Tag: #Appetizers

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Ultimate Super Bowl Snack Ideas for Game Day

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Be the MVP of game-day eats with these party-perfect snacks. You can choose wings, dips, nachos, or guac. These recipes are guaranteed to make this your best Super Bowl spread yet.

Our Best Super Bowl Snack Ideas

It’s the biggest game of the season and you’re no doubt expecting a houseful of hungry fans. Even if you’ve enlisted the help of your guest and are planning a potluck-style spread of all the classics. These include chili, chicken wings, and fun desserts. You’re going to need to make a few snacks and small bites for your party, too. You’ll find all the recipes you need in this roundup. We’ve got dips, jalapeno poppers, pigs in a blanket and more. A guaranteed winner? This flaky, golden ring of crescent dough, packed with all the flavors of a cheesy, chicken enchilada. It’s portable (so your guests can eat by the television!) and sure to please — making it perfect for parties.

Football Cheese Ball and Charcuterie Board

This fun board will feed the whole team and then some. You can prep the fruit and vegetables earlier in the day. Make the cheeseball in advance, too. Then, all you have to do is put everything together on the board before the big game. If you have one, a large wooden carving board is ideal. Ensure it has a well around the edge that catches carving juices. You can tuck the folded charcuterie in the well. This helps it stand up and create the edge of your “stadium.”

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Popcorn Chicken

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Popcorn chicken is one of those dishes that I simply cannot resist. The bite-sized morsels of chicken are crispy on the outside. They are juicy on the inside. Since they’re boneless, they’re super easy to pop into your mouth. Like picnic-style buttermilk fried chicken, these tiny fried chicken bites are soaked in buttermilk. Then, they are dredged in flour and fried. They’re a perfect game day snack or potluck recipe. They also happen to make a great family meal when served with some sauces and your favorite sides. Your kids will love how savory and bite-sized they are, and you’ll love how easy they are to make.

Popcorn Chicken vs. Chicken Nuggets

While these fried chicken bites are similar, there are some key differences between popcorn chicken and chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets are made of ground chicken bound into uniform pieces. On the flip side, popcorn chicken uses boneless chicken breasts cut into large chunks and marinated in buttermilk before being fried. The fry coating on each piece of popcorn chicken is a little different, which is part of what makes them so tasty, and they tend to have a thicker coating than chicken nuggets. The most famous nuggets are probably the McDonald’s chicken nuggets, and popcorn chicken originally comes from KFC.

Ingredients for Popcorn Chicken

  • Chicken breast: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut up into 1-inch cubes.
  • Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, imparts a tangy, delicious flavor, and keeps it moist, so you don’t have to worry about dried-out chicken. If you don’t have it on hand, you can always make buttermilk from scratch.
  • All-purpose flour: Seasoned all-purpose flour gives the chicken a delicious crispy coating. You can use gluten-free flour for gluten-free popcorn chicken.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne pepper make the dredge super flavorful.
  • Oil: The best oils for frying are neutral in flavor and can stand up to high heat, like canola or grapeseed oils.

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60 Best Valentine’s Day Desserts

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

I can’t help it: I love Valentine’s Day. (No, not because my name is in the holiday!) It’s the perfect time to tell someone—platonically or romantically—how much they mean to you. Showing love looks a little different to everyone, but for me, it means baking Valentine’s Day desserts. The fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, right? That’s what all those Marry Me recipes are for!

If you’re also the “cooking is my love language” type, here are the perfect Valentine’s Day desserts for the holiday. Of course, there’s no shortage of chocolate desserts, like truffles and confections, mousses, cookies and chocolate lava cake. But there are also other romantic desserts, such as white chocolate raspberry cake, red velvet cookies, cheesecake-stuffed strawberries, decadently layered trifles and heart-shaped desserts galore. Many of these can feed a crowd (perfect for a Galentine’s Day party!), but more are desserts for two.

Whether you’ve booked a table or you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day at home, end your romantic dinner with one of these sweet desserts. (By the way, anyone manifesting for something special to happen should try Ina Garten’s engagement chicken—it worked for Meghan Markle and Emily Blunt!)

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Corn Dog Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A fun twist on the iconic state fair corn dog, this easy corn dog casserole is in and out of the oven in 30 minutes. Best of all, there’s no waiting in line.

A corn dog casserole is a homey way to mimic the flavor of that favorite fair food on a stick, without the fuss. The key ingredients are the same: hot dogs and a cornbread batter. Our corn dog casserole recipe includes a few more ingredients and skips the deep frying (and the stick) to create a family-friendly fare for casual mealtimes. Pair it with a side of roasted carrots and pop them in the oven at the same time.

