150+ Best Easy Breakfast Recipes For Busy Mornings - Foolproof Living https://foolproofliving.com/category/breakfast/ Tried & True Recipes ยท No Refined Sugars Fri, 24 Nov 2023 13:50:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://foolproofliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-icon-1-32x32.png 150+ Best Easy Breakfast Recipes For Busy Mornings - Foolproof Living https://foolproofliving.com/category/breakfast/ 32 32 Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe https://foolproofliving.com/apple-cinnamon-oatmeal/ https://foolproofliving.com/apple-cinnamon-oatmeal/#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:31:32 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=20686 I don’t know about you, but I think nothing says fall like the combination of apple, cinnamon, and walnuts. And this Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe is probably the easiest way to fill your house with the smells of fall. It tastes like apple pie, but it is healthier. If you are like me, a huge fan of apples and cinnamon, be sure to also check out our Apple Almond...

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I don’t know about you, but I think nothing says fall like the combination of apple, cinnamon, and walnuts. And this Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe is probably the easiest way to fill your house with the smells of fall. It tastes like apple pie, but it is healthier.

If you are like me, a huge fan of apples and cinnamon, be sure to also check out our Apple Almond Flour Muffins, Apple Roses, and Dairy-Free Apple Crisp recipes.

Apple and cinnamon oatmeal garnished with toppings from the top view.

Whether you are a morning person like me or someone who prefers to sleep until the last minute, I am pretty sure the unmistakably autumn aroma of this homemade apple oatmeal cooking on the stovetop will lure even the sleepiest member of your family out of bed.

It’s an easy way to set the mood for the fall season, and similar to my other breakfast bowl recipes, it’s ready in only 15 minutes. Bonus – it’s also vegan, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and gluten-free!

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal:

You probably already have a handful of ingredients you need to make this Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal in your pantry. Below is everything you need:

Ingredients for homemade apple cinnamon oatmeal from the top view.
  • Oil: We use oil to sautee apples and cinnamon before adding in the oats and milk. We use coconut oil, but avocado oil, butter, or clarified butter (also known as ghee) would also work in this apple oatmeal breakfast recipe.
  • Fresh Apples: We use Honeycrisp apples, but any other variety of apples, like Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala, and Granny Smith Apples, would also work. Peeling them is optional, but we recommend cutting them into 1-inch cubes. You can also use two different kinds of apples if you want to take your apple pie oatmeal recipe to the next level.
  • Spices: You’ll need ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
  • Nuts: We are using unsalted walnuts, but pecans or almonds would also work well in this recipe. If you have the time, we recommend toasting your nuts for a few minutes to enhance their flavors.
  • Rolled Oats: Of all the different kinds of oats, rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) are probably the easiest to find, and therefore, it is what we are using in this apple oatmeal breakfast. Use gluten-free oats if you are following a gluten-free diet. If you are new to the world of oats and want to know more about them, be sure to check out our detailed articles on Rolled Oats vs. Steel-Cut Oats and Quick Oats vs. Rolled Oats.
  • Milk: We used unsweetened almond milk, but any dairy or non-dairy milk (such as coconut milk, oat milk, or regular milk) would work in this recipe. You can also make Almond Milk from Almond Butter in a pinch. Either way, we recommend using sugar-free milk to keep it healthy.
  • Superfoods: To boost protein and to keep you full for longer, we used a tablespoon of chia seeds. However, you can also add ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, and even your favorite protein powder to up the nutrition of this apple oats recipe.
  • Sweetener: We wanted this homemade apple oatmeal recipe to be sugar-free, so instead of adding sugar to the mixture, we opted for a drizzle of maple syrup in the end. However, if you prefer it to be sweeter, you can use brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or regular granulated sugar and add it to the oatmeal mixture as you are cooking it.
  • Optional Toppings: We sprinkled our apple and cinnamon oatmeal with diced apples, walnuts, and pomegranate arils for a pop of color. However, when it comes to toppings, the sky is the limit. Feel free to add a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter (a great way to add some protein to the recipe), raisins (or cranberries), and even a dollop of vanilla yogurt.

Optional Add-ins and Substitutions:

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract is an easy way to enhance the sweet flavors of the apples.
  • Apple Juice: For a richer apple taste, consider replacing some of the milk with apple juice. A good place to start is 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice with 1 1/2 cups of milk.
  • Applesauce: While we prefer this recipe with diced and sauteed apples, you can still make this apple cinnamon breakfast with applesauce instead. Simply skip the sauteing of the apples and add 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce into the oat mixture.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Making this easy oatmeal recipe during the holiday season? A dollop of leftover maple cranberry sauce is a delicious way to sweeten it.
  • Spices: While we opted for the basic cinnamon and nutmeg, you can experiment with adding other spices, such as ground cardamom and apple spice.
  • Salt: It is optional, but as it is with any sweet recipe, adding a pinch of salt to the oatmeal mixture will help enhance and balance the sweet flavor of apples.
  • Cooking liquid: Alternatively, you can make this apple cinnamon oats recipe using water instead of milk. If you decide to do so, please keep in mind that it will be less creamy.

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal on Stove Top?

The steps to making this easy apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe are twofold, and it only takes 15 minutes from start to finish. Below are the steps:

A collage of images showing how to make cinnamon apple oatmeal step by step.
  1. Saute apples and spices: Start by heating coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add apples and sauté, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes. Add the ground cinnamon and nutmeg and cook for 10 more seconds.
  2. Make oatmeal: Add the nuts, rolled oats, milk, and chia seeds (if using). Stir to combine and cook, keeping a close eye on it and stirring occasionally until thickened for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh diced apples (or other fruits like pomegranate seeds), more nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. If preferred, you can sprinkle it with more ground cinnamon and an extra splash of milk.

On a side note, we based the recipe for this healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal on my Oatmeal with Almond Milk and Chia Seeds recipe, which happens to be one of the most popular recipes on Foolproof Living. It is a great recipe to show you how to make oatmeal on the stovetop if you are new to making oatmeal for breakfast or in need of a works-every-time recipe.

How To Meal Prep, Store, and Reheat?

One of the reasons why we love making this healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal is that it is a great meal prep-friendly breakfast recipe that you can make over the weekend and enjoy in the next few days. Perfect for busy mornings! Here is how we do it:

  • Meal Prep: Make the apple oatmeal recipe as written but refrain from adding the toppings. Divide it among four mason jars and let it cool on the counter. Once fully cooled, cover it tightly with a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, be sure to top it off with your favorite toppings.
  • Storing leftovers: Store the leftover cinnamon apple oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: While you can enjoy this recipe warm, cold, or at room temperature, we like to reheat it in the microwave if we are serving it on a crisp fall morning. To do so, transfer the apple porridge into a bowl, add a splash of milk (or water), and give it a stir. Place in the microwave and heat it in 30-second increments stirring every time until it is warmed to your liking.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal being drizzled with maple syrup.

How to make this Oatmeal recipe in the microwave?

If you’d rather make this homemade cinnamon apple oatmeal in the microwave, simply:

  • Start with cooking the apples: Sprinkle cubed apples with cinnamon and place in a large microwave-safe bowl (it should be large enough to make the whole oatmeal)
  • Add the liquid and nuts: Add in the almond milk (or water) and nuts and cook on high for 3-5 minutes, stopping and stirring every minute or so until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Assemble: Drizzle with maple syrup and add the toppings. Give it a taste and add more if you like.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

While the recipe below, as written, is pretty straightforward, there are a few things to pay attention to make flavors shine through when making this easy breakfast bowl:

  • Cooking apples for oatmeal: Do not skip the sauteeing of the apples, as it is key to bringing out their sweetness and making this a sugar-free apple cinnamon oatmeal. Additionally, cooking them ensures they soften, resulting in a more delightful texture in your oatmeal.
  • Experiment with different types of apples: While we do not think that there is such a thing as “the best apple for oatmeal,” we recommend experimenting with two (or more) different kinds of apples when making this recipe. Each type offers its unique flavor and texture, enriching the overall flavor and texture of your oatmeal.
  • Enhance and toast your spices: Consider experimenting with other spices such as cloves, star anise, ginger, apple pie spice, and allspice. However, we recommend using a very small amount to start with and then adjusting it according to your tastebuds. Furthermore, we recommend taking the time to toast your spices with the apples for a few minutes to enhance their flavors.

FAQs

How to cook apples for oatmeal?

To soften apples, use a teaspoon of coconut oil and saute them in the warm melted oil for a few minutes while stirring them often. As they cook, they release some of their juices and become sweeter and softer, making it a perfect pairing for this cinnamon oatmeal.

How to boost the nutrition of apple oatmeal?

To make this apple cinnamon porridge recipe even more nutritious, you can add a scoop of ground flaxseeds for additional fiber, a scoop of collagen for additional protein, and use less (or no sugar) in the recipe.

Is apple cinnamon oatmeal healthy?

Yes, it is, especially when made without using additional sugars. According to Healthline, when consumed on a regular basis, apples lower your chance of developing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, ground cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which help lower the risk of disease.

How much cinnamon to add to oatmeal?

You Might Also Like:

If you enjoyed this healthy apple breakfast porridge, then you will love our collection of oatmeal and apple recipes. Below are a few that we hand-picked for you:

Other Oatmeal Recipes:

Other Autumn-Inspired Apple Recipes:

If you try this Homemade Apple Oatmeal recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Apple cinnamon oatmeal in a bowl from the top view.
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is an autumn-inspired twist on plain oatmeal. Rolled oats, apples, and cinnamon simmered in almond milk with a touch of maple syrup make a delicious and healthy breakfast ready in less than 15 minutes.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 454kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil avocado oil or ghee would also work
  • 1 large apple or 2 small apples, cut into small chunks
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, plus more as topping
  • 1 cup rolled oats – Not quick cooking {I used Trader Joe's gluten free brand oats}
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds optional
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup plus more to finish
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds as garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat coconut oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add in the apples and saute for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Add in the pecans, oats, almond milk, and chia seeds (if using). Give it a stir and let it cook until thickened for about 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly during the cooking process.
  • Ladle into bowls and top them off with pomegranate seeds (or other fruit), nuts, more apples, and a slight sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Serve.

Video

Notes

  • Yields: This recipe makes about 3 cups of apple oatmeal, which is ideal for serving two people. You can multiply the recipe if you are serving a crowd. The nutritional values below are per serving and include the calories coming from the listed toppings.
  • Optional Add-ins: You can easily customize this cinnamon apple recipe according to your taste buds. A few of our favorite ways to do it are as follows:
    • Use two different types of apples
    • Add a splash of vanilla extract
    • Up the nutrition by adding other superfoods such as ground flaxseeds and hempseeds
    • Top it off with a dollop of creamy peanut butter or yogurt for additional protein
  • Meal Prep: Make the recipe as written but refrain from adding the toppings. Divide it among four mason jars and let it cool on the counter. Once fully cooled, cover it tightly with a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, top it off with your favorite toppings.
  • Storing leftovers: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: While you can enjoy this recipe warm, cold, or at room temperature, I like to reheat it in the microwave if I am serving it on a crisp fall morning. To do so, transfer the apple porridge into a bowl, add a splash of milk (or water), and give it a stir. Place in the microwave and heat it in 30-second increments stirring every time until it is warmed to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 403mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 368mg | Iron: 2mg

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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal https://foolproofliving.com/baked-oatmeal-with-date-butter-apples-and-walnuts/ https://foolproofliving.com/baked-oatmeal-with-date-butter-apples-and-walnuts/#comments Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:50:01 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=8520 This oatmeal apple bake checks all the boxes for a delectably nutritious breakfast. Still, there are so many other healthy apple breakfast recipes to try! My Farro Breakfast Bowl with Apple Cinnamon will fill your bowl with sweet cranberries and nutty quinoa crunch, while my Healthy Vegan Apple Crisp is a gluten-free recipe packed with tender, warm baked apples. Or, if you’re looking for a moist, grab-and-go option, my paleo...

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This oatmeal apple bake checks all the boxes for a delectably nutritious breakfast. Still, there are so many other healthy apple breakfast recipes to try! My Farro Breakfast Bowl with Apple Cinnamon will fill your bowl with sweet cranberries and nutty quinoa crunch, while my Healthy Vegan Apple Crisp is a gluten-free recipe packed with tender, warm baked apples. Or, if you’re looking for a moist, grab-and-go option, my paleo Apple Almond Muffins will make every morning a piece of cake.

Baked apple oatmeal sliced in a square baking dish with a spoon on the side.

Ingredients to Make This Baked Apple Oatmeal

Made with only the tastiest natural ingredients, this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal recipe is perfect for anyone looking to transform their home pantry into a gourmet breakfast.

  • Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil is a must when greasing your baking dish, ensuring that your apple oat bake doesn’t stick to the edges of the pan. However, you may also use butter or cooking spray, depending on what you have on hand.
  • Rolled oats: It’s essential that you use rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) in your baked oatmeal recipes. When considering the difference between Rolled Oats vs. Quick Oats, remember that instant oats (quick-cooking oats) will melt under high oven temperatures, and steel cut oats will come out thick and gummy.
  • Chia seeds: Though chia seeds are optional, they add deliciously nutty undertones while loading your breakfast with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. You can also incorporate other superfoods, like hemp seeds, to add nutrition to your breakfast bake.
  • Warm spices: The best way to season this healthy baked apple oatmeal recipe is with everyone’s favorite fall classics—ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. You can also add a pinch of apple pie spice for extra warm, woody overtones.
  • Baking powder and kosher salt: These two ingredients are perfect for bringing out this sweet breakfast recipe’s nuanced flavors and giving it a light, pastry-like rise.
  • Large eggs: We use two large eggs to thicken and bind this hearty breakfast recipe. However, if you prefer a vegan apple cinnamon bake, you can substitute these eggs with a flax egg. To make flax eggs, stir together two tablespoons of ground flax seed and five tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Once combined, let the mixture rest for ten minutes to thicken it. It’s ready to add to your batter when it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Milk: I used almond milk in my cinnamon apple oatmeal bake, but any of your favorite types of milk—from dairy-free options (i.e. oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.) to traditional cow’s milk—would work.
  • Unsweetened applesauce: The key to making apple-baked oats as sweet, moist, and tender as possible is preparing your baked oatmeal with applesauce. I prefer using homemade Unsweetened Applesauce because it’s vegan, smooth, and only uses a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients for the recipe from the top view with text on the image.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup: I only use ⅓ cup of maple syrup to sweeten my baked apple oats, but if you like your oatmeal sweeter, you can increase it to ½ cup.
  • Apple: Any of your favorite fresh apples would work in this apple and oatmeal bake, including Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn, and even Gala. Depending on your preference, you may also choose whether to use peeled or unpeeled apples for this recipe. However, you must cut them into even-sized cubes before adding them to your mix to ensure maximum tenderness and uniform baking.
  • Nuts: I recommend crunchy pecans, walnuts, or almonds to give your baked oatmeal a touch of earthy, buttery notes. Just be sure to give them a rough chop before adding them to your batter to ensure a balanced flavor distribution and delicious texture.
  • Dates: I love adding dates to my oatmeal recipe due to their rich flavor and chewy texture. However, other dried fruit—including raisins, cranberries, and figs—would also work.
  • Coconut or brown sugar: If you love the deep, toffee-like taste of baked sugar, you may choose to add a sprinkle of coconut sugar or light brown sugar to the top of your baked apple oatmeal.

How to Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

You don’t have to work at a diner to make this healthy baked oatmeal with apples easily. This tasty breakfast will come out with irresistibly sweet, hearty, and warm flavors in eight easy steps.

A collage of images showing how to make baked apple cinnamon oatmeal.
  1. Prep the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven heats, coat an 8×8 baking dish with coconut oil and set it aside.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir the oats, chia seeds (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and Kosher salt. Ensure the ingredients mix evenly throughout the blend.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, applesauce, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until thoroughly mixed.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix until combined.
A collage of images showing how to make apple baked oatmeal.
  1. Incorporate the add-ins: Gently fold the chopped apples, walnuts, and dates into the oat mixture.
  2. Transfer the oatmeal blend: Pour the apple oatmeal batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into a single even layer.
  3. Bake: Bake the dish for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Serve: Remove the breakfast apple bake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, drizzle it lightly with maple syrup and serve.

How to Make Ahead, Store, Freeze, and Thaw?

This apple cinnamon oatmeal bake is one of my cookbook’s most meal prep-friendly breakfast recipes. Take the stress out of your early mornings with this must-have make-ahead breakfast.

  • Make ahead: To make baked apple cinnamon oats in advance, bake the recipe and let it come to room temperature. Then, store the mixture, covered, in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Store: When storing your baked oats, let them come to room temperature first. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You may also keep your oatmeal in individual portions for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.
  • Reheat: You can reheat this recipe in the oven at 325 degrees F. for 15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-45-second intervals until warmed through.
  • Freeze: Though you can freeze this baked oatmeal recipe, it will likely come out a bit dry once thawed. However, if you freeze your baked oats, let them come to room temperature first, transfer them to an airtight container, and place them in the freezer. It’s essential, too, to cover the oats tightly to avoid freezer burn.
  • Thaw: To thaw your frozen apple oatmeal, place it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the morning.
Sliced baked oatmeal with applesauce on a plate with a spoon on the side.

What to Serve it With?

A warm cup of coffee or tea is all you need to turn this cinnamon apple baked oatmeal recipe into a five-star breakfast. However, these easy additions will add all the creamy, sweet, and moist flavors you could want from your morning meal.

  • A drizzle of maple syrup or honey: If you’re a fan of caramelly, floral flavors, I recommend topping your apple breakfast bake with maple syrup or honey. This simple addition will infuse every slice with a rich, complex taste.
  • A dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt: Add a spoonful of yogurt to this delicious breakfast, and your baked apple oatmeal recipe will come alive with cool, creamy flavors.
  • Breakfast fruit salad: What pairs better with juicy apples than a brilliant blend of your favorite fruits? Made with a customizable mix of bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and pineapple, this healthy breakfast option will delight your tastebuds with just fifteen minutes of prep.
  • Maple whipped cream: Transform this wholesome breakfast into a sweet treat the whole family will love with a small dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream.
  • A dollop of almond butter or peanut butter: If you love the nutty, tart combination of apples and peanut butter, you’ll love adding this creamy addition to your apple oatmeal breakfast bake.

Expert Tips

There’s no secret to making an oatmeal apple breakfast bake packed with warm, caramelized flavors. This expert guide has everything you need, from what oats to use to tasty serving suggestions.

  • Oats: To achieve the best texture in this easy breakfast recipe, using the correct type of oats is essential. This delicious apple cinnamon bake requires rolled (AKA old-fashioned) oats for its moist, tender consistency. Instant, quick-cook, and steel-cut oats will result in a burnt, soupy, or gummy bake.
  • Size of your casserole dish: I tested this recipe in both an 8×8 and 9×9 pan, and either size will work when following my recipe instructions. However, if you prefer to make your apple cinnamon baked oats in a larger dish, such as a 9×13 baking dish, double the recipe.
  • Baking it in a muffin tin: You can also prepare this tasty breakfast in muffin tins for perfectly portioned oatmeal cups. Simply divide the batter among the cups of a 12-cup muffin pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Adjusting the sweetness: I designed this healthy breakfast dish with mild sweetness, a moist texture, and maximum nutrition. However, if you prefer a sweeter version, feel free to add more maple syrup, coconut or brown sugar, or other sweet add-ins for a dessert-level recipe.
  • Can be served warm or cold: You can serve this delicious morning recipe warm, room temperature, or cold, depending on your preference.

Other Baked Apple Recipes

This easy apple-baked oatmeal has all the sweet, tart, and warm flavors you love in your favorite baked apple recipes. Below, you’ll find even more tasty apple recipes to satisfy all your fall cravings.

If you try this Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal in a square dish with a spoon on the side.
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal offers a healthy and wholesome start to your day. Made with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup, this healthy breakfast bake is the ultimate fall/winter oatmeal recipe.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 9 slices
Calories 271kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs* or flax eggs for vegan option (recipe below in the notes)
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cup maple syrup plus more to drizzle on top
  • 1 apple* peeled (or unpeeled) and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
  • ½ cup chopped dates optional (5-6 Medjool dates)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8×8- inch* baking dish with the coconut oil and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, stir the oats, chia seeds (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and Kosher salt until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, applesauce, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until fully combined.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the oat mixture and stir to combine.
  • Gently fold in the diced apples, walnuts, and dates.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking dish and gently spread it evenly.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool for 10 minutes and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

  • Yield: This recipe yields 9 slices of baked apple oatmeal. The nutritional values below are per slice. 
  • Size of your baking dish: You can use both an 8×8 or a 9×9 square dish to make this recipe. If you prefer to use a 9×13, we recommend doubling the recipe and baking it for 45 minutes.
  • Use flax eggs to make it vegan*: This is a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe. If you prefer to make this dish vegan, you can substitute the eggs with “flax eggs.” To make flax eggs, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds with 5 tablespoons of water, stirring to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes, then use it in place of the eggs. 
  • Apple: I used Honeycrisp apples but any type of apple you have on hand would work.
  • Make Ahead: You can bake apple oatmeal bake in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the oven at 325 degrees F for 15 minutes or microwave it (in 30-second increments) until warmed through.
  • Store: Be sure to bring the leftovers to room temperature. Then,  transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You may also keep your oatmeal in individual servings for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 2mg

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Blackberry Oatmeal Bake https://foolproofliving.com/baked-crunchy-blackberry-oatmeal/ https://foolproofliving.com/baked-crunchy-blackberry-oatmeal/#comments Sun, 10 Sep 2023 18:06:11 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=3455 Warm, natural, and healthy, this baked blackberry oatmeal is a no-brainer when it comes to filling morning meals. If you love the hearty yet nutritious taste of fresh oats, there are dozens of other mouthwatering recipes to try. Steel Cut Overnight Oats and Overnight Yogurt Oats make mornings a breeze with exceptionally creamy flavor, while Muesli offers countless ways to customize your breakfast with sweet and savory flavors. Ingredients You’ll...

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Warm, natural, and healthy, this baked blackberry oatmeal is a no-brainer when it comes to filling morning meals. If you love the hearty yet nutritious taste of fresh oats, there are dozens of other mouthwatering recipes to try. Steel Cut Overnight Oats and Overnight Yogurt Oats make mornings a breeze with exceptionally creamy flavor, while Muesli offers countless ways to customize your breakfast with sweet and savory flavors.

Baked Blackberry Oatmeal in a square baking dish from the top view.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you make blackberry breakfast recipes like this, there’s no need to spend hundreds at the grocery store. This simple oatmeal bake only uses natural, pantry-ready ingredients to start your morning.

  • Coconut oil: I use coconut oil to coat my oatmeal baking dish, though oil spray would also work. If you feel luxurious and want to give your oatmeal rich, sumptuous undertones, you may also prepare this recipe with melted butter.
  • Old-fashioned oats: Old-fashioned oats (also known as rolled oats) are my go-to for this blackberry-baked oatmeal, as their flat, round flakes are perfect for absorbing excess liquid and withstand the baking process. However, if you’re unsure about the difference between Rolled Oats vs. Quick Oats or Steel-Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats, these simple guides explain everything you need to know. Furthermore, you may also make this dish with gluten-free oats to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut: I prefer my coconut-baked oatmeal to get a mild sweetness from natural ingredients, such as maple syrup and fresh berries. However, you can also use sweetened shredded coconut to add sweetness to your breakfast.
  • Nuts: I used sliced almonds, but you can also use chopped almonds or other nuts like walnuts or pecans.
  • Chia seeds
  • Baking powder
  • Salt: You only need a pinch of salt to bring out the other nuanced flavors of this recipe.
  • Large eggs
  • Milk: Though I usually use unsweetened almond milk in this dish, any kind of milk will work, from oat milk to soy milk, cow milk, coconut milk, and beyond. If you prefer making your own milk, my Homemade Almond Milk recipe is the one I recommend.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup
  • Lemon zest
  • Frozen or fresh blackberries: I love making this blackberry breakfast with the luscious, tart flavor of fresh blackberries. However, you may also use frozen blackberries as long as you reduce the almond milk to 1⅔ cups. This reduction will help balance the added moisture in frozen berries, keeping your oatmeal from becoming watery.
Ingredients for the recipe from the top view with text on each ingredient.

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

  • Spices: This original recipe calls for ground cinnamon to give it its signature woody warmth. However, feel free to experiment with other spices, like nutmeg for a nuttier profile or cardamom for a slightly peppery dish.
  • Fruit: Any berry would work in this easy-baked oatmeal recipe, so you can mix and match according to your personal preference. If desired, you can even take this dish to the next level by transforming it into a triple-berry oatmeal bake using a mixture of juicy blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and/or blueberries.
  • Other superfoods: Want to pack this simple recipe with even more nutrients? Add a tablespoon of healthy superfoods, like hemp seeds, ground flaxseeds, and oat bran, and your breakfast will contain countless vitamins and minerals, like magnesium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Not only do these simple ingredients promote digestive and heart health, but they also add deliciously nutty undertones to this easy breakfast.
  • Other sweeteners: Don’t have any maple syrup on hand? No problem! You can also sweeten it using other natural sweeteners, like honey, coconut sugar, or brown sugar. However, if you use these sugars in your recipe, I recommend using ⅓ cup less liquid to avoid watery oatmeal.
  • Protein powders: If you want your oatmeal to boost your metabolism while promoting muscle gain and reducing late-morning cravings, add 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder.
  • Make it vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs. You can make flax eggs at home by mixing two tablespoons of ground flaxseed with five tablespoons of water until combined. Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes before adding it to your oatmeal recipe.

How to Make It

This baked oatmeal with berries recipe is a cinch to make and makes waking up a delight. In just nine steps and ten minutes of prep time, a delectable dish will be ready on your table.

A collage of images showing how to make blackberry oatmeal bake.
  1. Prep the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F., and coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with coconut oil. Set the coated dish aside.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: Stir the oats, cinnamon, shredded coconut, sliced almonds, chia seeds, baking powder, and Kosher salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and lemon zest until fully integrated.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the milk mixture into the large bowl of dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  5. Add the blackberries: Gently fold the blackberries into the oat mixture.
A couple of images showing the process of mixing and baking oatmeal with blackberries.
  1. Transfer the oatmeal: Pour the oatmeal recipe into the oiled oven-safe pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake: Cook for 35-40 minutes or until the oatmeal turns golden brown.
  3. Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Serve: Once cooled, divide the berry oatmeal bake among several bowls, garnish them with extra berries, and drizzle with maple syrup.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze?

Out of all the blackberry recipes for breakfast, this is one of the most meal prep-friendly. These simple tips will show you how to make baked oatmeal to enjoy throughout the week or freeze it for future use.

  • Storage: To store your baked blackberry oatmeal, first let it reach room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If preferred, you can also slice it and store it in single-serving portions for extra easy morning meal prep.
  • Reheat: You can reheat it in a 325-degree F. oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
  • Freeze: When freezing this recipe, let it reach room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn and store it in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
  • Thaw: To thaw your frozen blackberry oatmeal bake, place it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven for 15 minutes at 325 degrees F.

How to Serve?

Making blackberry recipes for breakfast is a great way to add creativity to the kitchen. Serve it any way you want, from a grab-and-go morning meal to a healthy dessert guaranteed to make your mouth water.

  • A cup of coffee or juice: If you’re used to busy mornings, nothing is as satisfying as serving up a piece of this oatmeal bake alongside a hot cup of coffee or fresh juice.
  • Greek Yogurt: One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with a sweet dollop of Honey Vanilla Yogurt. If you prefer a plant-based yogurt, you may also add a spoonful of coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt for an equally creamy addition.
  • Milk: Do you prefer your oatmeal bake to be a little creamier? Adding a splash of milk to your baked dish will add a rich taste and an extra helping of calcium to your breakfast.
  • Nut butters: An easy way to make this simple recipe more filling and add protein is to spread a spoonful of peanut, almond, or cashew butter over your oatmeal bake slice.
  • Sweeteners: When prepared as-is, this blackberry baked oatmeal has a mildly sweet flavor—perfect for those who don’t like their breakfasts to taste too sugary. However, if you prefer more sweetness in your morning meal, add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or more blackberries. 
  • Sauce: If you’re like me, you know that a dash of sauce is all that’s needed to bring a recipe to life. Add a dollop of Date Caramel, Applesauce, or Homemade Blueberry Sauce to give this oatmeal bake extra rich, gooey flavor.
  • Ice cream: If you want to transform this tasty breakfast recipe into an irresistible dessert, try serving it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream! Honey Vanilla Ice Cream exquisitely balances the warm, woody undertones of oatmeal, while Chocolate Honey Ice Cream is a great addition for those who love the rich taste of cocoa powder.
Baked blackberry oatmeal cut into slices and served on small plates.

Expert Tips

Want to prepare a healthy breakfast worthy of a five-star dinner? These pro tips will ensure you have zero hassle making this blackberry oatmeal breakfast loaded with tart, hearty, and sweet flavors.

  • Baking dish: I prefer to bake this dish in an 8×8-inch baking dish to get the best post-baking consistency, though you may also use the same cooking instructions for a 9×9-inch dish. To make baked oatmeal in ramekins, reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. Or, if you’re serving a crowd, you may double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 350 degrees F. for 40 minutes.
  • Serving: The beauty of this oatmeal bake recipe is that you can serve it at whatever temperature you prefer—warm, room temperature, or cold.
  • Play with the add-ins: Endlessly customizable, this oatmeal recipe allows you to experiment with whatever add-ins you like. By extension, don’t worry if you’re missing one or two of the listed add-ons or want to add more or less. This dish is perfect for accommodating personal preferences when designing the oat mixture.

FAQs

Are blackberries good in oatmeal?

Blackberries are easily my favorite baked oatmeal berry. Baked blackberries have a delectably sweet yet tart flavor, perfectly balancing the mild notes of oatmeal. Even better, these low-calorie berries are also packed with nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber, while also preventing heart disease.

Why are my baked oats soggy?

There are a few reasons your baked oatmeal might come out soggy. First off, you might have too much liquid in your mixture, either from how much milk you added or if you used frozen blackberries instead of fresh. It’s also possible you didn’t bake the recipe for enough time or that the size of your baking dish is too small. It’s also important to let your baked oats rest after baking to allow them to reabsorb their liquids. Finally, you should also consider the type of oats you use in your recipe. Instant oats and quick-cooking oats don’t have as hearty of a texture as old-fashioned oats, so they might be unable to soak up as much liquid during baking.

Other Oatmeal Recipes You Might Like

There are few better ways to start your morning with a filling, heart-healthy taste than with a bowl of warm oatmeal. These tasty recipes will ensure you never endure another bland breakfast again.

If you try this Blackberry Oatmeal Bake recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Baked Blackberry Oatmeal sliced in a baking dish with a spoon on the side.
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Blackberry Oatmeal Bake Recipe

This Blackberry Oatmeal Bake is an easy-to-make, healthy baked oatmeal recipe packed with juicy blackberries and superfoods and sweetened with maple syrup. It is a delicious morning treat that is also breakfast meal-prep friendly.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 9 slices
Calories 215kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil avocado oil, or oil spray would also work
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats aka rolled oats*
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsweetened toasted shredded coconut optional
  • ½ cup sliced almonds optional
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs or flax eggs for a vegan option
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any milk you prefer
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cup maple syrup plus more for drizzle
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
  • 2 cups fresh blackberries divided (reserving ½ cup for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8×8 inch square baking dish with the coconut oil and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, stir the rolled oats, cinnamon, shredded coconut, sliced almonds, chia seeds, baking powder, and Kosher salt until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and lemon zest, ensuring that everything is fully combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the oat mixture and stir to combine.
  • Gently fold in the blackberries.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  • When ready to serve, divide it amongst several bowls, garnish with blackberries, and drizzle with maple syrup.

Notes

  • Yield: This recipe yields 9 slices of baked oatmeal. The nutritional values below are per slice. 
  • Gluten-free rolled oats: If you are following a gluten-free diet, be sure to purchase gluten-free oats. 
  • Size of your casserole dish: You can use both an 8×8 or a 9×9 baking dish to make this recipe. If you prefer to use a 9×13, we recommend doubling the recipe and baking it for 40 minutes.
  • Sweetness: This recipe is mildly sweet. You may add an additional ¼ cup of maple syrup to the mixture if you prefer it to be sweeter.
  • Other sweeteners: Don’t have any maple syrup on hand? No problem! You can also sweeten it using other natural sweeteners, like honey, coconut sugar, or brown sugar. However, if you use these sugars in your recipe, I recommend using ⅓ cup less liquid to avoid watery oatmeal.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: We tested this recipe using both fresh and frozen berries. We found that frozen blackberries can be used in place of fresh. However, if you decide to do so, please reduce the almond milk to 1 ⅔ cup due to the extra moisture in the frozen berries.
  • Make it vegan*: This is a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe. However, if you also want it to be vegan, you can substitute the eggs with “flax eggs.” To make flax eggs, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds with 5 tablespoons of water, stirring to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes, then use it in place of the eggs.
  • Make Ahead: You can bake this baked oatmeal in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the oven at 325 degrees F for 15 minutes or microwave it (in 30-second increments) until warmed through.
  • Storage: It is best to bring leftovers to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. We recommend storing them in individual portions so you can easily reheat (if preferred) and grab and go. If stored properly in the fridge, they should be fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 267mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 2mg

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Air Fryer Garlic Bread https://foolproofliving.com/air-fryer-garlic-bread/ https://foolproofliving.com/air-fryer-garlic-bread/#comments Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:39:14 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=68957 With so much bold, warm flavor, it’s no wonder why so many people love making garlic toast in the air fryer. This simple recipe has all the robust, toasty flavor of my Roasted Garlic Butter Spread while taking as little time to make as my all-purpose Garlic Butter Sauce. You’ll go head-over-heels for all the delectable recipes you can make with these garlic butter recipes. How to Make Garlic Bread...

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With so much bold, warm flavor, it’s no wonder why so many people love making garlic toast in the air fryer. This simple recipe has all the robust, toasty flavor of my Roasted Garlic Butter Spread while taking as little time to make as my all-purpose Garlic Butter Sauce. You’ll go head-over-heels for all the delectable recipes you can make with these garlic butter recipes.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread on a plate from the top view.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You can say goodbye to complicated Italian recipes with this super-easy side dish. You only need a handful of ingredients to make air fryer homemade garlic bread.

Ingredients to make garlic bread in air fryer with sliced bread.
  • Bread: During our recipe testing, we found that the best bread for this delicious garlic bread recipe is a French baguette because of its fluffy insides and firm yet crusty exterior. Day-old bread, too, is preferable as it is drier compared to a fresh loaf. However, you can also make garlic bread with white, Italian, or French bread if you don’t have a baguette. If you want to make your own loaf, you could also whip up my favorite crusty bread, aka No-Knead Bread, for an effortless solution. However, remember that the air frying time may need to be modified based on the type of bread you are using. Irrespective of the bread variety, we recommend cutting your bread into ½-inch slices to ensure proper cooking.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for garlic bread because it keeps your side from tasting overly salty when paired with parmesan cheese. However, if you want to make this recipe without cheese, I recommend using salted butter or adding a touch of flaky sea salt or Kosher salt to your butter mixture.
  • Garlic: It’s essential to use finely minced garlic in this recipe to ensure its flavors evenly coat each slice of bread. If you prefer fresh garlic, I recommend using a garlic press (affiliate link) to chop the ingredient into an ultra-fine paste. If you don’t have any fresh garlic in your pantry, you may substitute this ingredient for an equal amount of garlic powder. You could also use Roasted Garlic Cloves instead for a rich, caramelized taste.
  • Parsley: Parsley is essential to giving this dish its herby undertones and a pop of bright color. You can use dried or fresh parsley if you chop it thinly.
  • Shredded parmesan cheese: I usually use shredded parmesan when I make cheesy garlic bread in the air fryer, giving each bite a touch of nutty, rich flavor. However, shaved parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese would also work.

How to Make Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer?

Preparing homemade garlic bread in an air fryer is a simple way to enjoy warm, perfectly toasted sides every night of the week—or even a quick snack! Plus, it only takes six steps and no lengthy oven time.

  1. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.
A collage of images showing how to make garlic bread in the air fryer.
  1. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the butter, garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese.
  2. Coat the bread slices: Spread about one teaspoon of the butter mixture onto each slice of bread, covering the entire surface.
  3. Transfer the bread: Arrange the buttered bread slices in the air fryer basket. Make sure they lay in a single layer without any overlap. If all your bread doesn’t fit, you may need to cook them in two batches.
  4. Air fry the garlic toast: Toast the garlic bread in the air fryer for approximately five minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Serve: Serve the toasted garlic bread while still warm.

How to Make Ahead, Store, Freeze, and Reheat?

This recipe for garlic bread in the air fryer is an easy way to simplify your meal prep. Prepare this recipe ahead of time for an easy crowd-ready side, or store your leftover garlic bread to enjoy throughout the week.

  • Make-ahead: To make this recipe ahead of time, make the garlic butter mixture up to one day beforehand and slice your bread into ½-inch slices. Then, store the butter mixture in an airtight container in the fridge and keep the bread slices separately, spreading the pieces with the softened butter just before air frying. If you’re preparing for a dinner party and won’t have time to spread the slices before cooking, you can also coat the bread slices with the butter mixture one day in advance. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a sheet pan, cover them tightly with stretch film or aluminum foil, and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • Storage: Bring your slices to room temperature, place them on a plate in a single layer, tightly cover them with stretch film, and store in the fridge for 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the garlic bread in the air fryer at 300 degrees F. for 2-3 minutes.
  • Freeze: Bring your slices to room temperature to make frozen garlic bread for later use. Then, place parchment paper between each of the slices to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight freezer-safe container (or Ziploc bag) in the freezer until ready to reheat.
  • Reheat: There’s no need to defrost your slices when reheating garlic bread in an air fryer. Simply place your frozen bread in a 350-degree F. air fryer for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.

What to Serve with Air Fried Garlic Bread?

Cooking garlic bread in the air fryer is one of the best ways to ensure a five-star meal any day of the week. This simple collection of recipes will satisfy any craving, from creamy pasta to light salads.

Expert Tips

It’s a cinch to toast French bread in the air fryer. With this expert guide, you’ll enjoy deliciously crisp, heartily flavored garlic bread in no time.

  • Evenly sliced bread: When making air fryer garlic bread with sliced bread, slicing your loaf into evenly thick pieces is imperative. The thickness of your slices will directly affect how long they take to cook., so I recommend cutting ½-inch portions to ensure ideal toasting. 
  • Spread butter evenly: An easy way to give each bite of your garlic bread a delectably bold flavor is to spread your butter mixture over your slices evenly. For best results, only about one teaspoon of butter per slice (granted, you are using French baguette slices), as too much will result in soggy bread.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Be sure to arrange your garlic bread in the air fryer in a single layer without any overlap to get evenly browned slices. You may have to cook this recipe in multiple batches if you have extra pieces of bread.
  • Different air fryer brands: How long it takes to air fry garlic bread may change depending on the air fryer you own. We tested this recipe both in Ninja Foodie and Instant Pot air fryers. It took slightly shorter to cook Ninja Foodi garlic bread than its Instant Pot air fryer version. Therefore, we recommend using this recipe as a general guide and watching your slices closely to ensure they’re perfectly golden brown before serving.
  • Keep a close eye on it: Because toasting French bread in an air fryer takes so little time, you must watch your bread slices while they cook to keep them from burning—especially when you add parmesan cheese.

FAQs

Making fresh garlic bread in an air fryer is a beginner-ready recipe that comes together with minimal effort. Below, I’ve answered all your questions about this easy dish, taking the stress out of the process.

Can you air-fry garlic bread?

Yes! Preparing homemade garlic bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to ensure robustly flavored, evenly toasted slices any day of the week. And the best part, it is much quicker than making it in the oven.

What is the best time and temperature to cook garlic bread in an air fryer?

I recommend air-frying your garlic bread for about five minutes at 350 degrees F. However, this time may change depending on the thickness of your slices and the brand of your air fryer.

How long to cook garlic bread in an air fryer?

When making garlic bread in an air fryer that’s not frozen, you’ll need about five minutes at 350 degrees F. to give your slices an ideal warmth and crispiness.

How long to reheat garlic bread in an air fryer?

To warm up garlic bread in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 300 degrees F. Then, toast your slices for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

How long to toast frozen garlic bread in an air fryer?

To cook frozen garlic bread, set your air fryer to 350 degrees F. and cook the slices for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.

How to cook store bought garlic bread in an air fryer?

Though instructions may vary between brands, it only takes five minutes at 350 degrees F. to air-fry Texas Toast (prepackaged.) However, keep in mind that the timing might slightly change based on the brand you are using. Therefore, we recommend watching your batches closely when making store-bought air-fried garlic bread.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You Might Also Like

No one can resist the hassle-free, tasty eats possible with an air fryer. If you liked this air fryer garlic toast, here are a few other easy air fryer recipes you might also like.

If you try this Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Air fried garlic bread on a plate from the top view.
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Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe (Fresh or Frozen)

Making fresh garlic bread in the air fryer is possibly the easiest and quickest way to treat yourself to a delicious side dish or appetizer. Not to mention, using your air fryer cuts down on the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your garlic bread in minutes.
Course Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 107kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter at room temperature (2 ounces)
  • 5 cloves garlic crushed through a garlic press or finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley or chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated (optional*)
  • 1 baguette sliced into ½-inch thick slices

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix the butter, garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese (if using) in a bowl.
  • Spread the butter mixture evenly onto each slice of bread, approximately 1 teaspoon per slice.
  • Place the garlic toast slices in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, if they don’t fit, you may have to air fry them in two batches.
  • Air fry for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve immediately while they are still warm.
  • Any leftover browned slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat in the air fryer at 300 degrees F for 2-3 minutes until warm.

Notes

  • Yields: This recipe yields 12 slices of French baguette bread. The nutritional information below is per slice.
  • Bread: You can use any other bread you have on hand. Italian bread, sourdough bread, French bread, and even ciabatta would all work. However, keep in mind that there is a direct correlation between the thickness of bread and air frying time. We recommend slicing in ½-inch slices for the best results. We also recommend day-old bread as it absorbs the garlic-butter mixture better.
  • Parmesan Cheese: If you decide to make this recipe without parmesan cheese, add in 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt into the butter mixture.
  • Garlic: We found that minced fresh garlic was way better than garlic powder. However, the two can be used interchangeably in a pinch. If you do have the time, we recommend trying this recipe with Roasted Garlic or Air Fried Garlic for truly next-level garlic bread.
  • Parsley: If you do not have dried parsley, you can substitute it with fresh, but it should be finely chopped when incorporating it into the butter mixture. Alternatively, you can use other dried or fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary. 
  • Keep in mind that individual air fryer brands may perform differently, so consider this recipe as a starting point and adjust the cook time according to your personal preference.
  • Storage: Bring your slices to room temperature, place them on a plate in a single layer, tightly cover them with stretch film, and store them in the fridge for 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the garlic bread in the air fryer at 300 degrees F. for 2-3 minutes.
  • Freeze: Bring your slices to room temperature, place parchment paper between each of the slices to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight Ziploc bag in the freezer until ready to cook.
  • Reheat: There’s no need to defrost your slices before reheating. Simply place your frozen bread in a 350-degree F. air fryer for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg

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Breakfast Fruit Salad https://foolproofliving.com/breakfast-fruit-salad/ https://foolproofliving.com/breakfast-fruit-salad/#comments Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:29:16 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=68420 This recipe is one of the most versatile of all the breakfast fruit ideas. Serve it by itself for a healthy, light breakfast, or serve it with my Fruit Yogurt Dip on the side for a tantalizingly creamy dish perfect for a beautiful brunch spread. You can even use your fruit mix to top off or incorporate it into your morning oatmeal (hello, Yogurt Overnight Oats)for a satisfying morning meal....

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This recipe is one of the most versatile of all the breakfast fruit ideas. Serve it by itself for a healthy, light breakfast, or serve it with my Fruit Yogurt Dip on the side for a tantalizingly creamy dish perfect for a beautiful brunch spread. You can even use your fruit mix to top off or incorporate it into your morning oatmeal (hello, Yogurt Overnight Oats)for a satisfying morning meal.

Fruit in a large bowl from the top view.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Fruit Breakfast Salad

You only need two sets of simple ingredients for this breakfast fruit salad recipe: the fruits and the fruit salad dressing.

Ingredients for the recipe from the top view with text written on each ingredient.

Breakfast fruits: Wondering what ingredients to include when you make fruit for breakfast? This classic mix of colorful produce will brighten your table with nutritious, brilliant flavors.

  • Pineapple: Pick out a ripe pineapple that is juicy and sweet.
  • Grapes: You can use both red and yellow grapes in this recipe. However, I would recommend getting the seedless variety.
  • Berries: Nearly any berry will make this simple morning dish full of ripe, juicy flavors. My favorite fresh berries include strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
  • Oranges
  • Kiwis
  • Banana: I adore the creamy, sweet taste of fresh bananas. However, you can omit this ingredient if you’re not a fan of the fruit or preparing this recipe beforehand.

Fruit salad dressing:

  • Orange juice and orange zest: Be sure to use fresh orange juice and orange zest when you make fruit dishes for breakfast. Fresh oranges will give your recipe a delectable balance of tartness and sweetness guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
  • Lime juice and lime zest: Fresh lime juice is the secret ingredient to giving this dish its zesty, bright flavor—and keeping your fruit fresh for longer! If you don’t have any limes, you can substitute this ingredient for lemon juice and zest.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Sweetener: Because this dish gets natural sweetness from fruits, adding an extra sweetener is optional. If you want to enhance the sweetness of your fresh fruit breakfast, add a bit of honey (or honey syrup), maple syrup, or agave. You could also use my Honey Lime Dressing as a citrus-sweet alternative to this classic fruit dressing.

Optional Add-Ins

  • Fresh mint: Amongst all fresh herbs, I think mint is the most flavorful addition to a fruit salad. Adding a few fresh leaves will enliven every bite of your breakfast fruit recipes while adding a garden-green color.
  • Shredded coconut flakes: I love using unsweetened coconut flakes as a healthy, no added sugar topping for this sweet spread. Not only do their sweet, nutty flavors complement this simple mix, but they also add an irresistibly crunchy texture.
  • Spices: To add a warm, gourmet spice to your fruit bowl recipe, you can substitute a sprinkle of cardamom, nutmeg, or poppy seeds in place of cinnamon.

Variations Based on Season and Dietary Restrictions

The best fruits for a fruit salad match the time of year. If you want to transform this easy dish into a seasonal treat or satisfy a dietary need, you’ll love this collection of tasty fruits to use.

  • Summer: Looking to fill your morning fruit bowl with a mixture of sunny, summer-ready produce? I recommend making your summer salad with peaches, plums, raspberries, nectarines, cantaloupe, honeydew, papayas, and mango.
  • Fall: Fall produce makes some of my favorite fruit breakfasts. To make an autumn fruit salad, use apples, figs, pears, and pomegranate seeds for a dish perfect for the holiday season.
  • Winter: To make a winter fruit salad perfect for special occasions, I recommend adding tart, warm-colored fruits like Mandarin oranges, blood oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and bananas.
  • Spring: When jumping into the garden-fresh spring season, you’ll want these fruits in your breakfast spread. Apricots and strawberries are some of the most spring-forward fruits in the produce aisle.
  • Low-sugar fruit salad: If you are in need of a healthy fruit salad recipe that has low quantities of sugar, I recommend using low-sugar fruits (as recommended by Healthline), like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, kiwis, and grapefruit.
  • Low-calorie fruit salad: Want to cut down on your morning calorie intake? No problem! Some of the lowest-calorie fresh fruits for breakfast include apples, berries, grapefruit, passion fruit, and stone fruits (e.g., peaches, nectarines, and apricots).

Hot to Make Fruit Salad for Breakfast?

You don’t need a home garden to make a healthy breakfast. While it takes a bit of time to chop all the fruit, once you have them ready, you can prepare a breakfast or brunch fruit salad in just four simple steps:

A collage of images showing how to make breakfast or brunch fruit salad recipe.
  1. Add the fruit: Take out a large bowl, and add the fresh strawberries, pineapple, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, cut oranges, and kiwis. Add the banana if you plan to serve this dish immediately. If you’re making this dish ahead, wait to add the banana just before serving.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, mix the orange juice, orange zest, lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Either whisk or vigorously shake everything until combined thoroughly. If you are using honey, be sure also to whisk that into the dressing.
  3. Add the dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the fruit salad and gently toss to combine.
  4. Serve: If using, garnish the fruit salad with fresh mint leaves and serve.

How To Make Ahead, Meal Prep, and Store?

It doesn’t matter whether you want a make fruit salad ahead for a crowd or an easy recipe for everyday meal prep. This simple guide will show you how to keep your salad fresh for a few additional days.

  • Make ahead: This recipe is one of the greatest brunch fruit ideas because it’s so easy to make ahead of time. Simply cut up your fruits and place them in a large mixing bowl. Then, just before serving, add the banana and drizzle the fruit with your prepared dressing.
  • Meal prep: Looking for easy breakfast fruit cup ideas? Divide the prepared fruit mixture into individual airtight cups or mason jars (or Weck Jars (affiliate link) as I did in the photo below), and store them in the fridge until ready to eat. Then, add the bananas right before serving and keep the dressing on the side. As long as they are stored in airtight containers, they should be fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Storage: You can store this sugar-free fruit salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Remember that the salad will get watery after the second day but still taste delicious.
Breakfast fruit placed in glass jars from the top view.

What to Serve with Fruit Salad for Breakfast?

Want to serve fruit for a brunch buffet or make a delicious fruit bowl for breakfast? When you make this easy recipe, you’ll discover countless ways to transform seasonal produce into a filling meal. 

Expert Tips

It doesn’t matter whether you’re serving this fruit salad for lunch or want to make a kid-friendly fruit salad your children will love. The below tips will ensure your salad is as fresh and flavorful on your first try.

  • Choose fresh fruits: The key to any good fruit breakfast is selecting high-quality fruits. Ensure your produce isn’t bruised or moldy, and try to choose adequately ripe fruit. However, avoid overly ripe fruit, as these ingredients likely won’t hold their shape and become mushy in your salad mixture.
  • Visual interest: To make the best fruit salad for a special event, I recommend using fruits in a variety of colors—red, yellow, green, and beyond! This way, it will look appetizing and add a nice pop of color to your tablescape.
  • Proper cutting: I recommend cutting your fruit into equal bite-sized pieces to ensure your salad is easy to eat. If you’re serving this recipe as a breakfast fruit plate, you can slice your larger fruits, arrange them on a plate, fill the empty spaces with strawberries, and top the spread with blueberries. 
  • Wash and dry your fruit properly: It’s essential to ensure your fruit is clean and safe to eat before incorporating it into your homemade fruit salad. However, remember that some fruits bruise easily, and washing berries requires particular gentleness. Be sure to be equal parts thorough and light when washing your produce.
  • Do not skip on the lime juice or lime zest: Because of its preservational properties, a little lime or lemon juice is a great way to prevent your fruit from browning. Plus, this addition enhances the taste of the salad by balancing its sweet flavors with an irresistible tanginess.
  • Adding banana: Some people think banana has no place as seasonal fruit for summer. However, they add a creamy, mild taste to any fresh fruit salad, and they pack tons of Vitamin C and potassium to fuel you through your day. Still, you can easily omit it if you are not a fan.
  • Dress it right before serving: I recommend dressing the salad right before serving. If you drizzle on the dressing too far in advance, your salad may become overly juicy and soggy.
  • Make it kid-friendly: The below recipe as written, is a great fruit salad for kids due to its bright color, nutritious ingredients, and sweet taste. However, depending on your kids’ age, you may want to cut your fruit into smaller or bite-sized pieces.

FAQs

Is it okay to eat a fruit salad for breakfast?

Yes! Fruit salad makes one of the healthiest options for a quick morning meal due to its high vitamin and mineral content. Plus, depending on which fruits you add, you can kick-start your day with other nutrients, such as potassium, that may help maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce your risk of diabetes, and promote immunity. With that being said, it is important to consume fruit in moderation.

Is fruit salad a healthy snack?

Definitely! Doctors recommend that people eat at least 400 grams of fruit per day (or five servings of 80 grams), so eating fruit salad as a snack will help you reach your dietary goals while reducing your risk of disease, aiding weight loss, and enhancing your body’s store of essential nutrients. However, it is always best to consult your doctor and get the best advice for your dietary requirements.

Should I peel fruits when making fruit salads?

Peeling your fruit is a personal choice for this breakfast fruit bowl recipe. However, I recommend peeling off any skins that are hard to digest, such as orange, kiwi, and banana peels.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes, but ensure your fruits are fully thawed (room temperature is best) before adding them to your mixture.

Other Fruit Breakfast Recipes

No one can resist a sweet bowl of fruit for breakfast. If you want other ingenious ways to incorporate nutritious fruit into your morning, you’ll love these simple dishes.

  • Yogurt Parfait: If you want a recipe incorporating healthy breakfast fruit with creamy, light Greek yogurt, this dish is precisely what you need.
  • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Pack all the fresh, crisp flavors of the orchard into your morning bowl with this 15-minute recipe.
  • Instant Pot Quinoa Breakfast Bowl: This vegan, gluten-free breakfast recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes and is the perfect make-ahead dish.
  • Peach Galette: Search no more for a healthy dessert. This sophisticated recipe makes for the perfect brunch dessert—especially when served with my fan favorite Honey Vanilla Ice Cream.
  • Can’t get enough? Check out all our fruity desserts.

If you try this Breakfast Fruit Salad recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Breakfast fruit salad in a bowl with a spoon on the side.
Print

Breakfast Fruit Salad Recipe

Here is a breakfast fruit salad that will help you start the day in a healthy way. Made without the use of any additional sugars, this easy fruit salad can be served by itself or as a side dish served with baked goods, eggs, or oatmeal.
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 131kcal

Ingredients

For The Fruit Salad

  • 2 cups pineapple peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup grapes rinsed and halved
  • 1 cup strawberries rinsed, hulled, and quartered
  • 1 cup blueberries rinsed
  • 1 cup blackberries rinsed
  • 1 orange peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 Kiwis peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 banana peeled and sliced – optional

For The Salad Dressing

  • ¼ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice from approximately 2 limes
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Handful of fresh mint leaves chopped – Optional

Instructions

  • Place the pineapple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cut orange, and kiwi in a large bowl. If you are serving it right away, add the banana, but if you are making it ahead of time, we recommend adding the banana right before serving.
  • To make the fruit salad dressing, combine the orange juice, orange zest, lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon* in a small bowl or mason jar. Whisk or shake vigorously to incorporate.
  • Drizzle the fruit salad with the dressing and gently toss to combine.
  • If using, garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

Notes

  • Yields: This recipe yields approximately 8-9 cups of breakfast fruit salad. The nutritional values below are for 1 serving.
  • Sweetener*: As we were working on this recipe, we wanted it to be a healthy no-sugar-added breakfast option. However, if preferred, you can add a tablespoon (or more) of honey (or honey simple syrup) to the dressing. Honey-sweetened fruit salad is slightly sweeter but has a subtle (but welcome) honey flavor.
  • Make ahead: If you want to make it ahead, simply cut up the fruit (except the banana) and prepare the dressing. Store them in separate airtight containers. Then, just before serving, add the banana and drizzle the fruit with the prepared dressing.
  • Meal prep: Divide the prepared fruit mixture into individual airtight cups, mason, or weck jars, and store them in the fridge until ready to eat. Then, add the bananas right before serving and keep the dressing on the side. As long as they are stored in airtight containers, they should be fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Storage: The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Remember that the salad will get watery after the second day but still taste delicious.
  • Making it for a crowd? Feel free to multiply the recipe as many times as you need.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 93mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg

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Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast https://foolproofliving.com/smoked-salmon-avocado-toast/ https://foolproofliving.com/smoked-salmon-avocado-toast/#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:59:06 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=66405 I love this recipe because it has light preparation, healthy ingredients, and tons of flavor. The best part, you ask? You don’t even need to use the stove or oven! With only a few minutes of prep, it deserves a spot on your weekly rotation on busy weekday mornings. And if you have a few extra minutes on the weekend, switch up your standard breakfast and try this avocado toast...

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I love this recipe because it has light preparation, healthy ingredients, and tons of flavor. The best part, you ask? You don’t even need to use the stove or oven! With only a few minutes of prep, it deserves a spot on your weekly rotation on busy weekday mornings. And if you have a few extra minutes on the weekend, switch up your standard breakfast and try this avocado toast with salmon and egg! 

If you are a salmon lover like I am, be sure to also check out my Salmon Nicose Salad, Baked Sockeye Salmon, or Salmon Coconut Soup to serve for lunch or dinner.

Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast cut in half on a plate with a knife on the side.

Ingredients 

This avocado toast with smoked salmon is great because you can make it your own by adding whatever toppings you like best. Here’s a short, simple list of ingredients that will make shopping a breeze:

Ingredients for the recipe are from the top view.
  • Bread: Feel free to choose your favorite bread. I like to use whole-grain bread, but if you make your own sourdough bread, go for it. If you want to make it extra special, treat yourself with buttery homemade Brioche. If you have dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance, try my Almond Flour Bread or any store-bought gluten-free bread you like. There are also easy-to-find keto-friendly options at the grocery store if you’re following a keto diet. Finally, you can ditch the bread and go for your favorite bagel.
  • Avocado: The store has many avocado choices, but I think Hass avocado is the most flavorful one out there. When buying avocados, be sure to pick one that is nice and ripe for easy mashing or slicing.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice will give your toast the acid it needs to wake up your taste buds. Fresh lemon (and freshly squeezed lemon juice) is preferred. Alternatively, you can use fresh lime in this recipe.
  • Cucumber: Persian cucumbers sliced thinly are my favorite for this, but English will get the job done.  
  • Smoked salmon vs. lox: While lox and smoked salmon are different things, they can be used interchangeably in this smoked salmon and avocado toast recipe. Just make sure to get a brand that you like. And if you are wondering, my favorite one is Trader Joes’, Everything But The Bagel Seasoned Salmon.
  • Spices: I use kosher salt and black pepper in terms of spices. However, if I am serving this smoked salmon breakfast toast to adults, I sometimes sprinkle it with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Optional Add-Ins

What I love most about this healthy avocado toast is that it is endlessly customizable. If you are short on time, follow the recipe as written for a 10-minute breakfast. But if you are looking for a next-level breakfast or brunch, jazz it up with one (or more) of the optional add-ins below: 

  • Soft cheese: A thin layer of cream cheese or goat cheese is a great addition to this avocado toast, but any soft cheese you have on hand would work.
  • Fresh herbs or Salad Greens: A handful of arugula, spring mix, or microgreens not only add color but also make it healthier. Alternatively, a small amount of fresh dill or parsley would make a nice addition.
  • Onions: My Pickled Red Onion recipe will give this dish a tangy bite to compliment your smoked salmon avocado toast. However, thinly sliced red onion or scallions would work nicely as well.
  • Garlic: Adding chopped garlic to your creamy avocado spread can add an extra pop of flavor. I usually opt out of garlic if I am making this on a work day, but if I am serving it to a crowd for brunch, then I add one for extra flavor.
  • Olive Oil + Flaky Salt: I usually finish this layered toast with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt.
  • Spices: Who doesn’t love Everything But the Bagel seasoning? A little goes a long way!
  • Egg on top: If eggs are a staple for you’re morning breakfast, you’re welcome to top it off with scrambled eggs or a fried egg. However, if I have the time, my favorite one is smoked salmon avocado toast that’s topped off with a poached egg.
  • Sliced tomato: Like it is with any toast recipe, adding a few slices of tomato to the layers would be a nice addition to this open-faced sandwich.
  • Olives or Capers: Use one teaspoon of chopped capers or olives for a briny bite. 

How to Make Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon

This avocado smoked salmon toast will make prep and cleanup faster than ever before. You don’t even need to cook anything. Here’s how I make it:

  1. Toast the bread: This is optional, but toasting the bread will give it a nice crispy bite. If you do, be sure to let it cool while you are working on the rest of the prep.
A collage of images showing how to make avocado lox toast.
  1. Mash or slice the avocado: Scoop your avocado into a medium size bowl and mash with a fork. Add your salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, and garlic (optional), and mix well. Give it a taste and add in if needed. Alternatively, you can slice your avocado thinly.
  2. Spread the avocado mixture: Add a layer of your mashed or sliced avocado to the bread.
  3. Top with cucumber: Arrange the sliced cucumber evenly on top.
  4. Add smoked salmon: Layer about 2 oz. of smoked salmon per person on your toast, along with the pickled red onion. 
A collage of photos showing how to assemble avocado salmon toast.
  1. Garnish: Make it your own with any of your favorite garnishes. I like microgreens and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle some Everything But the Bagel Seasoning for the finishing touch. 
  2. Serve: Once you’ve topped your toast with the desired garnishes, serve with a lemon wedge on the side.

