Café Flavors Right at Home

Growing up, lunchtime usually meant quick deli meat sandwiches or standard grilled cheeses. But every now and then, we’d pull out the panini maker.

When you take a bite of this pesto chicken panini recipe, you get a beautiful contrast between the crisp, buttery outside of the bread and the warm, tender chicken breast inside. The brightness of the fresh basil leaves in the pesto cuts through the richness of the melted provolone cheese, while the fresh tomato adds just the right amount of juiciness so the sandwich never feels dry.

If you love a warm, melty sandwich like I do, boy, is this going to hit the spot! And if you’re looking for more quick, cozy meals, or maybe a side for your panini, you’ll love this creamy broccoli beer cheese soup! 

Ingredients For Pesto Chicken Paninis

• Sourdough bread
• Cooked chicken breast
• Basil pesto
• Provolone cheese
• Tomatoes
• Baby spinach leaves
• Softened butter

How to Make Pesto Chicken Paninis

1. Prep the Bread

Preheat your panini press or a heavy grill pan over medium heat. Lay your sourdough bread slices out on a clean work surface. Spread the softened butter evenly across the outside of the bread (the sides that will touch the hot iron). Flip the slices over and spread a generous tablespoon of basil pesto evenly on the inside of each slice.

2. Layer the Fillings

On four of the slices, start building your sandwich. Layer on one slice of provolone cheese, a half-cup portion of your cooked chicken, a couple of tomato slices, and a small handful of baby spinach leaves. Top the spinach with a second slice of cheese; this acts as the “glue” to keep the sandwich together.

3. Press Until Melty

Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down (so the buttery side faces up). Place the sandwiches onto the hot panini maker. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bread is a deep golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

No Panini Press? No Problem! If you are using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet, place the sandwiches in the pan, set a heavy skillet or a foil-wrapped brick on top of the sandwiches to weigh them down, and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side over medium heat before flipping.

4. Let it Rest

Remove the hot sandwiches from the heat and let the chicken rest for 1 minute on your cutting board before slicing diagonally. This brief pause gives the melty cheese a second to set up, so your fillings don’t slide out when you cut into it. Serve warm with a nice glass of Arnold Palmer!

Pesto Chicken Panini FAQs

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making pesto chicken?

The biggest slip-up is getting the sandwich soggy! If you use extra-juicy tomatoes or a pesto that has a lot of loose oil floating on top, that liquid will soak right into the bread and make it mushy. Another one is piling the chicken chunks too high or unevenly; if the meat is in giant mounds, the heat can’t get through to melt your cheese before the outside of the bread starts to burn.

What is the secret to a good panini?

It’s all about the bread texture and the “glue.” You want a sturdy, rustic bread like sourdough or a ciabatta roll that can handle being pressed without turning into a flat paper bag. The other trick is putting your cheese on both sides of the filling, one slice on the bottom and one on the top. It melts down around the chicken and veggies, acting as a delicious barrier that keeps everything locked into place when you cut it.

What pairs well with pesto chicken?

Since pesto has such a rich, bold flavor, it pairs beautifully with anything bright, crisp, or creamy. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. If you want something warm and cozy to dip your sandwich into, you can’t go wrong with a classic bowl of tomato soup or a creamy broccoli cheese soup.

What cheese goes with chicken and pesto?

You want something that melts well but doesn’t completely overpower the fresh basil flavor. Provolone is a fantastic everyday choice because it’s mild and holds its shape well. If you want a classic, milky flavor with an incredible cheese pull, fresh mozzarella is tough to beat. Fontina, Gouda, or even a little crumbled goat cheese also work beautifully if you want to dress it up a bit!

Similar Recipes

If you’re looking to expand your easy lunch routine, take a look at my classic fried bologna sandwich with potato chips or this cozy, French onion soup that pairs perfectly with pressed sandwiches.

When you get a chance to press a batch of these pesto chicken paninis, please leave a star rating and a comment below to let me know how they turned out for you!

Never-Dry Oven BBQ Chicken Breast

Now, I’ve shared a sticky chicken recipe before on Southern Plate. However, the original recipe requires bone-in, skin-on chicken breast. The skin was key to helping the sticky sauce cling to the chicken.

I’ve since modified the recipe with a little trick (which will be revealed below) that makes it work with boneless skinless chicken breasts because we all know they are everyone’s favorite. They are easier (and often cheaper) to find these days. I personally always have them in my freezer. 

This BBQ chicken breast in oven recipe includes a sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce that’s going to blow you away! It includes an enticing combination of honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ketchup. The boneless sticky chicken comes out nice and moist and irresistibly saucy.

Recipe Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• All-purpose flour (self-rising flour will do just fine if that is what you have!)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Breast in the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Prepare BBQ Sauce

Next, place all of the BBQ sauce ingredients in a 2-cup measuring cup and stir well.

