Dinner Recipes Archives - Midwestern HomeLife

Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Sauce

Cara Lanz — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:11:14 +0000

One-pan Mustard Pork Tenderloin is tender and juicy with a savory Dijon mustard sauce that cooks in about 30 minutes. This fast, easy pork tenderloin recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal and elegant enough for a special occasion.

Complete the meal with roasted potatoes and green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

You're Going to Love This

Perfectly tender and juicy pork tenderloin with savory Dijon sauce
Easy one-pan recipe with simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store
Dijon pork tenderloin makes awesome leftovers -- serve thin slices of cold pork tenderloin on Hawaiian rolls with Swiss cheese and Dijon for a delicious lunch or snack.

Ingredients

See recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts.

Pork tenderloins. Be sure to get pork tenderloin for this recipe, not pork loin. A pork tenderloin is a long, lean cut of meat that is about 1 pound each. Pork loins are much larger, 2-5 pounds each, and will take much longer to cook.

Oil. Olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and avocado oil are all great choices for searing meat at a high temperature.

Dijon. Dijon mustard is the perfect pairing for pork. If you don't have any, try one of these Dijon mustard substitutes.

Heavy cream. A little cream stirred into the mustard cream sauce adds richness and, of course, creaminess.

Variations

Swap out the brown sugar with honey for a delicious honey mustard pork tenderloin.
Add your favorite seasonings to the pork tenderloin before searing like Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and cumin.
If you don't have fresh garlic, add garlic powder with the brown sugar and Dijon.
If you choose to use fresh thyme instead of dried, add 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme with the cream.
If you don't have heavy cream, stir in a little sour cream into the mustard sauce right at the end. Do not boil or it can curdle the sauce.

How to Make Mustard Pork Tenderloin

Step 1: Pat the tenderloins dry. Heat oil in a 12" oven-safe stainless steel or cast iron skillet. Season pork with salt and black pepper, sear all sides until you get a nice crust. Remove the seared tenderloins from pan.

Step 2: Add butter and garlic to the pan, stir until light golden brown. Add the broth, scraping up the golden bits from the bottom of the pan. Add brown sugar, mustard, and dried thyme.

Step 3: Return the tenderloins to the pan and turn to coat them in the sauce.

Step 4: Place pan in oven and bake uncovered until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees f on an instant-read thermometer. Use a spoon or pastry brush to baste pork with the sauce a few times during cooking.

Step 5: Remove tenderloins from pan and place on a cutting board to rest. While the pork rests, return skillet to stove top, add cream, and simmer a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Slice tenderloins into 1" thick medallions. Serve pan sauce on top of the pork or in a small bowl on the side. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley or fresh thyme.

Expert Tips

If the silver skin (a silvery connective tissue) is still attached to the pork tenderloins, remove it by sliding a knife underneath it and gently pulling or cutting it off.
Pat the pork dry before searing to achieve better browning.
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork. Check the pork with a meat thermometer and remove it when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, cook the tenderloins and sauce on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
After roasting the pork, cover the handle of the skillet with an oven mitt so you remember it's HOT!

FAQs

Is pork done at 160 or 145?

The recommended internal temperature of pork used to be 160 degrees -- however, it often resulted in dry, tough meat. The USDA has changed its stance and recognizes that cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees with a 3-minute rest is just as safe as cooking it to 160 -- and that it results in more tender, juicier meat.

What is the best way to reheat mustard pork tenderloin?

Reheating pork can be tricky because you don't want to cook it anymore and dry it out. Our favorite way to enjoy leftover mustard pork tenderloin is cold and thinly sliced.

If you choose to reheat it, do so gently and with relatively low heat. In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and add whole or sliced tenderloin. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and turn every few minutes until warm. Slices will only take a few minutes, while a whole tenderloin will take 10 or more.

Or, place it in a 300-degree wrapped in foil with some broth. Reheat pork to an internal temperature of 165.

How long does pork tenderloin last in the refrigerator?

Store leftover pork tenderloin and mustard sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

More Weeknight Dinner Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Mustard Pork Tenderloin

One-pan Mustard Pork Tenderloin is tender and juicy with a savory Dijon mustard sauce that cooks in about 30 minutes. Fast, easy pork tenderloin recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal and elegant enough for a special occasion.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 40

Servings

Calories 238kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

2 pounds pork tenderloins
½ teaspoon salt and pepper, each
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 cloves minced garlic
½ cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Pat pork dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Sear the tenderloins in the hot pan on all sides, 6-9 minutes. Remove tenderloins from the pan.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and the garlic to the pan. Stir for 30 seconds until light golden. Add the broth. Use a spatula to scrape up the bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
Return the tenderloins to the pan and turn a few times to coat in the sauce.
Place the pan in the oven and bake uncovered until the thickest part of the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees, 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloins. Baste the pork with sauce a few times during cooking.
Remove the tenderloins and place on a cutting board to rest. Return skillet to the stove over medium heat (careful, the handle is HOT!). Stir cream into the sauce and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Slice tenderloins into 1" thick medallions. Spoon sauce over the tenderloins or serve on the side. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired.

Notes

If your pork tenderloins have silver skin (silvery connective tissue), remove it by sliding a knife underneath it and gently pulling or cutting it off.
Pat the pork dry before searing to achieve better browning.
Be careful not to overcook the pork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. Check with a meat thermometer and remove when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, use a baking sheet or baking dish for the oven portion.
After baking the tenderloins, place an oven mitt on the handle of the skillet so you'll remember it's HOT.

Nutrition

The post Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Sauce appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Skillet Chicken Spinach Rice Casserole (Fast & Easy!)

Cara Lanz — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:57:08 +0000

Chicken Spinach Rice Casserole with tender chicken, creamy rice, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan is a fast and easy skillet dinner that cooks in about 30 minutes. Delicious with Caprese Spinach and Arugula Salad and Roasted Green Beans.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

You're Going to Love This

Easy chicken dinner the whole family will love
Quick 30-minute one-pot meal
Perfect meal for busy weeknights
Creamy chicken and rice dish with simple ingredients

Ingredients

See recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts. I like to keep the chicken breasts whole, but you can cut them into 1 inch pieces for even quicker cooking.

Instant long grain white rice. Instant rice, which is just rice that's been precooked and dehydrated, is a great shortcut to get dinner on the table fast. I used white Minute rice.

Fresh garlic. If you prefer to use garlic powder, add it with the rice.

Fresh baby spinach. Don't worry if 3 cups of spinach seems like too much to fit in the pan. It will quickly and significantly wilt down.

Grape tomatoes. You can also use chopped regular tomatoes.

Variations

You may also use boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders, or cut the chicken into smaller pieces. Each of these variations will affect the cooking time of the chicken.
If you choose to try instant brown rice, it may take longer to become tender -- and you may need to add more liquid.
Change up the seasonings to your tastes -- feel free to add onion powder, Greek seasoning, Creole seasoning, red pepper flakes, or other dried herbs and spices.
You can use any kind of cream soup here, like cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup or any of the "cream of" canned soups with less sodium.

How to Make Chicken Spinach and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Pound chicken, pat dry, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear in oil in large skillet over medium-high until it releases from pan. Flip, reduce to medium heat, and add butter to pan. Cook until nearly done, turn over in the sauce, and place on a plate.

Step 2: Add garlic to pan and saute 30-60 seconds until light golden brown. Pour in a little broth and scrape up browned bits from bottom of the pan. Add the rest of the broth, Italian seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and rice. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.

Step 3: Add the Parmesan cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and lemon juice to the rice mixture. Stir until spinach is wilted. Add chicken, cover, and cook 5 more minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Step 4: Serve chicken breasts whole or slice them and place back on rice.

Expert Tips

When pounding chicken, place it between layers of plastic wrap or in a ziptop bag and use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound the thicker side of the chicken to an even thickness.
To avoid dry chicken, check the temperature with a digital thermometer. Remove it from the pan when it reaches an internal temperature of 155 to 160 degrees. The temperature will rise as it rests. The USDA recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165.
If you don't have a cover for your large skillet, use aluminum foil.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Sure. If you use frozen spinach in this chicken spinach rice casserole, thaw it, wrap it in a kitchen towel, and squeeze out all the moisture before adding it to the rice.

