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Valentine's Day is often seen as a day for romance, but in our family, it's also a time for creativity, fun, connection, and a little bit of adventure! Valentine's Day is not just about romantic love; it’s also an excellent occasion to celebrate the love and friendships that exist in our lives, especially with children. For us, we kick off the holiday by crafting easy, often DIY decorations using materials we have on hand. For instance, the black and white banner you see in the photo? It's made from a repurposed pocket folder! One side had some doodles from one of the kids, but the rest was perfect for our project. We also stumbled upon some paper honeycomb hearts during a clearance sale, which added a cute touch to our mantel and dining room table. There’s no need to go over the top and purchase a ton of décor. Just a few simple decorations can effectively set a happy and loving mood for the day. Over the years, I have tried to make Valentine’s Day fun by doing various special activities. One year we took a walk around the downtown area of our city. Another year we made a blood model as we learned about our heart and circulatory system, a year or so ago we went to a Lego Brick Convention . But our favorite Valentine’s Day family activity is hands-down the scavenger hunt! Advertisement When our oldest daughter was about 18 months old, I stumbled upon a charming idea on Pinterest: a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt. It was so adorable that I couldn’t resist trying it out. I found some cute plastic heart containers at a big box store and created little clues for her. Of course, she wasn't able to read the clues at that age, so my husband assisted her, and they had a blast searching all over the house together. A couple of years later, our daughter took on the role of guide, helping her younger sister decipher the clues. While they worked together to find the prize they were creating a beautiful bond through this shared experience. Fast forward to today, our "littles" are now a teen and a tween, and they still cherish this tradition! It has become a beloved activity that brings laughter and joy to our home every year. How to Create Your Own Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt You’ll first need to decide on a location. I have always had ours inside our house. It just makes things easier for this tired Momma. You know what I mean? Next, you’ll need to figure out a good time. An hour or less before nap time or bedtime probably isn’t the best idea. It may take a while for the kiddos to calm down from all of the excitement. When our kids were little, I would set up the clues during nap time and then we would do the scavenger hunt when my husband returned home from work around 5 PM. The whole thing took about 10 minutes. By bedtime, the excitement had died down and we were able to continue with our normal nightly routines. Of course, you’ll need to have some clues! You can use these or create your own. You’ll want the clues to be easy to read and understand for your children, so short and sweet is best. Keeping the clues in order is key to having a successful hunt. I like to print out my clues and number them on the paper. Then I write the corresponding numbers on the bottom of each of the heart containers. I give the kids a container to start with that holds their first clue. Want to Know How We Make Other Holidays Fun? Check out How We Create Halloween Fun Advertisement A couple of tips for hiding the clues. First, you want to put them in places that are safe. If you live on a busy street, putting a clue in the mailbox probably isn’t a great idea! You want to make sure your child is able to find the clues fairly easily and able to reach them with little effort. The sky is the limit when it comes to prizes. I’ve given fun stickers and dollar store stuffed animals, new books in a series they were reading, a yard sale find (always check there for American Girl garb!), and small Lego kits. It doesn’t even need to be a store-bought or a yard sale find. It can be a seashell from a special trip to the beach together, a fun photo of your family, or a little note to remind them how much they’re loved. If your clues get a little out of order or the kids aren’t sure about the riddles, don’t stress. This is supposed to be fun for you and them. In the 15 or so years I’ve been doing this; I probably have a total of 4 years where everything went completely smoothly (likely thanks to my husband keeping the containers in order). There was a year when we found a couple of those heart containers with the clues in their original hiding place months later! You kind of just have to laugh it off and make it part of the fun. At the end of the day, you just want your kids to have a fun memory of being loved. And to me, that’s what Valentine’s Day with kids is all about! If you enjoyed learning How We Create Valentine’s Day Fun, check out our other shenanigans! How To Include Your Toddler In Your Homeschool Day Homeschooling: Finding the Answer to Your "Why" Homeschooling With Unit Studies Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today! Advertisement

No matter which BIG GAME you’re gearing up for, the food you serve is key to the overall experience. This assortment of game day recipes offers a variety of tasty choices to satisfy any group of guests! Get ready to kick off the ultimate game day party with our curated collection of 10 winning recipes that will make you look like the MVP of party food! Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just in it for the snacks, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to impress even the toughest crowd. From traditional game day favorites like buffalo chicken dip to creative spins on party classics like Cajun Turkey Sliders, there's something for everyone in this lineup. So, suit up, grab a plate, and get ready to score big with these delicious game day favorites that will take your party to championship status! Why You’ll Love These Game Day Appetizers Easy to Prepare - Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are super easy to prepare. And because they’re homemade you can lose the guilt of having seconds! Budget Friendly - Affordable ingredients are the name of the game, many of which you probably already have on hand! Make Ahead - Nine of these recipes can be made up to 2 days in advance. I recommend making the Nacho Cheese Sauce on the day of the party and keeping it warm in a slow cooker. Advertisement Baked Ham and Cheese Bites These savory bites combine the classic flavors of delicious, cooked ham and lots of gooey cheese in a convenient, bite-sized form. The perfect addition to your game day spread! Baked Chicken Taquitos Seasoned chicken, a creamy mix of sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream, and zesty Salsa Verde packed into a corn or flour tortilla and baked until crispy. This recipe makes forty taquitos so they’re the perfect addition to any potluck table or as an appetizer on game day. Cajun Turkey Sliders Layers of turkey, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery Cajun sauce tucked inside a delicious honey-butter yeast roll. These little sandwiches pack a powerful punch that will have your guests requesting the recipe before they leave! Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Homemade pizza dough and homemade pizza sauce are the delicious base for these family-favorite pizza pinwheels! Layers of pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan are wrapped into a delicious pinwheel shape to create an easy and delicious appetizer, snack, or quick dinner that’s fun to eat! Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce This homemade nacho cheese sauce is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right kick of spice. Use it as a dip for tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or as a delicious topping on Baked Chicken Taquitos! Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip A classic staple on any potluck table on game day, this appetizer is sure to please all of your guests. Buffalo Chicken Dip is a surefire hit at any game day event, combining creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors that everyone will love. Teriyaki Meatballs These easy sweet-savory teriyaki meatballs combine the rich flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic with the sweetness of honey. Perfect for appetizers, a main course, or a tasty addition to your party menu, these meatballs are sure to please any crowd! Baked Three Pepper Chicken This chicken dish is unlike any other! It has tangy banana peppers, savory black peppercorns, and spicy pepper jack cheese. I simply double the recipe and cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. This one is definitely a winner! Ham and Swiss Pinwheels Filled with sweet honey ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a sauce that sings, these mouthwatering bites will have you coming back for more! Cajun Mashed Potato Bites with Creamy Cajun Dip Cajun Mashed Potato Bites are a Southern twist on a classic comfort food, combining the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the bold flavors of Cajun spices. They’re crispy on the outside and oh-so-creamy and cheesy on the inside. You’ll definitely want to make a double batch! Advertisement Want to Add Some Sweet Treats to Your Game Day Spread? Lemon Sugar Cookies Mint Chocolate Fudge Rocky Road Brownies Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies Want to help a small family business in a big way? Share our recipes with someone who loves delicious homemade food! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today! Advertisement

Cajun Mashed Potato Bites are a Southern twist on a classic comfort food, combining the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the bold flavors of Cajun spices. They’re crispy on the outside and oh-so-creamy and cheesy on the inside. You’ll definitely want to make a double batch! Jump to Recipe Living in the South, we are fortunate to savor a rich tapestry of flavors that define our culinary identity. From Dirty Jambalaya and Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers to Buttermilk Fried Okra , our plates are always brimming with exciting tastes. Yet, as any Southerner will tell you, there's another passion that pairs perfectly with our love for food: football . On game day, the excitement in the air is palpable, and nothing complements the thrill of the game quite like a delicious spread of homemade appetizers. Advertisement Cajun Mashed Potato Bites with Creamy Cajun Dip is one of our favorites on the potluck table! Seriously, these little bites are the perfect blend of comfort and kick. Imagine fluffy mashed potatoes seasoned with that signature Cajun spice, rolled into bite-sized balls, and then fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy on the outside and oh-so-creamy and cheesy on the inside. It's hard to resist snagging just one more! But let’s not forget about the dip! This Creamy Cajun Dip takes these bites to the next level. It's a simple mix of sour cream, mayo, and a generous sprinkle of spices. Just whip it up in a bowl, and you're ready to go! The cool creaminess pairs perfectly with the spicy potato bites, creating a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Next time you're heading to a potluck, be sure to bring these Cajun Mashed Potato Bites. They’re bound to be a hit, and you'll probably end up sharing the recipe with a few friends. So go ahead, and impress your crowd with this tasty treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make! Yield: Approximately 30 bites Ingredients for Cajun Mashed Potato Bites 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made) 2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning 2 large eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko or regular) Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Dip 1 cup sour cream 1 cup mayonnaise 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish) Salt and pepper to taste Directions for Cajun Mashed Potato Bites In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups mashed potatoes, 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, ¼ cup green onions, ¼ cup Cajun seasoning to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Using your hands, form the potato mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set up a dredging station with two shallow bowls. In one bowl, place the 2 beaten eggs. In the other bowl, add the 1 cup breadcrumbs. Dip each potato ball into the eggs, ensuring it's fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep, heavy-bottom pot like a Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated potato balls to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Directions for Creamy Cajun Dip In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Add the 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning to the creamy mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Stir in the 1 Tablespoon lemon juice and 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with additional parsley just before serving. Helpful Tips Consistency Matters: Ensure your mashed potatoes are thick enough to hold their shape. If they're too runny, add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken them. Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or choose a less spicy blend. Make Ahead: These potato bites can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Advertisement Check Out Our Other Cajun Favorites! Cajun Turkey Sliders Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice How to Bake Cajun Mashed Potato Bites Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place breaded Cajun Mashed Potato Bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the bites with non-stick oil. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Move the Cajun Mashed Potato Bites around on the baking sheet a bit and bake an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the bites are lightly golden and the breading is crispy. How to Store and Reheat Cajun Mashed Potato Bites with Creamy Cajun Dip Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat Cajun Mashed Potato Bites, warm through in a preheated 400-degree oven or toaster oven or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your air fryer. Microwaving is not recommended as the breading may become soggy. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, Cajun Mashed Potato Bites with Creamy Cajun Dip are a tasty and satisfying treat that everyone will love! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today! Advertisement