Then place this in the microwave or a small saucepot.

• If using the microwave: Heat for one minute and stir. Repeat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and well blended.
• If using a saucepot: Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until it becomes hot enough to blend together well with no lumps.

Pour just a bit of this wonderful sauce in the bottom of your prepared baking dish and spread to coat the bottom.

3. Add Chicken

Now place your flour in a shallow bowl. Press each side of each chicken breast into that so that it is lightly coated.

4. Bake

Place the chicken uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes.

Once done, take it out and carefully flip the chicken pieces over. Spoon more of that sauce from the pan over them, then pop it back in the oven for another 15-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. I like to baste it one more time while it’s in the oven.

5. Baste & Serve

Once it’s done, take it out and give it another good basting with that sauce (don’t put it back in the oven, though!). Let it sit for about five minutes, baste it one last time, and then it’s ready to serve.

Sides I Like to Pair with BBQ Chicken

I like to serve my baked chicken breast with yellow rice or mashed potatoes so you can spoon some of that delicious BBQ sauce over them! For an epic summer cookout feast, it would also be amazing with some Crock Pot mac and cheese, loaded baked potato salad, or red beans and rice.

Storage

Store leftover boneless sticky chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warm. You can also freeze them for up to 4 weeks; just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

BBQ Chicken Breast in Oven FAQs

I hope your family and friends love this baked BBQ chicken breast recipe as much as mine does! Leave a rating and a comment below. I’d love to hear how it went!

Simple Ingredients for the Best Buttery Flavor!

Growing up, my grandmother always kept a ceramic jar on her counter that smelled faintly of vanilla and sweet cream. More often than not, it was filled with these exact cookies. They aren’t anything fancy, but they have a rich, purely buttery flavor that immediately puts a smile on my face. 

When you take a bite, you aren’t fighting through a ton of competing flavors or heavy spices. Instead, it’s just the clean sweetness of sugar blended with real, rich butter, rounded out by a heavy splash of good vanilla. Because we flatten the dough slightly with a glass before it hits the oven, you get this amazing contrast where the bottom and edges turn a beautiful light gold and get just a little bit crispy, while the middle stays wonderfully soft.

If you love a simple bake that’ll have your taste buds swooning, this is the one to keep in your recipe binder. And if you’re looking for more quick sweets, you’ll love these fluffy chocolate and raspberry beignets!

Ingredients For Old Fashioned Butter Cookies

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Coarse sugar (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)
• Melted chocolate for dipping (optional)

How to Make Old Fashioned Butter Cookies

1. Cream the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper rather than using ungreased cookie sheets, which can cause the bottoms to scorch. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar together at medium speed. Take your time here; let it run for about three to four minutes until the mixture looks pale yellow, light, and fluffy. Beat in the large egg and the pure vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth.

2. Form the Cookie Dough

In a separate medium bowl, quickly whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, running your mixer on low speed just until a soft dough begins to form. Pour in the single tablespoon of milk and give it one final, brief stir to bring the dough together.

3. Shape and Flatten

Using a small cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll them into smooth, neat balls between your palms. Place cookies onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches of space between each one. Grab a drinking glass, dip the flat bottom into a little extra sugar so it doesn’t stick, and gently press down on each ball until it’s about a 1/4-inch thickness. If you’re using sprinkles or coarse sugar, press them gently into the tops now.

4. Bake and Cool

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye on the oven towards the end of the baking time. You want the edges to show just a hint of light golden brown while the centers stay nice and pale. Let the cookies rest on the hot pan for 5 minutes so they can set up, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Serve with your favorite cookie companion drink like milk or a fancier old-fashioned egg cream, and enjoy!

Old Fashioned Butter Cookies FAQs

Similar Recipes

If you’re filling up your baking calendar with more buttery goods, take a look at my buttery pear bundt cake or this soft, buttery apple crackle cake.

When you get a chance to bake a batch of these butter cookies, please leave a star rating and a comment below to let me know how they turned out for you!

Fluffy Biscuits With No Cutter Required!

If you’ve never experienced a true Southern biscuit, you are in for a treat! Growing up, making homemade biscuits was like a weekend ritual, and while I love me a delicate rolled biscuit, there is something so satisfying about fluffy cathead biscuits. Because you shape them by hand into large pieces instead of using a traditional biscuit cutter, they require less fussing and stay incredibly tender.

The best part about these giant buttermilk biscuits is just how many ways there are to eat them. You can split one open while it’s still steaming hot and smear it with homemade honey butter, pile it high with salty country ham, or do what my family does on Sunday mornings and smother the whole plate in a thick sawmill gravy. If you love quick breads that bring everyone running to the kitchen, this easy bread recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Ingredients For Cathead Biscuits

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Unsalted butter, cubed
• Buttermilk
• Melted butter

How to Make Cathead Biscuits

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with a little bacon grease or butter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda until fully combined.

