Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Once we start to notice daffodils poking through the ground and spy daylight savings on the calendar, we know spring is on the horizon. Our recipes reflect this change of seasons, and we look forward to a rainbow of colors brightening up our dishes after a long, gray winter.
This month not only brings us March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day fun, but—if you’re like us—a renewed sense of adventure, especially in the kitchen. Here’s what we can’t wait to make as we welcome March.
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Chorizo Queso Dip
Credit: DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Whether you’re hosting a March Madness watch party or just craving cheesy comfort, you can’t go wrong with this hearty, flavorful dip starring smoky chorizo sausage. It comes together easily on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
“This recipe is a family favorite. Every get together we have where we are to bring an appetizer, this is expected. Sometimes it is a little thick. When that happens, I just add a little milk to it until it is the consistency that I am looking for.”
User smithki
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02 of 18
Real N’awlins Muffuletta
Credit: Allrecipes / Qi Ai
While we didn’t get to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans in February this year, we’re still game to eat like we did. Recreate one of the city’s most famous dishes at home. These gigantic sandwiches were invented nearly a century ago at a Sicilian deli called Central Grocery in the French Quarter. Spicy, tangy olive salad gets layered with meat and cheese on oven-fresh round Italian bread for a truly one-of-a-kind bite.
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03 of 18
Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread
Credit: Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
Speaking of crusty bread… “Irish soda bread is actually easy to make with flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. This is the best Irish soda bread around—the buttermilk gives this crusty loaf a delicious flavor,” ensures recipe creator MP Welty.
Recipe Tip
Editor Courtney Kassel recommends serving each slice with a healthy smear of Kerrygold butter.
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04 of 18
Beer Batter Fish Made Great
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
If your Fridays this March are Fish Fry-days, might we suggest this homemade favorite? Skip the drive-thru and make this version with an extra-crispy coating.
“If you’ve never fried your own fish at home, [this is] the best recipe for crispy, light, airy, beer-battered fish,” according to culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin. Nicole suggests using cod because “it’s meaty, but it’s also super light and flaky. It holds the batter really well,” she adds.
Want to omit the beer? Try our Unbelievable Fish Batter for equally light and crispy results. Just don’t forget the tartar sauce.
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05 of 18
Shamrock Shake
Credit: Morgan Glaze / Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Let’s keep the Irish theme going with one last hurrah here. This homemade Shamrock Shake is made with vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint extract, and upgraded with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and optional green food coloring for added effect. It’s truly the perfect seasonal treat.
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06 of 18
Diane’s Colcannon
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Recipe creator DianeF sells this perfectly for March: “While colcannon is associated with St. Patrick’s Day, I love the combination of cabbage, potatoes, onion, and bacon all through the cooler months…I attend an annual St. Paddy’s Day party, and this is the dish I’m always asked to bring. I’m happy to say that the bowl comes home empty every time!”
Allrecipes’ Frances Crouter will be making this version with leeks.
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07 of 18
Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken and Rice)
Credit: Allrecipes / Qi Ai
In the transition between seasons, a one-pan dinner is always a good choice. And this is an easy, flavor-packed pick with chicken and seasoned rice. According to recipe creator Carol Alter, it’s “comforting and delicious [and] easy to adjust to use chicken thighs or leftover chicken.”
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08 of 18
Beef and Guinness Stew
Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly
In a stew mood? Chef John has just the thing. With more than 1,100 5-star reviews, this hearty recipe features March’s favorite beer along with bacon, beef chuck, and vegetables. Serve it with mashed potatoes as suggested, or serve with crusty bread for a festive and filling meal this month.
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09 of 18
Million Dollar Grilled Cheese
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward / Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling: Claire Spollen
This “million-dollar” sandwich is rich and savory in all the best ways, with a golden-brown exterior, a cheesy, creamy center, and extra flavor from smoky bacon and fresh scallions for balance. And it’s test kitchen approved.
Allstar Christina gives it five stars: “Absolutely delicious! LOVED the frico (crispy melted cheese) on the bottom and it went so well with the creamy, flavorful filling. This super simple, elevated take on a classic is definitely one that I will be making often!”
Million Dollar Grilled Cheese
10 of 18
Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Don’t limit yourself to just fried fish this Lenten season—enjoy it in all its forms. Lemon and dill complement salmon wonderfully in a baked dish that comes together in about 30 minutes. Serve this on a weeknight or for a special occasion with roasted vegetables—it’s that good and that simple. Take it from the 500-plus 5-star reviews.
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11 of 18
Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower
Credit: TheDailyGourmet
“This hot honey-roasted cauliflower, bold and flavorful, is an easy side dish to make and takes only three ingredients,” notes recipe creator TheDailyGourmet.
Bonus tip: Drizzle a little extra hot honey over top before serving.
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12 of 18
Cavatelli and Broccoli
Credit: Allrecipes / Qi Ai
When we’re craving fresh flavor, we’ll be whipping up this satisfying recipe on repeat. Just about 30 minutes, and you’ll have dinner on the table.
“I make this recipe about once a month.” —Allrecipes reviewer Theresa P
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13 of 18
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Credit: Dina Borshch
Recipe creator Dina Borshch suggests this as the perfect weekend meal—and we have to agree. “These garlic butter steak bites will be gone in minutes. Garlicky, buttery, and so flavorful.” Serve with rice and a vegetable, or on top of a salad.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Carbonara Beans
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Take traditional spaghetti carbonara for a spin with this cozy favorite. The dish takes only 20 minutes to make, but tastes like pure comfort in a bowl. And it couldn’t be easier to throw together using canned cannellini beans (though this would also be great with chickpeas).
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15 of 18
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Creator Juliana Hale introduces this recipe as “pretty and colorful, with a good balance of vegetables and sausage, tender eggs, and hash browns.” She also notes, “It’s easy to put together, and makes enough for a crowd.” In other words, perfect for any occasion this month.
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Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars
Credit: Kim Shupe
Just in time for all things spring, we’re putting this treat high on our list. “With the spiciness of carrot cake and the richness of cheesecake, these carrot cake cheesecake bars are the best of both worlds. These bars do need to chill several hours in the fridge before serving, so make sure to plan ahead,” Allstar Kim notes.
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17 of 18
Blackberry Lemon Cornbread Muffins
Credit: Pat Bernitt
Allrecipes Allstar Pat Bernitt has a tasty new recipe for us to kick off our March mornings. “These blackberry lemon cornbread muffins are tender and moist. Savory cornmeal joins sweet blackberries, and lemon brightens the flavor. If you’re not into hot honey, regular honey is fine,” she comments.
Blackberry Lemon Cornbread Muffins
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Rich Butter Cake
Credit: Kim Shupe
Kim just shared another newcomer with us as well: “This rich, buttery cake is perfect for any occasion. With just some basic pantry staples, it comes together quickly, and tastes amazing. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee—or top it off with some fresh fruit for an extra treat.”
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Read the original article on Allrecipes
Dining and Cooking