Dairy Free Archives - Family Dinners

How To Make Homemade Apple Pie Spice

Andrea + Stef — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:42:00 +0000

There is nothing better than the fragrant aroma of a freshly baked apple pie. If you also love everything apple pie, then our homemade apple pie spice mix is the perfect recipe for you. This homemade spice blend is a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cardamom that comes together in less than 5 minutes. It does not only taste amazing in apple pie, but can also be added to apple crisp, apple turnovers, apple muffins or even fruit salad. This is the best homemade version of apple pie spice that adds just the right amount of cozy fall flavors to your favorite apple recipes.

What is Apple Pie Spice?

Traditionally, apple pie spice is a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cardamom. Even though it is called apple PIE spice, you can use it in many other dishes besides apple pie filling. Apple spice tastes great in apple turnovers, fried apples, apple bread pudding or apple muffins.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: fragrant spice blend that takes all your favorite fall and apple desserts to the next level
Main Ingredients: cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground ginger, ground cardamom
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: apple pie, apple cider, apple turnovers, apple crisps or any other apple dessert
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this apple pie spice recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the local grocery store! If this is your first time making this easy homemade apple pie spice you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Apple Pie Spice Ingredients

3 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Variations and Substitutions

Ground Cloves: You can also add some ground cloves to this blend of spices if you like.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this homemade apple pie spice recipe, try adding it to our amazing Fall Fruit Salad. This colorful fruit salad is full of apples and citrus flavors. A homemade dressing adds sweetness and warm fall spices.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade apple pie spice substitute.

Instructions

This section shows how to make apple pie seasoning, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Firstly, add all the spices to a dry glass mixing bowl and then whisk until blended. Afterwards use directly in a recipe or store in an airtight container or spice jar until ready to use.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love scrumptious apple desserts then you’ll love our Apple and Blackberry Crumble. It’s a delicious sweet and tart dessert with a crumble topping.

Andrea says….

I love using this flavorful combination of spices for my delicious Apple Pie Ice Cream!

Recipe Tips

Follow these expert tips to make your own apple pie spice mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade apple pie spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Apple Pie Spice

There are countless ways of using this scrumptious substitute for apple pie spice.

We love using it for our favorite apple desserts such as Granny Smith Apple Pie, Apple Crisp without Oats, Apple Turnovers, Dutch Caramel Apple Pie or Apple Blackberry Crumble.

It also tastes great in our Fall Fruit Salad, Andrea’s Apple Pull Apart Bread or Stef’s Apple Cheesecake Bars, Pumpkin Apple Muffins and Fried Apples. You can even use it to flavor our Spiked Apple Cider.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

It is surprisingly easy to make the most delicious homemade spice mixes with pantry staples that you probably already have at home. They are so much better than store-bought versions. Here are some of our favorite seasoning blends:

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your own apple pie spice substitute right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own blend of apple pie seasoning in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the apple pie spice blend will last for up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I turn this homemade apple pie spice substitute into a gift?

A jar of apple pie spice makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers during the apple and fall season. Simply make a big batch of substitute apple pie seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars, small mason jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and cinnamon stick if you like.

Are there other ways to use apple pie spice besides baked goods and apple desserts?

Besides all things apple pie, you can use this blend of ground spices to flavor apple cider, mulled wine, greek yoghurt, oatmeal, ice cream, frostings, streusel topping, bread pudding, French toast as well as pancake batter.

What is the difference between pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice?

The main difference between pumpkin spice and apple spice is the addition of cloves and cardamom. While pumpkin seasoning includes ground cloves, apple pie spice has cardamom added instead. However, they are very similar otherwise, and can even swap them for each other in a pinch.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in a dry, dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

Homemade Apple Pie Spice Recipe

Perfect spice blend that comes together in a minute and tastes great with all your favorite apple recipes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword apple pie seasoning, apple pie spice recipe, apple pie spice substitute, substitute apple pie spice

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small mixing bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

3 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container.

The post How To Make Homemade Apple Pie Spice appeared first on Family Dinners.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 23:35:06 +0000

Have you ever wondered how to make homemade pumpkin pie spice? Then is the recipe for you. No more need for store-bought pumpkin pie spice, with this easy recipe that comes together in less than 5 minutes. This delicious pumpkin spice substitute is the perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. It can be added to all your favorite pumpkin dessert recipes, quick breads, breakfasts, ice creams as well as a cup of coffee. It even makes the best pumpkin spice latte. You will want to make this scrumptious homemade spice blend again and again all pumpkin season long.

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Traditionally, pumpkin spice is a blend of warm fall spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Even though it is called pumpkin PIE spice, you can use it in many other dishes besides pumpkin pie filling, and even drinks. Pumpkin spice tastes great in cookies, quick breads, pancakes, cheesecake and pumpkin muffins. Moreover, you can use this delicious spice to flavor your morning coffee, pumpkin spice lattes as well as pumpkin granola.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: delicious spice blend that takes all your favorite fall and pumpkin desserts to the next level
Main Ingredients: cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground allspice
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: traditional pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake or any other pumpkin spice treats
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this pumpkin pie spice recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this pumpkin pie substitute you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients

1 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ tsp ground allspice

Variations and Substitutions

Black Pepper: In case you want to intensify the flavor of your own pumpkin pie spice add a pinch of ground black pepper to this easy recipe. (about ⅛ tsp) It will not make your favorite pumpkin spice recipes spicy but enhance and bring out their delicious flavor even more.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this fragrant pumpkin pie spice recipe, try our amazing Pumpkin Pie Bars. With a cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a pumpkin and yellow cake mix recipe it’s easy to make and not your average pumpkin cake recipe.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade pumpkin spice.

Instructions

This section shows how to make substitute pumpkin pie spice, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love everything pumpkin then you’ll love our delicious Pumpkin Bread. This wonderfully light and moist pumpkin bread is the perfect fall dessert and comes together in only 15 minutes.

Stef says….

There is nothing better on a cold morning than the warm and spicy flavor of my delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. The soft sweet pumpkin dough, covered in cream cheese frosting is just to die for.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make this delicious homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade pumpkin spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Pumpkin Pie Spice

There are countless ways of using this scrumptious substitute for pumpkin pie spice.

We love using it for our favorite pumpkin breads: Pumpkin Bread, Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Bread With Chocolate Chips.

It also tastes great in breakfast treats such as Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix, Oven Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, oatmeal or pumpkin granola.

The delicious flavor of this homemade pumpkin spice of course also works great with pumpkin desserts like Pumpkin Pie Bars, Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes, Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese, Pumpkin Ice Cream, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes or Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce.

Andrea says….

Pumpkin pie spice tastes good with everything! We love to put some in pancakes, fall drinks or muffins.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

It is surprisingly easy to make the most delicious homemade spice blends with pantry staples that you probably already have at home. They are so much better than store-bought versions. Here are some of our favorite seasoning blends:

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your pumpkin spice substitute right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own blend of pumpkin spice in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the pumpkin pie spice blend will last for up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I turn this pumpkin pie spice substitute into a gift?

Homemade pumpkin pie spice makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers during pumpkin spice season. Simply make a big batch of substitute pumpkin pie seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and cinnamon stick if you like.

Are there other ways to use pumpkin spice besides baked goods and pumpkin desserts?

Besides all things pumpkin, you can use this blend of ground spices to flavor apple cider, mulled wine, greek yoghurt, oatmeal, ice cream, frostings, streusel topping, bread pudding as well as your morning coffee or even a cold brew.

What is the difference between pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice?

