Trader Joe’s Has Revealed Its Most Popular Products (According to Customers)

by Kate LowethJanuary 18, 2024

It’s no secret Trader Joe’s has a cult following

From heat-and-eat meals and fun florals to unique products you can’t find anywhere else, there’s so much to try out when you visit your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Luckily, the grocer just released the results of its 15th annual Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards, which highlights fan faves. Want to know what other products are consistent winners? You can check them out in the Trader Joe’s Best Product Hall of Fame.

Favorite Overall: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

chili and lime tortilla rolled chips are one of the best Trader Joe's products, according to customers.

Made from stone-ground corn masa that's rolled and fried to crispy perfection, then sprinkled with zesty hot chili and lime flavoring, these snackable rolls took the top prize again this year!

Honorable Mentions

Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
Kimbap
Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Favorite Beverage: Spiced Cider (seasonal)

Trader Joe's Spiced Cider — Trader Joe's

This winning beverage is only around at the holidays and you'll see folks loading up their carts when they come out. We prefer it warmed on the stove as it makes your house smell like the holidays.

Runners-Up

French Market Sparkling Lemonade
Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
100% Tangerine Juice
Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Flavored Oat Creamer

Favorite Cheese: Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is the GOAT for 2023 and we can totally understand why. It's great as an addition to a dip, spread on a sandwich, or crumbled over a salad.

Runners-Up

Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip (limited)
Burrata
Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper
English Farmhouse Cheddar with Caramelized Onions

#1 Lunch & Dinner: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Trader Joe's butter chicken — Trader Joe's

Whole chicken chunks, creamy curry with tomatoes, paired perfectly with long-grain Basmati rice—what's not to love?

Runners-Up

Chicken Tikka Masala
Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
Vegetable Fried Rice
Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

Favorite Sweet/Dessert: Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Trader Joe's sublime ice cream sandwiches — Trader Joe's

These are definitely the ice cream sandwiches that you hide in the back of the freezer and eat when the kids go to bed.

Runners-Up

Mint Chip Ice Cream
Hold the Cone! Chocolate Chip
Hold the Cone! Chocolate
Almond Kringle (seasonal)

You can check out the rest of the winners at traderjoes.com.

—Additional reporting by Karly Wood

16 Trader Joe’s Appetizers to Serve During the Holidays This Year

by Kate LowethNovember 30, 2023

These Trader Joe’s appetizers are the easiest way to look like a gourmet chef in 15 minutes or less

Whether you are getting together with your family or having a mom’s night sans kids, you’ll definitely need some amazing appetizers to whip up this holiday season. Trader Joe’s has easy appetizers ready to go in their frozen section along with easy-to-make recipes from dips you can only find this time of year. These Trader Joe’s appetizers will save you tons of time during the holidays this year and will impress the pickiest of guests.

Mini Veggie Samosas

A popular Trader Joe's appetizer, these two-bite samosas are filled with a curry-infused mixture of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, and onions. Wrapped in a flaky phyllo crust, the scent alone will have guests wandering toward the appetizer table.

Fried Olive Bites

These tiny bites only come out at the holidays and they are filled with cheese for the perfect bite on your appetizer buffet.

Brie en Croute

If you require an excuse to eat a brie en croute, we will give you one. This frozen Trader Joe's appetizer is only available during the holidays which means you have to grab at least one.

Red Pepper, Cranberry & Walnut Dip

This seasonal dip is a new Trader Joe's appetizer in 2022.

Sweet, spicy, and tart, this seasonal dip from Trader Joe's will make a statement at holiday parties this year. Add it to your charcuterie board and pair it with a crostini or veggies!

Herbaceous Cheesy Bites

We love these flavorful bites that pack a nice crunch. These have just the right amount of spices to balance out the cheesy goodness.

Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas

Bake these up in your oven and serve with your favorite salsa and you will have some happy guests at your next family party.

Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

We love these any time of the year as they are easy to crisp up in your oven and are perfectly bite-sized.

Crispy Vegetable Pouches

These only come out around the holidays and are a delicious, vegetable-forward option.

Korean Pancakes

Perfect for brunch, these cinnamon-filled Korean pancakes are flaky, chewy and irresistible. Kids and adults will love each and every bite.

Find them in the freezer aisle.

Coconut Shrimp

These are a kid favorite and perfect when served with the Thai Sweet Ginger Sauce for dipping.

Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons

These are great pan-fried or boiled and the kids will definitely gobble them up.

Breaded Fried Ravioli

You had us at "fried!" Kid-friendly and easy to whip up, these fried ravioli are made with semolina pasta, and five kinds of cheese that includes ricotta, mild Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Asiago and Parmesan.

Kibbeh

Hearty and flavorful, this Kibbeh appetizer will become a family fave. Made with ground beef, onions and seasonings, these meatballs pair well with almost any dip.

Find for just $4.79 in the freezer section.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelsey Oppenheim (@kelseyoppenheim)

Chicken Soup Dumplings

While these are technically an appetizer, we see nothing wrong with whipping up the entire box for dinner! Each one of these chicken soup dumplings is made with chicken, onions, green onions and a flavorful broth and can be found in the freezer section.

Mini Quiche Duo

Perfect for brunch or lunch, this box of mini quiche duos includes both mushroom and Swiss cheese and bacon and sweet onion options. Bake until golden brown, and enjoy thoroughly.

Each box is just $3.99 in the freezer section.

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Forget making your own spinach artichoke dip, and snag this frozen version instead! All it takes is a simple warm-up before you're enjoying it with tortilla chips. This is a nice change to the traditional onion dips you find at family get-togethers.

You can't beat the $2.99 price tag on this dip!

What to Do When Your Kid Is Home Sick

by Beth SheaNovember 7, 2023

Taking care of sick kids is never easy. But these tips for fighting colds and treating symptoms should help.

With RSV making its way around plus it officially being flu and cold season, it’s a given you’ll be dealing with runny noses and fevers more than once this winter. Since it’s all (parents’) hands on deck when it comes to surviving long sick days with kids, we’ve created a guide to help you make it back to the land of the healthy.

From babies to big kids, sinus infections to body aches and fatigue, we’ve got ideas for what to do when your kid is sick: the best entertainment, how to maintain hydration, and even insider intel on superfoods that’ll help them say goodbye to the sickies. P.S. It turns out that bowl of chicken noodle soup is doing even more than you think! (Note: In the case of severe illness or symptoms, please seek professional medical help.)