How to Make Ahead and Store

This smoked salmon toast recipe is best when served right away. However, you can prepare some ingredients ahead of time to put together in just 5 minutes. Here’s what I recommend: 

  • Make Ahead: The most time-consuming part of this avocado toast with salmon recipe is preparing the avocado spread. However, it can be prepped in advance. So, go ahead and make it a day ahead and store it as I did in my go-to Guacamole Recipe. Here’s how to do it:
    • After making the guacamole, evenly spread it in an airtight container.
    • Cover the surface with a thin layer of water, lime, or lemon juice. We are doing this to prevent it from oxidizing.
    • Place a plastic wrap on top, and remove all the air bubbles before storing it in the refrigerator. You can also slice your cucumbers beforehand and store them in an airtight container for quick assembly. 
  • Storing: Enjoy this delicious avocado and salmon toast immediately for the best results. I’d be surprised if you have leftovers! But, if you do, then store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat them by the next day.  
Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast garnished with red onion and micro greens from the top view.

Expert Tips 

Even though this smoked salmon toast recipe is just as effortless as it is delicious, a few quick tips can take this dish to the next level. Here are a few tips to help you succeed on your first try:

  • Add lemon juice to the avocado: The best way to prevent your avocado mash from turning brown is to squeeze it with fresh lemon juice. The addition of a small amount of acid also helps with flavor, so do not skip using it.
  • It is best when assembled on the day you plan to serve: As is the case with most seafood recipes, I recommend assembling your avocado smoked salmon toast on the day you plan to serve it. If you are planning to serve a crowd, follow the make-ahead tips above to make the last-minute assembly a breeze.
  • Toast the bread lightly. This is an optional step, but toasting the bread gives this dish the perfect warm crunch.
  • Multiply the recipe. The recipe below, as written, is for two servings, but you can multiply it as many times as you need.

FAQs

Is avocado and smoked salmon good for you?

Absolutely! All the elements of this recipe make for a healthy smoked salmon breakfast. Both salmon (packed with Omega 3 fatty acids) and avocado are considered some of the healthiest fats on the planet. When you are shopping for smoked salmon at the store, be sure to check the back and buy a brand that is made with clean ingredients and without any sugars.

Other Avocado Recipes You Might Like:

Can’t get enough of avocado goodness? You are not alone. Here at Foolproof Living, we are huge fans of this versatile fruit and have many other recipes. Below are a few that we think you might like:

If you try this Avocado Smoked Salmon Toast recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Smoked Salmon Avocado toast on a plate with a knife on the side.
Print

Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast Recipe

This smoked salmon avocado toast is a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast that not only tastes great but also looks delicious. Ready in 10 minutes,  it is simple enough for a morning on the go and elevated enough for a holiday brunch like Easter, Mother's Day, or even Christmas morning.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Low Lactose
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 240kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces toast multi-grain bread and sourdough bread would all work
  • 1 large avocado ripened
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice plus lemon wedges to serve with
  • 1 garlic clove minced – optional
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ Persian cucumber peeled and sliced thinly (or English cucumber would also work)
  • 4 oz. smoked salmon packaged
  • ½ cup micro greens or arugula
  • 1 tablespoon pickled red onions optional
  • A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Everything Bagel Seasoning optional

Instructions

  • If preferred, toast your bread and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mash avocado using the back of a fork. Add lemon juice, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well. Give it a taste and add more if necessary.
  • Spread each slice of toast with the avocado mixture.
  • Top each slice with the cucumber slices.
  • Place smoked salmon pieces and pickled onion (if using) on top.
  • Garnish with microgreens and a drizzle of olive oil. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning.
  • Serve with a lemon wedge on the side.

Notes

  • Garlic: If I am making this avocado toast on a work day I omit using garlic, but if I am making it on the weekend, then I make sure to add it in. 
  • Multiply the recipe: Serving a crowd? No problem. Simply multiply the recipe as many times as you want. I usually serve 2 ounces of smoked salmon and ½ avocado per serving.
  • To Make Ahead: If you are serving this recipe to a crowd, feel free to mash the avocados in advance, but be sure to cover the surface with a thin layer of lemon juice followed by some plastic wrap to prevent oxidizing. Assemble the recipe right before serving.
  • Storing leftovers: This avocado toast is best on the day it is served. However, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 1170mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

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Spinach Peanut Butter Smoothie https://foolproofliving.com/peanut-butter-spinach-shake/ https://foolproofliving.com/peanut-butter-spinach-shake/#comments Sun, 02 Apr 2023 19:16:08 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=10022 The combination of spinach and peanut butter may sound unusual, but the creamy nuttiness of the peanut butter perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the fresh spinach. Plus, adding a frozen banana and almond milk makes this spinach banana smoothie a naturally sweet and healthy drink that is worthy of your weekly smoothie rotation.  If you enjoy smoothies like this Peanut Butter Spinach Smoothie, you might also like our Turmeric...

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The combination of spinach and peanut butter may sound unusual, but the creamy nuttiness of the peanut butter perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the fresh spinach. Plus, adding a frozen banana and almond milk makes this spinach banana smoothie a naturally sweet and healthy drink that is worthy of your weekly smoothie rotation. 

If you enjoy smoothies like this Peanut Butter Spinach Smoothie, you might also like our Turmeric Green Smoothie and Vegan Banana Smoothie, which are both packed with a variety of nutrients for a satisfying breakfast. And if you need more smoothie recipe inspiration, be sure to browse our collection of superfood smoothies.

Spinach peanut butter banana smoothie garnished with banana slices from the front view.

Ingredients

The ingredient list of this peanut butter banana spinach smoothie is short and sweet, with plenty of substitutions and optional add-ins to make it even more nutritious. Below is everything you need to know to make this healthy green smoothie your own:

Ingredients for green monster smoothie on a marble backdrop.
  • Frozen banana: I usually freeze ripe bananas when they start changing their colors. If all you have is a fresh banana (and want your smoothie to be super cold), then just add in a cup of ice cubes.
  • Natural Peanut Butter: I prefer unsalted and unsweetened creamy peanut butter to avoid added sugars and excessive sodium. However, you can also use other nut butter options like almond butter or cashew butter. And if you have nut allergies, you can substitute peanut butter with a seed butter of your choice.
  • Non-Dairy Milk: I prefer dairy free unsweetened almond milk (or vanilla almond milk), but any kind of milk would work here. Soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk would all work. 
  • Fresh Spinach Leaves: I recommend using prewashed and rinsed baby spinach for ease of use. While I prefer fresh spinach for its milder flavor, you can make it with frozen spinach as well.

Substitutions and Optional Add-Ins: 

  • Yogurt: I sometimes add in a few tablespoons of whole milk yogurt for probiotics. Both plain Greek yogurt and vanilla yogurt would work here.
  • Superfoods: If you stock your pantry with superfoods such as chia seeds, ground flax seeds (aka flaxseed meal), and hemp seeds, you can add them in. Additionally, you can add in a few tablespoons of your favorite protein powder and powdered collagen for an extra boost.
  • Other leafy greens: Use other leafy greens like kale (or blanched kale) and spring mix instead of raw spinach. Kale peanut butter smoothie is just as delicious but tastes rather earthy. You can also use swiss chard and collard greens, but I would recommend blanching them first to get rid of some of their bitterness.
  • Sweeteners: If you like your smoothie more on the sweeter side, adding a few tablespoons of maple syrup, a few pitted dates or some honey (non-vegan option) gives is a nice sweetness.
  • Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg is an easy way to give in a nice kick of flavor.

How To Make Peanut Butter Banana Spinach Smoothie?

The best part of this spinach breakfast smoothie recipe is that it takes just a few minutes to make. Simply:

A collage of photos showing how to make spinach banana peanut butter smoothie recipe.
  1. Blend: Put spinach leaves, peanut butter, milk of your choice, and frozen banana (and all the optional add-ins) into a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. 
  2. Serve: Pour into a few glasses (or mason jars) and serve right away.

How To Make Ahead and Store Spinach Banana Smoothie?

Whether you make green smoothies like this for breakfast or enjoy them as a post-workout snack, with just a few minutes of advance prep, you can have them in minutes. Here is how I do it:

  • Make Ahead: Portion out all the ingredients (except peanut butter) and place them into a Ziplock bag. Store in the fridge (or freezer). When ready to serve, dump everything in your blender along with peanut butter and blend until smooth.
  • Storing leftovers: I think this peanut butter spinach banana smoothie recipe is best on the day that it is made. However, you can place the leftovers into a mason jar, put the lid on and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just be sure to give it a good shake before serving.

Expert Tips:

  • Adjust the consistency: If you prefer your spinach banana peanut butter smoothie to have a thicker consistency add more frozen bananas along with a handful of ice cubes. And if you want it to have a thinner consistency, simply add more milk to the blender.
  • Use a high powered blender: If you make green monster smoothies like this one on the regular, I highly recommend investing in a high-speed blender. While you can make a good smoothie in any blender, a high-powered one makes it so much easier, especially when blending frozen fruit and leafy greens.
  • Chill your glass: I love serving this in the warmer summer months by the pool as an afternoon snack in a cold glass as an alternative to ice cream. I pour it into chilled glasses and serve it with a few slices of bananas and then let everyone know that I have a delicious green spinach milkshake! It disappears in minutes!
A person pouring smoothie with spinach and banana in a glass.

FAQs:

Why is spinach good in smoothies?

Adding a handful of spinach into your smoothie is a great idea because spinach is a low calorie, nutrient dense food that is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also has a mild taste that does not take over the whole smoothie and blends well with the rest of the ingredients.

Are smoothies good for losing weight?

They can be as long as they are consumed in smaller portions and without extra added sugars.

Is peanut butter good for protein smoothies?

Yes, because peanut butter is a great source of plant-based protein, with 8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons (source.) Adding a few tablespoons of peanut butter is an easy way to get a portion of your daily protein in.

Other Smoothie Recipes You Might Like:

It is no secret that green smoothies like this Spinach Banana Smoothie have a long list of benefits and incorporating them in your daily diet (especially as a substitute for your sweet cravings), will help you feel energized and full. If you agree, here are a few other smoothie recipes you might like:

If you try this healthy peanut butter green smoothie recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Peanut butter and spinach smoothie in a glass garnished with banana slices.
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Spinach Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe

Treat yourself to a refreshing Spinach Peanut Butter Smoothie, crafted with creamy peanut butter, vibrant fresh spinach and a frozen ripe banana. This naturally sweetened green smoothie is ready in 5 minutes and great as a healthy breakfast or post work-out fuel.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 257kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any other regular or plant based milk
  • 1 large banana frozen*
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter creamy and unsalted natural peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds optional – plus more as garnish

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients into a blender. Blend in high speed until smooth.
  • Pour into glasses and sprinkle with ground flaxseeds (and/or chia seeds.) Serve right away.

Notes

  • Banana: If you do not have a frozen banana, you can use a ripe one and add 1 cup of ice cubes into the blender.
  • Optional sweeteners: If you want your peanut butter smoothie to be sweeter, you can add in a few tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or a few pitted dates and blend until smooth.
  • Consistency: For a thicker smoothie, use an additional half a banana and for a thinner one, use more almond milk.
  • To Make Ahead: Portion all the ingredients (except peanut butter) and place them into a plastic bag. Store in the fridge (or freezer). When ready to serve, dump everything in your blender along with peanut butter and blend until smooth.
  • Storing leftovers: I think this peanut butter spinach banana smoothie recipe is best on the day that it is made. However, you can place the leftovers into a mason jar, put the lid on and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just be sure to give it a good shake before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2851IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 353mg | Iron: 2mg

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Brioche French Toast Casserole https://foolproofliving.com/brioche-french-toast-with-berries-and-caramel-sauce/ https://foolproofliving.com/brioche-french-toast-with-berries-and-caramel-sauce/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2023 19:04:15 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=4263 The buttery richness of brioche makes it perfect for sweet and savory recipes alike. If you’re a fan of indulgent breakfast recipes like this french toast casserole with brioche, then you’ll love my Brioche Waffles. Or, try my Brioche Hamburger Buns for a savory option that’s ideal for burgers, sliders, sandwiches, or dinner rolls!  Ingredients Besides a loaf of brioche bread, which is the star of the show in this...

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The buttery richness of brioche makes it perfect for sweet and savory recipes alike. If you’re a fan of indulgent breakfast recipes like this french toast casserole with brioche, then you’ll love my Brioche Waffles. Or, try my Brioche Hamburger Buns for a savory option that’s ideal for burgers, sliders, sandwiches, or dinner rolls! 

A brioche breakfast casserole topped with berries in a dish from the top view.

Ingredients

Besides a loaf of brioche bread, which is the star of the show in this easy recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Simply gather:

Ingredients for a casserole made with brioche bread shown from the top view.
  • Brioche loaf: You’ll need one loaf of day-old brioche bread, which you should be able to cut into about eight 1-inch slices. Day-old bread is ideal for this brioche breakfast casserole, as its dry texture evenly soaks up the milk mixture and prevents the casserole from getting soggy. I make my own brioche, but store-bought would also work for this recipe.
  • Unsalted butter
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream (or half and half)
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract 
  • Coconut sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg 
  • Kosher salt 
  • Sliced strawberries (optional)
  • Sliced almonds or other nuts (optional) 

Substitutions, Optional Toppings, & Add-Ins

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or if a few of them aren’t compatible with your dietary restrictions, rest assured that you can still enjoy this delicious french toast brioche bake with a few simple swaps. Feel free to get creative with the toppings, too! Here are a few suggestions: 

  • Type of bread: I love to use brioche for french toast because it offers a sweet, buttery richness and a fluffy texture. If you can’t find brioche at your local grocery store or don’t have the ingredients to make it, you can also make a french toast casserole with challah bread. Either buy it from the store or make your own Challah Bread for a great substitute that still provides that fluffy, rich flavor and texture. 
  • Plant-based milk: If you follow a dairy-free diet, I recommend swapping full-fat coconut milk for the whole milk in this french toast brioche casserole. The fat content in the coconut milk will help you achieve that rich, decadent texture, but keep in mind that it will slightly alter the flavor. You can also use almond milk, which will result in a thinner, less rich texture.
  • Heavy cream: If you don’t have heavy cream on hand or wish to cut down on the fat and calories, you can use an equal amount of half and half instead. For a dairy-free option, you can completely omit the cream and substitute an equal amount of dairy-free milk of your choice. Keep in mind that doing so will alter the texture and flavor of the recipe (not to say it won’t still taste delicious!). 
  • Sugar: I prefer to use coconut sugar in this recipe since it’s unrefined, but you can also use brown sugar for a similar flavor. For another refined-sugar-free option, try using maple syrup instead. If you do choose to substitute maple syrup, just use ½ cup less milk than the recipe calls for. 
  • Toppings: My favorite way to serve this easy french toast bake with brioche is to top it with fresh sliced strawberries or fresh berries, sliced almonds, and a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra sweet and indulgent baked french toast casserole topping, whip up a cinnamon Streusel Topping to sprinkle on top of the casserole before baking it in the oven. 
  • Chocolate brioche french toast: If you’re one of my chocolate-loving friends, you know that you can never go wrong with adding chocolate to a sweet breakfast recipe. You can incorporate some chocolate chips into your french brioche toast or simply sprinkle some on top before baking. Use as much chocolate as your heart desires! 

How to Make French Toast Casserole with Brioche Bread?

This french toast casserole recipe with brioche bread only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time, which is as easy as whipping up a milk and egg mixture to pour over the bread. You’ll need a little bit of patience for the resting and cook time, but it’s worth it (trust me). Here’s how to make french toast with brioche bread: 

Four images showing how to prepare a casserole with cubed brioche bread.
  1. Slice the bread and prep your baking dish: Cut your brioche slices into 1-inch cubes. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with the melted butter. 
  2. Place the bread cubes in the pan: Spread the small pieces of bread in an even layer in the prepared baking dish and set aside. 
  3. Make the milk and egg mixture: Add the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to a large bowl. Whisk until fully combined. 
  4. Pour the mixture over the bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the brioche cubes until they are evenly covered. Gently press on the bread pieces to ensure they have soaked up the liquid. 
Images showing a casserole made with French toast and topped with berries.
  1. Cover and rest: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight (for up to 8 hours). 
  2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). 
  3. Add the toppings: Remove the plastic wrap and top the casserole with sliced strawberries and almonds, if desired. 
  4. Bake: Bake the brioche bread breakfast casserole for 45-50 minutes or until it appears lightly golden brown. 
  5. Let cool and serve: Let your baked brioche french toast casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes. Serve. 

How to Make Ahead, Store, & Reheat Leftovers?

Since this brioche breakfast casserole requires some resting time, you can make it ahead. All you’ll have to do is pop it in the oven to reheat it before you’re ready to serve! You can also easily store leftovers to reheat and enjoy throughout the week. Here are some tips: 

  • Make ahead brioche french toast casserole: You can certainly prep it right before going to bed and then pop it in the oven the next morning. However, you can make it a few days (no more than 2 days) ahead as well. It goes without saying that, like any other baked bread recipe, this easy breakfast casserole with brioche is best on the day it’s made. To make ahead, follow the recipe instructions through step 5. Once it has rested for at least 2 hours, remove the plastic wrap, add your toppings of choice, and bake it for only 30-35 minutes (instead of the full 45-50). Let it cool to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the fridge. The next day, bake it for another 15-20 minutes, let it cool slightly, and serve. 
  • Store: Let your leftover brioche egg casserole cool to room temperature, tightly cover it or place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also separate your leftovers into smaller, individual airtight containers so you can reheat individual servings. 
  • Reheat: Reheat your leftover casserole in a 350-degree F oven for 15 minutes or until heated through. 

How to Serve?

Just like regular french toast, this easy brioche french toast casserole is delicious when served with a variety of sweet toppings. From a simple dusting of powdered sugar to a heaping pile of whipped cream and fresh fruit, you can make it as decadent as you’d like! It’s the perfect dish to serve for special occasions, weekend mornings, or just because. Here are my serving recommendations: 

  • Add a scoop of ice cream: Who doesn’t like dessert for breakfast? For a truly indulgent treat, top your brioche french toast bake recipe with some homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Dust on some powdered sugar: If you like to keep things simple and subtly sweet, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar on top. You can also top your brioche french toast casserole with fruit, such as fresh blueberries or strawberries, and sliced almonds.
  • Serve it with a mound of whipped cream: To amp up the creaminess of this brioche toast recipe, top it off with a heaping mound of Whipped Maple Cream. The maple flavor pairs beautifully with the rich brioche french toast recipe.
A breakfast casserole with brioche topped with berries and almonds.

Expert Tips

The key to perfect oven-baked brioche french toast is achieving a moist, rich texture on the inside and a slightly crisp, golden brown exterior. With some trial and error, I’ve learned a few simple tips and tricks that I’d like to share with you to help you achieve expert results on your first try. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Use day-old bread: Stale bread might not sound too appetizing, but it’s actually crucial to use day-old bread to keep your baked french toast brioche from getting soggy. The idea is that the dry bread will evenly soak up all the liquid while still holding its shape. If you only have fresh bread available, you can dry it out in a low-heat oven for a few minutes. I recommend 300 degrees F for about 15 minutes. 
  • Make sure the cubes aren’t too thin: Make sure to cut your bread slices into cubes no thinner than about an inch. Keeping your cubes on the thicker side will ensure they come out moist and rich instead of soggy. 
  • Alternative method: For a classic french toast option, you can cut your brioche slices in half diagonally to form two triangles per slice. Dip each triangular slice into the milk mixture (making sure to soak both sides), line them up at the bottom of the pan, pour the remaining liquid on top, and bake as instructed above. Let it cool a bit before serving. 

FAQs

Why is my french toast casserole soggy?

Your french toast recipe with brioche bread is likely to be soggy if it’s underbaked, so make sure to give it more baking time if it doesn’t appear lightly golden brown on top. Your casserole could also be soggy if you’re using too much liquid. The amount of liquid in this egg casserole with brioche bread works for a full loaf of brioche, so you may need to use less milk if your loaf is small or if you’re not using a full loaf.

Is brioche or challah better for french toast?

I personally think that brioche bread makes the best brioche french toast casserole because it’s rich and decadent, but challah bread also provides a similar richness that makes for a delicious challah french toast casserole. Feel free to use whichever you prefer!

What is the difference between brioche french toast and regular french toast?

Brioche is made with eggs and butter and is richer than regular bread, so french toast casserole using brioche bread is typically more decadent and indulgent than french toast with regular bread.

Other Brioche-Based Recipes You Can Make

I love brioche bread because not only is it delicious, but it’s also super versatile. From sweet to savory recipes, a simple loaf of brioche goes a long way. If you’re as much of a fan as I am, you’ll love these other brioche-based recipes: 

If you try this Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to leave a star rating and a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

French toast casserole made with brioche from the top view as soon as it comes out of the oven.
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Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

This Brioche French Toast Casserole is made with thick-sliced and cubed buttery brioche bread coated in a creamy milk and egg mixture and topped with fresh fruit and nuts. With just a few simple ingredients, it's the perfect breakfast or brunch dish to serve for special occasions, such as Mother's Day, Easter, or Christmas, or for a decadent weekend treat!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 538kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf brioche 8 1-inch slices (day-old bread)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar, plus more for sprinkling on top
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch kosher salt

Optional Toppings

  • 1 cup strawberries halved
  • ½ cup sliced almonds or any other nuts

Instructions

  • Slice brioche slices into small 1-inch cubes. Brush a 9X13 casserole dish with melted butter.
  • Spread the cubed brioche bread on a single layer. Set it aside.
  • In another large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  • Spread it over the bread. Gently press to ensure that brioche cubes are fully soaked with the liquid mixture.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight (for up to 8 hours).
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 C).
  • Remove the plastic wrap. If desired, top it off with halved strawberries and sprinkle it with almond slices.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top layer is lightly golden brown.
  • Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread: Stale bread might not sound too appetizing, but it’s actually crucial to use day-old bread to keep this oven-baked french toast brioche from getting soggy. If you only have fresh bread available, you can place it on a sheet pan and dry it out in a low-heat oven for a few minutes. I recommend 300 degrees F for about 15 minutes. 
  • Store-bought brioche: Please be aware that some store-bought brioche is sweetened with more sugar than my homemade version. Therefore, if you are using a store-bought brioche loaf, I recommend giving it a taste and reducing the amount of sugar used. Depending on the sweetness level of the particular brand you are using, I recommend starting with half the amount of sugar.
  • Alternative method: For more of a classic french toast option, you can cut your brioche slices in half diagonally to form two triangles per slice. Dip each triangular slice into the milk mixture (making sure to soak both sides), line them up at the bottom of the pan, pour the remaining liquid on top, and bake as instructed in the recipe card.
  • Store: Let the leftovers cool to room temperature, tightly cover or place them in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also separate your leftovers into smaller, individual airtight containers so you can reheat individual servings.
  • Reheat: Reheat your leftover casserole in a 350-degree F oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 538kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 318mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1208IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 2mg

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Almond Flour Brownies https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-brownies/ https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-brownies/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:12:49 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=38940 These homemade brownies with almond flour are so incredibly fudgy that you’d never know they were gluten-free! Sweetened with maple syrup, this extra chocolatey and easy gluten-free brownie recipe is guaranteed to be your next favorite recipe to bake when the chocolate cravings hit.  Like my Almond Flour Chocolate Cake and Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes recipes, this easy brownie recipe is easy to make. Plus, it is a great alternative to...

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These homemade brownies with almond flour are so incredibly fudgy that you’d never know they were gluten-free! Sweetened with maple syrup, this extra chocolatey and easy gluten-free brownie recipe is guaranteed to be your next favorite recipe to bake when the chocolate cravings hit. 

Like my Almond Flour Chocolate Cake and Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes recipes, this easy brownie recipe is easy to make. Plus, it is a great alternative to traditional brownies that are butter and sugar-packed and not so healthy.

Almond Flour Chocolate Brownies on top of each other

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. Made with everyday ingredients: The almond flour brownie batter comes together in one bowl in just a few minutes and uses only 7 simple ingredients, all of which are pantry staples.
  2. No different than a brownie made with regular flour: You won’t be able to detect any difference when it comes to taste and texture. Perfectly fudgy, almond flour brownies pack the same addictive chocolate flavor you’d expect from a brownie.
  3. Made with diet restrictions in mind: Like all of my almond flour recipes, compared to traditional baked goods made with all-purpose flour and butter, it uses a minimal amount of oil. It is also low-carb, grain-free (great for Passover), and paleo-friendly. Plus, thanks to the healthy fats in ground almonds, you can even count this as a healthy brownies recipe.
Almond brownies sliced into squares from the top view

Ingredients:

The ingredient profile for this gluten-free almond flour fudge brownies recipe is similar to that of my Almond Flour Chocolate Cake recipe and even my Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes recipe. (Can you tell I love almond flour desserts?)

Ingredients for almond flower brownie from the top view

In terms of ingredients, you will need:

Substitutions:

  • Oil: If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, you can substitute another neutral oil like avocado oil.
  • Almond Flour: If you cannot find it, you can make almond flour at home using a blender or food processor. This recipe can also be made with almond meal. However, almond meal brownies will be a tad bit dense compared to brownies made with almond flour.
  • Sweetener: You can swap agave nectar in place of maple syrup. You can also use honey, but I would recommend using less honey (¾ cup to 1 cup) as it is sweeter.
  • Keto Sweetener: If you are after keto almond brownies, I recommend sweetening with Keto Maple Syrup (affiliate link) sweetened with monk fruit. Liquid stevia can also be an acceptable substitute.
  • Nuts: Feel free to swap the walnuts in this almond flour brownie recipe for whichever nuts you prefer. Pistachios, pecans, sliced almonds, and even unsweetened coconut would work beautifully here!
  • Optional – Chocolate Drizzle: If you want to take this almond flour fudge brownies to the next level, I recommend drizzling them with chocolate. I prefer refined sugar free sweeteners like Enjoy Life or Lily’s dark chocolate chips (sugar free chocolate chips for the keto option) (affiliate links) for drizzling, but any of your favorite chocolate brand would work.
  • Optional – Dried or fresh fruit: If you want to make it a little bit colorful, top it off with fresh berries, or do what I do, sprinkle it with dried strawberries (affiliate link).
  • Optional – Sea Salt: You can sprinkle it with sea salt or lightly salted nuts as well. 
  • Serve them with ice cream: I can’t imagine a better way to serve these than a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream made with maple syrup on top.

How To Make Brownies with Almond Flour?

The steps to making this easy almond flour brownie recipe has 6 folds:

  1. Prepare for baking: Preheat the Oven to 350 Degrees. Line an 8X8 square baking dish with parchment paper.
Person Mixing dry ingredients for brownie with almond flour.
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together almond flour and cocoa powder in a large bowl until homogeneous, and no lumps remain.
Gluten free chocolate brownies batter is being mixed by a woman.
  1. Add Wet Ingredients: Add coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl of dry ingredients, and whisk until fully incorporated.
  2. Add the Nuts: Fold in half a cup of the nuts.
Almond meal chocolate brownies in the baking pan before and after photos.
  1. Prepare to Bake: Transfer the raw batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle it with the rest of the walnuts.
  2. Bake: Cook them for 35-40 minutes in the prepared oven or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out clean (or with a few tiny crumbs). Allow the brownies to cool for 5 minutes, and remove them from the pan onto a wire rack. Let it cool to room temperature before slicing to avoid them falling apart. Serve with coffee, milk, or plant-based milks such as almond milk.
  3. Optional step: If you are like me, and enjoy extra chocolatey, gooey brownies, then I recommend drizzling them with melted chocolate. I think the easiest way to melt chocolate is in the microwave. To do so;
    1. Place 2 oz. of your favorite chocolate chips (both semi-sweetened and unsweetened would work) in a microwave-safe glass bowl. 
    2. Microwave at high for 30 seconds. Give it a stir and then repeat in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Slice your brownies and drizzle them with melted chocolate chips.
Paleo Chocolate brownies cut into squares with a knife on the side

How To Store, Freeze and Thaw?

My favorite thing about these homemade almond flour brownies is that they get better as they sit. I recommend storing them in the refrigerator and warming them slightly before serving.

  • Storage: These gluten-free chocolate brownies will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container or plastic bag. You can also store them on your counter in the same fashion for a day as long as your kitchen stays fairly cool. 
  • Freezing: To freeze, bring brownies to room temperature, individually wrap them with parchment paper, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
  • Thawing: To thaw, let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes and warm in a low-heat (300 degrees F) oven for 10-15 minutes and serve.
Almond Brownies sliced with a knife on the side.

Expert Tips:

While this recipe for the most fudgy almond flour brownies you see below is pretty straightforward, there are a few things you can do to get the best results on your first try:

  • Room temperature ingredients: As it is with most baked goods when making these brownies, we recommend using ingredients that are at room temperature.
  • Wait for it to cool completely: We know it is hard to wait, but as it is with all almond flour desserts, these brownies need time to cool down. If you slice while they are still warm, the middle section will be (somewhat) wet, looking like it is not fully baked. Therefore, it is imperative to give them enough time to firm up.

FAQs:

Can you make brownies with almond flour?

You sure can. As a matter of fact, due to its high-fat content, brownies made with almond flour are just as fudgy, moist, and chocolate packed with a similar taste and texture to brownies made with traditional flour and butter.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

This recipe will not work without eggs or egg replacers (i.e., flax eggs or chia eggs). I find that when it comes to baking with almond flour, eggs are crucial for making them rise and stay super fudgy. If you need a vegan brownies recipe, I recommend checking out my Almond Butter Brownies recipe. It’s made with wholesome ingredients like nut butter, spelt flour, Medjool dates, coconut oil, and maple syrup. 

How many calories are in each serving of almond flour brownies?

This recipe makes 9 servings and each serving is 375 calories.

Other Almond Flour Recipes You Might Like:

If you are in need of creative and healthier gluten-free recipes made without the use of refined sugars (i.e., white sugar), you’ll like the recipes below:

This almond flour chocolate brownies recipe is adapted from Almond Flour Brownies at Allrecipes.com with changes.

If you try this for Almond Flour Brownies, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Almond flour brownie cut into squares and placed on top of each other from the front view.
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Almond Flour Brownies Recipe

Almond Flour Brownies recipe made with only 7 ingredients in one bowl. They are just the trick to satisfy your sweet tooth without going totally overboard. Fudgy, moist, and Paleo-friendly, meaning they’re gluten-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free! Plus, they get their sweetness from maple syrup, making them refined sugar-free, as well.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 9 servings
Calories 375kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups almond flour 6.3 oz.
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 2.3 oz.
  • ½ cup coconut oil melted and cooled
  • 1 ⅓ cups maple syrup at room temperature
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans chopped & divided

Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

  • 2 oz. chocolate chips i.e. Naturally sweetened Enjoy Life brand
  • 1 tablespoon dried strawberries

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8X8 square baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Mix together almond flour and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl until no lumps remain.
  • Add in coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract and whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Fold in half a cup of the nuts.
  • Transfer batter to the parchment lined pan and spread it throughout the pan using a spatula.
  • Sprinkle it with the rest of the walnuts.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with a few tiny crumbs).
  • Let it cool for 5 minutes and remove from the pan on to a wire rack. Let it cool before slicing.
  • If you are using chocolate drizzle, place the chocolate chips in a glass bowl and melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, mixing after each time until fully melted.
  • Drizzle the melted chocolate over the brownie and sprinkle with dried strawberries.
  • Slice & serve.

Video

Notes

  • To Store leftovers: Place the leftover brownies in an airtight container after they come to room temperature. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also store them on your counter in the same fashion for a day as long as your kitchen stays fairly cool. 
  • Freezing: To freeze, bring brownies to room temperature, individually wrap them with parchment paper, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
  • Thawing: To thaw, let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes, warm in a low-heat (300 degrees F) oven for 10-15 minutes, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg

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Quick Brioche Waffles https://foolproofliving.com/quick-brioche-waffles/ https://foolproofliving.com/quick-brioche-waffles/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2023 15:41:16 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=10362 Who doesn’t love to start a slow weekend morning with a warm, sweet, and decadent breakfast? If you’re looking for more indulge-worthy breakfast recipes, try my Overnight Belgian Waffles and this Gluten Free Waffle Recipe with Almond Flour. If you have some extra brioche on hand, use it to make this delicious Brioche French Toast Casserole.  Ingredients We’re keeping the ingredient list short and simple for this recipe, making it...

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Who doesn’t love to start a slow weekend morning with a warm, sweet, and decadent breakfast? If you’re looking for more indulge-worthy breakfast recipes, try my Overnight Belgian Waffles and this Gluten Free Waffle Recipe with Almond Flour. If you have some extra brioche on hand, use it to make this delicious Brioche French Toast Casserole

Brioche waffles layered with fruit from the front view.

Ingredients

We’re keeping the ingredient list short and simple for this recipe, making it easy to whip up these quick brioche waffles whenever the mood strikes. Top them off with fresh fruit and maple syrup for the perfect Sunday morning breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • For this brioche waffle recipe, gather a loaf of brioche bread, whole milk, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (optional). 
  • As optional toppings, use maple syrup, chopped seasonal fruit, and optional confectioner’s sugar. 

Ingredient Substitutions and Optional Add-Ins

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, you may not have to take a trip to the store. You can easily substitute for the bread and a few other ingredients, so feel free to be resourceful and make it your own. Here are my recommendations: 

  • Bread: The soft, fluffy texture and lightness of French brioche makes for a mouth-watering recipe, but don’t stress if your local store doesn’t carry it or if you don’t have the ingredients to make it at home. A great substitute is Challah bread, which is similar in texture and flavor. If you’d like to make Challah from scratch, try this Challah Bread Recipe
  • Milk: While I love the richness that whole milk gives this recipe, you can also use skim milk for an option that is lower in fat and calories. 
  • Sweetener: I personally find it sufficient to drizzle maple syrup over my waffles to give them some sweetness, but you can also add additional sweetener to your milk and egg mixture. I recommend adding a bit of coconut sugar, maple syrup, regular sugar, or brown sugar into the milk mixture as you’re whisking in the rest of the ingredients. 

How to Make Brioche Waffles 

This fast brioche recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, meaning you can spend less time cooking and cleaning and more time indulging. Here’s how to make them:  

  1. Slice the bread: Cut your brioche loaf into approximately 1 ½ inch slices. Set them aside. 
  2. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. You can keep your cooked brioche bread waffles in the oven to keep warm while you cook the rest of the waffles. 
  3. Preheat the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  4. Make the milk mixture: Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and (optional) maple syrup to a bowl and whisk until combined. Dip each slice of brioche into the mixture for 2-3 seconds per side. Transfer them to a baking sheet. 
  5. Cook the waffles: Spray the waffle iron with vegetable oil spray and cook each piece of brioche according to your iron’s instructions. Make sure to spray the iron before adding another slice. 
  6. Transfer to the oven: Transfer each cooked waffle onto a baking sheet and keep them in the warmed oven as you cook the rest of the waffles. Continue until all your slices are cooked. 
  7. Serve: Top each waffle with chopped fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. For additional sweetness, dust the waffles with confectioner’s sugar. 
A slice of brioche bread waffle topped off with fruit from the top view.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat 

The great thing about this fast brioche recipe is that you can make extra waffles to store and enjoy for breakfast throughout the week. All you have to do is reheat them, add your toppings of choice, and enjoy! Here are a few storage tips: 

  • Store: If you think you’ll consume the extra waffles within a few days, let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Freeze: I like to freeze my extras, so I have a quick waffle to enjoy whenever I have a busy morning. To freeze, allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in a freezer-safe, airtight container (ensure it’s airtight to prevent freezer burn). You can store them in the freezer for up to a month. 
  • Reheat: To reheat the waffles from the fridge or the freezer, pop them in the toaster or toaster oven until they’re warm.

How to Serve

This simple recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, allowing you and your family to customize the flavors to your liking. Top it off with fresh fruit and a dusting of cinnamon for a lighter option, or go crazy with the toppings to make it more indulgent. 

For a classic, subtly sweet waffle topping, add a dollop of this Whipped Maple Cream. Or, to truly indulge a sweet tooth, generously spread some Healthy Chocolate Frosting on your brioche waffles recipe. If a fruity flavor profile with natural flavoring is more your speed, add a drizzle of Pureed Blueberries

FAQs

What is the difference between a Belgian waffle and a regular waffle?

Belgian waffles and regular “American” waffles mainly differ in size and texture. Belgian waffles tend to be thick and fluffy, as they’re usually made with a yeasted dough that puffs up when cooked, while regular waffles are thin and dense. Belgian waffles are also sometimes coated with Belgian pearl sugar (sometimes referred to as Liege waffles), giving them a crispy exterior with a nice crunch.

Can you freeze brioche waffles?

Yes, you can! To freeze brioche bread waffles, allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Store them in the freezer for up to a month.

Other Quick Breakfast Recipes You Might Like

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it delicious? Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, you can find lots of breakfast inspiration here on the blog. Check out the links below for some ideas:

If you try this Waffle Brioche recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Brioche waffle topped off with fresh fruit on a plate with a fork on the side.
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Brioche Waffles Recipe

These quick brioche waffles are a great alternative to waffles made with batter, especially when you are short on time. It is made by lightly dipping slices of brioche in an egg and milk mixture and cooking them in a waffle iron. Simply make a batch eat it right away, or freeze it for later.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 Slices
Calories 236kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Brioche bread
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • Pinch salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional
  • vegetable spray
  • ½ cup seasonal fruit chopped
  • Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions

  • Slice Brioche into 1½ inch thick slices. Set aside.
  • Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees.
  • Pre-heat your waffle iron.
  • Whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using). Dip each slice into the mixture for 2-3 seconds on both sides and then transfer it to a baking sheet.
  • Spray the waffle iron with vegetable spray. Cook each slice in your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to spray again after each slice to prevent bread from sticking.
  • Transfer cooked waffles onto a rimmed baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven as you cook the rest of the slices.
  • To serve: Top them off with chopped fruit. Drizzle them with maple syrup. If preferred, sprinkle it with some confectioners’ sugar.

Video

Notes

  • Store: If you think you’ll consume the extra waffles within a few days, let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Freeze: I like to freeze my extra waffles, so I have one ready to go whenever I’m craving a quick, yummy breakfast. To freeze, allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in a freezer-safe, airtight container (make sure it’s airtight to prevent freezer burn). You can store them in the freezer for up to a month.
  • Reheat: To reheat the waffles from the fridge or the freezer, simply pop them in the toaster or toaster oven until they’re warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 535IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

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Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal https://foolproofliving.com/one-pot-savory-steel-cut-oats/ https://foolproofliving.com/one-pot-savory-steel-cut-oats/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:05:39 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=3022 Wondering what to make with that jar of steel cut oats that is hiding in the dark corners of your pantry? Well, you have come to the right place! In addition to this savory steel cut oatmeal recipe, we have crockpot steel cut oats and pressure cooker steel cut oatmeal to help you use this versatile ingredient with only a few minutes of hands-on time. New to cooking steel-cut oats?...

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Wondering what to make with that jar of steel cut oats that is hiding in the dark corners of your pantry? Well, you have come to the right place! In addition to this savory steel cut oatmeal recipe, we have crockpot steel cut oats and pressure cooker steel cut oatmeal to help you use this versatile ingredient with only a few minutes of hands-on time.

New to cooking steel-cut oats? Learn why I choose steel-cut oats over any other type of oats for my morning breakfast in this Rolled vs. Steel Cut Oats article.

A bowl of oats topped with an egg, mushrooms, and spinach from the top view.

Ingredients

To make this tasty, savory oatmeal recipe, you will need two sets of ingredients:

Ingredients for an oatmeal recipe with spinach and mushrooms from the top view.
  • Steel-cut oats: Gather vegetable stock, steel cut oats (aka Irish Oats) and kosher salt. 
  • Vegetable toppings: For the savory vegetable topping, you will need olive oil, ground cumin, ground paprika, Baby Bella mushrooms, baby spinach, a fresh garlic clove, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. 
  • Optional toppings: While they are optional, you can also top it off with fried eggs, hard-boiled eggs, soft-boiled eggs, or even poached eggs for some extra protein. I think savory oatmeal with an egg on top is a tasty, high-protein meal that happens to be one of my favorite steel cut oats dinner recipes. However, if you prefer this recipe to be vegan, you can omit it.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Quick cooking steel cut oats: Steel-cut oats do take a while to cook, so to shorten the cooking time we are soaking them overnight. However, if you can find quick cooking steel cut oats (such as Bob’s Red Mills brand – affiliate link) in your grocery store, you can skip the overnight soaking and make this creamy savory steel cut oatmeal recipe in the morning in just about 5-7 minutes. Simply, skip steps one and two of the recipe and simply follow the directions on the package to boil the quick oats with the vegetable stock (or water.) 
  • Oil: Replace the olive oil with unsalted butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil. 
  • Cooking liquid: Water or chicken broth can be used in place of vegetable stock. Use homemade chicken stock to make my savory oats, but a storebought version would also work.
  • Kale: Amongst all types of kale, my favorite ones to use are curly kale or lacinato kale as a substitution for baby spinach in this savory breakfast recipe. 
  • Fresh herbs: Alternatively, in place of greens, you can also use fresh herbs such as parsley and basil.
  • Optional mix-ins: With endless mix-in options, this steel cut oatmeal will never get boring. Add shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, chia seeds, peppers, or fresh avocado to your bowl of savory oatmeal. 

How to Make This Recipe?

Making this savory steel cut oats dish could not be easier. Here are the steps:

A person showing how to make Irish oats on the stove from the top view.
  1. Soak the steel cut oats: Bring the vegetable stock to a boil in a small saucepan. Turn the heat off and stir in the oats and salt. Cover it with a tight-fitting lid and let the oats sit overnight. 
A person showing how to sauté mushrooms and spinach from the top view.
  1. Make the toppings: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the ground cumin and paprika and cook for about a minute. Add the sliced Baby Bella mushrooms and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they are softened and have released some of their juices. Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts. Add the minced garlic (if using) and season it with salt and pepper. Set it aside while you finish making the steel cut oatmeal. 
  2. Prepare the additional toppings (optional): If you are planning to make your savory oats with egg on top, this is the best time to cook them. I like to fry mine with a bit of butter, but you can cook your eggs any way you like.
A person stirring oats in a pot from the top view.
  1. Prepare the steel-cut oatmeal: Place the pot of steel cut oats and broth back on the stove and stir it frequently while heating over medium-high heat. The steel cut oatmeal will get thicker and creamier as it cooks. If it is too thick, feel free to add ¼ cup of water (or vegetable broth) to make it the perfect consistency. Be sure to taste the oatmeal and add more seasonings if necessary. 
A bowl of oats topped with an egg and veggies from the top view.
  1. Assemble the savory steel cut oats: Scoop the steel-cut oatmeal into a bowl and top it with the mushroom spinach topping. If you are using eggs, add one (or more) on top of the warm oats. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

How to Store Leftovers?

Go ahead and put this savory steel cut oatmeal recipe on your weekly meal prep list because it can easily be made ahead and put together in a pinch when you are short on time. This is how I make ahead, store and reheat:

  • Make ahead: You can prep the steel cut oatmeal and savory toppings and store them in separate air-tight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you are ready to serve, you can reheat (following the instructions below) each component and assemble it as directed. 
  • Storing leftovers: If possible, I recommend storing the savory oatmeal and vegetable toppings in separate airtight containers. Ensure the oats and toppings are at room temperature, not hot, and then place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat the cooked oats, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after heating, until they are warm. You can also heat it on the stovetop in a small pot. Simply heat it over medium heat and stir frequently until the oats are warm, which will take about 3-5 minutes. You may need to add an extra splash of vegetable stock, coconut milk, or water to thin out the oats a little bit. 

Variations- Other Topping Ideas

I love to serve my family a big bowl of savory steel cut oatmeal because it offers numerous health benefits and, with a little bit of creativity, they can customize it to their liking. Simply take the basic recipe below and change it up with just a few additions and ingredient swaps. Get creative with whatever vegetables, spices, and herbs you have in your pantry and fridge. Think of this savory steel cut oatmeal recipe as a blank canvas!

Here are a few of my other favorite ways to make this savory steel cut oatmeal recipe:

  • Utilize your leftovers: Try using leftover sauteed veggies or roasted veggies as your savory oatmeal toppings. Baked shiitake mushrooms, sauteed asparagus, or roasted butternut squash make fantastic toppings for this dish. Using leftovers will also save you time since your toppings are already prepared! 
  • Create Indian steel cut oats: Indian-inspired steel cut oats make for an incredible breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mix a teaspoon of my golden paste into the cooked steel cut oats, then top it with some roasted chickpeas for an amazing Indian-cuisine inspired bowl of steel-cut oats. Alternatively, if you do not have the golden paste, you can use a touch of curry powder to make this recipe one of the best savory breakfasts you can make in minutes.
  • Asian savory steel cut oatmeal: Make the steel cut oatmeal topping with shiitake mushrooms, baby spinach, and sesame oil. Add a splash of soy sauce and garnish the oatmeal with edamame or steamed broccoli
  • Mediterranean steel cut oats: Make a Mediterranean bowl of steel cut oats simply by topping it with my Turkish White Bean Salad. And, if you want to take it a step further and make this savory dish umami-rich, you can mix vegetable broth (or water) with a tablespoon of tomato paste. 
  • Mexican steel cut oats: Add a little ground cumin, coriander, and red chili powder to make a flavorful, Mexican-style steel-cut oats breakfast. Taking inspiration from my Mexican Quinoa recipe, you can make a warm topping by sauteing some onions, tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapenos, and black beans to use as a topping. Some fresh avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, or a few tablespoons of pickled Mexican red onion are also great oatmeal toppings.
A bowl with grains, eggs, and veggies with a fork from the top view.

Other Ways of Cooking Savory Steel Cut Oats

I like to make overnight steel-cut oats as it is a very hands-off recipe. However, you can make steel cut oats in different ways. Here are a few other methods you may want to try:

Stove Top

Bring your vegetable broth to a boil, then add the steel-cut oats. Let the oats simmer over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes. The liquid will be completely absorbed, and the oats will be tender and soft. Be sure to keep a close eye on it and stir it a few times during cooking.

Slow Cooker

To cook steel cut oats in the crockpot, add vegetable stock, steel-cut oats, and salt to a slow cooker. Cover and cook over low heat for 4-5 hours. If you need to know more about this cooking method, check out my detailed recipe for crockpot steel cut oatmeal.

Instant Pot

Stir the vegetable stock, steel-cut oats, and salt in the bowl of your pressure cooker. Cover, seal and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, open the lid, give it a stir, and ladle it into bowls. For more information on cooking oats in a pressure cooker, check out my Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats in this recipe?

You can use this recipe to make savory oatmeal with rolled oats with a few adjustments. Simply bring the vegetable broth to a boil and then add 1 cup of rolled oats. Simmer the rolled oats for 5-7 minutes or until creamy, stirring frequently while cooking. While that is cooking, make the savory oatmeal toppings and assemble the savory oatmeal as directed in the instructions.

Can I use quick cooking steel cut oats in this recipe?

Yes, you can use quick cooking steel cut oats. However, since they cook much faster there is no need to let the quick-cooking oats sit overnight. Simply follow these preparation instructions on the packaging to cook them.

Are steel cut oats good for weight loss?

Studies have shown that steel-cut oats may be good for weight loss mainly because, as a whole, grain oats are packed with fiber. Therefore, including oats in your daily diet may contribute to the feeling of fullness, which in turn helps you with consuming fewer calories.

Other Oatmeal Breakfasts You Might Like

If you are a fan of recipes with steel cut oats, chances are you often enjoy a bowl of oatmeal in the morning. Below are a few more oatmeal recipes you might like:

If you try this Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe, please take a minute to leave a comment or even a picture below. It is great to hear how much you love the recipes on my site and will help others who may be planning to make the recipe. And, if you took any pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories. Enjoy!

Savory steel cut oatmeal topped off with veggies and a fried egg on top.
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Savory Steel Cut Oats Recipe

This Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal is packed with fresh veggies and fragrant spices for a hearty, filling meal that will fuel your day. Customize it with add-ins and toppings to accommodate your family's preferences and serve it for an easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American Vegetarian
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Overnight Soak 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 417kcal

Ingredients

For The Steel Cut Oats

  • 2 cups vegetable stock or water plus a bit more if needed
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For The Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground paprika
  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms sliced / or any other one of your favorite mushrooms
  • 5 oz. fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 clove garlic minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder – optional
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs – fried or soft boiled – optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • To soak steel cut oats: Place vegetable stock (or water) in a medium saucepan with a lid. Bring it to a boil. Off the heat, stir in the steel-cut oats and salt. Cover it with the lid and let it sit on the kitchen counter overnight.
  • To make the veggie topping: In the morning, before cooking the steel-cut oatmeal, prepare the topping. To do so, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spices and cook them for a minute or so.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until they are fully cooked, for about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, for 3-4 minutes.
  • If using, add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Finish it off with salt and pepper and set it aside.
  • To prepare the savory steel-cut oatmeal: Put the saucepan back on the stove and heat it over medium heat. Stir it frequently using a wooden spoon to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. As it cooks, the excess liquid will evaporate, and the steel-cut oatmeal will form a thicker and creamier texture. If it gets too thick, feel free to add ¼ cup of water (or vegetable broth) to thin it out. This process happens in 3-4 minutes, so do not leave site of it.
  • Taste steel-cut oatmeal for seasoning and add more if necessary.
  • When ready to serve, ladle steel-cut oatmeal into a bowl. Top it off with cooked mushrooms and spinach. If using, add a fried egg on top.
  • Finish it off with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes. Serve.

Video

Notes

  • Serving size: This recipe yields about 2 to 2 1/4 cups of cooked steel cut oatmeal. I listed it as 2 servings (as shown in the photos), but if you keep the portions smaller, it could be served to 4 people. 
  • Steel cut oats: If you are following a gluten-free diet, be sure to purchase gluten-free certified steel cut oats.
  • Make-Ahead Instructions: You can prep the steel cut oatmeal and the toppings and store them in separate air-tight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you are ready to serve, you can reheat each component and assemble it as directed. 
  • Storing Leftovers: I recommend storing the savory oatmeal and vegetable toppings in separate airtight containers if you can. Bring them to room temperature and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, microwave the steel-cut oatmeal in 30-second increments, stirring after heating, until they are warm. You can also heat it on the stovetop in a small pot. Simply heat it over medium heat and stir frequently until the oats are warm, which will take about 3-5 minutes. You may need to add an extra splash of vegetable stock, coconut milk, or water to thin out the oats a little bit.
  • Nutrition Information: The calorie and nutrition information below does not include the optional egg on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 647mg | Potassium: 931mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 6934IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 6mg

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Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats https://foolproofliving.com/slow-cooker-steel-cut-oats/ https://foolproofliving.com/slow-cooker-steel-cut-oats/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2023 20:26:08 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=11808 Today’s recipe, Crockpot steel cut oatmeal, is the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast. It only takes five minutes to put together, and you can flavor your oats with dozens of delectable add-ins. Plus, unlike other crockpot oatmeal you’ll find on the internet, my simple recipe uses a water bath and a small casserole dish or mason jars to eliminate the hassle of cleanup—perfect for a busy morning or to make for a...

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Today’s recipe, Crockpot steel cut oatmeal, is the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast. It only takes five minutes to put together, and you can flavor your oats with dozens of delectable add-ins.

Plus, unlike other crockpot oatmeal you’ll find on the internet, my simple recipe uses a water bath and a small casserole dish or mason jars to eliminate the hassle of cleanup—perfect for a busy morning or to make for a crowd. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a morning person or not, you’ll love the chewy texture of these steel cut crock pot oats.

A bowl of slow cooker steel cut oatmeal garnished with fruit and nuts.

Ingredients

To make this recipe for steel-cut oats in a crock pot, you only need a handful of pantry-ready ingredients: 

  • Steel-Cut Oats: When selecting types of oats for this oatmeal recipe, I recommend using steel cut oats—sometimes called “Irish oats.” As mentioned in this article on Steel Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats, steel cut oats are less processed and have a lower glycemic index than any of the different kinds of oats in the market. Also, rolled oats have a softer texture and don’t do well in slow cookers. Bob’s Red Mill (affiliate link) is one of my favorite steel-cut oats brands and is available in most grocery stores.
  • Liquid: You can use water, plant-based or regular milk, or a combination of the two when you slow cook steel cut oats. Any other natural plant milk will work if you don’t want to use dairy milk. My favorite is unsweetened almond milk, which you can make at home using my easy recipe for DIY Almond Milk. I also like unsweetened coconut milk and oat milk.
  • Sweetener: To give your crockpot steel cut oats natural, low-calorie sweetness, I recommend adding in a mashed ripe banana or applesauce (hello, Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce!). Or better yet, make a batch of my Breakfast Fruit Salad and use it as a healthy unsweetened option for topping. These tasty ingredients will satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar. 
  • Salt: A pinch of salt is the key to brightening up the sweet, creamy flavor of your slow cooker overnight oats.
  • Toppings (optional): Garnish your steel-cut oats with fresh berries, homemade chunky granola, or unsweetened coconut flakes for a light, sweet take on this classic dish. Or, give your breakfast extra protein by adding peanut butter (or any other nut butter), a handful of nuts, or your favorite granola.
  • Add-ins: Who says you have to eat slow cooker steel cut oats plain? Adding a dash of spices, like cardamom, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice, is an easy way to give your oats a warm, fragrant flavor. Or, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract to give each bite sweet undertones. You can even add protein powders to your overnight crockpot steel cut oats for extra nutrition.
Ingredients to make this recipe from the top view on a marble backdrop.

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Variations

  • Apple cinnamon: If you like apple pie, you’ll love apple cinnamon steel cut oats from the crockpot. You can use either sauteed apples, as I did in my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, or shredded apples, as I did in my Overnight Muesli. Finish your bowl with a pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick, and voila! Delicious and healthy slow cooker oatmeal.
  • Blueberry: Nothing brightens a weekday morning like a bowl of oatmeal flavored with Pureed Blueberries or Homemade Blueberry Sauce. These ingredients transform your hot breakfast into a fruity delight full of antioxidants.
  • Cranberry sauce: Adding a dollop of my naturally sweetened Cranberry Sauce is a festive, vegan way to give your slow cook oatmeal irresistible tartness. Plus, it’s an excellent use of holiday leftovers!
  • Other sweeteners: For those who love pancakes and syrup, maple steel cut oats will be your new favorite weekday breakfast. Top your crockpot steel cut oats with maple brown sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey, and enjoy.

Equipment You’ll Need

If desired, you can make this steel cut oatmeal recipe directly in the insert of the slow cooker. Spraying the insert with cooking spray or using a crockpot liner (affiliate link) will help make cleaning easier.

However, I recommend cooking your oatmeal in an additional heat-resistant, waterproof bowl—such as a casserole dish, mason jar (I use the widely available 16 oz. jars – affiliate link), or ramekin. The key is to find a container that will fit in the bowl of your slow cooker.

This extra layer ensures easy portioning and mess-free cleanup.

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats in a Crock Pot?

My slow cooker steel cut oats recipe takes the hassle out of overnight oatmeal. Once you combine your ingredients, you can set it and forget it with this effortless breakfast.

Steps showing how to assemble the oats and milk in a crock pot using a casserole dish or mason jars.
  1. Combine the ingredients: Select a heat-resistant bowl, mason jar, or small casserole dish that will fit in your slow cooker. Mix the steel cut oats, water, almond milk, mashed banana, and salt inside the selected bowl.
A collage of photos showing how to make steel cut oatmeal in a crockpot using the two methods mentioned in the article.
  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Place your oat-filled dish inside your crockpot, and fill the insert halfway with water.
  2. Cook the oatmeal: Put on the lid and cook the steel cut oats in the crockpot for four hours in a low-heat setting. For a thicker consistency, let the oatmeal cook for up to five hours at low heat.
A collage of photos showing how to assemble and store crock-pot oatmeal.
  1. Serve: Divide the overnight oats among four bowls. Top each off with fresh fruit, nut butter, or other favorite toppings. If you made your slow-cooking oats in mason jars, serve them in the jars with your toppings of choice.

How to Store, Reheat, Freeze, and Thaw?

Making steel cut oatmeal in a slow cooker is a fantastic way to relieve morning meal prep stress. With these storage tips, you’ll never have to worry about preparing breakfast again.

  • Storage: To store crock-pot steel cut oats, let the mixture reach room temperature. Then, store in an airtight container and place in the fridge. If you prepared your oats in mason jars, screw on the jars’ lids for an airtight seal.
  • Reheat: When reheating your slow-cooked oatmeal recipe, place the oats in a microwaveable bowl and add a splash of water or milk. Then, microwave the mixture for about 1½ minutes, stirring the oats every thirty seconds.
  • Freeze: To freeze, divide your overnight slow cooker oatmeal into a 12-cup muffin tin and freeze for 4-5 hours. Then, transfer the frozen oatmeal cups into a Ziploc bag, remove as much air as possible, and store them in the freezer. You can reheat the frozen oatmeal by placing it in a microwaveable bowl with a little water or milk and microwaving it for 1-2 minutes. 
  • Thaw: If you’d prefer not to microwave your steel-cut oats straight from the freezer, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to eat them the next day to ensure freshness.

Expert Tips

Preparing steel cut oats in a crockpot is one of the easiest ways to start your morning with nutritious, hearty eats. Even beginners can make irresistibly creamy oatmeal with these pro instructions.

  • Warm heat setting for overnight: Slow-cooked oatmeal begins to dry out after 4-5 hours in the crockpot. To maintain your oats’ creamy texture, I suggest turning your slow cooker to a warm heat setting after 4 hours and keeping it on “warm” until you’re ready to eat.
  • Stir your oatmeal before serving: Because slow cookers don’t mix their ingredients during the cooking process, stirring your slow cooker oats is essential for creamy, lump-free oatmeal.
  • Halve or multiply the recipe: You can make this crockpot oatmeal for a crowd or a single serving with my water bath method. Simply halve the recipe (ideal if you want to make a mini crockpot oatmeal) and cook it in a smaller dish, or multiply it and use a larger dish. The water bath will ensure your oatmeal comes out perfectly chewy no matter how many servings you prepare.
  • Cooking times may vary: The amount of time it takes to cook overnight oatmeal in a crockpot may change depending on your specific slow cooker. Use this recipe as a base and adjust your cooking time depending on how quickly or slowly your oats cook.
Slow cooker oatmeal with steel cut oats cooked in mason jars from the top view.

FAQs

You don’t need to stress over this easy steel cut oats in slow cooker recipe. Whether you’re looking for the perfect oat-to-liquid ratio or ideal cook times, this simple guide has everything you need.

What is the water-to-steel cut oats ratio?

For the best slow cooker steel cut oats, I recommend using a 1:4 ratio of oats to liquid. In other words, for every cup of steel cut oats, you will need 4 cups of liquid (water, milk or a combination of the two.)

How long does it take to cook steel cut oats in a slow cooker?

I recommend cooking your steel cut oats in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on a low-heat setting. After that time, switch your slow cooker to a warm heat setting to keep your oatmeal from drying out.

Other Oatmeal Recipes You Might Like

Once you taste the creamy decadence of steel cut oatmeal in a crock pot, you’ll crave oatmeal every day of the week. These healthy oat recipes will help you start each day well.

If you try this Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Slow Cooker steel cut oatmeal in a bowl from the top view.
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Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats Recipe

Who knew that the best way to make steel cut oatmeal is to use your crock pot and cook the oats in a bowl in hot bath? Read through the post and recipe below to learn my foolproof method to make the best overnight slow cooker steel cut oats only to wake up to a bowl of warm steel cuts oats in the morning.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 172kcal

Ingredients

For The Steel Cut Oats:

  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any of your favorite plant based or cow’s milk
  • 1 cup mashed banana from one small banana or ½ cup of applesauce
  • Pinch Salt

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 cup seasonal fruit chopped
  • Nuts or nut butters as garnish

Instructions

  • Mix together the steel cut oats, water, almond milk, mashed banana and salt in a heat-resistant bowl (or a small casserole dish) that will fit in your slow cooker*. Alternatively, you can divide the ingredients (¼ cup steel-cut oats and 1 cup of liquid per jar) among four mason jars. Be sure to stir it well.
  • Place the casserole dish (or mason jars) in the bowl of your crock pot. Fill the bowl halfway through with water.
  • Put the lid on and cook for 4 hours in a low-heat setting for a super creamy consistency. If you want it to be thicker, you can let it cook for up to 5 hours in a low heat setting*.
  • When ready to serve, divide it between 4 bowls and top each cup off with fresh fruit, nut butter, or any other one of your favorite toppings. If you cooked them in mason jars, serve them in the jars with your toppings of choice.