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in an airtight container in a dry, dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Amazingly flavorful spice blend that comes together in less than 5 minutes and tastes great with all your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade pumpkin pie spice, how to make pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie spice recipe, pumpkin pie spice substitute, substitute pumpkin pie spice

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings teaspoons

Calories 7kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

mixing bowl
whisk

Ingredients

1½ tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

The post How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice appeared first on Family Dinners.

How To Cook Frozen Ground Beef In The Instant Pot

Andrea + Stef — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 07:28:00 +0000

This quick and easy Instant Pot ground beef provides a convenient way of cooking fresh meat or even frozen beef. Cooked ground beef is super versatile and can be used in a variety of yummy recipes. Using the hands off pressure cooking method, your ground beef is ready in less than 30 minutes. With the sauté method cook time is even less, with only 5 minutes. Cooking a pound of ground beef in the Instant Pot can be a real time saver when dinner time is fast approaching.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: ground beef cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker to use in chilis, soups or nachos
Main Ingredients: ground beef, water
Cooking Method: Instant Pot
Nutrients: rich in high quality protein
Cooking Time: Pressure Cooking Method: 30 minutes, Sauté Method: 5 minutes
Pairs well with: soups, nachos, tacos, chilis, casseroles, pasta sauces, stir fry
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free
Special Equipment Needed: Instant Pot, metal trivet, potato masher (optional)

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this easy Instant Pot ground beef in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this cooked ground beef you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Ingredients

1 – 2 pounds ground meat, frozen or defrosted
1 cup water

Variations and Substitutions

Ground beef: Cook fresh ground beef or frozen ground beef. You can also substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the ground beef.

Water: Substitute chicken broth for the water.

Spices: Add some garlic powder or onion powder to the fresh or frozen meat.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love cooking beef in the Instant Pot, then you’ll love our Instant Pot Beef Tips. It is easy to make, the beef falls apart in your mouth and the rich brown gravy with mushrooms and onions is the perfect pairing.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Instant Pot– This recipe requires an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. This Instant Pot isn’t the fanciest you can buy but we love it and it will work for most people’s needs. If you’re looking for one with all the bells and whistles, this 10-in-1 Instant Pot is amazing. Make sure your sealing ring is in good shape. You can buy replacement silicone sealing rings if you need one. These seal the pot and keep the pressure inside the machine.

Pressure Cooking Instructions

This section shows how to pressure cook ground beef in the Instant Pot, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

SET MEAT TO PRESSURE COOK: Start by placing the trivet into the electric pressure cooker. Then, add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot. For 8 qt. pots add 1.5 cups of water. Next, remove all packaging and plastic and place ground beef on top of the trivet. Lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Set the vent to sealing position.

NATURAL RELEASE: Set to high pressure for 20 minutes for frozen (1-inch thick) or 25 minutes for 2-inch thick or vacuum sealed frozen beef. Afterwards allow a 10 minute natural release. Then, carefully open the valve to quick release pressure.

FINISH: Use an instant read meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached at least 160°F. If it is not fully cooked, add 3-5 minutes of cook time. Finally remove the trivet with beef from the insert. Discard the cooking liquid and beef drippings. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to break up the beef.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Instant Pot recipes then you’ll love our Instant Pot Carnitas. These tender, juicy and crispy on the outside carnitas melt in your mouth and burst with flavor.

Sautéing Instructions

This section shows how to sauté ground beef in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

COOK MEAT: Firstly, set the Instant Pot to sauté setting. Then place ground beef into the inner pot. In case you are using frozen meat, flip it over every minute, scrape off the cooked beef from the bottom of the Instant Pot and break it up. Repeat until the beef block is soft enough to break up with a spatula.

FINISH: Afterwards, keep moving the beef to brown on all sides and prevent burning, until it is fully cooked. Finally, drain excess grease from the pot.

Pros for Instant Pot Ground Beef

Pros for Sauté Method:

Frozen ground beef and fresh ground beef cooks quickest with the sauté method.
This method helps beef retain some fat and moisture.

Pros for Pressure Cooking Method:

Frozen ground beef cooks hands-off in the pressure cooking method.
Almost all grease and moisture is cooked out of the beef in this method. This is great if you’re adding it to soups or other dishes with a lot of liquid.

Andrea says….

I always use the saute method over the pressure cooking method if I can help it. The pressure cooking method leaves the meat too dry for my preference.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Ground Beef

We love to use cooked ground beef for various scrumptious meals. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Soups and Stews: Add this cooked beef to our Easy Chili, Beef and Vegetable Soup or Instant Pot Tortilla Soup.

Mexican Dishes: Pressure cooked meat also works well for Ground Beef Taco Filling and Loaded Beef Nachos.

Pasta Dishes: Traditionally, Marinara Sauce is served without meat. However, it would also taste great with brown ground beef. Additionally you can add this yummy beef to Easy Lasagna.

More Instant Pot Recipes

If you are looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes full of flavor, then try our Chicken Thighs with Lemon Butter Sauce or Pork Roast:

How To Store

Refrigerate: Let the ground beef cool completely before transfering into an airtight container or ziploc bag. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Instant Pot ground beef leftovers can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Divide beef into individual servings before freezing, for easy portion control when defrosting.

Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight.

How To Reheat

You can reheat ground beef leftovers in the microwave, air fryer or on the stovetop.

Common Questions

What are other ways to use Instant Pot Ground Beef?

Cooked ground beef is a very versatile ingredient. There are a lot of ways to use this delicious hamburger meat for a scrumptious quick meal. Add some taco seasoning for taco night or use it as a base for sloppy joes or cottage pie. Moreover, you can add it to homemade or store bought tomato sauce for a yummy spaghetti sauce.

Can Instant Pot ground beef speed up meal prep?

Yes, precooking fresh ground meat can be a great way to safe time when cooking dinner on busy days. Simply cook the meat up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. You can even freeze cooked ground meat up to 3 months for future use.

Instant Pot Ground Beef

Perfectly tender ground beef made in a pressure cooker that can be added to soups, stews, nachos and so much more.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Low Salt

Keyword ground meat cooked in the pressure cooker, how to cook ground meat in the Instant Pot, how to pressure cook frozen ground beef, how to sauté ground beef in the Instant Pot, Instant Pot ground meat

Cook Time 30

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 288kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

Instant Pot
metal trivet

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

Instructions

Pressure Cooking Instructions:

Place the trivet in the Instant Pot.
Add 1 cup of cold water to the bottom of the pot. For 8 qt. pots add 1.5 cups of water.
Remove all packaging and plastic. Place ground beef on the trivet.
Lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Set the vent to seal.
Set to high pressure for 20 minutes for frozen (1-inch thick) or 25 minutes for 2-inch thick or vacuum sealed frozen beef…
Allow a 10 minute natural release.
Carefully open valve for a quick pressure release.
Use an instant read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ground beef. It should be at least 160°F. If it is not fully cooked, repeat the sealing process and cook for 3-5 more minutes.
Remove the trivet with beef from the insert. Discard the cooking liquid and beef drippings.
Break up beef.

Sautéing Instructions:

Set Instant Pot to sauté setting.
Place ground beef (frozen or fresh) into the Instant Pot.
If your ground beef is frozen, flip it over every minute and scrape off the cooked beef and break it up. Repeat until the beef block is soft enough to break up with a spatula.
Using your spatula, break up the ground beef and stir while cooking to get all sides browned. Keep moving the beef to prevent burning.
When all the pink is gone and beef is brown, turn off the Instant Pot.
Drain grease from the pot.