How long does chicken rice casserole recipe last in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

What is the best way to reheat chicken spinach rice casserole?

If the rice has become dry, add a little water or milk before reheating. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through. Be careful not to overdo it so you don't overcook the chicken.

Is instant rice just dehydrated rice?

Instant rice is pre-cooked rice that's been dehydrated so it doesn't need the longer cooking time that regular rice does.

More Chicken Casserole Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Skillet Chicken Spinach Rice Casserole

Chicken Spinach Rice Casserole with tender chicken, creamy rice, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan is a fast and easy skillet dinner that cooks in about 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings

Calories 593kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
4 chicken breasts
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cups instant white rice, uncooked
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

Pound chicken with a meat mallet into an even thickness. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Heat oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes or until it releases from the pan and is ready to turn. Flip, reduce heat to medium, and add butter to the pan. Cook for 5-7 more minutes until nearly cooked through. Turn chicken over to coat in the buttery sauce and remove from pan.
If the pan is dry, add 1 tablespoon butter or oil. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until light golden brown.
Pour in a little broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the rest of the broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and rice. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
Add the Parmesan cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and lemon juice. Stir until spinach is slightly wilted. Nestle the chicken into the rice, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165 degrees.

Notes

Pounding chicken allows it to cook evenly on all sides.
To pound chicken, place it between layers of plastic wrap or in a ziptop bag and use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound the thicker side of the chicken to an even thickness.
To avoid dry chicken, check the temperature with a digital thermometer and remove it from the pan when it reaches 155 to 160 degrees. The temperature will rise as it rests. The USDA recommended internal temperature for chicken is 165.
If you don't have a cover for your skillet, use aluminum foil.

Nutrition

The post Skillet Chicken Spinach Rice Casserole (Fast & Easy!) appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Casserole (4 Ingredients!)

Cara Lanz — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:31:40 +0000

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Casserole is a cozy, hearty meal and makes your house smell like Thanksgiving dinner! This easy dinner with tender chicken breasts and savory stuffing in a rich, creamy sauce comes together in minutes with 4 simple ingredients.

Serve with Steamed Carrots or Sauteed Corn and Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a complete meal the whole family will devour.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

4-ingredient Crockpot Chicken with Stuffing is the perfect comfort food dinner. The chicken is fall-apart tender, the stuffing is soft and fluffy, and the creamy gravy is rich and flavorful. It's like a hug on a plate.

This easy crock pot chicken stuffing bake recipe takes no time at all to put together -- there's no need to brown the chicken or chop anything. Just stir a few things together, dump them in the Crock Pot, and walk away. In a few hours, your house will be filled with the comforting smells of a holiday meal.

Why You're Going to Love This

Warm and cozy chicken breast casserole recipe with creamy chicken soup
Fast and easy slow cooker chicken recipe with 4 simple ingredients
Perfect meal to make ahead and reheat during the week or freeze for later
Easy recipe -- classic dump-and-go slow cooker recipe

Ingredients

Please see the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and the exact amounts.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts. Skinless chicken thighs may also be used

Cream of chicken soup. I use the reduced sodium version. Use any flavor of cream soup you like such as cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or a mixture.

Dry stuffing mix. We use a 6 oz. box of Stove Top Stuffing mix or ½ of a 12 oz. bag (3 ¼ cups) of Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix. We like both. Stove Top Stuffing has more seasoning but is a bit saltier.

Variations

Chicken broth. For more chicken flavor, substitute chicken broth for the water.

Green beans. Place fresh green beans on top of the stuffing mix before cooking. If you prefer frozen green beans, add them halfway through to avoid getting too soft.

Sour cream. For even more creaminess, stir ½ cup of sour cream into the condensed soup instead of water.

Seasonings. Season the chicken with your favorite herbs and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Creole seasoning, and Italian seasoning.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

Note: This recipe was tested with Savory Herbs Stove Top Stuffing Mix and Pepperidge Farm Sage & Onion Cubed Stuffing -- see photos of both below.

Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker coated with nonstick cooking spray. Season chicken with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Stir 2 cans of cream of chicken soup and water together in a medium bowl. Evenly spread the soup mixture on top of the chicken.

Step 3: In the same bowl, toss the dry stuffing mix with melted butter. Pour the stuffing mixture over the soup layer.

Step 4: If desired, place fresh or frozen green beans on top of stuffing. Fresh green beans can cook the entire time. Add frozen green beans halfway through to keep from getting too soft.

Step 5: Cook on high 2-3 hours or low 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165. It takes about 3 hours on high and 4 ½ hours on low in my Crock Pot.

Step 6: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley. For an even heartier meal, serve over brown or white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

(Pepperidge Farm Sage & Onion cubed stuffing).

(Stove Top Savory Herbs stuffing mix).

Expert Tips

Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken breasts. Check for doneness on the earlier side of the time ranges.
Toss in some fresh or frozen green beans on top of the stuffing for an easy one-pot meal. Add fresh green beans with the rest of the ingredients; frozen green beans should be added halfway through to keep from getting too soft.
Season chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices like poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

FAQs

How long does slow cooker chicken and stuffing last in the refrigerator?

Store leftover chicken and stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

What is the best way to reheat chicken and stuffing casserole?

Reheat individual portions of creamy chicken casserole in the microwave in 30-45 second intervals until warmed through to 165 degrees.

Can I freeze this chicken stuffing recipe?

Yes, this chicken casserole dish is a great recipe to make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights. Freeze individual portions in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

More Chicken Casserole Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Casserole (4 Ingredients!)

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Casserole is a cozy, hearty meal and makes your house smell like Thanksgiving dinner! This easy dinner with tender chicken breasts and savory stuffing in a rich, creamy sauce comes together in minutes with 4 simple ingredients.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Servings

Calories 532kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans cream of chicken soup
¼ cup water
6 ounces dry stuffing mix such as Stove Top Stuffing or Pepperidge Farm
¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a slow cooker sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix cream of chicken soup and water together in a medium bowl. Spread soup over the chicken.
In the same bowl, toss the dry stuffing mix with melted butter. Pour the stuffing over the soup.
Cook on high 2-3 hours or low 4-6 hours until chicken is cooked through.

Notes

Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken breasts. Check for doneness on the earlier side of the time ranges. My Crock Pot takes about 3 hours on high and 4 ½ to 5 on low.
Toss in some fresh or frozen green beans on top of the stuffing for an easy one-pot meal. Add fresh green beans with the rest of the ingredients; frozen green beans should be added halfway through to keep from getting too soft.
Season chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices like poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Nutrition

The post Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Casserole (4 Ingredients!) appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits

Cara Lanz — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:13:41 +0000

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits is a delicious, easy casserole with a soft garlic parmesan biscuit base topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and pepperoni. Fast, easy dinner recipe that takes just a few minutes of prep time and bakes in about 30 minutes.

For a complete meal, serve with a fresh Caprese Salad, Roasted Green Beans, or a bowl of Tuscan Kale Soup.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

The first time I made this bubble up pizza casserole recipe, I ended up making it 3 times in one week. It's so good!

The fluffy biscuits seasoned with Parmesan garlic butter bake into the most delicious thick, puffy pizza crust. Topped with gooey mozzarella and pepperoni, it kind of reminds us of a lazy version of a deep-dish pizza.

And it's so fast and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

You're Going to Love This

Delicious dinner for busy weeknights or pizza night the whole family will request again and again
Perfect weeknight meal you can make ahead the night before or in the morning and bake when you get home
Fast, fun way to satisfy your pizza cravings without pizza delivery!

Ingredients

See recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts.

Refrigerated biscuit dough. You'll need one 16.3 oz. (8 count) can of biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle biscuits.

Parmesan cheese. For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan. If that's not doable, try to find freshly grated Parmesan that comes in a bag or tub -- not the green shaker.

Italian seasoning. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme. You can also add dried rosemary and parsley if you have it.

