The Best Easy, Healthy Appetizer Recipes – WellPlated.com https://www.wellplated.com/category/recipes-by-type/appetizers/ Recipes for a Wholesome Life Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:04:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://www.wellplated.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cropped-favicon-268x268.png The Best Easy, Healthy Appetizer Recipes – WellPlated.com https://www.wellplated.com/category/recipes-by-type/appetizers/ 32 32 The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Bacon🥓 https://www.wellplated.com/baked-bacon/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/baked-bacon/#comments Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:01:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=25189 Baked Bacon in the Oven

bacon baked in oven recipeThe trick to perfect, evenly cooked bacon like what you have in a restaurant? It's BAKED! Cook your bacon in the oven like a pro with this simple method.

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Baked Bacon in the Oven bacon baked in oven recipe

Today, we are mastering a life skill: Baked Bacon in the oven. Here’s how to cook bacon that is impeccably crispy and uniformly cooked with less mess. You’ll call yourself a bacon perfection!

bacon baked in oven recipe

The Oven is the Best Way to Cook Bacon

The secret to perfect fried bacon is that it isn’t fried; it’s baked.

Baked bacon is one of those rare culinary situations where the method that yields a superior result (baked bacon) is actually easier than the conventional method (pan frying).

  • Even Cooking. An oven-safe rack allows the heat to circulate evenly around the bacon, a key component of bacon excellence.
  • Hands-Free. No standing at the stove to babysit your bacon. It cooks in the oven unattended.
  • Safer. Oven bacon won’t splatter you with hot grease while you fry it.
  • Restaurant-Worthy. Ever wonder how your favorite brunch, burger or BLT spot achieves those flat, thick, and magically crisp bacon slices? I’d wager my last piece that the bacon is baked. It’s the method most restaurants use.
  • Bigger Batches. Cooking for a crowd? Bake two sheet pans at once.
  • Easy Clean Up. Let the grease harden on the foil, then discard it. Simple!
  • Healthier than Fried. The grease from the bacon drips off and is collected below the rack, which means it stays off your bacon and out of your body. I also pat the bacon to remove some extra grease and keep it crisp.

Conculsion: Oven baked bacon is easier to make, healthier, and produces better results than fried bacon (Air Fryer Bacon is another great method).

Ready to dive into how to cook perfect baked bacon? Let’s do it!

the best bacon baked in the oven

A Quick Note. While baked bacon is arguably healthier than fried bacon, it is still bacon.

Enjoy it in moderation as one tasty component of a balanced diet.

Whenever we have bacon, I like to serve it with other lean proteins, fruits, whole grains, or vegetables to make a complete meal.

a plate of easy baked bacon

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

The ONLY Ingredient

  • High-Quality Bacon. This might sound obvious, but I can’t overstate its importance: the better quality of bacon you buy, the better your final baked bacon will taste. I promise it’s worth it!

Tips for Buying Bacon

  • Purchase bacon from the butcher counter at the grocery store. It’s usually only a dollar or two more than the pre-packaged stuff, but the taste is remarkably better.
  • Go for the thick cut bacon (no wimpy bacon here!). It’s easier to layer onto to sandwiches, makes more of an impact when sprinkled on salads, and is extra satisfying when munched on its own.
  • For flavor, focus on the quality of the bacon first. Bacon that is applewood smoked is always good, but any flavor is delicious when it’s well-sourced.
bacon on a wire baking sheet to bake in oven

Tips for Perfect Baked Bacon

  • Bake at 400 Degrees F. Some recipes recommend baking bacon at other temperatures or starting the bacon in a cold oven, but I found that a preheated 400 degrees F is the best temperature for baking bacon. It cooks the bacon evenly no matter its thickness and the bacon won’t splatter.
  • Use a Rack. Not only does the rack make the bacon healthier, but it also helps make it crispy and evenly-cooked.
bacon on baking sheet

How Long to Bake Bacon

How long bacon should be cooked in the oven will vary based upon the thickness of your bacon and your desired crispness.

  • For Thin-Cut Bacon. Regular, thin-cut bacon will typically bake in 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. If you want it extra crispy, you can let it bake a little longer, but keep a close eye on it.
  • For Thick-Cut Bacon. Thicker bacon will take 14 to 20 minutes, depending upon your thickness and how crisp you would like it to be.

The time the bacon takes to cook will also vary by how many slices you are making at once.

If your sheet pan is very crowded, you may need to extend the baking time by a few minutes.

Bacon baked in the oven

Cooked Bacon Storage Tips

  • To Store. Cooked bacon will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If it starts to smell funny or change appearance, throw it out.
  • To Reheat. Recrisp your bacon slices on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
  • To Freeze. Store baked bacon slices in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove and thaw slices as desired.

How to Use Baked Bacon

Now that you’ve mastered the life skill of how to make oven baked bacon, it’s time to use it!

Favorite Recipes Using Cooked Bacon

bacon baked in oven recipe
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Baked Bacon

Delicious oven baked bacon recipe. Cooking bacon in an oven results in perfect, evenly cooked, crispy bacon every time. Healthier than fried!
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 1 to 100!
Calories 92kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon or any number of strips and thickness you like (see notes for recommendations)
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  • If making an amount of bacon that will fit on a single baking sheet without overlapping (about 6 to 8 slices, depending upon the bacon and sheet), place a rack in the center of your oven. If making a larger amount, place the racks in the upper and lower thirds. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up (if you prefer to bake the bacon without foil, leave the foil off), then place an ovenproof baking rack on top. Spritz the baking rack lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the baking rack.
    bacon on a wire baking sheet to bake in oven
  • Bake until you reach your desired level of crispness. This could be as early as 12 minutes if you are using thinner bacon and like it less crisp or 20 minutes or more if you using a thicker cut and like your bacon really crispy. If baking two racks at once, rotate their positions halfway through.
    bacon on baking sheet
  • Once cooked, immediately transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and lightly pat dry (this keeps it from getting soggy). Let cool just enough so that you don’t (completely) burn your tongue. Devour immediately or use to top salads, pastas, and sandwiches, or in any of these recipes.
  • To clean up: Let the bacon grease cool and harden, then crumple it up inside the foil and discard. If you’d like to use the bacon grease for another purpose, let it cool for a few minutes, transfer it to a lidded container or jar, and refrigerate.

Video

Notes

  • I like and recommend thick-cut applewood smoked bacon. The applewood smoke flavor is classic, and the thick cut provides maximum bacon crunch and full flavor. I also prefer center cut bacon when possible, as it is more lean and “meaty.” If you can get the bacon from the butcher directly or from a local supplier, that’s even better. With bacon, quality really counts, and it’s worth the splurge. We are making bacon, after all.
  • TO STORE: Cooked bacon will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If it starts to smell funny or change appearance, throw it out.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm gently in the microwave or use at room temperature.
  • TO FREEZE: Store baked bacon slices in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove and thaw slices as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bacon strip | Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Potassium: 44mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know When Bacon is Bad?

If your bacon is in its original sealed package, you can go by the expiration date listed on the package. If you’ve already opened the package, make sure to cook up the bacon within 1 week of opening to be safe. (Confession: I’ve used bacon more than 1 week after it’s been opened, but the comfort level is up to you.)
If at any point your bacon starts to change color or smells off, it’s safest to discard it.

How Do I Bake Bacon Without a Rack?

If you don’t own an oven-safe rack, cook the bacon directly on the aluminum foil.

Can I Freeze Bacon?

Uncooked bacon can be frozen in an airtight package for up to 6 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you don’t think you’ll use a whole package within 1 week of opening, freeze the unused portion right away.

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Crockpot Ribs https://www.wellplated.com/crockpot-ribs/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/crockpot-ribs/#comments Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:13:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=25496 Crockpot Ribs

pork ribs made in a crockpotMeet the most fall-off-the-bone tender, no oven, I-think-I’m-gonna-need-a-bigger-bib Crockpot Ribs. Do yourself and every rib lover in your life a finger-lickin’ favor: put a batch in your slow cooker. Baby backs, spare ribs, country…this recipe works with any of your favorite cuts. Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Ribs In addition to being one of the…

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Crockpot Ribs pork ribs made in a crockpot

Meet the most fall-off-the-bone tender, no oven, I-think-I’m-gonna-need-a-bigger-bib Crockpot Ribs. Do yourself and every rib lover in your life a finger-lickin’ favor: put a batch in your slow cooker. Baby backs, spare ribs, country…this recipe works with any of your favorite cuts.

The BEST slow cooker ribs with BBQ sauce

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Ribs

In addition to being one of the best crock pot recipes to come out of my kitchen in a long time, these slow cooker ribs have a full rack of winning qualities.