Notes

Pros for saute method:

Frozen ground beef and fresh ground beef cooks quickest with the saute method.
This method helps beef retain some fat and moisture.

Pros for pressure cooking method:

Frozen ground beef cooks hands-off in the pressure cooking method.
Almost all grease and moisture is cooked out of the beef in this method. This is great if you’re adding it to soups or other dishes with a lot of liquid.

Nutrition

The post How To Cook Frozen Ground Beef In The Instant Pot appeared first on Family Dinners.

Mild Pico de Gallo Salsa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

Andrea + Stef — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:16:00 +0000

This super yummy mild pico de gallo salsa is one of the easiest but most rewarding recipes you have ever made. Even though, it takes only 10 minutes to make, this chunky salsa enhances the flavor of pretty much all your favorite Mexican food. We love serving this vegan, low-calorie, and nutritious salsa with tortilla chips and guacamole as an appetizer or party snack. However, it is also the most amazing topping for tacos, burritos, fajitas, nachos and more.

All you need is a knife and a cutting board to make this mouthwatering tomato and pepper salsa.

What is Pico de Gallo?

Pico de gallo is a simple, chunky Mexican salsa made from chopped fresh tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and onion, seasoned with lime juice, salt and cilantro. This Mexican staple does not contain much liquid, which is the main difference to regular salsa. Salsa is often more saucy and blended in a food processor.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: fresh salsa that is chunky, flavorful and tastes wonderful on any Mexican dish
Main Ingredients: tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, onion, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, sea salt
Cooking Method: no bake
Nutrients: even though it’s a low calorie food, it is packed with vitamin C and potassium
Cooking Time: 10 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, and all your favorite Mexican dishes
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: large bowl, knife and cutting board

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this chunky salsa recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this mild pico de gallo recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Pico De Gallo Ingredients

3 Roma tomatoes or plum tomatoes (seeded and diced, about 1-1 ½ cups)
1 jalapeño pepper (minced)
½ small white onion (diced, about ½ cup)
1 clove garlic (minced, about 1 teaspoon)
2 tablespoon fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)
2 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)
½ tsp sea salt or kosher salt

Variations and Substitutions

Tomatoes: It is vital to use ripe, red tomatoes to make pico. If the tomatoes are not ripe they don’t have much flavor and therefore lead to bland pico de gallo. We like using Roma or plum tomatoes.

Jalapeño: Jalapeños can vary in hotness. We recommend tasting a small bit of your pepper to see how hot it is. This way you can make sure your pico isn’t getting too spicy. If you like a spicier salsa, you can add some of the jalapeño seeds as well as some black pepper.

White onion: You can substitute red onion or use the white parts of green onions (scallions) instead of white onion.

Cilantro: If you really love cilantro you can add up to a ¼ cup of cilantro to this mild salsa.

You can get very creative with pico de gallo and vary the flavor by adding a number of other delicious fruits or vegetables, such as

avocado
corn
mango
pineapple
strawberries
peaches

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love flavorful Mexican inspired one-pan meals, try our Frito Pie with Ground Beef. You’ll love it because this yummy, quick and easy comfort food combines perfectly seasoned beef and beans with melty cheese and crispy Frito chips.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook fresh pico de gallo, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

COMBINE INGREDIENTS: Firstly, add tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, garlic, lime juice, cilantro and 1 teaspoon salt to a bowl.

TOSS: Then stir to mix well. Afterwards, let your pico rest in the fridge for 10 minutes to develop its great flavor.

SERVE: Finally, serve with chips and guacamole or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love homemade tacos then you’ll love our Ground Beef Taco Filling. This scrumptious and keto friendly taco meat is the perfect combination of juicy beef, creamy refried beans and fresh salsa.

Make Ahead

Although, pico is best when eaten fresh, it keeps well in the fridge. You can prepare chopped salsa up to 3 days ahead of time. Save in an airtight container for freshness.

Andrea says….

I love pico. We eat it with our homemade chicken taquitos all the time. Delicious!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best copycat chipotle pico de gallo.

Tip: For best flavor use red ripe tomatoes. Avoid mushy tomatoes or underripe ones. Unripe tomatoes are hard and lack flavor. If your tomatoes are flavorless your salsa will also turn out bland.
Tip: Use freshly cut onion.
Tip: Taste your pico and adjust ingredients and seasonings if necessary.
Tip: Let you chunky salsa rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

What To Serve With Mild Pico De Gallo Salsa

We love to eat chunky pico de gallo all by itself with tortilla chips. But sometimes you need to serve it as part of a meal. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Appetizers: Use this best chunky salsa recipe for making Loaded Beef Nachos or Easy 7 Layer Dip.

Main Courses: Serve this pico de gallo salsa with all your favorite Mexican food such as Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Tacos, Fried Fish Tacos, Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls, Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas, Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole and Instant Pot Carnitas.

Other Mexican Condiments: Pair this mild salsa with homemade Guacamole, Queso Blanco ,or Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.

Sides: We love serving Mexican dishes with homemade Air Fryer Taco Shells, Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Rice.

How To Store

Refrigerate: While pico de gallo is best eaten fresh, you can store it in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. It might get a bit soupy as the tomatoes release their juices, so you might have to drain the extra liquid after 1-2 days in the fridge.

Freeze: We do not recommend freezing leftover chunky tomato salsa, because it would lose its texture.

More Salsa Recipes

If you love this fresh homemade chunky salsa then you’ll also love our other easy recipes for amazing salsa, such as salsa recipe with canned tomatoes, mango salsa or Stef’s salsa verde.

Common Questions

Lots of people don’t like cilantro. Are there any substitutes I can use?

While cilantro is the herb of choice in most Mexican dishes, there are some alternatives for people who are not so fond of its flavor. Have you tried chopped basil, parsley, oregano or mint, for example? Moreover, you can also leave out the herb altogether.

Is chunky salsa healthy?

Yes. Pico is a mixture of chopped fresh vegetables and fruit (Tomatoes are technically a fruit.) that is full of nutrients and great for a low calorie diet.

What can I use this easy copycat chipotle pico de gallo recipe on?

There are endless possibilities on how to use fresh salsa. We love serving it with beef tacos, fish tacos, burritos, nachos, taquitos, fajitas, or as a dip alongside guacamole and tortilla chips.

How do I get the most juice out of citrus fruits?

Use a citrus juicer, to get the most juice out of a lime. If you don’t have one, here are some tips for getting the most juice. Roll the lime between your palm and the counter to squish a little before cutting it to juice it. Cut your lime into 8 wedges, then squeeze to get juice. These methods work the same when it comes to lemons and lemon juice.

Mild Pico de Gallo Salsa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

Learn how to make authentic pico de gallo with this easy recipe. This super yummy chunky salsa goes with so many Mexican dishes.

Course condiment, side, Side Dish, Vegetable

Cuisine American, keto, Mexican, vegan, vegetarian

Keyword authentic pico de gallo, chunky salsa, chunky salsa recipe, how to make pico de gallo, pico de gallo, recipe for pico de gallo

Prep Time 10

Refrigeration Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings cups

Calories 36kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

knife and cutting board

Ingredients

3 Roma or Plum tomatoes seeded and diced (about 1-1½ cups)
1 jalapeño minced
½ small white onion diced (about ½ cup)
1 clove of garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
2 tablespoon lime juice (1-2 limes)
2 tablespoon cilantro chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Combine tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, garlic, lime juice, cilantro and salt.
Stir to mix well.
Refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh ripe tomatoes for best results.
Use freshly cut onion.
Use a citrus juicer to get the most juice out of a lime.If you don’t have one, here are some tips for getting the most juice. Roll the lime between your palm and the counter to squish a little before cutting it to juice it. Cut your lime into 8 wedges, then squeeze to get juice.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with chips and guacamole.
Serve with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans or Black Beans.
Serve on Carnitas Tacos or Chipotle Chicken Tacos or Fish Tacos.
Serve on 7 Layer Dip

Nutrition

The post Mild Pico de Gallo Salsa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe) appeared first on Family Dinners.

