Category: Home Kitchen

Pin this recipe for later! All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy,…

You might be asking yourself, “Why on earth would I bake spaghetti??” Well, let me tell you. This Baked Spaghetti…

One-pan meals are always a hit in my house. They’re easy to make, cleanup is SO quick, and when they’re…

Nothing beats a herby, bright salad dressing on a hot day (or any time of year, really). I love this…

This Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie has become one of those easy, go-to recipes in my kitchen. I first made…

Caesar salads are one of my favorite meals. I love the crunchy lettuce and the tangy dressing with a big…

It’s no secret here in the Budget Bytes studio that we’re all addicted to coffee! We trade off whose buying…

Who says fruit doesn’t belong in a main dish? I’ve flipped that idea on its head with these stunning Summer…

A Classic BLT Sandwich doesn’t need any bells or whistles to be amazing, which is kind of the point. When…

This time of year, we always have an abundance of peaches on hand. I can’t pass up peaches at the…

Tuna salad can be really delicious when it’s done right. My Classic Tuna Salad recipe has all the basics plus…

There’s nothing like the bright, smoky flavors of summer in a dish, and this Elote-Style Street Corn Pasta Salad brings…

One bowl, five ingredients, and a hand mixer are all that stand between you and the creamiest Chocolate Buttercream Frosting…

This Classic Vanilla Cake recipe keeps things simple while delivering incredible flavor and texture. When I was testing it, I…

These Grilled Shrimp and Veggie Foil Packs have got the kind of flavor that makes people think you worked some…

I’m telling you right now, these easy Beef Enchiladas are not your average weeknight dinner. They’re bold, a little unexpected,…

I’ve had a soft spot for green beans ever since I was a kid. One of my childhood memories is…

If you’re dealing with an overabundance of garden zucchini and thinking, ‘what am I even supposed to do with all…

This Teriyaki Salmon recipe might be a little pricier than some of my usual meals, but it’s worth every penny.…

Hey, friends. Big changes are coming to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as “food stamps”) as part of the new federal…

Let me introduce you to my new drink of the summer, the Brazilian Lemonade! This 3‑ingredient recipe uses whole fresh…

There’s something about peach season that gets me every time. When those ripe, juicy peaches start showing up at the…

I’ll never forget the time I stayed with my Great Aunt Mary Lou in NYC. As a thank-you, I did…

Peach cobbler has always been a special dessert in my family. It’s my mom’s favorite, and this recipe is my…

It’s peach season, y’all!! And you know what that means? Grilling season is in full swing, too! So, let’s bring…

I’m a big fan of Tex-Mex, and there’s just something about grilling that makes it all taste even better. In…

This Summer Lentil Salad is one of those recipes I always forget how much I love, until I make it…

I can’t stress enough how delicious this Tomato Butter is. Especially now that it’s tomato season, I’m begging you to…

I love fresh salads year-round, but there’s no contest when it comes to zucchini picked fresh in the summertime! If…

I LOVE ANYTHING MUSHROOM! Clearly, I was excited to create this riff on a classic patty melt, but with a…

Pin this recipe for later! All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy,…

It’s grilling season, so it’s only natural that I make my own homemade BBQ Sauce! This sweet, smoky, and tangy…

If you’re a mom working 9-5 like me (or heck, a busy college student—I still remember those days!), you know…

There’s just something about summer that immediately makes me want to fire up the grill and chill! And when zucchini…

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love corn on the cob in the summertime. I’m that person at…

There’s nothing more summery than a tall glass of icy cold lemonade. Go claim your favorite porch swing or rocking…

My mom is the reason why I fell in love with cooking. I could name dozens of recipes I’ve learned…

I’ll take any excuse to fire up the grill, and these Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers have been a favorite of…

If you’re intimidated by okra, let me stop you right there! This super-easy, absolutely delicious summertime Grilled Okra recipe is…

I’m all about simple, one-skillet chicken dinners that don’t break the bank, deliver big flavor, and can win over any…