How to Treat Symptoms

When It's a Baby

There's more guesswork involved with treating a sick baby because they can't verbalize their symptoms, but we have plenty of comfort cures in our guide: 10 ways to soothe a sick baby to help your little bundle feel better in no time.

When It's a Sinus Issue

Sinus drainage during a cold or a bout of flu is a culprit of pain and frustration. That's why knowing how to relieve your kids of this nasty symptom is a must! Read our thorough information on how to treat sinus drainage.

Home Remedies That Help

Use nature's potent power to help your kids heal and recover faster and make them more comfortable during illness. These home remedies pack a punch and will knock out icky ailments including a cough or a sore throat. You may even find you have many of these impactful ingredients on hand in your kitchen cupboard right now!

Home Entertainment for Sick Days

wondering what to do when sick? This little girl is having a sick day and she's reading books — iStock

Books. Even when they're feeling awful, some kids still want to be entertained when they're not sleeping off an illness. Bookworms may appreciate the downtime to catch up on the best kids' books of the past year. Bonus: this will allow for snuggle time too!

Board Games. If your young patient is ready to sit up and have a little friendly competition, bust out a board game! These classic games will banish the sick day blues.

Activities. When your little sunshine is feeling dim, try one of these low-energy activities that will keep them occupied while conserving energy. Bringing a smile to their face could be as easy as having a tea party or setting up an indoor fort.

Printables. Your kiddo may be feeling much better but it's still a 'sick' day because most schools say students need to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to the classroom. Fill that lull between sickness and full steam ahead with these fun winter-themed activity sheets.

Podcasts. If the television is too bright or you want to turn off the tube, settle your kiddo down with a pair of headphones and a handful of podcasts. It will help pass the time, and they may even learn something, too!

little boy watching a tablet while having a sick day — iStock

All Things Netflix & Other Must-See Movies

Shows that are perfect for binge-watching. Not sure where to start? These classic '90s TV shows will keep them entertained while lying on the family sofa.

But what's new? For the latest and greatest kid-friendly offerings on Netflix, here's an awesome list of all the kids' shows and movies coming to Netflix this month.

Opt for a must-see movie instead. Catch up on movies you've always wanted to watch with your kids but may not have had the time. These must-see family films will keep the whole household entertained. There are over 100 films on the list, so you're sure to find more than a few to enjoy!

Food & Hydration for Sick Days

Make chicken soup. It's not just an adage after all! Chicken soup does help fight colds, according to science. Here's a homemade chicken noodle soup recipe that's easy to make.

Use the slow cooker. Taking care of a sick child leaves little time for cooking for the whole family. We've compiled a list of our favorite slow cooker recipes so family meals can simmer into completion while you tend to your little one.

Whip up comfort food. Perhaps your patient's appetite is still healthy even though they're under the weather. If that's the case, these comfort food recipes will help keep them fueled up and cozy.

If they've got an upset tummy. If your kids are suffering from nausea and/or vomiting, keeping liquids down will be a challenge. Help them stay hydrated by making homemade popsicles—bonus points for making a batch with hydrating and nutrient-rich coconut water.

Superfoods to the rescue! From carrot-orange juice to chocolate chia seed pudding, we've got plenty of recipes that use superfoods, which can help your kids battle any bugs.

What to Do for Yourself When Your Kid Is Sick

Practice self-care. If your kiddo's cold or flu has yet to bring you down, drink this cold-busting wellness tea that's loaded with germ-fighting fruits and spices.

Use hand sanitizer. While washing hands is always the best option for preventing illness, a squirt here or there will help keep germs at bay if you can't get to a sink right away.

Click to order. Are you out of cough syrup and popsicles? Instead of dragging your sick littles to the store, shop for the essentials and have them delivered to your front door. Here's our list of grocery stores that make home calls.

Editor’s Note: Tinybeans does not make any medical claims about curing serious illnesses in children. In the case of severe illness or symptoms, please seek professional medical help.

31 Make Ahead Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

by Abigail MatsumotoNovember 3, 2023

Dinner can be a challenge, but with these make-ahead meals to keep in the freezer, you’ll always have something delicious on deck!

Whip out your weekly meal planner, it’s time to get prepping! We know firsthand how busy life gets, whether you’re dealing with busy school nights or trapped under a baby for multiple daily naps. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a handle on your daily dinners. With some meal prep and a few well-crafted make-ahead meals, you’ll be serving up great food in no time. If you’re looking for more inspo when it comes to quick dinners, check out these one-pot meals and these recipes that take 30 minutes or less.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Make-Ahead Meal Mom (@makeaheadmealmomma)

Honey Sesame Chicken

This delicious dinner can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When you're ready, defrost and toss into the slow cooker. Service with rice and broccoli and dinner is done.

One-Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

one-pot pasta is an easy make-ahead meal — Budget Bytes

Perfect for meal prepping for a week's worth of lunches, Budget Bytes' One Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a meal even your picky eaters will enjoy. From the savory sausage to the sweet sun-dried tomatoes, this beautifully colored dish is made using just one pan and makes tons of leftovers.

Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

crock pot sloppy joes are an easy make-ahead meal — Yummy Healthy Easy

The classic American dish has never been easier than with Yummy Healthy Easy's recipe for Sloppy Joe's. Add browned meat and spices to a crockpot before heading out for school pickup, after-school sports, or weekend activities, and return home to a hot dinner with minimal effort.

20-Minute Tuscan Pasta

20-minute pasta is a good make-ahead meal — Six Sisters' Stuff

A creamy pasta that easily camouflages vegetables, Six Sisters' Stuff recipe for 20-Minute Tuscan Pasta is an easy choice for meal prep. Make the full recipe and save half for the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, take out and allow to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours then reheat for 30 minutes in the oven. Dinner is served!

Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls

Chicken+pizza does a happy child make! These Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls from the Lean Green Bean are not only awesome looking, but they are great to make in a big batch and serve all week for snacks or lunch. Enjoy reheated or cold, they'll make any hungry little happy.

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sliders

Perfect for the freezer, these mini sandwiches from Make-Ahead Mom are made with sweet buns for an extra punch of flavor. Topped with a savory sauce, they heat up to melty goodness in the oven straight from the freezer, and are great for lunches, appetizers, and tailgating!

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

We know, kiddos usually shy away from salads but this fresh meal from Gimme Some Oven is perfect for warm nights. We can't help but think they'll love throwing this together ahead of time and tossing in the canned mandarin oranges, edamame, and crunchy ramen.

