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Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato

Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato is the ultimate comfort food. These taters are stuffed with cheesy and buttery potato filling with pops of crunchy bacon and green onions.

Baked loaded potatoes with bacon and green onions on a baking sheet

If you've never had Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato, you are in for a treat! This fun recipe is typically enjoyed as as side dish. So you may want to pair it with healthy protein like grilled chicken and a large salad to keep things balanced. These Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato are what carb dreams are made of.

Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato

Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato is a loaded version of Twice Baked Potatoes.

And the name is says it all. Part of the process is baking potatoes...twice. But the second time around, we're throwing in lots of delicious additions like cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

The result is a delicious, creamy, and hearty comfort food that can be paired with additional protein (like these Instant Pot Ribs) and a salad.

Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese on baking sheet with green onions

What are the best potatoes to use in Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes?

Russets are the best choice for Twice Baked Potatoes as well as these Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes. Their large size is a perfect serving size. One whole potato (two halves) is a generous serving for a main dish, and one half works great as a side.

Moreover, the skin of russet potatoes is a lot more sturdy than any other variety of potatoes, which makes it easier to hollow them out and fill with all the delicious stuffings.

Russet potatoes are also great because the higher starch content results in fluffier mashed potatoes.

When choosing potatoes, look for ones that are oblong in length but with a round circumference crosswise. Potatoes that are more flat will yield shallow potato skins so you want to choose ones that are more uniform.

Can you overcook a baked potato?

Potatoes are a pretty hardy root but even still, there is such a thing as an overbaked potato. Wrinkled potato skins and a very dry and flavorless flesh is the result of overbaked potatoes so be sure to set a timer when baking potatoes.

Depending on the size of your spuds, you want to bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 50-60 minutes. You can test the doneness of the potatoes when they give off a sweet aroma and are soft to touch.

Wrapping potatoes in foil is not recommended as it traps moisture causing the skin to be wet and the inside gummy and soggy.

Easy Twice Baked Potatoes with green onions, cheddar and bacon

What are the ingredients in the Best Twice Baked Potatoes?

These loaded Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes have all your favorite comfort-food ingredients. Let's take a look:

  • Russet Potatoes - You can't make Twice Baked Potatoes with the potatoes. Luckily, these starchy root vegetables are readily available in most American grocery stores and are relatively inexpensive compared to other varieties. Because we are cooking and eating the skin, we highly suggest opting for organic potatoes to reduce pesticide exposure.
  • Bacon - Potatoes and bacon are a match made in food heaven. For ease and convenience, you can make Bacon Bits using these simple instructions here, or you can bake a few strips in the oven for a mess-free option. We love our Butcher Box bacon and have been using them for years because the quality is unmatched. Check out my ButcherBox review and see if it's worth it for your family.
  • Dairy (butter, sour cream, milk) - To make that mashed potato filling creamy and luscious.
  • Seasonings (garlic powder, paprika) - Adds an extra punch of flavor to an already delicious side dish.
  • Cheese - Most any kind of cheese that melts well will work in this dish but an all-time favorite is cheddar. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby, etc... Most cheese will be stirred into the creamy mashed potato filling but be sure to reserve some as topping.
  • Green Onions - A classic way to finish off Twice Baked Potatoes with this common garnish.

Common Questions:

Why are my mashed potatoes gummy?

To avoid gummy potatoes, be sure to mash potatoes while they are still warm. Additionally, avoid overmixing the potatoes as that can also contribute to gummy mashed potatoes.

Can these Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes be made dairy free?

Yes, you may use your favorite dairy-free swap for sour cream and nut milk for milk/half and half. You can omit the cheese entirely. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different without the dairy ingredients and these will no longer be Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes.

Can you freeze Twice Baked Potatoes?

Yes! Twice Baked Potatoes, though incredibly comforting and delicious, do take a fair amount of time to make. So it makes sense to make them in larger quantities and freeze for later. This recipe works great to double and freeze half for an easy meal next time. Follow the instructions below for making these Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato ahead.

Bacon on Stuffed baked potato

Make Ahead Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato:

Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes are great to make ahead of time and refrigerate them for later that evening. They can also be frozen and reheated for another time. Follow these make ahead tips for best flavor:

  • Make these baked potatoes per recipe but don't bake them the second time. Allow the potatoes to chill completely. You may transfer to the refrigerator for later use or freeze according to instructions below.
  • Freezing Instructions in Casserole Dish: You may freeze these loaded potatoes in a freezer-safe casserole dish, then cover well with foil or lid and transfer to freezer.
  • Freezing Instructions for Single Servings: To individually freeze twice baked potatoes: wrap potato halves in foil and transfer to freezer.
  • Reheating twice baked potatoes: To bake directly from the freezer, bake the casserole dish covered at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes or until mostly warmed through. Uncover, top with additional cheese if desired, and bake for 15 minutes until completely warmed through and cheese is melted. Use the same process for reheating individual servings. To reheat thawed potatoes, don't cover the dish with foil and reduce the bake time to 20-25 minutes or until completely warmed through and cheese is melted.
  • Another tip to make these an easy side dish is to make bacon bits in bulk. Follow instructions in this post how to make bacon crumbles.

Recipe for Baked Potato with Cheese and Bacon

  1. Bake potatoes and bacon: prick washed and dried potatoes a few times with a fork. Coat lightly with oil and bake until fork tender. Using same oven temperature, cook bacon in the oven on the bottom rack for 16-18 minutes.
  2. Drain cooked bacon on paper towels, set aside to cool, then chop or crumble. Remove potatoes from oven and lower the temperature.
  3. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh. In a bowl, combine together mashed potatoes, butter, sour cream, milk and seasonings.
  4. Add to the mashed potatoes half of each: cheese, green onions, chopped bacon and combine.How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes with step by step instructions
  5. Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
  6. Return potatoes back to the oven and bake until heated through and cheese melted. Garnish with remaining green onions.Combined mashed potato stuffing back into potato skins

Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

Printable Recipe

Baked loaded potatoes with bacon and green onions on a baking sheet
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes

Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato is the ultimate comfort food. These taters are stuffed with cheesy and buttery potato filling with pops of crunchy bacon and green onions.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Second Baking15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon and cheddar baked potato, baked potatoes,, loaded baked potato, twice baked potato
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 578kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

  • 6 russet potatoes (approx. 6 ounce ea.) scrubbed and fully dried
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 8 strips bacon divided
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup milk or half & half
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Monterrey, Mexican, etc..) divided
  • ½ cup green onions divided

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prick each potato a few times with a fork. Brush with avocado oil. Bake potatoes for 45 minutes or until fork tender on middle or top rack of the oven.
    Step 1: baking potatoes
  • Meanwhile, cook bacon either in a frying pan on medium-low heat for 10 minutes or in the same oven as potatoes on the bottom rack for 20-23 minutes. Drain on paper towels, cool, then chop.
    Step 2: Cook bacon and drain
  • Remove potatoes from oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh of the potato into a medium bowl, leaving about ¼" of the potato skin.
    Step 3: scoop out the flesh of potato
  • Combine scooped out potatoes, butter, sour cream, milk, and seasonings with a potato masher or handheld mixer (do not overmix).
    Step 4: combine potato, butter, sour cream and seasonings together
  • Add half of the green onions, cheese, and bacon crumbles and combine well. Add additional milk if necessary to reach creamy consistency.
    Step 5: Add cheese, bacon, and green onions to mashed potato mixture
  • Spoon mashed potato filling back into the potato skins, making slight mounds in the middle. Top with remaining cheese and bacon. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
    Bacon on Stuffed baked potato
  • Garnish with additional green onions, parsley, or dollop of sour cream.
    Close up of baked potatoes with bacon and green onions

Notes

A generous serving size is 2 potato halves (and what Nutrition Facts reflects).
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven until heated through.
To Freeze Baked Potatoes:
Follow instructions per recipe but skip the second baking. Freeze stuffed potatoes in a casserole dish or individually wrapped in foil. Will keep in freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat Twice Baked Potatoes:
To reheat frozen potatoes, transfer to a casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake covered at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes. Remove cover, top with cheese, and continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melted. Top with green onions if desired.
To reheat thawed potatoes, bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melted. Top with green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 721mg | Potassium: 1057mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 884IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 342mg | Iron: 2mg


If you liked this Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below. ⇓

Twice Baked Potatoes text overlay on picture of baked potatoes with bacon and green onions

5-Minute Spicy Mayo (Mayo with Sriracha)

This sriracha mayo recipe is the perfect condiment for your favorite dishes. It's spicy, creamy, and full of flavor. Ready in 5 minutes, this mayo with sriracha is great as a dip, dressing, or sauce for poke bowls, fries, and more!

Sriracha mayo in a clear bowl, and there’s a spoon with it.
Looking for more simple condiments? 
Check out spicy garlic yogurt sauce, avoocado oil mayonnaise, and buffalo sauce.
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💡Recipe Overview

  • Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes to prep
  • Cooking Method: No cook
  • Dietary Info: Keto, Paleo, Gluten-free, Dairy-free
  • Tools Needed: small bowl
  • Skill Level: Easy

What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Mayo and Sriracha: The Saucy Power Couple

There's probably not a single person who doesn't know what mayonnaise is, right? It's the dreamy creamy wonder that's basically the glue that holds every sandwich together.

Now, let's talk about sriracha. Oh, sriracha. This fiery, garlicky goodness has been around for centuries, originally created in Sri Racha, Thailand (hence the name), where it was used to spice up everything from noodles to omelettes.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and bam, Huy Fong Foods brought it stateside, putting it in nearly every pantry and dubbing it the iconic "rooster sauce."

So what happens when you combine these two legends? Magic. Throw in some lime juice to cut through the richness and toasted sesame seed oil - and it's perfection.

This spicy mayo gives you all the richness and creaminess of mayo, with a fiery kick from sriracha. It's the condiment you never knew you needed but will wonder how you lived without.

image of Prepare and Nourish owner

Ingredients for Spicy Mayonnaise

Ingredients for spicy mayo.
  • Mayo: This is the creamy, rich base that gives the sauce its smooth texture (so make sure it's good quality). It balances the heat from the sriracha and helps everything blend together into a luscious, spoonable condiment. My avocado oil mayonnaise recipe works great in this dip.
  • Sriracha: Grab your favorite sriracha sauce to give it just the heat this spicy mayo deserves. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want it.
  • Lime juice: A little fresh lime juice brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
  • Toasted sesame oil: Just a teeny tiny amount of sesame oil to add a nutty and smoky depth. It makes this sauce more interesting than just basic, boring spicy mayo.
sriracha mayo in a clear bowl, and there’s a spoon with it.

How to Make Mayo with Sriracha

The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

Mixing sriracha mayo in a white bowl.

Step 1. Mix

In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lime juice, and toasted sesame oil.

Sriracha mayo in a clear bowl, and there’s a spoon with it.

Step 2. Serve

Use immediately as a dip, sauce, or salad dressing. Or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Helpful Tips

  1. To make the drizzle consistency - Just add 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir well to combine to thin out the spicy mayo a bit. 
  2. Add extra flavor - Try adding a few teaspoons of garlic powder, onion powder, or a small squeeze of honey to balance the heat. 
  3. Adjust the spice level - If you like it milder, start with less sriracha and gradually add more to suit your taste. 

Product Highlight!

Refined-Sugar Free Sriracha

I love this Sriracha as it's naturally sweetened with dates and raisins instead of refined sugar. It still has all the bold, spicy flavor you expect, but with real food ingredients you can actually feel good about.

Grab yours →
yellowbird sriracha brand.
💭Meal Prep Suggestion!
Condiments and salad dressings are some of the easiest things to meal prep, and this spicy mayo fits right in — it takes just minutes to make and keeps well in the fridge all week for quick, flavor-packed meals.
Ahi tuna poke in a white bowl with mayonnaise and chopsticks on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Here's a quick list of serving suggestions for your mayo and sriracha - because let's be real, this stuff makes everything better.