A salad this simple has no business being so delicious, but it just is. This Classic Three Bean Salad has…

When it comes to everyday classics like chicken salad, the only thing you should ever consider changing (in my opinion)…

I’m already dreaming of Friday, so I’m going to throw a quick little pizza recipe at ya! BBQ Chicken Pizza…

Beets are in my top 5 favorite vegetables, for SURE. They’re sweet yet earthy and visually stunning. They can be…

In my opinion, there’s truly no comparison when it comes to aromatic in-season zucchini and wrapped-in-plastic off-season zucchini. The earthy…

Lasagna has always held a special place in my heart. But as much as I love a slow-cooked, oven-baked version,…

There are two things I know for sure. You can’t come to a BBQ empty-handed, and everyone loves dessert. This…

It doesn’t matter if you enjoy a good old Bloody Mary with or without some alcohol; this homemade Bloody Mary…

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Okay, okay, okay, while I love a good rich and creamy southern-style potato salad, sometimes I want something different. I…

I never knew I was a coleslaw person until I made it myself. I had eaten it plenty of times…

If you’ve never tried rhubarb before, it’s tart, crisp, and only around for a short season, so grab it while…

The first time I made this Grilled Sausage and Peppers Foil Packet recipe, I already knew I was onto a…

This is my boyfriend’s favorite pie, and there’s a good reason why. If you’ve never had Strawberry Rhubarb Pie before,…

Let’s talk about baked potatoes for a second. This simple food is waaaaay overlooked, in my opinion. They’re inexpensive, easy…

Even though it’s been 14 years since I first shared this recipe, I still believe the marinade for this Chicken…

There’s just something about food that you can slice and share that makes it instantly more fun, right? Stromboli has…

I’ve been making this Baked Chicken Chimichanga recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults.…

No need to buy those expensive fruit dips at the grocery store! This simple Fruit Dip recipe is easy to…

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta, and this Vodka Sauce has become a go-to in our house.…

I get a lot of requests for low-carb and/or gluten-free options when it comes to home cooking. I get it;…

This recipe got me loving Nashville Hot Chicken. I was never a fan and didn’t get the hype until I…

Fun fact: Borscht is one of my favorite soups of all time! I love beets because of their natural beauty,…

I used to think pork chops were tricky to get right, but this Creamy Pork Chops recipe completely changed my…

This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s crazy cheap, feeding a family of 6 for just over a…

Maybe a fancy craft cocktail isn’t in your budget this year (sheesh, mine either), but Simple Syrup should still be…

I first shared this cozy, comforting Sopa de Fideo recipe way back in 2014, after a trip to Mexico. Every…

This fresh and colorful Cowboy Caviar recipe combines two types of beans, delicious summer vegetables, and a sweet and tangy…

There’s just nothing like homemade Orange Rolls fresh from the oven and a hot cup of coffee to kick off…

This recipe takes me all the way back to my childhood. I vividly remember my mom making Salmon Patties for…

There I go again, treating vegetables like they’re steaks! I don’t know if you’ve spent much time staring at the…

If you’ve never experienced the bold, incredible flavors of Butter Chicken, then boy, are you in for a treat! My…

One surefire way I can always get even the most discerning meat lovers in my family to eat kale is…

There’s nothing I hate more than ordering a Wedge Salad at a nice restaurant because I KNOW how inexpensive and…

Mexican night goes fully vegetarian with these crispy, flavorful, budget-friendly Chile Rellenos! The deep flavor from the poblano peppers is…

Let’s be honest: avoiding alcohol altogether is a great way to save money, especially if you’re going out to bars…

Raise your hand if you always fill up on chips and salsa at the Mexican restaurant before your entrée arrives.…

I recently posted my recipe for sourdough starter here on the blog, so I couldn’t leave y’all hanging! Once you…

When you can’t decide if you want a cookie or cake for your birthday (or, honestly, any day of the…

I’m all about the sheet pan dinners these days! This Sheet Pan Easter Dinner is particularly handy because it makes…

