This is perfect in the Spring when fresh peas are at their peak, but if you’re like us and love peas, it will be on regular rotation. This recipe works beautifully for a quick lunch, a side dish, or weekly meal prep. Hosting an Easter brunch? This salad should be on the menu!

It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy, well-balanced meal, and if you love egg salad as much as we do, you will love this dill pickle egg salad. If you don’t love mayonnaise, this mayo-free version is delish!

We have a bit of an obsession with egg salad around here, so I’m always brainstorming ways to jazz it up. Spring is here, and it’s my favorite produce season. I can’t get enough fresh green peas, asparagus, scallions, and leafy greens. Egg salad with peas is the spring recipe you never knew you needed. The crispy fried shallots on top are optional but recommended!

Related: Sour Cream Egg Salad Recipe

Egg Salad With Peas

Egg salad is the perfect meal. It’s fast, high in protein, nutrient-dense, and offers endless flavor and serving variations. It’s perfect for quick, healthy lunches, on-the-go meals, picnics, summer BBQs, and easy weeknight dinners. Make a double batch of this egg salad with peas to enjoy all week!

Noteworthy Ingredients

As always, you can find a complete list of ingredients and exact measurements below.

• Hard-boiled eggs. Use your favorite method to make them and cool completely.
• Frozen peas. Frozen peas are always in my freezer. They’re incredibly nutritious and a good source of protein and fiber. Canned peas will not work here. They’re mushy and won’t deliver the same texture or pop of sweetness. Fresh peas would also work.
• I start with my regular base of equal parts mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. and add a touch of Dijon. The sauce is rich but not heavy, with a bit of zippiness from the mustard.
• Shallots. A small amount of finely diced raw shallots goes into the dressing, and I use the rest to make crispy shallots for garnish. (recipe below)  
• Lemon juice. A little acid is your secret weapon for brightening up just about any recipe, especially one that’s rich and fatty, like egg salad.
• Dried thyme. This adds a subtle layer of warm, earthy flavor. A little goes a long way, so trust me when I say you only need an eighth of a teaspoon!

Egg Salad With Peas – Step By Step

• I like to make the sauce first so the flavors have a few minutes to come together while I work on other things. Add the mayonnaise, yogurt, minced shallot, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Mix well to combine the sauce ingredients evenly.
• Defrost the peas by placing them in a small strainer and running hot water over them for about 2 minutes or until thawed but still cold.
• Peel the eggs and chop them as desired. Sometimes I prefer it chunky, and sometimes I match the size of other ingredients, so I chopped them into small pea-sized pieces.

• When the eggs are chopped, and the peas are thawed, add them to the sauce.
• Gently stir the egg salad until the eggs and peas are evenly coated with the sauce. I like to use a spatula when I do this so the eggs don’t break up as much.
• Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon to your liking and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Doing veggie prep in advance is a huge time-saver and helps you pull together quick, easy meals like this all week. This egg salad with peas came together in less than 15 minutes. As part of my weekly food prep, I boil eggs, slice scallions, dice onions, shred carrots, etc.
• Speaking of hard-boiled eggs, you want them hard-boiled. Jammy eggs are delicious, but they don’t work in egg salad. Overcooked eggs can also be problematic, as the yolks can become very dry and develop a sulfur-like smell. I boil large eggs for exactly 10 minutes, then get them right into an ice bath for 10 minutes before peeling them.
• If I had a quarter for every comment or message about salt, I’d have a lot of quarters. Everyone’s palate is different, so I always err on the side of caution when writing my recipes. Some of my readers might be like my husband, who doesn’t like salt, while others may love salt like me. It’s easy enough to taste the dish once it’s done and add more salt.

Recommended For This Recipe

I love dried thyme! It has a warm, earthy, slightly minty flavor. It adds depth to soups, roasted meats, vegetables, marinades, and simple savory dishes – like this egg salad. It’s that little special something in the backround that your guests will ask about!

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Serving Suggestions

You can serve this right away, and it’s delicious, but I think it tastes even better after 30 minutes in the fridge. The flavors have a chance to develop, and it tastes noticeably better.

• Scoop it up with crackers or chips and eat it as an egg salad dip. (my favorite)
• To keep it low-carb, you can do the lettuce cups or your favorite low-carb bread or cracker. 
• Make an open-face sandwich with a thick slice of lightly toasted sourdough. Delish!
• Make an egg salad bar! This is such an excellent option for brunch, and you’ll get the most compliments! Fill three or four serving bowls with different types of egg salad, and serve them with a variety of crackers, rolls, sliced sourdough bread, and chips. For the sandwiches, I like to have green leaf lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and tomato slices available. To jazz it up even more, you can place condiments like capers, olives, scallions, and hot sauce around the table. This is such a fun and unique thing to do at a brunch or gathering.

If you try my egg salad with peas, I’d love it if you would leave a comment below!

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Egg Salad With Peas | Simple Spring Recipe

Egg salad with peas is a unique twist on a classic recipe. Perfect for a quick lunches, weekly meal prep, or brunch, it's creamy, healthy, and packed with flavor!

Course brunch, Lunch

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 210kcal

Equipment

• Dried Thyme
• Redmond Real Salt
• Silicone Spatula
• Measuring Spoons & Cups

Ingredients

• 3 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed
• 1/2 shallot minced
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• Optional garnish: fried shallots

Instructions

Start with hard-boiled eggs.

• Use your favorite recipe, peel, and cool completely.

For The Sauce

• Add the mayonnaise, yogurt, minced shallot, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the bowl and mix well.

For The Salad

• Add the defrosted peas and chopped eggs to the sauce.
• Gently stir until the eggs and peas are evenly coated with the sauce.
• Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon to your liking and enjoy.

Optional Garnish

• Crispy shallots are a crispy and delicious topping. For instructions, refer to the post.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 283mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg

Rice is one of the best side dishes thanks to its incredible versatility. It can be served plain or transformed into a variety of flavored rice recipes that pair beautifully with almost any cuisine. Naturally gluten-free, rice works just as well on its own as it does dressed up with beans, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. My go-to is butter and lemon, but it’s just as easy to switch things up with garlic Parmesan, cilantro lime, or a simple onion rice—one of my personal favorites.

This recipe is perfect for building cheap meals on a budget, weekly meal prep, or busy nights when you need a low-effort meal that delivers. It’s a simple, family-friendly side dish our whole crew loves, along with the hundreds of you who’ve made it too!

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I’ve developed many recipes over the years, but this is one I am incredibly proud of. I’ve shared it on Instagram stories many times. Hundreds of people have made it and have had nothing but positive feedback!

Cooking rice seems easy enough. Boil water – add rice. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple, and millions struggle to make it. There are dozens of varieties, each requiring different cooking times, liquid amounts, and techniques. It’s overwhelming. After a LOT of testing, this baked rice was the clear winner. It’s mostly hands-off, versatile, and it comes out perfect every time! 

Related: One Pan Italian Sausage Rice

Flavored White Rice Recipe

Many people struggle to cook rice perfectly. If you’re one of them, this simple white rice recipe flavored with butter and lemon will change your life. The butter and lemon are optional. You can flavor it however you like. It’s incredibly versatile.

My go-to is butter and lemon, but I love to change it up! If we’re having tacos, I add southwest seasonings and swap the butter and lemon for lime and cilantro. You can’t go wrong with garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil, and if you’re going for Asian vibes, try soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. Once you’ve mastered the technique, the variations are endless!

Glass Baking Dish Set

A good-quality baking dish is a kitchen essential! This two-piece set is perfect for casseroles, egg bakes, baked pasta dishes, and oven-baked rice. The lid on for easy clean up! (I used the larger size for this recipe)

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Main Ingredients

Using mostly pantry staples, the ingredient list is short and sweet. Don’t skip the olive oil. It’s a key component of this recipe, adding both flavor and helping to keep the rice grains separate.

• Long-grain white rice. Long grain is non-negotiable. This is what I use, and I don’t rinse it. 
• Broth. I use unsalted chicken bone broth for added flavor and protein.
• Olive oil. We’re adding a generous amount, so use a quality olive oil that tastes good.
• Butter and lemon. Stirred in at the end for flavor and brightness.
• Fresh herbs. My go-to in this dish is Italian parsley, but flavor it however you want!

Instructions

This recipe takes about five minutes to get in the oven, and then you can forget about it while you work on other things! 

• While the oven is preheating, bring the broth, seasonings, and olive oil to a simmer.
• Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray (I use this), and spread the rice in an even layer.
• Pour the broth over the rice, tightly cover with foil, and bake.
• When the rice is done, add the lemon and butter, and fluff with a large fork.