Poke bowls: A must-have drizzle over anything poke. Need ideas? Try ahi tuna poke bowl, smoked salmon poke, or salmon poke.

Other seafood: Try it on salmon sushi bake or blackened cod tacos.

Dipping sauce: Perfect for sweet potato fries, crispy roasted potatoes, and air fryer zucchini.

Don't forget the meats: I've made this mayo with sriracha to serve with oven baked sausage and peppers and Instant Pot ribs before. Chef's kiss.

Sriracha mayo in a clear bowl, and there’s a spoon with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store mayo with sriracha?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to stir it well before using, as ingredients may slightly separate over time. 

It's too spicy for my taste! How do I tone it down?

No worries! If your mayo and sriracha is too hot, simply add a little more mayonnaise to balance out the heat. Cut back on the sriracha for a milder kick or use a mild chili sauce instead.

Can I use a different hot sauce instead of sriracha in spicy mayo?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of sriracha, you can use other hot sauces like sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce, or even a few dashes of Tabasco for a different heat profile. As always, I recommend checking that ingredient label so it doesn't have any funky ingredients. 

Looking for more related recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this mayo with sriracha? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

Printable Recipe

Sriracha mayo in a clear bowl, and there’s a spoon with it.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

5-Minute Spicy Mayo (Mayo with Sriracha)

This sriracha mayo recipe is the only spicy mayo you'll need. It's spicy, creamy, and full of flavor.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American, Asian
Keyword: mayo and sriracha, mayo with sriracha, sriracha mayo, sriracha mayo recipe
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 155kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil.
  • Use immediately as a dip, sauce, or salad dressing. Or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

This spicy sriracha mayo recipe yields ½ to ⅔ cup, making approximately 10 servings if you use about 1 tablespoon per serving. 
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to give it a good stir before using, as ingredients may slightly separate over time. 
Helpful Tips: 
  1. To make the drizzle consistency - Just add 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir well to combine to thin out the spicy mayo a bit. 
  2. Add extra flavor - Try adding a few teaspoons of garlic powder, onion powder, or a small squeeze of honey to balance the heat. 
  3. Adjust the spice level - If you like it milder, start with less sriracha and gradually add more to suit your taste. 

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (no canned soup!)

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is made from scratch and has no canned soup! It's a delicious comfort food featuring flaky tuna, gluten-free egg noodles, creamy onions and mushrooms, and peas. The best part is this old-fashioned classic meal can be on your table in 40 minutes.

tuna noodle casserole with serving scooped out.

Quick and delicious casserole recipes are essential for busy weeknights or when feeding a crowd. They provide a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Try chicken and potato bake or this chicken cabbage casserole for a tasty and stress-free dinner.

And now you can add this easy tuna noodle casserole to your meal prep as a healthy and delicious meal that will satisfy you.

This homemade version skips the canned condensed soup for a creamy and savory sauce packed with flavor. With protein-rich tuna and wholesome veggies, this classic comfort food will nourish you well.

Continue reading for the easy-to-follow recipe and tips to make it even more nutritious! You can also jump through the table of contents below to find the information you need quicker.

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Why you'll love this recipe

Easy comfort food - If you have fond memories of enjoying classic tuna casserole at family gatherings, making this comfort food will bring back happy memories. Plus, this easy dinner recipe can be on your table in 40 minutes.

No canned soup here - But not without flavor! The rich and savory made-from-scratch sauce using a combination of broth, milk, and cream cheese is enough to make you drool over this easy recipe.

It's hearty and filling - This easy tuna noodle casserole is a one-pan meal (technically two if you're counting the skillet) that combines protein-rich tuna, comforting noodles, and rich creamy sauce, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Make it work for you - A dish that's easily customized? Yes, please! Use your favorite noodles and veggies. Don't like peas? Skip them? Double up on the mushrooms if that's your thing. This cheesy tuna casserole is a versatile meal the whole family will love. 

💭Fun Fact: Tuna casserole was one of the most popular dishes served in American households during the 1950s and 60s, thanks to its affordability, ease of preparation, and ability to feed a large family. (source)
creamy mixture with mushrooms and peas added on top.

Ingredients

The classic tuna noodle casserole recipe has simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. The ingredient list may look long, but I promise, this meal comes together quickly once you get going.

  • Egg noodles: The noodles serve as the base, providing a comforting and filling element. This key ingredient adds texture and substance and absorbs the creamy sauce. The good news is that you can still enjoy this hearty meal with gluten-free noodles, and it won't taste any different!
  • Canned tuna: I prefer solid white albacore tuna packed in water. Wild Planet and Safe Catch are great wild-caught tuna brands using sustainable fishing practices called pole and line fishing.
  • Vegetables: Yellow onion, garlic, mushrooms, and frozen peas add flavor, texture, and nutrition to the pasta bake.
  • Cream cheese: This will help create a creamy base for the sauce. It adds richness to the dish, helping thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
  • Milk: Added to the cream cheese to thin it out and help create that sauce. You can also use half and half or sub this with broth.
  • Broth: This liquid gold is added to the creamy cheese sauce to add moisture and depth of flavor. It also helps to balance the creaminess and richness of the sauce. You can use vegetable or chicken broth.
  • Cheeses: Cheddar cheese added to the bake adds savory and salty flavor and complements the tuna and creamy sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and satisfying finish.

You will also need a few tablespoons of butter to saute the veggies, salt and black pepper, and fresh or dried parsley for garnish.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Make it Nutrient Dense

Staying true to the heart of Prepare and Nourish, there are intentional steps you can take to maximize nutrition in this old-fashioned tuna casserole. We're already starting with the best tuna noodle casserole recipe without a can of soup but there's more! Check out these simple tips:

Start with healthy fat. The recipe calls for sauteing veggies in a healthy fat like butter. I love my local grass-fed butter, but Kerrygold from Ireland is also a great option. Alternatively, you can use beef tallow or lard. If you prefer using an oil, I recommend avocado or extra virgin olive oil.

Use quality dairy ingredients. If budget allows, go with good quality dairy products like grass-fed cheese and organic whole milk. Even better if you can source raw dairy. Check the cream cheese ingredients to ensure they do not have gums or thickeners - Nancy's Yogurt is a great brand!

Add bone broth. The broth is a nutrient-rich food that comes with many health benefits. I like to include broth in as many of our meals as possible. Adding this to thin out the creamy sauce adds richness, flavor, and nutrition. For a milder casserole, use chicken broth, but beef broth is an excellent choice if you want a little more depth.

Serve with fermented food. A spoonful of fermented condiments like raw sauerkraut or red cabbage kraut is always an excellent idea to help support gut health.

Tips to Make Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole

I love this tuna casserole from scratch because you can easily customize it with your favorite noodles.

To achieve a traditional, classic tuna casserole recipe, I used gluten-free egg noodles from Jovial. This whole-grain brown rice egg tagliatelle pasta tastes like regular pasta but without gluten.

You can also make this easy dinner recipe keto and low-carb by using zucchini noodles or long strands of spaghetti squash instead of egg noodles.

The good news is that because the cream sauce does not contain flour, you won't have to modify any other part of the recipe to convert it to low carb should you use a veggie-based noodle.

tuna noodle casserole on white plate.

Helpful Tips

Cook noodles in salted water. Use the package directions for cooking noodles, but ensure the water is heavily salted for the best flavor.

Season with salt. I didn't include the salt amount in the recipe card because that will depend heavily on your ingredients, such as broth and cheese. Do a taste test of the creamy sauce after adding all the ingredients and adjust as needed.

Total liquid amount. You can vary the amount of milk, heavy cream, half and half, or broth you use, but you need one cup to thin out the cream cheese and create a decadent sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The complete printable recipe with specific details is below in the recipe card for your convenience.

This easy tuna casserole recipe has a few different elements going on but comes together quickly. Cook the pasta, make the homemade creamy sauce, toss to combine, and bake in the oven until golden brown. It helps to have all the ingredients ready to go.

egg noodles in white baking dish.

Step 1. Cook noodles

Cook the egg noodles until they are al dente and transfer to a baking dish.

onions and mushrooms sauteed in stainless steel skillet.

Step 2. Saute veggies

Meanwhile, saute onions and mushrooms in butter over medium heat until softened.

💭Pro tip: "Al dente" is an Italian term commonly used to describe pasta that is cooked to a firm, but tender texture. In English, it translates "to the tooth."
cream cheese block added to milky mushroom mixture in large skillet.

Step 3. Add liquids

Add broth, milk, and cream cheese and gently simmer until thickened and combined well.

flaky tuna with cheese added to creamy mixture in skillet.

Step 4. Stir in rest

Next, add the frozen peas, grated cheese, and flaky tuna. Stir to combine everything.

💭Pro tip: Use low heat when making sauce with dairy products to prevent the milk from boiling over and stir often to help distribute heat, breaking up the block of cream cheese.
Gluten-Free Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 5. Combine everything

Pour the creamy mixture over the noodles in the casserole dish and stir to combine.

cheese on top on casserole in dish.

Step 6. Bake casserole

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and bake until bubbly. Broil for the last 5 minutes to brown the tops.

tuna noodle casserole in white baking dish.

Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you make this recipe. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store, but having a link helps you know what you're looking for.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish this casserole meal with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.

We love serving this healthy tuna casserole with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple house dressing.

You can also pair your favorite vegetable such as roasted broccoli or buttery garlic green beans.

Easy Tuna Casserole pairing suggestions

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can learn more about properly storing this classic casserole in a designated post on how long does tuna casserole last in the fridge.

Storage containers: Glass containers are a terrific option as they can go from fridge to oven. These glass snap containers are perfect for that purpose.

To reheat: Leftover tuna casserole can be safely reheated on the stovetop, traditional oven, Instant Pot, or air fryer. Using one of these four methods gives you best results without drying out the casserole. Learn how to reheat tuna casserole properly.

tuna noodle casserole with mushrooms and peas in white dish.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out. Let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven to bake.

What other veggies would be good in tuna casserole?

Onions, mushrooms, and peas are a classic addition to tuna casserole, but you can add steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans. Remember that it has to be parcooked before adding it to the casserole mixture, so gently steam it or blanch it first.

Can you freeze tuna casserole?

You can freeze tuna casserole for 2-3 months if properly stored. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Check out the post on reheating previously cooked casserole to achieve the best flavor. The texture may slightly change, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make healthy tuna casserole without canned soup?

This recipe is fantastic for skipping canned soup and making tuna casserole from scratch. The good news is that you can still achieve that same creaminess and rich flavor by swapping out a can of soup for a mixture of cream cheese, milk, broth, and seasonings.

Looking for more related recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this? Please leave a ⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

Printable Recipe

tuna noodle casserole on white plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (no canned soup!)

