Delicious Appetizer Recipes - 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.

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Chocolate Covered Pineapple

Cara Lanz — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 22:18:21 +0000

Chocolate Covered Pineapple is an irresistible sweet treat made from fresh pineapple dipped in rich chocolate and sprinkled with fun toppings.

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Nothing screams summer (especially during a Minnesota winter!) like a tropical treat. Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie, Pineapple Fruit Dip, and Pineapple Dump Cake are a few of our faves!

That is until we tried pineapple dipped in chocolate. The blend of sweet tangy tropical fruit with rich chocolate is out of this world -- and it takes just minutes to make.

Plus, there are about a million ways to make this recipe your own.

Make Your Own Chocolate Dipped Pineapple

I like pineapple half-rings or chunks dipped into decadent, smooth dark chocolate -- my husband is more of a white chocolate covered pineapple kinda guy.

Toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, and flaky sea salt are our favorite toppings.

Choose your own adventure with pineapple chunks, wedges, rings, or spears, your favorite type of chocolate, and any kind of sprinkles and doodads.

You can even poke a lollipop stick into the pineapple before you dip it in chocolate for fun chocolate pineapple pops!

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Fast and easy recipe with simple ingredients
Impressive looking on your dessert table
Perfect treat for entertaining or an afternoon snack

Ingredients

Pineapple. I prefer to cut up a fresh pineapple, but you can use pre-cut pineapple. Canned pineapple also works -- it just has a much softer consistency. You can cut the pineapple into slices, chunks, spears -- whatever you like.

Chocolate. For best results, use good quality chocolate like Ghirardelli. Rich dark chocolate is a delicious contrast with the sweet pineapple, while white chocolate enhances the sweetness. Semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate are also great choices. I use premium chocolate chips, you can also use a chopped premium chocolate bar or melting wafers.

Oil. One teaspoon of canola oil or coconut oil per cup of chocolate thins the chocolate for easy dipping. Shortening also works.

Toppings. Add your favorite toppings like toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, and flaky sea salt.

Topping Ideas

Nuts. Chopped peanuts, pistachios, pecans, or macadamia nuts

Sprinkles. Go festive for holidays and birthday parties

Sugar. Colored sugar or turbinado sugar

Chocolate shavings. Use a vegetable peeler to make shavings from a bar of your favorite chocolate

Mini chocolate chips.

Toasted coconut.

Cookie crumbs. Graham crackers, Nilla wafers, coconut cookies, gingersnaps, or Oreos

Crushed candy. Toffee bits, hard caramel candies

Melted chocolate. After the chocolate sets, drizzle more chocolate in the same or contrasting colors and flavors

Flaky sea salt.

Spices. Cinnamon, cayenne, Tajin

Freeze-dried fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, pineapple

Equipment Needed

Paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet
Parchment paper or wax paper lined baking sheet
Microwave safe bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife

How to Make Chocolate Covered Pineapple

1. Cut the pineapple.

Lay the pineapple on its side and slice off the top and bottom.

Stand the pineapple upright and make downward slices to cut off the rind. Trim off any eyes or rind that remains.

Lay the cut pineapple on its side and cut it into slices. Use a small cookie cutter or paring knife to remove the core.

Cut the pineapple slices in half. Or keep them whole or cut them into quarters or smaller chunks.

You can also use cookie cutters to cut the rings into cute shapes, just like Edible Arrangements!

Place the pineapple between layers of paper towel. Gently press down to blot out any excess moisture.

2. Melt the chocolate.

Place chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

White chocolate may need more oil than dark chocolate to get a smooth, thin consistency perfect for dipping.

3. Dip the pineapple.

Prepare a wax paper or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Dip each piece of pineapple into the bowl of melted chocolate, using a spoon if necessary to coat the pineapple and remove excess chocolate.

Place the pineapple onto the prepared baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with toppings while the chocolate is still wet.

Rewarm the chocolate, as necessary, if it starts to thicken up.

4. Chill to set the chocolate.

Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to firm up.

Chocolate-dipped pineapple is best served within 1-2 days.

How to Toast Coconut

Toasted coconut is super fast and easy to make.

Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the coconut and turn the heat down to medium-low.
Stir for 3-4 minutes or until the coconut starts to turn golden brown.
Immediately remove the coconut from the pan and place it on a cool plate to stop the cooking process.