Pizza sauce. 16 ounces might seem like A LOT of sauce, but the biscuits absorb some of it, so it's really the perfect amount. Our favorite brand is Pastorelli.

Shredded mozzarella cheese. If possible, shred your own cheese -- it melts much creamier than pre-bagged cheese because it doesn't have all that anti-caking stuff on it. You can also use your favorite pizza cheeses like fontina, provolone, cheddar cheese, or a blend.

Toppings. Instead of or in addition to pepperoni slices, go ahead and add cooked sausage, green peppers, black olives, onions, or whatever your favorite pizza toppings are.

How to Make Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits

Step 1: Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces by cutting the biscuit in half across the equator, then cutting each half in half, then cutting each of those halves in half. Place the biscuit pieces in a 9 x 13 casserole dish coated with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In the baking dish, toss the biscuits with melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Spread the pizza sauce over the biscuits, then

Step 4: Layer on the cheese and pepperoni or your favorite toppings. If desired, sprinkle with more Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven at 400 for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake 5-10 more minutes or until the biscuits are baked through.

Step 6: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with Italian Zucchini Salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

For best flavor and gooeyness, use freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Check the center biscuits for doneness by removing one with a fork and testing it or checking with a digital thermometer -- the internal temperature should be from 205 to 210 degrees.
Make this bubble up pizza casserole recipe ahead of time. Assemble, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few minutes of baking time.

FAQs

How long does leftover bubble up pepperoni pizza bake last in the refrigerator?

Store leftover bubble-up pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

What is the best way to reheat pepperoni biscuit casserole?

Bubble up pizza bake is best enjoyed freshly from the oven. The best way to warm it up is to place it in a 350-degree preheated oven, covered with foil for 25-30 minutes or until warmed through to 165 degrees. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave in 30-second increments until warm -- be careful not to over-nuke, or it gets tough.

Can I make bubble up pizza casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Pizza casserole with biscuits is the perfect dinner to make in advance. Just assemble the casserole, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to overnight.

When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, then bake as directed. If the pizza casserole is still cold going into the oven, you may need to add a few minutes of cooking time.

More Easy Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a delicious, easy casserole with a soft garlic parmesan biscuit base topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and pepperoni. Fast, easy dinner recipe that takes just a few minutes of prep time and bakes in about 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings

Calories 368kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 tube Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Biscuits (8 count, 16.3 ounces)
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 ounces pizza sauce
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
20-24 slices pepperoni
red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat 9x13 pan with nonstick spray.
Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces and place in pan. Toss biscuit pieces with the butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Arrange into an even layer in the pan.
Evenly spread pizza sauce over the biscuit dough. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. If desired, sprinkle with more Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5-10 more minutes or until the biscuits are done. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best flavor and gooeyness, use freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Check the center biscuits for doneness by removing one with a fork and testing it or checking with a digital thermometer -- the internal temperature should be from 205 to 210 degrees.
Make this bubble up pizza casserole recipe ahead of time. Assemble, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few minutes of baking time.

Nutrition

The post Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Top 25 Corn Recipes

Cara Lanz — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:22:02 +0000

Looking for easy corn recipes? You're in luck! These are the 25 best corn recipes for dips, salads, pastas -- even pancakes and scones -- that feature the natural sweetness of corn.

Up to your ears in corn? (hardy har har) Or just looking for a crop of fresh corn recipes to try? I've got you covered.

I reached out to top food bloggers and asked for their very favorite corn recipes and boy, oh, boy, they didn't disappoint.

They hit me with the most delicious appetizers, salads, main course dishes, even breakfast and dessert recipes featuring the fresh flavor of corn. I even threw in a few of my own favorite recipes!

Whether your harvest comes from ears of corn or cans of corn, the farmers market or the grocery store, I hope you enjoy these 25 a-maize-ing (yes, I did that) sweet corn recipes.

Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

Photo Credit: thedevilwearssalad.com

Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions combines all the fresh flavors of summer in a salad bowl. Sweet, smoky grilled corn mixed with avocado, cherry tomatoes, roasted red onions, and a lemon Dijon dressing makes it a perfect side salad for any barbecue or potluck gathering.

Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos with Zesty Cheese Sauce

Photo Credit: xoxobella.com

Elote Mexican street corn nachos are a fun twist on nachos with crunchy corn tortilla chips, zesty cheese sauce, corn, and unique nacho toppings. Try these and you will agree that Mexican elote and nacho chips are a winning combination!

Corn, Squash and Goat Cheese Pizza

Photo Credit: jawnsicooked.com

Corn, Squash, and Goat Cheese Pizza with Balsamic Glaze is a quick and easy vegetarian-friendly pizza that screams summertime. It's made with fresh toppings and a foolproof homemade pizza dough (optional) for a new pizza night favorite!

Easy Corn Dip with Cream Cheese (Hot or Cold)

Fast and easy dip with cream cheese, sour cream, green chiles, chili powder, green onions, and plenty of cheese. Serve cold or top with MORE cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.

Corn and Zucchini Fritters

Photo Credit: www.livinglou.com

You’ll love these corn and zucchini fritters made with fresh corn, shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Zucchini corn fritters are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and an easy side dish or savory breakfast.

Sweet Corn Relish

Photo Credit: www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com

Zesty Sweet Corn Relish is a delicious way to use and preserve fresh sweet corn. This homemade relish pops with bites of pure corn flavor and can be enjoyed in so many different ways like a fun chip dip or tasty condiment for tacos, quesadillas, burgers, hotdogs, and more!

Grilled Zucchini Salad with Corn and Cheese

Photo Credit: allweeat.com

This easy 20-minute grilled zucchini corn salad recipe with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese is a quick and delightful dish that captures the essence of corn season in every bite.

Corn Pancakes

Photo Credit: brooklynfarmgirl.com

These corn pancakes are thick and fluffy and get their sweetness entirely from fresh corn kernels. Delicious and easy breakfast recipe, best served with syrup on top!

Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

This healthy Corn and Zucchini Chowder is the perfect soup to enjoy during the summer months or any time of year. Made with sweet summer corn, garden-fresh zucchini, cauliflower, and half-and-half instead of heavy cream, this delicious corn chowder is hearty, healthy, and super easy to make.

Mexican Street Corn Pinwheel Appetizers

Soft flour tortillas rolled around a creamy mixture of charred fresh or frozen corn, cream cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, chili powder, and lime juice. Always a hit at parties!

Double Decker Black Bean and Corn Salad Tacos

Photo Credit: rainbowplantlife.com

These double-wrapped tacos of the best of both worlds! A soft corn tortilla spread with refried black beans, wrapped around a crispy hard taco shell, then stuffed with a flavorful corn and black bean salad, it's a delicious, easy recipe you'll be making on repeat.

Sweet Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn

Super tender and moist cornbread with sour cream, creamed corn, and honey. Delicious baked in a cast iron skillet and topped with a little bit of cinnamon honey butter!

Mexican Corn Salad

Photo Credit: foxeslovelemons.com

Inspired by Mexican street corn, this Elote Salad is easy to make ahead and equally delicious served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

Paula Deen Corn Casserole

Paula Deen's Corn Casserole is so soft and fluffy -- and super easy to make with just 6 simple ingredients. It's also easy to make ahead, so it's the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Herbed Summer Corn Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com

Herbed summer corn pasta salad is perfect for summer entertaining or barbecues. This bowtie pasta summer salad features fresh corn off the cob, briny feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, red onion, and a lime vinaigrette.

Cheesy Baked Jalapeno Creamy Corn {With Bacon!}

Photo Credit: thesassyfoodie.com

This cheesy baked jalapeño creamy corn with bacon is baked in a rich and creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. Tasty corn recipe and a great side dish for the holidays you'll be asked to make again and again.

Corn Salsa

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

Scoop up the flavors of late summer with this easy corn salsa loaded with fresh veggies. Made from fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, bell peppers, sweet corn kernels, lime juice, and cilantro, it's sure to become your new favorite thing to make during corn season.

