make potato salad, chop them into green salads, or soups, or load them into breakfast burritos with eggs and grated cheese. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them. They reheat great and crisp up in your air fryer!

    Favorite Toppings

    Once they come out of the oven, you can top them with butter, or try my amazing Herb Butter! A cool dollop of sour cream, a grate of good parmesan cheese, or sprinkle your favorite herbs or even some chives or thinly sliced green onions.

    Potato FAQ

    What goes with roasted potatoes?

    Main courses of sizzling hot grilled steaks, baked pork chops, cool wedge salads, roast pork, pork tenderloin, grilled or baked fish, corned beef, roast turkey, or any chicken dinner all go so well with roast potatoes.

    Should I peel potatoes before oven roasting?

    While you can peel potatoes before roasting, you definitely do not need to peel them, it is not worth the time. Plus the skins are so tasty and nutritious! Just wash them really well and enjoy the flavor of the crispy skins from Idaho or russet potatoes or try different colors of purple or red potatoes.

    A large clear glass bowl filled with baby potatoes ready to use in a recipe.

    Types Of Potatoes

    Fingerling Potatoes are a special variety of potatoes named because their shape is like a slim finger. You can find them in regular grocery stores, farmer's markets, or high-end markets.  I LOVE to put them on the grill with steaks, that recipe will be on Delicious Table one day soon!

    Fingerlings have a firmer texture and hold up well to cooking. They can be boiled, roasted, grilled, or baked. They taste very close to the everyday potatoes we're used to.

    New Potatoes aka Baby Potatoes are small round oval shapes about the size of ping-pong balls. They have a slightly sweet delicate flavor with a creamy texture and are simply the baby version of any potato a farmer grows.

    These are younger and immature potatoes that are thinned out early in the season in order to make room for the rest of the potatoes to mature in the fields and are the first ones harvested

    Colored Baby Potatoes are an immature variety of potatoes of larger varieties. They can come in all colors, purple, red-skinned potatoes, brown, or yellow like Yukon golds. You will see them labeled in stores as baby, new, or creamer potatoes. The best part is because they are so small, you can cook them whole, whether you roast, grill, boil, or steam them.

    More Potato Recipes

    Smashed Potatoes served with melted herb butter are one of the most heavenly potato recipes. These have crispy edges and are a perfect side dish for a family dinner, romantic date nights, holidays, or a dinner party.

    Bake your Hash Browns in muffin tins and skip the frying on your stovetop altogether. And no messy stovetop to clean! This simple recipe is so popular for holidays or any special occasion.

    Master one of the most popular and easy side dishes in America. These Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are creamy smooth, buttery, fluffy, and melt in your mouth. Plus there are five reheating methods here plus tips on how to keep them warm for dinners or holiday meals like Thanksgiving when you have several things cooking in the oven.

    For all you avid fans of Sweet Potato Casserole, this signature side dish is the original recipe from the famous Ruth's Chris Steak House, with incredible whipped sweet potatoes.

    Tater Tot Casserole is an easy breakfast recipe that takes 15 minutes to prep and bakes golden brown in just 50 minutes.

    A BBQ Potato Salad recipe with yummy flavors from your favorite bbq sauce, crumbled bacon, buttermilk ranch, crunchy celery, and cheddar cheese. A great recipe that uses any kind of potatoes, and is a fresh new twist on a classic.

    Make perfectly Roasted Vegetables with these cooking tips and techniques. Plus get roasting times and ideas to use seasonal veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and more.

    The Best Potato Salad loaded with crisp bacon and blue cheese. A perfect side for summer potlucks, picnics, cookouts, and BBQs. Since there are no eggs or mayonnaise, this is a great picnic food idea.

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A white oval dish filled with golden brown roasted baby potato halves with a silver serving spoon.
    Print

    Roasted Potatoes Recipe

    Is there anything better than oven Roasted Potatoes with golden crisp sides and pillowy soft, fork-tender centers? Their flavor goes so well with main dishes from sizzling steaks to roast chicken, and are a classic side dish around the world. Hands down, this is the easiest way to make the best roasted potatoes every single time for dinner.
    Course Side Dishes & Vegetables
    Cuisine Side Dish
    Keyword baby potato recipe, dinner side dish, roast potatoes, roasted potatoes, roasting potatoes, side dish recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 251kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 24 ounces baby gold Yukon potatoes
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
    • fresh rosemary
    • fresh thyme

