Fall Archives - mom makes dinner

Stove top beef stew

Kelley — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Feel warm and cozy with a bowl of this stove top beef stew. It doesn’t take hours to make and is hearty and full of veggies. Let me show you how to make a batch today!

I’m a big fan of beef stew. There’s something about the combination of beef, vegetables, and broth that just makes my mouth water. I usually make mine on the stove top, and it always turns out delicious. If you’re looking for a hearty winter meal, this recipe is definitely worth trying!

What is Beef Stew?

One of the most classic winter comfort foods, beef stew is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold night. The dish typically consists of chunks of beef that are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions are often added to the mix, providing a pleasant sweetness and texture contrast to the rich beef.

Some recipes also call for mushrooms, pearl onions, or green beans. While beef stew can be made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, the traditional method is to simmer it on the stovetop.

This gives the cook more control over the rate of cooking and allows for greater accuracy when seasoning the dish. Whether you enjoy your beef stew with a side of crusty bread or simply on its own, this hearty dish is sure to warm you from the inside out.

Beef Stew Ingredients

For this recipe you will need beef, veggies, and seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef– I use beef stew meat, but you can use chuck roast or any cut you prefer.
Potatoes– I used baby potatoes so I don’t have to cut them into cubes, but you can use regular potatoes if you prefer.
Veggies– I use onions, carrots, and celery stalks for my veggies. You could also add any veggies you prefer.
Flour– Flour is used to help thicken the stew so it’s not runny, but smooth and creamy.
Spices– You will need salt, garlic, rosemary, thyme, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf to add flavor to your beef stew.
Beef broth– Broth adds much more flavor than water, but you can use water if you prefer.
Olive oil– I use olive oil, but you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil you prefer for this recipe.

How to Make Beef Stew on the Stove Top

Is there anything more comforting on a cold day than a big bowl of beef stew? This hearty dish is perfect for chilly weather, and it’s easy to make too. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Rinse your beef and then pat it dry. Cut it into 1 inch pieces.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to a bowl. Add the beef and coat evenly.

Step 3: Fry the Beef

Fry the beef in portions in a hot pan so that a fried crust forms over the entire surface of the beef. Transfer the fried beef to a saucepan or Dutch oven.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour the broth, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Spices & Cook

Pour the gravy into the stew pan with the beef. Add rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and garlic clove, cut in half crosswise. Stew on low heat beef for 1 hour.

Step 6: Fry the Veggies

Next, place your chopped onions, carrots, and celery into a hot skillet. Fry on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, transfer to a plate.

Step 7: Cut the Potatoes

Wash baby potatoes and cut them into halves. Fry for 7-8 minutes on medium heat, then transfer them to a plate.

Step 8: Transfer to Saucepan

Then, transfer the vegetables to a saucepan. Add salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Simmer

Mix everything thoroughly, cover with a lid, and leave it in the saucepan to simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes. Stir after 15 minutes.

Step 10: Thicken the Stew

Mix the flour in 2 tbsp of water and pour it into a saucepan. If there is not enough broth, add more (broth or water). Simmer for another 30 minutes.

Serve with gravy and fresh herbs.

How to Make in the Slow Cooker

If you don’t want to watch your beef stew on the stove top, you can cook beef stew in your slow cooker as well. All you have to do is add all your ingredients to your slow cooker and set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Season and fry the beef until the outside is brown.
Place in the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
Make a slurry with the beef broth and flour. Whisk into the slow cooker to thicken the broth.
Serve and enjoy!

How to Make in the Instant Pot

If you don’t want to wait hours for your meal, but don’t want to watch it on the stove top, you can make beef stew in your Instant Pot. Just use my Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, here.

Season and brown the meat using the saute function.
Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened.
Deglaze the pot and add the rest of the ingredients.
Cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
Manually release the pressure.
Mix together cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.
Stir and enjoy!

Side Dish Recommendations

Looking for a great side dish to round out your beef stew? I recommend:

What Cut of Beef Do I Need for Beef Stew?

When it comes to beef stew, there are many different cuts of beef that can be used. However, some cuts are better than others. For the best results, look for a cut of beef that is well-marbled with fat. This will help the beef to stay moist and flavor during the long cooking process.

Stew meat is typically cut from the shoulder or neck area of the cow. However, other cuts, such as chuck roast, can also be used. Ultimately, the best cut of beef for beef stew is one that will be flavorful and fork-tender after hours of slow cooking.

What Vegetables Go with Beef Stew

There are many different ways to make beef stew, but one of the most important decisions is what vegetables to add. carrots, potatoes, and celery are all classic choices that will help to add flavor and bulk up the stew. However, there are many other options as well. For example, adding some corn or green beans can give the stew a more summery feel. Or, for a more exotic twist, try adding some diced sweet potatoes or turnips.

Other Beef Recipes to Try

Beef Stew

Yield: 6 servings

Make a hearty meal with this easy stove top beef stew recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb beef
2 lbs baby potatoes
1 onion
1 carrot
3 celery stalks
2 tbsp flour
salt
1 head of garlic
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 cups beef broth
rosemary, thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 bay leaves

Instructions

Cut the beef into 1 inch pieces. Put in a bowl, add salt, pepper and olive oil. Stir.
Fry the beef in portions in a hot pan so that a fried crust forms over the entire surface of the beef. Transfer the fried beef to a saucepan or Dutch oven.
Pour the broth, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery into a hot skillet. Fry on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, transfer to a plate.
Wash baby potatoes and cut into halves. Fry for 7-8 minutes on medium heat, then transfer to a plate.
Transfer the vegetables to a saucepan. Salt and pepper if needed.
Mix everything thoroughly and leave to simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes under the lid. Stir after 15 minutes.
Mix flour in 2 tbsp of water and pour into a saucepan. If there is not enough broth, add more (broth or water).
After 30 minutes, the beef stew is ready to be served.

Notes

Slow cooker directions -

Season and fry the beef until the outside is brown.

Place in the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Make a slurry with the beef broth and flour. Whisk into the slow cooker to thicken the broth.

Serve and enjoy!

Instant pot directions -

Season and brown the meat using the saute function.

Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened.

Deglaze the pot and add the rest of the ingredients.

Cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.

Manually release the pressure.

Mix together cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.

Stir and enjoy!

You may also enjoy these other quick and easy beef dinners:

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Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

Kelley — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

You know it’s fall when it’s time to bake all the things. This caramel apple bundt cake is a fall favorite, not only because it’s delicious but your house smells amazing too! Let me show you how to make this easy caramel apple cake today!

It’s apple season, and that means it’s time for all things apple-related! This caramel apple bundt cake is the perfect autumn dessert. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a delicious caramel glaze on top. It’s perfect for a special occasion or simply because you feel like something sweet. So go ahead and indulge in some autumn deliciousness!

What is Caramel Apple Cake?

This fall favorite is a combination of two classic desserts: apple pie and caramel cake. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that is bursting with fresh apples. The key to this recipe is to use a variety of apples, so that you get a mix of sweetness and acidity. Granny Smith apples are a good choice for this cake, as they add a tartness that helps to balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Once the cake is baked, it is finished with a creamy caramel drizzle. This rich drizzle complements the flavors of the cake perfectly, and it also makes for a beautiful presentation. Whether you are serving it at a Halloween party or just enjoying it with your family, Caramel Apple Cake is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients Needed for a Caramel Apple Cake

Apples– Make sure to chop your apples up so they are all relatively the same size. Using a variety of apples gives you a mix of sweet and tart.
Butter– Room temperature butter makes it easier to blend. Let the butter sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes before using.
Sugar & Brown sugar- Unlike with flour, you will want to pack your sugar and brown sugar in the measuring cup.
All-purpose flour– Do not pack your flour. Instead, use a spoon to scoop it into the measuring cup and level it off with a butter knife.
Baking powder- The baking powder helps the cake rise giving it a moist and delicious texture.
Salt– Salt helps to combine all of the flavors. A little bit of salt in baking is all you need.
Eggs– Room temperature eggs work best in baking. Set the eggs out with the butter before using in your batter.
Vanilla– Vanilla complements the flavors in the cake batter giving you a delicious vanilla cake mix.
Milk– You can use any kind of milk that you prefer. I use 2% or whole milk for this recipe.
Caramel– Get microwavable caramel. You will need to heat and melt it in the microwave.

How to Make Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

This delicious caramel apple bundt cake is super easy to make. Just follow the steps below for an exquisite fall treat!

Step 1: Caramelize the Apples

First, add the chopped apples, butter, and brown sugar to a saucepan. Then, saute them for about 10-minutes or until the apples are soft and the sugar is caramelized.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Next, preheat your oven to 350F. Then, spray and flour the bundt pan.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

Add the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk to a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Next, add the caramelized apples to the bottom of the bundt pan. Then, cover the apples with the cake mix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Drizzle

Melt your caramel in the microwave until it comes out smooth. Then, drizzle it over the cooled cake.

Serve and Enjoy!

Hot Drinks to Pair With It

I love pairing this caramel apple cake with a hot drink – it’s such a treat! Some of my favorite drinks to add with my cake are:

What Type of Apples Do I Need?

For a truly decadent caramel apple cake, you need to start with the right type of apples. While there are many different types of apples to choose from, Granny Smith apples are the best option for this recipe. They are tart and firm, making them perfect for holding up to the rich caramel sauce. Additionally, their green skin provides a nice contrast to the golden caramel.

If you can’t find Granny Smith apples, another good option is Honeycrisp apples. These apples are also tart and firm, and their red and green skin adds a beautiful pop of color to the cake. Whatever type of apple you choose, be sure to use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture.

Can I Use a Boxed Cake Mix?

Sure! If you’re in a pinch and need to make a caramel apple cake but don’t have all the ingredients on hand, you might be wondering if you can substitute a boxed cake mix. While it’s not the traditional way to make this dessert, it is possible to use a cake mix as a base for your cake.

When choosing a cake mix, look for one that is flavored with spice or cinnamon. These will complement the flavors of the apples and caramel well. To jazz up the mix and make it more moist, add an extra egg and replace some of the water with applesauce.

Do I Have to Use a Bundt Pan?

No, you don’t. If you don’t have a bundt pan on hand, don’t worry – you can still make a delicious caramel apple cake using a regular cake pan.

What type of caramel do I need?

You can use your favorite caramel for the topping on this cake. The meltable caramels from the baking aisle are a great option. I have also drizzled homemade caramel sauce on top as well. Ice cream caramel sauce would work perfect as well. Any caramel you prefer or have on hand.

Other Apple Recipes to Try

Love a good apple recipe during fall? Same here! Here are some other favorites to try that we recommend:

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

Ingredients

Caramelized Apples

2 cups chopped apples
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Land o Lakes Butter Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup Butter, softened
4 Eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup milk
Microwaveable caramel

Instructions

Caramelized Apples

Add the chopped apples, butter and brown sugar.
Saute for about 10 minutes or until the apples are soft and the sugar has caramelized.

Butter Cake

Add all of the ingredients together and mix.
Preheat the over to 350.
Spray and flour the bundt pan.
Add the caramelized apples to the bottom of the bundt pan.
Cover with the butter cake mix.
Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Melt your caramel in the microwave until it comes out smooth.
Drizzle it over the cool cake.
Enjoy!

Notes

I mixed all the cake ingredients together and it came out great! Visit http://www.landolakes.com/recipe/1261/beckys-butter-cake for more detailed instructions.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 5306Cholesterol: 1283mgSodium: 1656mgCarbohydrates: 761gFiber: 16gSugar: 460gProtein: 75g

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Pumpkin Spice Shake

Kelley — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again when pumpkin spice fever runs high. The leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and Starbucks is releasing their pumpkin spice lattes again. If you’re like me and love all things pumpkin spice, then you’ll love this pumpkin shake recipe.

It’s simple to make and tastes delicious! Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat or as a snack in the afternoon, this shake will definitely satisfy your cravings for all things pumpkin spice. So gather up your ingredients and get ready to stir up some fall flavor!

What is a Pumpkin Spice Shake?

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the flavor of pumpkin spice is in a delicious shake. But what exactly is a pumpkin spice shake? Pumpkin spice shakes are typically made with ice cream or frozen yogurt, milk, and pumpkin puree, and are then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This healthier version uses frozen bananas in place of the ice cream.

Some places also add a shot of espresso to make a pumpkin spice latte shake. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a decadent dessert, a pumpkin spice shake is sure to hit the spot.

Pumpkin Spice Shake Ingredients

Milk-You can use any milk you like in this recipe including dairy free options like soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, rice milk, or coconut milk.
Pumpkin puree– I use pumpkin puree from a can to make this recipe super quick and easy. But, you can make pumpkin puree from scratch if you prefer.
Pumpkin pie spice-I like to use my Homemade Pumpkin Spice, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Frozen bananas– You want your bananas to be frozen so it keeps the whole shake cold and shake-like.
Whipped cream– Whipped cream is totally optional, but it adds a nice touch to your prepared pumpkin spice shake.

How to Make A Pumpkin Spice Shake

This recipe is so easy, you’ll want to make it everyday for a snack or quick and easy breakfast option. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Put Ingredients in the Blender

Put the milk, pumpkin puree, spice, and frozen bananas into the blender.

Step 2: Blend Everything

Blend all the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If it is too watery, add ¼ cup of ice and blend again.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

Pour your shake into a glass and top with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!

Other Pumpkin Flavored Drinks to Try

Love a good pumpkin spice drink during the fall? Some of my other favorite drinks are:

How Many Calories are in a Pumpkin Spice Shake?

A typical pumpkin spice shake can range from 400-600 calories. However, this will vary depending on the size of the shake and the ingredients used. For example, if the shake is made with nonfat milk and ice cream, it will likely be on the lower end of the calorie spectrum.

What is Pumpkin Spice?

Pumpkin spice is a flavor made up of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. It is often used to flavor pumpkin pies and other fall desserts. You can find it in most supermarkets, as well as many online retailers. You can also find pumpkin spice in some coffee shops and restaurants.

Can You Make Milkshakes Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! All you have to do is blend up your shake, pour it into a glass, and then stick it in the freezer. Be sure to let it sit out for about 5-minutes or so before it will be drinkable again. You can do this with leftovers as well, but if you are leaving it in the freezer for more than a couple hours, be sure to put the shake in a freezer-proof, airtight container.

Can this be Made Dairy Free?

And if you want it to be dairy free – sub the milk for almond or coconut milk. It will be just as delicious and even healthier for you. Oh and use non-dairy whipped cream too. Or no whipped cream if you want to be extra super healthy.

Pumpkin Spice Shake

Ingredients

1 cup of milk (See above on dairy free options)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 frozen bananas
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Toss everything into a blender and blend until creamy. If too watery, add 1/4 cup of ice.

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to your favorite food board!

Like this recipe? Be sure to check out:

Pumpkin spice chai latte

Pumpkin pie coffee creamer

Pumpkin spice latte – Starbucks copycat!

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Pumpkin Spice Latte

Kelley — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Have your pumpkin and drink it too! This pumpkin spice latte uses real pumpkin and is full of flavor. You can skip Starbucks and make this copycat pumpkin spice latte at home!

Did you know that my kids love to go to Starbucks as much as I do? Silly question really. Most people who go to Starbucks enjoy going. My kids get pink lollipops or pink cake pops as most people call them. If I pull into the drive thru for a quick coffee, they know it’s cake pop time as well.

As convenient as it is to just drive up and grab a coffee to go, I don’t enjoy spending the money on something I can make at home. That’s why I try to make most Starbucks drinks at home, for a fraction of the cost and with healthier ingredients.

Starbucks copycat pumpkin spice latte

One of my all time favorite drinks from Starbucks is the pumpkin spice latte. There is just something about sipping your first PSL of the fall season. It makes me want to put on a sweater and boots and walk through a pile of leaves.The pumpkin spice latte was invented by a Stanford graduate who was working at Starbucks at the time. It debuted in 2003 and quickly became one of the most popular seasonal drinks.

The Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is combination espresso, steamed milk, fall spices and whipped cream. It’s basically fall in a tall, grande or venti sized cup.

Pumpkin spice latte ingredients

The good news is that it is really easy to make this copycat pumpkin spice latte at home. You only need a few ingredients – five if you count the whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice mix on top. You need:

Pumpkin sauce or syrup
Coffee or espresso
Milk of choice (almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)

Pumpkin sauce – I use homemade pumpkin sauce in my lattes. It is really easy to make and once you have it on hand you can whip up a PSL anytime. You can get the recipe for homemade pumpkin sauce HERE.

Another option is to purchase pumpkin syrup. Torani has a yummy pumpkin spice syrup that works great with this copycat recipe. You can also try Torani’s pumpkin sauce or this sugar free pumpkin spice syrup.

Coffee – You can use any type of coffee in your pumpkin spice latte. I normally use coffee we have on hand or instant espresso. The better quality of coffee you use the better your PSL will turn out. You can also use cold brew coffee or leftover coffee and make an iced pumpkin spice latte.

Milk– Now for the steamed milk you can use your milk of choice here. I prefer milk or half and half but almond milk or coconut milk will work as well.

Whipped cream – Top it all off with either homemade whipped cream or store bought plus a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and you are PSL ready.

How to make a Starbucks copycat pumpkin spice latte

Step 1 – Combine the sauce and coffee Once you have all your ingredients you just need to put them together in your favorite mug or cup. Start with the pumpkin sauce or syrup and then stir in your hot coffee. The hot coffee will help dissolve the pumpkin sauce.

Step 2 Add the steamed milk Steam your milk and then pour it over top of the coffee/syrup mixture. To do this you can bring milk to an almost boil on the stove top. Remove and froth with a milk frother. Top with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin treats to try

Looking for a baked good to pair with your pumpkin spice latte? How about:

What is pumpkin spice latte made of?

A pumpkin spice latte is made of espresso mixed with pumpkin syrup, steamed milk and topped with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. This homemade version combines all of those things and tastes just like the Starbucks version.

When does Starbucks release it’s pumpkin spice latte?

Starbucks releases it’s PSL in August before fall officially starts. You can check their website for their official launch date of the pumpkin spice latte each year.

How do I order a skinny pumpkin spice latte?

You can reduce the calories in your Starbucks PSL by asking for nonfat milk and no whipped cream. This will reduce your calories by about 120 per drink.

Can I order a pumpkin spice latte out of season?

Unfortunately, you can not order a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks outside of the fall season. They do not carry the syrup. The GOOD NEWS is that you can easily make one at home with my simple recipe! You can have a pumpkin spice latte in May if you’d like!

Like I mentioned, once you have the pumpkin spice sauce or syrup on hand it is really easy to make a Starbucks copycat pumpkin spice latte quick. You can literally toss everything together and dream about cooler weather. And sweaters. And leaves falling on the ground.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

4 tablespoons pumpkin sauce or syrup
1 shot of espresso or 1 cup strong coffee, hot
8 ounces of steamed milk
whipped cream

Instructions

Place the pumpkin sauce on the bottom.

Add the shot of espresso and stir together.

Top with steamed milk and whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Notes

You can use instant espresso similar to this one - amzn.to/1ANcj4j.
Pumpkin sauce recipe is here - http://bit.ly/1puq6ZT

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Cholesterol: 23mgSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 8g

Other copycat coffee recipes to try

Like this copycat coffee recipe? Be sure to check out:

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

Iced caramel macchiato

Pumpkin spice iced coffee

Iced White Chocolate Mocha

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Baked chicken tacos

Kelley — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

These baked chicken tacos are perfect! They’re simple to make and everyone will love them. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftovers.

One of our favorite family meals to eat together is tacos. My kids are big taco fans because you can customize them to your liking. We put out the tortillas, meat, and all the fixings and let me pick what they want on them. It’s a dinner win-win!

What are Baked Chicken Tacos?

Baked chicken tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine. The chicken is cooked in the oven until it is tender and juicy, and then it is shredded and mixed with a variety of flavorful toppings. They can be made with a variety of different toppings, including salsa, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

You can serve them on soft tortillas, but they can also be served on hard shells. Baked chicken tacos are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and they can be easily customized to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Chicken Taco Ingredients

For these delicious and healthy chicken tacos, you will need ingredients for the chicken as well as toppings for the taco. Here’s what you will need:

Chicken tenders– I use boneless skinless chicken tenders because they are already precut, but you could use chicken breasts and cut them into slices as well.
Seasonings– To season the chicken, you will need garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Spinach– I used spinach leaves, but you could use lettuce or any leafy green you choose.
Shredded cheese– You can’t have a taco without shredded cheese. I use a Mexican blend, but you can use whichever cheese you prefer.
Guacamole– Guacamole is totally optional, but super delicious as a topping.
Sour cream– I always use sour cream on my tacos, but if you don’t like it, you don’t have to use it.
Cilantro– A little bit will do. You don’t want to overpower the seasonings and spices of the chicken.
Tortillas– I used flour tortillas, but if you want a healthier option, you could use whole wheat or corn tortillas.

How to Make Chicken Tacos in the Oven

These chicken tacos are quick and easy to whip up. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken on a cutting board, and sprinkle both sides with all of the seasonings.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Next, lay the chicken on the prepared baking sheet so it’s not touching. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are browning and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Let the Chicken Cool

Remove the chicken and let it cool. Then, shred or dice it if you prefer

Step 5: Assemble the Taco

Add pieces of chicken to each taco, spinach, shredded cheese, and any toppings you prefer.

Enjoy!

How to Make in the Instant Pot

If you don’t want to heat up your kitchen by turning on the oven, and you have an Instant Pot, you can cook the chicken in the Instant Pot instead. Simply season the chicken with the spices, place 1 cup of water in the inner pot, add the chicken, and pressure cook for 12 minutes. Or, you can follow this Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe.

How to make in the Slow Cooker

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, and don’t want to heat up the house, you can easily make the chicken in your slow cooker. Follow my Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe, or simply make Crockpot Mexican Shredded Chicken and add all the toppings. Keep in mind that in the crockpot, you’ll cook the chicken on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8 hours.

Side Dish Recommendations

Can I Use A Taco Packet?

Sure! I like the seasonings above, but if you like the flavors of a taco packet, you can season the chicken with that instead. Just sprinkle the seasonings as you may not need to use the entire packet.

What Toppings Work Best for Baked Chicken Tacos?

Baked chicken tacos are a quick, easy, and tasty dish that can be served for a weeknight dinner or weekend get-together. The key to making them extra delicious is in the toppings. Some of our favorite toppings for baked chicken tacos include shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

For a bit of spice, we also like to add a few slices of jalapeño pepper. You can also get creative with your toppings and include things like avocado, pineapple, or even crispy bacon bits. Whatever you choose, we guarantee that your baked chicken tacos will be a hit!

Other Mexican Inspired Recipes

Tips for making oven baked chicken tacos –

You can use any type of chicken that you prefer – I just find it easier with chicken tenders. Chicken thighs or breasts would also make a great baked chicken taco.

I used garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and salt and pepper on our chicken tacos. Feel free to add any spices you like! Don’t like cumin? It doesn’t have to go on your chicken. It’s your taco, boss. Season it up as you’d like.

I like to either spray down my cookie sheet or use a silicone baking liner before adding the chicken. There is nothing worse then trying to pull a piece of chicken off that is stuck to your cookie sheet.

Your cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken. Make sure that the center is no longer pink and that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.

Baked chicken tacos

Ingredients

For the chicken:
1 pound chicken tenders
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
For the tacos:
1 cup spinach
1 cup shredded cheese
guacamole, for topping
sour cream, for topping
cilantro, for topping
6- 8 flour tortillas

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Lay the chicken on a cutting board and sprinkle spices over both sides.

Place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes. Or until the tops are browning and they are no longer pink in the center.

Remove and let cool.

Assemble the tacos. Shred or dice the chicken if preferred.

Enjoy!

More recipes to try

Like this recipe? Be sure to check out:

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make them later? Pin the image below to your favorite dinner board.

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One Pot Lasagna Soup

Kelley — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 14:11:00 +0000

One pot lasagna soup is comfort in a bowl. It is a quick and easy dinner recipe that everyone will love. It has all the flavors of classic lasagna, but in half the time. Oh, and it’s made in ONE POT. Quick, easy, delicious and less dishes? This may be your new favorite dinner.

There are just some recipes that instantly take you back to your childhood. For me? It’s lasagna. My mom is Italian and she learned how to make the best damn lasagna ever from my grandma; who probably learned from her grandma! I’m not going to beat around the bush – it’s pretty fantastic.

It’s tradition to have lasagna for Christmas at my parents house and we look forward to it all year. I’ve taken all the flavors of traditional lasagna and turned it into a one pot SOUP! Get ready, this one is sure to become a family favorite for fall.

Lasagna soup

Let me tell you – this lasagna soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It comes together quick and is prepared all in one pot. It’s easier than traditional lasagna and about as fast as skillet lasagna.

In fact, lasagna soup is very similar to my skillet lasagna. Lasagna soup has a bit more broth and the slurp factor is a little higher in this quick and easy dinner recipe.

What’s in lasagna soup

This lasagna soup recipe combines all the flavors of the classic version in an easy one pot dinner. To make this you will need:

ground beef
onion + garlic
tomato paste + diced tomatoes
beef broth
spices
pasta
cheese
fresh herbs

When it comes to ground beef – use whatever you have on hand or prefer to buy. I suggest lean ground beef for most recipes, but feel free to use whatever you’d like.

Onion and garlic are the next ingredients in this lasagna soup recipe. These two are common ingredients in most Italian fare and make your house smell ahhh-mazing.

You will need one large can of diced tomatoes (28 ounces) and one small can of tomato paste (6 ounces). You can use either plain diced tomatoes or a can with additional spices. I like to use diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano to give my meal an extra burst of flavor.

Feel free to use any variety of beef broth that you prefer here – low sodium, free range, organic. You can even use bone broth if you’d like. You will need 4 cups so make sure to use a full container, whatever you choose.

To make the spices easy, I use an Italian seasoning blend. Feel free to make your own Italian seasoning or pick up a bottle from the store.

When it comes to the pasta you can use any variety you’d like. We had rotini on hand, but elbows, fusilli or small penne would work great. You can even use broken up lasagna noodles as well.

Last, but not least, you will need Parmesan, mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. Shredded Parmesan and mozzarella are recommended and full fat ricotta gives the best flavor.

How to make one pot lasagna soup

Once you have all your ingredients gathered you will also need to grab:

measuring cups and spoons
a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot
spatula or large spoon
knife and cutting board

Step 1 Saute your onion and garlic In a large pot, over medium heat, start by adding your oil plus the garlic and onion. Saute both until soft, translucent and fragrant – about 5 minutes.

Step 2 Cook the beef Add in the ground beef and cook through so no pink remains. Carefully, drain off excess fat from the meat. You can either add your spices to your meat or wait and add them to your soup – whichever you prefer.

Step 3 Add liquids Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and additional vegetables such as zucchini, if you are using any.

Step 4 Cook the pasta Allow to simmer for 20 minutes before you add in the uncooked pasta. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or under the pasta is fork tender. While the pasta is cooking, combine your cheeses and set aside.

Step 5 Serve Ladle the soup into bowls, add a scoop of the cheese mixture, fresh herbs and enjoy!

How to make lasagna soup in the slow cooker

Yes! You can make this easy lasagna soup in your slow cooker. The instructions are similar to the stove top version, except it cooks all day in your slow cooker. It makes your house smell amazing!

Cook the onions, garlic and meat on the stove top.
Add the onions, garlic and meat to the slow cooker.
Add in the spices and liquids.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Stir in the cooked pasta.
Serve and top with cheese.

How to make in a pressure cooker

To make this soup faster, use your Instant Pot! Follow my directions for lazy day lasagna, but add the large can of diced tomatoes to make it more of soup. You can also adjust the liquid at the end after your release the pressure.

What to serve with lasagna soup

Although this is a hearty one pot meal, it can also use a good side or two. I would suggest adding a good bread or salad:

Is lasagna soup gluten free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten free by using your favorite gluten free pasta! I have found the Ronzoni gluten free pasta to be one of my favorite alternatives to regular pasta.

Can you freeze lasagna soup?

You sure can freeze this lasagna soup! The best way to freeze soup is to cook it and allow it to cool completely. Then pour the soup in a gallon ziplock baggie and place in the freezer flat. If you plan on freezing this lasagna soup, I would suggest not adding the pasta until you plan to eat it. So cook everything except the pasta and add that in later.

One pot lasagna soup recipe

One pot lasagna soup

Yield: 6-8 cups

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

All the flavor of classic lasagna, but in a quick and easy one pot soup!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
4 cups beef broth
1 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes, with juice
1 6 oz. can of tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground oregano
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 ½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup Ricotta cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add in the ground beef, cook until browned then drain excess fat.
Add in the beef stock, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir until combined.
Bring to a light boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
While soup is simmering, stir cheese topping ingredients together in a medium bowl.
After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes add in the noodles and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Ladle soup into bowls, top with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Notes

I used fresh zucchini in my soup since I had it on hand. Feel free to add it in your soup as well! I used 1/2 cup chopped zucchini and added it in with the tomatoes.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 374Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 931mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 4gSugar: 10gProtein: 30g

Other soup recipes to try:

You may also enjoy these other soup recipes:

Make sure to PIN this recipe to your dinner board too!

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Apple Chai Latte

Kelley — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Nothing says fall like a warm drink full of fall flavors. This apple chai latte is the ultimate fall drink! It’s made in the crock pot and simmers to perfection while filling the house with the most amazing aroma. Grab your crock pot and let’s make this delicious apple chai latte today!

Yall know that I love a good chai recipe! Chai is one of my favorite teas and it is perfect for fall. The spices that are used in chai are so flavorful and give me all the sweater weather vibes. This apple chai latte is just the most fall version of any of the chai lattes.

What is an apple chai latte?

A classic chai latte is a combination of black tea and a number of spices such as allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and star of anise. These spices are intense, woodsy and full of fall flavor. This apple version uses real apples to create the ultimate fall drink. So it’s a classic chai latte with apple infused flavor.

Apple chai latte ingredients

One of the best parts about this fall drink recipe is that you don’t need a bunch of ingredients to make it. Heck, you probably have most of them on hand or can easily grab them from the grocery store. You will need:

Chai tea bags – You can use any chai tea bags that you like. I love using the Tazo tea brand, as that’s the brand that Starbucks uses.
Water
An apple – You will need one large apple. You can use any apple variety that you’d like. I love using a sweeter apple for this recipe since the flavor gets infused into the tea.
Sweetener – Feel free to use your favorite sweetener in this drink. Sugar works. Brown sugar gives it a great depth of flavor. Want to keep it low calorie or low carb? Use a keto sweetener instead.
Milk – Any milk will work here. You can keep it dairy-free by using coconut or almond milk.
Whipped cream – This is optional, but who doesn’t love a big dollop of whipped cream on top of their warm fall flavored drink?

How to make a chai latte in the crock pot

Not only do you only need a handful of ingredients to make this drink, but it’s also super easy to make too! It’s literally a set it and forget it type of drink. Oh, and it makes your whole house smell amazing!

Step 1 Add your ingredients – Place your water, chai tea bags and sliced apple in the Crock Pot. If you want to give this drink even more flavor, add some additional spices like cinnamon sticks or whole cloves.

Step 2 Cook – Turn the Crock Pot on high and allow to cook for 4 hours. This will give the tea enough time steep and become infused with the apple flavor.

Step 3 Serve – Remove the tea bags, stir everything together and pour into mugs. Add your sweetener to the chai and stir to combine. Pour in your milk and top with whipped cream.

How to make in the Instant Pot

This apple chai recipe is super easy to in your Instant Pot too! You need all of the same ingredients, but follow the directions below –

Place the sliced apple, water and chai tea bags in the Instant Pot.
Seal the lid and valve.
Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
Manually release the built up pressure.
Remove the tea bags and serve.

How to make on the stove top

Don’t want to make this in your Crock Pot or Instant Pot? No worries! You can easily make this on the stove top in a large pot.

Place the apple, tea bags and the water in a large pot on the stove top.
Bring to a boil.
Allow to boil for 5 minutes and remove from heat.
Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes and then remove the tea bags.
Stir and serve in a mug.

Tips and tricks

This apple chai latte is an easy recipe, but I do have some tips to make it the best fall drink you’ve ever had.

You can toss the tea bags directly into the water, or you can place them on the edge of the inner pot and put the lid on it. This way you don’t have the entire bag submerged.
Wring out your tea bags into the Crock Pot to get all an even more intense flavor.
You can cook this on low for 6 hours if you have more time.
Add fresh whole spices to give this drink and even better flavor. Whole cloves (use only a few!), cinnamon sticks, and star anise make great additions. Be sure to remove them before serving.
Feel free to add the sugar directly to the Crock Pot before you serve up the drink. I would start with 1 cup of sugar and adjust it to your preference.
Make this recipe dairy free by using coconut or almond milk in your chai latte.

How to store leftovers

If you have any leftover apple chai, allow it to cool completely before placing it in a large mason jar with a lid. I love using the 1/2 gallon Ball mason jars. They are perfect for holding not only leftover chai latte, but for making homemade cold brew!

Other chai latte recipes to try

You know that I love a good chai latte by now. Some other recipes that I suggest you try are:

Apple Chai Latte

Yield: 6-8 drinks

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours

Make the perfect fall drink with this easy Crock Pot apple chai latte.

Ingredients

6 cups water
6 chai tea bags
1 large apple, sliced
2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
1/2 cup milk
whipped cream, optional

Instructions

Add the water, tea bags and sliced apple to your crock pot.

Cook on high for 4 hours.

Allow to cool before transferring to cups or pitcher.

Add your sugar, milk and whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 192Cholesterol: 14mgSodium: 117mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 5gSugar: 30gProtein: 5g

Other apple recipes to try:

We love apple around here, especially during the fall. Some of our favorite apple recipes are:

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card or in the comments below. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to your favorite food or drink board!

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King ranch chicken soup

Kelley — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

King ranch chicken is a classic South Texas casserole that is full of Tex-Mex inspired flavor. This easy King Ranch Chicken Chicken soup is a spin on the famous casserole that requires less work but is still packed with flavor! Let me show you how to make this easy dinner recipe in your Crock Pot or your Instant Pot!

Hey yall! It’s official – it’s fall around these parts! Fall means cooler temperatures, more time with family, sports and an all around busyness. I tend to use my Crock Pot more during the fall and winter months just to make sure we have dinner on the table after practices or games or concerts.

It just makes sense – busy weeknights equals more crock pot dinners. My friend Samantha from five heart home must have figured that out years ago though. She wrote a cookbook all about crock pot dinners for busy families. It’s called Real Food Slow Cooker Dinners. This King Ranch chicken soup is one of my absolute favorite meals from her cookbook.

What is King Ranch chicken soup?

To answer that, we need to dive into what is King Ranch chicken. The King Ranch is one of the largest (if not THE largest) privately owned ranch in the United States. It is a ranch of over 800,000 acres in South Texas. It is owned by a group on descendants of the King family from over the years. It is a popular tourist destination and an all around fun place to visit.

The King Ranch has a cowboy breakfast every year and invites people to take part in the old traditions of ranching. Although King Ranch Chicken is not served at the breakfast, it is a popular dish that was inspired by the ranches Tex-Mex roots. This recipe takes the classic recipe and turns into a delicious, easy to make soup.

King Ranch Chicken Soup Ingredients

The one thing that I LOVE about Samantha’s cookbook is that she uses real ingredients. No cans of cream soup here! To make this soup you will need:

butter
garlic
flour
chicken broth
chili powder
cumin – Gives this soup an authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
garlic powder
salt
pepper
chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless work best. You can also use thighs for this recipe.
diced tomatoes with green chiles
jalapeno
shredded cheese – I love using cheddar or sharp cheddar in this recipe.

How to make King Ranch Chicken Soup

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you will also need to grab:

skillet
spatula
measuring cups and spoons
knife and cutting board
Crock Pot or Instant Pot

Step 1 Create a roux Before you start cooking your chicken in your crock pot, you will need to create a roux. This will give you a super creamy soup without using any cream of soups. Saute your garlic in the butter and then add your flour. Stir in the chicken broth and allow to thicken. Add in your spices and combine.

Step 2 Add to the Crock Pot Place your chicken in the bottom of your Crock Pot. Pour your canned of diced tomatoes over top along with your diced jalapeno. Next, add your sauce that you just made.

Step 3 Cook Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. You can also cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Step 4 Shred the chicken Once the chicken has cooked through with an internal temperature of 165 degrees, remove it from the Crock Pot. Use 2 forks or a knife to shred it before adding it back to the soup.

Step 5 Add cheese and serve Add in your cheese, cover and allow to melt. This will take about 15 minutes. Give it a final stir and then serve with your favorite toppings!

How to make King Ranch soup in the Instant Pot

I love this recipe because it can be easily made in your Crock Pot or your Instant Pot. You will need the same ingredients to make it in your pressure cooker. Follow these directions to have the soup ready quick –

Saute your garlic and butter in the inner pot.
Stir in your chicken broth and spices. Allow to thicken, slightly.
Scrap the bottom for any brown bits. (This will help NOT get the burn notice.)
Place your chicken in the Instant Pot and seal.
Cook for 10 minutes on manual high pressure.
Allow pressure to release naturally. Related – Natural release vs. manual release.
Shred your chicken and stir.
Add your check and place the lid back on to melt it.
Serve and enjoy!

What is King Ranch chicken?

King Ranch chicken got it’s name from the large ranch in South Texas. It is full of Tex-Mex flavors that are inspired by the South Texas landscape.

Do I have to make the roux?

Short answer – no. You don’t have to make the roux before adding it to the Crock Pot. I know that some people love dump and go meals when it comes to using their slow cooker. You can totally dump everything in the Crock Pot and let it cook. (Minus the flour.) If you do this, your soup will be a lot thinner and not as creamy. Even adding cornstarch at the end will not make it as creamy. The roux or the sauce that you make at the beginning is what makes this soup extra creamy and delicious.

Side dish recommendations

This soup can be a full meal, but sometimes you need a side to round it out. Some of my favorite side dishes for this King Ranch soup are:

How to store leftovers

Allow the soup to cool before placing any leftovers in a Tupperware with a secure lid. You can store the soup in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze King Ranch Chicken soup?

Yes! You can! Allow the soup to cool before adding it to a large Ziplock bag. Place the bag flat in the fridge and allow it to freeze. You can then place the flat bag anywhere in your freezer. Allow to thaw in the fridge and re-heat in the microwave.

King ranch chicken soup

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

A super creamy soup that is easy to make and is full of Tex-Mex inspired flavors.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
pepper, to taste
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (10oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 medium jalapeno, minced
2 cups shredded cheese
tortilla chips, for serving
fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add the garlic and saute until it is fragrant and light golden brown, about 1 minute.

Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for one minute.

Slowly whisk in the chick broth. Increase the heat to a simmer and whisk continuously for several minutes, until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt. And black pepper to taste.

Place the chicken in your crock pot.

Top with the diced tomatoes and jalapeno.

Pour the sauce over top.

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Can cook on high for 2-3 hours.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, stir in the cheese and cover.

Pull the chicken apart into large chunks using two forks and place back in the slow cooker.

Cover the crock pot for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Stir well. Serve with crushed tortilla chips, extra cheese and cilantro.

Enjoy!

Other Crock Pot dinners to try

You know I love a good Crock Pot meal. Some others that I recommend trying are:

Did you try this recipe? I’d love for you leave a review in the post. Want to make it later? Pin the image below. THANK YOU for your support!

Another shout out to Samantha and amazing cookbook – Yall. Her cookbook is pure magic. She has a full page photo ON EVERY PAGE that makes you want to drool. And did you catch the title? REAL FOOD! Nothing processed. It’s good food for you and your family. YOU NEED THIS COOKBOOK delicious.

The post King ranch chicken soup appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Starbucks white hot chocolate

Kelley — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 05:32:00 +0000

Love Starbucks white hot chocolate? Re-create their famous hot chocolate drink at home. No need to run out to the coffee shop to get your favorite white chocolate recipe. You only need a few common ingredients to make one at home!

Oh it’s that time of year y’all. The weather has started to cool down in the mornings and evenings and the leaves have started to change. I love walking the dogs in the morning because it feels so good out. This is for sure my favorite time of year.

Besides the cooler weather, I just love fall/winter time food. The hot drinks and the comforting casseroles are the best. Of course the Starbucks white hot chocolate is right up there with my cool weather favorites.

What is Starbucks white hot chocolate?

The Starbucks white hot chocolate has been a mainstay on their seasonal menu for quite some time. As the weather starts to get cooler it becomes more and more popular with coffee house goers. Starbucks describes their white hot chocolate as a hot chocolate with white chocolate sauce. steamed milk. and whip cream.

It’s basically a hot chocolate. but instead of using cocoa they use the white chocolate instead. Starbucks white hot chocolate has a sweet and smooth taste distinctive of white chocolate.

You can make this white hot chocolate two different ways -you can use a white chocolate sauce and add it to hot milk. Or you can create the white hot chocolate all in a pot on the stove. The ingredients stay about the same for both.

Ingredients in a Starbucks white hot chocolate

Like I just mentioned you can either use a white chocolate sauce, either homemade or store-bought, and add it to hot milk or you can make the entire recipe in one pot over the stove. We love making this stove top version as a special treat on a cold day. Ingredients needed to make the recipe the stove top recipe are:

sugar
salt
water
vanilla
white chocolate chips
milk

Sugar – Plain white sugar works great.

Vanilla – Store bought or homemade vanilla extract will work in this recipe.

White chocolate chips – I love using Ghiradelli white chocolate chips for my white chocolate recipes. They melt great and they are full of flavor.

How to make white chocolate hot chocolate

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you will also need to grab a sauce pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons.

Step 1 Dissolve the sugar You start by combining the water, salt, vanilla and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. You do not need to bring it to a full boil, just hot enough to dissolve the sugar in the liquid.

Step 2 Melt your white chocolate chips Add your white chocolate chips or chocolate bar, which ever you prefer to use. Stir until the chocolate has dissolved in the sugar mixture. You will want to make sure that the mixture is nice and smooth.

Step 3 Add your milk Finally, add in your milk and heat until it starts to get frothy. Again, a rolling boil is not needed. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and white chocolate shavings, if desired.

What is a Starbucks white hot chocolate made of?

A white hot chocolate from Starbucks is made from white chocolate sauce, steamed milk and whipped cream. This recipe combines most of those ingredients on the stove top.

Can I use white chocolate bars?

Yup! You can! You can use any white chocolate that melts well.

Is there coffee in Starbucks hot chocolate?

Nope! There is no coffee in this white chocolate recipe. Looking for coffee? Try my Starbucks copycat white chocolate mocha! It’s pretty similar to this one, but has coffee.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes! You sure can! I have a copycat Starbucks zebra hot chocolate (which is a hot chocolate with white chocolate and milk chocolate combined) that you can follow. Use the directions for the Instant Pot Zebra Hot Chocolate here.

Can I make this white hot chocolate in the Crock Pot?

Guess what?! You sure can! We love making this in the Crock Pot for parties. To make a white hot chocolate in the Crock Pot:

Place all of your ingredients in your Crock Pot.
Set your Crock Pot to high to melt your sugar and white chocolate chips.
Be sure to stir it constantly.
Once everything is melted and smooth, turn down to low or warm.
Serve into mugs and top with homemade whipped cream.

Tips and tricks

This recipe is pretty easy to make, but to make it even easier follow the tips below.

Use a silicone spatula to easily stir your white chocolate chips. The spatula also allows you to scrap the edges of the sauce pan to fully incorporate everything.
You can use any type of milk that you prefer for this recipe. Make it dairy-free by using almond or coconut milk.
Save a few chocolate chips to add onto of your whipped cream. You can also add shaved white chocolate bar.

Starbucks white hot chocolate

Yield: 8 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Make this copycat Starbucks white hot chocolate recipe at home!

Ingredients

3/4 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 gallon of milk
whipped cream and white chocolate shavings, optional

Instructions

Place your sugar, salt, vanilla, and water in a large sauce pan on the stove over medium heat.

Stir frequently and allow sugar to dissolve into the water mixture.

Add in chocolate chips and continue to stir until melted.

Pour in milk, stir, and heat up until top becomes frothy.

Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and white chocolate shavings.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 309Total Fat: 11.8gSaturated Fat: 7.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 282mgCarbohydrates: 43.4gFiber: 0gSugar: 42.4gProtein: 9.3g

Other white chocolate recipes to try

Love white chocolate recipes? Hey, me too! Some of my favorites that I think you will enjoy are:

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the post below. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to save it. I appreciate your support!

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Pumpkin Chocolate Poke Cake

Kelley — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 18:00:00 +0000

All of your favorite fall flavors come together in this easy one dish pumpkin chocolate poke cake! You only need 7 basic ingredients to up your fall baking with this pumpkin poke cake recipe. Grab your baking dish and let me show you how to make this pumpkin dessert today!

I think my pumpkin obsession might be out of control. How do I know this? I keep making new pumpkin recipes. And I like it. This weekend I made this pumpkin chocolate poke cake that reminds me of Thanksgiving dinner. Its like somebody smashed the pumpkin pie and the chocolate pie together and drizzled them with caramel. (I have your attention now, huh?)

And the best part is that this easy homemade recipe is a one dish dessert. Thats right, I only used my baking dish to make this amazing recipe. (Now I definitely have your attention!) Check out how to make a pumpkin chocolate poke cake.

Pumpkin Chocolate Poke Cake

This is very similar to the pumpkin caramel cake that I made earlier. But since I’m being honest, its so much better! Oh so much better. This is a semi-homemade dessert because I use a cake mix and not a homemade cake recipe. That means this easy dessert recipe comes together quick and is perfect for even beginner bakers. My kids love helping me make this one since it’s almost like a dump cake.

Pumpkin Poke Cake Ingredients

I think pumpkin and chocolate were just destined to be together. There is a great depth flavor when you combine the two. It’s very decadent and filling! And you can’t forget the easy whipped cream and caramel topping! To make this cake you will need:

1 Spice Cake Mix
1 Can Pumpkin Puree [I use Libbys]
1 Cup Water
1 Box of Chocolate Pudding [I used a large one and had a little left over, which is cool with me and the kids.]
2 Cups of Milk [for the pudding]
2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
Caramel

How to make pumpkin chocolate poke cake

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients you will also need to grab:

a 9×13 baking dish
spatula
mixing bowl
whisk
measuring cups and spoons

Step 1 Make the cake layer Here is where the one dish comes in. I poured my cake mix into a 9×13 baking pan, added the water and the pumpkin puree and mixed it right in the pan. I had to do it slowly but it was worth it since I didn’t make any extra dirty dishes.

Step 2 Bake the poke cake Bake the cake at 350 degrees for 23-28 minutes. Use a toothpick to make sure the cake is done. Insert it in the center and if it comes out clean, it’s done. Allow to cool on the counter.

Step 3 Make the pudding While the cake is cooling, mix together the instant chocolate pudding and the milk to make the pudding for the cake. Allow it to set slightly.

Step 4 Poke the cake Using the end of your wooden spatula, poke holes throughout the cake. Make sure to not punch your holes all the way through the cake. This will make serving it easier.

Step 5 Add the pudding to the cake Pour the pudding over the top of the cake and use the spatula to smooth it over, making sure it gets into the holes you just poked.

Step 6 Frost and enjoy Cover the top of the cake with whipped cream. Spread it evenly over the cake and then drizzle with caramel. Slice and enjoy!

What size baking dish do you need?

You will need a 9×13 baking dish for this pumpkin spice poke cake recipe. Make sure that you grease the bottom and the side before adding the cake mix to it. You can do this with oil, butter or baking spray.

What cake mix do I need for this poke cake?

You can really use any cake mix that you’d like, but I love using a spice cake mix for this recipe. It really gives the pumpkin a great flavor and is perfect for fall.

How do I make holes in the cake?

The easiest way to make holes in your poke cake is to use the end of a wooden spatula or serving spoon. Press the spatula end into your warm cake and give it twist. Make sure not to punch the holes all the way through the cake. This just makes it easier to serve the cake since you won’t have pudding on the bottom of the dish.

Other poke cake recipes to try

Poke cakes are super fun to make because they combine two desserts into one. Some yummy poke cakes to try are:

Tips and tricks

This pumpkin chocolate poke cake recipe is pretty simple, but I have found some of the tips below help make it even easier.

Slowly mix together the cake mix with the water and the pumpkin in your baking dish. This way you don’t splash anything onto the counter. If you don’t feel comfortable mixing it in the baking dish, you can use a mixing bowl and then transfer it.
Use a whisk to mix together the cake mix to get rid of any lumps.
Don’t let the chocolate pudding set completely and do not put it in the fridge. It is easier to add it to the cake when it is semi-set so that you can smooth it out without issue.
You can add caramel on top or you can add pumpkin sauce! Both are delicious.

Pumpkin Chocolate Poke Cake

Ingredients

1 Spice Cake Mix
1 Can Pumpkin Puree [I use Libbys]
1 Cup Water
1 Box of Instant Chocolate Pudding [I used a large one and had a little left over, which is cool with me and the kids.]
2 Cups of Milk [for the pudding]
2 Cups Whipped Cream
Caramel, for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350.

Grease a 9x13 pan.

Pour the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree and water in the baking dish and slowly mix together.

Bake for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean in the center.

Remove from oven and allow to cool.

While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate pudding. Mix together the instant pudding mix and milk.

Using the end of a serving spoon, poke holes in the cake. Pour the pudding mix over the cake and use a spatula to smooth out, pushing the pudding into the holes.

Cover with whipped cream and top with caramel.

Enjoy!

Other pumpkin recipes to try

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