  • Barbecue Paradise. Like my Instant Pot Ribs, these crockpot ribs have the deep, smoky barbecue that you love. When the cooking time has ended, you’ll open your crockpot to find the best slow cooker ribs you’ve ever had.
  • The Prep is Quick and Easy. You’ll need less than 10 minutes to get them sauced and in your slow cooker (perhaps only this Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe is easier). The slow cooker does the rest of the work while you go about your day.
  • The BBQ Sauce is Homemade. Seriously once you go with homemade BBQ, there’s no going back (this is my favorite from-scratch Barbecue Sauce recipe).
  • Keep the Oven Off. Ribs in the oven at 200 degrees take 3 to 4 hours, which is a looooong time to have my oven running. The slow cooker will keep the house cool and the oven available if you need it for other endeavors (like making a side of this Beer Bread to go with your ribs).
  • Less Risk of Overcooking. While I adore the flavor of meat made on the grill (hello, Grilled Chicken Breast), how long to cook ribs on the grill is challenging even for pit masters. Keep it simple and let the slow cooker do the work.
  • Falling Off the Bone Tender. You can pull them apart with your fingers!

These tender ribs are ideal for game day parties, easy weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re in the mood for something undeniably delicious.

Tasty crockpot barbecue ribs cut into individual pieces

5 Star Review

“We made these yesterday and they came out perfectly! The meat was so tender and was falling off the bone. It was super easy to prep before heading off to work.”

— Lauren —

How to Make Crockpot Ribs

The Ingredients

  • Pork Ribs. This crockpot ribs recipe will work for any style of pork ribs. We did baby back ribs, but country-style ribs or spare ribs could be used too. I haven’t tried crock pot boneless ribs or beef ribs yet, but I see no reason why those wouldn’t work so feel free to experiment. (Just save the pork shoulder or pork butt for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.)
  • Ketchup. A key ingredient in our BBQ sauce. While I’m not usually a fan (true confession), here it adds thickness and sweetness (so there’s no need for brown sugar).
  • Molasses. Another essential element in our sweet, sticky sauce (also key for this crockpot Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe).
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. To add tangy flavor and acidity to balance the sauce.
  • Hot Sauce. For a little bit of heat.
  • Spices. Spices are the final component that takes our BBQ sauce to the next level. This recipe uses a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Substitution Tip

While I will always encourage you to use a from-scratch sauce, you can also make crockpot ribs with a store-bought sauce too. Nobody will ever complain about crock pot bbq ribs with Sweet Baby Rays—trust me!

You can also try other spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

A slow cooker full of crockpot ribs in bbq sauce

The Directions

pork ribs in a slow cooker

1. Add the Ribs to a Slow Cooker. It’s OK to stack them if needed.

whisking homemade bbq sauce for crockpot ribs

2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients. You can make it from scratch or swap storebought.

pouring sauce over pork ribs in a crock pot

3. Pour Half Over the Ribs. Save the rest for serving.

4. Slow Cook. Cook on low for 8 hours, until tender. Serve immediately with the reserved sauce, and DIG IN!

fall off the bone tender crockpot ribs being pulled apart easily with fingers

How Do You Know When Ribs are Done in Slow Cooker?

  • Thermometer. Ribs are safe to eat at 145 degrees F, but the temperature should be at 190 degrees F or higher to ensure the most tender meat. You can use an instant read thermometer to check the exact temperature.
  • Color. When done, the meat in the middle should be white, and there shouldn’t be any pink juices.
  • Bones. Check your ribs to see if the meat has drawn back from the bone. When done, the meat will expose some of the bone at the thin end of the ribs.
  • Flexibility. Your ribs should be flexible but not falling apart. When you think your ribs are done, grab one end with a pair of tongs and pick them up. The ribs should bend towards the ground without falling apart.
  • Tenderness. Gently insert a toothpick between two of the bones. If the toothpick goes in easily, then the ribs are done.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Leftover ribs may be stored, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • To Freeze: Cooked crockpot ribs may be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
  • To Reheat. Warm the ribs in a slow cooker on LOW until heated through. You may also warm in a large, covered, saucepan on the stovetop over LOW heat or in the microwave in a covered container until heated through. I suggest adding a bit of water and/or barbecue sauce to the ribs before warming to prevent them from drying out.

What to Serve with Tender Ribs

  • Programmable Slow Cooker. This one switches to warm when done so food doesn’t overcook.
  • Pastry Brush. Perfect for brushing the ribs with plenty of sticky sauce.
  • Mixing Bowl. For stirring together all of that finger-licking good BBQ sauce.
Easy slow cooker ribs recipe cut into individual ribs for a crowd

What was once reserved for weekend summer cookouts, now you can enjoy tender ribs any night of the week thanks to this easy slow cooker ribs recipe.

pork ribs made in a crockpot
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Crockpot Ribs

This easy slow cooker ribs recipe with homemade barbecue sauce makes the BEST fall-off-the-bone tender crockpot ribs. Perfect for a crowd.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings 6 servings
Calories 579kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 to 4 pounds pork ribs cut into individual ribs (spare ribs, baby back, or country-style will all work with this method; I used baby back)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the ribs in an even layer.
    pork ribs in a slow cooker
  • In a small bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the ketchup, molasses, vinegar, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    whisking homemade bbq sauce for crockpot ribs
  • Pour half of the sauce over the ribs, then cover the sauce bowl and save the rest in the refrigerator.
    pouring sauce over pork ribs in a crock pot
  • Cover the ribs and cook on LOW for 8 hours, until they are cooked and ultra-tender. Serve immediately with the reserved sauce (I like to warm up the extra sauce for serving too).
    fall off the bone tender crockpot ribs being pulled apart easily with fingers

Video

Notes

  • STORE-BOUGHT SAUCE: You can also make crockpot ribs with store-bought sauce, like Sweet Baby Rays, if you prefer. Simply swap the homemade bbq sauce ingredients for 1-2 cups of your favorite premade variety and cook as directed in the recipe.
  • TO STORE: Leftover ribs may be stored, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • TO FREEZE: Cooked crockpot ribs may be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
  • TO REHEAT: Warm the ribs in a slow cooker on LOW until heated through. You may also warm in a large, covered, saucepan on the stovetop over LOW heat or in the microwave in a covered container until heated through. I suggest adding a bit of water and/or barbecue sauce to the ribs before warming to prevent them from drying out. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 6), without additional sauce | Calories: 579kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 203IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 3mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make Crockpot Ribs Without Cutting Them Into Individual Ribs?

I’ve never made slow cooker ribs without cutting them apart, so I can’t say from experience. That said, several readers have reported leaving the racks partially intact, so seems to be an option. I would keep an eye on them as they cook since they may need a bit longer to cook if not cut into individual ribs.

How Do You Thaw Ribs?

If (like me) you forget to thaw your meat ahead of time, don’t worry. Crockpot ribs can still be in your (near) future. Here’s how you can thaw ribs quickly and safely.

Keep your ribs in their packaging or in a sealed ziptop bag. Fill a large bowl with cold water, and submerge your ribs in the water, adding something on top of them to keep them from floating to the top.

Leave the ribs for about 30 minutes, then check to see if they are thawed. If they are still frozen, drain the water and refill with fresh cold water.

Can You Cook Frozen Ribs in a Crockpot?

No, do not place frozen ribs in a crockpot. Frozen meat will begin to thaw in the slow cooker and may spend too long at room temperature, rendering it unsafe to eat.

Can You Stack Ribs in a Slow Cooker?

Yes. While I have not tried the recipe this way, other readers have reported success with a double layer of ribs in a single crockpot.

Can You Slow Cook Ribs Too Long?

Yes. Believe it or not, you can overcook ribs in a slow cooker. That’s why I recommend cooking them low and slow and keeping an eye on them towards the end. You’re looking for meat that’s tender and comes off the bone with light pressure.

How to Remove Membrane?

Rinse the rack of ribs and pat them dry. If your ribs still have the thin, shiny membrane on the back, remove it. (This is easy, don’t worry!) Flip to the back of the ribs over, meat-side down. Wiggle a dull knife (such as a butter knife) between the membrane and the ribs to loosen it. With a paper towel, grip the membrane and pull it away, then discard.

This allows your spice rub or sauces to penetrate the meat and also helps the meat become tender. 

Related Recipes

Ribs in a slow cooker? What’s next? Try one of these other surprising crockpot recipes next:

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Easy and Juicy Turkey Meatballs https://www.wellplated.com/baked-turkey-meatballs/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/baked-turkey-meatballs/#comments Thu, 11 May 2023 19:03:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=36960 Turkey Meatballs

turkey meatballs on a bed of spaghettiMeet Baked Turkey Meatballs: Easy to make, juicy and tender, and absolutely delicious! Serve with spaghetti, hoagie buns, or over zucchini noodles for a quick, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

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Turkey Meatballs turkey meatballs on a bed of spaghetti

There are nights when I want to feel adventurous in the kitchen, and then there are nights when I want my dinner to come up, give me a hug, and tell me that, yes, I am doing a good job. Those are the nights I make Baked Turkey Meatballs.

turkey meatballs on a bed of spaghetti

Why You’ll Love These Baked Meatballs

Fork-tender, filling, and layered with Italian spices and herbs, these healthy turkey meatballs want to be your mealtime cheerleader.

  • Easy to Make. Like all of my 30-minute meals, these turkey meatballs come together fast, making them a hero on busy evenings. Baking makes them hands-free!
  • Super Juicy. Burned by bland (or, gasp!, dry) turkey meatballs in the past? Me too! That’s why I made sure these turkey meatballs are juicy and tasty.
  • Healthy. Turkey is a lean source of protein and a nice change of pace from Chicken Meatballs.
  • No Hunting For Ingredients. Once you have your ground turkey and Parmesan in the fridge, you’re likely to already have everything else in your pantry to make this simple turkey meatballs recipe. They won’t make you hunt through the grocery store for ingredients.
  • Pure Comfort. It’s hard to get more intrinsically satisfying than good ol’ spaghetti and meatballs! No matter the day, pasta recipes always seem to hit the spot.