Southern Corn Pudding Recipe

Photo Credit: quichemygrits.com

Nothing tastes like Grandma's cooking as much as this Southern Corn Pudding Recipe. It’s an old-fashioned, comforting dish that features fresh corn, heavy cream, butter, and eggs. All fresh ingredients -- nothing artificial or from a can.

Sweet Corn Scones with Lime & Cinnamon

Photo Credit: www.baking-sense.com

Sweet Corn Scones are light and fluffy and flavored with a hint of lime and cinnamon! Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea snack.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad

Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad is tossed in cilantro lime dressing for a delicious side dish to accompany any main entrée. This fresh and flavorful sweet potato salad is a simple, healthy salad recipe that's easy to prepare and even easier to customize.

Creamy Sweet Corn Pasta (Vegan, Gluten Free Option) ~ Veggie Inspired

Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

This incredibly delicious Sweet Corn Pasta dish makes use of the best summer sweet corn. Dairy-free, gluten-free, depending on the kind of pasta you use, and kid-friendly. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and you’ll want to eat this meatless dish all summer long!

Blackened Corn

Photo Credit: karalydon.com

Ready in just 15 minutes, this blackened corn is perfect for a summer side dish. Charred in a cast iron pan with spices like smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder, this corn is packed with flavor and heat!

Black Bean Corn & Feta Dip

Photo Credit: www.monicanedeff.com

Black bean corn feta dip is made with canned beans, sweet corn, crumbled feta cheese, red bell pepper, green onions, and fresh cilantro and dressed in an apple cider vinaigrette. The perfect combo of sweet, tangy, and salty!

Creamy Chicken and Corn

Photo Credit: reciperunner.com

This creamy chicken and corn skillet is made with seasoned pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a fresh corn, green chile, and cilantro cream sauce.

How to Make Frozen Corn

Photo Credit: dishnthekitchen.com

Preserve summer’s sweet corn using a simple method …freezing! This post will walk you through preparing and preserving your very own batch of frozen corn.

How to Choose the Best Sweet Corn Every Time

Wondering how to pick the best ears of corn at the grocery store or farmers market without peeling back the husk? Here's what to look for.

Heavy weight. Juicy corn should feel heavy for its size. If it feels lighter than it should, it's probably dry.

Bright green husk. Look for ears that are tightly wrapped with a fresh-looking, bright green husk. Pass on any that have a brown or yellow husk that feels dry. If you see little brown holes, insects may have already chosen that ear. Let them have it.

Light brown tassel. Those corn silks sticking out the top of the corn should feel a little sticky and be a light brown, almost golden color. And if it smells fresh, go for it. If the tassels are dry, black, or mushy, the corn is old.

Plump kernels. Gently squeeze the ear of corn to feel if the kernels are firm and plump. If you feel mushy spots or missing kernels, pass on it.

What not to do. You've probably noticed other shoppers before you have left behind ears with the husks peeled back. But please resist -- it's kind of frowned. Once you peel back the husk, it causes the corn to dry out. Instead, try the tips above to see what's going on inside the husk.

How to Store Fresh Corn at Home

Chill it. As soon as you get home, put the corn in the fridge to help maintain the sweetness. If left too long in a warm temperature, those sugars can turn into starch and it will be less sweet. Leave the husks on and place the ears of corn in a loose-fitting bag.

Eat within a few days. Fresh corn is best eaten within 2-3 days. You can freeze leftover corn (see recipe #25 above) to enjoy the fresh flavors of late summer any time of year.

FAQs

Should fresh corn be refrigerated?

Yes. To preserve the sugars in sweet corn, refrigerate the corn as soon as you get home. Otherwise, those sugars can turn to starch and the corn won't taste as sweet.

How long does corn on the cob last in the fridge?

Fresh corn on the cob is best eaten the day of, however, you can store it in the refrigerator in a loose-fitting bag for 2-3 days.

How can you tell if corn is bad?

There are a few tell-tale signs (without pulling back the husk) that a cob of corn with the husk on is no longer fresh.
Light for its size. Fresh corn should feel heavy for its size. If it feels light, it means it's dry.
Brown or black tassels. If the silks of the corn are dried out or black, the corn isn't very fresh.
Missing kernels or mushy spots. Feel the corn through the husk from silk to stem. If it feels soft or like there are bare spots, pass on it.

Once it's home, refrigerate and eat it within a few days. You can tell that corn has gone bad if it is slimy or has an offputting odor, mold, dark areas on the kernels, or the kernels are shriveled. If you are at all in doubt, toss it.

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

More Easy Recipes

The post Top 25 Corn Recipes appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

33 BEST Cherry Tomato Recipes

Cara Lanz — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:13:32 +0000

Looking for new ways to use up your abundance of fresh garden cherry tomatoes? I've got you covered with the very best cherry tomato recipes for salads, salsas, pasta, pizza, and more.

Juicy summer cherry tomatoes are such sweet little treasures, I almost consider them a "sorry about that" for our brutal Midwestern winters.

And whether you grow them in your vegetable garden or grab them at the grocery store or farmers markets, the options to work these juicy little tomatoes into a delicious recipe are as scrumptious as they are endless.

What to Do with Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are delicious raw, roasted, sauteed, or sun-dried and bring bright bursts of flavor to salads, salsas, pasta, pizza, and more.

Check out some of our favorite cherry tomato recipes below from the best food bloggers around. I have a feeling you're about to find your new favorite recipe.

And if you're up to your eyeballs in an over-abundance of cherry tomatoes, you'll find several different ways to preserve them by making sauce or jam, dehydrating them, or roasting them in the oven or air fryer.

Keep scrolling for tips on how to pick, store, and freeze cherry tomatoes.

The BEST Cherry Tomato Recipes

Sheet-Pan Salmon

Photo Credit: grandbaby-cakes.com

Savor the flavors of this delicious Sheet-Pan Salmon recipe, featuring a mouthwatering jerk marinade and refreshing cucumber-cherry tomato salad. It’s an easy-to-make dish for special occasions or busy weeknights when you’re in the mood for good food.

Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart with Puff Pastry

Photo Credit: itsavegworldafterall.com

This delicious tart recipe features oven-roasted cherry tomatoes on top of herbed cheese and puff pastry. Impressive, flavorful dish, perfect for a dinner party or weeknight dinner.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: www.lovefromtheoven.com

Pesto Pasta Salad comes together with cooked pasta noodles tossed with all your favorite veggies and a zesty pesto sauce. Light, simple side dish or easy meal that is bursting with flavor!

Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce

Photo Credit: thecleaneatingcouple.com

Learn how to make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes. An easy fresh tomato pasta sauce recipe everyone will love!

Corn Salad

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

Bright and colorful cucumber, red onions, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese make up this refreshing corn salad. Perfect for backyard barbecues and cookouts and takes just minutes to make!

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Photo Credit: delicioustable.com

Learn how to dehydrate cherry tomatoes at home in the oven or by using a food dehydrator. Homemade sun-dried cherry tomatoes are a tasty snack and delicious in sandwich wraps, pasta salads, and more.

Caprese Spinach and Arugula Salad

Caprese Spinach Arugula Salad is a vibrant salad with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, avocado, and toasted walnuts, drizzled with a delicious maple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner side salad -- or make it a meal with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes

Photo Credit: bunnyswarmoven.net

Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious, easy recipe that's also easy on your budget.

Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, and Basil

Photo Credit: www.modernhoney.com

A fresh and vibrant vegetable dish made with sauteed zucchini noodles, garlic, olive oil, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and basil.

Easy Tuna Nicoise Salad (Sheet Pan Recipe)

This easy sheet pan Tuna Nicoise Salad recipe is a simple main dish salad with roasted red potatoes and green beans, olives, hard-boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, and tuna in a delightful lemon vinaigrette. Delicious light dinner for warm summer months or anytime.

Super Easy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

TikTok’s popular baked feta pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes is a quick and easy weeknight vegetarian meal. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this creamy baked feta pasta is a delicious way to make the most of tomato season. Make it once, and you’ll keep making it over and over again!