    Instructions

    • Wash the baby potatoes in cold water. Slice them in half and place the cut halves in a large bowl, an airtight container, or zip top freezer bag to prep ahead.
    • Chop your herbs, thyme and rosemary, pull the leaves off and put in a coffee cup or small bowl. Discard the tough stems. Snip with clean cooking scissors until a fine mix of smaller pieces. This hack if great for kids to help in the kitchen! Or chop on a board with a good chef's knife.
    • Toss the potato halves, ¼ cup herbs into the bowl or plastic bag, and pour in ½ cup of good olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
    • Seal the bag and toss, then store the seasoned potatoes in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. This is the best way to prep ahead for dinner. Bring to room temperature for at least an hour before roasting in the oven.
    • Adjust the oven so you can use the lowest shelf in the oven, which is right above the heating element. Preheat oven to 425 degrees f.
    • Spray a prepared baking sheet with non stick spray, I prefer coconut oil spray. If possible, use a dark well loved sheet pan, this actually helps get golden crispy skin. Don't use a new nonstick pan, aluminum foil or parchment paper for this recipe, we want them to reach crispy perfection!
    • Lay the potato chunks in a single layer with space in between.
    • In a preheated oven, place potatoes on the bottom shelf for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the hot oven, set it on a hot pad on the counter, flip them over using tongs or a spatula, and roast another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
    • Total cooking time can vary based on your oven, the pan and even the size or type of potato. Transfer potatoes to a pretty dish, sprinkle with more fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, flaked sea salt, and serve with butter or herb butter.

    Video

    Notes

    So why does this recipe work?

    There are a few good reasons, let's go through them:
      • First, this easy recipe is great to prep ahead, see my tips below.
      • The oven temperature and a hot oven are key! The 425-degree temperature of the oven is a big deal to get a golden crispy exterior when roasting. If it is too hot they burn, a low temperature results in them becoming limp, undercooked, without browning on all sides.
      • These are roasted not baked potatoes so they crisp up!
      • Using a dark pan is best. That actually helps get crispy roasted edges! I use the same method in my Roasted Vegetables recipe, give it a try too.
      • Toss the potatoes, olive oil, herbs, sea salt, and pepper ahead to get the flavor locked in. My favorite way to prep for entertaining!
      • Simple easy ingredients to grab at any grocery store, and pantry staples.

    Roast Potatoes Top Tips

    Best Potatoes To Use

    There are a lot of potatoes out there! 🥔🥔🥔 The truth is, all potatoes will roast. You can do this with potato wedges, potato slices, or potato chunks using regular potatoes, sometimes they roast a bit differently and don't get as golden. I recommend that you soak potatoes like Russets or Idaho, in water to get the excess starch out first and pat very dry if using these types of regular baking white potatoes. My personal preference is to use baby golds or fingerlings for roasting, they are a great size, have less starch, and are easy to find at stores.

    Best Herbs

    All herbs will darken in the heat of the oven, but rosemary, thyme, and parsley endure the heat a little better. Herbs like basil, sage, and dill also are great for roasting as well.

    Flavor and Seasoning Variations

      • Garlic salt or garlic powder is better than crushed fresh garlic cloves which will burn in the high heat of the oven.
      • Olive oil is preferred, and healthier, but vegetable oil will work in a pinch.
      • Onion powder also adds good flavor.

    Leftovers

    make potato salad, chop them into green salads, or soups, or load them into breakfast burritos with eggs and grated cheese. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them. They reheat great and crisp up in your air fryer!

    Favorite Toppings

    Once they come out of the oven, you can top them with butter, or try my amazing Herb Butter! A cool dollop of sour cream, a grate of good parmesan cheese, or sprinkle your favorite herbs or even some chives or thinly sliced green onions.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 134IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

    St Patricks Day Green Food Snack Ideas

    [heart_this] · · 1 Comment

    Last Updated April 24th, 2024 at 09:36 pm by Lisa

    Green food is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition for the luck of the Irish! 💚🍀 An all-green snack board is a super fun twist and a better way to celebrate with fresh vegetables, fruit, and a magical clean dip.

    People will dance a jig as the bagpipes play, munching on these finger foods for after school snacks, a happy hour with friends, or a St. Patrick's Day party on March 17th.

    May you find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on St. Paddy's day, and celebrate with these emerald green lucky delights...

    A large tray of green vegetables and a green dip with a shamrock cut out of green bell pepper.

    Easy St. Patrick's Day Snacks

    Part of the fun part of this Irish holiday is to turn everything green! Assemble your board with different layers, textures, and shapes of finger foods. Use four-leaf clover cookie cutters or shamrock-shaped cookie cutters to make shapes from vegetables, cheeses, and more!

    Shiny green grapes, shamrock shaped pieces of bell pepper and more green vegetables on a snack tray with a green dip.

    Vegetables & Fruit Green Food List

    Green Vegetables

    Try some new veggies, pickled things, and cut the veggies in different shapes and textures. It's fun to add fresh edible herbs!