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is made from scratch and has no canned soup! It's a delicious comfort food featuring flaky tuna, gluten-free egg noodles, creamy onions and mushrooms, and peas. The best part is this old-fashioned classic meal can be on your table in 40 minutes.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy tuna noodle casserole, healthy tuna casserole, old fashioned tuna casserole
Servings: 8
Calories: 439kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

  • 8-12 ounces egg noodles
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup broth chicken or vegetable
  • ½ cup milk or half and half, or additional broth
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 2 5 ounce cans albacore tuna drained and flaked
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prep noodles. Preheat oven to 400℉ (204℃). Grease a 9X13 casserole dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside. Cook noodles according to the instructions on the box "al dente". Once cooked, transfer to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly across the dish.
  • Saute onions. In a large stainless steel skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and saute until translucent and slightly golden, stirring regularly for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Cook mushrooms. Push the onions to the side and add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Continue to cook until tender. If mushrooms are of a thicker cut, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for longer so onions do not get burned.
  • Add liquids. Turn heat to low, and add cream cheese, milk, broth, and minced garlic. Gently simmer, stirring often to break apart the cream cheese until thickened and combined well.
  • Stir in the rest. Add frozen peas and stir to combine. Add flaked tuna chunks and grated cheese to the mixture and combine well.
  • Combine. Pour mixture over the cooked noodles and toss to combine with a pair of tongs—season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and the top is lightly browned. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Leftover tuna casserole can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in an unpreheated oven until heated through.
Helpful Tips:
  1. Cook noodles to al dente or "to the tooth" so it still has a bite to them to avoid mushy casserole.
  2. Use one cup of liquid: that can be any combination of water, broth, or milk, depending on the preference of richness.
  3. Season with salt as you go; that will depend on the individual ingredients (i.e. cheese and broth are both salty).
  4. If using cooked squash or another low-carb noodle option, omit milk and broth entirely and reduce oven bake time to 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 484mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1200IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 349mg | Iron: 1mg

Oven-Baked Sausage and Peppers

Oven baked sausage and peppers is an easy, flavorful meal made with tender sausage, sweet bell peppers, onion, and lots of seasoning - all roasted together on one baking sheet. Minimal prep and even less clean up - perfect for a quick, low-effort dinner.

Sausage and peppers on a baking sheet, with two white plates on the side.
Looking for more easy sheet pan meals?
Check out sheet pan salmon and asparagus, sheet pan nachos, and sheet pan breakfast quesadilla.
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Recipe Overview

  • Prep and Cook Time: 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook
  • Cooking Method: Oven-baked
  • Dietary Info: Low-Carb, Whole30, Paleo, and GAPS
  • Tools Needed: large baking sheet
  • Skill Level: Easy

What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Ultimate Last-Minute Meal Hack

You know those days when dinner feels like a race against the clock?

This sausage and peppers recipe is my secret weapon. It's one of those dishes I can throw together last minute - no stress, no planning needed (and believe me, I've forgotten to thaw out the meat a time or two!).

I always have sausages from Costco in the freezer, and even if they're frozen solid, I can have them ready to cook in under an hour.

Just a quick thaw in water, and I'm good to go. It's simple, satisfying, and doesn't keep me waiting around for long. Plus, there's no need to flip the sausages halfway through cooking, which is always a win in my book!

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Ingredients for Oven-Baked Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients for sausage and peppers on a white table.
  • Sausages: Use your favorite sausages (you'll need about a pound, which is roughly 5-6 large links). You can use Italian, Andouille, bratwurst, or a spicier option. Just keep in mind, if using an uncooked sausage, you may have to temp test it before pulling it out of the oven to make sure it's cooked through.
  • Bell peppers: A colorful mix of green, yellow, and red bell peppers adds both sweetness and crunch. Green bell peppers tend to be a tad on the bitter side, so you can just use the red and yellow bell peppers but this is totally a matter of preference.
  • Red onion: Adds a mild sweetness as it roasts. The caramelized edges are everything here. If you don't have red onion, you can use a sweet yellow onion or a white onion instead.
  • Lemon: I love tucking lemon chunks throughout the sheet pan - the heat brings out their zestiness, and I squeeze the juices over the roasted sausages and veggies for an extra burst of flavor. The best!
  • Olive oil: The oil helps everything roast beautifully, giving the sausages a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the peppers and onions tender and flavorful. It also helps the seasoning to cling to every bite.
  • Flavor: Italian seasoning and unrefined sea salt is a must here. If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, you can make a simple substitute with equal parts of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Seasoning variations - Instead of Italian seasoning, try a smoky paprika or Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetables - Use what you have on hand - zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms all work great.
Sausage and peppers on a baking sheet.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers in the Oven

The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

Sausage and peppers with seasoning on a baking sheet.

Step 1. Prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the sausage, bell peppers, and red onion on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with Italian seasoning and sea salt. Toss everything together until well coated.

Seasoned sausage and peppers on a baking sheet.

Step 2. Cook

Spread the sausage and vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Tuck lemon wedges throughout. Roast until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness. For a golden finish, broil on high for the last few minutes.

Helpful Tips

  1. Promote even cooking: Arrange the sausage and veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming rather than roasting. 
  2. Italian seasoning adjustment: If you don't have this blend on hand, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. 
  3. Cut at a bias: Cut the sausages diagonally to expose more surface area to the sheet pan so it caramelizes and browns nicely. I also like to set the oven to broil the last 5 minutes of cooking to get golden brown crispy edges. 
  4. Lemon squeeze: Roasting the lemon wedges brings out a deeper, roasted citrus flavor. Don't forget to squeeze the lemon directly over the bell peppers and sausage for that extra touch. 

Troubleshooting

  • Sausage not browning? Make sure to keep the oven temp high at 400°F and cut the sausage at a bias (diagonally) to give it more surface area to touch with the baking sheet and being exposed to hot air.
  • Overcooked veggies? Keep the peppers and onions large so they roast at the same time as the sausage. You don't want mushy bell peppers. 

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💭Meal Prep Suggestion!
These oven baked sausage and peppers is super meal prep friendly. Make a double batch and divide into smaller containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and you've got ready-to-go lunches or dinners.
Sausage and peppers on a white plate, with a spoon in it.

What to Serve with Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers in the oven are flavorful on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can take the meal to the next level. Here are some great options:

Side dish: Serve with crispy potatoes (bonus - throw them in the oven at the same time!) or over Instant Pot buckwheat or bone broth rice.

Fresh salads: Don't forget to round out your meal with refreshing and vibrant salads. Classic house salad is always a delicious option.

Condiments: I like adding a small side of ferments like raw sauerkraut or fermented jalapeno peppers. 

More sausage and pepper pairing suggestions:
Sausage and peppers on a baking sheet, with two white plates and utensils on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store and reheat sausage and peppers?

Store leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. These glass snap containers are perfect for leftovers. To reheat, transfer the sausage and peppers to a small saucepan and warm over medium-high heat, stirring gently and often.

Can I freeze oven-baked sausage and peppers?

Yes! Cool the sausage and peppers first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

What's the best way to cut a bell pepper into large strips?

Cut the bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove the stem, seeds, and as much pith as possible. Place the pepper, skin side down, on the cutting board and slice into ½-inch thick strips. Repeat the process for the other half of the pepper. 

Looking for more veggie & meat dishes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this oven-baked sausage and pepper? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

Printable Recipe

Sausage and peppers on a baking sheet, with two white plates and utensils on the side.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Easy Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers

Oven-baked sausage and peppers is an easy, sheet-pan meal with sausage, peppers, onions, and seasoning—perfect for a quick dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: oven baked sausage and peppers, sausage and peppers, sausage and peppers in the oven
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 516kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fully cooked sausage links cut into 1" chunks cut on bias
  • 3 bell peppers, any color cored and cut into strips
  • 1 large red onion halved then coarsley sliced into half moons
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 lemon cut into quarters or ⅛ths

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add all ingredients including 1 pound fully cooked sausage links, 3 bell peppers, any color, and 1 large red onion to a large baking sheet. Toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt.
  • Arrange all vegetables and sausage in one layer on the sheet pan so they are all spread out in single layer. Cut 1 lemon into wedges and tuck throughout the baking sheet.
  • Roast for 30 minutes or until vegetables are cooked to your preferred tenderness. Broil on high the last 4 minutes until golden, if desired. Remove from oven and carefully squeeze the lemon wedges over the vegetables and sausage. Toss gently and transfer to serving platter.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover oven baked sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, transfer to a small skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. 
To freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat. 
Helpful Tips:
  1. Promote even cooking: Arrange the sausage and veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming rather than roasting. 
  2. Italian seasoning adjustment: If you don't have this blend on hand, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. 
  3. Cut at a bias: Cut the sausages diagonally to expose more surface area to the sheet pan so it caramelizes and browns nicely. I also like to set the oven to broil the last 5 minutes of cooking to get golden brown crispy edges. 
  4. Lemon squeeze: Roasting the lemon wedges brings out a deeper, roasted citrus flavor. Don't forget to squeeze the lemon directly over the bell peppers and sausage for that extra touch. 
Troubleshooting:
Sausage not browning? Make sure to keep the oven temp high at 400°F and cut the sausage at a bias (diagonally) to give it more surface area to touch with the baking sheet and being exposed to hot air. 
Overcooked veggies? Keep the peppers and onions large so they roast at the same time as the sausage. You don't want mushy bell peppers. 

Nutrition

Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1837mg | Potassium: 676mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2829IU | Vitamin C: 131mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

Roasted Green Beans with Bacon

Roasted Green Beans with Bacon are perfectly tender and so delicious. This easy 20-minute side dish goes with just about anything.

Whole30 green beans with bacon

This simple yet delicious side dish not only goes with just about any main entree (see serving suggestions below) but it is also naturally Whole30, paleo, low carb and GAPS friendly. Just be sure to check the ingredients on that bacon package to avoid excess sugar and preservatives. But if you go with quality bacon like ButcherBox, you should be good.

Roasted Green Beans with Bacon

It's hard to resist eating these green beans straight off the pan. They are deliciously crisp-tender with just the right amount of seasonings and crunchy bacon to go with it. It makes an easy and delicious side dish to just about any entree and the best part is it can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Oven raosted green beans and crunchy bacon on sheet pan with spatula

Can you roast green beans in the oven?

Yes! In fact that is the most convenient and easiest way to cook them.

It saves time because you don't have to babysit them as you would if using a pan on stove top. And you can easily throw all the green beans on a sheet pan and pop it in the oven rather than the need to cook them in batches if using a skillet.

What are the best green beans to roast in oven?

In a typical neighborhood market, you will often find two types of green beans: the waxy, round string beans and the delicate, thin Haricots Verts.

Green beans are the more popular string beans but you can also find heirloom yellow and purple varieties at the farmer's markets.

Haricots Verts is a French term for green beans but they also differ from the commonly found string beans. Haricots Verts are longer and thinner and tend to be more tender with a robust flavor. Because they are slender, you want to cut back in the roasting time so they still retain that texture that we love in green beans.

Seasoned raw green beans on a sheet pan

How to season oven roasted green beans?

There are so many different ways to season roasted green beans. This particular recipe is simple with just salt, pepper and a little garlic powder. But you can also season with whatever your heart desires. Some great options would be Italian seasoning, dried parsley, paprika, and onion powder.

Keep in mind that the finished flavor of the green beans will also depend on the flavor of the bacon used. Besides just being quality product, I love ButcherBox bacon because of the mild flavor. I would recommend going with a bland-flavored bacon so there's no competition of flavors.

If you are skipping the bacon for whatever reason, you can also top your roasted green beans with some of these simple additions:

  • A pat or two of pastured butter and dusting of Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes and sesame seeds with drizzle of sesame oil
  • Lemon zest and lemon squeezed over the green beans

Green beans with crunchy bacon on top

How long to roast green beans in the oven?

Always cook with washed and fully dried green beans. If there is even a drop of water that will create condensation that will actually steam the green beans and rob that golden roasted flavor.

Depending on the thickness of the green beans (string beans or Haricots Verts?), you will roast the green beans for approximately 20-30 minutes. The tenderness of the green beans is a matter of preference and there is no right or wrong answer here.

Like them more on the crunchy side? Go with 21 minutes. More soft and tender? Roast for the full 30 minutes.

A simple trick to getting the best flavor and appearance of any roasted vegetable is to broil on high for a minute or so. No one can resist perfectly roasted golden green beans.

Green beans on a sheet pan with added bacon

How to roast green beans in the oven?

Oven-roasted green beans is actually quite simple to prepare. It is literally the easiest side dish you will ever make.

Start with trimming the green beans. Cut off the ends diagonally to expose more surface area. I prefer doing this when I rinse green beans under running cold water and using kitchen shears such as these instead of a knife.