2. Cut in the Butter

Drop your cubed, cold butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, quickly work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.

3. Add the Buttermilk

Pour the cold buttermilk into the bowl. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or butter knife just until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Stop mixing the second the flour disappears!

4. Shape and Bake

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a thick rectangle about 1 inch thick. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and lightly shape each into a rough ball. Place them in your prepared skillet with the sides touching. Bake for 13–15 minutes until the tops are a deep golden brown. Remove and immediately brush with the melted butter.

Cathead Biscuits FAQs

Similar Recipes

If you want to build a full Southern breakfast spread, you have got to make my ham, cheese, and egg casserole, or these grab-and-go breakfast burritos if you like to take your morning meal on the go.

Once you’ve finished baking your batch of this cathead biscuit recipe, please leave a star rating and a review in the comments below to let me know what you think!

Ingredients For Fourth of July Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

• Pretzel rods
• Candy melts
• Sprinkles (Red, White, and Blue)

How to Make Fourth of July Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

1. Melt the Chocolate

Place your choice of chocolate or white candy melts into a microwave-safe container. Microwave on 15-second intervals, making sure to give it a good stir with a rubber spatula after each interval. This prevents the chocolate from scorching. Keep going until the mixture is completely smooth and liquid.

2. Dip and Coat

Carefully transfer the melted chocolate into a tall glass. Dip each pretzel rod about three-quarters of the way down into the smooth coating. Use a spoon to help guide the chocolate up the sides if needed, then gently tap off the excess drip.

3. Add the Patriotic Sparkle

While the chocolate is still warm and wet, hold the pretzel over a plate and shake enough sprinkles to cover the chocolate in a beautiful, thin layer.

Quickly add on some sprinkles, and then place the chocolate pretzel on parchment paper to set up.

4. Let It Set

Place the decorated pretzel rods in separate layers on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Pop the whole tray into the freezer for 30 minutes (or leave them at room temperature for about an hour) until the candy coating has fully set. Serve and enjoy!

Fourth of July Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods FAQs

Similar Recipes

If you want an array of red, white, and blue treats for your holiday spread and want to skip the baking this year, give my patriotic cereal treats and Red, White, and Blue Spritzers a go!

If you loved making these easy patriotic recipes for the 4th of July, please leave a star rating and a review in the comments below to let me know how they turned out!

The Sweet & Tangy Sauce You’ll Put on Everything

Today, I’m bringing you a real rarity. In fact, it is pretty much unheard of outside of North Alabama. Even my husband (who is from a town in Georgia only four hours away) had never heard of it. A lot of folks in South Alabama have never heard of it.

I’m talking about Alabama white BBQ sauce. This is truly a regional thing, but also… a regional requirement. You’ll find white BBQ sauce on every menu, table, and piece of meat at every BBQ joint in North Alabama. Locals eat it with everything, from French fries and juicy smash burgers to chicken and tender BBQ ribs. My husband loves to smother his chicken with this stuff, and personally, I like to use so much that my food is always swimming in it!

This homemade white BBQ sauce has a uniquely sweet yet tangy flavor, thanks to the combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, white vinegar, and sugar. Let me tell you, it truly is the perfect compliment to just about everything.

Recipe Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• White vinegar (apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute, or a mix!)
• Sugar (you can also use brown sugar, or a mix of both)

How to Make Alabama White Barbecue Sauce

To start, add your mayonnaise to a mason jar or small bowl. Then add the salt and pepper.

That’s all there is to it – you have just made Alabama white barbecue sauce!

Before you go wow your friends, get a French fry or a piece of chicken and give it a good dunking so you can be the first to taste it. YUM!

I could just live on this y’all, honest!

Storage

Pop the sauce in a mason jar or an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. But we all know it’s not gonna last that long! Luckily, it only takes 5 minutes to whip up another batch (or you can always simply double the recipe).

Alabama White Barbecue Sauce FAQs

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoyed this recipe. Let me know by leaving a comment and a star rating!

Ingredients For Patriotic Punch Bowl Cake

• Angel food cake (from boxed cake mix)
• Vanilla pudding mix (you can use sugar-free vanilla pudding mix).
• Light or regular whipped topping
• Milk (any kind of milk, like almond milk, whole milk, 2%, or skim milk).
• Blueberries
• Strawberries

How to Make My Patriotic Punch Bowl Cake

1. Trim and Cut Your Cake

Slice all of the brown outer layer off of your angel food cake. Then, cut the cake into cubes. You can just tear it also if you want to.

I was gonna call it “crust,” but that kind of implies that it is hard and crusty, which it isn’t, of course! In fact, this brown part is the part you are supposed to eat while you make the rest of the cake because it’s so good and you really need to keep your energy up! No sense in wasting it anyhow.