It’s no secret that I’m an egg fanatic (check my logo). Hard-boiled eggs are easy to cook and so extremely…

Zuppa Toscana is probably one of the richest, most hearty soups out there and is definitely one of my favorites.…

I’m not sure there’s anyone who loves steel cut oatmeal more than I do! This Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal…

Buying the family value packs of frozen salmon seems to be the only budget-friendly way to eat fish aside from…

Oh my goulash, you guys. It’s not often that I use wine in my cooking because it can be pretty…

It’s no secret just how much I love a good meatball recipe, and this one is an oldie but a…

You already know my love for salad runs deep, and there’s nothing better than a hearty dinner salad…especially as the…

There are SO many ways to make a soul-warming, homemade Gumbo, but this recipe is the one I always make…

OMG. This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is, without a doubt, STILL one of my all-time favorite take-out fake-out recipes I’ve ever…

Spring is finally here! I have to confess, the holidays are lovely and all, but I start counting the days…

So, I hear you’re trying to sneak in some extra protein and avoid carbs these days? I hear ya! Springtime…

Banana Muffins are an absolute favorite in our household. I bake these muffins at least twice a month because my…

Ahhh, red beans and rice. This classic dish has been filling hungry bellies on a dime for centuries. In fact,…

Corned Beef and Cabbage is a recipe my mother has been making for years. She always kept it simple, nothing…

Cabbage casserole is one of those old-fashioned Southern recipes that always hits the spot. It’s warm, creamy, and SO easy…

I’m all about cozy soups and stews this time of year, and my slow cooker white chicken chili has always…

Look at us crunchy hippies, calling all kinds of vegetables steaks. I know it seems far-fetched, but these Cabbage Steaks…

I am so excited to share this super easy vegan recipe with you because it’s one of my favorites. This…

Friends, it’s time for an oldie but goodie! Brunswick Stew is a hearty stew made with tender roasted meat, lots…

Maybe I’m wrong, but I think Poutine is to Canada as hot chicken is to Nashville nowadays. It’s one of…

This Loaded Cauliflower Bowls recipe is one of my family’s weekly go-to meals. We all love cauliflower and enjoy customizing…

Whether it’s served in a cozy pub or around a family table in the countryside, Bangers and Mash is a…

I don’t know about you, but nothing beats a big bowl of homemade soup—especially when it’s creamy, hearty, and made…

I’m a big fan of easy pasta recipes, especially ones that include chicken and lots of veggies. This easy Chicken…

I’m not kidding when I say this Coconut Rice is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. There’s something…

I know pork chops get a bad rap for being dry, tough, hockey-puck-like pieces of meat that no one gets excited…

Confession time: I made these Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs out of lazy desperation one day in the studio when…

Fresh carrots are one of the most budget-friendly and versatile ingredients at the grocery store. So when money is tight,…

When I’m in the throes of a busy week and don’t have time to whip up something extravagant for dinner,…

I love meatballs and have several recipes for fun meatball recipe variations on the website already, but I wanted to…

I’m on a mission to prove to everyone just how easy Spaghetti Carbonara is to make. Even though I first…

When I want fajitas but steaks are not in my budget, it means I have to get creative. Introducing these…

A good Steak Marinade is a lifesaver when you are cooking tougher cuts of steak. It not only tenderizes the…

This Easy Homemade Falafel recipe is one of the first recipes I shared on here after getting my food processor…

The concept of meatloaf kind of makes me raise an eyebrow because, well, it’s a loaf of meat. But when…

Mexican nights at our house are always a favorite. My family loves them because it’s so easy to customize the…

We’re particularly lucky in Nashville, having so many international restaurants all over the city. My family’s favorite splurge is going…

If you’ve ever been nervous about cooking an entire chuck roast, this delicious crock pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is…

Homemade seasoning mixes are my jam! They’re just so easy to make and way cheaper than buying store-bought seasoning. This…

It’s been almost 10 years since I first shared this recipe for Matzo Ball Soup, and to this day, it’s…

Garlic is one of my favorite ingredients. Being a member of the allium family, along with my favorite ingredient of…