Italian Seasoning Substitute

Andrea + Stef — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:15:21 +0000

Do you also love Italian food in every shape and form? Then this best homemade Italian seasoning substitute is perfect for you. This amazing combination of dried herbs and spices makes all your Italian recipes taste out of this world good. It comes together in just 5 minutes and only uses household staples. Equal parts of marjoram, rosemary, basil and thyme, as well as parsley, garlic powder and sage, determine the flavor of our delicious Italian seasoning. Add it to pizza, pasta, salad dressings or garlic bread, and your dishes will be bursting with irresistible Italian flavor.

What is Italian Seasoning?

Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs and spices that can be used in many of your favorite Italian inspried recipes. Even though its name suggests an Italian origin, Italian seasoning is not really common in Italy. It is in fact more of an Italian American staple. Traditionally its key ingredients are aromatic herbs such as marjoram, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley or oregano, for example. Additionally flavorful spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper or cayenne pepper are also added to give it its distinct flavor. It is the best alternative to fresh herbs.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: flavorful blend of Italian herbs and spices that adds immense flavor to pizza, pasta sauces, salad dressings and more
Main Ingredients: majoram, rosemary, basil, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, sage
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: pizza, calzones, Italian meatballs, pasta dishes, salads
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this substitute Italian seasoning recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade Italian seasoning you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Italian Seasoning Ingredients

2¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
2¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
2¼ teaspoon dried basil
2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage

Variations and Substitutions

Oregano: Another herb that blends well with Italian dishes is oregano. Add 1 teaspoon of oregano to this good Italian seasoning substitute if you prefer.

Dried Lemon Peel: For a slight hint of bright citrus flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of dried lemon peel to your homemade seasoning.

Spicy kick: If you like a bit of spicy kick with your Italian cuisine, then add some black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste. Be careful, however, or your Italian spice will end up having a peppery taste.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this flavor packed Italian spice blend recipe, use it for our Air Fryer Pizza Bites. These fluffy and delicious pepperoni pizza bites are super easy to make and will sure impress every pizza lover in your life.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade Italian blend of herbs.

Instructions

This section shows how to make Italian seasoning substitute, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Stir together to combine. Pour into a small container with an airtight lid. Close the lid and label.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Italian inspired juicy and tender chicken then you’ll love our Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs. This easy chicken dish is rubbed with olive oil, Italian seasoning and spices, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Stef says….

I love using this amazing substitute for Italian seasoning in my easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake. It has the same traditional flavors, except it’s so much easier to make, and it’s ready in 35 minutes!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best replacement for Italian seasoning.

Tip: Make sure your dried herbs are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your herbs are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade Italian seasoning substitute in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What to Make with Italian Seasoning

There are countless ways of using this good Italian seasoning substitute.

We love using this excellent and easy substitute for Italian seasoning in salad dressings, like for our Easy Italian Salad or Tortellini Pasta Salad.

This great homemade Italian seasoning additionally tastes great in all our pizza and calzone recipes. Have you tried our White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce, Hot Pizza Dip, Easy Three Meat Calzones, Chicken Pesto Calzones, Meatball Calzones or Pizza Dough Garlic Knots?

Italian Seasoning also adds immense flavor to sandwiches. We love using in for our Air Fryer Three Cheese Bombs, Meatball Sub Sandwich or Meatball Stuffed Biscuits.

Main dishes such as Air Fryer Salmon, Creamy Chicken Bake, Air Fryer Meatballs, or Caprese Chicken Thighs all taste better with a teaspoon of this Italian seasoning.

Andrea says….

Mix 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a marinade for chicken.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for Italian seasoning right away, store your mix of herbs in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your Italian seasoning mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, this blend of Italian herbs will last for a long time. Even up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in an airtight container in a dry and dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

How do I turn this homemade seasoning into a gift?

A jar of amazing Italian seasoning blend makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers all year around. Simply make a big batch of substitute Italian seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars, small mason jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and some dry bow tie pasta if you like.

What can I use this great substitute for Italian seasoning for?

Most of us don’t always have fresh herbs, such as fresh basil or fresh oregano, at hand. Therefore, one of the best substitutes is having a jar of Italian seasoning on the spice rack. It is one of the best ways to add Italian flavors to your dishes. It can be used as a pizza seasoning, for pasta dishes, salad dressings, garlic bread, or meat dishes.

Does Italian seasoning have any health benefits?

This unique blend of dry herbs does have many nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and minerals. Moreover, there are no excessive amounts of sea salt or any other additives in this homemade blend. In addition, it is also gluten free.

Italian Seasoning Substitute

Amazing herb blend that combines all your favorite Italian flavors. It tastes great with pizza, pasta and many other Italian dishes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade Italian spice blend, replacement for Italian seasoning, substitute for Italian seasoning, substitute Italian seasoning

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Calories 23kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small mixing bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

2¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
2¼ tsp dried rosemary
2¼ teaspoon dried basil
2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir together to combine. Pour into a small container with an airtight lid. Close the lid and label.

Nutrition

The post Italian Seasoning Substitute appeared first on Family Dinners.

Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast Recipe With Vegetables

Andrea + Stef — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 20:46:17 +0000

This slow cooker tri-tip roast recipe with vegetables is a great alternative to a traditional Sunday pot roast. However, it is also a delicious meal for any special occasion. While this easy recipe only uses simple ingredients, it creates the most tender and juicy roast and perfectly cooked and seasoned potatoes and carrots. This nourishing meal tastes especially good during the colder months and can be served with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts. This is undoubtedly the best tri-tip roast recipe and your whole family will want to eat it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: incredibly tender and juicy slow cooker sirloin tip roast with flavorful gravy and potatoes and carrots cooked to perfection
Main Ingredients: red potatoes, carrots, onion, olive oil, tri-tip roast, canola oil, beef broth, garlic, Worchestershire sauce, cornstarch and spices
Cooking Method: Crockpot
Nutrients: amazing source of protein with 53g per serving
Cooking Time: 15 minutes of prep time, 2.5-8 hours cook time
Pairs well with: crusty bread, salad, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
Diets: gluten free, dairy free
Special Equipment Needed: slow cooker, small bowl, large skillet, wooden spoon, strainer, knife and cutting board, instant read thermometer

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this slow cooker tri-tip roast recipe with vegetables in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the local grocery store! If this is your first time making this tri tip roast in the crockpot you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Vegetable Ingredients

1 ½ pounds baby red potatoes (cut in half)
4 large carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 large onion (cut into chunks)
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt

Tri-Tip Ingredients

2 pounds tri tip roast
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon canola oil

Sauce Ingredients

2 cups beef broth
4 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 tablespoon dried onion flakes
¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
⅛ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce

Optional Slurry

2 tablespoon water
2 tablespoon cornstarch

Variations and Substitutions

Canola Oil: You can substitute any other oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or peanut oil, for example.

Tri-Tip Roast: Substitute chuck roast or rump roast, in case you cannot find a bottom sirloin roast.