Store leftover toasted coconut in a ziptop bag or airtight container for about a month. You can also freeze it for a few months. If it loses its crispiness, go ahead and retoast it.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store leftover chocolate covered pineapple between layers of wax paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freeze pineapple in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Enjoy frozen chocolate covered pineapple frozen or slightly thawed -- it gets mushy when it thaws completely.

Success Tips

To shave off prep time, use a pineapple corer -- or a pre-cut pineapple for even faster prep!

Blot the pineapple with paper towels to remove moisture and allow the chocolate to stick.

Use room temperature pineapple to prevent condensation on the fruit

FAQs

Can you freeze pineapple covered in chocolate?

Yes, frozen chocolate pineapple is delicious! Place it between layers of wax paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use any kind of chocolate to make chocolate dipped pineapple?

Yes. All types of chocolate taste great with pineapple -- dark, semi-sweet, milk, white -- use what you love!

Can I make chocolate pineapple rings with canned pineapple?

Yes! Fresh pineapple is a bit firmer and easier to work with, but canned pineapple works well to make dark or white chocolate covered pineapple rings. Just be sure to blot the pineapple well with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

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📖 Recipe

Chocolate Covered Pineapple

Chocolate Covered Pineapple is an irresistible sweet treat made from fresh pineapple dipped in rich chocolate and sprinkled with yummy things like toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, and flaky sea salt.

Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 165kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 fresh, ripe pineapple room temperature
1 cup good quality chocolate chips, like Ghirardelli dark, white, milk, or semi-sweet
1 teaspoon oil canola oil, coconut oil, or shortening

Toppings

2 tablespoons toasted coconut
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
flaky sea salt

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
Prepare the pineapple into half-rings (or whatever shape .you like!).
Lay the pineapple on its side and cut the top and bottom off. Set it upright and trim off the rind.
Lay the pineapple on its side and cut it into 8-10 slices. Use a round cookie cutter or paring knife to remove the core. Cut each slice in half or to your desired size.
Place pineapple between layers of paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture.
Microwave chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second increments, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Use 1 teaspoon oil per cup of chocolate -- or more, if necessary to get to the right consistency.
Dip the pineapple in chocolate, using a spoon as necessary to coat the pineapple and remove excess chocolate.
Place the chocolate covered pineapple on the prepared baking sheet.
Immediately sprinkle with toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to firm up.
Store chocolate covered pineapple in an airtight container between layers of wax paper in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Use room-temperature pineapple to prevent condensation on the fruit.

Blot the pineapple with paper towels to remove moisture and allow the chocolate to stick.

Rewarm the melted chocolate as necessary.

If melting multiple types of chocolate, use a ratio of 1 teaspoon oil to 1 cup chocolate. I melted ½ cup of dark chocolate chips and ½ cup of white chocolate chips, each with ½ teaspoon oil.

Nutrition

The post Chocolate Covered Pineapple 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.

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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.

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📖 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.

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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.

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📖 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!

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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.

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📖 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.

Fast & Easy Buffalo Chicken Flatbread

Cara Lanz — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:44:07 +0000

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizzas are bold and flavorful and incredibly easy to make in about 20 minutes. Tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and green onions come together on naan bread for an easy weeknight dinner or game day snack.

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This easy buffalo chicken flatbread recipe has all the zesty flavors of buffalo chicken wings on a delicious naan flatbread crust.

Spicy buffalo chicken, blue cheese dressing, gooey melty cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and fresh green onions ... all the big buffalo flavors are accounted for.

Buffalo chicken flatbread is so fast and easy -- you can make it in 20 minutes, start to finish -- so it's perfect for quick dinners or last minute snacks.

Make it a complete meal by pairing it with vegetable soup and a crisp green salad.

Try these delicious naan flatbread pizzas next!

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

All the zesty flavors of buffalo wings on a convenient pre-made pizza crust
Delicious flatbread pizza recipe you can make in 20 minutes
Naan pizza is a great appetizer, easy dinner, or the perfect snack for game day or movie night

Ingredients

Naan flatbread. Naan is a soft, fluffy flatbread that makes a perfect base for this buffalo chicken pizza recipe. You can find it in the deli, bread, or sometimes freezer section of your grocery store. You can also use a different crust like pita bread or other types of flatbread.