2. Prepare Your Pudding

Place your milk in a small mixing bowl. Add your pudding mix and mix until well blended.

Once it’s blended, dump in your whipped topping. Mix that up until well blended and all prettified.

3. Mix Your Cake Base, Pudding, and Blueberries

Place 1/2 of your cake pieces in the bottom of your punch bowl and spread 1/3 of your pudding mixture over the top.

Put every blessed blueberry you got on top of that! Then, top with the remainder of your cake pieces and 1/3 more of your pudding mixture.

4. Layer Your Cake and Add The Toppings

Wash your strawberries and slice them. Now you’re going to take those strawberries and put them on top of your angel food cake pieces, just like we did the blueberries. Place strawberries over the second layer of the pudding mixture and cover with the remaining pudding mixture.

If you want, you can decorate the top with more berries. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or until ready to serve. This is great if made the night before, too!

Patriotic Punch Bowl Cake FAQs

Similar Recipes

If you want an array of red, white, and blue treats for your holiday spread and want to skip the baking this year, give my patriotic jello jars and no-bake patriotic cereal treats a go!

Once you’ve finished setting up your batch of these easy patriotic recipes for the 4th of July, please leave a star rating and a review in the comments below to let me know how they turned out!

The Easiest 4th of July Dessert

I’ve shared several fun and festive 4th of July recipes on Southern Plate, like patriotic Oreo cream cheese balls, punch bowl cake, and red, white, and blue spritzers, to name a few. This haystacks candy recipe fits right in, and I just know you’re going to love them.

It’s so quick and easy, using just four ingredients: chow mein noodles, cocktail peanuts, white chocolate/candy/almond bark, and red and blue sprinkles. All you have to do is melt the candy, combine it with the noodles and peanuts in a bowl, and then place the haystacks on a baking sheet to set. Add sprinkles and red and blue candy drizzle if you like. That’s it! 

I love that they don’t heat up my house or keep me in the kitchen for hours. This gives me more time to enjoy the festivities, which is a big bonus. If you can’t get enough of sweet and savory combinations, this recipe is for you. You’re going to love the flavor and texture of the noodles and salted peanuts combined with the sweet candy. I know I do!

Recipe Ingredients

• Chow mein noodles
• Cocktail peanuts
• White candy melts (or white almond bark)
• Patriotic sprinkles
• Red and blue candy melts (optional)

How to Make Old Glory Haystacks Candy

1. Mix Noodles & Peanuts

Let’s get started by lining a large cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper.

After that, place your chow mein noodles and peanuts (if you’re using them!) in a large bowl. Gently mix and set that aside.

2. Melt Chocolate

Now, melt your white candy melts or almond bark by placing them in a separate microwave-safe bowl. Microwaving in 45-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and creamy.

3. Coat & Sprinkle

Pour over the noodles and stir well to coat.

Let them sit at room temperature or in the fridge for at least 20 minutes until hardened before serving.

Serve as is or with a cute little American flag cupcake topper. Enjoy!

Storage

You can store the haystacks in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

They also freeze really well too. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Old Glory Haystacks Candy FAQs

Did these haystacks make a star-spangled splash at your 4th of July party? Drop a rating and a comment to share your story!

Fun & Festive 4th of July Oreo Treats

These red, white, and blue Oreo cream cheese balls are guaranteed to brighten up any party. Along with my Patriotic Punch Bowl Cake and Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats, these Oreo balls are a year-round favorite. We had a lot of fun making this batch as a special salute to our flag for the 4th of July.

Fortunately, these Oreo balls (also known as Oreo truffles) are super quick and easy to make. The first step is to finely crush our cookies. Then we mix these Oreo cookie crumbs with the softened cream cheese to make our cookie dough. Shape the dough into balls, melt the different chocolate and candy flavors, then start dipping! Then you just have to patiently wait for them to set before you can enjoy these bite-sized 4th of July treats.

Trust me, the sweet flavor and creamy cookie crumb texture are SO addictive. I don’t know how people stop at one because I can’t! I love making these delicious patriotic truffles with the kiddos – just have them shape the dough into balls and dip each one into the melted chocolate.

Recipe Ingredients

• White sprinkles (optional)
• Oreo cookies
• Red chocolate melts
• Blue chocolate melts
• Almond bark or white chocolate chips
• Softened cream cheese (check out our homemade cream cheese recipe!)

1. Crush Your Oreos

To start, take one package of Oreo cookies and crush ’em up very fine (filling and all).

Sometimes I use a food processor for this step. If you don’t have one, you will need to put your cookies in a sealable bag and hammer the heck out of them or use a rolling pin.

2. Roll Cream Cheese Into Balls

Next, add your softened cream cheese to the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs and mix with an electric mixer.

3. Melt the Chocolate

Once you’ve got the balls made, place your red chocolate melts, blue chocolate melts, and almond bark (or white chocolate chips) in separate microwave-safe bowls and microwave them in 30-second intervals.