Season the green beans with salt, pepper and garlic powder and drizzle with some healthy oil.

The key to getting the most delicious, crisp-tender green beans is to roast them in a hot oven. So be sure your oven is preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

After 8 minutes of roasting, carefully remove pan from oven and flip the green beans. Now is also a good time to add chopped bacon throughout the pan between green beans.

Pop the pan back into the oven for an additional 13 minutes, followed by a minute or two of broiling and you are set!

Green beans with crunchy bacon pieces in a serving platter

Tips to Roasting Green Beans in Oven:

  • Look for fresh, bright green beans. They should have firm skin and snap easily. You can use round string beans or the thinner variety Haricots Verts.
  • Pat green beans dry before roasting. Any water will turn into mushy not golden spots on the green beans.
  • Don't crowd the beans. If you are doubling the recipe, use two pans but do not overcrowd the beans. There needs to be sufficient room for heat to travel between the beans and every single green bean has to touch the hot pan.
  • Remove green beans from oven when they are crisp-tender, unless you prefer them soft, in which case a few more minutes will help to finish that roasting process.
  • Broil the green beans for a minute or two at the end to add some of that golden glow to the tops of the green beans.

Roasted Green Beans with Bacon Serving Suggestions

These are great on their own - they may not even make it till dinner time. 😉 But here are a few serving suggestions that would pair great with these Roasted Green Beans with Bacon:

Printable Recipe

Green beans with bacon on a platter with a serving spoon
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4.41 from 5 votes

Roasted Green Beans with Bacon

Roasted Green Beans with Bacon are perfectly tender and so delicious. This easy 20-minute side dish goes with just about anything!
Prep Time8 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Sides
Cuisine: American
Keyword: GAPS, low-carb, paleo, Whole 30
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 215kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

  • 1 pound green beans washed and trimmed
  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 strips bacon cut into 1" pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Toss washed, trimmed and fully dried green beans with oil, salt and pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Roast for 8 minutes on middle rack.
  • Remove pan from oven and flip the green beans. Add the 1" cut bacon pieces all over the green beans and return to the oven for additional 13 minutes.
  • Broil for 1-2 minutes, constantly watching to make sure the green beans don't get charred.
  • Remove from pan and transfer to platter and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 303mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 782IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg


If you liked this Roasted Green Beans with Bacon recipe, please consider rating and leaving a comment below. ⇓

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Oven roasted green beans with bacon text overlay over finished green bean side dish

Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash

This vegetarian Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash is easy as it is delicious. It's filled with sauteed onions, hearty vegetables, rice and beans and are baked to golden perfection. A simple yet tasty weeknight meal.

Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash with sour cream and cilantro and lime wedges as garnish.

Acorn squash is a winter squash that resembles acorns, hence the name. They are perfectly sized to hold individual servings of pretty much anything, such as this Mexican-inspired vegan stuffing. Because these stuffed acorn squash halves are meatless, the cooked flesh of the acorn squash will add some bulk and substance.

Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash

These Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash requires a few steps, but none that are difficult. In fact, the entire dish comes together effortlessly in under an hour. You can make the Mexican-inspired stuffing while the squash is roasting in the oven.

Then scoop that delicious stuffing which features sauteed onions, hearty veggies, rice and beans, into the roasted squash halves and bake until perfect golden perfection. The cheese is totally optional and omitting it makes these Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash vegan and vegetarian.

A drizzle of sour cream (again, omit if dairy-free), chopped cilantro and green onions, and zesty pico de gallo completes this easy meal.

How to bake acorn squash

How to Bake Acorn Squash

Cooking acorn squash is easier than you think. The hardest part is actually cutting the squash lengthwise in half so be sure your knife is sharp and work surface steady.

I prefer to cook my acorn squash as I do all my squashes - perfectly roasted in the oven.

Follow these easy steps to roast acorn squash:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut the squash with a sharp knife lengthwise from tip to stem. (Tip: it's easiest to first pierce the squash in the center along one of the depression lines. Cut through to the tip on one side. Then spin the squash around and finish by cutting through the top portion to the stem)
  3. Using a large spoon, scoop out the seeds and discard or save to roast at a later time.
  4. Place the cleaned squash halves cut side up on the parchment-lined pan. Drizzle some avocado oil over the squash or use an avocado-oil cooking spray for ease. Season with sea salt. Turn the squash halves cut-side down and bake for 30-40 minutes just until fork tender.

Rice, beans and corn stuffed acorn squash cut in half to expose stuffing.

Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

These Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash halves are meatless and if you omit the cheese, it could easily pass as a vegan meal.

As much as I love acorn squash, the stuffing is clearly the star of this dish. It hails sauteed onions, bell pepper, tomato, rice, corn and beans all tossed in appropriate seasonings. After everything is combined, it is then scooped into the roasted squash bowls, topped with cheese (optional) and baked to bring all the flavors together.

I personally love cooking rice in bone broth for added nutrition. You can use this method to cook perfect rice in the Instant Pot or use any leftover rice from a previous meal.

The stuffing also calls for 1 cup of frozen corn and black beans. If you are cooking your own beans, I always recommend that you soak them first and cook in large batches in the Instant Pot. Beans freeze exceptionally well and can be frozen in pre-measured sizes (1 cup, 2 cups, etc..)

A standard can of beans typically holds a little over 2 cups of beans, so you will have some leftover that can be used for a future recipe.

After filling the squash halves with the Mexican mixture, you may find that you are left with some leftovers. Transfer any leftover stuffing mixture to a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be added to chopped romaine lettuce and dressed with Ranch or a drizzle of avocado oil and lime for an easy salad.

Stuffed Acorn Squash ready to go into the oven, topped with Mexican cheese blend.

What to garnish Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash with:

You can top these stuffed squash halves with pretty much anything and everything. Some of my favorites are:

Printable Recipe

Roasted and Stuffed Acorn Squash with drizzle of sour cream, cilantro and jalapeno
Print Recipe
4.34 from 3 votes

Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash

This vegetarian Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash is easy as it is delicious. It's filled with sauteed onions, hearty vegetables, rice and beans and are baked to golden perfection. A simple yet tasty weeknight meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 614kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

  • 2 acorn squash small-medium sized
  • 4 tablespoons avocado oil divided
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup white rice cooked
  • 1 cup frozen corn frozen
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 beefsteak tomato diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup Mexican cheese blend optional

Optional Garnish

  • cilantro, fresh jalapenos, sour cream, lime, green onions optional

Instructions

Cooking Acorn Squash

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Cut the squashes in half lengthwise from tip to stem. Scoop out seeds and discard. Drizzle 1 tablespoon avocado oil on the cut side and season lightly with sea salt.
  • Place squash halves on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side down and roast in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Mexican Stuffing for Squash

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Add minced garlic and seasonings and stir to combine. Stir in the remaining ingredients, except for cheese and toss well.

Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • Remove squash from oven and carefully turn them over. Spoon the rice and beans stuffing evenly into the 4 squash halves. Top with cheese if using.
  • Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and everything is cooked through.
  • Garnish with your favorite toppings: sour cream, green onions, cilantro, sliced jalapenos.

Notes

Cooking Acorn Squash in Instant Pot:
  1. Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot and add the trivet. Cut the squash in half and scrape out seeds and stringy bits. Place the squash halves into the Instant Pot on the trivet.
  2. Close the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on "manual" for 5 minutes for small squash, 7 minutes for larger squash. Followed by natural pressure release for 8 minutes. Release remaining pressure by turning the venting know to "venting" position.
Notes on size of squash:
If your acorn squashes are particularly on the small size, you may have leftover stuffing mixture. You can add that on a bed of romaine lettuce for an easy salad.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 614kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 512mg | Potassium: 1411mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1942IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 302mg | Iron: 4mg


If you liked this Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below ⇓.

More Healthy Dinner Options:

Chicken Potato Bake Recipe
Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
Sheet Pan Nachos - 30-minute Meal
Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon, Asparagus and Potatoes

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Mexican Stuffed Acorn Squash that is vegan, vegetarian and meatless

This post was originally published in October 2016 but has since been updated to include helpful information.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Learn how to make eggnog in just 30 minutes that's creamy, velvety, and delicious! This easy, traditional eggnog recipe uses milk, eggs, and a healthy sweetener, with just the right hing to seasonal spices for a festive holiday drink.

Two glasses of creamy eggnog sit on a white cloth, each topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Looking for more holiday drinks? 
Check out honey citrus mint tea, cranberry juice, and pumpkin spice latte.
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💡Recipe Overview

  • Prep and Cook Time: 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to make
  • Cooking Method: Stove-top
  • Skill Level: Moderate

What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Reasons to Love this Egg Nog Recipe

I didn’t grow up with eggnog at the holidays - Russian households are more Team Kefir and Pickled Everything than creamy boozy milk drinks. So when I finally met eggnog, I was suspicious.

But then I learned why everyone treats it like liquid gold: traditionally, it’s spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon.

Not just to make family parties extra chatty, but because alcohol actually works as a preservative and sanitizer. Research suggests even stubborn bacteria like salmonella don’t thrive when booze is involved.

That said, eggnog can be just as delicious alcohol-free. If you’re using the freshest, organic, pasture-raised eggs you can find, raw yolks are generally safe and give the drink that rich, velvety texture.

Still wary? Go the cooked route. All you need is patience and the art of tempering - slowly whisking hot liquid into beaten yolks so they don’t scramble. (And I show how it's done below) It’s the same technique behind silky custards, puddings, and that fancy Hollandaise sauce you pretend you don’t eat by the spoonful.

That's what we'll get into this recipe. It's one I make at least a few times per season and everyone loves it.

image of Prepare and Nourish owner

Ingredients for Homemade Egg Nog Recipe

A glass measuring cup filled with milk sits in the foreground, with small bubbles on the surface. Behind it, a clear bowl holds several brown eggs.
  • Whole milk – Use your favorite brand of milk - whether it's raw milk or A2 gently pasteurized milk. Whatever your choice is - it's all good. I would avoid skim milk though.
  • Spices – Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves to give that classic eggnog flavor and a pinch of salt to balance it all out.
  • Egg yolks – You'll just be needing the yolks here so save your egg whites for another recipe. The yolks are whisked with the sugar to make the drink rich and smooth.
  • Sweetener - I usually use turbinado sugar, but maple or coconut sugar works too. I would avoid honey as it's overpowering but if you like that or on GAPS diet, go for it.
  • Toppings (optional)– Whipped cream and a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
  • Alcohol (optional) – Dark rum, brandy, or Cognac if you want a spiked version.

Variation: Eggnog with Alcohol

Alcoholic eggnog has been traditionally the drink of choice as a way to preserve milk and eggs. Since there is no need for that with modern refrigeration, my family personally prefers eggnog free of alcohol.

However, that doesn't mean you can't turn this homemade eggnog into a spiked adult beverage. What type or how much alcohol to add is a matter of personal preference. But any dark spirit like brandy, rum, or Cognac goes well.

So how much alcohol to add to eggnog?

Well, that depends on who’s drinking it - we all know Aunt Linda doesn’t do subtle. (Just kidding - I don't even have an aunt Linda!) But a good starting point is a 5:1 ratio: five parts eggnog to one part booze. In plain English: one 1.5‑oz shot per cup of eggnog. Adjust accordingly if Aunt Linda is in the room, and you want to survive the holiday chaos.

When to add alcohol to eggnog?

Another great question. You can add alcohol directly to the bottle after eggnog has been fully chilled. Or you may spike individual drinks using the 5:1 ratio so there's always a virgin variety in the fridge for everyone else.

graphic of fork and spoon connected in a plant.

Make it Ancestral

Use farm-fresh eggs and raw milk for the best flavor and nutrition. Sweeten lightly with natural sweeteners like turbinado or maple sugar. Eggnog can be a superfood when made with the right ingredients.