Tips & Variations

• I highly recommend using unsalted or low-sodium broth, so you can control the sodium. Some store-bought brands are very high in salt, so I always recommend reading labels.
• Speaking of salt, the recipe calls for one-half teaspoon of sea salt, which is saltier than kosher salt. I also use unsalted bone broth. If the broth you are using already has salt, I suggest leaving the salt out completely. You can always add more.
• For added protein, I use bone broth. Depending on the brand, each cup of bone broth adds 6 to 9 grams of protein. This is a simple way to add protein directly to your rice! However, any low-sodium or sodium-free broth will work.

Related: Savory Pumpkin Rice Recipe

How To Store Leftover Rice

• Surprisingly, rice does not last as long as most people think. You must cool it down quickly, and consume or freeze it within 3 days, four days max.
• The bacteria/spores that grow on leftover rice are heat-resistant. Unlike other types of bacteria, reheating the rice does not kill them.
• To cool it quickly, I spread leftover rice into a large shallow dish and immediately refrigerate it. Spreading it in a wide, shallow container exposes more of the rice to the cold air.
• Avoid packing hot leftover rice into a deep container, as it can take hours for the center to cool. This leaves the center rice in the danger zone of between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, where harmful spores can grow.

If you’ve tried this recipe or any other recipe on my site, please let me know in the comments below!

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Butter & Lemon Flavored White Rice Recipe

Looking for a simple side dish? This baked white rice recipe flavored with butter and lemon is versatile and foolproof!

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 358kcal

Equipment

• Good Olive Oil
• Redmond Real Salt
• Organic Long Grain Rice
• Large Stainless Steel Fork
• Aluminum foil
• Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth
• Ghee Butter Non Stick Spray
• 3 Quart Baking Dish With Lid

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 3 1/2 cups unsalted chicken bone broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 – 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Add the broth, olive oil, and seasonings to a small pot. Bring to a boil.
• Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and add the rice.
• Pour the boiling liquid over the rice, and quickly spread it around evenly with a fork.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil, and place in the oven on the center rack.
• Bake for exactly 30 minutes, remove from the oven, and immediately remove the foil.
• Cut the butter into chunks and drop it all over the top of the rice.
• Add one tablespoon of the lemon juice, and use a fork to gently incorporate the butter. Be careful not to compact the rice. Use a light touch. See note above.
• Add another tablespoon of lemon juice, and continue raking and fluffing the rice.
• Taste and adjust the salt and lemon.
• Note: This is where you can change it up by swapping the lemon and butter for whatever herbs and citrus you want.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 250mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

I’m a bit of a Type A personality, so the first thing I did was create a wedding planning checklist and quickly realized we were looking at thousands of dollars. Needless to say, my daughter was amazing and willing to DIY whatever she needed to, as well as accept help from others (more on that below). In the end, it was perfect, and she had her dream wedding (on a budget).

If you have a small wedding budget, you’re in the right place. With a little creativity and an open mind, you can bring your wedding vision board to life. From choosing the venue, food menu, flowers, decor, and bridal gown, this post will show you how to make every detail count while sticking to your budget (and even saving some money).

As I mentioned, we saved thousands, but we had help and a lot of it. Some truly amazing people offered to do things for free or at an affordable price. So, you’ll see this advice suggested a lot below. In our experience, people are happy to help  – they want to help! In addition to accepting these generous gifts of time and energy from family and friends, we bought the wine from Costco and Trader Joe’s, ordered the cake from Publix, and let go of some of the things we wanted.

We were fortunate to have a low-cost wedding photographer and saved tons on the wedding flowers thanks to a good friend (more on that below). For the food, my amazing sister cooked for almost 100 people, her gift to my daughter. Her food was so good, in fact, that one of the staff members at the venue told us it was delicious and “this is the kind of food that people really want at a wedding”. See what she made below!

Related: Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month

Wedding Ideas On A Budget

I’m no wedding expert, so this isn’t a comprehensive guide to having a budget wedding. However, it’s how we saved money on my daughter’s wedding, so we know these strategies work. 

Be Willing To Compromise

Being open-minded and willing to compromise is crucial when planning a wedding on a budget.

• For example, instead of focusing on having the best and most expensive things, be willing to compromise and choose a few things you want the most. For example, my daughter wanted fireworks at the reception. They were an extra $500, so we budgeted for that by saving money in other areas. She and Drew were easy to work with and willing to compromise, which made the entire process more enjoyable and helped save money. 

Your Perfect Day Wedding Planner

The Complete Wedding Planner – A 132 page wedding planning book and organizer with an 18-month countdown calendar and a 12-month bullet point checklist. Keep track of appointments, fittings, vendors, food tastings and more. A great engagement gift!

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Affordable Wedding Food

A simple, approachable menu and help from friends and family will save money on food.

• Ask for help. Do you know an excellent cook? Ask if they would be willing to prepare the food. My sister was a caterer and graciously offered to do all the food for my daughter’s wedding. It was her gift to the kids. Don’t know anyone? Local Facebook groups are a great place to find wedding ideas on a budget, and they often have recommendations for local chefs and caterers.
• Choose simple and affordable food. We chose good old-fashioned Southern comfort food for the menu, and here’s what may surprise you. Several venue employees pulled us aside and said the food was the best they’d ever seen. When the professionals who help execute weddings daily tell you people want easy, unpretentious food – that’s a big statement! If you’re set on fancy, expensive food, you might want to rethink that.
• For the cocktail hour, we served cheese and crackers, charcuterie, nuts, and fresh fruit. It was easy to grab and eat while the guests mingled. The food tables were all decorated with extra flowers and greenery we bought for the wedding. We purchased the wine from Costco and Trader Joe’s, and the cake was from Publix because, as everyone knows, Publix makes the best cakes!

Related: 52 Week Money Saving Challenge + Free Printable PDF

Wedding Flowers On A Budget

Buy your florals and either do it yourself or ask for help.

• When my daughter did the Disney college program, she made the best friends for life. One of those friends had a mother who was a florist, and she offered to do all the flowers for the wedding, which was incredibly generous and kind. She sent us a list of what she needed, and we purchased everything from a local wholesale flower shop. It saved us so much money, and she did a fantastic job, as you can see in the photos!
• Do you have a creative friend who makes beautiful arrangements for their home? Ask them to help with the flowers. They don’t have to be an expert. All it takes is creativity and a good eye. Also, social media is an excellent source for finding tutorials and budget-friendly wedding ideas. There are thousands of free videos showing you how to put together gorgeous bouquets!

Little Book of Wedding Checklists

This portable wedding planner provides all the tools and tips you need to stay organized and stress-free. Streamlining the planning process into easy-to-navigate sections, like accessories and attire, venues and vendors, and flowers and décor!

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Cheap Bridal Gowns

My daughter found her dream dress at a pop-up that came to town, and we ended up paying a fraction of what we would have at an expensive bridal boutique. Depending on your budget, you have many options.

• Consider altering the vintage gown your mother or grandmother wore.
• Shop at a department store to find gorgeous dresses at a fraction of the price.
• Ask to buy a floor sample at a boutique or department store. They can be highly discounted!
• Opt for a simple style, which usually costs less, and jazz it up with accessories.
• Local thrift stores often have unique dress options at low prices.
• Consider buying a used wedding dress locally or online at Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Borrowing Magnolia.

Wedding Photography Cost

The photographer can be one of the most expensive things at your wedding, but there are ways to save.

• Look for photographers who specialize in courthouse weddings.
• Post your specific request and budget in your local Facebook group. 
• Use Guestpix or put disposable cameras on the tables so guests can take pictures. Candid shots are fun!
• Skip the getting ready and after-party photos. These aren’t the ones you’re going to frame.

Wedding Venue On A Budget

This can either be the most expensive or the cheapest part of your wedding.

• Some of the best ideas for having a wedding on a budget come from people you know, especially when it comes to the venue. Do you have a friend who has a fantastic backyard? Do you know someone who lives on the beach or a beautiful farm? If so, you may already have the perfect venue that you could use for free! Local Facebook groups are another great place to ask about affordable venues.
• I looked at the photo above from my daughter’s wedding and thought this could be ANY farm. Just look at those views! Instead of thinking, “A farm wedding is all I can afford,” change your mindset to, “I’m going to rock this farm wedding, and it’s going to be PERFECT!”

Renting Wedding Supplies

Depending on the venue, you may or may not have to rent supplies and decor.

• Our venue included what we needed, but I threw my daughter’s bridal shower at my house and needed several large tables, chairs, and linens, which were surprisingly expensive to rent. I went directly to the Nashville wedding Facebook group and asked for suggestions. Ultimately, I found the sweetest woman who took care of everything, including delivery, setup, and returning to pick it up for less than $200. She was a lifesaver! 
• Dollar Tree was a goldmine for supplies. All the gold chargers you see on the tables came from Dollar Tree, juice cafes for a mimosa bar, silver serving utensils, and so much more.

A Year of Us: A Couple’s Journal

Great for gifting―If you’re looking for unique gifts for a wedding. Covering everything from the lighthearted to the heartfelt, help the couple grow closer with a year’s worth of questions.

