Healthy Living

These appetizers are the ultimate comfort food. From tasty bites made with seasonal veggies like beets, broccoli and sweet potatoes to loaded, cheesy dips that are too delicious to put down, these recipes are so good, you’ll want to eat them for dinner. Make our Whipped Feta with Cranberries & Walnuts or Baked Spaghetti Squash Fritters for a flavorful appetizer you’ll want to make again and again.

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Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

This healthy stuffed mushroom appetizer is a nice balance of soft mushrooms, creamy filling and crunchy topping. This combination tastes downright decadent, but these easy stuffed mushrooms are actually good for you.

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02 of 15

Yogurt with Beets (Borani Chogondar)

Borani, a Middle Eastern yogurt dip, can be made with anything from spinach to eggplant to carrots. This recipe gets its shockingly pink color from grated beets. Make it ahead--the longer it sits, the better it tastes. Read more about this recipe.

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03 of 15

Whipped Feta with Cranberries & Walnuts

This festive whipped feta dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. If the feta seems too thick, add 1 teaspoon water at a time until loosened. Walnuts provide a nice crunchiness, but you could easily swap in another nut like pecans or pistachios. If you have leftover cranberry sauce, try a dollop in some yogurt or oatmeal for an easy breakfast.

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04 of 15

Baked Spaghetti Squash Fritters

These crispy loaded fritters are perfect for parties. Baking them instead of frying cuts down on labor (and oil splatters). Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquid out of the spaghetti squash and onion mixture as possible--moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

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05 of 15

Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites

These savory muffin-like quinoa bites are low in carbs and a good source of protein--plus we love their cheesy flavor.

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06 of 15

Pumpkin Kibbeh (Kebbet Laa'tin)

"Kibbeh" describes dishes made with bulgur, onions and spices. That mixture is combined with everything from tomatoes to goat. It's layered and baked, shaped into balls or footballs, stuffed, deep-fried or eaten raw. This vegetarian kibbeh recipe is made with pumpkin and stuffed with seasoned greens. Sorrel adds a lemony flavor, but you can use chard or kale and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling. Use fine bulgur or the texture of the dough will be gritty.

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07 of 15

Copycat Trader Joe's Caramelized Onion Dip

This savory caramelized onion dip features fresh sweet onion, cooked until sweet and golden and combined with Greek-style yogurt, sour cream and cream cheese for added body. Serve this copycat dip with fresh, crispy veggies, pretzel chips or classic potato chips to please a crowd.

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08 of 15

Loaded Sweet Potato Nacho Fries

Bump up the vitamin A and fiber when you swap tortilla chips for sweet potatoes in this healthy recipe. Serve as an appetizer at your next party or turn it into dinner by adding chicken, tofu, shrimp or more beans for protein.

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09 of 15

Slow-Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip

This creamy, crowd-pleasing dip comes together with ease in your crock pot. Leave it in the slow cooker all party long to keep it warm for serving with perfect, melty cheese in every bite.

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Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta

Make this simple festive appetizer for your holiday guests. Toasted baguette slices with creamy, melted brie are topped with an orange-cranberry-pomegranate mixture--each bite delivers an explosion of flavor and texture!

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Crispy Smashed Loaded Potatoes

These crispy smashed loaded potatoes have all the features of your favorite baked potatoes but with an extra-crispy texture. Serve this easy appetizer at your next potluck or game-day gathering.

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Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

This cheesy dip recipe is lightened up by subbing mashed butternut squash for some of the melted cheese. We also loaded it with chili-spiced caramelized onions. Serve this healthy makeover with tortilla chips or sliced jicama for dipping.

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Winter Charcuterie Board

A cheeseboard is an ideal stationary hors d'oeuvre for holiday entertaining. Select a variety of cheeses, making sure to include an aged variety, a creamy cheese, a blue cheese and perhaps a smoked cheese. Round out the platter with cold cuts, bread, an abundance of seasonal fruits, dried fruit, crudité, nuts and olives. We even included some dark chocolate to cap it off!

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Cranberry-Brie Bites with Puff Pastry

Festive for any holiday gathering, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner party, these cranberry-Brie bites are the perfect appetizer. Made with just three ingredients, these bites come together quickly and present beautifully.

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Baked Brie with Jam in Puff Pastry

This best baked Brie recipe is also the easiest. Serve this simple appetizer with apple wedges and crackers and watch it disappear in seconds! It's bound to be your new party go-to.

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Settle in for a cozy evening with one of these dinners featuring rich seasonal flavors like mushrooms, winter squash and savory cheese. This mix of deliciously comforting casseroles will be sure to satisfy everyone. Recipes like our Rotisserie Chicken, Mushroom & Rice Casserole and Marry Me Chicken & Spaghetti Squash Casserole will end any chilly weekend on a high note.

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Rotisserie Chicken, Mushroom & Rice Casserole

This casserole is a hearty dish perfect for a cozy weekend at home. Tender shredded rotisserie chicken is combined with earthy mushrooms, fluffy rice and a creamy sauce that brings everything together. A layer of melted cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly finish.

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02 of 17

Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta

This Chickpea Casserole is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Tender spinach, nutty chickpeas and brown rice are bound together with a touch of cream cheese and finished with tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet vibrant.

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03 of 17

Creamy Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

This creamy chicken-and-zucchini casserole is a cozy dish that delivers all the flavors of cacio e pepe with a twist! Instead of pasta, tender chopped zucchini and juicy chicken pieces are folded into a peppery, cheesy sauce, bringing on all the savory flavors that fans of the classic Roman dish love. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s just as satisfying as a traditional creamy pasta dish.

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04 of 17

Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken & Rice Casserole

This creamy lemon-dill chicken and rice casserole is pure comfort in a bowl, bursting with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and dill. Tender chicken and brown rice make it a satisfying, cozy dish everyone will love. Using microwaveable rice is a game-changer for convenience. It cuts down on prep time, ensuring the dish comes together quickly. Of course, if you have it, leftover cooked brown rice will work just as well.

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05 of 17

Loaded Broccoli & Beef Casserole

This loaded broccoli-and-beef casserole is packed with comforting flavors. Lean ground beef teams up with broccoli and brown rice to create a hearty, fiber-packed base with a creamy sauce. The highlight is the melted cheese on top—once broiled, it transforms into a golden, crispy layer that’s finished with bacon and scallions for the ultimate “loaded” experience. To keep prep simple, look for bags of pre-cut broccoli florets.

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06 of 17

Marry Me Chicken & Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This Marry Me chicken and spaghetti squash casserole is a satisfying protein-packed dinner. The tender chicken and nutrient-dense spaghetti squash deliver a hearty meal that will keep you full and energized. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, complementing the creamy sauce.

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07 of 17

Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole

This creamy chicken Florentine casserole combines tender pieces of chicken, fresh spinach and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy crust. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a chilly evening or share a hearty, home-cooked dinner with family, this casserole delivers an experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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08 of 17

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Casserole

This delightful one-skillet cheesy chicken Alfredo casserole combines penne pasta, tender broccoli and shredded rotisserie chicken smothered in a creamy sauce. To simplify the sauce, we opt for a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend. Though cheese blends vary, they typically contain Parmesan cheese, imparting the traditional Alfredo flavor. Seek blends with aged cheeses or blends that include sharp cheeses like provolone or Asiago for a richer flavor profile.

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09 of 17

Spiced Butternut Squash & Apple Casserole

This spiced butternut squash and apple casserole is a warm, cozy dish that captures the essence of fall. This easy dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the tartness of fresh apples, finished with savory goat cheese and sweet maple-glazed walnuts. We love the tart flavor that Granny Smith apples provide, but feel free to swap in a sweeter baking apple like Honeycrisp if you prefer.

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10 of 17

Cheesy Beef & Black Bean Skillet Casserole

Think of this creamy skillet casserole as a one-pan taco. The corn tortillas crisp up under the broiler, adding crunch to go with the creamy filling. If you enjoy a bit of spiciness, opt for hot salsa or chipotle salsa for some smoky undertones. Tomatillo salsa works well, too, adding tang and a fresh flavor to this easy skillet dinner.

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11 of 17

Creamed Spinach & Chicken Casserole

Creamed spinach and chicken combine in this crowd-pleasing, comforting casserole. Crushed red pepper packs some heat, so add less or leave it out completely if you want a milder version. You can cook long-grain brown rice ahead of time or look for packaged microwaveable brown rice to use instead.

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Bang Bang Chicken Casserole

Inspired by the popular Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp, this casserole combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp broccoli and nutty brown rice for a filling meal. The creamy casserole has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, thanks to the sauce. Avoid stirring the chicken as it cooks or else the breading will fall off and the chicken won’t get crispy.

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13 of 17

Chicken & Green Bean Casserole

This chicken and green bean casserole is our spin on a classic Thanksgiving favorite. By adding tender, juicy chicken to the traditional ingredients of green bean casserole, we transform it into a main dish, the perfect meal for any night of the week. It’s a nostalgic nod to the flavors of Thanksgiving, wrapped up in a convenient, one-dish dinner that’s just as cozy and delicious!

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Dump & Bake Pizza Pasta Casserole

This easy, toss-together casserole offers all the flavors of a pepperoni pizza, with fusilli pasta absorbing the rich tomato sauce while mingling with gooey melted cheese and meaty pepperoni slices. For a meatless option, simply replace the pepperoni with sliced mushrooms and frozen bell peppers. Pair it with a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

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Creamy Spinach-&-Feta Chicken Casserole

Inspired by the flavors of spanakopita, here we put a spin on spinach pie and turn it into a casserole. Adding chicken provides protein, while plenty of garlic and onions add flavor. This recipe calls for 8 sheets of phyllo dough, so there's no need to cover them to keep them moist when assembling. If your sheets are larger than your dish, cut them or fold them in half so they fit.

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Cabbage Roll Casserole

This casserole has all the elements of cabbage rolls—ground beef, onion and rice cooked in tomato sauce—and skips the fuss of rolling. The cabbage is chopped instead and layered with the saucy filling, then topped with cheese for a satisfying and easy casserole.

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Buffalo Chicken & Cauliflower Casserole

This creamy low-carb Buffalo chicken and cauliflower casserole is spicy and satisfying. Cauliflower and celery add a tender-crisp bite while a sprinkle of blue cheese on top adds a savory finish.

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Dessert duty doesn’t have to be complicated this holiday season, thanks to these easy recipes. These simple recipes take no more than 20 minutes of active time (but may need time to chill or bake, so plan ahead!) and serve at least six people, making them great options to bring to a party. With sweet treats like our Italian Love Cake and our Flaky Apple Pie Bars, you’ll impress every guest at this year’s holiday gatherings with minimal effort.

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Italian Love Cake

Italian Love Cake is a layered dessert that uses simple ingredients, making it easy to whip up anytime. It starts with a rich chocolate devil’s food cake batter on the bottom and a sweet, creamy ricotta cheese layer on top. Once cooled, it’s finished with a fluffy chocolate pudding and whipped topping frosting.

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02 of 23

High-Fiber Black Bean Brownies

These black bean brownies are everything you could possibly want—moist, rich and fudgy with big chocolate flavor. Black beans not only enhance the texture but also give these brownies a nutritional boost!

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03 of 23

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Mashed ripe bananas keep this cake moist, while ginger, cinnamon and cardamom add a fragrant, cozy depth. The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the sweetness and spice of the cake.

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04 of 23

Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Grab your box of puff pastry for these easy and delicious apple pie bars. You can use any kind of nut you want like almonds or pecans. These bars are a great choice for a fall dessert and would be ideal for a Thanksgiving meal.

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05 of 23

Pumpkin Trifle

We think this pumpkin trifle is the best dessert you’ll enjoy this fall, combining layers of pumpkin spice-flavored cake and a creamy pumpkin filling that captures the season perfectly. As a time-saving shortcut, we use vanilla pudding mixed with canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice for the filling, making it both easy to prepare and delicious. This festive dessert is sure to be a hit for the holidays or at any autumn gathering!

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06 of 23

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy and, with only five simple ingredients, they can easily be whipped up by young chefs and enjoyed as an after-school treat. They're also perfect for a holiday party or for a cookie swap.

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07 of 23

Bingka Labu Kuning (Pumpkin Cake)

This Indonesian bingka labu kuning, or pumpkin cake, is a wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie. Once baked, it has a firm outer skin and a rich, custardy filling.

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08 of 23

Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters

These bite-size dark chocolate almond clusters blend dark chocolate with nutty almonds for an easy snack or dessert. Stick to the three ingredients we list here, or add your own twist by including dried cherries or toasted coconut for a little variety.

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09 of 23

Pomegranate Masghati

This beautiful pomegranate dessert is like a cross between Jell-O and panna cotta. It's infinitely more refined and delicate than Jell-O and not quite as wobbly as panna cotta. Prepare pomegranate masghati a few hours in advance, and serve chilled out of the fridge for a light and refreshing dessert.

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Apfelstrudel

This version of apfelstrudel, a traditional Austrian baked apple dessert, is made with less added sugar, uses avocado oil instead of butter and calls for whole-wheat phyllo dough for a nutritious dessert. Enjoy this fruit-filled dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cappuccino.

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Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

These Key-lime-pie-meets-cheesecake bars are the perfect mashup of creamy and tangy flavors, offering just the right amount of sweetness. Use fresh-squeezed Key lime juice if Key limes are in season.

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Ginger Molasses Cookies

The spelt flour in these ginger molasses cookies offers a chewy texture and a nutty flavor that shines with the ginger in this easy holiday cookie recipe.

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No-Sugar-Added Apple Pie

This no-sugar-added apple pie gets its natural sweetness from antioxidant- and fiber-rich dates. Cider vinegar helps to enhance the flavor. We like Gala apples for their sweetness and crisp texture, but any sweet, firm apple will work well.

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Dark Chocolate Cashew Clusters

These 3-ingredient sweet treats are a breeze to make and, because dark chocolate clusters take just 15 minutes to prepare, they can be made on short notice to feed a crowd.

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Mbatata (Sweet Potato Cookies)

Mbatata cookies are made with sweet potatoes and originated in Mawali. They are heart-shaped to represent the location of Malawi within the African continent—in the center and the heart of the land.

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Fresh Apple Cake

Super-juicy apples flavor this mildly spicy fresh apple cake that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea. The glaze offers a sweet finish.

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Easy Pumpkin Pie

This easy pumpkin pie recipe comes together in minutes, plus you only need six ingredients to make it. Using a store-bought pie crust makes it even simpler to prepare, but if you’d prefer to make yours from scratch, we have two foolproof recipes that are worth trying.

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Maple-Cinnamon Sweet Potato Bread

This comforting sweet potato bread is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or served with a dollop of maple ice cream or sweetened whipped cream for a light dessert.

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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

This makeover recipe was one of the favorites chosen for our 30th anniversary issue. Tahini gives this cookie a subtle sesame flavor.

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Andes Mint Brownies

These brownies feature melted mint chocolate and have just the right amount of fudginess, richness and peppermint. We love these brownies topped with a sprinkling of extra mint chocolate, but chopped nuts or regular chocolate chips will work well too.

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No-Bake Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Here we make a no-bake cheesecake with a simple pressed graham cracker crust and a cream cheese and strained yogurt filling that sets as it chills. Blueberries tossed in store-bought lemon curd add sweetness and tang.

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Sweet Potato Dump Cake

This lightly sweetened sweet potato dump cake with a crumble topping is similar to a sweet potato casserole but with a firm, cake-like texture. If you can't find a spice cake mix, you can use a vanilla cake mix and add cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.

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Cranberry-Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

In this installment of Diaspora Dining, Jessica B. Harris' series on foods of the African diaspora, the author and historian rings in some changes to the Christmas traditions of her own childhood.

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