Are you ready for a baking adventure that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven and your family think you’ve become a master baker overnight? I’ve got a collection of dessert bread recipes that are so easy and delicious, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought loaves!

I’ve put together my favorite dessert bread recipes. From zesty Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Bread to indulgent Chocolate Cherry Pound Cake Loaf, we’ve got flavors to satisfy every craving. Got dietary restrictions? No worries! Our Gluten Free Banana Bread is so good, nobody will guess it’s GF.

Need to use up those garden veggies? Our Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread is the perfect solution. Craving fall flavors? Whip up our cozy Pumpkin Bread. Missing your favorite coffee shop treat? Try our Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Bread and save some cash!

For a twist, our Buttery Beer Bread will wow at your next gathering. And don’t forget the Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread – it might just become your new family favorite!

The best part? Most of these loaves need only 10 minutes of prep time. That’s less time than it takes to scroll through your social media feed!

So grab those loaf pans and let’s get baking! Whether you’re making Strawberry Cheesecake Bread for a decadent breakfast or Orange Loaf Cake to brighten a gloomy day, these recipes are sure to impress. Your family will thank you, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start this bread-baking adventure sooner!

Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Bread

Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Bread – Homemade moist lemon bread with fresh blueberries with a lemon glaze. Get the recipe from Gather for Bread.

Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe

Easy gluten-free banana bread recipe you can make with the things you already have on hand! Get the recipe Penny Pinchin Mom.

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread recipe is a favorite for breakfast or dessert with a deliciously light crumb and plenty of lemon shining through. Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bread

If you like strawberries and cheesecake, this is a tasty treat. This strawberry cheesecake bread is good as is or with homemade strawberry glaze! Get the recipe from Macaroni & Cheesecake.

Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Bread

Easy copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf or Starbucks Lemon Pound Cake! This is a simple dessert or breakfast recipe you can create at home – saving you big money! Get the recipe from Penny Pinchin Mom.

Pumpkin Bread

This homemade pumpkin bread recipe is super moist and easy to make. Get the recipe from Sugar and Charm.

Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread

This has a delicious cinnamon swirl and cheesecake filling with walnuts hidden inside. This will easily be one of the best quick breads that you ever make! Get the recipe from The Recipe Critic.

Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread Recipe

This easy, healthy, and wholesome Greek yogurt zucchini bread could be your new favorite recipe for this classic quick bread! Get the recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Orange Loaf Cake Recipe

This Orange Loaf Cake is made with oil for an exceptionally moist, flavorful cake. Top with orange glaze for a stellar dessert – no mixer needed! Get the recipe from Borrowed Bites

Chocolate Cherry Pound Cake Loaf Recipe with Chocolate Ganache

Dark, rich and sweet, this chocolate cherry pound cake recipe has a melt in your mouth chocolate ganache glaze. Get the recipe from The Best Cake Recipes

Blueberry Muffin Bread

This Blueberry Bread is a scrumptious mix of juicy berries, citrusy-sweet lemon, & moist rich bread. This dessert is perfect anytime of day! Get the recipe from Simply Home Cooked

Buttery Beer Bread

There is nothing better than homebaked bread! The smell throughout your house – amazing! One of the simplest breads to make is beer bread. The reason – no yeast required! Get the recipe from Penny Pinchin Mom.

The post The BEST Easy Dessert Bread Recipes appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Red, white, and blue mac and cheese?!!?  Yes.  Yes, it is!

Whether you are celebrating Memorial Day, July 4th or a Wednesday, it can be fun to have red, white and blue food to celebrate!    We found a way to turn a favorite dish — macaroni and cheese — patriotic!

Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have this fun red, white, and blue mac and cheese dish to serve at your picnic!  Then, finish off your meal by serving this super easy Patriotic Ice Cream cake (no baking required).

Red White and Blue Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Penny Pinchin Mom
• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Side Dish

Ingredients

• White Cheddar Boxed Mac & Cheese
• Blue food coloring
• Red food coloring

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Instructions

1. Boil and drain noodles as usual.
2. Split noodles into 3 bowls – one third in each.
3. Add 3 – 5 drops of red food coloring to one and mix until blended.
4. Add 3 – 5 drops of blue food coloring to another bowl and and mix until blended.
5. Put all noodles back into the pan and add cheese sauce, mixing well.
6. Serve and enjoy!

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If you want an awesome alternative to beef chili, you are going to love this Easy White Chicken Chili! It’s so easy to just cook in one pan, and it’s absolutely delicious. My husband cannot stop ranting and raving about how much he loves this white chicken chili recipe! He’s made me promise that it will be in regular rotation from now on, and I don’t mind one bit!

