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Home / side dishes - Page 3

side dishes

Easy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe with Sour Cream
cooking | side dishes

Easy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe with Sour Cream

(Low Carb) Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
cooking | low carb living | Meal Prep | side dishes

(Low Carb) Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Side Dishes for BLT Sandwiches (The Best Ideas)
cooking | side dishes

Side Dishes for BLT Sandwiches (The Best Ideas)

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Cheez Whiz
Christmas | cooking | side dishes | Thanksgiving

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Cheez Whiz

Easy Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan (3 ingredients)
cooking | side dishes | Winter Comforts

Easy Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan (3 ingredients)

Southern Jiffy Cornbread and Sausage Dressing Recipe
cooking | side dishes | Thanksgiving

Southern Jiffy Cornbread and Sausage Dressing Recipe

How to Cook Fresh Pinto Beans
cooking | main dishes | side dishes

How to Cook Fresh Pinto Beans

Cheesy Onion Casserole Recipe
Christmas | cooking | side dishes | Thanksgiving

Cheesy Onion Casserole Recipe

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Hey, y'all! I’M ashley!

Welcome!

Many years ago, I created Sweetpea Lifestyle as a way of sharing simple recipes and entertaining tips with friends.⁣

Sweetpea Lifestyle is a go-to resource for dependable recipes that help you effortlessly entertain—you’ll learn to edit out the mess of over-complicated dinner parties