Easy Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Photo Credit: plantbasedonabudget.com

Roasted cherry tomatoes are quick and easy and turn into caramelized morsels, bursting with sweet, concentrated flavor. Pair with garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar for the ultimate summer appetizer, side, or topping. Great cherry tomato recipe you can make in just 30 minutes!

Slow Cooker Cherry Tomato Sauce

Photo Credit: brooklynfarmgirl.com

Slow Cooker Cherry Tomato Sauce recipe is a creamy, easy-to-make sauce to use in casseroles, pasta dishes, or on pizza. Delicious to serve as-is or can or freeze for later.

Zesty Quinoa Salad

This Zesty Quinoa Salad is a delicious side dish loaded with quinoa, wild rice, fresh herbs, and fresh veggies in a zippy lime vinaigrette. Easy and delicious grilling side dish, potluck salad, or meal prep lunch.

Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Preserved in Olive Oil

Photo Credit: heartbeetkitchen.com

Savor summer with slow roasted cherry tomatoes preserved in olive oil! Oven-roasted tomatoes are rich and savory and a wonderful addition to soups, pasta, and bread. This simple recipe is a great way to use up an abundance of summer tomatoes.

Perfect Pan-Seared Sea Bass

Photo Credit: thedizzycook.com

Seared seabass nestled in a shallot cherry tomato sauce is a quick, elegant dinner -- and a great recipe for date night!

Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Whip up a scrumptious meal in a mere 30 minutes with this baked pesto mozzarella chicken. It's a straightforward, low-carb, and gluten-free dish, crafted using cherry tomatoes and a handful of simple ingredients.

Balsamic Pasta Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: www.thecookingduo.com

Crafted in only 30 minutes, the Balsamic Pasta Salad harmonizes pasta shells, bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumber, and a sweet-and-sour balsamic vinaigrette. An ideal choice for spring celebrations or outdoor BBQs, this vibrant side dish shines with fresh flavor and color.

Chicken Pomodoro {20 MIN + EASY Recipe!}

Photo Credit: easyfamilyrecipes.com

This Homemade Chicken Pomodoro looks fancy, but is equally EASY, FAST, and amazingly DELICIOUS! It's made with tender chicken breast seasoned and seared, then cooked to perfection in a homemade tomato sauce. Both hearty and wholesome, this flavor-packed meal is sure to become a new family favorite.

Burrata Bruschetta (with tomato basil topping)

Photo Credit: www.mapleandmango.com

This easy-to-make Burrata Bruschetta recipe is the ultimate summer appetizer! It features creamy burrata cheese and a delicious fresh tomato basil topping on garlic-rubbed slices of crispy, toasted bread. Absolutely delicious!

Easy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (Baked Gnocchi Recipe)

Photo Credit: homecookingcollective.com

Baked gnocchi in tomato sauce and cheesy mozzarella star in this easy, comforting, and delicious Italian recipe, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Photo Credit: lovefromthetable.com

Grilled bruschetta chicken is a perfect easy summer meal. Lightly seasoned grilled chicken breasts are topped with sweet cherry tomato basil salad and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fresh, healthy, and delicious dinner.

Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup (with Boursin Cheese)

Photo Credit: tablenutrition.com

Cherry tomato soup is super simple and a great “hands-off” side dish for your weeknight dinner. The cherry tomatoes are bright and flavorful and the herby Boursin cheese makes it rich and creamy. Pair it with a hunk of crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort meal the whole family will enjoy.

Cherry Tomato Salsa with Red Onion

Photo Credit: biteontheside.com

Cherry tomato salsa recipe is bursting with fresh, tangy, and sweet flavor. Made with red onion, cilantro, and lime, this Mexican-inspired recipe is a great topping for tacos and tostadas or an easy side salad.

Baked Cod

Photo Credit: cinnamonandsageco.com

This easy and flavorful Baked Cod recipe is the best way to end the day. The delicious combination of cod, tomatoes, feta cheese, and more create a fast, easy, wholesome Mediterranean meal you'll look forward to.

Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Tomato Olive Relish

Photo Credit: www.threeolivesbranch.com

Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Tomato Olive Relish is a simple grilled fish recipe topped with briny olives and a simple warm salsa for a healthy and light dinner.

Detroit Style Pizza Recipe

Photo Credit: foxeslovelemons.com

This Detroit Style Pizza Recipe has an irresistible crispy and chewy crust, tons of gooey cheese, and a zesty pickled tomato sauce.

Bloody Mary Shrimp

Photo Credit: twocloveskitchen.com

This Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe takes the flavors from your favorite cocktail and turns it into a delicious weeknight dinner! With ripe cherry tomatoes, spicy horseradish, and plump shrimp, this is an easy, flavorful meal that will impress.

Goat Cheese Risotto with Cherry Tomato Confit

Photo Credit: www.barleyandsage.com

Creamy goat cheese risotto with flavorful cherry tomato and garlic confit is a match made in heaven in this delicious summer lunch or side dish. And don't be fooled into thinking risotto is difficult to make, it's actually quite easy!

Small Batch Cherry Tomato Jam

Photo Credit: flavorthemoments.com

Small Batch Cherry Tomato Jam is an easy savory cherry tomato jam that’s the perfect condiment for cheese plates, burgers, sandwiches, and more!

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Photo Credit: thesageapron.com

This cherry tomato and mozzarella Caprese salad with roasted tomato vinaigrette is vibrant, healthy, and full of bright, fresh flavors. This delicious salad is brimming with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar -- and a great recipe for when you have a lot of cherry tomatoes to use up.

Spinach and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

Photo Credit: kitchenontheavenue.com

This Cherry Tomato Spinach Pasta recipe is made with fresh ingredients that promise great flavors in every bite. This nutritious and satisfying cherry tomato pasta recipe is made with fresh sweet cherry tomatoes, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare this recipe, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

Air Fryer Tomatoes

Photo Credit: www.everydayfamilycooking.com

Learn how to roast cherry tomatoes in your air fryer! They cook up faster than the oven and offer a burst of flavor with every bite.

FAQs

When are cherry tomatoes ready to pick?

Cherry tomatoes generally ripen around 60 days or so after planting. They are ready to pick when the color has changed from green to red -- or orange or yellow, depending on the type of cherry tomatoes you planted -- and they are easy to remove from the stem.

How do you pick cherry tomatoes?

Ripe cherry tomatoes are very easy to harvest and will practically fall off the stem with very little effort. You don't even need scissors or a pruner. To pick cherry tomatoes, use gentle pressure to pull them off the vine one by one. If all of the cherry tomatoes in a cluster are ripe, you can also snip off the entire stem.

What is the best way to store cherry tomatoes?

Store cherry tomatoes at room temperature on the counter in a bowl and plan to eat them in a few days.

Can you freeze cherry tomatoes?

Yes, cherry tomatoes are really easy to freeze! Just wash and dry them, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cherry tomatoes to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

More Garden Vegetable Recipes

The post 33 *BEST* Cherry Tomato Recipes appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipes

Cara Lanz — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:52:37 +0000

Wondering what to do with all that zucchini? Bake it in a casserole! Check out these zucchini squash casserole recipe ideas including delicious lasagnas, pasta bakes, au gratins, cornbread casseroles, Bisquick bakes, and more.

Zucchini. The summer garden gift that keeps on giving .. and giving ... and giving.

Once you've made zucchini bread, zoodles, and then frozen some for later, you're still going to have plenty left.

Which is a good thing.

Because there are so many different ways to bake zucchini into a delicious casserole the whole family will devour. And request again and again.

The BEST Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipes

Take a spin through the best zucchini casserole recipes from across the internet for some of the most delicious ways to turn your bumper crop of zucchini into a delicious dinner.

Easy Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: www.nourish-and-fete.com

This tasty Zucchini Casserole is an easy side dish brimming with fresh summer vegetables, garlic, feta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a perfectly golden brown breadcrumb topping. It bakes in about 30 minutes and is easy to prep ahead.

Best Zucchini Casserole – Super Creamy and Cheesy

Photo Credit: www.lowcarbspark.com

This Zucchini Casserole is an easy, cheesy side dish made with layered sliced zucchini and a rich, creamy parmesan cheese sauce. A delicious baked zucchini gratin recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes. It's also low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.

Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com

This Chicken Zucchini Casserole is made with fresh zucchini and tender chicken baked in a rich pesto tomato sauce and covered in cheese. A delicious and healthy dinner you can make in one pan for easy clean-up.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Butternut Squash Lasagna is made with healthy vegetables like zucchini and spinach, creamy roasted butternut squash, and gooey melted cheese. Delicious way to get everyone to eat the veggies and a great recipe for meatless Monday.

Crispy Zucchini and Corn Casserole

Photo Credit: rainbowplantlife.com

Crispy Vegan Zucchini and Corn Casserole is a delicious way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini and corn. It's made with zucchini, summer squash, and charred corn tossed in a fragrant basil sauce, then layered with marinara, vegan cheese, and crispy bread crumbs.

Cheesy Zucchini Yellow Squash Casserole

Photo Credit: littlespicejar.com

Cheesy Zucchini Yellow Squash Casserole is a vegetarian-friendly casserole loaded with sautéed onions, garlic, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping for amazing flavor and crunch!

Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

Creamy, cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is made from tender zucchini slices baked with a creamy cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sauce, and topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs. Easy zucchini squash bake and delicious way to put your abundance of summer garden squash to good use.

Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups

Photo Credit: debraklein.com

You’ll love these easy Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups. Low carb zucchini noodles are filled with dairy-free ricotta, set onto a pool of marinara, and baked to perfection. Vegan zucchini rollatini is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and super satisfying.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Photo Credit: www.themagicalslowcooker.com

This slow cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole is a hearty meal loaded with fresh vegetables and all the flavors of a traditional enchilada. Made from simple ingredients, this easy zucchini casserole is a delicious vegetarian main dish you'll make on repeat during the summer months.

Loaded Meatless Baked Ziti

Photo Credit: marleysmenu.com

Loaded Meatless Baked Ziti is packed with zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, a flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta and topped with gooey, melty cheese. A hearty, comforting complete meal and a great way to make the most of delicious, fresh squash.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a delicious one pot meal that cooks in under 30 minutes. Loaded with savory ground beef, zucchini, corn, fresh herbs, and tender orzo in a rich tomato sauce, it's an easy recipe that gets dinner on the table fast.

Cornbread Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: zucchinizone.com

Cornbread Zucchini Casserole is a comforting summer side dish. It's like a moist cornbread in casserole form, filled with shredded zucchini, onion, and pepper jack cheese.

Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna

Photo Credit: theoregondietitian.com

Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna is the perfect summer dinner! It's healthy, high in protein, and has all the crave-worthy flavors of classic lasagna, but with zucchini noodles standing in for traditional pasta. Perfect way to get a healthy meal on the dinner table everyone will love.

Meat Stuffed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce

Photo Credit: www.fromachefskitchen.com

Beef Stuffed Zucchini with Tomato Sauce is filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese to perfectly complement the mild flavor of zucchini. Smothered in a lively red sauce, baked stuffed zucchini is sure to become one of your new favorite ways to make the most of fresh summer squash.

Cheesy Sausage Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: butteryourbiscuit.com

Cheesy Sausage Zucchini Rice Casserole is loaded with smoked sausage and fresh zucchini for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in 30 minutes. Easy one-pot meal and great dish to use up that abundance of zucchini from your garden.

Paleo Chicken Mushroom Casserole

Photo Credit: www.jaroflemons.com

This Paleo Chicken Mushroom Casserole dish is full of indulgent, savory flavor and a secret ingredient that creates a luxuriously creamy sauce. Paleo-friendly, dairy-free, and gluten-free, this recipe is a wholesome weeknight dinner recipe for even the pickiest of eaters!

Zucchini Potato Casserole

Photo Credit: brooklynfarmgirl.com

This Zucchini Potato Casserole is so simple to make with only minutes of prep time. Baked in the oven until vegetables are tender with a crispy top, this zucchini casserole can be served as a healthy main course or side dish.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Photo Credit: ifoodreal.com

Comfort meets healthy in Chicken Zucchini Casserole. Made with layers of taco-seasoned shredded chicken, zucchini noodle sheets, and easy homemade enchilada sauce, this Mexican chicken zucchini lasagna is sure to become one of your new favorite zucchini recipes.

Crustless Zucchini Pie

Photo Credit: brunchandbatter.com

This crustless Zucchini Pie with Bisquick is a simple recipe loaded with plenty of zucchini and Parmesan. An easy crowd-pleasing dish and the best way to showcase fresh summer zucchini.

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole (Keto, Low Carb, GF)

Photo Credit: wholelottayum.com

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a quick and easy dinner you can make on the stovetop that is sure to please your whole family. This cheesy casserole without pasta is low-carb, gluten-free, and a great way to get your veggies in at dinnertime.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole with Bisquick

This super easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole recipe tastes like summer with zucchini, tomatoes, pesto, and rotisserie chicken with a Parmesan, garlic, and herb Bisquick topping. Easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights the whole family will love.

Cheesy Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Photo Credit: www.wholesomeyum.com

This fabulous Yellow Squash Casserole comes together with just 5 minutes of prep and 5 simple ingredients. Made with layers of roasted yellow summer squash and a homemade creamy, cheesy sauce this healthy, keto yellow squash casserole is a delicious side dish for chicken, pork chops, or grilled shrimp.

Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

Photo Credit: www.smalltownwoman.com

Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash is a luscious creamy cheesy medley of zucchini, yellow squash, onions, and garlic. It is quick and easy to prepare and will make a summer squash lover out of you!

Healthy Zucchini Tomato Bake

Photo Credit: thecleaneatingcouple.com

This Healthy Zucchini Tomato Bake recipe is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. Perfect side dish and an easy way to use up all your summer vegetables.

Garden Zucchini Squash Casserole

Photo Credit: thecarrotunderground.com

Garden Zucchini Squash Casserole is a healthy and colorful dish made with fresh zucchini, yellow squash, and ripe red tomatoes topped with toasted Italian breadcrumbs & vegan Parmesan cheese. Delicious and beautiful recipe to showcase your beautiful garden vegetables.

FAQs

How can you tell if zucchini is ripe?

When you're picking zucchini from your garden, look for zucchini that are firm, dark green (or yellow for yellow zucchini), about 6-8 inches long, and feel heavy for their size.

How do you store fresh zucchini?

The best way to keep zucchini fresh is to store it unwashed and in low humidity. Store freshly picked zucchini in an open plastic bag or plastic bag with holes in it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator set to low humidity.

How do you store cut zucchini?

If you cut up too many zucchini for your casserole, toss the leftover cut zucchini in a ziptop bag or airtight container and store it in the fridge for 4-5 days.

How long does zucchini last in the fridge?

Fresh zucchini, when properly stored in the crisper drawer in a ventilated plastic bag, can last in the refrigerator for about a week, maybe even two. Just keep your eyes open for signs of spoilage.

How can you tell if zucchini is bad?

Bad zucchinis are easy to detect. They're rubbery, soft, or mushy, and may have wrinkles, shriveled skin, or even moldy or decayed spots. Zucchini past its prime may have an offputting smell and the interior flesh may be stringy, spongy, or mushy.

More Easy Casserole Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

The post Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipes appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Fast & Easy Pepperoni Flatbread

Cara Lanz — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:45:43 +0000

Pepperoni Flatbread is an incredibly simple and delicious pizza you can make in about 20 minutes. Made from soft naan bread topped with pizza sauce, two kinds of gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and simple seasonings, then baked to perfection, it's perfect for pizza night, easy weeknight dinners, or a quick snack.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

This easy Pepperoni Flatbread recipe is a super fast way to make an ooey-gooey, cheesy pepperoni pizza with just a handful of ingredients and in no time flat.

It comes together with fluffy naan flatbread, pizza sauce, plenty of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a pinch of simple herbs and spices, and bakes in minutes.

And you don't even need a pizza pan! It bakes right on the rack for a perfectly crispy crust.

Pepperoni flatbread makes a great snack, last-minute appetizer, or easy weeknight dinner.