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Utilize Local Facebook Groups

Local Facebook groups had some of the best wedding ideas on a budget, and they love to share them!

• There are dozens of Facebook groups and forums where people are already asking the same questions you probably have. Some of the suggestions in these groups are brilliant! These were the best sources for finding small, local businesses and creatives, and we would prefer to support them over big box stores.

Honeymoon Budget

It’s all coming out of the same pot, so saving on your wedding will leave more for the honeymoon budget. 

• Let’s say you have a total wedding budget of $10,000, but also want to take a honeymoon. Choose which one is more important. Consider leaving out some of the expensive details, such as a huge cake, paper invitations, an open bar, or valet parking. It can add up to significant savings, leaving you more in the bucket for your honeymoon!

I hope this post has given you some helpful ideas for having a wedding on a budget. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

One of the easiest ways to save is by having a smart dining strategy. You have to eat. It’s a non-negotiable, but it’s also the area you have the most control over in your travel budget. We have several posts covering ways to save money on Disney World food that you can check out.

With the right mindset and a loose travel plan, you can totally do Disney World on a budget without sacrificing. Grab your pen and paper, and let’s dive in!

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With the right approach, a Disney trip can be affordable and magical. The cheapest way to visit Disney World is to plan smart and make informed choices. We’ve had many budget-friendly Disney adventures, and so can you!

Before we dive in, if you can’t afford to go to Disney World, you should wait. While it is possible to do Disney on a budget, I wouldn’t want you to be so strapped for cash that you can’t allow for some indulgences, like buying a Disney balloon for your child. If that’s the case, I would encourage you to wait another year or so, save some more money, and you will have an infinitely better vacation!

To help you save, we’ve written several money-saving articles to help get you on the right track. Remember, money saved is money earned, so the more money you can keep in the bank, the more you can save for a dream Disney vacation!

Related: Resort Hopping at Disney World (on the monorail)

Cheapest Way To Do Disney World

As with any vacation destination, travel, accommodations, tickets, and food will be your main expenses. Other areas, like souvenirs and alcoholic drinks, are optional. The time of year you visit will be the most critical factor, so let’s start there.

Flights, hotels, and even Disney ticket prices will be higher during peak travel times, such as holidays and when kids are out of school. Traveling during the off-season will ensure you get the lowest rates on flights, accommodations, and even Disney ticket prices.

Disney Packing List Must Haves

Raincoats! Regardless of when you visit, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a pop-up shower during your trip. Be prepared and bring rain ponchos from home to avoid paying premium prices at Disney World!

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Slowest Times At Disney World

One of the best times to visit Disney is after the Thanksgiving crowds leave and before the Christmas crowds arrive. Prices are lower, the weather is beautiful, and the Disney Christmas decorations are up, adding to the magic of your trip.

For the same reasons, January and February are also great. The decorations are gone, but you’ll have much cooler weather. There are cheerleading competitions around this time every year, and thousands of cheerleaders inundate Disney property. Book your trip between these competitions, and you’ll be fine.

Late August and most of September are notoriously among the best times for low crowds and prices. It’s still a little too hot for us, but if that doesn’t bother you, you can’t go wrong with Disney in September!

Related: Best Quick Service At Disney World (for $10 or less)

Authorized Disney Travel Agents

Hiring a travel agent may be your best bet if it’s your first trip to Disney. Not only will they know the best times to go, but they can also do all the planning for you based on your budget. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything to hire a Disney travel agent. They actually get paid a commission directly from Disney. Search Google or ask for recommendations in popular Disney forums to find an authorized Disney travel agent. They have a wealth of information, and the members are incredibly helpful. My favorites are DISboards, WDWMagic, and TouringPlans.

Traveling To Disney World

Driving is usually the cheapest way to get to Disney World. We live in Nashville, which is a 10-hour drive. The benefit of driving is that you can load up your car, which saves so much money! We bring cases of water and food, along with tons of extra health and beauty items, so we don’t have to buy anything on-site. You can estimate what you’ll pay for gas ahead of time.

If driving is out of the question, book the cheapest flight with the lowest baggage fees. In this case, I recommend paying for an extra bag and bringing as much as you can from home. The less you have to buy at the parks, the better. The additional baggage fee will often be less than the cost of forgetting something and paying full price on Disney World property.

Accommodations At Walt Disney World

I always recommend staying on Disney property to take advantage of perks like early park access, free transportation, and the experience of staying in the “Disney bubble.” However, we LOVE the Drury near Disney Springs. More on that below!

Booking your accommodations is the first thing you should do. Walt Disney World Resorts and Good Neighbor Hotels book up far in advance. Once you’ve secured your hotel, you can monitor prices and modify your reservation as needed.

• Disney Value Resorts, such as Disney All-Star Movies, Disney All-Star Music, and Disney All-Star Sports, are almost always the cheapest, ranging from $133 to over $200 a night, depending on the time of year.
• The Drury Plaza Hotel is the newest hotel in the Disney Springs area. We stayed here on our last trip, and we loved it so much that I wrote an entire review. While some value resorts might be less per night, the Drury offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, a free nightly hot buffet, and three free alcoholic drinks per adult per night of your stay. That’s a huge savings since food is a significant expense for most travelers.

Must Haves For Your Disney Trip

Autograph books! Meeting the characters at Disney World is a fun (and free) activity. It creates core memories that last a lifetime. Be prepared with these courtesy autograph books to avoid pain in-park prices!

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Disney World Ticket Prices

The price varies daily, with the cheapest Disney World tickets being during the off-season. For example, in 2026, you’ll pay around $119 fpr a one-day ticket vs $185 in December. You can see the most current price on the Disney website. A single-day ticket is a flat rate, but the price of a multi-day ticket decreases each consecutive day. You can also check the Disney World special offers page for ticket and resort discounts.

There are a few different ways to upgrade your ticket, but for the sake of this post, I recommend saving money and sticking with one park per day. Disney Springs is always a good option if you get done at the park a little early and are looking for something to do in the evening!

Related: Toddler Packing List Ideas for Disney (from a mom!)

Cut Back On Theme Park Days

The parks are a ton of fun, but one of the cheapest ways to do Disney World is to cut a park day. Depending on your children’s ages and how many days you’re there, you might want to consider only visiting two or three parks. Our grandkids don’t love Epcot, so that’s not a priority when they’re with us. 

Some of the best days at Disney are actually spent outside of the parks. You can explore the resorts via the monorail or ride the Disney Skyliner to others. The last time we were there, we made the monorail loop with our two-year-old grandson, and he LOVED playing with the oversized toys outside at the Contemporary.

Hang out at Disney Springs, or simply enjoy the resort you’re already staying at, let the kids swim, and relax. The parks can be exhausting, and a break is usually necessary!

Food Prices At Disney World

If you include drinks, meals, and snacks, an average family of four can spend well over $50 per person per day. Here are some ways to save!

Get some groceries. On the first day of your trip, either drive to the closest grocery store or place a delivery order for bottled water, snacks, and breakfast options. If you drive, bring non-perishable items from home. I’ve had Amazon Fresh and Instacart delivered to the hotel.

Have your first meal of the day in your room. It saves the cost of an entire meal out. We stock up on yogurt cups, cottage cheese, and granola bars. However, if your family loves breakfast, this is almost the cheapest meal of the day at Disney World.

Snacking in the park can add up, so I suggest bringing a few non-perishables, like granola bars, nuts, and jerky. Familiarize yourself with the Disney World Food Policy to know what you can and can’t bring into the parks. That said, Disney World has amazing snacks under $5 (like the School Bread at Kringla Bakeri shown above). We shared some of our favorites in this post!

Avoid sit-down restaurants. They are costly! As a foodie, I also believe that the quick-service restaurants are where you’ll find some of the best food at Disney – at the lowest prices. I’ve posted a lot about this here.

Share meals. It literally cuts the price of a meal in half. A few of our favorites are these totcho bowls, this Cuban Sandwich served with plantain chips, and the Jambon Beurre Sandwich at Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie. If one meal isn’t quite enough, order an extra side instead of a second meal OR supplement with one of the snacks you’ve brought.

It baffles me that people still pay for water bottles in the park, which can easily cost $50 a day or more. Bring bottles of water with you, or carry a refillable one. We LOVE these collapsible bottles.

Related: Disney World Food Prices (and ways to save)

Souvenirs At Disney World

Everything at Disney World is more expensive, especially souvenirs and Disney apparel. If you can, avoid buying them at Disney. Here are some things I did when my kids were younger.

Some of the cheapest apparel for a trip to Disney World can be found at H&M, Kohl’s, and Target. Even on a budget, dressing in Disney gear is fun, and you can find some great deals. My favorite Disney sweatshirt is from Kohl’s, and I got it on clearance for about $8.

In the months before your trip, frequent the Dollar Tree and stock up on Disney items. When your kids ask for something, pull a little surprise out of your backpack. This is also a great way to keep younger kids occupied in long lines.