Two glasses of creamy eggnog sit on a white cloth, each topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

How to Make Eggnog

The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

A close-up of a pot containing milk with a generous layer of cinnamon powder on top, ready to be stirred and heated.

Step 1. Heat

In a large saucepan, warm milk with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir regularly to avoid scorching.

A close-up of a glass mixing bowl containing four raw egg yolks, with brown sugar being poured from a gold measuring spoon into the center of the yolks.

Step 2. Whisk

Beat egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.

Close-up of a mixing bowl with a yellow batter being whisked. A measuring cup is pouring a stream of creamy liquid into the bowl, and several metal whisks are partially submerged in the mixture.

Step 3. Temper

Slowly add hot milk to the yolks in small increments, whisking constantly.

A close-up view of a creamy, light-colored mixture simmering in a pot. Small bubbles dot the surface, and a wooden spoon rests across the top, coated with the mixture.

Step 4. Cook

Return mixture to the saucepan and heat gently until slightly thickened, without boiling.

Helpful Tips

  1. Low and slow - Milk overheats quickly; keep it medium-low heat and stir often, especially once the egg yolks go in. Never boil (the eggs will scramble). 
  2. Sweetener options - I like turbinado for more caramel flavor and thicker body but maple sugar pairs excellently with nutmeg. Avoid honey here as it can overpower. 
  3. Straining is key - Even if you think it looks smooth, strain it. It gives a silky, velvety finish. 
  4. Spiced eggnog - To spice eggnog with alcohol: use 5:1 ratio of 5 parts eggnog to 1 part dark spirit such as rum, brandy or Cognac. That is approximately 1 (1.5oz) shot of alcohol to 1 cup of eggnog.

Serving Suggestions

Eggnog is great on its own as a creamy, seasonal drink, but you can also serve it alongside simple holiday treats like almond orange cookies, coconut flour banana muffins, or hazelnut butter cookies.

For a little extra flair, sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice on top before serving. You can also add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy for an adult version. Serve it up in those holiday reindeer mugs - Cousin Eddie would approve.

A thick, creamy drink is being poured from a clear bottle into a glass. The drink is pale and frothy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store and reheat eggnog?

Store leftover eggnog in an airtight glass container like mason jars or weck juice jar in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Shake or stir well before serving, as some separation may occur.

What alcohol goes well with eggnog?

Any dark spirit pairs well with the flavor and texture of eggnog. Think a combination of  brandy, dark rum and Cognac. Because these spirits would be used as mixers, it's not necessary to purchase the most priciest and prime variety. Go for the middle shelf instead of the top shelf in the alcohol aisle.

How to temper eggs in eggnog?

Tempering eggs is essentially the process of slowly warming the eggs before introducing them to drastic increase in temperature. The slow addition of the hot liquid dilutes the uncooked egg proteins, making it impossible for them to clump up when heated. Here's the simple process:
1. Bring the milk and sugar to a gentle boil.
2. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl. Save the egg whites for another use.
3. Slowly add the hot milk to the eggs, 1-2 tablespoons at a time and whisk constantly.
4. Stir constantly to avoid eggs from curdling.

Looking for more tasty drinks? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this eggnog? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

Printable Recipe

eggnog poured into a glass from a glass bottle.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Eggnog made with milk, egg yolks, and natural sweetener for a creamy, lightly spiced drink you can make at home.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Chilling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: egg nog recipe, eggnog, homemade egg nog recipe, how to make eggnog, traditional eggnog recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 298kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 cups whole milk, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of sea salt and heat to approximately 120°F. Stir regularly to avoid scorching.
  • In a medium size bowl, whisk the 6 egg yolks with ½ cup turbinado sugar. Whisk briskly until mixture turns pale yellow and slightly creamy.
  • Incrementally, add the hot milk mixture to the whipped yolks, ½ cup at a time, whisking the entire time. Constantly stir to temper the yolks with the hot milk.
  • When mixture has been thoroughly combined, pour everything back into the saucepan and warm over medium heat. Stir for another 4 minutes until mixture is thickened but be careful not to bring it to boil.
  • Strain the eggnog over a sieve to catch any egg clumps or large chunks of spices.
  • Allow to fully cool, then move to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly. Add whipped cream and dust cinnamon or nutmeg.

Notes

Recipe makes approximately 1 quart.
Storage: Prepared eggnog will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, but no later than the expiration date on the milk used for the recipe.
Helpful Tips:
  1. Low and slow - Milk overheats quickly; keep it medium-low heat and stir often, especially once the egg yolks go in. Never boil (the eggs will scramble). 
  2. Sweetener options - I like turbinado for more caramel flavor and thicker body but maple sugar pairs excellently with nutmeg. Avoid honey here as it can overpower. 
  3. Straining is key - Even if you think it looks smooth, strain it. It gives a silky, velvety finish. 
  4. Spiced eggnog - To spice eggnog with alcohol: use 5:1 ratio of 5 parts eggnog to 1 part dark spirit such as rum, brandy or Cognac. That is approximately 1 (1.5oz) shot of alcohol to 1 cup of eggnog.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 314mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 314mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 687IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 1mg

Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe

This Healthy Vegetable Soup recipe is a seasonal favorite. It boasts all the hearty and delicious veggies, nutritious bone broth and is paleo, Whole30, and low carb The best part is you can have this on your dinner table in under one hour.

Bowl of healthy vegetable soup with zucchini noodles, potatoes and mushrooms.

Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe

This Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe is one of the easiest recipes to have in your back pocket. With the heartiest part of the recipe prepared in advance, the soup comes together in approximately 40 minutes.

It's full of flavor and packed with nutrition. The best part is that it's so versatile - depending on the seasonal vegetables and according to each one's diet. It's easy to omit or add vegetables to make it Whole30, paleo, GAPS and low carb compliant.

Bowl of healthy vegetable soup with mushrooms, potatoes and carrots

 

Lamb and Vegetable Soup - Lagman Recipe

This healthy vegetable soup was actually inspired by a childhood favorite of mine - Lagman Soup.

Lagman is an Uzbek soup that is typically made with lamb and a variety of vegetables. Traditionally, it is poured over spaghetti, making it into a soup much like Chicken Noodle Soup.

Lamb is generally the meat of choice in Lagman because it is most accessible in Central Asia part of the world.

If you are looking for non organic meat, consider buying lamb next time you are at the supermarket. It is the best bet for non organic farmed animals. The reason is because lamb is a grazing animal, by their very nature preferring grass as their source of food instead of feed which is often full of GMO grains prepared by the farmers.

Though this soup was inspired by Lagman using lamb as the meat, it is quite easy to modify it using beef, chicken, or even all vegetables.

Pot of vegetable soup with julienned zucchini

What gluten free "pastas" can I use for Healthy Vegetable Soup?

You may use any gluten-free pasta or noodles. To keep the broth clear, I would cook the pasta separately and rinse in cold water. 

If you are using white rice pasta (like in this Chicken Noodle Soup), you can just soak the pasta in luke-warm water for 10-15 minutes, separating with a fork periodically. Drain and rinse before adding to soup. 

A better option would be to use zucchini or spaghetti squash instead for added nutrition. Don't let the spaghetti squash intimidate you. There are three ways to cook it and you can achieve that similar al dente texture that we all love in traditional spaghetti. Find out How to Cook Spaghetti Squash for Longest Strands here. 

To add zucchini to soup, you can either spiralize your zucchini or julienne into small strips as shown in photo. Alternatively, you can also just dice it or slice into half moons.

If using spaghetti squash or zucchini (or another other vegetable "pasta" for that matter), add at the very end and make sure the heat is off otherwise you risk overcooking the veggie noodles.

Sauteed onions, celery, carrots and mushrooms

How do you make vegetable soup from scratch?

The best part about vegetable soup is the ease in which you can make it from scratch. You may use any broth as the base: chicken, beef, pork, even vegetable broth will work. Of course, the preference is always homemade but store bought will work too.

For instructions on how to make nutrient-dense bone broth, using roasted marrow and knuckle bones, check out this post on Three Ways to Make Bone Broth.

You may add more sustenance to your vegetable soup by adding healthy protein such as lamb, chicken or beef. You can either cook that separately or make meat stock and use both of those components. I prefer to pick the meat off the bones if needed and add the meat part back to the soup, discarding the bones.

Diced onions, carrots, celery and sliced mushrooms

What can I add to vegetable soup?

One of the greatest advantages to vegetable soup is that you can truly enjoy this year round, depending on the seasonal vegetables. You can also make it entirely vegetarian by using mushroom or vegetable broth and a good variety of veggies.

  • During the cooler months, load the soup up with squashes, root vegetables, mushroom, cabbages, Brussel sprouts, kale, and broccoli.
  • During the warmer months, go lighter with asparagus, peas, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach and a touch of lemon.

Take care to add delicate vegetables such as spinach and zucchini near the end and preferably once off heat so you don't overcook those veggies.

This soup is also a great option for those on a healing diet such as Whole30, paleo and low carb. It's easy to customize based on what foods should be omitted. 

Even though this seasonal soup is full of vegetables, it still makes a hearty and filling meal. But if you wanted to get more mileage out of this Healthy Vegetable Soup, you can add previously cooked meat to it.

Julienned zucchini for low carb pasta option

Can I add meat to vegetable soup?

Yes, and I often do.

Since this Healthy Vegetable Soup recipe is largely based on the Uzbekistan soup, Lagman, I prefer to use lamb as my meat of choice. I make meat stock using stew lamb directly in my Instant Pot. I then use that broth and the tender lamb in this soup.

Other options for healthy protein is leftover roast chicken, shredded pork, or even ground beef, provided that it's browned before adding. I would steer clear of anything with very strong flavorings (i.e. taco meat). 

Be sure to add your choice of previously cooked meat along with the potatoes to give it plenty time to absorb all the flavors and reheat properly.

Printable Recipe

Bowl of healthy vegetable soup with zucchini noodles, potatoes and mushrooms.
Print Recipe
4 from 6 votes

Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Loaded with seasonal veggies and nutritious bone broth, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition and can easily be ready in under one hour.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Resting time15 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: GAPS, low-carb, paleo, Soup, Whole 30
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 140kcal
Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 celery stalk sliced
  • 16 ounces white button mushrooms sliced
  • 1 pint tomato sauce
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 gold potatoes diced
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 8 cups bone broth
  • 1 zucchini julienned
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 3 tablespoons parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add mushrooms and cook until tender. Add tomato sauce and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
  • If using, cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • Add cumin, potatoes, and bay leaves to vegetables. Add cooked meat, if using. Pour broth and stir.
  • Close the lid and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
  • Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients: zucchini, bell peppers and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Close the lid and set aside for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow all flavors to blend.

Notes

  • To add grain pasta to soup: cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse before adding to soup.
  • You may add additional previously cooked meat such as leftover roast chicken, pork, beef, or lamb. If using, add with the potatoes to give ample time to reheat and blend with other ingredients.
  • Feel free to use whatever seasonal vegetables are available to you: zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus are great during the spring. Squashes, cabbages, and kale are great options in the fall and winter time.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 414mg | Potassium: 698mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1760IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg


If you liked this Healthy Vegetable Soup recipe, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below. ⇓

Need More Healthy Soup Ideas:

Nourishing Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Low Carb Hamburger Soup Recipe
Instant Pot Ground Beef and Kale Soup
Easy Nourishing Fish Soup

>>> Pin This <<<

Healthy Vegetable Soup with mushrooms

This recipe was originally published December 2014 but has since been updated to include helpful information.

ButcherBox Review - Is it worth it?

Find out what ButcherBox is, where they source their meat, if it's worth it and how to order from them to get the best value.

Butcher Box unboxing of this meat subscription

If you've been here for any length of time, you may have heard me talk about ButcherBox before. We have been using ButcherBox for almost three years now and have gotten pretty well versed in this area of getting the most bang for our buck.

