Baked Meatballs with Cheese

 

Introduction

Baked meatballs with cheese is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of seasoned meatballs and rich, melted cheese.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort.

The meatballs are baked to perfection, ensuring they are juicy and tender, while the cheese adds a delightful, gooey topping that is hard to resist.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish and set aside.

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Shape the mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs and place them in the prepared baking dish.

Bake the Meatballs:

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.

Add the Sauce and Cheese:

Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over them.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Sprinkle the dried oregano over the cheese for added flavor.

Final Baking:

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serve the baked meatballs with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or crusty bread.

Creamy Baked Cheese Bars

 

Creamy Baked Cheese Bars: A Delightful Dessert Treat

Introduction

The image showcases creamy baked cheese bars, featuring a rich, golden-brown crust and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

These cheese bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a deliciously creamy experience that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Layer:

2 cups cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated with the butter.

Press into Pan:

Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to press it down firmly.

Bake:

Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat Cream Cheese:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour Over Crust:

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Cool and Chill:

Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set properly.

Step 4: Serve

Slice and Serve:

Slice the bars into rectangles or squares and serve chilled. Optionally, you can top them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of caramel for added flavor.

Tips for Best Results

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.

Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Proper chilling ensures the bars are firm and easy to cut

Conclusion

Creamy baked cheese bars are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the tanginess of cream cheese with a sweet, buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any dessert table, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.

lemon pepper chicken skewers

 

**Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers** 

**Ingredients:**

**For the Chicken Marinade:**
– 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp paprika
– 2 tsp black pepper
– Zest from one lemon
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil

**For the Lemon Pepper Garlic Butter:**
– ½ cup salted butter, softened
– 2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– Zest from one lemon
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic, grated or finely minced

**Instructions:**

1. **Soak Skewers:** If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. **Marinate Chicken:** In a bowl or Ziploc bag, combine chicken pieces with all the marinade ingredients. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.

3. **Prepare Lemon Pepper Garlic Butter:** Mix together all butter ingredients in a bowl. Set aside 2 tbsp for basting later.

4. **Skewer the Chicken:** Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, packing them tightly.

5. **Cook the Skewers:**
– **Air Fryer Method:** Preheat to 400°F. Cook for 7-8 minutes, then baste, flip, and cook for another 6-7 minutes.
– **BBQ Method:** Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting before and after flipping.
– **Pan-Fried Method:** Cook in a pan over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, basting before and after flipping.

6. **Finish and Serve:** Once cooked through, baste with the reserved lemon pepper garlic butter. Serve immediately.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 6
**Calories:** 369 kcal

Enjoy your zesty, buttery chicken skewers!

Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

• Marinade Preparation:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, chopped garlic, and grated ginger.
  2. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight for the wings to absorb the flavors.

  Cooking the Chicken Wings:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. Place the marinated chicken wings on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them for 40-45 minutes or until golden and crispy.

  Preparing the Sauce:

1. While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce.
2. In a saucepan, heat the cooking oil and add the remaining marinade mixture.
3. Cook over medium heat until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. You can add rice vinegar for a touch of acidity.
4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch dissolved in water and mix until desired consistency is achieved.

• Optional: Once the wings are ready, you can choose to coat them with the hot sauce, making sure to cover them evenly.

  Glazing the Chicken Wings:

  1. Place the sticky chicken wings on a plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

  Now, it’s time to enjoy these delicious sticky sesame chicken wings. They are perfect as an appetizer or main dish, served with rice or salad. Bon appétit!

  Serving Suggestions:

  Place the sticky chicken wings on a plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. There you go! Now you can enjoy delicious sticky sesame chicken wings. These are perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish, paired with rice or salad. Bon appétit!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

 

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a vegetarian version)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
– 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
– In the slow cooker, combine the cooked meat mixture, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

3. Layer the Ingredients:

Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Repeat the Layers:
– Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.

5. Cook the Ziti:
– Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:
– Once the ziti is cooked, give it a gentle stir to combine the layers. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata

 Ingredients:

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 pound (500g) store-bought gnocchi or homemade gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• 1 ball of burrata cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gnocchi:

• Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions or until they float to the top, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

• Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano and basil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste

3. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce:

• Mix Together: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the gnocchi is heated through.

4. Serve:

• Plate the Dish: Divide the creamy tomato gnocchi among serving plates.
• Add Burrata: Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and place it on top of the gnocchi.
• Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

5. Enjoy:

• Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy, and delicious flavors of the Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata.

Tips for Success:

• Homemade Gnocchi: If you prefer homemade gnocchi, prepare them in advance for an even more authentic and delicious dish.
• Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the tomato sauce to simmer helps deepen the flavors, so don’t rush this step.
• Fresh Burrata: Use fresh burrata cheese for the best texture and flavor. It adds a luxurious creaminess to the dish.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before adding the gnocchi and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Conclusion: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a delectable and comforting dish that brings together the richness of creamy tomato sauce, the soft and fluffy texture of gnocchi, and the indulgent creaminess of burrata cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delightful and satisfying meal with your loved ones!

Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet

 

Garlic Butter Sausages and Broccoli Skillet is a savory and straightforward dish that combines juicy sausages with tender broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup. The garlic butter adds a flavorful, indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the hearty sausages and crisp-tender broccoli.

Ingredients

• For the Skillet:
  • 4-6 sausages (your choice of type, such as Italian, bratwurst, or chicken sausages)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausages

1. Cook Sausages: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it first. Toss the broccoli in the garlic butter sauce.

3. 3. Cook Broccoli

   1. Add Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the broccoli. This will help steam the broccoli and infuse it with flavor.
   2. Season and Cook: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper over the broccoli. Stir to coat. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

   4. Combine and Finish

   1. Return Sausages: Slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet. Stir to combine with the broccoli and garlic butter sauce.
   2. Add Parmesan: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and well-combined.
   3. Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want a bit more color and flavor, you can broil the skillet for a few minutes until the top is slightly crispy.

   4. 5. Serve

      1. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
      2. Plate: Serve the garlic butter sausages and broccoli directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving platter.

      Tips for Success

      • Sausages: Use a type of sausage that you enjoy and ensure they are fully cooked before slicing. If using raw sausages, cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
      • Broccoli: For extra crispy broccoli, you can use fresh broccoli and cook it until slightly charred. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture.
      • Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and add other herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.

      Variations

      • Additional Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition.
      • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.
      • Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor profile.