Looking for more fun ways to make pizza for a small crowd? Also try my easy French bread pizzas or bagel pizzas.

Easy Grilled Pizza Recipe

I've used this method to make pizzas regularly each and every summer. It's a fun family recipe to make together, and also great for serving to friends at parties and gatherings. Everyone loves to customize and top their own to just how they like.

You'll love this versatile recipe because you can use store-bought dough and sauce, or when time allows homemade of both is an excellent option. Just keep in mind with the shortcuts you can easily have these ready in under 30 minutes especially with friends or family help.

They are perfectly adaptable too. You can use other sauces, cheeses, and final toppings.

The key is just to stick to the simple process. That is to grill the crust on one side first, remove from the grill, flip it to that grill mark side, add your toppings, then grilling to finish after that. This way you end with a non-soggy crust that's not overly charred, and so much flavor throughout!

Free up the Oven, Make Stuffing in a Crockpot!

This is a go-to stuffing recipe for us, once you try it you'll see why. It's just as good as what you can make in the oven and it takes less tending to, so you can manage the rest of your Thanksgiving menu.

Boxed stuffing is popular, but once I tried this made-from-scratch crockpot stuffing version I was hooked. You'll love all the fresh, real flavor it has when it's homemade—plus it's easier to make than you'd think.

This stuffing is packed with fresh herbs, freshly dried bread cubes (I listed store-bought bread cubes as an option just in case you don't have time to make your own), and has the perfect amount of butter and veggies.

On Thanksgiving, we all know how little oven space is available so it always helps to either be able to make some of it ahead of time or in the slow cooker. This recipe is a game-changer for a busy kitchen.

And believe it or not, I think you'll love the way the slow cooker cooks the stuffing. You get a soft buttery center and deliciously crisp edges—the best of both worlds for the perfect easy Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple for your Thanksgiving dinner sides! It's just one of those timeless classics that always pleases.

Easy Roasted Cabbage

I've been known to put more time and effort into the main dish then when it comes to sides I usually just steam a veggie or something. Sides like this roasted cabbage are so easy though that it's nearly just as simply as steaming or sautéing veggies.

Roasting vegetables is the way to go because it really just brings out their natural sweetness and offers a depth of flavor that steaming or sautéing can't. Really this is more of a method than a recipe but I thought I'd share in case you haven't tried it yet.

These simple roasted cabbage slices pair perfectly with baked chicken thighs, honey mustard salmon, potato sausage soup, or a homestyle pot roast dinner.

Also feel free to switch up the seasonings here and play around with different seasonings you like.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Not only will you enjoy the velvety creamy goodness of this soup but also the textural contrast and it's unique flavor. It's one of those recipes you'll crave.

My family loves this soup and chances are your family will love it too, just check out the reviews!

The wild rice blend offers something that pasta doesn't in traditional chicken noodle soup. It has a light natural sweetness to it then I've included lemon zest to balance that with a faint little tang. And all the herbs just nicely compliment and balance it all.

It may call for a few pots which seems like a hassle but I'm telling you it's worth it!

Homemade Stuffing Recipe from Scratch

This stuffing is likely to become a new Thanksgiving tradition in your home! Once you try it homemade you'll never look back!

Every time I make this people love it! It's just good old fashioned stuffing the way it's meant to be, made with bakery bread and fresh ingredients!

And trust me cutting and drying your own bread cubes is worth the extra step. Keep in mind you can do this in advance to save time on holidays.

Can I Make it Ahead?

Probably the biggest question here will be "can this be made in advance"? Yes this can definitely be done. To do so:

• Prepare the stuffing as directed the day before.
• Pour into the baking dish, cover and refrigerate.
• The following day remove from the fridge while the oven preheats.
• Bake as directed while adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going in cold.

Besides I love my meals served layered in a bowl, it's much funner to dive into it this way, right? I love that hearty layer of rice paired with the beef and cabbage. Total comfort food!

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

This is a lot like my Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup but rather it's more of a hearty meal in a bowl vs. the soup. This also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day if you are lucky enough to have any left. The flavors just sit and soak together that much longer.

I love that this recipe, because unlike traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, it doesn't require any boiling cabbage leaves, then wrapping, and baking it's all just cooked in a skillet and ready in 35 minutes!

You may have seen similar recipes made casserole style and baked but you know how I love my skillet dinners.

I have made this two different ways. I've seasoned it with those warm spices (ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg - 1/2 tsp ginger, a pinch of cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg) then I've made it with dried herbs (thyme and marjoram as listed).

You can never have too many salmon recipes, right? I could eat salmon every day, if only they could sell it for the same price as chicken. I have been trying to eat more fish lately, and salmon is definitely my favorite type of fish so it's almost always my go to choice. I should expand my horizon and broaden my palate and cook with different types of fish like swordfish or tuna, but salmon is just my favorite so I don't venture out much. Plus I've finally gotten my kids to love it.

Salmon and Summer Veggies in Foil

This salmon is packed with flavor, full of nutritious ingredients, it's easy to make and clean up is a breeze! I love cooking with ingredients that are in season and we all know this summer everyone will be overflowing with an abundance of zucchini, squash, and fresh from the vine tomatoes so why not make a dish that combines all of those? In the past I've always thought tomatoes and salmon were such a strange combo (who knows why), then I finally got over that and tried it and I totally love it, as long as things are seasoned right. This is like an Italian spin on salmon in foil and you are totally going to love it! My picky 4 year old couldn't get enough of it!

You could also experiment with potatoes, asparagus, carrots, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. The options are limitless!

Goulash Soup

This soup is just like what we had as kids called “Goulash” or “Cowboy Delight” in soup form. And let's be honest: What kind of names are those for dinner? Definitely not the classiest, but that doesn’t really matter I guess does it? Whether you call it a Hungarian Goulash, beef stew, or chili mac soup, all you need to know is that it's delicious.

What really matters is that this is one hundred percent, homestyle comfort food right here, just like what mom used to make.

I have been craving this stuff for years and everyone has always laughed and said “Wait you like that stuff?”

Yes, I love the stuff and I was out to prove it can be delicious, so today I’m sharing my version that’s a step up from some of the sugary ketchup versions your mom may have made :). I like to make this on the stovetop to simmer in a dutch oven, but you could also use your instant pot.

Beef Goulash Recipe Variations

Every family probably has a similar recipe they ate growing up, each with their own variations and preferences. Get creative with this one!

• Top with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese like a chili
• Stir in frozen corn during the last few minutes for authentic goulash flavor
• Swap your elbow macaroni noodles for wagon wheels with Western vibes or egg noodles like a Stroganoff
• Sweet Hungarian paprika and caraway seeds will make this even more sweet and smoky
• Choose beef chuck or larger cuts instead of ground beef for more of a stew

This is a meal your whole family really will love. This is real people food. Yes, I love a really fancy meal on occasion but more than anything I just love the classics.

Rosemary Chicken Recipe

My favorite type of chicken will probably always be lemon chicken. I love the way the vibrant flavor of lemon juice compliments and enhances chicken, I also love the way fresh herbs and garlic pair with chicken. Throw all of those elements together along with a generous browning in a skillet and nice roasting in the oven and you get this deliciously flavorful and perfectly tender chicken!

Roasted Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken

In the past I have never really opted for chicken thighs, most always I cook with chicken breasts. But, recently I was doing some sponsored work that called for using chicken thighs and actually loved them! It's just been so long since I've given them a chance I guess. I just love the way the skin browns to golden crisp deliciousness in the roasting pan, the depth of flavor they had, and of course how tender the chicken was when you choose bone-in cuts. With some fresh lemon and herbs, they create a simple entree with tempting flavors. You can't beat the crispy outside of the chicken with the tender meat inside. This would also work well with a whole chicken.

Chicken and Barley Soup

If you are looking to add more healthy foods to your diet, this chicken barley soup recipe is a great alternative to chicken noodle soup which tastes just as good but is a healthier option. The traditional egg noodles found in most chicken noodle soups don't have much nutrition but hulled barley on the other hand is a substitute that is perfectly good for you.

I make chicken noodle soup at my house almost every week lately so it's nice to have something I can rotate it with. I will likely even find myself making this more than the traditional chicken noodle soup. I love the texture and flavor that barley adds and how filling it makes this soup. If carbs aren't a concern, you can also add diced potatoes to bulk up this soup even more.

This would also be a great recipe to have on hand next week when you have an abundance of leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. Simply swap the chicken thighs for turkey!

Try this recipe in your slow cooker to make it even easier—just slightly increase your chicken bouillon or homemade chicken stock and fresh herbs if you plan to let it stew all day. I sometimes add a bit of red pepper and garlic powder for even more punch.