This is a very comprehensive ButcherBox review and goes over how to order in 6 simple steps. If you are already aware of all that ButcherBox has to offer and want to take advantage of the special promotion that they are currently running, simply click here to claim your offer for FREE all-natural meat with your first ButcherBox order.

 

Here at Prepare & Nourish, we are all about finding easy solutions to make health and wellness achievable. We strive to always direct you to brands, companies, and products that we genuinely love, trust and personally use ourselves.

For years, finding sustainably grown, ethically raised, grass-fed protein that didn't break the bank and was easy to access has been the greatest challenge in the wellness culture.

Thankfully, those days are of the past and we now have a solution that gives you quality grass-fed beef, heritage pork, free-range chicken, and other healthy proteins at affordable prices. 

In this post, we are sharing all the ButcherBox details and tips to maximize your savings.

various cuts of Butcher Box meat on counter

What is ButcherBox?

ButcherBox is a meat distributor. They work with family farms and cooperatives to bring quality meats to your door every month. ButcherBox is committed to offer grass-fed, pasture-raised, heritage breed, organic, and wild-caught proteins.

The health benefits of responsibly-sourced meats are plenty. Conventional meats often contain trace hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. Grass-fed and sustainably-raised meats, however, are void of that but they also have higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than their conventional counterparts. Grass-fed meats are also a great source of polyunsaturated fats (healthy fats) and generally taste better.

How does ButcherBox work?

ButcherBox is a monthly subscription - which is why it makes it so convenient! But...there are plenty customizations that you are free to do to make this serve you and your family best.

The idea is for ButcherBox to partially or fully serve as your monthly source of meat. So instead of going to your local meat butcher, you formulate an order of frozen meats from the comfort of your own home. You can order a mixed box or customize your own mix of beef, chicken, pork and salmon cuts based on your family needs (details on that below!).

The meat is conveniently individually packed at the peak of freshness and arrives frozen to your doorstep on dry ice, on your chosen delivery date. From there, you are free to stockpile your freezer or defrost for immediate consumption.

ButcherBox pastured pork ribs

How much does ButcherBox cost?

It's worth mentioning right away that if you're used to purchasing conventional meat, ButcherBox prices may seem high. But you have to remember that you are getting the best quality proteins - that means grass-fed beef, heritage pork, pasture-raised chicken and wild salmon.

Even so, what I really love about ButcherBox is that they offer several options in terms of cost, quantity and frequency based on your family's various needs. The biggest difference in cost would be in the size of box purchased.

  • Classic Box: $129-$149 for 9-14 pounds of meat which averages $10.64 to $16.55 per pound
  • Big Box: $270 for 18-26 pounds of meat which averages $10.38 to $15.00 per pound

I realize that $10 per pound of meat is nothing to make light of, especially when so many are struggling to put healthy food on the table as it is. And your own real food priorities may look entirely different, one that doesn't include organic meats but rather the cheapest cut of chicken you can possibly find. And that is okay. We hope you can use this as a resource for your future meat purchases but at the very least consider ButcherBox in ways that would maximize your savings.

Over the years, we have learned that we can afford ButcherBox on a budget, making meat cost less than $10 per pound. There's also value in serving meat as a "side" with a variety of vegetables at every meal - this helps to stretch the nutrient-dense meats even more.

ButcherBox often run member-only specials that can be added to your monthly order. I almost always take advantage of these. Some of these options include or have included in the past:

  • 5 pounds of bacon for $25
  • 3 pounds of chicken drumsticks for $12
  • 10 pounds of grass-fed ground beef for $49.99
  • 2 pounds of boneless country style ribs for $11.99

But here's the best part: I only use ButcherBox to purchase meats that I cannot get locally at a good price. That usually means grass-fed beef and pastured pork. I almost always opt for organic chicken at Costco (though not free-range) and this works best for us for right now. However, I regularly add a whole chicken fryer to our ButcherBox to make amazing bone broth.

Some money-friendly things to know about ButcherBox:

  • ButcherBox always offers FREE shipping
  • Your subscription can be every 4 weeks, every 6 weeks, or every 8 weeks
  • Your subscription can be paused in increments of 1-6 months (convenient for vacation or budget needs)
  • Your subscription can be cancelled at any time
  • Customer service is super helpful and are quick to address any issues

Think about what you are already spending on meats. You'd be surprised to find out that you are already spending close to ButcherBox prices for sustainably-grown proteins.

ButcherBox special deal on pastured bacon

 

Does ButcherBox have good meat?

In short, we have been impressed with all their meats. When cooked right, even the chewiest of cuts (i.e. roasts) are tender and delicious. And though we're no meat connoisseurs, we can taste the difference in texture and flavor - a direct result of how these animals are raised. 

The meat that we have purchased from ButcherBox has been considerably more tender and juicier than the storebought counterparts. You also have to respect the various cuts and cook them accordingly. Don't expect the same marbled tender juiciness from a roast as you would from a steak. 

When animals are humanely raised - they eat grass and get plenty of space to roam and exercise. As a result, the meat has less fat but more healthy omega 3s and other vitamins. If you're not used to grass-fed/grass-finished beef, you may notice a gamey flavor. That is a result of sustainably raised cattle. Humane and ethical practices means better meat - so all parties benefit.

One of the reasons we love ButcherBox is because they partner with small farms and cooperatives to bring high-quality protein to kitchen tables across the country. We appreciate their dedication to humane sourcing and source meat from ranchers they trust. We always seek to support our local farmers with our wallets. Here's a snapshot of the kinds of meats ButcherBox sources form small farms:

  • BEEF: 100% Grass-fed and grass-finished beef, humanely raised, never given antibiotics or added hormones, pasture raised, great source of omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals
  • PORK: heritage-breed pork, humanely raised, never given antibiotics or added hormones, "old world" genetics for fine marbling and flavor as nature intended
  • CHICKEN: free-range, USDA certified organic with certified organic feed, Global Animal Partnership certified, humanely raised, never given antibiotics or hormones
  • SEAFOOD: wild caught, sustainably harvested, no artificial coloring or additives, never given antibiotics or hormones

Unboxing of ButcherBox to reveal healthy meats

How does ButcherBox ship their meats?

ButcherBox ships their meat in sturdy boxes, with frozen individually-wrapped cuts packaged well on dry ice. After nearly three years of being a ButcherBox customer, I can vouch for their care in the shipment of the meats. They vacuum seal their meats and it is delivered frozen solid.

The packaging is so well done that it remains solid for the entire day until I can get to it in the evening. A few times, the outer edges of some chicken packages wasn't frozen solid, but it was still partly frozen that I had no concerns leaving it in the box well into the evening. 

Can you cancel ButcherBox at any time?

Yes, you may cancel your ButcherBox subscription at any time prior to next delivery. You don't even need to email or call them - it can all be done from your account and there are NO cancellation fees.  

Is ButcherBox worth it?

For our family - YES! It may be different for yours but keep reading for a comprehensive analysis.

The amazing quality, fair value and convenience that ButcherBox offers is unparalleled in the industry.  But let's look at some of those pros and cons to a ButcherBox subscription.

PROS

  • Convenience - ButcherBox does the heavy lifting for you on this one. Curating, selecting, and delivering quality meat - so you can focus on other important things. The beauty of a delivery service is that we can order quality meat from ranchers we trust without having to leave our home. Consider the time it would take to drive down to the butcher and hand select your monthly meat, especially when there are so many other valuable things you'd rather be doing.
  • Variety - If selecting the mixed box, ButcherBox will curate the cuts for you. This is great if you're wanting to experiment with cuts you normally would not purchase. If selecting the custom box, you can still have a good variety of different cuts in your box. ButcherBox has also expanded from just beef and chicken to now include pork and seafood.
  • Quality - As mentioned above, quality of meat is exceptional and of great value to us, as is to ButcherBox.

CONS

  • Cost - There's definitely a cost difference between conventional and grass-fed meat. ButcherBox meat may even be more costlier than comparable meat from your local cow share or supermarket. (That's why I generally try to get cuts from ButcherBox that isn't available to me locally) This is one area that each family will have consider based on their unique needs. Do the best you can to eat well without hurting your budget.
  • Amount - ButcherBox accounts for how many meals you can get out of a box. For example, a small mixed box will have 9-11 pounds of meat at $5.38 per meal for 24 meals. That could be enough meat for 10-12 dinners for 2 people or 5-6 dinners for a family of 4. You want to be mindful of what is included in each box and consider what you would serve it with. You may potentially need to supplement accordingly with meat sourced elsewhere.

I understand that ButcherBox isn't for everyone. As mentioned before, the quality of meat may not be a priority for you in this season of life. Or perhaps you're working through some health issues and you are concerned with the quality of your meat. Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, we hope this ButcherBox review was helpful to you whether you're going for it now or sometime in the future.

How to order ButcherBox

If you are ready for your first order of sustainably raised meats from ButcherBox, follow these simple instructions.

Step 1. Choose your box

ButcherBox box selection

When you first sign up with ButcherBox, you will be prompted to add your email, which will then lead you to a screen where you can select one of several different types of boxes:

  • Custom Box
  • Mixed box (chicken, pork, beef)
  • Beef & Pork box
  • Beef & Chicken box
  • ALL beef box

We typically get the custom box (you can always change it in your account settings) because it allows the flexibility to customize my preferred cuts of meat.

Step 2. Choose your box size

ButcherBox size box selection screenshot

If you choose a pre-curated box (all but custom), you will then be prompted to select the size of the box. A classic box, or in this case, small is $129 which will give you 8-11 pounds of meat. Big box is priced at $238 for 16-22 pounds.

Screenshot of ButcherBox custom box selection

If you decide with custom box, the price is slightly higher.  But you're getting slightly more meat and potentially prime cuts of meat. This is our preference since we can really get the most value when we are able to customize our own meat box. 

Step 3. Choose your frequency

Screenshot of ButcherBox order in frequency

The frequency will default to a delivery every 4 weeks. However, you can change that to every 6 weeks or every 8 weeks when you select your box size. This is helpful when traveling or to meet budget goals.

Step 4. Choose your meats

ButcherBox meat selection screenshot

You will not see this screen if you selected a pre-curated box (all but custom). However, if you are going with a custom box, you will select your meats. With this option, you can customize exactly what you want to receive in your box. You can see all the options and how to get the most bang for your buck.

It's clear on this screen how you can maximize your ButcherBox delivery. For example, you can select 6 of the Bone-in Pork Butt at 5.5 pounds each. At checkout, you will pay $149 for 33 pounds, making it just $4.51 per pound of heritage-breed, pastured pork. Alternatively, you can also select 2 of the boneless pork chops, 2 Italian sausage, and 2 ground pork for a total of 12 pounds. At $149 for 12 pounds, you are coming up at $12.41 per pound. 

Selecting a custom box is great to maximize your savings (as in the pork butt example above) but it's also a savvy way to purchase expensive cuts (filet mignon and other premium steaks) at a much more affordable price.

Step 5. Choose your add-ons

ButcherBox add-ons screenshot

Add-ons are specials that can be added for an additional cost to your regular meat order. They vary from month to month and are often on seasonal rotations.

Step 6. Checkout

Checkout page for ButcherBox

The last step is to input your shipping and billing information and you are done. If there are any current offers that you have claimed with sign-up, they will show up on the right side under Order Summary. Note, that these offers vary depending on time of signup but I include details on how to claim an offer for FREE Thanksgiving turkey below, as an example.

Remember, you can always change the type, size and frequency of your meat subscription. You can also always ALWAYS cancel at any time. 

How to get a FREE all-natural meat

 

Claim your FREE 10-14 pound free-range, all natural Thanksgiving turkey HERE (<<< this link will automatically take you to whatever current deal ButcherBox is running) with your first ButcherBox.