Inside the parks, the refillable popcorn bucket is your best bet. The popcorn buckets can be refilled for around $2.50 for the entire trip. Mickey Ears and Disney autograph books can be purchased on Amazon for much less than you’ll pay on property.

Is Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Worth It

Time is money at Disney World, so while some people recommend skipping the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, I disagree, depending on when you’re traveling. Waiting in long lines can take hours out of your day. Multi Pass is an extra expense, but the time it saves is invaluable. It’s definitely worth considering and making room in your budget.

If you visit Disney during the lowest crowd time, you may only need it at some parks. Magic Kingdom, for example, has a lot of rides for kids, and it’s a lot to fit in in one day. Multi Pass may be beneficial here. However, at Hollywood Studios, young kids probably won’t be able to go on Slinky Dog Dash or Tower of Terror, so you may not need it at this park. I recommend looking at the Multi-Pass rides at each park to decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

Consider the heat. In addition to saving time, standing in long lines and baking in the sun is no one’s favorite thing to do. Lightning Lane is something we will always budget for!

That wraps up our tips for the cheapest way to do Disney World. If you have any money-saving Disney hacks, please share them in the comments. And if you’ve just started planning your Disney trip, we have a simple 4-step process you should definitely check out!

No family trip is complete without a Dole Whip Mickey-shaped pretzel, but the Disney snacks on this list may surprise you. From a Mickey Affogato that’s a Disney must for us on every trip to smoked paprika chips that are totally addictive, you’ll want to add these to your Disney itinerary!

In this post, I’m sharing some of our favorite snacks at Disney World, along with a few Disney World tips and tricks to help you enjoy them while keeping your Disney food budget in check.

Our last trip to Disney was in January, and we are still thinking about the food we ate. We’re foodies, and trying new Disney treats is one of the things we look forward to. On our last trip, we had some of the best food we’ve ever had. So, let’s dive right into the best Disney World snacks!

While we love a good table service meal, we typically focus on quick-service meals and snacks. Eating this way allows us to try more throughout the day while saving money. Speaking of saving money, we just posted our favorite quick-service meals for less than $10.

Related: The Cheapest Way To Do Disney World

Best Disney World Snacks, 2024 Edition

Typically, most of my posts are about saving money, but it’s nice to treat yourself, especially on vacation. Some of the snacks on this list didn’t make the cut for our favorite Disney snacks under $5 list, but they’re some of the best we’ve had and are worth going out of your way for!

Affogato Espresso Gelato $12.75

Gelateria Toscana

• Location: Epcot > Italy Pavilion
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Gelateria Toscana Menu

I have to start with the Affogato Espresso Gelato because it’s my all-time favorite snack at Walt Disney World! It begins with Italian espresso, then vanilla gelato is added, creating a classic affogato. Then, to add some Disney magic, they top it with two little amaretto cookies to mimic Mickey’s ears. It’s bitter and sweet and absolute perfection!

Chicken Dumplings With Ponzu $6.99

Mr. Kamal’s

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Mr. Kamal’s Menu (no official menu posted)

These dumplings are gloriously crispy without being greasy and filled with a tender, flavorful chicken filling. The Ponzi sauce that comes with them is tangy and bright without being overly sweet. You’ll want to slam-dunk your dumplings in it. This is one of our favorite little savory snacks at Animal Kingdom!

Honey Pistachio Croissant $6.49

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments Menu

The honey pistachio croissant at Tamu Tamu was another pleasant surprise on this trip. The croissant itself is buttery and flaky. Then, they drizzle it with honey and top it with toasted pistachios. I love the texture of the pistachios, and the honey adds the perfect sweetness!

Indian-style Bread Service $23.00

Sanaa Lounge

• Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge > Kidani Village
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Sanaa Lounge Menu

I’ve raved about the Indian-style bread service at Sanaa Lounge for years. It’s available at Sanaa restaurant, but many guests don’t know you can also get it at the lounge, where you don’t need a reservation. The bread service includes five Indian-style breads, along with a variety of sauces and chutneys. This is one of the best Disney World snacks because it’s a relaxed and fun way to eat, perfectly suited for sharing with friends.

Wookiee Cookie $7.49

Backlot Express

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Echo Lake
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Backlot Express Menu

My husband has a huge sweet tooth and loves the Wookiee Cookie at Backlot Express. First of all, this thing is humongous. A few people could easily share this as a snack. The oatmeal cookie is chewy without being overly sweet and filled with a vanilla cream frosting that’s smooth, not gritty like some frostings. The garnish is milk chocolate and made to look like Chewbacca’s sash. This is a snack we look forward to every trip, and at just $7.49, it’s a fantastic value!

Churros With Dipping Sauces $11.00

Nomad Lounge

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Discovery Island
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Nomad Lounge Menu

It’s no secret among Disney regulars that the churros at Nomad Lounge are the best on Disney property. They are light and fluffy on the inside, with the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar coating the outside. They’re delightfully crispy and screaming to be dunked into one of the dipping sauces they come with. These are also available gluten-free upon request. On this trip, we received vanilla crema and a seasonal sauce, which was chili-strawberry. Both were absolutely delicious! Nomad Lounge is a hidden gem and one of our favorite places to hang out.

Bavarian Pretzel $12.00

BaseLine Tap House

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Grand Avenue
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• BaseLine Tap House Menu

Since relaxation is the goal on every Disney trip, we have a few favorite spots to take a break, and Baseline Taphouse at Hollywood Studios is one of them. The Bavarian pretzel with beer, cheese, and mustard is a must. The pretzel is well known as one of the best on property, and the beer cheese fondue is a flavor bomb. Grab a couple of beers and a pretzel, and relax for a while!

Half Baguette $2.95

Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie

• Location: Epcot > Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Menu

The half-baguette at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion at Epcot is easily one of the best snacks at Disney World and the cheapest. In the photo above, I had just torn off a piece, but you get an entire half-baguette for $2.95, and a whole baguette (which is huge) is only $3.95. I’ll be honest: as someone who doesn’t love bread, I only tried this because I had heard it was a good value – but – WOW. It was so so good! Pro tip. They will give you salted butter and jam upon request, so you should definitely ask for them!

Edamame With Chili Salt $5.00

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

• Location: Wilderness Lodge > Outside
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill Menu

It’s a simple and healthy snack that pairs perfectly with a couple of cold beers. Geyser Point is a vibe, and we’re here for it. It’s located along the waterfront at Wilderness Lodge, with gorgeous views of Bay Lake. We’ve tried almost everything on the menu, but keep returning for the edamame and chili salt. We love this spot so much that I wrote a blog post all about it!

Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores $9.00

The Ganachery

• Location: Disney Springs > The Landing
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• The Ganachery Menu

The artisan s’mores at The Ganachery aren’t just any s’mores. They’re special and must be on our best Disney World snacks list! After you place your order, you can walk over to the glass windows and watch a chocolate artisan handcraft your s’more. The top is dusted with powdered sugar in the shape of Mickey. It’s almost too cute to eat, but you’ll want to eat it – quickly – because it’s melty, messy, and delish!

Maple Popcorn $6.99

Canada Popcorn Cart

• Location: Epcot > Canada
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Canada Popcorn Cart

Shannon and I love popcorn, but the popcorn at Disney never blew us away until we tried the maple popcorn in the Canada pavilion. You can find this at the cart/kiosk in front of the La Cellier restaurant gardens. The popcorn was fresh and crisp, with just the right amount of maple flavor. If you like maple and a sweet-and-salty combination, you’ll love this. At $6.50, it’s a fun little snack for kids and adults alike!

Best Disney World Snacks, Honorable Mentions

Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom

• Chipotle Barbecue Loaded Fries $8.29: Topped with pulled pork, slaw, and chipotle barbecue sauce. We loved the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. You can read more about these here. Casey’s Corner Menu

Karamell-Küche in World Showcase at EPCOT

• Dark Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt $4.49. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Karamell-Küche, but the dark chocolate balances the caramel’s sweetness, and I love the sea salt on top. Karamell-Küche (no posted menu)

Adventureland Spring Roll Cart in Magic Kingdom

• Cheeseburger Spring Rolls $9.50: Choose from two seasonal spring rolls, including sauces. These spring rolls have a cult following for a reason. They taste like a cheeseburger wrapped in a light, crispy spring roll wrapper and come with a burger-style dipping sauce. The seasonal spring roll rotates. The day we were there, it was a pizza flavor.

That wraps up our roundup of the best Walt Disney World snacks. Please share your favorites in the comments so I can try them on our next trip!

Italian sausage is cooked with rice and bone broth for extra protein. The result is a hearty, savory dish loaded with protein and goodness. I used pork sausage, but you can use my homemade chicken Italian sausage to lighten it up. A generous amount of parsley at the end brightens it up!