Breakfast Burritos

There’s nothing better than breakfast for dinner! Whip up a batch of these freezer-friendly burritos from Inquiring Chef, then heat them up any time of the day for a super satisfying meal. Best of all, you can heat them up straight from the freezer, making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Beef Stew

This freezer meal from Pinch of Yum is the ultimate in comfort food, with hearty chunks of beef, plenty of carrots and celery and luscious tomato-based gravy. If you have an Instant Pot, this is a great time to use it (it’ll be ready in 45 minutes flat!), but there are also instructions to make it in a slow cooker.

Crustless Quiche with Bacon, Broccoli and Cheddar

Everyone loves a good quiche, and this one from This Farm Girl Cooks is a make-ahead dream. It reheats well in the microwave after it’s been cooled, or you can freeze the uncooked egg mixture and thaw it when you’re ready to bake. Any way you slice it, it’s bound to be an instant favorite.

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

If your kids balk at the idea of salad, then this colorful Thai-inspired dish from Vanilla and Beanjust might get them to give it a try. It’s filled with veggies, rice noodles and a tangy, garlicky peanut lime sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it keeps well for days to come.

Leftover Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Give leftover rotisserie chicken an upgrade with the perfect kid-pleaser: pizza! This idea from A Taste of Madness is super easy and a great option for your weekly meal prep.

Freezer Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches

make ahead breakfast croissant — Damn Delicious

All hail Damn Delicious and this idea for freezer breakfast sandwiches. They do their name justice (hello, easy breakfast!) but also work as a quick and quirky lunch or dinner. The kids can even help assemble the ingredients!

Big Batch Chinese Beef

Put down the takeout menu! Thanks to Kitchen Sanctuary, we’ve got something much better for your hungry family. This beef dish is great for a crowd and can be used with your slow cooker. (Bonus points if you add bok choy or another green veggie!)

Make Ahead Macaroni and Cheese

make ahead mac and cheese — Kristine's Kitchen

You can never have too many mac and cheese recipes! We’re digging this one from Kristine’s Kitchen because it’s a snap to make and you can refrigerate it up to two days before baking. It's a cheesy win-win!

One-Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta

Psst! Not only is this a one-pot dish from Sweet Peas and Saffron bursting with flavor, but it can also be assembled ahead of time and frozen! So when a crazy weeknight hits, all you have to do is place everything in a pot and get cooking.

Make-Ahead Spaghetti

Cooking for a crowd? Need a quick meal on a chaotic weeknight? This spaghetti, courtesy of Kitchen Sanctuary, is the answer! It’s über flavorful and can even be frozen. Plus, it’s full of veggies and crispy bacon.

5-Ingredient Pizza Bagel Bites

Bagel bites and kids go together like cheese and pepperoni, which means you’ve got to try this idea from Life Made Simple. Way better than store-bought, these pizza bagel bites are customizable, freezable, and a cinch to make.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, and sometimes families gotta have mashed potatoes. That’s where this casserole from Dinner at the Zoo comes in. It’s loaded with wow factor (a.k.a. bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives), but easy to make for any holiday or weeknight.

Baked Italian Meatballs

We love these meatballs from Thriving Home Blog, which are baked, delicious and the best thing to happen to your freezer in a long time. Add them to your spaghetti, make a sandwich or just eat ‘em straight for a perfect weeknight meal.

Homemade Frozen Pizza

You know those store-bought frozen pizzas that you keep around for supper emergencies? Well, this homemade version from Love and Olive Oil is so much better! With tons of customization options and homemade flavor, these make-ahead pizzas are sure to please the whole family.

Chicken & Veggie Pasta Casserole

The beauty of this chicken and veggie pasta casserole from Jo Cooks is that it makes a bonanza amount of food and gives kids a good dose of veggies, too. Reinvent the leftovers during the week or freeze a portion and save for later!

Chicken (Minus the Noodles) Soup

For all the times you need comfort food in a pinch, this chicken soup from Mrs. Schwartz’s Kitchen has you covered. Freeze the stock mixture, add the noodles when you’re ready to eat, and voila—dinner is served!

Homemade Fish Sticks

As everyone knows, there are plenty of fish sticks in the sea—or at least there are plenty of homemade fish sticks in the freezer, thanks to Katy She Cooks. Bonus: This recipe is way healthier than what you'll find in the frozen food aisle.

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

spinach and stuffed cheese shells is a popular make ahead meal — Kristine's Kitchen Blog

Here’s an updated tongue twister for you: She eats stuffed shells on busy school nights. You can make it happen, with the help of Kristine’s Kitchen Blog. (Psst! You can even lighten them up with cottage cheese.)

Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Let’s face it, kids love kid-size food—and these mini meatloaf muffins from Our Family Eats are no exception. Not only are they packed with protein and vegetables, but they can also be frozen for about two months. We promise, your minis will love them.

Tortellini, Spinach, and Black Bean Soup

You've got to bookmark this hearty tortellini, spinach, and black bean soup from How To: Simplify. It's a great thing to have on hand for the mid-week rush, and it offers a tasty way to scarf up spinach.

Garden Vegetable Lasagna

Load up on your veggies with this delish lasagna from Tastes Lovely! The cheesy layers are a total kid-pleaser—and they make great camouflage for the green stuff.

Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Especially when it’s healthy, delicious, and freezable? This Thriving Home recipe involves Greek yogurt and sweet potato, among other ingredients. We guarantee the kiddos will want seconds!

Easy Tomato Soup with Roasted Bell Peppers

This make-ahead meal combines simple ingredients to make a truly magical soup—not a bad kitchen lesson for your little chefs! It’s easy to whip up and freezes beautifully so you can slurp it up any day of the week. Get the recipe here.

Chicken Pot Hand Pies

How cute are these hand pies from Two Healthy Kitchens? They’ve got all the tastiness of chicken pot pie (hello, flavorful veggies, tender chicken, and thyme crust!) but are totally kid-sized.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

by writerredtriOctober 1, 2023

Jennifer Tyler Lee, Bay Area mom and author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, shared with us one of her favorite healthy lunch ideas: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. She tells us, “My kids love a hot lunch, and this recipe is an easy way for me to send a cozy meal that I know they’ll enjoy.” Her pro tip? When packing soup, only fill the thermos part way to the top with liquid to avoid spills.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup:

1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup dry pasta (macaroni or rotini work best)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken in the mixture until well coated. Spread out on the lined baking sheet as flat as possible and roast 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. When done, remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Then chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Reserve any cooking juices.

Tip: If you’re in a pinch, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip to Step 3. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then the onions and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Add the broth, 1 cup water, and the bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked.