Blue cheese dressing. Blue cheese dressing stands in for pizza sauce in this buffalo chicken pizza recipe. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can use ranch dressing.

Colby Jack cheese. I'm all for the convenience of a twofer like Co-Jack cheese. It provides the flavor of the Colby and the meltiness of Jack cheese. You can also use cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or whatever you love.

Shredded chicken. This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. You can also use freshly poached or grilled chicken breasts.

Buffalo wing sauce. We like Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce -- use your favorite buffalo sauce or homemade buffalo sauce.

Blue cheese crumbles. To us, hot wings aren't hot wings without blue cheese. If you're not into blue cheese, try crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese instead.

Green onion. Sliced green onions add fresh flavor to the spicy buffalo chicken.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Flatbread

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

In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce. Set aside.

Spread 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing on top of each flatbread.

Add ¾ cup of shredded Co-Jack cheese, ¼ cup of buffalo chicken, 1 tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles, and ½ of the green onion to each naan pizza.

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.

If desired, serve with extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, and blue cheese crumbles.

Storage & Reheating

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

How to Reheat Flatbread Pizza

Reheat flatbread pizza on the stovetop or in the oven.

Stovetop. Warm a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the flatbread pizza in the pan and warm until the top glistens. Add a few sprinkles of water and cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil. Warm 1-2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Oven. Place the flatbread on a rimmed sheet pan and cover with foil. Place the pan in the oven and turn the heat to 375 (no need to preheat). Warm for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Success Tips

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

I know it seems like a pain, but if at all possible, shred your own cheese. It melts much smoother and creamier than pre-shredded cheese.

FAQs

Is flatbread the same as naan?

Naan is just one type of flatbread. Flatbread is a general term that refers to any type of bread that is flat. There are many varieties of flatbread from all over the world including chepati, focaccia, frybread, lavash, matzah, naan, pita, roti, tortillas, and many more.

Is hot sauce the same thing as buffalo sauce?

Not quite, though they do have a lot in common. Hot sauce has a thin, watery consistency and is typically made from chili peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients like onion, garlic, or spices. Buffalo sauce is thicker, richer, and smoother and is usually made with hot sauce, butter, and sometimes other seasonings like paprika.

What are some common toppings for buffalo chicken flatbread pizza?

Besides buffalo sauce and chicken, common toppings for buffalo chicken flatbread pizza include shredded cheese, sliced red onion or green onions, bell peppers, chopped celery, blue cheese crumbles, and fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish. Feel free to customize your pizza with your preferred toppings, but don't overdo it. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.

More Delicious Pizza Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizzas are bold and flavorful and incredibly easy to make in about 20 minutes. Tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and green onions come together on naan bread for an easy weeknight dinner or game day snack.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 440kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

2 naan flatbreads
¼ cup blue cheese dressing
1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
½ cup cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
1 green onion, sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450. Place the naan flatbreads directly on the oven rack. Warm for 2 minutes per side.
In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce. Set aside.
Spread 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing on top of each flatbread. Add ¾ cup of shredded co-Jack cheese, ¼ cup of buffalo chicken, 1 tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles, and ½ of the green onion.
Place the flatbread pizzas directly on the oven rack. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Place a sheet of foil or baking pan on the rack below the pizza to catch any drips.

Notes

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

If at all possible, shred your own cheese. It melts much smoother and creamier than pre-shredded cheese.

Nutrition

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

Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip

Cara Lanz — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 11:27:04 +0000

Pineapple Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is a light and fluffy sweet dip you can make in about 5 minutes with 4 simple ingredients. Perfect no bake dessert dip or easy appetizer for summer parties, holiday entertaining, and anytime snacking.

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Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip is a sweet, creamy dip recipe I made by accident.

I was testing a recipe for No Bake Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie, but the mixture came out too ... what's the word ... floofy. It had amazing flavor but wasn't the right consistency for a pie.

So we scooped it up and scarfed it down with fruit and graham crackers -- and now I'm sharing it with you so you can do the same!

This pineapple cream cheese dip is super easy to make with cream cheese, pineapple, vanilla pudding mix and Cool Whip, and a couple of simple steps that take 5 minutes.

It's so refreshing and light as air and the perfect dessert dip for summer parties.