Check out these other soup and chili recipes:

• Cream of Broccoli Soup
• Saucy White Chili
• Black and White Bean Saucy Chili
• Wendy’s Copycat Chili

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Easy White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Tracie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4
• Category: Soup

Ingredients

• Two chicken breasts
• One yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 4 cups of chicken stock
• Two cans of Great Northern Beans
• 2 small (4 oz) cans of chopped green chilis
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• Sliced avacado (optional)
• White corn tortilla chips (optional)
• Sour Cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot on high heat
2. Once heated, place the chicken breasts in the bottom.
3. Add in the onion, green chilis, beans, chicken stock, and cilantro, and mix well.
4. Let it cook at a low boil for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove the chicken breasts, and shred them with a fork.
6. Put the chicken back in the pot.
7. Add the half and half and the softened cream cheese to the pot, and stir until completely mixed.
8. Cook for five more minutes, stirring often.
9. Garnish with the sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips if desired.

The post Easy White Chicken Chili appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

This Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole pairs so well with any meat dish from pork to steak….it just goes together!   What I love most of all is that your kids will actually eat it (they think they are eating just cheese and rice, and you get to sneak in a veggie for them too)!

Other side dishes you’ll want to try:

• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta
• Broccoli Tots
• Easy Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

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Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole

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• Author: Tracie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 5 servings
• Category: Side Dishes

Ingredients

• 2 C. rice (you can use white or brown, your choice), cooked according to package directions
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (you could also use Cream of Chicken Soup if that is what you have on hand)
• 1 can of milk
• 1 ½ C. shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ C. onion, chopped
• 1 C. of broccoli florets, steamed
• salt and pepper to taste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a medium size bowl combine the rice, soup, milk, onion, broccoli and ¾ cup of shredded cheese. Mix well and add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour into a medium size, greased casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese evenly on top and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. You are essentially heating it through.
6. Serve alone as a meatless meal or as a side dish to your main meal.

The post Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

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Hidden Valley® Ranch Seasoning Mix Copycat Recipe

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Do you use Hidden Valley® Ranch Mix to make salad dressings, chip dip or even in various recipes? I know I use it quite often. However I hate how much it costs, and even more so I hate all of the unknown ingredients listed on the packaging. This Hidden Valley Ranch Mix Copycat recipe is awesome. Tastes exactly like Hidden Valley brand (or better)!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup dry buttermilk powder
2 TBSP dried parsley
1  tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried chives
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp sugar

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Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in a blender and pulse until smooth. To make Ranch Dressing simply mix 1 TBSP of Hidden Valley® Copycat seasoning mix with 1/3 cup Greek yogurt and 1/3 cup milk.

The post Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (Better Than Store-Bought) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

INSIDE: Looking for copycat recipes to make at home? These fan favorites from Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, Starbucks, and more are easy to make!

My family loves going out to eat. The kids are thrilled to pick whatever they want from a menu and not be limited to what Mom has made for dinner that night. (I enjoy going out to eat as well … until the bill comes!)

One way I’ve started saving money is by making my family’s favorite restaurant dishes at home. I bet your family has favorite meals to eat out, too. Now you can say goodbye to paying lots for those fabulous flavors with our list of the best copycat restaurant recipes you can make at home, for much less.

WHAT IS A COPYCAT RECIPE?

Copycat recipes to make at home are when people find a way to re-create the same soup, salad dressing or meal they love to order when eating out — but at home. It takes a lot of time, trial and error to re-create a restaurant recipe to get it to taste as close to the original as possible. Fortunately, copycat recipe chefs have done all the work for us!

COPYCAT RECIPES TO MAKE AT HOME

Here are some of our absolute FAVORITE restaurant copycat recipes that taste just like the original, including a Starbucks copycat recipe for lemon pound cake, a Cinnabon cinnamon roll recipe, an Olive Garden salad dressing recipe and a Panera broccoli cheddar cheese soup recipe. The homemade version of each is super easy to make right in your own kitchen (and lots cheaper).

Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Wendy’s Chili

PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wrap

Chick-fil-A Cookies & Cream Milkshake

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

Chick-fil-A’s Frozen Lemonade

Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cheddar’s Croissant Bread Pudding

Texas Roadhouse Rolls & Butter

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Krispie Kreme Doughnuts

Chipotle Guacamole

Red Lobster Biscuits

PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Chick-fil-A Superfood Salad

Chipotle Corn Salsa

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Starbucks Lemon Pound Cake

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

Panda Express Chow Mein

KFC Original Recipe Fried Chicken

Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake 

McDonald’s French Fries

Cracker Barrel Peach Cobbler 

KFC Coleslaw

Olive Garden Breadstick 

Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake 

Popeyes Chicken Sandwich

Mastro’s Warm Butter Cake

FINAL THOUGHTS

That’s a pretty nice list right? Definitely tons of my favorites there, and probably some of yours as well. It’s so nice to have copycat recipes to make at home because you can whip up your favorite dish any time you want without spending an arm and a leg. enjoy!

The post 33 Copycat Recipes That Will Make You Drool appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Whether you’ve got leftover eggs from Easter, or just love eggs, deviled eggs are always a hit.  However, not all recipes are created equal.  This is – in my opinion – the world’s best deviled egg recipe.