5. Add the chicken to the pot and simmer for 2 minutes more.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Reprinted from THE 52 NEW FOODS CHALLENGE: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year, with 150 recipes. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Tyler Lee.

Featured image: iStock

19 High-Protein Meals for Picky Eaters

by Nikki WalshAugust 20, 2023

Fill them up with these tasty meals that aren’t chicken nuggets

Protein-packed meals and picky eaters don’t always go hand-in-hand. If your little one gags at anything but buttered noodles and you’re wondering where they’ll get their high-protein foods from, we have recipes and high-protein foods for picky eaters that kids will actually eat (especially if you adjust these ideas to their taste). From yummy breakfast shakes to easy dinner ideas, keep reading to find your new secret weapon.

High-Protein Breakfast Foods for Picky Eaters

Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake

peanut butter cup shake is a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Chelsea's Messy Apron

What kiddo says no to a peanut butter cup shake? None that we've met. This is a high-protein packed shake that's perfect for busy mornings, and especially for tweens who have a hard time eating breakfast. Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron.

Soft Boiled Eggs and Soldiers

a soft-boiled egg is a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Eat Live Run

Soft-boiled eggs are ready in five minutes, and when paired with buttered sticks of toast (soldiers) which the kids can dunk in the runny yolk, they're as fun as they are convenient. Head to Eat Live Run for tips and tricks on how to boil the perfect egg.

Peanut Butter Waffles with Peanut Butter Syrup

Having waffles for breakfast? Skip the regular syrup and whip up this delicious peanut butter syrup for a perfect high-protein food for picky eaters. Plus add a double dose of protein with this scrumptious peanut butter waffle recipe written out at Creations by Kara.

Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Muffins

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NICOLE | NASM CPT (@nicoleexoxoxo)

Picky eaters will be so excited about the chocolate chip muffin aspect that they won’t even notice the protein powder you add to the mix. These are a great on-the-go breakfast option!

High-Protein Foods for Picky Eaters Perfect for Lunch

Pizzadillas

Simple, easy-to-make, and pleasing to pint-sized taste buds—pizzadillas. It's the perfect combo pizza, and quesadilla all wrapped up. Blair over at The Seasoned Mom serves this savory dish with dipping sauce.

Chicken Satay

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Gellner | Eat Yourself Skinny (@eaturselfskinny)

Skewered food often works for picky eaters, perhaps because there’s something of the lollipop about it. With this chicken satay dish from Eat Yourself Skinny, you get double the dose of protein from the chicken and the peanut sauce.

Power Protein Bowls

Choose-your-own-adventure meets the dinner table with this build-your-own-bowl idea from Liz's Healthy Table. All the choices are healthy with a choice of ready-to-eat teriyaki tofu, egg, edamame, bell pepper, and sugar snap peas. When kids get control over what goes on their plates, they might even be a little braver when tasting new foods.

High-Protein Meals for Picky Eaters to Add to Your Dinner Recipe Rotation

Healthy Chicken Meatballs

chicken meatballs are a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Yummy Toddler Food

Yummy Toddler Food knows the challenges of getting little ones to eat something that'll fill their bellies! This four-ingredient recipe for chicken meatballs will be a crowd-pleaser, and they're super easy to whip up. Get the recipe from Yummy Toddler Food.

Classic Carbonara

A classic carbonara has no cream and no heavy sauce because the eggs do all the work, making it both light and decadent at the same time. This recipe from Scrummy Lane gives lots of tips on how to make the perfect carbonara.

Teriyaki Pineapple Salmon

salmon is a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Unicorns in the Kitchen

Aloha! Little eaters love sweet foods. So serve up salmon with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple. Even more, the meaty salmon texture tastes good in little mouths. Unicorns in the Kitchen gives us this easy 30-minute recipe that your half-pints will eat up (keep the pineapple for yourself!).

Homemade Hamburger Helper

If your picky eater is hankering for something savory then this 30-minute instant pot hamburger helper packs in the protein. Stir in cheese when this delicious dish is ready to get your little one to eat up. If you don't have an instant pot, go here for the stove-top version.

Sweet and Savory Chicken Stir Fry

Honey Garlic Chicken stir fry — Get Inspired Every Day

Putting veg on the side of a simple rice dish allows kids to know exactly what they're eating and sometimes a suspicious ingredient is all it takes for a point-blank refusal to eat. This stir-fry recipe from our archives is a mix of sweet and savory flavors that's easy to prepare—just mince the onion small or omit it altogether.

Chili Con Carne for Kids

Warm up your household with this mild chile con carne made just for kids. The best part besides the 18 grams of protein per serving is the four veggies in this delightful dish. Find the recipe at My Fussy Eater.

Orange Chicken

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nicola Corbishley (@kitchensanctuary)

Sweet and savory is always a good combo, and this orange chicken recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary fits the description. This is a high protein-packed meal we’re sure will make picky eaters will rejoice.

Simple Homemade Fish Sticks

homemade fish sticks are a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Super Healthy Kids

Little diners will get hooked on these crunchy fish sticks from Super Healthy Kids. You'll be glad to know the breading has a secret ingredient—flax seeds—so these fish sticks are not only high in protein, but the crunchy outside and mild softer inside make them easy to gobble up.

Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs

A childhood favorite that's made up fresh? Sign us up! With 34 grams of protein per serving, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe from Shugary Sweets is perfect for picky eaters. She uses turkey meatballs to lighten up the dish. Add in a veggie, like carrots, with dipping sauce as a side dish.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

When kids can get creative with their food at the table, they start seeing it as something other than "yucky." This chicken taco filling is the starting point for dinnertime creativity—add in other taco toppings like cheese, fresh tomato, avocado and lettuce, and those picky eaters might just surprise you! Head to Dinner At The Zoo for the recipe.

Deconstructed Soba Noodle Soup

Don't let the picture put you off—plenty of picky eaters wouldn't go near a soup with the ingredients all mushed in together but Meredith at Feed Them Wisely says this delicious ginger coconut chicken soup can be deconstructed and all the ingredients served separately. While the soup option works for adults, kids get to taste the same flavors (and protein-packed soba noodles), just with a tweaked presentation—genius!

Butternut Squash Mac 'N' Cheese

Sneaking veggies into a mac and cheese is super tempting as a parent and this recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef contains butternut squash and extra protein from Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese. This take on an old favorite can be prepped ahead of time and either stored in the refrigerator or frozen until ready to bake.

