Marry Me Chicken features golden chicken breasts simmered in a medley of bold ingredients like bacon, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and more! This one pan chicken recipe is served smothered in a creamy sauce that’s so good, you may just hear wedding bells.

Enjoy more easy chicken breast recipes like Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, Baked Monterey Chicken and Chicken Caprese Skillet.

Marry me chicken is so worth the hype! This is one of those tried and true chicken recipes that everyone swears by, and there are so many reasons why it’s beloved.

And yes… Just as the name suggests, it’s been said that it’s so good that your meal might just end with a proposal.

It’s easy, creamy, filling, flavorful, and made all in one pan. This marry me chicken recipe checks all of the right boxes!

Why we love it:

• One pan dinner: Easy to make and even easier to clean up. That’s two big wins in my kitchen!
• So creamy: Thanks to the heavy cream that gets stirred in at the end, this chicken recipe is delightfully creamy.
• Flavorful: Oh yes. There are a lot of ingredients that’ll make your mouth water! Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and more create a medley of seriously satisfying flavors.
• Versatile: There are quite a few ways to customize this recipe to best fit your tastes. Scroll down to check out some of my recommended variations to try.

Marry Me Chicken Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: You can swap these with thighs if you’d like.
• Chicken Broth: I recommend using low-sodium broth and sprinkling in more salt as needed.
• Cream: Heavy cream is recommended for the thickest, creamiest results! A lighter cream may be used but the final results won’t be as creamy.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Make sure to drain them well prior to chopping and using.
• Tomato Paste: This enhances the tomato flavor in a wonderful way!
• Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce.
• Bacon: This adds a great savory and salty flavor to the dish. Feel free to omit or swap with pancetta or turkey bacon if preferred.
• Onion: A white or yellow onion both work very well.
• Garlic: Feel free to measure with your heart!
• Seasonings: Add the best flavor to your marry me chicken with red pepper flakes, salt, parsley, oregano and thyme. Adjust as needed.

How to make Marry Me Chicken:

Here’s a quick look at how to make this marry me chicken recipe! Scroll to the bottom of this page for detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

• Flatten the chicken just enough so that each breast has an even thickness.
• Season and sear the chicken until golden on each side.

• Sauté the bacon and onions.
• Stir in the garlic, herbs and seasonings.

• Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Stir in the flour (or cornstarch slurry). Whisk in the broth and heavy cream, reduce the heat, and add the chicken back in.
• Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the flour. This can easily be swapped with corn starch if that’s what you have on hand. Just whisk it into an equal portion of liquid before stirring it in.
• Use chicken thighs. If you choose to use thighs instead of breasts, just make sure they’re boneless and skinless.
• No bacon? No problem. You can omit this ingredient entirely if you’d like. It adds an amazing flavor, but you don’t need to use it if you don’t want to. Or, swap it with turkey bacon!
• Turn up the heat. I add just enough red pepper flakes to create flavor without making it spicy. Feel free to kick things up a notch by adding more red pepper flakes.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken

If you have any leftovers, you’re in luck! Marry me chicken keeps very well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container.

You can reheat your chicken with a splash of broth or water in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through. Try to be careful so you don’t scald the creamy sauce.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

Sure thing! Let the sauce and chicken all fully cool to room temperature prior to storing in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to date and label! Let the chicken slowly thaw in the fridge prior to reheating.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you notice that your sauce is on the thinner side, have no fear! You can always create a slurry (cornstarch and broth) and stir in a little bit at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

What to serve with Marry Me Chicken:

Serve marry me chicken over something hearty that’ll help you soak up every last drop of that delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce! Buttered Noodles, Baked Rice, or mashed potatoes are all popular choices. I also like to lighten up my plate with a veggie side dish like air fryer broccoli.

More chicken dinner recipes!

• Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts — perfect over pasta!
• Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts — no standing over the oven.
• JUICY Air Fryer Chicken Breast — SO easy and flavorful!
• Creamy Garlic Chicken — totally decadent and garlicky!

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Marry Me Chicken recipe

Marry Me Chicken features golden chicken breasts simmered in a medley of bold ingredients like bacon, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and more! This one pan chicken recipe is served smothered in a creamy sauce that's so good, you may just hear wedding bells.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 430cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 lb)
• salt and pepper
• 2 slices thick cut bacon (chopped)
• ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• parmesan and fresh parsley for serving (optional)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
• Place chicken breasts on a large cutting board, cover with plastic wrap and flatten the thicker end slightly so they are an even width).
• Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper and sear on both sides until light golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
• Add bacon to the pan and cook until starting to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and cook until translucent and starting to brown.
• Stir in garlic, oregano, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes and salt and cook 1 minute. Add sun dried tomatoes and tomato paste and cook 1 more minute.
• Stir in the flour until absorbed. Whisk in broth and cream and reduce heat to medium.
• Add the chicken back in, cover and cook until an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.
• Serve over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Chicken: feel free to swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. 

Bacon and onion: you can omit one or both of these, but they add significant flavor to the base of our sauce. 

Herbs and seasonings: feel free to experiment with the herbs you have around the house, and swap in fresh herbs if they’re in season. Kick things up a notch by increasing the red chili flakes if that’s your style.

Flour: flour thickens our sauce. If you need a gluten-free alternative, you can whisk together one tablespoon of corn starch and one tablespoon of broth and stir that into the sauce.

Broth: I always choose low sodium broth. If you are using salted broth, you may want to reduce the added salt and season at the end before serving.

Heavy cream: heavy cream thickens and reduces nicely, adding richness to the sauce. If you use a lighter cream, you can expect a thinner sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 191grams | Calories: 430cal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 844mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 836IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Marry Me Chicken appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Pasta Fagioli is an Italian soup that always satisfies! It’s a pasta and bean soup that’s bursting with savory flavor from pancetta, garlic, tomato paste, parmesan and more. You can call it pasta fazool if you want – I just call it delicious!

Stir up more of the best soup recipes like White Bean Soup with Bacon, Italian Meatball Soup and Sausage Orzo Soup.

I’m such a sucker for a good bowl of Pasta e Fagioli. It’s smoky, cheesy, hearty… It’s really got so much to offer in every spoonful!

While there is a pretty lengthy list of ingredients that go into this classic Italian soup, have no fear. It’s still incredibly easy to make and everything listed is inexpensive.

Plus, you can change things up in this soup as you see fit! This versatile soup varies all over Italy as well as New York depending on where you buy it, so you can easily add or take away ingredients as needed.

Why we love it:

• One pot: This pasta fagioli recipe is made in just one pot! That means it’s easy to make and clean up is a breeze.
• Hearty: With bacon (or pancetta), white beans and pasta, this soup is sure to fill you up.
• Veggies: Pasta fazool might just be the recipe you need to sneak some veggies into your little one’s tummy! Carrots, celery, tomatoes and spinach create a great medley of fresh flavors and offer some nutrients to the soup.