This is such a great deal - one you can't pass by! Picking out a turkey always seemed daunting to me, not to mention the price tag for a natural turkey. Take advantage of this special offer now through November 14, 2020. 

Just go HERE, enter your email address and "claim offer" to get the FREE Thanksgiving turkey FREE all-natural meat automatically added to your order. 

Get Your First ButcherBox

We hope this review was helpful to you as you seek better and healthier ways to feed your family well. We hope it make you more confident about ordering your first ButcherBox. Click here to claim special offer and enjoy the quality meats that ranchers across the world take so much pride in.

Healthy Recipes using ButcherBox meats

Instant Pot Ribs Recipe (using ButcherBox St.Louis Style ribs)
How to Make Real Bacon Bits (using ButcherBox bacon)
Best Taco Meat Recipe (using ButcherBox ground beef)
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes (using ButcherBox wild salmon)

If liked this ButcherBox review, please consider leaving a comment below ⇓. Also, be sure to follow us  on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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Is ButcherBox worth it? a comprehensive review of this meat subscription service

 

67 Best Gluten Free Holiday Recipes + Healthy Menu Ideas

Wrap up your healthy holiday menu with these 67 best gluten-free holiday recipes. From healthy appetizers to gluten-free holiday desserts, this collection ensures a flavorful and joyful celebration for everyone at the table. These amazing menu ideas are exactly what you need to keep your family well-fed during this busy season or if you are planning a special holiday dinner.

collage of holiday recipes with text overlay that says 'gluten-free holiday recipes'

The holidays are here and with that comes plenty of delicious food. Days are filled with various activities and events and lots of entertaining - no wonder it's a favorite season for many! But holidays can also be a challenging time when you're following a certain way of eating.

To help you stay on track with healthy eating during this holiday season, we've compiled this list of healthy gluten-free recipes that everyone will love. But don't limit these gluten free recipes for the holidays only - they're great served up on a busy weeknight too!

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Healthy Gluten-Free Holiday Dinner Menu

This collection of healthy gluten free holiday recipes will not leave any guest deprived when faced with all the party food galore. From favorite brunch recipes to serving a crowd and ending the evening with delicious gluten free holiday dessert, this round-up has you covered.

If preparing healthy real food is just as important to you during the holidays as it is any other time, get ready to bookmark this collection of Healthy Holiday Recipes. Some of these recipes are paleo, GAPS, and low carb but all of them are gluten-free with an emphasis on traditionally prepared foods.

Tips for Making Gluten Free Holiday Recipes

  1. Plan ahead. If planning for a holiday dinner party, it's wise to plan ahead. Start planning your gluten-free holiday menu well in advance to ensure you have ample time to source ingredients.
  2. Buy seasonally. The holidays are an excellent time to let those root veggies and winter squashes shine. Include seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and hearty greens in your gluten-free holiday recipes.
  3. Use naturally gluten-free foods. Instead of serving something that has been processed and manufactured to comply with a gluten-free label, embrace naturally gluten-free foods.
  4. Offer a variety of flavors. Create a well-balanced and flavorful gluten-free holiday menu. Experiment with herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the taste of your dishes and make gluten-free options just as enticing as traditional ones.
  5. Be adventurous. Use the holiday season as an opportunity to try new and exciting gluten-free recipes. Experimenting with diverse ingredients can lead to surprising discoveries.

Gluten-Free Holiday Basics

  • Good quality broth: A good broth can be a terrific base for soups, stews, chilis and gravies. Use chicken broth for mild soups, beef bone broth for bold stews, and this meat stock recipe can be used interchangeably for pretty much any dish. You can also swap out the water and use broth instead when cooking grains to bump up the nutrition.
  • Hearty gluten-free grains: Incorporate naturally gluten-free grains such as quinoa and rice. Buckwheat is often overlooked but it's such a gem when it comes to gluten-free holiday recipes. Roasted buckwheat adds incredible flavor as a side with butter or in salads. Instant Pot buckwheat is my favorite way to make as is millet Instant Pot.
  • Know-how's to winter squashes. Learn how to cook spaghetti squash for longest strands or air fryer butternut squash so it doesn't get mushy. These are naturally gluten free and so hearty and delicious!
collage of holiday recipes that are gluten free with 6 photos.
💭Make it Nutrient-Dense: Make sure you include organ meats and plenty of ferments with your hoiday menu to keep the foods interesting and nourishing.

Gluten-Free Holiday Appetizers

Who doesn't love appetizers? Start your evening right with a few of these healthy bite-size finger foods. Perfect for mingling and snacking, these small bites will set the tone for a festive and flavorful holiday gathering, gluten-free style.

Crispy and Tender Beef Tongue Recipe
This beef tongue recipe is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Top it with fresh herbs, lemon, and piquant onion for a refreshing and flavorful treat. Packed with protein and nutrients, it's a great appetizer, hors d'ouvres or even a light supper.
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
fried beef tongue with sliced white onion and lemon slices.
Easy Beef Liver Pâté
A nutrient-dense appetizer, this Easy Beef Liver Pate recipe starts with browning onions in butter and blending to luscious consistency with cream, coconut aminos, and seasonings.
35 minutes
Check out this recipe
beef liver pate in green ramekin
Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon (Low Carb, GAPS, Primal)
Healthy smoked salmon on top of cream cheese topped cucumber slices and finished off with lemon, fresh dill, capers, and Everything Bagel Seasoning. A delicious naturally low-carb, GAPS diet, and primal appetizer. 
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon (Low Carb, GAPS, Primal) - Healthy smoked salmon on top of cream cheese topped cucumber slices and finished off with Everything Bagel Seasoning. A delicious, super easy, 15 minute, low-carb appetizer. #lowcarb #appetizers #smokedsalmon
Savory Sliced Apple Appetizers
Slightly tart slices of Granny Smith apples are loaded with savory cream cheese and delicious crunchy toppings. They are GAPS, primal and totally wholesome. Think caramelized apple slices but fancier savory version.
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Savory Sliced Apple Appetizers - Slightly tart slices of Granny Smith apples are loaded with savory cream cheese and delicious crunchy toppings. #gapsdiet #appetizers #primalfood
Caprese Stuffed Avocado - Gluten Free, Low Carb
Stuffed with fresh mozzarella, garden tomatoes, and basil - drizzled with balsamic glaze and dusted with crunchy salt flakes. This low carb treat is an easy 5-ingredient appetizer and a great way to start the holiday festivities.
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Caprese salad in an avocado shell drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Stuffed Cream Cheese Mushrooms
This easy cream cheese stuffed mushrooms recipe is a delicious party appetizer that offers bold flavors without the fuss.
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
stuffed mushrooms on a white plate with green parsley to the side.
Easy Deviled Eggs
This classic appetizer comes with only 4 ingredients but big flavors. It's great for all kinds of gatherings or even a simple snack.
25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Deviled eggs on a platter and wooden cutting board.
Cajun Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Oven-Baked Cajun sweet potato fries that are crispy, spicy, and full of flavor - your new go-to side dish or snack!
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Sweet potato fries on a white plate with parchment paper.

Best Gluten Free Holiday Salad Recipes

Including a nice variety of healthy salads to your holiday menu is always a smart idea. Check out these delectable salads that would pair so well with your healthy mains and entrees.

Autumn Harvest Kale Salad
This Autumn Harvest Kale Salad has slightly roasted kale and Brussels sprouts (for easier digestion), delicata squash, and tossed with tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
35 minutes
Check out this recipe
delicata squash with micro greens and green apple on a bed of kale.
Classic Caesar Salad
This Classic Caesar Salad recipe is made from scratch with tangy homemade Caesar dressing, toasted croutons, and crunchy romaine lettuce.
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
white bowl with caesar salad on top of white kitchen towel
Cabbage Cucumber Salad (Low Carb)
This Cabbage and Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, healthy, and delicious addition to your meal. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it's naturally paleo, low carb, and Whole 30.
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Shredded cabbage with cucumbers in a white bowl.
Chopped Mediterranean Salad
This Chopped Mediterranean Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and other fresh veggies dressed in a simple white wine vinaigrette and topped with feta cheese, pepperoncinis, and Kalamata olives for a delicious and satisfying salad.
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
chopped Mediterranean salad in a white bowl with salad dressing on the bottom left corner.
Arugula Goat Cheese Salad with Prosciutto
This Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto is an infusion of flavors and textures that can complement any dish. The best part is it's made with a handful of ingredients and just 15 minutes of prep time.
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
rocket salad with arugula leaves on a white platter with goat cheese and prosciutto toppings with wooden spoons on the left.
Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
This Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is a simple, yet refreshing addition to any summer meal. With only 5 ingredients, it comes together in under 15 minutes.
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Chicken and Potato Salad
This chicken potato salad is a wholesome twist on Russian Olivier salad, made with real ingredients and perfect for holidays or meal prep!
1 hour 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Chicken potato salad in a bowl.

Easy Gluten-Free Holiday Side Dishes

Side dishes are the best part about a holiday dinner and these are no exception. Some of these are classics while others have a unique flare but they all make a healthy and delicious addition to your holiday table.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
An easy and delicious side dish that consists of bacon, sage, garlic and of course the sweet potatoes. 
1 hour
Check out this recipe
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon (Whole30, Paleo) - Make this for an easy weeknight side dish or a fancy dinner party. Either way, these Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon are Whole30 and Paleo and require only 4 ingredients. #sidedish #paleo #whole30
Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
Roasted Green Beans with Bacon are perfectly tender and so delicious. This easy 20-minute side dish goes with just about anything!
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Green beans with bacon on a platter with a serving spoon
Creamy Butternut Squash Gratin
This scalloped butternut squash gratin is made with caramelized onions, sage, garlic, and thyme in a creamy sauce, layered and topped with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs then baked until golden and bubbling.
1 hour 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
butternut squash gratin in a baking dish on a kitchen towel.
Roasted Carrots with Garlic
Oven-roasted whole carrots with garlic and herbs make an easy and delicious side dish that can go with just about any meal. This savory Paleo and Whole30 side come together in 20 minutes.
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
roasted carrots on white platter.
Creamed Mushrooms
Full of satisfying flavors in caramelized onions, garlic, rich butter and cream, finished off with red wine reduction. Great over pasta, chicken or steak!
45 minutes
Check out this recipe
Creamed Mushrooms in a small bowl with garnished parsley
Roasted Red Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Parmesan
These Roasted Red Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Parmesan are a festive take on traditional cabbage steaks. Made with only four simple ingredients, they are flavorful, and delicious and pair perfectly with any protein.
35 minutes
Check out this recipe
Roasted purple cabbage with dill and garlic on white platter.
Crispy Oven Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, these Crispy Oven Roasted Garlic Potatoes make a wonderful sheet pan side dish with only 4 ingredients and little prep time.
50 minutes
Check out this recipe
golden brown potatoes in serving platter.
Oven Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Add this Easy Roasted Broccolini Recipe to your weekly meal plan! This stupid easy side dish consists of 2 minutes hands-on prep time and 5 simple ingredients. It's low carb, GAPS, Primal, and overall a healthy side dish with very little effort.
17 minutes
Check out this recipe
Roasted broccoli with lemon and a fork on a white platter.
Crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Tender Brussels Sprouts roasted with crispy bacon and tossed in parmesan makes a delicious versatile side dish everyone will love.
37 minutes
Check out this recipe
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon in a white bowl

Gluten Free Holiday Soups

Soups are one of the best ways to include extra nutrition in the form of nourishing bone broth and seasonal vegetables. And just because soups are not commonly served at holiday meals, doesn't mean you can't start now. This is a small sampling of some healthy soups that can be included on your holiday menu.