I use this not only after Easter but also for our family get-togethers and Church potlucks. No matter how many different trays of deviled eggs we see on the table, my platter is always the first that is emptied!

There are a lot of variations you can try, such as spicy, or buffalo flavored.  However, I can’t get my mind to go there. Deviled eggs are a classic and should not be messed with.  Make sure to measure out the ingredients, and not just toss some in there, or your ratios will be off.

If you want to do something fun for Easter you can transform them into COLORED deviled eggs (the kids will think you are awesome)!

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BEST Deviled Egg Recipe

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• Author: Sammie
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 24
• Category: Side

Ingredients

• Boiled Eggs (one dozen)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Peel the eggs, and rinse them in cool water to ensure there are no shell fragments left on the egg whites.
2. Cut the eggs in half from top to bottom.
3. Remove the yolks and put them in a bowl.
4. Use a fork to mash the egg yolks.
5. Add the mayo, vinegar, and mustard to the egg yolks and mix until it’s smooth.
6. Use a piping bag to pipe the mixture into the cavities in the egg whites (or you can spoon it in).
7. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve!

The post World’s Best Deviled Eggs Recipe! appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

You have to try this Copycat Olive Garden dressing recipe! It is one of my favorites!  One of my favorite places to eat is Olive Garden.  But it is not because of the entrees, but rather their salad! That dressing is the key to making it taste so good! But, since I don’t go out to dinner that often, I found way to recreate this same flavor at home!   We make it all of the time and it makes our ordinary salads even better.

Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe

I don’t know about you, but there is nothing like the salads from Olive Garden. They are amazing! But, it isn’t the veggies that make it taste so good, the secret is in the dressing!!

The good news is you can make it at home.  The bad news is that you’ll want to eat it every day.  Once you make your first batch, you’ll never want to buy the bottled dressing ever again!

So, how do you make the world famous Olive Garden Salad Dressing?  It starts with a packet of Italian seasoning mix.  But, once you add in the additional herbs and spices listed below, it takes on the flavor of what you find at the restaurant.  You won’t believe how easy it is to make this. Seriously simple.

Other recipes you’ll love:

• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
• Copycat Lawry’s Seasoning Salt

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Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

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Get the instructions to make your this famous dressing at home!

• Author: Tracie
• Category: Condiment

Ingredients

• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/3 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a food processor, whisk or blender.
2. Pulse or mix until well blended.
3. Serve over a refreshing garden salad.

Notes

*Store salad dressing in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

The post Copycat Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli (Crispy & Easy) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Some foods just taste like “home” to me.  Mashed potatoes are one of those items. Now that I’m older, I like to give my food a bit more flavor.  These cheesy garlic mashed potatoes do just that.

If you love garlic and you love cheese, then these are the potatoes for you!  This dish is absolutely amazing and will make your taste buds dance.   As if the blend of creamy mashed potatoes and cheese isn’t enough, there is just the right amount of garlic that takes this dish to the next level.

These aren’t your grandma’s potatoes!

I love to serve up these garlic cheese potatoes with some of our family’s favorite dishes, including oven-baked BBQ brisket and sour cream and onion chicken.  They pair perfectly with anything from chicken fried steak to pork to steak

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Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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The perfect blend of garlic and cheese, make these cheesy garlic mashed potatoes a crowd pleasing side dish.

• Author: Tracie

Ingredients

• 4–5 large Russet Potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup Butter
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 TBSP Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper

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Instructions

1. Cut Russet Potatoes into large 2 x 2 inch pieces. Fill a large stockpot with water and add cut potatoes. Place on stovetop and boil until tender (about 10 minutes).
2. Drain water and return potatoes to the pot.
3. Add all ingredients and mash with a hand immersion blender until smooth.
4. Add more seasoning to taste.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve!

The post Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Searching for the perfect appetizer for the Super Bowl football game or any other game day? You’ve come to the right place.

Planning the perfect snacks for game day can be hard. You want things that are delicious and portable, that can also feed a crowd without emptying your wallet.

Here are some that fit all the above and more.

Also See: More freebies for the big day! Super Bowl Bingo Printable – Fun for the Whole Family

Deviled Eggs

Salt & Pepper Wings

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Bacon Cheese Balls

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Meatball Stuffed Biscuits

Bacon Ranch Chicken Eggrolls

Toasted Ravioli

Soft Pretzel Twists

Chili Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

Buffalo Chicken Hummus

Mini Potato Skins

Spicy Korean Wings

Pineapple Fruit Bowl

Tater Tot Bombs

Bacon and Cheese Dip

Loaded Nachos

Crispy Buffalo Wings

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Chili Cheese Chip Dip

The post 20 Appetizers Perfect for Game Day appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

What’s the best part of Thanksgiving? The leftovers, of course! Sure, the food the day of is always excellent, but being able to eat leftovers for days after is truly my favorite part.