If you’re looking for a new dish to make this week, look no further than this delicious Greek Chicken and…

Whoa. Just, WHOA. I’ve never smelled anything as lovely and drool-inducing as this Crockpot Beef Stew. The incredible aroma had…

Whoa. Just, WHOA. I’ve never smelled anything as lovely and drool-inducing as this Crockpot Beef Stew. The incredible aroma had…

Listen, I know it’s probably weird, but if I had to choose a last meal, it would be a salad,…

You guys know how much I love my one pot meals. They’re easy, cozy, and always satisfying. This Chicken and…

We love eggs here at Budget Bytes (hence our logo!), but out of all the ways to cook an egg,…

Whenever I can make a recipe that’s healthy and suitable for a wide range of dietary requirements—all while sticking to…

Whenever I’m craving a dinner that’s easy to put together and is full of flavor, I make this delicious Chicken…

There isn’t a more creamy and dreamy budget-friendly dessert than Rice Pudding with its warm flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and…

Taco soup was one of the first things I ever posted on Budget Bytes, and now, 16 years later, I’m…

For me, the only thing that’s more nostalgic “New York” than watching the ball drop in Times Square on New…

This Cauliflower Parmesan recipe is one my family enjoys on a regular basis, and I’m so excited to share it…

Whether you’re preparing a spread for a football game, having friends and family over for Christmas or New Year, or…

Whenever I’m in need of a serious pick-me-up, I make this homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe and all feels right…

These 3 ingredient Sugared Cranberries are the perfect budget-friendly way to immediately elevate any holiday spread! Everyone who sees them…

There’s nothing more American than pie, so they say, and nothing more festive if you ask me! The holidays are…

Have you ever not been a fan of something unless it was cooked or made a certain way? That’s how…

I feel like everyone needs a good go-to stovetop potato recipe in their back pocket. These Skillet Breakfast Potatoes are…

These rich and creamy Scalloped Potatoes will become the little black dress of your dinner table! Fabulous enough for Easter,…

Calling all bacon lovers! Take your regular bacon up a notch with this easy Candied Bacon recipe. This is one…

I’m sure we all know by now that making coffee at home instead of hitting the drive-through can save you…

As soon as the weather turns cool, I grab the cozy sweaters and start cooking all the comfort food, like…

Homemade Sugar Cookies are budget-friendly, simple to make, and a delicious way to create memories that will last a lifetime.…

You are four ingredients away from heaven! When it comes to a perfectly luscious and light dessert, it doesn’t get…

If you’re looking to feed a crowd this winter, my Savory Bread Pudding recipe is the answer! It takes a…

You may recall from my apple crumble blog post that my family’s favorite tradition is going apple picking together every…

Are you looking for a dessert that is equally as delicious and easy to make? Look no further! These Chocolate…

One pan meals like this Chicken and Apples Skillet are my favorite any day of the week! This easy skillet…

Sure, you could wrap everything in bacon for your holiday appetizer spread if you wanted to, but when you offer…

A thoughtfully made shrub is the perfect way to add a burst of tart, fruity flavor to your mocktails or…

My family loves a savory breakfast, and these Sausage and Cheese Hand Pies are the easiest grab-and-go option for busy…

It’s my professional opinion that whenever you dust a baked good with powdered sugar, it becomes instantly classy. So, while…

If you’ve never made Coffee Cake before, then boy, are you in for a treat! This breakfast cake is buttery,…

These homemade Marinated Olives will bring your next gathering to a whole new level! They’re the perfect appetizer for just…

One-pot soup recipes like this Butternut Squash and Black Bean Soup are essential for me this time of year. This…

This fudgy, gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake recipe is SO EASY to make, and it doubles as a magic trick—perfect to…

Nothing beats Thanksgiving leftovers, but eventually, even the best turkey sandwiches get old. If you don’t want to see any…

Need something to do with all of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? I’ve got the perfect solution. These Turkey Sliders are…