Soup and Stew Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter

by Abigail MatsumotoJanuary 13, 2023

From an egg drop soup recipe to beef stew, these meals will warm you up during the cold winter months

When there’s a chill in the air, there’s nothing better than comforting soups, stews, and, of course, chili. From chicken noodle soup to beef strew and even a white chicken chili recipe, these hearty meals and comfort food are perfect for the cooler months. Plus, they’re all one-pot meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. So bundle up, simmer down, and scroll on for our favorite slow cooker stews, two-step soups, chili recipes, and more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DAMN DELICIOUS (@damn_delicious)

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

You can't go wrong with Broccoli Cheddar Soup! This recipe from Damn Delicious is creamy, light, and perfect for any picky eaters.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Susan Lightfoot Moran (@theviewfromgreatisland)

Smoked Salmon Chowder

Check out this delicious Smoked Salmon Chowder from View from Great Island. This light, yet hearty chowder is ready in only 30 minutes!

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

soup and stew recipes — Boulder Locavore

For a quick take on a popular version of chili, we like Boulder Locavore's Instant Pot version. It only takes 15 minutes and you can make it mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Don't have an Instant Pot? No Worries! Try this version instead.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Does your soul need some homemade chicken soup? Jennifer Tyler Lee, the author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, has you covered. You can even pack it in a thermos, and send the kiddos to school with a warm and hearty lunch.

Instant Pot Chili

Love your Instant Pot? You'll love it even more once you try this chili recipe from The Bearded Hiker. Just sauté your beef, add your veggies, beans, and spices, and voila!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

This delish stew from Mindy’s Cooking Obsession is the perfect cure for a comfort food craving. Best of all, you can throw all the ingredients in the Crock Pot in the morning and have a warm meal ready when it’s time for dinner.

Chili Mac and Cheese Soup

If your kids can't get enough chili and they love mac and cheese, you can get the best of both worlds with this soup from Baking with Blondie! It comes together in about 30 minutes and is extra tasty in a bread bowl or sprinkled with some sharp cheddar.

Vegetarian Crock Pot Chili

There's no reason for vegetarians to be left out of the chili fun! This dish (which uses the crock pot!) includes three kinds of beans and is gluten- and dairy-free. Get the recipe here.

Cream of Tomato Soup

This soup from The Cake Chica is just what your grilled cheese needs! It uses the freshest ingredients and takes two—count ‘em, two steps. And if you have a blender or food processor, it's that much easier!

Slow Cooker Maple Chicken Stew

Your busy workdays just got better with this recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog. It’s bursting with healthy vegetables and flavors, and since it cooks all day in your Crock Pot, there’s not much work involved.

Japanese Noodle Soup

Ditch the questionable instant ramen and whip up your own with this recipe from Aviva Goldfarb of The Six O’Clock Scramble. Your little noodle lovers will love all the fresh flavors, like ginger and lime!

Cream of Broccoli Soup

More broccoli, please! That’s what the kids will be saying, thanks to this soup from Kitchen Sanctuary. It’s creamy and even has a couple of other veggies thrown in. Top with bacon for an extra treat!

Tuscan-Style Sausage Soup

Great news! This recipe from Prevention RD uses ingredients you probably have on hand. And there’s a healthy twist: low-sodium chicken broth, whole wheat pasta, and lots of variations if you want to add your fave veggies.

Mexican Street Corn Soup

This recipe from Closet Cooking is Mexican street corn (think: corn, lime, cheese, avocado) and is surprisingly easy to pull off. And, since you can use fresh or frozen corn and customize the spices to suit your family, you can whip this up any time of the year!

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

For fans of chicken pot pie, this Kitchen Sanctuary takes the cake. It has the same comfort-food flavors, and you can customize it with your kids’ favorite veggies. It’s also a cinch to make!

Tortellini, Spinach, and Black Bean Soup

Not only does this soup (courtesy of Jen at How To: Simplify) feature kid-friendly tortellini, but it also sneaks in some spinach for extra veggie points. It’s sure to warm you up, fill you up, and get the whole fam asking for seconds.

Lasagna Soup

If your family loves lasagna, you’ve got to give this soup from Boulder Locavore a try. It’s got all the same flavors, without the hours of preparation (Psst! It’s also great for gluten-free diets!).

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Simmer up a big helping of this delish soup from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook! It’s simple, so the kids can get involved in the cooking process—put them to work crushing tortilla chips!

Loaded Potato Soup

We’re willing to bet that this soup from Life Made Simple is going to be your new cold-weather staple. It’s thick, creamy, and just like a loaded potato with all the fixings! And did we mention it’s a quick and easy one-pot recipe?

Egg Drop Soup

If egg drop soup is your kids' fave thing to order at Chinese restaurants, you’re in luck. This recipe from One Lovely Life is a great homemade option. It can be made in no time and is a total crowd-pleaser.

Basic Beef Stew

This recipe, courtesy of Food Blogga, is the very definition of comfort food. It’s super easy and super tasty. You can make it ahead of time to wow kids and grownups alike.

Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup

The best way to eat more veggies? Slurp them! This soup from Kitchen Sanctuary is chock-full of healthy vegetables and cheesy to boot. Plus, the veggies have an extra oven-cooked flavor for a truly tasty meal.

Skinny Clam Chowder

Nix the usual heavy cream that comes with clam chowder. This recipe from Mireya at My Healthy Eating Habits is a healthier version of the classic, and it uses your slow cooker, so it’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Pasta Meatball Soup

Thanks to a few shortcuts, this recipe from Kim’s Cravings is super easy to make. Grab pre-made meatballs and jarred marinara sauce and you’re halfway there!

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

Ronzoni Discontinues Beloved Star-Shaped Pastina Pasta

by Christina MarficeJanuary 10, 2023

Foodies (and toddlers) everywhere are devastated at the news that pasta maker Ronzoni has discontinued its star-shaped pastina

Ouch, this one hit us right in the childhood nostalgia. If you grew up with an Italian grandmother, surely Ronzoni star-shaped pastina pasta was a staple on your dinner table. But the brand is breaking hearts everywhere with the announcement that, due to an issue with its supplier, the pastina will be discontinued.

Last week, Ronzoni posted a statement to its social media, explaining the gutwrenching decision.

pic.twitter.com/jeJtHWW21I

— Ronzoni (@ronzonipasta) January 3, 2023

“After extensive efforts, we regretfully announce that Ronzoni Pastina is being discontinued. This wasn’t a decision that we wanted to make,” the statement reads. “Unfortunately, our long-term supplier informed us that they would no longer be making Ronzoni Pastina as of January 2023. We searched extensively for an alternative solution but were unable to identify a viable option to make Pastina in the same beloved small shape, size and standards you have come to expect from Ronzoni. As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to discontinue this product.”