Notes

  • Serving size: Each serving of this recipe is between 2/3 cup to a cup.
  • Crockpot size: The size of my slow cooker is 6 1/2 quarts (a model that is no longer produced.) 
  • Warm heat setting: To maintain the creamy texture of your steel cut oatmeal, I suggest turning your slow cooker to a warm heat setting after 4 hours and keeping it on “warm” until you’re ready to eat. This is especially necessary if you are cooking it overnight.
  • Prefer not to use the water bath method? If you prefer to cook your steel-cut oats in the bowl of your slow cooker instead, you can put all the ingredients in the bowl. I recommend using cooking spray before adding everything in. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker liner to make cleaning easier. The timing would not change.
  • Cook times may vary: It is no secret that every brand of the slow cooker is different, so the timing might change slightly. My recommendation is to use this basic recipe as a starting point and alter the cooking time according to your own crock pot.
  • Storage: To store leftover oatmeal, let it come to room temperature. Then, store in an airtight container and place in the fridge. If you prepared your oats in mason jars, screw on the jars’ lids for an airtight seal.
  • Reheat: When reheating, place the oats in a microwaveable bowl and add a splash of water or milk. Then, microwave the mixture for about 1½ minutes, making sure to stir the oats every thirty seconds.
  • Freeze: To freeze, divide your overnight slow cooker oatmeal into a 12-cup muffin tin and freeze for 4-5 hours. Then, transfer the frozen oatmeal cups into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal them, and store them in the freezer. You can reheat the frozen oatmeal by placing it in a microwaveable bowl with a little water or milk and microwaving it for 1-2 minutes. 
  • The nutritional information below does not include the optional toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 168mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 2mg

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Yogurt and Molasses Bread with Walnuts and Dried Figs https://foolproofliving.com/yogurt-and-molasses-bread-with-walnuts-and-dried-figs/ https://foolproofliving.com/yogurt-and-molasses-bread-with-walnuts-and-dried-figs/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2023 17:12:41 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=2019 There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Although it may seem challenging or complicated, homemade bread is often easier to make than it seems! You’ll also love this Nut and Seed Loaf or my Buckwheat Bread Recipe if you need more inspiration for other easy bread recipes.  Ingredients This recipe (adapted from the original recipe, Mark Bittman Yogurt Bread) requires only a few...

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There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Although it may seem challenging or complicated, homemade bread is often easier to make than it seems! You’ll also love this Nut and Seed Loaf or my Buckwheat Bread Recipe if you need more inspiration for other easy bread recipes. 

Yogurt Molasses Bread sliced and photographed from the front view.

Ingredients

This recipe (adapted from the original recipe, Mark Bittman Yogurt Bread) requires only a few basic ingredients that you likely have stocked in your pantry and fridge. Besides classic bread ingredients like flour and baking soda, we’re adding molasses, dried fruits, and walnuts for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. 

Ingredients for the recipe are individually portioned into bowls.

For this quick bread recipe, you’ll need whole wheat flour (or white whole wheat flour), cornmeal, kosher salt, baking soda, plain whole milk yogurt (or buttermilk), unsulphured molasses (I like Grandma’s Molasses – affiliate link), chopped dried fruit (any kind you prefer, such as cranberries, figs, or raisins), and chopped walnuts. 

How to Make It?

This moist loaf comes together with only 15 minutes of hands-on time and an hour of cook time, making it a no-fuss option whenever you’re craving a slice of warm, homemade bread. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a non-stick, 9×5 or 8.5×4.5 inch loaf pan with vegetable oil spray (such as olive oil), or line it with parchment paper. 
How to make yogurt bread with molasses shown in a collage of images.
  1. Combine the dry ingredients: Add the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda to a medium bowl and mix until well combined. 
  2. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until combined. 
  3. Combine ingredients together: Add the flour mixture into the bowl with the wet mixture and stir until just combined, making sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl. The dough will be very thick.
  4. Add the dried fruit and nuts: Gently fold in the chopped fruits and nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is a rather dense dough so don’t be alarmed.
Person showing the before and after of the bread during the baking process.
  1. Pour into a loaf pan: Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to even it out. 
  2. Bake loaf: Bake in the center of the oven for about 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. 
  3. Serve: Slice with a serrated knife and serve with your favorite spreads or toppings. 

How to Serve?

This yogurt and molasses bread is so hearty and filling that it makes for the perfect quick breakfast or afternoon snack that will keep you feeling energized. Add a pat of butter and enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or use your favorite spreads to amp up the flavor. Here are some suggestions:  

  • Pop it in the toaster: I personally think that this quick bread is best when served warm, so I like to pop it in the toaster before serving. The toaster warms it evenly and gives it a nice crust! 
  • Use your favorite spread: Lots of different butters, cheeses, and jams pair beautifully with this bread. Spread on some salted or unsalted butter to keep things simple (make sure to toast the bread, so the butter melts), or serve it with cream cheese, homemade ricotta cheese, no butter chocolate frosting, or mascarpone cheese. If you want to add some sweetness, spread on your favorite jam. I personally love to pair this bread with blackberry jam!

How to Store and Freeze

If you don’t think you can consume the loaf within about a week, you can store it in the freezer to enjoy later. Better yet, make a double recipe and store one loaf in the freezer to have homemade bread available whenever you’re craving it. Here are some storage tips: 

  • Store: Let the bread cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep in the fridge for about a week. 
  • Freeze: Before freezing, let the bread cool to room temperature and slice it (it’s difficult to slice once it’s frozen). Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. 
Molasses bread with yogurt is sliced from the top view.

Expert Tips

Even though this molasses whole wheat bread recipe is pretty easy and straightforward, I wanted to provide you with a few tips to help you get the best results. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, it’s important to mix until the dough is just combined. Overmixing tends to affect the texture of your bread, making the resulting bread tough, dense, or chewy. While manually mixing will help you avoid overmixing, a stand mixer and a dough hook will also work as long as you watch it closely and stop mixing once the dough comes together. 
  • Aerate the flour for proper measurement: The best way to measure flour for this whole wheat recipe is to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a butter knife. This will help aerate the flour, which ensures proper measurement and gives the bread a nice texture. 
  • It is a dense dough: After you add the fruit, you will end up with a dense dough. You might think that it needs more liquid but please trust the recipe. It does not need more liquid.
  • Let it cool completely before slicing: I know you will be tempted to cut into your bread as soon as it comes out of the oven (I was, too), but it’s important to wait a little bit to let the loaf cool completely before cutting into it. The bread actually continues to cook and release steam as it cools, so cutting into it too soon interrupts this process and leaves you with a dense texture that’s usually a bit sticky.

FAQs

What does yogurt do in baking bread?

Adding yogurt to bread recipes makes for tender, moist, and fluffy bread. It’s also a great substitute or replacement for fats and liquid, such as oil and butter, in healthy bread recipes. 

Which molasses is best?

I used unsulphured molasses in this molasses wheat bread recipe, as it’s made from sugar cane, usually doesn’t contain additives or preservatives, and has a sweet, “pure” taste. Blackstrap molasses, another common type of molasses, is thicker, darker, and more bitter than unsulphured. 

Other Quick Bread Recipes You Might Like

Once you start making bread at home, you won’t want to buy it from the store! Whether you serve it to your family or give it away to friends and neighbors, it’s always nice to have a homemade loaf that’s ready to enjoy. If you’re looking to expand your collection of quick bread recipes, look no further than the links below: 

If you try this Yogurt Molasses Bread recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

This recipe is adapted from Mark Bittman’s Quick Whole Wheat and Molasses Bread recipe in his cookbook, How To Cook Everything (affiliate link.)

Yogurt molasses bread sliced on a cutting board.
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Yogurt Molasses Bread Recipe

With just the right amount of sweetness this yogurt walnut and dried fig bread make a delicious breakfast bread or snack cake to serve with your afternoon tea. If you are a fan of making your own bread, this whole wheat flour and cornmeal based Yogurt Molasses bread recipe is one that you should definitely try.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 335kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 13.75 oz.
  • 1/2 cup fine cornmeal 3 oz.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 2/3 cups plain whole milk yogurt 14 oz. – at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsulphured blackstrap molasses 4.5 oz.
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit chopped
  • 1 cup walnuts chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 Degrees F. Spray a non-stick 9X5 or 8.5 X4.5 baking dish with vegetable spray.
  • Mix whole wheat flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Set it aside.
  • Whisk together yogurt and molasses in a separate bowl until fully combined.
  • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. It will be a very thick batter.
  • Mix in the chopped fruit and walnuts and stir them in just until they are evenly distributed.
  • Place the batter into the prepared pan and distribute it evenly in the pan using a spatula.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean for about 55-60 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

  • It is a dense dough: After you add the fruit, you will end up with a dense dough, and it may feel like you need more liquid, but trust the recipe.
  • Let it cool completely before slicing: I know you will be tempted to cut into your bread as soon as it comes out of the oven (I was, too), but it’s important to wait a little bit to let the loaf cool completely before cutting into it. Bread actually continues to cook and release steam as it cools, so cutting into it too soon interrupts this process and leaves you with a dense texture that’s usually a bit sticky. 
  • Storage: Bring the leftovers to room temperature before placing in an airtight container in the fridge. The sliced bread will keep fresh for up to a week.
  • Freezing: This whole wheat bread is great for freezing. Though I recommend freezing it after slicing. Simply place the sliced bread in an airtight container, and get the air out as much as possible before freezing. 
  • Thawing: No need to thaw! Just warm it up in a toaster (or toaster oven) for a delicious breakfast toast.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 607mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 3mg

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Overnight Oats with Yogurt https://foolproofliving.com/overnight-oats-with-yogurt/ https://foolproofliving.com/overnight-oats-with-yogurt/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2023 16:50:49 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=63759 I love to make a big batch of healthy overnight oats with Greek yogurt at the beginning of the week, especially when I know I have busy weekdays ahead. It’s convenient, filling, yummy, and prevents me from skipping the most important meal of the day!  If you’re looking to incorporate similar recipes into your breakfast routine, you have to try this Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe, my Almond Milk Oatmeal,...

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I love to make a big batch of healthy overnight oats with Greek yogurt at the beginning of the week, especially when I know I have busy weekdays ahead. It’s convenient, filling, yummy, and prevents me from skipping the most important meal of the day! 

If you’re looking to incorporate similar recipes into your breakfast routine, you have to try this Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe, my Almond Milk Oatmeal, and Muesli Overnight Oats

Oatmeal combined with yogurt in a bowl with fruit from the top view.

Ingredients

This simple yogurt and oats recipe requires four basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily pick up at the grocery store. To amp up the flavor, add as many additional ingredients or toppings as you’d like. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for a greek yogurt and oatmeal recipe in bowls from the top view.
  • To make creamy overnight oats with yogurt, gather Greek Vanilla Yogurt, old-fashioned rolled oats, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and water.
  • As optional toppings, use fresh fruit (such as fresh berries), chopped nuts or nut butter (such as almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter), and even homemade granola

Ingredient Substitutions

This easy overnight oats with yogurt recipe is very forgiving when it comes to substitutions. Feel free to customize it to your liking to accommodate the ingredients you have on hand or your dietary restrictions or preferences. Here are some suggestions: 

  • Yogurt: While plain Greek yogurt gives this oatmeal with yogurt recipe a creamy texture and a perfect consistency, feel free to use plain yogurt or your favorite yogurt instead. I love to make vanilla yogurt at home, so I can control the sweetness, but you can also purchase vanilla yogurt from your local store. You can even make overnight oats with strawberry yogurt or your favorite fruit-flavored yogurts. If you wish to make the recipe vegan and dairy-free, simply substitute your favorite vegan yogurt. Just remember that vegan yogurt is typically thinner in consistency than regular yogurt, so your yogurt with oats recipe may not be super creamy if you use vegan yogurt (but it’ll still taste great). 
  • Oats: In my opinion, amongst all types, the best oats for yogurt overnight oats are old-fashioned rolled oats. My personal favorite is the organic brand One Degree (affiliate link), which offers old-fashioned oats and gluten-free oats. You can also use quick oats to make instant oatmeal with Greek yogurt. Not sure about how rolled oats are different than quick oats? Check out our comprehensive guide on quick oats vs. rolled oats. Or, to really pack in some extra superfoods, substitute equal parts of Homemade Muesli for the oats. 
  • Water vs. milk: Some cold oatmeal cereal recipes use milk, but I thought water would suffice since we’re also using yogurt. If you want to use milk to make this refrigerator oatmeal recipe extra rich and creamy, you can use cow’s milk or non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or even cashew milk
  • Sweetener: While I love the flavor and sweetness of honey, you can use whatever type of sweetener you prefer or have on hand. I recommend maple syrup, coconut sugar, or brown sugar, as they all pair well with this overnight yogurt oatmeal. 
  • Spices: If ground cinnamon just isn’t enough, you can amp up the flavor with all your favorite “sweet” spices. Ground nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and cloves would all pair beautifully with your oatmeal and yogurt breakfast. 

Optional Toppings and Add-Ins

You can easily customize this recipe’s flavor profile and sweetness by adding your toppings of choice. Feel free to get creative, but here are some of my favorites: 

  • Fruit: Fresh fruit is a classic breakfast topping, and Greek yogurt with strawberries and oats pairs so well. I also love to top mine with a ripe mashed banana, raspberries, or blueberries. You can always use thawed frozen fruit if berries or your favorite fruits aren’t in season. 
  • Additional sweeteners: If you have leftover Cranberry Maple Sauce sitting around from holiday baking, use it to sweeten up this recipe! Other fruit sauces and jams, like Blueberry Sauce or Homemade Applesauce, are also great natural sweeteners to flavor your oats with Greek yogurt. 
  • Nuts: To add some crunch to your simple overnight oats with yogurt, use chopped nuts, such as almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts. For a high-protein breakfast that’s the perfect pre or post-workout fuel, add a tablespoon or two of nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter. To make your Greek yogurt with oats recipe extra decadent, try topping it off with chocolate chips (which pair great with peanut butter). 
  • Granola: You can also top your oat and yogurt breakfast with my Chunky Granola Recipe or this Quinoa Crunch for additional texture, flavor, and a boost of nutrients. 
  • Superfoods: If you’re looking for a great way to incorporate an extra dose of health benefits into your daily diet, add a pinch of superfoods, such as chia seeds, hemp seeds, or ground flax seeds, into your yummy breakfast. 

How to Make Overnight Oats with Yogurt

In only five minutes, you can whip up this basic vanilla overnight oats recipe with yogurt to have it ready to go first thing in the morning. If you’d like to make your own vanilla yogurt from plain yogurt to use in this recipe, follow the first two steps below. If you purchased vanilla yogurt from the store, you can skip to step three. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Make the vanilla yogurt: Place plain, whole milk yogurt (regular or Greek), honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk to combine. 
  2. Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and add more honey or vanilla if needed. 
A person showing how to make overnight oats with yogurt from the top view.
  1. Combine the ingredients: Add the vanilla yogurt, honey, and water to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined. 
  2. Stir in the oats: Add in the oats and ground cinnamon (if using) and give it a stir until the mixture is well combined. 
A person showing how to make a recipe with oatmeal and yogurt.
  1. Rest: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours. 
  2. Stir: In the morning, take the vanilla yogurt overnight oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir to reincorporate the ingredients. 
  3. Serve or store: If you’re ready to serve, place your desired amount of oats in a bowl and garnish with your toppings of choice and a drizzle of honey. If you wish to store your Greek yogurt and oats recipe, divide it into jars and store it in the fridge. 

How to Serve Overnight Yogurt Oats?

It’s no secret that starting your day with Greek yogurt is an excellent habit because of its many health benefits, such as its high calcium and protein content. Once your overnight oatmeal with yogurt is ready in the morning, you can enjoy it as-is or store it in jars as part of your weekly meal prep. Here are some tips:

  • Make breakfast in a jar with yogurt: For a truly grab-and-go, single-serving breakfast, make overnight oats in a mason jar! Mix up a big batch of this recipe (multiply the recipe as many times as you’d like), let it sit overnight, and divide it into 16 oz mason jars (or another one of your favorite containers) in the morning. To make things even easier, you can add your favorite toppings, such as fruit, into each 16-ounce jar. You can also layer the oats with granola, as you would in my Yogurt Parfait recipe. However, I recommend adding the granola to the jars right before you’re ready to serve, as granola tends to get soggy as it sits.
  • Serve it in a bowl: For a quick way to serve your easy breakfast recipe, whip up a batch of Greek oats and add your desired amount to a bowl in the morning. Don’t forget to add the toppings!
A bowl of oats topped with fruit and nuts from the side view.

How to Store

This overnight oats yogurt recipe is super meal prep friendly, especially if you store the recipe in mason jars. If you store it in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to four days.

FAQs

Can you put uncooked oats in yogurt?

Yes, you can! Overnight oats are a no-cook raw oats and yogurt recipe. There’s no need to cook the oats beforehand, as adding yogurt to oatmeal and letting it sit overnight allows the oats to soak up the liquid and become soft and easy to digest.

How long do overnight oats with yougurt need to sit?

Raw oats in yogurt need to sit for at least six hours in order to fully soak up the liquid and become soft. For best results, giving them an overnight soak is preferable.

Can I heat up overnight oats with yogurt?

I don’t recommend heating it up, as overnight oat recipes taste better cold. However, if you prefer to serve it warm, the best way to do so is to microwave it in 30-second intervals, making sure to stir after each interval until it reaches your desired temperature.

How long do overnight oatmeal with yogurt last?

Overnight oats with vanilla yogurt will last for up to four days if stored in an airtight jar or container in the fridge.

Can you freeze overnight oats with yogurt?

Yes, technically, you can freeze refrigerator oatmeal with yogurt. However, I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the taste and texture are best when refrigerated. Instead of freezing, I recommend making smaller, individual servings if you think you cannot consume an entire recipe within about four days.

Can I make this recipe using steel cut oats?

I don’t recommend substituting steel-cut oats, as I found that they don’t soften up as well as regular oats. If you want to make overnight steel-cut oats with yogurt, you can make my Overnight Steel Cut Oats recipe and add in vanilla yogurt once the oats are cooked.

Other Breakfast Porridge Recipes

Make-ahead breakfasts like this refrigerator yogurt oatmeal are a perfect option for busy mornings, as they’re quick, filling, nutritious, and tasty. If you’re looking for more easy, healthy breakfast ideas, browse the links below for inspiration: 

If you try this Overnight Oats in Yogurt recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Refrigerator oats with yogurt in a bowl with fruit from the top view.
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Overnight Oats with Yogurt Recipe

This Overnight Oats with Yogurt recipe is a quick, nutritious, and high-protein breakfast that's easy to add to your weekly meal plan. Simply combine the ingredients, let them soak overnight, and enjoy in the morning! Plus, this basic recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of different toppings, making it easily customizable to suit your preferences.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Resting Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 203kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt or Greek Vanilla Yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup more to taste
  • 1 cup water or milk of your choice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

Optional Toppings:

  • ½ cup fresh fruit such as fresh berries
  • A handful of nuts or a few tablespoons of nut butter
  • Granola

Instructions

  • Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vanilla yogurt, honey, and water until well combined.
  • Stir in the oats: Stir in the rolled oats and ground cinnamon (if using) and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Cover and rest: Cover with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Stir: In the morning, give it a quick stir.
  • Garnish and serve: Divide the overnight yogurt oats into bowls (or jars) and, if preferred, garnish them with your favorite toppings and a drizzle of honey.

Video

Notes

  • Yogurt: You can make your own vanilla yogurt or buy any of your favorite yogurt brands from the grocery store to make this recipe. You can also use your favorite fruit flavored yogurt in this recipe. 
  • Oats: You can make this recipe with instant oats, but I do not recommend using steel-cut oats as they do not soften properly even after a whole night in the fridge.
  • Store: Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Meal prep: If you are making the refrigerator oatmeal as a part of your weekly meal prep, you can easily multiply this recipe. As a general rule, my go-to overnight oats ratio with yogurt and water is 1 ½ cups rolled oats, 1 cup yogurt, and 1 cup water (or any milk of your choice.)
  • Calorie info: Calorie information below does not include the optional toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 233IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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How To Make Muesli https://foolproofliving.com/how-to-make-muesli/ https://foolproofliving.com/how-to-make-muesli/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:10:42 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=63563 Few breakfasts are as filling, nutritious, or versatile as this homemade muesli recipe. Every bite will satisfy your tastebuds, whether you prepare it with almond milk, like my Almond Milk Oatmeal, or top it with fresh fruit, like my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. And if you love the health-conscious ingredients in this easy muesli recipe, you’ll adore other oatmeal dishes, including my Vegan Baked Oatmeal. Muesli Ingredients Below, you will find...

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Few breakfasts are as filling, nutritious, or versatile as this homemade muesli recipe. Every bite will satisfy your tastebuds, whether you prepare it with almond milk, like my Almond Milk Oatmeal, or top it with fresh fruit, like my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. And if you love the health-conscious ingredients in this easy muesli recipe, you’ll adore other oatmeal dishes, including my Vegan Baked Oatmeal.

A homemade cereal in a jar with a spoon from the top view.

What is Muesli?

Muesli is a healthy breakfast dish made from a rolled oats base mixed in with other ingredients, such as nuts, fruits, and seeds, and served right away with milk (or juice) or soaked overnight.

This nutritious dish—sometimes mistyped as “museli,” “meusli,” “muselix,” and “muslie”—was created by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner in the 20th century to serve as a healthy breakfast for hospital patients as a part of their treatment. (source – Wikipedia Muesli article)

The original Bircher muesli recipe was a bit different than what it is today. It was made by using raw oats, grated apples, and chopped nuts mixed with water, lemon juice, and sweetened condensed milk.

Needless to say, it took off after its creation, and muesli breakfasts spread quickly throughout Switzerland. The recipe became so widespread in the country that many still refer to it as “Swiss muesli” or “Swiss-style muesli.”

Despite its European origins, muesli has also become a favorite breakfast food in the U.S., with successful brands like Alpen Muesli and Bob’s Red Mills appearing in health food stores across the country.

Muesli Ingredients

Below, you will find the formula I follow to make this muesli recipe along with recommendations on brands I like and buy all the time. However, if you are living outside the US (or in an area where you do not have access to these specific ingredients), please know that you can substitute pretty much every single ingredient in this recipe, which is listed under the formula.

Some of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using a link, I will get a commission at no cost to you.

Ingredients for a homemade cereal in bowls from the top view.

With that being said, these ingredients and brands are just a suggestion, and I suggest you take this basic muesli recipe and change it up according to your taste buds. My only recommendation is that you read the labels while you are shopping for these ingredients. 

When I am at the store, I make sure to buy products that are unsweetened, unsalted, and organic as much as possible. I prefer organic ingredients because USDA organic requirements prohibit the use of pesticides in farming, and I prefer that my muesli breakfast bowl in the morning has none of that in it. 

This recipe results in 16 cups of mixed muesli (approx. 16 servings), though you can halve or multiply the recipe as necessary. Please refer to the formula sheet below for ingredients and their amounts.

IngredientAmount
Quick Cooking Rolled Oats3 cups
Other Grain Cereals5 cups
Dried Fruit3 cups
Superfoods1 cup
Seeds and Nuts2 1/2 cups

Quick Cooking Rolled Oats VS. Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

You can use either quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats for muesli. I prefer using quick oats because they don’t require any extra cooking to soften them. Add in milk or yogurt, and they’re ready to eat!

If you are not sure about how they are different, be sure to check out this comprehensive article on rolled oats vs. old-fashioned oats.

However, if you prefer to use old-fashioned oats—a thicker cut than quick-cooking oats—I recommend roasting them in the oven before eating. Simply spread the rolled oats on a large baking sheet alongside nuts and seeds (if desired) at 350 degrees F. for 10-12 minutes. Just make sure to give it a toss halfway through the process.

Other Grain Cereals

Adding breakfast muesli cereals to your mixture is an excellent way to give your recipe a delectable crunch. Some of my favorite brands include Brown Rice Crisps, Rice Puffs, Kamut Khorasan Wheat Puffs (not gluten-free), Bran Flakes (not gluten-free), and Quinoa Flakes—all of which should be available in the health section of your local grocery store. Of course, you can order them online as well. Be sure to use a gluten-free cereal brand if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.

Dried Fruit

To give your muesli mixture an irresistible sweetness, you can add any dried fruit that’s unsweetened and doesn’t contain sulfur (marked as “unsulfured”). Some of my favorite dry fruits include dried apples, golden raisins, dried apricot, goji berries, and dried mango. 

If I am making this DIY muesli during the holidays, I like using dried cranberries. However, be aware that most dried cranberries are sweetened with sugar as they are pretty bitter without it. That being said, you can find use orange juice-sweetened cranberries at health food stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s.

Superfoods

If you’re wondering how to make muesli extra nutritious, superfoods are just what your recipe needs. Heart-healthy hemp seeds and antioxidant-packed chia seeds are two of my favorite health-conscious add-ins. 

You could also add ground flax seeds to your muesli to increase its omega-3 fatty acids. However, don’t add them to the cereal mixture until just before you eat it, as they must be refrigerated until use.

Seeds and Nuts

Want to add more protein to your vegan muesli? Any unsalted raw seeds or nuts will work. My go-to additions to this muesli cereal recipe include pumpkin seeds, sliced or slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, and walnuts.

Other Optional Add-Ins & Topping Suggestions

Give your muesli a healthy crunch by filling it with unsweetened coconut flakes. Or, add ½ cup of wheat germ for a power food with tons of healthy fats. Sesame seeds, fresh berries, apricots, and bananas also add a bright taste to your muesli breakfast. 

I also enjoy adding ground warm spices for additional flavor, stirring in a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, or ground cardamom. Just remember that a small amount goes a long way!

How to Prepare Muesli at Home?

A series of images showing how to combine ingredients to make muesli.

This healthy muesli recipe is one of the simplest breakfast dishes in my recipe book. Simply place all of the ingredients in a large bowl or glass jar, mix to combine, top it off with a lid, and serve as desired. That’s it!

How to Serve?

There are several ways to serve this DIY muesli recipe. From homemade muesli cereal to fruity almond milk oatmeal, these tasty suggestions will have you craving a muesli breakfast daily.

  • Serve it as cereal with milk: Prepare your muesli as a breakfast cereal by mixing it with an equal amount of cold milk (I recommend one cup for every cup of muesli). You can use cow or plant-based milk, such as oat or almond milk (which you can even make at home using my effortless recipes for Almond Butter Milk or DIY Almond Milk!). Then, top off your cereal muesli with fresh fruit (strawberries and blueberries are my faves) for extra juicy and sweet flavors.
  • With yogurt: Give your muesli an irresistibly creamy texture by soaking it overnight in plain Greek yogurt. If you don’t want your muesli quite as soft, you could make a yogurt bowl by topping off your mixture with Homemade Vanilla Yogurt or your favorite store-bought brand. Or, make your muesli part of your favorite yogurt parfait with recipes like my fresh and flavorful Greek Yogurt Parfait. Alternatively, you can use this muesli to make my Overnight Oats with Yogurt by simply using this muesli mixture instead of rolled oats.
  • With juice: Enjoy your muesli in European style by serving it with fruit juice, such as orange juice.
  • Make oatmeal: To make muesli oatmeal, mix 1 cup of water or milk for every ½ cup of muesli. Then, bring the mixture to a quick boil on the stovetop or in the microwave, give it a quick stir, and serve. This simple oatmeal comes together in just 5-10 minutes. If you need further instructions, check out my Almond Milk Oatmeal recipe.
  • With fruit on top or on the side: Top it off with a handful of fruit, or better yet, make a batch of my Fruit Breakfast Salad and serve it on the side.
  • Optional sweeteners: If you have a sweet tooth, in my opinion, the best muesli recipe is one that has delicious natural sweeteners, like Pureed Blueberries, Unsweetened Applesauce, or Cranberry Maple Sauce. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey is yet another way of adding some sweetness to your morning bowl.
Two photos showing a close-up of a homemade cereal and the cereal in a jar.

How to Store Homemade Muesli?

You can store your muesli mix in an airtight container or airtight jar at room temperature for up to a month. It may seem like the muesli ingredients should last longer according to their expiration dates. However, their longevity decreases when repeatedly exposed to air, such as when you open their storage container to get a helping of muesli.

I use this one-gallon glass jar to store my muesli mixture. If you want to keep your muesli for longer than a month, place the cereal in smaller containers and remove as much air as possible.

Expert Tips

Learning to make muesli at home is one of my favorite beginner-level recipes. With these pro suggestions, your dream breakfast will come together in seconds.

  • Use a large bowl to mix: I highly recommend using a large bowl to combine your ingredients, as this recipe results in 16 cups of muesli, and you need enough space to distribute your ingredients evenly. When I made muesli on Instagram, I mixed all the ingredients in a large, 1-gallon glass jar, and as you can see, it is best to do it in a big bowl and then transfer it to the container.
  • Use organic and gluten-free certified ingredients: Reduce your gluten intake, cut unhealthy chemicals from your diet, and support all-natural farms by using organic and gluten-free ingredients in this muesli dish.
  • Halve or multiply the recipe as you please: You can prepare as many or as few servings of this breakfast dish as you’d like. Refer to the formula to increase or decrease your ingredients accordingly.
  • Get creative: There are countless different ways to customize this easy homemade muesli recipe, and trying out new combinations is the best way to vary your diet without the hassle of everyday prep time. Whether you try this dish using an overnight oats-style, mix in some peanut butter, or top it with additional fresh fruits, don’t be afraid to have fun with it!
  • Eat smaller portions for weight loss: If you’re trying to shed some pounds, I recommend consuming it in smaller portions (perhaps, ½ cup per serving.) Though it is made using healthy and nutritious ingredients, consuming muesli in smaller portions is ideal for weight loss.
Fruit muesli in a bowl with milk and a spoon from the top view.

FAQs

Wondering how to cook muesli, what muesli’s nutritional information is, or how muesli differs from other breakfast staples? Here are all your homemade muesli questions answered:

Are the oats in muesli raw?

Yes, muesli contains raw rolled oats, one of the most popular oats for breakfast amongst all kinds of oats available for consumption. Depending on your recipe, you can make muesli using quick-cooking oats or old-fashioned rolled oats.

What’s the difference between muesli and granola?

Though the two share many ingredients, muesli and granola are different. Traditional muesli is a dry mix of uncooked ingredients. By contrast, granola is baked using a binder of oil or egg whites and often contains a sweetener, such as maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar.

Is muesli gluten-free?

Muesli can be gluten-free if you ensure that each component ingredient is also gluten-free (including gluten-free oats!).

Is homemade muesli healthy?

Muesli contains highly nutritious ingredients, such as fiber-rich oats, nutrient-dense superfoods, and heart-healthy grains. You can even add milk for extra calcium! Therefore, as long as you read your ingredients’ labels and know what you’re using, muesli can be a healthy way to start the day.

Other Breakfast Bowl Recipes You Might Also Like

When you make your own muesli, you’re bound to fall in love with tasty breakfast foods. Try these other fan-favorite breakfast bowl recipes, and you’ll start every morning energized and satisfied.

If you try this How to Make Muesli recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Muesli oats in a bowl with a spoon from the top view.
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How to Make Muesli Recipe

Once you learn How to Make Muesli at home, you'll never have to buy store-bought cereal again. Not only is homemade muesli a nutrient-dense and filling breakfast, but it's also meal-prep friendly for busy mornings. This helpful guide also features plenty of substitutions and serving suggestions to accommodate your preferences, the ingredients you have on hand, and dietary restrictions and allergies.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 16 cups
Calories 406kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine ingredients: Place all ingredients in a large bowl (or a glass jar, like I did) and stir to combine.
  • Serve/store: Cover it tightly with a lid. Enjoy it with your favorite milk and fresh fruit.

Notes

  • When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to read the label. I recommend choosing ingredients that are made with no added sugar and are naturally gluten-free (if that is important to you) and organic, if possible.
  • The basic formula: The ratio that I follow for making muesli is 3 cups of Quick Cooking Rolled Oats, 5 cups of grain (or non-grain) cereals, 3 cups of dried fruit, and 1 cup of superfoods. You can find further information on substitutions within the blog post.
  • Serving amount and suggestion: This recipe yields 16 cups of mixed muesli (approx. 16 servings), though you can halve or multiply the recipe as necessary. 
  • Quick Cooking Oats vs. Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: I use quick-cooking oats in my muesli because they require no cooking and are softened as soon as they are mixed in with the liquid. However, if you prefer using rolled oats, I recommend roasting them in a preheated 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes, along with the seeds and nuts you are using. 
  • Calorie Information: Please know that the nutritional values below are approximate and may change depending on the brand you use.
  • Storage: Store it in an airtight container or jar at room temperature for up to a month. It may seem like the muesli ingredients should last longer according to their expiration dates. However, their longevity decreases when repeatedly exposed to air, such as when you open their storage container to get a helping of muesli. 
  • Longer storage: If you want it to last longer, you can store it in separate airtight containers (or jars) in smaller portions for up to 3 months. 
  • Serving suggestions:
    • Serve it with any of your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk (like you would serve store-bought cereal). 
    • Make it a warm bowl of oatmeal by cooking it with milk. My ratio is ½ cup muesli to 1 cup liquid (plant-based or regular milk or water).
    • Mix it with milk or yogurt (1 to 1 ratio) to make it overnight muesli.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 442mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 5mg

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Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread with Jiffy Mix https://foolproofliving.com/jalapeno-and-scallion-cornbread/ https://foolproofliving.com/jalapeno-and-scallion-cornbread/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:28:22 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=5555 Cornbread is one of life’s little pleasures that is cozy and comforting. It’s the perfect side dish for many soups, stews and chilis, and it makes an even better accompaniment to main dish meals. I love to use this jalapeno cheese cornbread for my Vegetarian Cornbread Stuffing when the holiday season comes around. And if you don’t have any boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix at home or would prefer...

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Cornbread is one of life’s little pleasures that is cozy and comforting. It’s the perfect side dish for many soups, stews and chilis, and it makes an even better accompaniment to main dish meals.

I love to use this jalapeno cheese cornbread for my Vegetarian Cornbread Stuffing when the holiday season comes around. And if you don’t have any boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix at home or would prefer a from-scratch recipe, try my Savory Cornbread Muffins instead.

Jalapeno cheddar cornbread on a plate from the top view.

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

While I love classic cornbread, the addition of jalapeno and cheddar really takes it over the top. I know you will love it because:

  • One-bowl 30-minute recipe: That’s right – all it takes is one bowl and a whisk to have this Jiffy jalapeno cornbread ready for the table in 30 minutes.
  • Balanced and Flavorful: The jalapeno adds a little kick and the perfect balance of heat to the sweet cornmeal and creamy cheddar cheese.
  • Super Customizable: With plenty of options to swap out one ingredient for another, the recipe variations are endless and a great way to stay creative in the kitchen. 

Ingredients You Will Need

This Jiffy cheddar jalapeno cornbread requires a short list of only 7 simple ingredients. Gather together large eggs, sour cream, unsalted butter, honey, Jiffy corn muffin mix, canned jalapenos and cheddar cheese.

Ingredients for cornbread with jalapeños and cheese from the top view.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

  • Sour Cream: Use whole milk sour cream for a great texture and moist cornbread recipe.
  • Honey: We like sweet jalapeno cornbread, and since the Jiffy mix already has sugar, a teaspoon of honey goes a long way. Feel free to omit or replace it with maple syrup instead.
  • Oil: Swap out the butter for a neutral flavored oil, like avocado oil or refined coconut oil.
  • Canned vs. Fresh Jalapeños: I used diced canned jalapenos, but fresh jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded, and diced, or canned green chiles (be sure to drain it well) would also work. If adding jalapenos to the cornbread mix sounds too spicy to you, feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preferred heat level.
  • Cheese: I used white sharp cheddar cheese since that’s what I had on hand. A few other cheese options include pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey jack, or Mexican blend cheese.
  • Creamed Corn: If you’re looking for a Mexican cornbread with jiffy mix spin, add half a can of drained creamed corn (aka cream-style corn). Cooking time should remain the same.

How to Make This Recipe?

This easy Jiffy jalapeno cornbread recipe is just that – easy! It comes together in just a few minutes, and the rest of the time it’s left to bake away in the oven. Here’s how to do it:

A person greasing a pan and whisking wet ingredients from the top view.
  1. Grease pan: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Generously grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, melted butter and honey, if using, until thoroughly combined and emulsified.
A person making honey jalapeno cornbread using jiffy mix.
  1. Add corn muffin mix: Fold in the two boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix. It will feel like you don’t have enough liquid. Be patient. As you mix, the batter will come together.
  2. Stir in additions: Add jalapenos to the cornbread mix, along with the cheddar cheese.
A person spreading cornbread mix into a pan and then baking it in the oven.
  1. Bake: Transfer the cornbread batter to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly throughout the pan with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Slice and serve.

How to Make in Cast Iron Skillet or Muffin Tin?

This cheesy jalapeño cornbread recipe is just as easy to make in a cast iron skillet or muffin tin. Here’s how to do each one:

  • Cast Iron Skillet: Prepare the cornbread as directed. Spread into an even layer into a very well-greased / buttered 10-inch cast iron skillet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
  • Muffin Pan: To make corn muffins, prepare the corn muffin batter as directed. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with 12 parchment paper liners (affiliate link). Divide the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-23 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers spring back to the touch. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then serve warm or transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. This cheesy jalapeno cornbread recipe will make 12 muffins.

How to Store Leftovers?

  • Storage: This Jiffy jalapeno cheddar cornbread can be stored in an airtight container or zip top bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, bring to room temperature or reheat as per the instructions below before serving.
  • Freeze: To freeze, slice the cornbread into individual slices. Place on a rimmed baking sheet small enough to fit in your freezer. Freeze for 1 hour. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the oven or toaster oven set to 300 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Main Dish Recipes to Serve with Cornbread

Cheddar jalapeno cornbread is a wonderful addition to many soups, stews, chilis and those comforting fall and winter meals. Some of my favorite ways to serve include:

Cheesy cornbread with jalapeño in a pan from the top view.

Expert Tips

  • Bring all ingredients to room temperature. This will create a smoother, well-mixed batter.
  • Drain the canned jalapenos. It’s important to drain canned jalapenos before mixing them into the cornbread mix, or you run the risk of making the batter too wet. I like to drain and even pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Save a little extra shredded cheddar cheese for the top. It adds a visual appeal and another level of cheesy goodness. It is optional, but a few jalapeno slices on top adds a nice touch, too.

FAQs

What can you add to Jiffy corn muffin mix?

Jiffy corn muffin mix turns out much better with the addition of sour cream, eggs and melted butter. And to make it even more crave-able, jalapeno peppers and cheddar cheese add a generous amount of heat and creamy goodness to the original recipe.

How do you make Jiffy cornbread so it doesn’t crumble?

The best way to make Jiffy cornbread so it doesn’t crumble is to enrich the dough with eggs, sour cream, butter or oil, and a touch of honey. All will add moisture and a well-balanced flavor profile.

How can I spice up my cornbread mix?

To add some pizzazz to your cornbread mix, stir in one small can of diced jalapenos and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese.

Why is Jiffy mix cornbread so crumbly?

The Jiffy cornbread recipe on the back of the box makes cornbread that is a little on the dry side. To combat this, a combination of sour cream and melted butter adds moisture, as well as flavor.

Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

I won’t lie; I think jalapeno peppers are awesome, and I love using them in my cooking every opportunity I get. Here are a few recipes from the archives where they shine:

If you try this easy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread with Jiffy recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Jalapeno cornbread cut into squares placed on a plate.
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Jiffy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe

This recipe for Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread with Jiffy Mix adds a hint of spice, a touch of sweetness, and lots of cheesy flavor to your classic cornbread mix. Make this 7-ingredient recipe in only 30 minutes for an irresistible side to soups, stews, chilis, and more.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling time 10 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings 9 servings
Calories 415kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream at room temperature
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter cooled plus more for greasing the pan
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional
  • 2 boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 8.5 ounces each
  • ½ cup diced canned jalapenos* fully drained and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Grease pan: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously grease a 9X9 inch baking dish with butter (or cooking spray).
  • Whisk wet ingredients: Whisk eggs, sour cream, melted butter and honey, if using, in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
  • Add dry ingredients: Stir in the Jiffy corn muffin mix. At first, it will feel like you don’t have enough liquid, but as you mix, it will come together.
  • Stir in mix-ins: Fold in the chopped jalapenos and cheddar cheese.
  • Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly throughout the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool for 15 minutes. Slice and serve.

Notes

Notes:
  • Bring all ingredients to room temperature. This will create a smoother, well-mixed batter.
  • Drain the canned jalapenos. It’s important to drain canned jalapenos before mixing them into the cornbread mix, or you run the risk of making the batter too wet. I like to drain and even pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Save a little extra shredded cheddar cheese for the top. It adds a visual appeal and another level of cheesy goodness. It is optional, but a few jalapeno slices on top adds a nice touch, too.
  • To make it in a Cast Iron Skillet: Prepare the jalapeno cornbread as directed. Spread into an even layer into a very well-greased / buttered 10-inch cast iron skillet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
  • To make it in a Muffin Pan: To make corn muffins, prepare the corn muffin batter as directed. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment paper liners (affiliate link). Divide the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-23 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers spring back to the touch. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then serve warm or transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. This cheesy jalapeno cornbread recipe will make 12 muffins.
  • Storage: This cornbread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, bring to room temperature and preheat in a low-heat (300-degree oven) until warmed through 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 710mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 748IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 2mg

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Peach Mango Smoothie https://foolproofliving.com/peach-mango-smoothie/ https://foolproofliving.com/peach-mango-smoothie/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:58:22 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=14529 It is no secret that smoothies are the ideal summer breakfast/snack with a long list of benefits, especially if they are made without any additional sugars, just like this peach mango smoothie recipe.  Over the years, I have shared so many Superfood Smoothie Recipes and have no plans of slowing down. If you are a fan as well, be sure to check out Cantaloupe Smoothie and Mango Turmeric Smoothie, both...

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It is no secret that smoothies are the ideal summer breakfast/snack with a long list of benefits, especially if they are made without any additional sugars, just like this peach mango smoothie recipe. 

Over the years, I have shared so many Superfood Smoothie Recipes and have no plans of slowing down. If you are a fan as well, be sure to check out Cantaloupe Smoothie and Mango Turmeric Smoothie, both of which are perfect for warmer months.

A person holding glasses of peach mango drink from the top view.

Ingredients

To make this peach mango drink, you will need fresh mango, peach slices, fresh orange juice, ice cubes, and your favorite yogurt. 

Ingredients for a mango peach smoothie in bowls from the top view.

Substitutions & Possible Add-Ins

  • Frozen Fruit: If fresh peaches and mangos are not in season, you can always make this mango and peach smoothie with frozen peaches and mangos. If you’re going to use frozen fruit, make sure you use less ice. Using ice and frozen fruit results in a really thick smoothie, almost like a peach mango puree. Of course, if you’d rather have a smoothie with a thicker consistency, you can always make a smoothie bowl.
  • Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a key ingredient to give this smoothie the creamy texture and tangy taste that pairs so well with sweet tropical fruits. The good thing is that you can use any type of yogurt. I have also made this smoothie using my vanilla yogurt many times and it turned out great. For a low-fat option, use skim milk yogurt; for a vegan smoothie, use vanilla almond milk yogurt or soy milk yogurt. If you want to enhance the peach flavors, you can even add in a coconut milk-based peach yogurt. And if peach and mango smoothie with yogurt is not your thing, add a handful of unsalted cashews to achieve a similar consistency.
  • Add a banana instead of sugar: While I think that ripe peaches and mangos make this smoothie sweet enough, if you want to add a bit more sweetness, I recommend adding a ripe banana. A refreshing peach mango banana smoothie is ideal, especially if you are serving it to kids as a poolside snack.
  • Add in some protein and more superfoods: As it is with any smoothie recipe, you can add in a tablespoon of hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or even your favorite protein powder for an added nutritional boost. 
  • Play around with adding other fruit: Add a touch of tropical flavor to your summer fruit smoothies by adding pineapple, strawberries or any of your other favorite fruits in season.
  • Make it a juice instead: Want to make it a peach mango juice recipe? While it is healthier to eat fruit as a whole (or in pureed form like it is in this recipe), you can strain it through a colander to turn it into a juice instead.
  • Add greens: If you’re a fan of green smoothies, add a handful of spinach or kale to make sure you’re getting your daily vegetable intake. 
  • More flavor: Adding a dash of vanilla extract or maple syrup to your mango peach yogurt smoothie is a quick and easy way to elevate the overall flavor of the drink.

How to Make This Recipe

Making this tropical mango peach smoothie cannot be easier. Here are the steps:

A blender with ingredients for a smoothie with mango and peach from the top view.
  1. Blend ingredients: Combine mango chunks, peaches, orange juice, yogurt, and ice cubes into a blender. Pulse your ingredients a few times before blending them at high speed until it has a smooth consistency. 
  2. Serve: Pour your smoothie into your favorite glass. I like to garnish it with hemp seeds on top before serving, but it’s optional. 

How to Store

Store your drink in a cup with a lid (like a mason jar) for easy storage. It should be good for up to two days. Note that the longer it stays in the fridge, the more liquid it will become. Make sure you shake it up before serving it.

Peach Mango Milkshake in a glass from the front view.

FAQs

What fruits blend well with peaches?

Peaches blend well with oranges, strawberries, apricots, and pineapples.

How many calories are in a peach mango smoothie?

This smoothie recipe has 278 calories per serving. Please review the recipe card below for more nutritional information.

What is a good fruit combination with mango?

You can add various kinds of fresh fruit to your mango puree smoothie recipe to make it even more flavorful. Different fruits such as strawberries and raspberries are great for summer months, whereas a ripe banana is a great option for all-year-round.

Other Smoothie Recipes You Might Also Like:

If you liked this mango peach smoothie recipe, here are a few other delicious reader-favorite smoothie recipes you might enjoy:

If you try this Peach-Mango Smoothie recipe or any of our other smoothie recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

peach mango smoothie garnished with hemp seeds in a glass.
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Peach Mango Smoothie Recipe

This 5-ingredient Peach Mango Smoothie is the perfect easy breakfast or afternoon snack for a refreshing boost of nutrients! Make this tropical smoothie in only 5 minutes with fresh or frozen fruit.
Course Smoothie
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 278kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mango cut into large chunks from 1 large ripe mango
  • 1 cup peach cut into large chunks for 2 small or 1 large ripe peach
  • ¾ cup orange juice or pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or any other one of your favorite yogurt
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve right away.

Notes

  • Fruit: If fresh fruit is not available, you can use frozen mango and frozen peach instead. If you use frozen fruit, I recommend adding half the amount of ice.
  • Yogurt: You can use any type of yogurt you like here, homemade vanilla yogurt or even your favorite brand of vegan yogurt would also work.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 908mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 2661IU | Vitamin C: 159mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg

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Vanilla Yogurt From Plain Yogurt https://foolproofliving.com/vanilla-yogurt/ https://foolproofliving.com/vanilla-yogurt/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2022 01:04:20 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=57692 Serve it with fresh berries and crunchy granola for a healthy breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, or add it to your favorite recipes that call for vanilla yogurt. Better yet, make our Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt for a quick breakfast for busy mornings. Yogurt is such a perfect complement to so many foods, so trust us when we say the yogurt recipes don’t stop here. If you’re like us...

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Serve it with fresh berries and crunchy granola for a healthy breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, or add it to your favorite recipes that call for vanilla yogurt. Better yet, make our Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt for a quick breakfast for busy mornings.

Yogurt is such a perfect complement to so many foods, so trust us when we say the yogurt recipes don’t stop here. If you’re like us and love the classic combo of yogurt and fruit, you’ll love this Frozen Yogurt Bark & my go-to Yogurt Dip for Fruit

vanilla yogurt in a bowl with strawberries on the side from the top view

Recipe Ingredients

This ultra quick and easy homemade vanilla yogurt recipe requires only 3 staple ingredients that you probably already have on hand or can quickly grab from the grocery store. You’ll need plain whole milk Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and honey. 

ingredients for the recipe in small bowls from the top view

Substitutions

The beauty of this easy recipe is that it’s totally customizable based on your preferences. Once you make vanilla yogurt from plain yogurt, that’s just a jumping-off point! Feel free to substitute or make additions to suit your sweet tooth or dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions:

  • Yogurt: While I personally love that creamy greek yogurt taste and texture, you can use whatever type of yogurt you prefer for this recipe! Regular yogurt, whole milk yogurt, or skim milk yogurt would all beautifully pair with vanilla and honey. You can even use plant-based yogurt if you’re vegan!
  • Other sweeteners: To make sweetened Greek yogurt, feel free to play around with added sugar based on your preference. Here at FPL headquarters, we prefer flavoring plain yogurt with natural sweeteners, like maple syrup and raw honey, but you can use confectioners’ sugar (aka powdered sugar) in its place for extra sweetness. To make a keto version of this recipe, sub in low-carb sweeteners, like monk fruit sugar or erythritol. We also recommend that you be careful when adding artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, sucralose, xylitol, etc., to unsweetened yogurt, as it can highly impact the flavor. 
  • Vanilla: Adding a dash of pure vanilla extract to plain yogurt is usually what I prefer, but you’re also free to use vanilla bean paste for a 1:1 substitute (meaning you can substitute one for equal amounts of the other). You can also use imitation vanilla extract, which tends to be more affordable. Or, if you’d rather, you can use half of a vanilla bean (vanilla beans have a potent flavor, so half of a bean is all you need). 
  • Honey syrup: As another sweetener option for this recipe, you can use my Honey Syrup recipe (a combination of honey and water) for honey vanilla greek yogurt. If you choose to use honey syrup, use double the amount of honey that the recipe calls for.   
  • Ground cinnamon: This is an optional addition, but adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to your plain vanilla yogurt really complements the flavors. 

How to Turn Plain Yogurt into Vanilla Yogurt

You can whip up this delicious recipe in no time! Simply:

person showing how to make vanilla yogurt from plain yogurt in a photo collage
  1. Combine the ingredients: Add the yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract to a bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. 
  2. Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and add more vanilla extract or honey, if desired. 

How to Store

If you have leftovers of this honey and Greek yogurt recipe, you can store them in the fridge or freezer to enjoy later. Here are some tips:

  • Storage: You can store your homemade honey vanilla yogurt in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
  • Freeze: Freeze your vanilla-flavored yogurt for up to 2 months to preserve the best taste and texture. 
  • Thaw: To serve the vanilla honey greek yogurt from frozen, first thaw your container of yogurt in the refrigerator (preferably overnight). The yogurt may appear separated once thawed, which tends to happen when you freeze dairy products. To revive the thawed yogurt, give it a stir to incorporate the ingredients or add in a small amount of yogurt if it’s watery. If it’s still not quite smooth, try blending it in a food processor before serving. Make sure not to refreeze once thawed! 

How to Use Vanilla Yogurt in Recipes?

Not only can you enjoy this flavorful vanilla greek yogurt recipe by itself as a breakfast or snack, but you can also use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla yogurt! Here are some vanilla yogurt recipe ideas:

  • Make yogurt parfaits: Name a better combo than creamy vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit, and crunchy granola. For one of my favorite vanilla yogurt recipes, try making my Yogurt Parfait recipe!
  • Try it in a smoothie: Vanilla yogurt is the perfect addition to any smoothie because it gives it that coveted thick, creamy texture and adds in just the right amount of sweetness. Try adding it to my Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothie or Cantaloupe Shake recipe for an ultra-tasty and refreshing smoothie. 
  • Pair it with fruit: Whether you’re making a fruit salad for a brunch crowd, bringing a fruit platter to your next gathering, or setting out a big fruit bowl for dessert, this easy recipe pairs perfectly with all your favorite seasonal fruit. 
  • Top it off with granola: Something about the crunchy texture and salty-sweet flavor of granola goes so well with yogurt. Simply top a bowl of yogurt with my Chunky Granola and call it breakfast!
  • Turn it into ice cream: Want to know how to make plain yogurt taste better? For a healthier yet delicious version of our favorite summer treat, try using this recipe to make Vanilla Frozen Yogurt!
plain vanilla yogurt with honey in a bowl with strawberries on the side from the side view

FAQs

Can you add vanilla extract to yogurt?

Yes, you can! Adding a dash of vanilla extract in plain yogurt really complements the tanginess of the yogurt and gives it a subtly sweet taste and flavor. Make it even better by adding a tablespoon of honey!

How much vanilla to add to plain yogurt?

When making plain yogurt vanilla-flavored, add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract for every cup of plain yogurt. Feel free to add more or less, depending on your personal preference.

Other Yogurt Recipes You Might Like

If you have an abundance of yogurt in your fridge that you’re dying to use, or if you’re just a yogurt fanatic like me, here are some other yogurt recipes you’ll love! 

If you try your hand at making this recipe, please take a minute to rate it and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

vanilla yogurt recipe in a bowl with strawberries on the side from top view
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Vanilla Yogurt Recipe

Learn how to turn plain yogurt into vanilla yogurt with this simple Vanilla Yogurt recipe! This refreshing, subtly sweet yogurt requires only 3 ingredients and takes 2 minutes to prepare. Enjoy it as a yummy breakfast with granola and berries or as a bedtime snack, or use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla yogurt!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 283kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt regular or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons hone
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place yogurt, honey and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
  • Give it a taste and add more if necessary.

Notes

  • Storage: Store yogurt in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
  • Freeze: Freeze yogurt for up to 2 months to preserve the best taste and texture. 
  • Thaw: Thaw frozen yogurt in the refrigerator (preferably overnight). If the yogurt has separated while thawing, stir to reincorporate the ingredients. Add a few more tablespoons of yogurt if it’s too watery, or blend for a few seconds in a food processor. Make sure not to refreeze once thawed.

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 405mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 243IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 299mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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Homemade Brioche Buns https://foolproofliving.com/homemade-brioche-buns/ https://foolproofliving.com/homemade-brioche-buns/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:40:25 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=55585 Whether you are making my Avocado Bacon Burgers, Bulgur Burger, or Tuna Melt Sandwiches or are in need of delicious a bread to serve with your favorite soups, this no-knead brioche-style bun recipe is an easy way to level up any of your meals. If you have ever tried your hand at making the traditional brioche bun recipe you know that it requires a standing mixer, bread machine, or a...

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Whether you are making my Avocado Bacon Burgers, Bulgur Burger, or Tuna Melt Sandwiches or are in need of delicious a bread to serve with your favorite soups, this no-knead brioche-style bun recipe is an easy way to level up any of your meals.

If you have ever tried your hand at making the traditional brioche bun recipe you know that it requires a standing mixer, bread machine, or a lot of elbow grease as there is a lot of kneading involved. However, with this easy brioche bun recipe, you will not need any of that. 

Brioche burger buns from the top view close up distance.

Yes, you do need to tend the dough for the first few hours, but after that, time will do the rest of it for you. Simply follow the instructions or watch the how-to video below in the recipe card to master my technique for fluffy brioche buns that are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

To make homemade brioche hamburger buns, gather unsalted butter, bread flour, instant yeast, kosher salt, large eggs, water, and sugar. If preferred, you can sprinkle them with sesame or poppy seeds at the end for additional flavor and texture.

ingredients in the recipe on a marble backdrop
  • Bread flour: This recipe will not yield great results if you use all-purpose flour. My favorite US brand is King Arthur Unbleached Bread Flour (affiliate link), but I also tested it with other national brands like Bob’s Red Mills (affiliate link), Gold Medal, and even Walmart’s Great Value Bread Flour. They all work well in this recipe.
  • Instant Yeast: I used a packet of Fleischmann’s Rapid Instant Yeast (affiliate link) but this recipe is also tested with Red Star’s Quick Rise Instant Yeast.
  • Salt: I used Diamond Kosher salt (affiliate link). If you use, Morton’s Kosher salt or table salt, use half the amount.
  • Sugar: You can use granulated sugar or cane sugar (for a naturally sweetened recipe). Coconut sugar would also work but the color of the brioche buns will be darker and have a slightly noticeable brown-sugar like the taste.

How to Make This Brioche Bun Recipe?

Making no-knead burger rolls is a hassle-free way to take your sandwich game to the next level. In just a few simple steps, you can make super soft brioche buns like a pro.

Mix the Ingredients

  1. Melt the butter: Put the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until fully melted. Be sure to watch the butter closely to avoid any burning. Then, turn off the heat and let the butter cool to room temperature.
person showing how to mix dry and wet ingredients for the recipe in a collage
  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
  2. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a glass measuring cup (or in a small bowl), combine six large eggs, water, and sugar.
  3. Combine the ingredients: Pour the melted butter and egg mixture into the dry ingredients, and use a wooden spoon to stir them together. The mixture could look as if it has more liquid than it should. That is normal. Mix the brioche bun ingredients until no dry flour remains and a uniform mass of dough forms (about 1 minute). Don’t overmix the ingredients. 
  4. Let the dough rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

Fold the Dough & Let it Rest Overnight

Person showing how to fold the sweet brioche buns dough in a collage of images
  1. Fold the dough: Hold the edge of the dough with your fingertips. Bring the edge towards the center of the dough, and fold it over itself. Then, turn the bowl 45 degrees and repeat the same folding process. Rotate and fold the dough six more times (eight times in total). Once you have folded the entire outer edge of the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Repeat the folding process: Perform the same folding process three more times, waiting 30 minutes between each repetition. Be aware that this is a very sticky dough, but luckily all you have to do is to fold it as directed, so it shouldn’t require much more kneading than that. After the fourth set of folds, cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 16-48 hours.

Shape the Dough & Let it Rise

The next day, when you are ready to bake, follow these steps to get them ready for baking:

  1. Prepare the sheet pans: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and set them aside.
person showing how to shape the bread dough in a collage of images
  1. Divide dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, and cut it into 12 equal portions. You can use a kitchen scale to weigh each ball or get help from a ruler to get equal dough balls.
showing how to shape each dinner roll with images
  1. Shape the rolls: Take one piece of dough and pat it into a 3-inch disk. Take one dough edge and fold it towards the disk’s center. Repeat this edge-folding process until the disk forms a ball. Then, flip the ball folded-side-down and move your hands in small circular motions until the dough forms a smooth, round ball shape. If desired, cover the dough ball with a clean kitchen towel. Repeat this shaping process with the remaining 11 pieces of dough.

Bake

Finally, it is time to bake them. If you have a digital thermometer, use it for foolproof results. 

person showing how to prepare brioche buns ready for baking
  1. Arrange the dough balls: Place the balls of dough onto the prepared sheet pans. I recommend positioning the balls three inches apart, six balls per pan. Remember that the dough will expand as they bake and rest.
  2. Let the dough rise: Cover the sheet pans with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for two hours, or until they nearly double in size. This rising process may take a little longer if you’re making the brioche burger buns in the colder months. You can speed up this process by placing the dough in a warm place within your kitchen.
  3. Preheat the oven: 30 minutes before you bake the brioche rolls, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  4. Brush with egg wash: Whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Then, remove the plastic wrap over the dough balls and brush each brioche roll generously with the egg wash. If making a sesame brioche bun, sprinkle your brushed rolls with sesame seeds.
dinner rolls before and after they are baked on a sheet pan
  1. Bake: Place each baking tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top, or the internal temperature of the brioche rolls reaches 190 degrees F. Be sure to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
  2. Serve: Remove the butter brioche rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Store, Freeze & Thaw?

The best part of this recipe is that you can make a batch, enjoy some right away, and store the rest for later. This way, you have the most delicious brioche hamburger buns for your summer cookouts, holiday dinners, or for an easy weeknight dinner at a moment’s notice.

If you plan on using this recipe for brioche hamburger buns or sandwiches, I recommend slicing your rolls in half before putting them in the fridge or freezer for easier use later on.

  • Storage: When covered with a clean kitchen towel, your homemade brioche buns can sit on the kitchen counter at room temperature for up to one day. For more extended storage, place your buns in an airtight container or a plastic storage bag with as much air removed as possible. Then, place the container in the fridge, and your light brioche buns will stay fresh for up to six days.
  • Freezing instructions: Place your brioche burger buns in an airtight container or a freezer-safe Ziploc air with as little air as possible. Your brioche will stay fresh for up to six weeks in the freezer. 
  • Thawing & toasting: One great thing about these homemade buns is that you don’t need to thaw your bread before using it. Simply place your frozen brioche in a toaster oven at low heat (275 degrees F oven) for 10 minutes. Or, if you’ve already cut your frozen rolls in half, you can put the slices in a toaster until they reach your desired heat.

How to Use Brioche Buns?

It doesn’t matter whether you use these brioche buns for hamburgers or as an easy dinner side. There are countless delectable ways to put this sweet brioche bun recipe to use.

Homemade brioche buns on a sheet pan with a knife on the side
  • As rolls with butter: Nothing pairs better with a hearty main than buttery brioche buns. Whip up this brioche rolls recipe for any meal you would serve with bread; soups and stews, salads, or any of your dinner recipes. And voila, just like that, the perfect meal any day.
  • For burger buns or sloppy joes: Step up your hamburger game (be sure to try my Avocado Bacon Burger or these Buffalo Chicken Burgers) with a bun that is as mouthwatering as the meat. Set your juicy burger atop this traditional brioche bun, and every bite will explode with rich flavor.
  • As sandwich bread: Cut your brioche-style bun in half, fill it with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have one of the richest and most flavorful sandwiches you’ve ever eaten.

Expert Tips

You don’t have to be a celebrity chef to make gourmet burger buns at home. With my foolproof tips, your brioche burger bun recipe will come out golden, soft, and buttery every time.