Beef Broth: Additionally to beef broth, you can also use beef stock or chicken broth.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: For a fun twist on a traditional roast, try Stef’s Mississippi Pot Roast. By adding some ranch dressing mix and pepperoncinis, this juicy roast is simply bursting with flavor.

Pros & Cons of Cooking a Tri-Tip in a Crockpot

PROS

You don’t have to turn on the oven.
You can cook the whole meal at one time.
Most of the work is done at the beginning then you can forget about it until it’s done.
The gravy is a nice addition that you can’t get with a grilled tri-tip.
Nice alternative to a traditional Sunday pot roast.
You don’t have to own a grill.

CONS

Unlike grilled tri-tip, there is no caramelized exterior with the crockpot method.
The tri-tip has more of a slow cooked pot roast flavor than a steak flavor when cooked in the crockpot.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a small commission of the sale.

Crockpot — This recipe requires a slow cooker. We use a 6 qt. basic Crockpot brand slow cooker. It works wonderfully. If you’re planning to take your Crockpot to potlucks you’ll want to check out this one that has a locking lid. A slow cooker has an inner pot called the crock. Neither the crock nor the lid are oven safe on most machines. Do not put them in the oven.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook tri-tip roast with vegetables in the slow cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

PREPARE VEGETABLES: Firstly, arrange the potatoes, carrots, and onion in a large slow cooker. Then drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle them with Italian seasoning and salt. Afterward, gently toss to coat.

SEASON AND SEAR MEAT: Make the tri-tip rub by combining the dried thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Then rub it into the whole roast. Afterwards, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Quick sear the roast for 2 minutes on all sides. Then place the roast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.

PREPARE COOKING JUICES: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, then pour in ½ cup of broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in the remaining broth, as well as the spices and Worcestershire sauce. Then bring to a simmer, before pouring over the roast in the slow cooker.

SLOW COOK: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2.5 hours. Remove from the crockpot when potatoes and carrots are fork tender. See notes for internal temperature suggestions for the roast.

OPTIONAL GRAVY: After removing the roast, potatoes and carrots to a platter, place a fine mesh strainer over a sauce pot. Then pour the juices from the crockpot into the strainer and discard leftovers from the strainer. Heat the cooking liquid over medium high heat on the stove. Make a cornstarch slurry. When juices are simmering, slowly whisk in the slurry to make a gravy and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

FINISH: Finally slice tri-tip and pour gravy over the top of the vegetables and serve.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love tender beef with flavorful gravy then you’ll love our Instant Pot Beef Tips. The beef in this comfort food dinner falls apart in your mouth and the rich brown gravy with mushrooms and onions is the perfect pairing.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best slow cooker tri-tip roast recipe with vegetables.

Tip: Make sure not to cut the carrots too small. Otherwise they will be mushy by the time the meat and potatoes are done.
Tip: Don’t skip the searing. Browning the meat before cooking locks in the juices and adds a great deal of flavor.
Tip: For best results, slice a tri tip roast against the grain.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast Recipe with Vegetables

We love to eat this tri tip roast slow cooker recipe all by itself. But sometimes you need to serve it as a meal. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Bread: Serve slow cooker tri-tip roast with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. Garlic French Bread is made with fresh parmesan cheese and store-bought french bread. If you have extra time make Pizza Dough Garlic Knots, brushed with butter, seasoning and parmesan. Additionally, Andrea’s Copycat Lion House Rolls also go perfectly with this dish.

Salad: Pair this tender roast with a fresh salad. A green salad like our fabulous Italian Salad or Strawberry Avocado Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. Moreover, a Fall Fruit Salad with apples, grapes and dried cranberries would also go well.

Vegetable Sides: Traditionally, crock pot tri tip roast is served with Air Fryer Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans or Brussels sprouts, for example. It would taste great with Air Fryer Beets as well.

More Pot Roast Recipes

If you love juicy and tender roasts that fall apart in your mouth, then you have to try our other scrumptious pot roast recipes for the Instant Pot and dutch oven:

How To Store

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can cover plated leftovers with plastic wrap, cling wrap or aluminum foil, for example. Put uneaten crockpot tri-tip roast with vegetables into the fridge no later than 2 hours after cooking.

Freeze: After the slow cooker roast and vegetables have cooled completely, transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: The best way to thaw leftover tri tip roast with vegetables is overnight in the refrigerator.

How To Reheat

Reheat tri tip roast leftovers in the microwave.

Common Questions

What is a tri tip roast?

Tri tip roast is a triangular cut of meat from the bottom of the beef sirloin. It has gotten its name from its triangular shape, as it is wide on the top and tapers down to a tip. This triangle roast from the lower portion of the sirloin is also called California cut, Santa Maria steak, Newport steak or bottom sirloin tip.

Is this tri-tip roast slow cooker recipe good for sandwiches?

In case you end up with some leftover roast, you can in fact make amazing tri tip sandwiches the next day. Simply cut your favorite roll in half and add thinly sliced, cold tri tip roast. Then top with a slice of cheese, a little bit of mayonnaise, mustard, pickles and lettuce, for example, and you end up with the most scrumptious sandwich.

What is the ideal inside temperature of tri-tip roast au jus?

Due to the nature of this cut, the tri-tip temp when cooked, is similar to that of a steak. Cook to 130 to 135 °F for medium rare, 135 to 145 °F for medium, and 145°F to 155°F for medium well. Use an instant read meat thermometer to determine when your roast is done.

Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast Recipe With Vegetables

Incredibly tender meat with flavorful gravy and perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots. A perfect Sunday roast the entire family will love.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Keyword crockpot tri tip roast recipe, slow cooker tri tip roast recipe, slow cooker tri tip roast with vegetables, tri tip roast in the crockpot

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Servings servings

Calories 679kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

crockpot
large skillet
wooden spoon
strainer
meat thermometer

Ingredients

Vegetable Ingredients

1½ lbs baby red potatoes cut in half
4 large carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion cut into chunks
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt

Tri-Tip Roast Ingredients

2 lbs tri-tip roast
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon canola oil or other high heat oil

Sauce Ingredients

2 cups beef broth
4 cloves of garlic minced
2 tablespoon dried onion flakes
¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
⅛ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Slurry

2 tablespoon water
2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

In a large slow cooker, arrange the potatoes, carrots, and onion. Drizzle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon salt. Gently toss to coat.
Make the tri-tip rub in a small bowl. Combine the dried thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.
Then rub it into the tri-tip roast.
Afterwards, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 2 minutes on all sides.
Place the roast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet, then pour in ½ cup of broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in the remaining broth, as well as the onion flakes, dried parsley, celery seed, paprika, pepper and Worcestershire sauce.
First bring to a simmer, then pour over the roast in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2.5 hours. Remove from the crockpot when potatoes and carrots are fork tender. See notes for internal temperature suggestions.
Remove the roast, potatoes and carrots to a platter.
Optional: Make a gravy. Place a fine mesh strainer over a sauce pot. Pour the juices from the crockpot into the strainer. Discard spices leftover in the strainer. Heat the saucepan with the juices over medium high heat on the stove. Make a cornstarch slurry. Mix together 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. When juices are simmering, slowly whisk in the slurry to make a gravy. Cook for 3-5 minutes until gravy is thickened.
Slice tri-tip and pour gravy over the top of the vegetables and serve.

Notes

Potatoes and carrots will take longer to cook than the tri-tip if they are too large.
Due to the nature of this cut, the tri-tip temp, when cooked, is similar to that of a steak. Cook to 130 to 135 °F for medium rare, 135 to 145 °F for medium, 145°F to 155°F for medium well.
Slice a tri tip against the grain.
Tri tip is great for making sandwiches because you can get nice slices of meat.