There’s nothing I love more than a fresh, raw side dish at a heavy holiday meal. This tangy and bright…

Is there anything better on earth than a big bowl of buttery Mashed Potatoes? I mean real, homemade mash. It’s…

I love a hearty salad with a variety of delicious toppings and a homemade dressing…and these Thanksgiving Bowls are just…

I’ve been on a bit of a dessert kick recently, so I think it’s about time to share my go-to…

I’ve been watching my mother make homemade Turkey Gravy for years. It always came together so quickly and easily. And…

Looking for a quick and easy side dish for those busy weeknights or to go with your holiday meal? This…

What’s Thanksgiving without a homemade Green Bean Casserole?…a pretty sad turkey day if you ask me! That creamy mushroom sauce,…

Potatoes: one of the most filling budget-friendly foods out there! This recipe for Mashed Potato Casserole will fill up everybody’s…

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this apple Sausage Stuffing recipe needs a permanent spot on your holiday menu!…

There are plenty of kale haters out there, but I’m not one of them. Quite the opposite, in fact! I…

I’m pretty certain this easy Squash Casserole recipe will be the only one you make from now on! Why? The…

One of my favorite sides to load up on at the holiday dinner table is Creamed Corn! This budget-friendly side…

Alright friends, say goodbye to the hassle of making a whole turkey for the holidays, and hello to this simple…

This Stuffed Butternut Squash is one of my go-to recipes when I have a bunch of family in town for…

Whether you plan on making a big turkey for thanksgiving this year or a smaller turkey breast, taking the extra…

Brussels sprouts are in season in most places starting in October, peaking in December, making this tangy, sweet Shaved Brussels…

As we say goodbye to peaches in the summertime, I stay positive and look forward to the next season… pear…

Get a sweet dose of fall and make dinner extra special with these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes. Perfectly cooked sweet…

If there’s one way to feed a large family or to have extra leftovers for the week, you can always…

You’ll be hard-pressed to find another flavor combination more beloved than chocolate and peanut butter! This creamy, light Peanut Butter…

The easiest way to make a batch of creamy macaroni and cheese for your next family gathering or Sunday dinner…

Acorn Squash is one of my favorite varieties of squash. It’s pretty dynamic, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone…

Aside from breaking out your sweaters and fuzzy socks, what screams “Autumn has arrived!” more than gooey Pumpkin Brownies? This…

Maybe it’s an unpopular opinion, but I prefer a savory breakfast to a sweet breakfast 10/10. I’m even happier when…

If you don’t know already, I’m a bit of a rookie homesteader; my husband and I grow our own vegetables,…

Quick and easy one-skillet meals are always my favorite and this Sweet Potato Black Bean skillet is no exception. It’s…

If you’re looking for a hearty fall or winter meal that’ll fill up everyone’s bellies, look no further than this…

Butter Tarts are up there with poutine and maple syrup when it comes to Canadiana for me. The flaky pastry,…

I have a soft spot for pasta recipes, especially ones made with a delicious marinara sauce and covered with lots…

When I’m feeding skeptical meat-eaters vegetarian cuisine, mushrooms are one of my favorite magic tricks. Mushrooms are one of the…

When I was teaching first-year culinary students at Niagara College in Ontario, the egg classes were always fun for me.…

If you’ve been around for a while then you probably know how much we love meatball recipes over here at…

Pumpkin Spice Season is upon us! My stepdaughter and I have a fall tradition; we hit the coffee shop for…

Are you an onion hater? If so, these velvety-smooth Caramelized Onions might just change your mind! I love onions in…

Truth be told, I don’t always love making desserts. As a chef, I’m way more into savory foods, so I…

My family is a hummus family, through and through. My husband, stepdaughter, and I love to make White Bean Hummus,…

Seafood was always a special treat in my family growing up. My grandparents and mother loved it, so I learned…

Any time I can meal-prep lunches for the week, I’m all in! These Muffaletta Roll Ups are a fun twist…

Between working full-time, mom life, and taking care of our farm, I am busy 110% of the time. When my…