Stir each until melted and smooth.

4. Coat

Now dip each Oreo cream cheese ball into the melted almond bark until it is totally coated.

I use a fork to dunk and then pull them out, but toothpicks can work too.

5. Set & Serve

Once you have them all dipped, let them completely set (I like to chill them in the fridge for another 30 minutes). If you are using them for a holiday like Memorial Day or the 4th of July, you can arrange them like the flag above, or however your imagination tells you to!

Be careful, they won’t last long. One batch will make about 60-70 balls. Enjoy!

Storage

You can store your Oreo truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks and in the freezer for up to 3 months. They make great gifts!

Patriotic Oreo Cream Cheese Balls FAQs

Check out these other patriotic treats:

• Patriotic Jello Jars
• Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Dishes!
• Patriotic Cereal Treats
• Fourth of July Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

Did you whip up a batch for the 4th of July? Tell me all about it in the comments, and don’t forget to leave a star rating!

8. Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats

Same buttery marshmallow goodness, but now with a patriotic twist! Just stick Rice Krispie treats on popsicle sticks, dip them in blue candy melts, and top them off with red and white sprinkles. So easy and so festive!

Then put them back in the oven, leaving the foil open this time, for another hour or until that sauce gets wonderfully thick and bubbly.

The Kids Are Alright

If you have spent even five minutes scrolling through your social media feeds lately, you have probably seen those gorgeous, sprinkle-packed little treats taking over TikTok. People are lining up around the block on the Upper East Side of New York City at the famous Butterfield Market, waiting hours just to snag one of the original dot cakes. They are cute, I’ll give them that, but they cost a pretty penny.

Well, bless your heart, you don’t need to catch a flight to New York or stand in a rainstorm to get your hands on these delightful creations. Today, we are bringing that exact viral dot cakes magic straight to your kitchen with these easy Funfetti Dot Cake Jars! (hopefully saving you some money along the way!)

‘Course, some of you may be saying, “What are you even talking about?” Well, from what I’ve seen, this is a hybrid between a thick slice of sheet cake and a portable cupcake, but packed into mason jars, so it is infinitely easier to eat with a spoon. These kids are all about convenience, and I don’t blame ‘em! These kind of remind me of my birthday cake cookies, which, if you haven’t tried yet, you’re missing out!

Ingredients For Funfetti Dot Cake Jars

• Funfetti cake mix
• Whole milk
• Melted butter
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Vanilla frosting
• Rainbow jimmies sprinkles
• Rainbow nonpareils sprinkles

How to Make Funfetti Dot Cake Jars

1. Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 13×18-inch sheet pan or jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. 

In a large bowl, combine your Funfetti cake mix, whole milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk with a hand mixer until completely smooth. Pour the batter onto your prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly into the corners. 

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched. Let the cake cool completely. I like to keep some cinnamon-roasted almonds nearby for times when I get a little downtime and need a snack. 

2. Whip the Frosting

While the cake cools, scoop your store-bought vanilla frosting into a clean mixing bowl. Splash in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream. Grab your mixer and whip it on high for an extra minute until it is light, airy, and easy to pipe.

3. Assemble and Decorate

Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a jar, stamp out circles from your cooled sheet cake. Place one cake round firmly into the very bottom of each of your glass mason jars.

Pipe or spoon a generous layer of your whipped vanilla frosting right over the cake. Toss in a small handful of regular rainbow jimmies sprinkles for a surprise pop of color.

Press a second cake round gently down on top of the frosting layer. Pipe a final layer of frosting on the very top of the cake and smooth it perfectly flat with a butter knife. Press your colorful frosting dots across the surface, and bury them completely under a thick, dense layer of crunchy nonpareil rainbow sprinkles to achieve that viral, edge-to-edge TikTok look! 

Funfetti Dot Cake Jars FAQs

Similar Recipes

I’ve already touched on my birthday cake and birthday cake cookies, but if it’s candy toppings you’re after, you may also enjoy these Crumble-style Halloween candy cookies, or even my simple, good old-fashioned M&M cookies for a real blast to the past.

If you give these adorable Funfetti Dot Cake Jars a try, please leave a star rating and a comment down below to let me know how they turned out!

Hearty Mains

Make your dad feel like the extra-special dad he truly is with these delicious Father’s Day recipes. It’s the perfect time to bring the whole family together.

1. Easy Southern Salmon Patties

These crispy, golden patties are a Southern staple, with tender salmon and a crunchy cornmeal crust. Put ’em between two soft buns or enjoy them as is!

2. Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet

Who needs takeout when you’ve got one of the best sweet & savory hybrids known to man? (known to the men in my family, at least). Think juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and fluffy rice ready in just 30 minutes.