Below you will find over 25 delicious ways to use up your leftovers. Enjoy!

Also See: Five Tips To Keep Thanksgiving On a Budget This Year

1. Turkey & Stuffing Muffins

2. Turkey & Mashed Potato Empanadas

3. Loaded Turkey Panini

4. Leftover Tostadas

5. Leftover Pierogies

6. Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Turkey Pizza

7. White Bean Turkey Chili

8. Creamy Turkey Shepherds Pie

9. Leftover Stuffed Eggrolls

10. Leftover Breakfast Biscuits

11. Chopped Turkey Salad

12. Mashed Potato Pancakes

13. Sweet Potato & Turkey Enchilada Skillet

14. Turkey Pot Pie

15. Baked Turkey Sandwiches

16. Cheesy Breakfast Stuffing Cakes

17. Day After Pancakes

18. Leftover Turkey Chili

19. Turkey Pesto Panini

20. Mashed Potato Croquettes

21. Turkey & Cranberry Salad

22. Turkey & Mashed Potato Pot Pie Soup

23. Turkey, Bacon & Egg Breakfast Sandwich

24. Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Crescent Bread

25. Turkey Stroganoff

The post 25 Creative Ways To Use Thanksgiving Leftovers appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Admittedly, my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is the gravy. But if I had to pick a second favorite, it would be the sides. When else can you make a meal, accompany it with five or more sides and people not think you are crazy? I pile my plate high with mashed taters, veggies and casseroles galore.

Here are some of my very favorite Thanksgiving sides.

Butternut Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Apple Cranberry Rosemary Stuffing

Corn Casserole

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Browned Butter Sweet Potato Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Maple Cranberry Sauce

Cornbread Sage Stuffing

Brown Butter Honey Roasted Carrots

Creamed Spinach

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Baked Mac & Cheese

Brown & Serve Rolls

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Garlic Ranch Mashed Potatoes

Pear Pecan Stuffing

The post 16 Delicious & Traditional Thanksgiving Sides appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

We have a lot of friend and family get togethers in the fall. I love to make treats and snacks, but sometimes I’m limited on time. While I’d love to make a pumpkin roll everytime someone comes over to sit around a fire at night, realistically it’s just not going to happen.

Additionally, I love to send fun fall themed snacks with my kids to school. This Harvest Party Mix is so easy to throw together and is the perfect blend of salty and sweet. It’s not hard to make, and a big batch is quite cheap to put together too. You can customize this to whatever you know your family or kids will like and enjoy, but I’m gonna give you the recipe our family loves the most.

More fall recipes you need to try:

• Candy Corn Bark
• Candy Corn Trail Mix
• Halloween Bark

Supplies:

Brach’s Candy Corn Fall Mix
Salted Peanuts
Small Pretzels (twists and sticks)

Directions:

Combine one bag of Brach’s Candy Corn Fall Mix with one 12 oz can of salted peanuts. Mix until the two ingredients are evenly combined. Once they’re mixed, then add in two cups, or a small bag, of mini pretzels. We use twists and sticks, because we like both. Mix them together and then enjoy your snacking.

You can keep them in a large air-tight container.   Alternatively, you can put them into small, snack-sized baggies.  That makes them perfect to grab for a mid-day snack or when you run out the door after school.

They keep in the pantry for a long time as long as they stay cool and dry. These are also great game day soccer snacks for when it’s your turn to bring an after-game treat!

The post Harvest Party Mix | Simple Fall Treat Idea appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Broccoli is one of those vegetables that I can eat in so many different ways – and I love them all! One of my favorite ways to make it, especially in the summer, is baked or grilled.  This Easy Baked Broccoli recipe is delicious, and leaves the broccoli at just the right texture – not too soft, and not too crunchy – for the perfect side dish.

I’m all about easy side dishes.  They are the way to make a perfectly wonderful meal.  But of course, it has to be easy to make. I don’t want to stand in the kitchen spending more time making the sides than I do the main course.  Not this mama!

It is pretty simple to make this broccoli side dish. The secret is to use Kickin’ Chicken Seasoning, which is a spice blend from Weber.  It’s got a bit of spice, and a ton of flavor to kick the broccoli up a notch.

The only real prep to making this =dish is cutting up the broccoli, and the rest is done in just a couple of minutes.  It’s one of the best broccoli recipes for kids, that your family will love!!

If you find that Kickn’ Chicken is a bit too spicy, you can swap it out for something more mild, such as Mrs. Dash.  You can even just use salt and pepper.  We really love spice in our foods, so we like to ramp it up a bit when we can, while still keeping it kid-friendly.

One of our favorite meals is this baked broccoli and oven baked brisket.  It is just Oh. So. Good.

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Easy Baked Broccoli

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A super simple side dish that is the perfect companion to beef, pork or chicken.