Nourishing Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup (Egg Free, Dairy Free)
Nourishing and full of detoxifying properties, this Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup is made easily with just 8 ingredients. Make this grain-free (paleo, keto, low-carb) and use vegetable noodles.
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Nourishing Chicken Noodle Soup (Gluten Free, Paleo suggestions!) - Nourishing and full of detoxifying properties, this Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup is made easily with just 8 ingredients. Make this grain-free (paleo, keto, low-carb) and use vegetable noodles. #glutenfree #chickennoodlesoup
Healthy Pumpkin Chili with Ground Turkey
This pumpkin chili is proof you don't need beans for big flavor. It's hearty, veggie-packed, and naturally rich without any dairy. This pumpkin chili with turkey is a great meal for cozy nights when you want something nourishing but easy to throw together.
35 minutes
Check out this recipe
healthy pumpkin turkey chili in a white bowl with fresh cilantro and red onions as garnish.
Borscht Recipe - Easy 40-minute Russian Beet Soup
Borsch is a Russian beet soup made with beetroot, carrots, bone broth, and cabbage. You will love this 40-minute recipe on how to make borscht.
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
borscht in a white bowl with dollop of sour cream.
Shurpa Soup Recipe (Uzbek Lamb Soup)
Shurpa Soup Recipe brings together tender lamb, hearty root vegetables, and a burst of amazing flavor. This Uzbek Lamb Soup with Vegetables is great to cozy up to during the cold months but light enough to nourish and satisfy you year-round!
1 hour
Check out this recipe
shurpa soup in white bowl with carrots potatos and lamb.
Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Warm up to this Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This comforting soup is rich, hearty, and satisfying. It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and fresh vegetables and cooked in a creamy broth - all in one pot for a complete and healthy meal.
50 minutes
Check out this recipe
Creamy chicken wild rice soup in white bowl with crusty bread.
Pressure Cooker Ground Beef and Kale Soup
Hearty and delicious, this soup comes together quickly and easily in the Instant Pot or your favorite pressure cooker. 
44 minutes
Check out this recipe
Pressure Cooker Ground Beef and Kale Soup - with 4 minutes cooking time, this soup makes a quick and easy dinner and full of nutrition. Hearty and loaded with potatoes, ground beef, and nutritious kale.
Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Loaded with seasonal veggies and nutritious bone broth, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition and can easily be ready in under one hour.
1 hour
Check out this recipe
Bowl of healthy vegetable soup with zucchini noodles, potatoes and mushrooms.

Best Gluten Free Holiday Dinner Ideas

If you want something festive but a different pace from the traditional turkey or ham, check out these recipes below. These are great for a casual dinner with friends and family and yet look festive enough to be classified as "dinner party" official.

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon, Asparagus and Potatoes
A complete meal on one pan - full of flavor and easy to put together. Can be customizable to fit your dietary needs for Whole30, Paleo, or Low Carb. 
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon, Asparagus & Potatoes Sheet Pan - A complete meal on one pan - full of flavor and easy to put together. Can be customizable to fit your dietary needs for Whole30, Paleo, or Low Carb. #sheetpan #onepan #salmon
Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs (Paleo, Whole30)
These Paleo Swedish Meatballs are just as satisfying as the original comfort food but without the gluten or dairy. They come together easily, baked to perfection in the oven, and then smothered in the delicious gluten-free gravy. 
50 minutes
Check out this recipe
Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs (Paleo, Whole30) - These Paleo Swedish Meatballs are just as satisfying as the original comfort food but without the gluten or dairy. They come together easily, baked to perfection in the oven, and then smothered in the delicious gluten-free gravy. #whole30 #ovenbaked
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (no canned soup!)
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is made from scratch and has no canned soup! It's a delicious comfort food featuring flaky tuna, gluten-free egg noodles, creamy onions and mushrooms, and peas. The best part is this old-fashioned classic meal can be on your table in 40 minutes.
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
tuna noodle casserole on white plate.
Chicken Potato Casserole (Easy Chicken Potato Bake)
This Chicken Potato Bake recipe is simple yet so flavorful. With only 5 main ingredients, this meat and potatoes casserole is total comfort food on busy nights.
1 hour 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
scalloped potatoes on a white dish with tomatoes and chicken.
Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus
This Easy One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus recipe is the perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights. It's easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor.
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
golden brown balsamic chicken roasted on sheet pan with asparagus, tomatoes, and onions.
Quick 15-Minute Salmon with Mayo Recipe
Quick oven-baked salmon with mayo is made with 5 ingredients and is ready to serve in 15 minutes. Easy, delicious, and wholesome!
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
salmon fillet with mayo sauce on top and fresh slice of lemon.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ground meat and rice filling wrapped in cabbage leaves, topped with flavorful tomato sauce and baked to perfection.
2 hours 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
cabbage rolls in a casserole dish
Spatchcock Turkey
This Spatchcock Turkey Recipe cooks evenly and produces delicious crispy skin and juicy meat in a fraction of the time as the traditional roasted turkey.
2 hours 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
carved spatchcock turkey.
Air Fryer Duck
Air Fryer Duck is an easy main dish that can elevate any meal. The air fryer makes cooking this intimidating game meat easy, giving you crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort.
1 hour 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Duck on platter with radicchio and oranges.

Fermented Recipes to go Holiday Meals

Holidays are not a time to be slacking on naturally-formed probiotics in fermented foods. You can ready more about what ancestral diet and the real definition of nourishing foods. Thankfully, we have you covered with some of the best fermented recipes that pair excellently with these holiday gluten-free recipes.

Raw Sauerkraut
Making traditionally fermented sauerkraut at home isn't time consuming and doesn't require special supplies. This Raw Sauerkraut recipe is foolproof and will ensure you get perfectly crunchy probiotic-rich fermented food every time.
21 days 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
raw sauerkraut in wooden bowl.
Fermented Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
This Red Cabbage Sauerkraut recipe (or fermented red cabbage) is made with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps yet provides a delicious and tangy kraut that's excellent with every meal.
7 days 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
red cabbage kraut in a jar.
Fermented Green Tomatoes
Learn how to make Fermented Green Tomatoes and preserve those unripe tomatoes before the season ends. With the traditional method of lacto-fermentation, this pickled green tomatoes recipe is easy, delicious, and packed with nutrition.
8 days 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
green tomatoes with fresh dill in mason jar.
Spicy Sauerkraut with Ginger and Garlic
This Spicy Sauerkraut with Ginger and Garlic is a delightfully zesty take on sauerkraut that is packed with antioxidants and beneficial bacteria for gut health.
21 days 30 minutes
Check out this recipe
fork in sauerkraut recipe.
Easy Fermented Cherry Tomatoes
Fermented cherry tomatoes are a great way to preserve that summer harvest and include more gut-healthy probiotics to your meals.
10 days 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
cultured tomatoes with spices and brine in a weck jar.

Best Gluten Free Holiday Desserts

Finish off your holiday dinner party with one of these guilt-free desserts. Whether you're looking for a diet-friendly sweet treat or simply aiming for a lighter post-dinner dessert, these gluten-free holiday desserts will ensure a satisfying finale to your holiday feast.

Easy Gluten Free French Crepes Recipe
Simple yet delicious gluten-free French crepes recipe that delivers the same delicate texture. This blender crepe recipe is made with only 5 ingredients and no special pan required!
1 hour
Check out this recipe
stack of cassava flour crepes on a plate for frozen blackberries.
Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples
These Healthy Stuffed Baked Apples are filled with crunchy pecans, shredded coconut, and sweetened with a touch of honey for a truly nourishing, gluten-free, paleo and Whole30 apple dessert.
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
stuffed apple half with ice cream and caramel drizzle.
Coconut Flour Banana Muffins
Made with coconut flour and are dairy free, nut free, gluten and grain free. They make a delicious, perfectly moist Paleo treat or breakfast on the go.
28 minutes
Check out this recipe
Coconut Flour Brownies
Light and cake-like coconut flour brownies, honey-sweetened and entirely dairy-free! A rich chocolate treat made with just 5 simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe
The coconut flour brownies are arranged on parchment paper.
Gluten-Free Almond Orange Cookies
Thin Almond Orange Cookies dipped in chocolate and topped with toasted almonds.
25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Almond Orange Cookies -With hints of orange zest, these crispy thin almond cookies are dunked in chocolate and topped with toasted almonds.  These Almond Orange Cookies are naturally gluten free, primal and GAPS with Paleo version.
Crepe Rolls with Cottage Cheese and Fruit
Enjoy delicate crepes filled with sweetened cottage cheese, baked to golden perfection, and topped with powdered sugar and seasonal berries.
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
crepe rolls in black baking dish with fresh berries on top.
Keto Hazelnut Butter Cookies (Low Carb, Gluten Free)
These delicate, buttery cookies practically melt in your mouth. Roasted hazelnuts give them a nice crunch and a luscious drizzle of sugar-free chocolate takes these low carb treats over the top. 
35 minutes
Check out this recipe
Keto Hazelnut Butter Cookies - These delicate, buttery cookies practically melt in your mouth. Roasted hazelnuts give them a nice crunch and a luscious drizzle of sugar-free chocolate takes these low carb treats over the top. #lowcarb #cookies #glutenfree

Healthy Holiday Drinks

Some of these healthy holiday drinks can be enjoyed along with your meal, while others are rich that it's best you savor them as a treat afterwards. Either way, know that they are healthy and delicious and a great way to round off your holiday meal.

Honey Citrus Mint Tea Recipe (Starbucks Copycat Medicine Ball Tea)
Make Honey Citrus Mint Tea at home with this Starbucks Medicine Ball tea copycat. Using real honey, fresh lemon, and clean filler-free teas, it's an easy, flavorful drink ready in just 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Two mugs of Honey Citrus Mint Tea with lemon slices, wedges and fresh mint.
Nourishing Hot Cocoa with Honey-Sweetened Marshmallows
Nutrient-dense hot cocoa mix combined with butter and raw milk to create rich chocolate drink. Top with honey-sweetened marshmallows to create a complete treat. 
45 minutes
Check out this recipe
Superfood Hot Cocoa with Honey-Sweetened Marshmallows - This treat is packed with nutrient dense ingredients such as mineral-rich coconut sugar, fermented raw cacao powder, and grass-fed collagen for a protein kick. Naturally primal with dairy free option. It also makes a great homemade gift with a FREE printable page for gift tags. #primal #nourishing #hotcocoa #homemadegifts
Herbal Coffee (caffeine-free)
This decadent and delicious coffee substitute has many added health benefits. It's completely caffeine-free and can be enjoyed any time of day.
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
herbal coffee with milk pour

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carved turkey with cranberries and rosemary sprigs

FAQs

What is a sample of a gluten-free menu?

I recommend serving naturally gluten-free foods such as air fryer pork tenderloin with a simple side dish of roasted veggies or a salad with house dressing. The most important thing to keep in mind is to use simple ingredients that your gluten-free guests already love and enjoy eating. Having some gluten-free bread or gluten-free desserts is a good idea and a perfect way to show hospitality to those who are on a gluten-free diet.

What are good gluten-free Christmas recipes?

Start with a hearty main dish consisting of a good source of American classic protein like beef, chicken, or salmon and a potato casserole or au gratin. This chicken potato bake is a great recipe and a holiday favorite. A humble baked potato is a simple recipe that makes family traditions shine. Elevate this classic with your favorite toppings to truly make it a special occasion. Finish the night with delicious desserts. Follow this guide on natural sweeteners to add subtle sweetness to your night.

What are classic recipes for a Christmas dinner?

Many of the holiday favorite dishes are also on the Thanksgiving menu. You'll often find pumpkin pie, a big dish of classic stuffing, cranberry sauce, along with roast turkey, baked ham, and prime rib. Thankfully, you don't have to skimp out on those if you are following a gluten-free diet because there are recipes galore to satisfy your dietary preferences. 

Was this collection of Gluten Free Holiday Recipes helpful? Check out more related roundups below.