3. Classic Cajun Jambalaya

The key to any man’s heart, featuring smoky sausage, tender chicken, and bold Cajun spices all simmering together. It’s a hearty one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor!

4. Simple Southern Fried Catfish

This catfish is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned. It’s the perfect dish to impress your Father’s Day crowd.

5. Sheet Pan Low Country Seafood Boil (No Crawfish)

Get all the rich, smoky flavors of a traditional low country boil with this easy sheet pan recipe. We’ve packed it full of plump shrimp, tender taters, and sweet corn for a mouthwaterin’ meal with hardly any cleanup.

6. Southern Shrimp & Grits

Plump shrimp, creamy cheese grits, bell peppers, and crispy bits of bacon make this dish a Southern classic, perfect for breakfast or dinner.

7. Easy Baby Back Ribs in the Oven

These melt-in-your-mouth baby back ribs are oven-baked to perfection in a tangy BBQ sauce. Pair ’em with classic Southern sides for a finger-lickin’ good meal!

8. Mississippi Chicken Over Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Let your slow cooker handle this special meal! This buttery, tangy shredded chicken is absolutely heavenly over the velvety mashed sweet potatoes.

9. Crispy and Juicy Diner-Style Smash Burgers

With those crispy edges and a juicy center, this smash burger delivers diner-style goodness in just 20 minutes. We’re talking a deeply caramelized crust and unbeatable flavor, all stacked up on a buttery bun for a meal that’s quick as a whip and twice as tasty.

10. Copycat J Dawgs Hot Dogs with Secret Sauce

This recipe will forever change how you see hot dogs, trading basic toppings for a rich, caramelized sauce that seeps into every bite. This is the ultimate dad-approved meal, so it’s guaranteed to get a thumbs-up!

Shareable Starters

Let’s be honest, sometimes the appetizer steals the show! These Southern-inspired bites are guaranteed to wow. Father’s Day recipes at their finest!

11. Classic Southern Deviled Eggs

Everyone in my family is obsessed with these deviled eggs. Creamy, tangy, and a little spicy, they’re a must for Father’s Day gatherings.

12. Hush Puppies Recipe, Southern-Style

Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and studded with sweet corn and green onions… how can one resist? These bite-sized Southern fritters will have Dad happier than a pig in mud at the county fair!

13. 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe

These flaky, buttery, and impossibly light biscuits prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. All you need are 3 ingredients: butter, self-rising flour, and buttermilk.

14. Boiled Peanuts

Boil them just the way you like! Salty, soft, and totally snackable, boiled peanuts are the perfect Southern treat to pair with a cold drink. Dad’s going to love them with an ice-cold beer!

15. Fried Green Tomatoes

Tart, crispy, and totally addictive, these golden slices are a Southern favorite, especially with a zesty dipping sauce. Dad-approved.

Must-Have Sides

In the South, sides ain’t just extras, they’re as important as the main dish! These Father’s Day recipes bring that extra kick of flavor and texture that makes a meal feel complete.

16. Traditional Southern Collard Greens

Slow-simmered with smoky flavor, these tender greens are the perfect side for fried chicken or cornbread. They’ll take Dad right back to childhood.

17. Southern Scalloped Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce? Yes, please! This easy recipe is pure comfort food. Everyone’s gonna love ’em.

18. Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies

Dad needs his vegetables too! This cozy mac and cheese sneaks in a silky blend of carrots and butternut squash for a major flavor upgrade. No one, not even the pickiest eaters, will ever guess there are extra veggies tucked inside.

19. Southern Butter Beans Recipe

A humble but delicious Southern staple, these butter beans are creamy, smoky, and packed with ham. Super tasty and simple — don’t forget to pair it with cornbread!

20. Southern Skillet Spoonbread

Buttery, airy, and just a little sweet, this cross between cornbread and soufflé is a must-try. Just grab a few pantry staples, a cast iron skillet, and 45 minutes, and you’re set!

Homestyle Desserts

Father’s Day desserts are the perfect way to end a celebratory meal. From classic treats to unique desserts, there’s something for every dad’s sweet tooth.

21. Southern Coca-Cola Pie

A legendary Southern dessert recipe, this decadent pie is rich, fudgy, and made with classic Coke just like Mama used to make.

22. Dreamy Banana Cream Cupcakes

Homemade and super easy, these cupcakes are basically banana cream pie in delicious cupcake form. They’re light, fluffy, and packed with banana pudding goodness.

23. Easy Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler

Hit the sweet spot with this Southern classic! Old-fashioned peach cobbler is one of those favorite desserts that’s buttery, juicy, and easier to make than you’d think.

24. Fruit Cocktail Cake

Moist, fruity, and topped with a dreamy coconut-pecan sauce, this vintage cake is pure nostalgia and always a crowd favorite. And yep, it’s made from scratch!

25. Southern Baked Rice Pudding

This baked pudding is pure comfort in every bite. Creamy, cinnamon-spiced, and dotted with plump raisins, it’s one of those classic treats that never go out of style.

Cheers to Dad & Good Southern Cooking!

Some of my fondest memories are watching Dad’s face light up when his favorite recipes hit the table, whether it’s BBQ ribs, fried green tomatoes, or warm peach cobbler. After all, nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade meal made with care.

This weekend, let food do the talking. Cook up one of our favorite Father’s Day recipes, gather around the table, and celebrate Dad the best way we know how: through good cooking and great company.

Happy Father’s Day!

A Clever Way to Whip Up a Healthier Comfort Food

Look, I am a Southern cook through and through, which means my default setting for comfort food usually involves a heavy hand of butter, cream, or a mountain of carbs. But let’s be real, we can’t eat like it’s Sunday dinner every day!

These little boats completely satisfy that deep craving for a rich, bubbly lasagna, but using the squash as the base lightens everything up just enough that you actually feel good after clearing your plate. I love making these when the garden starts overflowing or when I see a beautiful batch of medium zucchinis at the grocery store.

This functions well as a single dish, so it’s never really occurred to me to include a side, but if you do, I’d go with something super simple like coleslaw.

Ingredients For Zucchini Stuffed Boats

• Zucchini 
• Lean ground beef
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley

“A keeper for sure.”

“I never had these veggies before I went to Outback for a birthday celebration. What I have missed all my life!” – Sue Zeimann

How to Make Zucchini Stuffed Boats

1. Prep and Hollow the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice your zucchini halves lengthwise. Using your spoon or melon baller, carefully remove the center seeds, leaving about a quarter-inch rim around the edges to build a sturdy wall. Brush the interiors lightly with olive oil and place them in a single layer, cut-side up, in a 9×13 baking sheet or baking dish.

2. Cook the Savory Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon for about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Stir in your cup of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors can marry.

3. Stuff and Bake

Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the hollowed cavities of each squash boat. Top each one generously with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

4. Melt and Garnish

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. Snip some fresh herbs over the top and serve warm!

Zucchini Stuffed Boats FAQs

Similar Recipes

There are so many incredible recipes you can make with this veggie! Some of my absolute favorite zucchini dishes include a nice summer squash pasta or a squash casserole if I want something heartier. 

Once you’ve served up a tray of these easy stuffed zucchinis, please leave a star rating and a review in the comments below to let me know how they turned out!

As Close As You Can Get to the O.G.!

Most of us view a hot dog as the absolute easiest thing to throw together on a random weeknight, but sometimes I want something that feels a bit more special than just a plain link sliding around in a cold bun. While you might expect a legendary hot dog recipe to come out of a classic Southern diner, this particular inspiration comes from a tiny red shack out West that grew into a massive Utah staple! Originally started to feed hungry college students and the local BYU student crowd, J Dawgs built a total cult following in Utah County because of one specific thing: their legendary hot dog sauce.

Thankfully, you don’t have to travel out west to experience the best hot dogs ever (I might be biased). This homemade version lets you recreate that exact street-cart magic right on your own kitchen counter!

If you are a big fan of deep, smoky flavor with a hint of brown sugar warmth, you might also really love pairing these with a big side of southern potato salad or a fresh batch of tangy cole slaw!

Ingredients For Copycat J Dawgs Hot Dogs

• All-beef hot dogs
• Hot dog buns 
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Yellow mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

How to Make Copycat J Dawgs Hot Dogs

1. Simmer the Secret Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine your ketchup, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until smooth. Let the mixture come to a bare simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and it becomes thick and glossy. Remove from the heat.

2. Score the Meat

Place your all-beef franks or Polish dogs on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make shallow, diagonal cuts about half an inch apart all along the top surface.

3. Grill Until Crispy

Place your scored franks onto a medium-heat grill or into a hot stovetop skillet. Cook for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated completely through and the cut edges puff up and turn a beautiful, deep golden brown.

4. Load ‘em Up

Gently toast your fresh buns until warm. Nestle a hot, grilled hot dog into each bun, and generously ladle or squeeze the warm hot dog sauce right down the center. Serve them immediately while everything is piping hot! 

Copycat J Dawgs Hot Dogs FAQs

Similar Recipes

I know you’re probably focused on making these dawgs, but you might also like my copycat Chipotle guac and this homemade KFC bowls recipe if you’re on a copycat kick!

Once you’ve treated your family to a batch of these copycat J.Dawgs, please leave a star rating and a review in the comment section below to let me know how they turned out!

Ingredients

• Barbecue sauce – use your favorite! Or try my sweet & tangy easy BBQ sauce recipe!  
• A can of young green jackfruit (in water or brine)
• Burger buns (if you’re going the sandwich route)

How To Make Jackfruit BBQ Step by Step

1. Prep the Jackfruit

To start, drain your jackfruit in a colander.