Ashley Elizabeth | Sweetpea

sweetpealifestyle

👩‍🍳 Easy Recipes that Gather People
🥰 Making Life Simple and Tasty
🎀 Ringing in the NEW Southern Belle
✨ The freezer is my secret dinner party assistan ✨ The freezer is my secret dinner party assistant ✨ Here’s how I freeze taco meat (or any cooked protein!) so it’s easy to reheat later: 1️⃣ Line a baking dish with parchment paper. 2️⃣ Spoon in the cooled taco meat + freeze. 3️⃣ Pop out the frozen block (thanks, parchment!) + tuck into a zip-top bag. 4️⃣ When it’s dinner time, place a portion in the same baking dish, put it in a cold oven, set to 350°F, and bake 25 mins. Dinner = DONE ✅ This little trick keeps weeknight dinners stress-free and makes taco night feel special—even when it’s coming straight from the freezer. 🌮✨ 👉 Would you try this parchment hack? Or do you have your own freezer trick up your sleeve? Share it with me below! . . . #FreezerHack #DinnerPartyMadeEasy #HostingTips #EasyDinners #SweetpeaLifestyle
Some recipes don’t come from cookbooks — they Some recipes don’t come from cookbooks — they come from notecards taped to my darling grandmother’s fridge. 📝 🥬 That’s how Toni’s coleslaw recipe lived for decades: handwritten, smudged with fingerprints, and always showing up at the table. Here’s the thing, y’all… the last time I made it, I didn’t have half the ingredients. 🙈 No half-and-half, no white vinegar, no celery seeds. So I improvised — more mayo, apple cider vinegar, dried onions. And guess what? Still creamy, tangy, sweet perfection. So today I’m sharing two versions:
👉 The original Notecard Coleslaw (nostalgic + classic)
👉 My “similar-ish” pantry swap version (creamy + quick) Because sometimes the best recipes are the ones that bend with us. 💕 Would you try the notecard original or my creamy pantry version first? Tell me below! 👇 🔗 Say SLAW for the recipe! . . .
#coleslaw #southernrecipes #bbqside #easyrecipes #southerncooking #familyrecipes #summersides #southernfood #homemadeslaw #vintagerecipes LinkDM *037*
🔥 BBQ Chicken Sub Sliders = the ULTIMATE game d 🔥 BBQ Chicken Sub Sliders = the ULTIMATE game day snack! 
Juicy rotisserie chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce, layered with melty cheese, and baked inside buttery King’s Hawaiian sub rolls. Oh, and don’t forget that sweet honey-butter glaze brushed on top. 🤤 ✨ Perfect for:
🏈 Football watch parties
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family dinners
🎉 Easy crowd-pleasing appetizers The best part? You can prep them in minutes and let the oven do all the work. Would you add creamy coleslaw inside… or serve it on the side? 🥬👇 👉 Save this recipe for your next party spread! 🔗 Say SLIDE in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you!
👉 Tag a friend who needs these sliders in their life! . . .
#BBQChickenSliders #GameDayEats #DinnerPartyIdeas #EasyRecipesForDinner #SlidersRecipe #RotisserieChickenRecipes #sweetpealifestyle LinkDM *036*
Sometimes you just gotta do the things you wanna d Sometimes you just gotta do the things you wanna do.
Slow-cooked flavor in just 30 minutes? Yes, please Slow-cooked flavor in just 30 minutes? Yes, please. 🌟 This Quick & Easy Pulled Pork Chalupa feels like it spent all day simmering…but thanks to ready-made pulled pork and pantry staples, it’s on the table in under half an hour. Perfect for Taco Tuesday, tailgating, or effortless dinner parties. I use one cheeky cheat: restaurant pulled pork. Just pull up to your favorite local BBQ joint, and snag a couple of pounds. Here’s how it comes together: 1. Sauté onions, canned beans, Rotel tomatoes & green chilis. 2. Stir in pulled pork + spices & simmer till fragrant. 3. Serve it out with your favorite toppings—Fritos, tortillas, or bowls work beautifully. It’s easy to prep ahead, freezes beautifully, and serves an army—tailgating or hosting, this one’s your new best friend. 🔗 Say PORK in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe for you! 💌 Save this recipe to your “Easy Crowd Dinners” board. Tag me when you serve it—I want to see your chalupa spread! . . . #PulledPorkChalupa #EasyDinnerIdea #TacoTuesday #TailgateWin #GatheringMadeEasy LinkDM *035*
Why choose one appetizer when you can have them al Why choose one appetizer when you can have them all? 🙌 This wine and snacks grazing board is my go-to for feeding a hungry crowd: �🥖 A mix of salty + crunchy (balsamic toast points, pita crisps)�🍗 Leftover sliced up chicken is easy to add to the board 🥕 Fresh veggies with bottled Caesar dressing 🍅 Tomato Cottage Cheese Dip The beauty of a grazing board? You can prep everything ahead, set it out, and enjoy the party right alongside your guests. ✨ 💌 Save this reel to inspire your next football spread! . . . #AppetizerBoard #GameDaySnacks #CrowdPleasingRecipes #GatheringMadeEasy
🍂✨ Cozy season = cozy eats, and I’ve rounde 🍂✨ Cozy season = cozy eats, and I’ve rounded up 7 must-try Fall recipes that will make your kitchen smell like pure autumn magic. Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner idea, a cozy fall soup recipe, or a show-stopping appetizer for your next dinner party, this list has you covered. Here’s what’s on my Fall recipe bucket list:� 🥔 Sloppy Joe Tot-chos (hello, game day appetizer!)� 🍗 Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken (the perfect Sunday roast)� 🎃 Pumpkin Fondue (yes, the pumpkin IS the pot!)� 🥣 White Bean Chicken Chili (cozy, protein-packed comfort food)� 🌶️ Enchilada Soup with Ranch Salsa (easy one-pot dinner)� 🧈 Butter Board (viral appetizer that feels luxe but simple)� 🔥 Garlic Buffalo Chicken Wings (spicy, messy, and oh-so-worth it) ✨ Save this post for your Fall dinner inspiration, share it with your cooking crew, and tell me in the comments— �👉 Which recipe are you making first? You can find all of these on my website! If you want a specific recipe, ask in the comments, and I'll DM you the link! . . . #FallRecipes #CozyFallDinners #EasyFallAppetizers #DinnerPartyInspo #GameDayEats #ComfortFoodSeason #SweetpeaLifestyle
🏈 Hosting a game day crowd? Save this list for 🏈 Hosting a game day crowd? Save this list for when you need a last-minute appetizer — these 10 recipes never fail. The best part? Every single one can be made ahead of time so you get breathing room to tackle last-minute details while your guests start dipping, snacking, and chatting. ✨ Here’s what’s on the list: 🍤 Roasted Shrimp Cocktail — elegant but ridiculously easy, served with a zesty dipping sauce.
🧀 Easy Cheeseboard — pile on cheeses, crackers, and fruit → instant crowd-pleaser.
🥪 Meatball Toasties — little open-faced bites of comfort food your guests will devour.
🍅 Baked Goat Cheese & Tomato Dip — creamy, tangy, and bubbling hot right from the oven.
🧀 All the Cheese Cheeseball — retro classic, updated for modern gatherings (and always gone first).
🌶️ Pimento Cheese — Southern staple, spreadable magic on crackers or veggies.
🔥 Firecracker Dip — spicy, creamy, and addictive (this one vanishes fastest at my parties!).
🧅 Swiss Onion Dip — cheesy, melty, oniony perfection.
🧄 Boursin Marinara Dip — creamy meets tangy, an unexpected but unforgettable combo.
🧀 Unexpected Cheddar Dip — sharp, creamy, and the perfect pairing for fresh veggies. ✨ Hosting hack: set one (or two!) of these out before guests arrive. It buys you time to finish up dinner (or just refill your drink 😉). 💌 Save this carousel to keep your game day hosting stress-free! Which one are you trying first?
🔗 Say APP in the comments, and I’ll share a link to all the recipes! .
.
.
#GameDaySnacks #AppetizerRecipes #HostingMadeEasy #GatheringMadeEasy LinkDM *034*
One appetizer. Three dips. Instant touchdown. 🙌 One appetizer. Three dips. Instant touchdown. 🙌 This Italian Triple Dipper is my favorite game day trick because it’s: 
✨ Crowd-pleasing (everyone gets their favorite dip)
✨ Easy to prep ahead
✨ Served on one platter for max impact, minimal stress Here’s what’s on the board:
🍅 Marinara Sauce
🧄 Boursin + Marinara
🥛 Alfredo Rosa All paired with warm, toasty garlic bread for dipping. The perfect snack for football parties, cozy nights in, or when you just need a quick win in the hosting department. 🏆 💌 Save this reel to pull out whenever you need an easy, crowd-friendly appetizer. 🔗 Say YES in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you! . . . #GameDaySnacks #AppetizerInspo #EasyHostingHacks #GatheringMadeEasy LinkDM *033*
Chunky Caesar Dressing! It’s got big bits of pa Chunky Caesar Dressing! It’s got big bits of parmesan cheese, green onions, and chopped shallots! It’s the dressing I use in my Caprese Caesar Salad, and y’all! I cannot get enough. If you’re on the market for a new-ish salad dressing that will have you excited to dip all the vegetables into it over and over.. Leave a “SNOOP!” in the comments and I’ll send you the recipe! . . . #homemadedressing #caesarsalad #caesardip #easydinneridea
Did you know you can now buy @coleandmason product Did you know you can now buy @coleandmason products on Amazon?! Woo hoo!!! I’m obsessed with this brand… These Chocolate Wood London Salt and Pepper Mills are absolutely GORGEOUS. And, not to be too nostalgic or sappy, but I have a story about these mills. Growing up, my darling grandparents had a wooden pepper mill and salt shaker on their table. The pepper mill was (still is!) coveted by everyone. When you turned the top it produced the most evenly, perfect pepper. It wasn’t hard to grind, it had a smooth turn. My uncle and I have purchased many, MANY pepper mills over the years trying to get THAT grind. He got the “originals” when my grandparents no longer needed them. When I used these for the first time years ago, it was this instant “Ah! This is the same sound, same feel, and same grind of Papa’s Pepper Mill!” It makes my heart super happy. Just had to share. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk! If you want to snag your own mills, say “MILL” and I’ll send you the link! Happy Pepper Milling! . . . #ColeandMasonPartner #coleandmason
Want to eat more veggies without feeling like you’re on “diet food”? Build yourself a salad bar at home. 🥗✨ Here’s the hack:� 👉 Wash + prep your greens + toppings once at the start of the week� 👉 Store them in clear containers so they’re ready to grab� 👉 Mix and match proteins, grains, dressings, and crunchy toppings so every salad feels fresh + new It’s like giving yourself the joy of a restaurant salad bar… but in your own kitchen. Bonus? Dinner guests love it too — everyone builds their perfect plate! 💌 Save this for your next grocery run — your future self will thank you.� 👉 What’s your must-have salad topping? (Mine’s always crunchy homemade croutons 😉) . . . #SaladBarAtHome #HealthyDinnerHacks #GatheringMadeEasy #SimpleHostingTips
Cheers to a Citrus Crush Martini! Years ago at th Cheers to a Citrus Crush Martini! Years ago at the NC farmers market I had what they call an Orange Crush. It’s a darling little stand that you choose which citrus you want freshly juiced then they pair it with a little simple syrup, soda water, and a maraschino cherry! I can’t get enough of them, even though I’ve only had 2 “real” ones in my life. With that lovely tale in your mind, let me tell you about the martini version. It’s the best! Fresh citrus juice. Iced cold Vodka Sweet Simple Syrup Tangy Grenadine. It’s a match made in heaven, and makes the winter days a little brighter! Mix this up when you need a little refresher! Here are the ratios: 1 part Orange Juice 1 part Lemon Juice 1 part Lime Juice 2 parts Vodka 1/2 part Simple Syrup 1/2 part Grenadine Mix it all in a shaker, and shake, shake, shake! Strain into whatever glass you prefer and enjoy! Want to make this for a batch cocktail for a LOT of people?! Grab a bottle of OJ, a bottle of lemonade, and a bottle limeade. Mix those with 750ml of vodka and a jar of maraschino cherries! Add it to a drink dispense with citrus slices, and you’re ready to rumble!
🥗 GRINDER SALAD, Salad… If y’all haven’t 🥗 GRINDER SALAD, Salad… If y’all haven’t heard of the viral Grinder Salad Sandwich, you’re missing out. Say SALAD in the comments, and I’ll send the recipe to you! It’s this mayo-rich salad that enhances a melted cheese and meat sandwich… 🥗 I’ve become obsessed with the salad portion (of course!). Head over to your local butcher and pick up some deli meats. Add “shrettuce,” marinated tomatoes and shallots, and cute baby cucumbers to a big platter. Lovingly swirl your deli meats into all the veggies. 🥖 Top with homemade croutons… And then the ✨magical✨ part of the salad… Drizzle with the homemade Grinder Salad Dressing! Filled with red wine vinegar, mayo, pepperocini juice, and lots of garlic. 🎉 Y’all! This is what summer dinner plans are made of! No cooking… just assembling. 🥳 And it’s a real show-stopper for the those ✨magical✨ mealtimes we all crave! Have you seen/tried this recipe yet?! ⬇️ Tell me in the comments below!
✨ Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to be st ✨ Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to be stressful — you just need a plan. That’s why I created this Dinner Party Menu Planner Template to help you build a simple, balanced menu that feels special without the overwhelm. Here’s how to plan a dinner party menu step by step: 1️⃣ Pick your vibe first. Decide the mood and let it guide the rest:� 🍷 Casual grazing board� 🍝 Cozy family-style meal� ✨ Fancy plated dinner 2️⃣ Choose your main dish. Build your menu around this star:� 🐟 Salmon or seafood� 🥩 Roast or grilled meat� 🥗 Veggie-forward option 3️⃣ Add 2–3 sides. Balance flavors + textures so the menu feels complete:� 🥔 A starchy comfort food� 🥬 Something fresh + green� 🍞 Bread or rolls (always a crowd-pleaser) 4️⃣ Don’t forget drinks. They set the tone just as much as the food:� 🍸 A signature cocktail/mocktail� 🥂 Wine, beer, or bubbles� 💧 Sparkling water 5️⃣ Dessert is non-negotiable. Keep it simple but special:� 🍰 Cake, cobbler, or crisp� 🍪 Cookies or bars� 🍦 Ice cream with fun toppings ((This is a great time to answer the “What can I bring?” question!)) 6️⃣ A hosting hack: Make ONE “wow” dish, and let the rest be easy. Guests remember the way your table felt more than whether you made three homemade sides. 💫 👉 Save this post to use every time you plan a gathering — and tell me in the comments: what’s YOUR go-to main dish when you host? . . . #DinnerPartyInspo #HostingMadeEasy #GatheringMadeEasy #MenuPlanner #EasyDinnerIdeas
Rotisserie chicken: the real MVP of busy weeknight Rotisserie chicken: the real MVP of busy weeknights (and let’s be honest, lazy weekends too 😉). Instead of serving it plain, here are 3 easy ways to dress it up so it feels like a brand-new meal every time: �1️⃣ Layer into Chicken Enchilada Casserole� 2️⃣ Stuffed into tortillas for Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas� 3️⃣ Mix into a creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole No fuss, no extra cooking — just cozy, flavorful dinners in minutes. 💌 Save this reel so you’ll never look at rotisserie chicken the same way again!�👉 Tag a friend who always grabs one from the store. Want these recipes?? Say CHICKEN in the comments, and I’ll share them with you! . . . #RotisserieChickenRecipes #EasyDinnerIdeas #GatheringMadeEasy #WeeknightDinnerHack LinkDM *031*
Here’s the truth: a quick dessert turns any dinn Here’s the truth: a quick dessert turns any dinner into a dinner party. 🍪✨ I’m also not a baker! Don’t make me measure with a cup, I measure with my heart! My go-to?
👉 Brownies from a box (with a sprinkle of flaky salt)
👉 Premade cheesecake filling in store-bought crust, with caramel sauce and pecans
👉 Store-bought ice cream + crushed cookies for a “DIY sundae” It’s not about homemade perfection — it’s about ending the night with something sweet that makes everyone linger a little longer. 💫 💌 Save this reel for the next time you want dessert magic without the fuss. 
👉 Do you go for cookies, brownies, or ice cream? . . . #QuickDessert #EasyHostingHacks #DinnerPartyTips #GatheringMadeEasy
Ever need a last-minute side dish that tastes like Ever need a last-minute side dish that tastes like you actually tried? 👀 ✨ Dump frozen green beans into a pan ✨ Drizzle with melted butter ✨ Sprinkle on some House Seasoning ✨ Bake until golden + yummy That’s it. No chopping, no fuss, no stress. Just the easiest side dish your table will love. Want the “recipe”? Comment BEANS below, and I’ll send it right to you! 💌 . . . #easydinneridea #greenbeanrecipe #sidedishrecipe LinkDM *030*
✨ Your energy is a luxury item. 
You only get ✨ Your energy is a luxury item. 
You only get so much of it, and you only get one life to live. 🕯️ Light a few candles (instant vibe)
🎶 Put on soft music while dinner cooks
🍷 Pour a glass of wine, mocktail, or sparkling water in a pretty glass
🍽️ Set the table — even if it’s just for two 
🪄 Make an ordinary Wednesday night feel extraordinary. Because the table isn’t just where we eat — it’s where we live, connect, and remember what matters most. 🌿 💌 Save this as your reminder: your everyday moments are worth celebrating. . . . #CozyDinner #GatheringMadeEasy #LifeAroundTheTable #SacredEveryday
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought: “Dinne Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought: “Dinner again?! Didn’t we just eat yesterday?” 🙋‍♀️ September is all about getting back into routine—which is exactly why I pulled together my ✨5 favorite dinner hacks✨ that make busy nights feel lighter, faster, and way less overwhelming. Because you deserve to sit down to something delicious without needing 37 ingredients and an hour of your life. ✨ 💌 Save this post for the next time you’re tempted to order takeout. �👉 And tell me: what’s YOUR ride-or-die dinner hack? I might just feature it in a future post. 😉 . . . #BackToRoutine #DinnerHackIdeas #WeeknightDinnerInspo #gatheringmadeeasy
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