Stephanie Kay Nutrition

Real Food for Real Life

Spinach Breakfast Casserole

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This spinach breakfast casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch or weekday breakfast meal prep idea. The combination of eggs, fresh spinach, potatoes, and cheese creates a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal.

Slice of spinach breakfast casserole on a spatula in a white casserole dish.

If you’ve been through my breakfast recipes, you’ve likely noticed that I’m a big fan of breakfast casseroles. These crustless quiche and frittata-inspired casseroles are a simple and easy way to create a hearty breakfast without much effort – just add everything to a baking dish, bake, and enjoy!

Not only is this spinach breakfast casserole easy to make but it’s incredibly versatile and keeps well in the fridge and freezer. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it in the morning and enjoy it on its own, with a side of toast, or fresh fruit for a hearty and healthy breakfast.

Slice of spinach breakfast casserole on a white plate with a fork.

Why You’ll Love It

  • High in Protein – With almost 20 grams of protein per serving, this casserole is a great way to add protein to your breakfast.
  • Full of Greens – Each serving contains 3/4 cup of spinach to ensure you’re getting your daily dose of leafy greens in each slice.
  • Well-Balanced – This spinach breakfast casserole is a well-balanced meal with equal amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
  • Great for Meal Prep – This casserole keeps well in the fridge for days making it a great make-ahead breakfast for weekday mornings.
Ingredients for spinach breakfast casserole: eggs, fresh spinach, baby potatoes, leek, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Ingredients for Spinach Breakfast Casserole

  • Eggs – A dozen eggs to ensure the casserole is filled with protein and healthy fats.
  • Spinach – To add some leafy greens and fiber. The recipe calls for fresh spinach, but you can use frozen spinach if preferred. See the notes section of the recipe card for details.
  • Potatoes – The recipe calls for baby potatoes, since they cook faster, however, you can use large potatoes if needed. See the notes section of the recipe card for details.
  • Leek – To add flavor. You can use a small onion if preferred.
  • Cheese – To add some protein and healthy fats. The recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use any shredded cheese you like. Feta cheese would also work well.
  • Butter and Olive Oil – To sauté the veggies.
  • Salt and Pepper – To season the egg mixture. If you want to enhance the flavors, you can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
Sautéd leeks and chopped spinach in a pan.
Sautéd spinach and leeks in a pan.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: No adaptations are needed, this recipe is gluten-free.

To Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for additional olive oil.

To Increase the Protein Content: Add some cooked chopped bacon or sliced breakfast sausage.

To Add More Veggies: Add some diced bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, or green onions. Sauté them with the leek before adding them to the dish.

Cooked baby potatoes in a casserole dish.
Cooked potatoes and spinach mixture in a casserole dish.

How to Make a Breakfast Casserole with Spinach

  1. Boil the potatoes. Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil, add the baby potatoes, and cook for 10 minutes. Once cooked, cut them into quarters or halves.
  2. Sauté the leek and spinach. In a pan, warm the butter and olive oil, add the diced leek, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender, then add the spinach and cook for an additional minute until wilted.
  3. Whisk the eggs. In a large bowl, crack the eggs, add the salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined.
  4. Fill a baking dish. Add the potatoes to the baking dish, top with the leek and spinach mixture, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and pour in the egg mixture.
  5. Bake. Transfer the baking dish to an oven at 400°F and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Cooked potatoes, spinach mixture, and shredded cheese in a casserole dish.
Egg mixture for breakfast casserole recipe ready for the oven.

How to Meal Prep Breakfast Casserole

Not only is this spinach breakfast casserole easy to make but it perfect for meal prep. Simply prepare the casserole as instructed, allow it to cool completely, then slice it into 6 servings, place them in airtight containers, and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

This spinach egg casserole is a balanced meal with a similar amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. To increase the protein content of the meal, serve it with a side of breakfast sausage or Greek yogurt. To increase the carbohydrate and fiber content of the meal, serve it with toast and fresh fruit. To increase the fat content of the meal, serve it with some avocado or additional cheese.

Egg casserole with spinach in a baking dish.

What to Serve with Spinach Breakfast Casserole

This spinach breakfast casserole pairs well with:

  • Breakfast sausage
  • Turkey sausage
  • Bacon
  • Toast
  • English muffins
  • Bagel
  • Yogurt
  • Fruit salad
  • Green salad
  • Avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Cheese
  • Hot sauce
Slice of egg casserole with spinach on a white plate with a fork.

Storage + Reheating

To Refrigerate: Allow the egg casserole to cool completely, cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer the leftover pieces to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Allow the egg casserole to cool completely, then cover it with aluminum foil and plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: To reheat whole, allow the egg casserole to thaw completely or reheat directly from the fridge, uncovered, by baking in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Individual pieces can be reheated in an oven-proof dish in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or in a microwave-safe container in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

More Breakfast Casseroles:

 

Single Serving Apple Crisp

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Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack or an individual dessert, this single serving apple crisp is a delicious treat that will satisfy a sweet tooth.

Three single serve apple crisps in white ramekins with a gold spoon and tea towel.

Turn tart apples into a sweet treat with this quick and easy individual apple crisp recipe. Made with only 6 ingredients, these single portions are perfect for those moments when you want something sweet, but don’t want to make anything complicated.

And, the best part is, you can make this delicious apple crisp recipe in the oven, air-fryer, or microwave, and they keep well in the fridge and freezer if you want to make a batch!

Close up of mini apple crisp with Greek yogurt and cinnamon on top and a spoon.

Why You’ll Love Them

  • Quick and Easy – These mini apple crisps are made with 6 ingredients and can be made in the oven or microwave.
  • Perfectly Portioned – Made in ramekins, these apple crisps are the perfect dessert for one.
  • Great for Meal Prep – They freeze for up to 3 months so you can enjoy them for days and weeks to come!
Ingredients for individual apple crisp recipe: rolled oats, apples, butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

What You’ll Need

  • Apples – While tart apples such as Cortland, Braeburn, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith provide the best flavor, you can use any apple you like.
  • Oats – Use rolled oats, old-fashioned rolled oats, or quick-cooking oats, steel-cut and instant oats are not recommended.
  • Flour – To thicken the crisp topping.
  • Brown Sugar – To sweeten the apples and topping. You can use white sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup if you prefer.
  • Cinnamon – To enhance the flavor and sweetness.
  • Butter – To ensure the crispy is nice and crispy. For the best results, use unsalted butter.

Although the recipe does not call for any, you can add a sprinkling of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crisp mixture if you like.

Chopped apple in a small white bowl with brown sugar and ground cinnamon on top.
Chopped apple tossed in brown sugar and cinnamon in a small white bowl.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and swap the all-purpose flour for 1-to-1 gluten-free flour or almond flour.

To Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for coconut oil.

Rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cold butter in a small white bowl.
Apple crisp topping in a small white bowl.

How to Make Apple Crisp for One Person

  1. Chop the apple. Cut the apple into bite-size pieces, leaving the skin on.
  2. Mix the filling. Add the apples to a small bowl, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon and half of the brown sugar, and stir to combine, then transfer the mixture to a ramekin.
  3. Make the topping. In the same bowl, add the oats, flour, remaining cinnamon, remaining brown sugar, and cold butter, and press it together, using your fingers, until a crumbly mixture forms.
  4. Add it to a ramekin. Sprinkle the crumble topping on top of the apple mixture in the ramekin.
  5. Bake until golden. Transfer the ramekin to the oven and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until slightly crisp and golden brown on top.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy! Serve immediately with toppings of your choice.

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Apple filling in a ramekin.
Unbaked apple crisp in a ramekin ready for the oven.

Best Types of Apples to Use

While you can use any type of apples in single serving apple crisp, tart apples tend to hold up best when baked, such as:

  • Cortland apples
  • Braeburn apples
  • Honeycrisp apples
  • Golden delicious apples
  • Pink lady apples
  • Fuji apples
  • Jonagold apples
  • Granny smith apples
Baked mini apple crisp in ramekins with a spoon.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

If you’re concerned that the use of brown sugar is “unhealthy”, there is no need. Real sugar can be included in a healthy diet, it’s all about context and balance, not individual ingredients. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that the nutritional differences between sugar and other sweeteners are minimal.

Best Toppings for Mini Apple Crisp

If you want to eat this single-serve apple crisp as a healthy snack, top it with some plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or skyr to boost the protein and ensure it’s more macronutrient balanced.

If you want to enjoy this single-serve apple crisp as an individual dessert or treat, top it with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to ensure it’s extra sweet and tasty.

Mini apple crisp recipe with Greek yogurt and cinnamon on top.

Can you make an individual apple crisp in the microwave?

Yes! Add the apple filling to a ramekin and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Sprinkle the oat mixture on top of the warm apples, then return to the microwave for an additional 2 minutes until the apples are bubbling and the topping is set.

Can you make an individual apple crisp an air-fryer?

Yes! Add the apple mixture to a ramekin and place in the air-fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes until the apples are soft. Remove the ramekin from the air-fryer, add the oat mixture, and return to the air-fryer for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbling, crispy, and golden on top.

Close up of a spoonful of individial apple crisp recipe with Greek yogurt and extra cinnamon on top.

Storage + Reheating

To Refrigerate: Allow the ramekins of apple crips to cool completely, then cover with a lid, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: These individual apple crips can be frozen before or after baking for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them completely before baking or reheating.

To Reheat: The thawed individual apple crisp can be reheated in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

More Apple Recipes:

Chicken and Rice Soup

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Loaded with vegetables, juicy chicken, and tender rice, this homemade chicken and rice soup is easy, healthy, and well-balanced. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for lunch or dinner on a cold day.

Pot of chicken and rice soup on a cutting board.

This healthy chicken and rice soup recipe is my go-to meal when I’m not sure what to cook. Because it’s made with pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up in a pinch and is a great way to use up leftover roasted chicken or roasted turkey to make a crowd-pleasing soup.

