Savory and simple Mashed Potato Cauliflower Casserole is loaded with all the savory comfort flavors of “real” mashed potatoes like real butter, cream cheese, and cream but a little less carby. Try it with Crockpot Drip Beef for a bun less bowl full of comfort and joy!
In my family, Mashed Potatoes are not anything to mess around with. So when I tested this mashed potato cauliflower casserole it was a big Go with a bright green flashing light!
This dish is a perfect do-ahead, one-pot side that can easily be incorporated into a big family holiday feast or as an everyday staple.
Make it all veggie for a Meatless Monday Meal and serve with this Curry Vegetable Soup…OMGosh, so good!
EASY INGREDIENTS
Fresh Cauliflower, medium to large in size
Russet Potatoes, you can use any kind of potatoes but I prefer russets for peeling and boiling
Onion & Garlic, of course!
Fresh Rosemary & Thyme
Chicken Broth
Cream Cheese
Real Butter
Eggs
Whipping Cream or Half & Half
Parmesan Cheese, grated
Salt & Pepper
STEP BY STEP
STEP ONE – Peel potatoes then cut up into big chunks. Cut onions, cauliflower, and minced garlic. Put in large stovetop pan like this dutch oven pot.
STEP TWO – Add the broth, fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Boil until all the veggies are soft and mashable…about 30 minutes.
STEP THREE – Drain in a colander and return back to the pot.
STEP FOUR – Take out rosemary and thyme sprigs leaving cooked herb leaves. Add butter, cream cheese, and salt and pepper. Mashup with an immersion blender or hand-held potato masher like this one.
STEP FIVE – When mixture is mashed and almost smooth, add beaten eggs and cream. Blend again.
STEP SIX – Stir in half of the parmesan cheese. Add remaining cheese on top and sprinkle with ground pepper and extra thyme leaves.
STEP SEVEN – Bake at 375 degrees until done. About 40 minutes.
STEP EIGHT – Let cool slightly, sprinkle with green onions, more pepper and salt if needed..ENJOY!!
SERVING OPTIONS
There are so many ways and occassions to serve this simple, savory, comforting dish.
Serve it with Thanksgiving Turkey with lots of savory gravy on top.
This dish would be wonderful as a side dish to crusty herbed Prime Rib and the Au Jus (instead of parmesan cheese try blue cheese for more of a holiday feel).
Add bacon and cheddar cheese and serve it in place of a twice-baked potato when serving steak.
Use it as the topping instead of all potatoes in your Shepard’s Pie.
Mashed Potato Cauliflower Casserole is loaded with all the savory comfort flavors of "real" mashed potatoes but with more of the good-for-you foods and less of the not so good for you stuff. It's a one-pot, gluten-free side that is welcome at both holiday tables and as a base to a savory stew.
This Drip Beef recipe is the best, easiest, savory Drip Beef Sandwich you will ever make. The perfect blend of onions, rosemary, thyme combined with well seasoned slow-cooked beef makes the best Au Jus you will ever put in your mouth. This dinner idea will be your all-time favorite crockpot recipes.
Top this yummy sandwich off with a drizzle of this Italian Queso or a big dollop of Spicy Rotel and get ready for a wonderful, comforting experience! Warning: you’ll need to take a little nappy after indulging!!
DRIP BEEF VS. ITALIAN BEEF
In Oklahoma, we consider Drip Beef a game day staple. Made with a tender roast, slow-cooked with onions, onion soup mix, and some fresh woody herbs thrown in.
In other parts of the country, almost the same exact sandwich is called Italian Beef. Italian Beef is known to have green peppers, onions, maybe some oregano. In our family, we prefer a no pepper sauce but maybe a pickle or two on the side.
DRIP BEEF SLIDERS
Instead of on a big hoagie bun try serving it as Beef Sliders. Serving it in smaller buns allows more chances to experiment with different topping options. This Fresh Tomato Bruschetta would be amazing as would our Easy Homemade Salsa.
If you wanted a non-tomato topping this Cilantro-Dill Dressing or our Jalapeno Chipolte Ranch Dressing hit the spot. All of these topping suggestions are easy make-ahead condiments for easy serving on game days or holiday meals.
Salt and pepper both sides of the meat, I use Lawry’s season salt.
Place in crockpot insert panwith a couple of tablespoons of oil, and sear on both sides until the meat is kind of crusty and golden brown. Note: If you don’t have a slow cooker that has a sear function or one with an insert pan so you can sear it on the stove in a cast-iron skillet. At the bottom of this post👇 I’ve suggested a few brands that I’ve either used or want to use:)
After you sear the meat on all sides, place the cut-up onion and garlic underneath the meat acting as a platform.
6 HOURS OF YUMMY TORTURE
Throw in fresh whole thyme and rosemary sprigs on the open sides.
Open the single package of Lipton’s Onion Soup mix and sprinkle on top of the meat.
Pour about a cup of beef broth (you can use chicken broth if you don’t have any beef broth) around the meat; avoiding the top of the roast.
Cover and cook on high for six hours in the crock pot…try not to open the lid. I’d highly recommend you exit the premises until you’re ready to chow; It smells THAT good!!!
DRIP BEEF TOPPING AND ADDINS
In addition to the savory onions, garlic, and lots of fresh backyard herbs this goodness is cooked in, try adding sliced fresh jalapenos and red bell peppers to spice it up. Note: Just don’t add them in the broth to cook. The au jus will not turn out tasting like onion…it will taste like pepper au jus…blah!
Add cheese on top of the meat to make it like a Philly Beef Sandwich. Personally I prefer a big scoop of real mayo and Dijon mustard mixed together on the bread, YUM!!
Marinated roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, or even marinated artichoke hearts would be delish! And don’t forget the pickle!!
The DUNK in this yummy, oniony, herby homemade au jus broth is a day maker! I promise, every bite gets better. You won’t want to stop until you’ve reached “Couch Level”. Then you know you’re done😉
These easy Rice Krispie Treats are made with Rice Krispies Cereal, real butter, mini marshmallows, three different kinds of M&Ms, and salted sunflower kernels snuck in for that perfect sweet and salty smile-inducing soft and crunchy treat. Rice Krispies Treats are loved by both young and old and are a fast and simple dessert to whip together at the last minute.
RICE KRISPIE TREATS VARIATIONS
So where do you start with all the fun, creative possibilities? The white neutral color of the Rice Krispie combined with marshmallows is a perfect canvas for festive, colorful combinations!
Try some of these ideas after you get make this recipe a household staple!
I could go on and on…the assortment of addins is never ending!
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS RICE KRISPIE TREAT RECIPE
These fun, smile-inducing Rice Krispies Treat are perfect for the first day of school, work celebrations, birthday parties, any occasion you want to add extra happiness!
INGREDIENTS
Frosted Rice Krispies Cereal
mini marshmallows
real butter
real vanilla extract
sunflower seed kernels
3 kinds of M&Ms
confetti sprinkles
HOW TO MAKE RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Rice Krispies Treats are about the easiest snack treat you can possibly make!
STEP ONE – Melt 1.5 sticks of real butter over a medium heat…be careful not to burn the butter.
STEP TWO – Add 2, 10 oz. packages of plain mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir with a rubber spatula until marshmallows are just melted with a few semi-melted marshmallows left.
Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have any semi-melted marshmallows left…it will taste the same.Or add a few more marshmallows after you take the mix off the heat. You can never have enough marshmallows in these treats!
STEP THREE – Turn the heat off and add the real vanilla to the marshmallow mixture, stir until just incorporated.
STEP FOUR – Add the Rice Krispies Cereal to the mixture and just stir to combine.
Tip: Stop here if you just want simple gooey, yummy and crunchy treats!
STEP FIVE – Add the sunflower seed kernels, M&Ms, and stir to just combined.
STEP SIX – Scoop out big scoops of the mixture into a 9″x13″ glass, metal, or ceramic pan lined with parchment paper. Press gently with buttered or greased hands until all the mix is formed to the pan. Sprinkle with colorful candy sprinkles.
Tip: Let your Rice Krispies Treats set out at room temperature for a couple of hours or place in the refrigerator until serving time. Let them come back to room temperature after cutting in order to soften them back up.
EXTRA TIPS FOR THE BEST RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Rice Krispie Treats can easily be made in the microwave. In a microwave-safe large bowl melt the butter. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and microwave in short intervals. In between intervals stir mixture. Continue until everything is just melted. Add vanilla and stir. Then add Rice Krispies and stir to just combined. Spread out in the pan and let sit for a bit.
Add Chocolate Chips for Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats. Add about a cup or more of chocolate chips to the melted marshmallows. Stir until melted. If you want them more chocolatey add more chips.
Pop these in the fridge for about an hour to make them easier to cut into squares.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cutting. Use the “paper handles” from the parchment paper for easy lifting of the whole square. Place on cutting board and cut…easy peasy!
Use a larger or smaller pan for the desired thickness.
Pressing down too firm will create a much denser, crunchier texture.
Rice Krispie Treats are made with Rice Krispies Cereal, real butter, mini marshmallows, three different kinds of M&Ms, and salted sunflower kernels snuck in for that perfect sweet and salty smile-inducing soft and crunchy treat.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword fun dessert, gift treats, M&Ms, no bake, quick dessert, rice krispie treats, snack, sunflower seeds
Prep Time 20minutes
Servings 15
Calories 210kcal
Author Elise
Ingredients
3/4cupreal butter1.5 sticks
20ozmini marshmallows2, 10oz bags
9cupfrosted Rice Krispie Cereal1 regular size box
1tbspreal vanilla extractor more to taste
1/3cupsalted sunflower seed kernelsor more to taste
1.5cupmixed M&Mscrispy, carmel, regulare
candy sprinkles, generous portion sprinkled on top
Instructions
STEP ONE – Melt 1.5 sticks of real butter over a medium heat…be careful not to burn the butter. STEP TWO – Add 2, 10 oz. packages of plain mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir with a rubber spatula until marshmallows are just melted with a few semi-melted marshmallows left.
STEP THREE – Turn the heat off and add the real vanilla to the marshmallow mixture, stir until just incorporated. STEP FOUR – Add the Rice Krispies Cereal to the mixture and just stir to combine.
STEP FIVE – Add the sunflower seed kernels, M&Ms, and stir to just combined.STEP SIX – Scoop out big scoops of the mixture into a 9"x13" glass, metal, or ceramic pan lined with parchment paper. Press gently with buttered or greased hands until all the mix is formed to the pan. Sprinkle with colorful candy sprinkles.
Notes
Microwave Instructions: In a microwave-safe large bowl melt the butter.Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and microwave in short intervals.In between intervals stir mixture. Continue until everything is just melted.Add vanilla and stir.Add Rice Krispies and stir to just combined.Spread out in the pan and let sit for a bit.
This Chocolate Orange Pecan Pie is the Christmas dessert you didn’t know you were missing! Oh my is it good!!! This pie is a magical blend of buttery, golden, decedent filling with a hint of orange and rich dark chocolate morsels all surrounding fresh toasted pecans.
It is absolutely perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday table and as easy to make as this Southern Pecan Pie but with just 2 more ingredients! The holidays are not complete without this glorious treat.
CHOCOLATE ORANGE PECAN PIE INGREDIENTS
I love to make pie, anykind of pie but I do believe Pecan Pie is my obsolute favorite. I’m not sure it’s my favorite because I’m from Oklahoma and I’ve always had a pecan tree in my backyard or because if it’s Thanksgiving and that’s the go light for the eating season.
QUALITY INGREDIENTS ARE KEY
4 large or 5 medium local farm raised eggs, most stores carry local eggs now days
sugar
Karo Syrup…I know, I know it’s not all that great for you but it is the holidays!
small amount of flour
good quality butter
vanilla extract…I use Madagascar
good quality dark or milk chocolate chips
good quality orange liqueur, I used Cointreau
fresh pecans…I use my own pecans from our backyard garden unless it’s the 7th year pecan drought, then I’ll by local
pie crust, I use store-bought…it’s easy!
HOW TO MAKE A CHOCOLATE ORANGE PECAN PIE
STEP ONE – Easiest way to start is with an unbaked pie shell or one in a box that you place in your own pie plate or a 10″ cast iron skillet.
STEP TWO – Beat your eggs first in a mixing bowl.
STEP THREE – Add sugar and flour gradually while beating the eggs. Make sure big lumps from the flour are gone.
STEP FOUR – Add Karo Syrup (light or dark or a combo of both), melted butter, vanilla, and orange liqueur such as Cointreau. Mix well.
STEP FIVE – Place pecan pieces and chocolate chips in an unbaked pie shell. Pour egg and sugar mixture over pecans.
STEP SIX – Design pecan halves on top of filling mixture. Note: most pecan pie recipes I’ve seen skip this step…but this separates a good pecan pie from a great one!! Extra steps make a difference!
STEP SEVEN – Bake at 350 for 45 mins or until filling is set (no jiggle).
STEP EIGHT – Let it rest and cool before serving (a couple of hours) or cover and put in the refrigerator.
Don’t you love this Rachael Ray Pie Plate!These make great gifts for new kitchen owners!
CAN YOU FREEZE PECAN PIE?
Yes and no. I’ve only had one Pecan Pie that I know of that had been frozen a month before Thanksgiving, my Aunt Jill’s (again another famous cook). She brought it one year for Thanksgiving, still in all the freezer wrap but thawed out. It tasted good but the whole crust was stuck to the pan. It made a great ice cream topping!
PECAN PIE TOPPINGS
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is my first choice. Whole Foods own brand of 356 everyday is really good. They have a 2 hour delivery window…how sweet for the holidays!
Real Whipped Cream…maybe with a little bourbon and powdered sugar whipped in.
Real Dairy Whipped Cream in a can is always a hit with the kids and super fast and convenient. Again another Whole Food 365 item for the holidays!
PECAN PIE VARIATIONS
Chocolate Pecan Pie is very popular and easily adapted from my basic Southern Pecan Pie Recipe.1 cup of chocolate chips in the bottom with the pecan pieces and you’ve got a perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie!
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is truly a special pie. I made one last year and it was a HIT and again easily adapted from my basic pecan pie. 1 cup of chocolate chips in the bottom with the pecan pieces and 1 jigger or 1/4 cup of your favorite Bourbon and you’ve got a perfect Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie!
Pecan Pie lover rejoice in this super scrumptious version of the classic southern pecan pie. Lots of native pecans in a wonderful chocolate orange buttery golden filling . It's delicious!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword easy, holidays, special occasion
Prep Time 20minutes
Cook Time 45minutes
Servings 8
Calories 397kcal
Author Elise
Cost 18
Ingredients
4 or 5large or med eggs
1cupKaro Syrup, dark or light
1 cupsugar
1 tbspflourheaping
1/4cuporange liqueur, Cointreau
1/4cupmelted butter
1tspvanillaor more to taste
1.5cuppecans piecesroasted & chopped
1cup chocolate chipsmilk chocolate or dark
pecan halvesroasted, top decoration
Instructions
If your roasting your pecans then do this step first. Roasting is easy: place pecan halves on a cookie sheet sprayed with spray oil. Bake for about 10mins at 300°. Keep an eye on these they could burn depending on the moisture in the nuts.
Beat eggs well. Add sugar and flour gradually to eggs while stirring.
Add Karo syrup, melted butter (45sec in microwave, separate bowl), vanilla and orange liqueur. Mix well.
Place 1.5 cups of roasted pecans pieces and chocolate chips on bottom of unbaked pie crust.
Pour egg mixture over nuts and chips. Decorate top of pie with remaining pecan halves.
Bake 45mins at 350° or until filling is set.
Let it set for at least 2 hours before serving. ENJOY!
Whether you’re southern or not, this easy family favorite Pecan Pie must be included on your next Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and or Christmas holiday dessert table; that is if you want your guests coming back next year! And if you really want to impress your guests try this decadent Chocolate Orange Pecan Pie!
This easy pecan pie recipe has been adapted from a well-loved Aunt. Aunt Margie is famous in our family and is considered one of the greatest cooks in East Texas. Let’s just forget the fact she named it “Pete’s Pecan Pie” after my brother and get right down to business.
EASY AND DELICIOUS SOUTHERN PIE INGREDIENTS
What you’ll need first is high quality ingredients:
4 large or 5 medium eggs
sugar
Karo Syrup…I know, I know it’s not all that great for you but it is the holidays!
small amount of flour
good quality butter
vanilla extract…I use Madagascar
roasted fresh pecans…I use my own pecans from our backyard garden (If it’s the 7th year pecan drought, I’ll buy local)
pie crust
HOW TO MAKE AND BAKE
STEP 1 – Easiest way to start is with a unbaked pie shell or one in a box that you place in your own pie plate or a 10″ cast iron skillet.
STEP 2 –Beat your eggs first in a mixing bowl.
STEP 3 –Add sugar and flour gradually while your beating the eggs. Make sure big lumps from flour are gone.
STEP 4 –Add Karo Syrup (light or dark or a combo of both), melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix well.
STEP 5 –Place pecan pieces in an unbaked pie shell. Pour egg and sugar mixture over pecans.
STEP 6 –Design pecan halves on top of the filling mixture. Note: most pecan pie recipes I’ve seen skip this step…but this separates a good pecan pie from a great one!! Extra steps make a difference!
STEP 7 –Bake at 350 for 45 mins or until filling is set (no jiggle).
STEP 8 –Let it rest and cool before serving (a couple of hours) or cover and put in the refrigerator.
Don’t you love this Rachael Ray Pie Plate!These make great gifts for new kitchen owners!
It’s not just for Christmas or Thanksgiving!
Southern pecan pie isn’t just for the winter holidays. Serve this at barbecues, church gatherings, birthday parties, etc.
You can also use this wonderful filling and make it into mini pies using a cupcake pan. Just cut the pie dough into smaller circles with a biscuit cutter, top or a drinking glass or a top of a mason jar…anything that is circular and is the basic diameter of a cupcake tin.
Is it Freezable?
Yes and no. I’ve only had one Pecan Pie that I know of that had been frozen a month before Thanksgiving, my Aunt Jill’s (again another famous cook). She brought it one year, still in all the freezer wrap but thawed out. It tasted good but the whole crust was stuck to the pan. It made a great ice cream topping!
TOPPINGS!
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is my first choice. Whole Foods own brand of 356 everyday is really good. They have a 2 hour delivery window…how sweet for the holidays!
Real Whipped Cream…maybe with a little bourbon and powdered sugar whipped in.
Real Dairy Whipped Cream in a can is always a hit with the kids and super fast and convenient. Again another Whole Food 365 item for the holidays!
Chocolate Pecan Pie is very popular and easily adapted from my basic pecan pie. 1 cup of chocolate chips in the bottom with the pecan pieces and you’ve got a perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie!
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is truly a special pie. I made one last year and it was a HIT and again easily adapted from my basic pecan pie. 1 cup of chocolate chips in the bottom with the pecan pieces and 1 jigger of your favorite Bourbon and you’ve got a perfect Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie!
EASY HOLIDAY MEAL IDEAS:
A nice colorful salad with this wonderful Dijon Italian Dressing, drool worthy Seafood Chowder, and this Southern Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream on top!
Pecan Pie lover rejoice in this super scrumptious version of the classic southern pecan pie. Lots of native pecans in a wonderful chocolate orange buttery golden filling . It's delicious!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword easy, holidays, special occasion
Prep Time 20minutes
Cook Time 45minutes
Servings 8
Calories 397kcal
Author Elise
Cost 18
Ingredients
4 or 5large or med eggs
1cupKaro Syrup, dark or light
1 cupsugar
1 tbspflourheaping
1/4cuporange liqueur, Cointreau
1/4cupmelted butter
1tspvanillaor more to taste
1.5cuppecans piecesroasted & chopped
1cup chocolate chipsmilk chocolate or dark
pecan halvesroasted, top decoration
Instructions
If your roasting your pecans then do this step first. Roasting is easy: place pecan halves on a cookie sheet sprayed with spray oil. Bake for about 10mins at 300°. Keep an eye on these they could burn depending on the moisture in the nuts.
Beat eggs well. Add sugar and flour gradually to eggs while stirring.
Add Karo syrup, melted butter (45sec in microwave, separate bowl), vanilla and orange liqueur. Mix well.
Place 1.5 cups of roasted pecans pieces and chocolate chips on bottom of unbaked pie crust.
Pour egg mixture over nuts and chips. Decorate top of pie with remaining pecan halves.
Bake 45mins at 350° or until filling is set.
Let it set for at least 2 hours before serving. ENJOY!
