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8 Dishes You Need to Try Over the Weekend

8 Dishes You Need to Try over the WeekendImage source

8 Dishes You Need to Try Over the Weekend

The weekend is finally here! After a long week of work, school, or other obligations, these two days are our time to relax, recharge, and of course, indulge in delicious food. The weekend presents the perfect opportunity to try new recipes or cook up comforting classics for the family. Whether you want to impress guests at a Saturday night dinner party or make Sunday brunch extra special, the dishes you choose can make all the difference. 

Here are 8 must-try recipes to add to your weekend meal rotation.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Nothing says weekend comfort food quite like mac and cheese. This baked version takes the cheesy pasta to new heights with a crispy, golden topping. 

Make the sauce from a classic roux, or take a shortcut with evaporated milk and cheese for an ultra-creamy texture. Top with panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, or crushed crackers before baking until bubbly and browned. 

Baked mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners or potlucks. You can serve it straight out of the oven for the perfect balance of hot, melty cheese and crunchy topping. Its leftovers can be portioned out for easy lunches during the week.

Instant Pot Chuck Roast

Transform a tough cut of meat into fall-off-the-bone tender perfection with an Instant Pot chuck roast. Season the meat generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Add some onions, carrots, potatoes, and beef broth to the pot before pressure cooking for about an hour. 

The meat shreds easily for sandwiches throughout the week, while the tender vegetables make a perfect side. The Instant Pot does all the work of braising this typically tough cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with convenience and speed. This hearty dish is ideal for laidback family dinners.

If you want a different spin on this recipe, check out this chuck roast in the instant pot recipe for a step-by-step guide. 

Overnight French Toast Casserole

Wake up to an incredible French toast breakfast without all the work, thanks to this easy overnight casserole. Simply mix up a rich custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and bread, then refrigerate overnight. The next morning, pop it in the oven while you brew coffee and relax. The edges will be crispy and caramelized while the inside stays soft and custardy. Top with fresh fruit, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or nut butter for endless flavor combinations. 

Making French toast this way allows you to serve a special breakfast with minimal effort.

Shakshuka 

This Mediterranean breakfast dish is a fun and flavorful way to start the weekend. Shakshuka features eggs poached in a sauce of spiced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and peppers. Simply cook down the vegetable base, make indentations, and crack eggs right into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook until the eggs reach your desired doneness. 

You can serve it straight from the pan with warm pita or with crusty bread. The runny yolks pair perfectly with the rich, tangy tomato sauce. To customize your shakshuka, you can choose to add feta, herbs, or hot sauce. It makes for an impressive and protein-packed brunch.

Overnight Oats

Make breakfast a breeze by preparing overnight oats on Sunday nights for easy grab-and-go mornings. Simply mix oats with milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and your other favorite add-ins. Refrigerate overnight so the oats soak up the liquid and soften. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, coconut, or granola just before eating for extra crunch. 

Overnight oats can be made in big batches, portioned out, and customized with endless mix-ins. The hands-off preparation means you can fuel up with a nutritious breakfast even when mornings feel rushed.  

Chicken Parmesan 

Chicken parmesan makes for an easy, impressive dinner that even kids will love. Simply dredge chicken cutlets in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then pan-fry until crispy. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking to melty perfection. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles for a delicious meal. 

Make a batch of sauce ahead of time and bread the chicken earlier in the day for even quicker assembly. Pair with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian feast. The crispy chicken stays juicy on the inside, and kids will devour this favorite.

Sheet Pan Fajitas

Simplify fajita night with this easy sheet pan version. Load up a rimmed baking sheet with sliced bell peppers, onions, chicken or beef, and seasoning. Toss everything together and roast at a high temperature to quickly cook and char the veggies. 

Warm tortillas while the fajita ingredients finish cooking so everything is ready at the same time. Let everyone assemble their own with desired toppings. 

Cutting and cooking everything on one sheet pan means minimal dishes to clean up afterward. This hands-off method is perfect for effortless dinners with Tex-Mex flair.

Banana Bread

Nothing starts the weekend off right like the sweet aroma of banana bread baking on a Saturday morning. Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to this classic quick bread. 

Mix up a simple batter with bananas, sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for about an hour until cooked through and browned on top. The house will smell amazing as the bread bakes. 

You can enjoy slices on their own or top them with cream cheese frosting or nut butter. Also, wrap extras in plastic wrap to grab for breakfasts and snacks throughout the week.

Conclusion

The weekend offers the perfect chance to unwind and savor delicious meals with family and friends. From cozy casseroles to leisurely brunches, the dishes you cook can make your weekend extra special. Try out some new recipes or rely on tried-and-true favorites to indulge while you relax. With a little planning and prep work, you can minimize time spent in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or creativity. Whip up these must-try dishes on your next Saturday or Sunday for meals that will become your new go-to weekend recipes.

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