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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal! This pasta casserole is packed with chicken, crispy bacon, and plenty of vegetables in a creamy ranch sauce. It’s an easy dish that the whole family will love.

A white plate of cheesy pasta noodles.

This post was first published in May 2014. The pictures were updated in March 2022, and the post was republished in January 2025.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Pasta is my love language. For dinner, I always choose noodles smothered in sauce and melted cheese. We frequently make this homemade creamy mac and cheese and this buffalo chicken pasta recipe.

I could eat those two casseroles forever, but every now and then, I want to change things up. A few years ago, I tried a chicken bacon ranch sandwich at Subway. It inspired me to add those flavors to a cheesy pasta dinner.

Who doesn't love cheese, chicken, and bacon? This pasta bake has all your favorite ingredients and is so easy to make. This recipe was an instant hit with our whole family and has definitely become my go-to when I'm in the mood for pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this casserole in your oven in no time.
  • Comfort food at its best: The creamy sauce and hearty ingredients make this pasta the ultimate cozy meal for any night of the week.
  • Family-friendly: This dish is a great way to please even the pickiest eaters. It's cheesy, hearty, and just plain delicious.
  • Perfect for leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

"This is one of my go to recipes, just made it again today! So delicious never fails." -Natalie

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Low Carb Chili

By · PUBLISHED · 8 Comments

This low carb chili is a family favorite during the cooler months. With lean beef and plenty of veggies, it's a healthy and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Add your favorite toppings, and you'll never realize there are no beans in this keto soup.

Two bowls of low-carb chili with toppings.
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Chili Without Beans

Growing up, chili was always a staple in our house. It's the perfect meal for a cold day or chilly evening. When I started eating low-carb, I thought I would have to say goodbye to this cozy dish because of the beans.

I have been working on new recipes to fit my lean and green eating habits this year. At the same time, I want to provide comfort food for my family. So far, this sausage kale soup and this chicken meatball stroganoff have been a hit.

We had a few unexpected cool days a few weeks ago, so I made a low-carb chili recipe without beans. Plenty of ground beef, tomatoes, green peppers, and zucchini made it hearty and satisfying. 

This no bean chili has become a family favorite, so it is now my go-to meal during the winter.

Why You'll Love Beanless Chili

  • Low-Carb Friendly: Chili is a classic, comforting dish. This version retains all the hearty flavors without the beans. With 12 net carbs per serving, it will fit perfectly into your low-carb diet.
  • Packed with Veggies & Protein: The green peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and ground beef provide a fresh and delicious flavor.
  • Adjustable Heat: You can dial up the spices for a fiery kick or keep it mild to suit your taste.
  • One Pot Dinner: Made in one pot in less than 30 minutes, this is an easy weeknight win.
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Peanut Butter Balls

By · PUBLISHED · 17 Comments

These no bake Peanut Butter Balls are so easy to make! For a fun twist, try dipping them in white and dark chocolate. They’re a crowd favorite and always disappear first at parties, so make a double batch!

Chocolate covered peanut butter balls in a white bowl.
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Peanut Butter Balls Recipe

Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven, and I never get tired of creating treats with this classic combo. 

These easy peanut butter balls are a family favorite in our house. I’ve been making them for years, and every batch is packed with love and sweet memories.

Whether you call them buckeyes or peanut butter balls, they're a dessert staple in many households for good reason! They're easy to make, fun to share, and absolutely delicious.

During the holidays, I enjoy turning them into Reese's Christmas trees. Our family tradition is to create a new shape for every holiday throughout the year. Everyone enjoys these chocolate covered goodies, regardless of their shape.

Why You'll Love This No Bake Treat

  • These easy, no-bake truffles are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate.
  • No baking is required, so these treats come together in minutes.
  • This dessert works for every occasion. Try them for Valentine's Day, Christmas, Halloween, or a random Tuesday.
  • You can serve the balls plain, decorate them with sprinkles, or drizzle them with contrasting chocolate for a festive touch.
  • Use candy molds, cookie cutters, or colored chocolate to create them in any shape or color.

Looking for more chocolate and peanut butter treats? Try these peanut butter cup cookies or these peanut butter truffle brownies.

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Coffee Parfait

By · PUBLISHED · 26 Comments

Our easy coffee parfait combines creamy layers and crunchy Oreo crumbs. With no bake coffee cheesecake and chocolate pudding, it's a quick dessert that looks impressive but is so simple to make!

Three cups filled with coffee cheesecake and chocolate pudding.

This post was first published in December 2014. The post was updated and then republished in December 2024.

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Coffee Parfait Recipe

I'm all about desserts that seem fancy but are actually easy to make! That's why parfaits desserts are some of my go-to recipes. The best thing about making peanut butter parfaits and chocolate strawberry parfaits is that you can serve them immediately.

I'm a huge coffee fanatic, so I combined my love for coffee and chocolate into an easy parfait cup. I layered crushed Oreos, a creamy coffee mixture, and chocolate pudding in clear glasses, then dug in. Every single bite was better than I expected!

It's a simple yet impressive treat that always receives "oohs" and "ahhs" when I serve it after dinner or share it at parties.

Why You'll Love This Coffee Dessert

  • No baking is required! You can make these parfaits in minutes, making them an excellent option for last-minute gatherings.
  • Served in individual glasses, these pudding cups are an elegant dessert that looks fancy without much effort.
  • The coffee-flavored cheesecake layer adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and cookies. Trust me; coffee lovers will enjoy this easy dessert.
  • You can change the cookies, add coffee whipped cream, or drizzle chocolate syrup on top to make it your own.
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Merry Christmas 2024

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A family picture on a white card.

We want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for reading our posts, trying our recipes, and being part of our little corner of the internet—it truly means so much to us.

Your encouragement and support make sharing stories and recipes such a joy. We’re so grateful for the chance to connect with you and bring a little inspiration to your kitchen.

During the busy holiday season, we hope you find a moment to pause, unwind, and reflect on the many blessings God has given you. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle, but don’t forget to slow down and embrace the joy and peace this season brings.

Most importantly, let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Savior. God sent His Son, born as a child, to bring us the ultimate gift of love and peace. It’s a beautiful reminder that while gifts and food bring joy, the greatest gift of all is Jesus. I pray you’ll take time to praise Him for this incredible gift and the hope He brings to our lives.

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.”

Eggnog Cheesecake

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Celebrate the holidays with this eggnog cheesecake! Its rich, creamy filling and festive eggnog flavor make it the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table.

A red plate with a slice of holiday cheesecake on it.
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Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

One of my favorite holiday drinks is eggnog. If you're anything like me, this sweet goodness is a non-negotiable part of Christmas. There's just something about the creamy, spiced flavor that makes everything a little cozier. 

I can quickly finish a carton between drinking it and making eggnog muffins and eggnog scones. Recently, I decided to take my love for 'nog to the next level by making an eggnog cheesecake. 

This is one of those desserts that instantly makes the holidays feel more magical. It was a hit with the eggnog lovers in my house.

Why You'll Love

  • It's a festive twist on a classic dessert. The eggnog flavor adds a holiday vibe to traditional cheesecake.
  • Rich flavor and creamy texture. The spices in eggnog pair perfectly with the cream cheese filling and buttery graham cracker crust.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings. It's festive and fancy enough to be the star of all your holiday dessert tables.
  • Great make-ahead dessert. Making cheesecake ahead of time reduces stress on the big day.
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Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats

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Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and easy holiday treat. Coated in white chocolate and shimmering sugar, these red and white spirals will add a festive touch to your dessert trays.

Rice krispie treat pinwheels made with peppermint marshmallows.
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Peppermint Rice Krispie Pinwheels

One of my favorite and easiest treats to make for almost anything is M&M rice krispie treats. Nothing beats those soft, gooey treats! A few years ago, I gave my favorite treats a holiday makeover for Christmas. I combined my love of Rice Krispie treats and peppermint pinwheels into a pan of holiday goodness. 

The first time I made these peppermint Rice Krispie treats, our kids thought I had stopped at a bakery and bought treats. They were so surprised you could make such a fancy treat at home, and they couldn't wait to help roll up another batch. Our kitchen turned into a holiday workshop that very next day!

Between the swirls of vanilla and peppermint and the sparkly coating, these spirals quickly became a family tradition. Plus, they're so pretty and always get compliments when we bring them to parties this time of year.

Why You'll Love These Peppermint Treats

Christmas Rice Krispie treats are a holiday must-have! Layers of vanilla and peppermint cereal rolled into fun pinwheels are always a hit with kids and adults.

  • They're a fun spin on a classic favorite, mixing a simple treat with festive holiday flavors.
  • The swirls of peppermint and vanilla add instant Christmas cheer to any dessert table.
  • No baking is required, which makes them quick and stress-free during the busy holiday season.
  • They are simple to make but look fancy. This makes them great for class parties, cookie exchanges, dessert platters, and holiday potlucks.
  • For the cutest edible holiday gift, package them in clear bags with a sticker and a bow.
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No Bake Eggnog Trifle

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When it comes to holiday desserts, this Eggnog Trifle is a showstopper! With layers of creamy pudding, crunchy cookies, and juicy berries, it's the perfect balance of festive flavors and textures.

Layers of pudding, cookies, and raspberries in a clear trifle dish.
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Eggnog Trifle Recipe

Each year, I go through different flavor phases, and right now, I'm enjoying eggnog. I made eggnog muffins and an eggnog dip, and I still have so many delicious ideas. I wish there were more days to share all the desserts I want to make during the holiday season!

This year, I wanted to create a simple but impressive dessert for holiday parties. This eggnog trifle hits the spot with creamy layers of eggnog pudding, crunchy gingersnap cookies, and fresh raspberries. It has all my favorite flavors of the season!

Don't forget to add a row of little gingerbread men peeking through the trifle bowl. This Christmas dessert will wow your guests before they even take a bite.

Why You'll Love This Holiday Dessert

  • No need to turn on the oven! This easy dessert is stress-free and perfect for busy holiday schedules when you are short on time.
  • The combination of eggnog, gingersnaps, and raspberries captures the taste of Christmas in every bite.
  • The layers in this holiday trifle are visually stunning! It will be a hit at every Christmas party.
  • Whether it's a family gathering, office party, or holiday potluck, this dessert is big enough to feed a crowd.
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Red Velvet Blossoms

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Make your cookie trays pop with these Red Velvet Blossoms! Their bright color and Hershey’s kiss topping make them a fun and festive holiday favorite.

Sparkly red velvet blossom cookies with peppermint kisses on a tray.

Red Velvet Blossom Cookies

Red velvet blossoms have quickly become one of my favorite holiday cookies. Their sparkly bright red color and a sweet peppermint kiss make them feel so Christmas-y. I usually make chocolate mint kiss cookies to serve with them, too.

I love how festive kiss cookies look when arranged on a platter. These red velvet blossom cookies are extra easy to make because I use a cake mix. You can make cookies with a fantastic chewy texture with just a few extra ingredients.

Also, if you roll the dough balls in red sanding sugar, they sparkle, making the beautiful red color even prettier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The bright red sparkling sugar makes these cookies stand out on any dessert table. Plus, it gives each one a little crunch, which is fantastic!
  • Red velvet's subtle cocoa flavor paired with a peppermint kiss topping is a match made in holiday heaven.
  • Using a cake mix means less measuring and fewer ingredients, which is perfect when you're short on time.
  • These delicious cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or a sweet gift for friends and neighbors.
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Chocolate Peppermint Chip Cookies

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Celebrate the magic of Christmas with thick chocolate peppermint chip cookies. These goodies are loaded with chocolate, peppermint chips, and crushed candy canes, making them a fabulous holiday treat! Santa will be so happy to find them waiting for him on Christmas Eve!

A stack of chocolate peppermint chip cookies with one cut in half.
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Chocolate Peppermint Chip Cookies

I love baking cookies and fun treats during the holidays. We have a few tried-and-true favorites, like peppermint Oreo cookies and chocolate mint kiss cookies, that always have to happen. But I love experimenting and testing new ones, too.

These chocolate peppermint cookies have become my new favorite holiday cookie. These cookies were inspired by my thick chocolate chip cookies. They're thick, fudgy, and full of chocolate. I also added my favorite Andes peppermint crunch chips.

Whether you're baking for a party, a cookie swap, or just because chocolate makes everything better, these are guaranteed to be a hit. They add a touch of holiday magic anywhere you share them.

  • No chilling time is required! As soon as you make the dough, it is ready to bake.
  • These thick, chewy cookies are loaded with chocolate and peppermint chips, giving you that bakery look and taste without the high price tag.
  • They are so easy to make. There are no complicated steps here—just a simple recipe that delivers impressive, crowd-pleasing cookies every time.
  • Their large size and festive look make them the perfect addition to holiday parties and cookie swaps. They also make great homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
  • You can make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the cookies or the dough, and always have holiday treats ready to go when you need them.
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