  • Use bread flour: To make your bread as fluffy and round as the iconic NYT light brioche buns, I recommend using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, allowing more gluten to develop in your bread. This gluten, in turn, gives bread its structure and body.
  • Watch the melted butter: Be sure to keep an eye on the pot when melting your butter. Butter melts very quickly and can burn if not watched properly.
  • Use room-temperature ingredients: For the best results use room-temperature ingredients. If you are a regular bread baker, you know that yeast is temperature-sensitive, so having all your ingredients at room temperature before adding them to your dough is crucial for the best burger brioche bun.
  • Use a kitchen scale: A kitchen scale (affiliate link) will give you the best results when cutting your soft dough into equal pieces. Simply measure each portion of brioche dough before rolling it into a ball.
  • Make smaller-sized buns: To make smaller brioche buns for sliders, divide your dough into up to 14 pieces. Keep in mind, however, that smaller buns will bake for less time. I suggest baking slider-sized rolls for 20-22 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F.
  • Make large brioche burger buns: If you want larger brioche buns, divide your dough into fewer pieces. However, you will likely need to bake your larger buns for more time. For instance, when making ten brioche rolls, I recommend baking them for 25 minutes or until their centers reach 190 degrees F.
  • Toast your buns on the grill: If you plan on using your brioche buns for burgers, I recommend lightly toasting the brioche buns on the grill right before using them. This extra step will give each toasted brioche bun a deliciously warm and crisp exterior.

I know a lot of people favor the brioche bun recipes from popular publications like New York Times Cooking, King Arthur Flour, and Food Network. However, having been making this recipe for many years, I can assure you that it is just as good. Once you give it a try, I am sure you will agree. 

FAQs

When making the perfect brioche hamburger bun, the last thing you want to do is stress about the details. Put your mind at ease with this expert guide to making the tastiest butter brioche bun.

What is a brioche roll?

Brioche rolls—commonly misspelled as “brioch bun,” “briche bun,” and “brioch rolls”—are a light, faintly sweet, and buttery type of French bread. People often use brioche bread for burgers, sandwiches, and dinner rolls.

What is in a brioche bun?

A brioche bun is usually made with unsalted butter, bread flour, instant yeast, kosher salt, large eggs, water, and sugar.

Can you freeze brioche buns?

Yes! These quick brioche buns will stay fresh in the freezer for up to six weeks when stored in an airtight container. If you keep them in a freezer-safe plastic bag, be sure to get out as much air as possible before freezing.

Should I toast brioche buns for burgers?

Though you don’t have to toast your brioche burger buns, I highly recommend it. Toasting your brioche will give it a delectably warm and gently crisp texture.

How to toast brioche buns?

To toast your homemade hamburger buns, place them in a toaster oven at low heat for 10 minutes. If you have already sliced your buns in half, you can toast them in a regular toaster or on the grill.

What is the difference between a brioche bun vs. a hamburger bun?

A brioche bun is a type of hamburger bun made from French brioche bread. Brioche burger buns tend to be slightly sweeter, richer, and more pillowy than traditional hamburger buns.

How many calories are in a brioche bun?

One of these brioche guns is about 316 calories.

Other Bread Recipes You Might Also Like

If you are a fan of baking bread, here are a few other fan-favorite bread recipes you might also like. Tender, filling bread is just an oven away with this star collection.

If you try this Homemade Brioche Buns recipe or any other bread recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

brioche buns on a sheet pan from the top view
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Homemade Brioche Buns Recipe

These homemade brioche buns make the perfect hamburger bun, sandwich bread, or dinner rolls. Whether you serve them for grilled burgers during the barbecue season or for your holiday table during Thanksgiving or Christmas, they are the perfect accompaniment to all your meals.
Course Bread
Cuisine French
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 4 hours
Overnight Rest 16 hours
Total Time 20 hours
Servings 12 buns
Calories 316kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (8 ounces)
  • 3 ¼ cups bread flour (17 ¾ ounces)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (aka rapid rise yeast) – 1 packet
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 large eggs plus 1 extra egg or brushing them before baking – at room temperature
  • ½ cup water at room temperature
  • cup sugar 2 ⅓ ounces
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds optional

Instructions

  • Place butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it melts. Be sure to keep a close eye on it as butter burns easily. Turn the heat off and let it cool to room temperature.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together bread flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, water, and sugar.
  • Pour the egg mixture into dry ingredients along with the now-cooled butter. Using a wooden spoon, stir to combine. It will look like it is too wet and almost like there is more liquid than there should be. That is normal. Do not overmix. Mix it until no dry flour remains and a uniform mass forms. This should take about 1 minute.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Holding the edge of the dough with your fingertips, fold it over onto itself halfway towards the middle. Turn the bowl 45 degrees and repeat the same process. Do this 6 more times. It should be 8 times in total. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  • Repeat folding and rising every 30 minutes three more times. After the fourth set of folds, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 16-48 hours.
  • Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Set them aside.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces*. If you have a kitchen scale, you can use it to weight each piece to ensure rolls equal size rolls. Or, you can use a ruler as a guide to cut them.
  • Working with one piece at a time, pat dough into a 3-inch disk. Holding the edge of the dough, fold the edges of the dough onto itself halfway towards the center. Repeat folding until it forms a ball. Flip it over and move your hands in small circular motions to form it into a smooth round ball. This dough might be sticky so feel free to sprinkle it with a bit of flour if it sticks to your hands. Repeat the same process with the rest of the balls.
  • Place them in the prepared sheet pans. I recommend 6 brioche buns per sheet pan with them being 3-inches apart from each other. Be aware that they do get larger as they rest and after they are baked.
  • Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise for 2 hours or until they “almost” double in size. If you are baking these brioche buns during the summer months, they rise faster. And if you are making it during the colder months, it might be a little longer. I recommend placing them in a warmer part of your kitchen to speed up the process.
  • Thirty minutes prior to baking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Make an egg wash by whisking together one egg with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Remove the plastic and brush each brioche roll generously with the egg wash. If using, sprinkle them with sesame seeds.
  • Place both sheet pans into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top (or until the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F.) making sure to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
  • Take them out of the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes, let them cool on a wire rack, or serve while they are still warm.

Video

Notes

  • * Smaller or larger brioche buns: This recipe is quite versatile in that you can divide the brioche dough into 14 pieces for smaller brioche buns or 10 pieces for larger ones. However, be aware that the time of baking might change based on the size. For 10 pieces, I would recommend 25-27 minutes and for 14 pieces, 18-22 minutes of baking time.
  • Salt: I made this recipe using Diamond Kosher Salt. If you use Molton’s kosher salt or table salt please use half the amount of salt.
  • Storage: The best way to store these brioche rolls is in an airtight container or a plastic storage bag (with as much air removed as possible.) in the fridge. They should be fresh for up to 6 days. Be sure to warm them in a low-heat oven before serving.
  • Freezing Instructions: If you want to freeze them, be sure to slice them in half horizontally before freezing. Place them in an airtight container or a plastic bag and remove the air out of it as much as possible. Freeze for up to 6 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 586IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

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Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins https://foolproofliving.com/gluten-free-blueberry-muffins/ https://foolproofliving.com/gluten-free-blueberry-muffins/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2022 23:27:40 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=24674 Amongst all my almond flour desserts, muffins made with almond flour are my favorite because they come together pretty quickly and can be served as a humble breakfast or they can be spread with frosting to turn them into a delicious show-stopping cupcake.  If you are a fan as well, you might also like my Almond Flour Apple Muffins, Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins, and Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins. Why Should...

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Amongst all my almond flour desserts, muffins made with almond flour are my favorite because they come together pretty quickly and can be served as a humble breakfast or they can be spread with frosting to turn them into a delicious show-stopping cupcake. 

Blueberry Almond flour muffins on a wire rack from the top view

If you are a fan as well, you might also like my Almond Flour Apple Muffins, Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins, and Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins.

Why Should You Try This Recipe:

These blueberry almond flour muffins recipe is the perfect grab-and-go breakfast. Here are a few other reasons why it’s worth a try:

  1. Deliciously moist & stores well: Thanks to almond flour, this blueberry muffin recipe is moister compared to traditional muffins. You can make a whole batch on the weekend, store it in the fridge, and warm it up for breakfast to enjoy throughout the week.
  2. Minimally sweetened with no refined sugar: Sweetened with less than a cup of pure maple syrup and fresh blueberries, this is a healthier muffin recipe that you can enjoy without guilt.
  3. Easy & Quick to make: All you need is 45 minutes and two bowls and a whisk to make these grain-free blueberry muffins. Plus, since it is so easy to make you can make it with your kids as well.

Ingredients:

As it is with any muffin recipe, the ingredients for this almond flour blueberry muffins recipe can be divided into three categories:

Ingredients for the recipe from the top view
  • Dry ingredients: Almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
  • Wet Ingredients: Eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil 
  • Last-minute add-ins: Fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and sliced almonds.

Substitutions & Variations:

  • Frozen blueberries: You can make these muffins with frozen blueberries as well. And the best part is that it is a one-to-one swap and you do not have to thaw them before adding to the muffin batter.
  • Almond Flour vs Almond Meal: While I prefer to make this almond flour muffin recipe with blanched almond flour (made from blanched almonds) rather than almond meal (made from almond with the skin on), you can use them interchangeably. Almond Meal Muffins would be more earthy and dark in color but still taste good. If you prefer to make your own almond flour, you can follow my guide on Making Almond Flour (using whole almonds) at home.
  • Use honey as a sweetener:  You can swap maple syrup with an equal amount of honey. However, be aware that the almond flour blueberry muffins made with honey taste floral and a tiny bit sweeter.
  • Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil would work in this recipe. I also like grapeseed, walnut, or avocado oil.
  • Berries: You can use this recipe to make Almond Flour Raspberry Muffins by using an equal amount of fresh raspberries in place of blueberries. And before you ask, you can use frozen raspberries as well.
  • To make Paleo Blueberry Muffins: If you are following a paleo diet, you can make your own paleo-friendly baking powder. To do so, mix together 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar and use that in place of 1 teaspoon of baking powder in the recipe.
  • For Keto Blueberry Muffins with Almond Flour: If you are on the keto diet, you can swap maple syrup with an equal amount of this Keto maple syrup (affiliate link) to turn these into keto blueberry muffins.

How to Make This Recipe?

This Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins with almond flour recipe has 5 easy steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325-F (165-C) degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin paper liners (affiliate link) and set it aside.
a collage of photos showing how to make the recipe
  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Mix together the dry ingredients, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – eggs, maple syrup, and coconut oil (melted and cooled.)
  3. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the blueberries and lemon zest into the muffin batter at the last minute.
muffin batter in a bowl and in muffin tins
  1. Bake: Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin, top with a sprinkling of sliced almonds, and bake the simple gluten-free blueberry muffins in a 325-degree oven for 32-35 minutes, or a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with no crumbs. Let muffins cool for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack. 

Enjoy one (or more) for breakfast with your morning coffee, or serve to the kids as a healthy afternoon snack.

How To Store, Freeze, and Thaw:

Below you will find everything you need to know to enjoy these almond flour lemon blueberry muffins for days.

  • Storage: Since these blueberry muffins are made with almond flour, the added moisture and fat content in the flour will shorten their shelf life. I found the best way to store these muffins is in an airtight container in the fridge for up to days. When ready to serve, warm them in a low preheated oven (300 degrees) for 5 minutes or so.
  • Freezing instructions: As it is with all my other almond flour recipes, these almond flour muffins freeze well. Be sure to cool completely on a cooling rack for 1 hour or they are fully cooled to room temperature. Transfer them into a plastic bag (I use freezer bags ) and get the air out of it as much as possible. Label, date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Thawing Instructions: Frozen muffins can be thawed completely to room temperature. Alternatively, to rewarm from the frozen muffins, place them in a 300-degree oven for 10 minutes, or in the microwave on high for 30 seconds-1 minute.
two images showing gluten free low sugar blueberry muffins after they are baked

Expert Tips:

Here are a few quick pro tips for the best almond flour blueberry muffins that you can make on your first try:

  • Room temperature ingredients: As it is with most baking recipes, for best results make sure that all your ingredients are at room temperature.
  • Toss blueberries with almond flour before folding into the batter: To prevent your blueberries (fresh or frozen) from sinking to the bottom during baking, toss the berries with 1-2 Tablespoons of the almond flour mixture before folding into the batter.
    Coating the berries with the recipe’s dry ingredients helps the blueberries stick to the muffin batter, giving you specks of warm, melty blueberries well distributed throughout the muffin.
  • Fill each muffin tin until ⅔ is full: The recipe for blueberry muffins with almond flour below makes 12 muffins. As you fill muffin cups you might feel like the batter is not enough. The secret is to fill each cup two-thirds full. It is also important to mention that almond flour muffins do not rise as much as regular blueberry muffins (made with regular flour) but they are delicious nonetheless.
  • Want to turn them into Almond Flour Blueberry Cupcakes? Add ½ tsp pure almond extract to the wet ingredients, omit the sliced almonds, and when completely cool, top with a heaping dollop of maple whipped cream or maple cream cheese frosting, and garnish with more fresh blueberries.
  • Want to try a muffin recipe made with a combination of almond and coconut flour instead? Try my flourless blueberry muffins.

FAQs

Can You Use Frozen Blueberries in Muffins?

Yes, frozen blueberries are a perfect substitute for fresh blueberries, especially when the berries are not in season.  This simple swap allows you to make these low-fat, gluten-free blueberry muffins any time of year.

What Temperature to Bake Muffins?

This gluten and dairy-free blueberry muffins recipe bakes best at a moderate 325 degrees F.  The oven temperature is lower than traditional muffin recipes (typically 375 degrees) because almond flour has a tendency to burn more easily.

How Many Calories?

One of these healthy gluten-free blueberry muffins has only 233 calories! Not only are these blueberry muffins from scratch gluten-free, but they are also dairy-free, wheat-free, refined sugar-free, low-carb, and with one simple ingredient swap, they are paleo and keto diet friendly, too!

Can I use all-purpose or coconut flour instead of almond flour?

This recipe is tested with almond flour and will not work with regular flour or coconut flour.

You Might Also Like:

If you enjoyed these recipes, here are a few other almond flour recipes you might like:

And if you have some extra blueberries you are trying to use, below are a few easy blueberry recipes from the archives:

If you try this Healthy Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins recipe or any other one of our almond flour recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

low carb Almond flour blueberry muffins on a wire rack
Print

Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins Recipe

These easy Gluten Free Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins are moist, sweet, and loaded with blueberries. Made with almond flour, they are a perfect treat for a healthy breakfast or an afternoon snack. 
Course Naturally sweetened dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 233kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour (8.4 oz. )
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup neutral vegetable oil coconut, walnut, or grapeseed oil would work
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Muffins

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries*
  • Zest of a lemon
  • 3 tablespoons sliced almonds optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325-F (165-C) degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, until no lumps remaining. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and oil.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and give it a good whisk until there are no lumps.
  • Fold in the blueberries and lemon zest.
  • Divide the batter equally in the prepared muffin tin.
  • Sprinkle with sliced almonds (if using).
  • Bake 32-35 minutes or until muffins turn golden brown.
  • Let it cool for 5 minutes and serve while it is still warm.

Video

Notes

Notes:
  • Can I use frozen blueberries to make these muffins? You can use an equal amount of frozen blueberries in place of the fresh ones. There is no need to thaw them.
  • Can I swap maple syrup with honey? Yes, you can. Simply use an equal amount of honey. Please be aware that the version made with honey might be slightly sweeter and darker in color (depending on the type of honey you are using.)
  • Storage: These blueberry muffins are best the day they are baked, still warm from the oven. You can store them in an airtight container for upto 4 days.
  • Freezing Instructions: Fully bring the blueberry muffins to room temperature, place in a freezer-friendly container, and freeze them for upto 3 months.
  • To Thaw: There is no need to thaw them as almond flour does not fully freeze. Simply heat them in a low-heat (300 F degree) oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg

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Greek Yogurt Parfait https://foolproofliving.com/layered-yogurt-parfait/ https://foolproofliving.com/layered-yogurt-parfait/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:34:31 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=15540 Need more ideas to make your mornings easier? Overnight Oats with Steel Cut Oats, Overnight Muesli with Yogurt, Yogurt Overnight Oats, and Chia Seed Oatmeal are all great options to make the most important meal of the day not only quick and easy but filling and nutritious.  Why Should You Make This Recipe?  Nothing beats fresh fruit, thick creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola. This layered fruit and yogurt parfait recipe...

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Need more ideas to make your mornings easier? Overnight Oats with Steel Cut Oats, Overnight Muesli with Yogurt, Yogurt Overnight Oats, and Chia Seed Oatmeal are all great options to make the most important meal of the day not only quick and easy but filling and nutritious. 

fruit and yogurt parfait garnished with mint from the front view

Why Should You Make This Recipe? 

Nothing beats fresh fruit, thick creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola. This layered fruit and yogurt parfait recipe will rival any Starbucks or Chick fil A yogurt parfait and save you money too. 

Need more convincing? Here are a few other reasons to give it a try:

  • Made with 3 ingredients. Fresh fruit, crunchy granola, and Greek yogurt are all you need for this easy healthy breakfast parfait that you can make in minutes.
  • It stores well so you can make ahead for a grab-and-go breakfast.
  • Easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. If you don’t have fresh fruit, use frozen fruit. Got a bit of a sweet craving? Add honey or maple syrup. The options are endless for this healthy Greek yogurt parfait recipe.

Ingredients 

Since this greek yogurt parfait only has 3 ingredients (not counting the optional sweetener), I recommend using the best ingredients you can find.

ingredients for yogurt parfait recipe from the top view
  • Greek Yogurt: I prefer whole milk plain yogurt for its thicker consistency and no added sugar, but any of your favorite types of yogurt will work as well. Vanilla Greek yogurt (I make mine at home), honey yogurt, and even vegan choices such as coconut or almond milk yogurt would work well in this recipe.
  • Berries/Fruit: I used a combination of fresh strawberries and blueberries, but any of your favorite fruit combinations (including my Breakfast Fruit Salad) would work. No fresh fruit? Use frozen fruit! Frozen berries work perfectly in this recipe.
  • Granola: I might be biased but I think the best granola for yogurt parfait is homemade granola as and it can be made with less sugar (than most store-bought brands). However, in a crunch, you can use storebought. If you are in need of a good granola recipe, feel free to check out my Chunky Granola. Or, if you are after high protein yogurt breakfast, try my Quinoa Crunch for added plant-based protein.

Substitutions and Optional Additions 

The best part about a DIY parfait is making it your own. Here are a few great choices to get you started. 

  • Sweetener: Add a natural sweetener like a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave to your homemade parfait. Or, try incorporating my Honey Syrup, Blueberry Puree, or fresh raspberry sauce to flavor the yogurt. 
  • Protein Powder: Add a scoop of your favorite whey or plant-based protein powder for a high-protein snack. 
  • Superfoods: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds per serving to make it even more nutritious.
  • Nut Butters: Add a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for healthy fats and protein. Though I recommend checking the labels for added sugars.
  • Nuts & Seeds: Want to cut down on carbs? Switch out the granola for a handful of nuts and seeds. However, if you prefer a low-calorie yogurt parfait with no added sugar omit the granola and the nuts.
  • Chocolate Chips: If you can’t deny your sweet tooth and want to splurge, chocolate chips may just satisfy your craving.

How To Make A Parfait With Greek Yogurt

Making this yogurt and fruit parfait cannot be easier. Follow these steps for a quick breakfast that is not only delicious but also visually impressive:

person whisking yogurt with honey in a bowl
  1. Add the sweetener (optional): If using, whisk together your choice of sweetener with your favorite yogurt until it is completely whipped and creamy.
  2. Build the yogurt parfait layers: Spoon half of the yogurt at the bottom of a bowl, tall glasses, or mason jars. Layer with half of the fruit and half of the granola. Carefully spoon the remaining yogurt mixture into the glass and add the rest of the fruit and granola to the top. 
photos showing how to layer parfait with berries and granola
  1. Garnish: If you prefer, finish it with a drizzle of honey (or maple syrup), more fresh fruit, and granola on top. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

How To Make Ahead And Store 

Got some leftovers or want to make it ahead? No problem! Follow the tips below to enjoy these healthy yogurt parfaits for days:

Make-Ahead Instructions:

Making this layered parfait recipe as a part of your weekly meal plan is a breeze, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Serve granola on the side: I recommend leaving the granola out when layering the parfait because as it sits it will lose its crunchy texture and become soggy. Let’s face it, no one likes soggy granola. Instead, serve it on the side and add the granola into the parfait right before serving.
  2. Use mason jars: I think 8 oz. mason jars – affiliate link – (mostly used for canning) are ideal for the perfectly portioned and grab-and-go homemade yogurt parfait. Simply layer yogurt and fruit, tighten it with the lid and store it in the fridge.

Make-ahead yogurt parfait should keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Store Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container (such as a mason jar) and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to serve them with extra fruit and granola on the side.

person drizzling strawberry blueberry granola parfait with honey

Expert Tips 

Here are a few quick tips for the best yogurt fruit granola parfait that you can make over and over again.

  • Whisk yogurt: It might sound like an extra step, but taking a few minutes to whisk the yogurt in a bowl makes it even more creamy and easy to layer. 
  • Make it your own: The thing I love about this simple recipe is that it is so easy to change it up with whatever you have on hand. Use these measurements as a place to start and make it your own with different fruit, yogurt, and granola.
  • When serving for breakfast or brunch: If I am serving this for friends, I make sure to take my time in layering, use colorful fresh fruit and always garnish it with fresh mint. People go crazy as soon as they see pretty parfaits layered with colorful fruit in jars.

FAQs

What is the difference between yogurt and parfait?

Yogurt is a thick milk-based product that is sold plain or with other flavorings such as fruit and sweetener. A parfait, on the other hand, is a layered dessert typically consisting of yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit and berries, ice cream, and whipped topping. 

What is in a yogurt parfait?

Most Yogurt parfait recipes are made with plain or flavored yogurt, fresh fruit (mostly berries), and granola made with ground oats, nuts, and seeds.

What is the best yogurt for a parfait?

The best yogurt for parfait is plain Greek yogurt as it has a thick and creamy consistency that is ideal for a yogurt parfait recipe. Plus, it is made without the addition of sugar making this breakfast a healthy option. However, you can use any type of yogurt (including plant-based options) to make this easy breakfast recipe.

Is yogurt parfait healthy?

It is no secret that Greek Yogurt and fresh fruit are good for you and are recommended as a part of a healthy diet. However, it is best to be conservative when adding granola to the parfait as it is usually made with added sugars.

How many calories in a yogurt parfait?

One serving of this Greek Yogurt Parfait recipe is 298 calories.

Other Easy Breakfast Recipes You Might Also Like:

Whether you are a fan of Chic Fil A’s Yogurt Parfait or Pioneer Women’s Yogurt Parfait with honey, I hope you give my version a try. I know those are favored by many people but my version here is just as easy and delicious.

And if you have leftover yogurt, try your hand at making my Frozen Yogurt Bark as well. It’s a healthy dessert that is a great alternative to ice cream.

If you try this Fruit and Yogurt Parfait recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Print

Greek Yogurt Parfait Recipe

This Fruit and Yogurt Parfait recipe is made by layering yogurt with granola and fruit. It is quick and easy to put together. It also stores well so it is a great breakfast recipe to make it a part of your weekly meal prep.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 servings
Calories 298kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional – more as a drizzle
  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup berries or any other fruit cut into small 1-inch chunks
  • ¼ cup homemade granola or store bought granola

Instructions

  • If using a sweetener, mix it with greek yogurt in a small bowl until fully combined.
  • To layer the yogurt parfait, place half of the yogurt at the bottom of a mason jar or a bowl. Top it off with half of the fruit and half of the granola. Cover them with the rest of the yogurt and top it off with the rest of the fruit and granola.
  • If preferred, finish it off with a drizzle of honey. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe can be multiplied as many times as you want.
  • Make Ahead: If you are making these granola parfaits as a part of your meal plan I would recommend against using the granola as a part of the layers. Instead, just layer them with fruit and yogurt and serve the granola on the side to add in later to prevent it from getting soggy. I also recommend using 8 oz. mason jars as they are not only ideal in size but also great for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 1mg

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Almond Flour Bread (Quick Low Carb Recipe) https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-bread/ https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-bread/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2022 21:21:32 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=27214 If you have been following me for a while you know that I love baking with almond flour. As a matter of fact, I have a collection of almond flour recipes that are some of the most liked, shared, and baked recipes on this blog. Today’s recipe, Almond Flour Bread, a savory quick bread recipe, is yet another addition to my collection. Though I have to admit, it is one...

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If you have been following me for a while you know that I love baking with almond flour. As a matter of fact, I have a collection of almond flour recipes that are some of the most liked, shared, and baked recipes on this blog.

Today’s recipe, Almond Flour Bread, a savory quick bread recipe, is yet another addition to my collection. Though I have to admit, it is one that took quite a bit of trial and error to be good enough to be published.

Healthy Almond Flour Bread sliced and photographed from the front view.

I believe the reason why it took so long is that I was after a savory almond loaf bread recipe that tasted more like bread than an almond cake and none of the recipes I tried gave me one that I would use to make a sandwich. Until now.

Low Carb Flourless Almond Flour Bread Recipe sliced and photographed from the top view.

The trick is all about the eggs. Rather than using whole eggs, I replaced a few of them with egg whites (removed egg yolks) and it made all the difference in texture. The exceptional flavor was just the added bonus. Believe it or not, I had four slices as soon as the bread came out of the oven!

Just like my Almond Flour Waffle and Almond Flour Biscuits recipe, this easy almond flour bread is healthy, light, low carb and with the right adjustments, Paleo, Keto Diet friendly, and Whole30, too. So I guess those four slices were totally worth it – no guilt included!

If you are thinking like, how the heck do you make homemade bread using almond flour, read on. I promise it is easier (and more delicious) than you think.

Almond Bread Ingredients

Like it is in many baked goods, this gluten-free almond flour bread recipe has 2 sets of ingredients; wet and dry ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

The wet ingredients are photographed from the top view.
  • Vegetable Oil – I used grapeseed oil, but any mild-flavored oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil, will do.
  • Large Eggs, plus Egg Whites – The combination of whole eggs and egg whites create a light-textured bread.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – Subtly sweet, the acid in ACV activates the baking soda and brings balance to the flavor.
  • Liquid Sweetener – Although completely optional, any of your favorite liquid sweeteners will do. I prefer maple syrup, but you can use honey or agave if that’s all you have on hand.

Dry Ingredients:

Dry ingredients are photographed from the top view.
  • Blanched Almond Flour – I highly recommend blanched almond flour (made from ground almonds) over almond meal (which is almond flour with the skins still on) more so for its light golden color, but you can use them both interchangeably. If you have the time you can easily make your own almond flour (made with grinding almonds in a high-powered blender (like Vitamix) or a food processor).
    If you want to make this recipe using almond flour, my favorite brand is Blue Diamond (affiliate link). I love that it tastes great and has almost no odor, which is usually an issue with most packaged almond flours sold in stores.
    If you want to use almond meal (affiliate link), my favorite brand is Barney. 
  • Ground Flaxseeds – There are two options – regular Flaxseed or Golden Flaxseed. Either one can be used, however, regular flax seeds will give you specks throughout your gluten-free loaf, whereas golden flaxseed creates a more neutral-colored bread.
  • Baking Soda – The leavening agent reacts with the apple cider vinegar, giving you both lift and that beautiful golden hue.
  • Baking Powder – A bit more lift never hurt any low carb gluten-free bread recipe. To make this a paleo bread, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
  • Fine Sea Salt – I specify fine sea salt since it dissolves easily into the batter. If you do not have fine sea salt on hand, you can also use the same amount of kosher salt.
Wet ingredients are photographed from the top view while a woman is whisking them.

How to make bread with almond flour

The batter is photographed while a woman is mixing it.
homemade low carb bread batter is placed in a loaf pan and photographed from the top view.

To make this Gluten-Free Almond Flour Bread, simply:

  1. Whisk together the wet ingredients. Add the oil, eggs, egg whites, apple cider vinegar and liquid sweetener to a medium bowl. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until smooth and emulsified (see PRO TIP below).
  2. Mix together the dry ingredients. In a larger bowl, add the almond flour, flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix together until well combined and create a slight well in the center.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold together gently until just combined. Transfer to the prepared loaf pan (more on that below) and smooth the top.
  4. Bake. For 35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown, springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  5. Serve. Slice and serve. A few of my favorite options include slicing the loaf like sandwich bread and placing a few slices of roasted turkey, lettuce, and mashed avocado between two slices.

How To Serve:

Go ahead, slice your almond flour loaf and enjoy it right away. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Make avocado toast: Spread it with a thick layer of my avocado dressing and sprinkle it with bagel seasoning for a low carb breakfast.
  • Use it to make a sandwich: Layer it with baked turkey bacon, tomato, and lettuce for a keto BLT.
  • Serve in place of toast with a layer of cream cheese (or peanut butter) and your favorite jam.

Expert Tips:

  • Mix it well: Thoroughly mixing the wet ingredients until emulsified is important as it helps the bread bake to the right texture. When the wet ingredients become one smooth mixture and slightly thickened, you know it’s ready! Be sure to watch the quick how-to video below to see what it looks like.
  • Use room temperature ingredients: As it is with most baked goods, it is important to have your ingredients at room temperature for the best results.

FAQs

How many carbs are in almond flour bread?

As you might already know, almond flour has lower carbs compared to traditional flours (i.e. all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, etc.) that are used to make bread. One serving of this homemade low carb bread recipe is only 9.1 grams of carbs compared to 13 grams in a slice of traditional bread. Since almond flour is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, it’s the best way to get your bread fix while still being mindful of your diet.

How to make this quick almond flour bread paleo, keto, and whole30 compliant?

This almond meal bread is really easy to adjust to your diet by making just a few small changes to the ingredients. To make it Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 compliant, simply omit liquid sweetener and use a grain-free baking powder. The taste difference will be very minimal and you will still end up with a healthy, low-carb, and sugar-free bread you can serve for any meal.

How to Store Almond Flour Bread?

This homemade almond flour loaf keeps best in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper and stored on the kitchen counter for up to 3 days. However, if you keep it in the fridge it will store for up to a week. I would avoid wrapping it in plastic wrap, however, as it will trap moisture and completely ruin the texture of the bread.

How To Freeze This Bread?

For longer storage, slice it, place in a plastic freezer storage bag, seal tight, label, date and freeze for up to 3 months. Any time the craving strikes, simply remove a slice (or two!) from the freezer and pop it in your toaster!

What kind of loaf pan should I use to bake ground almond bread recipe?

I baked this basic almond flour bread in an 8X4 loaf pan (affiliate link) and the bread you see in these photographs was baked in that pan. However, you can use a 9X5 loaf pan (affiliate link) as well. I tried it both ways and the difference in baking time was just so minimal that I wouldn’t change a thing. However, please know the version baked in a 9X5 loaf pan is a little shorter in height and longer in length.

Can I use chia seeds instead of flax seeds?

While some readers made this recipe using chia seeds instead of flax seeds, I prefer the version made with flaxseeds. Ground flax seeds help with rising and provide a better form and shape to the overall bread.

Can I substitute coconut flour for almond flour?

This almond flour bread recipe will not work with coconut flour. While both of these flours are gluten-free, they behave differently in baked goods. Therefore, I do not recommend substituting one for another.

For the full nutritional information (including calories), please be sure to check out the recipe card above.

Low Carb, Paleo and Keto friendly Almond Flour Bread Recipe is sliced and photographed from the top view.
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Almond Flour Bread Recipe

The best quick and easy to make Almond Flour Bread recipe that is low carb, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy free, low sugar, paleo and keto friendly. Great to use as a sandwich bread or as toast for breakfast.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 288kcal

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 5 Tablespoons (70g) Vegetable Oil, plus more for greasing – I used grapeseed oil but olive oil would also work
  • 2 large Eggs room temperature
  • 3 large Egg Whites room temperature
  • 1 Tablespoon (15g) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon (21g) Maple Syrup (or honey)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (224g) Blanched Almond Flour
  • ¼ cup (28g) Ground Flaxseed
  • ¾ tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder*
  • ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8X4 (or 9 x 5-inch) loaf pan with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, egg whites, apple cider vinegar and maple syrup until emulsified*
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, ground flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Make a slight well in the dry ingredients and mix in the egg mixture until just combined.
  • Transfer to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake 35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Video

Notes

  • Thoroughly mixing the wet ingredients until emulsified is important as it helps the bread bake to the right texture. When the wet ingredients become one smooth mixture and slightly thickened, you know it’s ready!
  • Substitute for baking powder: To make this a paleo-diet-friendly bread, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
  • Can I use chia seeds instead of flax seeds? While some readers made this recipe using chia seeds instead of flax seeds, I prefer the version made with flaxseeds. Ground flax seeds help with rising and provide a better form/shape to the overall bread.
  • Storage: This homemade almond flour loaf keeps best in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper and stored on the kitchen counter for up to 3 days. However, if you keep it in the fridge it will store for up to a week.
  • Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, slice it, place in a plastic freezer storage bag, seal tight, label, date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, pop it in your toaster to warm it up. There is no need to thaw.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 348mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 2mg

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Spinach and Feta Cheese Bรถrek https://foolproofliving.com/spinach-and-feta-cheese-borek/ https://foolproofliving.com/spinach-and-feta-cheese-borek/#comments Tue, 14 Jun 2022 22:52:59 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=1824 What is Borek? Crisp and rich, borek is a savory Turkish pastry often served at breakfast and brunch. It’s made by layering ultra-thin dough, an egg mixture, and various fillings. Borek also comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from cigarette-shaped rolls to large trays.  Traditionally, chefs prepare borek with Turkish yufka dough, an ultra-thin, unleavened dough made from flour, water, and salt. Yufka pastry leaves recipes—like borek—often use layers...

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What is Borek?

Crisp and rich, borek is a savory Turkish pastry often served at breakfast and brunch. It’s made by layering ultra-thin dough, an egg mixture, and various fillings. Borek also comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from cigarette-shaped rolls to large trays. 

Traditionally, chefs prepare borek with Turkish yufka dough, an ultra-thin, unleavened dough made from flour, water, and salt. Yufka pastry leaves recipes—like borek—often use layers of a yogurt or milk mixture to keep the dough equally moist and flakey. 

Turkish borek sliced and placed on an oval plate

Although feta and spinach borek is a quintessential Turkish dish, you can find Turkish borek recipes across the former Ottoman Empire. The Balkans, Eastern Europe, and even Northern Africa are just a few places. Perhaps because of the pastry’s geographic range, its name has many alternate spellings. “Bourek,” “burek,” “börek,” and even “bòrek” are all popular variations.

Recipe Ingredients

Who knew authentic Turkish cuisine could be so easy to make? This spinach borek recipe only uses simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.

yogurt wash and phyllo dough - ingredients for borek recipe on a marble backdrop
  • Phyllo Dough: You’ll need one package of phyllo dough to make this recipe, which you can find in the grocery store’s frozen section. Though chefs traditionally make Turkish borek dough from layers of yufka, phyllo dough (this is the brand I used) is easier to find here in the U.S. so that’s what I am using. Be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight.
  • Yogurt Wash to Keep Layers Moist: For the yogurt wash, gather olive oil, whole milk, egg, plain unsweetened yogurt, salt, and black pepper.
spinach and feta filling ingredients from the top view
  • Borek Filling: In this spinach burek recipe, your filling will consist of olive oil, chopped onion, baby spinach, kosher salt, black pepper, crumbled feta cheese, sesame seeds, and egg yolks. You may also add poppy seeds or Nigella seeds if desired.

Substitutions

  • Cheese: Turkish feta cheese is a classic in this traditional börek recipe, but shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and Monterey jack would also work.
  • Oil: If you’d rather not use olive oil, you can make this bourek recipe extra rich by using melted butter instead. Just make sure the butter is cool before using it.
  • Baby spinach: Swiss chard makes an excellent substitution for fresh spinach in this Turkish cheese pastry, as long as you sauté it first. You could also replace the baby spinach with potatoes for a heartier filling.

How to Make Borek with Spinach

Sheet pan borek is one of my recipe book’s tastiest and most effortless Turkish side dishes. You can learn how to make borek like an expert in just a few simple steps.

Cook the Vegetables & Make the Filling

person sauteeing veggies and making the yogurt milk mixture
  1. Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion to the pan and cook, frequently stirring, until translucent (4-5 minutes). Then, add the baby spinach, salt, and pepper to the pan. Toss the mixture every few minutes using kitchen tongs. Let it cook until the spinach loses most of its volume (approx. 5 minutes). Turn off the heat and let the veggies cool for 15-20 minutes.
    PRO TIP: If your veggie filling has too much liquid, I recommend straining the juices using a colander. Straining will keep your borek from turning soggy when fully assembled.
  2. Prepare the yogurt milk mixture: While your vegetables cool, whisk your olive oil, milk, egg, whole-milk yogurt, salt, and black pepper in a measuring cup.
  3. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Layer the Phyllo Dough

a collage of photos showing how to assemble borek from the start
  1. Layer the bottom borek sheets: Line your sheet pan with parchment paper. Then, layer sheets of phyllo dough onto the parchment paper until the whole pan is covered, using as many sheets as necessary. Let any excess dough hang over the sides. 
  2. Brush the phyllo: Lay a second layer of phyllo on top of the first, covering every part of the sheet pan. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of the milk mixture over the sheets, and use a pastry brush to spread it evenly over the dough.
  3. Add layers: Add another two layers of phyllo sheets on top of the first. Brush the top layer again with yogurt wash. Then, place one more layer of phyllo dough on the washed layer. Don’t brush this top layer with the milk mixture.
  4. Layer the filling: Distribute your cooled sautéed veggies over the top sheet of phyllo in one even layer. Then, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the spinach. 
a collage of images showing how to assemble cheese borak food
  1. Layer the top borek sheets: Place another two layers of phyllo dough over the spinach filling, covering it completely. Brush the top layer with the milk and yogurt wash. Then, place two more layers of phyllo dough on top of the washed layer. Brush the top of the assembled pastry with an even layer of the yogurt mixture.
  2. Fold excess dough: If any sheets are hanging over the side of the pan, fold them in toward the pastry’s center. Be sure to brush this extra dough with the milk mixture. At this point, your borek should look moist and tightly packed.
collage of photos showing before and after bourek recipe is baked.
  1. Cut the pastry: Cut your borek into 12 equal pieces using a knife. 
  2. Add toppings: Mix the egg yolks in a bowl. Brush the top layer of the borek with a generous layer of egg wash. If desired, sprinkle the top with sesame seeds and nigella seeds.
  3. Bake: Bake the borek in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. 
  4. Serve: Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack. Then, slice it along the pre-cut lines, and serve while still warm.

What to Serve with Borek

There’s a reason why so many people call it “borek bread.” This flaky and flavorful Turkish side makes a perfect pair with any dish you’d eat with bread, from light salads to meaty mains.

How to Make Ahead, Store, and Freeze

Make meal prep stress a thing of the past with this Turkish cheese borek recipe. Whether you make this dish a day or an entire month in advance, these storage tips have you covered.

  • Make ahead: To make your pastry ahead of time, cook the burek spinach and onions one day in advance. Store the veggies in an airtight container in the fridge, removing it when you’re ready to assemble your borek. Another option is to assemble the entire pastry, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge overnight. Then, cook your burek as usual when ready to eat.
  • Store: Leftover borek will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to let it reach room temperature before storing.
  • Freeze: You can freeze your spinach burek recipe for up to one month before baking it. Just be sure to cover the pastry tightly with plastic wrap and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw: Transfer your burek from the freezer to the fridge one full day before you plan to bake it. Then, bake the pastry according to the standard cooking directions (350 degrees F. for 30-35 minutes).

Filling Variations

The sky’s the limit when it comes to filling this Turkish cheese pastry. Whether you want a borek recipe with meat or a cheese burek for feta fans, these popular fillings are just what you need.

  • Meat borek: Make your pastry extra satisfying by adding a savory protein. Any meat will work, but ground beef borek, borek with minced meat, and ground lamb borek are some of my favorite savory fillings.
  • Cheese & herbs: Don’t want to add veggies? No problem! Borek with cheese and fresh herbs is a common filling you’ll adore. Simply fill your Turkish filo pastry with feta cheese and fresh parsley.
  • Try it with different vegetables: When you make burek, spinach is only one of the countless delicious veggies you can use. Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms and Baked Portobello Mushrooms are two of my favorite alternatives.
turkish cheese borek right after it comes out of the oven

Expert Tips

You don’t have to be a master chef to make international eats. With these foolproof tips, your cheese and spinach borek will come out flaky, gooey, and decadent every time.

  • Don’t worry about torn phyllo dough: Phyllo dough is so delicate that it may tear while you work with it. Don’t worry! You can easily pinch phyllo dough back together, and a few tears won’t ruin the dish.
  • It’s OK if you miss a layer: Don’t stress if you miss a layer when assembling your borek. This dish is highly forgiving, and it’s always better to have too few layers than too many.
  • Cover the filo sheets with a damp towel: As you are making this Turkish spinach borek recipe, be sure to cover the filo dough sheets with a damp towel to prevent them from drying. 
  • Don’t skimp on the yogurt wash: Be sure to spread the yogurt wash evenly over your Turkish pastry. Every layer should be adequately moist after brushing. 
  • Slice before baking: Slicing the borek pastry before it goes into the oven will make cutting and serving much easier. Simply slice the dough into your ideal portion sizes when you finish layering your borek.
  • Let the borek sit overnight: Though this step is optional, I highly recommend letting your borek recipe sit in the fridge overnight. Allowing your borek to rest will give your phyllo dough time to absorb the flavorful liquid, giving your pastry extra moisture and savoriness.
  • Strain your veggie mixture: If your sautéed veggie mixture has any liquid, I suggest straining it in a colander before adding it to your borek. Too much liquid will turn your pastry soggy.
  • Prewashed baby spinach: If you have a busy schedule or simply don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, prewashed baby spinach will save you oodles of time.
  • Phyllo dough vs. puff pastry: Though phyllo dough and puff pastry can be found in the same section of the grocery store, they are not interchangeable. French puff pastry contains many layers of dough and butter, which rise and become airy in the oven. By contrast, phyllo pastry is paper-thin and bakes to a super fine, flaky texture.
Learn how to make Turkish Spinach and Feta Cheese Borek recipe - Borek served with Turkish Tea.

FAQs

You don’t have to be Turkish to be a borek buff. This handy FAQ will answer all your questions about my recipe for Turkish borek, from the dish’s national origins to its nutritional content.

Is borek the same as spanakopita?

Turkish borek and Greek spanakopita come from the same family of pastry. However, the two often differ in preparation and texture, with Greek spanakopita often having a flakier, puffier crust. 

Is it burek or borek?

Both spellings of this pastry are technically correct, depending on the country. Turkish people tend to spell the name as “borek,” while “burek” is more common in the Balkans.

What countries have burek?

Many may think of borek as Turkish food. However, you can find this iconic dish in numerous countries across the former Ottoman Empire. This area includes countries in the Balkans, Middle East, and Northern Africa.

Is spinach borek healthy?

This recipe for burek with cheese isn’t the healthiest, with many calories coming from fats and carbs. However, borek can provide essential nutrients from its vitamin-rich spinach and calcium-rich feta when enjoyed in moderation.

How do you eat borek?

 Traditionally, people have Turkish cheese borek for breakfast or brunch during family gatherings. However, you can eat borek alongside any meal in place of bread.

Other Turkish Recipes You Might Like:

If you try this Turkish Borek recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

person serving spinach and feta cheese borek
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Spinach and Feta Cheese Börek – Turkish Borek Recipe

Learn how to make Spinach and Feta Cheese Borek – A classic Turkish Borek recipe made with stuffing phyllo sheets with spinach and feta. This authentic and simple recipe can be made ahead and baked right before serving for a warm and delicious breakfast or brunch recipe.
Course Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine Turkish
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 174kcal

Ingredients

For the Spinach and Feta filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or any vegetable oil such as avocado oil
  • 1 medium-size onion peeled and chopped
  • 16 oz. baby spinach leaves washed and dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt*
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 oz. crumbled feta cheese

For The Milk Yogurt Mixture:

  • 3 tablespoon olive oil or any vegetable oil such as avocado oil
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For The Layers:

  • 1 package of Phyllo Dough* thawed overnight in the fridge
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Nigella seeds optional

Instructions

  • Cook the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan at medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add the spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook it, tossing it every few minutes using kitchen tongs, until the spinach loses most of its volume, around 5 minutes. Give it a stir and turn the heat off. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Make the yogurt milk mixture: Whisk olive oil, milk, egg, yogurt, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until combined.
  • To assemble: Line a baking sheet (mine is 12X17) with parchment paper. In a single layer, place sheets of phyllo dough onto the parchment paper. Use as many sheets as you need to make sure that the pan’s whole surface is covered. It is okay if some filo is overhanging on the sides.
  • Place another layer of phyllo on top of the first, again making sure that the bottom of the pan is covered. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of the milk mixture on the top layer of dough and brush it over the filo sheets, making sure that it is evenly spread.
  • Stack another two layers of phyllo dough on top of the first two. Again, brush the milk mixture over the top phyllo sheet. Then, cover the top sheet with one more layer of phyllo dough—not two. Do not brush the top sheet with the milk mixture again.
  • Spread the now-cooled spinach and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top layer of phyllo sheets.
  • Place another two layers of phyllo sheets over the filling, covering it completely. Brush another 3-4 teaspoons of the milk mixture over the topmost sheet. Then, place two final layers of phyllo dough on top of the washed layer, and brush the top with the milk mixture. You should have 9 layers of dough in total.
  • If there are sheets overhanging on the side, fold them in towards the pastry’s center and make sure that they are brushed with the milk mixture. At this point, the borek should look nicely moist and tightly packed.
  • Using a sharp knife, pre-slice borek into 12 equal pieces (please refer to the video for a visual).
  • Mix egg yolks in a bowl.
  • Brush each slice with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds and nigella seeds if using.
  • Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve while it is still warm.

Video

Notes

  • Prior to adding salt to the filling, it is good to taste your feta cheese and determine if you need more salt or not.
  • If you have time, I recommend letting your borek rest before baking it. Simply cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the pastry rest for a few hours or up to overnight. Then, bake as usual.
  • Depending on the size of the sheet pan you are using, you may not need to use the whole package of phyllo dough. 
  • Strain your veggie mixture: If your sauteed veggie mixture has any liquid, I suggest straining it in a colander before using it as a filling. Too much liquid will turn your pastry soggy.
  • Don’t worry about torn phyllo dough: Phyllo dough is so delicate that it may tear while you work with it. Don’t worry! You can easily pinch phyllo dough back together, and a few tears won’t ruin the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 503mg | Potassium: 481mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6851IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 3mg

This recipe was originally published in November 2013. It has been updated in June 2022 with new text, photos, and a how-to video with very minor edits (mostly for clarification) to the originally published recipe.

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Cantaloupe Smoothie https://foolproofliving.com/citrusy-cantaloupe-smoothie-bowl-with-pepitas/ https://foolproofliving.com/citrusy-cantaloupe-smoothie-bowl-with-pepitas/#comments Tue, 31 May 2022 15:38:44 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=10192 Why Should You Try This Smoothie Recipe? This simple melon shake is as nutritious as it is refreshing, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make. With so much to love, this cantaloupe smoothie recipe will be your new go-to treat perfect for a hot summer day. No sugar is added to this naturally sweet cantaloupe yogurt smoothie, making it a refreshing (and healthy!) treat to have first...

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Why Should You Try This Smoothie Recipe?

This simple melon shake is as nutritious as it is refreshing, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make. With so much to love, this cantaloupe smoothie recipe will be your new go-to treat perfect for a hot summer day.

Frozen cantaloupe smoothie in a glass from close up
  • No sugar is added to this naturally sweet cantaloupe yogurt smoothie, making it a refreshing (and healthy!) treat to have first thing in the morning or even for dessert.
  • You can make this cantaloupe shake recipe for nearly any special diet. Anyone who follows a vegan, gluten-free, or even dairy-free diet can enjoy this tasty drink—alongside my Mango Tumeric Smoothie or any one of my other Turmeric Smoothies, of course.
  • Needing only 5 ingredients and less than 10 minutes, this beginner-friendly drink is one of the most effortless cantaloupe smoothie ideas out there.

Ingredients

To make this cantaloupe shake, gather cubed cantaloupe, unsweetened plain yogurt, orange juice, and ice. Because the high water content of melon can lead to a watery texture, you’ll also need a half-cup of another fruit, such as mango.

Ingredients for the recipe from the top view

Substitutions & Additions

Putting cantaloupe in a smoothie is the best way to make a healthy drink without a lengthy shopping list. Make your frozen melon smoothie countless ways with these simple substitutions.

  • Freeze cantaloupe: To make a frozen cantaloupe smoothie, freeze your fresh cantaloupe pieces before blending. Note, however, that you may have to pulse your smoothie for extra time to break up the frozen bits. 
  • Second fruit: Almost any sweet fruit will work alongside your cantaloupe, including strawberry, pineapple, banana, and mango. You can also freeze this second fruit if you have time or add extra ice cubes for a refreshing chill.
  • Juice: Adding juice is one of my favorite ways to add sweetness to my summer smoothie. However, though I use orange juice (I squeeze it myself instead of using orange juice from concentrate) in my smoothie routine, pineapple juice would also work.
  • Milk instead of juice: If you prefer to make your cantaloupe smoothie with milk, any kind will do. For instance, you can make cantaloupe smoothie recipes with almond milk, cashew milk, or even coconut milk. Just note that you may have to add a little honey, honey syrup, or simple syrup to make your smoothie a bit sweeter if you prefer.
  • Yogurt: I use plain Greek yogurt in my smoothie recipe, but you could also use a dairy-free alternative instead. Like the almond milk yogurt I use in my Vegan Banana Smoothie, vegan yogurt makes a great, diet-friendly substitution.
  • Additional Sweetener: I think this orange cantaloupe smoothie recipe is adequately sweet as written, but if you want it sweeter you can add in a few tablespoons of honey syrup or as it blends.
  • Add protein (optional): To make this healthy smoothie recipe even more nutritious, try adding extra proteins. Simply add a teaspoon of ground flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, collagen peptides, nut butter, or your favorite protein powder.

How to Make a Cantaloupe Smoothie

Smoothie recipes with melon are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking a sweat. This cool, fruity treat will be the easiest drink you make all summer.

two images showing how to make smoothie with cantaloupe
  1. Blend ingredients: Place the ingredients into a blender, preferably with fruit on the bottom and ice at the top. Pulse the ingredients a few times, then blend on high until smooth. If you do not own a blender, you can use a food processor for blending as well.
  2. Serve: Pour the mixture into a glass and, if desired, garnish with cantaloupe. Drink immediately.

Variations

Make dozens of smoothie recipes with cantaloupe with these yummy variations. Whether you’re craving a sweet cantaloupe berry smoothie or a creamy banana variation, we’ve got you covered!

  • Frozen cantaloupe smoothie: Want to give your melon smoothie extra chill? Freeze your cantaloupe cubes for 4-8 hours before blending.
  • Cantaloupe banana smoothie: If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast that’s equal parts sweet and creamy, a banana smoothie is just what you need. Simply swap out your mango for a half-cup of sliced banana.
  • Strawberry cantaloupe smoothie: Give your recipe a tart, summer-fresh flavor with a match made in heaven: cantaloupe and strawberries! No one can resist the fresh fruit of this easy recipe.
  • Watermelon cantaloupe smoothie: No one can resist a refreshing smoothie recipe with double the ripe melon. For this delicious recipe, I recommend adding a full cup of cubed watermelon to keep your smoothie from becoming too watery.

How to Store

Smoothie recipes with melon are a godsend when it comes to easy storage. Simply place your smoothie mixture in a bottle with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar. Drink within 2 days, being sure to shake the smoothie before pouring.

Please note that your smoothie will likely get watery as it sits in the fridge. To keep your cantaloupe smoothie’s creamy texture, I recommend enjoying your beverage on the day it’s made.

person pouring smoothie into a glass

FAQs

No guesswork is necessary when making this recipe for a melon smoothie. Whether you have questions about substitutions or nutrition information, this handy guide is just what you need.

Can you put cantaloupe in a smoothie?

 Yes, you can use cantaloupe in a smoothie! Adding melon to smoothies is the perfect way to make a naturally sweet, creamy, and healthy treat.

How to make a cantaloupe smoothie with milk?

If you don’t want to add juice to your smoothie, you can use milk instead. Any milk will work, but you may have to add extra sweetness with ingredients like honey or Honey Simple Syrup if you like your smoothies on the sweeter side.

Can cantaloupe be frozen for smoothies?

Absolutely! Simply cut your cantaloupe into 1-inch cubes, arrange them on a sheet pan, and put them in the freezer for 4-8 hours. Then, blend your ingredients.

Is cantaloupe smoothie good for you?

Using natural, nutrient-packed ingredients, this cantaloupe smoothie with yogurt is a tasty and healthy way to get extra vitamins. Just one serving of cantaloupe fills your daily need for vitamin c and vitamin A.

Similar Smoothie Recipes You Might Like:

It is no secret that drinking a smoothie a day has its benefits. If you are new to making your own smoothies you are in for a treat because I have so many recipes for you. Below are a few recipes to get you started.

If you try this Cantaloupe Smoothie recipe or any other smoothie recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Cantaloupe smoothies in two glasses from the front view
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Cantaloupe Smoothie Recipe

This Cantaloupe Smoothie recipe is an easy, quick and healthy breakfast or snack you can make in minutes. Made without any sugar, this melon smoothie is incredibly refreshing perfect for a hot summer day.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 197kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cantaloupe cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes
  • ½ cup mango strawberry, or banana, cut into small pieces*
  • ¼ cup unsweetened plain yogurt or vanilla yogurt or vegan yogurt
  • ½ cup orange juice or pineapple juice
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
  • Pour into a glass and garnish with cantaloupe if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe can easily be multiplied.
  • I think it goes without saying that the riper the fruit the sweeter your smoothie will be. So, if you prefer it on the sweeter side be sure to pick a ripe cantaloupe white you are at the grocery store.
  • You can use frozen cantaloupe if you want. However, if you do so, I would recommend using 1/2 cup of ice.
  • Storage: Simply place your smoothie mixture in a bottle with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar. Drink within 2 days, being sure to shake the smoothie before pouring. Please note that your smoothie will likely get watery as it sits in the fridge. To keep your cantaloupe smoothie’s creamy texture, I recommend enjoying your beverage on the day it’s made.

Nutrition

Serving: 1person | Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 733mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 6612IU | Vitamin C: 110mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 1mg

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Homemade Corn Tortillas https://foolproofliving.com/homemade-corn-tortillas/ https://foolproofliving.com/homemade-corn-tortillas/#comments Sat, 30 Apr 2022 17:09:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=4909 It is no secret that I am a huge Mexican food. And what is more Mexican than corn flour tortillas? I first learned how to make homemade corn tortillas when on my very first visit to Mexico. The hotel we were staying at had a wonderful restaurant with young ladies making fresh corn tortillas outside. Watching them make hundreds of fresh corn tortillas was almost therapeutic. On our way back...

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It is no secret that I am a huge Mexican food. And what is more Mexican than corn flour tortillas?

I first learned how to make homemade corn tortillas when on my very first visit to Mexico. The hotel we were staying at had a wonderful restaurant with young ladies making fresh corn tortillas outside. Watching them make hundreds of fresh corn tortillas was almost therapeutic.

A man is serving corn tortillas placed on top of each other with text on the image

On our way back we stopped by the local market and bought a wooden tortilla press (like this one – affiliate link) similar to the one that they use in the hotel. Ever since that visit, I have been making my own corn tortillas.

If you have never tried your hand at making your own tortillas, consider this your how-to guide. Made with two simple ingredients, making corn tortillas from scratch is easier than you think. Below you will find a detailed explanation for everything you need to know including ingredients, equipment, technique, and storage to make the best corn tortilla recipe at home.

A woman is making corn tortillas in Mexico - Learn how to make authentic corn tortillas and get the recipe for Homemade Corn Tortillas

Recipe Ingredients

To make homemade corn tortillas, you can use either fresh masa (which is why some people call these corn masa tortillas) or masa harina and water. Some people prefer to use a little bit of salt as well.

masa harina mixed with water in a bowl

You can find fresh masa at your local Latin grocery store (or Mexican markets) in their refrigerated section. While most people say that using fresh masa is the best, if you are not living in an area where you can get your hands on it, you can make your own tortillas using masa harina and water. I like Maseca brand (this White Maseca Corn Flour, in particular) and buy it from our local grocery store in their international food aisle.

If you are living in the United States, Bob’s Red Mills sells masa harina as well. I have tried this recipe with that brand and it worked very well.

Do I Need A Tortilla Press?

The answer is yes and no.

While I was reading through different sources, I saw that some people press out the dough in between two flat surfaces like dinner plates or large and heavy books. Some even feel comfortable patting out tortillas in between their two hands. Though from what I understand, getting a thin corn tortilla by using your hands requires quite a bit of experience.

I personally think that it is much easier to use a tortilla press. If you do not have access to wood and heavy one like the one we have (or a similar one like this one – affiliate link), most kitchen equipment stores and various online sources sell aluminum or cast-iron corn tortilla press (like this Tortilla Press) for less than $20. Therefore, if you are serious about making corn tortillas at home, I think it is a good investment.

How To Make Corn Tortillas

Make The Dough

To make the masa dough, mix masa harina with warm water (tap water is fine)in a large bowl using a wooden spoon. Or, you can knead the dough by hand as well. Cover it with a damp towel, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes on the kitchen counter.

person making the dough for corn taco shells

When ready, add in some cool water, one tablespoon at a time, until it has a soft texture without being sticky. Here, keep in mind that the dough for corn tortilla is a very forgiving one. If it gets too dry, you can add a little more water. And if it gets too wet, you can add a little more masa. The “right consistency” should feel similar to Play-doh.

Before pressing and cooking the tortillas, make sure to cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying.

How To Use a Tortilla Press

Next, we press the dough balls into and make tortilla.

First, you will need a medium-heavy plastic bag to fit over the plates of the press. I used a large (gallon-size) Ziploc bag. I trimmed the zipper top so that it is a large rectangular piece. With that being said, you can use two pieces of plastic as well.

person showing how to make masa tortilla recipe

Second, you lay the plastic bag on the tortilla press, making sure that it covers both the upper and bottom parts of the press.

Third, divide the dough into smaller 14 to 15 equal pieces. You can eyeball it or use a small cookie scoop to make it easier on yourself.

Roll each piece into small dough balls (each piece should be similar to a golf ball). Working one piece at a time, place one dough ball on the bottom part of the press, cover it with the top of the Ziploc bag, close the press, and push it down (while applying gentle pressure).

Then, gently peel back the tortilla from the plastic and transfer it to your hand.

How Do You Cook Corn Tortillas

To cook corn tortillas, you can either use a griddle or a cast iron skillet.

The important thing here is to make sure that the skillet is very hot before starting the cooking process. I usually let it heat up over medium high-heat for 5 minutes or so.

Once fully warm, place the first tortilla on the pan. It will first stick and that is normal. But then in 15 seconds or so it will release itself and that is when it is time to flip it. After that, it should take around 30 to 45 seconds for it to fully cook. You will know that it is good to go when you start seeing brown spots on top.

Keep an eye on it as it is cooking and adjust the temperature as necessary to prevent it from drying.

According to Rick Bayless, a perfect tortilla is one that balloons up like pita bread after the second flip.

Here, one thing most resources suggest is to use your fingers to flip instead of a spatula, because the edges will curl up as the heat cooks the tortillas. At first, I didn’t feel comfortable flipping it with my hands, but towards the end, with a little practice, I was more comfortable with it. Still, if you don’t feel comfortable, a spatula works just fine.

How Do You Get Soft Tortillas

One thing that is so important to note here is that the cast iron skillet (or griddle) only cooks the outside of the tortilla. In order for it to cook thoroughly, you need to cover them with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a bowl with a lid. As it sits, the heat from the growing sack will continue the cooking process resulting in softer and completely cooked corn tortillas.

So, as you can imagine, the softest one is the one at the very bottom. Therefore, when you are ready to serve, it is best to start from the very bottom of the stack.

Corn tortilla bread in a bowl with a lid

Storage Instructions

I think these DIY corn tortillas are best on the day that they are made. That is why, I usually make just the amount that I plan to serve.

However, to find out the best way to store tortillas, we made two batches of this recipe. You have two options when it comes to storing corn flour tortillas. They both work with a caveat:

  • At room temperature: Keep them wrapped with a clean kitchen towel and let them sit on the kitchen counter. It will be fresh for up to two days but if you leave it longer it will start developing mold.
  • In the fridge: Bring them to room temperature, wrap them tightly with a kitchen towel, and store them in the fridge. They should keep fresh for up to 4 days. However, as they sit in the fridge they get hard so I recommend a quick warm-up on the skillet before serving.

Once you get a hang of the process, you can make the most delicious corn tortilla bread in your very own kitchen in less than 20 minutes. And after that, I can almost guarantee you that you will never want to go back to buying them from the supermarket.