    • bell peppers
    • green beans
    • fennel
    • green onions
    • fioretto cauliflower
    • grilled, steamed, marinated artichokes
    • assorted herbs
    • hot chili peppers
    • Pickled Beans
    • mini cucumbers
    • broccoli
    • Zucchini Pickles
    • kale ~ pretty for decorating!
    • celery sticks
    • snow peas
    • Quick Refrigerator Dill Pickles
    • edamame + flaked sea salt

    Green Fruits

    For some of these fruits, just the skins are green, but it would also be fun to use a color theme of orange, green, and white like the Irish flag.

    • avocados
    • kiwis - cut into shapes
    • grapes
    • olives
    • pears
    • honeydew melon
    • Granny Smith apples
    • breadfruit
    • limes
    • star fruit
    • gooseberries
    • guava
    • papaya
    • sour green plums
    • jackfruit
    1. Wash your vegetables and fruit, and grab a nice board or tray. I used a big tray that was my Mom's favorite.
    2. Cut your vegetables into sticks or use a crinkle cutter to get that wavy look to cucumbers, apples, and more.
    3. Use a shamrock cookie cutter and cut out a piece from a bell pepper to decorate your dip. These look great scattered all over the tray and tucked into little spots.
    A large green food vegetable and fruit tray with a green dip in a white bowl for St Patrick's Day.
    An all green St. Patrick's Day vegetable tray with a small white dish of green dip garnished with a shamrock cut from bell pepper.

    Magic Green Dip Recipe

    With just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes, you can whip up an easy recipe for this creamy dip that can be either a vegetarian or vegan dip or even dairy free. The full recipe is in the printable recipe card below.

    • avocados mashed
    • Middle Eastern tahini or ½ cup Greek yogurt
    • cold water
    • lemon juice
    • parsley leaves
    • Italian seasoning
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • sea salt
    1. In a high speed blender, add water, yogurt or tahini, and avocados. Mix till smooth, stopping the blender, and scrap down the blender sides. Add chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.
    2. Or in a small bowl, mash the avocado smooth with a fork, add the Greek yogurt or tahini, and mix to combine. Add water to thin if desired. Add parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Mix and refrigerate. Will keep fresh for 1-2 days. Garnish with fresh chives or cut out bell pepper shamrocks to decorate.
    A small white bowl filled with green dip garnished with a clover shape cut out of a green bell pepper with different green fruits and vegetables.

    St. Patrick's Day Treats

    It's a great idea to add some little bites of cheeses, nuts, a few fun delicious snacks, and classic appetizers to munch on. Create your own Irish appetizers and turn things green like dips and desserts.

    When all else fails, you can buy a dip from the store and add food coloring drops and open a bag of chips. Add your favorite St. Patrick's Day treats and festive foods to your lucky tray.

    • green cheese -yes it is a real thing ~ try Trader Joes or other cheese shops
    • white cheese slices - rolled, folded, or cut in shamrock shapes
    • wheel of brie - cut out the center with a large shamrock-shaped cookie cutter and fill with shelled pistachios!
    • Marinated Mozzarella Balls ~ toss in fresh herbs or drops of food coloring
    • Sour Cream Party Dips ~ colored with food dye
    • shelled pistachios or pepitas
    • string cheese sticks - add some shamrock decorations or wrap a limerick joke around each one
    • Natural Green Deviled Eggs ~ sprinkle herbs on top
    • garnish with edible flowers, curly kale, and herbs
    • add touches of real edible gold to your veggies!
    An all green vegetable tray for St. Patrick's Day with cut veggies and fruit with a dip.

    Snack Board Sweets & Desserts

    For your St. Patrick’s day festivities, you can always make one of your favorite Irish desserts, and buy a few things at the store. It is so much fun to have a few things to assemble and a fun way to decorate your tray if you want sugary snacks, here are some super cute ideas...

    • rainbow lollipops and sour gummy candies
    • candy treats like M&Ms, Hershey's Kisses, gummies, or rock candy crystal sticks
    • Irish potato candies
    • mint grasshopper pie
    • gold covered chocolate coins
    • gold foil-wrapped Rolo candies
    • sweet treats like Cake Mix cookies (use St. Paddy's Day M&Ms)
    • make some Lucky Charms leprechaun snack mix
    • St. Patrick’s day snack mix ~ try my Snack Mix and use 💚 candies
    A pile of green vegetables on a tray with slices of cucumber, kiwi, artichokes and more.
    Why are green foods served on St. Patrick's Day?

    The color green is linked to Ireland as far back as several hundreds of years. Originally, they had a solid emerald colored flag with a gold harp.
    The island of Ireland is commonly called the “Emerald Isle” with vast green rolling hills throughout the country.
    Green ribbons have been worn on St Patrick's Day since at least the 1680s for good luck in finding a leprechaun!