Serving

Serve with a side salad, crusty bread, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower or brussels sprouts

Nutrition

The post Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast Recipe With Vegetables appeared first on Family Dinners.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy)

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:24:29 +0000

If you are looking for a great way to make your next taco Tuesday extra special, try our easy recipe for homemade taco seasoning mix. This homemade taco spice is the perfect blend of chili powder, spices and dried herbs. It is ready in only 5 minutes and incredibly versatile. Moreover, our taco seasoning recipe does not contain any sugar or flour and is therefore keto friendly and gluten free. All you need is a pound of ground beef (or other meat of choice) and you are ready to make the best taco meat you have ever tasted.

What is Taco Seasoning?

This Mexican inspired spice blend consists of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt and black pepper. For a spicy seasoning, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or spicy chili powder are added. Even though it is called taco seasoning, this flavorful spice blend can be used in many dishes. Season fajitas, chili, burritos as well as Mexican inspired casseroles and bakes with traditional taco spice.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: this is the absolute best taco seasoning that will take your favorite taco recipe to the next level, it’s ready in only 5 minutes and you can make it as mild or spicy as you like
Main Ingredients: chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: taco meat, Mexican casseroles, fajitas, chilis
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this authentic taco seasoning recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade taco seasoning mix you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Mild Taco Seasoning Ingredients

2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Variations and Substitutions

Make it Spicy : Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to this homemade taco seasoning for a spicy kick. Moreover, you can also add some red pepper flakes to taste.

Paprika: In case you like a bit of a smokey flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this amazing taco seasoning mix recipe, try our Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells. Carnitas and cheese stuffed into tender pasta shells and cooked in an air fryer to crispy, flavor-bursting perfection.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade taco seasoning mix.

Instructions

This section shows how to make this mild or spicy homemade taco seasoning mix, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Mexican inspired dishes then you’ll love our Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole. It is everything you love about tacos in a quick and easy Mexican lasagna with ground beef.

Stef says….

Instead of a store-bought taco seasoning packet I use about 2 tablespoons of this taco mix recipe for my Taco Salad Shells. They are just to die for!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best substitute for taco seasoning.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade taco spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Taco Seasoning

We love using our own taco seasoning mix for making Ground Beef Taco Filling, Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole, Frito Pie with Ground Beef, Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells or Stef’s Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

In case you are looking for the best side dishes to serve with these scrumptious dinners, try one of these delicious recipes:

Sides: We love serving Mexican dishes with homemade Air Fryer Taco Shells, Instant Pot Black Beans, or Instant Pot Refried Beans. Our delicious Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Rice can also be served alongside Mexican dinners.

Dips and Sauces: Pair your favorite Mexican recipes with our homemade Guacamole, Mild Pico de Gallo, Salsa with Canned Tomatoes, Mango Habanero Salsa, Queso Blanco ,or Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for taco seasoning right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, small mason jar, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own taco mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet or spice drawer. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the diy taco seasoning mix will last for up to 6 months.

Andrea says….

I always make my own taco seasoning. Having this on hand makes taco night even quicker! We use our Taco Filling recipe with this taco seasoning every week!

Common Questions

How many tablespoons of seasoning are in store-bought packets of taco spice?

Generally, there is 1 ounce or about 2 tablespoons of store-bought taco seasoning blend in those little packets. Our recipe yields about 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade seasoning and can therefore be substituted for 1 packet.

Is taco seasoning healthy?

While there are no considerable health benefits from eating taco spice, making your own taco seasoning undoubtedly has its advantages. Firstly, there is way less added sodium in this homemade mild taco seasoning, and secondly there are no added preservatives. Our homemade taco seasoning mix is also gluten free, dairy free, vegan and keto friendly.

Can you use taco seasoning for fajitas?

This Mexican inspired blend of spices does not only taste great with taco meat. You can in fact use it for all your favorite Mexican recipes, such as fajitas, chili, or burritos, for example.

How do I use this Mexican blend of spices to make taco meat?

It doesn’t matter what type of meat you like to use for your taco night. Simply brown a pound of meat (ground beef, chicken, turkey…), then add ¼ cup of water and one batch of your own seasoning. Cook until the meat is coated and cooked through.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy)

Amazingly delicious taco spice that can be made mild or spicy and will add immense flavor to your taco meat.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American, Mexican

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade taco seasoning, replacement for taco seasoning packet, substitute for taco seasoning, taco seasoning substitute

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings tablespoons

Calories 16kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional:

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chipotle powder

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Notes

This recipe makes about 2½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning mix, which equals approximately one packet.

To Use: Cook meat (ground beef, chicken, steak) in a skillet. Add ¼ cup of water and 1 serving of taco seasoning. Stir to combine over medium heat for a few minutes until the meat is coated.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy) appeared first on Family Dinners.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe

Andrea + Stef — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:41:12 +0000

Making delicious and flavorful gravy is incredibly easy with our quick and easy au jus seasoning mix recipe. It only takes 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients to mix up this versatile seasoning blend. It is so much better than a store-bought au jus packet. Once mixed it lasts for up to 6 months on the spice rack. No matter if you are cooking a chuck roast, whole chicken or prime rib, the perfect gravy is only 15 minutes away. Combine this delightful French dip recipe with your favorite roast beef sandwich for the best French dip sandwich you have ever had.

What is Au Jus Seasoning?

“Au Jus” is a French term meaning “with juice”. It refers to the flavorful drippings of a pot roast, that can be turned into a thin gravy by boiling them down or thickening them with a cornstarch slurry. With au jus seasoning mix you can make flavorful gravy even without roasting any meat. Serve au jus gravy with roasts, turkey, chicken or French dip sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: amazing spice blend that can be used to whip up a quick scrumptious gravy for roasts, chicken, turkey or French dip sandwiches
Main Ingredients: powdered beef granules, cornstarch, onion powder, dried parsley, ground black or white pepper, garlic powder
Cooking Method: stovetop, no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time, 15 minutes cook time
Pairs well with: French dip sandwiches, pot roast, pork roast, roast chicken, prime rib
Diets: gluten free, dairy free
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk, small saucepan

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this au jus seasoning mix recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this easy au jus recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Ingredients

2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Variations and Substitutions

Beef Bouillon Granules: The color of your bouillon granules will determine the color of your gravy, if you don’t use beef pan drippings. If your bouillon is lighter or yellower your gravy will be yellower. It will still taste delicious! You can also substitute chicken bouillon granules in a pinch.

Add More Flavor: Additionally you can try adding some white wine, red wine, dark beer or Worcestershire sauce, for example, to season your prepared au jus sauce.

Bay Leaf: Add a bay leaf when you are boiling your gravy to thicken. This will add some extra savory and aromatic flavor.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this au jus seasoning mix recipe, try our easy oven-baked French Dip Sandwiches. You’ll love them because they are warm, comforting and absolutely delicious. And best of all, they are ready in only 20 minutes.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade au jus seasoning mix.

Instructions

This section shows how to make au jus mix, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

ADD WATER AND SPICES: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 cups of water or beef drippings leftover from cooking a roast. Then, add 5 teaspoons of the homemade au jus mix to the liquid and whisk until combined.

