Itai Liptz Cook Blog https://zglklj.com/ Itai Liptz Cook Blog | zglklj.com Tue, 21 Jan 2025 01:13:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Itai Liptz Cook Blog: Air Fryer French Bread Pizza https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-air-fryer-french-bread-pizza/ Tue, 21 Jan 2025 01:13:13 +0000 https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-air-fryer-french-bread-pizza/ We sneak in a layer of garlic butter to take your pizza to a whole new level of delicious! Skip the delivery and whip up your own delicious French bread pizza in the air fryer tonight. Crispy French bread, coated with a perfect layer of garlic butter, topped with ooey-gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni […]

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We sneak in a layer of garlic butter to take your pizza to a whole new level of delicious! Skip the delivery and whip up your own delicious French bread pizza in the air fryer tonight. Crispy French bread, coated with a perfect layer of garlic butter, topped with ooey-gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni slices.

Our favorite 2-Minute Pizza Sauce is perfect for this recipe!

Perfectly crispy bread and gooey, melted cheese, and any toppings you’d like!
We sneak in a layer of garlic butter to take your pizza over the top with deliciousness!

What really makes this recipe shine is the homemade garlic-butter base that takes your pizza to the next level. It’s such a simple little step, but wow, does it take the flavor to a whole new level. Go with classic pepperoni or let everyone load up their pieces with their favorite toppings—it’s totally up to you. The air fryer guarantees crispy perfection every single time, so you can say goodbye to soggy crusts and hello to the easiest pizza night ever (with almost no cleanup)!

French Bread: Choose a loaf with a nice crusty exterior and soft interior. Day-old bread works great too since it crisps up perfectly in the air fryer.
Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
Garlic Powder: We use garlic powder rather than minced garlic to keep it from burning while still giving you garlic flavor.
Dried Oregano: Just a little Italian herb note. You could also use Italian seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts best. Store-bought bagged cheese contains additives that can make it harder to melt.
Pizza Sauce: Homemade pizza sauce is our favorite, but canned or jarred store-bought options work just fine. Use your favorite!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which contains additives to prevent clumping which also makes it hard to melt.
Pepperoni Slices: Use any brand or type you prefer for your topping.

One of the best things about French bread pizza is how you can top it with whatever you’d like. Just be careful not to overload your pizza with too many toppings—this can make the crust soggy and affect the cooking time. While classic pepperoni is always a hit, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Here are some ideas to inspire your pizza creations:

Veggie Lovers: Load up with sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and red onion.

Hawaiian: Sweet and savory perfection with pineapple chunks and ham. Those who think pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza can skip.

BBQ Chicken: Swap out the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, then top with shredded chicken, red onion, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Margherita: Fresh mozzarella slices, tomato, and fresh basil for a simple classic.

Meat Lovers: Combine sausage crumbles, pepperoni, bacon, and ham for an all-in meat feast.

Kids’ Favorites: Let the kids top their own pizzas with fun toppings like mini pepperonis or even sliced hot dogs. Hey, we don’t judge!

One of the most important steps when making this air fryer french bread pizza is to brown the bread with the garlic butter on top before you add the toppings. This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the pizza from becoming soggy once the toppings are added and cooked.

The quick pre-toast in the air fryer is a game-changer. Pop the buttered bread in for just 2 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and crisp. Trust me, this step is worth it! It gives the bread a sturdy, flavorful foundation that holds up beautifully under all that sauce, cheese, and toppings.

The air fryer’s powerful fan can sometimes send lighter toppings like pepperoni flying like a tornado. To prevent this, you can place a light sprinkle of cheese over the top of the pepperoni to anchor them in place as the cheese melts.

Or, if your air fryer includes a rack or trivet, place it over the pizzas to keep toppings in place while still allowing airflow.

Not all air fryers are created equal, and cooking times can vary depending on the style you’re using. The key is to keep an eye on the pizzas. When the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the edges are crisp, they’re ready to devour!

Basket-Style Air Fryers: We have a strong preference for the basket style of air fryer with our current favorite being the Ninja Air Fryer Pro. The toaster oven styles aren’t quite as effective as the basket style and items often take a little longer.

Toaster Oven-Style Air Fryers: These are great for fitting more pizzas at once but may take a bit longer to cook since they have a larger space to heat. Start by adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time and keep an eye on the cheese.

Ovens with Air Fryer Settings: These work similarly to toaster oven-style air fryers but can also take slightly longer. Adjust the cooking time as needed, checking after 4-5 minutes to ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Refrigerate individual slices by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat portions in the air fryer until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. This makes awesome leftovers!

 

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Itai Liptz Cook Blog: Ranch Dressing Recipe https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-ranch-dressing-recipe/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:15:51 +0000 https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-ranch-dressing-recipe/ This homemade ranch dressing recipe is so easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought! Mayonnaise, sour cream, and a handful of herbs and seasonings are all you need to make your own ranch dressing that has a fresh bright flavor. Variations: Ranch dressing is so easy to customize! For a pop of […]

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This homemade ranch dressing recipe is so easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought!

Mayonnaise, sour cream, and a handful of herbs and seasonings are all you need to make your own ranch dressing that has a fresh bright flavor.

Variations: Ranch dressing is so easy to customize! For a pop of nutrition, turn it into avocado ranch or chipotle ranch for a zesty version. Bacon crumbles turn up the flavor. For a tangier kick, try a splash of pickle juice or chopped jalapenos from a jar.

Chill for 30 minutes before using.

Ranch dressing is a favorite float, and the sky’s the limit to the ways to use it!

Keep leftover ranch dressing in a tightly covered cruet or jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Check the expiration date on your dairy ingredients as a guide.

Did you make this homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe? Leave a comment and a rating below!

4.98 from 43 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

This copycat of the Hidden Valley classic is creamy, savory, and always popular as a dip, salad dressing, or spread.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Chill time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 16 tablespoons

1¼ cup mayonnaise½ cup sour cream1 teaspoon dried chives or 1 tablespoon fresh1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh½ teaspoon dried dill or 2 teaspoons fresh½ teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon onion powder¼ teaspoon pepper⅛ teaspoon salt¼ cup milk or buttermilk, or as needed

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.

Add milk or buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

To lighten up calories,  swap sour cream with non-fat Greek yogurt. Reduced fat mayonnaise is sweet, and not recommended for this recipe.
Variations:  cracked black pepper, Italian herbs, Taco seasoning or other spice blends. 
To make a creamy dip: Eliminate the milk or buttermilk.
 

4.98 from 43 votes

Serving: 1tablespoons | Calories: 137 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dip, Dressing
Cuisine American

 

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Itai Liptz Cook Blog: Potato Leek Soup https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-potato-leek-soup/ Sun, 19 Jan 2025 18:20:10 +0000 https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-potato-leek-soup/ Leeks, celery, and potatoes are blended into a rich and creamy soup for a restaurant worthy favorite at home. Keep leftover potato leek soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, so use this one up within […]

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Leeks, celery, and potatoes are blended into a rich and creamy soup for a restaurant worthy favorite at home.

Keep leftover potato leek soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, so use this one up within a few days after making it.

Did you make this Potato Leek Soup? Leave us a rating and a comment below.

4.83 from 35 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Fragrant leeks are simmered with potatoes and broth until perfectly tender. Once blended, a splash of cream turns it into a smooth, elegant and comforting soup!

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Immersion Blender or hand blender

Large Pot or Dutch oven

3 large leeks white only2 ribs celery ½-inch chopped½ cup salted butter2 pounds russet potatoes about 5 medium, peeled6 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock3 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves1 bay leaf¼ teaspoon salt or to taste¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste¾ cup heavy whipping creamchopped fresh chives or thyme for garnish

Cut off the green of the leeks and discard (or freeze for stock). Cut the leeks lengthwise and then thinly slice them, you should have about 5 to 6 cups of leeks.

Rinse the leeks very well under cold water to remove dirt or grit.

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and celery and cook until leeks are tender, about 7-10 minutes.

Cut potatoes into large chunks and add them to the pot with the broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Discard bay leaf and thyme stems. Using an immersion or hand blender*, blend soup until smooth. Add cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Optional: Once blended, run through a strainer lined with cheesecloth to achieve a smoother texture.
Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. 
 
 

4.83 from 35 votes

Calories: 300 | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 844mg | Potassium: 618mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1307IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Entree, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American

 

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Itai Liptz Cook Blog: Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-best-broccoli-cheddar-soup/ Sat, 18 Jan 2025 17:12:31 +0000 https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-best-broccoli-cheddar-soup/ This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is made with tender broccoli florets in a creamy cheesy broth. Did you try this Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Leave a comment and rating below. 5 from 66 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!Or to leave a comment, click here! This savory broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, comforting dish with […]

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This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is made with tender broccoli florets in a creamy cheesy broth.

Did you try this Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Leave a comment and rating below.

5 from 66 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

This savory broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, comforting dish with three kinds of melted cheese and tender broccoli.

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

1 tablespoon butter1 small onion diced1 clove garlic minced4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen2 cups chicken broth½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed1½ cups half and half or evaporated milk1 tablespoon cornstarch2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheesesalt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan, cook the onion and garlic in butter over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes.

Add the broccoli, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the broccoli is tender, about 6 minutes. Add the cream cheese and cook for 2 minutes more to soften.

With a slotted spoon, remove 1 cup of the cooked broccoli, coarsely chop it, and set it aside. Use an immersion blender* to blend the remaining soup.

In a small bowl, whisk the cream and cornstarch.

Bring the soup to a boil and whisk in the cream mixture. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 ¾ cups of cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and the reserved chopped broccoli. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with additional cheese and serve immediately.

Use half and half, light cream 10-12% milk fat, or evaporated milk.
You can use whole milk but the soup won’t be as rich, you may need extra cornstarch for thickening.
For a stronger cheese flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
Leftovers should be tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

5 from 66 votes

Serving: 1.25cup | Calories: 469 | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 741mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1726IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 428mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine American

 

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Itai Liptz Cook Blog: German Chocolate Sheet Cake https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-german-chocolate-sheet-cake/ Sat, 18 Jan 2025 01:12:13 +0000 https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-german-chocolate-sheet-cake/ We transformed our amazing German Chocolate Cake recipe into an easier, one-bowl, one-pan wonder! This rich, chocolatey, and moist cake is topped with the most irresistible coconut pecan frosting. It’s simple to make, absolutely delicious, and totally dreamy! For another easy cake recipe, try our Flourless Chocolate Cake for more chocolatey goodness! Moist and fluffy […]

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We transformed our amazing German Chocolate Cake recipe into an easier, one-bowl, one-pan wonder! This rich, chocolatey, and moist cake is topped with the most irresistible coconut pecan frosting. It’s simple to make, absolutely delicious, and totally dreamy!

For another easy cake recipe, try our Flourless Chocolate Cake for more chocolatey goodness!

Moist and fluffy every time with a cake that is melt-in-your-mouth good.:
Coconut pecan frosting delivers the classic German chocolate flavor.
One-bowl cake batter keeps everything simple and easy and always delicious.

German Chocolate Sheet Cake is one of those desserts that never disappoints. It’s sweet, nutty, moist, and chocolatey. With its simple steps, this cake is perfect for even beginner bakers! Plus, it’s so good, that you likely won’t want to share!

All-Purpose Flour: Stick with regular all-purpose flour for the best results. We don’t recommend using cake flour as it makes this cake crumbly.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: We recommend Hershey’s cocoa powder as it’s widely available. You can also use higher-quality options like Ghirardelli or those from specialty chocolatiers, though they may be more expensive.
Baking Soda and Powder: You’ll need both. Be sure to check the expiration date to avoid a flat cake.
Eggs: Standard Grade AA large eggs will work perfectly.
Buttermilk: Don’t skip this! Homemade buttermilk is a great substitute.
Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or olive oil are good alternatives. Stick with a neutral-flavored oil.
Salted Butter: You can also use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work well.
Egg Yolks: No need to temper—just add them directly.
Evaporated Milk: This is not the same as condensed milk, so be sure to use the correct type.
Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Sweetened coconut flakes can be used for added sweetness if preferred.
Chopped Pecans: You could also use chopped walnuts, but pecans are the traditional choice.

This cake gets its name from a product from the Baker’s Chocolate Company. It was developed by a man named Samuel German. German’s Sweet Chocolate Bar is a dark chocolate bar with more sugar in it than regular semi-sweet. We don’t use this particular product in this recipe because we feel like we can get a better flavor without it, but the name still stands.

We highly recommend using buttermilk for the best flavor and texture. If you don’t have any on hand, making a substitute is simple! Just add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà—homemade buttermilk!

Choosing the right pan is key to ensuring your cake turns out perfectly. For our German Chocolate Sheet Cake, we used a jelly roll pan or baker’s half sheet, which measures 13×18 inches with a rimmed edge. Using a smaller or deeper pan can alter the cake-to-frosting ratio, affecting both the taste and texture.

Prepare the pan by lightly greasing it with butter or nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper, ensuring no overhang. Precut parchment paper sheets are especially convenient for this step. While parchment paper isn’t required, it helps ensure the cake doesn’t stick and makes serving easier too.

Take your time when making the coconut pecan frosting—rushing it can lead to scorched sugar or a grainy texture, and nobody wants that! Cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly, and let patience do its thing.

You’ll know it’s ready when the frosting thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. A quick finger swipe through the coating should leave a clean line.

Once it’s ready, let the frosting cool completely before spreading it on your cake. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference—it sets perfectly and is so much easier to work with!

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freeze individual slices separated on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature.

 

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Itai Liptz Cook Blog: Layered Ratatouille (Roasted Vegetable Casserole) https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-layered-ratatouille-roasted-vegetable-casserole/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:20:38 +0000 https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-layered-ratatouille-roasted-vegetable-casserole/ Ratatouille is a simple dish of layered tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant. With a touch of tomato sauce and a drizzle of oil, this dish is as delicious as it is beautiful! Serve these roasted vegetables as a side dish or a meatless main dish with crusty bread. This recipe is a great way to enjoy […]

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Ratatouille is a simple dish of layered tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant. With a touch of tomato sauce and a drizzle of oil, this dish is as delicious as it is beautiful!

Serve these roasted vegetables as a side dish or a meatless main dish with crusty bread.

This recipe is a great way to enjoy those fresh garden veggies and a hearty vegetarian entree!

Top with chopped basil and serve immediately. A slice of homemade garlic bread or fresh French bread is perfect for soaking up this delicious sauce!

Store leftover Ratatouille in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Did you make this delicious Ratatouille? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

4.99 from 59 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Layered ratatouille is a beautifully arranged dish with thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes, baked to tender perfection with herbs.

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

3 tablespoons olive oil divided3 cloves garlic minced½ small onion chopped½ cup shredded carrot or diced red bell pepper*14 ounces crushed tomatoes1 teaspoon dried basil¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves2 teaspoons dried parsley1 small eggplant sliced1 large zucchini sliced3 roma tomatoes sliced½ teaspoon salt or more to taste⅛ teaspoon black pepper or more to taste

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large skillet, cook onion, garlic, and carrot (or bell pepper) in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, 4-5 minutes or until tender.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and seasonings and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cut vegetables to ⅛-inch thickness.

Add the sauce to the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish. Starting with the outer edge, arrange the sliced vegetables standing up on their sides over the sauce. Brush with remaining olive oil.

Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot or warm.

For more sauce, add 28 oz of crushed tomatoes (instead of 14 oz). For a zestier sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste. The sauce can be replaced with marinara sauce if desired.
Herbs can be replaced with 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning.
*Diced bell pepper or shredded carrot adds a bit of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes—you can replace it with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of sugar if needed.
Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened. The liquid from the vegetables will mix with the sauce and thin it out as it bakes.
For firmer vegetables, reduce baking time. For softer vegetables, increase bake time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. 

4.99 from 59 votes

Calories: 152 | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1095IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegetarian

 

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Itai Liptz Cook Blog: Ground Beef Cheesesteak https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-ground-beef-cheesesteak/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 01:09:42 +0000 https://zglklj.com/itai-liptz-cook-blog-ground-beef-cheesesteak/ Satisfy those Philly cheesesteak cravings with a ground beef version that still brings all of the iconic flavors in a more budget-friendly form. It’s somewhere between a sloppy joe and a traditional cheesesteak and boy is it delicious. It’s also ready in 30 minutes! For the traditional experience, check out our recipe for an Authentic […]

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Satisfy those Philly cheesesteak cravings with a ground beef version that still brings all of the iconic flavors in a more budget-friendly form. It’s somewhere between a sloppy joe and a traditional cheesesteak and boy is it delicious. It’s also ready in 30 minutes!

For the traditional experience, check out our recipe for an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak.

All the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors you love using ground beef.
Ready in 30 minutes or less and budget-friendly.
Choose your cheese and mix and match all your favorite cheesesteak toppings.

They’re incredibly easy to make for a crowd, use budget-friendly ingredients, and come together quickly for a tasty meal on a whim. You can pick your favorite cheese—Provolone, American, or even a classic cheese whiz—and load up on all the toppings you love. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, jalapeños. The sky’s the limit! Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef the best flavor and texture, or leaner. Just be sure to drain any excess grease as needed.
Onion: Use yellow onions or white onions. Slice it thinly or dice small it if you want it to blend in more with the texture of the ground beef.
Green Bell Pepper: Slice them thinly or dice small if you want it to blend in more with the texture of the ground beef. Try using red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a little extra sweetness.
Cream Cheese: Cut into cubes to help it melt more evenly. Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese.
Buns: Brioche buns are our favorite, but any bun will work. You could also use hoagie buns for more of a traditional cheesesteak vibe. Toast for better texture.
Cheese: We like provolone, but you can also use American, or go full Philly and use cheese whiz.

We recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this recipe. The extra fat enhances the flavor and adds just enough juiciness to mix with the cream cheese for a perfectly saucy texture.

If you prefer a leaner option, such as 90/10, that works too. You could even try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different.

Keep in mind that using ground beef with a higher fat content will produce more grease, which you’ll need to spoon out to keep your sloppy joes from becoming too greasy.

We recommend using brioche-style hamburger buns because they toast so nicely and are buttery, sweet, and soft. Traditional sesame seed buns, potato buns, Hawaiian buns, or regular hamburger buns also work well.

If you’re going for a more traditional cheesesteak vibe, hoagie rolls are the way to go. They’re sturdier and can hold up to all the delicious fillings without falling apart.

Whichever you choose, be sure to toast them—it adds a delicious touch and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy when topped with the sloppy joes.

Toasting your buns gives them a crispy edge and helps hold up all that juicy filling without getting soggy. It’s an optional step, but we recommend taking the extra few minutes to do it.

Stovetop: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Slice the buns in half and place them cut-side down in the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Lay the buns cut-side up on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.

Toaster: For a quick option, use a toaster if your buns fit. Slice them in half and toast on a low-to-medium setting to prevent burning.

Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with chips, french fries, or tater tots. For a more complete meal, add Coleslaw and baked beans to take it to the next level.

Refrigerate leftover beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze by letting the beef mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Reheating in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until hot.

 

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