Although this recipe is made on the stovetop, you can also make this delicious soup in the slow cooker and add additional veggies if you like. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe and leftovers keep well in the fridge and freezer, which makes it great for meal prep.

Bowl of chicken and rice soup in a white bowl with a spoon, a side of bread, and parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in less than 1 hour, this recipe is easy to prepare.
  • High in Protein – Filled with lean chicken breasts, this soup contains 25 grams of protein per serving.
  • Made in One Pot – This stovetop recipe requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
  • Great for Meal Prep – This chicken and rice soup is great for batch cooking. It keeps well in the fridge and double and triple batches keep well in the freezer.
Ingredients for chicken and rice soup recipe: chicken breasts, white rice, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, and salt.

Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Soup

  • Chicken – Raw boneless and skinless chicken breasts are recommended. If using frozen chicken breasts, ensure they are fully thawed before adding them to the soup. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken if preferred. See the notes section of the recipe card for instructions.
  • Rice – Long-grain white rice is recommended, such as basmati rice or jasmine rice, however, you can use long-grain brown rice or wild rice is preferred. See the notes section of the recipe card for instructions.
  • Onion and Garlic – To add flavor to the broth.
  • Carrots and Celery – To add some veggies.
  • Chicken Broth – The recipe calls for chicken broth or chicken stock, but vegetable broth can also be used.
  • Herbs – Some thyme and bay leaf to enhance the flavor of the soup and some fresh parsley to brighten the soup at the end.
  • Salt and Pepper – To season the soup.
Pot with oil, onion, carrots, and celery.
Pot with sauteed onion, carrots, and celery with garlic, thyme, and salt.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chicken broth.

To Increase the Protein Content: Add an additional chicken breasts and an additional cup of chicken broth.

Pot with vegetables, herbs, and white rice.
Pot with vegetables, rice, herbs, and chicken broth.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

Contrary to popular belief, white rice is a healthy whole food and a good source of complex carbohydrates. In fact, the differences between brown rice and white rice are minimal, and including white rice in this soup helps to ensure it’s a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Pot with vegetables, herbs, rice, chicken broth, and raw chicken breasts.
Pot with cooked vegetables, white rice, broth, and shredded chicken.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup

  1. Sauté the veggies. In a large pot, warm the oil, then add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until tender.
  2. Add the herbs and broth. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf, stir to coat the vegetables, then pour in the broth and water.
  3. Add the rice and chicken. Add the rice to the pot, stir to combine, then add the raw chicken breast to the pot, submerging them in the broth, and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Shred the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, place it on a cutting board, and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Simmer the soup. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, along with the parsley, and simmer for a final 10 minutes.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Pot of cooked chicken and rice soup.
Pot with chicken and rice soup with parsley.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, place them on a cutting board, shred them into bite-size pieces, and return the shredded chicken to the soup to reheat for 10 minutes before serving.

Can I make it in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in an Instant Pot with olive oil before adding the herbs, salt, pepper, broth, rice, and chicken breasts. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the soup, shred them into bite-size pieces, then return them to the soup to reheat before serving.

Pot of cooked chicken rice soup with a serving spoon on a cutting board with a tea towel.

Can I use leftover chicken?

The chicken is added raw to the soup and cooks in the broth, however, you can use cooked chicken if preferred. Prepare the recipe as written and then add the shredded leftover chicken once the rice is cooked.

Can I use leftover rice?

The rice is added to the soup raw, and it cooks in the broth along with the soup, however, you can use leftover rice if you prefer. Prepare the recipe as written and then add the cooked rice at the end along with the shredded chicken.

Close up of a bowl of rice and chicken soup.

How to Add Extra Flavor to Chicken Soup

You can enhance the flavor of this chicken and rice soup with additional ingredients and seasoning. Here are some suggestions:

  • Add salt. Ensure that your soup is well seasoned and contains enough salt. The salt content will vary depending on the type of chicken broth that you use. Simply taste the finished soup and add additional salt as needed.
  • Add herbs. Use dried or fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, basil, tarragon, dill, rosemary, and parsley to enhance the flavor of this chicken and rice soup.
  • Add spices. Use dried spices such as ground turmeric, curry powder, and red pepper flakes to deepen the flavor of chicken broth in chicken rice soup.
  • Add toppings. Add extra flavor to chicken and rice soup with garnishes such as croutons, olive oil, chili oil, lemon juice, pesto, toasted nuts, and/or seeds.
Bowl of chicken rice soup with a spoon and a side of bread.

Storage + Reheating

To Refrigerate: Allow the chicken and rice soup to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To make grab-and-go meals and reheating easier, you can freeze the soup in individual portion-sized containers.

To Reheat: To reheat from the fridge, place the soup in a pot on the stovetop on medium heat and warm for 5 minutes or until heated through. To reheat from frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and then place the soup in a pot on the stovetop on medium heat and warm for 5 minutes or until heated through. To reheat the soup in the microwave, place thawed soup in a microwave-safe bowl and warm for 1-2 minutes, with 30 additional 30-second increments as needed depending on the strength of your microwave.

Bowl of finished soup with chicken and rice.

More Chicken and Rice Soup Recipes:

 

 

How to Make a Flax Egg

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Whether you’re allergic to eggs or looking to turn your favorite baked good vegan, here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a flax egg for a simple egg substitute.

Flax egg in a small white bowl with a spoon.

What is a flax egg?

A flax egg is a mixture of ground flaxseed, also known as flaxseed meal, and water that can be used as a replacement for an egg in baking recipes. The ground flaxseed absorbs the water to create a thick and gelatinous substance that can be used as an egg substitute in vegan baking or for individuals who have egg allergies.

Infographic on how to make a flax egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons of water.

How to Make a Flax Egg

Making a flax egg is very easy, here’s what you’ll do:

  1. Grind flaxseed into a meal (or buy it ground).
  2. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water.
  3. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes until thickened.

Once the flaxseed meal and water mixture has thickened, you can add the flax egg to a baking recipe in place of one egg.

A small white bowl of flaxseed and a small white bowl of flaxseed meal.

When to Use Flax Eggs

Flax eggs can be substituted for regular eggs in most standard baking recipes, including cookies, brownies, bars, muffins, cakes, loaves, baked oatmeal, pancakes, and waffles. They can also be used in savory recipes such as veggie burgers.

When Not to Use Flax Eggs

While flax eggs work in most baking recipes, there are some exceptions. Do NOT use flax eggs when:

  • The recipe requires more than 2 eggs. Flax eggs do not work well in egg-heavy dishes like soufflés or meringues, as they do not rise or provide structure like chicken eggs.
  • The recipe calls for the egg yolks and whites to be added separately. If the recipe requires the egg whites to be whipped before adding them to a recipe, flax eggs will not work as a replacement.
  • The recipe uses gluten-free flour. The protein in gluten provides structure to baked goods, along with eggs. Without either present, you may end up with a flax and crumbly mess.
  • The recipe is flourless. If the recipe does not call for flour, such as a flourless chocolate cake, it is likely relying on the eggs for structure, which flax eggs cannot provide.
One tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons of water in a small white bowl.

Is 1 flax egg equal to 1 egg?

Yes, 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) is equal to 1 egg. A flax egg can be substituted in a 1-to-1 ratio for one regular egg.

Can you make a flax egg with flax seeds?

Flax seeds need to be ground into a powder or meal before making a flax egg. You cannot use whole flax seeds to make a flax egg.

How to grind flax seeds into flax seed meal?

Use a coffee grinder or small blender to grind flax seeds into flaxseed meal.

Does it matter which kind of flaxseed I use?

You can use brown or golden flaxseed meal for a flax egg.

3 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal in a white bowl.
Small white bowl of flax eggs.

Can I use chia seeds instead?

Yes, you can replace a flax egg with a chia egg. To make a chia egg substitute, grind chia seeds into a meal, combine 1 tablespoon of the chia meal with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, allow it to rest for 5 minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your baking recipe in place of a chicken egg as per instructions.

Instructions on how to make a flax egg.

Recipes to Use a Flax Egg:

Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

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This creamy pumpkin ricotta pasta is a great meal for a cold fall or winter night. Ready in 20 minutes, this vegetarian recipe is something that the whole family can enjoy, and it makes great leftovers too.

Two bowls of pumpkin ricotta pasta in a white bowl with a fork on a white background with a side of parmesan.

If you’ve been following closely, you may have noticed that I’ve shared a lot of creamy pasta recipes lately. From my creamy zucchini pasta to my roasted beet pasta, I’m all about blending seasonal veggies with cheese to create a rich and creamy pasta sauce that is delicious and nutritious.

So, if you love pumpkin and like creamy pasta, you have got to try this pumpkin ricotta pasta recipe! Not only is it another quick and easy meal that you can add to your repertoire, but it is full of protein, fiber, and fall flavors, and is a sneaky way to add more veggies to your diet without eating a boring side salad.

Pumpkin ricotta pasta in a white bowl with fried sage, freshly grated parmesan, and red pepper flakes on top.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, this pumpkin ricotta pasta is perfect for a weeknight meal.
  • Vegetarian – Whether you serve it on its own or top it with protein, this vegetarian recipe is something that everyone can enjoy.
  • Full of Fiber – The combination of pasta and pumpkin ensures that the dish contains 4 grams of fiber per serving.
  • High in Protein – The combination of high-protein grains, ricotta cheese, and milk provides 16 grams of protein per serving.
Ingredients for pumpkin ricotta pasta: pasta, pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, onion, garlic, and fresh sage leaves.

What You’ll Need

  • Pasta – You can use long pasta such as bucatini, spaghetti, or fettucini, or short-cut pasta such as rigatoni, fusilli, or penne.
  • Pumpkin Puree – To create the creamy pumpkin sauce, you can use homemade or canned pumpkin puree, just be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling. If you don’t have pumpkin, you can use butternut squash puree instead.
  • Ricotta – To add to the pumpkin sauce and increase the protein content. You can use whole milk ricotta or skim milk ricotta cheese, or use cottage cheese or whipped cream cheese if you prefer.
  • Milk – To thin the sauce and add more protein. Feel free to use heavy cream if you prefer.
  • Onion and Garlic – To add flavor and fragrance. If you don’t have fresh onions or garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of onion powder and garlic powder instead.
  • Nutmeg – To enhance the fall flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – To add some spice, although optional.
  • Olive Oil – To cook the onion and garlic.
  • Salt – To season the pasta water and the sauce.
  • Sage – For a crispy topping, although optional.
Diced onions and minced garlic in a pan with olive oil.
Sautéed onions and garlic in a pan.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.