• Author: Sammie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Category: Side Dish

Ingredients

• 1 broccoli bunch
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons Kickin’ Chicken seasoning
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375.
2. Chop your broccoli into bite size pieces, and place it in a 9×13 ungreased pan.
3. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the broccoli.
4. Sprinkle it with the Kickin’ Chicken and then with the garlic salt.
5. Bake it at 375 for 20 minutes.
6. Allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

The post Easy Baked Broccoli Side Dish appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

This pineapple fruit bowl is a fun way to add whimsy to your next party.

Summer is such a great time for produce. Not only is produce cheaper in the summer, but it also tastes better because it’s in season. We love fruit around here! Sometimes I like to have a prettier display for fruit than just a regular bowl, and it’s the fruit itself! This Pineapple Fruit Bowl is easy to make, and makes for an awesome display piece!

A Pineapple Fruit Bowl is easy to pull together, even as a last minute idea, and looks really good sitting on the table! You don’t need any special tools to do it, just a sharp knife and a spoon. Let’s get making!

Other recipes you’ll want to try:

• No Bake Blackberry Cheesecake
• Mini Apple Pies
• Springtime Krispie Treat Cupcakes

HOW TO MAKE A PINEAPPLE FRUIT BOWL

To start, get a sharp knife, your pineapple, and a cutting board. Use your knife and cut off the side of the pineapple to the right of it’s leafy top. Don’t cut the pineapple in half, because you want the pineapple to make a bowl big enough to hold fruit. Leave the green leafy part completely attached to the top, for presentation.

Next, cut out the inside of the pineapple to make the bowl. Use your knife to cut down along the outer edge of the pineapple. Cut the fruit into slices before removing it from the pineapple itself. Use a large spoon to remove the core as well. Scoop out the inside until you’ve achieved the bowl shape you want.

Cut the pineapple wedges you removed from the pineapple itself into pieces and return it to the Pineapple Fruit Bowl. Add in other fruits to make your fruit bowl complete! We used blackberries and cherries, but you could also use strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, bananas, kiwi and more!

The post Pineapple Fruit Bowl appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

I always like to slip in vegetables and fruits when my family won’t notice it.  I usually add them with other foods they enjoy, and they don’t often see the veggies.  These Healthy Broccoli Tots are absolutely delicious, and loaded with tons of healthy ingredients for your family!

The best thing about these is that they only have a few ingredients, so they are quick to throw together. I love how crispy these are on the outside, and how soft they are on the inside. You can eat these by themselves, or dip them in ketchup like you would a regular tater tot. They’re a great side to a lot of different meals, and a favorite in our house!

Other dishes to try:

• Healthy Zucchini Pizza Bites
• Easy Mexican Pizza
• Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

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Healthy Broccoli Tots

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• Author: Sammie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Category: Side

Ingredients

• 1 large head broccoli
• 2 russet potatoes
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into one inch cubes.
2. Cut the stems of the broccoli, and add it to a large pot of boiling water.
3. Add the potatoes to the pot with it.
4. Salt the water to taste, and let it boil until the potatoes and broccoli are soft.
5. Drain the water from the vegetables, and add them to a food processor.
6. Use the food processor to process the broccoli and potatoes into a smooth consistency.
7. Add the processed vegetables to a large bowl.
8. Add in the egg and breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste.
9. Mix the ingredients together with a fork.
10. Set your oven to the high broiler setting.
11. Use a spoon to dollop the mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
12. Place it under the broiler for 8-10 minutes, or until the outsides are crispy and golden brown.
13. Allow them to cool for five minutes before serving.
14. Salt and pepper to taste.

The post Healthy Broccoli Tots appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

During the summer months, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative with foods, to make it more festive.  Some of my favorites are the red, white and blue ideas.

The problem is that I don’t have a lot of time to always be super creative.  I often don’t want to make a cake or fancy dessert.  For me, simple is best.  That is why this patriotic fruit flag is one of my go to ideas!!

The best thing about this is that it incorporates several different fruits, so there is something for everyone.  Even better is that this is a healthy option amongst all of the sweet platters of food.  However, the thing that is best about this fruit flag is that there is zero cooking at all!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pint blueberries
1 bag of cherries
1 pint strawberries
1 pint raspberries
1 bag of white chocolate covered pretzels

Wash all your fruit, and then set it aside. Use a square bowl to act as the blue portion of your Patriotic Fruit Flag. I found my square, white bowl at Walmart for a couple of dollars. It’s the perfect size to hold an entire pint of blueberries.

Start with a red fruit at top (I used cherries first), and make a stripe. Below it make a stripe of pretzels. Continue until you run out of room, but be sure to end with a red fruit so you keep the integrity of the flag colors. You will have extra red fruit and pretzels, so as the tray starts to empty, just refill it as needed.

Cover the tray with saran wrap and place it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Since the pretzels are covered in white chocolate, you may want to make sure you don’t serve the tray in direct sunlight, if you’re serving outside. Your pretzels will melt if you do that, and will make a sticky mess! That’s all there is to it to make a Patriotic Fruit Flag! You don’t have to spend a ton of money and a ton of time to make a festive dish!