This dish is also quick to disappear at potlucks. It’s hard to resist the cheesy, fluffy cornbread chunks of juicy hotdogs. Although we love the traditional flavor of all-beef hot dogs, feel free to use your favorite frank or sausage.

Corn Dog Casserole Ingredients

Corn Dog Casserole ingredients: Hot Dog, Milk, Cheese, Green Onion, Eggs, Pepper, Butter
Nicole Perry for Taste of Home
  • Butter: It does indeed make everything better. This recipe calls for it to be melted to saute the vegetables, adding a rich flavor.
  • Celery and green onions: The combination, gently cooked in butter until tender, adds a foundation of earthy flavor.
  • Hot dogs: For the best corn dog flavor, go for a high-quality beef hot dog.
  • Eggs: Not only do eggs help the batter rise, but they provide structure to keep the baked cornbread from crumbling to pieces.
  • Milk: The liquid adds moisture to create a thick and fluffy batter. We like 2% milk in this recipe, but nut milk works well, too.
  • Seasonings: Sage and pepper add boosts of savory flavors.
  • Cornbread/muffin mix: A corn dog casserole doesn’t taste the same without it! Cornbread/muffin mix is typically made with yellow cornmeal and is an easy-prep base for the batter.
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: If you have a few extra minutes, grate your cheese. Packaged shredded cheese typically contains preservatives that make it a bit more difficult to melt.

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30 Valentine’s Day Snacks to Share the Love

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

While I love making a special meal on Valentine’s Day, my real food love language is snacks. But I don’t mean a handful of baby carrots or a half-stale granola bar. Whether sweet or savory, the little nibbles that carry us through the day until that romantic date-night dinner can be just as thoughtful as the main course. That’s what this collection of Valentine’s Day snacks celebrates.

Here, you will find a mix of sweet and savory festive treats, so you can still enjoy a pink cupcake, a few chocolate-covered tuxedo strawberries or a slice of decadent chocolate cake for Valentine’s Day dessert without feeling as if you’ve gone overboard on sugar all day. For something that you can graze on all afternoon, try a snack board loaded with a combination of cheese, crackers and cured meats.

You can even turn these snacks into a meal by making a variety of dishes. Pair shrimp skewers or crab-stuffed mushrooms with steak bites for surf-and-turf vibes, along with a few different types of bruschetta for color and texture. The best part about these Valentine’s Day snacks is that they’re elegant and delicious yet easy enough to prepare so you still have time to spend with your Valentine.

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White Pizza Dip

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

I think we can all agree that a hot, cheesy pizza is the ultimate party food. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or gathering around the TV for a big game, nothing beats a fresh slice—except maybe some ooey-gooey pizza-inspired snacks.

This white pizza dip is the perfect shareable appetizer. It’s creamy, loaded with melty mozzarella, and bursting with all the garlic and herby flavor of a sauceless pizza. It comes together in just a few simple steps, and there’s no dough rolling required. Serve it with crispy toasted baguette slices or fresh veggies for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

White Pizza Dip Ingredients

A baking tray with toasted baguette slices sits on a counter next to bowls containing diced pepperoni, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. A red-striped towel and a small bowl of dried herbs are also visible.
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  • Sour cream: Tangy sour cream gives the dip a silky, spoonable texture. Full-fat sour cream works best, but reduced-fat can be used if needed—just expect a slightly looser dip.
  • Ricotta cheese: Mild, milky ricotta adds body and balances the tang of the sour cream. Whole-milk ricotta is our choice for an extra-rich pizza-like dip, but you can use part-skim for a lighter version. If your ricotta is a little watery, drain it first in a fine-mesh sieve before mixing it with the sour cream.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts in the oven, giving the dip its classic pizza-style stretch and gooey finish.
  • Pepperoni: Use your favorite variety to add savory, meaty bites throughout the dip—regular, spicy and turkey pepperoni all work well here. Chop the slices finely for even distribution, or use mini pepperoni for a shortcut.
  • Soup mix: This recipe calls for a packet of Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic soup mix. It’s a convenient all-in-one seasoning option that includes dried herbs, garlic and onion with no measuring required. If you can’t find it, you can experiment with other varieties or substitute a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Baguette: Slice and toast a fresh baguette to create crisp, sturdy dippers for scooping up the warm, cheesy dip. Crackers, crostini, crunchy breadsticks and raw veggies are also great options.

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Tuna Broccoli Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

This tuna broccoli casserole captures all the goodness of the classic recipe without using condensed soup. It gets straight to the good stuff: tender noodles, a creamy homemade sauce with real depth, and a generous handful of melty cheese. Onion and dried herbs simmer into the sauce, giving it a savory backbone and making it feel more like a pantry-friendly bechamel than a shortcut sauce. The broccoli stays bright and slightly crisp, the tuna adds heft without overwhelming the dish, and the panko topping turns golden and toasty thanks to a slick of melted butter.

What comes out of the oven is equal parts comfort and competence, with bubbling edges, a cheesy crust and a spoonable center that’s just firm enough to hold its shape. It’s a great use of shelf-stable staples and frozen veggies, but it eats like a casserole with a lot more effort behind it. You’ll get creamy, chewy, crunchy and savory in every bite—no processed shortcuts, no extra fuss.

Tuna Broccoli Casserole Ingredients

A top shot shows bowls with egg noodles; broccoli; shredded cheese; cooked chicken; milk; seasoning; onions; broth; flour and spices on a dark background; Tuna Broccoli Casserole
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  • Whole wheat egg noodles
  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Cornstarch
  • Milk
  • Basil
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chicken broth
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Broccoli florets
  • Albacore white tuna in water
  • Panko bread crumbs
  • Butter

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30 Super Bowl Crockpot Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Score big at your next Super Bowl party with these easy slow-cooker appetizers. Cheesy dips, spicy wings, handheld sliders, savory meatballs and more cook hands-free, giving you more time to enjoy the game.

Transform your Super Bowl spread with the ultimate game-day secret weapon: your slow cooker! Whether youʻre hosting a crowd or contributing to a game day potluck, these Super Bowl appetizers are ideal for stress-free entertaining. All you have to do is prep, set and enjoy the game while your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

This winning lineup includes everything from cheesy dips that use the best melting cheeses to slider recipes and finger-licking wings. The best part? These Super Bowl potluck favorites stay warm throughout the entire game, making you the undisputed MVP of game-day entertaining. Round out your ultimate Super Bowl party with the sweetest tailgate desserts.

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27 Instant Pot Winter Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

There’s no better time to pull out the pressure cooker than winter when the cold weather demands hearty, comforting meals. These Instant Pot winter recipes make it easy to whip up a comfort-food meal without spending hours at the stove. Dishes like beef shank and short ribs that usually need an afternoon of braising turn fork-tender in a snap, and creamy clam chowder hits the table fast enough for a weeknight dinner. The result is the same cozy flavor, minus the wait.

We chose winter comfort food recipes that highlight the Instant Pot’s strengths: shorter cook times, one-pot simplicity and deep, developed flavor. You’ll find mains made for busy weeknights, like taco pasta with just the right kick and creamy mac and cheese loaded with buffalo shrimp. Hearty five-bean chili is another favorite because it’s filling, flavorful and warms you from the inside out. For something more traditional, make a version of your favorite tender pot roast, without the all-afternoon cooking time.

Many of these Instant Pot meals lean into winter with seasonal produce like pumpkin, sweet potatoes and apples to add freshness against rich meats or canned beans or broth. Most recipes are easy to portion for make-ahead lunches, dinners or freezer meals, so all you have to do is add winter side dishes for a complete meal. From tender roasts to chunky stews and saucy pastas, these Instant Pot dinners bring all the comfort of winter meals without the fuss.

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40 Pear Dessert Recipes Full of Warm Spices and Sweet Flavor

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Pears are one of fall’s quiet baking heroes. With their mild sweetness, firm texture and floral aroma, they soak up warm spices and syrups in a way only a few fruits can. These pear dessert recipes transform the humble fruit into something that tastes and smells like the season.

You’ll find pear recipes for baking that layer with cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger, each one showing how well this fruit pairs with spice and adds texture. There are gingersnap pear pies, fall cakes that stay moist for days and poached pears that feel like velvet on a spoon. For something deeper, simmer them in red wine and cranberry reduction or bake them into a golden pear tarte Tatin, where the fruit melts into the caramel beneath crisp pastry.

Once you’ve baked with pears, it’s hard to imagine a fall menu without them. These easy pear desserts pair naturally with cozy fall dinners, cheese boards, potluck casseroles and fall harvest salads. To get the best texture, start with Bosc or Anjou pears that are shy of ripe; they hold their shape while drawing in every last bit of flavor. And if a few over-ripen on the counter, turn them into a fragrant batch of pear jam that brings a touch of fall to toast, thumbprint cookies and pastries all year long.

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