We like to just keep some in the fridge next to a big bowl of fruit.

For more delicious dessert dips, try Caramel Apple Dip, Chocolate Chip Dip, Strawberry Marshmallow Fluff Dip, and Oreo Fluff next!

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Easy dip recipe for game night or your next party.
Light and refreshing dessert dip with sweet pineapple flavor
Quick and easy last minute dessert recipe
Perfect dessert dip or holiday appetizer you can make ahead of time

Ingredients

Softened cream cheese. Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese. I needs to be really soft so it will whip up nice and fluffy and mix well without lumps.

Crushed pineapple. Do not drain the pineapple juice, you'll use it to mix with the pudding mix.

Instant vanilla pudding mix. You'll need one 3.4 oz box -- the 4-serving size. Do not follow the directions on the box. You can also use French vanilla, white chocolate, or cheesecake pudding mix. Or try experimenting with other flavors like pistachio, banana, or lemon.

Cool Whip. Half of an 8 oz tub of Cool Whip makes this delicious pineapple dip recipe light and fluffy. If you're not into Cool Whip, Truwhip is a great alternative.

How to Make Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip

In a large bowl, whip softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until soft and fluffy.

Add the undrained pineapple and dry pudding mix to the cream cheese. Mix for 2-3 minutes.

Fold in 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip until completely combined.

Chill for 1-2 hours before serving. Serve with your favorite fruits, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, and pretzel chips.

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Success Tips

Add the crushed pineapple undrained -- the juice makes this delicious dip the perfect consistency.

Chill the dip for an hour or two before serving to allow it to firm up a bit and for the sweet flavors to meld.

FAQs

What can I serve with pineapple cream cheese dip?

Pineapple cream cheese dip pairs well with a variety of snacks and dippers. Some common options include pretzels, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, and fresh fruit.

How long does pineapple cream cheese dip last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pineapple cream cheese dip can typically last for about 3-4 days.

Can I freeze pineapple cream cheese dip?

It's not recommended. When I tested freezing and thawing it, the texture changed to a less desirable consistency. It's best to enjoy the dip fresh.

Can I make pineapple cream cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes, pineapple cream cheese dip is a great appetizer or dessert to make ahead of time. It's recommended to chill the dip for an hour or two, up to overnight, before serving, so it's a convenient recipe to make in advance for parties or gatherings.

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📖 Recipe

Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip

Pineapple Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is a light and fluffy sweet dip you can make in about 5 minutes with 4 simple ingredients. Perfect no bake dessert dip or easy appetizer for summer parties, holiday entertaining, and anytime snacking.

Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 75kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

8 ounces softened cream cheese
20 ounces crushed pineapple, undrained
3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups Cool Whip ½ of an 8 oz. tub

Instructions

Whip softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until soft and fluffy.
Add the pineapple and dry pudding mix. Mix 2-3 minutes.
Fold in 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip until completely combined.
Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

The post Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Fast & Easy Lavash Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Cara Lanz — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:33:53 +0000

Lavash flatbread pepperoni pizza is a fast, easy, and delicious thin crust pizza you can make in minutes with a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a snack, or served with soup or a green salad for a light dinner.

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Pepperoni lavash pizza is my favorite fast and easy pizza recipe. It's loaded with gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a dash of savory pizza seasonings on a crispy cracker-thin crust. And it uses ready-made lavash bread as a crispy flatbread crust instead of traditional pizza dough.

What is Lavash?

If you've never had lavash bread, it's a thin, soft unleavened flatbread with origins in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Lavash is super thin, so it's perfect for thin-crust pizzas. It's also a lighter option than regular pizza dough, so you can go ahead and eat the whole pizza yourself!

Because it's so thin, it bakes quickly -- you can make the whole thing in about 20 minutes, start to finish.

Pepperoni lavash pizza is a great light lunch or midnight snack. At dinner time, I serve it with a fresh salad, soup, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Fast and easy pizza you can make in 20 minutes
Easy way to lighten up pizza night
Perfectly thin and crispy pizza with gooey cheese and pepperoni

Ingredients

Lavash flatbread. You can find lavash in the deli section of your supermarket. I used Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Lavash Bread.

Pizza sauce. You only need two tablespoons of pizza sauce -- any more than that and you'll have soggy pizza.