The brand added, “Your passion for Ronzoni fuels our passion to deliver for you. We haven’t given up, but as of today, we can no longer offer Ronzoni Pastina to our customers. Thank you for your understanding and trust in Ronzoni pasta.”

So, basically, they’re saying this might not be permanent. Truly, it’s a heartbreaking situation all around—Ronzoni clearly didn’t want to stop making pastina, just as much as the star-shaped pasta’s legions of fans don’t want it to disappear from store shelves. Considering chicken soup with pastina was the sick day meal in my home growing up, and I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose, this news hits just a little harder.

While pastina fans have been flooding the Twitter comments with threats of a boycott, it’s important to remember that Ronzoni doesn’t seem to have made this decision lightly, and it sounds like they’d keep making pastina if they had any other options. We’ll keep hoping they’re able to bring it back, and in the meantime, Barilla, Goya, and Good & Gather are a few other brands that also offer tiny, star-shaped pasta.

Your Must-Save List for the Coolest Ice Cream Shops in Chicago

by Debra FlanaganSeptember 1, 2022

Want the scoop on the coolest ice cream shops across Chicago? These 19 spots serve up creative cones and tasty treats your kids will not soon forget

Going out for an ice cream is a simple and relatively affordable way to celebrate life’s little milestones. Although you don’t need a reason to treat yourself, whether it be the first day of school, a good report card, or a dance recital, a cold, creamy reward helps say, “cone-gratulations.” It’s also a great way to cone-sole (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves!) a scraped knee, a lost soccer game, or even a bad day. Forget chicken soup: ice cream soothes the soul.

And the options are endless, particularly in Chicago, where cool ice cream shops pop up often. From a single scoop to a banana split, from hard serve to soft, and from traditional flavors to avant-garde taste combinations, this sweet treat gets a new spin seemingly anywhere you go. In fact, even the lactose intolerant and plant-based vegans can indulge in some of our nearly 20 recommendations for the best, most unforgettable ice cream shops in the city.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ELI'S ARK CHICAGO (@elisarkchicago)

Eli’s Ark
If you want your ice cream cone to have a cute face before you devour it, head to Eli’s Ark. The process? First, pick the number of scoops you want, then choose your animal—or animals. Do you want animals to piggyback each other? Picture a unicorn, on top of a pig, on top of a koala. The end result is a delicious, artistic creation almost too adorable to eat.

1843 W. North Ave.
Wicker Park
Online: instagram.com/elisarkchicago/

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s carries some of the most interesting flavors you will find, so it makes sense that the Ohio founder, Jeni Britton, started out mixing scented oils with different foods before she began experimenting with ice cream. Where else will you find cream cheese ice cream with everything bagel gravel or goat cheese with red cherries? If the saying didn’t already exist, Jeni’s would have certainly inspired, “Don’t knock it ’til you try it.” They even have dairy-free and gluten-free flavors.

Insider Tip: Keep a steady supply by joining their subscription pint club.

Various city locations, plus you can buy at many local grocery chains, including Mariano’s, Whole Foods, and Target
Online: jenis.com

Kilwins
One of the newer entrants to the Chicago ice cream scene, Kilwins originated in Michigan. In addition to some of the kids’ favorite flavors like Superman and Blue Moon, they have an abundance of rich, hard-serve flavors and sorbetto. While you wait for them to scoop your ice cream, watch as they hand-craft Mackinac Island fudge and caramel apples. You’ll undoubtedly want to bring some of that home as well.

3519 N. Clark St.
Wrigleyville
Online: kilwins.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KURIMU CHICAGO (@kurimuchicago)

Kurimu
Kurimu puts an Asian spin to its ice cream flavors, from Thai ice tea to lychee pearl and purple yam. The exotic flavors are matched by the colorful, artful cones. Aside from the vibrantly color-blocked handheld desserts, you can also enjoy beautiful bubble teas.

1159 W. Taylor St.
UIC

1632 W. Division St.
Wicker Park

601 N. Martingale Rd.
Schaumburg
Online: kurimuchicago.com

Vaca’s Vegan Creamery
Vegans certainly need not miss out on the joys of ice cream, and Vaca’s is making sure of it. The creamery uses high-quality, certified gluten-free oat milk for their vanilla and chocolate soft serve and have designed four specialty sundaes. They ensure all of their ingredients align with vegan values, which means there are no animal sources whatsoever, and they also have a strong commitment to social responsibility and paying their employees fairly.

1436 W. Blackhawk St.
Wicker Park
Online: vacascreamery.com

Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream
Enjoy delicious ice cream while supporting a black-owned, woman-owned small business. Shawn Michelle’s signature flavors include banana pudding, bourbon butter pecan, strawberry cookies and cream, Blue Moon, Caribbean sunset (mango), Superman, lunchroom butter cookie, chocolate peanut butter and jelly, and chocolate harmony. She also has a vegan menu and five signature sundaes. Join their loyalty program and enjoy BOGO single size scoops on Saturdays and Sundays—but, heads up, both scoops must be the same flavor.

46 East 47th St.
Bronzeville
Online: smhmicmenu.wordpress.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by pretty cool ice cream (@prettycoolicecream)

Pretty Cool Ice Cream
Pretty Cool Ice Cream launched in 2018 by founders Dana Cree, author of Hello, My Name is Ice Cream, and Michael Ciapciak, founder of Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits. They specialize in hand-made treats reminiscent of what you might find on an ice-cream truck. However, their skilled artisans work with the best ingredients to create edible works of contemporary art on popsicle sticks.

2353 N. California Ave.
Logan Square

709 W. Belden Ave.
Lincoln Park
Online: prettycoolicecream.com

Museum of Ice Cream
For the ultimate ice cream experience, visit the Museum of Ice Cream in the former Chicago Tribune building. Learn about the history of ice cream through 14 multi-sensory installations, take a dip in the sprinkle pool, and ride on the Chicago Sprink-L Line. Multiple ice cream treats in five different shapes and forms are included with your ticket.

Insider Tip: Reservations must be made in advance.