The recipe yields about 20 meatballs, so it covers a few dinners for our leftover-loving household of two, or it feeds a small dinner group.

Tip!

If you need a large quantity of turkey meatballs for a crowd, you can check out my Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs.

a bowl of baked turkey meatballs

5 Star Review

“Best recipe ever! As soon as there were done and cooled I had 10 of them!!! I was doing a happy dance when I ate them!!!”

— Ruby —

The Best Meatball Cooking Method

Whereas most meatball recipes require that the meatballs be browned in a pan on the stove—undoubtedly delicious but also messy and a bit of a pain—this streamlined version skips the stove altogether.

  • Instead of browning the meatballs in oil on the stove, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (or parchment paper if you prefer) for easy cleanup.
  • Brushing with olive oil ensures the meatballs become nicely golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, no messy frying required.

Save the stovetop method for when you’re looking to prepare a meatball recipe for a slow evening or special occasion (as with this Mozzarella Meatball Casserole).

For fast, less-fuss weeknights, baked meatballs are the move.

healthy baked turkey meatballs in a bowl with noodles and sauce

How to Make Turkey Meatballs

The Ingredients

  • Ground Turkey. While traditional meatball recipes usually call for a mix of different meats (sometimes up to 3!), this turkey meatball recipe keeps it straightforward with ground turkey only. Turkey is lean and mild.

Substitution Tip

You can also make these meatballs with lean ground beef.

Or, for a taste most similar to a classic meatball that is still on the healthy side, try a mix of ground pork and ground turkey or ground beef and ground turkey.

  • Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs. Along with an egg, you need bread crumbs in meatballs to bind the meat and to keep the meatballs moist. I like Italian seasoned ones because they build in extra flavor without any extra effort.

Ingredient Note

If you can find them, use whole wheat Italian breadcrumbs for a slight boost of fiber.

I do not recommend panko breadcrumbs for this recipe, as they are more dry and will not bind the meatball as effectively.

  • Lazy Girl Basic Spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes. Because sometimes I am hungry and I want to eat meatballs…without having to grate an onion or mince garlic cloves for them.
  • Parmesan. Because meatballs are better with cheese. It’s true. Parmesan also helps to ensure the meatballs are moist.

The Directions

combining turkey for meatballs
  1. Grab a Large Bowl. Add the spices, Parmesan, and ground turkey.
turkey and breadcrumbs for turkey meatballs
  1. Add the Egg. Be gentle when combining.
a baking sheet of healthy turkey meatballs
  1. Shape into Meatballs. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
brushing turkey meatballs on baking sheet
  1. Brush the Meatballs with Olive Oil. These helps them crisp outside and stay moist.
  2. Bake. Cook the turkey Meatballs at 375 degrees F for 15 Minutes for a 1 1/2-inch meatball, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer. When you cut into a meatball, it should be cooked through.
baked turkey meatballs with a bite taken out of

Recipe Variations

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate meatballs in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days (either with or separately from the sauce).
  • To Reheat. Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop, in the oven at 350 degrees F, or in the microwave (with or without the sauce).
  • To Freeze. Turkey meatballs can be frozen cooked or raw. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen meatballs to an airtight freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag for up to 3 months.

Meal Prep Tip

Having pre-shaped, ready-to-cook meatballs in the freezer is ideal for meal prep. Shape the meatballs as directed and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or ziptop bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Brush with oil and bake as directed.

How to Serve Meatballs

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy these tasty meatballs:

  • Sauce. Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce are pure comfort! You can warm the sauce in a small pot on the stove, then serve the turkey meatballs in sauce, or take our favorite approach: warm the sauce in a large skillet, then simmer the meatballs at the end to heat them through.
  • Pasta. Whole wheat dry pasta is perfect for healthy dinners. You can use your favorite pasta shape, though when we’re feeling ultra traditional, I like to do the baked turkey meatballs and spaghetti.
  • Sandwich. Grab a hoagie bun and turn these meatballs into a meatball sub!
  • Appetizer. Place the meatballs on a plate with toothpicks and enjoy as an appetizer with a side of sauce for dipping.
turkey meatballs recipe

What to Serve with Turkey Meatballs

  • Scoop. For easy, uniform portioning. I use mine for cookie dough too!
  • Instant-Read Thermometer. The easiest, best way to see if the meatballs are cooked all the way through.
  • Baking Sheet. I use these for everything, from meatballs to veggies to sheet pan suppers.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t Overwork the Meat. Overworking will make the meatballs tough; handle it lightly and you’ll have tender, juicy turkey meatballs every time.
  • Don’t Skip the Egg and Breadcrumbs. These keep the meatballs from falling apart.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer. Your meatballs can still be a little pink inside and be cooked safely. The best way to know if they are done without drying them out is to use a meat thermometer.
  • Add Herbs if You’ve Got ‘Em. No matter how you are serving meatballs, if you have fresh basil or other herbs on hand, it makes a nice addition.

These baked turkey meatballs are my keeper for when I’m craving simple comfort food that won’t lock me to my stove.

I hope you love them too! As always, if you try this recipe, please leave a comment below. It means so much to hear from you.

turkey meatballs on a bed of spaghetti
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Turkey Meatballs

Baked Turkey Meatballs. Easy to make, tender, and absolutely delicious! Serve with spaghetti, buns, or over zucchini noodles.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 20 meatballs
Calories 62kcal

Ingredients

For the Baked Turkey Meatballs:

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
  • 1/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs whole wheat if possible
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs basil, parsley, or chives a combo, plus additional for serving
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey keep in your refrigerator until the last possible second
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more as needed

For serving:

  • Prepared pasta sauce
  • Cooked whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles
  • Creamy Polenta
  • Split and toasted hoagie buns
  • Prepared brown rice

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with nonstick spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the cheese, bread crumbs, herbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes and stir well to combine. Add the turkey.
    combining turkey for meatballs
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the meat mixture. With a fork or your fingers, mix just until combined, being careful not to compact the meat.
    turkey and breadcrumbs for turkey meatballs
  • With a scoop or spoon, scoop the meat and shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. You will have about 20 meatballs total.
    a baking sheet of healthy turkey meatballs
  • Brush the tops of the meatballs with the olive oil.
    brushing turkey meatballs on baking sheet
  • Bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. As an alternate way to check, a meatball in the center of the baking sheet should be fully cooked through when cut in half.
  • While the meatballs cook, warm the sauce and any other items you’d like to serve them with (pasta, hoagie buns, rice, etc.). Serve the meatballs hot, topped with the sauce, cheese, herbs, and any other additions.

Video

Notes

  • Adapted from my Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs.
  • TO STORE: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (either with or separately from the sauce). Rewarm gently with the sauce on the stove.
  • TO FREEZE: Cooked meatballs can be frozen baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. See detailed notes in the post above for a step-by-step.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatball | Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are My Turkey Meatballs Tough, Hard, and/or Rubbery?

If your turkey meatballs are hard or rubbery, you likely overworked the meat or compacted them too tightly. Use a light touch and mix gently for the most tender meatballs.

Can I Make Meatballs in the Air Fryer?

If you want to know how to make turkey meatballs, follow my Air Fryer Meatballs recipe.

How Do I Make Turkey Meatballs that Won’t Fall Apart?

If your meatballs fall apart, they need a better binding agent. This recipe uses both breadcrumbs and an egg, so you can rest assured your meatballs will hold together.

Can I Make Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs?

Those looking for turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs can check out my Whole30 Meatballs, which use almond flour instead. <—this meatball recipe is Paleo as well.

Can I Make Turkey Meatballs Gluten Free?

Certainly! Swap the Italian breadcrumbs in this recipe for your favorite Italian gluten free breadcrumbs. You also could experiment with making the meatballs with oats that are lightly ground in the food processor (add additional seasoning to the oats, such as salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning).

More Turkey Recipes

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Get the Crispiest Sweet Potato Fries in Your Air Fryer https://www.wellplated.com/air-fryer-sweet-potato-fries/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/air-fryer-sweet-potato-fries/#comments Tue, 09 May 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=72038 Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

crispy sweet potato air fryer friesThese crispy air fryer sweet potato fries use only 2 teaspoons of oil. Seasoned to perfection, they're a healthy way to enjoy fries at home!

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries crispy sweet potato air fryer fries

Delightfully crispy, surprisingly healthy, and incredibly easy—these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries have it all! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and just try not to eat them all.

crispy sweet potato air fryer fries

A dead ringer for their deep-fried counterparts, these air fryer sweet potato fries have the irresistibility of your restaurant favorites but with a fraction of the oil (you can even make air fryer sweet potato fries with NO oil if you prefer).

As with these baked Sweet Potato Fries and Sweet Potato Wedges, there’s ZERO deep frying, but the fries are still golden and crisp.

They’re a guilt-free, healthy side dish you can enjoy as often as you please.