Provolone and mozzarella cheese blend. Provolone and mozzarella are the ideal pizza cheese blend for meltiness and flavor -- it's what many pizzerias use.

Pepperoni. You can also use turkey pepperoni.

Variations

Crust. You can also make this on pita bread, naan, or a pre-baked pizza crust

Sauce. Basil pesto is a delicious substitute for pizza sauce.

Toppings. Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings like sausage, Canadian bacon, bacon, bell pepper, green onion, red onion, black olives, or fresh basil. To avoid a soggy crust, use "juicy" toppings sparingly and layer them on top, not right on the crust.

How to Make Lavash Pizza

Step 1: Place lavash on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Evenly spread 1 teaspoon of olive oil on top of the lavash.

Bake at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes or until it just starts to turn golden brown.

Step 2: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the entire crust, all the way to the edges.

Step 3: Add the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese melts and the crispy edges are dark golden brown. Cut into pieces and serve with parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips

The KEY to a crispy crust is pre-baking it. Don't skip that step!
Easy does it on the sauce -- lavash pizza is really susceptible to sogginess.
Spread the pizza sauce and cheese all the way to the edge of the lavash to avoid dry edges.

FAQs

What is the best way to reheat lavash pizza?

To reheat pepperoni flatbread pizza, place on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake in a 375 degree oven until the pizza is warm and the cheese is melted.

How is lavash pizza different from regular pizza?

Lavash pepperoni pizza has a lighter and crispier crust compared to traditional pizza.

Can I use lavash bread for other types of dishes?

Yes, Lavash bread is versatile and can be used to make wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas, chips, or even as a base for bruschetta.

Where can I find lavash bread?

Lavash bread can be found in many grocery stores, particularly in the bread, bakery, or deli section. It may also be available in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean specialty stores. If you can't find it locally, you may be able to purchase it at Amazon or other online retailers.

How should I store leftover lavash pizza?

Store leftover lavash pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

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📖 Recipe

Lavash Pizza

Lavash flatbread pepperoni pizza is a fast, easy, and delicious thin crust pizza you can make in minutes with a few simple ingredients. Perfect for an after-school snack or serve with a fresh salad for a light dinner.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 13

Total Time 18

Servings

Calories 373kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 lavash flatbread (approx. 11.5" x 8.25") I use Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran, and Whole Wheat Lavash Bread
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons pizza sauce
1 cup shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese blend or all shredded mozzarella
1 ounce pepperoni about 15 slices
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place the lavash on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Evenly spread 1 teaspoon olive oil on top of the lavash. Bake for 5-6 minutes or until it just starts to turn golden brown.
Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the entire crust, all the way to the edges. Add the cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are dark golden brown.
Cut into pieces and serve with parmesan cheese.

Notes

Pre-baking the lavash helps keep the crust from getting soggy.

Easy does it on the sauce -- lavash pizza is really susceptible to sogginess.

Spread the pizza sauce and cheese all the way to the edge of the lavash so you don't end up with dry edges.

Nutrition

The post Fast & Easy Lavash Flatbread Pizza Recipe appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Easy Labor Day Recipes

Cara Lanz — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:07:52 +0000

Looking for delicious Labor Day recipes? Check out these easy recipes for appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts for your Labor Day picnic, BBQ, or potluck.

Appetizers

Appetizers and snacks that are sweet, savory, and super sharable for your Labor Day party.

More Labor Day appetizer recipes -->

Salads & Sides

Easy Labor Day vegetable salads, pasta salads, and dessert salads -- perfect for your summer picnic or potluck.

More Labor Day salad and side dish recipes -->

Main Dishes

Easy Labor Day dinner recipes your friends and family are sure to love.

More Labor Day dinner recipes -->

Desserts

Sweet Labor Day desserts that are fast, easy, and super delicious.

More Labor Day dessert recipes -->

The post Easy Labor Day Recipes appeared first on Midwestern HomeLife.

Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

Cara Lanz — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 22:54:42 +0000

This Old-Fashioned Ham Salad recipe is a savory sandwich spread with ham, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, celery, and pickle relish in a creamy dressing. It's a classic recipe with simple ingredients and the perfect way to use leftover ham.

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What's better than a succulent holiday ham dinner? The leftover ham!