How To Serve

You can use these corn tortilla shells in so many ways. Here are a few ways to get you started:

  • Make a taco: Try my Quinoa Black Bean Tacos or Brisket Tacos Recipe
  • Enchiladas: Soak these corn tortilla wraps in your favorite enchilada sauce, roll them up with your favorite filling, and bake them in a casserole with more sauce on top.
  • Homemade tortilla chips: Cut them into small triangles and fry them in oil. Sprinkle with salt and serve with guacamole on the side. This combo makes the best Mexican Party Food.

FAQs

What is Masa Harina and Where Can I Find It?

Masa harina is dried corn dough. It is used to make corn tortillas by mixing it with water. Nowadays, most supermarkets sell Maseca brand masa harina. You can also find it online. This White Maseca Corn Flour is what I usually use.

How to make yellow or blue corn tortillas?

For yellow tortillas, use Maseca Instant Yellow Corn Masa Flour and for blue tortillas use Maseca Blue Corn Instant Masa Flour.

When to use corn tortillas versus flour tortillas?

It is a personal choice so you can use them interchangeably in most recipes. Since flour tortillas are sturdier, they work well when making burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, work well with Mexican Tacos and when making huevos rancheros.

Other Mexican Inspired Recipes You Might Like:

If you try this Homemade Corn Tortillas recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

corn tortillas placed on top of each other being held by a man
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Corn Tortillas Recipe

Making Corn Tortillas at home is much easier than you think! Here is a comprehensive guide to help you learn how to make Homemade Corn Tortillas with step-by-step photos along with all the information you need including technique, ingredients, and equipment.
Course Bread
Cuisine Mexican
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 15 corn tortillas
Calories 49kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups masa harina for tortillas, (I used the Maseca brand) (9.5 ounces)
  • 1 cup hot tap water plus 2 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons water at room temperature

Instructions

  • Using a wooden spoon, mix masa harina and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons hot tap water in a large mixing bowl. Cover it with stretch film and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  • Begin working the masa harina and water mixture with your hands. Add 2 more tablespoons of cool water (one at a time) for the dough to reach an ideal texture, where it is still soft without being sticky (similar to Play-Doh). If, for some reason, it is dry (looks like it is cracked), add a little more water. Or if it is too wet (or sticky), let it sit on the kitchen counter uncovered for it to dry out for a little bit or add more masa.
  • Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces (for this recipe, it was 1.4 ounces each) for 6-inch corn tortillas. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel.
  • Cut each sides of a Ziploc bag to make it a large rectangular piece. Lay it on the tortilla press, making sure it covers both the upper and bottom parts of the press. (See the pictures in the blog post)
  • Roll each piece by placing on the bottom part of the press lined with the Ziploc bag. Cover it with the top of the Ziploc bag, close the press and push it down. Gently peel back the top layer of the bag, and transfer it to your hand. Place it on a baking sheet and cover it with a kitchen towel. Continue with pressing the rest.
  • In the mean time, heat a cast iron skillet in medium heat for 10 minutes. You want to make sure it gets really hot.
  • When you are ready to bake, place a tortilla on the skillet and let it cook for 15 seconds. At first it will stick, but then, if your temperature is right (read the blog post for more information on the temperature), it will come off easily for you to flip it. Let it cook for another 30-45 seconds or until it is lightly browned.
  • As tortillas are cooked, transfer them in a basket cloth lined with a kitchen towel. Allow them to continue cooking with the steam (from their own heat) inside the basket for at least 10 more minutes before serving.

Notes

  • It is optional, but if you want you can swap some of the water with chicken/vegetable stock and add salt into your dough.
  • How to get soft tortillas: One thing that is so important to note here is that the cast iron skillet (or griddle) only cooks the outside of the tortilla. In order for it to cook thoroughly, you need to cover them with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a bowl with a lid. As it sits, the heat from the growing sack will continue the cooking process resulting in softer and completely cooked corn tortillas. So, as you can imagine, the softest one is the one at the very bottom. Therefore, when you are ready to serve, it is best to start from the very bottom of the stack.
  • How to Store: I think these DIY corn tortillas are best on the day that they are made. That is why I usually make just the amount that I plan to serve. However, to find out the best way to store tortillas, we made two batches of this recipe. You have two options when it comes to storing corn flour tortillas. They both work with a caveat:
    • At room temperature: Keep them wrapped with a clean kitchen towel and let them sit on the kitchen counter. It will be fresh for up to two days but if you leave it longer it will start developing mold.
    • In the fridge: Bring them to room temperature, wrap them tightly with a kitchen towel, and store them in the fridge. They should keep fresh for up to 4 days. However, as they sit in the fridge they get hard so I recommend a quick warm-up on the skillet before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

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Lemon Ricotta Pancakes https://foolproofliving.com/ricotta-and-lemon-pancakes/ https://foolproofliving.com/ricotta-and-lemon-pancakes/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2022 21:30:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=2186 They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and these ricotta cheese pancakes will make your heart skip a beat (much like my almond flour pancakes and almond flour buckwheat pancakes). I love to make them with my homemade ricotta cheese for the most pronounced sweet cream kick. I serve them with plenty of warm maple syrup, homemade blueberry sauce (or my blueberry puree), and fresh...

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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and these ricotta cheese pancakes will make your heart skip a beat (much like my almond flour pancakes and almond flour buckwheat pancakes).

I love to make them with my homemade ricotta cheese for the most pronounced sweet cream kick. I serve them with plenty of warm maple syrup, homemade blueberry sauce (or my blueberry puree), and fresh berries, which really bring out the lemon flavor.

Lemon ricotta pancakes on top of each other drizzled with blueberry sauce

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

I find these to be the best lemon ricotta pancakes to add to your list of pancake and waffle recipes. I know you will love them because:

  • Light, bright and fluffy: The texture of these pancakes is hard to beat thanks to fresh ricotta cheese. Plus, the vibrant lemon pop just makes you smile.
  • Celebrates the sweet side of ricotta: Ricotta is one of the few ingredients that can be mixed into sweet recipes. Think of it like cream cheese, but without the tang but with a similar creamy texture.
  • Bite-size pancakes with big flavor: If you love lemon-y desserts, these pancakes are guaranteed to satiate all your lemon cravings. 

Ingredients

The ingredients for these ricotta pancakes are what you would find in your usual pancake mix, but much, much better.

Ingredients for the recipe from the top view

Gather together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, butter, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

  • Ricotta Cheese: Use full-fat ricotta cheese for the best pancakes. I always have some homemade ricotta in my fridge. Italian markets carry top-quality fresh ricotta cheese, too.
  • Milk: I used whole milk, but buttermilk would give a nice tang.
  • Sugar: Use coconut sugar, or your favorite granulated sugar, if you prefer not to use white sugar. It changes the color of the pancakes but it is still very good.
  • Eggs: The ricotta pancake recipe below uses 4 egg whites and 2 egg yolks. You can use the extra 2 egg yolks in another recipe. 

How to Make

This recipe for ricotta pancakes takes a little help from whipped egg whites, but the extra effort is well worth it. Simply:

person showing how to make ricotta lemon pancakes
  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, milk, 2 egg yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until just combined.
  3. Make pancake batter: Gently pour and stir the ricotta mixture into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
  4. Whip egg whites: In a separate bowl, place the egg whites. Using a hand mixer, whisk egg whites for 1 minute at medium-low speed. Increase the speed to medium and whisk until foamy for 1 more minute. Slowly add the sugar and whisk until soft peaks form (it will be very silky), about 1-2 minutes.
Person showing the steps to making lemon ricotta hotcakes
  1. Whisk in ⅓ egg whites: Gently whisk 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the pancake batter.
  2. Fold in remaining egg whites: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the rest of the whipped egg whites.
  3. Keep them warm: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. 
  4. Cook pancakes: Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using a paper towel, wipe out the excess oil. Measure 1/4 cup of the batter and gently pour into the skillet. You should be able to fit about 3 pancakes, with a few inches between. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, and cook for another 1 minute, or until the edges are set. Repeat with the rest of the batter. As you are cooking the rest of the batter, place the cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
  5. Serve: Serve with maple syrup, blueberry sauce and fresh berries.

How to Serve

Ricotta lemon pancakes can be served in a number of ways. Some of my favorites include:

  • Breakfast: Keep it simple with a drizzle of maple syrup and extra butter.
  • Brunch: Give these pancakes a touch more finesse for special occasions and holidays by topping with blueberry sauce, fresh blueberries and/or maple whipped cream.
  • Pancake Bar: Set up a complete pancake breakfast bar with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, butter, lemon curd, blueberry syrup, fresh fruit, jam, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and more.

Variations

Feel free to throw in a mix-and-match of your favorite mix-ins to make this homemade pancake recipe your own. I like to add the mix-ins after I’ve ladled out the batter onto the griddle for even distribution.

  • Nuts: Add ½ cup slivered almonds or toasty pecans.
  • Chocolate: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips (~ 1/4 cup) or a chopped chocolate bar.
  • Cannoli: Give these a cannoli twist by swapping the lemon zest and juice for orange instead and add a dash of cinnamon and mini chocolate chips, too.
ricotta pancakes stacked onto each other and topped off with blueberry sauce

How to Store and Reheat

Ricotta pancakes keep well in both the fridge and freezer and reheat beautifully. Here’s how to do it:

  • Fridge: Store leftover pancakes between layers of parchment paper in a plastic storage bag or airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Store pancakes between layers of parchment paper in a plastic freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in short 20-second increments. To reheat a large batch, set the pancakes on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm through in a 350-degree F oven for 5-10 minutes. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if reheating from frozen.

Expert Tips

  • Whip egg whites to stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar and whip just until the peaks hold their shape on the whisk. You know they’re ready when the mixture is shiny, silky, and smooth.
  • Whisk in one-third of beaten egg whites. This helps lighten the batter and makes it easier to fold in the remaining egg whites.
  • Small lumps are good in pancake batter. It means the batter has not been overmixed and makes for fluffier pancakes.
  • Watch for popped bubbles when cooking pancakes. The bubbles indicate the pancakes are nearly done on one side. Flip when those bubbles pop, form holes and you start to see the edges turn golden brown. As it is with any other pancake recipe, patience is key here.
  • Use a bigger cup measure. As you can see in the pictures, I made my lemon pancakes rather small using ¼ cup of batter for each one. If you prefer larger pancakes, you can use a larger cup measure. 
  • Keep pancakes warm while you make the remaining batter. As you are working with the rest of the batter, keep cooked pancakes in a 200-degree oven on a baking sheet sprayed with vegetable oil.

FAQs

Do ricotta pancakes freeze well?

Yes, they do. To freeze, place cooled pancakes between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe plastic storage bag or airtight container. Pancakes will keep frozen for up to 2 months.

How do you make pancakes fluffier?

The secret to thick, fluffy pancakes is to separate the eggs. Place the egg yolks in the bowl with the wet ingredients and whip the egg whites with granulated sugar to stiff peaks, then fold them in.

How do you reheat ricotta pancakes?

Place the pancakes on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, with space between them. Cover with foil and reheat in a preheated 350-degree F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Frozen pancakes will take an additional 2-3 minutes to get warm.

Similar Breakfast Recipes You Might Also Like:

If you are a fan of lemon and ricotta pairing, be sure to try my Ricotta Lemon Pasta recipe as well. Otherwise, below are a few other delicious must-try breakfast dishes.

If you try this Ricotta Lemon Pancakes recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

This recipe has been adapted from America’s Test Kitchen cookbook with minor changes to the original recipe.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes stacked and topped off with blueberry drizzle
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Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Recipe

This Lemon Ricotta Pancakes recipe might be the most fluffy and light pancake recipe you can imagine. Made with pantry staples, it is bursting with zesty flavors. Top them off with homemade blueberry sauce or simply drizzle them with maple syrup for a delicious breakfast.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10 pancakes
Calories 146kcal

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (3 1/2 oz.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese 8 oz. ricotta cheese
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled – or vegetable oil
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar* (1 3/4 oz.)
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil for cooking the pancakes
  • 1 cup homemade blueberry sauce Optional – or any other one of your favorite toppings

Instructions

  • Whisk dry ingredients: Place flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and whisk until combined. Set it aside.
  • Mix Wet ingredients: In a seperate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg yolks, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and butter until it is just combined. Set it aside.
  • Gently pour and stir the ricotta mixture into the dry ingredients. Do not over mix.
  • Using a hand mixer, whisk egg whites for 1 minute in medium-low speed. Increase the speed to medium and whisk until foamy for 1 more minute. Slowly add the sugar and whisk until soft peaks form (it will be very silky) for 1-2 minutes.
  • Gently whisk 1/3 of the egg whites and sugar mixture into the flour and ricotta mixture.
  • Using a spatula, fold in the rest of the egg whites and sugar mixture into the batter making sure to be gentle to not to deflate all the air we incorporated into the egg whites.
  • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet in medium heat. Using a sheet of paper towel, wipe out the excess oil. Measure 1/4 cup* of the batter and portion it in 3 places leaving a couple of inches around each pancake. Let it cook 2 minutes, flip, and cook each pancake for another 1 minute or until the edges are set. Repeat it for the rest of the batter.
  • As you are working on cooking the rest of the batter, place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer to keep them warm.
  • Serve with blueberry sauce, fresh blueberries or any other fresh fruit.

Notes

  • This ricotta pancake batter makes 10-12 small pancakes. You can use a larger cup to make bigger pancakes if you wish.
  • The calorie information below does not include the blueberry sauce drizzled on top.
  • Sugar: I first shared this post back in 2014. In 2016, I decided to no longer share recipes made with refined sugars. This recipe is made with granulated sugar but I have tested it with an equal amount of coconut sugar as well. Other than the color of the pancakes there was not much of a difference in taste. Therefore, if you prefer a more natural sweetener, you can use coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar.
  • Storage: Store leftover pancakes between layers of parchment paper in a plastic storage bag or airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Store pancakes between layers of parchment paper in a plastic freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in short 20-second increments. To reheat a large batch, set the pancakes on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm through in a 350-degree F oven for 5-10 minutes. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if reheating from frozen.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 217mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 253IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1mg

 Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated Magazines’ Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

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Yeasted Waffles https://foolproofliving.com/overnight-yeasted-waffles-with-banana-rum-topping/ https://foolproofliving.com/overnight-yeasted-waffles-with-banana-rum-topping/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:53:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=3852 Waffles have forever been a special treat in my home – and for good reason. While you can always go the more embellished route with pumpkin spice waffles, brioche waffles, almond flour waffles, and chocolate waffles, I find an old-fashioned waffle hits the spot every time. And I haven’t even mentioned the best part. This instant waffle recipe is just that – instant – with a little planning ahead. But...

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Waffles have forever been a special treat in my home – and for good reason. While you can always go the more embellished route with pumpkin spice waffles, brioche waffles, almond flour waffles, and chocolate waffles, I find an old-fashioned waffle hits the spot every time.

And I haven’t even mentioned the best part. This instant waffle recipe is just that – instant – with a little planning ahead. But I promise the extra effort is well worth it.

Overnight yeasted waffles on a cooling wire rack from the top view

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

Homemade waffles with yeast are easier than you think and a great one to add to your breakfast recipes repertoire. I know you will love them because:

  • The batter is made in advance: Come morning time, all you have to do is heat up the waffle iron and let it do its magic. You can thank yourself later for doing all that prep during the previous night.
  • Crispier and lighter: These are the lightest, fluffiest waffles I have ever made.
  • Serve it any way you like: Top them off with blueberry puree, maple whipped cream, maple syrup, butter, jam, and fresh fruit – the options are endless.
  • Freezes beautifully: Leftovers can be frozen and enjoyed any time the craving strikes. They are so easy to warm in the toaster.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for overnight Belgian waffles is short and sweet. You probably already have most, if not all, of the ingredients for this waffle dough recipe on hand.

ingredients from the top view

Gather together milk, butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar (coconut sugar), rapid rise yeast, kosher salt, large eggs, and vanilla extract.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

  • Milk: I recommend using whole milk versus low-fat or skim milk for best results. Buttermilk would be a good substitute and add a subtle tangy flavor.
  • Sugar: Coconut sugar is my preferred sugar, but use your favorite. Since the quantity is so small, a liquid sweetener such as maple syrup or honey can be substituted, just make sure to mix it with the eggs and vanilla.
  • Yeast: Although rapid-rise yeast granules are a bit smaller than instant yeast, both can be used interchangeably here. If you only have active dry yeast, add it to the warm milk and butter (about 100-110 degrees F), allow it to sit for 10 minutes until frothy, then proceed with the recipe.

How to Make

Once you learn how to make overnight yeast waffles, you’ll never go back. Simply:

person showing how to make the recipe with three images
  1. Warm milk and butter: Combine milk and butter in a small pot over medium heat. Heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted. Set aside to cool.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
photos showing how to make the waffle batter
  1. Make waffle batter: Gradually pour the milk and melted butter mixture over the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Then, add the egg mixture and whisk until no lumps remain. The batter should be smooth.
Person cooking the batter using a Belgian waffle iron
  1. Cover and chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place batter in the fridge and let sit overnight, or up to 24 hours.
  2. Prep equipment: Heat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While doing so, also preheat the oven to 200 degrees F and set a wire rack inside a baking sheet, and set aside.
  3. Cook waffles: Remove the waffle batter from the refrigerator and whisk to combine (the batter will deflate). Spray the preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Place ½ cup of waffle batter into the hot waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. Remove the cooked waffle with a heatproof spatula and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven to keep warm.

Topping Ideas

Go wild and get creative with the toppings for your overnight waffles. You can try:

How to Serve

Belgian waffles with yeast are one of those recipes that can be served in both casual and elegant fashion. Some of my favorite ways to serve include:

Yeasted waffles on a plate from the top view
  • Weekend Breakfast: Wake everyone up to the fresh scent of homestyle, buttery waffles. They are that bounce-out-of-bed and get the whole family awake on a Saturday morning kind of breakfast recipe. I like to enjoy them with a fresh cup of coffee.
  • Sunday Brunch: Make it an elegant meal and serve these waffles with goat cheese quiche and Blood Orange Mimosas to wash it all down.
  • Dessert: Top warm waffles with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and fresh strawberries.

How to Store and Reheat

This yeasted waffle recipe stores well in the fridge and freezer. To do so, simply:

  • Fridge: Store leftover waffles between layers of parchment paper in a plastic storage bag or airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Store between layers of parchment paper in a plastic freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the toaster or toaster oven set to the lowest setting. To reheat a large batch, set the waffles on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm through in a 350-degree F oven for 5-10 minutes. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if reheating from frozen.

Expert Tips

  • Cool the milk and butter. It is imperative to make sure that the warm milk mixture is cooled until warm to touch for the yeast to get activated. It will kill the yeast if the mixture is too hot.
  • The yeasted waffle batter will bubble and grow. Make sure to use a large bowl to allow room for the dough to rise.
  • Keep in mind that yeast is important here. It adds a subtle sweet yeasty flavor to every bite and a more substantial texture than a waffle recipe with baking soda alone.
  • If short on time, cook after a 1-hour rest at room temperature. The waffles won’t have as much depth of flavor as the rested and raised waffles, but they will still be delicious.
  • Make the waffles crispier. If you allow them to sit in a 200 degree oven for 10-15 minutes before eating, they are crispier.
  • The number of waffles will vary based on the size of your waffle iron. This batter makes 7-8 waffles with my waffle maker, which is 6 ½ inches in diameter.
  • If you are in need of a new waffle maker, this Cuisineart Belgian Waffle Maker (affiliate link) is my favorite one. 

Other Weekend Breakfast Recipes You Might Also Like:

Whether you are a fan of the New York Times’ Raised Waffles recipe, Marion Cunningham’s Yeasted Waffles, or have always loved the popular King Arthur’s Waffle Mix, I hope you give this version a try. I know those famous recipes are favored by many people but I promise you that my version is just as good, if not better.

And if you are in need of next-level weekend breakfast/brunch recipes, here are a few more recipes to try:

If you try this Overnight Yeasted Waffles recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

This recipe has been adapted from Cook’s Illustrated Magazine‘s Overnight Yeasted Waffles recipe with minor changes.

yeasted waffles on a plate from the top view
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Yeasted Waffles Recipe

Make these Overnight Yeasted Faffles for a scrumptious weekend breakfast for your family. To me, this is the ultimate Belgian Waffles recipe perfect for those who are craving a crispy treat on a lazy weekend morning.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
12 hours resting time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6 waffles
Calories 429kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups whole milk
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (4 ounces) cut into small pieces. Plus, more for greasing the waffle iron
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (10 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons rapid-rise yeast (1 package)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted. Set aside to cool.*
  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Gradually pour the milk and butter mixture over the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
  • Add the egg & vanilla mixture to the batter and whisk until there are no lumps remaining. The batter should be smooth.
  • Cover with stretch film. Place it in the fridge and let it sit overnight (or up to 24 houts)
  • When ready to make the waffles, preheat the oven to 200 Degrees.
  • Heat the waffle iron. Brush it with butter (or you can also use oil spray). Fill a 1/2 cup waffle batter with batter and pour into the waffle iron. Cook until golden brown.* Remove the cooked waffle and place on a baking sheet without stacking. Place in the oven to keep warm.
  • When ready to serve, top each waffle with your favorite toppings, and serve.

Notes

  • It is imperative to make sure that the milk mixture is cooled until warm to the touch for the yeast to get activated.
  • Every waffle iron is different. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for perfect results. 
  • This batter makes 6-7 waffles in my 6 1/2 inch waffle maker.
  • You can store cooked (and cooled) waffles in an airtight container and freeze them. Pop them in your toaster to warm them up before serving. There is no need to thaw them before doing so.

Nutrition

Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 336mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 515IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg

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Almond Flour Lemon Cake https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-lemon-cake/ https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-lemon-cake/#comments Fri, 08 Apr 2022 22:10:38 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=49733 You all know how much I am a fan of recipes with ground almonds instead of flour. With respect to my almond flour carrot cake, strawberry almond cake, almond flour vanilla cake, and chocolate almond cake, this almond lemon cake recipe is another one to add to my library of easy almond flour recipes. If you are a fan of ground almond recipes and want to try your hand at...

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You all know how much I am a fan of recipes with ground almonds instead of flour. With respect to my almond flour carrot cake, strawberry almond cake, almond flour vanilla cake, and chocolate almond cake, this almond lemon cake recipe is another one to add to my library of easy almond flour recipes.

If you are a fan of ground almond recipes and want to try your hand at making the ultimate spring dessert, read on! 

Almond Flour Lemon cake garnished with fruit from the top view

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

This flourless lemon cake made with almond flour is such a cinch to make. You’ll love it because:

  • Bursting with lemon flavor: We make good use of lemon zest from fresh lemons in this recipe and the end result is well worth the effort.
  • Light, bright, and sunny almond lemon cake: Nothing says spring and summer more than citrus cake, and this one surely hits the spot.
  • Serving is super versatile: Enjoy it plain as a simple breakfast or afternoon snack, or really jazz it up for a showstopping dessert for dinner parties, Easter, picnics, and more.
  • Special diet friendly: This refined sugar free and low carb lemon cake is a great recipe to have on hand to satisfy your sweet tooth if you are following a low sugar and low carb diet.

Ingredients

This gluten-free lemon almond cake recipe is made with only 10 simple ingredients. Gather together large eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and fine sea salt.

ingredients for flourless cake with lemon

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

  • Sweetener: Replace the maple syrup with an equal amount of honey instead for a delicious lemon almond flour honey cake.
  • Extract: Omit the almond extract, if you are not a fan or don’t have any on hand.
  • DIY Almond flour: Use your favorite brand of almond flour or follow my easy guide on how to make almond flour at home.
  • Almond flour vs. Almond Meal: You can use almond meal instead of almond flour in this recipe. However, be aware that lemon and almond meal cake is a bit denser and less airy than its version made with almond meal.
  • To make it paleo diet friendly: Keep it paleo by replacing the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, and the baking powder with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar and ¼ teaspoon baking soda.
  • Cream of tartar: Rather than lemon juice, make good use of cream of tartar once more when whipping the egg whites.

How to Make

Patience is key with this gluten free lemon cake using ground almonds since much of the lift and texture comes from whipped egg whites. Here’s how to make this healthy lemon cake with almond flour in just a few easy steps:

Step by step photos of how to make the recipe
  1. Prep equipment: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a circle of parchment paper on the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch cake round pan or springform pan. Lightly grease the paper and sides of the pan with oil and set it aside.
  2. Separate the eggs: Separate the egg yolks and whites, placing the egg whites in a large mixing bowl and the egg yolks in a separate bowl.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using, and whisk until smooth.
  4. Make batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Fold into the egg yolk mixture, along with the lemon zest. The batter will be thick.
Steps showing how to make the batter for the cake
  1. Whip egg whites: To the bowl of egg whites, add the lemon juice and salt. Beat with the whisk attachment or hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Lighten up the batter: Stir ⅓ of the beaten egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then, gently fold the remaining egg whites in with a rubber spatula until just combined. The batter should be evenly moistened with no streak of egg whites remaining, but it will not be completely smooth. Do not overmix. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer.
  3. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the cake have begun to pull away from the pan, the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes.
Almond flour lemon cake cooling on a wire rack
  1. Serve: To serve, run a sharp knife around the cake to loosen it. If using a springform pan, release the sides of the pan. If using a cake pan, gently flip the cake onto a plate, peel away the parchment, then flip it back over onto a serving plate. Serve warm by itself or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream, berries (or any other seasonal fruit), and small lemon slices, if desired.

How to Serve

This citrus almond cake can be served warm or at room temperature. Some of my favorite ways include:

  • Plain and simple: Slice and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
person showing how to assemble cake with whipped cream topping
  • Whipped cream and berries: Allow the cake cool completely, then layer the top of the cake with maple whipped cream and summer berries.
  • Blueberry Sauce or puree: It is no secret that lemon and blueberries go so well together. If you want to change it up serve it with homemade blueberry sauce or blueberry puree on the side or as a drizzle on top.

Variations

  • Lemon Cardamom: Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom powder along with the dry ingredients.
  • Lemon Poppyseed: Add 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds into the dry ingredients for more of an Italian Lemon Almond Flour Cake recipe.
  • Honey Cake: Swap out the maple syrup for an equal amount of honey.
  • Winter Citrus Cake: Get creative with citrus and use orange, grapefruit, clementine, or tangerine zest, or Meyer lemons when in season.
  • Paleo Birthday Cake: Use my notes for making it a paleo layer cake, make a double batch, and layer it with coconut whipped cream and fresh berries.
  • Keto Lemon Cake: Use an equal amount of a keto-approved liquid sweetener.
  • Muffins: Scoop the batter into a parchment-lined muffin tin. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until the center springs back to the touch. The recipe will make 10-11 muffins.

How to Store

This healthy flourless almond cake will keep well on the kitchen counter, in the fridge, or even frozen for later. Here’s how:

  • Room temperature: Keep it under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to two days.
  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Double-wrap the cooled almond cake in plastic wrap, then wrap in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or right on your kitchen counter.
A slice of Lemon Almond Cake from the front view

Expert Tips

  • Use a metal or glass bowl for whipping egg whites. Egg whites don’t whisk properly in plastic bowls.
  • Use room temperature ingredients. This ensures the lemon and almond meal cake batter is mixed properly. I pull out the eggs and maple syrup from the fridge while I gather the remaining ingredients.
  • Separate the eggs while still cold. Use gentle hands and make sure there is no yolk present in the bowl.
  • Make sure the bowl and whisk are squeaky clean. Egg whites will not whisk to stiff peaks if there is even a speckle of fat or dust on your bowl or whisk. Clean and dry thoroughly just before using.
  • Fold in the lemon zest with a spatula. I like to add the lemon zest along with the dry ingredients and fold them in with a spatula. This prevents it from getting stuck in the wires of your whisk.
  • Use precut parchment paper: If you are a regular baker and like me, not a fan of having to cut parchment to fit in the cake tin, use 9-inch precut parchment paper (affiliate link). It is surely a timesaver.
  • Cool cake completely on a cooling rack if you are planning to spread it with whipped cream.

FAQs

Is almond flour good for cakes?

Almond flour adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor that is much loved by those who follow a gluten-free or paleo lifestyle. I make it the star in many of my easy almond flour cake recipes.

Why is almond flour used in cakes?

Almond flour adds a mild sweetness and delicate texture to cakes. Plus, the added fat extends the shelf life, ensuring the baked goods retain moisture.

Can I substitute almond flour for regular flour in a cake?

No, you cannot substitute almond flour for regular flour with the same results. Since almond flour is gluten-free, it requires a higher amount of eggs to bind the batter.

Does almond flour bake like regular flour?

es, almond flour is a wonderful flour to bake with and a great substitute for all-purpose flour. That being said (and as mentioned above), it cannot be swapped for a one-to-one or cup-for-cup measure in recipes that call for wheat flour or gluten-free flours

Other Ground Almond Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

If you try this Flourless Lemon Almond Cake recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Almond Flour Lemon Cake recipe from the top
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Almond Flour Lemon Cake Recipe

This Almond Flour Lemon Cake recipe is an easy to make flourless cake that can be served by itself or with whipped cream and berries on top. Light, fluffy and refreshing, it is also a gluten free, grain free and paleo-friendly cake that is perfect for spring and summer.
Course Naturally sweetened dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 231kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs separated and at room temperature
  • ½ cup maple syrup * at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 1 ¾ cups almond flour (7.35 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch use arrowroot starch for grain-free version
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (see notes for paleo option)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Optional Toppings

Instructions

  • Prep equipment: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a round of parchment paper on the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch cake pan or springform pan. Lightly grease the paper and sides of the pan with oil and set it aside.
  • Separate the eggs: Separate the egg yolks and whites, placing the egg whites in a large bowl and the egg yolks in a separate mixing bowl.
  • Whisk wet ingredients: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using, and whisk until smooth.
  • Make the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Fold into the egg yolk mixture, along with the lemon zest. The batter will be thick.
  • Whip egg whites: To the bowl of egg whites, add the lemon juice and salt. Beat with the whisk attachment or hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Lighten up the batter: Stir ⅓ of the beaten egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then, gently fold the remaining egg whites in with a rubber spatula until just combined. The batter should be evenly moistened with no streak of egg whites remaining, but it will not be completely smooth. Do not overmix. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer.
  • Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the cake have begun to pull away from the pan, the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes
  • To serve, run a knife around the cake to loosen it. If using a springform pan, release the sides of the pan. If using a cake pan, gently flip the cake onto a plate, peel away the parchment, then flip it back over onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream and berries, if desired.

Video

Notes

  • To make it paleo diet friendly: Keep it paleo by replacing the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, and the baking powder with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar and ¼ teaspoon baking soda.
  • Sweetener: Replace the maple syrup with an equal amount of honey instead for a delicious lemon almond flour honey cake.
  • Turn them into muffins: Scoop the batter into a parchment-lined muffin tin. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the center springs back to the touch. The recipe will make 10-11 muffins.
  • DIY Almond flour: Use your favorite brand of almond flour or follow my easy guide on how to make almond flour at home.
  • Almond flour vs. Almond Meal: You can use almond meal instead of almond flour in this recipe. However, be aware that lemon and almond meal cake is a bit denser and less airy than its version made with almond meal.
  • Separate the eggs while still cold. Use gentle hands and make sure there is no yolk present in the bowl.
  • Storage Instructions
    Room temperature: Keep it under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
    Fridge: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 week.
    Freezer: Double-wrap the cooled almond cake in plastic wrap, then wrap in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or right on your kitchen counter.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1mg

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Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer https://foolproofliving.com/turkey-bacon-air-fryer/ https://foolproofliving.com/turkey-bacon-air-fryer/#respond Tue, 05 Apr 2022 19:37:06 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=49688 Why Should You Try This Recipe? Perfect for busy mornings, this air fryer turkey bacon recipe will soon become a favorite to serve along with your favorite breakfast, sandwich, and snack recipes. Ready in just 10 minutes, this method is quick and easy with minimal prep time. Plus, the end result is deliciously crispy turkey bacon that everyone will love. Less mess and easy cleanup thanks to the convenience of...

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Why Should You Try This Recipe?

Perfect for busy mornings, this air fryer turkey bacon recipe will soon become a favorite to serve along with your favorite breakfast, sandwich, and snack recipes.

  • Ready in just 10 minutes, this method is quick and easy with minimal prep time. Plus, the end result is deliciously crispy turkey bacon that everyone will love.
  • Less mess and easy cleanup thanks to the convenience of air fryer technology.
  • It’s a hands-off recipe with a simple cooking process. Just pop the bacon in the hot air fryer basket and wait for it to crisp up!
  • It is a healthier choice and a great alternative to traditional bacon fried in a pan.
  • It works perfectly in recipes like omelets, skillets, and quick breakfast sandwiches, or as a side with pancakes or French toast. And it’s not just for breakfast: try using it in soups and salads for lunch or dinner.
Crispy turkey bacon cooked in air fryer is held by a woman

Ingredients Notes

For this recipe, you’ll need a 12-oz package of turkey bacon. 

uncured Turkey bacon brands from a local grocery store

I prefer uncured turkey bacon because the cured options use harsh chemical preservatives, such as sodium nitrates. If you are in need of suggestions for the best turkey bacon options in US grocery stores, I recommend checking out Trader Joe’s, Wellshire, and Applegate turkey bacon brands.

With that being said, I think you can find the best brand of turkey bacon by buying a few different ones from your local grocery store and trying them out. 

How to Make

Below is my step by step instructions on how to make turkey bacon in air fryer:

Steps showing how to make turkey bacon in the air fryer
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (182 C)
  2. Place the slices of turkey bacon in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. If they don’t fit in a single layer, it is best to cook them in multiple batches.
  3. Cook for 5 minutes, flip each one of the turkey bacon strips one by one and cook for another 5 minutes. Please note that cook time might change slightly based on the air fryer you are using. The best way to gauge doneness is by checking it after the cooking time is complete and adjusting the timing as necessary.
  4. Serve immediately.

How to Store

Since turkey bacon is easy to make and tastes best hot from the air fryer tray, I suggest eating it right away. If you have leftovers, let them reach room temperature and then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Ways to Serve

Expert Tips

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If the pieces overlap or stack, the bacon won’t cook evenly. If necessary, cook any extra bacon in a second batch.
  • Make turkey bacon fresh. While this dish keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge, it tastes best straight out of the air fryer. 
  • If the bacon isn’t crispy enough after the 10 minute mark, continue to cook in 1-minute increments until it reaches your desired texture. In my recipe tests, 10 minutes was the perfect cooking time, but different air fryers cook differently so make sure the texture of the final product fits your personal preference.
Air fried turkey bacon on a plate from the top view

FAQs

How long to cook turkey bacon in air fryer?

The total time to cook air fryer turkey bacon is 10 minutes, 5 minutes on each side.

What is the ideal temperature for frying turkey bacon in the air fryer?

Air fry turkey bacon at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 Celsius).

Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you try this Air Fryer Turkey Bacon recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to leave a star rating and comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Air fryer turkey bacon on a plate close up
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Turkey Bacon in Air Fryer Recipe

Cooking Turkey Bacon in the air fryer is easy and quick. The best part is that it delivers the crispiest turkey bacon without any of the mess.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 126kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 package Turkey Bacon (12 ounces)

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F.
  • Place as many slices of bacon as possible in the air fryer basket making sure that they are not overlapping. If you need to air fry more bacon you may have to do it in several batches.
  • Cook for 5 minutes and then flip the turkey bacon and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the cooked turkey bacon from the air fryer and serve while it is still hot.

Notes

  • Storage: I find that turkey bacon is best right after it is out of the air fryer and while it is still hot. However, you can store the leftovers in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 3 days.
  • Check on doneness: Cook time might slightly vary based on the air fryer you are using. 

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 754mg | Potassium: 130mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

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Homemade Ricotta Cheese (Ina Garten’s Version) https://foolproofliving.com/homemade-ricotta-cheese/ https://foolproofliving.com/homemade-ricotta-cheese/#comments Sun, 03 Apr 2022 11:37:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=2166 Ricotta is a classic Italian cheese that is so easy to make at home. Although you can buy an authentic artisanal variety at the closest old-school Italian market, you can make ricotta cheese at home from scratch with a little bit of time and patience. The best part – this easy homemade ricotta cheese recipe can be used in savory recipes like eggplant involtini, ricotta lemon pasta or strawberry ricotta...

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Ricotta is a classic Italian cheese that is so easy to make at home. Although you can buy an authentic artisanal variety at the closest old-school Italian market, you can make ricotta cheese at home from scratch with a little bit of time and patience.

The best part – this easy homemade ricotta cheese recipe can be used in savory recipes like eggplant involtini, ricotta lemon pasta or strawberry ricotta bruschetta or sweet recipes like almond flour ricotta cake or lemon ricotta pancakes. Just as the Barefoot Contessa says, “how easy is that?”

Homemade ricotta cheese in a bowl

Ingredients

The ricotta cheese ingredients are short and sweet – all you need is:

  • Whole cow milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Kosher salt
  • White wine vinegar
ingredients for Ina's ricotta cheese from the top view

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

  • Milk and Cream: If you can get your hands on them, look for milk and cream at the grocery store that is pasteurized. While ultra-pasteurized milk and heavy cream work in this easy ricotta recipe, I find that the pasteurized variety yields creamier results.
  • Vinegar: Feel free to use distilled white vinegar or lemon juice instead.

How to Make Ricotta Cheese At Home

DIY ricotta is as easy as it comes and will always outrank the regular grocery store variety. Here’s how to make ricotta cheese from scratch in your very own kitchen. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

person placing cheesecloth in large sieve over a bowl
  1. Prep equipment: Place a fine-mesh large sieve over a deep bowl (deeper and larger than the sieve) and line it with 2 layers of cheesecloth. Set aside.
person showing how to prepare ricotta cheese
  1. Boil milk and cream: Pour the milk, cream, and salt into a large nonreactive saucepan like a Dutch oven (or any other heavy-bottomed saucepan). Stirring occasionally, heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a full boil (about 15 to 20 minutes) or the whey is heated to 185 degrees.
  2. Add vinegar: Turn off the heat and slowly add the vinegar. Gently stir it once and let it sit undisturbed for 3 minutes. It will instantly start to curdle.
person showing how make ricotta cheese with step by step photos
  1. Separate the curds from the whey: Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined sieve and let the mixture drain into the bowl for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 hours). Do not discard the leftover whey (more on that below). The longer you let the mixture drain the thicker it will get. I like mine after an hour. However, you can let it drain in the fridge overnight as well, especially if you like your fresh ricotta cheese on the thicker side.
person showing the thickness of ricotta cheese after it is fully drained
  1. Use and store: Transfer ricotta to a bowl. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The ricotta cheese will last for 4-5 days in the fridge.

How to Serve

Ricotta can be reheated without melting, making it a great option for filled pasta recipes like ravioli, manicotti, or lasagna and baked goods like cannoli and cheesecake. Here are a few ideas and fresh ricotta cheese recipes to inspire you. Serve it as:

How to Store

This delicious homemade ricotta cheese will keep in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I do not recommend freezing the ricotta.

Expert Tips:

  • Use half as much cream as milk. Too much heavy cream will weigh down your ricotta, making it less fluffy.
  • Use an enameled pot. I like to use my Le Creuset (or Staub) Dutch oven.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer if you can. You can add the vinegar as soon as the milk and cream mixture comes to a boil. However, for perfect results, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it reaches 185 degrees F. (85 C.)
  • Drain the ricotta well. The longer and more thoroughly you drain your ricotta, the thicker it will be. It tastes best when it is at room temperature.
  • Don’t overmake. Homemade fresh ricotta goes bad quickly, so it is best to make only the amount you will use in the next few days. If you need to scale up the recipe, one gallon (16 cups) of a combo of milk and cream will yield approximately one pound of cheese.
  • Resist the urge to stir it too much. It is best to let it do its thing. 
  • Don’t throw away the remaining whey (milky parts). It’s full of nutrients and good bacteria. You can add a little to the soaking liquid for grains, make pizza dough, use it in smoothies, or pour a touch in when marinating meats.

FAQs

Here are a few FAQs and troubleshooting to help you as you make fresh ricotta at home.

What is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta cheese is an Italian cheese made from whole milk, heavy cream, vinegar and salt. The word ricotta means “recooked” in Italian. However, ricotta is considered a “whey cheese.”

How do you make ricotta cheese taste better?

When making ricotta, use the freshest milk and cream you can find and avoid ultra-pasteurized, if you can.

How long does fresh ricotta last in the fridge?

This fresh ricotta recipe is highly perishable. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.

Why is my ricotta not creamy?

Heating the milk too quickly will create a less smooth, creamy texture. Keep it over medium heat and be patient – the milk will eventually come to a boil.

Why is my ricotta rubbery?

If the ricotta is stirred too much while the curds are forming (i.e. after you add the vinegar), it will cause the curds to seize up and become rubbery.

Can I use ricotta instead of yogurt?

It depends on your recipe. However, since they are both reduced milk products in most recipes yogurt could be a good substitute for ricotta cheese.

Is ricotta cheese the same as cottage cheese?

While they are very similar in the ingredients used to make them, ricotta is different than cottage cheese, mainly in texture. They are both spreadable cheeses. Ricotta cheese tends to be smooth with a grainy texture, while cottage cheese has a lumpier texture.

Is ricotta cheese healthy?

Yes, long as it is consumed in moderation. Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein and contains all nine essential amino acids, according to this Ricotta Cheese article.

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

This homemade ricotta recipe delivers a luscious and creamy cheese that you can use in many recipes. But that is not the only reason why it is worth your time. Here are a few more reasons:

  • All it takes is 4 ingredients: Milk and cream are the stars of the show, so make sure to buy the freshest ingredients you can find.
  • You can adjust the consistency to your liking: Keep it moist or really thicken it; the choice is up to you. This fresh cheese is supposed to have a creamy consistency, but if you prefer it to be thicker, you can easily adjust the draining time and get the results you are after.
  • Serving is super versatile: Its light flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes, and its fluffy texture makes your baked goods that much more enjoyable.

More Barefoot Contessa Recipes You Might Also Like:

If you try this Homemade Ricotta Cheese recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps other readers who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Ina Garten's Homemade ricotta cheese in a bowl from the top view
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Ricotta Cheese Recipe

A foolproof recipe for Homemade Ricotta Cheese by none other than Ina Garten (aka Barefoot Contessa). Making ricotta at home is easier than you think. Ready in 3 hours (with cooling time) and made with only a few ingredients.
Course Cheese
Cuisine Italian
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Draining time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 374kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk Pasteurized not Ultra pasteurized
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar or distilled vinegar

Instructions

  • Place a colander over a large pot (deeper and larger than the colander) and line it with 2 layers of cheesecloth. Set aside.
  • Pour the milk, cream, and salt in a large nonreactive saucepan like a Dutch oven. Stirring occasionally, heat the mixture in medium heat until it fully boils or it reaches to 185 degrees.
  • Turn off the heat and slowly add the vinegar. Gently stir it once and let it sit undisturbed for 3 minutes.
  • You will see it getting curdled.
  • Pour the mixture into the colander lined with cheesecloth and let it drain for at least an hour (or more like 2 hours). The longer you strain the thicker it will get. I like mine after an hour.
  • You can either use immediately or transfer it in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Notes

  • This recipe makes about 2 cups of ricotta cheese. The amount may change depending on how long you let it drain. The longer it drains, the thicker it will become.
  • Don’t throw away the remaining whey (milky parts). It’s full of nutrients and good bacteria. You can add a little to the soaking liquid for grains, making pizza dough, use it in smoothies, or pour a touch in when marinating meats.
  • Storage: Homemade ricotta cheese has a rather short shelflife but as long as it is kept in an airtight container in the fridge, it should be fresh for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 488mg | Potassium: 274mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1430IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 1mg

Adapted from Ina Gartens’  “Barefoot Contessa, How Easy Is That?” cookbook, Homemade Ricotta Cheese (page-74) and Herbed Ricotta Bruschettas (page-73).

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How To Cook Turkey Bacon In The Oven https://foolproofliving.com/how-to-cook-turkey-bacon-in-the-oven/ https://foolproofliving.com/how-to-cook-turkey-bacon-in-the-oven/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:47:24 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=48600 Why is this the Best Technique? This turkey bacon oven recipe is a godsend for home chefs searching for simple meal solutions. Who wouldn’t want to learn how to bake turkey bacon in the oven like a pro? Get crispy, evenly cooked turkey bacon in less than 15 minutes with this super simple, mess-free recipe. Say goodbye to bacon grease splatters and waiting by the stove with this effortless method....

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Why is this the Best Technique?

This turkey bacon oven recipe is a godsend for home chefs searching for simple meal solutions. Who wouldn’t want to learn how to bake turkey bacon in the oven like a pro?

  • Get crispy, evenly cooked turkey bacon in less than 15 minutes with this super simple, mess-free recipe.
  • Say goodbye to bacon grease splatters and waiting by the stove with this effortless method. Hands-off and easy to clean, this oven-baked turkey bacon recipe is a cinch to prepare compared to stove-top bacon.
Person serving crispy turkey bacon in a plate

Ingredients – The Best Turkey for Baking in the Oven

When making oven-baked turkey bacon, you’ll need one package (12 oz.) of—you guessed it!—turkey bacon. I prefer uncured bacon because it uses natural ingredients instead of harsh chemical compounds as preservatives. When cooking uncured turkey bacon, my go-to brands are Trader Joe’s, Applegate Naturals, and Wellshire (made with turkey thighs).

three different supermarket turkey bacon placed on the kitchen counter

Though I use uncured meat, this baked turkey bacon recipe will also work with cured and smoked turkey bacon. Different brands of turkey bacon, like Turkey Rashers, Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon, and Butterball Turkey Bacon, can also be used.

How To Make it?

We can all agree that the best way to cook turkey bacon is easy and delicious. Out of all the ways to cook turkey bacon, my method will get you mess-free, crispy strips every time. 

turkey bacon oven directions shown in four photos with how to text on the image
  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or aluminum foil) and place a wire rack on top of the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Position the turkey bacon: Line the raw turkey bacon on the wire rack in a single layer. Make sure no strips overlap one another. 
  4. Bake: Place strips of turkey bacon in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the bacon strips over one by one, and bake them for another 5 minutes.

What if I Don’t Own a Wire Rack?

If you don’t have a baking rack, bake your turkey bacon on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Then, cook the strips according to the above-listed turkey bacon oven directions: 10 minutes of baking followed by a quick flip and an additional 5 minutes in the oven.

To bake turkey bacon crispy without a wire rack, flip the strips one more time after their first 15 minutes in the oven and bake them for 2 additional minutes. 

How to Make Turkey Bacon Crispy in the Oven?

Every chef dreams of making the perfect bacon in the oven. With these simple tips, now you can! Never settle for chewy turkey bacon strips with these ingenious tips.

  • Dry the turkey bacon strips: When you first remove the turkey bacon from its packaging it might be a little wet. Pat dry it on both sides using a sheet of paper towel to remove extra moisture before putting it in the oven.
  • Use a wire rack: Cooking your turkey bacon on a wire rack allows your oven’s hot air to circulate both sides of the strips throughout the baking process. Not only does this circulation help cook your turkey bacon evenly, but it also helps remove any liquid released during the baking process.
  • Flip your turkey bacon: Remember to flip your turkey bacon slices at least once during the cooking process. This movement will help evaporate any extra juices released by the strips.
  • Watch for visual cues: Not every oven is the same, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your turkey bacon to achieve the right ​​level of crispiness. Bubbles and dripping liquid are a good sign because they indicate that the turkey bacon is getting rid of excess liquid and crisping up.
  • Broil your turkey bacon: If you choose to broil turkey bacon at the end of the baking process, cook it for no longer than 1 minute and be sure to keep an eye on it. Though broiling is an easy way to make your bacon extra-crisp, too much may lead to burning.
baked crispy turkey bacon on a wire rack

How to Store

Warm, crispy, and irresistible, the perfect turkey bacon is best on the day it’s baked. However, leftover bacon will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just let it reach room temperature before storing.

Expert Tips

Cooking turkey bacon in the oven doesn’t need to be a hassle. With these simple methods, you’ll be baking turkey bacon like a pro, whether you’re a beginner chef or just a bacon-lover.

  • Don’t overlap: Make sure your turkey bacon strips don’t overlap when you line them on your wire rack. Layered turkey bacon won’t get crispy. Therefore, if you want to make more than one package’s worth of strips, I recommend cooking them in batches.
  • Add extra flavor: A great way to add bold, spiced flavor is to sprinkle your cooked bacon strips with freshly ground black pepper. (If you’re a pepper freak, this tip is for you!)
  • Cook in a toaster oven: If you want to make turkey bacon in a toaster oven, make sure you don’t overcrowd your strips. Baking your turkey bacon in batches will help clear space for proper cooking.
  • Line your baking sheet: Line your sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper before cooking your turkey bacon for super easy cleanup. Even if you use a wire rack, I recommend lining the sheet pan underneath.

Recipes You Can Use Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon recipes are versatile, flavorful, and positively mouthwatering. Top your favorite meals with turkey bacon or eat it by itself. However you serve them, these great recipes are sure to please!

  • As a topping for soups: Nothing adds more scrumptious, savory depth to a bowl of soup than crisp turkey bacon. Just chop up your oven baked turkey bacon into bite-sized crumbles and add them to your bowl.
  • As a topping for salads: Want to add a delectable crunch to your five-star salad? Turkey bacon is the way to go! Add delicious turkey bacon crumbles to any salad recipe—like my Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad—and you’ll want to lick your bowl clean.
  • With eggs for breakfast: No breakfast is complete without a few slices of turkey bacon. Start your day off right with this rich, protein-packed addition.

FAQs

Whether you want to know whether you can cook turkey bacon in the oven or how to cook turkey bacon healthy, this collection of most-asked questions is just for you!

Is turkey bacon healthy?

Though it’s delicious, turkey bacon is processed meat that often contains chemical preservatives and lots of sodium. Similar to traditional bacon turkey bacon isn’t the most nutritious food option. Still, it has a lower fat content and fewer calories than regular pork bacon, making it a healthier option.

How long to cook turkey bacon in the oven?

Depending on the temperature, your turkey bacon cook time will vary. Generally, turkey bacon will need 15-17 minutes in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature to cook turkey bacon in the oven?

I suggest cooking your turkey bacon at 400 degrees F to ensure maximum crispiness. However, you can also cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit if you prefer a lower temperature.

How long to bake turkey bacon at 400?

Prefer to cook your turkey bacon at high heat? Your turkey bacon will need to cook for 15-17 minutes in a 400-degree oven. You’ll also need to flip your strips after the first 10 minutes of baking.

How long to bake turkey at 350?

Want to bake your turkey bacon at a lower temperature? No problem! You’ll need to cook your bacon for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to flip your strips after the first 15 minutes.

How to know when turkey bacon is done?

To know if turkey bacon is cooked, check its color. Though cooking times may vary, cooked turkey bacon should be a crispy, rich brown. When you remove your turkey bacon from the oven, you should not see any pink or translucent meat.

If you try this Baked Turkey Bacon recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Cooked turkey bacon on a plate
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How To Cook Turkey Bacon In The Oven Recipe

Learn how to bake turkey bacon in the oven with these easy steps. To me, this is the best way of cooking turkey bacon and it produces the crispiest turkey bacon in the end.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 8 Bacon Strips
Calories 53kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package Uncured Turkey Bacon (8 ounces)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line turkey bacon slices on the wire rack making sure not to overlap.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, flip them and bake for another 5 minutes.

Notes

  • What if I don’t have a wire rack? If you do not have a wire rack, cook them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper following the same procedure: Bake for 10 minutes and then flip and bake for another 5 minutes. At the end of the second 5 minutes, flip the bacon one more time and bake for 2 more minutes. Flipping them twice delivers the crispiest turkey bacon.
  • The calorie information listed is for one strip of turkey bacon.
  • It is best to serve baked turkey bacon on the day that it is cooked. However, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 55mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

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Almond Flour Waffles https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-waffles/ https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-waffles/#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2022 22:21:09 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=48242 Here we have another of my almond flour recipes that replace regular flour with golden and delicious almond flour that has a wonderful nutty flavor. These homemade waffles with almond flour are one of my breakfast recipes made using my waffle maker. I like to think of these gluten-free waffles with almond flour as a celebration of the keto diet too. Just like my keto almond biscuits, this one is...

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Here we have another of my almond flour recipes that replace regular flour with golden and delicious almond flour that has a wonderful nutty flavor. These homemade waffles with almond flour are one of my breakfast recipes made using my waffle maker.

I like to think of these gluten-free waffles with almond flour as a celebration of the keto diet too. Just like my keto almond biscuits, this one is easily transformed into a keto waffle recipe with one ingredient swap.

Almond flour waffles topped off with butter and being drizzled with syrup.

Ingredient Notes

The ingredient list for this almond flour waffles recipe is broken down into dry and wet ingredients.

Ingredients for keto waffles mix with almond flour from top view.
  • Dry Ingredients: For the dry ingredients, gather together almond flour (affiliate link), cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  • Wet Ingredients: For the wet ingredients, you will need an egg, coconut oil, maple syrup (or keto-friendly liquid sweetener like stevia glycerite), unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract.

Ingredient Substitutions & Optional Toppings

  • Sweetener: For keto almond flour waffles, you will need an equal amount of liquid keto-sweetener or just a ½ teaspoon of stevia glycerite.
  • Starch: Use an equal amount of arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or potato starch instead.
  • Almond Flour vs Almond Meal: This waffle recipe is tested with almond flour. You can use almond meal (ground almonds with the skin on), but please be aware that it will have a darker color. It will also be less airy and crispy. If you can’t get your hands on blanched almond flour, check out my post on How To Make Almond Flour in 5 minutes.
  • Baking Powder: For a paleo waffle recipe, use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (make sure to use a different starch too). Or, use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead.
  • Egg: Replace the egg with 2 more tablespoons of cornstarch (or those starches mentioned above) for vegan almond flour waffles.
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil can also be used.
  • Milk: You can also use vanilla almond milk. That being said, feel free to use plain almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or regular whole milk instead.
  • Mix-Ins: Give the best almond flour waffles an extra nudge with a dash of almond extract, cinnamon, lemon zest, blueberries or chocolate chips (such as Lily’s No Sugar Added Baking Chips – affiliate link.)
  • Top it off with: When it comes to toppings sky’s the limit. While a bit of butter and maple syrup is the classic waffle topping, I sometimes take it up a notch with some fresh berries (or any fresh fruit), chunky granola, and lightly toasted nuts.

How to Make Keto Waffles with Almond Flour?

This is an almond flour waffle recipe that can be adjusted to suit your taste and dietary needs. The shape and texture of the waffles will also vary depending on the make and type of waffle iron you use. For best results, use a classic waffle iron versus a thick Belgian one.

Person showing how to make almond flour waffles recipe with step by step photos.
  1. Preheat waffle iron: Plug in your waffle iron and allow it to preheat. If necessary, set to medium-high heat, depending on the brand of your waffle maker.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together egg, coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Make waffle batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix together until smooth.
Person making keto paleo waffles using a waffle iron.
  1. Prepare waffles: When the waffle iron is hot, brush with a light coating of coconut oil, then pour ⅓ cup of the almond flour waffle batter into the center, making sure to scrap all the batter from the measuring cup.
  2. Cook waffles: Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes (time will vary depending on your waffle maker). Use a fork to gently remove the cooked waffle, then repeat with the remaining batter, making sure to lightly grease the waffle iron in between each one to prevent sticking. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, berries or your favorite toppings!

How to Serve and Keep Warm

This recipe for almond flour waffles makes a delectable treat for breakfast, brunch with friends, or even dessert. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve.

  • Breakfast: Enjoy fresh with butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, coconut whipped cream and berries. Or if you are a fan of chocolate top it off with a dollop of my Healthy Chocolate Frosting.
  • Brunch: Serve them to a crowd (see warming tips below) with a gorgeous dollop of maple whipped cream, jam, and seasonal fruit toppings.
  • Toast: Pop one in the toaster oven and slather with jam, almond butter, or peanut butter.
  • Dessert: Serve it as part of a dessert bar with plenty of toppings and even more almond flour cake to go around. Or layer it with my Maple Cream Cheese frosting for a mini-layered waffle cake.

To keep the crispy almond flour waffles warm, preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place the waffles on a rack set inside a baking sheet and keep in the oven to stay warm while the other waffles cook.

How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw

This is a beautiful make-ahead recipe for those days you want to get ahead. Just think how comforting it is to have waffles made with almond flour stored in the fridge and freezer. As always, cool completely, then store as directed.

  • Fridge: Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Transfer to a plastic freezer bag with strips of parchment between each waffle. Freeze for up to 3 weeks.
  • Thaw: No need to thaw overnight. You can get these almond flour waffles right out of the freezer, warm them in your toaster oven, and enjoy them right away.
Almond flour waffles in a plate from the top view.

Expert Tips

  • Grease the waffle iron between each waffle. This prevents the waffles from sticking and falling apart in the waffle iron. Make sure not to skip it!
  • Scoop out the low-carb waffle batter with a measuring cup for even distribution and same-size waffles. Make sure to also scrap all of the batter out of the measuring cup and pour directly into the center of the waffle iron.
  • What waffle iron do you recommend? As you can see in the pictures and in the how-to video below, I used an old waffle maker. However, my favorite waffle maker is this Breville Waffle Iron (affiliate link). For a more cost-friendly option, I recommend Dash Mini Waffle Maker (affiliate link).

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

If you know me well enough, you know how much I am a fan of almond meal recipes and this one does not disappoint. Just as is the case with almond flour pancakes, it’s just another reason to champion the most important meal of the day. I know you’ll love it because:

  • Made with basic ingredients: The ingredient list is short and sweet, coming in at less than 10 basic ingredients, most of them already tucked inside your pantry.
  • Can be adapted easily for special dietary needs: It’s adjustable to be dietary friendly whether you are after a keto, paleo, gluten-free, vegan or low carb waffles recipe.
  • No more buying Belgian Waffles from the store: Mimics the taste and texture of grocery store freezer waffles (or homemade yeasted waffles) but are much better for you!
  • Meal prep breakfast perfection: Perfect for meal prep as the recipe can be doubled or tripled to have an endless stash of almond waffles stored in the fridge or freezer for an easy breakfast on busy mornings.
  • Perfect for brunch parties: Easily feeds a crowd and makes for a scrumptious brunch addition, especially when topped off with my maple whipped cream.

FAQs

Are almond flour waffles healthy?

Yes, the main ingredient in this waffle recipe, almond flour is considered healthy flour. Plus, this recipe is made with a very small amount of natural sweetener so as long as it is consumed in small portions, this waffle recipe can be considered healthy.

Does almond flour get crispy?

Yes, the almond flour will crisp up while cooking, but this is only with the help of starch. I used easy-to-find cornstarch, but arrowroot, tapioca, or potato flour can also be used.

Can I use a flax egg?

I tested the recipe with a flax egg and the entire batch fell apart in my waffle maker. If looking for a vegan almond flour waffle recipe, I recommend replacing the egg with 2 additional tablespoons of starch.

Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?

Unfortunately, almond flour and regular flour behave differently when making this waffle recipe because almond flour absorbs liquid more than regular all-purpose flour. If you substitute regular flour, you will have waffles with a significantly different texture.

Other Almond Flour Recipes You Might Like:

If you liked this Almond Flour Waffles recipe, be sure to check out the recipes below:

If you try this recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Keto Almond Flour waffles being drizzled with syrup
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Almond Flour Waffles Recipe (Keto & Paleo)

Almond Flour Waffles Recipe made with 9 ingredients in less than 20 minutes. This is an easy and quick waffle recipe that delivers crispy waffles with a fluffy interior. With a number of ingredient substitutions, this gluten-free recipe can be made keto and paleo-friendly with ease.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3 waffles
Calories 291kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch*
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder**
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil plus more for brushing, melted and cooled
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or ½ teaspoon keto-friendly liquid sweetener such as stevia glycerite plus more for serving
  • cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat waffle iron: Plug in your waffle iron and allow to preheat. If necessary, set to medium-high heat, depending on the brand of your waffle maker.
  • Whisk wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together egg, coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
  • Make waffle batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix together until smooth.
  • Prepare waffles: When the waffle iron is hot, brush with a light coating of coconut oil, then pour ⅓ cup batter into the center of the waffle iron, making sure to scrap all the batter from the measuring cup.
  • Cook waffles: Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes (time will vary depending on your waffle maker). Use a fork to gently remove the cooked waffle, then repeat with the remaining batter, making sure to lightly grease the waffle iron in between each one to prevent sticking. Serve warm (see notes) with maple syrup, whipped cream, berries or your favorite toppings!