435 N. Michigan Ave.
River North
Online: museumoficecream.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sugar Factory Chicago (@sugarfactorychi)

Sugar Factory
It’s not simply an ice cream shop, but the Sugar Factory cannot be ignored. After all, it is home to the World Famous Sugar Factory King Kong Sundae—a 20-scoop mountain of ice cream covered with hot fudge, caramel, and strawberry sauces and topped with bananas, marshmallows, chocolate chip cookie chunks, a donut, a cupcake, gummy bears, sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, all sorts of candy, whipped cream, and cherries. The $99 masterpiece serves 12! Of course there are also their “Insane Milkshakes” and other desserts as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Plus the club-like party atmosphere will be a sure hit with the kids.

55 E. Grand Ave.
River North

5445 Park Place
Rosemont
Online: sugarfactory.com

Lickity Split Frozen Custard & Sweets
Does anything say summer more than a peach cobbler concrete? It is one of the many rotating flavors available at Lickity Split. Along with ten other concrete concoctions, you can design your own using the various retro candy on sale. That’s right: with a base of either the chocolate, vanilla, or featured custard flavor, you can get anything from a simple cone to five sundae recipes, or a shake or malt. They even have warm treats including hot chocolate and affogato.

6056 N. Broadway Ave.
Edgewater

7000 N. Western Ave.
West Rogers Park
Online: lickitysplitchicago.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Original Rainbow Cone (@theoriginalrainbowcone)

The Original Rainbow Cone
The Original Rainbow Cone is a 95-year-old Chicago tradition: it’s a tower of five flavors that include orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (otherwise known as vanilla with cherries), strawberry, and, of course, chocolate. Although you could enjoy each layer individually and work your way down, if you start from the bottom, it is the perfect lick up to the top! Also available are tiered cakes and cake rolls, as well as additional flavors like black walnut and mint flake, a perfect addition to sundaes and shakes.

Various locations in Beverly, Lombard, Darien, and Navy Pier (as well as roaming ice cream trucks, which are often parked near Shedd Aquarium and the Lincoln Park Zoo.)
Online: rainbowcone.com

Margie’s Candies
Another Chicago institution, this ice-cream parlor and candy shop has been in the Poulos family since 1921 and is known to have been visited by the likes of Al Capone and The Beatles. The 57 different sundaes on the menu come with a side of hot fudge for you to drizzle yourself—so there’s a little fudge in every spoonful. Bring your children in with an “A” on their report card for a free cone. And don’t forget to bring home some decadent confections from their candy counter.

1960 N. Western Ave.
Bucktown

1813 W Montrose Ave.
North Center

Banana Cream Ice Cream
Looking to support a woman-owned business? Step right up to Banana Cream Ice Cream, whose specialties include coconut ice cream served within a coconut shell, five wild milkshakes, hot cinnamon waffle rolls, ice cream cookie sandwiches, vegan ice cream, and—of course—banana splits. Promotions include $1.50 scoops every Wednesday.

6305 N. Clark St.
Edgewater
Online: instagram.com/bananacream_icecream/

Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
Owner Sean McGuire hails from Ireland and thus infuses little Irish twists to Cone’s menu with toppings such as Irish chocolate flake bars, Lucky Charms, and salt ‘n’ vinegar chips. Cone offers European-style soft serve in both dairy and non-dairy options. As an added bonus, Lil Cones for kids 5 years old and under are only $2! Cone is also an excellent venue for a party with its spacious indoor party room or outside patio. Birthday party options include a build-your-own sundae bar, character visits, an ice cream cone piñata, homemade frozen bananas dipped in Irish chocolate, and more. Don’t forget to grab your Lucky You card which will get you a free cone or sundae after nine cone or sundae purchases.

1047 W. Madison St.
West Loop
Online: conechicago.com

Black Dog Gelato
For those who prefer gelato to ice cream, there is no better place than Jessica Oloroso’s Black Dog Gelato. Flavors can vary month to month, but expect to find their signature Italian custard, which is inspired by the Italian dessert Zabione with additional yolks added for a richer custard base and finished with a Marsala wine. Their bold mint cookie is another signature flavor, while banoffee praline (bananas and coffee) and cassatta (Ricotta gelato, maraschino and dark cherries, candied orange peel, and chocolate), are featured periodically. Dairy-free flavors rotate on and off the menu as well, and you’d never guess they are free of milk, cream, and eggs. Try all their flavors by joining the Pint Club.

859 N. Damen Ave.
Ukrainian Village

1012 W. Lake St.
West Loop

2662 N. Sawyer Ave.
Logan Square
Online: blackdoggelato.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JoJo’s ShakeBAR (@jojosshakebar)

JoJo’s Shake Bar
Visitors to the city flock to JoJo’s Shake Bar for their out-of-this-world Biggie Shakes, certain to impress kids of all ages. They are less about the ice cream blend, and more about the over-the-top toppings. For instance, The Gold Digger is a caramel toffee shake with a toffee dodo, a gold star marshmallow, a toffee pretzel, and a full size white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. The Rocky IV is a banana Reese’s Pieces shake with a toffee marshmallow, a white chocolate boxing glove, and a full size peanut butter cookie. Kids also love the Milk and Cookie Flight which includes four fresh-baked cookies paired with four house-made milks.

23 W. Hubbard St.
River North

916 W. Fulton Market
Time Out Market

5 Jackson Ave.
Naperville
Online: jojosshakebar.com

Hooyahs Ice Cream Shoppe
It might be a bit of a drive or a long ride on the Metra, but Hooyahs is worth the trip. Located within the Great Lakes Metra train station and a short walk from the Great Lakes Naval Base, the family-owned and operated shop has a naval theme. Patrons rave about the Barge, a nine-flavor sample or the Ships and Dip ice cream nachos. Kids will love their flavors from Playdough to Pirate’s Bounty and Elephant Tracks. Breakfast foods and hot dogs are also offered.

3000 Sheridan Rd.
Lake Bluff
Online: hooyahsicecream.com

Scooter’s
Believe it or not, although it only opened in 2003, Scooters is the oldest frozen custard shop in Chicago. Vanilla, chocolate, and a custard flavor of the day are made fresh, daily, on-site. Although they have numerous concrete and sundae suggestions, you are welcome to create your own. They also serve Italian ice parfaits (half custard, half Italian ice.) Hot dogs are also on the menu. Because Scooter’s has become part of the fabric of Roscoe Village, residents often congregate outside the take-out window, while their toddlers, and even their dogs, enjoy free cones with their purchase.

1658 W. Belmont Ave.
Roscoe Village
Online: scootersfrozencustard.com

Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store
Serving both hard serve and soft serve, shakes, cakes, and frozen lattes, Oberweis has it all. The shop is very kid-friendly with chess and checkers on the tables and more games available upon request. Plus, colorful balloons are up for grabs to any kid who wants one. If you’ve got errands to run, it’s worth noting that you can pick up some light grocery items—like milk, butter, and eggs—while you are there. Oberweis also offers a HappyLicious loyalty program and great fundraising opportunities for local sports teams and school groups.