    St. Patrick’s Day Green Recipes

    Make a good Guacamole or creamy Avocado Salsa, or one of my favorites, Tater Tot Irish Nachos are savory appetizers topped with avocado so you get both potatoes and the green theme for a fun snack. You can add some pulled pork or crumbled salty bacon on top as well.

    More St. Patrick's Day Recipes

    Serve lucky drinks like green beer, Green Jello Shots, Irish mules, Shamrock Jigglers, or cheeky Green Cocktails made by a little leprechaun!

    End the day with a delicious Irish Coffee complete with lucky shamrock sprinkles and real edible gold flakes, just like a pot of gold! You can add in a splash of some Bailey's or Irish Whiskey.

    The easiest St. Patrick's Day dessert that is also no-bake, is Green Oreos. They are made with white chocolate chips and some food color or green candy melts. Then add in sprinkle shamrock chips for an easy dessert. Or for a quick dessert and easy treat, make Palmier Cookies, and dip them in chocolate just like the oreos!

    All green food of vegetables and fruits for a snack tray for St. Patrick's Day.

    For dinner, make some Irish stew in your slow cooker, and serve some good starchy potatoes like these Crispy Smashed Potatoes or classic Mashed Potatoes. And how fun would it be to color the mashed potatoes with food coloring! You can also make some savory muffins of Hash Brown Potatoes, a perfect start to your Saint Patrick’s day.

    St. Patrick's day food dishes to go with your Corned Beef dinner on St. Patty's day can be these Roasted Cabbage Steaks with golden crispy edges from the olive oil, and some root vegetables like Glazed Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Rosemary, or Red Potatoes. Cheddar Irish soda bread or Brown Soda Bread would be amazing with your beef brisket!

    Happy St. Patrick's Day.... 🍀🍀🍀

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    A green relish tray filled with all green vegetable and a green dip with a shamrock garnish made from bell pepper.
    Print

    St. Patrick's Day Green Food Snack Ideas

    Green food is a tradition on St Patrick’s day for the luck of the Irish! A snack board is a super fun twist and a better way to celebrate with fresh vegetables, fruit, and a magical clean green dip. People will dance a jig as the bagpipes play, munching on these finger foods for after school snacks, a happy hour with friends, or a St. Patrick's Day party on March 17th. May you find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on St. Paddy's day, and celebrate with these emerald green delights.
    Course Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Green Dip, Green Food, Healthy Green Vegetable Tray, St.Patrick's Day snacks
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 227kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 2 ripe avocados mashed
    • ½ cup Middle Eastern tahini or ½ cup Greek yogurt
    • ½ cold water
    • ½ whole lemon juiced
    • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves cut from a bunch
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • assorted vegetables fioretto cauliflower, kiwis, fennel, green grapes, mini cucumbers, broccoli, kale, snow peas, edamame, artichokes, bell peppers, granny smith apples, cauliflower, or celery

    Instructions

    • In a high speed blender, add water, yogurt, and avocados. Mix till smooth, stopping blender, and scrap down blender sides. Add fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.
    • Or in a small bowl, mash the avocado smooth with a fork, add the Greek yogurt, mix to combine. Add water to thin if desired. Add fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Mix and refrigerate. Will keep fresh for 1-2 days. Garnish with fresh chives.

    Green Vegetables

    • Wash your green vegetables and grab a nice board or tray. I used a big green tray!
    • Cut your green vegetables into sticks or use a crinkle cutter to get that wavy look to cucumbers, green apples and more.
    • Use a shamrock cookie cutter and cut out a piece from a green bell pepper to decorate your green dip. These look great scattered all over the tray, and tucked into little spots.

    Notes

    Vegetables

    Try some new veggies, pickled things, and cut the veggies in different shapes and textures. It's fun to add fresh edible herbs!
      • bell peppers
      • green beans
      • fennel
      • green onions
      • fioretto green cauliflower
      • grilled, steamed, marinated artichokes
      • assorted herbs
      • hot chili peppers
      • mini cucumbers
      • broccoli
      • kale ~ pretty for decorating!
      • celery sticks
      • snow peas
      • edamame + flaked sea salt

    Fruits

    For some of these fruits, just the skins are green, but it would also be fun to use a color theme of orange, green, and white like the Irish flag.
      • avocados
      • kiwis - cut into shapes
      • grapes
      • olives
      • pears
      • honeydew melon
      • Granny Smith apples
      • breadfruit
      • limes
      • star fruit
      • gooseberries
      • guava
      • papaya
      • sour plums
      • jackfruit

    Nutrition

    Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 653mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1347IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg