These top-rated recipes are tried-and-true chili cook-off winners. And they could be your ticket to a blue ribbon, too. From classics to spicy new favorites, you’ll want to try all of these prize-winning chili recipes.
Whether you’re craving some cozy comfort on a snowy day or need an easy meal because you’ve got a case of the sniffles, there’s no better choice than a warming bowl of homemade soup. But, what do you do when cooking from scratch isn’t an option? With a little planning, you can simply reach in your freezer!
Stocking your freezer with soups may seem like a big task but it’s surprisingly simple to do. Just make a big batch on the weekend, let the soup cool completely and then tuck it away in your freezer. Most soups are freezer-friendly as long as you store them correctly.
When it comes to tucking them away in your freezer, less is more — meaning that it’s better to save the soup as several small portions than it is to freeze the whole batch in one big container. If you don’t have the right size or shape containers for maximizing freezer space, you can pour the soup into several gallon zip-top bags. Freeze the bags flat on a sheet pan so that you have several thin, frozen packages that are easy to stack and store. (You can also vacuum-seal portions of soup and freeze the same way.)
So, which soups freeze best? Most soups work well although ones that include a starchy element (like rice or pasta) are better if you undercook that ingredient just a touch. That way, when you reheat the soup the rice or pasta will be perfectly cooked. If that feels too complicated, just go ahead and make the recipe as directed, cool and freeze — I promise, it will be fine. Your rice or pasta will be just a little bit softer.
One ingredient you should avoid when you’re freezing soups though, is potato chunks. They don’t reheat well. If your soup calls for chunks of potato you can omit them and cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve your soup. Or, simply stick to soups where the potatoes are pureed (like Ree’s Perfect Potato Soup, below).
Ready to give it a try? These five big-batch soups will help you get started.
The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without candy canes hanging from the tree. They are also tucked into stockings. Candy canes take the starring role in all our favorite sweet treats! With these recipes you can enjoy the beloved Yuletide flavor in cakes, cookies, cocoas and more.
No flavor gives us that nostalgic holiday feeling, quite like peppermint. One bite of a candy cane-inspired dessert transports us to childhood. Even better is one that uses candy canes in the recipe. So, every year, when holiday baking season rolls around, we make sure to add peppermint treats to our lineup. We always include a few of them. From festive cookies and batches of fudge topped with crushed candy, there is something for everyone. Holiday cocktails infused with peppermint flavor are also included in this roundup.
The combination of white peppermint bark atop a chocolate cookie base equals the ultimate holiday treat. This big-batch recipe is ideal for cookie swaps, festive parties or even wrapping up as gifts. It is also easy enough for baking with the whole family. Instead of forming individual cookies, you break the giant sheet into pieces, just like you would with traditional bark.
Nothing beats a good, old-fashioned casserole. You might be craving a classic like tuna noodle. Alternatively, you might want a recipe with a twist. These comforting options will surely satisfy.
Break out your best casserole dish because there’s nothing better than some homemade comfort food. From breakfast casseroles that can feed a crowd to creative takes like casseroles inspired by other popular dishes (and everything in between!), these recipes are layered with flavor—and sure to satisfy. You can’t go wrong with any of the recipes in this roundup. We especially love a good mashup like this one. With hash browns, ground beef, canned tomatoes and green chiles, taco seasoning and gooey cheese, it can’t be beat. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal. And since everything’s tossed together right in the baking dish, there’s very little cleanup. Simply garnish with your favorite taco toppings and dinner is served. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, try wrapping them in a tortilla for a quick burrito.
Get the Recipe: Taco Potato Casserole
These ham soup recipes will help you make the most of a holiday ham. Here’s how to transform those leftovers into ham and potato soup. You can also make creamy ham chowder. Another option is a brothy soup packed with vegetables.
A whole smoked ham is a beloved celebration food. Does your family serve a big Easter ham? Or do they make a holiday ham instead of turkey for Thanksgiving? There’s no wrong way to enjoy this smoky, savory main. You could also add a sweet touch to the holiday spread with Christmas ham recipes. Ham is such a large cut of meat that there are always leftovers. That’s when ham soup recipes become useful.
You can combine leftover ham with hearty vegetables like potatoes. Alternatively, pack your soup with beans to create a filling dish. This dish will be up to the task of feeding a crowd. Ham soups tend to be hearty. They’re perfect for chilly nights. However, they taste great anytime you want to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast.
When it’s time to serve ham soup, prepare some soft dinner rolls. You can also make buttery cornbread to serve on the side. The slight sweetness pairs beautifully with any ham soup.
Find more recipes like this on my companion blog, “Good Food, Good Meat, Good God, Let’s Eat!”
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 