BOIL AND FINISH: Afterwards, bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes on low heat until it begins to thicken. Remove from heat and serve in a cup with a french dip sandwich.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love dipping sandwiches in sauce then you’ll love our Easy Baked Cheesy Meatball Sub Sandwich. This meatball stuffed sandwich bake is cheesy and full of flavor and tastes divine dipped into marinara sauce.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best powdered au jus seasoning mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store replacement for au jus in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Serve With Au Jus Gravy

We love to eat au jus gravy with our perfect French Dip Sandwich. But you can also serve this flavorful beef gravy with other roasted meats. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Meat Dish: Serve with Dutch Oven Pot Roast, Convection Oven Roast Chicken, Instant Pot Pork Roast, Slow Cooker Turkey or Stef’s Classic Pot Roast.

Sides: Au jus gravy tastes amazing over Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Instant Pot Brown Rice or Instant Pot Jasmine Rice.

Stef says….

Leftovers from my Copycat Chipotle Steak recipe are perfect for beef sandwiches with french dip sauce.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for au jus seasoning right away, store your own spice blend in an air-tight container, ziploc bag, small mason jar, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your homemade au jus mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet or spice drawer. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the beef au jus seasoning mix will last for up to 6 months.

Refrigerate: Store prepared au jus gravy leftovers in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Firstly make sure your au jus gravy has cooled completely. Then transfer it to a freezer safe container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. For easy portion control, we recommend freezing the au jus sauce first in an ice cube tray. As soon as the gravy cubes are solid, move them to a freezer safe bag for longer storage in the freezer.

Defrosting: A great way to thaw au jus sauce is in the refrigerator overnight.

How To Reheat

Reheat defrosted au jus gravy in a saucepan on the stove or in a covered microwave save dish in the microwave.

Common Questions

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Is this French dip au jus recipe gluten free?

Yes! Our classic au jus recipe only uses cornstarch to thicken and does not contain any all-purpose flour. It is therefore, in its original form, gluten free.

What is a French dip sandwich?

For a French dip sandwich you need a bread roll, such as a French roll, crusty French Bread, hoagie roll or any toasted bun. You could even use crescent rolls. Slice them in half and then layer tender beef slices from a beef roast, leftover roast beef or leftover prime rib onto the roll. Afterwards top with sliced cheese, such as Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, for example. Close the sandwiches, toast them in the oven and then dip them in au jus dipping sauce. For detailed instructions and tips take a look at our French Dip Sandwich Recipe.

What are beef/meat drippings?

While roast beef (roast chicken, or other meat) cooks juices or fat drippings gather at the bottom of the roasting pan. These juices that gather during the cooking process can be referred to as beef drippings, meat drippings, fat drippings, cooking liquid or pan juices.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe

Amazingly flavorful spice blend that makes the best French dip sauce and gravy in only minutes.

Course condiment, recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Keyword au jus packet substitute, au jus recipe for French dip, au jus substitute, au just packet replacement, powdered au jus seasoning mix

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 33kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
whisk
small saucepan

Ingredients

2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground black or white pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine ingredients.
Whisk to mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 cups of water or beef drippings leftover from cooking a roast. Add 5 teaspoons of the homemade au jus mix to the liquid and whisk until combined.
Bring to a boil then lower temperature to simmer for 15 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Remove from heat and serve in a cup with a french dip sandwich.

Notes

Note: The color of your bouillon granules will determine the color of your gravy, if you don’t use beef drippings. If your bouillon is lighter or yellower your gravy will be yellower. It will still taste delicious!

Nutrition

The post Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe appeared first on Family Dinners.

How To Cook Sausage In The Air Fryer

Andrea + Stef — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 18:18:57 +0000

Have you been looking for an easy way to turn your favorite sausage into a delicious dinner? Then this how to cook sausage in the air fryer recipe is just right for you. This is perfect for your favorite pre-cooked sausages. This air fryer cooking method is one of the easiest ways to make a perfectly brown, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside sausage link. It only takes 12 minutes to make air fryer sausages and the best part they cook hands off. This is simply the best way to cook sausage, since it takes less time and the sausage links come out perfect each time.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: perfectly cooked juicy sausages with crisp skin that are evenly browned all around
Main Ingredients: sausage
Cooking Method: air fryer
Nutrients: low carb with 17g protein per serving
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Pairs well with: fries, potato wedges, salads, crusty white bread
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free
Special Equipment Needed: air fryer, instant read thermometer

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this air fryer sausage recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the local grocery store! If this is your first time making these sausages in the air fryer you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Ingredients

1 lb sausage (4 links, raw in casing)

Variations and Substitutions

Sausage: You can cook any kind of delicious sausages in the air fryer, such as pork sausage, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, sweet Italian sausage, or breakfast sausage, for example.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this easy sausage recipe, try our Sausage Breakfast Pizza. Made with pizza dough, your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, sausage, and egg, this is the perfect weekend brunch recipe.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Air Fryer – This recipe requires an air fryer. We have both this Cosori air fryer, which is wonderful, and this Cuisinart Air Fryer, which we also love. The Cuisinart also has convection oven and toaster oven capacity. You can buy an air fryer with a basket with high sides that food goes into or a tray type of machine. The trays are shallow but are usually longer and can accomodate more food in a single layer.

Stef says….

I love cooking sausages in the air fryer, because it is quick, hands off and therefore perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook sausages in the air fryer, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

PREPARE: Firstly, spray the air fryer basket or tray with non-stick cooking spray. Then place the raw sausages in the basket or on the rack leaving space between the links. Do not overcrowd. In case your air fryer is not large enough, air fry uncooked sausages in batches.

COOK: Cook sausages for 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Then, flip the sausage, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees on a meat thermometer.

SERVE: Finally, remove from the air fryer. Serve.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love everything sausage then you’ll love our Rotel Dip with Sausage. You only need 3 ingredients to make this super easy, cheesy and absolutely delicious dip.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best air fryer sausage link recipe.

Tip: Make sure not to pierce the skin of the sausage before cooking, otherwise juices will escape during cooking making the sausage dry.
Tip: Add sausages in a single layer and make sure they are not touching. That way the hot air can circulate properly. For best results flip them once during air frying.
Tip: Add air fryer parchment paper to the air fryer basket to avoid smoke production, in case there are some drippings.
Tip: Make sure to adjust cook time depending on the size of the sausages and the thickness of the sausages.

What To Serve With Sausage Cooked In The Air Fryer

We love to eat air fry sausages all by themselves. But sometimes you need to serve it as a meal. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Bread: Serve sausage links cooked in the air fryer with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. Garlic French Bread is made with fresh parmesan cheese and store-bought french bread. If you have extra time make Pizza Dough Garlic Knots. These delicious garlic knots are brushed with butter, seasoning and parmesan.

Salad: Pair air fried sausages with a fresh salad. A green salad like our Easy Italian Salad or Raw Asparagus Salad with Walnuts. Or try Stef’s amazing Artichoke Rice Salad or Cesar Pasta Salad. Moreover, sauerkraut and cole slaw also taste great with sausages.

Sides: Traditionally, link sausages are served with baked beans, potato salad, Fries, Potato Wedges or Hasselback Potatoes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you love cooking a quick meal in the air fryer then try one of our other scrumptious air fryer recipes:

How To Store

Refrigerate: Let easy air fryer sausages cool completely, before transfering them to an airtight container or ziploc bag. Additionally you can put the sausages on a clean plate and cover them with aluminum foil. Then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: You can freeze cooked juicy air fryer sausage in an airtight, freezer safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight.

How To Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until heated through.

Common Questions

How do I know when my sausages are cooked through?

The best way to check if your sausage links are done is with a meat thermometer. After reaching an internal temperature of 160 degrees f, your sausages are safe to eat.

How long do sausages need to cook with the air fryer method?