Need some other fun picnic or July 4th ideas? Check out these posts too:

• 20 Patriotic Kid’s Craft Ideas
• No Churn Cookies ‘n Cream Ice Cream

The post Patriotic Fruit Flag appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

My kids LOVE macaroni and cheese.  I don’t mind making it, but would rather make it myself so I know what is in it!  This slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe is oh so good – and easy!

I adapted this recipe from one I found that Paula Deen created.  I modified it a little for my family as we like a creamier variety rather than one that is a bit stickier when finished.

If you want to change this up a bit, you can add some crumbled bacon and try different varieties of cheeses.  We love to pair ours with our Oven Baked Brisket or Sour Cream and Onion Chicken to make a perfect dinner!

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Easy Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese

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This mac & cheese recipe is super simple to make.  Just toss a few items into the crockpot and it will be ready in just a few hours!

• Author: Tracie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons of margerine, cut into pieces (can use butter)
• 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese (from the block)
• 3/4 – 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 can of condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup of milk (we use skim or 2%)
• 1/2 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil the macaroni for 6 – 8 minutes
2. In the slow cooker, add the cheese, margarine, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, and pepper.
3. Slowly mix in the noodles.
4. Cook for 2 – 2 1/2 hours on low heat.

Notes

**To have creamery mac and cheese, reduce cook time by 45 minutes and/or add additional milk.

The post Easy Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Summertime means BBQs and picnics.  And that means hot dogs, hamburgers and all of the yummy summer side dishes.  Most of the time we think about potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans, but one popular item you’ll find at your picnic are pasta side dishes!

I love creating new and unique ways to make pasta.  One of my favorites is this bacon ranch pasta salad.  It goes with just about everything!!!  And, best of all, it is a pasta salad even kids will gobble down!!!

There is nothing more refreshing than a summer pasta salad.  I’ve got a recipe that is super easy to make. Honestly, if you can boil water, you can make this easy summer side dish.

It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. You can stick with this basic recipe or even turn it up a notch by adding fresh summer veggies such as cucumber or tomato.

I’m pretty picky about my pasta salad, and I love this recipe! It’s super fast to throw together, and everyone loves it. Whenever we take this side dish to our parties, it is one of the first things that is gone. It is 100x better than what you find in a box.

Of course, you don’t have to wait for a summer get together or party to make this. It is a great pairing with cheddar turkey burgers and even baked Italian subs.  It’s a truly versatile side dish that goes with just about anything.

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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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Pasta side dishes are the perfect summertime pairing for your favorite grilled foods.  You’ll love how easy this one is to make.

• Author: Sammie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Category: Appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 box tri-blend rotini
• 1 packet dry ranch dressing
• 1cup cold milk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup real bacon pieces
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta until it’s tender.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water, until it’s cool to the touch.
3. In a medium sized bowl, combine the milk, ranch packet, and mayonnaise until it’s mixed well.
4. Stir the ranch mix into the pasta until all the pasta is coated.
5. Add the bacon and cheese, and mix well again.
6. Chill for at least one hour before serving.
7. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

The post Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

I always love the idea of freshly baked bread, straight from the oven, but I never have the time to make it scratch the old-fashioned way. Beer bread is a simple way to have freshly baked bread, without all the tedious work of a traditional loaf.

Beer bread takes almost no time to prep – just 7 minutes.  It’s my favorite way to have baked bread on hand, and it’s absolutely delicious. The beer works to make the bread light and fluffy, so no yeast is needed.

I have heard from other readers that they use soda in place of the beer.  I’ve not tried that, so can’t vouch for it, but you can always give that a try.

The one question I am repeatedly asked is if the bread tastes like beer.  No.  It doesn’t.  The beer just helps it quickly rise and makes it fluffy. It is used in lieu of yeast.

What is great about making beer bread is you can make it with ingredients you have on hand.  It’s the perfect balance between salty and sweet. This buttery beer bread recipe is definitely a family favorite!

Don’t make it too long before dinner, or there may not be much left by the time your meal is ready!  It is delicious and disappears quickly!

Also See: Easy Dessert Bread Recipes

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Buttery Beer Bread Recipe

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Buttery Beer Bread Recipe

• Author: Tracie
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 1 loaf
• Category: Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 12 oz beer
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Once mixed, add in the beer, and mix well (the dough will be sticky.)
4. Place the dough in a greased, 9×5 bread pan
5. Pour the melted butter over the top of the dough
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
7. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before removing from the pan.
8. Best served warm, but delicious when cooled too.

The post Buttery Beer Bread Recipe appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Today you can buy a box mix for just about anything you may want to make.  The issue is that these mixes often contain things you may not want.  Not only that, sometimes, it is just fun to make your own products!

I’ve rounded up some of the best mixes you can find online, and put them here in just one place so you can find what you need when you are ready to mix it up!   To find the details and the recipe, just click on the link or the photo and we’ll get you the details you need to make it.

1. Homemade Bisquick from Kitchen Nostalgia.

2. Homemade Brownie Mix by Today’s Creative Life.

3. Homemade Yellow and Chocolate Cake Mixes created by A Few Short Cuts.

4. Homemade Cornbread Mix by Wicked Good Kitchen.

5. Homemade Pancake Mix courtesy of Cooking Classy.

6. Homemade Onion Soup Mix from Culinary Hill.

7. Homemade Taco Seasoning from The Country Cook.

8. Homemade Greek Seasoning by The Hill Hangout.

9. Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix courtesy of Add a Pinch.

10. Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix from Not Quite Susie.

11. Homemade Burger Seasoning from It’s a Keeper.

12. Homemade Chocolate Pudding Mix from Country Cleaver.

13.  Homemade Nesquick Mix by Penny Pinchin’ Mom.

14.  Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice by Ten at the Table.

15. Homemade Chai Spice Mix from Graceful Little Honey Bee.

The post Homemade Mixes (Bisquick, Nesquick, Cakes and More)! appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

I stumbled upon this simple little recipe on accident as I was looking for an easy “fun” dinner for my kids. We had some Velveeta cheese sitting in the cupboard and a few pouches of our favorite all natural chili. I mixed these together to make a nice little dip for the kids and WOWZERS everyone loved it!

I have to warn you though, this will quickly become VERY addictive!!  So make sure you are ready to eat more than you want!  

More yummy snacks you’ll love:

• Spinach Artichoke Dip Pinwheels
• World’s Best Deviled Eggs
• Ultimate Bacon & Cheese Dip

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Chili Cheese Chip Dip

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• Author: Tracie
• Category: Appetizer

Ingredients

• 8 oz Velveeta Cheese, cubed (1 inch pieces)
• 2 cans pre-made chili
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. In a microwave safe bowl or container add your chili.
2. Top with cubed Velveeta cheese and microwave for 3 minutes.
3. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir all ingredients together.

The post Chili Cheese Chip Dip appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

There are a lot of bean dip recipes.  I’ve tried many of them. But, each time I do, still find my way back this one. Not only because it is so easy to make, but it is packed full of flavor.

Don’t waste your money on canned bean dip!  Not when you can make it yourself. This homemade bean dip recipe takes just a few minutes to make.  Not only is it fresher than what you find in the store, it just tastes better too.

So, how do you make bean dip?  It is as simple as warming a few ingredients you may have in your pantry!  Serve your dip with your favorite dish or as a side for your party.  Add some Fritos, Doritos or tortilla chips and you’ve got the perfect afternoon snack!

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Best Bean Dip Recipe

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A simple recipe that uses ingredients your family will actually like!

• Author: Tracie
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Category: Snack

Ingredients

• 3/4 block of queso Velveeta, cut into chunks
• 1 large can of refried beans
• 1 1/2 cups of salsa

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Instructions

1. Put the beans in a large pot on the stove over medium heat.
2. Add the Velveeta.
3. As the Velveeta begins to melt, add the salsa.
4. Cook until the cheese has melted and beans are hot — continuously stir so it does not burn.
5. Serve and enjoy!

The post Best Bean Dip Recipe appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Lawry’s seasoning makes foods just taste better!  There is something about the blend of spices that enhances the flavor of the dishes you prepare.

My love of this spice got me thinking: Can I make this myself? That led me on my quest to create the perfect recipe I could make at home. And I figured it out! I was able to put together the seasoned salt ingredients to make the perfect blend myself!

I’ve created the perfect DIY seasoned salt recipe you can make at home.  No more worry about running out when you need it the most.

Not only is it easy, but it is also delicious and tastes just like the original.  Mix a few simple ingredients together to whip up a batch of your own Lawry’s Seasoned Salt!

WHAT IS SEASONED SALT?

Seasoned salt is a blend of spices, herbs, salt, and flavorings. It is often used in place of salt because of the enhanced flavor it can bring to your dishes.

WHAT DO YOU USE IT ON?

Many people add it to fish, steak, fries, chicken—just about anything that needs more flavor. You can sprinkle it on deviled eggs for more flavor or add it to your veggies to take them up a notch. There is no right or wrong way to use seasoned salt.

Other simple copycat recipes to try include:

• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Copycat Cheddar’s Croissant Bread Pudding
• Copycat Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli
• Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix

Seasoned Salt Recipe

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Make this copycat Lawry’s homemade seasoning salt with a few simple ingredients you can find in your pantry and spice rack.

• Author: Sammie
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 5 mins
• Category: Spice

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon Corn Starch

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
2. Store in a sealed container.
3. Sprinkle on foods for additional flavor.