3055 N. Sheffield Ave.
Lakeview
Online: oberweis.com

The Best Casseroles to Feed Your Family

by Emily MyersMarch 9, 2022

There’s something about a casserole that summons up the cozy comforts of home. Baked mostly unattended, they go straight from oven to table, making them hassle-free to cook, easy to serve and a cinch to clean up. Perfect for pot-lucks, picnics or everyday dinners, scroll down for 13 creative casseroles that’ll give your meal planning a boost.

Enchilada Casserole

For a gluten-free veggie option, this layered enchilada casserole reinvents traditional lasagne with fab results. The recipe at Cookie and Kate uses salsa, veggies, corn tortillas and Monterey Jack for a hearty, veg-packed dinner loaded with fresh Mexican flavors.

Brown Rice Skillet

An easy, one pan recipe with Mexican flavors, plenty of veggies, beans and cheese is the perfect casserole to end the week. It's the pick-me-up the family needs when energy is flagging. Head over to Cook Nourish Bliss for the recipe—you can always ditch the jalapeno if you think that will be too spicy.

Chicken Parmesan

Get the classic flavors of an Italian dish all in one pan with this recipe from The Weary Chef. Super simple and gooey with mozzarella this dish, has a crispy panko parma topping, and will likely be added to your list of lifesaving weekday dinner dishes.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

This easy chicken recipe has all the elements of the best kind of comfort food; a rich creamy sauce, tender poached chicken, delicate crunchy poppy seeds and a crisp Ritz crust. It's a casserole that will have kids coming back for more. Head to The View From Great Island for the recipe with suggested variations and easy shortcuts.

Breakfast Casserole

The genius behind the breakfast casserole is that it can be served any time of day—and it'll be gobbled up like candy. This recipe from Weelicious is endlessly versatile and super tasty. A comforting casserole at its very best.

Easy Peasy Tuna Bake

Every household needs a recipe that can be pulled together with just a few pantry staples—and this tuna casserole is it! Make way for a new family favorite as mac 'n' cheese meets tuna 'n' peas. Head to The Seasoned Mom for this simple take on a family classic.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

This casserole has all the goodness of chicken soup baked into a comforting gratin and topped with homemade croutons. The kids will love everything about it from the creamy sauce and the tasty chicken to the crunchy topping. The recipe comes to us from Lindsay over at Pinch of Yum who says it's the perfect fix for cold Minnesota winters.

Veggie Beef Casserole

Sometimes the best recipes are the old ones—and a tasty beef casserole with lots of winter veggies, all covered in gooey cheese, is a classic. This recipe from our archives comes from Anna at Anna’s Cooking Adventure who recommends adding a final helping of cheese five minutes before you pull it out of the oven to give it a crunchy casserole topping.

Overnight French Toast

Who said casseroles have to be savory? This french toast bake from Erin Clarke at Well Plated is fluffy inside, crunchy on top, and bursting with blueberries—the perfect feast to kick off the weekend in style. Prep the night before, leave in the refrigerator overnight and there's just an hour of unattended cooking time in the morning. Head to Well Plated for the recipe and how-to video.

Veggie Casserole

This veggie casserole from Weelicious is a tasty and easy dinner you can get on the table fast. You can use whatever mixture of veggies you have left in the fridge or freezer.

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Try this easy stuffed cabbage casserole from The View from Great Island that everyone in the family will love! This casserole is so flavorful, no one will guess that it's so simple.

Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

This spicy chicken and cauliflower casserole from A Taste of Madness is easy to make from things you often already have around the house. This is such an easy, throw-it-together recipe!

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Make this delicious sausage breakfast casserole from Sunkissed Kitchen ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you're ready. Everyone will love this tasty dish.

— Taylor Clifton & Emily Myers

12 Summer Casseroles The Whole Family Will Love

From Soups to Casseroles: 10 Turkey Recipes to Memorize

9 British Recipes Perfect for Your Comfort Food Cravings

It’s no secret Trader Joe’s has a cult following

Favorite Overall: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Honorable Mentions

Favorite Beverage: Spiced Cider (seasonal)

Runners-Up

Favorite Cheese: Goat Cheese

Runners-Up

#1 Lunch & Dinner: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Runners-Up

Favorite Sweet/Dessert: Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Runners-Up

You can check out the rest of the winners at traderjoes.com.

Related reads

These Trader Joe’s appetizers are the easiest way to look like a gourmet chef in 15 minutes or less

Mini Veggie Samosas

Fried Olive Bites

Brie en Croute

Red Pepper, Cranberry & Walnut Dip

Herbaceous Cheesy Bites

Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas

Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

Crispy Vegetable Pouches

Korean Pancakes

Coconut Shrimp

Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons

Breaded Fried Ravioli

Kibbeh

Chicken Soup Dumplings

Mini Quiche Duo

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Related reads

Taking care of sick kids is never easy. But these tips for fighting colds and treating symptoms should help.

How to Treat Symptoms

When It's a Baby

When It's a Sinus Issue

Home Remedies That Help

Home Entertainment for Sick Days

All Things Netflix & Other Must-See Movies

Food & Hydration for Sick Days

What to Do for Yourself When Your Kid Is Sick

Related reads

Dinner can be a challenge, but with these make-ahead meals to keep in the freezer, you’ll always have something delicious on deck!

Honey Sesame Chicken

One-Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

20-Minute Tuscan Pasta

Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sliders

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

Breakfast Burritos

Beef Stew

Crustless Quiche with Bacon, Broccoli and Cheddar

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

Leftover Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Freezer Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches

Big Batch Chinese Beef

Make Ahead Macaroni and Cheese

One-Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta

Make-Ahead Spaghetti

5-Ingredient Pizza Bagel Bites

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Baked Italian Meatballs

Homemade Frozen Pizza

Chicken & Veggie Pasta Casserole

Chicken (Minus the Noodles) Soup

Homemade Fish Sticks

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Tortellini, Spinach, and Black Bean Soup

Garden Vegetable Lasagna

Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato

Easy Tomato Soup with Roasted Bell Peppers

Chicken Pot Hand Pies

Related reads

Ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup:

Method:

Related reads

Fill them up with these tasty meals that aren’t chicken nuggets

High-Protein Breakfast Foods for Picky Eaters

Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake