Author: Infoodita Admin

  • Candied Bacon

    Candied Bacon

    Once you try candied bacon, you won’t want it any other way. Thick-cut slices of bacon in a caramelized brown sugar coating, topped off with a pinch of black pepper and cayenne – what could be better? It’s a flavor combination you won’t be able to stop thinking about.

    Is there anything better than bacon? I love it in all its forms! If you’re looking for another fun and delicious recipe to make, give this twisted bacon a try! I also have recipes for making the perfect bacon in both the oven and air fryer, you’ll have to try them out!

    Top down view of candied bacon served on a stoneware plate.

    Candied Bacon Recipe

    Just looking at the pictures for this candied bacon makes my mouth water. To be honest, I didn’t think bacon could get any better, but this might just be my favorite way to prepare it. The savory flavor of bacon pairs really well with sweet things! If you’re not quite ready to make the leap to maple bacon donuts, making this easy candied bacon recipe is the perfect first step.

    Candied bacon (also known as million dollar bacon) is truly the perfect combination of salty and sweet. And since we’re using thick-cut slices of bacon here, it’s packed with meaty goodness as well! Candied bacon is super easy to make but will impress everyone with how it tastes. It has all the flavor of a high-end brunch spot but from the comfort of your kitchen! It’s a breakfast game-changer. The caramelized outer layer is absolutely irresistible.

    Ingredients Needed

    Even though candied bacon is referred to as million dollar bacon, the ingredients are actually really affordable! You only need a pack of thick-cut bacon, some brown sugar, and a dash of simple seasonings to put this tasty dish together.

    • Bacon: Bacon cut into thick slices is the way to go here. It will hold up better in the oven instead of shriveling and becoming overcooked.
    • Brown Sugar: Melts down to create a delicious, glossy outer layer with the perfect sweet flavor! Light brown sugar and dark brown sugar both work, it will just change the flavor slightly. If you want a little extra sweetness, you can also mix it with maple syrup.
    • Seasonings: To offset the sweetness a little bit, I added a sprinkle of cracked black pepper and ground cayenne. These are completely optional, add to taste!

    How to Make Candied Bacon

    Let’s make some candied bacon! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It only takes a few simple steps and then it’s off to the oven. Keep in mind that candied bacon can be addictive, so be prepared to make extra batches because it tends to disappear quickly!

    1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray an oven-safe baking rack with pan spray. Set the baking rack on the baking sheet and set aside.
    2. Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with the pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired, and spread out on a plate or in a small baking sheet. Press each slice of bacon into the sugar mixture until one side is thoroughly covered in sugar.
    3. Bake: Lay the sugared bacon slices onto the prepared baking rack and bake for 20-24 minutes, rotating the pan as needed, until the bacon is crisp around the edges.
    4. Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon cook for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a parchment lined plate or baking sheet to finish cooling.
    3-photo collage of bacon slices being coated in brown sugar.

    Tips and Variations

    Candied bacon makes the perfect snack, side, or appetizer! Here are a few ways to customize and perfect your batch.

    • Use Thick-Cut Bacon: As mentioned earlier, thick-cut bacon is preferable for candied bacon because it provides a meatier texture and holds up better to the sweet coating. This way, you won’t end up with brittle, overcooked bacon.
    • Prep Your Bacon: Before applying the sweet coating, make sure the bacon is dry. Pat it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this helps the coating stick better and ensures even cooking.
    • Add More Heat: If you like things spicy, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, hot honey, or hot sauce to your sweet coating mixture. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors will give your bacon a fiery kick. Yum!
    • Top With Herbs: I’m sure it’s pretty clear by now that I love adding fresh herbs as a garnish. It’s the perfect finishing touch! Not only does it add an extra pop of flavor, but amazing aromatics and presentation as well! Try topping your candied bacon with thyme, sage, or rosemary.
    • Monitor the Cooking Process: Keep a close eye on the bacon as it cooks, especially during the last few minutes. The sugar in the coating can quickly go from caramelized to burnt. Adjust the cooking time if needed to achieve the desired level of crispness.

    Cooked bacon on parchment paper.

    Storing Leftovers

    I highly doubt you’ll have any leftovers of this scrumptious bacon, but just in case, here’s how to store it for later!

    • In the Refrigerator: Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat it, pop it in the oven for a few minutes at 350 degrees F. This will help keep the bacon and caramelized coating nice and crispy.

    Closeup of candied bacon.

    Print

    Candied Bacon

    Once you try candied bacon, you won’t want it any other way. Thick-cut slices of bacon in a caramelized brown sugar coating, topped off with a pinch of black pepper and cayenne – what could be better? It’s a flavor combination you won’t be able to stop thinking about.
    Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword candied bacon, candied bacon recipe, how to make candied bacon
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 24 minutes
    Total Time 34 minutes
    Servings 5 servings
    Calories 490kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound thick cut bacon
    • cup brown sugar not packed
    • 2 teaspoons fresh cracked pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray and oven-safe baking rack with pan spray. Set the baking rack on the baking sheet and set aside.
    • Combine the brown sugar with the pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired, and spread out on a plate or in a small baking sheet. Press each slice of bacon into the sugar mixture until one side is thoroughly covered in sugar.
    • Lay the sugared bacon onto the prepared baking rack and bake for 20-24 minutes, rotating the pan as needed, until the bacon is crisp around the edges.
    • Remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon cook for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a parchment lined plate or baking sheet to finish cooling.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 609mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Grilled Sweet Potatoes

    Grilled Sweet Potatoes

    Bursting with flavor and ready in 15 minutes, these grilled sweet potatoes are a must-add to any summer barbecue lineup. Even though they’re cooked to smoky perfection, each slice is nice and tender and coated in a tasty blend of savory seasonings.

    You need grilled veggies to complete any summer barbecue. In addition to these amazing grilled sweet potatoes, you’ll have to try out grilled tomatoes, zucchini, and broccoli! Grilling really brings out the best in fresh veggies. It makes them so tender and flavorful!

    Grilled sweet potato slices served on a black plate.

    The Best Grilled Sweet Potatoes

    Grilled sweet potatoes are incredibly tasty and a must-add to any BBQ lineup. Just imagine biting into tender, slightly charred slices of sweet potato that are bursting with natural sweetness. The combination of the sweet potato’s earthy taste and the smoky notes from the grill creates a mouthwatering treat that will leave you wanting more. For a little extra flavor, I topped them with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. I love how these seasonings balance out their sweetness, but feel free to adjust to taste! Whether you want your grilled sweet potatoes to be more sweet or savory, it’s all up to you.

    These sweet potatoes have become a new staple at my house this grilling season. They’re just so tender and bursting with flavor! If you’re not already convinced, sweet potatoes have fewer carbs than regular potatoes and are packed with fiber for a side dish you can feel great about eating! Not to mention, they just taste amazing and have a natural sweetness that is absolutely irresistible. Serve them on their own or added to kabobs with your other favorite grilled veggies! Either way, I’m sure you’ll love this recipe for grilled sweet potatoes as much as I do.

    Ingredients Needed

    The great thing about this recipe is that you only need a few simple ingredients to create a knockout side dish. Sweet potatoes, a brush of olive oil, and a couple spices is everything you will need! See the recipe card below for the exact measurements that I used.

    • Large Sweet Potatoes: You’ll want these to be washed and peeled before you cut them into slices.
    • Olive Oil: Helps cook each slice to tender perfection and also helps the seasonings stick.
    • Seasonings: I added a sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper for flavor that is savory but also has a hint of warm spice.

    How to Cook Sweet Potatoes on the Grill

    This is the perfect summer side dish that you’ll have ready in 15 minutes! These slices of sweet and savory heaven are great for serving with any hearty meal. For some dinner inspo, check out my full list of grilling recipes here.

    • Heat Grill: Heat your grill up to medium high heat and oil the grates well.
    • Prep Sweet Potatoes: Prepare your sweet potatoes by washing, peeling, and cutting them into about ¼ inch thick disks.
    • Add Seasonings: Toss your sweet potato disks in your olive oil and sprinkle your salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika evenly over them.
    • Grill: Place your oiled and seasoned potatoes onto the heated grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes.
    • Serve: Transfer the grilled potatoes to a plate and serve them while they’re warm!
    3-photo collage of sweet potatoes being cut into slices, seasoned, and put on the grill.

    Tasty Variations

    Here are a few ways to switch up this amazing side dish and make it your own! With how tasty and easy to make these grilled sweet potatoes are, you’re going to want them with every meal.

    • Change the Shape: Instead of disks, try sweet potato wedges! You could also make sweet potato fries as long as they’re thick enough so they don’t fall through the grill grates.
    • Make Them Sweet: Swap out the savory spices for a few tablespoons of brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon! The brown sugar will give them a delicious caramelized outer layer.

    Closeup of grilled sweet potatoes, topped with seasonings and herbs.

    Storing Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes

    If you have leftover sweet potatoes, keep them! They’re great for a quick snack or for adding to salads and meal preps.

    • In the Refrigerator: Store grilled sweet potatoes in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you want to warm them up, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes!

    Picking up a piece with a fork.

    Print

    Grilled Sweet Potatoes

    Bursting with flavor and ready in 15 minutes, these grilled sweet potatoes are a must-add to any summer barbecue lineup. Even though they're cooked to smoky perfection, each slice is nice and tender and coated in a tasty blend of savory seasonings.
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword grilled sweet potatoes, how to grill sweet potatoes
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 244kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 3 large sweet potatoes washed and peeled
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika

    Instructions

    • Heat your grill up to medium high heat and oil the grates well.
    • Prepare your sweet potatoes by washing, peeling, and cutting them into about ¼ inch thick disks.
    • Toss your sweet potato disks in your olive oil and sprinkle your salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika evenly over them.
    • Place your oiled and seasoned potatoes onto the heated grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes.
    • Transfer the grilled potatoes to a plate and serve them while they’re warm!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 676mg | Potassium: 598mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 24296IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg
  • World’s Best Baked Beans

    World’s Best Baked Beans

    These World’s Best Baked Beans will be the last recipe you will ever make! This easy recipe is the perfect side to a potluck and a tried and true family recipe that your family will go crazy over!

    A good side dish really makes a meal, in my opinion. Try out some more of my favorite sides that will complement just about anything! My favorites are these Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts, this delicious Grilled Asparagus and these yummy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls.

    Baked Beans in a white platter with a metal spoon.

    World’s Best Baked Beans

    This recipe is a family tried and true favorite. It’s simple and easy to make, and it’s packed full of flavor. The best part about it is that once it’s cooked, you can put it in a slow cooker to keep it warm, and it’s easy to transport. Because this is made for just about every single occasion in our family, being able to get the food to and from somewhere is a MUST!

    The secret to these baked beans is the bacon. It has a pound of bacon inside of these amazing baked beans and once you add in brown to sweeten it up… You will see why these are the best of the best! They are hearty and rich, and they turn out perfect every single time! Serve these up at a delicious bbq alongside a salad and some grilled chicken and you won’t regret it!

    Ingredients in Baked Beans

    These ingredients are simple and easy for the world’s best baked beans. Once you try this once, you will make sure that you always have these ingredients on hand so that you can make this side dish to go with everything! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient measurements.

    • Bacon: The bacon is the secret ingredient that really makes this recipe stand out.
    • Green Pepper: I like to dice this up nice and small.
    • White Onion: You can also use a yellow onion if that’s what you have.
    • Pork and Beans: This part is so easy. You just open the cans and dump them in!
    • Ketchup: This adds a deeper flavor to the beans.
    • Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a sweet flavor that goes especially well with the bacon.
    • Worcestershire Sauce: This savory and sweet sauce complements the other ingredients perfectly.

    How to Make Easy Baked Beans

    The world’s best baked beans take just over an hour to bake. This is easy because then you can cook them up while you make the main course.

    1. Prep and Cook: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry up the bacon and crumble in pieces. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and discard some grease. Add the green pepper and onion and fry until tender.
    2. Bake: Combine bacon, green pepper, onion, pork and beans, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a 9×13-inch pan. Bake covered for 1 hour.
    Baked beans in a white platter with a metal spoon.

    Can I Cook Baked Beans on the Stove?

    Yes! Add ingredients to a large Dutch oven, cover, and simmer for an hour. Fry up the bacon and crumble it into pieces. Cut up the green pepper and onion and cook in the bacon grease until soft. Combine all ingredients together. Let simmer in the pan on low for at least an hour.

    Close-up of baked beans with a metal spoon.

    How do I Cook Baked Beans in a Slow Cooker?

    Follow all of the steps in the recipe card but instead of combining the ingredients to a 9×13 pan, place them in a slow cooker. Cook them on low for 4-6 hours.

    Baked Beans in a grey bowl with a metal spoon.

    How to Store Leftovers

    Once your world’s best baked beans have cooled, place them in an airtight container. Store the beans in your fridge for 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat them again, you can reheat them on low-medium heat on the stove until they are warmed through.

    Print

    World’s Best Baked Beans

    These World's Best Baked Beans will be the last recipe you will ever make. This easy recipe is the perfect side to a potluck and a tried and true family recipe that your family will go crazy over! 
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword bacon baked beans, baked beans
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 385kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound bacon
    • 1 green pepper, diced
    • 1 white onion, diced
    • 4 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry up the bacon and crumble in pieces. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and discard some grease. Add the green pepper and onion and fry until tender.
    • Combine bacon, green pepper, onion, pork and beans, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a 9×13-inch pan. Bake covered for 1 hour.

    Notes

    Originally posted on July 30, 2018

    Updated on June 14, 2023

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8g | Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 677mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 14.5mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.7mg
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Bacon wrapped asparagus is a smoky and savory side dish that will be a staple for mealtime. Each bundle is glazed with maple syrup for caramelized flavor you won’t be able to get enough of!

    Let’s be honest… everything is better with bacon. For more tasty side dishes try bacon wrapped carrots, dates, or chestnuts!

    Top-down view of bacon wrapped asparagus on a white and brown plate.

    Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon

    I’m so excited to share this popular bacon wrapped asparagus dish, made with just six ingredients. It’s one of my go-to favorites when it comes to roasted veggies. Asparagus is one of my favorite veggies by itself, but it’s even better wrapped with a piece of juicy bacon. This is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that often steals the show!

    There are two challenges when making vegetables wrapped in bacon. First, the bacon strips are cooked on the outside, but the insides don’t have the same crisp texture. Second, the asparagus spears cook way too quickly in the high-temperature oven before the bacon is done, creating shriveled up bundles. I found just the right solution to improve both of these issues, and the results are delicious! Stay tuned for the perfect bacon-wrapped asparagus made even better with a tasty maple glaze! It’s a dish that everyone will love.

    Ingredients Needed

    You only need a few simple ingredients to make a knockout side dish. Bacon wrapped asparagus is so hearty and delicious, you’ll want to serve it alongside all of your favorite meals! Note: exact measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

    • Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a rich and smooth flavor to the dish, and also helps to prevent the bacon wrapped asparagus from sticking to the pan.
    • Pure Maple Syrup: Maple syrup brings a touch of sweetness to the glaze, complementing the savory flavors of the bacon and asparagus.
    • Garlic Salt: Adds a delicious savory and garlicky flavor to the dish.
    • Black Pepper: For an extra kick of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper based on your preference for spiciness.
    • Thick-Cut Bacon: Because let’s be honest here, the bacon is the star of the show. It adds a salty, smoky, and crispy element to the dish.
    • Fresh Asparagus Spears: Asparagus pairs wonderfully with bacon. Make sure to trim off the woody ends of the asparagus before use.
    • Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is used to season the asparagus and enhance its natural flavors. You can adjust the amount of salt based on your taste preferences.

    Tips for Picking Asparagus

    Asparagus can typically be found year round, however, be on the lookout for its peak season from March to June. When selecting asparagus, make sure they are bright green, firm, and the tips should be tight with a slight purple hue.

    How to Make the Best Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    This is one of my favorite side dishes to make because it tastes like it’s from a fancy steakhouse. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes! You’ll want to serve this bacon wrapped goodness with every meal.

    Precook the Bacon

    1. Preheat Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
    2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
    3. Add Bacon: Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray. Place 5 slices of bacon spaced evenly apart on the pan.
    4. Roast: Roast until the bacon just begins to shrink and turns a slightly red color, but is still flexible, about 5 minutes, depending on thickness. The bacon should not be completely crispy, otherwise, it will break when wrapping around the asparagus.
    5. Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, garlic salt, and black pepper.
    6. Brush With Maple Mixture: Remove the bacon from the oven and brush with the maple syrup mixture on both sides. Roast the bacon for 3 more minutes.
    7. Cool: Allow the bacon to cool until it’s easy to handle with your fingers. Divide the asparagus into five even-size bundles.

    Prepare the Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    1. Wrap: On a cutting board, wrap one slice of the par-cooked bacon overlapping over the length of the asparagus spears.
    2. Prepare Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: Secure the bacon with a toothpick. Carefully place the bundles on the baking rack. Generously brush the maple syrup mixture over the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears on both sides. Lightly season each bundle with salt and pepper.
    3. Roast, Add More Glaze: Roast the bacon asparagus bundles for 10 minutes, remove from the oven and brush the maple mixture over just the bacon.
    4. Roast Again: Roast for 5 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy, and the asparagus is tender.
    5. Serve: Remove the toothpicks and serve the bacon wrapped asparagus hot.
    3-photo collage of asparagus being prepared and bacon being precooked.

    Cooking Tips

    To make sure your bacon wrapped asparagus turns out perfectly, here are a few things to keep in mind.

    • Precook Bacon: The critical step is to par-cook the bacon before it gets wrapped. Thick cut bacon slices are used so that it’s easy to handle after precooking because it’s not too thin and fragile. It also doesn’t crisp too quickly and is pliable when wrapping the asparagus bundles.
    • Adjust the Cooking Time: The pieces of bacon are roasted for a few minutes until just cooked and flexible. The cooking time may vary depending on how thick the bacon is, so make sure to use your intuition with time being just a guideline.
    • Don’t Skip the Glaze: The maple glaze is one of the best things about this recipe. It adds a delicious caramelized flavor. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or brown sugar also works! The trick to making the asparagus and bacon caramelized is adding more of the maple mixture over the bundles at the beginning of the cooking process, and once more at the end.

    Bacon-wrapped asparagus on a cooling rack.

    Storing Leftovers

    Bacon wrapped asparagus is best served fresh and warm, but you can also store your bundles in the fridge if you have leftovers.

    • In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    • Reheating: Reheat in an oven to keep the bacon crispy. 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick!

    Closeup of cooked bundles.

    Print

    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Bacon wrapped asparagus is a smoky and savory side dish that will be a staple for mealtime. Each bundle is glazed with maple syrup for caramelized flavor you won’t be able to get enough of!
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword bacon wrapped asparagus, bacon wrapped asparagus recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 6 Servings
    Calories 239kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more for seasoning
    • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
    • 1 pound asparagus trimmed to 7-inch long spears
    • Kosher salt as needed for seasoning

    Instructions

    • Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
    • Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Place 5 slices of bacon spaced evenly apart on the pan.
    • Roast until the bacon just begins to shrink and turns a slightly red color, but is still flexible, about 5 minutes, depending on thickness. The bacon should not be completely crispy, otherwise, it will break when wrapping around the asparagus.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, garlic slat, and black pepper.
    • Remove the bacon from the oven and brush with the maple syrup mixture on both sides. Roast the bacon for 3 more minutes.
    • Allow the bacon to cool until it’s easy to handle with your fingers. Divide the asparagus into five even-size bundles.
    • On a cutting board, wrap one slice of the par-cooked bacon overlapping over the length of the asparagus spears.
    • Secure the bacon with a toothpick. Carefully place the bundles on the baking rack. Generously brush the maple syrup mixture over the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears on both sides.
    • Lightly season each bundle with salt and pepper.
    • Roast the asparagus bundles for 10 minutes, remove from the oven and brush the maple mixture over just the bacon.
    • Roast for 5 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy, and the asparagus is tender.
    • Remove the toothpicks and serve the bacon wrapped asparagus hot.

    Notes

    Originally posted on May 24, 2018

    Updated on June 12, 2023

    Nutrition

    Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 583IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

    Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

    Whip up this simple cinnamon cream cheese frosting in less than 5 minutes! It’s velvety smooth and once you add it to your cake or cupcakes for a delightful treat, everyone will be asking for seconds.

    Homemade frosting is so simple and easy, there is no question that I use it on all of my baked goods. Some other fun flavors to test out and try are this Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, this yummy Cookie Dough Frosting, or this classic Cream Cheese Frosting.

    The top view of a sheet cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

    Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

    Indulge in the irresistible goodness of this heavenly cream cheese frosting recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a smooth and delicious topping. It will take your cakes and cupcakes to a whole new level. This recipe is my favorite to use on anything that has pumpkin in it like this Incredible Pumpkin Cake! But really, cinnamon cream cheese goes with just about anything!

    This recipe is so delicious, you will be tempted to eat it plain (don’t worry, I was too so I won’t judge!). It goes well with everything and the best part about it is that you can whip it up in less than 5 minutes. So no more store bought frosting for you! This one turns out perfect every time and you will never go back.

    Ingredients in Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

    Not only does this recipe only take a few minutes to make but it’s ingredients list is short and sweet. You only use 5 ingredients! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    • Cream Cheese: Let your cream chees sit out and come to room temperature so that when you mix it in, it’s nice and soft, and you won’t have any lumps. 
    • Cinnamon: This is how you get that delicious cinnamon flavor!
    • Butter: I used unsalted butter in this recipe and let it soften with the cream cheese.
    • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds just the right amount of sweet flavor to the frosting.
    • Confectioners’ Sugar: The powdered sugar dissolves easily, giving the frosting that velvety smooth finish.
    2 pictures showing the ingredients being added and mixed to a glass bowl.

    How to Make Homemade Frosting

    This cinnamon cream cheese frosting can be bought at the store but trust me when I say that you’ve got to make it from scratch. It’s so much better and takes practically no time at all.

    1. Combine: Beat the cream cheese, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the confectioner’s sugar and continue beating until smooth. 
    2. Frost: Enjoy on cake or cupcakes!
    The top view of a glass bowl with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

    Substitutions and Variations

    There are variations and way to change this cinnamon cream cheese frosting recipe to fit your needs!

    • Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this frosting recipe? While you can technically use low-fat cream cheese, remember that it may affect the texture and overall richness of the frosting. Using regular cream cheese will result in a creamier frosting.
    • Can I use this frosting on other desserts besides cakes and cupcakes? Yes! This cinnamon cream cheese frosting can be used to top cookies, brownies, or even spread on cinnamon rolls.
    • Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe? It’s best to stick with butter for this frosting recipe. Margarine has a higher water content, which can affect the consistency of the frosting. When you use butter, it provides a richer flavor and a smoother texture.

    A knife being dipped into a bowl with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

    How to Store Cream Cheese Frosting

    Cinnamon cream cheese frosting can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, or even frozen for later!

    • In the Refrigerator: If you have any leftovers, store the cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in your fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Before using it again, allow the frosting to come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to make it nice and creamy again.
    • In the Freezer: Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use it, you can thaw the frosting in the fridge overnight and then bring it to room temperature before using it.

    Print

    Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

    Whip up this simple cinnamon cream cheese frosting in less than 5 minutes! It's velvety smooth and once you add it to your cake or cupcakes for a delightful treat, everyone will be asking for seconds.
    Course baking
    Cuisine American
    Keyword cinnamon cream cheese frosting, cinnamon frosting, cream cheese frosting
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 24 cupcakes
    Calories 189kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1/2 cup butter softened
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 4 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar

    Instructions

    • Beat the cream cheese, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add the confectioner's sugar and continue beating until smooth.
    • Enjoy on cake or cupcakes!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 372IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.05mg
  • Bang Bang Chicken

    Bang Bang Chicken

    This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my privacy policy.

    Bring a bang to your dinner table with this explosive bang bang chicken! It’s crispy but tender and coated in a thick, creamy sauce that’s savory, spicy, and sweet all at once!

    If you’re looking for more Chinese-inspired dishes that are loaded with flavor, here are a few recipes to add to the dinner lineup: firecracker chicken, General Tso’s chicken, and kung pao chicken!

    Top-down view of bang bang chicken served in a gray bowl.

    Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

    Imagine tender chunks of juicy, battered chicken, coated in a delightful homemade sauce that packs a flavorful punch. That’s bang bang chicken, a dish filled with all the best sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. With its zesty and creamy sauce, it will leave your family begging for seconds!

    So, why settle for takeout when you can whip up a batch of bang bang chicken? It’s super easy to make and the homemade sauce only needs a few simple ingredients to whip up. Fresh is always best! Not only does homemade bang bang sauce taste better, but it’s also free from preservatives that bottled sauces have. And can we talk about the flavor? The creamy mayo tames the heat of the Sriracha and sweet chili sauce, creating a harmonious medley that’s impossible to resist. You’re going to love it.

    All Ingredients Needed

    To make this homemade bang bang chicken, all you need to do is break out your spice rack and a few staple ingredients from your pantry. Feel free to customize the flavor to preference!

    • Boneless Chicken Breasts: Perfect for absorbing the flavors of the sauce and creating a satisfying texture. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer for a juicier result.
    • Whole Milk: The whole milk acts as a binding agent, helping the flour and cornstarch stick to the chicken.
    • Large Egg: The egg adds richness to the chicken coating and helps bind the ingredients together.
    • Cornstarch and All-Purpose Flour: For the perfect crispy coating!
    • Salt and Black Pepper: This acts as the first layer of seasoning for the bang bang chicken.
    • Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken in.

    For the Bang Bang Sauce:

    • Mayonnaise: Acting as the creamy base, mayonnaise adds richness and smoothness. Greek yogurt or sour cream can also be used.
    • Honey: Adds sweetness and also helps to balance out the heat.
    • Sweet Chili Sauce: Tangy and mildly spicy, sweet chili sauce brings a unique flavor to the sauce.
    • Sriracha: Mix this in for the perfect kick of spice!
    • Salt: Adjust to taste to boost the overall flavor of the sauce.
    • Sesame Seeds: (Optional) For garnish. Sesame seeds also add an extra pop of nutty flavor.

    Let’s Make Bang Bang Chicken!

    It’s actually pretty easy to make bang bang chicken at home. And trust me, it will taste better than your favorite takeout spot! Your family won’t be able to get enough of the chicken’s crispy, juicy goodness coated in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. Complete the meal by serving bang bang chicken with a tasty bed of white or fried rice!

    Preparing the Sauce and Batter

    1. Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sesame seeds. Then set aside.
    2. Cut Chicken: Prepare your chicken by cutting it all into 1 inch cubes.
    3. Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together your milk and egg. Then in a separate bowl, whisk together your cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
    4. Egg Mixture: Place all your cubed chicken into the bowl of milk and egg, stir to coat completely. While the chicken is soaking in the milk mixture for a minute, heat your frying oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
    5. Coat in Flour: Remove the chicken from the milk and egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Then pour your flour mixture into a large plastic bag, place all your soaked chicken into the bag, seal it up and shake the bag to coat the chicken completely with the flour mixture.

    Frying

    1. Add to Skillet: You may need to cook the chicken in a couple batches. remove the chicken from the bag and carefully place into the hot oil.
    2. Fry: Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, rotating throughout so it cooks evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
    3. Transfer to Plate: Remove from the oil and then place on a paper towel lined plate to allow excess oil to drip off.
    4. Toss in Sauce: Once all the chicken is done, transfer it all into your bowl with the sauce and stir so each piece is coated evenly.
    5. Serve: Bang bang chicken is best enjoyed fresh!
    4-photo collage of chicken being battered and fried.

    Can I Bake Bang Bang Chicken Instead?

    Yes! If you want to avoid the mess of cooking in oil, here’s how to bake your bang bang chicken in the oven instead.

    1. Preheat Oven: If you want to bake your chicken, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
    2. Add to Baking Sheet: Remove the flour-coated chicken from the bag and place in a single layer on the lined pan. Then bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating halfway through
    3. Coat With Sauce: Coat with bang bang sauce and enjoy!

    Closeup of bang bang chicken.

    Storing Leftovers

    Be sure to store any leftovers you have, because they’ll make a quick and easy lunch for later!

    • In the Refrigerator: In an airtight container, bang bang chicken will stay good for about 3 days. Keep in mind that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness when stored.
    • Reheating: To reheat, pop in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, warm in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave until warmed through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you serve it.

    A piece of chicken being picked up with chopsticks.

    Bang Bang Sauce


    • In a medium bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sesame seeds. Set aside.

    • Prepare your chicken by cutting it all into 1 inch cubes.

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together your milk and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together your cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.

    • Place all your cubed chicken into the bowl of milk and egg, stir to coat completely. While the chicken is soaking in the milk mixture for a minute, heat your frying oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

    • Remove the chicken from the milk and egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.

    • Pour your flour mixture into a large plastic bag, place all your soaked chicken into the bag, seal it up and shake the bag to coat the chicken completely with the flour mixture.

    • You may need to cook the chicken in a couple batches, remove the chicken from the bag and carefully place them into the hot oil.

    • Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, rotating throughout to evenly cook. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.

    • Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to allow excess oil to drip off.

    • Once all the chicken is done, transfer it all into your bowl with the sauce and stir to coat each piece evenly.

    • Best enjoyed fresh!



    Serves: 4

    Calories414kcal (21%)Carbohydrates30g (10%)Protein28g (56%)Fat20g (31%)Saturated Fat4g (20%)Polyunsaturated Fat10gMonounsaturated Fat5gTrans Fat0.1gCholesterol124mg (41%)Sodium1360mg (57%)Potassium501mg (14%)Fiber1g (4%)Sugar16g (18%)Vitamin A145IU (3%)Vitamin C4mg (5%)Calcium62mg (6%)Iron1mg (6%)

    All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Course Dinner, lunch

    Cuisine Chinese

    Keyword bang bang chicken, bang bang sauce

  • Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

    Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

    Introducing the red, white, and blue cheesecake salad, a delightful and patriotic summer fruit salad that combines the vibrant flavors of strawberries and blueberries with creamy cheesecake and fluffy marshmallows. It’s super easy to throw together and a hit at every potluck!

    They may not be the healthiest kind of salad, but creamy fruit salads are one of my all-time favorite side dishes to make. They taste so good, and everyone loves them! If you’re looking for more recipes to add to your summer potluck list, try strawberry cheesecake salad or pineapple fluff!

    Red, white, and blue cheesecake salad in a black bowl.

    Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad Recipe

    The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and this red white and blue cheesecake salad is the perfect thing to make! Not only is it festive and colorful, but creamy, sweet, and bursting with berry flavor. Really, there’s no wrong time to make this fruit salad. It’s perfect for any summer potluck or barbecue!

    One of the things I love most about this cheesecake salad is that it’s so easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients like Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, pudding mix, and berries! Mix it all together, and you have a cool, fruity side dish that looks as good as it tastes! For more great summer sides, try this very berry cheesecake salad or creamy grape salad.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    I love this recipe because you can make a lot of fruit salad with just a few simple, inexpensive ingredients. It’s perfect for bringing to a summer potluck! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    • Whipped Topping: Adds a light, creamy texture to the fruit salad.
    • Cheesecake Pudding Powder: Makes the red white and blue salad nice and sweet!
    • Vanilla Yogurt: Mixes with the pudding powder to create a smooth consistency.
    • Strawberries and Blueberries: Not only are these berries key to making the red white and blue cheesecake salad, well, red and blue, but they also add juicy flavor to every bite.
    • Mini Marshmallows: These are the best part of any creamy salad, in my opinion. The soft texture they add is so irresistible!

    How to Make Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad

    With how easy this red white and blue salad is to make, you’ll want it all summer long. It’s sweet and creamy but also cool and refreshing, perfect for a hot afternoon!

    1. Cheesecake Mixture: In a large bowl mix together the yogurt and pudding powder. Fold in the whipped topping. Then cover and refrigerate to allow it to set up for about an hour.
    2. Add Berries and Marshmallows: Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows right before serving. Keep refrigerated.
    2-photo collage of fruit salad ingredients being mixed together.

    Ways to Customize Your Salad

    You can add so many different delicious things to red white and blue cheesecake salad. Here are a few ideas!

    • Add More Fruit: Add fresh raspberries, cherries or blackberries!
    • Add More Texture: Add in slivered almonds, shredded coconut, or acini de pepe. (This will make it taste similar to frog eye salad.)
    • Cheesecake Pudding Substitute: If you can’t find it or just don’t have it on hand, swap out the whipped topping and pudding powder for 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 cups heavy whipping cream all whipped together.

    Cheesecake salad being scooped up with a gold spoon.

    Storing Leftovers and Making Ahead

    If you have leftovers of your red white and blue cheesecake salad, cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay good for 3-4 days. If you’re planning on making this salad ahead of time, I recommend storing your pudding mixture and fruit separately until ready to serve.

    A spoonful of red white and blue cheesecake salad.

    Print

    Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

    Introducing the red, white, and blue cheesecake salad, a delightful and patriotic summer fruit salad that combines the vibrant flavors of strawberries and blueberries with creamy cheesecake and fluffy marshmallows. It's super easy to throw together and a hit at every potluck!
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword red white and blue cheesecake salad
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Chill time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 190kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
    • 1 small package cheesecake pudding powder 3.4 ounces
    • 2 cups vanilla yogurt about 3 6-ounce yogurt containers
    • 16 ounces sliced strawberries
    • 1 ½ cup fresh blueberries
    • 2 cups mini marshmallows

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl mix together the yogurt and pudding powder. Fold in the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate to allow it to set up for about an hour.
    • Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows right before serving. Keep refrigerated.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 0.4mg
  • Black Pepper Chicken

    Black Pepper Chicken

    This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my privacy policy.

    If you want to add a burst of flavor to weeknight dinners, this Chinese-inspired black pepper chicken is the perfect recipe to try! With its amazing homemade sauce, each bite is packed with savory, peppery, and slightly tangy flavors that will leave your mouth watering.

    I love trying to recreate my favorite Chinese dishes at home. After you make this amazing black pepper chicken, try this homemade sweet and sour chicken, Szechuan chicken, or kung pao chicken!

    Closeup of black pepper chicken served over white rice.

    Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

    If you love Chinese cuisine, prepare to meet your new favorite dinner – black pepper chicken! With its crispy exterior, vibrant bell peppers, and a homemade sauce bursting with the boldness of black pepper, garlic, and ginger, this dish will have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen. It’s super easy to make and only takes 30 minutes to cook. Just as long as it would take someone to deliver Chinese takeout to your door!

    Black pepper chicken is so tender and juicy, you won’t be able to get enough! Plus, when you make it at home, you can customize it to your heart’s content. Want it extra spicy? Go ahead and add a pinch of chili flakes. Craving more veggies? Load it up with your favorites! This stir fry recipe is better than takeout and one that you’ll want to make again and again.

    Ingredients for the Stir Fry and Sauce

    From the juicy chicken coated in a crispy mix of cornstarch and flour to the zesty homemade sauce featuring garlic, ginger, and tangy soy sauce, each ingredient in this dish adds a delicious element. This combination of flavors is so amazing! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

    • Chicken Breasts: Cut into small, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. You can also use pork if you prefer!
    • Cornstarch: Gives a crispy coating to the chicken.
    • All-Purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch to give the black pepper chicken an extra crunch.
    • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
    • Black Pepper: Adds a spicy and aromatic kick.
    • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken in.
    • Yellow Onion: Adds texture and a savory but slightly sweet taste. You can also use red onion, white onion, or shallot instead.
    • Red and Green Bell Peppers: Provides freshness, crunch, and vibrant color.

    Black Pepper Sauce

    • Black Pepper: This warm and flavorful spice brings a peppery taste to the black pepper sauce, giving it a bold kick.
    • Garlic Powder: Because you can never go wrong with garlic!
    • Ground Ginger: This fragrant spice adds a gentle zing and earthy flavor.
    • Brown Sugar: Acting as a natural sweetener, the brown sugar balances the sauce by mellowing out the spiciness and tanginess.
    • Soy Sauce: As the base of the sauce, soy sauce brings a savory umami taste. It adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
    • Shaoxing Wine: This traditional Chinese cooking wine contributes a subtle sweetness and complexity, elevating the sauce with its unique flavor.
    • Chinkiang Vinegar: Chinkiang vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and contrast to the black pepper sauce.
    • Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent, cornstarch ensures the sauce has a smooth and velvety consistency, allowing it to coat the black pepper chicken perfectly.

    How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

    To make black pepper chicken, all you have to do is whisk up your sauce and then toss everything in a skillet! It’s an easy and delicious meal that will leave everyone wanting more.

    1. Sauté Chicken: In a large bowl, toss your cubed chicken in the cornstarch, flour, salt and pepper. Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and sauté your chicken until it is just cooked through. Remove your chicken from the pan and set aside.
    2. Cook Veggies: Add your onion and bell peppers to the skillet, sauté in the remaining oil and juices from the chicken until they begin to tenderize.
    3. Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for sauce, taking care not to let the cornstarch clump together.
    4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium low and add in your sauce mixture. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
    5. Combine: Add your chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Saute everything together for a few minutes more until your sauce has reduced to the desired thickness.
    4-photo collage of chicken being coated in cornstarch, veggies being cooked, and sauce ingredients being mixed together.

    Tips and Tricks

    Take your black pepper chicken to the next level with these simple tips and variations!

    • Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers.
    • Add Extra Veggies: Experiment with different vegetables to add color and texture. Try adding broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snap peas for a vibrant and nutritious twist.
    • Make it Gluten-Free: Omit the flour and substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to ensure the dish is gluten-free.
    • Garnish: Just before serving, top your black pepper chicken with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for a burst of freshness and picture perfect presentation.
    • Serve With: Accompany your black pepper chicken with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles for a satisfying and complete meal.

    Top-down view of black pepper chicken in a black skillet.

    Storing Leftover Black Pepper Chicken

    Don’t let those tasty leftovers go to waste! Store your leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container in the fridge (it will stay good for about 4 days), and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready for another round of deliciousness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan or microwave until warmed through, and get ready to relish the flavors all over again.

    Chicken served over rice in a teal bowl.

    Black pepper sauce


    • In a large bowl, toss your cubed chicken in the cornstarch, flour, salt and pepper. Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and saute your chicken until it is just cooked through. Remove your chicken from the pan and set aside.

    • Add your onion and bell peppers to the skillet, saute in the remaining oil and juices from the chicken until they begin to tenderize.

    • In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for sauce, taking care not to let the cornstarch clump together.

    • Reduce the heat to medium low and add in your sauce mixture. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.

    • Add your chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Saute everything together for a few minutes more until your sauce has reduced to the desired thickness.



    Serves: 8

    Calories222kcal (11%)Carbohydrates18g (6%)Protein26g (52%)Fat3g (5%)Saturated Fat1g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat1gTrans Fat0.01gCholesterol73mg (24%)Sodium1236mg (52%)Potassium525mg (15%)Fiber1g (4%)Sugar4g (4%)Vitamin A503IU (10%)Vitamin C21mg (25%)Calcium20mg (2%)Iron1mg (6%)

    All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Course Dinner

    Cuisine Chinese

    Keyword black pepper chicken, black pepper chicken recipe

  • Chocolate Trifle

    Chocolate Trifle

    A classic English dessert that is every chocolate lover’s dream! This chocolate trifle is made with layers of devil’s food cake, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and toffee bits that will have you savoring each and every bite.

    Trifles are the easiest desserts to make and filled with layers of sweet goodness. Try this classic English trifle or lemon berry trifle next!

    Chocolate cake, whipped cream, caramel, and crushed toffee bits in a trifle dish.

    Chocolate Cake Trifle

    Get ready to dive into a chocolatey paradise with this easy-to-make and incredibly indulgent chocolate trifle. It’s made with Devil’s food cake mix for perfectly rich chocolate flavor! The layers of caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk add a heavenly sweetness that will make your taste buds sing. Then to top it all off, there’s fluffy whipped topping and a sprinkle of crushed Heath bars for a delightful crunch.

    Best of all, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make this delicious dessert. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a truly decadent dessert that will have you coming back for bite after bite. It’s similar to this better than anything cake, just in the traditional English layered style! Serve your trifle in a glass dish so that your guests can see all those dreamy layers.

    Chocolate Trifle Ingredients

    It only takes 5 simple ingredients to put this chocolate trifle together! Even though we’re using boxed cake mix here, the flavor of this dessert is anything but ordinary. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do! Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements.

    1. Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This convenient box of Devil’s food cake mix is the secret ingredient that gives the chocolate trifle its rich and decadent taste. Just prepare according to package directions to create a moist and flavorful chocolate cake base that will make your trifle irresistible. If you have another chocolate cake mix that you prefer, feel free to use that instead!
    2. Caramel Sauce and Sweetened Condensed Milk: These are combined together and drizzled over each cake layer. Together they add moisture and sweetness to the chocolate trifle.
    3. Whipped Topping: What’s a trifle without a light and fluffy topping? It adds a delightful cloud of creaminess to each spoonful. Instead of packaged whipped topping, you can also make your own whipped cream at home for a similar result.
    4. Crushed Heath Bars: For that irresistible crunch and a burst of toffee flavor, crushed Heath bars are the perfect addition to your chocolate trifle. Sprinkle a generous amount of the crumbs between the layers to add texture and a delightful surprise with every bite.

    Chocolate Trifle Recipe

    If you’re making this dessert for an event, be sure to leave yourself enough time. It needs to chill in the fridge for an hour to soak up the delicious caramel and condensed milk mixture. Trust me, it tastes better this way!

    1. Prepare Cake: Bake the cake according to the directions. I opted to bake it in two 8-inch rounds, but you can also bake it as a 9×13 if you choose to. Let cool completely.
    2. Add to Trifle Dish: Once cooled, cut the layers of chocolate cake into small pieces. Then layer ⅓ of the pieces in the bottom of the trifle bowl.
    3. Caramel Mixture: In a small bowl combine the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Then drizzle ⅓ of the mixture over the cake in the trifle dish.
    4. Layer Whipped Topping: Spoon ⅓ of the whipped topping over the cake and then cover with a generous handful of heath bars.
    5. Repeat: Repeat twice more so you have 3 layers of cake, sauce, whipped topping, and heath. Drizzle additional caramel on top of chocolate trifle if desired.
    6. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to allow the cake to absorb all that delicious sauce.
    3-photo collage of chocolate trifle being put together.

    Tasty Variations

    Chocolate trifle is the perfect dessert for satisfying a sweet tooth. These are a few more ways to make it just the way you like it!

    • Other Sauces: Instead of caramel sauce, try using white chocolate sauce or even just regular chocolate sauce for a death by chocolate trifle! It’s every chocolate lovers dream.
    • More Fillings: Swap the whipped topping out for a chocolate pudding layer! You can also use chocolate mousse or white chocolate mousse.
    • Mix-Ins: Add your favorite chopped nuts or cookie pieces! I love adding Oreos.
    • Brownie Layer: Instead of chocolate cake, feel free to use brownies instead. This is a great way to add a little extra fudginess.

    Taking a bite of chocolate trifle.

    Storing Leftovers

    If you have leftovers of your chocolate trifle, tightly cover your trifle dish with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the longer this dessert sits, the more moist it will become from the sauces and whipped topping seeping into the cake.

    Chocolate cake, whipped cream, and caramel served in small glasses.

    Print

    Chocolate Trifle

    A classic English dessert that is every chocolate lover’s dream! This chocolate trifle is made with layers of devil’s food cake, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and toffee bits that will have you savoring each and every bite.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine English
    Keyword chocolate trifle, chocolate trifle recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
    Servings 10 Servings
    Calories 623kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 box Devil’s food cake mix
    • 12 ounces caramel sauce
    • 1 14- ounce can sweetened condensed milk
    • 16 ounce whipped topping thawed
    • 1 cup crushed heath bars more if desired

    Instructions

    • Bake the cake according to the directions. I opted to bake it in two 8-inch rounds, but you may bake it as a 9×13 if you choose to. Let cool completely.
    • Once cooled, cut the cake into small pieces. Layer ⅓ of the pieces in the bottom of the trifle dish.
    • In a small bowl combine the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Drizzle ⅓ of the mixture over the cake in the trifle dish.
    • Spoon ⅓ of the whipped topping over the cake and cover with a generous handful of heath bars.
    • Repeat twice more so you have 3 layers of cake, sauce, whipped topping, and heath. Drizzle additional caramel on top, if desired.
    • Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to allow the cake to absorb all that delicious sauce.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 179IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Homemade Chicken Broth

    Homemade Chicken Broth

    This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my privacy policy.

    This homemade chicken broth recipe is a keeper and you will love all the many uses you can get out of it! Chicken broth is a staple cooking ingredient used in soups, casseroles, sauces, and many more everyday recipes.

    Making chicken broth at home allows you to make a lot to store for later. Whenever I make this recipe, I have plenty of broth to last me a couple of weeks. I simply store it in the fridge to use throughout the week for recipes like our favorite soup, this yummy pasta, or this easy stir fry recipe.

    Close up view of chicken broth in a large. mason jar with onion, celery, and carrots scattered next to the jar.

    What is Chicken Broth?

    Chicken broth is the liquid created from simmering chicken and vegetables. You can also add herbs and spices for additional flavor. My recipe uses lots of veggies and herbs, but feel free to get creative and use the veggies and herbs that sound good to you! Sometimes I switch out the herbs depending on what I have on hand.

    I love making homemade versions of store-bought ingredients because I am able to control the flavors and what goes in them. I also love that I can play with the seasonings and spices to make it the way that I want it. Try my homemade version of the best alfredo sauce, this cheese sauce that can be used in so many ways, or this easy teriyaki sauce that I always have on hand.

    Chicken Broth Recipe Ingredients

    Homemade chicken broth is so easy and can be prepped in 10 minutes! You will love using this broth in your recipes because it adds so much flavor. The exact measurements for these ingredients are below in the recipe card.

    • Whole Chicken: One whole chicken that is about 6 pounds.
    • Yellow Onions: Onion adds so much flavor! Feel free to use shallots or any other kind of onion you desire.
    • Whole Carrots: Cut the carrots into 2-inch pieces. No need to peel them!
    • Celery Stalks:  I use the whole stalk including leaves.
    • Garlic Cloves: Garlic is a must!
    • Parsley: Fresh is best.
    • Thyme: For added flavor.
    • Rosemary: For added flavor.
    • Salt: I love that I can control the sodium in this recipe.
    • Whole Black Peppercorns: For added flavor.
    • Water: Essential! The flavors from the chicken, veggies, and herbs absorb into the water creating the chicken broth.

    How to Make Chicken Broth

    Chicken broth is such an essential cooking ingredient and you will love being able to make your own right at home. There are so many uses for chicken broth. Follow my instructions below because I walk you through how easy it is. I can’t wait for you to learn. It’s easier than you think, and homemade tastes incredible.

    1. Add Chicken, Veggies, and Herbs to a Pot: Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken. 
    2. Cover With Water and Bring to a Boil: Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
    3. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
    4. Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken then discard the carcass and use it as desired for recipes. 
    5. Strain the Broth: To strain the broth, remove all of the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Carefully strain the chicken broth into a large container. Continue to strain if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.
    6. Use For Recipes: Use the broth as needed for recipes or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
    First photo of chopped veggies, herbs, and seasonings. Second photo of an entire chicken in a stock pot. Third photo of veggies and seasonings in the pot. Fourth photo of the chicken, vegetables, and water added on top.

    What’s the Difference between Broth and Stock?

    Most people think broth and stock are the same, but they are made differently. They can have the same uses, but it’s interesting to learn the difference in how they are made. Stock is made from bones, while broth is made mostly from meat and vegetables. Using bones in stock creates a thicker liquid and it takes much longer to make. Broth is a thinner liquid and the outcome is much lighter in color and more flavorful.

    Top view of a ladle lifting up chicken broth from a blue pot. Vegetables and a towel are scattered on the counter around the pot.

    Storing Leftovers

    Storing homemade chicken broth is different than storebought pantry broth. Be sure to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its freshness because it doesn’t have any added preservatives that store-bought chicken broth requires. Follow my instructions below for storing and freezing your homemade broth.

    • In the Refrigerator: Store homemade broth in an air-tight container or jars `in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
    • In the Freezer: To extend the freshness, store the broth in the freezer in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 6 months.
    • To Reuse: Allow the chicken broth to sit on the counter and come to room temperature before using because fat can sometimes settle on top as it cools.

    Side view of chicken broth being poured into a silver pot. Vegetables and peppercorns are next to the pot.


    • Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken.

    • Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.

    • Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken and use it as desired for recipes.

    • To strain the chicken stock, remove all of the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Carefully strain the chicken stock into a large container. Continue to strain if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.

    • Use the chicken stock as needed for recipes or store in the refrigerator for later use.



    Serves: 8

    Serving1cupCalories217kcal (11%)Carbohydrates3g (1%)Protein18g (36%)Fat14g (22%)Saturated Fat4g (20%)Polyunsaturated Fat3gMonounsaturated Fat6gTrans Fat0.1gCholesterol71mg (24%)Sodium1814mg (76%)Potassium237mg (7%)Fiber1g (4%)Sugar1g (1%)Vitamin A279IU (6%)Vitamin C5mg (6%)Calcium29mg (3%)Iron1mg (6%)

    All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Course Dinner

    Cuisine American

    Keyword chicken broth, homemade chicken broth