Fresh Roasted Red Beet Hummus

Roasted red beet hummus is packed with essential nutrients including protein, fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C but low in calories!

Roasted Red Beet Hummus

Roasted Red Beet Hummus

Course Snack
Servings 8
Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • cup dried chickpeas
  • 4 cups water, divided
  • 8 oz uncooked red beets
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cover chickpeas with 2 cups of water and allow to soak for 6 - 12 hours. Drain and rinse.
  • Add 2 cups of water and chickpeas to a saucepan. Turn heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 90 minutes or until tender, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough water to keep chickpeas from scorching.
  • Drain any excess water and set chickpeas aside to cool.
  • While the chickpeas are cooking, preheat the oven to 400℉.
  • Cut greens off the beets, leaving 1” of the stem. Wash thoroughly, brush with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast until tender, 50-60 minutes.
  • Remove the beets from the oven and allow to cool. Peel the beet and cut it into cubes.
  • Combine chickpeas, beets, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth, adding additional olive oil as needed to achieve desired consistency. This step can also be done in batches using a blender.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
  • Hack: Freeze in serving-sized portions for a great and easy snack. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before eating. If thawed hummus is grainy or lumpy after thawing, give it a quick spin in the blender or mini processor to smooth things out.
  • Hack: One 15 oz can of chickpeas can be substituted for the dried chickpeas. It is not necessary to soak or cook the canned chickpeas.
Keyword appetizer, buffet food, chickpeas, easy, football snacks, garbanzo beans, hors d'oeuvres, hummus, party food, red beets, snacks

Did you know?  Colorful foods add up to a healthy diet!  Check out the benefits of beets here!

Suggestion:  If you love beets, try this colorful orange and beet salad!

Super Easy Homemade Bacon Jerky

This homemade bacon jerky is a delicious cousin of the candied bacon we have all come to love.  The best part?  The flavor combinations are ENDLESS!

Homemade Bacon Jerky

Homemade Bacon Jerky

Course Snack
Servings 1 slice
Calories 203 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb thick sliced bacon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 200℉.
  • Lay bacon in a single layer on a wire rack.  Place the rack on a rimmed baking sheet, lined with tin foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  • Mix brown sugar and hot sauce in a small bowl until it forms a paste. 
  • Brush each slice of bacon with the glazing mixture.  Flip the bacon and brush the other side.
  • Cook bacon for 2 hours.  Flip the slices and cook for another 1 to 1.5 hours or until the jerky reaches the desired texture.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.
  • Hack:  Bacon jerky can be made in an air fryer as long as it can be set to 200℉.  Rotate and/or flip bacon every hour.
  • Hack:  While bacon jerky can be cooked at temperatures below 200℉, the resulting product will be lighter in color and not as visually pleasing.
  • Hack:  This recipe is very versatile. It can be made with honey or maple syrup as well as sriracha or crushed red pepper.  Raise or lower the heat by adding more or less (or no) spice.  Or mix it up by flavoring your jerky with black pepper, garlic or molasses.  Let your creativity flow!
  • Hack:  Store jerky in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  
Keyword air fryer, bacon, dehydrate, dehydrated, dehydrator, easy, football snacks, jerky, party food, snack

Did you know?  The invention of bacon jerky was a delicious accident!

I made this bacon jerky in my Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer!

Fruit Leather Snacks

These fruit leather snacks are a fun and easy way to get your kids to enjoy the wholesome nutrition of real fruit without a ton of added sugar!

Fruit Leather Snacks

Fruit Leather Snacks

(Courtesy Pampered Chef)
Course Snack

Instructions
 

5 Steps to Basic Fruit Leather

  • Add the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Divide the mixture into each well of the Deluxe Air Fryer Fruit Leather Trays. Spread the mixture out evenly, making sure the edges of the tray are clean.
  • Cook on DEHYDRATE according to the time listed below, rotating the trays halfway through.
  • Check for your desired doneness at the minimum time listed. The fruit leather is done when they’re no longer tacky. (Each tray might dry at a different rate.)
  • Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Favorite Flavor Combinations

    Strawberry

    • 2 pkgs (16 oz./454 g each) frozen whole strawberries, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) orange juice
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–15 hrs.

    Mango Pineapple

    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked mango, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked pineapple, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lime juice
    • 1½ tbsp (22 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–14 hrs.

    Cherry

    • 3 pkgs (10 oz./300 g each) frozen, pitted sweet cherries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 14–15 hrs.

    Peach Raspberry

    • 2 pkg (10 oz./300 g each) frozen peach slices, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (8 oz./250 g) frozen raspberries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 8–10 hrs.

    How to Choose Fruit For Your Homemade Fruit Leathers

    • You can use any fruit for your flavor combos. You can even add pureed cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes for more nutrients. Our Test Kitchen suggests considering these three things when deciding what fruit makes good fruit leather.

    1. Is it a Watery Fruit?

    • Cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries take longer to dehydrate because they have more water content. You can use applesauce, bananas, ground chia, or flax seeds to thicken up your fruit purees.

    2. Is it a Pulpy Fruit?

    • Oranges, grapefruit, mangos, and passion fruit taste great but will give the leather a bumpier texture.

    3. Does the Fruit Turn Brown?

    • Fruits that oxidize quickly (turn brown) like apples, bananas, and pears turn out best when you add acidic fruit juice. Try adding lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice.
    • If you want to try using fresh fruit, you can get started with the Strawberry Fruit Leather recipe above and use 20 oz. (575 g) fresh whole strawberries with the stems removed. (That’s about 2 ¾ cups.) Then follow the recipe and dehydrate time as shown. 
    • Or try the Mango Pineapple recipe from above and use 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked mango (about 2 cups) and 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked pineapple (about 2 cups). You might be able to use a little less honey (about 1–1½ tbsp).
    • With fresh fruit that’s in season, you can enjoy excellent fruit leather but be prepared for a little bit more testing. Your fruit leathers might turn out different from batch to batch depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Fresh fruits and over-ripe fruits typically have more water and take longer to dehydrate.

    How to Store Fruit Leather

    • Once your fruit treats come out of the air fryer, let them cool completely. For easy eating, cut strips of parchment paper and place the fruit leathers on top. Then roll them from there. This way the fruit leather doesn’t stick to itself when it’s rolled up (and they look super cute!) 

    Why is My Fruit Leather Cracking?

    • As you roll up your fruit leathers they might break or crack. No worries. That batch just got a little too dry. They’re still perfectly good to eat. For the next batch, try reducing your dehydrate time.
    Keyword buffet, childrens recipes, dehydrated, easy, football snacks, fruit leather, fruit rolls, healthy, kid friendly, lunchbox, Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer, Pampered Chef Fruit Leather Trays, party food, picnic food, roll ups, snacks

     

    Get your fruit leather trays here!

    Read my review of the Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer!

    Easy Fresh Green Onion Pesto

    Spread this delicious fresh green onion pesto on your toast, roll it up in chicken, smother your salmon or toss it in pasta. How do you like your pesto?

    Fresh Green Onion Pesto

    Fresh Green Onion Pesto

    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 175 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups scallion or green onions, coarsely sliced
    • 1 cup fresh basil
    • 2 tbsp fresh chive
    • 5 cloves garlic (5 tsp minced)
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup pine nuts
    • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
    • 3 tbsp lemon juice
    • ½ tsp salt

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
    • Hack:  Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or frozen for 12 months.  I recommend freezing in ice cube trays and then removing portions to a freezer-safe container so you can thaw just the amount you need.
    • Hack:  Pine nuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 months or in the freezer for 6 months.
    • Hack:  Chop leftover green onions and freeze them in a sealable freezer bag or container for future use.  While they won't retain the crispy texture of fresh green onions, they will be fine for use in cooking.
    Keyword appetizer, easy, football snacks, green onion, healthy, hors d'oeuvres, low calorie, party food, pesto, pizza, quick prep, scallion, snack, vegetarian

    Did you know?  Green onions are an excellent source of vitamin K!  Check out some more healthy benefits here!

    Suggestion:   Use this pesto to make Chicken Pesto Naan Pizza!

    Simple Roasted Garlic Spread

    The versatility of this simple roasted garlic spread cannot be overstated – simply use it anywhere you desire a creamy, bracing kick of garlic flavor.

    Roasted Garlic Spread

    Roasted Garlic Spread

    Course Condiment
    Servings 2 tbsp
    Calories 105 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 head garlic
    • 2 tsp olive oil
    • 1 cup cream cheese, softened (1 block or 8 oz.)
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • ½ tsp dried chives
    • ½ tsp dried basil
    • ½ tsp dried parsley 
    • ½ tsp fried oregano
    • pinch of salt (to taste)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉.
    • Remove the outer skins of the garlic, leaving only the skin that covers the cloves.
    • Cut ¼“ off the top of the garlic bulb so that all the cloves are exposed. Set upright on aluminum foil. Drizzle oil over the bulb, making sure that the tops of all the cloves have been covered. Seal aluminum foil over the bulb.
    • Bake for 40-60 minutes, until the bulb is soft. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
    • Remove the bulb from the foil, turn it upside down and gently squeeze garlic from the skins into a small bowl.
    • Mix in cream cheese, salt, pepper and spices.
    • Allow to rest for at least one hour while flavors blend. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    Keyword appetizer, buffet, condiments, cream cheese, easy, football snacks, garlic spread, hors d'oeuvres, party food, roasted garlic, spread, vegetarian

    Did you know?  Garlic has many health benefits!  Check out the facts here!

    Suggestion: Try this tasty spread on a freshly made gourmet veggie bagel!

    Hearty Healthy Black Bean Dip

    This healthy black bean dip is a hearty, vegetarian dish that’s both flavorful and tasty. Serve it with chips or tortillas as an appetizer, snack or light meal!

    Healthy Black Bean Dip

    Healthy Black Bean Dip

    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 6
    Calories 245 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • cup dried black beans
    • 4 cups water, divided
    • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 red onion, minced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 tsp)
    • ¼ cup tomato paste
    • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
    • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
    • ½ tsp ground cumin
    • ¼ cup boiling water
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • ¾ cup cheddar cheese (3 oz)

    Instructions
     

    • Cover beans with 2 cups of water and allow to soak for 6 - 12 hours. Drain and rinse.
    • Put 2 cups of water and beans to a saucepan. Turn heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until tender, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough water to keep beans from scorching. Drain excess water, if necessary.
    • (NOTE: The above step can be done ahead. Store beans tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)
    • Heat the oven to 475℉ degrees.
    • Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and saute for 5 -10 minutes until translucent but not browned. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about one minute.
    • Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes and cumin. Saute for 30 seconds.
    • Add the beans, boiling water and generous pinches of salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
    • Transfer to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
    • Bake until the cheese has melted, 5 to 10 minutes. If the top is not as browned as you’d like, run the dip under the broiler for 1 or 2 minutes.
    • Serve immediately with corn chips, crusty bread, pita or rice.
    • Hack: One cup of frozen onions can be substituted for fresh onion in this recipe.
    • Hack: One 15 oz can of black beans can be substituted for the dried beans.
    • Hack: Store leftover dip in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Hack: Freeze leftover portions sealed in serving-sized portions for up to 6 months. Allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
    Keyword appetizer, black bean, cheesy dip, dip, easy, football snacks, healthy, hearty, legume, snack, vegetarian

    Did you know? Black beans are a member of the legume family.  Legumes come in many options, are inexpensive and they’re packed with nutrition!!

    Suggestion:  Serve this dip with some authentic Indian flatbread naan!

     

    Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    This easy cheesy buffalo chicken dip is a good solution for leftover chicken! While it’s great with chips, try dipping french fries or making grilled cheese!

    Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 4
    Calories 190 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup cream cheese (2 oz)
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper sauce (or to taste)
    • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

    Instructions
     

    • Heat cream cheese and sour cream in a small saucepan over medium until smooth and bubbly. 
    • Stir in chicken and hot sauce.  Continue stirring until the dop is heated through.
    • Serve warm with chips or bread.
    • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Hack: To reheat this dip, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring at each one, until heated through. Alternately, cover and heat in a 350℉ oven until heat through (about 15 minutes).
    Keyword buffalo, buffet, cheesy dip, creamy, creamy dip, easy, fast and easy, football snacks, hot dip, party food, quick and easy, spicy, sriracha, warm dip

    It’s safe to say that most people have strong feelings about spicy food.  You either love ’em or you hate ’em.  But did you know that eating spicy foods can benefit your heart health as well as boost your metabolism and control your appetite?  Check it out here!

    Suggestion: Serve this with warm naan flatbread or oven-roasted french fries!

    Homemade Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

    What are you gonna do with that leftover whole berry cranberry sauce?  How about making this sweet-tart-but-with-a-kick cranberry jalapeño dip?

    Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

    Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

    (Courtesy: Penny Jacques)
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 2 tbsp
    Calories 71 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Instructions
     

    • Put cranberry sauce in a colander and shake to remove as much jelly as possible, leaving just the sweetened cranberries.
    • Mix cranberries with cream cheese, sour cream and jalapeno pepper.  Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to blend.
    • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    Keyword appetizer, buffet, cracker spread, Cranberry, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, dip, football snacks, jalapeno pepper, leftovers, party food, snack, sour cream

    Did you know? People call cranberries a superfood for good reason: They have all kinds of health-boosting benefits.

    Get the recipe for whole berry cranberry sauce here!

    Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

    Baked cauliflower buffalo bites are a snack you can feel good about. Serve ‘em up with some ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce!

    Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

    Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 4
    Calories 190 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
    • ½ cup flour
    • ½ cup water
    • ¼ tsp garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp onion powder
    • Dash hot, sriracha or wing sauce
    • ¼ tsp hot, sriracha or wing sauce
    • 3 tbsp butter, melted

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 450℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
    • In a medium bowl, mix together flour, water, onion powder and garlic powder. Add a dash of hot sauce.
    • Add cauliflower to batter and toss to evenly coat. Lay in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    • Bake for 20 minutes or until just beginning to brown. Remove from oven.
    • In a medium bowl, mix hot sauce and butter. Add cauliflower and toss to coat. Return to baking sheet.
    • Bake for an additional 5 minutes or to desired brownness.
    • Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
    • Hack: To reheat, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat at 375℉ until heated through, about 10 minutes
    Keyword appetizer, buffalo wings, cauliflower, football snacks, healthy, hors d'oeuvres, low calorie, party food, snack, spicy, vegetarian

     

    Did you know?  Cauliflower is part of the cruciferous collection of vegetables that are associated with lowering the risk of some types of cancer.

    Suggestion:  Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

    Super Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

    These easy classic deviled eggs are the perfect nutritious, low-carb solution for brunch, buffets, picnics or just a delicious snack!

    Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

    Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

    (Courtesy: Suzanne M. Woodworth)
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 3
    Calories 125 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 eggs
    • 4 tsp mayonnaise
    • ½ tsp spicy brown mustard
    • ½ tsp honey
    • Paprika (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Put eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Cover the pan and bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and let the pan sit, still covered, for 15 minutes.
    • After 15 minutes, drain hot water from the pan and fill it with cold water and ice to cool. Peel the eggs.
    • Cut each egg in half lengthwise and gently squeeze white to pop yolks out into a small bowl.
    • Mix mayonnaise, mustard and honey with yolks. Scoop the filling back into whites. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired
    Keyword appetizer, brunch, buffet, deviled eggs, easy, eggs, football snacks, hard boiled eggs, healthy, hors d'oeuvres, low carb, protein, snack, vegetarian

    Did you know?  Despite the negative press that eggs have received in the past, they can absolutely be a part of a healthy diet!

    Hard-boiled eggs keep in the refrigerator for one week so consider making a few extra while you’ve got the water boiling! They make a great snack alone, pickled or in egg salad.

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