Video

Notes

  • This recipe makes 3 waffles if you use a 1/3 cup measure. If you use a 1/4 cup measure you can get 4 smaller waffles. If you need more waffles, you can multiply the recipe.
  • Sweetener: For keto almond flour waffles, you will need an equal amount of liquid keto-sweetener or just a ½ teaspoon of stevia glycerite.
  • Starch: Use an equal amount of arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or potato starch instead.
  • Almond Flour vs Almond Meal: This waffle recipe is tested with almond flour. You can use almond meal (ground almonds with the skin on), but please be aware that it will have a darker color. It will also be less airy and crispy. If you can’t get your hands on almond flour, check out my post on How To Make Almond Flour in 5 minutes.
  • Baking Powder: For a paleo waffle recipe, use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (make sure to use a different starch too). Or, use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead.
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil can also be used.
  • Milk: You can also use vanilla almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or regular whole milk instead.
  • Storage and freezing instructions:
    • Fridge: Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Freezer: Transfer to a plastic freezer bag with strips of parchment between each waffle. Freeze for up to 3 weeks.
    • Thaw: No need to thaw overnight. You can get these almond flour waffles right out of the freezer, warm them in your toaster oven and enjoy them right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 2mg

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Brioche Loaf (No Knead Recipe Made By Hand) https://foolproofliving.com/brioche-loaf/ https://foolproofliving.com/brioche-loaf/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2021 08:52:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=4282 Why is This Recipe Awesome? Soft, golden, and subtly sweet, this baked brioche loaf is nearly irresistible. Here are just a few other reasons why this is the best brioche bread recipe out there: There’s no need for a stand mixer or an arm workout in this overnight brioche recipe. Just like in my No-Knead Bread and Olive Loaf, time will do the work for you in this no-knead dish!...

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Why is This Recipe Awesome?

Soft, golden, and subtly sweet, this baked brioche loaf is nearly irresistible. Here are just a few other reasons why this is the best brioche bread recipe out there:

  • There’s no need for a stand mixer or an arm workout in this overnight brioche recipe. Just like in my No-Knead Bread and Olive Loaf, time will do the work for you in this no-knead dish! Plus, you can use this exact dough to create delicious Homemade Brioche Buns with just a few small changes to the process.
  • This brioche bread recipe yields two loaves, which means you can enjoy a slice right out of the oven and freeze the rest for later. Did I mention brioche freezes really well?
  • There are countless brioche bread uses, whether you’re looking for mouthwatering sandwich bread, Thanksgiving stuffing (like my Wild Mushroom Stuffing), or even French toast!
Brioche bread sliced with a bread knife next to it

What is Brioche Bread?

Containing many of the same ingredients as regular bread, brioche is a French bread made with eggs, sugar, and a healthy amount of butter. The traditional brioche recipe is known for its golden-brown coat, fluffy center, and rich taste, and it’s often used in breakfast and dessert dishes. 

Perhaps it’s because of this versatility that there are so many names for brioche bread: French brioche, French brioche bread, French butter bread, French sweet bread brioche, and more!

Ingredients

Brioche bread ingredients are simple, inexpensive, and pantry-ready. All you need is bread flour, instant yeast, kosher salt, large eggs, water, sugar, and unsalted butter.

ingredients in brioche bread are laid out on a marble backdrop

Helpful Ingredient Notes:

  • Flour: I find that the best flour for brioche is bread flour. If you are living in the US, I highly recommend buying the King Arthur Flour brand. Because bread flour has more protein than all-purpose flour, it produces better-quality gluten, which helps bread rise.
  • Butter: If possible, use European-style unsalted butter, such as butter from Vermont Creamery. Its higher fat content will give your brioche more richness, body, and flavor.
  • Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature when adding them to your dough mixture.
  • Rapid Rise Yeast: This recipe uses rapid rise yeast that is also known as instant yeast. When shopping for yeast, be sure to not pick active dry yeast instead. They are different from each other and will yield different results, especially when it comes to rising times.

How to Make Brioche by Hand?

Making brioche bread doesn’t have to be a struggle. Put the ease back into your oven with my foolproof instructions for making the perfect brioche.

Prep the Dough

person making brioche dough by hand in four photos
  1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, instant yeast, and salt until they are thoroughly blended.
  2. Whisk the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, water, and sugar. While whisking, add the melted, unsalted butter into the egg mixture. Continue whisking until the wet ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, stir the ingredients together until all the dry flour is integrated into a uniform mass (about 1 minute).
  4. Let the dough rest: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave it for 10 minutes.
Person folding the dough in four images
  1. Fold the dough: Grip one edge of the dough with your fingertips. Then, fold it over itself, toward the center of the dough. Turn the bowl 45 degrees and repeat the same folding motion. Continue rotating the bowl 45 degrees and folding the dough to its center until you have completed one full circle (there should be 8 folds in total). Wait 30 minutes. Then, repeat this folding process 3 more times, being sure to wait 30 minutes between each repetition.

Overnight Rest

  1. Let the dough rest: Once you complete the fourth round of folding, tightly cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the dough sit for 16-48 hours.

Shaping the Brioche Loaf

Person prepping the brioche dough in four images
  1. Transfer the dough: Next day, remove the dough from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured work surface.
  2. Cut the dough: Divide dough into 6 equal pieces.
  3. Roll 6 balls: Take one piece of dough and fold its edges toward its center until it forms a round disk. Then, flip the disk over—folded side facing down—and roll your palm over its surface until the piece becomes a smooth ball. Sprinkle additional flour over the dough if it begins sticking to your hands. Repeat this shaping process for the remaining 5 pieces.
  4. Let the balls rest: Cover the six dough balls with plastic wrap, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

Bake & Cool

  1. Prepare the pans: Use melted butter to grease two loaf pans.
brioche balls in brioche tins before and after they are risen
  1. Let the dough rise: Place three dough balls in each brioche bread pan, cover loosely, and let rise for 2 hours in a warm place in your house. Towards the end, you will see that they would double in size.
  2. Prepare the oven: 30 minutes before baking, adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Then, take a baking sheet, turn it upside down, and place it on top of the oven rack. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
person brushing brioche with egg wash
  1. Brush and bake the dough: Remove the plastic wrap from the loaf pans and brush both loaves with an egg wash. Then, set both pans atop the overturned baking sheet and bake them for 35-45 minutes, rotating each loaf pan halfway through. The loaves are done when they turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F.
Brioche bread in oven baking
  1. Let the brioche cool: Remove both pans from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Then, remove the brioche from each pan and let them finish cooling on a wire rack. Make sure each loaf is completely cool before slicing.
Brioche loaves are cooling on a wire rack top view

Equipment Notes

If you want to learn how to cook brioche, you’re going to need the right tools! These simple equipment tips will make sure every loaf comes out flawlessly.

  • Baking stones and baking sheets can be used interchangeably in this recipe. Just make sure you use one or the other to bake your loaves evenly.
Photo showing the difference between two different loaf pan sizes
  • Both 9’’ X 5’’ and  8½’’ X 4½’’ loaf pans will work for this recipe. Not only is there no difference in baking time, but they also result in similarly-sized brioche slices. 
  • Using a wire rack will cut your cooling time in half and ensure that every inch of your enriched dough cools evenly.

How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw

The best part about homemade brioche bread? How long it lasts! Whether you eat a warm loaf straight from the oven or save it for later, your taste buds will adore this buttery treat.

  • Storage: To store this homemade brioche, wait until the loaves are fully cool. Then, cut the bread into thick slices and seal the slices in airtight Ziploc bags. Once placed in the fridge, these slices will stay fresh for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Similar to most other bread recipes, brioche freezes exceptionally well. Just let the bread cool, slice it, and place the slices into airtight Ziploc bags 1-2 layers thick. The bread can then stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To Thaw: You don’t need to thaw brioche bread once you take it out of the freezer. Just pop each slice into the toaster until it reaches the desired level of warmth.

PRO TIP: Take the guesswork out of food storage by writing the date of storage on each Ziploc bag. This is the best way to keep tabs on how long the bread has been in the fridge.

person showing how to store homemade brioche bread slices in a plastic bag

What to Make With Brioche Bread

If you’ve ever wondered, “What can I make with brioche bread?” then these recipe ideas are just what you need! Whether you’re indulging your sweet tooth or serving up dinner, you’ll find the perfect French brioche recipe right here:

  • Brioche Waffles: Instead of spending hours in the kitchen mixing waffle batter, skip the hassle by using brioche bread instead. This morning fix is as easy as it is scrumptious.
  • Mushroom Stuffing: No one should settle for bland stuffing. Bring your Thanksgiving to life with this buttery, lush, and savory brioche stuffing. Did I mention it’s vegetarian?
  • Brioche French Toast: Sweet brioche dough, fresh-picked berries, and thick caramel sauce make for a breakfast impossible to resist. Who can say no to this buttery morning treat?
  • Bread Pudding: Nothing pairs better than the soft bread of homemade brioche, warm cinnamon, and thick cream. You’ll be asking for seconds of this gooey pumpkin dessert.

Expert Tips:

Want to bake bread like a pro without spending hours in the kitchen? This homemade brioche recipe will be a piece of cake once you learn these no-fuss baking tips.

Person slicing brioche bread from the front view
  • Let your brioche fully cool before slicing it. This will ensure that your loaf maintains its shape and won’t lose any fluffiness during the cutting process.
  • This brioche dough recipe is one of the most forgiving recipes in a baker’s arsenal. Simply follow my directions, and your five-star loaves are guaranteed to please!
  • The egg wash in this recipe is optional, but it will help give your brioche its signature flakiness and golden-brown color.
  • I recommend slicing your brioche thicker than you would other breads. Because the dough is so soft and puffy, thick slices ensure each portion is as satisfying as possible.
  • When cutting your brioche dough into 6 equal portions, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh each piece to make sure they’re of equal size.

FAQs:

There’s no secret to learning how to make brioche dough by hand…but asking a few questions never hurts! Know all you need about this quick brioche recipe with a few fun facts.

What temperature to bake brioche loaf?

The ideal brioche baking temperature is 350 degrees F.

What does brioche bread look like?

Brioche bread can take many forms, from whole loaves to small brioche buns. However, the bread usually has a lustrous, golden-brown exterior and a light, spongy center.

What makes brioche different to most breads?

The key difference between brioche and white bread is that brioche is enriched, meaning it contains eggs and butter. The high egg and butter content in brioche bread give it a sumptuous flavor and airy texture.

How long does brioche bread last?

Brioche bread will last up to one week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Do you toast brioche loaf?

Yes! Toasting sliced brioche bread is one of the most delicious and simple ways to serve this effortless loaf.

Can you freeze brioche loaf?

Yes, frozen brioche bread can last up to 3 months when sealed in an airtight container. I also recommend slicing the bread before freezing it to make defrosting it even easier.

Is brioche loaf sweet?

This French brioche bread recipe uses only 1/3 cup of sugar for 3 1/4 cups of bread flour so the level of sweetness is very minimal.

Other bread recipes you might like:

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This French Brioche recipe is adapted from The Cook’s Illustrated’s No-Knead Brioche recipe with minor changes to their original recipe.

Loaves of brioche bread cooling on a wire rack
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Brioche Loaf Recipe

This brioche loaf is a delicious French yeasted bread deliciously packed with butter and eggs. Made easily by hand, this foolproof no-knead method requires no special method.
Course Bread
Cuisine French
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Overnight rest and rising time 16 hours
Total Time 16 hours 55 minutes
Servings 2 loaves
Calories 264kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (8 oz) – plus more to grease loaf pans
  • 3 ¼ cups bread flour (17 ¾ oz)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast aka rapid rise yeast – (One 1/4 oz. packets)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt*
  • 6 large eggs Plus one more egg to brush before baking
  • ½ cup water room temperature
  • cup sugar (2 ⅓ oz.)

Instructions

  • Place unsalted butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook until fully melted. Set it aside and let it cool to room temperature.
  • Whisk together bread flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, water, and sugar. Pour in the unsalted butter and whisk until fully combined.
  • Add the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains and a uniform mass forms. This should take about 1 minute.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Holding the edge of dough with your fingertips, fold it over onto itself halfway towards the middle. Turn the bowl 45 degrees and repeat the same process. Do this 6 more times. It should be 8 times in total. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  • Repeat folding and rising every 30 minutes three more times. After the fourth set of folds, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 16-48 hours.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
  • Working with one piece at a time, pat dough into a 4-inch disk. Holding the edge of the dough, fold edges of the dough onto itself halfway towards the center. Repeat folding until it forms a ball. Flip it over and move your hands in small circular motions to form it into a smooth round ball. Feel free to sprinkle it with a bit of flour if it sticks to your hands. Repeat the same process with the rest of the balls.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
  • Grease two loaf pans with melted butter.
  • Place three brioche balls in each loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for 2 hours.
  • Thirty minutes before baking, adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Turn a baking sheet upside down and place it on the oven rack in the middle position. Preheat it to 350 degrees.
  • Remove plastic wrap and brush the now-risen dough with an egg. Set them on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, rotating pans halfway through baking, 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F.
  • Take them out of the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Being careful not to burn your hands, carefully loosen the edges with a knife. Remove them from the pan, and let them cool to room temperature on a wire rack before slicing.

Video

Notes

  • I used Diamond Kosher Salt. If you use Morton Kosher Salt please use half the amount of salt listed.
  • If you watch the video, you will see that I used two packets of instant yeast. A reader, who made the recipe, pointed out that it works well with only one. I tried it with one packet and she was right so I changed the recipe. Please be advised that this recipe works both with one packet (1/4 oz. per packet) or two packets of instant yeast (aka rapid-rise yeast).
  • Brioche Buns: 
  • Homemade Brioche Buns: You can use this brioche dough to make rolls that you can use as burger buns, sandwich bread, or dinner rolls. If that is what you prefer, be sure to check out my recipe for Brioche Buns.
  • Storage: To store this homemade brioche, wait until the loaves are fully cool. Then, cut the bread into thick slices and seal the slices in airtight Ziploc bags. Once placed in the fridge, these slices will stay fresh for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Similar to most other bread recipes, brioche freezes exceptionally well. Just let the bread cool, slice it, and place the slices into airtight Ziploc bags 1-2 layers thick. The bread can then stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To Thaw: You don’t need to thaw brioche bread once you take it out of the freezer. Just pop each slice into the toaster until it reaches the desired level of warmth.
  • Both 9’’ X 5’’ and  8½’’ X 4½’’ loaf pans will work for this recipe. Not only is there no difference in baking time, but they also result in similarly-sized brioche slices. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 379IU | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

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Coconut Sugar Cookies https://foolproofliving.com/coconut-sugar-cookies/ https://foolproofliving.com/coconut-sugar-cookies/#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2021 11:53:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=11734 Why Should You Try This Recipe? If you are new to baking with coconut palm sugar and are in need of a good cookie recipe with coconut sugar you are in the right place. This recipe is awesome because: No special equipment is needed: All you need is two bowls and a whisk. You do not need to chill the dough: Ready in 30 minutes, it requires no chilling time....

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Why Should You Try This Recipe?

If you are new to baking with coconut palm sugar and are in need of a good cookie recipe with coconut sugar you are in the right place. This recipe is awesome because:

  • No special equipment is needed: All you need is two bowls and a whisk.
  • You do not need to chill the dough: Ready in 30 minutes, it requires no chilling time. And with my foolproof instructions, it is easy to make even for beginner bakers.
  • Great recipe if you are new to desserts with coconut sugar: Got a bag of coconut sugar waiting to be used in the depths of your pantry? This coconut sugar cookie recipe is a great one to use. With its addictive chewy texture, this is the perfect sugar cookie recipe for the holiday season and gifting.
Coconut sugar cookies placed on top of each other photographed from the top view.

Ingredients

To make these coconut palm sugar cookies, you will need seven simple pantry staple ingredients. Gather all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, unsalted butter (melted and cooled), coconut sugar, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract.

The ingredients for the recipe portioned and photographed from top view

Helpful notes for ingredients:

  • Coconut sugar: If you are new to recipes using coconut sugar (and coconut sugar in general), compared to your usual granulated sugar, the sugar particles of coconut sugar are larger. Some recipes even ask that you run it through a food processor to break some of those larger particles. The good news is that you do not need to do that for this recipe. Thanks to the melted butter and eggs you have enough liquid to make sure that it melts into the cookie throughout the baking process.
    My favorite coconut palm sugar is this organic brand. You can also find it in your local grocery stores.
  • Salt: As it is with all my recipes, I used Diamond kosher salt in this recipe. If you are using Morton kosher salt or table salt, use half of the salt listed in the recipe.

How To Make? Step by Step Instructions:

The perfect sugar cookie recipe with coconut sugar is no different than any other cookie recipe. With these easy steps making these coconut sugar sugar cookies is a breeze. Here is how:

A collage of four photos showing how to make the recipe
  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, 1 ¾ cups of coconut sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and no lumps remain.
  3. Mix them together: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Using a spatula, stir to ensure no flour pockets remain. You may have to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
person portioning out cookies to bake them
  1. Portion cookies: Place the reserved ¼ cup coconut sugar on a plate. Divide dough into 24 portions, each about 2 tablespoons, rolling between hands into balls. 
coconut palm sugar cookies baked- showing stages in a collage
  1. Coat them with coconut sugar: Working in batches, gently roll each cookie ball in the coconut sugar making sure each ball is coated with the sugar.
  2. Arrange cookies on baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place coconut sugar cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart, 12 dough balls per sheet. Using the back of a glass or a ramekin, lightly press on each cookie to slightly flatten.
  3. Bake cookies: Bake cookies, in a preheated 350 degrees F oven, one sheet at a time until they are browned and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 12 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. When they first come out of the oven they will look like they are underbaked. This is normal. Resist the temptation to bake them longer. 
  4. Let them cool: Cool coconut cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. And then transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool to room temperature before serving.

How To Store, Freeze, and Thaw?

One of my favorite things about these refined sugar cookies is that they store and freeze well. So, go ahead, make a batch, bake some right away and freeze the rest to bake later. Here is how:

  • To Store: Let the cookies come to room temperature on the cooling rack. Place them in an airtight container or a cookie jar with a tight fitting lid. They should keep fresh upto 3 days.
  • To Freeze: Place raw portioned cookies on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Let them freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Transfer them into a freezer safe container (or freezer bag), get the air out as much as possible and store in the freezer. They should be good for up to a month.
  • To Thaw: You do not need to thaw these cookies overnight. Instead, take them out before you preheat the oven. Place them on the cookie sheet and let them sit on the counter while the oven is preheating. Add only 1 more minute of baking time.
Coconut sugar cookies on a cooling rack from top view

Expert Tips:

  • Use a cookie scoop: For perfectly portioned and even baked cookies, I recommend using a cookie scoop. I own and recommend this one (affiliate link). With that being said, if you do not have one you can use a tablespoon measure and portion 2 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie.
  • When mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ones at first you might think that there is not enough liquid but I have tested this recipe many times and can assure you that the amount of liquid is just the right amount for perfectly buttery and simple sugar cookies.
  • Don’t be alarmed if they look underbaked: As I mentioned earlier, when they first come out of the oven, they will look underbaked. Resist the temptation to bake them longer. I learned this the hard way during my recipe testing. If you let them bake longer than 14 minutes they become hard. 
  • Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature: As it is with most cookie recipes, having your ingredients at room temperature will allow them to bake evenly. I usually take out the ingredients in the morning and let them sit on the counter until I am ready to bake.
  • Melted butter: I recommend starting with melting the butter first so that it will cool while you are getting the rest of the ingredients ready.
  • Want to gift them? These cookies are perfect edible gifts for the holiday season. I usually make a batch, bring them to room temperature and pack a few in cellophane bags (affiliate link). I also include the recipe (title it as Coconut Christmas Cookies) on a cute card so that they can make it again if they wish to do so.

FAQs

How To Bake with Coconut Sugar?

While this doesn’t apply to every single recipe, most times you can use coconut sugar as a 1:1 substitute granulated sugar. Your baked goods will have a brown color with a deeper caramel-like flavor.

Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes. You can use coconut sugar as a 1:1 brown sugar substitute and it has a very similar brown sugar flavor. However, be aware that coconut sugar does not have any molasses and it will not hold as much moisture compared to baked goods made with brown sugar. Therefore, depending on the recipe you use, you might need to increase the amount of oil/butter or liquid you use in your recipe to make sure that it will have a moist texture.

Is coconut sugar good for you?

According to this article from Healthline, compared to white granulated sugar and high fructose corn syrup, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index (doesn’t spike up your blood sugar levels too fast) and it includes some nutrients including iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. However, its high sugar content outweighs any potential benefits so as it is with any sugar, it should be consumed in moderation.

Is Coconut sugar good for cookies?

Absolutely. Sugar cookies with coconut sugar are just as delicious as their version made with granulated sugar or even cane sugar. With the right recipe, you can make the most delicious cookies without breaking a sweat.

Other Coconut Sugar Baking Recipes You Might Like:

Whether you are looking for adding a new recipe to your collection of holiday cookies or are in need of a simple yet tasty cookie recipe, I have many other coconut palm sugar cookie recipes for you. So, if you are trying to figure out what to do with coconut sugar you are in the right place.

My other favorite flour to bake with is almond flour so the recipes below are all made with almond flour. I find that coconut sugar works perfectly with almond flour so if you are in need of a gluten-free cookie recipe instead, you can use these recipes as well.

Other Healthier Baked Goods You Might Like:

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If you try this Coconut Sugar Cookies recipe or any other cookie recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

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Coconut sugar cookies on a wire rack top view
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Coconut Sugar Cookies Recipe

These Coconut Sugar Cookies are similar to your delicious buttery sugar cookies but made with coconut sugar instead. Ready in 30 minutes and made with only 7 ingredients.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 16 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 103kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour 10 oz.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter – 1 ¾ sticks or 7 oz. – Melted and cooled
  • 1 ¾ + ¼ cups packed coconut sugar divided (9.55 oz. + 1.30 oz.)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, 1 ¾ cups of coconut sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and no lumps remain.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir to ensure no flour pockets remain and ingredients are evenly distributed. At first, you might feel like there is not enough liuid to the amount of flour, but the recipe is correct.
  • Place the reserved ¼ cup coconut sugar on a plate. Divide dough into 24 portions, each about 2 tablespoons, rolling between hands into balls. Working in batches, gently roll each cookie ball in the coconut sugar making sure each ball is coated with the sugar.
  • Place coconut sugar cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, 12 dough balls per sheet. Using the back of a glass or a ramekin, lightly press on each cookie to slightly flatten.
  • Bake one sheet at a time until cookies are browned and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft , 12 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. When they first come out of the oven they will look like they are underbaked. This is normal. Resist the temptation to bake them longer.
  • Cool cookies on a baking sheet for 5 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t be alarmed if they look underbaked: When they first come out of the oven, they will look underbaked. Resist the temptation to bake them longer. I learned this the hard way during my recipe testing. If you let them bake longer than 14 minutes they become too hard.
  • If you want to bake with less sugar, you can skip the part where you roll them in sugar before baking.
  • Melted butter: When getting all the ingredients ready, I recommend starting with melting the butter first so that it will cool while you are getting the rest of the ingredients ready.
  • To Store: Let the cookies come to room temperature on the cooling rack. Place them in an airtight container or a cookie jar with a tight fitting lid. They should keep fresh up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze: Place raw portioned cookies on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Let them freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Transfer them into a freezer-safe container (or freezer bag), get the air out as much as possible and store in the freezer. They should be good for up to a month.
  • To Thaw: You do not need to thaw these cookies overnight. Instead, take them out before you preheat the oven. Place them on the cookie sheet and let them sit on the counter while the oven is preheating. Add only 1 more minute of baking time.
  • An earlier version of this recipe was different than this version. After hearing from a few readers I decided to test it and change it into a different, hopefully better, coconut sugar cookie recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

This recipe was originally published in 2016, but updated with new photos and recipe in December 2021.

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Almond Flour Biscuits https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-biscuits/ https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-biscuits/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:39:53 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=45048 Why Should You Try This Recipe? If you follow a low-carb, gluten-free, paleo, or keto diet, you’ve probably wondered, Can you make biscuits with almond flour? Not only can you make them, but you should! Here’s why: Quick, easy, and cost-effective, these gluten-free almond biscuits come together with 1 bowl, 5 ingredients, and less than 35 minutes! No need to dirty your food processor or any other equipment. Perfect for...

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Why Should You Try This Recipe?

If you follow a low-carb, gluten-free, paleo, or keto diet, you’ve probably wondered, Can you make biscuits with almond flour? Not only can you make them, but you should! Here’s why:

  • Quick, easy, and cost-effective, these gluten-free almond biscuits come together with 1 bowl, 5 ingredients, and less than 35 minutes! No need to dirty your food processor or any other equipment.
  • Perfect for those following a special diet following a gluten-free or grain-free diet, this versatile recipe works for anyone on any occasion, from afternoon keto tea biscuits to gluten-free Thanksgiving rolls.
  • Like my other homemade biscuits recipes, Sweet Potato Biscuits and Whole Grain Biscuits, these easy paleo biscuits can be served in place of bread whenever you need a savory, stress-free side.
  • This sugar-free biscuits recipe makes healthy living a cinch, whether you’re trying to cut back on sweets or accommodate a diabetic lifestyle.
Low carb biscuits on a plate close up

Ingredients

Only 5 simple ingredients are necessary to make these keto almond flour biscuits: almond flour, baking powder, kosher salt, unsalted butter, and large eggs. Plus, if you do not have almond flour on hand, you can save yourself a trip to the grocery store by learning How to Make Almond Flour at home.

Ingredients for the recipe are placed on kitchen counter

Hungry for more mouthwatering options? Make this almond flour biscuit recipe your own with pantry-ready add-ins, like shredded cheddar cheese, honey, maple syrup, erythritol, garlic powder, chives, and more!

How to Make Almond Biscuits at Home

Once you learn how to make almond biscuits at home, you’ll never want to make another side dish again. In just 5 steps and 35 minutes from start to finish, these bite-sized treats will be ready to eat.

person showing how to make keto almond biscuits in four images
  1. Mix the dry ingredients: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together almond flour, baking powder, and kosher salt together until they are fully combined. Then, add in the melted (and cooled) butter and eggs into the almond flour mixture.
  2. Fold the mixture: Fold the wet ingredients and dry ingredients together until the biscuit batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
  3. Place biscuits on a cookie sheet: Using a large ice cream scoop, scoop biscuit dough (~2 tablespoons each) onto a lined baking sheet. Position the biscuits at least 1-inch away from one another. 
  4. Bake: Place the baking tray in the hot oven for 25 minutes. Once the biscuits are fully baked, let them cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Serve!

Variations

The best part about these almond bread biscuits? Their versatility! From cheddar cheese to honey, a few easy add-ins can turn these traditional biscuits from a savory side to a sweet treat.

  • Keto Almond Flour Cheese Biscuits: Just add half a cup of shredded cheddar and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives for simple almond flour cheddar biscuits. Or, for a creamier option, you can even use shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Paleo Biscuits: To give this sugar-free biscuits recipe a sweet twist, just add in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
  • Almond Meal Biscuits: While blanched almond flour and almond meal can be used interchangeably in this recipe, the version with almond meal would be a bit more dense and darker in color. While the below version is made without any addition of sugar, you can add 2 tablespoons of honey, if you want it to be a bit sweeter.
  • Whole30: To make whole30 biscuits, just use ghee instead of melted butter.
grain free biscuits with almond flour are on a plate from the top view

How to Serve

Nothing beats a dish you can make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you’re looking for keto Thanksgiving biscuits or almond flour breakfast biscuits, this easy recipe can do it all!

  • For Breakfast: Start your day off right when you serve these Almond Flour drop Biscuits with cream cheese. If you are a lover of sweet biscuits for breakfast drizzle them with a little bit of honey.
  • Tea Time: Butter and jam make an irresistible pair with these keto tea biscuits.
  • Dinner Rolls: No time to bake bread? No problem! These keto dinner biscuits are the perfect side to serve alongside soups, salads, or even dinner meals in place of bread.
  • For Thanksgiving: Served with gravy, this 35-minute recipe will become your new holiday go-to.

How to Store, Freeze, & Thaw These Paleo Biscuits

Now that you’ve found the best paleo / low carb biscuit recipe out there, the last thing you want to do is let them go to waste. Savor every bite of this filling treat with these easy storage tips:

  • Storage: These almond flour biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
  • Freezer: To freeze the biscuits, let them first reach room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw: When ready to eat, remove the biscuits from the freezer and let them rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Then, place them in a 250-degree F. oven for 5-7 minutes.

Expert Tips

Knowing how to put together these grain-free biscuits with almond flour shouldn’t be a secret. That’s why I’ve put together my best foolproof tips on how to get this recipe perfect every time.

  • Use an ice cream or cookie scoop to make sure your biscuits are evenly sized. You don’t need to press the dough flat or use a pastry cutter, either.
  • Place your biscuits 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Because Almond Flour Biscuits don’t spread like regular biscuits, you don’t have to worry about your dough running together.
  • Transfer each warm biscuit to a wire rack after removing them from the oven to cut their cooling time in half.
  • If you need to make more biscuits, you can double the recipe for a larger output. There’s a reason why this is the best almond biscuits recipe out there!

FAQs:

Want to know more about this almond flour biscuit recipe? You’ll find all you need to know about this customizable dish right here.

Are Almond Flour Biscuits healthy?

Yes! Rich in nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium, almond flour is a healthy alternative to other flours (and may even help lower cholesterol!)

How many carbs in Almond Flour Biscuits?

This low-carb biscuits recipe has 6 grams of net carbs per serving.

Can you freeze Almond Flour Biscuits?

Yes. Once your biscuits have reached room temperature, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. 

Can I substitute almond flour for regular flour in biscuits?

Though almond flour makes for a healthy, diet-friendly substitute for regular flour, it cannot be swapped on a one-to-one basis. Because almond flour doesn’t absorb liquid at the same rate as all-purpose, gluten-free, or wheat flour, you’ll need to find a conversion rate that works when baking biscuits made with almond flour.

Other Low Carb Recipes You Might Like:

Having been featuring almond meal recipes since 2016, this website has so many low-carb recipes you can choose from. Below are a few that are loved by readers:

If you try this Almond Flour Biscuits recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

low carb almond biscuits close up
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Almond Flour Biscuits Recipe

Almond Flour Biscuits recipe that happens to be gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly. Made with only 5 ingredients, this low carb biscuits recipe is going to be your favorite accompaniment to all your breakfast dishes, soups and stews.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 biscuits
Calories 253kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups almond flour 8.4 oz.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon honey or keto friendly sweetener optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  • Mix together the dry ingredients, almond flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl until no lumps remain.
  • Add in the wet ingredients, melted butter, and eggs. If using, add in your choice of sweetener. Stir until fully combined.
  • Using a large ice cream scoop, or 2 tablespoons measuring spoon, scoop biscuits onto the prepared sheet pan making sure that they are at least 1-inch apart from each other.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.
  • Transfer onto a wire rack to cool for 5-10 minutes.
  • Serve.

Video

Notes

  • Keto Almond Flour Cheese Biscuits: Just add half a cup of shredded cheddar and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives for simple almond flour cheddar biscuits. Or, for a creamier option, you can even use shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Paleo Biscuits: To give this sugar-free biscuits recipe a sweet twist, just add in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
  • Almond Meal Biscuits: While blanched almond flour and almond meal can be used interchangeably in this recipe, the version with almond meal would be a bit more dense and darker in color. While the below version is made without any addition of sugar, you can add 2 tablespoons of honey, if you want it to be a bit sweeter.
  • Whole30: To make whole30 biscuits, just use ghee instead of melted butter.
  • Storage: These almond flour biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
  • Freezer: To freeze the biscuits, let them first reach room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw: When ready to eat, remove the biscuits from the freezer and let them rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Then, place them in a 250-degree F. oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 337IU | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 2mg

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Nut and Seed Bread https://foolproofliving.com/pumpkin-cranberry-nut-loaf/ https://foolproofliving.com/pumpkin-cranberry-nut-loaf/#comments Fri, 08 Oct 2021 07:28:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=11056 Why Should You Make This Recipe?  If you are a fan of roasted nuts and enjoy consuming superfood-packed seeds, you are in for a treat. Because this healthy nut and seed bread recipe is packed with those and more. But that is not all! Here are a few more reasons why you should give it a go: Low carb: While all nut breads are high in protein, my nut &...

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Why Should You Make This Recipe? 

If you are a fan of roasted nuts and enjoy consuming superfood-packed seeds, you are in for a treat. Because this healthy nut and seed bread recipe is packed with those and more. But that is not all! Here are a few more reasons why you should give it a go:

  • Low carb: While all nut breads are high in protein, my nut & seed bread is also low carb! Served in slices, it is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack when you need an extra energy boost.
  • Gluten Free and Keto-Friendly: This vegan nut bread loaf is free of eggs, dairy, and flour. It’s gluten free and with a few minor adjustments, it’s easily adaptable to be keto-friendly, too! 
  • Easy to customize: You can take this basic recipe and customize it with what you have on hand. Don’t care for pumpkin puree? Use my unsweetened applesauce. Not a fan of walnuts? Use pecans (or even a mixture of nuts). Sky’s the limit to make it your own.
  • Wholesome and Nutritious: This gluten free seed bread is nutritious and packed with healthy fats and superfoods like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds. Plus, it’s high in protein, which means it is very filling and it goes great with any meal including your favorite soups and salads!
  • Perfect Meal Prep: It stores and freezes well so you can make a batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
healthy nut and seed bread sliced from the front view

Ingredients:

This list of ingredients might look long, but they are mostly ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients for the recipe are portioned out on a marble backdrop

To start, grab raw walnuts, pumpkin seeds, old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free certified), dried cranberries, whole flaxseeds, psyllium husks (also known as psyllium whole husks), chia seeds, kosher salt, ground cinnamon and nutmeg, unsweetened pumpkin puree, water, maple syrup, and vegetable oil. 

Substitutions & Variations:

  • Switch up the nuts: The recipe below uses raw walnuts and pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) but you can play with your favorite nut and seed combinations. Chopped raw almonds and raw sunflower seeds is another delicious combination.
  • Dried fruits: I used dried cranberries (sweetened with orange juice) but you can use any of your favorite dried fruits. Dried apricots, raisins, and even dried figs would work. 
  • Change up the spices: It’s easy to change the flavor profile of this recipe if you’re not a fan of cinnamon or nutmeg.Other spices like ground ginger, cardamom, or even cloves would all go well in this bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: You can use coconut oil (melted and cooled), avocado oil, a light olive oil, or sunflower oil in this recipe.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling. If you are not a fan of pumpkin you can also use applesauce.
  • To make it keto friendly: If you’re on a keto diet simply omit the dried fruit in the recipe and use an equal amount of erythritol syrup instead of maple syrup to make this nut & seed bread keto-friendly. 
  • Whole flaxseeds: You do not need to grind your flaxseeds for this recipe.

A Quick Note on Psyllium Husks:

The one, somewhat unusual ingredient in this gluten-free bread recipe is psyllium husks. If you are not familiar, allow me to explain:

  • Psyllium husks, also named as Psyllium Whole Husks, is an ingredient used in keto and gluten-free baking in place of eggs because when it comes into contact with liquid it turns into a gel-like consistency. It is also a natural source of fiber that doesn’t include wheat. This Keto Dinner Rolls recipe is a good example of how it is used in a bread recipe.
  • It has multiple health benefits, but the most popular one is the fact that it acts like a sponge in the digestive tract, which means it can absorb toxins and bad bacteria. For that reason, it is also marketed as a “colon cleanser” for people with digestive difficulties.
  • It can be found in the gluten-free aisle of your local grocery store, natural health food stores, or online (affiliate link). 
  • If this is your first time consuming psyllium husks, it is recommended to try a small dose as various sources on the internet cautions people as some allergic reactions or side effects have been recorded.
  • As you are shopping for psyllium seed husks, you might see a similar product called Psyllium Husk Powder. They are not the same thing so be sure to purchase the correct one.

How to Make This Low Carb High Protein Bread?

walnuts and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet
  1. Roast the nuts & seeds: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spread walnuts and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and roast until lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
person mixing the dry and wet ingredients in a bowl
  1. Mix the dry ingredients: Place all the dry ingredients; cooled walnuts and pumpkin seeds, oats, cranberries, flaxseeds. Psyllium husks, chia seeds, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
  2. Add in the wet ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, water, maple syrup, and oil. Mix until all of the dry ingredients are mixed with the wet ones.
Bread is placed in a loaf pan and covered with stretch film.
  1. Let it rest: Line a 9X5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray. Transfer the dough into the loaf pan rounding slightly on top. Be aware that it will not rise in the oven as it bakes. Cover with stretch film and let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours upto 8 hours.
  2. Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. If preferred, sprinkle it with sesame seeds and bake it for 1 hour 15 minutes. Be aware that the finished product will turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Let cool completely and then slice before serving.

How to Serve 

There are so many great ways to serve this vegan nut bread loaf and below are a few of my favorite ways to share it with my family and friends:

  • Spread it with cheese: A generous amount of mascarpone or cream cheese spread over this nut and seed bread is guaranteed to satisfy. But if you want to treat yourself, then try my maple cream cheese frosting.
  • With your favorite nut butter and/or jam on top: If you prefer to take the vegan route, try it with a generous spread of your favorite almond or peanut butter or jam. 
  • Serve it as a part of your meat and cheese board: Slice it and make it a part of your holiday cheese boards to serve with your favorite fruits, dips and spreads.
High protein bread sliced from the top view

How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw

This no flour nut bread stores well, which is one of the reasons why I always include it as a part of my weekly meal prep.

  • To Store: Bring it to room temperature, slice it, enjoy some and place the leftovers in an air-tight container. Store it in the fridge for upto 2 weeks. When ready to serve, heat it in your toaster oven.
  • To Freeze: Slices of this nut and seed bread can be placed in an airtight container and frozen for up to two months. Just make sure it is fully cooled to room temperature before freezing.
  • To Thaw: Take it out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes and toast in the oven or in your toaster.

Expert Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to help you make this healthy nut bread recipe:

  • Prep it before bed: If you think that the waiting part is the hardest, do what I do and make it right before bed. That way, when you wake up the next day all you have to do is to bake it and enjoy it for breakfast.
  • Roasting Nuts: I get it. Roasting nuts requires an extra few minutes and you can skip the roasting part. However, doing so brings out the earthy flavors of the nuts and IMHO worth the effort.
  • Let the bread cool completely: I know how hard it is to wait for freshly baked bread to cool, but it is a necessary step that should not be skipped.
  • Not sure what your bread will look like when it’s done? Because this recipe doesn’t use flour or a leavening agent (like baking soda or baking powder), it doesn’t rise. Spread your dough artfully and it will look the same way when it’s finished baking in the oven!

Other Bread Recipes You Might Also Like:

I adapted this recipe from my friend Alanna’s (of Bojon Gourmet) cookbook Alternative Baker. Her book and blog are my go-to sources for GF baking.

As she was creating this nut and seed loaf, she was inspired by the Adventure Bread made at Josey Baker’s The Mill in San Francisco.

And if you can’t get enough of delicious homemade bread, here are a few more recipes for you:

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Nut and Seed Bread Sliced from the front view
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Nut and Seed Bread

This nut and seed bread is a vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, high protein, and no flour recipe that you can make with 20 minutes hands on time. It stores well so you can make it a part of your weekly meal prep, use some right away and freeze the rest for later.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 35 minutes
Servings 8 Slices
Calories 488kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups raw walnut halves (175 g)
  • 1 cup raw unsalted pumpkin seeds (140 g)
  • 2 ¾ cups GF old-fashioned rolled oats (250gr)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (145 gr)
  • ½ cup flaxseeds (90gr)
  • 1/3 cup psyllium husks (30gr)
  • ¼ cup chia seeds (40gr)
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt (9 gr)
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 can unsweetened pumpkin puree (15-oz)
  • 1 cup water (235) ml
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (60ml)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil (60ml) avocado, sunflower and light olive oil would all work
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 325 F (165 C) degrees. Spread the walnuts and pumpkin seeds on a sheet pan and toast until golden, 10-15 minutes. Take it out of the oven and set aside.
  • Mix together the rolled oats, cranberries, flaxseeds, psyllium husks, chia seeds, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
  • Add the pumpkin puree, water, maple syrup, and oil. Using a wooden spoon, stir well to make sure that the all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the dough is moistened through.
  • Line a 9X5 (23cm X 13cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. Gently transfer the dough into the pan. Gently pack it into the pan while rounding it slightly on top. Cover it tightly with a piece of plastic wrap and let it sit in room temperature, 2-8 hours.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the loaf for 1 hour 15 minutes. The top of the loaf will be deeply bronzed.
  • Let it cool completely.

Notes

Substitutions & Variations:

  • Switch up the nuts: The recipe below uses raw walnuts and pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) but you can play with your favorite nut and seed combinations. Chopped raw almonds and raw sunflower seeds is another delicious combination.
  • Dried fruits: I used dried cranberries (sweetened with orange juice) but you can use any of your favorite dried fruits. Dried apricots, raisins, and even dried figs would work. 
  • Change up the spices: It’s easy to change the flavor profile of this recipe if you’re not a fan of cinnamon or nutmeg. Other spices like ground ginger, cardamom, or even cloves would all go well in this bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: You can use coconut oil (melted and cooled), avocado oil, light olive oil, or sunflower oil in this recipe.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling. If you are not a fan of pumpkin you can also use applesauce.
  • To make it keto-friendly: If you’re on a keto diet simply omit the dried fruit in the recipe and use an equal amount of erythritol syrup instead of maple syrup to make this nut & seed bread keto-friendly.
  • Whole flaxseeds: You do not need to grind your flaxseeds for this recipe.
  • As you are shopping for psyllium seed husks, you might see a similar product called Psyllium Husk Powder. They are not the same thing so be sure to purchase the correct one.

Storage & Freezing Instructions:

  • To Store: Bring it to room temperature, slice it, enjoy some and place the leftovers in an air-tight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, heat it in your toaster oven.
  • To Freeze: Slices of this nut and seed bread can be placed in an airtight container and frozen for up to two months. Just make sure it is fully cooled to room temperature before freezing.
  • To Thaw: Take it out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes and toast in the oven or in your toaster.
  •  

Nutrition

Serving: 8slices from a 9X5 loaf pan. | Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 591mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 3mg

This recipe is adapted (with almost no changes) Alana Taylor-Robins cookbook – Alternative Baker.

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Paleo Pumpkin Bread Recipe https://foolproofliving.com/paleo-pumpkin-bread/ https://foolproofliving.com/paleo-pumpkin-bread/#comments Sat, 02 Oct 2021 13:21:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=35967 Today’s recipe, Paleo Pumpkin Bread with Almond Flour is the newest addition to my collection of almond flour recipes. If you are like me, and enjoy baking with healthier ingredients that are minimally sweetened with natural sweeteners this pumpkin bread recipe is one to try.  If you are a fan of gluten-free and paleo quick bread recipes, be sure to also check out my Almond Flour Zucchini Bread, Paleo Banana...

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Today’s recipe, Paleo Pumpkin Bread with Almond Flour is the newest addition to my collection of almond flour recipes. If you are like me, and enjoy baking with healthier ingredients that are minimally sweetened with natural sweeteners this pumpkin bread recipe is one to try. 

If you are a fan of gluten-free and paleo quick bread recipes, be sure to also check out my Almond Flour Zucchini Bread, Paleo Banana Bread with Almond Flour, Almond Flour Bread Recipe, and Paleo Apple Cake recipe.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with almond flour sliced from the top view

Why Should You Make This Recipe?

  • Simple ingredients & 15 minutes of hands-on time: Packed with warm fall spices like pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon, and sweetened with coconut sugar it comes together in less than 15 minutes and requires no special equipment. 
  • Make it a quick bread or serve it as a muffin: I based this recipe on my Paleo Pumpkin Muffins recipe that I shared a few years back. The recipe is versatile enough to make it a quick bread or a muffin.
  • Made with wholesome ingredients: While I am a huge fan of the traditional Pumpkin Bread made with butter, this almond pumpkin bread uses no oil. Plus, it is made with almond flour and sweetened a bit less than a cup of coconut sugar, it is the perfect loaf if you are in need of a healthy pumpkin bread recipe.

Ingredients You Will Need:

This gluten-free paleo pumpkin bread recipe is made with canned pumpkin puree (for convenience) and a handful of pantry ingredients broken up into dry and wet categories. They are all simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry.

Dry Ingredients:

Almond Flour Pumpkin Loaf dry ingredients placed on a marble backdrop

For the dry ingredients, gather together blanched almond flour (almond meal would also work), baking soda, pumpkin spice, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt.

Pro Tip: Do not have almond flour at home? No worries, you can easily make it at home using raw almonds in just a few quick steps. Check out my foolproof step-by-step guide to making almond flour at home.

Wet Ingredients:

For the wet ingredients, you will need large eggs (at room temperature), coconut sugar, pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), and vanilla extract.

Wet ingredients for Paleo pumpkin loaf

Additionally, if you want you can use optional toppings like dark chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds.

A quick tip on using oil: You might be wondering if I forgot to add oil to the list of ingredients. Well, I promise you that it is not a typo.

One of my favorite things about baking with almond flour is that, in most cases, baked goods made with almond flour do not require an additional amount of oil. I learned this when I was testing my Almond Flour Chocolate Cake

While this is not the case with every almond flour recipe, I strive to minimize to use of any additional oil if I can. Luckily, this pumpkin bread with almond flour recipe worked perfectly without needing any oil added to the ingredients list. 

How To Make Paleo Pumpkin Bread?

All it takes is two bowls, a loaf pan, and a few easy steps to make this recipe for grain-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free pumpkin bread with almond flour. Simply:

Person mixing dry ingredients in a bowl from the top view
  1. Mix together the wet ingredients: Place almond flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Give it a good whisk to break the chunks of almond flour and ensure that all dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Person mixing the wet ingredients from the top view
  1. Whisk wet ingredients until emulsified: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until emulsified.
Person mixing the batter for clean pumpkin bread
  1. Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until everything is thoroughly mixed.
  2. Prepare the loaf pan: I used a loaf pan that is  8 ½ by 4 ½ but 9 by 5 would also work. Simply grease it generously with oil and line it with a piece of parchment.
Batter placed in a loaf pan ready for baking
Almond flour pumpkin loaf batter topped off with chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds
  1. Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and bake: Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the loaf pan. Distribute it evenly using a spatula (or the back of a spoon). If using, sprinkle with naturally sweetened chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds and bake in a preheated 350 F degree oven for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Almond Flour Pumpkin Bread sliced on a cutting board
  1. Allow it cool and serve: Let the almond flour pumpkin loaf cool for 5-10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and serve.

How To Store and Freeze?

  • Storage: If you have any leftovers of this refined sugar-free pumpkin bread, let pumpkin bread cool to room temperature, slice it, and wrap the slices in parchment paper. You can store them on the kitchen counter up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Pro Tip: I prefer using parchment paper instead of plastic wrap as using plastic traps moisture and makes your pumpkin bread overly wet.

  • Freezing: Alternatively, you can place individually wrapped slices in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer up to a month. When ready to serve, simply pop it in your microwave or oven to warm up.

How To Serve?

This easy paleo pumpkin bread is delicious enough to serve by itself with your morning cup of coffee or tea. However, you can also take it up a notch and spread it with a few tablespoons of:

You can also serve it with a cup of whole milk or homemade almond milk for the perfect fall treat for yourself.

Sliced sugar free pumpkin bread with almond flour from close up view

Recipe Variations:

  • Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: I used a few tablespoons of my favorite naturally sweetened chocolate chips to top it off at the end. However, if you want you can also add in chocolate chips into the batter and turn it into a more chocolate-y pumpkin chocolate chip bread.
  • Whole30 Pumpkin Bread: Whole30 diet restricts any use of sugar or sugary things, but if you are in need of a treat without breaking the rules you can make this almond flour pumpkin bread recipe without coconut sugar.
  • Keto Pumpkin Bread: If you are following a ketogenic diet then you can swap coconut sugar with monk fruit sweetener (affiliate link) using the same amount (¾ cup). If you are new to using monk fruit sweetener in your baking this is a great article to learn more about it.

If you thought that you cannot make pumpkin bread without flour think again. Because let me tell you, this grain-free and gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe is just as good, if not better than the added sugar and oil-packed version of pumpkin bread that is sold at grocery stores. 

Can’t Get Enough Pumpkin? Here are a few more recipes:

If you try this Paleo Pumpkin Bread recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Paleo pumpkin bread with almond flour sliced
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Paleo Pumpkin Bread with Almond Flour Recipe

Paleo Pumpkin Bread recipe that is also gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, refined sugar-free, grain-free, and keto and Whole30 friendly with a few adjustments. With only 9 ingredients, you can make this almond flour pumpkin bread with only 15 minutes of hands on time. Serve with a cup of coffee, milk or tea for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Course Breakfast Sweets, Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 244kcal

Ingredients

For the dry ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour or almond meal 238 grams
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For the wet ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar 100 grams
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree*
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping (optional)

  • A handful of pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. degrees. Grease and line an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 loaf pan (or 9X5 would also work) with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients.
  • Fold in the wet ingredients to dry ones and mix until they are fully combined.
  • Place the batter into the prepared loaf. Distribute it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Top it off with pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips, if using.
  • Bake for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  • Let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes, remove from the pan, and let it cool before slicing.
  • Serve.

Notes

  • How To Store? If you have any leftovers of this refined sugar-free pumpkin bread, bring it to room temperature, slice it, and wrap the slices in parchment paper. You can store them on the kitchen counter up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • How To Freeze? You can place individually wrapped slices in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, simply pop it in your microwave or oven to warm up.
  • Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned or homemade pumpkin puree. If you are using canned pumpkin puree make sure that it is not pumpkin pie filling.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 4855IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg

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Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe https://foolproofliving.com/pumpkin-bread-pudding/ https://foolproofliving.com/pumpkin-bread-pudding/#comments Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:51:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=1448 Why Should You Try This Recipe? Can’t get enough of pumpkin recipes? If so, you are in the right place. This Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is exactly what you need because it is: The perfect fall pumpkin dessert, not to mention it is comforting, pleasantly sweet, and amazingly delicious. A great way to use leftover pumpkin puree and leftover bread. Made with simple ingredients and easy to customize and make...

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Why Should You Try This Recipe?

Can’t get enough of pumpkin recipes? If so, you are in the right place. This Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is exactly what you need because it is:

  • The perfect fall pumpkin dessert, not to mention it is comforting, pleasantly sweet, and amazingly delicious.
  • A great way to use leftover pumpkin puree and leftover bread.
  • Made with simple ingredients and easy to customize and make your own with various (optional) add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, and spices.
Pumpkin Challah Bread pudding freshly baked in a casserole dish a portion taken out with a bowl of creme fraiche on the side

The best bread for fall-inspired bread pudding

First and foremost, we must discuss the bread.

Challah bread is cut into cubes by a person from the top view

Homemade challah is my preferred enriched bread of choice. It’s soft, deeply golden, and super satisfying. Plus, this recipe offers a great excuse to use the version of challah bread with raisins. A loaf of French brioche is another great option.

Ingredients needed for this recipe

I swapped out a few ingredients from my original pumpkin maple bread pudding to provide a clean and healthy recipe without refined sugar.

Ingredients for the recipe are laid out on a marble backdrop

Gather together two cans of pumpkin puree, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, large eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, kosher salt, vanilla extract, Challah bread, pecans, and raisins.

A few helpful tips on ingredients:

  • Pumpkin: Make sure to purchase Pure Pumpkin Puree (no added sugar) versus Pumpkin Pie Filling (added sugar and spices). Fresh pumpkin puree is another great option.
  • Milk + Heavy Cream: Full-fat of both dairy products adds body and richness. It is dessert, after all! Substitute 1 ⅔ cups half-and-half (half milk, half cream) for a slightly richer custard.
  • Maple Syrup: Any color (dark, amber, golden) of pure maple syrup is wonderful. Use whatever you have on hand. Alternatively, you can use a cup of brown sugar or even coconut sugar as a sweetener in this recipe.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg + Allspice: The touch of ground spices really make this pumpkin dessert recipe taste like fall. Feel free to use 2 teaspoons of Pumpkin Pie Spice (or pumpkin spice) instead.

How to make this recipe?

All it takes is one large bowl, a whisk, and a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a 9 or 10-inch pie plate) to get this pumpkin pudding mixed together and ready for the oven. Simply:

A woman is mixing the batter
  1. Whisk together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, kosher salt and vanilla extract.
Person adding and mixing Challah into the batter
  1. Add bread and mix-ins. Add the Challah bread pieces, pecans, and raisins.
Person mixing pecans and raisins
  1. Soak. Give it a gentle toss. Cover with stretch film and let it soak for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat and prep. Ten minutes before the soaking time ends, preheat the oven to 325 °F. Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with oil.
Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding before and after it is baked.
  1. Transfer. Transfer the challah pumpkin mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it using the back of a spatula to make sure that it is in an even layer. Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of pecans, if using.
  2. Bake! Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Let it cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack and serve while it is still warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:

This pumpkin dessert recipe is so delicious, like you-can’t-stop-eating-it delicious.

Pumpkin Bread Bread Pudding topped off with creme fraiche in a bowl with a spoon

Variations for this pumpkin spiced bread pudding:

  • Pumpkin apple bread pudding: Wash, peel, core and dice 1-2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith) and saute over low heat in 1 Tablespoon butter. Cool and add to the pumpkin custard mixture.
  • Pumpkin chocolate chip bread pudding recipe: Add 1 cup dark, milk or white chocolate chips along with the mix-ins.
  • Switch it up by using different nuts: Add or replace the pecans with 1 cup chopped walnuts.
  • Pumpkin Bread Bread Pudding: I have seen a few recipes online for pumpkin bread bread pudding (say that 5x fast!) which uses leftover pumpkin bread. I have never tested this myself as I feel it would be too sweet and steal away from the silky pumpkin custard. However, if you want to give it a go, feel free to try using half Challah half pumpkin bread to add in more pumpkin goodness into the recipe.
  • Sweet Potato Puree: If you’d rather make this recipe with sweet potatoes use an equal amount of sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin puree.

Making Ahead & Dessert prep for Thanksgiving:

This recipe works wonders made ahead of time, which is why I always make sure to make it as a Thanksgiving dessert.

Simply prep it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and set it in the fridge overnight.

Remove from the fridge an hour beforehand, then bake in the oven following the recipe card below. If baking directly from the fridge, simply add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Storage and reheating instructions

The leftovers of this easy bread pudding recipe will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge. Cover with plastic wrap and keep it in the same baking dish you made it in. Or, cut into individual portions and place in an airtight container with squares of parchment between each piece.

To rewarm, place the entire pumpkin casserole, covered (to prevent from drying out) in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until it is thoroughly warmed.

For individual bread pudding squares, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tent with foil, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Pumpkin Challah Bread pudding freshly baked in a casserole dish with a bowl of creme fraiche on the side

Expert Tips:

  • Use your favorite type of bread. Jewish Braided Bread and Brioche bread (aka buttery French bread) are soft, pillowy enriched breads that make for a tender, bouncy pudding. If using day-old stale bread, French baguette, savory country, or crusty artisan bread, I recommend adding an additional ⅓ cup milk or cream to the pumpkin custard.
  • Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree. Both work beautifully. Two cans equals approximately 3 ⅔ cups puree.
  • Do not use canned Pumpkin Pie Filling. This is sweetened with sugar and additional spices.
  • Push down the bread gently into the custard. If the custard doesn’t fully cover the bread cubes, give it a gentle nudge occasionally during the 30-minute soaking time.
  • Allow the bread pudding to sit for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to soak up all those rich, custardy flavors.
  • Allow it to rest once baked. The bread further soaks up even more of the mixture.
  • The center will spring back to the touch when it’s ready. This ensures the eggs are fully cooked through.
  • If you prefer more of a simple, everyday recipe made without pumpkin, my all-time favorite one is my friend Jessica’s Bread Pudding recipe and this delicious Crustless Pumpkin Pie.

FAQs:

What is the ideal ratio of bread to liquid for bread pudding?

I found the best ratio of liquid to bread is 1 ¾ cup liquid: 10 cups 1-inch cubed bread. This bakes a pumpkin pudding that is not too dry, not too soggy. If you prefer your bread pudding wet (or if using day-old bread, French baguette, savory country, or crusty artisan bread), add another ⅓ cup of milk or cream.

Does a bread pudding qualify as a dessert?

Absolutely. This recipe can be served by itself or with ice cream, whipped cream, or cream Fraiche on the side.

What is the ideal temperature to serve bread pudding?

You can serve bread pudding warm fresh out of the oven, at room temperature, or even right out the fridge.

More Pumpkin Recipes You Might Like:

If you try this delicious pumpkin bread pudding recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe in a casserole dish right out of the oven
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Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

To me, this Maple Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe is the dictionary definition of a scrumptious fall breakfast. Whether you want to treat your family over the weekend or you have leftover pumpkin puree from making pie, this pumpkin bread pudding is a treat. Made with challah bread and sweetened with maple syrup, it is easy and quick to put together and oh so delicious.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 418kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 15 oz. cans Pumpkin Purée – no sugar added
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon all spice (or pumpkin spice)
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter – room temperature
  • 1 Challah 10 cups of Challah bread – cut in to small chunks
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

Whisk wet ingredients:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, kosher salt and vanilla extract.

Add in the mix ins and bread:

  • Add in the cubed Challah bread, pecans, and raisins in the bowl.
  • Give it a gentle toss. Cover with stretch film and let it soak for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven:

  • Ten minutes before the soaking time ends, pre-heat the oven to 325 °F. Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with oil.

Bake:

  • Transfer the challah pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using the back of a spatula.
  • Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of pecans, if using.
  • Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Let it cool for 15 minutes and serve while it is still warm (preferably with ice cream on top).

Video

Notes

  • Use your favorite type of bread. Jewish Braided Bread and Brioche bread are soft, pillowy enriched bread that makes for a tender, bouncy pudding. If using day-old stale bread, French baguette, savory country, or crusty artisan bread, I recommend adding an additional ⅓ cup milk or cream to the pumpkin custard.
  • Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree. Both work beautifully. Two cans equals approximately 3 ⅔ cups puree.
  • Do not use canned Pumpkin Pie Filling. This is sweetened with sugar and additional spices.
  • Push down the bread gently into the custard. If the custard doesn’t fully cover the bread cubes, give it a gentle nudge occasionally during the 30-minute soaking time.
  • Allow the bread pudding to sit for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to soak up all those rich, custardy flavors.
  • Allow it to rest once baked. The bread further soaks up even more of the mixture.
  • The center will spring back to the touch when it’s ready. This ensures the eggs are fully cooked through.
  • To store: Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge. Cover with plastic wrap and keep it in the same baking dish you made it in. Or, cut into individual portions and place in an airtight container with squares of parchment between each piece.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 748IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 1mg

This recipe is adapted with minor changes from Anne Burrell and Suzanne Lenzer’s “cook like a rockstar” cookbook.

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Almond Flour Apple Muffins https://foolproofliving.com/naturally-sweetened-apple-almond-muffins/ https://foolproofliving.com/naturally-sweetened-apple-almond-muffins/#comments Sat, 25 Sep 2021 13:57:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=11298 Why Should You Make This Recipe?  This easy recipe is a wonderful addition to my foolproof Almond Flour Desserts collection. If you have under an hour of free time, these paleo almond cinnamon muffins are a delicious and easy way to celebrate the fall season, one muffin at a time! Visually Impressive: These Almond Flour Apple Muffins are picture-perfect treats that will have all your guests fooled as to just...

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Why Should You Make This Recipe? 

This easy recipe is a wonderful addition to my foolproof Almond Flour Desserts collection. If you have under an hour of free time, these paleo almond cinnamon muffins are a delicious and easy way to celebrate the fall season, one muffin at a time!

  • Visually Impressive: These Almond Flour Apple Muffins are picture-perfect treats that will have all your guests fooled as to just how easy they are to make and decorate!
  • Minimally Sweetened: The natural sweetness of the apples and maple syrup means that there is no refined sugar in these healthy apple muffins. 
  • In Season: These delicious muffins are an easy way to bake with the in-season apples you pick this time of year! Seasoned with a hint of cinnamon and that natural apple flavor, this fall treat will warm you up on the inside.
Apple Almond Flour muffins on a plate
  • Quick Clean Up: This recipe only requires one large bowl, one small bowl, and one whisk, so no long and tedious clean up afterwards. Just one more thing that makes this recipe so easy!
  • Paleo, Gluten Free and Dairy-free: These apple muffins are paleo friendly and gluten free, so you can meet many dietary restrictions in group settings with just one simple recipe.

Ingredients:

These Almond Flour Apple Muffins only require 12 simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. 

Ingredients for the recipe are laid out on a marble backdrop

Gather your almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, eggs, maple syrup, oil, vanilla extract, apple slices, and chopped walnuts.

Helpful Ingredient Notes including Substitutions:

  • Oil:  I recommend using vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, but don’t use olive oil for this recipe!
  • Almond Flour: This recipe calls for almond flour, although you can use almond meal interchangeably. Almond meal is a bit thicker than almond flour, but either creates a smooth textured muffin. Don’t have access to almond flour? No problem, follow my recipe for a simple DIY almond meal or almond flour at home. 
  • Apples: Any of your favorite juicy apples will work in this recipe. My personal favorites are Gala Apples or Honeycrisp Apples, but if you prefer a more sour apple, Granny Smith Apples or Pink Lady Apples are great alternatives. You can also do a mix and match with different apples to get a balance of sweet, sour and tart!
  • Slicing Apples: When preparing your apples of choice, it is important to slice them very thinly with a mandoline or a knife. Slicing thinly and evenly will ensure that they cook completely and thoroughly. If you are baking for younger children, or just prefer smaller pieces, you can cut your apple slices in half.
  • Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup and agave nectar can be used interchangeably, depending on your taste preference and availability!

How to Make?

This paleo apple muffin recipe takes just a few steps from start to finish and is completed in just under an hour. Because of how easy these are to prepare, you can make these in advance to enjoy throughout the week, or as a spontaneous treat on the weekend!

How to make gluten free apple muffins step by step photos
  1. Dry Ingredients: Measure out and add your dry ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix together until completely combined. 
  2. Wet Ingredients: Measure out and ddd your wet ingredients to a separate bowl and whisk until completely combined.
  3. Combine: Simply pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together until all the ingredients are fully combined. 
  4. Add Apples: Gently fold in the thinly sliced apple pieces into the muffin batter just until combined. 
Apple muffins in muffin tin showing how to garnish step by step
  1. Pour into Muffin Tins: Divide batter into your prepared muffin pan. Make sure you have 12 equally filled muffin tins with the apple pieces dispersed evenly. 
  2. Decorate: Although this step is optional, it creates for beautifully decorated apple almond muffins. Thinly slice half an apple (again, your choice of apple) and lay three slices on top of each muffin. Each apple slice can slightly overlap to create a fan effect for an additional visual appeal. 
  3. Add chopped walnuts: For an additional texture and nutty flavor, add a small handful of chopped walnuts onto each muffin as well. 
  4. Bake: Bake your muffins at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes, or until the tops of your muffins turn golden brown. Allow your muffins to cool completely, at least 30 minutes in the tin or on a cooling rack, before enjoying!

How To Serve:

  • Enjoy these gluten-free apple muffins with your morning coffee or tea, or serve with my Homemade Almond Milk on any brisk day this fall!
  • If you cannot get enough of apple goodness, try serving it with a few tablespoons of my unsweetened applesauce on the side.

How to Store, Freeze & Thaw

The best part about these paleo apple cinnamon muffins is that they store and freeze well. Simply follow the steps below for delicious apple muffins every time:

  • To Store: This recipe makes 12 apple almond muffins that can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you keep it in the fridge, warm them in a low-heat (250 degrees F oven) for 5 minutes before serving.
  • To Freeze: You can freeze these muffins for up to one month after making them. Allow the baked muffins to reach room temperature before placing them into the freezer.
  • To Thaw: Once you are ready to enjoy the muffins, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw for 15 minutes before baking at 250 degrees F for 5-8 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
Paleo Apple Cinnamon Muffins on a cooling rack

Expert Tips

  • Slicing Apples: If you own a mandoline, this is a great time to use it to thinly slice your apples. Big apple chunks will not work for this recipe, as they will not bake thoroughly and evenly. If you are looking to purchase a mandoline, I suggest this mandoline. Of course, you can always use a knife to slice your apples.
  • Muffin Tin Liners: I love using parchment paper muffin liners for all of my muffins. If you use parchment paper muffin liners (affiliate link), you do not need to grease your muffin tins. However, if you use regular paper liners, I recommend greasing your tins so that your liners do not stick and result in messy clean up. 
  • Wet Ingredients: I suggest having your wet ingredients at room temperature so that you can develop a velvety smooth muffin batter and evenly baked paleo almond meal muffins. 
  • Do not skip on cooling: While I know that it is hard to wait, do not skip on the cooling process. These almond apple muffins need at least 20-30 minutes to cool for best results.
  • Apples & Maple Syrup: As I mentioned above, you can use your own preference of apples, or a mix of different types of apples like tart apples and sour apples. However, if you are using sweet apples, you can decrease the amount of maple syrup that you use so that your muffins are not overly sweet. Start with using two tablespoons of less maple syrup and go from there.
  • Decoration: The decoration on top is optional, but it is very simple to achieve and beautiful at the end! 
  • Coconut Flour: Do not replace your almond flour with coconut flour, as the batter consistency will be off and it will not work for this recipe.

Similar Gluten Free Muffins You Might Like:

If you enjoyed these apple muffins with almond flour, here are a few other paleo and gluten-free almond flour muffins recipes you might like:

Other Apple Recipes You Might Like:

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Gluten free almond flour apple muffins served on a plate
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Almond Flour Apple Muffins Recipe

These gluten-free and paleo Almond Flour Apple Muffins are perfect for the chilly mornings of autumn to accompany your coffee. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and apples, they are a healthier alternative to muffins made with granulated sugar.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 229kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour (8.4 oz.)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • ½ cup +2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil melted and cooled (avocado and grapeseed oil would also work)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add Ins and Toppings:

  • 1 apple Medium sized & Thinly sliced + more as garnish
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with parchment liners.
  • Mix almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until no lumps remain.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract on a bowl until emulsified.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until fully combined.
  • Fold in the sliced apples.
  • Divide the batter evenly in the muffin tin.
  • If preferred, top each muffin with 3 slices of apples (like I did in the pictures) and sprinkle them with walnuts.
  • Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the top of the muffins turn golden brown.
  • Let it cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Apples: Any of your favorite juicy apples will work in this recipe. My personal favorites are Gala Apples or Honeycrisp Apples, but if you prefer a more sour apple, Granny Smith Apples or Pink Lady Apples are great alternatives. You can also do a mix and match with different apples to get a balance of sweet, sour, and tart.
  • Slicing Apples: If you own a mandoline, this is a great time to use it to thinly slice your apples. Big apple chunks will not work for this recipe, as they will not bake thoroughly and evenly. If you are looking to purchase a mandoline, I suggest this one. Of course, you can always use a knife to slice your apples.
  • Muffin Tin Liners: I love using parchment paper muffin liners for all of my muffins. If you use parchment paper muffin liners, you do not need to grease your muffin tins. However, if you use regular paper liners, I recommend greasing your tins so that your liners do not stick and result in messy clean up. 
  • Wet Ingredients: I suggest having your wet ingredients at room temperature so that you can develop a velvety smooth muffin batter and evenly baked paleo almond meal muffins. 
  • Apples & Maple Syrup: As I mentioned above, you can use your own preference of apples, or a mix of different types of apples like tart apples and sour apples. However, if you are using sweet apples, you can decrease the amount of maple syrup that you use so that your muffins are not overly sweet. Start with using two tablespoons of less maple syrup and go from there.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg

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Overnight Muesli – The Original Overnight Oats https://foolproofliving.com/overnight-apple-muesli/ https://foolproofliving.com/overnight-apple-muesli/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2021 15:25:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=12054 Why You Should Try This Recipe? You won’t believe how much there is to love about this healthy overnight muesli. Nutritious, fruity, and delicious to boot, this simple breakfast, adapted from my Homemade Muesli Recipe, is a great way to use uncooked oats. It is definitely worth adding to your collection of breakfast bowl recipes. Only 10 minutes of prep and 3 simple steps are necessary to make this simple...

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Why You Should Try This Recipe?

You won’t believe how much there is to love about this healthy overnight muesli. Nutritious, fruity, and delicious to boot, this simple breakfast, adapted from my Homemade Muesli Recipe, is a great way to use uncooked oats. It is definitely worth adding to your collection of breakfast bowl recipes.

  • Only 10 minutes of prep and 3 simple steps are necessary to make this simple vegan breakfast.
  • Endlessly customizable, this easy recipe can be made in a thousand different ways. Whether you want to make dairy-free overnight oats or use a variety of fresh fruit, there’s a version for you!
  • This healthy breakfast recipe will keep you full and satisfied all morning, helping you feel full without sacrificing an ounce of flavor—just like my recipes for Fruit and Yogurt Parfait, Apple Cinnamon Oats and Chia Seed Oatmeal!
  • Packed with fiber and antioxidants, oats are healthy whole grains that have even been proven to lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar.
Overnight muesli in a glass garnished with fruit

What Is Bircher Muesli?

Bircher muesli is what many consider to be the first overnight oats recipe. Developed by 20th-century Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner, this dish was created to support the health of patients with an uber-nutritious mix of filling and natural ingredients.

The original Bircher muesli recipe calls for raw oats and grated apple, mixed with condensed milk, nuts, lemon juice, and honey. Since then, however, people have found hundreds of delicious ways to customize this popular breakfast, from making overnight muesli vegan to incorporating seasonal fruit, aromatic spices, and even homemade sweeteners!

Ingredient Notes

The traditional Swiss bircher muesli recipe consists of rolled oats, grated apple, condensed milk, nuts, lemon, and honey. However, use my simple muesli formula below for endlessly customizable (and always scrumptious!) flavor combinations:

Ingredients for the recipe are laid out
  • Oats: You’ll need old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. I would not recommend using other types of oats, like quick-cooking oats as it would deliver a mushy end product.
  • Seed and nuts: I used chia seeds and sliced almonds in my version. However, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and even leftover almond pulp are other delicious options.
  • Milk: You can choose your favorite milk to use in your muesli mixture. I made my Bircher oats with almond milk, though oat milk and cashew milk also work for dairy-free overnight oatmeal. And if you want you can have cow’s milk as well. 
  • Yogurt (optional): Vegan yogurt—such as almond yogurt—or Greek yogurt both work to give this dish its irresistible tanginess. Plus, you can play around with which flavors you use, like vanilla, peach, and raspberry.
  • Fruit: Any fruit will work for your Bircher muesli ingredients, whether it’s mixed in or added on top! I used shredded apple, but you can also use anything from fresh berries to a ripe banana, or even a few tablespoons of my homemade Unsweetened Applesauce.
  • Sweetener: Maple syrup, brown sugar, and a drizzle of honey are all options to give your overnight muesli recipe a sweet flavor.
  • Optional spices: I used ground cinnamon in my muesli. However, cardamom, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice can also give your oats a robust flavor.
  • Other optional toppings: Nut butter—such as peanut butter and almond butter—pack this dish with rich, creamy protein. You can also include fresh herbs, like mint, for color and taste.

How To Make

Effortless and budget-friendly, this soaked muesli recipe is just what you need on busy weekday mornings. In 10 minutes and 3 steps, your hearty breakfast will be ready to eat the next day!

Steps showing how to make overnight muesli in four images
  1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix oats, shredded apples, chia seeds, sliced almonds, almond milk, almond yogurt, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
  2. Give it a stir: Stir to make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Refrigerate: Once the ingredients are fully combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate it overnight.
  4. Serve: The next morning, equally divide the soaked muesli among four bowls. If desired, top each off with berries, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

How to Store?

  • Storage: To store your muesli yogurt breakfast, place the dish in a large airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also store your muesli in mason jars for an easy grab-and-go option. 
  • Freeze: You can freeze this muesli recipe in an airtight container for upto a month.
Muesli yogurt breakfast in glass topped off with fruit from top view

FAQs:

Overnight muesli with almond milk is a cinch to make, but these helpful tips make it even easier. Turn your old-fashioned oats into a delicious breakfast every time without the extra guesswork.

Do you eat overnight oats cold?

Many prefer eating this dish straight from the fridge for a cold muesli breakfast. However, you can also make your morning extra cozy by heating this dish before you serve it.

Do you heat up overnight muesli?

It’s up to you whether you eat your muesli hot or cold. To heat it, either pour in some hot milk of your choice or microwave the dish for 30 seconds at a time until it reaches your desired temperature. Just remember to stir!

How long can you keep overnight muesli in the refrigerator?

Overnight muesli is good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

What type of oats to use for overnight oats?

I recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. Because instant and quick oats are rolled extra-thin, they often get too mushy. And if you are following a gluten-free diet, be sure to purchase gluten-free certified oats.

Expert Tips:

  • Multiply the recipe: If you are serving this to a crowd feel free to multiply it as many times as you want. Or you can do what I do and make a few bacthes on Sunday night and enjoy it throughout the week.
  • Mason Jars to the rescue: For a quick grab&go breakfast divide your muesli in mason jars and be sure to tighten it with the lid.
  • Additional protein: For some extra protein, feel free to top it off with a dollap of your favorite nut butter.
  • Have nut alergies? Omit almonds and use sunflower seeds instead.

Other Healthy Breakfast Bowl Recipes You Might Like

If you try this Overnight Muesli recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Overnight Muesli in a glass topped off with fruit
Print

Overnight Muesli Recipe

This Overnight Muesli is the original overnight oats recipe. Made with almond milk, rolled oats, and chia seeds, it is endlessly customizable and easy to make. With only 5-minutes of hands on time, it makes a healthy, nutritious, and filling breakfast that you can serve your family.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American Vegan
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Overnight rest 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 234kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Shredded apples from 1 large or 2 small apples
  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats gluten-free certified
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2-3 tablespoons sliced almonds or more if you want
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any other milk of your choice
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened almond yogurt or any other yogurt of your choice, like soy, coconut, milk, etc.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ½ cup mixed berries or any other seasonal fruit
  • a few fresh mint leaves as garnish optional

Instructions

  • Place the shredded apples, oats, chia seeds, sliced almonds, almond milk, almond yogurt, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a bowl. Mix to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • When ready to eat, divide the muesli in between 4 bowls, top them off with berries and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves.

Video

Notes

  • This recipe would serve 4 people in 1/2 to 2/3 cup portions. If you are serving a crowd, feel free to double the recipe.
  • The beauty of this recipe is that it is endlessly customizable. In place of milk and yogurt, you can use any plant-based milk or yogurt you like (or even cows milk and yogurt). Similarly, you can use any nuts and fruits. 
  • How long does muesli last? As long as it is kept in an airtight container, this healthy overnight muesli will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
  • Do you eat overnight oats cold? Many prefer eating this dish straight from the fridge for a cold muesli breakfast. However, you can also make your morning extra cozy by heating this dish before you serve it.

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 2mg

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Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe https://foolproofliving.com/vegan-apple-crisp/ https://foolproofliving.com/vegan-apple-crisp/#comments Sat, 11 Sep 2021 08:59:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=35696 We just came back from our local orchard from a whole day of apple picking. As is the case with these fruit picking sessions, we came back home with the juiciest fresh apples, which means I have a full day of cooking ahead. In addition to this vegan apple crumble/crisp, I plan on making my unsweetened applesauce, apple salad, healthy apple crumble, and apple cinnamon oatmeal. I love this recipe...

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We just came back from our local orchard from a whole day of apple picking. As is the case with these fruit picking sessions, we came back home with the juiciest fresh apples, which means I have a full day of cooking ahead.

In addition to this vegan apple crumble/crisp, I plan on making my unsweetened applesauce, apple salad, healthy apple crumble, and apple cinnamon oatmeal.

Vegan apple crisp topped off with ice cream in a pie plate

I love this recipe because:

  1. This vegan dessert is the perfect fall dessert that happens to be minimally sweetened with maple syrup. It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
  2. It is crumb heavy. My vegan crumble topping recipe is made with rolled oats, almond flour, and coconut oil, and it is nice and crispy. Not to mention it pairs beautifully with pillowy baked cinnamon apples. If you are like me, a fan of the crispy topping more than the fruit layer, you are in for a treat.
  3. It uses coconut oil (aka my favorite butter substitute for apple crisp). I find that coconut oil has a very mild flavor that compliments the rest of the ingredients. 
  4. It is probably one of the easiest desserts that you can make in under an hour.
Vegan apple crumble in a bowl with a spoon

Ingredients You’ll Need:

As it is with most fruit crumble recipes, this vegan crumble recipe has two parts: The fruit layer and the crumble topping.

The Apple Layer:

For the fruit layer, you will need four medium-sized cubed apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, salt, and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch).

Ingredients for the apple layer

The best apples for apple crisp: When it comes to apple desserts, I usually like to use various apples. In this plant-based apple crisp recipe, I used a combination of Ginger Gold and Honeycrisp apples.

With that being said, any type of apple would work in this recipe. My recommendation is to use two types to take advantage of the different flavor profiles. For example, if you like sweet apples be sure to combine them with a tart apple like Granny Smith apples for a delicious sweet and sour combo of flavors.

Crisp/Crumble Topping Ingredients:

Ingredients for vegan crumble topping

For the crumble topping, you will need gluten-free oats (not the quick-cooking kind), almond flour, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, coconut oil, maple syrup, and a handful of pecans (or any other nuts you like).

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Starch: If you do not have arrowroot powder you can use cornstarch.
  • Almond Flour: You can use almond flour and almond meal interchangeably in this recipe.
  • Oil: If you are not a fan of coconut oil, you can use melted and cooled vegan butter or avocado oil as well.
  • Ground oats (aka Rolled Oats): If you are after a gluten-free apple crisp recipe, make sure that the oats you use are gluten-free certified.
  • Nuts: Any nuts would work here.
  • Maple syrup: You can use agave nectar in place of maple syrup.

How To Make?

The process of making this vegan apple dessert has three folds:

Make The Apple Filling:

Apple layer being prepared by a person

To make the apple filling, place all the ingredients in a large bowl, and give it a gentle stir to make sure that the apples are evenly coated with the arrowroot mixture.

Make The Crisp Topping:

To make the crumble topping, place oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, coconut oil, maple syrup in a large mixing bowl, and mix.

Crumble layer for the apple desert prepared by a person in a bowl

At first, it might feel like you need more liquid, but trust me, you do not need more. Stir in the pecans.

Assemble:

To assemble the apple crisp:

Apple Crisp without butter being assembled in a pie plate from the top view
  1. Spread the apple mixture at the bottom of a 9 or 10-inch oven-proof baking dish (you can also use a 9X13 casserole dish)in an even layer. 
  2. Distribute the crumble topping evenly on top.
  3. Bake in a 350 degrees F preheated oven for 40- 45 minutes or until the top part turns golden brown.
Non Dairy Apple Crisp recipe fresh out of the oven in a pie plate

How to store and make ahead this apple crisp?

  • Storage: This recipe serves 6 servings. I doubt that you will have any leftovers, but if you do, place them in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, warm it in a low heat oven (250-300 degrees F) for 5-10 minutes.
  • Make-ahead: You can prep the apples a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to use them. They will probably brown a little bit, but since you will bake them, it shouldn’t be a problem. I do not recommend making the vegan crumble topping in advance as it could get soggy. Luckily, it takes no more than 5 minutes to put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them.

How To Serve?

While this vegan apple crisp recipe is delicious enough to serve by itself, you can also top it off with vegan vanilla ice cream like my Coconut Milk Cashew Ice Cream or coconut whipped cream. If you don’t mind it being a vegetarian apple crumble recipe, you can also top it off with my homemade vanilla ice cream.

Vegetarian apple crumble ingredients and a portion topped off with ice cream

If you are serving it for breakfast, you can put it in a bowl and serve it with a glass of homemade almond milk.

FAQs:

Do I need to peel the apples?

It is totally up to you. I prefer not to peel mine, but either way would work.

What is the best way to cut apples?

You can either cut them into small ½-inch cubes or ¼ inch slices. The shape is up to you. However, I recommend making sure that they are in a similar size to ensure even baking.

Can I use less sugar?

This recipe uses one tablespoon of maple syrup for the apple layer and ⅓ cup for the crumble topping. I think that it is just the right amount.
However, if your apples are super sweet, you can omit the addition of maple syrup in the fruit layer and use ¼ cup of maple syrup in the crumble topping instead. Doing so is especially a good idea if you are planning to serve it with ice cream.

Vegan Apple Crisp placed in a bowl with milk on the side.

Check out these products and more at Shaw’s

There you have it friends, an easy-to-make vegan, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free apple crisp recipe perfect for fall and the upcoming holiday season. Next time you visit your closest Albertsons Companies family of stores, including ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Supermarkets, and Carrs/Safeway, be sure to check out their O Organics® and Open Nature® products for a rich collection of plant-based, gluten-free, high protein, biodegradable and compostable items.

And with their Delivery or Drive-Up and Go feature, I love that I can shop online and have it delivered to save a trip to the store.

Other Vegan Apple Recipes You Might Like:

If you enjoy these kinds of easy apple desserts, then you might also like the recipes below:

If you try this Healthy Apple Crips recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Vegan apple crisp recipe topped off with vanilla ice cream
Print

Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe

The best vegan apple crisp recipe made without the use of butter and refined sugar (sweetened with maple syrup and fresh apples). Caramelized apples topped with almond flour-oat topping for a perfect vegan apple crumble for fall. Add this to your collection of apple desserts to make during the apple picking season every year.
Course Breakfast Sweets, Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
Calories 523kcal

Ingredients

For The Apple Layer:

  • 4 apples medium sized – cut into ½ inch cubes*
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 gr
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch – 14 gr

For The Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup rolled oats not the quick-cooking kind- 100 gr
  • 1 cup almond flour/meal 120 gr.
  • ½ cup shredded coconut 40 gr
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 7 tablespoons coconut oil melted and cooled
  • cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup pecans roughly chopped 50 gr

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To prepare the apples:

  • Place apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and arrowroot powder in a bowl. Give it a stir. Place it in a 9 or 10-inch baking dish.

To prepare the crisp:

  • Mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, coconut oil, maple syrup and pecans in a bowl. Mix until well combined.

To Assemble & Bake:

  • Distribute the crisp topping onto the apples in an even layer.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping turns lightly golden.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of almond milk on the side.

Notes

  • What kind of apples should I use? Feel free to use any kind of apples you like. I personally like to use two different kinds for different flavors but either way would work.
  • How to peel & cut? I personally don’t feel it necessary to peel the apples but it is a personal choice. Either way would work. You can slice them or cut them into cubes as I did.
  • Can I make it ahead? You can prep the apples a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to use them. They will probably brown a little bit, but since you will bake them, it shouldn’t be a problem. I do not recommend making the vegan crumble topping in advance as it could get soggy. Luckily, it takes no more than 5 minutes to put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them.
  • How to store the leftovers? This recipe serves 6 servings. I doubt that you will have any leftovers, but if you do, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, warm it in a low heat oven (250-300 degrees F) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Sodium: 314mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 2mg

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Best Challah Bread Recipe https://foolproofliving.com/challah-bread-recipe/ https://foolproofliving.com/challah-bread-recipe/#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2021 08:58:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=4040 I think we can all agree that there is something so satisfying about baking bread at home. Kneading the dough, letting it rise, and baking it to perfection is an easy way to reach the pinnacle of instant gratification that we are always craving. And when it comes to bread recipes, for me, this homemade Challah bread recipe is at the top. This is not only because it looks gorgeous but...

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I think we can all agree that there is something so satisfying about baking bread at home. Kneading the dough, letting it rise, and baking it to perfection is an easy way to reach the pinnacle of instant gratification that we are always craving. And when it comes to bread recipes, for me, this homemade Challah bread recipe is at the top. This is not only because it looks gorgeous but also because it is one of the easiest bread recipes to make. 

Looking at the pictures you might not think so (and even feel intimidated), but I assure you, after reading this post with all my tips and tricks and watching the video I made on making Challah from scratch, you will succeed in making this Jewish braided bread in your very own kitchen, even if this is your first time.

Challah loaf on a wire rack with toppings around

What is Challah bread?

Challah is a traditional Jewish yeast-risen egg bread served on Shabbath or throughout the year on Jewish religious holidays. What makes it different is that it is traditionally made by braiding strands of dough and it is surrounded by tradition and loaded with symbolism.

While most people refer to this bread as Challah bread, the proper name for this Jewish bread name is Challah. It is pronounced as haa.luh.

Throughout the history, it has also been referred to as:

  • Shabbath Bread
  • Jewish Celebration Bread
  • Jewish Knotted Bread
  • Hollow Bread
  • Kitke Bread
  • Rosh Hashanah Celebration Bread
  • Jewish Sweet Bread

Ingredients

The list of ingredients for my easy dairy-free challah recipe is as follows:

Ingredients for jewish braided bread on a white marble laid out
  • All purpose flour
  • Kosher salt
  • Dry rapid rise yeast (not active dry yeast)
  • Large Eggs (at room temperature)
  • Vegetable oil – I find that the best oil for Challah is an oil with very minimal flavor like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil.
  • Lukewarm Water (80-90 degrees F)
  • Honey or sugar
  • Egg wash & optional toppings like sesame seeds and poppy seeds
  • Nonstick cooking spray or more oil to grease the bowl

How to make it using my easy foolproof method?

The process of making this braided Challah bread recipe has 6 steps:

  1. Prepare and mix the ingredients following my recipe for Challah dough
  2. Knead the dough
  3. Let it rise (twice)
  4. Roll the dough and braid
  5. Brush it with egg wash and let it rise
  6. Bake

Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to make my honey Challah with helpful photos.

Prepare & Mix The Ingredients:

Start with the dough. To do so:

Mixing dry ingredients to make kinke bread
  1. Place flour, salt, and rapid rise yeast in a large mixing bowl.
a woman is mixing the dry ingredients to make Jewish braided loaf
  1. Give it a whisk to make sure it is thoroughly mixed.
Adding eggs into the bowl with dry ingredients from the top
  1. Add in the wet ingredients; eggs, vegetable oil, honey, and luke warm water.
person mixing everything with a wooden spoon
  1. Using a wooden spoon stir until combined. It will be sticky and messy but do your best to incorporate as much as you can.

How to knead the dough?

To knead Challah dough:

person kneading the dough
  1. Sprinkle your kitchen counter with flour and scrape the dough out of the bowl onto the countertop.
A woman is kneading Challah dough on a marble surface
  1. Begin kneading by pushing it down using the heels of your hands. Fold it in half towards yourself, press down, and continue kneading all the while lengthening and stretching to activate the gluten. 

    If it is getting sticky, add a little more flour. This is why I always set aside a cup of flour on the counter.
Smooth Challah dough after it is kneaded
  1. Continue to knead, fold and turn dough for about 10-12 minutes or until it is smooth and no longer sticky adding flour as needed.

How much additional flour should I use during the kneading process?

The answer to this question depends on a few things like the temperature of your kitchen, the humidity, and how large your eggs are. However, I find that for two loaves of Challah, 6 cups of flour with an additional cup on the side to use during kneading is a good place to start. 

As you are kneading, you can add in a little bit more flour at a time until the dough is easily rolling without sticking to the counter. At the end of 10 minutes, what we are looking for is a soft dough that is easy to knead without sticking to the surface.

And remember, we are not trying to incorporate more flour into the dough. Rather, using just enough to make sure it is no longer sticking to the counter as we are kneading it.

Let The Dough Rise

A woman is placing the dough in a lightly oiled bowl
A woman is covering the dough with kitchen towel.
  1. Place dough into a lightly oiled large bowl, turn it around to make sure it is coated with the oil, cover it with a clean kitchen towel (or plastic wrap), and let it rise in a warm place that is also a draft-free spot for about an hour and a half to two hours or until doubled in size.
Woman punching the risen dough to get the air bubbles out
  1. When ready, punch the dough to get all the air bubbles out pressing it and kneading it in the bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for a second time.

PRO TIP: While I highly recommend the second rise, I made this bread several times without letting it rise twice. If you are short on time, you can omit this step and move on to braiding after the first rise.

A woman is transferring Challah dough onto a marble surface
  1. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured work surface, knead it for a few more minutes before rolling out the strands.

Divide and roll the dough to prepare for braiding:

I find that the best way to get even strands is to use a kitchen scale, measuring the initial weight of the dough and dividing it into equal pieces to get even strands.

My egg challah recipe here makes two loaves. Since I am planning to make two six-strand braid loaves, I will need twelve strands. We would have to do a little math here, but I promise it is worth your time.

The total weight of the dough is 54.4 oz (1542 gr), which means I need each strand to be 4.5 oz (127 grams).

A woman is cutting the dough to make strands

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough, measure one by one on a kitchen scale, and put them aside. 

When completed, roll each piece into a small ball, set aside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying as you are working on rolling out the strands and braiding.

A woman is covering small divided dough with kitchen towel to prevent them from drying

If you do not have a kitchen scale, you can eyeball it as well. Do the best you can to cut them in equal portions.

How to roll the strands?

When ready to roll, take each piece, gently push it into a small rectangular (using the heel of your palm) and roll it out by starting in the middle and toward the edges. Gently pinch the seam and continue to roll out.

person rolling jewish knotted bread to make strands
A woman rolling strands of jewish celebration bread

If at any point it becomes difficult to roll out just let it rest for 5 minutes and roll it again. In the end, we want our strands to be around 12 to 13 inches long.

How to shape it? (6-Braid Challah Shaping)

Challah is made in various sizes and shapes, all of which have a meaning. Braided Challah is the most common of all those shapes. Braids can have two, three, four, or six strands, which all have different meanings. 

Person braiding Challah bread

In this post, I am featuring my six-braided Challah recipe. Follow the written instructions below to braid or watch the quick how-to video below:

To braid:

  1. Lay the strands lengthwise on the counter, pinch them together at the top. 
  2. Start from the strand that is on the very left and bring over to the very right. 
  3. Then take the one next to it and bring it to the very left. 
  4. Next, bring the outside right strand in between the four strands that are at the bottom. 
  5. Move the second one from the left to the very right and then bring the on the very left into the between the strands at the bottom.
  6. Continue with repeating the same steps until you are no longer able to move strands.
  7. When you reach the end, bring them in, tie together underneath and pinch ends to make sure that they won’t come undone.

Step by step video showing you how to braid six braided Challah bread:

Challah Baking Instructions

Challah dough is being brushed with egg was

When your Challah is braided, transfer it onto a parchment paper-lined large baking sheet and brush it generously with an egg wash (one egg mixed in with 1 tablespoon of water). 

Let it rise, uncovered, in a warmer part of your house for 45 minutes to an hour or until it is almost doubled in size.

Before baking, brush it with the egg wash one last time and sprinkle it with sesame or poppy seeds, if using.

Woman sprinkling homemade Challah bread with poppy seeds

Place it in a preheated 350-degrees F temperature for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. When you thumb the bread, it should make a hollow sound.

Immediately transfer it onto a wire rack and let it cool for at least 45 minutes before serving.

Can you make the dough the night before?

In his book, Artisan Bread Every Day (affiliate link), Peter Reinhart recommends letting the dough sit in the fridge overnight for a more flavorful Challah recipe.

If you decide to refrigerate your Challah dough, follow the below steps that I learned from his book:

  1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
  2. Cover with stretch film and immediately place in the fridge. Let it rest overnight.
  3. When ready to bake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 2 hours.
  4. Prepare the strands and braid it as I did in this recipe.
  5. Transfer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush it with an egg wash and let it rise for an hour.
  6. Brush it again with the egg wash and let it rise again for one hour. In the end, it should increase by 1 ½ of its initial size.
  7. Follow the recipe for the rest of the Challah baking instructions.
Freshly baked Challah bread with a knife on the side from the front view

How to store & how long will it keep?

I think this Challah bread recipe is best on the day it is baked. However, it will still be good for the next 2-3 days if you keep it in an airtight container.

If you want you can freeze leftovers. To do so:

  1. Bring your braided loaf to room temperature on a wire rack.
  2. You can freeze Challah as a whole loaf or slice before freezing.
  3. Place in a freezer bag, get the air out as much as possible, and store in the freezer for up to a month.

When ready to serve, to defrost:

  1. Remove Challah from the freezer 4-5 hours before serving. Let it come to the room temperature on the counter.
  2. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Heat it in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until it is warmed thoroughly.

I do not recommend freezing raw braided Challah bread.

Can I make Challah using a standing mixer?

You sure can. Simply place all the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer attached with the dough hook. Mix in medium-low speed (8-10 minutes) until the dough is fully mixed and no longer sticky. You may have to add in more flour based on the temperature of your kitchen and the humidity levels.

Recipe Variations

Challah recipe with honey versus granulated sugar:

Most people use honey as the sweetener and make a round Challah during the Rosh Hashanah celebrations. I prefer using honey as my sweetener as we follow a diet made with natural sweeteners only. 

If you want to use granulated sugar instead of honey, you would have to make a few simple adjustments. In the recipe below, you will find instructions to make it with granulated sugar as well.

Can I incorporate raisins or nuts into my Challah?

You sure can. Honestly, until recently I have never made Challah with raisins but after I was introduced to it by a local baker, now I am hooked. 

Honey Challah slices on a cutting board from the front

If raisins are not your thing, you can also fill your braids with chopped nuts, chocolate or go in the savory route and use chopped olives or even sun-dried tomatoes.

You can add the raisins to the dough during the kneading process or better yet incorporate them into the strands as you roll each one. To do so:

Person filling dough with raisins
  1. Take each piece of dough, gently push it into a small rectangular (using the heel of your palm) and fill it with 2 tablespoons of chopped raisins (or whatever you are using).
person pinching dough with raisins
  1. Roll it onto itself and pinch the ends to seal tightly.
person rolling dough with raisins
  1. Roll it out gently by starting in the middle and toward the edges until it is 12 inches long.

If, at any point, it becomes difficult to roll, let it sit for a few minutes and roll it again. And keep in mind that this is not going to be perfect, some raisins will bulge and that is perfectly fine.

A Few final tips for the best Challah bread recipe:

  • Still feeling intimidated? Remember one thing: this is a very forgiving dough. You see it, the strands for my bread and the braiding are not perfect. I shot the photos and filmed the video on a hot August day when the humidity was very high. However, even with not so perfect strands and braiding, my Challah turned out beautifully. So please know that even if it doesn’t look perfect, after it is risen and baked, it will look and taste great. 
  • The rising time: The exact rising time depends on the temperature of your kitchen. If you are making it on a hot summer day, your bread will rise much quicker than when you make it on a cold winter day. However, regardless of the time, for the best challah recipe, you want to make sure you let your bread rise fully. 
  • How would I know when it is ready to bake? You will know when it looks puffed up and at least, doubled in size. It should also slightly wobble as you are placing it in the oven.

FAQs:

What can you use as a substitute for challah bread?

The closest bread to challah is brioche as it is also made with eggs and oil so you can use substitute challah bread with brioche.

What does challah taste like?

Challah has a soft texture with a mild slightly sweet egg flavor with every bite.

How long do you bake Challah?

It takes about 35 to 40 minutes in a preheated 350 degrees F oven. To check doneness, you can thumb the bottom of the bread if it makes a hollow sound it is fully baked.

What to do with leftover Challah?

Use it to make Challah French Toast or use it in any of your bread pudding recipes.

How long does a freshly baked challah retain its flavor and texture?

As it is with most bread recipes, Challah tastes best on the day it is baked. However, if you store it in an airtight container after it is completely cooled to room temperature, it should retain its flavor and texture for up to 3 days.

How is brioche different than challah?

Brioche is usually made using melted butter whereas most challah recipes use vegetable oil.

What is another name for Challah bread?

Some other terms used for Challah are Shabbath Bread, Jewish Celebration Bread, Jewish Knotted Bread, Hollow Bread, Jewish Sweet Bread, and Rosh Hashanah Celebration Bread.

Other bread recipes you might also like:

If you loved this recipe for Challah bread, be sure to check out the bread recipes below to up your bread baking game:

If you try this somewhat Easy Challah bread recipe or any other bread recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

challah bread on a wire rack from front view
Print

Challah Bread Recipe

If you have always wanted to try your hand in making Challah at home, but never got around to it now is the time. Follow my easy to follow instructions and foolproof recipe to make the best ever Challah at home.
Course Bread
Cuisine Jewish
Prep Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 2 loaves
Calories 62kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour (850 gr) Plus 1 cup to use during kneading
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt (17 gr)
  • 2 packets rapid rise yeast (14 gr) 1/2 oz.
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil Plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the bowl
  • 1 3/4 cup water (412 ml) – lukewarm to the touch – somewhere between 80-90 degrees F.
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature

For Egg Wash & Topping

  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 3 tablespoons black and white sesame seeds optional

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

  • Place 6 cups of flour, salt, and yeast into a large mixing bowl. Give it a quick whisk.
  • Add honey, oil, water, and 3 eggs into the bowl.
  • Using a spatula (or a wooden spoon), mix until they are incorporated.

Knead the dough:

  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured kitchen counter and knead for 10-15 minutes.
  • Grease a clean bowl with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the dough seam side down into the greased bowl. Turn the dough a few times to make sure it is coated with oil.
  • Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warmer part of your house for one and a half hours until it doubles in size.
  • Punch down the dough to get all the air bubbles out. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 45-minutes to an hour.

Prepare the strands (for braiding):

  • Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. I used a kitchen scale to weigh the dough and then to cut it into equal pieces. However, you can also eyeball it.
  • Roll each piece into a small ball and set them aside. Cover with a towel to make sure they won't dry out while you are working on the braiding.
  • To roll, take each piece, gently push it into a small rectangular (using the heel of your palm) and roll it out by starting in the middle and toward the edges. Gently pinch the seam and continue to roll out. If at any point it becomes difficult to roll out just let it rest for 5 minutes and roll it again. In the end, we want our strands to be around 12 to 13 inches long.

To Six Braid:

  • Lay the strands lengthwise on the counter, pinch them together at the top.
  • Start from the strand that is on the very left and bring over to the very right.
  • Then take the one next to it and bring it to the very left.
  • Next, bring the one that is at the very right in between the four strands that are at the bottom.
  • Move the second one from the left to the very right and then bring the on the very left into the between the strands at the bottom.
  • Continue with repeating the same steps until you are no longer able to move strands.
  • When you reach the end, bring them in, tie together underneath and pinch to make sure that they won’t come undone.
  • Transfer the braided Challah onto a parchement lined baking sheet.
  • Repeat the same process for the second set of strands (for the second Challah loaf)

Egg Wash & Rise & Toppings

  • Mix an egg with a tablespoon of water to make egg wash.
  • Brush each loaf with the egg wash and let it rise in the warmer part of your house for an hour.

To Bake Challah

  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Right before baking, brush it with the egg wash one last time and sprinkle it with sesame or poppy seeds, if using.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top turns to golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 30-45 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve.

Video

Notes

  • Challah with raisins: If you’d like to make Challah with raisin, incorporate raisins into the strands as you roll them. Please check out the photos in the blog post for more information. I would start by 1 cup chopped raisins (2-3 tablespoons for each strand) and use more if needed.
  • To use granulated sugar instead of honey: Use 5 tablespoons of sugar instead of honey and increase the amount of oil to 1/2 cup. The rest of the ingredients and the process is the same.
  • To store leftovers: Place leftover bread in an airtight container. It should be fresh for up to two days.
  • To freeze Challah: Bring your braided loaf to room temperature on a wire rack. You can freeze Challah as a whole loaf or slice before freezing. Place in a freezer bag, get the air out as much as possible and store in the freezer for up to a month.

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 363mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe adapted (and scaled down) from Leah Cooks Kosher’s Challah recipe with changes to her recipe.

This recipe was originally published in August 2014. It has been updated with new photos, information and minor changes to the originally published recipe in September 2021.

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Spinach Quesadilla https://foolproofliving.com/spinach-quesadilla/ https://foolproofliving.com/spinach-quesadilla/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2021 16:35:25 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=43466 This Spinach Quesadilla pleases your tastebuds, wallet, and picky eaters with nothing but simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients. After all, who can resist the rich taste of sauteéd spinach, hearty garlic, and buttery cheese? Plus, when served with Mr. Spice’s zesty, vegan Tangy Bang sauce, this spinach quesadilla recipe really comes to life. Add to your collection of Mexican party food by serving this spinach and cheese quesadilla alongside other...

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This Spinach Quesadilla pleases your tastebuds, wallet, and picky eaters with nothing but simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients. After all, who can resist the rich taste of sauteéd spinach, hearty garlic, and buttery cheese? Plus, when served with Mr. Spice’s zesty, vegan Tangy Bang sauce, this spinach quesadilla recipe really comes to life.

Add to your collection of Mexican party food by serving this spinach and cheese quesadilla alongside other fresh and savory recipes, like my 4-ingredient Guacamole Recipe, Easy Mexican Street Corn and Quinoa Chili. This dish even works as a quick and satisfying addition to your favorite breakfast recipes.

Spinach Quesadilla cut into small pieces and served on a plate

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

Spinach and cheese quesadillas are one of the most beloved Mexican recipes. With toasty tortillas and melty cheese, what’s not to love about this delicious side dish?

  • Quick and easy, this dish is so simple that you can make it for breakfast on your busiest mornings without skipping a beat.
  • These veggie quesadillas are a great way to get fussy eaters (hello, toddlers!) to eat leafy greens and even ask for seconds.
  • You can take this dish to the next level with one simple addition: Mr. Spice’s zesty, bold, and sodium-free hot sauce, Tangy Bang!
  • Customize this spinach quesadillas recipe with hundreds of delicious add-ons, from sauteéd mushrooms to smoky grilled shrimp.

Ingredients

For the spinach filling, you’ll need unsalted butter, baby spinach, minced garlic, Tangy Bang hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

To prepare the spinach tortillas part of the recipe, gather flour tortillas, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and butter. Optional garnish includes sour cream and chopped cilantro.

Ingredients for the recipe are laid out on a marble backdrop

What’s the Best Cheese for Quesadillas?

  • Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: For hands-off ingredient prep, shredded Mexican cheese blends from the local grocery store are a great choice. 
  • Your Own Cheese Blend: If you want to make a cheese mixture from scratch, you can also combine my favorite cheeses: Monterey Jack cheese and mozzarella. Cheddar, too, can add a rich yet mild flavor to the dish, though it’s not a traditional choice for quesadillas. 
  • Oaxaca Cheese: However, if you can get your hands on it, Oaxaca cheese—buttery, gooey, and ​​melt-in-your-mouth creamy—is the best choice for any quesadilla.

Mr. Spice Sauce for Flavor

To add a bold, citrusy heat to this easy quesadilla recipe, Mr. Spice’s Tangy Bang sauce is just what you need. Not only is this sauce GMO-, gluten-, and sodium-free, but it’s also low-calorie and low-carb! 

For another healthy flavor addition, you can also try Mr. Spice’s Garlic Steak sauce to give your quesadillas a meaty, smoky twist.

Flour Tortillas

For this recipe, I used store-bought 9-inch flour tortillas. However, gluten-free tortillas, corn tortillas, or even wheat tortilla quesadillas work just as well for those following a special diet.

How To Make Spinach Quesadillas?

Because these spinach and cheese quesadillas can be made in four steps and less than 20 minutes, they’re the perfect dish for any cook on a time crunch.

Person showing how to saute spinach
  1. Sauteé the spinach: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10- or 12-inch, large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach, put on the lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Once the spinach has lost most of its volume, add in the garlic, Tangy Bang sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir, and then transfer the fully cooked spinach onto a plate or small bowl. Use a paper towel to clean the skillet and set it aside.
Person showing how to assemble spinach and cheese tortillas with photos
  1. Assemble the tortillas: Lay 4 flour tortillas on a flat work surface. Place ½ cup shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. Then, divide the cooked spinach mixture equally among the tortillas and place it on top of the cheese. Fold the plain half of the tortilla on top of the spinach. Brush each tortilla with melted butter.
Person showing how to pan sear quesadillas
  1. Cook the quesadillas: Place the large skillet over medium heat and place the quesadillas butter side down. Then brush the top with the rest of the melted butter. Cook them 1-2 minutes on each side, until the cheese melts and they’re golden brown. Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a cutting board and repeat the cooking process with the remaining quesadillas.
spinach cheese quesadilla cut into small pieces on a cutting board
  1. Serve: Slice the quesadillas into wedges and garnish with cilantro leaves. If desired, serve the quesadillas with a side of Tangy Bang sauce and sour cream for dipping.

How to Store

Crispy, gooey, and hot off the skillet, quesadillas are best on the day they’re made. However, leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

To reheat, set the oven to 300 degrees F. and place the quesadillas inside for 5-8 minutes.

Person dipping spinach quesadillas in a sauce

Variations

Whether you want to add a tender protein, a crisp vegetable, or a diet-friendly twist to this dish, spinach quesadillas are one of the easiest recipes to make your own.

Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Chicken: To make a chicken and spinach quesadilla, just add cubed baked chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken. Only 1 cup is necessary for 4 tortillas.
  • Shrimp: Bring the smoky, summer taste of the grill to your quesadilla by adding in grilled shrimp.
  • Mushrooms: Get an irresistible umami flavor by turning this recipe into a spinach mushroom quesadilla. All you need is 1 cup of sliced and sauteéd baby portobellos.

FAQs

When scouting out a new recipe, you deserve to know what’s in it! Learn all you need to know about nutrition information and ingredients right here.

Can you use mozzarella cheese for quesadillas?

Though it’s not the traditional choice, mozzarella can be used as a creamy and easy-to-melt quesadilla cheese. Add some basil and tomato, too, and you can even make Caprese quesadillas!

How many calories are in spinach quesadillas?

Each serving of spinach quesadillas is around 386 calories.

Are spinach quesadillas healthy?

Spinach quesadillas are an excellent source of dairy, leafy greens, and fiber, making them both a delicious and nutritious choice. Plus, spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system, iron levels, and skin health.

Got Some Leftover Spinach? Try These Recipes:

Spinach Quesadilla cut up and served on a plate with sauce on the side.
Print

Spinach Quesadilla Recipe

These delicious Spinach Quesadillas are to cheer your picky eaters. This gooey, cheesy, and easy to make recipe is Ready in 15 minutes and it can be served as breakfast or a light snack.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 386kcal

Ingredients

For The Spinach Mixture:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 5 cups baby spinach rinsed and spin-dried
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Tangy Bang sauce plus more to serve as a dip on the side
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For The Spinach Tortillas

  • 4 flour tortillas mine are 9-inch in diameter
  • 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese or a combination of monterey jack, Oaxa cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Optional:

  • Sour cream
  • 1-2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10 or 12-inch nonstick skillet with a lid over medium heat.
  • Add the spinach in. Put the lid on and let it cook for 3-4 minutes or until spinach starts to lose most of its volume. Add in the garlic, Tangy Bang sauce and season it with salt and pepper and and give it a stir. Transfer the now-fully cooked spinach onto a plate and set it aside. Clean the skillet with a paper towel and set it aside. No need to wash it.
  • To assemble the tortillas, lay 4 flour tortillas on a flat surface, add ½ cup shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. Divide the cooked spinach amongst the tortillas mounting it onto the cheese. Fold the other half over the filling.
  • Place the skillet over medium heat. Brush each tortilla with melted butter and transfer 2 of them onto the skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side (or until it turns golden brown). Once cooked, transfer them onto a cutting board to cool off. Repeat the same process with the rest of the quesadillas.
  • Slice them into wedges. If using, garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve with more Tangy Bang sauce and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Can you use mozzarella cheese for quesadillas? Though it’s not the traditional choice, mozzarella can be used as a creamy and easy-to-melt quesadilla cheese. 
  • Storage: Leftovers of these spinach quesadillas can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, set the oven to 300 degrees F. and place the quesadillas inside for 5-8 minutes.
  • For a gluten-free quesadilla recipe be sure to buy gluten-free quesadillas.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 830mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4221IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 495mg | Iron: 2mg

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Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-zucchini-muffins/ https://foolproofliving.com/almond-flour-zucchini-muffins/#comments Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:03:51 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=43058 When my Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins hit the table, they’re gone in seconds, and it’s no secret why. Moist, chocolatey, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, these portable treats are as delectable as they are easy to make. This recipe also meets a wide range of dietary needs. Not only are these chocolate zucchini muffins low carb, but they’re also naturally sweetened, paleo-friendly, and gluten-free—just like my Almond Flour Zucchini...

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When my Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins hit the table, they’re gone in seconds, and it’s no secret why. Moist, chocolatey, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, these portable treats are as delectable as they are easy to make.

This recipe also meets a wide range of dietary needs. Not only are these chocolate zucchini muffins low carb, but they’re also naturally sweetened, paleo-friendly, and gluten-free—just like my Almond Flour Zucchini Bread recipe! And I made sure to include the keto version in the recipe.

Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins on a plate

Craving even more bite-sized almond flour desserts? Hit your sweet spot with my other scrumptious, gluten-free muffin recipes, like Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins, Almond Flour Apple Muffins, and Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins.

Why Should You Try This Recipe?

When life gives you a recipe for easy low-carb zucchini muffins, it’s time to take out the muffin tin! You won’t believe how much there is to love about this oven-baked treat:

  • These zucchini almond muffins can easily be keto friendly. Simply substitute coconut sugar for an equal amount of monk fruit sweetener (affiliate link)
  • No fancy equipment is needed for this simple recipe. If you have two bowls, a whisk, and a grater, you’re good to go.
  • With 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, these healthy muffins are ready to eat in less than an hour. Not to mention, they make the best grab and go breakfast for busy mornings.
  • A good amount of zucchini makes this healthy zucchini muffin recipe a delicious way to get in your daily vegetables.

Ingredients

With healthy ingredients like all-natural coconut sugar and antioxidant-filled cinnamon, these high-fiber zucchini muffins are as good as they are good for you!

Ingredients for the recipe are laid out

Zucchini

For this recipe, you’ll need about 1½ cups (255 grams) of grated and squeezed zucchini. Because zucchinis vary so much in size and have a high water content, it’s best to use a kitchen scale or dry measuring cups to measure the squash after it’s grated and wrung out.

Wet Ingredients

The wet ingredients you need are eggs, grapeseed or coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract.

Wet ingredients are laid out in small bowls

To make chocolate chip zucchini muffins, gather walnuts and chocolate chips, as well. My personal go-to for chocolate chips is Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Morsels (affiliate link). However, you can also use other brands, like Lily’s (affiliate link), to make these zucchini chocolate chip muffins keto!

Dry Ingredients

For dry ingredients, gather baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and almond flour. My favorite brand to use is Blue Diamond Almond Flour (affiliate link), but you can skip the grocery store all together with my easy recipe for how to make almond flour at home!

Dry ingredients from top view

Also, almond flour and almond meal can be used interchangeably to make these healthy zucchini muffins.

How To Make

Gluten-free zucchini chocolate muffins may be unbelievably delicious, but they’re also unbelievably easy to make! You can have these treats ready to serve in seven simple steps.

  1. Prep the equipment: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and insert muffin liners (affiliate link) into a 12-cup muffin tin.
Photos showing how to remove excess water from zucchini
  1. Prep the zucchini: Use the large holes of a box grater to shred the zucchini. Then, place the shredded zucchini in the middle of a clean kitchen towel and collect the edges. Over a large bowl or kitchen sink, wring out as much excess water as possible.
Person showing the steps of making these healthy zucchini muffins
  1. Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. 
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: Whisk together the eggs, oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Continue mixing until the liquid is smooth and thoroughly blended.
  3. Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix. When the mixture is just combined, fold in the grated zucchini and the walnuts.
  4. Bake the muffins: Spoon equal amounts of batter into the tin’s 12 muffin cups. Then, sprinkle chocolate chips over the muffin tops and press them gently into the batter. Bake the muffins for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from their centers. 
  5. Cool and serve: Let the muffins rest for 5-10 minutes before removing them from the muffin pan. Leave them on a wire rack until completely cool, and then they’re ready to eat!

Quick Tip: After mixing together the wet and dry ingredients, it will look like you don’t have enough batter. However, the batter will grow once you add the zucchini because of all the extra moisture it adds. Plus, walnuts and chocolate chips will take up significant space in your batter, once added.

paleo zucchini muffins almond flour in muffin tip after they are baked

Variations:

Whether you want to take your spice rack for a spin or keep to a new diet, this sugar-free zucchini muffins recipe can be adjusted to meet your every need.

  • Want a recipe for keto chocolate zucchini muffins made with almond flour? To make this treat keto-friendly, all you have to do is swap out coconut sugar for a monk fruit sweetener (affiliate link) and use a brand of chocolate safe for keto diets, like Lily’s (affiliate link).
  • Leave out the nuts and chocolate: A great thing about this recipe is that it’s just as delectable without walnuts and chocolate.
  • Try out new spices: Tired of cinnamon? Add cardamom and/or ginger instead to add a zesty and bold note to these paleo zucchini muffins.
  • Change up which nuts you use: Sliced almonds and pistachios work just as well as walnuts in this recipe.
  • Make it a quick bread: You can use the same batter to make it as a quick bread. Simply follow my recipe for Almond Flour Zucchini Bread.

Other Zucchini Dessert Recipes You Might Like

From chocolate zucchini bread to gluten-free zucchini muffins, you can find every recipe you need right here the next time you want to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Almond flour zucchini muffins on a plate from top view
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Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Healthy Zucchini Muffins made with almond flour and sweetened with coconut sugar. Easy to make, gluten, dairy, and grain-free. They are the perfect moist and fluffy muffins you can make during the zucchini season
Course Naturally sweetened dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 234kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups Shredded Zucchini (255 gr)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour or almond meal (240 gr)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¼ cup grapeseed or coconut oil melted and cooled
  • ½ cup coconut sugar (66gr)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add Ins:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line 12 cup muffin tin with muffin liners.
  • Shred zucchini using the large section of a box grater. Place it in the middle of a kitchen cloth, collect it from the edges, and squeeze as much liquid as possible. Set it aside.
  • Whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Whisk together eggs, oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until combined.
  • Fold in the shredded zucchini and walnuts.
  • Divide the batter in amongst the cups of the muffin tin.
  • Sprinkle each cup with chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes on the counter. Remove the zucchini muffins from the muffin tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack or on the counter.
  • Serve while still slightly warm.

Notes

  • Storage & Freezing: Be sure to bring them to room temperature before storing. Cover with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for 4-5 days. Or, you can keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Serving: When you’re ready to eat these muffins, you don’t have to worry about letting them thaw. Just leave them on the kitchen counter until they’re room temperature or microwave them until warm.
  • To make these keto-friendly: Swap coconut with an equal amount of Monk fruit sweetener and use Lily’s chocolate chips.
  • My favorite muffin liners are these parchment muffin liners. They are so easy to remove from the muffins after they are cooled down. Not to mention, they make the clean up after a breeze.

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

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Turmeric Smoothie Recipes (Vegan and No Sugar Added) https://foolproofliving.com/turmeric-smoothie-recipes/ https://foolproofliving.com/turmeric-smoothie-recipes/#comments Sun, 11 Jul 2021 15:26:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=27629 If you are fan of consuming warm drink recipes like golden milk or turmeric tea on the regular, then today you are in for a treat. Because today, we are making turmeric smoothies. Known with its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a superfood that has been around for a very long time. In this post, I will answer some of the most popular questions about using fresh or ground turmeric in...

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If you are fan of consuming warm drink recipes like golden milk or turmeric tea on the regular, then today you are in for a treat. Because today, we are making turmeric smoothies. Known with its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a superfood that has been around for a very long time.

In this post, I will answer some of the most popular questions about using fresh or ground turmeric in smoothies along with my favorite turmeric smoothie recipes that I make on the regular. Similar to all of my other healthy smoothie recipes, the ones I am sharing here are vegan (no dairy), no added sugar and made with simple every day ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store.

Turmeric smoothie recipes are placed in glasses and photographed from the front view.

Though before I continue I want to mention one thing. Please consult your doctor for personalized medical advice and eat based on his/her recommendations. The long list of health benefits of turmeric is quite well known and accepted but you and your doctor know your needs better than anyone.

Why Should You Try My Turmeric Smoothies:

  1. Quick & Easy: Making a quick and creamy turmeric smoothie in the morning is an easy way to get your daily dose of superfoods and strengthen your immune system, even when you are on the go.
  2. Good for you: In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, turmeric helps with inflammation issues, especially when mixed with other superfoods like fresh ginger, chia seeds, spinach, flax seeds, tropical fruits, etc.
  3. They taste good: I developed these recipes to make sure that they have the right balance of natural sweetness coming from fruits to mask the spicy flavor of turmeric (especially if you are using ground turmeric) that some people don’t care for.

Below are my answers to some of the FAQs along with a few of my favorite turmeric smoothie recipes.

Fresh turmeric root, fresh ginger root photographed from the top view.

Why do we use black pepper and oil with turmeric?

Before I share the following recipes, I want to talk about two ingredients that I used in every single smoothie below that come as a surprise to you: Black Pepper and Coconut Oil.

photo of coconut oil, black pepper, turmeric photographed to correspond with how much turmeric to put in a smoothie

Add a pinch of black pepper

The most well known and researched component in turmeric that is hailed for health is called curcumin. Its usage goes back to the ancient Ayurvedic practice and has been known to promote the holistic health of the body with its powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cariogenic properties.

The sad thing is that our bodies cannot absorb curcumin when we consume it just by itself.

This is where black pepper comes handy. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, increases the bioavailability (here is a detailed definition of this technical word) of curcumin by 2000% (source).

The good news is that you do not need to use a lot. All you need is a pinch of black pepper. In the turmeric smoothie recipes below, you don’t even taste it.

A Splash of coconut oil or ghee

If you look back at the ancient Ayurvedic practice you will see that they make their golden milk with a little bit of clarified butter. They do this because curcumin has poor solubility in water. In other words, consuming turmeric with a little bit of fat helps us benefit from curcumin’s full potential.

Therefore, I added a little bit of oil in my smoothies. I opted for ½ teaspoon coconut oil as it is widely available, but if you have access to ghee you can use that as well.

Again, similar to black pepper, you do not taste the coconut oil in the smoothie recipes I shared in this post.

FAQs

How to use turmeric in smoothies?

You can use both ground turmeric spice (also known as turmeric powder) or fresh turmeric root in your smoothie recipes.

How much turmeric to put in a smoothie?

The following ratios might change depending on the recipe, but my general rule of thumb for 2 servings of a turmeric smoothie is to use ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric spice or ¼ teaspoon of grated fresh turmeric root (about 1-inch).
I personally find fresh turmeric root to be more potent compared to its spice version so I use half the amount. However, I recommend starting with these ratios and adjusting it to your liking.

Delicious turmeric smoothie recipes for all year round

Below are my favorite turmeric smoothies that I make throughout the year. All of the recipes below are vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and no sugar added.

If I am making these during the winter months I usually do not add ice into the blender. However, during the summer months, I almost always add in a cup of ice cubes to make it even more refreshing.

Mango Turmeric Smoothie

This is the smoothie that I make when I am in need of the tropical flavors. Made with fresh mango and pineapple, it is made even more nutritious with the addition of a tablespoon of chia seeds.

a few glasses of mango turmeric smoothie photographed from the front view.

Don’t have access to fresh fruit? You can also use frozen fruit to make this smoothie.


Turmeric Ginger Smoothie

This is what I call the superfood smoothie of all times. This turmeric smoothie is carrot and orange-based, so you also get your daily dose of Vitamin C right off the bat. Since they are both so sweet and flavorful, when used together they can mask the potent flavors of fresh ginger and turmeric pretty well. 

This is the smoothie I make myself when I feel like I need an afternoon pick me up. It opens my eyes and makes me feel good immediately.

Carrot based turmeric ginger smoothie photographed from the front view.

Spinach Turmeric Smoothie

This is my favorite green smoothie recipe. Made with almond milk, spinach, ground flaxseeds, and fresh (or frozen) pineapple, it is packed with all kinds of good-for-you ingredients.

green turmeric smoothie in a glass with straws

Want to switch it up? Feel free to switch things up by using fresh kale instead of baby spinach or coconut milk instead of almond milk or chia seeds instead of ground flaxseeds. And if you like kale and pineapple combo, be sure to try my Pineapple Kale Smoothie recipe.


Are you someone who enjoys turmeric drinks on the regular?

If you are someone who enjoys adding turmeric to smoothies, curries, or simply in hot milk before bed, I highly recommend keeping a jar of turmeric paste in your fridge. I usually make it once a month and use a small amount (usually about 1 teaspoon) every day.

A photo of turmeric paste photographed in a jar with fresh turmeric root on the side

And if you want to use this turmeric paste in these smoothie recipes instead of the turmeric spice, black pepper, and coconut oil, you can simply use ½ teaspoon of turmeric paste instead.


Need more smoothie recipe inspiration?

Here are a few more posts to get you inspired:

A few glasses of turmeric smoothies are photographed from the front view.
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Turmeric Smoothie Recipes

Get the recipe for my go-to dairy-free, no sugar added and vegan spinach turmeric smoothie recipe.
Course Smoothies
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

Spinach Turmeric Smoothie

  • 2 cups baby spinach or kale rinsed and washed
  • 3 cups of pineapple chunks fresh or frozen
  • ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric spice
  • 1 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon coconut oil melted and cooled

Mango Turmeric Smoothie

  • 2 cups of chopped mango fresh or frozen
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks fresh or frozen
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1 ½ cups of coconut water
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon coconut oil

Turmeric Ginger Smoothie

  • 3 stalks of carrot washed peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 ½ cups of chopped oranges
  • 1 ½ cups of coconut water
  • 1- inch fresh ginger grated (about ½ teaspoon)
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in the bowl of a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Do I add ice to the blender? If I am making these during the winter months I usually do not add ice into the blender. However, during the summer months, I almost always add in a cup of ice to make it even more refreshing.
  • Can I make these smoothies the night before? Yes, you can. Simply make a batch in the blender, place it in a jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid and store it in the fridge until the morning. Be sure to give it a good shake before drinking. I recommend consuming your turmeric smoothie within the 24 hours. 

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Paleo Zucchini Bread with Almond Flour https://foolproofliving.com/paleo-zucchini-bread/ https://foolproofliving.com/paleo-zucchini-bread/#comments Sat, 10 Jul 2021 07:55:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=33982 Over the years of writing this blog, I have already shared the recipes for my favorite Classic Zucchini Bread and Vegan Zucchini Bread recipes on this blog. This time, I wanted to put my current favorite baking flour, almond flour, to good use to create a recipe for a gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, naturally-sweetened (refined sugar-free), and paleo version of zucchini bread. I also wanted to add this recipe along with...