To Make a Lower Fat Version: Use skim milk ricotta cheese.

To Make it Higher in Protein: Serve it with a portion of grilled chicken, steak, or sausage.

Sautéed onions and garlic in a pan with pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, nutmeg, and salt.
Unblended pumpkin ricotta mixture in a pan.

How to Make Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente. While the pasta is cooking, scoop out one cup of pasta water.
  2. Make the sauce. In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until tender, then add the pumpkin puree, ricotta, milk, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and salt, and stir until well combined.
  3. Blend the sauce. Transfer the pumpkin mixture to a blender or small food processor and blend until smooth.
  4. Combine the pasta and sauce. Return the creamy pumpkin ricotta sauce to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss until well combined, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed.
  5. Serve and enjoy! Divide the pasta into bowls and serve with parmesan cheese and fried sage leaves on top.

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Blended creamy pumpkin ricotta pasta sauce in a pan.
Creamy pumpkin pasta sauce in a pan with pasta on top.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

If you want to make this recipe extra tasty, swap the olive oil for brown butter. Instead of cooking the onion and garlic in olive oil, add a tablespoon or two of butter to the pan. Allow the butter to melt and continue cooking it until it begins to foam and sizzle around the edges. Continue cooking the butter until it turns golden brown and brown flecks begin to appear, then add the onion and garlic as per instructions.

Pasta with pumpkin pasta sauce in a pan.

What to Serve it With

This creamy pumpkin ricotta is pasta a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats, and contains a moderate amount of protein. If you’d like to increase the protein content of the meal, serve the pasta with:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Grilled steak
  • Italian sausage

In addition to protein, you can also serve the pasta with a side salad for additional fiber and greens.

Close up of a bowl of pasta with pumpkin pasta sauce, fried sage, parmesan cheese, and red chili flakes.

Storage + Reheating

To Refrigerate: Allow the pumpkin ricotta pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Allow the pasta to thaw completely before reheating. To reheat the pasta on the stovetop, place the pasta in a pan on medium heat with 1-2 tablespoons of water, stirring gently, until the water has been absorbed and the pasta is warmed through. To reheat the pasta in the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe container with 1-2 tablespoons of water and reheat for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the water has been absorbed and the pasta is warmed through.

Close up of pumpkin ricotta pasta recipe in a white bowl with a fork.

More Ricotta and Pumpkin Recipes:

Brown Rice vs. White Rice: Which is Healthier?

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Rice is a staple food and a versatile ingredient that is found in almost every household pantry, and yet there remains a debate as to whether or not rice is good for you. Although we’ve been told that whole grains are always the best choice, many cultures from around the world have consumed white rice for centuries, so how bad can it really be? Here is everything that you need to know in the debate on brown rice vs. white rice.

A bed of brown rice with a spoonful of white rice on top.

Table of contents

The Difference Between Brown Rice and White Rice

Brown rice and white rice are actually a lot more similar than you may think; in fact, they are the same grain.

All whole grains, including rice, contain three integral parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. The bran is the outer skin of the edible kernel and contains antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber; the germ contains B vitamins, some protein, healthy fats, and minerals, and stimulates growth; and the endosperm contains mostly starchy carbohydrates, proteins, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals (1).

Brown rice is the whole-grain version of rice, as it contains the bran, germ, and endosperm, while white rice only contains the endosperm and is the processed, refined-grain version of brown rice.

Rice that has been harvested from the plant with its hull, or husk, intact is known as rough rice or paddy rice and is the most natural, unprocessed form of rice. Once harvested, paddy rice is processed to remove the hull, which creates brown rice. Brown rice can then go through a milling process to remove the bran and germ to create white rice (2, 3).

Both brown rice and white rice come in several different varieties, including basmati rice, short-grain rice, long-grain rice, and jasmine rice.

Infographic explaining the anatomy and processing of rice from paddy rice to brown rice to white rice.

Brown Rice vs. White Rice Nutrition

Given that brown rice contains the nutrient-dense bran and germ, it may seem like the superior choice; however, there are health benefits to both forms of rice. Here is a comparison of a 100-gram serving of cooked brown rice vs. cooked white rice (4, 5).

NUTRITION PER 100 GRAMSBROWN RICEWHITE RICE
Calories122 calories129 calories
Protein2.73 grams2.67 grams
Fat0.96 grams0.28 grams
Carbohydrates25.45 grams27.99 grams
Fiber1.60 grams0.40 grams
Sugar0.24 grams0.05 grams

Calories

Brown rice and white rice contain a very similar number of calories. A 100-gram serving of cooked brown rice contains 122 calories, while a 100-gram serving of cooked white rice contains 129 calories.

Protein

Neither brown rice nor white rice is a substantial source of protein, and they contain very similar amounts of protein. A 100-gram serving of cooked brown rice contains 2.73 grams of protein, while a 100-gram serving of cooked white rice contains 2.67 grams of protein.

Fat

Since the bran of a whole grain does contain fatty acids, brown rice contains more fat than white rice; however, both forms of rice are relatively low in fat. A 100-gram serving of cooked brown rice contains 0.96 grams of fat, while a 100-gram serving of cooked white rice contains 0.28 grams of fat.

Carbohydrates

Since white rice does not contain the bran or germ, it contains more carbohydrates than brown rice. A 100-gram serving of cooked brown rice contains 25.45 grams of carbohydrates, while a 100-gram serving of cooked white rice contains 27.99 grams of carbohydrates.

Fiber

Brown rice contains more fiber than white rice since it still has the bran intact. A 100-gram serving of cooked brown rice contains 1.6 grams of fiber, 4% of the fiber RDA for men and 6% of the RDA for women, while a 100-gram serving of cooked white rice contains 0.4 grams of fiber.

Sugar

Neither brown rice nor white rice is a substantial source of sugar. A 100-gram serving of cooked brown rice contains 0.24 grams of sugar, while a 100-gram serving of cooked white rice contains 0.05 grams of sugar.

Micronutrients

Brown rice contains more micronutrients than white rice, thanks to its nutrient-dense bran and germ. Compared to white rice, brown rice contains 140% more magnesium, 104% more niacin, 102% more vitamin B6, and 97% more phosphorus, as well as higher amounts of riboflavin, folate, iron, and zinc (6).

Although white rice does contain essential vitamins and minerals, the overall amounts are limited, given that the bran and germ are no longer present; therefore, it is often sold in enriched formats.

Infographic comparing the nutrition, calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, and sugar of brown rice vs white rice per 100-gram serving.

Antinutrients

While brown rice does contain greater amounts of vitamins and minerals, the presence of the bran and germ on the whole grain can also pose some issues. Because the bran is a protective layer for the grain, brown rice contains plant compounds called phytates, also known as antinutrients, which are present to help protect the grain until it is time to germinate.

Unfortunately, these antinutrients, such as phytic acid, can reduce our body’s ability to digest and absorb many of the minerals present in brown rice (7). These phytates can bind to minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and calcium, and prevent them from being absorbed by the body.

Fortunately, the effects of phytic acid in brown rice can be mitigated by soaking and rinsing the rice in warm water prior to cooking (8).

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index score of a food is known to represent the impact it can have on blood sugar levels; the higher the score, the greater the impact on blood sugar. Brown rice is considered to have a low glycemic index, with a score of 50, while white rice has a high glycemic index, with a score of 72 (9).

However, it is important to consider that rice is rarely consumed alone. Rather, it is most often consumed as part of a meal with additional protein, fat, and/or fiber, which helps to mitigate the effects on blood sugar. Consuming high glycemic carbohydrates, such as rice, as part of a balanced meal is beneficial for blood sugar regulation and satiety.

Moreover, with the exception of individuals with diseases such as diabetes, some research has shown that the overall impact of high-glycemic whole foods is minimal. Instead, it is more highly processed and refined grain products, such as candy, soda, cookies, and pastries, that have a greater impact on blood sugar (10). With that said, different foods impact different people differently.

Arsenic Content

Brown rice tends to contain more arsenic than white rice (11). Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that is naturally occurring in certain foods, including seafood, rice, mushrooms, poultry, and some fruit juices. Elevated levels of arsenic have been found in brown rice and brown rice products; however, much of the arsenic found in food is likely to be in the less dangerous, organic form (12).

While Long-term consumption of arsenic may increase your risk of chronic diseases, consuming brown rice in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet, a few times per week, is considered safe.

FAQs

Can I eat rice every day?

Rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates that you can eat every day. Consuming complex carbohydrates, along with sources of protein, fiber, and fat, helps to create balanced meals and a more balanced diet overall.

Which rice is best for weight loss?

Both brown rice and white rice can help with weight loss. As long as you are eating in a calorie deficit, eating white rice or brown rice can support a weight loss goal.

Should I stop eating rice to lose belly fat?

The loss of belly fat is determined by the number of calories a person consumes, not the consumption of rice. For fat loss to occur, in any region of the body, you must consume fewer calories than you are expending. Where fat is lost first and last is largely dependent upon genetics, not your consumption of rice or any other food.

So, is brown rice healthier than white rice?

Although brown rice does contain slightly more fiber and micronutrients, the nutritional difference between brown rice and white rice is minimal, and both can be consumed in a healthy diet.

In fact, for many, white rice is more easily digested, given it does not contain the bran, germ, and antinutrients that come along with brown rice. Moreover, since the calorie difference between the two is so minimal, it’s hardly worth the hassle to compare brown rice to white rice; rather, simply choose the type of rice that you prefer. Both white rice and brown rice are nutritious and filling foods.

The Bottom Line

Brown rice is the whole-grain version of rice, while the bran and germ have been removed from white rice. Brown rice and white rice contain very similar amounts of calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat, while brown rice contains more fiber than white rice. Both brown rice and white rice are good sources of complex carbohydrates and can be included in a healthy diet.

10 Benefits of Eating Local Food

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The buy local movement has grown tremendously in recent years and with good reason, the benefits of local food are plenty. From health benefits to environmental benefits and social benefits, here are some of the most important reasons to support your local farmer.

Woman buying locally grown produce at the farmers market.

The foundation of any healthy diet, no matter the goal, is the quality of the food you eat. Whether you are trying to lose weight, increase energy, train for a marathon, or are simply looking to eat a little better, nothing will have a greater impact than the quality of the food you consume.

Prioritizing whole food is incredibly important, but there is a big difference between the apple grown down the street and the orange flown in from across the world. In fact, one can argue that the benefits of eating local food will trump any calories, supplements, or organic ingredients you will ever consume.

Infographic of benefits of eating local: fresher, more nutrients, promotes variety, produces less waste, safer food supply, supports seasonal needs, supports local businesses, supports sustainable agriculture, and promotes mindful eating.

The Benefits of Eating Local

Here are 10 reasons why eating local food benefits you, your health, and your community.

1. Local food is fresher.

Compared to food that is shipped in from other states or countries, locally grown food is grown within the community. At many farmers markets, the local produce has been picked within the last 24 hours, often the morning of or the day before. As a result, fruit and vegetables can stay on the vine or in the soil, allowing them the remain ripe and more flavorful, and other foods, such as local eggs and milk, are much fresher.

In contrast, most supermarket produce is picked days or weeks prior to reaching the grocery store shelf and is forced to ripen along the way. Moreover, other food items are forced to be frozen or processed to maintain shelf-life, which can decrease their freshness and nutritional value.

2. Local food contains more nutrients.

As soon as a food is harvested, its nutrient content begins to deteriorate. While produce that has traveled still has nutritional value, local produce is typically more nutrient-dense.

When produce is picked at peak ripeness, micronutrients like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin A can be found at higher concentrations (1, 2). Moreover, the antioxidant content of some produce declines during storage. Although all fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen, are healthy choices, opting for local produce can help to ensure you are consuming more nutrients.

3. Local food supports your seasonal needs.

When you eat locally, you eat with the seasons, and the cycle of seasonal produce is perfectly designed to support your health. If you get back to basics and consider how humans ate before the modern grocery store system, we simply ate what was available to us at that time of year. Eating seasonally is the most natural way to eat, and one of the most beneficial to our bodies.

In the peak of summer, our bodies require cooling foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and berries to help us handle the elements, while in the dark and cold days of winter, we need rich and warming high-fat foods, root vegetables, and fermented foods. Our local seasons provide the ideal foods for our body’s natural needs based on our geographic location.

4. Local food produces less waste.

Purchasing locally grown foods shortens the distribution chain, forcing food directly from farm to fork, and less waste is produced in the process. Not only does buying locally mean less packaging via transportation and shipping, but it also means less environmental waste from pollution and less food waste in the process as well.

Buying a CSA from a local farm or shopping at a farmers market ensures less packaging is used and that food is moved directly from a farm to you, which minimizes emissions and food waste in the process.

5. Local food promotes a safer food supply.

The more steps there are in getting your food from farm to fork, the more chances there are for contamination. When food travels across countries, there are far more points of contact, which increases the potential for food safety issues during harvesting, washing, shipping, and distribution.

Moreover, by buying locally grown food you are supporting local farmers and helping to preserve valuable farmland and green spaces. By choosing local food, you are contributing to the sustainability of your community’s food supply and helping to ensure that these valuable resources are protected for future generations.

6. Eating locally promotes variety.

Eating healthy can get boring if you stick to the basics; there are only so many times you can eat oatmeal for breakfast and chicken with broccoli for dinner. However, eating local food forces you to discover new foods and new ways of cooking.

For instance, there are arguably no more than 5 varieties of tomatoes in most major grocery stores, yet local farmers are keeping nearly 300 varieties of tomatoes alive every single year, leaving little room for boredom. From garlic scapes to kohlrabi to kabocha squash, shopping locally grown food allows you to enjoy a diverse selection of produce and be more creative in the kitchen.

7. Eating locally supports the local economy.

When you buy food in the grocery store most of the cost you incur goes to the transportation, processing, packaging, refrigeration, and marketing of that food, and not necessarily to the farmers themselves. When you buy from a local farmer, farmers market, or local shop, you are supporting your local economy by supporting local jobs, and your money goes back into producing more local food for you.

8. Eating locally supports sustainable agriculture.

Eating locally encourages the diversification of local agriculture and crop variety. This reduces the reliance on monoculture; single crops grown over a wide area to the detriment of soils. The reality is that our food is only as nutrient-dense as the soil in which it is grown. Although strawberries are known to contain high levels of vitamin C, these levels are heavily dependent on the quality of the soil in which they are produced.

9. Eating local supports mindful eating.

It’s easy to scarf down a microwavable meal when you know nothing about where it came from, who produced it, and how it got to your plate. However, when you shop locally you are more connected to the food you eat; knowing who produced it, what farm it came from, and exactly how it got from farm to fork.

When it comes to eating mindfully, there are many more components than just what we are eating, the who, where, when, how, and why are just as important, if not more. Shopping and eating locally make you more connected to your food and the impacts it has on your body.

10.  Eating local gives power to the consumer.

If you choose not to grow, harvest, and raise your own food, you vote with your dollar every single time you buy food. If you buy processed foods or imported foods you are creating more demand for these products. In contrast, if you buy local and demand local foods at your local grocery store, you are creating a very different demand.

Every time you buy from a local farmer you have an opportunity to ask questions, learn about their farming practices, and gain a better understanding of your food. While consumers often complain about the state of our food and agriculture systems, the reality is, as a consumer you have a choice and a lot of power.

The Bottom Line

From your health to the economy, there are many benefits of eating local. Local food is fresher, more flavorful, and more nutritious, and eating local food benefits the consumer, local farmers, and, in turn, the local economy and land. The more you eat locally the more you are able to reconnect with food and recognize the importance of real food and how it impacts your body. By supporting local farmers today, you are ensuring that there will be local farms in your community tomorrow, and that is something that is important for us all.

Butternut Squash Casserole

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Filled with squash, rice, spinach, and ricotta cheese, this butternut squash casserole is a cross between a baked risotto and lasagna and makes a hearty vegetarian meal. This casserole works equally well as a main course or a side dish and keeps well in the fridge or freezer making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.

Butternut quash casserole in a white casserole dish.

Inspired by a baked risotto and a vegetarian lasagna, this butternut squash casserole recipe has everything you love about both classic dishes and so much more. The combination of squash and sage, along with the creamy texture from the cheese, make this a heart-warming, comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that is absolutely delicious.

This savory squash casserole recipe is perfect for a cold-weather dinner and works equally well as a meal prep idea for a week’s worth of healthy lunches. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or side dish, for lunch or for dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone is sure to love.

Butternut squash casserole recipe with a serving spoon.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Easy – Made in a single baking dish, this casserole is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.
  • Delicious – With earthy flavors, a creamy texture, and lots of cheese, this butternut squash casserole is absolutely delicious.
  • Versatile – This casserole works equally well as a main course, side dish, or appetizer, for lunch, dinner, or on a holiday table.
  • Great for Meal Prep – This casserole keeps well in the fridge and freezer making it a great make-ahead meal idea.
Ingredients for butternut squash casserole: dice butternut squash, ricotta cheese, arborio rice, spinach, sage, and mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Casserole

  • Butternut Squash – This sweet and nutty-tasting winter squash is the star ingredient in this casserole recipe. The recipe calls for fresh squash, but you could certainly swap it for frozen butternut squash if needed. See the notes section of the recipe card for details. Moreover, you can swap the butternut squash for acorn squash, buttercup squash, or even sweet potatoes if you prefer.
  • Arborio Rice – To give this recipe is risotto-like texture. If you don’t have arborio rice, another short-grain rice such as carnaroli rice would work best, however, any white rice variety will work.
  • Ricotta Cheese – The use of ricotta cheese in this butternut squash casserole recipe helps to ramp up the protein content. You can use whole milk or skim milk ricotta.
  • Spinach – To add some leafy greens and a boost of fiber. The recipe calls for fresh spinach, but you could certainly swap it for frozen spinach if needed. See the notes section of the recipe card for details.
  • Broth – To add flavor and cook the rice and the squash. Feel free to use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
  • Herbs and Spices – A bit of sage, nutmeg, and salt to season the casserole and add some fall and winter flavors. Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon and a bit of black pepper too.
  • Mozzarella Cheese – And a little extra cheese to top the casserole and give it a nice cheesy taste and texture.
Raw spinach in a cast-iron skillet.
Sautéed spinach in a cast-iron spinach.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free broth.

Ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, sage, nutmeg, and salt in a white bowl.
Spinach ricotta mixture in a white bowl.

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

This butternut squash is super easy to make and doesn’t require much cooking at all. Here’s how you make it:

  1. Prepare the butternut squash. Peel the butternut squash, scoop out the seeds, and then cut it into bite-size pieces, the smaller you can make them the better. While I suggest removing the flesh from the squash, as I find it a bit tough for the dish, it is edible, and you can leave it if you prefer.
  2. Wilt the spinach. Add the chopped spinach to a pan with a bit of water and cook it for a couple of minutes until it’s all wilted and dramatically reduced in size.
  3. Mix the ricotta mixture. In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese with the wilted spinach, sage, nutmeg, and salt and stir to combine.
  4. Add to the casserole dish. Add the rice, cubed butternut squash, ricotta mixture, and broth to a casserole dish and gently stir until well incorporated.
  5. Bake the casserole. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and transfer it to the oven to bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes.
  6. Top with cheese. Once the liquid has been absorbed, the squash is tender, and the rice can be fluffed with a fork, remove the casserole dish from the oven, top it with shredded mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
  7. Serve and enjoy! Once baked, the casserole can be served immediately as a main course or a side dish.

You can find the detailed recipe instructions in the recipe card below.

Arborio rice and diced butternut squash in a casserole dish.
Arborio rice and diced butternut squash spread out in a casserole dish.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

Not only is this butternut squash casserole full of flavor but this dish is equally as delicious as it is nutritious. The use of ricotta cheese helps to add some high-quality protein to the casserole, while the squash and rice provide some complex carbohydrates, and the spinach adds a boost of greens and fiber.

Arborio rice and diced butternut squash in a casserole dish with spinach ricotta mixture on top.
Arborio rice and diced butternut squash in a casserole dish with spinach ricotta mixture spread on top.

What To Serve It With

Given this butternut squash casserole recipe is well-balanced with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, it can be served as a main course or a side dish. It would pair well with:

Arborio rice, diced butternut squash, spinach, ricotta cheese, and broth in a casserole dish.
Baked butternut squash casserole with mozzarella cheese on top.

What meat or fish goes with butternut squash casserole?

This healthy butternut squash casserole makes a wonderful holiday side dish for roast turkey, roast chicken, roast beef, and ham. It also pairs well it grilled salmon or shrimp.

Can butternut squash casserole be made ahead?

Absolutely! This butternut squash casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of butternut squash?

You can substitute butternut squash for acorn squash, buttercup squash, Hubbard squash, sugar pumpkin, or sweet potatoes.

Baked butternut squash casserole with fried sage and a serving spoon.

Storage + Reating

To Store: Leftover butternut squash casserole can be covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, transferred to an airtight container, and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: To freeze the casserole whole, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag, and place it in the freezer. To freeze the leftover casserole, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and place it in the freezer. The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: From the fridge, place the casserole in an oven-proof dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, allow the casserole to thaw overnight before placing it in the oven. To reheat from frozen, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 40-50 minutes until heated through.

Portion of healthy butternut squash casserole on a white plate with a fork.

More Butternut Squash Recipes:

Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken

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Filled with sweet and crunchy apples and creamy brie cheese, these apple and brie stuffed chicken breasts are a flavor-packed 30-minute recipe perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Apple and brie stuffed chicken breasts in a cast-iron skillet.

If you want a quick and easy recipe that is high in protein and is sure to please a crowd, look no further than this apple and brie stuffed chicken recipe. The combination of apple and brie, paired with a thyme and maple marinade, creates moist and juicy chicken breasts filled with the flavors of fall.

In fact, this recipe is so easy to make it will quickly become one of your go-to dinner recipes, and the concept is so versatile that you can stuff the chicken breasts with any combination of cheese and apples you like.

Apple brie stuffed chicken breast covered in sauce with mashed potatoes and green beans on a grey plate with a fork.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Easy – Made with minimal ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is quick and easy to make.
  • High in Protein – With 30 grams of protein per serving, these apple and brie stuffed chicken breasts are protein-packed.
  • Full of Flavor – This recipe is filled with sweet, salty, and earthy flavors.
Ingredients for apple and brie stuffed chicken: chicken breasts, brie cheese, apple, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, maple syrup, garlic clove, and salt.

What You’ll Need

  • Chicken Breasts – While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken if desired, however, you will need to extend the cooking time.
  • Apple – To add some crunch and sweetness. You can use any red apple you like.
  • Brie – To ensure the chicken is creamy and gooey. If you can’t find brie cheese, you can use camembert or cheddar cheese instead.
  • Olive Oil – To marinate and cook the chicken.
  • Maple Syrup – To add a touch of sweetness.
  • Dijon Mustard – To thicken the marinade and add flavor.
  • Thyme – To add an earthy flavor. If using fresh thyme, use triple the amount.
  • Garlic – To add some fragrance to the marinade.
  • Salt and Pepper – To season the chicken breasts.
Marinade of olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, thyme, Dijon mustard, and salt in a bowl.
Chicken breasts in a bowl with marinade ready for the fridge.
Marinated chicken breasts in a bowl.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: No adaptations are needed, this recipe is gluten-free.

To Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the brie for a nut-based cheese or non-dairy cheese alternative.

Slices of brie cheese and apple on a cutting board.
Raw chicken breasts stuffed with slices of brie and apple on a cutting board.

How to Make Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken

  1. Marinate the chicken. Combine the olive oil, maple syrup, mustard, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, whisk until well combined, then add chicken breasts and allow to marinate for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Stuff the chicken. Once marinated, slice a small pocket into the side of each chicken breast and stuff it with slices of apple and brie cheese.
  3. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or large oven-proof pan, add the chicken breasts, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly golden brown.
  4. Bake the chicken. Transfer the pan to the oven at 400°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Four apple and brie cheese stuffed chicken breasts in a cast-iron skillet.

What to Serve it With

This apple brie chicken is a great source of protein and fat. To ensure it’s a balanced meal, I recommend serving it with a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Here are some suggestions:

  • Mashed potatoes and green beans
  • Roasted potatoes and broccoli
  • Sweet potatoes and asparagus
  • Rice and green salad
Cooked apple brie stuffed chicken breasts on a grey plate.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

This stuffed chicken is delicious warm with potatoes or rice and vegetables, but can also be enjoyed cold as leftovers. Simply slice it up and serve it on top of your favorite salad or in a sandwich for a high-protein meal.

Chicken stuffed with apple and brie on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

What apples go well with brie cheese?

Brie cheese pairs well with almost any apple, however, they pair particularly well with juicy and crisp apples. Honeycrisp, granny smith, gala apples, and golden delicious apples are recommended with brie cheese.

At what temperature is stuffed chicken done?

Stuffed chicken breasts are done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Brie and apple stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Storage + Reheating

To Refrigerate: Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Once cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Place the chicken breasts in a casserole dish, add a splash of water, cover it with aluminum foil, and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warm. The chicken breasts can also be reheated on a plate in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Ensure that the chicken breasts are completely thawed before reheating.

More Brie and Chicken Recipes:

Chocolate Protein Pancakes

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These chocolate protein pancakes are the perfect high-protein breakfast to start your day! Made with Greek yogurt and chocolate protein powder, these pancakes contain 15 grams of protein per serving.

A stack of chocolate protein pancakes on a plate with fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, and maple syrup on top.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth in the morning but want to increase your protein intake at breakfast, this chocolate protein pancake recipe is for you! In a few simple steps, you can turn your favorite protein powder into delicious protein powder.

In fact, this recipe is so similar in texture to regular pancakes that the whole family is sure to love them. Once you’ve got the basics down you can add different mix-ins and toppings to make them just the way you like, without forgoing your protein needs. Plus, they are another fun way to use protein powder.

Close up of chocolate protein pancakes on a plate with a with a slice of pancake on a fork.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Pancake Recipe

  • High in Protein – Filled with Greek yogurt and protein powder, each pancake is filled with over 7 grams of protein.
  • Chocolatey – The combination of protein powder and cocoa powder ensures that the pancakes have a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Freeze Well – These pancakes freeze and reheat very well making them an ideal meal prep idea for high-protein weekday breakfasts.
Ingredients for chocolate protein pancakes: all-purpose flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, milk, egg, sugar, and Greek yogurt.

Protein Pancakes with No Banana or Oats

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these chocolate protein pancakes:

  • Chocolate Protein Powder – To ensure the pancakes are chocolatey and protein-packed. Chocolate whey protein powder will provide the best results, although any type of protein powder will work.
  • Flour – To provide structure to the pancakes; all-purpose flour is recommended, however, oat flour or 1-to-1 gluten-free flour will also work if needed.
  • Cocoa Powder – To enhance the chocolate flavor. You can use cocoa or cacao powder.
  • Greek Yogurt – To boost the protein content and ensure the pancakes are moist.
  • Egg – To ensure the pancakes have a cakey texture.
  • Vanilla Extract – To enhance the sweetness and flavor.
  • Milk – To thin the batter and add a bit more protein.
  • Sugar – To lightly sweeten the batter, although it’s optional. You can use maple syrup instead of sugar if desired.
  • Baking Essentials – Some baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure the pancakes are light and fluffy.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make them Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for 1-to-1 gluten-free flour or oat flour.

To Make them Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based protein powder, swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt, milk for almond milk, and cook the pancakes in coconut oil instead of butter.

Greek yogurt, protein powder, cocoa powder, sugar, egg, and milk in a large white mixing bowl.
Wet ingredients for protein pancakes in a large white mixing bowl.

How to Make Chocolate Protein Pancakes

  1. Mix the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients. Combine the Greek yogurt, protein powder, cocoa powder, egg, sugar, vanilla, and milk in a large bowl.
  3. Mix the batter. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold them together until the batter is well mixed, it’s okay if there are still a few lumps.
  4. Cook the pancakes. Melt a bit of butter onto a griddle or pan on medium heat and pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the griddle or pan, adding multiple if space allows. Cook until the top of each pancake begins to bubble and then flip each pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Serve and enjoy! Once cooked, serve the pancakes with maple syrup and toppings of your choice.

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Wet ingredients with dry ingredients for protein pancakes in a large white mixing bowl.
Batter for chocolate protein pancakes in a large white mixing bowl.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

While many protein pancake recipes are made with bananas and oats, I wanted to make these chocolate protein pancakes as similar to regular pancakes as possible as a reminder that more conventional recipes can be still healthy and included in a healthy diet. The objective of eating well is to ensure you’re eating balanced meals with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and fat, and you can do that with chocolate pancakes if you want to!

Are protein pancakes healthy?

Protein pancakes are a healthy choice as they have a better macronutrient balance than traditional pancakes. Their higher protein content helps to ensure they are more filling and satiating and helps to reduce blood sugar spikes in the process.

Can I just add protein powder to pancake mix?

Yes, you can add protein powder to any pancake mix, however, you may need to add slightly more liquid to the batter as the protein powder may thicken it.

Chocolate protein pancakes on a light grey plate with sliced strawberries and chocolate chips on top with maple syrup and Greek yogurt on the side.

Variations and Tips for the Best Protein Pancakes

Use whey protein powder. Although you can use any chocolate protein powder for this protein pancake recipe, whey protein powder tends to provide the best results. Plant-based protein powders tend to have a slightly grittier texture and do not absorb as well into the batter. Once you learn how to choose the best protein powder for your goals you can use it to make absolutely delicious protein pancakes.

Don’t overmix the batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated, leaving some lumps in the batter. Overmixing the batter will cause the gluten to develop, which will result in chewy instead of fluffy pancakes.

Add mix-ins. For extra sweetness, flavor, and texture, you can add some chocolate chips, ground cinnamon, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts to the pancake batter.

Boost the protein. Serve your chocolate protein pancakes with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt or skyr on top, or with a side of cottage cheese or scrambled eggs for an extra boost of protein.

Stack of chocolate protein pancakes on a plate with berries, cocoa powder, and a fork with maple syrup in the background.

Storage + Reheating

To Store: Once cooled, transfer the chocolate protein pancakes to a plate, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 7 days.

To Freeze: Layer pancakes between sheets of waxed paper, this will help to prevent them from sticking once frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container or bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: The pancakes can be reheated on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Frozen pancakes can be reheated in the toaster oven or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

More Healthy Pancake Recipes:

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

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Naturally sweetened and high in fiber, these healthy pumpkin muffins are a delicious treat with all of the flavors of fall. They work well as a healthy snack or on-the-go breakfast, just be sure to make a double batch because they are so tasty they won’t last long.

Healthy pumpkin muffins on a cooling rack with a pitcher of milk and a tea towel in the background.

There is a misconception that all muffins are unhealthy, but I need you to know, that is not the case. In truth, muffins can be both a healthy choice and an unhealthy choice, it all depends on the ingredients that they were made with!

When loaded with vegetable oils, refined flour, and refined sugar, they are certainly a less-than-ideal choice, but when made with real food any muffin has a place in a healthy diet, and that’s exactly what these healthy pumpkin muffins are.

Healthy pumpkin muffin cut in half with butter on top on a white plate with a glass of milk in the background.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, these pumpkin muffins are very quick to prepare.
  • Light & Fluffy – These muffins are incredibly moist.
  • Full of Flavor – Filled with a mixture of pumpkin pie spices, these muffins are equally delicious as they are nutritious.
  • Versatile – These healthy pumpkin muffins work well for snacks, breakfasts, or desserts.
Ingredients for healthy pumpkin muffins: flour, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, molasses, butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Ingredients for Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

  • Flour – The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, however, you could use whole wheat flour or 1-to-1 gluten-free flour if preferred.
  • Pumpkin Purée – To add moisture and pumpkin flavor. You can use canned pumpkin purée and homemade pumpkin purée, both with work. If using canned, just be sure not to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to add a hint of pumpkin spice flavor.
  • Maple Syrup – To sweeten the muffins and add flavor. While pure maple syrup is recommended, you can use brown sugar if you prefer.
  • Molasses – To add moisture and enhance the flavor.
  • Eggs – To add structure and ensure the muffins are light and fluffy.
  • Milk – You can use whole milk, 2% milk, skim milk, or non-dairy milk of your choice in these pumpkin muffins.
  • Butter – To ensure the muffins are moist. While unsalted butter is recommended, salted and unsalted will work.
  • Vanilla Extract – To enhance the sweetness.
  • Baking Essentials – Some baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure the muffins are light and fluffy.
Flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a white mixing bowl.
Dry ingredients for healthy pumpkin muffins in a white mixing bowl.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make them Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for 1-to-1 gluten-free flour.

To Make them Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for almond milk and butter for coconut oil or olive oil.

To Make them Egg-Free: Swap the eggs for 2 flax eggs.

Pumpkin puree, maple syrup, molasses, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.
Wet ingredients for healthy pumpkin muffins in a large mixing bowl.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

  1. Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin spice mix, and stir to combine.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, add the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, molasses, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, and stir until well combined.
  3. Mix the batter. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold until combined.
  4. Add to a muffin pan. Divide the muffin batter evenly across muffin cups.
  5. Bake until golden and fluffy. Transfer the muffins to the oven and bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Wet ingredients and dry ingredients for healthy pumpkin muffins in large mixing bowl.
Batter for healthy pumpkin muffins in a large mixing bowl.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

To make these healthy pumpkin muffins a more balanced meal or snack, serve them with a source of protein such as Greek yogurt, skyr, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, or a drizzle of almond butter.

Pumpkin muffin batter in muffin cups.
Baked pumpkin muffins in a muffin tin.

Tips for the Best Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

  • Make your own pumpkin purée. While you can certainly use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe, homemade pumpkin purée is very easy to make and much more cost-effective. Simply seed a sugar pumpkin, cut it into wedges, add it to a baking dish or baking sheet, and roast it in the oven at 400°F until tender. Once roasted, remove the skin and purée the flesh in a blender until smooth.
  • Add oats. Add extra fiber to the batter by swapping 1/2 cup of the flour for 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats.
  • Mix them up. Add additional flavor and texture to these healthy pumpkin muffins by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter. See details below.
Pumpkin muffins cooling on a rack.

Optional Add-Ins

These muffins are great on their own, but if you’d like to make them extra special, you can add one of the following, or a combination of the following, to the pumpkin muffin batter:

  • 1 cup chopped dark chocolate
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 1 cup raisins
Healthy pumpkin muffins on a plate.

Storage + Reheating

To Store: Allow the pumpkin muffins to cool and then place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

To Freeze: Allow the muffins to cool completely and then place them in a single layer in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: To thaw frozen muffins, allow them to thaw at room temperature, or use a thaw setting on your microwave. Once thawed, you can warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F wrapped in aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes.

More Healthy Pumpkin Recipes:

 

 

Tofu Sandwich

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Turn a humble block of tofu into vegetarian-style deli meat with this tofu sandwich recipe! Not only is it easy to make but it keeps well in the fridge making it a great make-ahead lunch idea.

A tofu sandwich with cut in half and stacked on top of each other on a white plate with chips in the background.

Tofu is such an underrated ingredient; in fact, it’s got a bad reputation that it does not deserve. Tofu is a wonderful source of plant-based protein, containing 9.4 grams of protein per 100-gram serving, and is also a source of calcium, iron, and potassium. Moreover, it’s incredibly inexpensive and versatile and can be used in everything from curries to stir-fries, to soups and scrambled eggs, to sauces, smoothies, and sandwiches.

With a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious baked marinated tofu that resembles deli meat that you can add to your favorite sandwich or wrap to create a protein-packed meal. While it may seem a little strange, trust me on this one, and give this tofu sandwich a try.

A tofu sandwich cut in half on a white plate with chips.

Why You’ll Love This Tofu Sandwich Recipe

  • Easy to Make – If you can turn on the oven, use a knife, and stir a marinade, you can make this baked marinated tofu sandwich.
  • Inexpensive – Serving per serving, these tofu deli meat slices cost much less than deli meat.
  • Versatile – Once you’ve got the basics down, you can add other herbs, spices, and ingredients to the tofu marinade and mix and match the sandwich toppings as you like.
  • Great for Meal Prep – The tofu slices keep well in the fridge and freezer making them great for meal prep.
Sliced tofu on a cutting board with a jar of marinade.

Tofu Sandwich Ingredients

  • Tofu – Firm or extra-firm tofu will work best.
  • Soy Sauce – To add a salty flavor.
  • Maple Syrup – A bit of sweetness to balance the saltiness.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – A bit of acid to balance the salty and sweet flavors.
  • Spices – A combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to season the tofu.
  • Bread – Sourdough or whole-grain bread is recommended but any type of bread will work.
  • Toppings – Lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, avocado, mustard, sprouts, or any other sandwich toppings of your choice.
Soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, onion, garlic, and paprika in a large glass measuring cup.
Marinade for tofu sandwich slices in a large glass measuring cup.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free bread.

To Make it Dairy-Free: No adaptations are needed, this recipe is dairy-free.

Thinly sliced tofu in a baking dish.
Thinly sliced tofu soaking in marinade in a baking dish.

How to Make Tofu Sandwich Meat

  1. Press the tofu. Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a tea towel and place something heavy on top to remove any excess liquid.
  2. Slice the tofu. Place the pressed tofu on a cutting board and thinly slice it into 1/8 to 1/4-inch slices.
  3. Mix the marinade. In a bowl, add the soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, and paprika, and whisk until well combined.
  4. Marinade the tofu. Place the sliced tofu in a bowl or baking dish, cover with the marinade, and allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Bake the tofu. Place the marinated tofu onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Once baked, allow to cool.
  6. Make a sandwich. Assemble the slices of tofu into a sandwich with toppings of your choice.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Baked tofu sandwich deli meat on a parchment lined baking sheet ready for tofu sandwiches.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

This tofu sandwich recipe contains 20 grams of protein, however, if you want to increase the protein content you could add a slice of cheese or a spread of hummus.

More Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes:

Tofu sandwich with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and avocado on a white plate with a bowl of chips.

Is tofu deli meat healthy?

Absolutely! Tofu is made from soybeans and is a good source of vegetarian protein and fiber. Homemade tofu deli meat is made with simple ingredients and is a great way to add protein to a sandwich.

Can tofu be used as meat?

Yes, you can use tofu as a replacement for meat in a sandwich to increase the protein content.

Can I cook the tofu in a pan?

Although this recipe calls for baking the tofu, you can cook the tofu slices in a pan for 1-2 minutes per side if you prefer.

A tofu sandwich recipe served on a plate with chips.

Storage

Once baked and cooled, the tofu slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Tofu Recipes:

Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal

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Filled with rolled oats, cinnamon, pecans, fresh apple, and a touch of maple syrup, this apple pie baked oatmeal is a naturally sweetened and high-fiber breakfast that will keep you fueled and full until lunch.

Slice of apple pie baked oatmeal with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and chopped apples on a white plate with a gold fork and a side of pecans.

Consuming a well-balanced breakfast, complete with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, is a great way to ensure you are fueled for the day ahead, and oatmeal is a great way to do exactly what.

Fortunately, you don’t need to stand over a hot stove every morning when you can make a batch of this apple pie baked oatmeal for the whole week. Just add all the ingredients to a bowl, give it a good mix, then pour the batter into a baking pan, bake it in the oven, and come back to a fragrant apple pie-inspired breakfast you can store in the fridge and enjoy for many mornings to come.

Close up of apple pie baked oatmeal in a white baking dish with a small bowl of chopped pecans on the side.

Why I Love Baked Oatmeal

  • Easy – These apple pie baked oats are so easy to make even the most beginner of cooks can make this recipe.
  • High in Fiber – The combination of rolled oats and apples ensures that this dish contains over 7 grams of fiber per serving.
  • Versatile – These oats can be eaten hot or cold, on their own, or with toppings of your choice making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a grab-and-go weekday breakfast.
  • Great for Meal Prep – This apple pie baked oatmeal keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer, making it a great meal prep idea.
Ingredients for apple pie baked oatmeal: rolled oats, fresh apples, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, salt, butter, egg, maple syrup, and milk.

Ingredients for Apple Baked Oatmeal

  • Rolled Oats – Be sure to use rolled oats or old-fashioned rolled oats, quick-cooking oats and steel-cut oats are not recommended.
  • Apples – Because you can’t make apple pie baked oatmeal without apples. Seasonal, local, fresh apples will provide the best texture and flavor, but you can truly use any type of red apple you like.
  • Pecans – To add some crunch and healthy fats.
  • Spices – A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to ensure the baked oatmeal is filled with apple pie spices.
  • Milk – To cook the oats and add some protein. You can use regular milk or non-dairy milk of your choice.
  • Egg – To help bind the apple pie baked oats.
  • Vanilla Extract – To add flavor and enhance the sweetness.
  • Maple Syrup – To add some natural sweetness and flavor, you could use brown sugar if you prefer.
  • Butter – For greasing and to add some healthy fats.
  • Baking Essentials – Some baking powder and salt to ensure the oats are light and fluffy.
White bowl with egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
Mixed wet ingredients for apple pie baked oatmeal.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.

To Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for almond milk or non-dairy milk of your choice and swap the butter for coconut oil.

To Make it Egg-Free: Swap the egg for a flax egg.

Large white bowl of rolled oats, chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt.
Mixed wet and dry oat mixture.

How to Make Apple Baked Oatmeal

  1. Mix the wet ingredients. Add the egg, maple syrup, vanilla, melted butter, and milk to a bowl and whisk until well combined.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients. Combine the oats, chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
  3. Mix the batter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stir to combine, and then fold in diced apples.
  4. Bake until golden. Transfer the oatmeal mixture to a greased baking pan and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Mixed batter for baked oatmeal with chopped apples on top.
Mixed batter for apple pie baked oatmeal.

Best Apples for Baked Oatmeal

While you can truly make apple pie baked oatmeal with any apple, however, much like apple pie, certain fresh apples have a better texture once baked. For the best results, I recommend using the following apples for baked oats:

  • Cortland
  • Braeburn
  • Northern Spy
  • Pink Lady
  • Honeycrisp
  • Golden Delicious
  • Jonagold
  • Gala
Apple pie baked oatmeal batter in a baking dish.
Apple pie baked oatmeal batter in a baking dish with sliced apple on top.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

While this recipe contains 21 grams of sugar per serving, most of the sugar content in the recipe is from natural sugars present in the apples and milk. In fact, there is little added sugar in this recipe from the maple syrup, roughly 1/2 tablespoon, which is less than 7 grams per serving to be precise. Not to mention, it contains over 7 grams of fiber per serving. The distinction between natural and added sugar is important to consider when reviewing nutrition facts.

Baked apple cinnamon baked oatmeal in a casserole dish with a gold serving spoon.

Serving Suggestions

While the apple cinnamon baked oatmeal can be enjoyed on its own, serving it with toppings or sides can ensure you’re eating a heartier and more filling breakfast.

  • To increase the protein content, serve the baked oatmeal with milk, yogurt, Greek yogurt, or skyr on top, or with a side of cottage cheese or eggs.
  • To increase the fiber content, serve the baked oatmeal with additional diced apples or other fruit of your choice.
  • To add flavor and texture, serve the baked oatmeal with a drizzle of maple syrup, a bit of brown sugar, chopped pecans or walnuts, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
  • To turn it from a breakfast into a sweet snack or treat, serve the baked oatmeal with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Sliced apple cinnamon baked oatmeal.

Storage

To Store: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely and then cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: To freeze baked oatmeal whole, cool completely, then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil and then place the entire baking dish in a freezer-safe bag. To freeze leftovers or individual portions, transfer the baked oatmeal to an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Baked oatmeal can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: To reheat baked oatmeal whole, allow it to thaw completely, and then cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. To reheat individual portions, place a thawed portion in an oven-proof baking dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes.

Baked apple cinnamon baked oatmeal on a plate with syrup, Greek yogurt, and fresh apple on top.

More Baked Oatmeal Recipes:

 

 

How to Track What You Eat

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Tracking calories is a common recommendation for weight loss; however, there are many ways to track what you eat. From journaling to photos to macros, there are many methods of tracking that can help you improve your eating habits and relationship with food. Here are some tips on how to track your food and some tools that can help you do so.

Woman with iPhone open to a calorie tracking app in the kitchen and prepared food on a the counter.

Table of contents

The Benefits of Tracking Food

Research shows that people often underestimate their food intake, sometimes by as much as 30 to 50 percent (1). While most people know an overflowing plate of food is high in calories, many people do not recognize that even whole foods can be high in calories and, therefore, often misjudge portions, which leads to consuming more calories than intended.

For this reason, food tracking is a great tool for weight loss, however, there are many uses for and benefits of food journaling beyond weight. In fact, tracking what you eat and drink can help to create awareness around your food choices, create accountability, show you what you are doing well, and identify areas of opportunity in your eating habits.

In addition to weight loss, tracking your food can help with gaining weight, maintaining weight, building muscles, improving athletic performance, identifying digestive issues, food allergies and intolerances, and identifying emotional eating behaviors and triggers.

Infographic on how to track your food: what you ate, when you ate, where you ate, who you ate with, how much you ate, and how you felt.

How to Track Your Food

There are many ways to track your food intake, from journaling to digital apps; however, exactly what you track is important. Healthy eating is about more than simply what you eat; when, where, why, with whom, and how much you eat can have a massive impact on your eating habits.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, solve digestive issues, eat more intuitively, or become more aware of your food choices, the information you include in your food journal can have a major impact on your progress. Here are some things you should consider tracking:

  • What You Ate – Track exactly what you eat and drink throughout the day and be as detailed as possible. Track the primary ingredients, as well as cooking oils, sauces, condiments, and beverages.
  • When You Ate – Track the time of day that you eat. Don’t forget to track snacks and nibbles, as well as meals.
  • Where You Ate – Track where you eat your meals and snacks. Note whether you ate at the dinner table, on the couch, at your desk, or in the car.
  • Who You Were With – Track whether you eat alone or with other people. If you were with others, list who you were with.
  • How Much You Ate – Track how much you eat. This can be measured by the hand portion size method, by volume (e.g., 1/2 cup, 1 tablespoon, and 1 teaspoon), or by weight (e.g., 100 grams and 3 ounces).
  • How You Felt Before and After – Track how you are feeling physically and mentally before and after you eat. How hungry are you? Are you happy, sad, stressed, or bored? How full are you? The hunger-fullness scale is a helpful tool for this and is particularly important for individuals working on mindful eating behaviors.

The more information you track, the more data you will have to identify eating patterns and adjust your plan as needed to support your goals. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that when you eat, where you eat, and who you eat with can impact what and how much you eat.

Infographic on ways to track what you eat: food journal in a notebook, digital file or spreadsheet, pictures, hand portions, calorie counting, and macro counting.

6 Ways to Track What You Eat

Depending on your personal health goals, here are some different ways to track your food:

1. Journal

One of the simplest ways to track food is to use a pad of paper or notebook to keep a food journal. Much like a personal diary, using pen and paper, you can note down what, when, where, why, with whom, and how much you ate, and how you felt before and after. This method is simple to execute and easy to adhere to long term.

2. File or Spreadsheet

In addition to a paper food journal, you can use a Word document and Excel spreadsheet to track your food. This method is helpful for more digitally inclined individuals or people who find themselves on their computer or phone all day long.

3. Pictures

If you’re more visual, taking a photo of your meals and snacks is another simple and effective way to track your food. With the snap of a button, you can create a visual food diary of what you ate, as well as when and where. While you can certainly keep these in your phone’s camera roll, there are also several food tracking apps that allow you to take and store pictures of your meals in a detailed manner.

4. Hand Portion Tracking

The hand portion size method is a food tracking method that allows you to roughly track how much you are eating without weighing or measuring your food. By using your hand as a guide for portion sizes, you can estimate your personal portion size and track how many portions of each macronutrient you eat per day. This method is simple to understand, easy to execute, can help with portion control, and even support a weight loss goal without counting calories.

5. Calorie Counting

The calorie counting method allows you to set and track a certain number of calories to eat each day based on your height, weight, age, activity level, and goal. Of all food tracking methods, calorie counting is the most accurate for creating a calorie deficit, as it requires that all food and drinks consumed be weighed or measured. While this allows for maximal precision and can be very educational for some, it can be stressful and can be too time-consuming for others. Most calorie tracking apps also track nutritional values and many can track physical activity if desired.

6. Macro Counting

Macro counting is a form of calorie counting where calories are divided between the three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Rather than only counting calories, a set number of grams is attributed to each macronutrient. Macro counting is even more detailed than calorie counting and can be particularly helpful for athletes, to ensure they are properly fueling for their sport, or individuals with specific body composition goals, such as bodybuilders. This method of tracking also requires the weighing and measuring of all food and drinks, however, it allows the individual to track nutritional information most precisely, including total calorie, protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, sugar, and micronutrient intake.

What apps track what you eat?

There are hundreds of different apps you can use to track your food, however, these are my top recommendations:

  • Ate – The Ate app is a food journaling app that allows you to take photos of your meals and add written notes. This app is great for individuals who have never tracked their food or individuals looking to prioritize mindful eating without tracking calories. By simply taking a photo of your meal, you can easily track what you ate, how much you ate, and when you ate, which can help to identify eating habits, increase mindful eating behaviors, and identify potential areas of opportunity.
  • Tally – The Tally app is designed to track anything but can easily be used to track what you eat. By setting daily tallies to reflect portions of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fruits, and vegetables, you can track the number of portions you are consuming per day. This app is great for individuals looking to create more balanced meals and/or ensure they are consuming adequate amounts of each macronutrient. the Tally app is incredibly easy to use and can help to take the stress out of tracking your food.
  • MyFitnessPal – The MyFitnessPal app is great for individuals looking to count calories and/or track macros. It has a barcode scanner and a large food database, allowing you to track almost any food on the market, and you can easily add your own recipes in a few simple steps. This app is particularly helpful for individuals looking to gain weight, lose weight, maintain weight, or gain muscle as it allows the user to track food in a more detailed manner. MyFitnessPal offers a free version, which includes ads, and a paid version, which is ad-free and includes additional premium features.
  • Carbon – The Carbon app is more than a calorie counter, it’s an intuitive diet coaching app. Much like MyFitnessPal, Carbon utilizes an easy-to-use food tracker with a large database of foods and allows the user to create custom foods and recipes. However, unlike other calorie-counting apps, Carbon offers a science-based coaching system that analyzes the user’s weekly progress via scheduled check-ins and adjusts calorie and macro targets based on progress. Moreover, the app allows the user to dictate their desired rate of progress, as well as any dietary preferences. Although there is a monthly fee for this app, it comes at a fraction of the price of one-on-one coaching.
Infographic on how to select the best method or food tracking app for your personal goals: journaling vs. hand portion tracking vs. calorie tracking apps vs. macro counting apps.

How to Select the Best Food Tracking Method For You

The “best” food tracking method is completely subjective; it depends on the individual and their goal. When selecting a tracking method, it is important to select a method that you understand and find informative, educational, and easy to adhere to. It’s also important to avoid methods that cause stress, you find overly time consuming, or trigger any emotional or disordered eating behaviors. In general:

A food journal is great for:

  • Fostering a healthy relationship with food
  • Focusing on hunger cues
  • Identifying eating patterns
  • Identifying food triggers
  • Addressing digestive issues
  • Long-term use

Hand portion tracking is great for:

  • Ease and convenience
  • Learning about portion sizes
  • Estimating calorie intake
  • On-the-go, busy people
  • Most body composition goals

Calorie/macro counting is great for:

  • Ensuring maximum precision
  • Number-oriented individuals
  • Athletes or individuals with advanced needs
  • Learning about calories
  • Short-term use

It should also be noted that you can stop tracking or switch tracking methods at any time. If you start tracking with a paper food diary and decide you want something more detailed, you can switch to calorie or macro counting at any time, and vice versa.

If you are unsure of what tracking method to use or how to track your food for your personal goals, it is best to work with a registered dietician to create a personalized plan.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or determine the root cause of your digestive issues, there are many ways to track your food and the benefits of doing so. A food journal, calorie counting, and macro counting are all great ways to track food intake, support your health goals, and create better eating habits. The best approach to tracking your food is one that you feel comfortable doing, supports your mental health, and can easily adhere to.

Thai Chicken Noodle Soup

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Turn chicken curry into chicken noodle soup with this Thai chicken noodle soup recipe. Filled with rice noodles, chicken, and veggies, this quick and easy meal is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

A bowl of Thai chicken noodle soup with rice noodles wrapped around chopsticks.

Curries are one of my favorite cold-weather meals because they are creamy, spicy, and full of flavor. I’ve shared lots of Thai-inspired curry recipes on my website before, so this is just another fun recipe to add to the repertoire.

The thing I love most about this particular recipe is that it’s so easy to make and yet it packs so much flavor. Not to mention, it’s super versatile. Once you’ve got the basics down you can mix and match the type of curry paste, noodles, and vegetables to create your own version of this Thai chicken noodle soup!

Close up of a bowl of Thai chicken noodle soup with rice noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • Cozy – Full of spices and warming flavors, this chicken noodle soup is a cozy and comforting meal.
  • High in Protein – With 25 grams of protein per serving, it’s a protein-packed meal.
  • Full of Veggies – This Thai chicken noodle soup is full of veggies making it a fiber-rich meal.
  • Made in One Pot – This soup is made in one pot to ensure cleanup is quick and easy.
Ingredients for Thai chicken noodle soup: rice noodles, chicken breasts, coconut milk, red curry paste, mushrooms, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, bell pepper, and lime.

Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

  • Chicken – You can use raw chicken breasts, leftover chicken, or rotisserie chicken in this recipe. See the notes section in the recipe card for details.
  • Noodles – While rice noodles work best in this recipe, you can also use egg noodles if desired.
  • Veggies – A combination of onion, carrots, red bell pepper, and mushrooms adds color and fiber to the soup.
  • Garlic and Ginger – To add flavor and fragrance to this chicken noodle soup.
  • Curry Paste – You can use Thai red curry paste or Thai green curry paste.
  • Chili – While optional, a red Thai chili will increase the heat level of the soup.
  • Broth – You can use chicken stock, chicken broth, or vegetable broth.
  • Coconut Milk – You can use light or full-fat coconut milk.
  • Fish Sauce – While optional, a dash of fish sauce helps to season the soup.
  • Cilantro – Some fresh cilantro to add some greens and brightness to the chicken noodle soup. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you could use some baby spinach instead.

Dietary Adaptions

To Make it Gluten-Free: While most curry pastes are naturally gluten-free, read your curry paste label to be sure.

To Make it Dairy-Free: No adaptations are needed, this recipe is dairy-free.

To Make it Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth.

To Make it Low-Fat: Use light coconut milk.

Pot of Thai chicken soup with chicken broth with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables, and rice noodles.
Pot of Thai chicken soup with chicken broth with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables, rice noodles, and chicken on top.
Pot of Thai chicken soup with chicken broth with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables, rice noodles, and chicken and fresh cilantro on top.

How to Make Thai Chicken Noodle Soup

  1. Sautée the veggies. Add the onion, carrots, red bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger to a large pot and cook until tender.
  2. Add the curry paste. Add the curry paste to the pot and stir to coat the vegetables.
  3. Add the broth and chicken. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and add the raw chicken, bring to a boil, and simmer until the chicken is cooked.
  4. Shred the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, and shred it into bite-size pieces.
  5. Add the noodles. Add the rice noodles to the pot of broth and cook until partially cooked through.
  6. Add the coconut milk and shredded chicken. Pour the can of coconut milk into the pot, add the shredded chicken, and fresh cilantro, and continue cooking the soup until the noodles are tender.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

You can find the detailed instructions for this Thai chicken soup in the recipe card below.

Red’s Nutrition Tip

This Thai chicken soup is a balanced meal with protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fat. At 567 calories per serving is a hearty, healthy, and filling meal. If you’d like to reduce the calorie content of this soup, simply use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk.

Large pot of Thai chicken noodle soup with cilantro on top, a side of lime wedges, and a grey tea towel.

Variations & Tips

Here are some simple variations and tips for making the best Thai chicken noodle soup recipe:

Add curry paste to taste. Different brands and types of Thai curry paste have different flavors and spice levels, so feel free to adjust the amount of curry paste to suit your personal taste. If you like things spicy, add more, if you prefer a more subtle flavor, add less.

Cook the noodles separately. Although I cooked the noodles directly in the soup, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup once it’s cooked.

Mix up the vegetables. You can use a wide variety of vegetables in this Thai chicken noodle soup. Although I used carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms in my recipe, green beans, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, eggplant, snap peas, and snow peas would all work well. You can even use a frozen vegetable blend if you like.

Use shrimp or tofu. You can make this recipe pescatarian by swapping the chicken for shrimp, simply add the cooked shrimp to the soup when you add the noodles. You can make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the chicken for tofu, simply cook the tofu in a separate pan or roast it in the oven, then add it to the soup with the noodles.

More Thai-Inspired Recipes:

Two bowls of Thai chicken noodle soup served with cilantro and red chili with chopsticks and a side of lime wedges.

What are the best noodles to use?

I used pad Thai noodles in my recipes, however, you can use any style of rice noodles you enjoy. If using instant noodles, you will need to adjust the cooking time.

Can I cook the noodles in the soup?

Yes. This recipe cooks the noodles directly in the soup, for ease and convenience, however, you can cook the noodles separately if you prefer.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

To make this Thai chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients, except the noodles, to a slow cooker and cook it on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, and shred it into pieces. Add the noodles to the slow cooker, turn it to high, and cook the noodles until tender. Then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, along with the coconut milk and cilantro, and stir it to combine.

Close of of spicy chicken noodle soup with rice noodles wrapped around chopsticks.

Storage + Reheating

To Refrigerate: Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container, or separate containers, and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To make grab-and-go meals and reheating easier, you can freeze the soup in individual portion-sized containers.

To Reheat: To reheat from the fridge, place the soup in a pot on the stovetop on medium heat and warm for 5 minutes or until heated through. To reheat from frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and then place the soup in a pot on the stovetop on medium heat and warm for 5 minutes or until heated through. To reheat the soup in the microwave, place thawed soup in a microwave-safe bowl and warm for 1-2 minutes, with 30 additional 30-second increments as needed depending on the strength of your microwave.

More Chicken Soup Recipes:

About Stephanie

I’m a nutritionist on a mission to change the way you look at food and teach you how to make real food work for real life in a realistic way.

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