The post Copycat Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: Tastes Identical, Costs Less appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

I love the pico de gallo you get at some restaurants.  But now you’ve got no need to dine out when you can make this at home!

A simple way to use your veggies it to turn them into pico de gallo!  Serve it up with tacos, chips……or just as a topping for your favorite grilled chicken or other meats.

A few things will make the difference between blah and amazing:

1. Allow it to marinate.  Make your pico de gallo at least an hour before you want to serve it.  That will allow your flavors to mingle and will also draw out the moisture.  Keep in mind that if it sits for too long, it can turn soupy.
2. Use the right tomato.  Skip the cherry and heirloom tomatoes and go for the Roma, beefsteak or vine-ripened varieties.  They make the best salsa.
3. Take out the seeds.  This is a little-known tip, but if you leave the seeds in your salsa, it can actually break down the tomato, which could make it extra watery.  It is an additional step, but I promise you that it is well worth it!
4. Only use salt – no pepper.  When it comes to the spices, salt is the winner here.  Black pepper doesn’t give you the type of spice you want in your salsa.  Stick to the chili peppers in order to get the flavor you want.
5. Fresh spices are a must.  When it comes to cilantro, don’t use the dried variety.  Make sure you opt for fresh.  Sure, it takes a bit longer to chop them up, but the work will be worth it in the end.

Now that you know my best tips to make a perfect salsa, here is our tried and true recipe!

Try your pico de gallo with one of these dishes:

• Easy Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
• Grilled Chicken Tacos
• Chicken Gurrito Bowls

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Homemade Pico de Gallo

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• Author: Tracie
• Category: Snack

Ingredients

• 4 vine-ripened tomatoes (slice and remove all seeds)
• ⅓ – ½ red or white onion (I prefer red)
• 1– 2 serrano, aneheim or jalapeno chile peppers
• 1 lime
• ½ cup finely chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp white sugar (cuts acidity)
• Pinch of cumin (optional)

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Instructions

1. Finely chop tomatoes, onion, and peppers by hand (or use a food processor and plus – just do not puree or will have runny salsa) and put into a bowl
2. Squeeze in one lime (to add juice)
3. Add salt (usually 1 – 2 tsp can be enough)
4. Add sugar (and cumin if desired)
5. Allow to sit for at least 1 hour before serving
6. Store up to 1 week in a covered container/jar in the refrigerator

The post Homemade Pico de Gallo appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Bread is the perfect companion to most meals.  But, not just any bread.  Something like cheesy onion bread is much, MUCH better than plain ordinary bread and butter.

When planning your meals, you start with your main protein and then add sides such as starches and veggies.  While that makes for a great plate, adding bread can be the perfect way to pull the entire meal together.  But, no one likes boring bread and butter, do they?

This cheesy onion bread pairs perfectly with just about any meal.  Whether you are making an Italian casserole such as Pepperoni Ziti or grilling steaks outside, this bread is the perfect compliment.

We’ve tried a lot of different types of bread over the years. They are all pretty good, but when my family sees me start making this one, they can’t wait until it is ready.  It truly is THAT good!

Check out these recipes:

• Oven Baked Barbecue Brisket
• Sour Cream and Onion Chicken
• Buttery Beer Bread
• The BEST Easy Dessert Bread Recipes

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Savory Cheesy Onion Bread

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This cheesy onion bread is the perfect companion to any meal you create.

• Author: Tracie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Category: Side Dish

Ingredients

• Whole bread loaf (uncut, sourdough)
• 1 bunch green onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 lb mozzarella or monterey jack cheese
• Salt and Pepper
• Foil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Slice loaf into a grate-like pattern with 5-6 slices going across and 5-6 slices going in the opposite position. **It is very important to not slice all the way through the loaf.
3. Place slices of cheese in between each “gap” in the bread.
4. In a bowl mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped green onion, salt, and pepper.
5. Gently place spoonfuls of the mixture between each “gap” of bread.
6. Wrap “filled” bread loaf with foil.
7. Place in the oven and bake for 25 min (or until cheese is well melted)

The post Savory Cheesy Onion Bread Recipe appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Homemade pickles? Can you really do it? Yes. Yes, you can.

How to Make Homemade Pickles

Have you ever felt guilty throwing away all of that perfectly good and deliciously tasty pickle brine? You know all that yummy pickle juice left over after you have guiltily eaten the last pickle?

Well, feel guilt no more! Reuse that perfectly good left over pickle brine to make NEW PICKLES!

Simply purchase a few cucumbers (any type work – I like to buy pickling cucumbers). Cut them in the size and shape you want.  Put them into the pickle brine.  Keep the mixture in the refrigerator for at least one week.  The cucumbers will absorb the brine and you’ll have a fresh batch of pickles!

It is important that you keep the pickles refrigerated.  I also would only use the brine two times.  After that, the brine gets watered down and loses some of it’s punch.

Find more yummy recipes right here at Penny Pinchin’ Mom!

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