As a bonus, these air fryer sweet potato fries are easy and weeknight-friendly too, especially when paired with Air Fryer Hamburgers.

crispy air fryer sweet potato fries on a plate with small bowl of ketchup

5 Star Review

UH-MAZE-ING. We ate the whole batch!

— Anita —

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

This recipe has all the tips you need to make sure your sweet potato fries don’t get soggy. (Nope, you don’t need to soak your sweet potato fries in water!)

Season these healthy fries however you please, and dip to your heart’s content.


The Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes. An excellent source of fiber, beta carotene, potassium, and more, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. (Love ‘em? Be sure to check out these yummy oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Or try this Air Fryer Sweet Potato recipe if you don’t want fries.)

Market Swap

For healthy fries made with regular potatoes, check out my classic Air Fryer French Fries. Or for a different style of potato in the air fryer, try Air Fryer Baked Potato.

  • Olive Oil. 2 teaspoons per pound of sweet potato is all the oil you need to air fry them with success.

Substitution Tip!

  • For air fryer sweet potato fries no oil style, you can omit the oil. The fries will taste dryer—which is why I find using a little heart-healthy olive oil completely worth it—but you can still cook them with success.
  • You can also make these fries with canola oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil.
  • Seasonings. Keep it simple with salt and pepper or switch it up with your favorite seasoning blends. Garlic and paprika are our go-to’s; see below for more ideas.

TIP!

To help the flavor pop, sprinkle the fries with a pinch of additional kosher salt immediately after removing them from the air fryer.

The Directions

sweet potato sticks sliced for air fryer
  1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into strips. Then, preheat the air fryer.
sweet potato fries in a bowl
  1. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning.
sweet potato fries in the air fryer
  1. For extra crispiness, place in the air fryer in one layer.
sweet potato fries in the air fry with little oil
  1. Air fry sweet potato fries for 4 minutes, flip, then continue for 4 to 8 additional minutes, until they’re as crispy as you’d like. Sprinkle with a bit more salt. Enjoy!
Overhead view of crispy air fryer sweet potato fries on plate with ketchup

Keeping Sweet Potato Fries from Getting Soggy

If your air fryer fries are soggy, it is likely because you over-crowded them in the basket. The sweet potatoes steam when crowded together, instead of air frying.

  • For the best, most crispy results, cook the fries in a single layer so that the air has room to circulate.
  • For decent results, you can cook up to two layers of sweet potato fries at once. Be sure the layers are not tightly packed and toss the fries in the basket often to promote even cooking.

Some recipes call for soaking the sweet potatoes in water prior to cooking them to help remove some of the starch and make the fries more crispy.

When making fries with sweet potatoes, I found this step didn’t make enough of a difference to be worth the effort. (Save soaking for Baked French Fries and Air Fryer Potato Wedges; regular potatoes have more starch than sweet potatoes, so soaking does make an important difference!)

Sweet Potato Seasoning Ideas

  • Cajun Sweet Potato Fries. Toss the fries in your favorite Cajun seasoning. Wait to season with salt to taste at the end, since Cajun seasoning blends typically already contain salt.
  • Spicy Sweet Potato Fries. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  • Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries. Top your air fried sweet potato fries with 1 to 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan.
  • Sweet Sweet Potato Fries. Toss the sweet potatoes with salt, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of brown sugar.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat. For the best results, reheat leftover fries in the air fryer at 375 degrees F or in a 400 degrees F oven (I like to preheat the pan in the oven while it warms up); spread the fries in a single layer on the hot pan and recrisp. Air fryer fries reheat better than regular fries, since the lesser amount of oil prevents them from getting soggy.
  • To Freeze. Freeze fries in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Meal Prep Tip

  • You also can use this recipe for frozen air fryer sweet potato fries. Keep a bag of your favorite brand in the freezer, then cook them in the air fryer instead of the oven. Or better yet, make a double or triple batch of these healthy homemade air fryer sweet potato fries and freeze them yourself.
  • To cook air fryer sweet potato fries from frozen. Coat your air fryer basket with nonstick spray and preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Arrange the frozen sweet potato fries in a single layer in the basket (no need to toss them in oil). Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the fries once about 6 minutes into the cook time.
air fryer sweet potato fries on a plate with small bowl of ketchup

What to Serve With Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

  • Chef Knife. This 8-inch chef knife is made from a single piece of steel and stays sharper for longer.
  • Cutting Board. A durable, non porous, polypropylene cutting board that doesn’t dull knives.
  • Air Fryer. This 5.5-quart Ninja air fryer preheats fast, thoroughly circulates air for prime crispiness, and cleans in a breeze.

I hope you fight over these sweet potato fries as much as we do. And I mean that in the best possible way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sweet Potato Fries Actually Healthy?

Traditional sweet potato fries kind of negate all of the health benefits of sweet potatoes with the deep frying and salt. Air fryer sweet potato fries are made with only a small amount of oil for fewer calories and you control the amount of sodium, which means: yes, they are actually healthy! You can read more about the benefits of sweet potatoes here.

Why Are My Sweet Potato Fries Burning in the Air Fryer?

If you cut your sweet potato fries in uneven sizes (i.e., some much thinner than others), the smaller fries may start to burn while the thicker fries are still cooking. If all of the fries are burning, the temperature of your air fryer is too high or the fries have been cooking for too long.

How Do You Fix Mushy Sweet Potato Fries?

Unfortunately, once your fries are mushy, there’s not much you can do to crisp them up. If the fries are packed into the basket too tightly, they will steam and soften.

crispy sweet potato air fryer fries
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These crispy air fryer sweet potato fries use only 2 teaspoons of oil. Seasoned to perfection, they're a healthy way to enjoy fries at home!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 3 to 4 people
Calories 91kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Scrub the sweet potatoes and peel if desired (I leave the peels on). Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Turn the halves cut-side down onto your cutting board, the slice each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (a mandoline is the best way to get even fries; watch your fingers!).
    sweet potato sticks sliced for air fryer
  • Turn the strips on their sides and cut each into 1/4-inch sticks. If the sticks are long, slice them in half crosswise so that your fries are about 3 to 4 inches. Transfer the fries to a large mixing bowl.
  • To keep the fries warm between batches, preheat the oven to 200°F and keep a baking sheet handy.
  • Drizzle the sweet potato fries with the oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss to coat, making sure the spices and oil are well distributed.
    sweet potato fries in a bowl
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (For my air fryer, that is 3 minutes of preheat time).

FOR SOMEWHAT CRISPY, HIGHLY SATISFYING SWEET POTATO FRIES IN FEWER BATCHES:

  • Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, doing no more than two layers (my air fryer is 5 1/2 quarts and I can add about 1/3 of the fries). Make sure the fries have plenty of room so that the air can circulate. Cook the sweet potato fries for 5 minutes.
  • Slide the basket out and use tongs to toss. Return to the air fryer and continue cooking for 5 to 7 additional minutes, until browned at the edges and crispy. The time can vary by several minutes based on your air fryer model and how done you like your fries. Check often during the last few minutes to make sure the fries don’t burn.

FOR SUPER CRISPY SWEET POTATO FRIES IN MORE BATCHES:

  • Place the sweet potatoes in just one layer in the basket, being careful that they do not overlap. Cook for 4 minutes, slide the basket out and flip, then continue cooking for 4 to 8 additional minutes, until the fries are as crispy as you would like (again, the time will vary based on your model, so check them several times and adjust as needed).
    sweet potato fries in the air fryer
  • Remove the sweet potato fries to a baking sheet or a serving plate and immediately sprinkle with an additional pinch of kosher salt. Repeat with remaining sweet potatoes, keeping the cooked fries warm in the oven between batches as desired. Top with chives and enjoy!
    sweet poertato fries in the air fry with little oil

Video

Notes

  • *You can make the sweet potato fries with no oil if you prefer, but they will not be as crisp. Be sure to coat the fryer basket very well with nonstick spray.
  • In the recipe video, I am making a curry variation with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon curry powder.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: For the best results, rewarm leftover fries in the air fryer at 375°F or in a 400°F oven (I like to preheat the pan in the oven while it warms up); spread the fries in a single layer on the hot pan and recrisp. Air fryer fries reheat better than regular fries, since the lesser amount of oil inherently prevents them from getting soggy.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze fries in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 3 | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 10853IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

Related Recipes

It’s always good to have some back-pocket sides to round out your dinner. Here are some of my favorite side dish recipes:

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How to Make Guacamole https://www.wellplated.com/rockin-guacamole/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/rockin-guacamole/#comments Fri, 05 May 2023 09:02:00 +0000 http://thelawstudentswife.com/2012/06/19/rockin-guacamole/ How to Make Guacamole

a white bowl with easy homemade guacamoleMeet the hands-down best guacamole recipe that blends tips from authentic guacamole in Mexico (simple, high quality ingredients), my mom’s legendary guac (it’s all about seasoning), and of course eating copious amounts of it. Learn How to Make Guacamole that will wow your friends, including tips for picking the perfect avocado and more! This guacamole…

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How to Make Guacamole a white bowl with easy homemade guacamole

Meet the hands-down best guacamole recipe that blends tips from authentic guacamole in Mexico (simple, high quality ingredients), my mom’s legendary guac (it’s all about seasoning), and of course eating copious amounts of it. Learn How to Make Guacamole that will wow your friends, including tips for picking the perfect avocado and more!

best guacamole recipe without jalapeno in a bowl topped with feta and bacon

This guacamole recipe yields perfect guac that is:

  • Not too chunky. Not too smooth.
  • Properly salted and seasoned (no bland guac for us!).
  • A little savory (thanks to my mom’s secret ingredient).
  • FRESH and vibrant.
  • Tastes like a beach vacation!