This cheesy, baked appetizer will be a fan favorite at your next potluck, game day, or holiday celebration. The best part, they come together quickly and effortlessly! Yield : Approximately 36 bites Finding a delicious appetizer that will please a crowd can be a daunting task, especially during the holiday season. These budget-friendly ham and cheese bites take just a few minutes to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making them a stress-free option that won’t break the bank. Add these to your holiday table, gift some to a neighbor, or enjoy them while cheering on your favorite team on game day! Jump to recipe To make this recipe you will need: Diced Cooked Ham This is a great recipe to use leftover ham. You can also use a store-bought ham steak or prepackaged diced ham. Flour You can absolutely use gluten-free flour for this recipe; however, I used standard, all-purpose. To ensure accurate flour measurements, use a spoon to add the flour to your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge, like the back of a butterknife. Baking Soda, Baking Powder, & Sugar Spices Garlic Power, Onion Powder, Ground Black Pepper, and Chives If you like heat, add in some crushed red pepper flakes to your desired taste preference. Butter We love the richness real butter adds to baked goods, but you can certainly replace the butter with a neutral oil like olive oil or avocado oil. For this recipe, you’ll need about ¾ cup plus 2 Tablespoons of oil. Buttermilk Do not skimp out on this ingredient! Buttermilk has been found to activate baking soda which produces the gas to make dough or batter rise. If you use regular milk or even the DIY trick of adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk, your final product will likely be flat discs rather than the ideal ball shape. The tangy flavor of buttermilk also gives a great background flavor to all of those wonderful spices! Cheese This recipe calls for sharp cheddar and pepper jack. You can certainly use all cheddar or all pepperjack. Swiss would also be a great option here. Let’s get started! Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add buttermilk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix well to combine. Gently add ham and cheese into the dough mixture but do not overmix. Begin forming dough into 1-inch balls and placing them on prepared baking sheet. Once you have shaped your dough balls and have them on your baking sheet, place them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling the dough first will help the balls keep their shape. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 22-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Ingredients 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 Tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 Tablespoons chopped chives 4 Tablespoon + 1 Tablespoon butter, melted 1 ½ cups buttermilk 2 cups cooked ham, diced 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, add dry ingredients and gently mix together to combine. Add buttermilk and 4 Tablespoons of melted butter to dry ingredients. Mix well to combine into dough. Using your hands, gently work ham and cheese into dough. Do not overwork the dough. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, place dough balls 2 inches apart onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray. Refrigerate prepared balls for at least 1 hour before baking. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter. Bake for approximately 22-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter. For an extra cheesy bite, dip into my Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce ! Did you enjoy this easy, Baked Ham & Cheese Bites recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a surefire hit at any game day event, combining creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors that everyone will love. Jump to Recipe Game day is just as much about the food as the game itself! Whether you're hosting a big Super Bowl party or having a small gathering with friends, appetizers are essential for keeping everyone satisfied. A fan favorite, this Buffalo Chicken Dip always disappears by halftime! Why You’ll Love Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip A classic staple on any potluck table on game day, this appetizer is sure to please all of your guests. With minimal, affordable ingredients this dish is a budget-friendly winner. This dish of deliciousness comes together so quickly and can be made hours before party time. Advertisement Key Ingredients for Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip Chicken To make things go a bit quicker, you can purchase a rotisserie chicken. Many supermarkets even sell rotisserie chicken pre-shredded. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will also work great. Buffalo Sauce To appease multiple pallets, I opt for a mild sauce like Sweet Baby Rays. However, use your favorite homemade or store-bought version in your desired heat preference. Cream Cheese You’ll want to use a full-fat cream cheese for this recipe. A lower-fat version can give a runner texture. Seasonings This dip is a classic and really relies on classic flavors such as garlic, onion, celery, and Ranch. Cheese We love extra sharp white cheddar cheese, however, for an extra kick pepper jack would also be delicious! Helpful Tips and Variations for Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip You can prepare the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving to ensure it's warm and melty. This dish can be served warm or chilled. We are a house divided. I prefer it warmed through. For a spicier dip, add more Buffalo wing sauce or a dash of hot sauce. I like to use an electric mixer to blend everything together. I find it creates a creamer dip. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds great flavor! Try different combinations of cheese, like Blue Cheese Crumbles, for a tangy, unique taste. Other Game Day Favorites Baked Chicken Taquitos Baked Ham and Cheese Bites Cajun Turkey Sliders Advertisement Ingredients 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken, shredded 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup buffalo sauce 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 Tablespoons Ranch seasoning 2 Tablespoons dried celery leaves or parsley 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese ½ cup Blue Cheese crumbles, optional Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Buffalo wing sauce, and seasonings. Mix until well combined. Fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with additional dried celery leaves and blue cheese crumbles if desired. What to Serve with Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip Tortilla chips Club Crackers Bagel Chips Celery sticks How to Store Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip Storing Leftovers : Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Freezing : You can freeze this dip for up to 3 months in an airtight container or in a baking dish covered tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then cook as desired in the oven (remove coverings) or transfer everything to the slow cooker. Creative Uses for Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip Leftovers Quesadillas: Use the leftover dip as a flavorful filling. Sliders: Create delicious sliders for a quick and easy meal. Pizza Topping: Make a mouthwatering buffalo chicken pizza. Want to help a small family business in a big way? Share this recipe with someone who loves delicious homemade food as much as you do! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today! Advertisement

These Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers are packed full of a delicious mixture of spicy Italian sausage, marinara sauce, rice, and savory spices topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this is a comforting classic that even your pickiest eater will enjoy! Serves 6 Jump to recipe It's been documented that Pimientos Rellenos , or stuffed peppers have been around since the late 1800s. There are many variations that can be found in street food in China, Basque Country in Spain, and in Guatemala where it is covered in an egg batter and then fried. (1) These Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers are budget-friendly and come together fast making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. They also freeze absolutely beautifully, making them one of my favorite freezer meal preps. I love growing my own bell peppers in our backyard garden, but the next best thing is to shop from your local farmers! Local farms and farmers' markets often have a vast array of colorful peppers to choose from. I enjoy using a mixture of colors simply because it's just so much fun, but you can certainly use store-bought green bell peppers. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe! To Make These Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers you will need: Bell Peppers Fresh bell peppers that are bright and firm are ideal. You don’t want to use peppers that are wrinkled, have soft spots, or moldy stems, or simply don’t appear to be the best. Spicy Italian Sausage We love the spiciness ground Italian sausage brings to this recipe. An Italian sausage that has a mix of fennel, garlic, and paprika offers a savory, sweet aroma and provides texture. If you want a milder flavor profile, ground beef will work just fine. Rice I typically use just a pantry-staple, long-grain white rice. However, Jasmine or Basmati rice would be absolutely delicious! Yellow Onion You can use a white or Vidalia onion, but a simple yellow onion will get the job done. I actually prefer to use yellow onions in this recipe because they offer a strong but mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Seasoned Black Beans I keep a pretty healthy stash of home-canned seasoned black beans in our pantry because we just love them. We use them as a topping for tacos, in chili, or even just a simple meal of rice and beans. Home canning your own black beans is super easy and more affordable than store-bought canned beans. I use the canning recipe from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. The use of seasoned black beans in this recipe is going to offer not only a ton of extra flavor but an extra boost of protein as well! Mariana Sauce Like my seasoned black beans, I also keep a pretty nice stash of Homemade Mariana Sauce on hand. It is so easy to make that making a double or triple recipe for later is a no-brainer! If using a store-bought sauce, I recommend choosing one of a higher quality like Rao’s. Spices This whole recipe is pretty customizable but probably the most by the amount of spice you prefer. I usually go a little on the low end of the heat scale because my kiddos don’t care for too much spice, but if you live on the wild side, feel free to spice it up! Sharp Cheddar Cheese My heart says that sharp cheddar cheese is the one and only clear choice here, however, a mozzarella or provolone will probably be pretty darn good as well. I’m just a Seriously Sharp White Cheddar Cheese kinda girl. Let’s Make Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers! Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Cook ground Italian sausage and onion in a large Dutch Oven until meat is browned and onion is translucent. Sauté rice with the sausage and onion mixture for about 1 minute. Add water and bring to a boil. Boil for approximately 7 minutes. Remove from heat and cover with lid. While the rice mixture is resting, wash bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops. Place the peppers in a 9x13 baking dish. Remove the lid from the rice mixture and give it a good stir. To the rice mixture, add the black beans, marinara sauce, tomatoes with chilis, spices, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine. Evenly distribute rice mixture among the six bell peppers. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the bell peppers are softened. Top each bell pepper with remaining cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Ingredients 6 large bell peppers 1-pound spicy Italian sausage 1 cup rice 2 cups water 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 2 cups seasoned black beans, drained 3 cups Homemade Marinara Sauce 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilis 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Salt & Pepper to taste 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large Dutch oven, cook ground Italian sausage and onion until meat is browned and onion is translucent. Add one cup of rice, sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes. Add two cups of water to the meat and onion mixture. Boil for approximately 7 minutes. Remove from heat and cover with lid. Allow to rest uncovered for approximately 15-20 minutes. While the rice mixture is resting, remove the tops of peppers. Rinse peppers with cool water. Place peppers into a 9x13 baking dish. To the rice and sausage mixture, add seasoned black beans, marinara sauce, tomatoes with chilis and spices. Add in one cup sharp cheddar cheese. Gently stir to combine thoroughly. Place peppers cut side up to baking dish and spoon rice mixture into each pepper until evenly full. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender. Top peppers with the remaining one cup sharp cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. How to Freeze Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers Prepare the filling mixture as directed. Allow to cool to room temperature. Spoon mixture into peppers. Place filled peppers into a freezer-safe container with a seal-tight lid for up to 3 months. How to Prepare Frozen Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers If your freezer-safe container is glass, allow the dish to come to room temperature before placing it in a preheated 400-degree oven. If your container is not glass, such as a foil pan, place the dish directly into a preheated 400-degree oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes. Check the filling mixture for any dryness. If the filling appears dry, add a splash or two of water or chicken stock to each.  Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling mixture is heated through completely and the peppers reach your preferred tenderness.  If you loved this Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe, we want to know it! Leave us a comment below. Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