The length of cooking time depends on what type of sausage you are cooking. Thin sausages generally take 8-10 minutes to cook, while thicker sausages need 10-12 minutes in the air fryer.

How do I use parchment paper in the air fryer?

It is very important to use proper parchment paper and not wax paper. You can either use specially made air fryer parchment paper liners or make your own out of regular parchment paper.

How to Cook Sausages in the Air Fryer

Perfectly cooked sausages that are quick and easy to make in the air fryer.

Course breakfast, Main Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Keyword air fryer sausage, how to cook sausage in the air fryer, sausage in air fryer, sausage links in air fryer

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 12

Total Time 13

Servings servings

Calories 345kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

Air Fryer
kitchen tongs

Ingredients

1 lb sausage 4 links, raw in casing

Instructions

Spray air fryer basket or tray with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the sausage in the basket or on the rack leaving space between the links. Do not overcrowd. If your air fryer is not large enough, cook in batches.
Cook the sausage for 8 minutes at 400°F. Flip the sausage, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees on an instant read thermometer.
Remove from the air fryer. Serve.

Notes

How To Store

Freeze: You can freeze cooked juicy air fryer sausage in an airtight, freezer safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight.

How To Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until heated through.

Nutrition

The post How To Cook Sausage In The Air Fryer appeared first on Family Dinners.

The Best Crispy Chicken Legs Recipe in the Air Fryer

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:05:53 +0000

This air fryer chicken legs recipe is an easy recipe for busy weeknights. It only uses simple ingredients and the best part, it only needs 5 minutes of prep time. Even though it is a simple recipe, it cooks to perfection in the air fryer. Extra crispy chicken skin on the outside, with tender and juicy meat on the inside. This is one of the best chicken recipes you will ever eat and the whole family will love it.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: tender meat marinated in a delicious blend of spices with extra crunchy skin
Main Ingredients: chicken legs, brown sugar, canola oil, salt, pepper and spices
Cooking Method: air fryer
Nutrients: good source of protein with 21g per serving
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time, 1 hour marinating time, 20 minutes cooking time
Pairs well with: potato sides, rice, roasted vegetables, salads
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free
Special Equipment Needed: air fryer, ziploc bag, kitchen tongs, instant read thermometer

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this crispy chicken drumsticks recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this juicy chicken drumsticks recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs Ingredients

6 chicken legs
3 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken: You can also make air fryer chicken wings, or substitute chicken breasts or other chicken parts for the drumsticks. However, cooking times may vary.

Oil: Substitute avocado oil for the canola oil.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this air fry chicken legs recipe, try Stef’s Southern Fried Chicken. You’ll love it because it comes out juicy and crispy and it only needs a few easy steps and ingredients.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook juicy chicken legs in the air fryer, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

PREPARE: Firstly, rinse drumsticks under some cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

MARINATE: Then add all dry ingredients to a large zip top bag and shake to mix well. Add raw chicken and oil to the spice mixture and shake until the whole chicken is coated. Afterwards, let chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can use a large bowl to marinate the chicken as well.

COOK: Spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Then, add chicken to the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, turning chicken halfway through.

SERVE: Using a digital meat thermometer, make sure the internal temperature of these crispy chicken legs has reached at least 165 degrees F before serving.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: In case your children don’t like eating drumsticks, combine this easy weeknight meal with a batch of Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. They are crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.

Make Ahead

You can in fact prepare the marinade and coat the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. The meat will be even more delicious with a couple of extra hours in the marinade. However, we do not recommend cooking the drumsticks ahead of time. They are best with extra crispy skin right out of the air fryer.

Oven Baked Chicken Legs

In case you do not own an air fryer you can also make this scrumptious and easy dinner recipe in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 400ºF. Then place the marinated chicken legs on a lined baking sheet and cook for 40-45 minutes in the oven. Make sure they reach a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF before serving.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best chicken drumsticks in air fryer.

Tip: Let the chicken legs marinate for at least 1 hour. However, the longer they marinate the more flavorful they will be. You can leave them for up to 24 hours.
Tip: Do not crowd the air fryer. Drumsticks should cook in a single layer without touching each other. That way the hot air can circulate properly.
Tip: Make sure the internal temperature has reached 165ºF at the thickest part. Even though chicken might look cooked on the outside, it might still be underdone in the middle.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

We love to eat this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe all by itself. But sometimes you need to serve it as a meal. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Bread: Serve this easy chicken recipe with Garlic French Bread, Pizza Dough Garlic Knots, or homemade Cornbread Muffins. Additionally, Andrea’s Copycat Lion House Rolls also go perfectly with this dish.

Salad: Pair this air fryer chicken legs recipe with a fresh salad. A green salad like our amazing Italian Salad or Strawberry Avocado Salad. Or even a Caprese Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil or Tortellini Pasta Salad.

Sides: Traditionally, air fryer drumsticks are served with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or French Fries. They would taste great with Instant Pot Broccoli, Air Fryer Pineapple or Instant Pot Jasmine Rice as well.

Low Carb: If you are looking to combine these crispy drumsticks with more low-carb dishes try our Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Fall Fruit Salad.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

We love delicious air fryer recipes for chicken, because they take less time and produce the crispiest skin and juiciest meat you have ever tasted.

How To Store

Refrigerate: Store air fryer chicken leg leftovers in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Air fry chicken drumsticks are best eaten fresh. However, you can freeze them in an airtight and freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. We do recommend freezing uncooked chicken legs rather than cooked ones.

Defrosting: A great way to defrost is in the refrigerator overnight.

Andrea says….

The air fryer is our favorite way to cook chicken drumsticks. We usually use our Chipotle Chicken Marinade on our drumsticks.

How To Reheat

You can reheat leftover air fryer drumsticks in the microwave or in the air fryer.

Common Questions

How can I add extra flavor to these crispy air fryer drumsticks?

A great way to add more flavor to meat is by topping it with compound butter. We love our Cilantro Lime Butter and Lemon Butter. Moreover, you can serve a dipping sauce alongside your chicken, such as buffalo sauce or bbq sauce, for example.

Is it Ok to freeze uncooked marinated chicken?

Yes. We actually recommend freezing the chicken raw rather than cooked. When you are ready to cook the meat, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then cook following the recipe instructions.

The Best Crispy Chicken Legs Recipe in the Air Fryer

Amazingly flavorful chicken marinated in a perfect blend of spices. It combines crunchy skin and juicy meat and goes with all your favorite sides.

Course Appetizer, Main Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Keyword air fryer chicken, air fryer drumsticks, cooking chicken legs in air fryer, crispy air fried chicken legs, crispy chicken drumsticks

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Marinade Time 1

Total Time 1 25

Servings sevings

Calories 325kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

Air Fryer
kitchen tongs
instant read thermometer

Ingredients

6 chicken legs
3 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp canola oil

Instructions

Rinse drumsticks under some cold water and pat dry with paper towel.
Add all dry ingredients to a large zip top bag and shake to mix well. Add chicken to bag with oil and shake until all the chicken is coated.
Let chicken marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
Spray air fryer with non-stick cooking spray. Add chicken to the air fryer and cook at 380°F for 20-22 minutes, turning chicken halfway through.
Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F before serving.

Notes

How To Store

Refrigerate: Store air fryer chicken leg leftovers in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Defrosting: A great way to defrost is in the refrigerator overnight.

How To Reheat

You can reheat leftover air fryer drumsticks in the microwave or in the air fryer.

More Chicken Recipes

Nutrition

The post The Best Crispy Chicken Legs Recipe in the Air Fryer appeared first on Family Dinners.