This is the kind of fresh, pure, properly-seasoned guacamole that you’ll devour in one sitting.

The highest rated guacamole recipe in a white bowl

5 Star Review

“Seriously, best guac I’ve ever made. The whole group inhaled it!”

— Abby —

How to Make The Best Guacamole EVER

Traditional guacamole ingredients are simple and need no fillers—avocado, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, onion, and salt.

Once you have the base recipe, you can vary it up to make it spicy, more savory, or add festive toppings.

You can serve it as an appetizer alongside Mexican Corn Dip, use it for tacos like Carnitas, or tuck it inside a Vegetarian Burrito.

Just know this—however much of this guacamole you make, that’s how much will get eaten.

It’s too good to last!

A bowl of the world's best guacamole recipe

The Ingredients

  • Avocados. Looks are not everything! For the best guacamole (and Avocado Egg Salad), use Hass avocados, which are dark, brown, and bumpy. They have a superior flavor and creamier texture compared to the sleeker green avocados with bright, shiny skin.
  • Lime Juice AND Lemon Juice. Surprise! While lime juice only is traditional for guacamole, a combo is especially delicious. Be sure you are using FRESH lime juice and lemon juice. Do not use the kind in the bottle for guacamo
  • Kosher Salt. Kosher salt or fine sea salt is the most important thing to add to guacamole to make it taste great. Do not use table salt, which is iodized and has a metallic flavor. I use Morton’s Kosher Salt in all of my recipes
  • Worcestershire Sauce. Mom’s secret ingredient. It adds a subtle savoriness that makes the guac even harder to stop eating than it already is (you’ve been warned). If you prefer an authentic guacamole recipe, omit this.
  • Hot Sauce. My addition to this spicy guacamole recipe to make it the BEST guacamole recipe without jalapeños. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat preference. Or you can use jalapeños instead. (For another spicy dip, try this Chicken Enchilada Dip.)
  • Tomatoes. Does traditional guacamole have tomatoes? It seems people are divided on whether authentic guacamole has tomatoes in it or not. Personally, I think they’re a delicious addition. They add freshness, texture, acidity, and beautiful red color.
  • Red Onions. Fresh, crisp, and crunchy. I feel red onions are the best for guacamole but white onions are another nice option with a clean onion flavor.
  • Garlic. For that garlicky goodness.

The Directions

Avocados cut in half
  1. Slice the avocados in half and remove the pits.
Halved avocados in a bowl
  1. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a bowl.
First 4 ingredients guacamole recipe
in a bowl
  1. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl (minus the tomato).
Simple homemade guac being mashed in a bowl
  1. Mash until half creamy and half chunky.
Mashed avocado and tomatoes in a glass bowl
  1. Stir in the tomato (if using). Add desired toppings and DIG IN!

Tip!

For the best homemade guacamole, do not overmix. Leaving the guac a little chunky gives it a more satisfying texture and makes it more pleasurable to eat.

spicy guacamole recipe with bacon, feta, and pepitas in a bowl

How to Pick a Ripe Avocado

A perfectly ripe avocado is key for the best guacamole. Here’s how to know when an avocado is ripe and ready to use.

  • Color. Choose a Hass avocado that is deep dark green, brown, or black in color.
  • Skin. A ripe avocado will have bumpy skin instead of smooth.
  • Firmness. Give the avocado a gentle squeeze. It should feel soft but firm. An avocado that’s very firm isn’t ripe, and an avocado that’s mushy and dents when lightly squeezed is overripe and won’t give you great-tasting guac.

Tip!

To speed up your avocados’ ripening, place them in a sealed paper bag. Adding a banana to the bag along with them speeds things up even more.

Avoiding Bland Guacamole

First, before you begin tinkering with your guacamole, if you will be serving it with chips, use those chips when taste-testing, especially if the chips are particularly salty.

  • If you taste your guac and it is bland, start with more salt. Homemade guacamole needs more seasoning than you think.
  • Next, add lime juice. Often an additional pop of citrus is all guac needs to come alive and taste better.
  • If you still aren’t happy with the taste, you can rely on mix-ins to jazz it up. Try adding cilantro, salsa, a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper, feta cheese, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

How to Keep Guacamole From Turning Brown

Homemade guacamole turns brown because an enzyme in the green avocado flesh reacts with oxygen in the air (this process is called oxidation).

That’s why avocado flesh doesn’t turn brown until it is peeled and exposed to air.

To deter browning, the most important tips are:

  • Use acid (which in this recipe is the lemon juice and lime juice). Acid is the most important thing you can put in guacamole to keep it from turning brown. It deters oxidation.
  • Keep it airtight. When storing the guacamole, use the smallest container possible and press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface to keep the air away from the guacamole as much as possible.

Brown Guac is The Pits!

A popular theory of how restaurants keep guacamole from turning brown is by adding the avocado pit to the guacamole bowl.

Honestly, I have tested setting out a bowl of guacamole with and without the pit, and I found zero difference. Both bowls turned brown in about the same amount of time. If you’d like to include the pit for presentation purposes though, feel free.

Healthy guacamole recipe in a bowl

Topping Ideas

While you can’t go wrong with this simple guacamole recipe, every now and then, it’s fun to vary it up. Here are some toppings to make your guacamole stand out among the rest.

  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Pomegranates (great for holidays! Especially combined with the feta.)
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds (a.k.a. pepitas)
  • Bacon (see Baked Bacon and Air Fryer Bacon for easy ways to cook it)
  • Diced cherry tomatoes
  • Diced mango, peaches, or pineapple
  • Grilled Corn kernels
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions

What to Dip with Guacamole

  • Tortilla Chips. The classic! Make sure your chips are sturdy enough to stand up to those yummy chunks. I like scoop-style chips.
  • Carrots. To make this an extra healthy guacamole recipe, serve it with fresh carrot sticks or baby carrots.
  • Pita Chips. A similarly crunchy alternative to tortilla chips.
  • Thinly Sliced Red Bell Peppers. Nutritious and delightfully crisp.
  • Thinly Sliced Radishes. Their pungent sharpness contrasts deliciously with the cooling, creamy guacamole.
easy guacamole recipe for nachos with bacon, pepitas, and cilantro

Ways To Use Homemade Guacamole

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Tightly pack leftover guacamole into an airtight storage container, cover with plastic wrap, and seal with the lid. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days.
The best guacamole recipe in a bowl topped with bacon, pepitas, and cilantro

Leftover Ideas

Use leftover guacamole to make a flavorful spin on avocado toast. Top a slice of toasted bread (like this no-knead Oatmeal Bread) with guacamole and a sprinkle of feta.

This homemade guacamole has become a household signature for us (served up with a spicy Jalapeño Margarita.)

Grab a few extra avocados the next time you are at the store and make it a signature dish in your home too.

If you’d like to take this guacamole dip to a party, you’re sure to be popular, but be prepared: once your friends try it, they might not let you bring anything else!

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should You Make Guacamole in Advance for a Party?

You can make homemade guacamole 1 to 2 hours ahead, as browning is inevitable. Store it in the fridge with plastic pressed firmly over the top until ready to serve. If you’d like to get ahead further, the day before, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomato.

What Can I Do if My Guacamole Turns Brown?

If your guacamole is a few hours or a day old and is starting to get a brown hue, give it a good stir. The brown parts will seemingly disappear into the green, making the guacamole appear almost brand new. Adding additional fresh avocado helps too.

Can I Make this Guacamole Recipe Without Cilantro?

Sure! Personally, I’m on team cilantro, however, if you are one of those folks who finds that cilantro tastes like soap (genetics!) you can certainly make the guacamole without cilantro. For freshness, you could add alternative herbs like parsley or chives if desired.

Is Guacamole Healthy?

Guacamole is bad for you only if you overdo it. Avocados have numerous health benefits, including vitamins, folate, and omega-3s. They are high in fat, so as with most things in life, the key to enjoying guacamole healthfully is portion control.

a white bowl with easy homemade guacamole
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How to Make Guacamole

How to make guacamole that is the best you'll ever eat and tastes authentic! Simple, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. The only guac recipe you need!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12 servings (about 3 cups)
Calories 113kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 large ripe Hass avocados
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion about 1 small
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1/2 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice about 1/2 small lime
  • 6 to 8 dashes hot sauce depending upon how spicy you like your guacamole
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large roma tomato diced (optional)

TOPPINGS (optional):

  • Crumbled feta
  • Cooked and crumbled bacon*
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Toasted pepitas

FOR SERVING:

  • Salty tortilla chips
  • Fresh veggies such as carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, thinly sliced radishes, or jicama

Instructions

  • Halve the avocados lengthwise and remove their pits (be sure to cut them on the cutting board, not in your hand).
    Avocados cut in half
  • Scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
    Halved avocados in a bowl
  • Add the red onion, lemon juice, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
    Avocados, red onion, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl
  • With a fork, mash together until the mixture is half chunky and half creamy.
    Simple homemade guac being mashed in a bowl
  • Gently stir in the diced tomato. Don't overmix! Chunky guac is happy guac.
    Mashed avocado and tomatoes in a bowl
  • Taste and add additional salt, pepper, hot sauce, and lemon or lime juice to taste. Serve with salty tortilla chips and veggies.