Spicy. Southern. Classic. Affordable. Two New Orleans favorites, dirty rice, and jambalaya, are combined into a delicious one-pot dinner. If a budget-friendly powerhouse of a meal is what you are looking for, this is it! Serves: 6 Jump to recipe We live just a couple of hours from New Orleans, and we enjoy visiting the wonderful zoo, museums, and restaurants there. When we can’t get to New Orleans, we put on one of our favorite family movies, Disney’s The Princess & The Frog. We watch together while enjoying a deliciously warm bowl of Dirty Jambalaya with Venison Sausage, a side of Buttermilk Fried Okra and a Honey Butter Yeast Roll . This dish will jazz up any weeknight! For this recipe you will need: Spicy Venison Sausage We love the rich and slightly gamey flavor of fresh venison and feel it pairs perfectly with the spices in this recipe. I've also used a smoked pork sausage such as Conecuh with much success. Venison can become tough and dry quickly, so it is best to cook it “low and slow”. White Rice A long-grain white rice, like basmati or jasmine, will keep its texture and will avoid turning into a mushy final product. A short grain rice is not recommended for this dish. Oil I love having my Garlic and Cayenne Infused Olive Oil on hand for everyday use and it pairs perfectly with the sausage and spices for this dish. You could also use a neutral oil like Avocado or plain olive oil. Onions, Peppers, & Celery… and a little garlic, too. In the South, this combo is also known as The Holy Trinity because of how often they're used in popular classic, southern dishes. Credit for coining the term has often been given to Paul Prudhomme, a celebrity chef and South Louisiana native. Garlic pairs so nicely with The Holy Trinity that it seems almost like a sin to leave it out! White Wine The high acidity in a good, white wine becomes concentrated as it cooks and gives a savoriness to help balance the spiciness of the overall dish. Chicken Stock We're building layers and layers of delicious flavors in this dish. You don’t want to miss out on adding a good, homemade chicken stock. The stock will help introduce a subtle richness that lingers in the background. Tomatoes & Green Chilies What The French Quarter is to New Orleans, tomatoes and green chilies are to jambalaya! Spices Salt, pepper, red chili powder, smoked paprika, and parsley. Let’s make Dirty Jambalaya with Venison Sausage! First, using a Dutch Oven, you’ll want to get a quick sear on your venison sausage. Remember, we don’t want to cook it through we’re just bringing out those delicious flavors. Remove sausage from pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Do not discard the grease from the sausage. Next, add onion, celery, and peppers until soft and lightly caramelized. Add garlic and sauté for one minute. Carefully, add wine to hot pan and scrape up any cooked-on bits. Pour in chicken stock and tomatoes with green chilies. Add rice and the remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine. Heat to boiling then reduce heat to low. Simmer on low heat for approximately 25 minutes or until rice is fully cooked and the majority of the liquid has been absorbed. Ingredients 1-pound spicy venison sausage cut into ¼” rounds 2 Tablespoons Infused Olive Oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 4 large garlic cloves, minced ½ cup white cooking wine 2 Cups uncooked, long-grain white rice 3 cups Chicken Stock 1 10-ounce can tomatoes with green chilies, undrained 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 Teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon ground red chili powder ¼ teaspoon ground smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried parsley Directions In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook sausage. Remove to paper towel-lined plate. Sauté onions, celery, and bell pepper in residual sausage grease until soft and lightly caramelized. Add in minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute or until fragrant. Slowly add white wine and deglaze the bottom of the pot by loosening any bits stuck to the pot. Pour in chicken stock and tomatoes with green chilies. Gently stir to combine. Add rice and all remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling then reduce heat to low. Simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. How to Freeze Dirty Jambalaya with Venison Sausage Prepare as directed but shorten cooking time to approximately 15-20 minutes to maintain some of the liquid. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. Spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe container with a seal-tight lid for up to 3 months. How to Prepare Frozen Dirty Jambalaya with Venison Sausage If your freezer-safe container is glass, allow the dish to come to room temperature before placing it in a preheated 400-degree oven. If your container is not glass, such as a foil pan, place the dish directly into a preheated 400-degree oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 405 minutes or until the jambalaya is heated through completely. Did you enjoy this Dirty Jambalaya with Venison Sausage? Let us know in the comments below! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

Everyone will be asking for seconds of this traditional family favorite! Perfectly seasoned ground beef topped with a zesty tomato glaze Jump to Recipe Meatloaf is definitely a classic, but did you know that it was originally served for breakfast? During the 1870s New Englanders wanted to utilize the cheaper cuts of their cattle. A few spices, eggs, and milk-soaked bread were added, and meatloaf was created! You can learn more about the history of meatloaf here . The classic meatloaf we know, and love today really hasn’t veered too far off its original course. The use of affordable, simple ingredients continues to make this budget-friendly recipe a family favorite. I like to prepare the loaf early in the day (or even the night before), cover it with plastic wrap or foil, then bake when ready. Why not make one for now and one for later? Make the most of your time in the kitchen by making an additional meatloaf for an easy freezer meal. Place the prepared loaf (uncooked) into a freezer-safe baking dish and cover securely. When ready to bake, place the dish into your refrigerator for at least 24 hours and allow to thaw completely. To save space in my freezer, I like to store in these glass Pyrex bread pans . Ingredients ( Serves: 6-8 ) 2 pounds lean ground beef (85%-93%) 1 large egg 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce 2 Tablespoons ketchup ½ - ¾ cup Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs 1 Tablespoon dried Oregano 1 Tablespoon dried Basil 1 Tablespoon dried Chili Powder 1 Tablespoon dried Smoked Paprika ½ Tablespoon dried Parsley ½ Tablespoon Onion powder ½ Tablespoon Garlic Powder ½ Tablespoon ground Black Pepper 1 Tablespoon Salt Glaze 1 cup Ketchup 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce 1 Teaspoon dried Oregano 1 Teaspoon dried Basil 1 teaspoon dried Chili Powder ¼ teaspoon Parsley ¼ teaspoon Onion powder ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder ¼ teaspoon ground Black Pepper ¼ teaspoon Salt Directions for Meatloaf Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients together. In a 9x13 baking dish, form mixture into a loaf (approximately 3-4 inches wide by 7-8 inches long). Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes. Directions for Glaze Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Spoon mixture onto baked meatloaf and spread to make an even layer. Place covered meatloaf back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Allow cooked meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

These Homemade BBQ Meatballs are nice and crispy on the outside, and melt-in-your mouth tender on the inside coated with a delicious, savory homemade BBQ sauce! Jump to Recipe Y’all have probably learned by now that I really love a recipe that allows me the opportunity to prep it ahead of time. Like the meatballs for my Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches , my Homemade BBQ Meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Being able to prep them ahead of time makes them a perfect addition to any potluck or celebration or for a quick weeknight dinner. I'll often make a double batch of these delicious bites for a freezer meal that I can pull out on a long, super busy day! And speaking of long days, these long, cold winter days have me dreaming about spring flowers and summer grilling. Don’t get me wrong, we enjoy slow cooker favorites like Comfy Cozy Slow Cooker Chili and delicious, creamy soups like my Cheddar Broccoli Soup , but on those really cold days I just can’t wait for the sunshine. I love making these meatballs in the wintertime because they help to remind me that warmer, sunnier weather will be here before we know it. This recipe has the perfect blend of spices, smokiness, and sweetness that is sure to wake up your taste buds! I often serve them with my White Cheddar Loaded Mashed Potatoes or mix them into my Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for an all-in-one meal. For this BBQ Meatball recipe, you will need: Ground Beef If you're using only ground beef, you’ll want to use at least an 80/20 blend to ensure the meat does not dry out. Overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough and dry. So, working quickly with a cold meat mixture is key to keeping all of that moisture locked in. Breadcrumbs Those random ends of bread that my kids don’t care for aren’t tossed in the trash! I keep them in a quart-sized, freezer-safe bag until I need to make breadcrumbs. I use my food processor to grind them up finely. Egg A simple egg can add moisture and a rich flavor. It will also help to bind our meat mixture together. I like to add just a splash of milk to my egg for additional richness and another moisture component, but this is completely optional. Herbs and Spices When it comes to adding flavor, the right herbs and spices are key. Garlic and onion both offer delicious umami flavor, and aromatic powerhouses like garlic and smoked paprika are sure to add a mouthwatering goodness to every bite! Homemade BBQ Sauce We've tried and even liked some store-bought sauces, but we just love homemade barbeque sauce. Store-bought sauces tend to be on the sweeter side which can be hard to overcome on the flavor palate. You just can’t beat the freshness of a homemade sauce! Making these Homemade BBQ Meatballs is incredibly easy! Here’s how: First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Set aside a 9x13 baking dishes. Mix together meat, herbs, spices, Parmesan, 1 large egg, ¼ cup marinara sauce, and about ½ cup of breadcrumbs in a large bowl. You want to use either a wooden spoon or just your fingertips to combine the ingredients gently. Don’t overwork the mixture or it won’t hold together when you form the meatballs. Next, using a small cookie scoop, begin forming meatballs. Place into baking dish, and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Then add remaining marinara sauce to cover the meatballs and continue baking for about 15-20 more minutes. It's recommended beef be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Yield: Approximately 35 meatballs Ingredients 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 large egg, slightly beaten 1 pint homemade BBQ sauce (reserve 1½ cup) 1 Tablespoon ground black pepper 1 Tablespoon salt ½ Tablespoon garlic powder ½ Tablespoon onion powder ½ Tablespoon chili powder ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground mustard ½ - 1 cup breadcrumbs Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients with only ½ cup homemade BBQ sauce. Roll into one-inch balls, and place into two 9x13 baking dishes. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until meat is cooked through and evenly browned. Pour the remaining homemade BBQ sauce on the top of each. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Try dipping these savory, sweet bites into my Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce for the ultimate two-bite appetizer! Helpful Tip : I find using a cookie scoop helps to ensure unform size for even baking. How To Freeze Homemade BBQ Meatballs Prepared meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen in their raw or cooked form for up to 2 months. Allow frozen meatballs to thaw prior to baking and be sure to use an internal thermometer to check for doneness. It's recommended beef be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. We love hearing from you, so if you made this recipe, please let us know how it turned out! Click the heart at the bottom of this post and leave a comment down below. Be sure to take a photo and tag me on Instagram and Facebook! Simple things like that help our small family business grow. Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

These Baked Chicken Taquitos are tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, a creamy mix of sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream, and zesty Salsa Verde and baked until crispy. Jump to recipe You may have noticed from previous recipe posts like my Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers , Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels , and Buttermilk Mixed Berry Waffles , that I’m a huge fan of recipes that can be made ahead of time and freeze beautifully. Meal prep is fast, convenient, and affordable. My future self is always so very grateful for my past self’s efforts! We’re busy around here, so sometimes we need a meal that we can just reheat quickly without sacrificing taste and quality. Simple ingredients turn into one of our favorites for lunchtime or as just a quick snack. This recipe makes forty taquitos so they’re the perfect addition to any potluck table or as an appetizer on game day. Delicious and ooey-gooey, they’ll keep you coming back for more! Ingredients needed to make Baked Chicken Taquitos: Chicken I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they don’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts. They also tend to thaw a little quicker in the refrigerator. To make life simpler, you could always opt to purchase a rotisserie chicken. Many supermarkets even sell rotisserie chicken pre-shredded. You'll need approximately 4 cups of shredded chicken for this recipe. Tortillas We are a house divided when it comes to tortillas. A couple of us love the soft flour ones and a couple of us love the crunch of the corn ones. I typically make both types to please everyone. However, you can certainly pick your favorite! Spices When it comes to adding flavor, the right herbs and spices are key. Aromatic powerhouses like cilantro and cumin are sure to add a mouthwatering goodness to every bite! Cream Cheese & Sour Cream Both offer a creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the spices and Salsa Verde. Salsa Verde Also known as Tomatillo Salsa, Salsa Verde is made from tart tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice. Salsa Rojo (Red Salsa) is also delicious but is made with tomatoes rather than tomatillos. Cheese We love extra sharp white cheddar cheese, however, pepper jack or Monterey jack would also be delicious! Making Baked Chicken Taquitos is easy! You’ll need cooked chicken for this recipe. If your chicken is raw, go ahead and bake it at 400 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees has been reached. Add cooked and shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, Salsa Verde, and spices with the chicken. Fold in shredded cheese. Begin softening tortillas by warming them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a skillet on the stove until warm. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into warmed tortilla and roll tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly coat the tops of the rolled tortillas with a neutral-tasting cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 13-15 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown. How to Fry Chicken Taquitos Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Carefully place a few prepared taquitos in the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for a few seconds on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove taquitos from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to capture any excess oil. Serve warm. How to Freeze Chicken Taquitos for a Party or Potluck If I’m preparing these chicken taquitos for a party or potluck, I prefer to store them prepared but unbaked in a freezer-safe bag or container. When I’m ready to cook them, I remove them from the freezer bag and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 400 degrees for about 18-22 minutes. They’ll take just a few minutes longer since they're frozen. How to Freeze Baked Chicken Taquitos for Meal Prep When I’m making these for my family to have as a quick lunch or snack, I bake them as directed and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, microwave frozen, fully cooked taquito for approximately 2 ½ to 3 minutes or until heated through. Make this recipe with me on YouTube! Yield: 40 Taquitos Ingredients 4 cups boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cooked and shredded 8 ounces cream cheese 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup sour cream 2 cups Salsa Verde 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons cilantro 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 ½ teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon salt 20 six-inch flour tortillas 20 six-inch corn tortillas Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, Salsa Verde, and spices. Fold in shredded cheese. Working in small batches, soften tortillas by warming them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a skillet until warmed through. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto a tortilla. Wrap the tortilla tightly and seal with the water and cornstarch mixture to help hold the seal. Lightly brush or spray olive oil over the tops. Place wrapped tortillas seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes. These crispy taquitos pair perfectly with my Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce ! Did you enjoy this Baked Chicken Taquitos recipe? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

Homemade pizza dough and homemade pizza sauce are the delicious base for these family-favorite pizza pinwheels! Layers of pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan are wrapped into a delicious pinwheel shape to create an easy and delicious appetizer, snack, or quick dinner that’s fun to eat! This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . Jump to recipe As a busy, homeschooling mom who works outside of the home, I need meals that are quick and delicious. Oh, and they need to be as homemade as possible. If you can relate and could use a little inspiration, welcome! As I mentioned in my BBQ Chicken Pizza post , we love pizza night in our house but sometimes it can get a little ho-hum. Fortunately, homemade pizza is completely customizable! Changing up sauces and toppings is a quick and easy fix to liven things up, but another way is how pizza is presented. Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels make pizza night fun again! Not only are these delicious pizza pinwheels cute and tasty, but they also freeze and reheat beautifully! I like to make a double recipe and store them in the freezer. When the kids are in need of a quick lunch or snack, they simply take one out and microwave it for about a minute. If you need a quick lunch for work or school, they thaw quickly and will be ready by lunchtime. Voilà! Quick, easy, delicious, and almost completely homemade. Yep, that checks all of my boxes! Ready to get started? For this Pizza Pinwheels recipe, you will need: Homemade Pizza Sauce There’s just something about a homemade pizza sauce. Maybe it’s the taste of last summer’s tomatoes, garden fresh herbs, or the hard work that went into preparing a big batch to last all year long. Whatever it is, homemade pizza sauce just can’t be beat. If you’re not a home canner yet or if you just have yet to restock, no worries! You can make a quick and easy version. If I need to make a sauce, I like to make it before I start on the dough. This way my sauce has plenty of time to cool down before I add it on to the dough. 1 6-ounce can tomato paste 1 ½ cup water 2 Tablespoons infused oil 2 teaspoons dried oregano* 2 teaspoons dried basil* 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon chili powder Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes. Mix continuously until the paste begins to thin out. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add one tablespoon of water until you reach your desired preference. Allow the pizza sauce to cool to room temperature before placing onto the dough. I like to make my sauce first, then my dough so that it has plenty of time to cool down before If you need a store-bought substitution, we really liked Target’s Good & Gather Organic Pizza Sauce. * For this recipe I used my fresh herbs that I dehydrated with my Excalibur Dehydrator. If you're using fresh herbs, you’ll want to use 3 teaspoons for every teaspoon of dried. Make this recipe with me on YouTube! Homemade Pizza Dough Preparing homemade pizza dough is really simple. It only takes 6 pantry staple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. If you’re using a pizza dough that’s been frozen, you’ll need to thaw it out at room temperature for a few hours before trying to roll it out. You can also use your favorite store-bought pizza dough. In a pinch, I’ve used one from Publix bakery and it was pretty good. Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread You may be asking yourself, is this really a necessary ingredient? The answer, probably not. But it is so worth adding! It adds a creaminess that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the pizza sauce. I love this one . Pepperoni Slices I like to get our pepperoni slices from the deli department. I find the larger slices cover more of the dough surface without popping out when I roll the dough up. I ask for the pepperoni to be sliced at 1/16 of an inch. This provides a slice that is thick enough to not tear to shreds when cut and holds up to the thickness of the dough. It’s also thin enough to get a good bang for my buck. Cheese What’s more classic on pizza than mozzarella cheese? We love the creaminess of the mozzarella paired with the tangy and nutty complexity of parmesan. I highly recommend skipping the pre-shredded varieties at the store and opting for a good quality cheese block like Tillamook, Cabot, or Organic Valley instead. Pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent to help prevent it from sticking together and to preserve it. However, this anti-caking agent dries out the cheese and causes it to not melt very well. And what good is unmelted cheese on pizza? None I tell you! Yield: approximately 12 pinwheels Ingredients ½ - ¾ cup Homemade Pizza Sauce Homemade Pizza Dough Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread 15 Pepperoni slices, large deli cut (roughly 3 inches in diameter) 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded Directions Roll out pizza dough onto a floured sheet of parchment paper into a large rectangle shape (about 12" by 14" works best), about ¾” to 1” thickness. Using a rubber spatula, spread the onion and chive cream cheese evenly over the dough leaving a one-inch margin along the edge of one side lengthwise. Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese. Use the rubber spatula to even the sauce out over the dough, continuing to leave a one-inch margin along the edge of one side lengthwise. Add the pepperoni slices over the pizza sauce, then evenly distribute the shredded cheeses over the pepperoni slices. Starting with the lengthwise edge without the one-inch margin, begin rolling the dough lengthwise as tightly as possible to form a log shape. Seal the edges of the dough with a little water, then wrap the rolled dough with parchment paper and place into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the rolled dough for approximately 30 minutes or until hardened but not completely frozen through. Unwrap the dough from the parchment paper and using a serrated knife, begin cutting 1-inch rounds lengthwise until the entire dough log has been cut. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 14-17 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving as they will be piping hot. Freezing Instructions: These quick bites are also a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, parties, and game days. To prepare them ahead of time, simply prepare as directed but leave it whole and freeze it. Remove from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for about an hour or until you can cut through the dough with a serrated knife into 1-inch rounds. Bake as directed. To freeze prepared Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels, store in a gallon-sized freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place in microwave and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through or place on a parchment line baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for approximately 15 minutes or until heated through. If you made these delicious Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels let us know in the comments below what your favorite pizza toppings are. We love to hear from you! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . This hearty chili is the ultimate comfort food on a cold evening. The slow cooking process allows all of those delicious spices to meld together and create a phenomenal flavor. If you’re lucky to have any, leftovers are even better the next day! Jump to recipe If you've been around for a minute or two, you’ve probably learned that I like meals that are quick and easy, but they have to be as homemade as possible! I love making this chili because not only is it quick and easy, but it's also a budget-friendly meal that can feed a lot of folks. As a home canner, I use beans and produce that I have home canned over time. I think this is what makes this recipe so fantastic. However, store-bought will do just fine and will still be absolutely delicious! It seems like there’s a new must-have something or another that pops up in my social media feed every day. It can be easy to forget the tried-and-true gadgets and appliances that sit in our cabinets. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just one or two, slow cookers come in a variety of sizes and price points  making them perfect for any household. They also use less energy than conventional ovens and are my not-so-secret weapon to keeping my kitchen from feeling like the surface of the sun during the summer. Not to mention, the slow cooker gets the job done when it comes to tenderizing meat and distributing flavor. The main ingredients you’ll need to make this Comfy Cozy Slow-Cooker Chili are: Ground Beef I like to use a lean-cut mixture of 90/10 ground beef. It offers enough fat to add flavor but not so much that it makes the overall dish greasy. Beef Stock A good quality beef stock, like homemade, will add depth and richness to the chili. It will also help to keep everything from drying out. Tomatoes Tomatoes and tomato sauce will help to add not only flavor but lots of color and texture as well. They'll provide a much-needed acidity to help balance out the other flavors. Beans I love the red beans and pinto beans in this recipe. However, you can use all of one kind of bean or mix it up with black beans or navy beans. If you’re not a fan of beans, feel free to leave them out completely. If you're using store bought canned beans, you’ll want to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker. If using home canned beans, you can just dump them right in! Corn Fresh corn adds a sweet freshness to this savory dish and shouldn’t be skipped! Fresh Produce Onions, celery, and garlic are tried and true favorites for adding texture and flavor to any dish. Worcestershire Sauce For an added depth of flavor, a salty and savory sauce like Worcestershire will provide a light umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the tomatoes. Herbs and Spices When it comes to adding flavor, the right herbs and spices are key. Garlic and onion both offer delicious flavor, and aromatic powerhouses like chili powder and cumin are sure to add a mouthwatering goodness to every bite! How To Make Comfy Cozy Slow-Cooker Chili in Three Easy Steps: First, you’ll want to cook the ground beef until browned and cooked thoroughly. Next, add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Then, add all of the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on a low heat setting for 5-6 hours or on high heat setting for 3-4 hours. How To Freeze and Reheat Leftovers If you like to meal prep like I do, this recipe freezes and reheats beautifully! Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or the microwave. This chili is so easy to revamp into a completely different meal like chili mac, chili dogs, or loaded chili tater tots! Yield: 8-10 servings Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef 32 ounces beef stock 16 ounces tomato sauce 16 ounces tomatoes with green chilies 16 ounces red kidney beans, * drained and rinsed 16 ounces pinto beans, * drained and rinsed 16 ounces corn, drained 1 large yellow onion, diced 1 large green pepper, diced 4 stalks celery, diced 3 large cloves garlic, diced ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground oregano 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 ½ teaspoons salt Optional: cheese, corn chips, crackers, or cornbread Directions Cook the ground beef until browned and cooked thoroughly. Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Add all of the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on a low heat setting for 5-6 hours or on high heat setting for 3-4 hours. Top with your favorites or drizzle with my Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce ! If you enjoyed this Comfy Cozy Slow Cooker Chili we want to know! Leave us a comment below! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!