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Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

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This Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns is so easy to make. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

crockpot potato soup with hash browns

Hi friends!

I’ve got a super easy crockpot recipe to share with you guys today and I have been loving it for the past few weeks. About a month ago I got a craving for potato soup. As usual, life is busy and I am always looking for shortcuts and for this recipe, like so many others, this comes in the form of frozen veggies.

I use frozen mixed vegetables all the time in recipes like:

Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns

The secret to making this recipe super easy is frozen hash browns, specifically diced hash browns. If you’re not a hash brown lover, you might not know that frozen hash brown potatoes are basically just frozen potatoes that have already been cut for you! So all you have to do is dump them in the crockpot. They’re the perfect size for soup and they’re all evenly sized.

Can I use regular potatoes?

You can absolutely use regular potatoes. Just be sure to dice them all the same size and fairly small so they cook nicely in the crockpot. Peel them or leave the skin on. Totally your preference.

Do I have to add carrots?

No, you don’t have to add carrots. I’m just of the opinion that if I’m going to puree something anyways I might as well throw some extra veggies in there since you probably won’t notice anyways. I did test this once with cauliflower rice instead of carrots and it was fine, especially if you like cauliflower. But I prefer carrots. I also add red peppers sometimes.

slow cooker potato soup with chicken sausage

How to make vegetarian crockpot potato soup?

To make this vegetarian just leave out the sausage at the end. You can easily add a can of white beans to the soup along with potatoes and carrots. They’ll blend up nicely. I use that trick in my Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup.

Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Adding corn and chicken sausage to this recipe gives it a little twist on the classic potato soup recipe. I love blending the potatoes to make it creamy but also love adding some additional mix-ins to give the soup some texture. I add chicken sausage for protein but you could also add some beans or some shredded rotisserie chicken. I prefer green onions to white so I mix those in at the end. If you’d like, you can add diced onions at the beginning and just garnish with a few green onions at the end.

How to make classic loaded baked potato crockpot soup?

If you’d prefer to make a more traditional version, you can skip adding the corn and sausage and stir in some heavy cream and cheese and then top with more cheese, bacon and green onions. Or try one of these recipes:

Best Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

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Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

crockpot potato soup with hash browns
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This Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns is so easy to make. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: serves 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups diced hash brown potatoes
  • 2 cups frozen carrots
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can green chilis
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 chicken sausages, sliced
  • 1 can corn
  • 3/4 cup sliced green onions

 

Instructions

  1. Combine the potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, green chilis, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and salt in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  2. Transfer half to three-quarters of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. 
  3. Pour back into the crockpot and add chicken sausage, corn and green onions. 
  4. Add a little more broth to thin it to your desired consistency if needed and cook an additional hour or two. 
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving if needed. You may want to add more salt or make it spicier with more cayenne pepper.

Notes

Pureeing the soup is optional. If you prefer a chunkier soup you can skip that step but it will be more broth-based vs creamy. You can also use an immersion blender if you have one.

This recipe is so easy but full of flavor as well. Want more potato recipes? Try:

This Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns is so easy to make. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

Let me know if you try this soup! If you’re looking for more soup recipes try:

gluten-free chicken ramen

Gluten-Free Chicken Ramen Noodles

These Gluten-Free Chicken Ramen Noodles are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Transform leftover chicken into a flavor-packed soup everyone will love!

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instant pot beef stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

This healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is ready in under an hour and tastes like it has been simmering all day. The perfect dinner on a cold winter night.

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Easy Fish Chowder

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

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Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy comfort food dinner that’s ready in under 30 min and makes enough to have leftovers for lunch!

Read more
white chicken chili

White Chicken Chili

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect lunch or dinner soup and a nice change from traditional tomato-based chili.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Kid-Friendly Protein-Rich Energy Balls| No Protein Powder

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These energy balls for kids are a quick, healthy snack option made with real food ingredients. Here are 15 kid-friendly energy ball recipes made without protein powder. 

energy bites for kids without protein powder

*Published May 2021. Updated Oct 2022*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about snacks for a minute, shall we? More specifically, snacks for kids. Because lord knows my kids eat a lot of them- pretty much every 2 hours all day long, am I right?!

Protein Snacks for Kids and Toddlers

These aren’t giant snacks by any means, but they do occur multiple times per day, so I do my best to make sure they’re healthy and full of nutrients.  Some of our favorites include:

  • Muffins and Bars
  • String cheese with crackers
  • Hard-boiled eggs with fruit
  • Avocado or peanut butter toast
  • Smoothies or smoothie popsicles
  • Veggies and crackers with hummus
  • Energy balls
  • Frozen yogurt tubes
  • PB&J Waffles

If you need packaged snacks, check out my list of 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids and check out my latest resource The Snack Spark for tons more ideas. Or browse my snack archives for several posts with my favorite store-bought snacks.

Protein Balls Recipe without Protein Powder

I try to rotate through snacks to avoid burnout, but one thing I try to always have on hand in the freezer is energy balls. My oldest absolutely loves my Lemon Energy Balls and the younger two are fans of my no-bake mint chocolate version (i make them without the crushed peppermint when it’s not Christmas time!)

When I look for protein balls for kids, I look for recipes without protein powder. Many parents are surprised by how little food it takes to meet the daily protein requirements for kids so there’s usually no need for extra protein powder. I choose nutrient-dense recipes that are full of protein thanks to nuts, seeds etc! Here’s a great post about how much protein your child needs (with visuals).

Protein balls for kids make a great snack. I love that you can prep a big batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack time. I rounded up a few recipes for you to try!

Energy Balls for Kids

I love them because it’s so easy to make a batch ahead of time and pop them in the freezer and just pull them out whenever we need a quick snack. Since we eat them so frequently, it’s always nice to have options for different flavors/ingredients so I put together a list – it’s a mix of oatmeal balls for toddlers, protein balls without peanut butter and more!

Note that while a lot of energy balls are made with protein powder, for this roundup, I chose only recipes that do not include protein powder. I don’t use protein powder a ton although I do add it to my smoothies and to make my No Bake Protein Bars), but I don’t feel it’s something my kids need to be eating at their age.

So here’s the list of energy bites for kids including a few of my favorites from The Bean archives:

Healthy Toddler Protein Energy Balls

My easy go-to energy ball recipe made with dates, hemp, peanut butter and flax

My Go-To Energy Ball Recipe

My Go-To Energy Ball Recipe is perfect for kids, nursing moms, athletes and anyone looking for a healthy snack. They’re full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats and easy to prep ahead of time to keep your freezer stocked.

Grab the recipe!
cherry energy balls

Cherry Energy Balls

Just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes and you can have a batch of these energy balls on hand for quick snacks.

Grab the recipe!
apple cinnamon cookie energy bites

Apple Cinnamon Cookie Energy Bites

Made with oats, almond butter and fresh apples, these will quickly become a Fall favorite.

Grab the recipe!
pb and j swirl energy bites

PB & J Swirl Energy Bites

A fun twist on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, these energy bites swirl two classic flavors together for goodness in every bite

cinnamon raisin peanut butter energy balls

Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Energy Balls

This recipe uses peanut butter for some protein and healthy fats while also add that classic cinnamon raisin flavor!

Grab the recipe!

No Cook Energy Bites Recipes For Kids

If your kiddos love dessert, energy balls can be a great sweet treat after dinner. There are lots of recipes out there modeled after classic desserts but these no cook versions are super quick and easy!

strawberry cheesecake energy bites

Strawberry Cheesecake Energy Bites

This recipe uses dried strawberries, cashews and nutritional yeast for flavorful dairy-free energy balls.

Grab the recipe!
no bake carrot cake energy bites

No Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites

These energy bites taste just like your favorite carrot cake. A kid-friendly snack everyone will love!

Grab the recipe!
chocolate brownie no bake energy balls

Chocolate Brownie No Bake Energy Balls

Made with a mix of walnuts and almonds, plus dates and cocoa powder, these will satisfy any chocolate craving!

Grab the recipe!
key lime pie energy bites

Key Lime Pie Energy Bites

If you’re looking for a tropical treat, these energy bites can’t be beat! Lots of key lime juice and zest give these tons of flavor.

Grab the recipe!
no bake cranberry chocolate almond energy bites

No Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites

These taste like cookie dough and are perfect anytime you need a quick burst of energy!

Grab the recipe!

Healthy Kids Protein Ball Recipes

The best part about energy bites is that there are endless flavor combinations out there. If you haven’t found one your kiddos love yet, keep trying!!

no bake peppermint chocolate bites

No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Bites

These No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Bites are simple, healthy and ready in minutes. This gluten-free recipe would make a great addition to your holiday cookie tray!

Read more
lemon energy balls

Lemon Energy Balls

Bursting with citrus flavor, these Lemon Energy balls make the perfect snack. Made with just 5 ingredients, they’re gluten-free, paleo-friendly and perfect for stashing in the fridge or freezer!

Grab the recipe!
dark chocolate blueberry energy bites

Dark Chocolate Blueberry Energy Bites

Grab the recipe!
dark chocolate coconut almond butter energy bites

Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites

Everyone loves the coconut and dark chocolate combo! Add in some almond butter and you’ve got an irresistible treat!

Grab the recipe!
chocolate coconut pistachio bites

Chocolate Coconut Pistachio Bites

These have a unique twist because they’re rolled in crushed nuts at the end to add some texture, color and flavor to the outside!

Grab the recipe!

So if you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen working my way through this list with my kitchen assistants. Which should we try first?!

Kids Energy Balls

Looking for a quick, healthy snack made with real food ingredients? Here are 12 kid-friendly energy ball recipes made without protein powder.

 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak

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This slow cooker flank steak is flavored with ginger and garlic and packed with protein and vegetables. The best part is you don’t need to sear the meat beforehand! Just slice everything up, cover with sauce and let it cook!

flank steak recipes slow cooker - crockpot ginger garlic flank steak

*Thanks to the Ohio Beef Council for sponsoring this post*

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share this crockpot flank steak recipe with you guys. You may remember I’m partnering with the Ohio Beef Council this year and in my last post, I shared these Tater Tot Waffles that many of you have tried and loved!

Today I’m sharing a slow cooker recipe because who doesn’t need a new recipe in their repertoire? When I asked my Instagram followers what kind of recipe they wanted to see, a lot of people asked for a beef and broccoli-type recipe. But the biggest request was that they didn’t want to have to sear the meat ahead of time. They wanted something they could just dump into the crockpot and set without worrying about dirtying another pan.

Flank Steak Recipes Slow Cooker

I took that request to heart and decided to go with this flank steak recipe in the slow cooker. It’s such a great source of protein and I love how tender it gets in the crockpot. I also knew I wanted to add a bunch of vegetables so really all you have to do is add rice and boom! You’ve got a complete dinner ready and waiting when you got home.

ginger garlic flank steak - recipes slow cooker

How To Make Flank Steak in the Slow Cooker

Let’s talk about how to make this recipe. As I said, it just requires a little slicing and chopping, and then you dump everything in. One important thing to note is that for tender beef, you want to be sure to cut against the grain. Luckily with flank steak, it’s easy to see the long lines running across the meat so you just want to make sure you cut across those and not with them.

Another tip is to throw your flank steak in the freezer for an hour or so before slicing. This allows you to cut it thinly, at a slight angle, more easily than if it’s just straight out of the fridge. You’ll easily be able to get the perfect strips to add to the slow cooker.

We toss the strips in cornstarch to help thicken the sauce a little as it cooks. And remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Flank Steak in the Air Fryer

While this recipe is all about the slow cooker, I also wanted to mention that cooking flank steak in the air fryer is another super easy way to cook it! Here are a few recipes if you want to try it that way:

Or try my Air Fryer Steak Bites!

But for today we’re all about the crockpot so let’s get to the recipe:

Crockpot Flank Steak Recipe

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Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak

slow cooker ginger garlic flank steak
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This slow cooker ginger garlic flank steak is packed with protein and vegetables. The best part is you don’t need to sear the meat beforehand! Just slice everything up, cover with sauce and let it cook!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 – 2# flank steak
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups thinly sliced carrots
  • 1 thinly sliced bell pepper
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 – 2 Tbsp hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 package frozen broccoli, steamed
  • green onions

Instructions

  1. Place steak strips in a large bowl. Add cornstarch and toss to coat.

  2. Add thinly sliced carrots and bell peppers to the crockpot and add the steak.

  3. In a bowl, combine beef broth, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, tamari and hot sauce and stir to combine.

  4. Pour the sauce into the crockpot and stir to coat.

  5. Cook on low for 6 hours. 

  6. Prior to serving, stir in a bag of cooked, steamed broccoli. 

  7. Taste and adjust seasonings. You can add salt, add more hot sauce or even sprinkle with garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.

  8. Serve over rice and top with green onions.

Notes

  • You can sub chicken broth for beef broth.
  • You can sub soy sauce for tamari
  • If you want to use fresh broccoli, just throw it in for the last hour or so of cooking!

Doesn’t it look just delicious?! I love how many veggies are packed in there and I love that there’s not dirtying another pan by having to sear beforehand. The brown sugar adds sweetness to this but then you can mix in as much hot sauce as you want to give it that sweet and spicy combination flavor!

If you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes you can see all of my crockpot recipes here! And if you’re a beef-lover, Ohio Beef Council has tons of great beef recipes on their site.

Slow Cooked Garlic Flank Steak

Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak Recipe

I hope you guys enjoy this recipe! Be sure to let me know if you try it!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20+ Baked Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes

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These baked sweet potato dessert recipes are perfect for any occasion! Learn how to bake a sweet potato and make a dessert everyone will love!

healthy baked sweet potato dessert recipes

*Originally published 11/2021. Updated 10/2022*

Hi friends!

If you’ve been around awhile, you know I have a baked sweet potato recipe or two! I bake a sweet potato (or several) pretty much every week when I food prep and while I sometimes use them in Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes, I most frequently bake with them. Baked sweet potatoes are the perfect addition to muffins and bars, brownies and cakes!

But before we talk about the recipes, we need to talk about preparation. 

How to bake a sweet potato

There is a baked sweet potato recipe for pretty much any small kitchen appliance you might have. When I need one quickly, I use the microwave. If I’m cooking several, I typically use the instant pot or air fryer. Here are several options:

Any of these methods will cook the sweet potatoes and make them soft enough for baking.

Healthy desserts with sweet potato

When I first shared this roundup there was a lot of interest in desserts with sweet potatoes so I’ve updated the roundup to give you even more ideas. However, I’m also sharing some of my favorite muffins and bar recipes at the end because they are recipes I make weekly that my kids love for pretty much any meal of the day!

Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes:

Here are some desserts with sweet potato that you’ll absolutely fall in love with – everything from chocolate cake to cookies to cinnamon rolls!

healthy sweet potato chocolate cake

30-Minute Healthy Sweet Potato Chocolate Cake

You’d never guess this rich chocolate cake is made with both sweet potatoes and avocado!

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato casserole cupcakes

Sweet Potato Casserole Cupcakes

Classic sweet potato casserole is transformed into a hand-held dessert that can be served beyond Thanksgiving.

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato cake - sweet potato dessert recipes

Sweet Potato Cake

Like carrot cake, but with a sweet potato twist! Plus you’ll love the bourbon salted caramel frosting!

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato cookies with cream cheese frosting

Sweet Potato Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These soft and fluffy cookies are perfectly spiced and topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato cinnamon rolls

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

Add sweet potato to the dough, fill the middle with cinnamon and sugar and top it off with a brown butter cream cheese glaze!

Grab the recipe!
grandbaby southern sweet potato pie

Grandbaby Southern Sweet Potato Pie

If you love pumpkin pie, you’ve gotta add this sweet potato pie to your dessert table this year!

Grab the recipe!

Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Desserts

If you’re looking to bake with sweet potatoes but try something a little bit healthier, try one of these healthy baked sweet potato dessert recipes:

gluten free sweet potato brownies

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

These Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies are flourless, sweetened with dates and full of chocolate flavor. They taste so good you’ll never believe they’re a healthy dessert!

Grab the recipe
dessert baked sweet potato

Dessert Baked Sweet Potato

Which toppings will you add to your sweet potato to turn them into dessert? Think coconut, almond butter, dark chocolate and more!

Grab the recipe!
maple pecan sweet potato crisp

Maple-Pecan Cranberry Sweet Potato Crisp

The perfect mix of apples, cranberries and sweet potatoes with a maple pecan topping!

Grab the recipe!
healthier sweet potato casserole dessert

Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole Dessert

A lightened-up version of a classic Thanksgiving staple everyone will love!

Grab the recipe!

Purple Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes

Have you ever seen purple sweet potatoes in your grocery store? Next time grab a few to make one of these stunning dessert! Some of these are baked in the oven and others turn baked sweet potato into a no-bake dessert you’ll love!

Screen Shot 2022 10 12 at 1.22.24 PM

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

A classic sweet potato pie made with purple sweet potatoes for a beautiful color!

Grab the recipe!
purple sweet potato pie bars

Purple Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Vibrant purple vegan pie filling and an almond flour crust make these irresistible!

Grab the recipe!
purple sweet potato ice cream

Purple Sweet Potato Ice Cream

The perfect combination of purple sweet potato, maple syrup and almond milk!

Grab the recipe!
purple sweet potato pudding

Purple Sweet Potato Pudding

All you need are 4 ingredients to make this pudding with a little bit of ginger in every bite!

Grab the recipe
purple sweet potato pie

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

The perfect recipe to introduce you to baking with purple sweet potato!

Grab the recipe!

Vegan Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes

For those looking for vegan desserts, here are several options! Several of them are gluten-free as well.

gluten-free vegan sweet potato blondies

Gluten-Free Vegan Sweet Potato Blondies

If you’re not a fan of traditional chocolate brownies, try these sweet potato blondies!

Grab the recipe!
easy vegan sweet potato cake

Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Cake

Fluffy and moist with tons of spices and and a dairy-free frosting!

Grab the recipe!
Sweet potato pie bars

Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Only 9 ingredients required for a delicious healthy dessert with sweet potato!

Grab the recipe!
vegan sweet potato chocolate cake

Vegan Sweet Potato Chocolate Cake

Both the rich chocolate cake AND the frosting are made with sweet potato!

Grab the recipe!
vegan sweet potato cinnamon cheesecake

Vegan Sweet Potato Cinnamon Cheesecake

Thanks to cashews, dates and sweet potato, this cheesecake is both vegan and dairy-free!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato Muffins and Bars Recipes

As I mentioned above, while sweet potatoes are great for dessert, they’re also great for baking and I use them weekly in the baked goods I make for myself and my kids. Here are a few of my favorites:

healthy sweet potato cookies

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies

No protein powder required for these Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies! They’re gluten-free, made with real food ingredients and packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy them for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato white bean bars

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

These Sweet Potato White Bean Bars are perfect for breakfast or snack time. They’re kid-friendly, nut-free and full of fiber! 

Grab the recipe!
4 ingredient sweet potato banana muffins

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Bites have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults! 

Grab the recipe!
cranberry sweet potato muffins

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

This recipe for Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins makes a great breakfast or grab-and-go snack. Use fresh or dried cranberries or swap chocolate chips

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato waffles

Sweet Potato Waffles

These Sweet Potato Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, pre-workout fuel or an afternoon snack. Add some peanut butter in the middle for a fun waffle sandwich!

Grab the recipe!

Did any of these catch your eye? Be sure to pin this post and share with friends!

These baked sweet potato dessert recipes are perfect for any occasion! Learn how to bake a sweet potato and make a dessert everyone will love!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Air Fryer Steak Bites

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If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!

air fryer steak bites with butter

Hi friends!

I’ve been meaning to share these super easy air fryer steak bites for a while now. My daughter is a huge steak fan and she loves these. If you prefer to cut your steak while eating, you can definitely cook full steaks in the air fryer, I just find it easier to do the cutting beforehand and then the bites are ready to serve to my kids right away after cooking.

How long to cook steak in the air fryer?

Since we’re making steak bites, they cook super quickly – think 4-5 minutes tops. I use top sirloin and typically cut the pieces in half lengthwise and then cut into 8 cubes. My top sirloin is typically about an inch thick and cooks to 135 degrees F in 4 minutes. If you’re looking to cook other types of steaks in the air fryer you definitely can, they just might take a few more minutes. Here’s a little summary of cooking times for you when you cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees F:

Air fryer steak cooking chart:

  • Rare: 125 degrees F: 5-7 minutes
  • Medium-rare: 135 degrees F: 7-10 minutes
  • Medium: 145 degrees F: 9-12 minutes
  • Well done: 160 degrees F: 12-15 minutes

*Cooking time will vary depending on your steak thickness. If steaks are about 1 inch thick, time will be on the lower end of the range. If they’re closer to 1.5 inches it’ll be towards the longer end. The great thing about the air fryer is it’s super easy to pull out the basket, take a quick temperature check and add time if needed. Also, remember that the steak will continue to cook a few degrees after you pull it out!

How to cook garlic sirloin steak bites in the air fryer?

Now that we’ve covered cooking temps, let’s talk about how exactly to cook these. It’s super important to preheat your air fryer. You want the basket to be hot when you drop them in to give the outside a little sear. Other than that, all you have to do is cut your steak into bite-size pieces, sprinkle on some seasonings and cook!

When they’re done, I like to toss them in a little melted butter. You can mix in some garlic powder or parsley for flavor, or even some cayenne pepper to give them a little bite!

Want a few more air fryer sirloin steak recipes? Check out:

How to reheat steak in an air fryer?

When it comes to reheating steak, you can also use an air fryer. I like to set the temperature to about 350 degrees F and toss the steak in for 3 minutes or so. If you’re reheating steak bites, they might only take a minute or two since they’re smaller!

air fryer steak bites medium rare

*Make sure you cut your steak across the grain! Not like I did in this photo 🙂 This is called being in a rush, trying to get work done while your kids are home!*

Air Fryer Sirloin Steak Recipe

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Air Fryer Steak Bites

air fryer steak bites
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★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 – 1.5 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1–2 Tbsp butter
  • dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Cut top sirloin into bite-sized pieces. I usually cut them in half lengthwise and then 4 times across to make 8 cubes per steak and place into bowl.
  2. In a small bowl mix garlic powder, salt and pepper and brown sugar.
  3. Pour over steak and stir until well coated. 
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
  5. Add steak and cook 4 minutes. Check temperature and remove or cook an additional minute.
  6. Remove from air fryer and place in a bowl. Add 1-2 Tbsp butter and stir to coat steak bites as it melts. Sprinkle with desired seasonings like dried parsley, more salt and garlic powder etc!

Notes

Feel free to customize the seasonings. You can add cayenne pepper for spice, try a steak seasoning blend or increase the garlic powder. 

When adding butter at the end you can sprinkle with salt, parsley or other seasonings.

If you’re worried about overcooking, check at 3 minutes!

So easy and so delicious! These steak bites would also be great on my Steak Cobb Salad! If you prefer to grill, try these Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs. Want to try different types of steak?

An easy and delicious way to cook steak without the grill- air fryer steak bites!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

One Pot Chicken and Rice

by 4 Comments

This easy one pot chicken and rice is perfect for a busy weeknight. Most of the cooking time is hands-off letting you get other things done while it cooks!

one pot chicken and rice recipe

Hi friends!

If you follow along on Instagram, you’ve seen me test one pot chicken and rice recipe several times now. It took a little tweaking to get the cooking times right for me and then I had several people test it and adjusted the recipe more based on their feedback.

Overall, the recipe is simple. Very basic ingredients and the flavor is great. The trickiest part is the rice. You have to use brown rice for this recipe. Otherwise, the cooking time will be off. What I’ve learned is that people prefer their rice to different degrees of doneness. I like brown rice because it’s a bit sturdier than white rice and I like mine to have some texture when I eat it. If you prefer yours a cooked a little more, you’ll just have to adjust the cooking times a bit.

best one pot chicken and rice

This recipe uses a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (i use carrots and peas) and chicken breasts. Let’s cover a few common questions you might have:

Can I make one pot chicken thighs and rice?

Maybe you prefer chicken thighs over chicken breast. If I were going to sub thighs in this recipe, you could dice them up and cook like the breasts or you could try adding them at the beginning and letting them cook along with the rice and veggies and then shredding them up at the end.

How to make one pot Mexican chicken and rice?

If you want to put a Mexican spin on this dish, you could add black beans and corn during the last 10 minutes and change your veggies from peas and carrots to peppers and onions. Stir in shredded Mexican cheese instead of parmesan and top with fresh cilantro.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli

This is another popular spin you could put on it. I would cook the rice by itself at the beginning, then add the chicken and then once you turn the heat off, stir in broccoli and cheddar cheese, cover and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Best One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

To make this recipe, it’s pretty simple. First, we’re going to get a large Dutch oven and throw in some butter, a bag of frozen vegetables, some uncooked brown rice, spices and some chicken broth. Bring it all to a boil and let it cook with the cover on for a while.

Then we’re going to add diced chicken and let it cook for a while more uncovered. Here’s where you might have to adjust the cooking time. You want to cook it until most of the broth is absorbed, but if you taste it and your rice isn’t quite done, you can add a bit more broth.

Then remove it from the heat, mix in some cheese and put the lid on to let it rest for a few minutes. And voila!

If you’re looking for more recipe ideas, find more chicken recipes here!

Here’s the full recipe:

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One Pot Chicken and Rice

one pot chicken and rice 2
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★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

This easy one pot chicken and rice is packed with vegetables and full of flavor. Perfect comfort food for a cold night.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 12 oz bag frozen veggies (I use peas and carrots)
  • 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
  • 1 quart (4 cups) chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
  • 1 – 1.5 pounds raw chicken breast, diced
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste or 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine butter, vegetables, rice, broth and spices and bring to a boil
  2. Reduce heat to medium (should still be bubbling), cover and cook 20 minutes.
  3. Add chicken and bring to a boil again. 
  4. Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. Almost all of the liquid should be absorbed. Taste the rice. If you want it cooked more, add 1/2 cup more broth at a time and continue to let it cook until rice reaches desired tenderness.
  5. REMOVE FROM HEAT, stir in cheese and taste. Adjust seasonings adding more salt and peper if needed. Cover and let sit (with no heat) for 10 minutes before serving!

Sounds pretty simple right?

one pot cheesy chicken and rice recipe

Let me know if you give this one a try! It’s a new favorite around here.

If you’re looking for more one pot chicken recipes, here are 5 more to try:

Chicken and Rice V1

One Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

This dish features several spices that give it tons of flavor without it being too spicy!

Grab the recipe!
One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice 900px

One Pot Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

This option is packed with Greek flavor and baked in the oven for a hands-off approach to a one pot meal!

Grab the recipe!
broccoli cheese rice one pot 2a

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli

An easy one pot meal made with pantry staples. The whole family will love it on a busy night!

Grab the recipe!
chicken and rice instant pot

One Pot Chicken and Rice Instant Pot

Skip the stovetop and try this instant pot version of one pot chicken and rice. Just dump in the ingredients and let the instant pot do the work!

Grab the recipe!
creamy one pot chicken and rice1

Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice

Creamy, cheesy and so delicious, you’ll find yourself making this recipe over and over again!

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

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These healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes are perfect for quick, easy dinners and you can pack the leftovers for lunch! Added bonus? Many can be made in the slow cooker if you don’t have a pressure cooker. 

Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

*Originally published March 2018. Updated Oct 2022*

Hi friends!

Welcome to this delightful little roundup of Instant Pot Chicken Recipes.

Best Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

We are not full on in the middle of back to school season over here. Fall sports have started, winter sports are looming and if your house is anything like mine, you need dinner on the table quickly most weeknights. Enter the Instant Pot. I bought my instant pot (aff link) 5 years ago and am still using it weekly so that should show you that it has some staying power and that this busy mama finds it useful!

But I know that some people are still intimidated by it as an appliance in general. So I’ve rounded up some healthy instant pot chicken recipes to encourage you to pull yours out of storage and give it a try!

If you want more ideas, check out these healthy instant pot dinner recipes!

So here you go! 15 Instant Pot Chicken Recipes healthy enough for a busy weekday for you to enjoy:

Easy Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes

instant pot cilantro lime chicken - healthy instant pot chicken recipes

Cilantro Lime Chicken

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect healthy dinner recipe and can be made in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. Serve it over rice or as a filling for tacos. You can even prep it ahead of time and freeze until you need it.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot chicken marsala

Instant Pot Chicken Marsala

This Instant Pot Chicken Marsala is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fancy date night in. It’s easy to make, full of flavor and using the pressure cooker makes it even less work than the already simple stovetop version

Grab the recipe!
instant pot asian chicken - healthy instant pot chicken recipes

Instant Pot Asian Chicken

This Instant Pot Asian Chicken is full of flavor and easy to make. A healthy dinner the whole family will love!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot honey sesame chicken breast - instant pot chicken breast recipes healthy

Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

The chicken is great but the honey sesame sauce will steal your heart! Make a side of steamed veggies and rice and drizzle the sauce on those too!

Grab the recipe!
healthy parmesan chicken pasta instant pot

Healthy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Instant Pot

If you haven’t tried pasta in the instant pot yet, this is the perfect place to start. A simple homemade sauce, chicken, noodles and cheese!

Grab the recipe!

Healthy Chicken and Rice Instant Pot

One of the things I like best about the instant pot is how fast it is. It’s hands-off cooking like a slow cooker but ready so much faster! If you haven’t tried pressure cooking yet, it’s worth a try! And so many chicken dishes in the instant pot are great with rice and a side of veggies for a quick and easy dinner!

Instant Pot Chicken Risotto Recipe 1 of 1

Instant Pot Risotta with Chicken and Mushrooms

Skip the stovetop stirring and enjoy a creamy risotto in the instant pot. Don’t like mushrooms? Swap in another veggie!

Grab the recipe!
paleo instant pot chicken and broccoli

Paleo Chicken and Broccoli

Just like the takeout chicken and broccoli you grew up ordering, this simple recipe will quickly become a family favorite! Serve over cauliflower or regular rice.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot chili lime chicken thighs

Pressure Cooker Chili Lime Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are great in the instant pot! The chili lime flavor adds a nice touch and you can serve with rice and veggies for a quick and easy meal.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot orange chicken

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

This recipe is better than takeout and so easy to make. Tender chicken and a flavorful orange sauce – what’s not to love?!

Grab the recipe!
healthy chicken recipe instant pot recipe - honey sesame chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken and Rice Instant Pot

This is a super easy, kid-friendly dish to try in your instant pot. The whole family will love it and it makes great leftovers!

Healthy Chicken Soup Instant Pot Recipes

You can never have too many soup recipes, right? I’m a soup all-year-round kinda girl but even if you don’t touch it until the weather turns cool, there are still plenty of colder months to enjoy it! Here are some ideas:

instant pot chicken and dumplings

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings for Two

One of those healthy instant pot chicken recipes that’s perfect for a sick day or dinner for two! You won’t be able to get enough of this cozy soup and delicious dumplings.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot sweet potato chicken chili

Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

This Sweet Potato Chicken Chili can be made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker for an easy, healthy dinner. And the leftovers make the perfect packable lunch. 

Grab the recipe!
ginger chicken and rice soup instant pot healthy

Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice Soup

Ready in just 20 minutes, this is the perfect addition to your list of healthy instant pot chicken recipes! A fun and flavorful twist on traditional chicken and rice soup.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot chicken tortilla soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Packed with flavor thanks to the fire-roasted tomatoes and tons of spices, this healthy chicken tortilla soup in the instant pot is perfect for a cold Fall night.

Grab the recipe!
healthy white chicken chili instant pot

Healthy White Chicken Chili Instant Pot

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect lunch or dinner soup and a nice change from traditional tomato-based chili.

Read more
healthy chicken and wild lrice soup instant pot

Healthy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot

This soup is naturally gluten-free and dairy free and is ready in the instant pot in under 30 minutes!

Grab the recipe!

Healthy Chicken Instant Pot Dinners

Another good thing about pressure cookers like the instant pot is that they can really help to deepen the flavors of a dish in a short amount of time so you can enjoy flavor-packed recipes with minimal effort!

instant pot honey garlic chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a Chinese-style dish bursting with honey-garlic flavor. And because you make it in the Instant Pot, it’s also really quick to make.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot chicken and quinoa bowls

Instant Pot Chicken and Quinoa Bowls

Did you know you can cook chicken and quinoa in the instant pot separately but at the same time?! Find out how in this recipe!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot chicken pad thai

Instant Pot Chicken Pad Thai

No need for takeout with this recipe! An easy homemade sauce, plenty of veggies and delicious rice noodles pair with chicken for a quick weeknight dinner.

Grab the recipe!
healthy butter chicken instant pot

Healthy Butter Chicken Instant Pot

Just as good as when you order it at the restaurant and ready in 30 minutes at home. This healthy butter chicken in the instant pot has tons of flavor and pairs well with your favorite naan and rice.

Grab the recipe!

Did something catch your eye? Pin this post for later and share with friends!

These Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes are perfect for easy, healthy dinners. Plus you can pack the leftovers for lunch!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

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These Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. With a mix of vegetarian and meat options, there’s a pressure cooker recipe for everyone!

Hi friends!

I first wrote this post almost 5 years ago (originally published November 2017. Updated October 2022) when instant pots were all the rage and honestly I wasn’t sure how long the trend would last. But here we are about 5 years later and I can still honestly say that I use mine every single week. It’s great for cooking things like rice, hard-boiled eggs and shredded chicken but it’s also great for making full meals!

I know a lot of people are intimidated by their instant pot so I wanted to round up some recipe ideas for you to try!

Instant Pot Chicken Dinner Recipes & Ideas

The list below is a mix of both meat-based and vegetarian options – a list of instant pot dinner recipes healthy and flavorful – and I’m sure there is something for everyone. However, I do get the most requests for instant pot chicken dinner recipes. So i’ve included several in the list below but I also did an entire separate post with just chicken recipes so be sure to check that out as well!

Find it here: Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

And now, here are some easy instant pot dinner recipes you’ll love:

Easy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

instant pot Asian peanut noodles - healthy instant pot dinner recipes

Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles

These Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles are packed with chicken and vegetables for a quick, healthy dinner the whole family will love! Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot sweet potato chicken soup

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (with slow cooker option)

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot asian chicken

Instant Pot Asian Chicken

This Instant Pot Asian Chicken can also be made in a slow cooker. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. A healthy dinner the whole family will love!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot chicken sweet potato curry

Instant Pot Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Ready in 30 minutes, this is one of those Instant Pot dinner ideas that you’ll just keep coming back to. A little sweet, a little spicy and perfectly comforting on a busy night.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot cheesy cauliflower soup

Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

Your list of instant pot dinner recipes can’t be complete with a soup! This low carb soup is topped with bacon and green chilis making it totally irresistable.

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

There’s nothing better than a warm and comforting meal on a busy night that requires little, if any, hands on time! Here’s some more Instapot recipes for dinner.

instant pot beef stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

This healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is ready in under an hour and tastes like it has been simmering all day. The perfect dinner on a cold winter night.

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Instant pot mexican quinoa

Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

A quick and easy vegan meal idea made with pantry staples that you probably already have on hand!

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instant pot lemon pepper salmon

Instant Pot Lemon Pepper Salmon

Who doesn’t love instant pot dinner ideas with just 5 minutes of prep time? This salmon will quickly become your new favorite.

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cajun instant pot chili

Cajun Instant Pot Chili

There are tons of instant pot dinner ideas that double as perfect meal prep recipes and this is one of them! It gets better as it sits, making the leftovers delicious!

Grab the recipe!
mexican chicken stuffed sweet potatoes instant pot dinner ideas

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are the perfect balance of protein, carbs and healthy fats! Make a few for dinner and throw in a few extra for lunches during the week

Grab the recipe!

Instapot Family Dinner Recipes

Don’t let your instant pot intimidate you! There are so many instant pot family dinner recipes to try – both meat-based and vegetarian options that you’re guaranteed to find some your family love!

instant pot pasta with meat sauce

Instant Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

This Instant Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce is a simple, healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love!

Read more
vegetarian lentil tortilla soup - instant pot dinner recipes

Vegetarian Lentil Tortilla Soup

Easy to make, full of flavor and packed with protein, this soup is perfect for a cool Fall evening.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot egg roll in a bowl

Instant Pot Egg Roll in a Bowl

This veggie-packed meal is quick and easy to make and also high in protein. A simple sauce adds flavor!

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instant pot chicken cacciatore

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Pressure cooking the chicken makes it fall-off-the-bone tender. Paired with a flavorful sauce and lots of veggies, this is one of those instant pot dinner ideas everyone will love!

Grab the recipe!

Best Easy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

Most people think slow cookers are the ultimate fix it and forget it dinner appliance but the instant pot is just as easy to use and can often get your favorite recipes done in less time than a crockpot!

instant pot turkey taco pasta

Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta

A fun way to change things up on taco night, this taco pasta is made in the instant pot and will be a hit with the whole family!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot minestrone soup

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

This Italian classic soup is a family favorite. Toss all the ingredients in the instant pot and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week long!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot whole rotisserie chicken

Instant Pot Whole Rotisserie Chicken

Did you know you can make a whole chicken in the instant pot in just 45 minutes! Then use the bones to make chicken broth!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot ginger garlic drumsticks

Instant Pot Ginger Garlic Drumsticks

Tender chicken drumsticks in a sweet and sour sauce that will be a hit at any party!

Grab the recipe!

If something caught your eye, be sure to pin this post for later! And if you’re still looking to buy one, this is similar to the Instant Pot I have (affiliate link)!

These Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. With a mix of vegetarian and meat options, there's a pressure cooker recipe for everyone!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

30 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes

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Looking for healthy pumpkin recipes? Here are 30 recipes to try! Everything from baked pumpkin recipes and pumpkin recipes for breakfast to savory pumpkin recipes.

healthy pumpkin recipes

Hi friends!

Prior to the holidays I shared 20+ Pumpkin Dessert Recipes That Are Not Pumpkin Pie to help with your menu planning. But we are huge pumpkin fans around here. In fact, two of my three kids still eat pumpkin straight from the can as their favorite vegetable. So I didn’t want to stop there. I wanted to collect even more pumpkin recipes for you to explore since it’s such a versatile veggie. 

Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin is often thought of for desserts and baked goods, but you can easily use it in both sweet and savory recipes- everything from breakfast to dessert! It has a mild flavor and is an easy way to add nutrients to everything from muffins to soups. 

So I gathered up some canned pumpkin recipes for you guys to try! If you find a new favorite, be sure to let me know!

Recipes Using Canned Pumpkin

Pumpkin is great for baking. It adds a delicious flavor while also adding vitamins, fiber and other nutrients to baked goods. Stock up on canned pumpkin when it’s in season so you can enjoy baking with pumpkin all year long.

easy pumpkin bread recipe with canned pumpkin

Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

An easy pumpkin bread recipe with canned pumpkin that requires just one bowl and a few simple ingredients. It will quickly become your go-to fall recipe.

Grab the recipe!
healthy canned pumpkin recipe - gluten-free pumpkin yogurt bars

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars

This recipe for Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars makes a quick, healthy breakfast or snack. It’s a healthy canned pumpkin recipe that’s kid-friendly and easy to customize.

Grab the recipe!
gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe with canned pumpkin and beans

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bean Bread

A gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe with canned pumpkin and beans. Packed with fiber and protein and kid-friendly too. The whole family will love it!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin gingerbread muffins - healthy pumpkin baking recipes

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are packed with ginger flavor and full of the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and white whole wheat flour.

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin apple lentil muffins - can pumpkin recipes healthy

Pumpkin Apple Lentil Muffins

These Pumpkin Apple Lentil Muffins are perfect for Fall. They’re lightly sweetened and full of fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Plus they’re kid-friendly and nut-free, making them perfect for breakfast, snack or school lunch!

Grab the recipe!
mini baked pumpkin donuts

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze

Make these Pumpkin Mini Donuts for a weekend breakfast treat or a fun dessert Enjoy them plain or with an easy cinnamon glaze.

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Pumpkin Recipes Savory

Canned pumpkin is super versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. It also makes a great shortcut for adding fiber and nutrients to recipes in a hurry, no prep time needed.

easy pumpkin soup recipe using canned pumpkin

Easy Pumpkin Soup

Need a pumpkin soup recipe using canned pumpkin? This one is packed with lentils for added nutrients and made using canned pumpkin as a shortcut.

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recipes using canned pumpkin - pumpkin bean dip

Pumpkin Bean Dip

We love recipes using canned pumpkin like this that are full of fiber and nutrients. Serve this dip with veggies, chips or crackers.

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homemade pumpkin spice latte

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Save money and make your favorite Fall latte at home. Make with coffee, espresso or try a caffeine-free version for kids.

Grab the recipe!
easy canned pumpkin recipes - vegan pumpkin mac and cheese

Vegan Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

If you need easy canned pumpkin recipes, start with this one! Made with just 10 ingredients, this creamy pumpkin pasta is perfect for Fall

Grab the recipe!
recipes using canned pumpkin - pumpkin yogurt dip

Pumpkin Yogurt Dip

This Pumpkin Yogurt Dip is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect afternoon snack! Try it paired with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips or graham crackers. One of my kids favorite recipes using canned pumpkin.

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pumpkin energy balls

Pumpkin Energy Balls

These Pumpkin Energy Balls are packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats for energy. The perfect addition to a quick lunch or to serve for an afternoon snack.

Read more

Recipes Using Canned Pumpkin For Breakfast

These healthy canned pumpkin recipes are the perfect way to start the day with a nutrient-packed breakfast? Pumpkin adds fiber to help keep you full, along with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

healthy recipes for canned pumpkin - pumpkin protein pancakes

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Pancakes that are full of protein and great flavors. The oatmeal and cottage cheese make for a great texture. One of those healthy recipes for canned pumpkin that you need to try!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin french toast bake recipe

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

Having people over for brunch? Make this Pumpkin French Toast Bake! Bursting with pumpkin flavor and perfectly spiced, this overnight casserole is sure to be a hit!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin pie chia pudding - easy canned pumpkin recipes

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

This chia pudding makes a great snack. No cooking required and ready in minutes! You can also file this under easy pumpkin dessert recipes!

Grab the recipe!
healthy recipes for canned pumpkin - pumpkin paleo oatmeal

Pumpkin Paleo Oatmeal

When it comes to canned pumpkin, easy recipes like this are the real MVP. Made with pumpkin, egg whites and almond milk, this oatmeal will keep you full all morning long!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin pie smoothie bowl recipe canned pumpkin

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl

With pumpkin, almond butter, dates and spices, this tastes like dessert in a bowl, but it’s healthy enough for breakfast!

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savory pumpkin recipes - slow cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Steel cut oats cooked while you sleep and flavored with pumpkin and spices. The perfect breakfast for when you wake up!

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Breakfast Pumpkin Recipes Gluten-free

There are tons of great pumpkin recipes out there that are gluten-free. Don’t miss out on the Fall flavor of pumpkin just because you can’t have gluten. Here are recipes for everything from bars to muffins to cookies.

pumpkin chocolate chip oat bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oat Bars

These vegan, gluten-free bars are made with oat flour. Healthy enough for breakfast and also perfect for snack time or dessert!

Grab the recipe!
gluten-free pumpkin waffles - easy canned pumpkin recipes

Gluten-free Pumpkin Waffles

These waffles and light and fluffy and perfect to make a big batch ahead of time and stick them in the freezer for busy mornings.

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin chocolate chip granola bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Easy recipes using canned pumpkin that are perfect for lunch boxes and after-school snacks are always a winner.

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gluten-free pumpkin muffins - healthy recipes for canned pumpkin

Gluten-free Pumpkin Muffins

Everyone needs a classic pumpkin muffin recipe to enjoy all year long. Add chocolate chips to make them treat-worthy.

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pumpkin baked oatmeal

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Made with just 7 ingredients, this oatmeal can be made ahead of time and enjoyed for breakfast all week long!

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pumpkin breakfast cookies

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

Perfect for a grab and go breakfast on the run. Grab a couple of these nutrient-dense cookies to power you through the morning.

Grab the recipe!

Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin isn’t just for dessert! These savory pumpkin dishes will prove it to you! Everything from main dishes to sides to appetizers can benefit from the addition of pumpkin!

pumpkin recipes savory - creamy cauliflower pumpkin mash

Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

When it comes to pumpkin recipes savory is worth trying! This one combines two nutritious veggies mashed and mixed with cheese and topped with granola!

Grab the recipe!
chicken pumpkin quinoa chowder - savory recipes with pumpkin

Chicken Pumpkin Quinoa Chowder

Looking for new pumpkin soup recipe with canned pumpkin? This is a hearty creamy soup that’s perfect for those cool Fall nights.

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin sausage baked gnocchi

Pumpkin Sausage Baked Gnocchi

A great way to use pumpkin in a savory dish. You’ll love this creamy pumpkin pasta bake.

Grab the recipe!
butter chicken pumpkin curry - recipes to use canned pumpkin

Butter Chicken Pumpkin Curry

Replace the heavy cream in classic butter chicken with pumpkin for a fun Fall twist.

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pumpkin turkey meatballs

Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs

Pumpkin meatballs in a savory, creamy sauce recipe using canned pumpkin. Gluten-free & dairy-free.

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pumpkin chipotle queso - savory pumpkin dip recipe

Pumpkin Chipotle Queso

Add this savory pumpkin dip recipe to your menu! Classic queso with a twist. Serve with chips!

Grab the recipe!

So there you have it! 30 ways to use canned pumpkin. I hope you got some great ideas!

Looking for healthy pumpkin recipes? Here are 30 recipes to try! Everything from baked pumpkin recipes and pumpkin recipes for breakfast to savory pumpkin recipes.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20 Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes {That Are Not Pumpkin Pie}

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Looking for pumpkin puree dessert recipes that are not pumpkin pie? Here are 20+ desserts from pumpkin cake to pumpkin bars to no-bake pumpkin desserts to choose from!

easy pumpkin dessert recipes not pumpkin pie

*Originally published November 2021. Updated Sept 2022*

Hi friends!

When you think of pumpkin recipes easy dessert is probably the first thing that comes to mind, right? Obviously, pumpkin pie is a classic dessert recipe. However, if you’re like me, you may not get all that excited about pumpkin pie. I think it’s just average.

Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

The good news is, there are a lot of other dessert options out there that can give you the pumpkin flavor you love, just not in pumpkin pie form. That’s right- easy pumpkin dessert recipes come in all forms, from cookies to cheesecake to bars to no-bake desserts!

By choosing one of these pumpkin recipes, dessert is taken care of!

Canned Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

easy pumpkin dessert recipe with canned pumpkin - dairy-free pumpkin bars

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bars

An easy pumpkin dessert recipe with canned pumpking, these Dairy-free Pumpkin Bars are so easy to whip up for a snack or dessert! They require just one bowl and one measuring cup! 

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pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies are soft and fluffy and topped with an easy cream cheese frosting. One of the best easy pumpkin dessert recipes with canned pumpkin!

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canned pumpkin recipes - mini pumpkin cheesecakes

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

If you’re looking for canned pumpkin recipes to make dessert you should try these! Bake them in muffin tins with Biscoff cookies for the crust!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin skillet cake

Pumpkin Skillet Cake

No mixing bowl is required for this Pumpkin Skillet Cake! You can make the whole thing right in the skillet. Light, fluffy and easy to make, it’s the perfect fall dessert recipe!

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pumpkin puree dessert recipes - 3 layer pumpkin brownies

3 Layer Pumpkin Brownies

Add this to your arsenel of pumpkin puree dessert recipes. These 3 layer brownies are sure to impress! A rich chocolate brownie, a layer of pumpkin and topped off with chocolate frosting.

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pumpkin dessert recipes easy - pumpkin gingerbread

Pumpkin Gingerbread

Of the pumpkin dessert recipes easy enough for anyone to make, yet still a crowd-pleaser, this pumpkin gingerbread tops the list. Delicious gingerbread topped with maple pecan icing.

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pumpkin spice cracker toffee

Pumpkin Spice Cracker Toffee

An easy Fall dessert with a graham cracker base. It comes together quickly and is guaranteed to please a crowd.

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No Bake Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

When you need something quick and easy with no oven required, no bake easy pumpkin dessert recipes are the answer! You can whip any of these recipes up in no time and they’re guaranteed to please a crowd!

pumpkin lasagna

Pumpkin Lasagna

With layers of graham crackers, cream cheese, jello pudding and cool whip, this dessert lasagna is hard to resist!

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no bake pumpkin pie ice box cake

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Ice Box Cake

A pumpkin pie dessert recipe that’s easier than pumpkin pie? Try this No Bake Pumpkin Pie Ice Box Cake!

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easy pumpkin dessert recipes - pumpkin cheesecake trifle

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

When it comes to super easy pumpkin dessert recipes, no bake recipes are a must try! This trifle has a delicious, no-bake pumpkin cheesecake filling, plus layers of a crunchy crumble and is topped with fresh whipped cream!

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Pumpkin Puree Dessert Recipes

Grab a can of 100% pumpkin and get to work making one of these delicious pumpkin puree dessert recipes! They’re great for Fall but honestly, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them year round.

canned pumpkin dessert recipes - pumpkin pecan bars

Pumpkin Pecan Bars

Canned pumpkin dessert recipes are endless! These Pumpkin Pecan Bars are made with a gingersnap crust, creamy pumpkin filling and a toffee topping!

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pumpkin bar dessert recipes - pumpkin pie bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars

One of the pumpkin bar dessert recipes you’ll want to try this year. It starts by using yellow cake mix so you know it’s simple!

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best pumpkin dessert recipes - pumpkin cake with yellow cake mix

Pumpkin Cake with Yellow Cake Mix

Easy pumpkin recipes for dessert can start with cake mix! Bake it in your favorite pan and add some cream cheese icing for a no-fail dessert!

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easy canned pumpkin dessert recipes - Easy Pumpkin Pudding Cake

Easy Pumpkin Pudding Cake

Some easy canned pumpkin dessert recipes take just 10 minutes to put together! This pudding cake makes its own caramel sauce as it cooks and is guaranteed to be a favorite!

Grab the recipe!
best canned pumpkin dessert recipes - pecan magic pumpkin bars

Pecan Magic Pumpkin Bars

One of the best canned pumpkin dessert recipes you’ll find. This one uses pumpkin pie filling with the spices already mixed in a for a quick and easy dessert everyone will love.

Grab the recipe!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

If you’re looking for gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes, here are a few options! Great for those following a gluten-free diet but tasty enough to be enjoyed by all!

caramel pumpkin cheesecake dip - gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes

Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Looking for gluten free pumpkin dessert recipes? This cheesecake dip fits the bill! Serve it with your favorite gluten-free crackers or waffles for a fun treat!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin pie peanut butter cups

Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups

These homemade Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups are better than Reese’s for dessert and have a fun fall flavor twist! Make a batch today and keep them in the freezer to enjoy in the weeks ahead.

Grab the recipe!
gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes - paleo pumpkin snickerdoodle cookie bars

Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes are never lacking in flavor! These snickerdoodle cookie bars are grain-free, dairy-free and full of pumpkin flavor!

Grab the recipe!

Vegan Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

It’s always good to have some vegan pumpkin dessert recipes in your repetoire so that you can provide options to friends and family who may follow a vegan diet. And these recipes are so delicious, they can be enjoyed by anyone!

vegan pumpkin dessert recipes- vegan pumpkin pie crumb bars

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars

Need more vegan pumpkin dessert recipes? Try these Vegan Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars! They have an oatmeal crust, a creamy pumpkin filling and an oat crumble on top!

Grab the recipe!
vegan pumpkin dessert recipes - 20 minutes no bake vegan pumpkin cheesecake

20 Minute No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

This cheesecake is one of the best vegan pumpkin dessert recipes. Ready in 20 minutes, it doesn’t get much easier!

Grab a recipe!
vegan layered pumpkin dessert

Vegan Layered Pumpkin Dessert

This vegan pumpkin dessert recipe can easily be made in individual servings or in a large pan!

Grab the recipe!

If you’re looking to go beyond pumpkin pie this year, I hope this roundup of pumpkin dessert recipes gives you some good options!

Looking for easy dessert pumpkin recipes that are not pumpkin pie? Here are 25+ desserts from pumpkin cake to pumpkin bars to no-bake pumpkin desserts to choose from!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Healthy Apple Dinner Recipes

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Have lots of extra apples? Here are 15 healthy apple dinner recipes. Add them to your meal plan for dinner this week or enjoy leftovers for lunch!

Collage of images of recipes using apples. Healthy Apple dinner Recipes

*Originally published Oct 2014. Updated September 2022*

Hi Friends!

I don’t know about you but I often find myself with a surplus of apples. Whether it’s after going apple-picking in the Fall or simply because they’re on sale at the store, I’m constantly looking for ways to use up this simple fruit.

Healthy Dinner Recipes with Apples

Luckily apples are super versatile and make a good addition to tons of recipes for any meal of the day! I’ve you’re looking specifically for breakfast recipes, try these 10 Healthy Ways to Eat Apples for Breakfast. 

And while a lot of people immediately think of apples for breakfast, snack or dessert, I’ve decided to think beyond breakfast!

These healthy apple dinner recipes will shake up your Fall menu and hopefully provide you with a few new family favorite recipes for years to come!

If you’re looking for a few of my favorite recipes using apples, try:

Vegetarian Apple Dinner Recipes

Most of the recipes highlighted below contain meat but apples are also the perfect addition to vegetarian dinner recipes. They are a great addition to Fall salads as they pair well with roasted squash, sweet potatoes and other Fall vegetables. They also add some sweetness to salsas and can be shredded and added to vegetarian patties or chopped and added to a hash with vegetarian sausage.

Chicken Apple Sausage Dinner Recipes

Fall is also a great time to take advantage of all of the chicken apple sausage variations out there. Most sausage brands now have a sweet apple chicken sausage variety that pairs well with eggs if you’re in the mood for breakfast for dinner or with noodles/tortellini and some cheese for a quick weeknight meal. You can also pair it with diced apples and broccoli or green beans for an easy sheet pan meal.

Dinner Recipes Using Apple Juice

And finally, we can’t talk about apples without also talking about apple juice! There are lots of dinner recipes using apple juice, including a few featured below. Apple juice is a great addition to a marinade or skillet dinner to help make a flavorful pan sauce.

Healthy Apple Dinner Recipes

apple dinner recipes - apple cheddar turkey meatballs

Apple Cheddar Turkey Meatballs

These Apple Cheddar Turkey Meatballs are kid-friendly and perfect for food prep! They’re full of flavor and make a great party appetizer or family dinner.

Grab the recipe!
apple cranberry mason jar salads - healthy apple recipes

Apple Cranberry Mason Jar Salads

Crunchy apples, sweet cranberries and chicken mixed with a homemade Greek Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing. These would be perfect for dinner on the go as you’re driving kids to various practices and games. Or make a few for the week and enjoy them for lunch.

Grab the recipe!
maple mustard chicken and apple skillet

Maple Mustard Chicken & Apple Skillet

The perfect blend of sweet and savory with a slight tang from the mustard sauce! This skillet is packed with apples, sweet potatoes and chicken and a one-pan meal makes clean-up a breeze!

Grab the recipe!
Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad Image 7 1

Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad

This salad combines apples with shaved brussels sprouts, red onion, walanuts, goat cheese and more…all tossed in a balsamic dressing. Serve it as a side salad, add chicken and pack for lunch or serving at your next gathering.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot butternut squash soup with apples

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

An easy, creamy soup that’s packed with veggies and perfect as a dinner side dish or light meal. Serve it with your favorite grilled cheese & try adding apples to that too! Perfect for a cool Fall night.

Grab the recipe!
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Pecans 4

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Turn your Brussels sprouts into a dish the whole family will love by adding apples and pecans! Throw some chicken sausage into the mix for a complete meal.

Grab the recipe!
harvest chicken skillet with sweet potato, apple and brussels sprouts

Harvest Chicken Skillet

All your favorite Fall vegetables, plus chicken for protein and apples for sweetness in one big skillet for a comforting, yet healthy Fall meal.

Grab the recipe
dinner recipes with apple s- apple chicken with bacon and potatoes

Apple Chicken with Bacon and Potatoes

A hearty Fall meal you’ll make over and over. Made in one skillet, it’s packed with spinach, bacon, potatoes, apples and chicken in a simple sauce.

Grab the recipe!
roasted squash Fall salad with apples, eggs, sweet potato, avocado and more!

Roasted Squash Fall Salad

This Roasted Squash Fall Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s full of flavor and easy to customize. A great way to enjoy seasonal produce! Keep it vegetarian or add your favorite meat or fish.

Read more
apple cider dinner ecipes - apple cider chicken skillet

Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Made with apples AND apple cider for that extra delicious Fall flavor. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Grab the recipe!
IMG 6927 Custom 1

Copycat Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

This salad is full of flavor and packed with things like apples, blue cheese, pecans and Craisins, all topped with an irresistible dressing.

Grab the recipe!
Apple brie stuffed chicken 5 1

Apple & Brie Stuffed Chicken

An easy skillet chicken recipe full of pelty cheese and tart green apples. Added bonus- you can use the juices to a make a simple sauce to spoon over the chicken.

Grab the recipe!
healthy green apple recipes - apple bacon cheddar quesadillas

Apple Bacon Cheddar Quesadillas

The perfect combination of sweet apple, salty bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Serve these for a quick and easy dinner or add some leftover chicken for extra protein!

Grab the recipe!
apple cheddar chicken melts

Apple Cheddar Chicken Melts

Make these on a baking sheet for a simple dinner at the end of a busy day. They’re filled with apples, chicken and cheese for an easy but very satisfying dinner – or lunch!

Grab the recipe!
dinner recipes with apple cider - sheet pan chicken and sweet potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Everyone loves a sheet pan meal! This one mixes sweet apples with broccoli and sweet potatoes and everything is glazed with apple cider!

Grab the recipe!

What’s your favorite healthy apple dinner recipe?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

25 Best Read Aloud Chapter Books {Ages 5-9}

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Looking for the best read-aloud chapter books to read to your kids? Here are 25 interesting and engaging books your kids will love! Best for ages 5-9.

best read aloud chapter books for kindergarten

Hi friends!

Are you looking for read-alouds that your kids will actually enjoy? Books that feel like a fun adventure every time you crack open the cover? This list features more than two dozen chapter books we’ve read, adored, and that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. 

You might remember I teamed up with my friend Paige for a previous book post. These are the next step beyond many of the books in our previous list of 100+ Chapter Book Series for Kids and feature longer chapters, fewer pictures, and more complex vocabulary. We’re confident that these books will help young kids grow in their love for reading while creating special memories of experiencing these stories together. 

Even if your child can read, research shows that continuing to read books to them can broaden their vocabulary, strengthen their ability to follow more intricate storylines, as well as boost feelings of empathy and connectedness. 

And if you can’t read with your kids every single day, it’s okay! Listening to audiobooks offers many of the same benefits for kids as being read to by an adult. We recommend using the free apps Libby and Hoopla and have also listed below which of these titles are currently available on Audible, Libro.fm, Scribd, and Yoto. (Those are referral links!)

And if you’re not already following Paige over on Instagram, be sure to do so! She’s a mama to 4 and shares practical and realistic life hacks, cooking tips and more!

If you’d like to see all the books in one place, you can find them in my Amazon shop (aff link). The links to Amazon listed below are also affiliate links. That means if you click them, we make a small amount of money at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting us!

Best Read Aloud Chapter Books For Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

Heartwood Hotel: A True home

Heartwood Hotel: A True Home

Heartwood Hotel is a charming series about a woodland hotel where a lovable cast of creatures seek refuge and along the way embark on adventures, face fears, overcome challenges, and discover the true meaning of friendship and home.

*Available from: Audible, Scribd and Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Stink the incredible shrinking kid chapter book

Stink

Second grader James “Stink” Moody is an energetic, curious, and imaginative second grader. He’ll take you on hilarious adventures from winning a life-time supply of jawbreakers, to riding a bus full of guinea pigs, to spending the night in an aquarium, and always has a valuable lesson to learn.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Fudge-a-mania by Judy blume

Fudge-A-Mania

While we wouldn’t recommend the entire series (due to swear words and other issues), Fudge-a-Mania stands out as a super-fun read aloud. The story follows the Hatcher family on their summer vacation to Maine and has many hysterical moments while also touching on poignant topics such as sibling rivalry, friendship, and family dynamics.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Appleblossom the possum - read aloud chapter books for kids

Appleblossom the Possum

Appleblossom is a young possum learning how to make her way in the world when she’s spying on a human family and–whoops!– tumbles down their chimney. A young girl inside discovers the marsupial and decides to make her her pet all while hiding her from her family (and dog!) as Appleblossom’s siblings embark on a mission to rescue their sister.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Charlie and the chooclate factory - read aloud chapter books for kindergarten

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The famous tale of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory withstands the test of time and is worth reading with your kids. After finishing the book, make a date for a family viewing of the movie (we recommend the original version) while enjoying some favorite chocolate treats and you’ll create a simple and memorable experience everyone will treasure.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
the wild robot - best chapter book read alouds for second grade

The Wild Robot

Roz is a robot who finds herself abandoned on a remote island. She learns to survive by observing and mimicking the animals around her. Just as she’s making a comfortable home for herself and forging friendships (even adopting an orphan gosling), robots come looking to reclaim her. The series is a fascinating–and heartwarming–look at the intersection of technology and nature. Fair warning: there’s some violence toward the end.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Pippi Longstocking - chapter book

Pippi Longstocking

Pippi’s hijinks are just as hilarious as you may remember. Young Pippi lives alongside her pet monkey and horse in her ramshackle house. She befriends prim and proper siblings, Tommy and Annika, and invites them into her wild and outrageous–but always endearing–world.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Magic Treehouse chapter book series

The Magic Treehouse

Good news: if your kids fall in love with this series, there are approximately 674 books (okay, we’re kidding, but there are A LOT!) Siblings Jack and Annie discover a treehouse in the woods near their home that can transport them to different locations and time periods. Children will learn about history, geography, mythology, science, and more in each unique installment. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The World According to Humphrey

The World According to Humphrey

Class pet Humphrey spends each weekend with a different classmate’s family. Told from the perspective of the hamster himself, we learn about his observations of each family and the different adventures he encounters in their homes (thanks, in part, to a malfunctioning lock on the critter’s cage).

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Adventures of Nanny Piggins - best chapter books for 2nd grade read alouds

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins

What happens when a dad desperate to find childcare for his three kids hires a former flying circus pig as their nanny? Countless laugh-out-loud misadventures. And yet, Nanny Piggins always manages to return the children home safe, fed, and happy.

*Available from: Audible

Grab copy on Amazon!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz chapter book

The Wizard of Oz

More than 120 years since it was first published, Dorothy, Toto and the entire cast of captivating characters continue to capture children’s (and adult’s) attention. There’s truly no place like Oz, so snuggle in and enjoy reliving this magical journey with your kids.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Upside Down Magic

Upside Down Magic

Nory Horace is preparing for her entrance exam to a school for kids with magical powers. There’s just one problem: Nory’s magic skills are a bit, well, mixed up. The series follows Nory and other classmates with wonky powers who discover that perhaps being different beats fitting in.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
chapter books to read to first graders - sideways stories from wayside school

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Sideways Stories reimagines what school might be like if everything were a little less normal and way more fun. Each chapter is an individual mini-story focused on a specific character and is guaranteed to have everyone in hysterics over the absurd mischief that ensues within the walls of the 30-story school.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Hotel Flamingo - best read aloud chapter books for kindergarten

Hotel Flamingo

Anna is the new owner of the once-grand, but now run-down Hotel Flamingo. This isn’t an ordinary hotel, of course–the staff and guests are all animals! Anna undertakes the enormous task of returning the hotel to its former glory and making it a place where every animal feels welcome and at home.

*Available from: Audible & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Mouse and the Motorcycle book

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

This book is a classic for a reason. What kid could resist an adventurous mouse who discovers a young boy’s toy motorcycle and is determined to ride it throughout his Mountain View Inn home, dodging countless obstacles along the way? 

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
A Boy Called Bat

A Boy Called Bat

Three cheers for this stunning series starring Bixby Alexander Tam (nickname: Bat), a young boy on the autism spectrum who adopts and cares for an abandoned skunk kit. (Luckily, Mom is a veterinarian). The book also adeptly addresses divorce in a thoughtful and compassionate way. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm, Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Toys Go Out book

Toys Go Out

What would happen if toys (and other objects) came alive when people weren’t looking? Well, this creative story imagines just that. The book follows Lumphy, a stuffed buffalo, Plastic, a red bouncy ball, Tuk Tuk, a towel and other loveable objects who face obstacles and learn valuable lessons that closely mirror what kids experience in real life.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Boxcar Children - best first chapter books to read aloud

The Boxcar Children

The four Alden children are orphaned and go to live with their kind and loving grandfather. Each story in this 150-plus book series revolves around a different engaging mystery that the Alden children must solve together. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Very Very Far North

The Very Far North

This uplifting story of a young polar bear discovering his place and befriending every arctic animal that he encounters along the way is sure to melt your heart. At times the language may feel sophisticated, but it’s worth sticking with the story and falling in love with the warm and meaningful connections forged in the frigid far north.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Beezus and Ramona

Beezus and Ramona

Any kid with a younger sibling will be able to identify with 9-year-old Beezus who’s constantly exasperated by her 4-year-old little sister, Ramona. Meanwhile, Ramona’s antics–like inviting her entire preschool class to a party at her house without telling her family first–will amuse kids of all ages.

*Available from: Audible & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Planet Omar - accidental trouble magnet

Planet Omar

Omar has recently moved to a new house and will be the new kid at school. He always tries to do the right thing, but his vivid imagination often lands him in trouble. This wonderful book has the potential to spark conversations on topics including cultural differences (Omar’s family is Muslim), bullying, friendship, and more. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto.

Read more
Skunk and Badger read aloud chapter book

Skunk and Badger

Serious, routine-loving Badger enjoys the peace and quiet of living alone in his brownstone until Skunk, who’s messy, noisy, and always causing a raucous, becomes his unlikely roommate (and, ultimately, his friend). This adorable book cleverly weaves humor and heart throughout its pages.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Big Foot and Little Foot

Big Foot and Little Foot

Hugo is a young Sasquatch who dreams of adventure in the Big Wide World instead of remaining hidden in caves. (After all, the most important rule of Sasquatches is that they must never be seen by Humans.) Meanwhile, Hugo is a boy whose biggest wish is to meet–you guessed it—a Sasquatch. So what happens when this duo have an unexpected encounter? They join forces to chase after their curiosity and discover other mythical beasts like Ogopogos and Snoot-Nosed Gints. The adventure awaits! 

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Henry Huggins

Henry Huggins

Henry Huggins is an average kid living on Klickitat Street. He has a tendency to get into ridiculous situations such as buying some guppies at a pet store and ending up with a bedroom filled with jars of baby guppies. There’s nothing magical or extraordinary in these stories, but perhaps it’s Henry’s relatability (as well as his adorable adopted dog Ribsy) that hooks kids’ interest and will keep them asking for more.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm, Scribd & Yoto

Read more
The BFG

The BFG

Roald Dahl is renowned for writing fantastical children’s fiction, but–at least in our opinions–not all are a fit for younger ages (Matilda and The Witches may too be scary for some, for instance). But the BFG, in which a girl named Sophie befriends a dream-making Big Friendly Giant, is a wonderful and memorable place to start. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto

Read more

If you’d like a printable list so you can keep track of the series as you try them, I’ve made one for you! Click the link below:

Read Aloud Books Printable List

Reminder that if you’re not already listening to audiobooks, you can check out these referral links to get started:

We hope this post gave you some new ideas!

Looking for the best read-aloud chapter books to read to your kids? Here are 25 interesting and engaging books your kids will love! Best for ages 5-8.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

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Looking for the best frozen chicken nuggets to choose for your family? Here are some healthy chicken nugget brands recommended by a Registered Dietitian.

best frozen chicken nuggets

Hi friends!

It’s time for the next post in our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Today we’re talking about the healthiest chicken nuggets available right now. Because who doesn’t have a bag of frozen chicken nuggets in their freezer for a quick dinner every couple of weeks? I know I do. Even with all of my food prep, there are still nights that get busy during the week with 3 kids and freezer staples like this have saved my sanity more than once!

are frozen chicken nuggets healthy?

Are frozen chicken nuggets healthy?

I get this question a lot as a dietitian so let’s talk about it. Are chicken nuggets something I recommend giving to your kids every single night? No. Because variety is important and ideally we don’t want nuggets to be the only kind of chicken your kids will eat. But they can be a good starting point for introducing meat to a lot of kids, especially more selective eaters. They can contain some unnecessary fillers and be high in sodium so it is something I suggest spending some time on to find a brand that’s a good fit for your family.

Remember to think about the meal as a whole when you’re serving chicken nuggets. Instead of serving with a side of fries, which can also be high in sodium, can you add some sliced fruit to the plate or a side smoothie made with frozen fruit? What about a side of baby carrots or some steamed veggies? By adding things like fruits and vegetables you can definitely make frozen chicken nuggets part of a balanced meal!

How to choose the best frozen chicken nuggets

Here are a few things to look for:

  • Look for chicken BREAST as the first ingredient. These varieties tend to be less processed that brands that say “white chicken meat”.
  • Veggie-filled isn’t always better. It might sound good to have veggies added but a lot of times the amount added isn’t even a full serving of vegetables so it doesn’t need to be your deciding factor.
  • Watch sodium levels. I tell people to aim for 450mg or less per serving but we also need to consider the frequency. If you’re eating frozen chicken nuggets once a month I’m less concerned with the amount of sodium than if you’re eating them twice a week.
  • Look for protein. Try to find brands that have at least 12 grams of protein per serving.
  • Look for light breading if possible. Sometimes nuggets are mostly breading with very little meat which makes them higher in carbs and lower in protein.
  • Consider the amount of fat but especially saturated fat. If i’m not serving nuggets all the time, I don’t worry a ton about the amount of fat, but I do look for brands low in saturated fat.
  • Note the serving size. Know how many nuggets are in a serving and serve that, along with some fruits and veggies for a balanced meal!

I’m going to share some of the brands i liked best IN STORES AROUND ME. I recognize that there are other brands available and also that the brands listed below might not be available to you. My hope is you can use some of the things I pointed out above to look at what’s available to you and make the best choice for you and your family.

If you’d prefer to see this content in video form, along with a taste test I did with my kids of 5 of the brands I recommend, check out the video below!

Best Chicken Nugget Brands

So here are some of my favorite chicken nugget brands that are available in stores around me. This is not a comprehensive list. I’m sure there are other options out there

Just Bare Chicken Chunks

just bare lightly breaded chicken breast chunks - best chicken nugget brands
  • Serving size: 3 ounces
  • Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 16g protein, 540mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast, water, seasoning (sugar, salt, spices including paprika and celery, chicken fat, spice extractive, canola oil, soybean oil), rice starch. Breaded with: wheat flour, sugar, salt, nonfat dry milk, dried egg whites, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate), spice, paprika. Breading set in vegetable oil.

These are available at Costco and this is what I buy for my kids. It’s a little higher in sodium but still a good option for occasional dinners.

KidFresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets

kidfresh white meat chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 5 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 4g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 12g protein, 250mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Pureed Cauliflower, Pureed Onions, Unbleached Wheat Flour, Salt, Corn Starch, Yellow Corn Flour, Rice Starch, Yeast, Flavors, Molasses, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda), Whole Grain Millet Flour, Sea Salt. Browned in expeller pressed Canola Oil.

Perdue Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks

perdue lightly breaded chicken breast chunks - healthy chicken nugget brands
  • Serving size: 3 ounces
  • Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 15g protein, 400mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, water, wheat flour. Contains 2% or less of salt, dried garlic, sugar, wheat gluten, brown sugar, yeast, yeast extract, spice, paprika extract, onion powder, garlic powder.

Perdue has a lot of options. I like their lightly breaded options best.

Earth’s Best Chicken Nuggets for Kids

earth's best chicken nuggets for kids
  • Serving size: 4 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 9g fat, 1g saturated fat, 6g protein, 160mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Breading (Whole Wheat Flour, Corn Starch, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Yeast, Onion Powder, Spices, Sunflower Oil), Canola Oil, Batter (Whole Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Garlic Powder, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Onion Powder, Spice, Sunflower Oil, Extractives of Turmeric), Wheat Flour, Rice Starch, Water, Garlic and Onion Powders, Sea Salt, Spice.

Because of the small serving size, these might be better for/geared more towards toddlers and younger kids.

Applegate Chicken Nuggets

applegate
  • Serving size: 6 nuggets
  • Nutrition Info: 9g fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 12g protein, 350mg sodium
  • Ingredients: White Meat Chicken, Wheat Flour, Water, Rice Flour. Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Cane Sugar, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Yeast, Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Breading Set in Expeller Pressed Canola Oil

They also have gluten-free and organic varieties that are good options if that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve personally eaten the gluten-free version and they taste just like the regular ones!

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, here are a few:

Best Store-Bought Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

In addition, there are a lot of gluten-free options out there. In many cases, the gluten-free versions taste just like regular and the main swap is just rice flour for wheat flour in the breading so I still recommend focusing on the nutrition info I pointed out at the beginning of this post. And you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet to enjoy these brands. My youngest prefers the Golden Platter brand shown below over many other options out there and he does not follow a gluten-free diet.

Caulipower Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

caulipower gluten-free chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 3oz (approx 2 tenders)
  • Nutrition info: 1.5g fat, 14g protein, 370mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Water, Rice Flour, Dried Cauliflower, Brown Rice Flour. Contains 2% Or Less of The Following: Tapioca Starch, Salt, Seasoning (Chicken Broth, Natural Flavor), Organic Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Organic Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Onion Powder, Spices, Paprika, Lactic Acid Powder, Calcium Lactate, Torula Yeast, Extractives Of Paprika.

Golden Platter Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

golden platter gluten-free chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 4 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 8g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 15g protein, 350mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken breast meat, water, rice starch, sea salt. Breaded with: Yellow corn flour, rice flour, water, yellow corn meal, rice starch, corn starch, sea salt, dextrose, garlic powder, onion powder, spice, yeast extract, breading set in non-hydrogenated soybean oil.

These are also available at Costco.

Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets

I’m not going to dive into plant-based options in this post but there are certainly a lot of them out there. Based on reading a few reviews, you could try:

Healthiest Chicken Nuggets

So which are the healthiest chicken nuggets? There’s not one brand that I would recommend 100% over others because I think there are several good options out there. All in all, I think the biggest things to consider are frequency of eating, amount of sodium and saturated fat and paying attention to the serving size so that you can be aware of whether you’re actually eating more than one serving. More than one serving is fine but it also means you’d be consuming more than what’s listed in one serving on the label for sodium, fat etc. so it’s important to be aware of.

Best Chicken Nuggets for Kids

Looking for the best frozen chicken nuggets to choose for your family? Here are some healthy chicken nugget brands recommended by a Registered Dietitian.

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Best Healthy Store Bought Bread

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Are you looking for the best healthy store bought bread? Here are some tips and things to consider from a Registered Dietitian. Plus my top picks!

Healthy Store Bought Bread Options

healthy store bought bread options

Hi friends!

We’re continuing our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Today we’re talking about bread. I frequently get requests for bread recommendations and I totally get it! The bread aisle is huge and overwhelming and with so many options available, it’s hard to know which is the best choice.

First, we’re going to talk about a few different aspects of bread that you should consider when choosing which will work for your family. Aside from the nutritional aspect, you also have to consider whether you, or your kids, will eat it. Because it doesn’t matter how much protein and fiber is packed in there if your kids refuse to eat it, right?

So let’s get started.

What Bread Is Healthy

When deciding what bread is healthy and choosing a bread for you and your family, here are a few things to consider. As a Registered Dietitian, I look at things like:

  • ingredients
  • added sugar
  • protein and fiber
  • portion size
whole wheat bread - choosing a healthy bread

Choosing A Healthy Bread

I generally recommend choosing whole grain bread. Look for the word WHOLE as the first ingredient. This is important! Just because it says wheat flour does not mean WHOLE wheat flour was used.

Also aim to avoid partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup on the ingredient list.

added sugar in bread

Added Sugar in bread

Bread can be a big source of added sugar and one that people don’t always think about. I suggest aiming for 2-3 grams or less per slice. Also, consider whether you’ll be eating one slice or two and how many slices the info on the nutrition label is for.

Some brands like Dave’s Killer Bread have varieties that have 4-5 grams of added sugar per slice. If you’re eating two slices you’re getting 10 grams of added sugar at that meal just from the bread.

protein and fiber in bread

Protein and fiber in bread

Aim to find a bread that has at least some protein and fiber. I suggest looking for at least 2-3 grams of fiber and at least 3 grams of protein per slice. If you choose white bread, know that it is enriched to add vitamins and minerals back in but will likely be lower in fiber than whole wheat options. Look for one that’s low in sodium and added sugar and higher in fiber if you can find it.

Something like Brownberry Oat Nut is white in appearance but has 4 grams protein and 2 grams fiber per slice, which is good…but it also has 3 grams of added sugar per slice. So there are a lot of factors to consider! Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right is another option.

thin sliced healthy store bought bread options

Best Bread For Kids

When it comes to portion size, many companies now have thin-sliced options. This is great for most people, especially kids. They are often lower in added sugar because the amount of bread is smaller but still can have a decent amount of fiber and protein.

So let me share a few of my favorite options in the stores around me:

Healthy Bread Brands

natures own whole wheat bread and sara lee whole wheat bread

Nature’s Own & Sara Lee

  • Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat – 60 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar
  • Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat– 60 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar

These are some of the most economical options at my grocery store that still have a decent amount of protein and fiber per slice and are low in added sugar.

pepperidge farm healthy bread options

Pepperidge Farm

  • Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat– 120 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Thin Sliced – 65 cal, 3.5g protein, 2g fiber, 1.5g added sugar *one slice
  • Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal – 110 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar

Their thin sliced loaves give the nutrition info for 2 slices so the info above for the thin sliced is half of what’s listed on the label to reflect one slice.

brownberry whole wheat and brownberry oatnut bread

Brownberry/Arnold/Orowheat

  • Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat – 110 cal, 4g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat Small Slice- 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Brownberry Oatnut – 120 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Brownberry Oatnut Small Slice– 80 cal, 3g protein, 1g fiber, 2g added sugar

This company is known as Brownberry in the midwest, Arnold in the east and Orowheat in the west.

daves killer bread best bread choices

Dave’s Killer Bread

Has some great options but can be expensive:

  • Dave’s Killer Bread Good Seed Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 3g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread 100% whole wheat Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread Powerseed – 100 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 1g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right – 110 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar

Some of their other options are higher in added sugar- 4 or 5 grams added sugar PER SLICE.

ezekial sprouted bread

Ezekial Sprouted Bread

  • Ezekial Sprouted Whole Grain (or sprouted sesame) – 80 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar
  • Silver Hills Sprouted is another great sprouted option if you can find it near you!

Honey Wheat Bread

These still have some protein but tend to be lower in fiber so just keep that in mind. Look for low added sugar and try to pack some nutrients into whatever you’re putting on the bread. Some examples:

  • Nature’s Own Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 3g protein, less than 1g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Sara Lee Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 2g protein, less than 1g fiber, 1g sugar

So what’s my pick? I’m actually switching my kids to Nature’s Own 100% whole wheat. It’s cheaper than what we’ve been buying, has less added sugar and my kids actually didn’t mind eating it when I did a taste test with them!

Hope this was helpful! Just remember to pay attention to how much added sugar is in the bread you’re choosing and look for brands with some protein and fiber!

Are you looking for the best healthy store bought bread? Here are some tips and things to consider from a Registered Dietitian. Plus my top picks!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes

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These Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes are perfect for getting into the kitchen with your kids. They’re packed with vegetables, legumes, beans and more for healthy snacks the kids will love!

Round-up of 20 Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes

Hi friends!

This round-up of kid-friendly baking recipes is another post that has been on my list for a while now. If you’ve been following for a while, you know I’m a big fan of boosting the nutrient content of your baked goods. I’m constantly adding vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes and more to my muffins, bars and cookies. And guess what? Kids love them!

Healthy Baking Recipes

I thought it might be handy to put all of my nutrient-packed baked good recipe links in one place so you can browse them! Here are almost 30 healthy baking recipes to get you started. That means you can grab your kids and head to the kitchen to make a new snack each week for the next several months. These recipes are also great for getting in the kitchen with kids! Many are made in a food processor and they can just dump everything in and blend! This Cuisinart 11 cup food processor is probably my favorite kitchen appliance (aff link).

Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes

These Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes are perfect for getting into the kitchen with your kids. They're packed with vegetables, legumes, beans and more for healthy snacks the kids will love!

Here are links to all the recipes:

Healthy Lentil Recipes

Healthy Baking Recipes With Beans

Healthy Zucchini Recipes

  1. Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins
  2. Zucchini Oat Bars
  3. Zucchini Carrot Brownies

Healthy Carrot Recipes

Healthy Sweet Potato Baking Recipes

  1. Sweet Potato Protein Cookies
  2. Sweet Potato Banana Bites
  3. GF Sweet Potato Brownies

Healthy Pumpkin Recipes

Other Healthy Baking Recipes

There you have it! Work your way through this list with one recipe a week and you’ll be set for the next several months! Oh, and if you’re more of a physical paper copy kinda person, I got you!

Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes free PDF

 I took all the recipes and put them into a PDF that you can grab for free! Just drop your email in the box below and you’ll immediately get a free eight-page PDF with all 28 recipes.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Tater Tot Waffles

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These Tater Tot Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect any time of day! Enjoy them for breakfast, pack them in a lunch box or make them for a quick dinner on a busy night.

tater tot waffles

Thanks to the Ohio Beef Council for sponsoring this post.

Hi friends!

I’m so excited to share these Tater Tot Waffles with you guys today. I tested them a few weeks ago and when I shared a sneak peek on Instagram a lot of you were excited for the recipe.

My kids are headed back to school this week and I’ve already started my list of quick & easy dinners that I can make on busy nights this Fall. I’m also always on the hunt for new foods that pack well in lunc boxes. These tater tot waffles fit the bill on both counts!

Kid-friendly Beef Recipes

Let’s talk a little about why beef can be a great addition to your kid’s diet. As a Registered Dietitian, I’m constantly talking about the benefits of protein. It helps keep you full and focused between meals and beef in particular is packed with protein as well as nutrients like iron and zinc which aid in brain development and cognition. My kids are busy and active and I love that the protein in beef helps them build muscles and provides them with important B vitamins!

So I was super excited to partner with the Ohio Beef Council to develop a couple of kid-friendly, family-friendly recipes featuring beef. There are over 17,000 beef farms here in Ohio. If you’re interested in how your beef gets from pasture to plate, including how the farmers care for their animals and protect the environment, you can find more info here: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.

tater tots in waffle iron

How to Cook Tater Tots In Waffle Iron

If you’ve followed along for a while, you may remember that Egg Waffles are a big hit in my house. We also make Waffle French Toast a lot! But these Tater Tot Waffles just might be the new favorite. All my kids, especially the younger two, liked them! And they’re honestly so easy to make. Just mix a few ingredients together in a bowl, then scoop some of the mixture onto waffle iron and cook until they’re crispy golden brown.

The key to how to cook tater tots in a waffle iron is to defrost them first. They won’t cook well if they’re still frozen! You can defrost them in the fridge or simply microwave them.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Waffles

So here are the ingredients you need:

  • Ground beef -Simply cook and season with a little paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. This can be done a day or two ahead of time.
  • Shredded cheese – I use Colby Jack but cheddar would also be good!
  • Eggs
  • Tater tots – just grab a bag from the freezer section at the grocery store

That’s it!

tater tot waffle in lunch box with ketchup, crackers and fruit

Ground Beef Cooking Tips

When I asked which type of beef you guys were most interested in recipes for, ground beef was overwhelmingly the winner! This is no surprise because ground beef is super versatile. It’s easy to stock up on ground beef when it goes on sale and freeze it for later. You can freeze beef in its original packaging for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place in plastic freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

When purchasing, be sure to select ground beef with a bright, red color that is firm to the touch and doesn’t have excess liquid in the package. Store ground beef in your refrigerator for 1-2 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

Are hash browns and tater tots the same?

Since they’re very similar, just slightly different shapes and cooking methods, I think either would work for this recipe, but I have not tried it with hash browns.

Tater Tot Waffles Recipe

Print

Tater Tot Waffles

tater tot waffles
Print Recipe

These Tater Tot Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect any time of day! Enjoy them for breakfast, pack them in a lunch box or make them for a quick dinner on a busy night.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: 4 waffles 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (I use 85/15. Approx 2 cups cooked)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt and pepper
2 cups shredded cheese (I use Colby Jack)
4 servings tater tots (approx 10 tater tots per serving)
4 eggs

Instructions

  1. Thaw tater tots. The quickest way to do this is in the microwave but you can also thaw in the refrigerator. They need to be soft enough smash.
  2. Cook ground beef, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a pan over medium heat. Drain cooked beef onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess grease.
  3. Place thawed tater tots in a bowl and smash well with a potato masher.
  4. Add cooked ground beef, shredded cheese and eggs and stir until well combined.
  5. On a greased waffle iron, add approximately 1 cup of the beef mixture. Use a fork to spread out the mixture to cover the bottom of the waffle iron and close the lid.
  6. Cook 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Carefully remove with a spatula and serve with ketchup!

Notes

You should be able to substitute hash browns for tater tots but I haven’t tried it myself.

Pretty easy right?! I can’t wait to hear how you like them!

These Tater Tot Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect any time of day! Enjoy them for breakfast, pack them in a lunch box or make them for a quick dinner on a busy night.

Let me know if you try them.

Visit www.OhioBeef.org, and follow the Ohio Beef Council on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for beef nutrition facts, cooking tips, recipes and to meet Ohio’s beef farming families. Use #OhioBeef to share photos of your healthy meals this school year!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Mac and Cheese (Boxed)

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Looking for the best boxed mac and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy store bought mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus a kids taste test!

best mac and cheese boxed

Hi friends!

Today we’re continuing our “Best of” series by talking about macaroni and cheese. So far we’ve covered:

So be sure to catch up on those posts if you missed them!

When it comes to boxed mac and cheese, my biggest concern is sodium. Some brands, especially the deluxe versions, have 1,000+ mg of sodium per serving, which is way more than necessary. While I don’t recommend packaged mac and cheese as an everyday food, it’s certainly something my kids have for dinner occasionally.

When I’m picking out which brand to buy, I look for the lowest sodium per serving that I can find, and I’d also love for there to be a decent amount of both protein and fiber.

The problem is that some of the brands that are higher in both protein and fiber are not always a hit with my kids.

So after looking at a lot of mac and cheese boxes, I decided to do a taste test with my kids (ages 7, 5 & 3) to see which ones they would actually eat.

I chose two classics: Kraft and Annie’s Original. I also chose two that were higher in fiber & protein: Banza and Goodle. Then I threw in an Annie’s Vegan option and Annie’s 25% reduced sodium. Here’s the video of their taste test:

Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

Let’s look at these six options I chose for the taste test in a little more detail. Note- I’m sure there are other great options. I tried to stick to brands that were widely available in the two grocery stores by my house, not specialty stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s etc.

boxed macaroni and cheese

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

  • 9 grams of protein
  • 2 grams of fiber
  • 560 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it
high protein gliuten free macaroni and cheese

Banza Mac & Cheese (Made w/ chickpea pasta)

  • 15 grams protein
  • 5 grams fiber
  • 640 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
high fiber macaroni and cheese

Goodles (found at Target)

  • 14 grams protein
  • 6 grams fiber
  • 590 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
vegan macaroni and cheese

Annie’s Vegan Mac (Red Lentil Spirals)

  • 11 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 240 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
lower sodium macaroni and cheese

Annie’s 25% Less Sodium

  • 10 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber
  • 400 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it
healthiest macaroni and cheese

Annie’s Original Macaroni & Classic Cheddar

  • 9 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 430 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it

Don’t be fooled by the marketing like I was! I thought the Annie’s 25% less sodium meant 25% less than their original but it actually says 25% less than the leading brand and it only has 30mg less than the original Annies!

Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

So what’s my pick as a Registered Dietitian to feed my kids?

best boxed macaroni and cheese for kids

Overall I choose Annie’s. Either the 25% less sodium or the original – both have the lowest amount of sodium I found. They also have several organic options that are widely available if that’s important to you!

I love that Banza and Goodle are higher in both protein and fiber. Despite them also being higher in sodium, I still think they’re good options if your kids will eat them!

How To Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Better

  • Choose one with 500mg sodium or less per serving
  • Try not using the whole packet of cheese
  • Mix in Greek yogurt instead of butter for extra protein
  • Look for whole wheat, whole grain or alternative noodle options for more fiber

Boxed Mac and Cheese Hacks

  • To make it creamier, try using Greek yogurt. You can either add it right along with the milk instead of butter, or you can skip the milk and try just adding Greek yogurt. Adding less milk also makes it thicker and creamier.
  • To turn it into a full meal, try adding leftover cooked chicken or some chicken sausage. You can also add cooked vegetables. One easy hack is to add some frozen peas to the water for the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.
  • For a different cheese flavor, try using half the packet of cheese and mixing in some shredded cheese of your own.
  • Try putting your own spin on it! Want pizza mac? Grab some white cheddar boxed mac, put it in a pan, top with a little pizza sauce, pepperoni and shredded mozzarella and broil for a couple minutes.
  • Add some spices. Try mixing in a little garlic powder or paprika when you add the cheese.

Boxed Mac & Cheese Baked

Want to fool a crowd? Make boxed mac and cheese as directed, add any mix-ins you want, then put it in a baking pan, top with some extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and bake at 350 degrees Faherenheit for 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted.

Looking for the best store-bought macaroni and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus I had my kids do a taste test!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay—

Healthy Crackers For Kids | And Adults!

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Looking for healthy crackers for kids? Here are some of the healthiest crackers for both kids and adults! Plus crackers I like as a Registered Dietitian.

Healthy Crackers For Kids and Adults

Hi friends!

So far we’ve talked about Low Added Sugar Yogurts, I’ve shared some Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars and we’ve talked about Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids. To we’re going to talk about crackers.

Some of my favorite crackers are included in this Healthy Snacks At Costco post as well as in this post where I share 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids. Be sure to check those out as well!

Are Crackers Healthy?

As a Registered Dietitian, I get asked a lot “are crackers healthy?” I’m here to tell you they CAN be! Some of the benefits of crackers can include:

  • They can provide a serving of whole grains
  • They can help kids (and adults) eat other nutritious foods like peanut butter, turkey, chicken salad, bean dip, cheese and more!
  • They can provide carbs that can be used for energy.
  • They can be a source of protein and fiber.

Many cracker options made with nuts, seeds and whole grains can be part of a substantial meal or snack.

What about the less healthy crackers?

But guess what? Along with some of the more substantial crackers, there are also a lot of crackers out there that don’t provide a whole lot of nutritional value. They’re low in protein and fiber, they’re not made with whole grains or nuts and seeds, and yet I believe they can still be part of a balanced diet! There are a lot of factors at play when I comes to picking the best crackers for you and your family. Let’s consider a few:

  • Maybe you’d like to buy a cracker like Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers but the price is too high and you can’t afford them regularly.
  • Maybe there’s a nut allergy or a school nut restriction that you have to work with so you can’t have some of the nut-based crackers that tend to be higher in protein and fiber.
  • Maybe your kids are too young to eat some of the crunchier crackers without them being a choking hazard.
  • Maybe you buy less nutrient-dense options because they’re the ones your kids eat and they help your kids eat other more nutrient-dense foods.
  • And maybe you believe all foods fit and you buy crackers because your kids enjoy eating them. You focus on feeding them a well-balanced diet and recognize that some foods are eaten for enjoyment, not nutrients!

If any of those apply to you, don’t feel bad about the crackers you’re feeding your family! I’m a Registered Dietitian with three kids and if you looked in my pantry on any given day you would see

  • Simple Mills
  • RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers
  • Wheat Thins
  • Goldfish
  • Graham crackers

Here’s a video recap of some crackers I like and some crackers I have on hand in my pantry on any given day!

Which are the healthiest crackers for snacks?

If you are looking for a nutrient-dense cracker option to try, here are some guidelines:

  • Look for crackers made with whole grains, oats, brown rice, nuts and seeds.
  • Look for crackers with at least 2-3 grams of fiber.
  • Watch the sodium levels. Lower is better since most people consume a large amount of sodium each day. Aim for 150mg or less per serving.
  • Aim for low added sugar.
  • Don’t be tricked by the words on the box. Often whole wheat or multigrain options are minimally different than the original versions when it comes to crackers. Check the label!

Healthy Crackers For Snacks

Here are some of my favorite options:

healthy crackers - simple mills almond flour crackers

Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers

  • 3 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber
  • 230 mg sodium (this is a bit high)
  • Available at Costco!
  • Ingredients in the sea salt version: Nut and Seed Flour Blend (Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds), Tapioca, Cassava, Organic Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Onion, Organic Garlic, Rosemary Extract (For Freshness)
  • They also have a seed flour cracker line.
healthy cracker for snacks - RW Garcia sweet potato crackers

RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers

  • 2 grams protein
  • 1 gram fiber
  • 50 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: stone ground yellow corn, sweet potato, sunflower or corn oil, flax seeds, black sesame seeds, chia seeds, sea salt
  • Available at Costco!
  • They have other flavors like beet, lentil turmeric and kale
healthy crackers for kids - triscuit thin crips

Triscuit Thin Crisps (or regular)

  • 3 grams protein
  • 4 grams fiber
  • 170 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Whole grain wheat, canola oil, sea salt.
  • Regular Triscuits are fine! They’re just thicker and crunchier and can be harder for kids to eat!
best healthy crackers - mary's gone crackers

Mary’s Gone Crackers

  • 4 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 180 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Organic whole grain brown rice, organic whole grain quinoa, organic brown flax seeds, organic brown sesame seeds, filtered water, sea salt, organic wheat-free tamari (water, organic whole soybeans, salt, organic vinegar). Contains soy.
  • They also have a line of Super Seed Crackers

healthy crackers for toddlers - annie's white cheddar bunnies

Annie’s White Cheddar Bunnies

  • 3 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber (the white cheddar bunnies have more fiber than regular)
  • 150 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil, Organic Cheddar Cheese (pasteurized organic milk, cheese cultures, salt, non-animal enzymes), Organic Dried Cheddar Cheese (organic cultured milk, salt, non-animal enzymes), Organic Whey, Salt, Organic Nonfat Dry Milk, Organic Yeast, Leavening (monocalcium phosphate, baking soda), Organic Paprika, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Celery Seed, Non-Animal Enzymes.
healthiest cracker snacks - Crunchmaster

Crunchmaster

  • 3 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber
  • 150 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, Sesame Seeds, Potato Starch, Flax Seeds, Olive Oil, Amaranth Seeds, Quinoa, Salt, Tamari Soy Sauce Powder (Tamari Soy Sauce [Soybeans, Salt], Maltodextrin, Salt).
  • One of the few crackers made with olive oil vs other oils

What’s in the more “kid-friendly” crackers

Let’s take a look at a few of the more popular crackers that kids tend to like, such as Ritz, Wheat Thins and Goldfish. Sometimes we choose crackers for nutrients like protein, fiber, etc. Sometimes we choose crackers as a source of carbs to give us energy because they’re a good vehicle for other nutrient-dense foods or just because they’re fun to eat! A few things to point out.

kids crackers -ritz

Ritz

Don’t be fooled by marketing. Don’t grab the baked with whole wheat ritz option because you think they’re so much better than the original. If you compare the labels, the original on top, you can see they both only have 1 gram of protein and fiber and the same first ingredient (unbleached enriched flour). The baked with whole wheat just adds a little whole grain wheat flour but the effect is negligible. They both also contain high fructose corn syrup.

This is a similar issue in Club crackers – the multigrain Club crackers might sound healthy because of the word multigrain but they have 2g added sugar, no fiber and less than one gram of protein.

healthy whole grain crackers - wheat thins

Wheat Thins

I give my kids wheat thins. I like that they have 2 grams protein and 3 grams fiber and that the first ingredient is whole grain wheat flour. They also help my kids eat things like guacamole, turkey and cheese, etc – things they wouldn’t generally eat plain. Wheat Thins also have 4 grams of added sugar. While that’s not ideal for crackers, it can still fit into a balanced diet, especially if you pair them with more nutrient-dense foods that are low in added sugar.

crackers for kids - goldfish

Goldfish

A good reminder that eating is for both nutrition and enjoyment. Goldfish have a little protein, not a lot of fiber, they’re a little high in sodium but guess what? They’re also fun to eat! And kids love them. While they’re not adding a lot of nutritional value, they’re still fine to eat occasionally for fun!

I hope this was helpful! Your main takeaway should be that crackers can serve a variety of purposes. Sometimes it’s about nutrition and sometimes it’s about fun! Finding a balance is key!

healthy crackers 1

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Low Sugar Yogurt | 7g Added Sugar or Less!

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Here are 5 of the best low sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

best low sugar yogurt options

Hi friends!

I have been working on a new snack series! If you want some ideas for healthy store-bought granola bars, Costco snacks or low sugar cereals, you can check find more info in the following videos and blog posts:

Today we’re talking about yogurt. Yogurt is kid-friendly, an easy protein source and can be a great addition to a balanced diet. However, if you’re not careful, it can easily fall into the dessert category based on the large amounts of sugar that is often added to it.

Best Low Sugar Yogurt

So what low-sugar yogurts are best? I went to Meijer and Kroger to find some options for you! Here are five options that have 7 grams of added sugar or less. Watch the video for an overview, or scroll down to see the options:

Here are the five options I found:

oikos low sugar greek yogurt

Oikos Blended – Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 13 grams protein
  • 0 grams fat

Ingredients in the strawberry flavor: cultured non fat milk, strawberries, cane sugar, water, contains less than 1% of: pectin, natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice concentrate and beta carotene (for color, vitamin D3.

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

  • 5 grams added sugar
  • 12 grams protein
  • 3 grams fat

Ingredients in Vanilla: Cultured lowfat milk, water, cane sugar, natural flavors, fruit pectin, guar gum, cinnamon, locust bean gum, vanilla extract, lemon juice concentrate.

Fage Total Low Sugar Yogurt

Fage Total Split Cup – Low Sugar Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 12 grams protein
  • 2.5 grams fat

Ingredients: STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk and Cream, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei).

STRAWBERRY FRUIT PREPARATION: Strawberries, Cane Sugar, Water, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Fruit Pectin. 

siggis low sugar yogurt

Siggi’s Yogurt With Low Sugar

  • 6 grams added sugar
  • 15 grams protein
  • 2.5 grams fat (there’s also a whole milk version)

Ingredients in black cherry: Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pasteurized Cream, Cherries, Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Live Active Cultures

Icelandic Provisions low sugar yogurt

Icelandic Provisions Low Sugar Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 15 grams protein
  • 2 grams fat

Ingredients in strawberry: Skyr (Pasteurized Low-Fat Milk, Live and Active Cultures), Fruit (Strawberries, Lingonberries), Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Pectin, Carob Bean Gum, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate (For Color)

Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

What’s the difference between greek yogurt and regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is strained after it’s fermented to remove the whey and make it thicker. Skyr is similar to Greek yogurt in that it’s strained, often longer than Greek yogurt, making it even thicker. Greek yogurt can have fewer carbs and less sugar, while also having more protein than regular yogurt. For all varieties there are whole milk and lower fat options. Skyr is usually made with skim milk and can have even more protein than Greek yogurt.

Kids Taste Test Yogurt with Low Sugar

While low sugar options are great, we still need kids to enjoy them! I did a little taste test with my kids where they tasted the 5 options listed above, plus a higher sugar option and one sweetened with stevia. Watch to see which were their favorites:

Best Sugar-Free Yogurt

So what about sugar-free yogurt that use artifical sweeteners and yogurts sweetened with stevia and monkfruit? Personally and as an RD they’re not my favorite. Stevia and other sweeteners like it can cause GI distress- gas, bloating etc for some people. Some people also don’t like the taste or aftertaste. They’re also much much sweeter than regular yogurts and kids can get used to that level of sweetness. Like most things, they’re probably fine in moderation but for this post I chose ones sweetened with regular sugar because that’s my preference. If you’re looking for other options there are definitely some out there!

Another option for best low-sugar yogurt

ways to reduce sugar in yogurt

Two other easy ways to reduce the added sugar in yogurt is to choose plain yogurt and mix in smashed fruit or drizzle with a little honey.

Or you can buy a flavored variety that might have a bit more added sugar and mix it half and half with plain yogurt!

Here are 5 of the best low-sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

Hope this post was helpful! Want some recipes that use yogurt, both flavored and plain?

–Lindsay–

Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids

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A list of Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids if you are looking for some new options for breakfasts or snacks. They all have six grams of added sugar or less and at least two grams of both protein and fiber.

A list of Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids if you are looking for some new options for breakfasts or snacks. They all have six grams of added sugar or less and at least two grams of both protein and fiber.

*Originally published April 2019. Updated July 2022*

Some brands have raised added sugar since the original post was published. List is adjusted below*

Hi friends!

The list of Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids is here! I know cereal often gets knocked for not being the most nutritious food to feed your kid, but as someone who very seriously lived off almost nothing but cereal for many years, I will always have a strong love for it.

Plus my kids love it so I guess they take after their mama. While there are definitely some cereal options out there that are, in my opinion, overly sugary and not overly nutritious…there are also some good cereal choices out there.

Several brands make cereal low in sugar and also contain a decent amount of protein and fiber. When paired with some additional protein and fiber, cereal can definitely be part of a healthy meal or snack. I often get asked about the best cereal for toddlers. (Psst…if you’re looking for reccs beyond cereal, check out my Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids post. And remember cereal can make a great lunch box addition! For more packed lunch ideas, check out my Month of Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids!

And if you need snack ideas check out 60+ Packaged Snacks For Kids or After School Healthy Snacks.)

Healthy Cereals For Kids

  • Remember that it’s often fortified with beneficial things like B vitamins, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Vitamin D. Iron is especially important for kiddos so cereal can be a good way to add some extra to their diet.
  • There are lots of whole-grain options available. If the box says whole grain, then at least half the grain ingredients are whole grain. If it says 100% whole grain then all the grain ingredients are whole grain. You can look for the yellow and black whole grain stamp. If it says 100% whole grains, it has at least 16g whole grains which is one serving of whole grains.
  • Remember that this list can also be helpful to find low-sugar cereal for adults. Nothing says only kids can eat these!
toddler with puffins

Criteria for Cereal With Low Sugar

Whenever you make a list like this, you have to pick a cut-off. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to eliminate anything from your list. So for the purposes of this list, here’s what I used for my criteria:

  • 6 grams or less added sugar. 
  • At least 2 grams of both protein and fiber.
  • I made a secondary/alternates list that goes up to 9 grams of added sugar because there are some options out there that have 5-6 grams fiber/protein etc but a little more added sugar as well…so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in a cereal.
  • I tried to pick cereals that are kid-friendly because let’s be real…not a lot of kids are going to eat plain bran flakes so I didn’t put them on the list even though they are low in sugar.
  • I didn’t include granola. I felt like it deserved its own list that perhaps I’ll put together in the future.
  • I tried to pick cereals that are somewhat commonly found, ie not just stuff that can only be found at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s etc.

Other Notes For Kid Cereals

For this list, I really just focused on the sugar, protein and fiber content.

There are several other factors to consider when it comes to cereal and it would be hard to address them all, so as a responsible consumer, you should do your own research on the following factors if they’re important to you because I didn’t address them:

  • Organic/non-organic ingredients
  • Allergens- some cereals may contain nuts, dairy etc
  • Artificial colors/sweeteners- some cereals may include these.
  • Safety – some cereals may be too hard/crunchy for younger toddlers, even when soaked in milk
  • Serving size – be sure to check it. Comparing a ⅔ cup serving size to 1 cup serving size is not apples to apples
  • Sodium and calorie content

Here are some lower added sugar cereals and a simple trick for reducing added sugar:

Other Notes:

  • Look for fiber. If it’s low in sugar but also low in fiber, add some fresh fruit, nuts or seeds to boost fiber content. Fiber intake goals: 19 grams per day for 1-3-year-olds, 25 grams per day for 4-8-year-olds, continues to increase for older kids and adults. Cereals like Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes and Crispix fall into this category, with just a few grams of sugar but no fiber either.
  • If your kids are used to higher sugar cereals, look for similar lower sugar options and start by mixing half and half.
  • I usually try to pair cereal with a protein source like milk, yogurt, cheese, nuts, etc.
  • Get out your measuring cups and measure out a serving size of your cereal so you can see what it looks like
  • Check the box. Things change. Recipes change. The numbers in this post could at some point become inaccurate.

So, are you ready for the list? Here you go! Remember, this is not an all-inclusive list. That would be a huge task to tackle. This is just to give you a starting place and provide some cereals you maybe haven’t heard of or tried.

Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids

The following cereals have six grams or less added sugar and at least 2 grams of both protein and fiber (I had to move several options from my original list to the alternate list because they’ve raised the amount of added sugar since I originally posted this in 2019:

  • Barbara’s Honest O’s Original
  • Barbara’s Puffins Original
  • Barbara’s Puffins Cinnamon
  • Cascadian Farms Purely O’s
  • General Mills Plain Cheerios
  • General Mills Kix
  • General Mills Total
  • General Mills Wheaties
  • Kashi Cinnamon Oat Cereal
  • Love Grown Power O’s Original
  • Love Grown Polar Puffs
  • Nature’s Path Crispy Rice
  • Nature’s Path Whole O’s
  • Nature’s Path Flax Plus Cinnamon Flakes
  • Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes
  • Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Cinnamon
  • Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise

Alternates (9 grams of added sugar or less and at least 2 grams of protein and fiber)

  • Barbara’s Puffins Peanut Butter
  • Barbara’s Puffins Multigrain
  • Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls
  • General Mills Multigrain Cheerios
  • Cascadian Farms Raisin Bran
  • Cascadian Farms Multigrain Squares Cereal
  • Kashi Maple Waffle Crisp
  • Kashi Honey Toasted Oat
  • Kellog Raisin Bran
  • Love Grown Sea Stars
  • Love Grown Lion Loops or Comet Krispies
  • Love Grown Power O’s chocolate & cinnamon
  • Nature’s Path Envirokidz Peanut Butter Panda Puffs
  • Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Maple
  • Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Honey
  • Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon/Honey Roasted
  • Quaker Life (original)
  • Quaker Oatmeal Squares – original & cinnamon

So there you go! I’d love to hear some of your kiddos favorite lower sugar cereals if they’re not on this list!

A list of Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids if you are looking for some new options for breakfasts or snacks. They all have six grams of added sugar or less and at least two grams of both protein and fiber.

Cereal makes a great snack! Want more snack ideas?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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