Serve with a fresh Spinach Caprese Salad or a bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup for a complete meal.

Try these easy flatbread pizza recipes next!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick dinner you can make in about 20 minutes
Easy semi-homemade flatbread pizza recipe with simple ingredients
Naan flatbread crusts make the perfect individual serving size pepperoni pizza

Ingredients

Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for quantities.

Naan flatbread. Store-bought naans are a convenient option for a quick pizza crust.

Shredded mozzarella cheese. If at all possible, use freshly shredded mozzarella. It melts much creamier and is definitely worth the extra minute of time.

Fresh mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella contains a lot of moisture. To keep it from making your pizza soggy, use thin slices (or tear it into thin pieces) and place them on paper towels to blot out any excess moisture.

Seasonings. A little Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes add even more zesty pizza flavor.

Variations

Create your own pepperoni flatbread creation!

Flatbread. You can use homemade flatbread or pita bread.

Meat. Turkey pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, or Canadian bacon are all delicious options.

Mozzarella cheese. If you don't have fresh mozzarella cheese for the top layer, use more shredded mozzarella cheese.

Pesto. Pesto is a delicious pizza sauce on naan. Try it instead of pizza sauce!

Fresh basil. Finish the baked pizza with thin slices of fresh basil.

Parmesan. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is always a welcome finish on a freshly baked pepperoni flatbread. Cumbled feta is another great option.

Your favorite pizza toppings. Add olives, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or whatever you love. Just go easy -- too many toppings can make the pizza soggy.

How to Make Pepperoni Flatbread

Preheat the oven to 450. Place the naan flatbreads directly on the oven rack and warm for 2 minutes per side.

Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each flatbread.

Top each pizza with ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 8 pepperoni slices, 5 slices of fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Place the flatbread pizzas directly on the oven rack. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese melts and the edges are golden brown.

Place a baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil on a rack below the pizza to catch any drips.

Storage

Store leftover pepperoni flatbread wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating

It's easy to reheat pepperoni flatbread on the stovetop or in the oven.

Stovetop. Warm a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place 1-2 individual slices in the skillet and warm until the top starts to glisten. Add a couple drops of water to the pan and cover with a lid or foil. Warm for 1-2 more minutes until the cheese has melted.

Oven. Place flatbread on a rimmed baking sheet -- or any baking pan with sides. Cover with foil so the foil isn't touching the top of the pizza. Place in the oven and turn to 375 degrees (no need to preheat). Heat the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

Success Tips

Pre-baking the naan and baking the pepperoni flatbread directly on the oven rack makes the crust perfectly crispy.
Add your own favorite toppings, but go easy -- too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
Place a baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil on a rack below the pizza to catch any drips.

FAQs

What is pepperoni flatbread?

Pepperoni flatbread is a delicious variation of traditional pizza baked on naan flatbread. It is topped with a layer of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and slices of pepperoni, and baked on the oven rack. Because it is made with a flatbread base instead of a regular pizza crust, it has a little crispier crust than traditional pizza.

Is flatbread the same as pizza dough?

Not quite, but they are very similar. One primary difference is that naan is often made with dairy like milk or yogurt, and sometimes eggs, which makes it a bit denser than pizza dough. Pizza dough is usually made from just flour, water, yeast, and oil. Both are great bases for your favorite pizza toppings and many delicious recipes.

Can I use different types of cheese for pepperoni flatbread?

Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese is the traditional choice for pepperoni flatbread, you can experiment with different types of cheese to add extra flavor. Some options to consider include cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of different cheeses. Each cheese will bring its own unique taste and texture to the flatbread.

More Easy Pizza Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Pepperoni Flatbread

Pepperoni Flatbread is made from soft naan bread topped with pizza sauce, two kinds of gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and simple seasonings, then baked to perfection. Perfect for pizza night, easy weeknight dinners, or a quick snack.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 411kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

2 naan flatbreads
¼ cup pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 slices pepperoni
2.5 ounces fresh mozzarella 10 thin slices
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450. Place the naan flatbreads directly on the oven rack and warm for 2 minutes per side.
Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each flatbread. Top each pizza with ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 8 pepperoni slices, 5 slices of fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Place the flatbread pizzas directly on the oven rack. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
Place a baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil on a rack below the pizza to catch any drips.

Notes

Pre-baking the naan and baking the pepperoni flatbread directly on the oven rack makes the crust perfectly crispy.

Add your own favorite toppings, but go easy -- too many toppings can make the crust soggy.

Place a baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil on a rack below the pizza to catch any drips.

Nutrition

The post Fast & Easy Pepperoni Flatbread appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Fast & Easy Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza

Cara Lanz — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:45:18 +0000

Chicken Pesto Flatbread with naan, pesto, mozzarella cheese, chicken, tomatoes, feta cheese, and green onion is a fast and easy dinner or quick snack you can make in about 20 minutes.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

This chicken pesto flatbread recipe is a delicious, satisfying pizza you can whip up in minutes.

Soft and fluffy naan flatbread is topped with bright basil pesto, chicken, cheese, juicy grape tomatoes, feta, and green onions, and baked to ooey gooey golden brown perfection.

Pesto chicken flatbreads are super simple, full of flavor, and perfect for an after-school snack, light lunch, or quick dinner.

Serve chicken pesto pizza with Whipped Feta Dip and veggies, Vegetable Soup, and a Spinach & Arugula Caprese Salad for a complete dinner.

Be sure to try BBQ Chicken Flatbread, Easy Lavash Pizza, or Pita Bread Pizza next!

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Fast and easy pizza you can make in under 20 minutes

Great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken

Full of bright fresh flavor, gooey cheese, and juicy chicken

Ingredients

Naan bread. Store-bought flatbreads are the perfect pre-made crust -- and the perfect size to make a pizza for one or two.

Pesto. Store-bought pesto sauce from the grocery store is a great convenience ingredient, but you can certainly use your own homemade pesto recipe.

Cooked chicken. I used leftover rotisserie chicken, but you can make freshly poached or grilled chicken or use whatever leftover chicken you have in the fridge.

Mozzarella cheese. If you have a minute to shred a block of mozzarella, it melts much smoother and creamier than bagged shredded cheese. But I totally get the ease of using the pre-shredded stuff.

Grape tomatoes. Grape tomatoes are less watery than cherry tomatoes, making them the better option for pizza. If your tomatoes are really juicy, place them cut-side down on a paper towel to remove some of the excess liquid and keep from making the pizza soggy.

Variations

Pesto chicken caprese flatbreads. Add a few thin slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the flatbread before baking. Finish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Cheese. Substitute feta with any kind of crumbled cheese like goat cheese or blue cheese -- or use grated Parmesan cheese.

Green onions. If you don't have green onions, try one of these substitutes for scallions. Red onions would be delicious on this pizza.

Spices. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chili flakes for a touch of heat.

Pine nuts. Crunchy pine nuts add nutty flavor and are a natural pairing with pesto.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Flatbread

Preheat the oven to 450. Place flatbreads directly on the oven rack. Warm for 2 minutes per side.

In a small bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon of pesto.

Evenly spread 2 tablespoons pesto on top of each flatbread -- all the way to the edges.

Top each flatbread with ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of pesto chicken, 5 halved grape tomatoes, 1 tablespoon feta cheese, and ½ of the sliced green onion.

Place the flatbread pizzas directly on the oven rack and bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.

Place a baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil on a lower rack to catch any drips.

If desired, finish with a few more drizzles of pesto.

Storage

Store leftover flatbread wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat pesto chicken flatbread in a skillet on the stovetop (fastest!) or in the oven.

Skillet. Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 slices of naan pizza and warm until you notice the top starting to glisten. Add a few drops of water to the pan and cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Warm for 1-2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Oven. Place the pizza on a small rimmed sheet pan or any pan with sides high enough that the foil doesn't touch the top of the pizza. Cover with foil and place in the oven. Turn the oven on to 375 (no need to preheat). Warm for 10-20 minutes or until the pizza is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

Success Tips

Pre-baking the naan flatbread keeps the crust from getting soggy.
If your tomatoes are very juicy, place them cut side down on paper towels to absorb some of the moisture.
For the gooeyest melted cheese, shred a block of mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded.