Video

Notes

  • *To easily cook bacon, try this Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon.
  • TO STORE: Tightly pack leftover guacamole into an airtight storage container, cover with plastic wrap, and seal with the lid. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 12) without toppings or chips, about 1/4 cup | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

More Delicious Dip Recipes

Complete your party spread with one of these other tasty dip recipes for a crowd:

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Everyone Loves Crispy Potatoes https://www.wellplated.com/air-fryer-potato-wedges/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/air-fryer-potato-wedges/#comments Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:02:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=112987 Air Fryer Potato Wedges

quick air fryer potato wedges on a plateThe air fryer is the perfect instrument for making potato wedges. They get super crispy (without frying!). This recipe is all the how-tos you need.

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Air Fryer Potato Wedges quick air fryer potato wedges on a plate

Give me big, beautiful hunks of Air Fryer Potato Wedges! Made quickly and without oil, these potato wedges are golden and crisp on the outside and fluffy mashed-potato-like on the inside.

quick air fryer potato wedges on a plate

This is the restaurant-style version of a crispy potato wedge, but turned healthy thanks to the air fryer.

These homemade potato wedges are seasoned to salty, smoky perfection, served piping hot, and ready to devour as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.

The air fryer has been a delicious experiment, and I’m excited to have perfected several potato-related items now.

The results are unstoppably good (without the icky greasy feeling after):

crispy potato wedges in an air fryer basket

Quick Air Fryer Potato Wedges Tips

Here we go; let’s dive into the perfect method for making air fryer potato wedges and my top tips.

  • Make them Appeeling. Go ahead and leave the peels on! It gives a nice, rustic texture and flavor (plus adds fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, and iron). If you hate peels, no worries; go ahead and peel if you prefer.
  • Boiling Not Necessary. You do not boil air fryer potato wedges first.
  • Rinse and Soak Potatoes Before Air Frying. Sliced potato wedges need to be rinsed AND soaked prior to air frying. Skipping the rinsing or soaking steps will not make them as crisp, and we are all about the crisp when it comes to fries and potato wedges!
  1. Rinse step: Potatoes will be swished in a bowl of cold water, drained, and then repeated once or twice more until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch so they can crisp.
  2. Soak step: After rinsing, you’ll pour very hot water over the potatoes and let them sit for 10 minutes. This softens the potatoes enough to cook them evenly, no par-boil needed.
  • Dry ‘Em Well. After soaking, pat the potatoes very dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  • Air Fry Potato Wedges at TWO Different Temps. My secret to getting potato wedges as crispy as possible is to first air fry them at 350 degrees for 15 minutes in order to fully cook the inside without the outside burning, and then air fry at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes more to completely crisp.
  • Toss Toss Toss. To get every square millimeter of each potato perfectly crisp, as well as prevent any from burning, toss your potatoes in the air fryer periodically, especially toward the end.
at home easy potato wedges on a plate with dipping sauce

How to Make Air Fryer Potato Wedges

No deep frying to fiddle with for restaurant-worthy potato wedges. The air fryer makes it easy, and the ingredient list is short.


The Ingredients

  • Potatoes. Russet potatoes are best for air fryer potato wedges because their higher starch content makes for extra-fluffy interiors. They crisp up beautifully. Yukon gold potatoes would be denser.

Tip!

Potatoes that are 5-inches or less in length work best. Longer potato wedge slices tend to break apart when tossed in the air fryer.

  • Olive Oil. Just 2 tablespoons of EVOO. You could even make the air fryer potatoes wedges without any oil, but they just won’t be as crispy and satisfying.
  • Seasoning. Potatoes are all about the seasoning! I used a mix of salt, garlic powder, and chili powder (optional, for a little spice).

The Directions

cutting potatoes into wedges on cutting board
  1. Scrub the potatoes and cut into wedges.

How to Cut Potatoes into Wedges

First cut each in half lengthwise on a non-slip cutting board, and then cut in half again to make potato quarters.

Lay each potato quarter cut side down, and then cut lengthwise again (with cuts about 1/2 inch apart). You’ll likely be cutting each quarter into thirds, giving you 12 wedges per potato.

soaking potato wedges for air fryer
  1. Rinse potatoes. Soak in hot water.
seasoning easy air fryer potato wedges
  1. Pat very dry. Toss with seasonings.
potato wedges made in the air fryer
  1. Air fry potato wedges at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
tossing potato wedges in the air fryer for perfect crispy wedges
  1. Toss, then continue to air fry for 5 minutes more.
the perfect easy air fryer potato wedges
  1. Toss potatoes again, and then increase air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F and cook for about 15 minutes more, tossing potatoes every 5 minutes. Transfer crispy potato wedges to serving plate, sprinkle with salt, and ENJOY!

Dietary Note

Air fryer potato wedges satisfy just about any diet (well except no carbohydrates, sorry!), so they are a great side to share! Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy free.

Seasoning Variations

I will honestly never tire of just plain, plenty-salty potato wedges dunked in Barbecue Sauce (or other tantalizing sauces like Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip or Vegan Queso or ketchup for something classic), but feel free to get creative!

  • Cajun. Sprinkle with a Cajun seasoning blend for a different spicy flavor; reduce the salt, as Cajun seasoning usually includes it.
  • Taco. Chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano, or your taco seasoning mix of choice.
  • Season Salt. Such as Lawry’s. This is a particularly addictive version. No need to add additional salt, as there is already salt in this seasoning mix.
  • Truffle. For fancy pants version, use truffle salt and add freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, then garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Ranch. Onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill are a winning combo.
perfectly crispy potato wedges in an air fryer

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Place leftover air fryer potato wedges in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat. Reheat leftover potato wedges in the air fryer at 375 degrees F and recrisp for a few minutes.
  • To Freeze. Freeze potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen fries to an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Meal Prep Tip

Chop your potatoes 1 day prior to air frying and store in airtight container in the refrigerator. They will brown a bit, but that’s ok.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

  • Air Fryer. The must-have for all the air fryer recipes.
  • Mixing Bowls. Perfect for soaking your potatoes and tossing them with the spices. I love how they stack to store, and there’s a size for every kitchen need.
  • French Fry Serving Basket. How fun is this? Serve all your air fryer fries, chips, and potatoes in this wire basket with included dipping dish, and then you’ll really feel like you’re in a restaurant.

My Air Fryer

I like this air fryer in particular because it heats up fast and has higher capacity than a standard air fryer.

dipping crispy air fryer potato wedges into sauce

Welcome to your new favorite side!

I can’t wait to hear about your delicious results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Air Fryer Potato Wedges with Sweet Potatoes?

Absolutely; they are fabulous! You can see this Sweet Potato Wedges oven version for seasoning ideas.

Why are My Potato Wedges Not Crispy?

To ensure a crispy air fryer potato wedge, rinse and soak your potatoes prior to air frying, preheat the air fryer to ensure it’s piping hot, and work in batches to not overcrowd if necessary (it’s ok if they overlap a bit).

Do You Pierce Potatoes Before Air Frying?

If you are making an entire potato in the air fryer, you would want to prick holes in it first to prevent the unlikely occurrence of the potato exploding in the air fryer due to built up steam. Potato wedges do NOT need to be pricked before air frying.

Can I Make Air Fryer Potato Wedges from Frozen?

For a shortcut, you could prep and then freeze potato wedges, or use store-bought, pre-cut frozen potato wedges. You can make frozen air fryer potato wedges; you will skip the soaking and rinsing step, and the cook time will need to be increased by a few minutes.

quick air fryer potato wedges on a plate
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Air Fryer Potato Wedges

How to cook potato wedges perfectly in the air fryer. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and seasoned just right. Healthy and restaurant quality!
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 (about 36 wedges total)
Calories 188kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Scrub the potatoes (leave the peels on). Cut each in half lengthwise, then cut lengthwise again to make quarters. Cut each quarter such that you end up with 1/2-inch wedges (likely you’ll be cutting each quarter into thirds depending upon your potato). You will have about 12 or so wedges per potato.
    cutting potatoes into wedges on cutting board
  • Place the wedges in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with cool water, swish the potatoes around, then pour off the water. Repeat once or twice more, until the water runs clear (this removes the starch from the potatoes and helps them crisp). Once you’ve rinsed the potatoes, pour very hot tap water over the top so that it covers the potatoes by at least 1 inch. Let sit 10 minutes. Do not skip rinsing or soaking or the fries will not be as crisp.
    soaking potato wedges for air fryer
  • Spread the potato wedges onto a clean towel and pat very dry. Dry out the bowl you used to rinse them, then return the potatoes to the bowl. Top the potatoes with the oil, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder and toss to coat.
    seasoning easy air fryer potato wedges
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Add all of the potato wedges to the air fryer basket (it’s OK if that they’re overlapping; that’s the beauty of this method).
    potato wedges made in the air fryer
  • Air fry the potato wedges for 10 minutes, then use tongs to gently but thoroughly toss and redistribute them. Continue to air fry at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes more.
    tossing potato wedges in the air fryer for perfect crispy wedges
  • Gently toss and turn the potatoes once more, then increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F. Continue air frying until the potato wedges are crisp, about 15 minutes more, tossing the potatoes every 5 minutes and checking them fairly often towards the end to ensure then do not burn.
    the perfect easy air fryer potato wedges
  • Transfer the wedges to a serving plate and sprinkle lightly with additional salt. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

*If possible, use potatoes that are 5-inches or less in length; longer ones still work, but they tend to break when tossed in the air fryer.
  • TO STORE: Place leftover air fryer potato wedges in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Reheat leftover potato wedges in the air fryer at 375 degrees F and recrisp for a few minutes.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen fries to an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(approx. 9 wedges) | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Potassium: 666mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

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Hello Spring. Hello Asparagus Soup! https://www.wellplated.com/cream-of-asparagus-soup/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/cream-of-asparagus-soup/#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:02:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=28782 Asparagus Soup

Healthy Asparagus Soup in a bowl with Greek yogurtThis healthy cream of asparagus soup made with Greek yogurt is the perfect comfort food to welcome spring.

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Asparagus Soup Healthy Asparagus Soup in a bowl with Greek yogurt

Praise the heavens, and let there be hope that warmer days are ahead. My favorite spring veggie, asparagus, has returned. Made with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, this creamy Asparagus Soup is equally healthy and satisfying.

Healthy Asparagus Soup in a bowl with Greek yogurt

A day of the year I anticipate most can’t be marked on a calendar or planned in advance.

It’s the first moment in March when I walk into the store and see a big, beautiful display of well-priced, vibrant green asparagus.

Asparagus season is preciously short.

As soon as it’s here, I fill our menu with this easy Asparagus Tart, Roasted Asparagus, add asparagus to our favorite Easy Quiche, and of course, today’s easy asparagus soup.

Fresh asparagus stalks

5 Star Review

“Just made this soup. Absolutely delicious! A keeper. Thank you for sharing.”

— Nadia —

Why I Love Asparagus Soup

Not only does this creamy asparagus soup celebrate one of the best, most precious vegetables of the season, it does so in a way that manages to be healthy and comforting at the same time, which suits my March mood.

  • On the one hand, I’m ready to shed winter’s heft and crave something lighter (like this Pea Salad). Greek yogurt does the trick by making the soup creamy without adding tons of extra fat or calories.
  • On the other, it’s still chilly out, and I need comfort food (hello, Potato Leek Soup) to warm and protect me from winter’s lingering dregs.

This asparagus soup recipe is the perfect balance my body craves needs from early March through April…or for as long as I can get my paws on in-season asparagus.

An easy recipe for creamy asparagus soup with potatoes

How to Make the Best Asparagus Soup

As much as I love asparagus soup, I rarely order it out, as most restaurant versions tend to focus more on the cream and less on the asparagus. (The same is true for Mushroom Soup.)

My easy cream of asparagus soup celebrates this special spring vegetable and lets it be the star of the show.

The best part? This creamy dream of a soup recipe is healthy and made entirely without cream (like this Vegan Potato Soup)!

Low calorie Cream of Asparagus Soup no cream

The Secret to Making Asparagus Soup Creamy

Here are my secrets to the most decadent-tasting cream of asparagus soup that’s surprisingly light on calories.

  • Instead of heavy cream, I added Yukon gold potatoes, which have a rich, creamy texture and naturally buttery flavor. You can’t taste them; rather, the potatoes give the cream of asparagus soup the luxurious, velvety texture I was after, no heavy cream required. (I actually made the asparagus soup with chicken broth!)
  • My other trick to making this a creamy soup without cream is Greek yogurt. I’ve been a devoted fan of adding Greek yogurt to my vegetable soups ever since I first tried it in this Roasted Carrot Soup. It’s just as wonderful here too.

The Ingredients

  • Asparagus. Packed with fiber and essential nutrients such as folate and vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, it’s no wonder why I have such a robust collection of asparagus recipes in my library.

TIP!

Make sure to trim away the bottom inch or so of your asparagus spears. These tough and woody ends will not cook quite the same as the tender sections of the asparagus. If you leave them on, you may end up with stringy asparagus soup that does not puree smoothly.

  • Greek Yogurt. You won’t find heavy cream, half and half, or even sour cream in this healthy asparagus soup. Instead, you’ll only find a few dollops of protein-rich, low-fat Greek yogurt.

Ingredient Note

Do not use fat-free Greek yogurt. A pinch of fat is needed to ensure the yogurt blends smoothly into the soup and doesn’t immediately curdle when added to the warm soup.

  • Leeks. Another spring vegetable favorite that pairs beautifully with asparagus and potatoes. Curious about how to cut and clean leeks? Check out my how-to guide about all things leeks.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes. My secret trick to making soups creamy without dairy. These buttery potatoes become velvety and smooth once cooked and pureed.
  • Bacon. An optional, but scrumptious topping. I personally love how smoky bacon pairs with the subtle sweetness of in-season asparagus, as seen in Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.

Dietary Note

  • To Make Vegan Asparagus Soup. Omit the Greek yogurt. For a vegan cream of asparagus soup, you can try swapping the Greek yogurt for your favorite non-dairy yogurt or stir in blended cashews like this vegan Instant Pot Carrot Soup.
  • Vegetable Broth. Our base for this simple vegetable-forward soup recipe.
  • Garlic. A simple aromatic that infuses the soup with a tantalizing bonus layer of flavor.

The Directions

  1. Cook and crumble the bacon, if using (Baked Bacon and Air Fryer Bacon) are two easy ways to prepare it).
leeks cooking in a large soup pot
  1. Saute the leeks with the potatoes and cook until the leeks begin to soften.
tender fresh asparagus in a Dutch oven for soup
  1. Add the garlic, broth, cut asparagus stalks, salt, and pepper to the leek and potato mixture.
making healthy asparagus soup in a large pot
  1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
easy asparagus soup without cream in a pot
  1. Purée soup until it reaches the desired consistency, then let cool for a few minutes.
cream of asparagus soup with greek yogurt in a large pot
  1. Add a scoop of Greek yogurt.
whisking together creamy vegetarian asparagus soup
  1. Stir until the yogurt is fully incorporated into the soup, and then season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve, with a garnish of crumbled bacon, chives, crumbled goat cheese, and additional Greek yogurt as desired. ENJOY!

TIP!

When seasoning the soup with salt, keep in mind that if you are serving it with bacon on top, it will also be salty, so be careful not to overdo it.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • To Freeze. Place leftover soup in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
  • To Reheat. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
The BEST Asparagus Soup recipe without cream

What to Serve with Asparagus Soup

While I adore asparagus soup on its own, it’s also one of my favorite recipes to serve alongside another dish too.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

  • Dutch Oven. My go-to vessel for making all of my favorite stovetop soup recipes.
  • Immersion Blender. A handy tool that keeps all the mess in a single pot. A high-powered blender can also be used, of course, too.
  • Ladle. For serving (hopefully, copious) amounts of this creamy asparagus soup.

The Best Immersion Blender

This immersion blender has 12 speeds and an 800-watt motor with a turbo boost. Plus with snap-on attachments, it saves time and money in the kitchen!

Dare to be hopeful. Asparagus (and thus spring!) will be here soon.

When they arrive, we’ll be ready with this lovely recipe for easy and healthy cream of asparagus soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is My Asparagus Soup Bland?

Bland soup is always disappointing. If you feel like your soup is missing a little something, consider adding some extra fat (e.g., bacon, butter, or coconut milk), acid (e.g., lemon juice or balsamic), or salt to liven up the flavors. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese are other excellent flavor boosters.

Is Asparagus Soup Gluten Free?

Yes! As written, this asparagus soup is gluten free.

Can I Make Asparagus Soup with Frozen Asparagus?

I have not tried making this soup with frozen asparagus, so it would be an experiment. My sense would be that it would work well, so if you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes.

Should you Soak Asparagus Before Cooking?

It depends. Asparagus is often soaked to remove as dirt or sand lingering on the stems. If you feel like your asparagus could use an extra bath, feel free to soak it before cooking. Otherwise, I find a quick rinse with cool water is sufficient.