It’s perfect for busy weeknights and holds up well, making it ideal for work lunches or meal prep. The leftovers are delicious the next day with a drippy egg on top (we love eggs and rice). Add this to your collection of high-protein recipes, easy dinners, and ways to use rice.

I love it when a kitchen mishap turns into something fabulous, and that’s precisely what happened with this Italian sausage rice recipe. It started as a pasta sauce, but I didn’t realize I was out of tomatoes until after I had browned the sausage. So I pivoted, added bone broth and rice, and it was a huge hit. This is my kind of food – simple, flavorful, and nutritious.

The entire meal cooks in one pan, and it’s very affordable. This will feed 3 to 4 people, but you could easily stretch it by adding a can of beans or serving it with a simple side dish.

This is regularly part of my weekly meal prep. The recipe is easy to double, and you can divide the leftovers into single-serve meal-prep containers for an easy lunch on the go!

Italian Sausage Rice Recipe

One of the easiest ways to incorporate extra protein into your meals is to replace regular broth, stock, or water with bone broth. Unlike regular broth and stock, bone broth cooks for 12 to 24 hours, extracting more of the protein and nutrients from the bones. The result is an incredibly nutritious, rich, and flavorful broth high in collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. Depending on the brand, just one cup yields 8 to 14 grams of protein.

When I was going through tonsil cancer treatment, bone broth was one of the only things that saved me from a feeding tube! When I couldn’t eat, bone broth provided the nutrients I needed.  This is what I used during treatment and in almost all the recipes on this site.

Related: Homemade Italian Sausage Recipe

Main Ingredients

This is a short list with just four necessary ingredients. Seasonings and herbs are optional; the recipe will still work and be delicious!

• Italian sausage. This does the heavy lifting in this recipe, adding most of the flavor to the dish. Use spicy or mild – whatever you like.
• Long-grain rice. I prefer long-grain white rice, but any rice will work. See notes below.
• Bone broth. Bone broth adds protein and richness. For this recipe, I like chicken.
• Italian parsley.  A generous amount of Italian parsley at the end adds freshness and color.
• Seasonings. A few seasonings add extra flavor, but they’re optional.

Related: Savory Pumpkin Rice With Parmesan

How to Make Italian Sausage Rice

The instructions are on the recipe card below, but here’s a quick rundown.

1. Place a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid on the stove over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, onion, and seasonings (if using them).
3. Cook the sausage until there is no more visible pink (I use a meat chopper for this)
4. Move the sausage to one side of the pan, and soak up any extra grease with a paper towel.
5. Keeping the heat on medium-high, add the rice.
6. Stir and cook for about one minute or until fragrant.
7. Add the bone broth and simmer.
8. Turn the heat down to low, cover tightly, and cook for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for five minutes.
10. Gently fluff with a fork, add the parsley, and fluff again.
11. Taste and adjust the salt.

Recommended For This Recipe

Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick Skillet with Lid
Toxin-free cooking, free of PFAS, PFOA, and lead. Scratch-resistant construction. Oven and broiler safe up to 600°F. Large 12″ size is perfect for one pan meals.

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Recipe Variations & Helpful Tips

• The Italian sausage rendered out enough fat for me, so I did not use additional oil when browning it. If the Italian sausage you use is leaner, you may need to add a bit of olive oil to the pan before adding the sausage.
• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle on four favorite shredded cheeses at the end, cover, and let the residual heat melt them.
• A can of beans, diced zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli can stretch the dish and add nutrition.
• If using a different type of rice, adjust the liquid and cooking times according to the package directions.
• Cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• To make this more budget-friendly, stock up on ingredients when they’re on sale. Bone broth is expensive, so I always stock up on it when it goes BOGO at Publix!

If you try my Italian sausage rice recipe, I’d love it if you would leave a comment below!

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Italian Sausage Rice Recipe | Easy One Pan Meal

Try this hearty Italian sausage rice recipe, a delicious one-pan meal packed with flavor and protein, perfect for busy nights and meal prep.

Course Main

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 590kcal

Equipment

• Nonstick Pan + Lid
• Meat Chopper
• Large Serving Bowls
• Chicken Bone Broth
• Organic Long Grain Rice

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cups unsalted chicken bone broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

• Place a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid on the stove over medium-high heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, onion, and seasonings.
• Cook the sausage until there is no more visible pink.
• Move the sausage to one side, and soak up extra grease with a paper towel.
• Keeping the heat on medium-high, add the rice.
• Stir and cook for about one minute or until fragrant.
• Add the bone broth and bring to a simmer.
• Turn the heat down to low, cover tightly, and cook for 20 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for five minutes.
• Gently fluff with a fork, add the parsley, and fluff again.
• Taste and adjust the salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 590kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1170mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg

This simple 10-minute recipe is packed with bold flavors and good for the gut, thanks to naturally occurring probiotics. It’s a versatile dipping sauce, ideal for rice bowls, potstickers, French fries, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables. We love it as a burger sauce!

Add this to your collection of homemade condiments, and if you’re a sauce girl like me, don’t miss my simple southwest sauce, my hugely popular dry ranch seasoning mix, which can be used in a variety of ways, and honey mustard with a twist.

This might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever posted. Recently, I wanted a quick sauce to go with dumplings, and after scouring my refrigerator for ideas, this kimchi mayonnaise recipe was born. Now, it’s a family favorite and on regular rotation in our house!

Kimchi Mayonnaise Recipe

From start to finish, this takes about 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised by how two simple ingredients can create such a flavorful, delicious sauce that can be used in so many different ways!

Since kimchi is the main ingredient, the brand you choose matters. I’ve tried many brands over the years, and my favorite is Seoul Vegan Original Kimchi. I’m also a wimp when it comes to spice, so I appreciate that this brand offers a mild version. Use a brand of kimchi you enjoy eating for this recipe, or you won’t like the taste of the mayonnaise.

Related: Sour Cream Southwest Sauce Recipe

How to Make Kimchi Mayonnaise

The ingredients in my kimchi mayonnaise are simple. I provide swaps under “variations and ingredient substitutions” below.

• Kimchi. Start with a kimchi you enjoy eating on its own. There are dozens of varieties at the grocery store. I recommend buying it from the refrigerator section, as it will have more beneficial gut bacteria. If you can’t find one you like locally, this one is pretty good.
• Mayonnaise. This is a simple recipe, so ingredients matter. Use a mayonnaise you like for the best results. This avocado oil mayonnaise is what I use in all of my recipes. 

How To Make Kimchi Mayonnaise

This recipe is so simple that typing out instructions feels unnecessary, but here you go!

1. Chop the kimchi into tiny pieces.
2. Add the kimchi and mayonnaise to a bowl.
3. Mix well, taste, and adjust the salt and pepper, and you’re done! 

Recommended For This Recipe

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
This is the avocado mayonnaise that I use and recommend for this recipe. It has a subtle sweetness that works well in this kimchi mayonnaise recipe!

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Helpful Tips & Substitutions

• For a smooth texture, skip chopping the kimchi. Simply add all the ingredients to a small food processor and blend until smooth.
• If you prefer less texture, chop the kimchi first. Depending on the brand, the pieces can be quite large. Since this works best as a mayonnaise or spread, I like to chop the kimchi very finely so it blends evenly into the sauce.
• Watch the liquid. If the kimchi has a lot of brine, let some of it drain off as you scoop it from the container. Too much liquid can make the mayonnaise runny. On the other hand, if you want a thinner, drizzle-style sauce for rice bowls, stir in a small splash of kimchi juice.
• Customize the flavor. Add hot sauce, gochujang, or cayenne for extra heat. Grated garlic or ginger, cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can add brightness. A spoonful of Greek yogurt also lightens the mayo and balances the richness.
• Storage tips. Store the kimchi mayonnaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Some separation may occur, which is completely normal. Just give it a good stir before using.

Related: Honey Mustard Sauce Made With Greek Yogurt

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over rice bowls, roasted potatoes, and veggies.
• Use as a dipping sauce for egg rolls and dumplings.
• Add some protein and eat it as a dip or fill lettuce cups.
• Mix into tuna salad or egg salad and serve with cucumber slices or crackers.
• Mix with cooked and cooled pasta for a twist on pasta salad.

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Kimchi Mayonnaise: Simple Gut Friendly Recipe

This gut friendly kimchi mayonnaise blends Fermented kimchi mixed with rich, savory mayo is the creamy, tangy combo you never knew you needed. 

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 257kcal

Equipment

• Shelf Stable Kimchi
• Avocado Mayonnaise
• Toasted Sesame Oil
• Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Dark Soy Sauce
• Sriracha Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup kimchi

Instructions

• Chop the kimchi into tiny pieces.
• Add the kimchi and mayonnaise to a bowl.
• Mix well, taste, and adjust the salt and pepper.

Notes

Optional Ingredients. These ingredients are not necessary, but sometimes it’s fun to jazz up the sauce.