Then add it to a medium to large skillet over medium high heat, using your fingers or a spatula to mash it up a bit.

2. Cook

Cook this for about 5-10 minutes, stirring often to get more of the water cooked out of it.

3. Add BBQ Sauce & Serve

Now add in your BBQ sauce – the amount is up to you. I usually add about a cup.

Then just stir that up and continue cooking until heated through, then serve.

That’s it!

Does it taste like BBQ? Yes, it sure does. To me, there is a slight juicy burst to the last part of the bite that is reminiscent of eating pineapple in terms of texture, but the flavor itself is BBQ all the way!

I hope you get to try this soon. It will definitely fool some folks!

Ways to Serve Your Jackfruit BBQ

As you can tell from the pictures, I love enjoying my jackfruit BBQ just like I would pulled pork! So we’re talking a creamy and tangy coleslaw topping, a side of hearty Southern baked beans with ground beef and some fluffy buns.

Other great ways to serve your jackfruit BBQ include topping on a baked potato, over nachos with melted cheese and all the fixings, or mixed in with oven-baked mac and cheese for an indulgent BBQ mac and cheese.

How to Store This Jackfruit BBQ Recipe

If you have any leftovers, you can place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for about 4 or 5 days. It also freezes really well for up to 3 months! Just make sure you let it cool down completely before you put it away, and store it separately from your buns or toppings so nothing gets mushy.

Jackfruit BBQ Recipe FAQs

Did this Jackfruit BBQ fool your family and friends? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Don’t forget to leave a star rating so others can find this recipe too.

Why Making Your Own Sauce Beats Buying a Bottle 

My biggest issue with store-bought barbecue sauce is that most commercial brands rely heavily on high-fructose corn syrup and artificial thickeners to do the bulk of the work. When you pour it out, it often feels more like a sticky, overly sweet glaze than a true, well-crafted sauce. 

This recipe balances the deep, molasses notes of dark brown sugar with the sharp, clean bite of apple cider vinegar, while the Golden Eagle syrup adds a traditional regional smoothness that binds everything together. Because it simmers in a heavy Dutch oven, the spices have time to fully wake up, giving you a glossy, thick sauce that actually clings to chicken wings and ribs rather than just sliding off into the griddle!

It’s also easy as pie to make! You mix the dry ingredients, whisk them into the liquid base, and let the stove do the work for an hour. Because the yield fills a full gallon, you only have to pull out the stockpot once to keep your refrigerator door stocked up! I absolutely love using this to make my oven-baked BBQ chicken or jackfruit BBQ sandwich.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Easy BBQ Sauce

• Golden Eagle or Yellow Label syrup
• Dark brown sugar
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Black pepper
• Ketchup
• Water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• White vinegar

How to Make My Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

1. Whisk the Dry Spices

In a medium bowl, combine your dark brown sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and cornstarch. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix them thoroughly, ensuring the cornstarch is completely distributed through the sugar.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In your large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot, pour in the ketchup, water, cane syrup (Golden Eagle or Yellow Label), apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir them together until smooth.

3. Incorporate and Thicken

Whisk the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until completely dissolved. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring constantly so the sugar doesn’t settle and scorch.

4. Simmer The Sauce

Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring from time to time. The sauce will darken, become beautifully glossy, and thicken up into the perfect consistency.

5. Cool and Store

Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature. Pour into an airtight container, mason jar, or clean bottles and store them in the refrigerator.

Easy BBQ Sauce FAQs

Similar Recipes

If you love mastering your own homemade sauces and seasonings from scratch, you have got to try my Carolina Gold BBQ sauce I mentioned at the beginning, or use this perfect BBQ sauce to top off a batch of oven-baked babyback ribs!

Once you’ve whipped up a batch of this easy BBQ sauce, please leave a star rating and a review in the comment section below to let me know how you liked it!

How to Make Cornbread Chicken Pot Pie

1. Preheat the Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

2. Make the Pie Filling

To start, go ahead and steam your frozen mixed veggies following the directions on the bag.

Next, melt some butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and let them sauté until they’re just tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Make Cornbread Topping

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Next, pour in the milk, melted butter, and eggs, stirring until everything is just smooth. Fold in the cheese and drained corn.

4. Bake

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is beautifully golden and cooked through.

Serve up this comfort food casserole to those who bless your supper table each night. Life is good, and if you take notice of it, it gets even better!

Ingredients You’ll Need For Southern Deviled Eggs

• Eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Sweet pickle relish
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika (optional)

Southern Deviled Eggs FAQs

Similar Recipes

If you love classic, comforting egg recipes, you have got to try my easy eggs Benedict and ham, egg, and cheese casserole for a cozy brunch!

Once you’ve tried these deviled eggs, please leave a review and comment below to let me know how they turned out!