Healthy Asparagus Soup in a bowl with Greek yogurt
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Asparagus Soup

The BEST asparagus soup recipe without cream! This creamy spring soup recipe tastes decadent but is lightened up thanks to Greek yogurt.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 329kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 slices thick cut bacon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped leeks white and light green parts; or swap yellow onion or shallot
  • 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 10 ounces)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 pounds asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup 2% Greek yogurt plus additional for serving (do not use fat free or it may curdle and the soup will not be as creamy)

Instructions

  • If preparing with bacon: Prepare it according to this guide for Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon. Crumble or dice and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or similar medium/large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and potatoes cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks begin to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    leeks cooking in a large soup pot
  • Add the broth, asparagus, salt, and pepper.
    tender fresh asparagus in a Dutch oven for soup
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
    making healthy asparagus soup in a large pot
  • With an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. (You can also carefully pour it into a blender or food processor in batches and blend it that way. Be careful as hot soup tends to splatter!) Return the blended soup to the pot and let cool a few minutes.
    easy asparagus soup without cream in a pot
  • Add in the Greek yogurt.
    cream of asparagus soup with greek yogurt in a large pot
  • Stir, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Remember that if you are adding the bacon on top, it will also be salty, so be careful not to overdo it.
    whisking together creamy vegetarian asparagus soup
  • Serve hot, topped with crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and an extra dollop of Greek yogurt as desired.
    The BEST Asparagus Soup recipe without cream

Video

Notes

  • VEGETARIAN OPTION: Omit the bacon. For some crunch, try swapping for the roasted chickpea “croutons” in my recipe for Caesar Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.
  • VEGAN OPTION: Omit the bacon and the Greek yogurt. To make a creamy asparagus soup vegan, try swapping for your favorite non-dairy yogurt.
  • TO STORE: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
  • TO FREEZE: You can freeze asparagus soup for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe storage container. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4), without bacon | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Potassium: 1057mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2115IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 6mg

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Dippable Dessert: Easy Chocolate Hummus https://www.wellplated.com/chocolate-hummus/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/chocolate-hummus/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:01:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=45822 Chocolate Hummus

Healthy Chocolate Hummus in a bowl with pretzels and strawberriesA healthy way to enjoy chocolate. Packed with protein and fiber, this easy chocolate hummus is delish with pretzels or fresh fruit.

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Chocolate Hummus Healthy Chocolate Hummus in a bowl with pretzels and strawberries

“Spread the love” is going literal (and deliciously snackable!) with this Chocolate Hummus. Sound odd? Stay with me here. It’s thick and creamy, lightly sweet, and made for dipping with fruit, pretzels, graham crackers, or my preferred consumption method: from the bowl with a spoon.

A bowl of healthy chocolate hummus with tahini served with fresh fruit and pretzels

My first chocolate hummus experience was at a friend’s house.

She’d bought a container of Trader Joe’s chocolate hummus (apparently, it has a bit of a cult following), and I took a tiny bite out of pure curiosity.

My verdict was a progressive one.

  • First, it tasted different (like Avocado Brownies), but not in a bad way.
  • Then it was quite enjoyable.
  • Then I started piling it onto my plate with what would probably be regarded as bad manners.

Basically, I was hooked from that moment onward and knew I needed to create a homemade chocolate hummus recipe ASAP.

A bowl filled with a creamy, healthy chocolate hummus with chickpeas that's perfect for dessert or snacks

5 Star Review

“AMAZING! Subtly sweet, smooth, and delicious with strawberries and pretzels! I cannot wait to make another batch!”

— Sarah —

About Chocolate Hummus

If you’re new to the chocolate hummus game, you may be wondering when and how to serve chocolate hummus.

You can serve it as an appetizer with fruit and pretzels, or as a dessert with graham crackers or shortbread cookies.

I especially love to bring it to parties because it’s unique and unexpected (like my favorite Edamame Hummus).

Another reason I love to bring this recipe to parties: chocolate hummus is healthy for you overall, especially when compared to other typical party dishes.

  • Chickpeas are high in fiber and protein, and they contain several vitamins and minerals.
  • Tahini offers tons of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Maple syrup sweetens the hummus naturally, and it also offers tons of antioxidants.
  • What you serve chocolate hummus with makes it healthy, too, especially if you add fruit.

This recipe is a nice way to sneak a healthy option into any spread (as are these Sweet Potato Brownies). It’s also naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

A food processor filled with smooth, creamy chocolate hummus

How to Make Chocolate Hummus

Unbeknownst to those at your table, this creamy and healthy chocolate hummus recipe isn’t just loaded with plenty of chocolate flavor but PACKED with protein, fiber, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup.

Fool them next with this healthy Avocado Chocolate Mousse.


The Ingredients

  • Chickpeas. The key to the creamy texture and richness. Choose low-sodium canned chickpeas or cooked garbanzo beans for this hummus. For another chickpea dessert, try these Chickpea Blondies.
  • Cocoa Powder. The main event for scrumptious chocolatey goodness!
  • Tahini. Deliciously savory and creamy. Depending on which grocery store you visit, tahini can be located in a couple of different places. Most often, you will find it near the nut butter or in the international/ethnic aisle.

Ingredient Note

If you’re having trouble stirring your tahini (it has a way of separating), scoop out a spoonful or two into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in 10-second intervals, stirring between each time until it becomes easily spreadable. Try storing your jar of tahini upside down to keep the oils at the top, so stirring is easier.

  • Maple Syrup. For natural sweetness! You can easily adjust the amount to suit your tastes. If you don’t need the chocolate hummus vegan, you can use honey.
  • Espresso Powder. This is my secret to intensifying the chocolate flavor of any recipe. It’s optional, but if you are a serious dark chocolate lover, I highly recommend it.
  • Vanilla. Vanilla + chocolate = dream team!

What do you dip in chocolate hummus?

You can serve this chocolate hummus with so many things (or enjoy it right off the spoon!), but here are a few of my favorite ideas:

  • Chips. The ultimate salty/sweet mixture. Pretzels, pita chips, or plain potato chips would be delicious. Be sure the chips are sturdy (like pretzels), so they don’t break in the dip.
  • Fruit. Delicious with chocolate, and it makes a beautiful presentation. Strawberries, sliced green apple, dried apricots, banana chips, and grapes are all great options.
  • Cookies/Crackers. Make it a decadent dessert with shortbread cookies or graham crackers.
  • Rice Cakes. Spread the chocolate hummus generously over the top, and enjoy the crunch.
  • Toast. Try spreading this hummus generously over toasted bread, then piling sliced fresh bananas or strawberries on top.
cocoa powder and tahini in a food processor

The Directions

  1. Add the tahini and cocoa powder to the bowl of a food processor. Drizzle hot water over the cocoa, then puree it until smooth. Pour in the maple syrup and puree again.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients, and puree once more. If needed, adjust the sweetness and consistency to your tastes.
  3. Serve the hummus in a bowl with dippers of choice. ENJOY!
vegan Chocolate hummus no oil in a bowl

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Place leftover hummus in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
  • To Freeze. Store chocolate hummus in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before serving, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well.

What to Serve with Chocolate Hummus

Round out your appetizer spread with more of these dippable delights.

Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe

homemade trader joe's chocolate hummus served in a bowl with fresh fruit and pretzels for dipping

Be the cool kid at your next gathering who brings the chocolate hummus.

No one has to know it’s healthy chocolate ;)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chocolate Hummus Really Made With Chickpeas?

Yes! If the idea of chickpeas in a dessert-ish recipe weirds you out, I get it. Beans? In a sweet recipe? I, too, had my doubts until these Black Bean Brownies proved me wrong. Rest assured, the taste of the chickpeas in chocolate hummus is almost totally masked. They simply give the chocolate hummus body, creaminess, and they are healthy for you too.

What Does Chocolate Hummus Taste Like?

If you had no idea it was hummus and took a bite, you might just think you dipped into a creamy homemade chocolate frosting. The other chocolate hummus ingredients have their own distinctive flavors, which successfully mask most of the chickpea flavor. It’s lightly chocolaty from the cocoa powder, nutty from the tahini (a sesame seed paste similar to peanut butter), and subtly sweet from the maple syrup. While you can taste the garbanzo beans, their flavor is super mild.

Does Chocolate Hummus have Protein?

Yes! If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian protein-rich snack, this chocolate hummus is a great option. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein that also contain fiber and B vitamins.

Healthy Chocolate Hummus in a bowl with pretzels and strawberries
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Chocolate Hummus

This healthy chocolate hummus recipe is made entirely in a food processor. A vegan, gluten free, and dairy free snack for chocolate lovers.
Course Appetizer, Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 143kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon
  • 2 tablespoons hot water plus additional as needed
  • 6 tablespoons maple syrup plus additional to taste
  • 15 ounces low sodium chickpeas rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans (1 can)
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder optional; will yield a more intense chocolate flavor
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • For serving: pretzels strawberries, sliced green apple, dried apricots, banana chips, grapes

Instructions

  • To the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add the tahini and cocoa powder, placing the cocoa directly on top of the tahini. Drizzle the hot water on top of the cocoa. Puree until smooth.
    cocoa powder and tahini in a food processor
  • Pour in the maple syrup. Puree again, then scrape down the bowl.
  • Add the chickpeas, espresso powder, vanilla, and salt. Puree for 3 to 4 minutes, stopping the bowl to scrape down the bowl halfway through. Taste and blend in additional maple syrup if you’d like the hummus sweeter. Once you have it as sweet as you like, if it is thicker than you would like, blend in an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons water. It should be thick and creamy, but still “dippable.”
    creamy vegan chocolate hummus with tahini in a food processor
  • Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Serve with dippers of choice and dive in!

Notes

  • TO STORE: Place in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
  • TO FREEZE: Store chocolate hummus in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before serving, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 8), about 1/4 cup | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

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