FAQs

Why is my flatbread pizza soggy?

There are a few reasons pesto chicken flatbread pizza can become soggy: the flatbread wasn't pre-baked, there are too many toppings, the toppings are too wet, or the pizza wasn't baked long enough.

To ensure a perfectly crispy crust:
• Pre-bake naan flatbreads for 2 minutes per side before adding toppings.
• Keep toppings to a minimum. Less is more in this case.
• Use mostly "dry" toppings like meats and cheeses and avoid placing any "wet" toppings directly on the crust. I like to add them last so there's an ample barrier between them and the crust.
• Bake the naan pizza directly on the oven rack until the edges are golden brown.

What is naan flatbread?

Naan is a soft and fluffy leavened Indian flatbread that comes from the Persian word "non," or bread. It is typically made with ingredients like flour, yeast, yogurt, milk, and sometimes eggs or ghee (clarified butter).

Naan is often tear-drop shaped and puffs up as it cooks. It was traditionally baked in a tandoor, a clay oven, but is commonly baked in an oven, cooked over high heat in a cast iron skillet or frying pan, or even grilled.

Is naan the same as pita bread?

No. While both pita and naan have their similarities, they are different.

Pita bread is round and made from fewer ingredients than naan -- flour, salt, water, and yeast. Pita isn't usually as soft as naan and the thinner varieties of pita create a pocket when cut in half, perfect for stuffing with falafel or hummus. Pocketless pita bread is great for wraps and sandwiches, and, like naan, makes a great base for a flatbread pizza.

More Easy Flatbread Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Chicken Pesto Flatbread

Chicken Pesto Flatbread with naan, pesto, mozzarella cheese, chicken, tomatoes, feta cheese, and green onion is a fast and easy dinner or quick snack you can make in about 20 minutes.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 446kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

2 naan flatbreads
5 tablespoons pesto, divided
½ cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons feta cheese crumbles
1 green onion, sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450. Place the naan flatbreads directly on the oven rack and warm for 2 minutes per side.
In a small bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon pesto.
Evenly spread 2 tablespoons pesto on top of each flatbread -- all the way to the edges.
Top each flatbread with ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of pesto chicken, 5 halved grape tomatoes, 1 tablespoon feta cheese, and ½ of the sliced green onion.
Place the flatbread pizzas directly on the oven rack and bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Place a baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil on a lower rack to catch any drips.

Notes

Pre-bake the naan flatbread to keep the crust from getting soggy.

If your tomatoes are very juicy, place them cut-side down on paper towels to absorb some of the moisture.

For the gooeyest melted cheese, shred a block of mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded.

Nutrition

The post Fast & Easy Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread (Quick & Easy!)

Cara Lanz — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:44:44 +0000

BBQ Chicken Flatbread is an incredibly delicious pizza you can make in about 20 minutes with 5 ingredients. Perfect for a snack or an easy weeknight dinner -- and a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Welp, looks like pizza night just got a heckuva lot easier!

This simple recipe for BBQ chicken flatbread pizza comes together in 20 minutes with soft naan bread, tangy barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and sharp red onion.

It's a fast and easy meal for busy weeknights or a fun snack when you don't want to wait for delivery.

Serve with soup and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Try these easy flatbread pizza recipes next!

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Easy semi-homemade bbq chicken pizza
One naan flatbread makes the perfect-sized pizza for one or two people
Fast and easy flatbread pizza made with store-bought crust
Great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken

Ingredients

Flatbread. I like to use naan, which I find in the deli section of the grocery store. You can also use pita bread or make your own flatbread pizza crust.

BBQ sauce. Use your favorite bbq sauce. We like Sweet Baby Rays or homemade Jack Daniels BBQ sauce.

Colby-Jack cheese. Co-Jack cheese is flavorful and melts well. You can use mozzarella cheese or whatever kind of cheese you love. If you have an extra minute, shred your own. It melts much creamier than pre-shredded.

Shredded chicken breast. Barbecue chicken pizza is a great way to use up leftover chicken. You can also use freshly poached or grilled boneless chicken breasts.

Red onion. Red onion is a bright, sharp contrast to the sweet, tangy BBQ sauce.

Green onion, optional. Fresh sliced green onions add great flavor to the finished pizza.

Variations

Add your favorite pizza toppings to make your own BBQ chicken flatbread creation! Be careful not to load up too many toppings or the crust can get soggy.

Bell peppers. Add a burst of pretty color with red, green, yellow, or orange bell pepper slices.

Halved cherry tomatoes. To keep cherry tomatoes from adding too much liquid to the pizza, place them cut-side down on paper towels for a few minutes, then add them to very top layer of the pizza (furthest from the crust) before baking.

Fresh cilantro. Add cilantro or your favorite fresh herbs to the pizza after it's baked.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Warm the naan flatbreads directly on the oven rack for 2 minutes per side.

Toss the chicken with 1 ½ tablespoons of BBQ sauce.

Spread 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce on each piece of naan bread.

Top each flatbread with ¾ cup shredded cheddar Jack cheese, ¼ cup of BBQ chicken, and sliced red onion. Optional, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Place flatbread directly on the oven rack for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown. Place a baking sheet or piece of foil on the rack below to catch any drips.

Serve with sliced green onions and more BBQ sauce, if desired.

Storage

Store leftover pizza wrapped in plastic or in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat BBQ Flatbread

We like to reheat flatbread pizza on the stovetop or in the oven.

Stovetop. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 slices of BBQ chicken pizza. Warm until the top just starts to glisten. Add a few drops of water and cover the pan with a lid or foil. Warm 1-2 more minutes until the cheese is melted.

Oven. Place the leftover flatbread pizza on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil -- make sure it doesn't touch the top of the pizza. Place the pan in the oven and turn it to 375 degrees (no need to preheat). Warm for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Success Tips

Pre-baking the naan flatbread keeps the crust from getting soggy.

If possible, use freshly shredded cheese from a block. It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.

Place a piece of foil or a baking sheet on the rack below the flatbread pizza to catch any drips.

FAQs

What toppings are on BBQ chicken flatbread pizza?

Top your BBQ chicken pizza with your favorite cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, Colby, or Monterey Jack or smoked Gouda cheese, cooked chicken, and toppings like red onion, green onion, bell peppers, and cilantro.

What is used for a BBQ pizza base?

Naan flatbread is the pizza crust for this homemade bbq chicken pizza. Naan flatbread is delicious, fast and easy to use, and just the right size for a pizza for one or two people. When baked to a golden brown, it makes a perfectly crispy pizza crust.

Who invented BBQ chicken pizza?

Ed LaDou, who was previously a pizza chef at Wolfgang Puck's Spago, developed the menu for California Pizza Kitchen, including their signature barbecue chicken pizza.

More Favorite Recipes

Let's Stay in Touch

Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

BBQ Chicken Flatbread

BBQ Chicken Flatbread is an incredibly delicious pizza you can make in about 20 minutes with 5 ingredients. Perfect for a snack or an easy weeknight dinner -- and a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken!

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 457kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

2 naan flatbreads
5 ½ tablespoons BBQ sauce divided
1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
½ cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
red pepper flakes, optional
green onions, for serving, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Warm the naan flatbreads directly on the oven rack for 2 minutes per side.
Toss the chicken with 1 ½ tablespoons BBQ sauce.
Spread 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce on each piece of naan bread.
Top each flatbread with ¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, ¼ cup of BBQ chicken, and ½ of the sliced red onion.
Optional, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Bake directly on the oven rack for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown. Place a baking sheet or piece of foil on the rack below to catch any drips.
Serve with sliced green onions and more BBQ sauce, if desired.

Notes

Pre-baking the naan flatbread keeps the crust from getting soggy.

If possible, use freshly shredded cheese from a block. It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.

Place a piece of foil or a baking sheet on the rack below the flatbread pizza to catch any drips.

Nutrition

The post BBQ Chicken Flatbread (Quick & Easy!) appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.