Pasta Fagioli Ingredients:

• Vegetables – You’ll need fresh spinach, sliced carrots, sliced celery and a can of diced tomatoes for this pasta e fagioli recipe. Feel free to change these up a little as needed!
• Beans – White kidney beans are my bean of choice. Be sure to thoroughly drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.
• Pancetta – is traditionally used but bacon is a great swap too! We often use bacon because it’s less expensive and easily available.
• Chicken Broth – Use low-sodium broth if possible! There’s already salty meat in the mix, and you can always sprinkle in as much salt at the end if you’d like.
• Garlic – Measure with your heart, garlic lovers!
• Parmesan – You’ll want to use a block of parmesan for this recipe. Freshly grated parm is always preferred, plus you get to use that rind for even more flavor.
• Tomato Paste – This does a fantastic job at creating the best rich tomato flavor.
• Pasta – Use a small pasta like ditalini.
• Salt and Pepper – Adjust to taste!
• Italian Seasoning – This really solidifies that classic herbaceous Italian flavor we all know and love.

How to make Pasta Fagioli

Check out how quick and easy it is to make pasta fazool! Scroll to the bottom of this page for more detail information.

• Cook the pancetta or bacon (keep the fat! We’ll use that to cook our vegetables).
• Stir in the onions, carrots and celery.

• Stir in the seasonings, garlic and tomato paste.
• Pour in the broth. Then, add the diced tomatoes, beans, bay leaf and parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer before reducing the heat, covering, and cooking for 10 minutes.

• Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente.
• Finish it off with spinach and freshly grated parmesan.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use your favorite pasta. Ditalini is the most common pasta to use in pasta fazool. However, you can really use any small pasta you prefer. Orzo would work perfectly as well!
• Swap the greens. Not a spinach fan? Replace it with chopped kale.
• Use the white beans of your choice. Cannellini beans or great northern beans both work well. Just make sure that no matter what, they’re drained and rinsed well.
• Add some spice. If you’d like to heat things up a bit, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.

How to Store Pasta Fagioli

Pasta e fagioli will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.

If you prefer your pasta perfectly al dente, you may want to cook it separately in a pot of boiling, salted water and just add some to every bowl when serving. This way it does not become bloated when it is stored.

Can I freeze pasta fagioli?

Yes! Let the soup fully cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a zip-top storage bag. Lay it flat on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour so it’s nice and flat. This makes it easier to store in your freezer! Date, label, and keep frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to slowly thaw in the fridge prior to reheating.

Again, for perfectly al dente pasta, cook it separately and do not freeze it with the soup.

What to serve with Pasta e Fagioli:

Bread with soup is a must have over here! We love to serve this Pasta Fagioli with Homemade Breadsticks, No Knead Artisan Bread, or Mom’s Homemade Buns slathered in Garlic Butter (speaking of Garlic Butter, this Garlic Bread is another solid option!).

More Soup Recipes To Try…

Cozy up with more of my favorite filling soups that require no side dishes! Here are just a few recipes that my family can’t get enough of:

• Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana — with the perfect amount of spice!
• Sausage Tortellini Soup — soup that eats like a meal.
• Italian Wedding Soup — those homemade meatballs are everything!
• Chicken Wild Rice Soup — creamy and satisfying.

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EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)

Pasta Fagioli is an Italian soup that always satisfies! It's a pasta and bean soup that's bursting with savory flavor from pancetta, garlic, tomato paste, parmesan and more. You can call it pasta fazool if you want – I just call it delicious!

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Low Calorie

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 470cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oilive oil
• 100 grams pancetta, chopped (or about 4 slices thick cut bacon)
• 3 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 2 ribs celery (finely diced)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth (vegetable for vegetarian)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz or 398 ml) or crushed
• 2 cans white kidney beans (19 oz or 540 ml) drained and rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 parm rind
• 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta (uncooked) about 130 grams
• 2 cups freshly chopped spinach or kale
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat and add chopped bacon or pancetta. Cook until lightly browned.
• Add carrots, celery and onion and cook until translucent.
• Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook 1-2 minutes.
• Add broth, diced tomatoes, beans, bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender.
• Stir in uncooked pasta, cover and cook until al dente.
• Just before serving, stir in spinach and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Pancetta or Bacon: either works well, and you can omit for a meatless version of this soup.
• Vegetables: There are lots and lots of variations of Pasta e Fagioli, which means that you can make your own rules and no one can tell you it’s wrong! Feel free to add in extra vegetables that you need to get out of the fridge, or ones your guests enjoy. 
• Broth: I always start with low sodium or no salt added broth so that I can control how salty the soup is in the end.
• Pasta: we love ditalini in soup, but any small pasta shape will do. If you are going to be serving it later, you may want to cook the pasta to al dente in a pot of boiling water and just add when serving. This way it won’t get mushy if it sits in the fridge too long.
• Tomatoes: use diced or crushed, or you can swap this for tomato sauce for a thicker soup.
• Beans: I prefer white beans but any kind of beans, even black or red kidney beans will work just as well in here.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 457grams | Calories: 470cal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 1233mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 6275IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 5mg

The post Pasta Fagioli (Pasta Fazool) appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins are the ultimate game day appetizer! Russet potatoes are loaded with alfredo sauce, chicken, bacon, shredded cheese and a sprinkling of green onions. They’re addictive – serve them on SuperBowl Sunday and watch them disappear!

Enjoy more of the best party foods like Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer and veggies with Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce.

I know that sometimes it’s good to try to add some variety into your diet, but man, there is nothing like meat and potatoes. Or meat and cheese on potatoes. With Alfredo sauce!

While these loaded potato skins are technically a party appetizer… I’ve totally made a meal of them more than once. They’re just too good to confine to parties! Luckily, they’re so easy to make that I can whip them up with ease whenever the craving strikes (especially if I’ve got leftover Instant Pot Shredded Chicken!).

Why we love it:

• Kid Friendly: There’s just something plain fun about potato skins topped with cheese and bacon! Kids gobble these things up like crazy.
• Game Day: Nothing says game day like loaded potato skins, right? While we love finger food for dinner any night of the week, there’s just something special about game day food.
• Versatile: You can change so many ingredients in this recipe and still have great results. Scroll down to check out some of my favorite variations to try.
• Prep ahead: most of the components can be made several days in advance so they are easy to throw together! You can cook the chicken, the bacon, the potatoes, make the sauce and shred the cheese up to 3 days in advance!

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

• Potatoes – I like to use small russet potatoes. There’s no mess and you get all of that incredible flavor in your mouth at once — there are no toppings sliding off and depriving you of the cheese or bacon.
• Cheese – Use any cheese you like best! Mozzarella, cheddar, or whatever else floats your boat.
• Chicken – I like to use a cooked, chopped up baked chicken breast or Pan Fried Chicken Breasts. Feel free to use thigh meat if preferred.
• Bacon – Crispy cooked bacon is my favorite part of this whole recipe (and this Air Fryer Bacon is the crispiest!). Make sure it’s patted dry and not greasy when you use it.
• Green Onions – Chives also work well.
• Heavy Cream – You just can’t make alfredo sauce without it!
• Parmesan Cheese – For the best flavor and consistency, use freshly grated parmesan in your sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic will create the very best flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used instead.
• Butter – Unsalted is preferred. If you do use salted butter, you may want to skip adding any more salt to your sauce.
• Flour – This is used to thicken the alfredo sauce.
• Seasonings – A simple sprinkle of salt and Italian seasoning is all you need.

How to make Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Here’s a quick look at how to make your new favorite appetizer recipe! Keep scrolling down to the bottom of this page for more detailed info about ingredients and steps.

• Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Whisk in the garlic, seasonings and flour.
• Whisk in the cream and parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and set aside.

• Bake the potatoes and let them cool. Slice them in half and scoop out the middles of each potato.
• Spread a little bit of alfredo sauce in each potato.

• Add the chicken and bacon on top of the alfredo sauce.
• Sprinkle with cheese and bake!

Variations and Substitutions

• Change the bacon. Feel free to cook up some turkey bacon or even use bacon bits from the grocery store to save some time. Personally, I like to cook bacon in the oven.
• Add some spice. If you like your snacks on the spicier side, serve these potato skins with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top!
• You can use store-bought alfredo. No time to make your own homemade sauce? Not a problem! Your favorite store-bought jar of sauce should get the job done just fine.
• Swap the potatoes. This recipe will work with just about any potato you like best. I like russets because of how crispy the skin gets. No matter what potato you choose to use, I recommend picking some on the smaller side.

How to store Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Once they’ve cooled off, you can transfer the potato skins to an airtight container and keep them stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. I recommend reheating in the air fryer or back in the oven so the skins stay crispy.

Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins?

Yes! Let them fully cool to room temperature before transferring the loaded potato skins to an airtight freezer-safe container. Properly stored, they should freeze nicely for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to date and label! Let them defrost in the fridge before reheating in the oven or air fryer.

Note: the texture of the potato won’t be quite the same after freezing — if this is a problem, it’s best to make these fresh!

Serving suggestions:

Serve these bacon and cheese potato skins at your next party! They’re great for game days, birthday parties and everything in between.

We love to serve them with other appetizers for a finger food dinner. Check out some of our favorites!

• Baked Brie Bites
• Jalapeno Poppers
• Pigs in a Blanket
• Ham and Cheese Sliders

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Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins are the ultimate game day appetizer! Russet potatoes are loaded with alfredo sauce, chicken, bacon, shredded cheese and a sprinkling of green onions. They're addictive – serve them at a party and watch them disappear!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 16 potato skins

Calories 86cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 8 small russet potatoe (washed and dried)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• salt

Alfredo Sauce (or use store bought)

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Toppings

• 1 cup chopped, cooked chicken (about 1 breast)
• 2 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozza or marble)
• green onion for garnish

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Line a baking sheet with tin foil or parchment and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Rub potatoes with oil and salt and place on baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool for 10-15 minutes.
• Slice open potatoes carefully using a serrated knife (so the skin doesn’t peel off). Using a small spoon, scoop out the middle of each potato half, leaving the outside of the potato intact (you shouldn’t see the potato skin on the inside).
• Place back on the baking sheet.

Alfredo Sauce

• Meanwhile, make the Alfredo sauce.
• Heat butter in a medium skillet. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute.
• Add flour and stir until combined. Whisk in half and half and cook slightly until thickened.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon Parmesan and remove from heat.

Potato Skins

• Spread a small amount of sauce in each potato half.
• Sprinkle with chopped chicken, chopped bacon, shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon Parmesan.
• Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until hot and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chopped green onion. Serve.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Potatoes: you can use any kind of potato you like for these, but I love using russets because the thick skin gets ultra crispy!

Sauce: feel free to swap the homemade sauce for a store bought jar to save yourself some time.

Toppings: You can add to or omit any of the toppings as you like — feel free to experiment!

Nutrition

Calories: 86cal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The post Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

These Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern-inspired dish made in just one pot! Tender and juicy pork chops are seared until browned, then simmered in a rich and flavorful bacon gravy.

Got more pork chops? Try these incredibly juicy Baked Pork Chops, these quick-cooking Air Fryer Pork Chops or these Glazed Crock Pot Pork Chops.

Pork chops get a bad rep, but after perfecting these Baked Pork Chops I was inspired to make some more!

I’ve got a few tips up my sleeve to make sure you have the juiciest pork chops ever 😉

Pork has a tendency to dry out quickly, but both my baked pork chops and these rich and flavorful Smothered Pork Chops stay so moist and juicy, they have converted our family of so-we-thought pork chop critics.

In this recipe, the pork is seared first to lock in the moisture, then it is simmered in a rich and creamy gravy to add tons of flavor and moisture and make it so delectably tender.

Oh, and it’s all made in just one pot! And we all know I love One Pot Meals

Ingredients Needed:

• Pork Chops: use thick-cut, boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook and I haven’t yet tested this recipe with them. If your pork chops are cut thinner they will dry out more quickly.
• Flour: coating the pork chops in flour absorbs moisture and creates that perfect sear.
• Seasonings: we’re mixing the flour with a blend of seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. It’s the perfect way to add tons of flavor to the pork chops.
• Bacon: diced thick cut bacon adds delicious saltiness and texture to the gravy.
• Onion: diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and even more texture.
• Butter: mixed with the flour and seasoning mixture to form a roux which helps to thicken the gravy. Use this only if your bacon did not create enough fat to absorb the flour.
• Chicken Broth and Heavy Whipping Cream: creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful base for our gravy. Be sure to use low sodium broth, or your sauce may be too salty.

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

These Smothered Pork Chops are ready in under 30 minutes! More detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

1. Dredge the pork: In a bowl, mix together flour and seasonings. Coat the pork in the flour mixture.
2. Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet, then add in the pork. Cook until golden, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Cook the bacon and onion: To the same pan, add bacon and cook until crispy. Add butter, let that melt, then add in onion and cook until soft.
4. Make the sauce: To the same pan, stir in the flour mixture. Cook and stir until no white remains, then add chicken broth and cream. Place the pork chops back into the sauce and simmer until the sauce is thickened and the pork is cooked through.

Smothered Pork Chops FAQs

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?

Smother them! Seriously. Smothering (like braising) is a cooking technique in which you cook food in a liquid over low heat. Smothering pork chops is such a great way to make sure they’re incredibly moist and tender.

Why are my Smothered Pork Chops tough?

If your pork chops are tough, then they’re likely overcooked. I recommend keeping a close eye on them when they’re simmering to make sure that this doesn’t happen. They will likely only need 4-5 minutes to cook all the way through. As soon as the internal temperature reaches 145ºF, remove the pork from the heat.

How to store leftover Smothered Pork Chops:

Leftover Smothered Pork Chops will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on low on the stove until everything is heated through.

Tips and Notes for Pan Fried Pork Chops

• Use thick-cut pork chops. Aim for chops that are about 3/4-1″ thick. These cook at just the right rate!
• Bring the pork to room temp. I recommend setting the pork out on the counter roughly 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Check the temp. Use a meat thermometer to double check the internal temperature of the pork before serving. It should be 145ºF.

Serving Suggestions

These Smothered Pork Chops can be paired with so many different side dishes! I love to serve them alongside Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Bacon, a pile of rice, a slice of cornbread, or Homemade Dinner Rolls.

For more ideas, check out my 25 Easy Sides for Pork Chops!

More Pork Chop Recipes to Try

Dinner

Baked Pork Chops

Dinner

Instant Pot Pork Chops with Gravy

Dinner

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Dinner

Glazed Crock Pot Pork Chops

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Juicy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

These Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern dish made in just one pot! Tender and juicy pork chops are seared until browned, then simmered in a rich and flavorful bacon gravy.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 375cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick cut boneless pork chops (aim for ¾-1" thick), room temperature
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 1½ tablespoons seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 slices thick cut bacon (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon salted butter (optional)
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Place pork chops on the counter to come to room temperature.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and pepper.
• Dredge pork chops in flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Reserve remaining flour mixture. Place in the preheated pan and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Once browned, remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
• In the same pan, cook bacon until crispy. Add butter and allow to melt.
• Stir in onion and cook until softened.
• Stir in 2 tablespoons of the reserved flour mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, until no white remains. Add additional butter if needed.
• Add chicken broth and cream and stir until combined.
• Add the pork chops back to the pan and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F — be careful not to overcook! — about 4-5 minutes.
• Serve.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Pork Chops: use thick-cut, boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook and I haven’t yet tested this recipe with them. If your pork chops are cut thinner they will dry out more quickly.
• Flour: coating the pork chops in flour absorbs moisture and creates that perfect sear. You can also use corn starch.
• Bacon: diced thick cut bacon adds delicious smokiness and texture to the gravy. You can leave it out if you prefer.
• Butter: mixed with the flour and seasoning mixture to form a roux which helps to thicken the gravy. Use this only if your bacon did not create enough fat to absorb the flour.
• Chicken Broth and Heavy Whipping Cream: creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful base for our gravy. Be sure to use low sodium broth, or your sauce may be too salty.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 375cal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 2833mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Crustless Quiche is made with eggs, cream, fresh spinach, crispy bacon, and green onions. It’s loaded with flavor, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or breakfast! You won’t even miss the crust 😉

If you love eggs for breakfast, you might also like these Mini Quiche recipe, this Easy Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Quiche, or this Breakfast Pizza!

If you know me, you’ll know that breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, whether we’re serving it at breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Crustless Quiche is an easy meal that is just as perfect for a weeknight breakfast as it is for an easy dinner.

This easy quiche recipe is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to include your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies. 

It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, it’s low carb, and it’s freezer friendly too!

This recipe is all of my favorite things in one healthy package.

For more delicious healthy breakfast recipes, check out Our Favorite Breakfast Burritos, my Healthy Strawberry Smoothie recipe, and these Whole Wheat Pancakes!

Ingredients Needed:

• Eggs: use fresh, large eggs for the base of this quiche.
• Half and half: adds a creamy richness to the eggs, making a custard-like texture for the dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: salt enhances the flavors of all other ingredients, while freshly ground black pepper is preferable for its robust taste to add a slight heat and depth of flavor to the quiche.
• Spinach: It brings a fresh and slightly earthy taste, along with a lovely color. Frozen spinach, thoroughly drained of excess moisture, can be a convenient substitute.
• Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, gruyere, or even a bit of feta for a different flavor profile.
• Bacon: adds a smoky, savory depth. For a lighter option, turkey bacon or even Canadian bacon can be used.
• Green Onions: to add a slightly sweet but tangy pop of flavor. Spring onions or chives could also work well as substitutes.

How To Make Crustless Quiche

This recipe is so easy to make, with only 5 minutes of prep time! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

• Make egg mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Add other ingredients: Stir in spinach, cheese, bacon, and green onion.
• Pour mixture into pan: Pour into the prepared pie plate.
• Store or bake and serve: Store the quiche for later, or bake it until set, then slice and serve.

How To Make Crustless Mini Quiche

You can use this recipe to make Crustless Mini Quiche by greasing a muffin pan and dividing the egg mixture between the cups.

You will bake at the same temperature but reduce the cook time to 20-25 minutes.

Check out my Mini Quiche Recipe to see how to make them with a crust as well!

How do I store Crustless Quiche?

Leftover quiche will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days after being freshly made. Once it has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container, or wrap it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Can I freeze Crustless Quiche?

Quiche always freezes well! Simply wrap tightly or place individual slices in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or a 350-degree F oven.

Tips and Notes

• Make it ahead. Pouring the quiche mixture into your greased pan and refrigerate the unbaked quiche, ready to bake the next day. I rarely do this, though, because the leftovers are just as good as they are fresh! Cooked eggs will reheat perfectly, so leftovers make a great weeknight breakfast. You can also cook and freeze this Crustless Quiche to enjoy at a later date. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350-degree oven until warmed, or slice and microwave individual pieces.
• Fresh ingredients. Be sure to use the freshest ingredients possible, and especially make sure your eggs are fresh for the best end result in texture and flavor!

Crustless Quiche Variations

• Make it dairy-free. Swap the milk for non-dairy milk and cheese (or simply omit the cheese).
• Make it vegetarian. Skip the bacon and add in extra veggies if you desire.
• Swap the meat. Instead of bacon, try cooked turkey bacon, breakfast sausage, diced ham, or whatever you have in the fridge.
• Swap the veggies. Try sauteed mushrooms, red onion, cherry tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, or whatever you’ve got lying around!
• Swap the cheese. Use Swiss cheese, gruyere, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses to add a new flavor profile. Goat cheese or feta can also be great for a tangier taste. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or Jalapeno Monterey Jack for a flavorful twist!
• Make Crustless Quiche Lorraine. Check out my traditional Quiche Lorraine recipe to use the quiche filling with this recipe to make a crustless version.
• Make Crustless Ham Quiche. Use my Easy Ham Quiche Recipe with this recipe to make a crustless variation.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad is the perfect addition to this healthy crustless quiche recipe, or try my Easy Broccoli Salad for extra nutrients here!

You can also serve your homemade quiche with Breakfast Potatoes or Air Fryer Hashbrown Patties for some tasty carbs to keep you going.

If you’re serving the quiche for breakfast or brunch, consider accompanying it with this Creamy Fruit Salad recipe for a sweet contrast.

A refreshing drink will always go down a treat too. Check out my 30+ Healthy Smoothie Recipes for some delicious ideas that I know will be a huge hit!

More Easy Savory Breakfast Recipes to Try

Breakfast

Crustless Quiche – 6 ingredients!

Breakfast

Mini Quiche recipe

Quick Breads

Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Breakfast

Breakfast Taco Bites

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Crustless Quiche

Crustless Quiche is made with eggs, cream, fresh spinach, crispy bacon, and green onions. It's loaded with flavor, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or breakfast! You won't even miss the crust.

Course Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8 slices

Calories 155cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• ¾ cup half and half
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3-4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 green onion sliced

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9" pie plate.
• In a large liquid measuring cup or mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper.
• Stir in spinach, cheese, bacon and green onion.
• Pour into prepared pie plate and bake for 35-45 minutes, until set through the centre.
• Slice and serve.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Cream: you can use low-fat milk instead of cream for a lighter quiche, or heavy cream for a richer quiche.
• Add-ins: the vegetables, cheese, meat, and seasonings are all very customizable with this recipe. You can use ham instead of bacon or make it meatless. You can add sauteed peppers and mushrooms instead of spinach. You can choose any cheese you like! Feel free to get creative. 

Make Ahead & Storage:

• Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge! You can refrigerate for up to 5 days, and slices of this quiche make a great breakfast sandwich filling. You can reheat in the microwave or cover and reheat at 300 degrees F in the oven.
• Store: Leftover quiche will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days after being freshly made. Store it in an airtight container, or wrap it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
• Freezer: Quiche always freezes well! Simply wrap tightly or place slices in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 155cal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 184mg | Sodium: 346mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 768IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Crustless Quiche – 6 ingredients! appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

White Bean Soup with Bacon is a warm and comforting dish that is loaded with vegetables and creamy white beans with the smoky flavor of bacon! It’s easy to make and freezer friendly.

Love hearty soups? Check out this easy Pasta Fazool recipe, this Tuscan White Bean Soup, or this Italian Meatball Soup!

Bacon White Bean Soup is a family favorite of ours, and I know you’ll love it as part of your dinner rotation, too!

White Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food that’s also healthy. It’ll bring warmth to any dinner table, but we especially love it in cold weather with a side of Mom’s Homemade Buns.

Like most soups, this easy recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add in seasonal veggies or use your favorite hard cheeses to make it your own. I’ve also included tips for making it vegetarian down in the recipe card!

It’s a quick, protein-loaded dinner option, and the leftovers store well, ensuring you have a tasty meal ready whenever you need it.

For more hearty soup recipes, check out my One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Soup Recipe, Quick Chicken Bacon Rice Soup, and this Instant Pot Potato Soup Recipe!

Below I’ll show you everything you need to whip up this cozy soup!

Ingredients Needed:

• Bacon: The ingredient that brings the much-loved smoky flavor to the soup.
• Vegetables: A classic combination of onion, carrot, and celery makes a perfect savory, hearty base for this delicious soup, with essential nutrients too.
• Seasoning: fresh garlic is the best choice for an aromatic infusion, along with dried Italian herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley, with some paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick!
• Broth: low-sodium chicken broth forms the liquid base of the soup, but homemade chicken stock can be used for even more flavor. If your broth already includes salt, you can omit the salt and add to taste before serving.
• White kidney beans: blended white kidney beans add to the creamy texture of the soup. Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or Navy beans can be used as alternatives.
• Half and Half: to give the soup a creamy texture, but heavy cream can be used for a richer consistency.
• Cheese: parmesan cheese will melt to add a salty, nutty flavor to the soup.
• Green leaves: use fresh parsley or spinach leaves for added color and nutrients.

How to Make Bacon White Bean Soup

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Cook bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it and set it aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon fat.

3. Add seasonings: Add the garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook.
4. Mix in broth: Add the broth and deglaze the pot.

5. Blend beans: Rinse and strain the beans, then blend them with the cream.
6. Add remaining ingredients: Add the beans, bacon, and bean puree to the pot, and cook. Stir in parmesan and leaves, and serve.

Bacon White Bean Soup FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Using dry beans. If you’re using dry beans instead of canned, ensure they are cooked before adding them to the soup.
• Bacon fat. We’ll be saving the bacon fat after cooking the bacon. This will add extra flavor to the soup when you sauté the vegetables. If you omitted the bacon or don’t have much fat left over, you can use butter or olive oil instead.
• Adjusting the thickness. If your soup is too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a bit longer, or use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down some of the veggies.

Bacon White Bean Soup Variations

• Use other kinds of bacon: Turkey bacon can be used as a leaner option while still providing a smoky flavor. You can also omit the bacon for a meatless version.
• Make it vegetarian: Choose vegetable broth, omit the cream and choose a vegetarian cheese.
• Choose a lighter cream: Heavy cream will give a richer texture, but you can use whole milk for a lighter version if you prefer.
• Use another cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of hard, aged cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
• Additional vegetables: Adding kale, spinach, or other leafy greens can boost nutrients and add different textures to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best ways to enjoy this soup is with a side of crusty bread, like my No Knead Artisan Bread. It adds a delightful texture contrast and is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Homemade Breadsticks or these Buttery (Whole Wheat) Bread Machine Rolls are also great choices for soaking up soupy goodness!

A light, fresh salad like Easy Broccoli Salad would make a great accompaniment to this rich, creamy soup, balancing the meal and adding a variety of textures and flavors.

More Comforting Soup Recipes To Try

Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Dinner

Pasta Fagioli (Pasta Fazool)

Dinner

Easy Taco Soup recipe

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White Bean Soup with Bacon

White Bean Soup with Bacon is a warm and comforting dish that is loaded with vegetables and creamy white beans with the smoky flavor of bacon! It's easy to make and freezer friendly.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 5 servings

Calories 491cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick cut) chopped
• 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 ribs celery (sliced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cans white kidney beans (540 ml or 19 oz each)
• ¾ cup half and half
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• fresh chopped parsley or spinach (optional)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot, but leave the fat in the pot.
• Add carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and cook over medium-high heat until the onion is softened and beginning to brown, about 4-5 minutes. (if there’s still a lot of excess fat after this point, you can dab some up with a paper towel if you prefer.)
• Add the garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute.
• Add broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any stuck-on bits.
• Place the beans in a fine mesh sieve and rinse well. Place ¾ cup of beans in the blender with cream and blend until smooth.
• Add the beans, bacon, and bean puree to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10–15 minutes.
• Stir in parmesan and optional parsley or spinach as desired. Taste and serve.
• *Optional: if you prefer a thicker soup, you can dissolve 1 tablespoon of corn starch in 2 tablespoons of cream or water and add it to the soup while it is simmering.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Bacon: you can skip the bacon for a vegetarian soup option (with vegetarian cheese and vegetable broth), but I recommend it if you can have it because it adds loads of flavor! Italian sausage would also be great here.
• Carrots, celery, and onion: a mirepoix is the most traditional flavor base for a soup, and I don’t recommend skipping any of these ingredients unless absolutely necessary.
• Herbs and spices: yes, there are a lot. Beans don’t add a lot of flavor so I wanted a soup that is full of flavor. This is the one! If you need to adjust some, feel free. This soup has a little kick — if you can’t handle spice you can omit the red pepper flakes. 
• Broth: I always start with low-sodium broth and adjust as needed. If you’re starting with salted broth, you may want to reduce the salt and adjust as needed.
• Pureeing the beans: you don’t need to puree the beans, but I like to do so because it makes the soup thick and creamy. If you don’t have a blender, you can achieve a similar effect by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the cream before adding it to the soup.

To create a thicker soup: Another way to thicken the soup is by adding 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the vegetables after the spices have been added. Then simply continue with the recipe.

Storage

• Store: Store any leftover Bacon White Bean Soup once it has fully cooled in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Simmer on the stovetop or reheat in the microwave to enjoy it again.
• Freeze: ​This recipe freezes so well! Store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 1 month. Put portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave until piping hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 466grams | Calories: 491cal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 848mg | Potassium: 1167mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 6684IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 5mg

The post White Bean Soup with Bacon appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes are made with butter, milk, and tangy sour cream and flavored with garlic, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions to make the perfect Thanksgiving side dish!

There is just something about a plate full of creamy mashed potatoes at a holiday dinner (okay, at any dinner). They are delicious on their own, topped with gravy, or mixed in with your veggies or turkey.

These loaded mashed potatoes are extra special and need no other accompaniments. They will take your mashed potato side dish to the next level, and they’re perfect for any occasion!

Perfect for your holiday dinner table, but they’re easy and quick enough to make, you can serve them with a Sunday roast dinner or a weeknight meal.

If you’re a potato lover like myself, check out these Garlic Herb Instant Pot Potatoes, Roasted Red Potatoes, Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe, 

Try my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes to make the potato base, if you need to keep your stovetop free for other dishes, and load them up once they’re done!

Ingredients Needed:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes will yield a lighter, fluffier mash, and Yukon Gold potatoes will give a denser, more rich texture. Choose whichever you prefer!
• Seasonings: we’re using salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder to add flavor here.
• Bacon: choose your favorite kind of bacon for this recipe. If you’re using thin or regular cut bacon, you may want to use more than 4 slices.
• Milk: I use whole milk to add moisture and creaminess. You could also use half-and-half.
• Sour Cream: adds a bit of tanginess and helps achieve that creamy texture.
• Butter: salted butter enhances the richness of the taste and texture.
• Cheese: I love using cheddar cheese for its sharpness, but you can use your favorite kind.
• Onions: chopped fresh green onions will add a burst of flavor to these potatoes.

How to Make the Best Loaded Mashed Potatoes

This recipe is quick and easy to make! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes, then boil them in a large pot with water and salt until tender.
2. Cook bacon: While the potatoes are boiling, chop the bacon and cook it until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan and reserve the fat.

3. Add dairy ingredients: Add the half and half, sour cream, butter, and garlic powder to the potatoes.
4. Mash potatoes: Drain the potatoes and mash them until creamy and smooth, with no lumps.

5. Load the potatoes: Add in the crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions.
6. Stir, garnish, and serve: Stir in the bacon, cheese, and green onions, then garnish with extra flavorings before serving.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Add-ins. You can add almost anything to your loaded mashed potatoes to make it an even more filling side dish, or to pair it well with your main dish. Try adding some sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, chopped roasted peppers, or even ham chunks instead of bacon!
• Start with cold water. Starting the potatoes in cold water ensures they cook evenly.
• Don’t over-cook. Overdone potatoes can become dry and gluey. The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a knife.
• Potato masher. A potato masher will work well to mash your potatoes. If you want them to be extra creamy, you can use a hand mixer to whip them before loading them up.

Loaded Mashed Potato Recipe Variations

• Use other cheeses. Any kind of melty cheese will work well here. You could try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella cheese for a different flavor.
• Use salted butter. I use salted butter, but if you only have unsalted butter on hand, then add a dash of salt to the potato mixture.
• Fresh garlic. You can use minced garlic cloves if you prefer for this recipe, but I find that garlic powder packs a bit more of a punchy flavor.
• Garnishes. Chopped fresh chives, chopped cilantro, and scallions can be used instead of fresh green onions if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

These Mashed Potatoes are perfect for holidays or special occasions next to Roasted Green Beans, Homemade Creamed Corn, Honey Glazed Carrots, my Homemade Stuffing Recipe, or any of your favorite holiday side dishes!

They’re also easy enough to make for a normal weeknight meal! Try them with my Baked Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Meatloaf, or these Instant Pot Pork Chops with Gravy.

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Try

Dinner

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe

Appetizers

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Side Dishes

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Side Dishes

Crockpot Stuffing

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Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Mashed Potatoes are made with yummy butter, smooth milk, and tangy sour cream, flavored with aromatic garlic, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions to make the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving table!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 386cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 slices thick cut bacon
• ½ cup half and half or whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup salted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions (chopped)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Peel potatoes and cut into ½” – ¾” cubes. Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with cold water just to cover. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10–13 minutes (they should easily be pierced with a sharp knife).
• Meanwhile, chop the bacon and cook it in a medium skillet until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and reserve the fat.
• Drain potatoes and, mash with half and half, sour cream, butter, and garlic powder. Add additional milk or sour cream if needed to achieve a smooth texture. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
• Stir in crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions before serving.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Potatoes: russet potatoes are commonly chosen for mashed potatoes because they become super fluffy, but any potato will work here. If you choose a potato (i.e., red potatoes or Yukon Golds) with smooth skin, you can even boil and mash the potatoes with the skins on.
• Half and Half: I like to use half and half or whole milk over heavy cream because I find heavier cream makes the potatoes too thick. Feel free to adjust the amount of cream added to suit your preferences.
• Sour cream: sour cream gives a nice tangy flavor to these mashed potatoes. Feel free to choose any percentage and adjust it as needed to suit your tastes.
• Cheese: I’ve used cheddar cheese, but you can use any cheese you like! I recommend shredding your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese will not melt as well.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Make Ahead: You can make these potatoes in advance and spread into a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. To heat, simply bake (covered) at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Store: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on low on the stove with a splash of milk to thin.

Nutrition

Calories: 386cal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 749mg | Potassium: 757mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 516IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Loaded Mashed Potatoes appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Cranberry Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer has the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, with cream cheese, smoky bacon, caramelized onions, tart cranberries, balsamic vinegar and a bit of coffee to balance all the flavors. The perfect holiday appetizer!

This Cranberry Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer is easy to make but has such an impressive presentation.

It’s the perfect appetizer for your holiday spread or even for a fancy dinner party!

Made by topping a large block of cream cheese with a delicious bacon and cranberry mixture that’s so addictive, it’s such a delicious combination.

This is one of my favorite easy appetizer recipes, it takes just 20 minutes to make, and can be served with just about anything, from crackers to veggies!

If you love cream cheese appetizers, try my cream cheese balls for something a bit different! This classic Cheese Ball recipe is a great savory appetizer for a crowd during the holiday season, while my Snickers Cheese Ball is a great option for dessert.

Ingredients Needed:

• Bacon: use your favorite kind of bacon for this recipe. I usually use thick cut!
• Onion and Garlic: use freshly minced garlic and fresh onion for a great savory flavor base for the topping.
• Cranberries: dried cranberries and cranberry juice add sweet and tart flavors as well as a great texture to the topping.
• Seasonings: use salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors, with some red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.
• Brown Sugar: helps caramelize and sweeten the topping.
• Balsamic Vinegar: adds a burst of tangy sweetness to the topping.
• Coffee: use hot or cold coffee, so save some from your morning brew.
• Cornstarch: a little bit of cornstarch will make the topping a bit thicker.
• Cream Cheese: full-fat cream cheese will give you the flavor and texture you want, but use whichever brand you prefer. You can also use light cream cheese.
• Garnish: top with fresh parsley and fresh cranberries as desired. Serve with Ritz crackers or your favorite kind of crackers on the side for dipping!

How to Make Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

This recipe is quick and easy to make. Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Cook bacon: In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon until nicely browned.
2. Remove bacon: Remove the bacon from the pan, putting it into a bowl lined with a paper towel to drain.

3. Sauté: Sauté the onion in the bacon fat and add the garlic.
4. Add remaining ingredients: Add the bacon back to the pan with dried cranberries, cranberry juice, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, coffee, and red pepper flakes. Cook together, stirring often, until thickened slightly. Then, set it aside to cool to room temperature.

5. Thicken: Whisk together some cranberry juice and cornstarch, then stir it into the sauce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble appetizer: Place the cream cheese block on a serving platter, then spread the cooled cranberry bacon mixture over the top of the cream cheese and serve with crackers.

Bacon Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Use high-quality cream cheese. As it’s the base of the dip, you’ll want to make sure you use good-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
• Blend it into a dip. You can serve this appetizer as I have, as a block with a topping, or you can blend it together to make a flavorful cream cheese dip that is great for serving with crackers, veggie sticks, or even tortilla chips! Simply stir the cream cheese in a large bowl to break it down, adding some milk if needed to thin it out, and mix in the bacon cranberry topping.
• For a lighter texture, you can whip the cream cheese with some cream or a bit of sour cream, or purchase a tub of plain whipped cream cheese. Spread it onto a serving plate and top with the bacon jam.

Cranberry Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer Variations

• Cranberry sauce. I love serving this cream cheese appetizer with fresh cranberries on the side for an extra burst of color, but fresh cranberry sauce will work well too!
• ​Adding spice. The red pepper flakes add a bit of spice to this appetizer, but you can add some chopped jalapeño chile or hot sauce to add even more spice if you want.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this amazing appetizer as the center of your Christmas Day starter, or serve it with some of my other appetizers at a Christmas party.

These Jalapeno Poppers, Pigs in Blankets, and Mozzarella Sticks are also great options alongside this dip or simply make some veggie sticks for a healthier dipping option.

Try some of my Homemade Breadsticks or my No Knead Artisan Bread for dipping instead of crackers if you prefer something a bit heartier!

More Holiday Appetizers to Try

Appetizers

Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer

Appetizers

Baked Brie Bites

Appetizers

Cheese Ball recipe

Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer

This Cranberry Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer has the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, with yummy cream cheese, smoky bacon, sweet and tart cranberries, with some balsamic vinegar and coffee in the mix for extra flavor! 

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 119cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

Cranberry Bacon Topping:

• ½ lb bacon (chopped) 7-8 slices
• ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup + 3 tablespoons cranberry juice (divided)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (hot or cold) – optional
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Cream Cheese Appetizer:

• 1 package cream cheese
• fresh parsley and cranberries for garnish as desired
• crackers for serving

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon until nicely browned. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon.
• In bacon fat, cook the onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and cook about a minute until fragrant.
• Add bacon back to the pan along with cranberries, ⅓ cup cranberry juice, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, coffee and red pepper flakes.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 15-20 minutes until thickened slightly — there shouldn't be much excess grease when it is done cooking, so be sure not to cut this cook time too short. If there is a lot of excess, you can dab with a paper towel if desired. Set aside to cool to room temperature or refrigerate.
• Whisk together 3 tablespoons cranberry juice and corn starch. Stir into sauce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cream Cheese Appetizer

• Unwrap cream cheese and place on a serving platter.
• Spread cooled cranberry bacon topping over the top of the cream cheese and serve with crackers. (*Note: you can make ahead and refrigerate up to 1 day).

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

*There are not a lot of substitutions I can offer for this recipe because each change will affect the consistency and flavor of the topping. You don’t want it to become too sticky and hard, or too runny. 

• Coffee: the coffee helps to balance out the flavors and the sweetness. You can omit if you prefer and swap with water.
• Cream cheese: you can easily use light or dairy-free cream cheese instead.

Storage:

• Store: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or so. If you aren’t planning on serving it straight away, store the cream cheese block and the topping seperately. Top the cream cheese and garnish just before serving.
• Freeze: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the cream cheese block, though you can prep the bacon cranberry topping ahead of time and freeze it for up to 1 month. Let it defrost fully, and reheat it to thicken it again if needed. Then, let it cool before adding it to the top of the fresh cream cheese block and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 119cal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The post Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Twice Baked Potatoes have deliciously crispy potato skins on the outside, with soft potato, crispy bacon bits, melty cheese, and fragrant onion in a creamy filling on the inside. Topped with even more cheese, these potatoes are the perfect side dish for your holiday meal!

If you’re a fan of my classic Baked Potato Recipe and my Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins then you’ll love these easy Twice Baked Potatoes!

With a perfectly crisp exterior, these potatoes are filled with our favorite toppings for baked potatoes.

You can change the fillings as you wish, and you can adjust the seasonings to better complement your main dish, too.

They’re the ultimate comfort food for snacking on Game Day, and are a great side dish to just about any meal, including a holiday spread.

Twice-Baked Potatoes are a family favorite for the holidays because they’re easy to prep ahead and bake just before serving.

For more amazing twice-baked potato recipes, check out my Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes, Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Ham, Mini Twice Baked Potatoes, and my Twice-Baked Potato Pie with BBQ Meatloaf Crust!

Ingredients Needed:

• Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes, but you can use other kinds of potatoes if you prefer. Russet potatoes get a super crispy skin that we love!
• Oil: use canola oil or olive oil to coat the potatoes before they bake.
• Seasoning: use a combination of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to add flavor to these potatoes.
• Bacon: we prefer thick-cut bacon but any kind of bacon works great here!
• Cheese: I love using cheddar cheese for these potatoes. You can use Mozzarella cheese, Colby cheese, Swiss cheese, or even a Mexican cheese mix for a different flavor.
• Sour Cream Adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the potato filling and helps bind the other ingredients together.
• Milk: Full-fat milk will give you the best flavor here. You can use any kind of milk to thin out the filling to make it creamy and easy to mash.
• Onion: freshly sliced onion packs a powerful savory flavor into the filling.

How to Make the Best Twice Baked Potatoes

This recipe is super easy to make on the day, or you can prep it in advance! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare and bake potatoes: Rub each potato with oil and sprinkle with salt. Pierce the center of each potato with a sharp knife and place them on a baking sheet. Bake until tender.
2. Slice potatoes: Allow potatoes to cool, then cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the centers, leaving the skin intact.

3. Combine filling ingredients: Place the potato flesh in a medium bowl, with the cooked bacon, 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, milk, green onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Fill potato skins: Mix the filling together, then taste and adjust seasonings. Then, fill the potato shells with the mashed potato mixture, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake again.

Twice-Baked Potatoes FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Baking sheet. You can use an unlined baking sheet if you wish, or you can line it with parchment paper. A casserole dish will also work just as well.
• Potato masher. Use a potato masher to mash and mix the potato and fillings if you prefer, but I’ve found a fork will work well too, especially if your potato is well-cooked.
• Aluminum foil. If you prefer your potato skins a bit less crispy, you can wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil before baking them the first time. 

Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe Variations

• Add a garnish. Serve your potatoes with freshly chopped green onions on top, or some fresh herbs like cilantro, rosemary, or sage for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spice it up. Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the potato mixture for a bit of a kick to these yummy bites!
• Add some veggies. You can really make these potatoes your own by adding in some veggies like bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or sweet corn.

Serving Suggestions

​We love these twice-baked potatoes on our holiday table, but to make it a complete meal, we add some other delicious side dishes too! 

Try my Green Beans with Bacon, Maple Bacon Baked Beans, Broccoli Casserole, Roasted Carrots, this Homemade Stuffing Recipe, or Cheesy Baked Asparagus.

More Delicious Potato Recipes To Try

Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Appetizers

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Beef

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes

Dinner

Crockpot Zuppa Toscana

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Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes have deliciously crispy potato skins on the outside, with soft potato, crispy bacon bits, melty cheese, and fragrant onion in a creamy filling inside. Topped with even more cheese, these potatoes are the perfect side dish for your holiday meal!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 254cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 4 small-medium russet potatoes
• canola oil
• salt
• 4 slices thick cut bacon
• 1 ¼ cup cheddar cheese (divided)
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 green onion sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and scrub potatoes until clean. Dry with a clean, lint-free towel.
• Rub each potato all over with oil and sprinkle with salt. Pierce the center of each potato with a sharp knife and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until tender.
• Meanwhile, chop and cook the bacon in a medium skillet until crispy. Remove from the pan and allow to drain on a paper towel.
• Remove from the oven (turn the oven off for now), and allow to cool for 10–20 minutes until they are cool enough to handle.
• Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving the skin intact. Repeat until all are done.
• If you are baking immediately, this is a good time to turn the oven back on. You can also prep, cover, and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking.
• Place the potato flesh in a medium bowl. Mash with cooked bacon, 1 cup of cheese, sour cream, milk, green onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as desired before filling the potato shells with the mashed potato mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and golden.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Potatoes: russet potatoes are preferred for baked potatoes because their skin gets ultra crispy while the interior stays fluffy. You can also try with any other type of potato, but results may vary.
• Bacon: you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian option. You can also reserve the bacon fat and mash into the potatoes for a rich and decadent bacon flavor.
• Cheese: you can use any kind of cheese here! Feel free to experiment and don’t be afraid to add more or less according to your tastes.

Prep ahead instructions:

To make ahead, simply prepare up to the point of the second bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking again. 

Storage

• Store: Leftover twice-baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Allow them to cool to room temperature before putting them in the fridge, and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 254cal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 391mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 274IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Twice Baked Potatoes appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Baked Brie Bites recipe includes 4 delicious flavor combinations for an appetizer plate that will wow your guests over the holidays!

Choose from cranberry and brie, tomato and pesto, red pepper jelly with red pepper flakes, or bacon and caramelized onion for a real crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Looking for more appetizer recipes? Try this Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, or these Pizza Sliders!

Baked Brie Bites are a classic appetizer for the holidays, traditionally made with baked brie in puff pastry with cranberry sauce.

This recipe contains such a variety of fillings, though, that they’re great any time of year!

You may know puff pastry appetizer recipes as Cranberry Brie Bites, but here are three more flavor combinations that are amazing alternatives!

We’ve got sweet, spicy, herby, fruity and smoky flavors going on, so there is something for everyone!

These little bites are perfect for your holiday party, game day or any other special occasion.

​If you love these little appetizers, you’ll also love my Potato Salad Bites, Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Turkey Meatballs, and my Easy Mini Quiche Recipe with Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers!

Ingredients Needed:

• Pastry: I used a store-bought sheet of puff pastry. You can use homemade puff pastry if you prefer, but I like to keep these easy!
• Brie: a good-quality wheel of brie will give the best flavor here.
• Sauce: choose from cranberry sauce, pesto, red pepper jelly, or caramelized onions.
• Fillings: depending on which flavor you’re making, you may add chopped pecans, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or thick-cut bacon.
• Salt & Pepper: salt and freshly cracked pepper will enhance the flavors in these puff pastry brie bites.

How to Make Baked Brie Bites

This recipe is quick and easy to make. Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Make pastry squares: Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 12 squares.
2. Make pastry cups: Place one square in each mini muffin cup.

3. Add brie and filling: Cut the brie into 12 cubes and place one cube in each of the squares. Top with other toppings as desired.
4. Bake and cool: Bake then let them cool a bit before serving.

Baked Brie Bites FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Whole nuts. You can leave the pecans whole in the cranberry pecan bites if you prefer.
• Pastry cutter. It’s easiest to cut your pastry with a pastry cutter, but a pizza cutter would work well too. 

Baked Brie Bites Variations

• Phyllo shells. You can use store-bought phyllo shells instead of puff pastry to make these brie bites even quicker, but I think the taste of puff pastry is superior to phyllo shells!
• Try other jams. Apricot jam, sweet fig jam, blackberry jam, cherry preserves, honey, or another kind of jam can be used instead of cranberry sauce. 
• Add herbs. Add more flavor to these bites with some extra herbs on top. Try fresh rosemary or fresh basil on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these little appetizers with some other great recipes for the holidays, like Easy Pigs in a Blanket, Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes, Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini, or this Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer.

You could also try this Cheese Ball recipe for a sharing appetizer centerpiece to impress your guests!

And don’t forget to check out my 35+ Easy Appetizer Recipes for more inspiration.

More Easy Appetizers to Try

Appetizers

Homemade Rotel Dip

Appetizers

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Appetizers

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

Appetizers

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

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Baked Brie Bites

These Baked Brie Bites can be made with cranberry and brie, tomato and pesto, red pepper jelly with red pepper flakes, or bacon and caramelized onion for a real crowd pleaser that everyone will love!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes minutes

Total Time 28 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 147cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed in the fridge) 225 grams
• 125 grams brie (4.5 ounces)

Cranberry Pecan

• a spoonful of cranberry sauce (warmed)
• finely chopped pecans
• a sprinkle of salt and fresh cracked pepper

Pesto Tomato

• a spoonful of pesto sauce (about 1/2-1 teaspoon)
• 1 quartered cherry tomato
• a sprinkle of salt and fresh cracked pepper

Red Pepper Jelly

• a spoonful of red pepper jelly (warmed) about 1/2-1 teaspoon
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – or fresh cracked pepper
• a sprinkle of salt

Bacon and Caramelized Onion

• a spoonful of crispy chopped bacon or bacon bits
• a spoonful of caramelized onions (homemade or store bought)
• a sprinkle of salt and fresh cracked pepper

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a mini muffin pan.
• Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 12 squares.
• Place on square in each mini muffin cup. Cut the brie into 12 cubes and place one cube on each puff pastry square.
• Top with toppings as desired — I have included rough amounts for each cup, so how much you need will depend on your tastes and how many you are making in each flavor. I love making a bunch of flavors to suit everyone's tastes!
• Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden on the edges.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

*Nutrition information does not include toppings, as each will vary considerably.

Flavor varieties:

I have not included exact amounts for the toppings because it will depend on how many you make of each. You only need a small amount of sauce for each bite so if you start with a can or jar, you will easily have enough to go around. 

For every 4 bites, I would roughly aim for:

• ⅛ cup of any sauce or caramelized onions 
• 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts
• 4 cherry tomatoes
• 1 slice of thick-cut bacon
• Make ahead: These baked brie bites can easily be made ahead and frozen. Simply bake according to the recipe instructions, cool completely, and place in an airtight container. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 until heated through.
• Storage: These bites are best served freshly baked, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when covered with plastic wrap or put in an airtight container in a single layer.

Nutrition

Calories: 147cal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

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