It's easy to use in so many different ways, like baked beans, ham fried rice, or rolled up into pinwheel sandwiches ...

One of our all-time favorites is this homemade ham salad recipe.

It's a simple recipe, and it makes the perfect ham salad sandwich. But we also love it on crackers, sliced veggies, and in a lettuce wrap.

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Great way to make the most of leftover holiday ham
Perfect recipe for baby showers, bridal showers, and entertaining
Easy ham salad recipe to make ahead and keep in the fridge for a quick lunch or snack
Versatile ham salad spread -- serve with bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or veggies

Looking for a great ham recipe for your next holiday meal? Try my Roaster Oven Ham with pineapple brown sugar glaze or Slow Cooker Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham.

Ingredients

Ham. This is our favorite way to use up leftover holiday ham, but you can use any kind of ham, like ham steak or precooked boneless ham from the grocery store.

Hard-boiled eggs. The hard boiled eggs are divided in this recipe -- the whites are mixed into the ham mixture, and the yolks add rich flavor to the dressing.

Dijon mustard. Dijon has a distinct sharp flavor that's delicious in the dressing.

Green onions. Green onions brighten up the flavors in this salad.

Celery. Celery adds freshness and a little crunch.

Sweet pickle relish. In this ham spread, sweet relish is the perfect complement to the salty ham.

Variations

Miracle Whip. You can use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise if you prefer the sweeter, spicier flavor.

Mustard. Try yellow mustard or one of these Dijon mustard substitutes.

Onions. Red onion, sweet onion, or any of these substitutes for green onion will also work well.

Pickle relish. You can also use dill pickle relish or chopped-up dill pickles or sweet pickles.

Other mix-ins. Create your own ham salad recipe with mix-ins you love, like diced bell pepper, pimentos, fresh herbs, shredded cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How to Make The Best Ham Salad Recipe

1. Chop the ham.

Place the ham and egg whites into a large food processor or blender and pulse until the ham is finely chopped to your desired consistency. About 25-30 quick pulses worked perfectly for me in my food processor. Be careful not to over pulse, or it will turn to mush.

If you don't have a food processor or high-speed blender or prefer a chunkier texture, finely chop the ham and egg whites into small pieces with a sharp knife.

2. Make the dressing.

Mash the egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise and mustard and stir until combined.

3. Stir the salad together, chill.

Add the celery, green onions, pickle relish, and ham mixture. Stir until combined. Season with black pepper.

Chill for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the consistency to firm up a bit.

Serve on Ritz crackers, slider buns, plain ol' white bread, or scoop up with sliced veggies.

Store leftover ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

More Leftover Ham Recipes

Success Tips

Be careful not to over-process the ham or it can turn to mush.

For a chunkier texture, chop the ham and egg whites with a knife.

FAQs

Can I customize the ingredients in ham salad?

Absolutely! Ham salad is a versatile dish, and you can customize it to your personal preferences. You can add or omit ingredients based on what you enjoy. For example, you can add diced bell peppers, grated cheese, or different herbs and spices to create your own unique variation.

How long does ham salad last in the fridge?

Store ham salad in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

What is deli ham salad made of?

Ham salad is similar to chicken salad, egg salad, or tuna salad, but it's made with ham that's been finely chopped, mayonnaise, sweet or dill pickle relish, and other vegetables. It's typically served cold as a sandwich spread or on crackers.

More Delicious Salad Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

This Old-Fashioned Ham Salad recipe is a savory sandwich spread made with chopped ham, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, celery, and pickle relish in a creamy dressing. It's a classic recipe with simple ingredients and the perfect way to use leftover ham.

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 280kcal

Author Cara Lanz

Ingredients

3 cups fully cooked ham, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, divided
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 stalk celery, finely chopped about ⅓ cup
¼ cup sliced green onions 3-4 green onions
¼ cup sweet pickle relish
black pepper

Instructions

Place the ham and egg whites into a food processor. Pulse 25-30 times until the ham is finely chopped. Don't overpulse, or it will turn to mush.
For a chunkier texture, finely chop the ham and egg whites with a knife.
Mash the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Add the mayonnaise and mustard and stir until combined.
Add the celery, green onions, pickle relish, and ham mixture. Stir until combined. Season with black pepper.
Chill 1-2 hours before serving.

Notes

Store leftover ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

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