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Over the years of writing this blog, I have already shared the recipes for my favorite Classic Zucchini Bread and Vegan Zucchini Bread recipes on this blog. This time, I wanted to put my current favorite baking flour, almond flour, to good use to create a recipe for a gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, naturally-sweetened (refined sugar-free), and paleo version of zucchini bread.

I also wanted to add this recipe along with my Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins recipe into my ever-growing library of Almond Flour recipes.

A sliced paleo zucchini bread with almond flour from the front view

After taking some inspiration from my other paleo quick bread recipes like Almond Flour Banana Bread, Paleo Apple Cake, and Paleo Carrot Cake, this almond flour zucchini bread recipe came to be. Moist, tender, and full of healthy ingredients, I prefer it much more to standard zucchini bread. Plus, it is a great way to use extra zucchini you have on hand if you are growing them in your backyard.

Ingredients

This flourless zucchini bread recipe is made with farm-fresh zucchini and a handful of pantry ingredients broken up into dry and wet categories.

For the dry ingredients, gather together almond flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon.

For the wet ingredients, you will need eggs, grapeseed (or coconut) oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract.

Optional add-ins include walnuts and chocolate chips.

A few helpful tips for ingredients:

  • Zucchini. Select zucchini that are firm and heavy for their size, with green, glossy skin and no blemishes. To ensure success with this recipe, once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much water as possible.

PRO TIP: The number of zucchini you need depends on the size. As with all vegetable and fruit quick breads, I recommend using a digital kitchen scale for the grated zucchini (dry measuring cups are the second best option). For the recipe, you need about 1 ½ cup of (or 255 grams) of shredded and squeezed zucchini.

  • Almond Flour. I prefer to use almond flour made at home, but on those days when I am short on time, Blue Diamond Almond flour (affiliate link) is my go-to brand of choice. Almond flour (made blanched almonds) and almond meal (almonds with their skin) can be used interchangeably.
  • Chocolate Chips. Chocolate chips are a completely optional garnish but highly recommended. My favorite brand is Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Morsels (affiliate link). They contain two ingredients – unsweetened chocolate and cane sugar. For paleo (and keto) approved chocolate chips, Lily’s (affiliate link) are a great option and come in a variety of cocoa percentages.

How to make?

All it takes is two bowls, a loaf pan and a few easy steps to make this recipe for grain free, paleo, and gluten free paleo zucchini bread. Simply:

Step by step photos of how to get the liquid out of zucchini
  1. Prep and shred the zucchini. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Use the large holes of a box grater to grate the zucchini.
  2. Squeeze the zucchini to remove the excess moisture. Place the shredded zucchini onto the center of a clean kitchen towel, collect it from the edges and wring out as much liquid as possible over a large bowl or the kitchen sink.

Dry ingredients from the top view
person mixing dry ingredients in a bowl
  1. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
wet ingredients from top view
A woman is whisking the wet ingredients
  1. Whisk the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, coconut sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, silky and emulsified.
The rest of the ingredients for almond flour zucchini bread with no banana
A woman is mixing the bread batter
  1. Make the zucchini batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the zucchini and walnuts.

QUICK TIP: As you fold the batter it will feel somewhat thick. That is normal. As a matter of fact, this is something that we want because zucchini will release more of its juices as it bakes in the oven, which in turn will yield a perfectly moist loaf rather than a soggy one.

paleo chocolate zucchini bread in a loaf pan being held by a woman
  1. Bake! Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips (if using), gently pressing into the surface. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Cool and slice. Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove the almond zucchini bread from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

How To Store?

Once cooled completely, this low carb zucchini bread can be stored wrapped in parchment paper or in an airtight container on the kitchen counter for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I would not recommend wrapping the loaf in plastic wrap as it will trap too much moisture and make the bread soggy (almond flour contains an extra dose of fat and moisture as compared to regular wheat flour).

A sliced paleo chocolate almond flour zucchini bread from the top view

How to freeze and thaw?

This zucchini bread freezes beautifully, too.

To store properly in the freezer, cool completely, slice into eight thick pieces and follow one of two methods:

  1. Place into a large plastic freezer storage bag with small squares of parchment paper between each slice (this facilitates easy removal of each slice) and seal tight.
  2. Wrap each piece individually with pre-cut parchment paper, then tightly in plastic wrap.

Label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, there is no need to thaw before defrosting. Simply leave out on your kitchen counter to bring to room temperature or pop a slice in your toaster until warmed through.

Add Ins & Substitutions

You can easily switch things up by:

  • Use different spices: Swap ground cinnamon with cardamom and/or ginger
  • Add chocolate into the batter: If you like your zucchini bread more chocolate-y, add 1/4 cup chocolate chips into the batter and then some more on top in the end.
  • Use different nuts: Use sliced almonds or pistachios instead of walnuts.
  • Don’t care for nuts or chocolate? No problem. Simply omit using them.

FAQs

How to transform it into keto zucchini bread?

The foundation of this zucchini bread recipe is Gluten-Free, Low-Carb and Paleo, but to turn it into a keto-friendly quick bread, simply replace the coconut sugar with an equal amount (1:1) of monk fruit sweetener (affiliate link) and use a keto-approved brand of chocolate chips such as Lily’s (sweetened with erythritol and stevia). If you are new to using keto sweeteners like I am, you can find this article on monk fruit sweeteners helpful.

Can I use the same batter to make paleo zucchini almond muffins?

You can transform the zucchini loaf cake into individual almond flour zucchini muffins. Simply, scoop the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with parchment paper cupcake liners. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center springs back to the touch.

Other Zucchini Recipes You Might Like:

If you enjoyed this paleo zucchini bread recipe you might also like these zucchini season favorites.

A sliced almond flour paleo zucchini bread from the front view
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Paleo Zucchini Bread with Almond Flour (No Banana)

Paleo Zucchini Bread with almond flour that is also gluten free, dairy-free, and with a minor adjustment keto friendly as well. It is a deliciously moist and flavorful quick bread recipe that is topped with chocolate chips.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 369kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (255gr) ~ 2 medium zucchini

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour 240 gr
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¼ cup grapeseed or coconut oil melted and cooled
  • ½ cup coconut sugar (66gr)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add Ins:

  • ½ cup walnuts chopped
  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips as a garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line a 8X4 or 9X5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Shred zucchini using the large section of a box grater. Place it in the middle of a kitchen cloth, collect it from the edges, and squeeze as much liquid as possible. Set it aside.
  • Whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Whisk together eggs, oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until combined.
  • Fold in the shredded zucchini and walnuts.
  • Transfer the batter into the loaf pan.
  • Sprinkle it with chocolate chips, if using.
  • Bake 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes on the counter. Remove the zucchini loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack or on the counter.
  • Slice and serve.

Video

Notes

  • To turn this into Paleo Zucchini Muffins: Scoop the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with parchment paper cupcake liners. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center springs back to the touch.
  • Best way to store: Once cooled completely, this low carb zucchini bread can be stored wrapped in parchment paper or in an airtight container on the kitchen counter for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Best way to freeze: Let it cool completely. Wrap each piece individually with pre-cut parchment paper, then tightly in plastic wrap. Label, date and freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg

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Black Rice aka Forbidden Rice https://foolproofliving.com/forbidden-rice-morning-cereal-bowl-berries/ https://foolproofliving.com/forbidden-rice-morning-cereal-bowl-berries/#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:50:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=9065 If you have never cooked black rice before, you are in for a treat because in today’s post we are covering the basics of this nutritious whole grain in detail. And if you are someone who cooks it on the regular, I hope you will find some helpful tips from my extensive recipe testing for the pursuit of the best method of cooking forbidden rice. If you are a fan...

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If you have never cooked black rice before, you are in for a treat because in today’s post we are covering the basics of this nutritious whole grain in detail. And if you are someone who cooks it on the regular, I hope you will find some helpful tips from my extensive recipe testing for the pursuit of the best method of cooking forbidden rice.

If you are a fan of whole grain dishes like I am, you might also like my deep dive on cooking quinoa, bulgur, and wild rice

Black rice in a saucepan from the top view

What is Forbidden Rice? Why is Black Rice called Forbidden Rice?

With its dark purple color, black rice is a cultivated form of wild rice and has been around for more than 9,000 years. Originated from China and spread to other parts of Asia and around the world, it is considered to have the highest antioxidant activity of all rice varieties and is a good source of nutrients, antioxidants, protein, fiber and iron.

Person showing what black rice looks like in her hand

Black rice is also referred to as Forbidden Rice and Emperor’s Rice, because during the days of ancient China it was considered to be so nutritious that it was reserved exclusively for the royalty to ensure their longevity and health. 

Eventually, it became available for everyone and came to this day as a grain that is synonymous with good health and long life.

Three Most Common Types of Forbidden Rice:

Nowadays, it is easy to find black rice in supermarkets here in the US. However, the names and branding used by the manufacturers might be a bit confusing, especially if you are new to cooking black rice.

Popular black rice brands sold in the US in their packaging

Below are the three most common types of forbidden black rice, along with the most popular brands you can find:

Black Rice (Purple Rice): 

This is the most common type of black rice sold in the US markets. This unmilled, medium-grain rice is grown in Zhejiang province in China. However, nowadays, it is also grown in various parts of the world.

Some popular names for black rice are Forbidden rice, Heirloom Black Rice, Kavuni Rice, Purple Rice, Bolay Black Rice and Black Jasmine Rice

A bowl of forbidden rice, black pearl rice, and natural black rice

While there might be slight differences in production and/or brands, they are essentially the same thing. 

Some popular brands that sell black rice in the US markets are (affiliate links):

  1. Lotus Foods – Heirloom Forbidden Rice (They offer an organic black rice as well)
  2. Nature’s Earthly Choice – All Natural Black Rice

Black Japonica Rice™ & Black Pearl Rice by Lundberg

Black Japonica Rice™ and Black Pearl Rice are not technically black rice. They are grown in California by Lundberg Family Farms. 

However, because they are widely available in the US and offer a very similar taste and texture to black rice, I think it is appropriate to include them as a part of the family.

Black Japonica rice in its packaging with a bowl of it on the side

Black Japonica Rice is a mixture of short-grain black rice and medium-grain mahogany rice (a type of red rice.) The name is trademarked by Lundberg Family Farms. It is marketed as “A Gourmet Field Blend of Black & Mahogany Rice” and offers a very similar nutty flavor with subtle savory and sweet notes.

On the other hand, Black Pearl Rice is similar to black rice in that it is a whole grain rice with the bran intact and has a black pigment on the kernel.

Black Sticky Rice:

Also called Thai Black Rice, Thai Sweet Rice, Thai Black Glutinous Rice or Khao Niew Dam (in Thai), Black sticky rice is a medium to long grain glutinous rice from South East and East Asia.

It is often cooked by steaming (in a bamboo steamer) and compared to Chinese Black rice, it has a more sticky texture when cooked.

Black Thai Glutinous Rice in its package and in a bowl

You can see this version also used in Korean cooking and they refer to it as Wild Sweet Rice or Black Sweet Rice.

It is often used in Thai cuisine in desserts, custards, pudding, and porridge recipes often topped off with fruit and coconut. 

Black Thai Glutinous Rice is not as widely available in the US as the other two types of rice. However, you can find them in Asian supermarkets and specialty stores or purchase it online.

While Thai Black Rice is not the same thing as Chinese Black Rice, in most recipes, you can use Chinese Black rice instead of Thai sticky rice. 

I am sure there are exceptions to this, especially if you are cooking authentic recipes, but I found that for basic recipes like Black Rice Salad or Black rice pudding, they can be used interchangeably.

Ingredients:

For each method of cooking below, you will need the same ingredients. They are black rice, water, and a pinch of salt.

Ingredients for cooking black rice laid out on a white backdrop

The only exception to this is when cooking it as pilaf, which we will cover in more detail below.

How To Prepare Black Rice for cooking?

Should I rinse before cooking?

The jury is out on this one. Popular websites like TheKitchn and Martha Stewart do not recommend rinsing black rice before cooking, citing that doing so might wash away its nutrients. 

However, some other websites suggest that rinsing is necessary to eliminate some of the excess starch that makes the rice gummy.

I personally wash my black rice only if I am getting it from the bulk bins. If I am buying packaged black rice, I do not rinse it. One exception to this is if I am cooking black rice in a rice cooker as most rice cooker brands suggest rinsing rice before cooking.

Person showing how to rinse black rice

If you decide to wash it, measure and place it in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water. As the water runs through the rice, you will see it turn dark purple. Be aware that this liquid will stain your clothes and your countertops so be careful not to splatter it all over the place.

Should I soak it before cooking? If so, how long?

The short answer to this question is no

However, as it is the case with most whole grains, soaking it before cooking has some benefits. The following explanation comes from one of my favorite cookbooks, My New Roots: Inspired Plant-Based Recipes for Every Season.

Although it is not necessary to soak grains before cooking them, soaking has its benefits, including removing some of the naturally occurring phytic acid, which inhibits mineral absorption, and breaking down some of the hard-to-digest proteins. Additionally, soaking grains cuts the cooking time down substantially.

My New Roots Cookbook – Sarah Britto

If you decide to soak, mix 1 cup of black rice in three cups of water in a bowl and let it sit for an hour or overnight. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter if you soak it. The amount of time will depend on how long you soak it. The longer it soaks the quicker it will cook.

With that being said, you can cook black rice without soaking. The difference between soaked versus un-soaked black rice is going to be the time of cooking plus the benefits mentioned above.

I personally do not soak black rice before cooking (because I can never remember it), and the recipes I share below are made without soaking black rice prior to cooking.

How to Cook Black Rice On The Stove –  Basic Cooking Instructions:

You can cook black rice on the stove using three different methods:

Cook it Like Rice:

This is the most popular method and the one that is recommended on the packaging of most black rice sold in the supermarket. It is also referred to as the absorption method.

Person showing cooked black rice using the absorption method

Water to black rice ratio for the absorption method is 2 to 1. In other words, you will need 2 cups of cooking liquid (like water, chicken stock or vegetable broth) for every cup of black rice you use.

To Cook Black Rice using the absorption method:

  1. Place 2 cups of cooking liquid of your choice, 1 cup of black rice, and an optional ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. 
  2. Bring to a boil, put the lid on, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer for about 30-33 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove it from heat (keep the lid on) and let it rest for 10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork.

Pros & Cons of Cooking It Like Rice:

  • Pros: The advantage of this method is that you can change up your cooking liquid to make it more flavorful. I also like the fact that after all of the liquid is absorbed, the rice looks and tastes perfectly cooked. 
  • Cons: The disadvantage is that you have to keep a close eye on it to ensure that there is enough liquid in it and it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan. During all of my recipe testing, in every brand that I tried, my black rice was cooked between the 30-33 minute mark using this method.

Cook it Like Pasta:

To me, this is the easiest method. I love the fact that this method provides less sticky black rice in the end (compared to the absorption method). 

Person showing cooked forbidden rice using the pasta cooking method

When you are cooking black rice like pasta, there is no need to be exact about the amount of water you use.

To cook black rice like pasta:

  1. Place 6 cups of water, 1 cup of black rice, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a medium saucepan. 
  2. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer (stirring occasionally) for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully softened.
  3. Drain the liquid using a colander as soon as it cooks and serve.

Pros & Cons of Cooking it Like Pasta:

  • Pros: This method of cooking is hands-off and quicker (ready after 20 minutes of simmering) than any other method.
  • Cons: You can’t take advantage of flavoring it using chicken or vegetable stock (unless you want to waste it) and you might lose some of the nutrients after it is drained. Additionally, similar to pasta, if you leave it in the liquid after it is cooked, it will get mushy.

Pilaf Method: Turn It into Forbidden Black Rice Pilaf & Cook it with Vegetables

If you are a fan of whole grain pilaf recipes like Lemon Garlic Quinoa, Wild Rice Mushroom Pilaf, and Turkish Bulgur Pilaf, you should definitely try Black Rice Pilaf.

As a matter of fact, I took inspiration from my Wild Rice Stuffing recipe for this method of cooking. It is a great way to season black forbidden rice with vegetables, fresh herbs and spices and turn it into a delicious whole grain side dish

Black Rice pilaf in a bowl with a spoon on the side

You can use any vegetables you have on hand, including but not limited to onion, garlic, carrot, celery, peas, and mushrooms and flavor it with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. You can also season black rice with fresh or dried thyme, chives and salt, and black pepper.

To make my basic Black Rice Pilaf recipe:

  1. Cook the vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan with a lid over medium-high heat. Add in onion, carrots, celery and saute for 4-5 minutes or until softened. Add in garlic, fresh thyme leaves, a handful of dried cranberries and saute for 30 seconds. 
  2. Add the black rice and cooking liquid: Add a cup of black rice and 1 ¾ cups of water, chicken stock or vegetable broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Garnish & Serve: Optionally, top it off with chopped pecans/walnuts and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve.

Pros and Cons of Cooking it Like Pilaf:

  • Pros: Cooking forbidden rice with vegetables complements its nutty texture and makes it even more flavorful. You can literally serve this dish by itself as a vegan and gluten-free meal or as a side dish with any of your dinner recipes. Plus, you can switch up the vegetables using this basic black rice pilaf recipe as a place to start.
  • Cons: This is not a very hands-off method. You would have to keep an eye on it to make sure that it has enough water and not sticking to the bottom of the pot.
    Also, after it is fully cooked, all of the vegetables turn black, requiring a bit of food styling to make it look appealing to the eye. I top it off with a handful of chopped pecans (for color and crunch) and garnish it with fresh thyme (or any herbs you have on hand.)

Other Cooking Methods – In Instant Pot & In a Rice Cooker:

While cooking forbidden rice on the stove top is easy, if you would rather prefer a method that uses more hands off with foolproof, perfect-every time kind of results, then you can make it in an Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) or in a rice cooker. 

I covered each method with everything you need to know in their respective recipe posts, but below are a quick snapshot of how to make black rice in each device.

Pressure Cooker Method:

Cooking black rice in an Instant Pot is easy and hands off. 

Instant pot black rice in a bowl with parsley as garnish

The water to rice ratio for cooking in a pressure cooker is 1 to 1. In other words, you will need 1 cup of cooking liquid (water, chicken stock or vegetable stock) for every cup of black rice.

For Chinese Forbidden rice, set your Instant Pot to 17 minutes on high and let it release the pressure naturally. If you are cooking Thai Black Sticky Rice, set it to 20 minutes on high and again, let it release the pressure naturally. 

There is no need to grease the pressure cooker insert as it does not stick.

Rice Cooker Method:

Cooking Black Rice in Rice Cooker is also easy and perfect if you want a method where you can set-it-and-forget-it. 

Cooked black rice in rice cooker in a plate with a spoon on the side

The ratio of water to rice for cooking black heirloom rice in a rice cooker is 1 ¾ cups of cooking liquid (water, chicken stock, or vegetable broth) to 1 cup of black rice

When cooking it in a rice cooker, I recommend using a tablespoon of vegetable oil to grease the rice cooker insert because it does stick to the bottom and makes clean up difficult later on.

To cook it, I set my Aroma Rice Cooker to the brown rice setting and it took about 55-60 minutes to cook.

How Long Does It Take to Cook black rice?

Each method takes a different amount of time and might slightly differ based on the brand or the type of forbidden black rice and equipment you are using.

Below is a quick guide for cooking times for each method:

  • The absorption method (aka cooking it like rice): 30-33 minutes of simmer time after the water comes to a boil
  • Cooking it like pasta: 20 minutes of simmer time after the water comes to a boil
  • Black Rice Pilaf (Cooking it with vegetables): 30 minutes of simmer time after it comes to a boil
  • Instant Pot method: About 30-33 minutes (5 minutes for it to come to pressure, 17 minutes active cooking time and 10 minutes natural release)
  • Rice Cooker method: About 55-60 minutes

Forbidden Rice Health Benefits:

A lot of people ask,”is black rice healthy?” The answer is yes. Of course, like everything else, when it is consumed in moderation and there could be exceptions to the rule based on your medical condition.

The popular website, Healthline, says that it is one of the healthiest rice to consume (amongst all other types of rice) and  outlines the benefits of black rice as:

  1. Packed with nutrients (particularly in protein, fiber and iron) and rich in antioxidants
  2. Contains anthocyanin, a plant compound that is responsible for its dark deep purple color, also found in blueberries and sweet potatoes. Research shows that anthocyanin offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.
  3. It may boost heart and eye health
  4. It may help with weight loss because of its high levels of protein and fiber
  5. Naturally gluten free making it a good choice for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Nutrition Information – Compared to Brown Rice and Wild Rice:

If you are wondering about the nutritional values of black rice compared to wild rice and brown rice, check out the below list to compare each type for their nutrient content. The values listed below are for 100 grams (approximately about 1/2 cup) of cooked rice:

  • Black rice – 100 gramsSource
    • Calories: 356 kcal
    • Protein: 8.89 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 76 grams
    • Fiber: 2.2 gram
    • Sugar: 0 grams
  • Brown rice – 100 gramsSource
    • Calories: 357 kcal
    • Protein: 7.14 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 77 grams
    • Fiber: 2.4 grams
    • Sugar: 0 grams
  • Wild rice – 100 gramsSource
    • Calories: 101 kcal
    • Protein: 4 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 21.3 grams
    • Fiber: 1.8 grams
    • Sugar: 0.73 gram

How To Store, Freeze & Thaw?

  • Storage: Bring leftover cooked black rice to room temperature, place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge upto 4 days.
  • Freezing: Bring cooked black rice to room temperature, spread it onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, place in the freezer for upto 2 hours or until frozen, and then store it in a freezer friendly container.
  • Thawing: Allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. You can use it in cold dishes immediately or gently reheat to use in warm dishes.

Forbidden Rice Recipe Ideas – What To Do With Black Rice?

There are so many ways you can use cooked black rice. Since it stores well and can be used in many recipes, I cook a batch as a part of my weekly meal prep. You can pretty much adapt it to any recipe that uses quinoa, brown rice, and even wild rice. Here are a few suggestions:

Black rice salad served on a pink plate by a person from top view
  • Use it in salads as a grain: Adding a cup of cooked black rice in any salad recipe makes it filling and nutritious. A great example of it is my Black Rice Salad, where I use cooked rice as a base and flavor it with an Asian salad dressing. Or try this Forbidden Rice Salad with Curry Dressing.
  • Black Rice Cereal/Porridge or Black Rice Pudding: Serve it for breakfast by simply pouring hot or cold almond milk (or coconut milk) over it and topping it off with nuts and fruit.
a woman is serving a bowl black Rice Recipe topped off with tuna
  • Use it as a base for your grain bowls: I serve my Sesame Seared Tuna Salad over black rice, which turns it into a filling meal. You can also swap quinoa with black rice in my Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl.
  • Add a cup of black rice into soups and stews: You can add it to any soup or stew recipe that uses pasta/orzo, or quinoa as a filling.

What to Eat With Black Rice?

You can serve this black rice recipe with any of your meat, chicken and vegetarian meals as a whole grain side dish. A few of my favorites are:

Expert Tips for Success:

  • Black Rice Stains: When cooking black rice keep in mind that it stains clothes, cooking utensils, and even countertops. So, be careful when handling it.
  • It is best to use a heavy bottom pot with a tight fitting lid: While you can use any pot to cook black rice, if you have it, I recommend using a Dutch oven with a tight lid and preferably with a dark interior when cooking black rice. Doing so will help cook it evenly and hide the black stains. I use my 4 quart round Staub Dutch Oven (affiliate link.)
  • Every brand is different: I have tested these recipes several times using each method with all the brands I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Please keep in mind that the cook time might slightly vary depending on the brand and method of cooking you are using. Please use my recipes and recommendations as a place to start and adjust accordingly based on the brand and method you are using.

FAQs:

How many cups of cooked black rice does 1 cup of uncooked rice yield?

1 cup of uncooked black rice will yield 3 to 3 ¼ cups of cooked black rice.

What does black rice taste like?

Black rice has a chewy texture and a mild nutty flavor with earthy sweet and savory undertones. 

What makes black rice black?

Black rice contains high levels of anthocyanin, which are plant compounds that give it its dark purple color. Anthocyanin are also found in blueberries, blackberries and sweet potatoes.

Is black rice high in carbs?

Compared to white rice, black rice is lower in carbs. According to this Carbs in Rice Healthline article, one cup cooked black rice has 34 grams of carbs, whereas one cup cooked white rice has 53 grams of carbs.

How long does cooked black rice last in the fridge?

If it is stored in an airtight container it will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Is wild rice the same as black rice?

No, it is not. Even though it is referred to as “rice”, wild rice is a member of the grass family native to North America (mostly Minnesota State.) It is traditionally grown wild in lakes and river bed locations. 
Black rice on the other hand is from the rice family and originates from China.

What is the best black rice brand?

In preparation for this article, I have cooked using all of the brands I mentioned in the beginning of this post. While they were all good, my favorite one was Lotus Foods Heirloom Forbidden Rice (affiliate link)

Why did my rice turn out mushy?

If you cook the black rice in too much liquid and leave it in there (instead of draining the excess liquid), you will end up with mushy rice.

Does black rice have a similar texture to white rice?

Yes, it is similar, but perhaps a bit chewer than white rice.

Black rice placed in a bowl with a spoon on the side
Print

Forbidden Rice Recipe (Black Rice Recipe)

Learn how to cook black rice recipe with three foolproof and easy methods for perfectly cooked black rice every time. This healthy grain is worthy enough to be a part of your weekly meal prep to keep you full and satisfied throughout the week.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 3 cups
Calories 228kcal

Ingredients

For Cooking It Like Rice (The Absorption Method):

  • 1 cup black rice
  • 2 cups water chicken stock or vegetable broth would also work
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For Cooking it Like Pasta:

  • 1 cup black rice
  • 6 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For The Black Rice Pilaf

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 small carrots cut into small pieces approximately ½ cup
  • 2 stalks of celery cut into small pieces approximately ½ cup
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins roughly chopped
  • 1 cup black rice
  • 1 ¾ cups liquid water or stock
  • ½ cup pecans chopped

Instructions

For cooking it like rice (aka the Absorption method)

  • Place black rice, water, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven with a tight fitting lid over medium-high heat.
  • Bring to a boil, put the lid on, turn the heat down to low, and let it summer for about 30-33 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove it from heat (keep the lid on) and let it rest for 10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork.

For The Pasta Method:

  • Place water, black rice, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan or dutch oven.
  • Bring it to a boil and let it simmer (stirring occasionally) for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully softened.
  • Drain the liquid using a colander as soon as it cooks and serve.

For Black Rice Pilaf:

  • Cook the vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan with a lid over medium-high heat. Add in onion, carrots, celery and saute for 5 minutes or until softened. Add in garlic, fresh thyme leaves, a handful of dried cranberries and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Add the black rice and cooking liquid: Add a cup of black rice and 1 ¾ cups of water (chicken stock or vegetable broth) salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low, put the lid on, and simmer for 30 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  • If you prefer, top it off with chopped pecans/walnuts and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve.

Notes

  • The nutrition information listed below is for 1 cup of cooked black rice.
  • If you want to learn how to cook black rice in a pressure cooker or a rice cooker, check out my Instant Pot Black rice and Black Rice in rice cooker recipes for everything you need to know for each method.
  • To Store: Bring leftover cooked black rice to room temperature, place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge upto 4 days.
  • To Freeze: Bring cooked black rice to room temperature, spread it onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, place in the freezer for upto 2 hours or until frozen, and then store it in a freezer friendly container.
  • To Thaw: Allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. You can use it in cold dishes immediately or gently reheat to use in warm dishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

The first time I published this Forbidden Rice Recipe was back in May of 2016. Since then it has been a favorite in our house. Today, Jan 2023, I am updating that old post with some new photos and additional helpful information.

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Heirloom Tomato Galette https://foolproofliving.com/tomato-galette/ https://foolproofliving.com/tomato-galette/#comments Wed, 26 May 2021 09:07:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=35201 This post is sponsored by Vermont Creamery. As always, all opinions are my own. Today, we are putting delicious fresh summer tomatoes to good use in a savory tomato galette recipe. This is one of my go-to recipes that I make during the summer months when fresh tomatoes are in abundance.  If you are like me, a fan of sweet galette recipes like my Peach Galette, you will love this...

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This post is sponsored by Vermont Creamery. As always, all opinions are my own.

Today, we are putting delicious fresh summer tomatoes to good use in a savory tomato galette recipe. This is one of my go-to recipes that I make during the summer months when fresh tomatoes are in abundance. 

Tomato Galette recipe sliced fresh out of the oven from the top view.

If you are like me, a fan of sweet galette recipes like my Peach Galette, you will love this savory version made with heirloom tomatoes, a simple goat cheese spread and a flaky crust.

What Is Galette?

If you are not familiar with a galette, it is a free-form pie (or tart). However, instead of filling and baking the dough in a pie plate, you do all of that on a sheet pan.

The process is simple; roll the dough, spread it with whatever you want, arrange the toppings in the middle, roll the dough’s edges towards the middle, and bake on a sheet pan.

There is no stressing about fitting the dough into the tart pan or cramping the sides to make it look picture perfect. 

In addition to being easy to make, you end up with a rustic tart that is as delicious as a tomato tart that takes quite a bit of effort to make.

Easy tomato galette fresh out of the oven garnished with herbs from the top view

Quick Trivia: 

The term galette comes from the Norman word gale, a term used in French cuisine to identify a flat round cake made of pastry dough or bread. (Source

While the French call this free-form single-crust pastry Galette, Italians call it Crostata. 

Homemade Galette Dough

I suspect that you might think that tomato galette with puff pastry, similar to my Asparagus Tart (made with puff pastry), might be easier and quicker to make. 

While I understand that making the galette crust is an additional step, I promise you that nothing beats the deliciousness of homemade galette dough. And with my Galette Dough recipe, you have nothing to worry about because my method here is as foolproof as it can be.

How To Make Galette Dough?

To make the galette dough:

Prepare The Ingredients:

Ingredients for homamade galette dough

All you need is all-purpose flour, cold butter (cut into small pieces), ice water, and salt. I use Vermont Creamery’s unsalted butter and add my own salt, but you can always omit salt and use their salted butter. 

As it is with every pie dough recipe, to get that flaky delicious buttery dough, your butter and water must be cold. 

Process Everything in a Food Processor:

galette dough in food processor step by step photos
  • Place flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine.
  • Add the butter into the processor and pulse 8-10 times until butter resembles small clumps.
  • Turn the machine on and add in 4 tablespoons of ice-cold water in one tablespoon increments. At this point, it should start to come together and form into a ball. If not, add in the rest of the water in one tablespoon increments until it does. 
person shaping the galette dough
  • Transfer onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a 4-inch disk, and wrap with plastic. Place it in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.

Tomato Galette Ingredients

Once you have your galette dough ready, the rest is a breeze. 

Ingredients for the recipe from the top view

Goat Cheese Mixture:

In terms of the ingredients, you will need to make a goat cheese mixture to spread on the galette dough. While you can spread the fresh goat cheese all by itself, I chose to flavor with a little bit of lemon zest, lemon juice, and thinly sliced scallions. 

I used Vermont Creamery’s plain fresh goat cheese that has a nice mild flavor and smooth texture. If you are a fan of goat cheese, be sure to check out my library of Goat Cheese Recipes to learn more creative ways to use it in your cooking.

Fresh Tomatoes:

As you can see in the pictures, I used fresh, colorful heirloom tomatoes as they are currently in abundance to make this roasted tomato galette recipe. I prefer semi ripe tomatoes as they are easier to work with and taste delicious.

Heirloom tomatoes from the top view with goat cheese mixture on the side.

However, you can use whatever tomatoes you have on hand. Roma tomatoes and cherry tomatoes would also work. 

How to make It?

The steps to making this fresh tomato galette recipe are six folds:

Person making the goat cheese mixture
  1. Make The Goat Cheese Mixture: Place goat cheese, scallion, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. Give it a mix until thoroughly combined.
Person salting tomatoes placed on a sheet of paper towel
  1. Prepare The Tomatoes: Line a small sheet pan with a sheet of paper towel. Place tomato slices on top. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

PRO TIP: I learned the trick of lightly salting the tomatoes from Bon Appetit’s tomato galette recipe. It is such a quick and easy way to get rid of some of their juices (the excess moisture.)

The following is from their site:

“Salting the tomatoes ahead of time and letting them release some of their liquid is essential. It will allow the tomatoes to caramelize and ensures that the bottom of the crust stays flaky.” 

A woman rolling out the galette dough
  1. Roll Out The Galette Dough: Bring in a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle it with a little bit of flour. Roll dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough onto a rimmed baking sheet to start assembling the galette.

PRO TIP: I find it easier to roll out the galette dough on a parchment sheet. It helps with preventing the dough from sticking to the surface. It also makes it easier to transfer the dough onto the baking sheet in one piece.

Person showing how to assemble goat cheese tomato galette
  1. Assemble The Galette: To assemble this tomato cheese galette recipe, spread the creamy goat cheese mixture evenly over the galette dough (leaving a 2-inch border), arrange the tomatoes in a single layer over the cheese. It is okay if they overlap as they will shrink as the tomato galette bakes. Roll the sides of the dough overlapping as you go around and pleating the dough.
    Finally, brush the outer crust (or the folded edges of dough) with egg wash (one large egg mixed with a tablespoon of water).
Freshly baked tomato goat cheese galette
  1. Bake & Serve: Bake galette in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Transfer the galette onto a wire rack to cool before serving. If you have it, garnish it whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Fresh basil leaves, dill, parsley, etc. would all work. If preferred, finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil.

How To Store Leftovers?

As it is the case with most pies and tarts, this tomato cheese galette is best on the day it is baked. However, if you place it in an airtight container after it is fully cooled down and keep it in the fridge it would still be good the next day.

When you are ready to serve, warm it in a low heat (250 to 300 F degree) oven for 8-10 minutes so it is nice and warm.

Fresh Tomato Galette Sliced with a knife on the side from the front view

Tips for the Best Tomato Galette Recipe:

  • Make the galette dough a day in advance:  If you want to make this recipe quickly, I recommend making the galette dough a day in advance and keeping it in the fridge. You can also make a few batches and keep them in the freezer for up to a month.
  • It is okay if the tomato slices overlap as you arrange them on top: As you will see in the how-to video below, I used only three heirloom tomatoes that are sliced in ½ inch thick slices. However, you can use one or two more small tomatoes and overlap the pieces for a more tomato-ey galette recipe. They do shrink quite a bit, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
  • Can I use other types of tomatoes? As you can see in the pictures, I used beautiful heirloom tomatoes, but Roma tomatoes or even cherry tomatoes would also work.
  • Ensure that the goat cheese is at room temperature: I find that it is much easier to mix and spread soft cheeses like goat cheese when it is at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you are ready to assemble your galette.
  • Top it off with pesto for breathtaking colors and deliciousness.
  • Customize the goat cheese mixture with whatever herbs you have on hand: You can add whatever fresh herbs you have on hand into the goat cheese mixture. I had some chives on hand, but fresh basil, parsley, and dill would also work. If you don’t care for herbs, you can omit it altogether as well.

What To Serve It With?

While this heirloom tomato galette is perfect by itself, I usually serve it with a simple green salad on the side. Below are a few favorites:

More Tomato Recipes You Might Also Like:

Got more tomatoes to use? Here are a few creative ideas to try:

Tomato Galette Recipe sliced and photographed with a knife on the side
Print

Tomato Galette Recipe

Tomato Galette Recipe: A free form galette spread with fresh sliced summer tomatoes, herbed goat cheese and baked in a homemade galette dough. It is great as a breakfast or a brunch dish when you want to impress.
Course Baked Goods, Breakfast
Cuisine American/French
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 354kcal

Ingredients

For The Galette Dough:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (213 gr.) – more to flour the surfaces
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (142.5 gr.) – Cold – cut into small cubes
  • 4-5 tablespoons ice-cold water

For The Goat Cheese Mixture:

  • 4 oz. fresh goat cheese at room temperature
  • 1 scallion sliced thinly both white and green parts
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For The Tomato Galette:

  • 3 tomatoes sliced ½ inch thick – medium sizde
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh herbs

Instructions

To make the galette dough:

  • Place flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for a few times to mix. Add in the cold butter cubes. Pulse 8-10 times until butter resembles small clumps.
  • Turn the machine on and add in 4 tablespoons of ice-cold water in one tablespoon increments.
  • At this point, it should start to come together and form into a ball. If not add in the rest of the water until it does.
  • Transfer onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a 4-inch disk, and wrap with plastic. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before you are ready to roll it out.

Preheat the oven:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.

To make the goat cheese mixture:

  • Place goat cheese, scallion, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. Give it a mix until thoroughly combined.

To prepare the tomatoes:

  • Line a small sheet pan with a sheet of paper towel. Place tomato slices on top. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

To assemble:

  • Sprinkle your work surface with a little bit of flour. Roll the galette dough to a 12- inch circle.
  • Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the galette dough leaving a 2-inch border.
  • Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the cheese. It is okay if they overlap as they will shrink as the tomato galette bakes.
  • Roll the sides of the dough overlapping as you go around and pleating the dough.
  • Brush the outer crust with egg yolk.

To bake:

  • Bake 40-45 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Transfer the galette onto a wire rack to cool before serving.

Video

Notes

  • To Store leftovers: As it is the case with most pies and tarts, this tomato cheese galette is best on the day it is baked. However, if you place it in an airtight container after it is fully cooled down and keep it in the fridge it would still be good the next day. When you are ready to serve, warm it in a low heat oven for 8-10 minutes so it is nice and warm.
  • It is okay if the tomato slices overlap as you arrange them on top? As you will see in the how-to video below, I used only three heirloom tomatoes that are sliced in ½ inch thick slices. However, you can use one or two more small tomatoes and overlap the pieces for a more tomato-ey galette recipe. They do shrink quite a bit, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1350IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg

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Flourless Almond Butter Cookies https://foolproofliving.com/almond-butter-cookies/ https://foolproofliving.com/almond-butter-cookies/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:34:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=1298 This post is sponsored by Shaw’s but all opinions are my own. It is no secret that I am a fan of baking with almond flour with over 20 recipes (and counting) on my blog, but truth be told, I am new to using almond butter in baking. When a reader, who loves my almond flour cookies, requested that I come up with a tasty almond butter cookies recipe I...

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This post is sponsored by Shaw’s but all opinions are my own.

It is no secret that I am a fan of baking with almond flour with over 20 recipes (and counting) on my blog, but truth be told, I am new to using almond butter in baking. When a reader, who loves my almond flour cookies, requested that I come up with a tasty almond butter cookies recipe I knew it was time to learn.

Almond butter cookies photographed right after they come out of the oven

Selfishly, it was a good excuse to add in yet another recipe to my collection of delicious cookies.

At around the same time, when folks at Shaw’s reached out to collaborate on a project I immediately said yes because honestly, I am a sucker for their Open Nature® Creamy Almond Butter. The good thing is that I was able to find everything I need after a quick trip to our local Shaw’s and got to create what I think is one of the most delicious refined sugar free cookies I have ever made.

A half eaten cookie with crumbs

Similar to my almond flour cookies, almond flour gingerbread cookies (aka almond molasses cookies), and almond flour and peanut butter cookie recipe this gluten-free almond nut butter cookies take just about 30 minutes to make and they are just so addictive. I serve them the old school way, with a cup of almond milk on the side, but my husband thinks that they are the best thing with his morning tea. 

Intrigued? Let’s break it down.

Ingredients for Almond Nut Butter Cookies

As in most baked goods, this paleo almond cookie recipe has two sets of ingredients: Dry and wet:

Ingredients for the recipe
milk butter flour

Dry Ingredients

  • Almond Flour: You need one and a half cup of almond flour in this recipe. I used the Open Nature’s almond flour that only contains almonds. It is also gluten-free certified. I love that the Open Nature line includes products that are perfect for someone like me who is interested in low-carb, plant-based and gluten-free baking. And this almond flour is just one of the many good quality products you can find within the store.
  • Baking Powder: You need one and three-quarters of a teaspoon baking powder in this recipe. It might sound like a lot but believe me, it works.
  • Sea Salt: To balance the sweetness and earthiness coming from the rest of the ingredients, you need half a teaspoon of sea salt. If you don’t have any, you can also use kosher salt. Plus, a little more for sprinkling on top.

Wet Ingredients

  • Almond Butter: You will need a quarter cup of creamy almond butter that is at room temperature. If it is not, you can warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until it is soft and creamy.
    In addition to providing a really nice roasted flavor, using almond butter eliminates the need to add any oil into the batter. I used Open Nature’s almond butter that is made without any artificial preservatives or ingredients. I love that the only ingredients they have in the jar are dry roasted almonds and a bit of sea salt.
    If you have it, you can also use homemade almond butter in this recipe.
  • Coconut Sugar: I used a cup of coconut sugar in this recipe. I love that it is a low glycemic index and can be used pretty much in all recipes in place of brown sugar. Not to mention, using coconut sugar makes this recipe paleo-friendly and refined sugar free.
  • Vanilla Extract: You only need a half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance all the flavors in the cookie.
  • Eggs: You need two large eggs that are at room temperature. Sadly, this recipe will not work with a flax egg.

Optional:

  • Chocolate Chips: I am not going to lie, I wanted to give you the option to make a plain almond flour almond butter cookie but truth be told, a quarter cup of dark chocolate chips added at the end takes this recipe to a whole new level.
    I will say this (and I know it is bold) these almond butter chocolate chips cookies are pretty much the most amazing cookie in the world.
  • Almond Milk (to serve them with): If you are like me, totally old school and feel like cookie and milk combo is pretty much the most amazing thing in the world, serve this with a glass of almond milk.
    I served mine with O Organics®  USDA certified organic almond milk. I love that it is made with real almonds and I can pick from several flavor options like vanilla and plain unsweetened. 

How To Make Gluten-Free Almond Butter Cookies?

The process of making this paleo almond butter cookies could not be easier. Here are the steps:

Food processor showing how to make this recipe with steps
  1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Adjust the oven racks to middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 
  2. Place all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor: Starting from the dry ingredients place all of the ingredients in the bowl of your food processor. 
  3. Pulse and process: Pulse 4-5 times to mix and then process for 45-60 seconds until the dough forms into a ball. You might have to stop the machine and scrape the sides a few times to make sure the dough batter is evenly mixed. Please be aware that this is a very sticky batter.
  4. Add in the chocolate chips: If you are adding the chocolate chips, transfer the dough into a bowl and mix in the chocolate chips to the flour mixture. If you are not adding them in, you can start scooping right off the bowl of your food processor.
Scooped batter on the sheet pan topped off with sea salt
  1. Scoop and transfer cookies onto the prepared baking sheets: Using a 2 inch cookie scoop (affiliate link) or two spoons, measure 2-tablespoon balls and place them 2-inches apart from one another on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the same process for the second sheet.

Helpful tip for scooping the cookie batter/dough: As I mentioned earlier, this almond butter cookie dough is very sticky. To make it easier to scoop, you can brush your cookie scoop with a little bit of oil (any healthy oil like avocado or coconut oil would work perfectly.)

  1. Sea salt on top: As a final touch, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of (about 1/16 of a teaspoon) sea salt.
  2. Bake: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 13 minutes or until they spread slightly and turn golden brown making sure to rotate and swap the sheet pans mid-way through.
  3. Let them cool and enjoy: Let cool for 3 minutes in the sheet pan and then transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely.

This almond butter biscuits recipe makes about 14-16 cookie dough balls. I usually bake 12 cookies per sheet but you can also divide them equally in between 2 sheets.

Storing and Freezing Instructions:

  • To freeze: Measure and place them on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight. Place them in a freezer bag (or an airtight container) and store in your freezer up to a month. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet, sprinkle them with sea salt and bake 2-3 minutes longer.
  • To Store: These cookies are best on the day that they are baked. However, they keep their freshness up to 2 days as soon as they are kept in an airtight container on the kitchen counter.

FAQs:

Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

You sure can. I find that it is easier and quicker to mix the batter in a food processor but you can also mix everything in a bowl. If you decide to do so:
1. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl
2. Whisk the wet ingredients in separate bowl until they are fully incorporated
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until the dough fully comes together. If using, add in the chocolate chips into the cookie batter.
4. Follow the rest of the instructions as written in the recipe.

Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter in this recipe?

You sure can. As a matter of fact, I have gotten this question so many times so I created the perfect Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookie recipe for you.

Flourless Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies served with milk on the side

If you are a fan of easy gluten free and paleo cookie recipes made with almond flour, here are a few more recipes to help you satisfy your sweet tooth:

Below are the equipment that I used to make this recipe. Please know that these are affiliate links, and if you make a purchase, I will get a small commission at no cost to you:

almond butter cookies on a plate
Print

Almond Butter Cookies Recipe

Flourless Almond Butter Cookie recipe – Gluten-free, flourless, and paleo-friendly. Sweetened with coconut sugar, they are so easy and quick to make and addictive.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings 14 -16 cookies
Calories 177kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups almond flour 6.3 oz.
  • 1 ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt plus more for sprinkling
  • ¼ cup creamy almond butter, at room temperature 2.2 oz.
  • 1 cup of coconut sugar ~7.41 oz.
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup of bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Adjust the oven racks to middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Place all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor:
    Starting from the dry ingredients place all of the ingredients in the bowl of your food processor.
  • Pulse and process:
    Pulse everything for 8-10 times in 1-second increments just until all ingredients are fully mixed (as shown in the picture above.) You do not want to let it run for a long time. Since the dough is very sticky if you run it nonstop it could clog your food processor.
  • Add in the chocolate chips:
    If you are adding the chocolate chips, transfer the dough into a bowl and mix in the chocolate chips. If you are not adding them in, you can start scooping right off the bowl of your food processor.
  • Scoop and transfer cookies onto the prepared baking sheets:
    Using a cookie scoop* or two spoons, measure 2-tablespoon balls and place them 2-inches apart from one another on the prepared baking sheets. As I mentioned earlier, this is a very sticky batter. If you don’t mind the stickiness you can roll them in between your palms but it would also be fine if you didn’t. Continue with the rest of the cookie dough and evenly distribute them amongst two baking sheets.
  • Sea salt on top:
    As a final touch, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of (about 1/16 of a teaspoon) sea salt.
  • Bake:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 13 minutes or until they spread slightly and turn golden brown making sure to rotate and swap the sheet pans mid-way through.
  • Let them cool and enjoy:
    Let cool for 3 minutes in the sheet pan and then transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a glass of milk.

Notes

  • Please know that the cookie batter is a very sticky one. For that reason, if you process it for too long it could clog your food processor. It should be sufficient to mix until the ingredients are mixed.
  • Helpful tip for scooping the cookie batter/dough: As I mentioned earlier, this almond butter cookie dough is very sticky. To make it easier to scoop, you can brush your cookie scoop with a little bit of oil (any healthy oil like avocado or coconut oil would work perfectly.)
FAQs & Answers:
  • Can I make this recipe without a food processor?You sure can. I find that it is easier and quicker to mix the batter in a food processor but you can also mix everything in a bowl. If you decide to do so:
    – Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl
    – Whisk the wet ingredients in another bowl until they are fully incorporated
    – Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until the dough fully comes together. If using, add in the chocolate chips into the cookie batter.
    – Follow the rest of the instructions as written in the recipe.
  • Can I freeze these cookies? You sure can. To do so, measure and place them on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight. Place them in a freezer bag and store in your freezer upto a month. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet, sprinkle them with sea salt and bake 2-3 minutes longer.
  • Best way to store them: These cookies are best on the day that they are baked. However, they keep their freshness upto 2 days as soon as they are kept in an airtight container on the kitchen counter.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg
A plate full of gluten free almond butter cookies served with milk
Ingredients photographed with the finished recipe

A Word on Shopping For Ingredients:

Living in a very small town in Southern Vermont, I rely heavily on our local Shaw’s. I know the store manager in person. Knowing what I do for a living, he came to my rescue when I needed an “uncommon” ingredient many times in the past.

I buy my O Organics® and Open Nature® products at my local Shaws, and you can also find them exclusively at the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Supermarkets and Carrs/Safeway.

Visit shaws.com to find a store near you and discover meal prep tips and recipe ideas.

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Turkish Simit Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions https://foolproofliving.com/simit/ https://foolproofliving.com/simit/#comments Sat, 20 Mar 2021 06:42:00 +0000 https://foolproofliving.com/?p=2967 If you have ever visited Turkey or are a fan of Turkish food, you know our version of a bagel, Turkish Simit bread. It is one of those iconic Turkish recipes, right up there with Turkish Coffee, Borek, and Turkish Bulgur Pilaf. Usually served with feta cheese, olives, and Turkish tea, simit is considered a breakfast staple in every Turkish household for centuries. Sadly, for those of us living outside...

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If you have ever visited Turkey or are a fan of Turkish food, you know our version of a bagel, Turkish Simit bread. It is one of those iconic Turkish recipes, right up there with Turkish Coffee, Borek, and Turkish Bulgur Pilaf.

Usually served with feta cheese, olives, and Turkish tea, simit is considered a breakfast staple in every Turkish household for centuries. Sadly, for those of us living outside of Turkey, it is not easy to find (unless you are living in a town with a great Turkish restaurant.) The good news is that making simit at home is easy with my foolproof method.

Turkish Simit in a large bowl from the front

What Is Simit?

Simit also referred to as gevrek or gjevrek, is a sesame-bathed, circular Turkish bread. It is similar to American bagel in how it looks, but crustier on the outside and softer on the inside.

Because it is mainly served for breakfast, I’ve heard some people in the US refer to it as “Turkish Bagel.”

Traditionally sold by street vendors on the streets of Turkey for no more than $0.50, it is usually made by twisting simit dough and dipping it in molasses and toasted sesame seeds before baking it in the oven.

Ingredients Needed:

To make it easier, I will divide the simit ingredients into three parts.

Ingredients needed to activate the yeast
  1. The Yeast & Milk Mixture: You will need water at 110 F degrees (43 Celsius), 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream) at room temperature, and 2 tablespoons or 3 (1/4 oz.) packets of active dry yeast (I used Fleischmann’s) and granulated sugar.

A quick note on using whole milk versus heavy cream: You can use milk and heavy cream interchangeably in this recipe. The version of simit bagel made with heavy cream is richer due to the higher fat content of heavy cream. Still, if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with whole milk. I would not recommend substituting plant-based milk in this recipe.

Ingredients for simit dough recipe
  1. The rest of the ingredients: Gather all-purpose flour, a large egg, kosher salt, and vegetable oil (avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil would all work).

A quick note on the flour I used: I tested this recipe with several all-purpose flour brands, and the results were similar. I personally like King Arthur Flour as it has a higher amount of protein which is ideal for making bread. The recipe below starts with 5 cups, but you will need at least 1 to 1 ½ cups or more flour to use on the surface as you are kneading the simit dough.

Ingredients to dip the raw dough
  1. The dipping ingredients: Molasses (I used Grandma’s Molasses (affiliate link) and white sesame seeds. Alternatively, you can also use grape or pomegranate molasses if you can get your hands on them, which is traditionally used in Turkey.

How To Make Simit?

This Simit bread recipe below makes 10 simits. Even though the steps look like a lot, the process of making simit is quite simple.

person filling a measuring cup with the ingredients to activate the yeast
  1. Activate the yeast: Place water, milk, sugar, and active dry yeast into a measuring cup. Give it a quick whisk, cover it with stretch film, and let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbles form on top.
Person showing how to make the simit dough recipe
  1. Make the simit dough: Place 5 cups (700 grams) of all-purpose flour, kosher salt, oil, egg, and now-risen yeast-milk mixture in a large mixing bowl. Start mixing by hand until it comes together. Lightly dust the counter with flour and dump the dough onto the surface. Knead by hand to form a smooth and elastic dough until the dough is not sticking to your fingers. This may take around 15 -17 minutes.
Showing the simit dough before and after it is risen
  1. Let the simit dough rise: Lightly wet a kitchen towel with hot tap water and place it over the dough. Let it sit on the kitchen counter until it doubles in size, 30-45 minutes.
person toasting sesame seeds in a skillet top view
  1. Toast sesame seeds: While the dough is rising, place sesame seeds in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, and toast until they turn golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Transfer into a large shallow plate to cool. 
Person showing how to roll the dough into a cylinder
  1. Turn the dough into a cylinder: Fold the dough from each end onto itself towards the middle, gently pinch, and roll into a cylinder of roughly 20-inches (51 cm.)
Person dividing the  Turkish bagel dough into small pieces and placing on a sheet
  1. Divide the now-risen dough: Using a sharp knife or a pastry scraper, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and transfer onto a sheet pan (lined with parchment paper and sprinkled with flour.) Cover it with a clean kitchen towel (to prevent them from drying as you work on each piece.) 
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 F degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Person showing how to shape and twist Turkish bread recipe
  1. Shape each simit dough: Roll each dough ball into a roughly 40-inch (102 cm) long strand. Fold the string onto itself using your finger to hold it in the middle. Twist the dough in the opposite direction to form a spiral rope. Roll it into a 5-inch diameter ring and gently pinch the end to seal. 
Shaped dough on a sheet pan
  1. Let the simits rest: Transfer the now-shaped dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the same process for the rest of the dough balls. Let them rest until they rise for 30 minutes. How much they rise depends on the temperature of your kitchen. (You can learn more about this in the tips section below)
Person dipping Turkish Simit bagel into molasses and sesame seeds
  1. Dip simit into molasses and sesame seeds: Mix together molasses with water in a large shallow plate. Bring in the sesame seeds. First, dip simit into the molasses mixture (on both sides) and then into the sesame seeds making sure that all sides are fully covered with sesame seeds. Transfer onto a baking sheet and repeat the same process for the rest of the limit.
Baked Turkish simit on a sheet pan
  1. Bake: Bake both sheets in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown making sure to rotate them from top to bottom halfway through the baking process. Let them cool for 5 minutes and serve while still warm.

What To Serve it with?

Traditionally, we serve simit bread for breakfast with feta cheese, olives, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, and Turkish tea. With that being said, you can serve it with any cheese and even with your favorite jams or preserves.

Showing ways to serve Turkish simit

Alternatively, you can make a simit sandwich by slicing it horizontally in half and place cheese, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers in the middle.

Simit sandwich on a plate layered with feta cheese and tomatoes

How To Store and Freeze?

The best part of this recipe is to make a batch, eat some right away, and freeze the rest for later.

  • To store leftovers: Bring simit to room temperature, place in a plastic bag, remove the air out as much as you can, and store at room temperature. It should be fresh for up to 2 days. You can toast it for a few minutes before serving.
  • To freeze: Repeat the same process but place in the freezer instead. When ready to serve, let it thaw for 10 minutes on the counter, and then heat it in a preheated 300 F degree oven for 10-12 minutes.

Tips For Success & Troubleshooting:

  • The shape doesn’t matter:  If this is your first time trying your hand in making this Turkish simit recipe and if your simit strands don’t look like the ones in the pictures, do not worry. I promise that they will look better as they rise, and regardless of their appearance, they will taste great after they are baked. You will get the hang of it after you make it a few times.
  • The temperature of the water & milk: For the active dry yeast to get activated, your water must be around 110 F degrees (43 Celsius), and your milk (or heavy cream) is at room temperature. If they are colder or warmer, the yeast might not get activated, and as a result, your simit Turkish bread might fall flat.
  • The temperature of your kitchen: As it is with any bread recipe (like I explained in my Challah bread recipe), the temperature of your kitchen (or the time of the year) will affect how much your dough rises. If you are making simit on a hot summer day, it will likely double in size. However, I have made this recipe several times all throughout the year, and it consistently delivered great results.
  • The temperature of your oven: Most Turkish simit recipes start with a 400 F degree oven, bake for 20-25 minutes, raise the temperature to 425 to 450 F degrees and then bake a little longer (usually 5-7 minutes). I tested this recipe several times and did not think it was necessary to bake it in two stages. However, I recommend keeping an eye on it after the 18th-minute mark.
  • Sesame seeds cook faster than the simit dough: Be careful when you open the oven door at the end of the baking process as some smoke might come out due to sesame seeds cooking faster than the limit. 
  • Istanbul Simit vs. Street Simit: If you ever visit Turkey, you will see that the simit sold on the street does not have this much sesame seeds because sesame seeds are costly. My mom, who grew up in Istanbul, always made simit with a lot of sesame seeds, similar to how I did here. If you are not a fan, you can adjust the amount and use less.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How is Turkish simit different from American Bagel?

Compared to American bagels, the Turkish simit is lighter and crustier. Also, there is no boiling done during the process of making simit. Instead, we dip simit dough in a water-molasses mixture and coat it in sesame seeds before baking.

What does simit taste like?

It tastes like a lightly sweetened, savory crusty bread with a very pronounced sesame flavor.

Can I make this recipe without molasses?

While it is not traditional, you can use honey instead of molasses. However, please be aware that the taste might be slightly different. To do so, use a mixture of 5-6 tablespoons of honey and 4 tablespoons of water instead.

Can I use a stand mixer (like KitchenAid) instead of kneading the simit dough by hand?

Yes, you can, and I recommend using the dough hook to knead. Also, you might have to adjust the amount of flour by adding more until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl.

How many calories per serving?

Each serving of this recipe is 370 calories.

Other bread recipes you might also like

Other Turkish recipes you might like

Turkish simit bread placed in a bowl from the top
Print

Turkish Simit Recipe (Turkish Bagel)

Learn how to make Turkish bread recipe using my foolproof method. Traditionally served for breakfast, our version of bagel is easy to make with my step by step instructions.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Turkish
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 10 simits
Calories 370kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water at 110 F degrees (43 Celsius)
  • 1 cup whole milk at room temperature (or heavy cream)
  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast Or 3 (1/4 oz.) packets
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (Canola, avocado, and grapeseed oil would all work)
  • 5 cups all purpose flour (25 oz.) plus more for when kneading the dough and for the surface
  • 3 cups sesame seeds (12 oz.)
  • 7 tablespoons molasses diluted with 5 tablespoons of water

Instructions

  • Activate the yeast: Place water, milk, sugar, and active dry yeast into a measuring cup. Give it a quick whisk, cover it with stretch film, and let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbles form on top.
  • Make the dough: Place 5 cups (700 grams) of all-purpose flour, kosher salt, oil, egg, and now-risen yeast-milk mixture in a large mixing bowl. Start mixing by hand until it comes together. Lightly dust the counter with flour and transfer the dough onto the surface. Knead by hand to form a smooth and elastic dough until the dough is not sticking to your fingers. This may take around 15 -17 minutes.
  • Let the simit dough rise: Lightly wet a kitchen towel with hot tap water and place it over the dough. Let it sit on the kitchen counter until it doubles in size, 30-45 minutes.
  • Toast sesame seeds: While the dough is rising, place sesame seeds in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, and toast until they turn golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Transfer into a large shallow plate to cool.
  • Roll The Dough into a Cylinder: Fold the dough from each end onto itself towards the middle, gently pinch, and roll into a cylinder of roughly 20-inches (51 cm.)
  • Using a sharp knife or a pastry scraper, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces, transfer onto a sheet pan (lined with parchment paper), and cover it with a clean kitchen towel (to prevent them from drying as you work on each piece)
  • Preheat the oven to 400 F degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Shape the dough and let it rest: Roll each dough ball into a roughly 40-inch (102 cm) long strand. Fold the string onto itself using your finger to hold it in the middle. Twist the dough in the opposite direction to form a spiral rope. Roll it into a 5-inch diameter ring and gently pinch the end to seal.
  • Transfer the now-shaped simits onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the same process for the rest of the dough balls. Let them rest until they rise for 30 minutes. How much they rise depends on the temperature of your kitchen. (You can learn more about this in the tips section below)
  • Mix together molasses with water in a large shallow plate. Bring in the sesame seeds. First, dip simit into the molasses mixture (on both sides) and then into the sesame seeds making sure that all sides are fully covered with sesame seeds. Transfer onto a baking sheet and repeat the same process for the rest of the limit.
  • Bake both sheets in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown making sure to rotate them from top to bottom halfway through the baking process. Let them cool for 5 minutes and serve while still warm.

Notes

  • To store leftovers: Bring simit to room temperature, place in a plastic bag, remove the air out as much as you can, and store at room temperature. It should be fresh for up to 2 days. You can toast it for a few minutes before serving.
  • To freeze: Repeat the same process but place in the freezer instead. When ready to serve, let it thaw for 10 minutes on the counter, and then heat it in a preheated 300 F degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
  • The shape doesn’t matter:  If this is your first time trying your hand in making this Turkish simit recipe and if your simit strands don’t look like the ones in the pictures, do not worry. I promise that they will look better as they rise, and regardless of their appearance, they will taste great after they are baked. You will get the hang of it after you make it a few times.
  • The temperature of the water & milk: For the active dry yeast to get activated, your water must be around 110 F degrees (43 Celsius), and your milk (or heavy cream) is at room temperature. If they are colder or warmer, the yeast might not get activated, and as a result, your simit Turkish bread might fall flat.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 462mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 499mg | Iron: 7mg

This Turkish Simit recipe post was originally published in April of 2014. It has been updated with new photos and minor changes to the originally published recipe in March of 2020.

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