Sesame oil. The mayonnaise is delicious as written above, but a touch of sesame oil adds a delightful nuttiness that I’m obsessed with. Add one drop at a time, stir, and taste. It has a strong flavor, and it’s easy to overdo.

Sweetener. A little sweetness helps to balance out the bold flavors in this mayonnaise. I typically use a small pinch of monk fruit.  

A tiny bit of sriracha and dark soy adds depth of flavor, and I like to garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

This chickpea salad, also known as a garbanzo bean salad (since they’re the same), is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. Made mostly with pantry staples, this recipe is ideal for anyone on a budget looking for cheap meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. Chickpeas are one of the foods high in fiber that you’ll always find in my pantry!

This is one of my go-to make-ahead salads for the week because it holds up beautifully. Add this to your weekly meal prep rotation and high-protein lunch ideas.

As part of my weekly ingredient prep, I make a bean salad. They’re quick and healthy, perfect for work and school lunches. With summer quickly approaching, I’m embracing fresh, simple recipes, and now we can’t get enough of this creamy chickpea salad!

The tahini provides healthy fats and protein as well as a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and lightens the dish. Crunchy veggies add nutrition, texture, and taste. Use what you like and already have. Recipes are guides, not rules. In an ongoing effort to prevent food waste, I rarely go to the store to buy one or two ingredients for a recipe. I adapt and make it work with what I already have on hand!

Creamy Chickpea Salad Recipe

The beauty of the salad is its versatility. Prefer a white bean salad? Use cannellini or navy beans. Don’t have Greek yogurt? Sour cream works just fine. And if you don’t love bell peppers, any crunchy veggies will work.  It lasts several days in the refrigerator, making it one of my favorite quick-and-easy salads for meal prep.

Related: Orzo Salad With Chicken & Edamame

Main Ingredients

The ingredients in my creamy chickpea salad are simple. In fact, most of them are for the dressing, which makes the whole salad!

• Veggies. Fresh and crunchy veggies add texture, flavor, and nutrients. I’m using bell peppers and scallions. The veggies also add volume, which helps stretch the dish and lower the calories!
• Dressing. You’ll want to make extra because it’s so darn good! It combines Greek yogurt, tahini, olive oil, lemon, apple cider vinegar, fresh garlic, Dijon, and seasonings.

Recommended For This Recipe

Organic Tahini Sesame Paste
Baron’s brand’s tahini paste features a silky-smooth texture that makes it the perfect basis for creamy hummus, delicious dips, butter or salad dressings.

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How to Make Creamy Chickpea Salad

This creamy chickpea salad can be ready in about 20 minutes! As always, detailed instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Make the sauce first so the flavors can begin to come together.
2. Add the dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk until smooth
3. Add a teaspoon of warm water as needed to smooth out the sauce.
4. Add the beans, vegetables, and herbs to the sauce, reserving some of the herbs for garnish.
5. Gently but thoroughly mix the salad until well combined.
6. Taste and adjust the salt, cover, and chill for at least an hour.
7. Just before serving, garnish with the remaining fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Related: Chickpea Salad With Red Wine Vinaigrette

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

• When choosing Greek yogurt, I recommend full-fat. It gives this chickpea salad the creamy factor it needs. The additional fat adds creaminess and richness to the salad. To make this dairy-free, use your favorite plant-based alternatives instead of Greek yogurt. 
• Having a variety of canned beans in your pantry allows you to pull together quick meals like this in minutes. Bean salads are incredibly versatile and a great way to incorporate protein and fiber into your diet. My Italian cannellini bean salad is another one of our favorites. 
• Fresh herbs add a ton of flavor to this salad, and I use a generous amount. Today, that was fresh Italian parsley. Fresh basil, thyme, and oregano are all delicious!
• This recipe is ideal for meal prep and will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s normal to see a little separation at the bottom of the bowl. Just give a good stir before dishing it up!

If you’ve tried my creamy chickpea salad recipe or any recipe on my site, please leave a comment below!

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Creamy Chickpea Salad Recipe

This creamy chickpea salad recipe with a tahini-yogurt dressing is a must-try! It's budget-friendly, high in protein and fiber, and delish!

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 280kcal

Equipment

• Smooth Tahini
• Aleppo Pepper
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Mixing bowl
• Microplane Grater
• Small Strainer

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 15- ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Creamy Tahini Dressing
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons smooth tahini
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest from juiced lemon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 garlic gloves, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon Redmond Real Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper

Instructions

• Make the sauce first so the flavors can start coming together.
• Add the tahini, yogurt, vinegar, lemon, garlic, Dijon, olive oil, some of the parsley, and seasonings to a bowl.
• Whisk the dressing until smooth, adding a teaspoon of warm water as needed to smooth out the sauce.
• Add the beans, veggies, and herbs to the sauce. (I reserve some herbs for garnish.)
• Gently but thoroughly mix all of the ingredients until well combined.
• Taste and adjust the salt, cover, and chill for at least an hour.
• Just before serving, stir it and adjust the salt and pepper one last time.
• Garnish with the remaining fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1041IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 4mg

It’s more than smart grocery shopping. It also involves understanding what’s in season (and why that matters), knowing how to properly store fresh produce, and having a collection of go-to seasonal recipes and simple vegetable sides when you’re in a pinch.

Speaking of savvy shopping, it’s a popular topic here on the blog. Be sure to check out my tips for grocery shopping on a budget, stocking up on the least expensive foods, and how to prevent food waste, because we don’t want our hard-earned dollars going in the trash!

Saving money on fresh produce isn’t just about savvy shopping. It’s the leading category of food waste in households, often due to over-purchasing and spoilage from its short shelf life. From the time it’s picked, processed, arrives at the grocery store, and makes it to your table, it’s already weeks old. I can give you all my best tips and tricks for saving money on fruits and vegetables, but you’ll inevitably find yourself with more than you need, so be sure to read to the end, where I’ll share some of my favorite ways to use it up.

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to improve overall health. Produce is also one of the best natural sources of fiber, a nutrient that supports digestion, helps balance blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full longer. Speaking of fiber, I recently wrote about how increasing fiber significantly improved my health.

Saving Money On Fresh Produce

Buying in-season produce is cheaper, tastes better, and is more nutritious than out-of-season alternatives. One reason is that it’s more plentiful, so there is more of it to cycle through. Be flexible and adapt to what’s in season and more affordable, rather than what you want.

Shop weekly ads and plan your grocery budget around what’s on sale. Your family might love strawberries, but if they’re not on sale that week and apples are, buy the apples.

Asian markets have ridiculously low prices on produce and fresh herbs. Like…crazy low. If you’ve never been to one, I encourage you to go see what deals you can find. This is my go-to place for buying fresh herbs and other unique produce, such as baby bok choy.

Prep it yourself. We’ve all seen those containers of already prepped produce that’s ready to use. They’re convenient, but they come at a high cost. Just today, I saw a package of diced onions at Publix for $3.29. A whole red onion was 89¢. It takes three minutes to dice an onion. This one is a no-brainer. If you want to buy it already prepped, head to the frozen aisle where it’s much cheaper.

Related: Reduce Your Grocery Bill With These Tips 

Buy the bigger size. If something is priced as “each” and not “per pound”, look for the biggest ones to get more for your money. In the picture above, you can clearly see the size difference. It may not seem like a significant savings, but for someone who cooks for one person frequently, like me, it’s the difference between having enough for one meal and possibly two or three. When buying bags of produce, choose the larger bag. Even though the weight is the same, a bag with six smaller apples will last longer.

Farmers’ markets have some amazing deals on produce, but they can also be a money trap. Try not to get sucked into all the fun things and stick to only what you need.  The main benefit of buying from local farms is that it supports small businesses, and you’ll likely receive produce that was just picked and will last longer, helping prevent waste and save money. 

Shop at discount stores like Aldi and Save-A-Lot. For produce specifically, I find the prices unbeatable and the quality superb. This varies by store, but the Aldi I shop at in Nashville consistently offers higher-quality produce than Publix and Kroger at much lower prices. 

Use coupons. Almost every grocery store these days has a loyalty program and a mobile app to go with it, where you can scan weekly sales ads, save digital coupons, and redeem loyalty discounts. My favorite time to do this is when I’m watching TV. It’s an easy, low-effort way to save money on groceries, including produce!

Related: Ingredient Prepping To Save Time & Money

Miscellaneous Tips

• Grow your own garden, join a local co-op, or go to u-pick farms, and use coupons.
• Sign up for newsletters of your favorite produce brands for coupons and discounts.
• Grow your own. I use a LOT of fresh herbs. Having window sills has saved us so much money!
• Properly store fresh produce to extend its lifespan. Click here for a simple list and a free printable.
• Compare unit pricing instead of package pricing. Sometimes what you think is the better deal isn’t.
• Buy less.  It’s easy enough to stop at a grocery store if you need something, which helps reduce waste.

How To Keep It From Going Bad

As promised, here is exactly what I do with produce that’s about to go bad.

Just cook it. A quick cook will often buy you several more days. The trick here is to keep it simple. Just yesterday, I microwaved a potato to prevent it from ripening. I also had bell peppers that needed to be used, so I cut them in half, removed the core, rubbed them with olive oil, and placed them in the air fryer. It took two minutes, and now they will be fine for a few more days. My cooked apples (shown below) take just five minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert. You can find the recipe here.

Freeze it. Most produce freezes without blanching. If you hate blanching as I do, cook it, let it cool, and freeze it. One of my favorite things to freeze is fresh greens, like kale and spinach. They can go directly from the freezer into a pot of soup, smoothies, or casseroles. Once they’re frozen, you can actually crush them with your hand and voilà, no chopping necessary.

I hope this post has provided helpful ideas for saving money on fresh produce. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Ultimately, the desire to save money led me to create a meal plan on a budget, and I quickly learned that with the right approach, you can prepare delicious, affordable meals while sticking to a realistic grocery budget. Having an arsenal of easy and frugal recipes like my cheesy bean dip (three ingredients), cabbage and beef, and a one-pan sausage and rice helps keep you on track, along with a simple strategy which I’ll share below!

You can apply these tips to any healthy lifestyle, including low-carb, high-protein, dairy, and gluten-free. Create stress-free, budget-friendly meals that make your week easier and wallet happier! 

Preparing three meals a day, whether for your family or just yourself, can feel overwhelming, and sticking to a budget can make it even more challenging. Many people assume meal planning is only for families, but cooking for one person comes with its own set of hurdles. In this post, I’m sharing practical tips and strategies to help you create a meal plan on a budget that works for any lifestyle.

Meal planning is simply knowing what meals you will have throughout the week. It’s not the same as meal prepping, which is preparing complete meals. Meal prepping requires much more time because you cook meals for the whole week. In my opinion, meal planning gives you a little more flexibility. You still know what you’ll eat all week, but you don’t have to dedicate an entire Sunday afternoon to preparing meals. In this post, I’m sharing my tips for meal planning on a budget and for pulling it together as quickly and stress-free as possible.

Related: 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month

Meal Plan On A Budget

You’ll notice that I work backwards. Creating a meal plan on a budget means saving money every step of the way, and that starts with setting a budget, using things you already have, and scouring sales ads. Only then can you plan out your meals.

If you’re a family with young kids, your meal plan will look different than mine. For us, breakfast usually consists of scrambled eggs with cottage cheese and fruit. It takes five minutes. There’s no planning there, but I make sure those items are on my grocery list. All that to say, you don’t have to have a grand plan for every single meal. Sometimes, it’s simply having the ingredients to quickly assemble your go-to meals.

Related: How to Grocery Shop for One Person

1. Set A Budget

• First and foremost, you need to know how much money you have to work with. Depending on how many people you have to feed, your weekly food budget can be drastically different than mine, which is why this post gives you the tools you need to meal plan on a budget rather than giving you a set meal plan.

2. Shop Your Kitchen

• Once you’ve set a budget, shop your entire kitchen. Look for items in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer near expiration. If you’ve had leftover chili in the freezer for three months, it’s time to eat it, and that’s one less meal for the week you need to plan. After you do this, you will have a list of ingredients and meals to use first. Remember, wasting food is throwing money in the trash, and we don’t do that here!

A simple Pantry + Perishables Inventory List, like the one below, makes this and keeping inventory easy!

3. Shop Sales

• You want to do this before you create a meal list. If a great deal catches your eye, plan some meals around that. Try to find deals on items you can pair with some of the ingredients from above that you already have. For example, if you already have two bags of frozen broccoli and some rice, all you need is a protein. You could make beef and broccoli over rice if ground beef is on sale. If chicken breast is on sale, you could make a broccoli, chicken, and rice casserole. Combining ingredients you already have with items on sale is a great place to start when creating a meal plan on a budget.

4. Write Your Meal Plan

• Now it’s time to write your meal plan. This step is the most difficult for people. One day, I was talking to my daughter, and she said, “Some people can’t think of things like you, Mom.” I’ve never forgotten that. My brain never shuts off when it comes to food and recipes, but if you struggle to come up with ideas for meals, there are millions of ideas on the Internet. I recommend doing specific searches on Google. For example, if a rice bowl sounds good, you can search for “rice bowl” + chicken, which will only return rice bowls with chicken. Without the quotation marks, you will get results for anything with a bowl, rice, and chicken.
• Using a pad like this, write down the recipes you want to make on one side and the ingredients you need on the other, crossing off ingredients you already have. When doing this, combine as many ingredients as possible into one meal. For example, if chicken breast is on sale this week, you can use it in many different ways, like my chicken congee, high-protein pasta salad, or 4-ingredient chicken salad. Rice bowls are a great meal prep because the variations are endless. I make a batch of my oven-baked rice every week.

5. Time To Shop

• You now have a plan and a list, but there are additional ways to save on groceries. I share 25 tips in this post. If you’re usually tempted by other things at the grocery store, consider having your groceries delivered. Additional fees may apply, but they may save you money if you know you’ll be tempted to buy other items. My two favorite services are Instacart and Amazon Fresh.

Note. With Instacart, I pay for an annual membership, which provides free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Amazon Fresh does not charge surcharges but does have a delivery fee.

Related: 18 Realistic Ways To Save Money Every Month

Meal Plan On A Budget – Extra Tips

Avoid Unique Ingredients

• Avoid using unique ingredients that will only be used for one meal. For example, if you find a recipe for chicken curry that calls for unique spices, buy a jar of curry sauce instead. Remember that recipes are guides, not rules, and many ingredients can be substituted or omitted. I wouldn’t go out and buy a five-dollar seasoning for one recipe. I would find a way to work around it. This also helps you repurpose existing ingredients.

Stock Up On Essentials

• Having a variety of seasonings and condiments on hand helps you pull meals together quickly and adapt them easily. For example, suppose you meal prep my broiled chicken thighs. You can completely change the flavor profile by switching up the seasonings you use and the condiments you serve with it. Slowly stock up on seasonings and condiments when they’re on sale. You should be fully stocked within a few weeks, and these ingredients will last a while.

Canned Protein

• Most people think of the meat or seafood department when choosing a main protein, but canned tuna and salmon are healthy and affordable protein options. Tuna salad with rice crackers is one of my favorite high-protein, five-minute lunches, and I always make my high-protein tuna pasta salad for meal prep!

Cook Once, Eat Twice

• At the beginning of your meal plan journey, you can freeze ingredients like cooked protein, rice, and raw and cooked veggies. You’ll have a freezer stocked with ready-to-go ingredients within a few weeks. I always double my broiled chicken thigh recipe and my one-pan sausage recipe (shown below) so I can freeze them into serving-size portions in my favorite freezer containers. one-cup portions. You can use these ingredients to prepare quick, easy meals.

I hope this post has provided helpful ideas for creating a meal plan on a budget. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Cottage cheese works in almost any meal thanks to its mild flavor and creamy texture. You can spread it on toast, stir it into scrambled eggs, or blend it into sauces, dips, and soups for added creaminess without the heaviness. It fits naturally into both sweet and savory dishes and slips easily into everyday meals.

If you focus on low-calorie, high-protein recipes, cottage cheese deserves a permanent spot in your refrigerator. My sausage egg bake with cottage cheese delivers serious protein, and the cottage cheese–based sauce in my easy tuna pasta salad has been the most popular recipe on the site for over a year.

Almost daily, cottage cheese helps me hit my protein goals. It’s creamy, protein-rich, and endlessly adaptable. This collection of high-protein cottage cheese toast recipes turns simple ingredients into nourishing breakfasts, snacks, or light meals you can whip up in about 10 minutes. From savory combos with smashed peas and crispy shallots to sweeter variations with peanut butter and granola, there’s something on this list for everyone!

What Is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a fresh, unripened cheese made by adding an acid to pasteurized milk, causing the milk solids to separate from the whey. Producers gently cut the solids into small curds and drain away the whey. They then stir or press the curds to release excess liquid before mixing them with a creamy dressing made from milk, cream, citric acid, and salt. Just one-half cup delivers 13 grams of protein along with calcium, potassium, selenium, and vitamin B12. With its impressive nutrition and mild flavor, cottage cheese works beautifully in high-protein cottage cheese recipes.

Related: Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipes

What’s The Big Deal About Cottage Cheese?

People have strong feelings about cottage cheese. They either love or hate. I love it, and here’s why.

• Cottage cheese is a delicious, versatile source of protein.
• It’s tasty on its own and pairs well with other ingredients.
• It can be whipped or blended and enjoyed as a sauce, dip, or dressing.
• You can cook with it! Try replacing cream with blended cottage cheese.
• Just 1/2 cup provides 13 grams of protein, as well as calcium, potassium, selenium, and B12.
• It’s low in calories, making it my go-to for high-volume, low-calorie meals.

What’s The Big Deal About Protein?

It wasn’t until I was struggling with menopause weight that I learned about the importance of protein. If you missed this post about my menopause weight-loss journey, I update it regularly as I learn what’s working and what’s not. Here are a few reasons I love protein, and so should you!

• Protein is satiating, keeping you fuller longer and reducing calorie consumption.
• Adding protein to a meal can balance blood sugar levels and prevent spikes.
• Studies show a positive link between a high-protein diet and better bone health.
• Getting adequate protein helps us build and maintain muscle, especially before, during, and after menopause.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes – Toast Edition

Cottage cheese toast has become my go-to breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s quick, easy, high in protein, low in calories, and nutritious. The process is simple.

1. Toast the bread in a toaster, regular oven, or air fryer. I keep my Ezekiel bread in the freezer, so I toast mine in the air fryer at 400 degrees. While the bread is toasting, gather my ingredients and prepare anything that needs to be cooked, usually just an egg.
2. To assemble the cottage cheese toast, I like to let the bread cool for a minute or two so the cottage cheese doesn’t get warm. To keep the macros consistent, I always use a quarter cup of cottage cheese and spread it evenly over the toast. There are some combinations where the cottage cheese doesn’t come first, which I’ll discuss below.
3. The toppings should be added in the right order so the cottage cheese doesn’t get squished out. You’ll notice in some of the ideas below that the cottage cheese isn’t always on the bottom – that’s intentional.

Tip: Ezekiel bread is a flourless bread made with sprouted grains. It’s nutritious, naturally gluten-free, and has more protein than other store-bought brands. It’s hearty and dense and holds up well to cottage cheese toast.

Related: How To Cook With Cottage Cheese

Avocado Toast With Cottage Cheese, Egg, And Feta

This combination was fantastic! Za’atar is a Middle Eastern seasoning blend that adds an earthy, herbaceous flavor to your dishes. Aleppo pepper is earthy and fruity with a mild heat. I’ve been using it almost in place of black pepper lately. It just adds more pizazz!

• 1 slice of toasted Ezekiel bread (80 calories, 4 grams protein, 3 grams fiber)
• 1/2 small avocado, whipped (12o calories, 1 gram protein, 4 grams fiber)
• 1/4 cup 4% Good Culture cottage cheese (110 calories, 13 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• 1 over-medium fried egg (70 calories, 6 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• 1 tablespoon crumbled feta (2o calories, 2 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• Garnish: pinch of Za’atar seasoning, Aleppo pepper, and parsley

With the brands I used, approximate totals are 26 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 400 calories.

Cottage Cheese Toast With Scallion Eggs And Crispy Shallots

Cooking the scallions with the egg adds a subtle oniony flavor, and sprinkling the raw scallions on top adds freshness and crunch. Crispy shallots take this to the next level. I have a step-by-step video on Instagram where you can also get the recipe.

• 1 slice of toasted Ezekiel bread (80 calories, 4 grams protein, 3 grams fiber)
• 1/4 cup 4% Good Culture cottage cheese (110 calories, 13 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• 1 egg scrambled with the white part of a scallion (70 calories, 6 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• 2 tablespoons crispy shallots
• Garnish: pinch of flaky salt, Aleppo pepper, and the top part of the scallion

With the brands I used, approximate totals are 23 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 260 calories.

Cottage Cheese Toast With Smashed Peas

I thought about this combination for days after I made it. It was delicious. There’s no need to cook the frozen peas. I cover them with hot water from my tea kettle while preparing the other ingredients. Drain them, lightly mash with a fork, and add a pinch of salt and pepper.

• 1 slice of toasted Ezekiel bread (80 calories, 4 grams protein, 3 grams fiber)
• 1/4 cup 4% Good Culture cottage cheese (110 calories, 13 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• 1/4 cup frozen peas, prepared as noted below (35 calories, 2 grams protein, 2 grams fiber)
• 2 tablespoons crispy shallots (70 calories, 6 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• Garnish: pinch of flaky salt and Aleppo pepper

With the brands I used, approximate totals are 25 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 295 calories.

Related: High Protein Breakfast Bowl

Peanut Butter And Granola Cottage Cheese Toast

I loved the texture of the granola on this one, but I’d be lying if I said I loved it all together. This series has shown me that sweet cottage cheese toast is not my thing, but my family loved it! To lower the calories, I make my peanut butter using sugar-free peanut butter powder with just enough water to make it thick and creamy.

• 1 slice of toasted Ezekiel bread (80 calories, 4 grams protein, 3 grams fiber)
• 1/4 cup 4% Good Culture cottage cheese (110 calories, 13 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (60 calories, 8 grams protein, 2 grams fiber)
• 1/4 cup ratio keto granola (150 calories, 8 grams protein, 2 grams fiber)
• 1 tablespoon raw honey (70 calories, 0 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)

With the brands I used, approximate totals are 33 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 470 calories.

Tuna Salad On Toast With Cottage Cheese

Tuna salad and cottage cheese are a match made in heaven. This was SO SO good! For exact macros, the tuna salad was made with 1 can of Wild Planet Tuna, 1/3 cup Siggi’s Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon avocado mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons capers, 1 tablespoon caper juice, and a generous pinch of black pepper.

• 1 slice of toasted Silver Hills Bakery bread (100 calories, 6 grams protein, 4 grams fiber)
• 1/4 cup 4% Good Culture cottage cheese (110 calories, 13 grams protein, 0 grams fiber)
• 1/2 batch of tuna salad (recipe below) (110 calories, 13 grams protein, 0 fiber)
• Garnish: bagel seasoning + scallions

With the brands I used, approximate totals are 32 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 320 calories.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Toast Recipe Variations

From sweet to savory, the possibilities are endless. I gravitate toward savory combinations, but here are a few ideas that my family loved!

Savory Cottage Cheese Toast Ideas

• Cottage cheese + crispy bacon + scallions (LOVE this simple combo)
• Smashed avocado + cottage cheese + micro greens + bagel seasoning
• Cottage cheese + sliced cucumber + za’atar seasoning
• Cottage cheese + sliced tomato + fresh basil + good olive oil + flaky salt
• Smashed avocado + cottage cheese + fried egg + chili crunch + scallions
• Cottage cheese + smoked salmon + red onion + capers + fresh dill

Sweet Cottage Cheese Toast Ideas

• Cottage cheese + sliced bananas + granola + honey
• Cottage cheese + jam + blueberries + chia or hemp seeds
• Cottage cheese + grilled peaches + hemp seeds + fresh mint
• Apple butter + cottage cheese + diced apples + cinnamon + maple syrup
• Cottage cheese + sliced pears + almond butter + pumpkin seeds + maple syrup

Helpful Tips

• If you don’t like cottage cheese’s texture, try blending it. Add the entire container to a small food processor or NutriBullet, and blend for 30 to 60 seconds or until smooth.
• Some brands have more liquid than others, which can make your toast soggy. If you see liquid on the top of the cottage cheese, pour it off and give it a good stir.
• Use a bread hearty enough to stand up to the toppings. Soft white bread won’t work here.
• Food prep makes throwing together meals like this quick and easy. I wash and prep scallions, bell peppers, bacon, roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs every week.

Print

High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes - Toast Edition

These high-protein cottage cheese toast recipes are perfect for quick and easy meals that are nutritious and satisfying for quick breakfasts or snacks!

Course brunch

Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Equipment

• Long Toaster For Pan Bread
• Za'atar Seasoning
• Aleppo Pepper
• Air Fryer
• Mini Food Processor
• Nutribullet Blender

Ingredients

Avocado, Egg, And Feta

• 1 slice toasted Ezekiel bread
• 1/2 small avocado whipped
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 egg fried
• 1 tablespoon crumbled feta
• pinch Za’atar seasoning and Aleppo pepper
• garnish with parsley

Scallion Eggs And Crispy Shallots

• 1 slice toasted Ezekiel bread
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 egg scrambled with white part of a scallion
• 2 tablespoons crispy shallots
• pinch flakey salt and Aleppo pepper
• garnish with the top part of the scallion

Smashed Peas And Crispy Shallots

• 1 slice toasted Ezekiel bread
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup frozen peas * prepared as noted below
• 2 tablespoons crispy shallots
• pinch flaky salt and Aleppo pepper

Peanut Butter And Granola

• 1 slice toasted Ezekiel bread
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/4 cup keto granola
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Instructions

• Toast the bread in a toaster, oven, skillet, or air fryer.
• While the bread is toasting gather the toppings.
• Let the toasted bread cool for one minute before adding the cottage cheese.
• Assemble the cottage cheese toast and enjoy immediately!

Savory Italian sausage, bell peppers, and creamy Havarti come together for an amazing combination of flavors and textures. The sausage is packed with flavor and loaded with protein. You could also make this with my homemade chicken Italian sausage to lighten things up a bit!

We’re big fans of an easy make-ahead egg bake around here. The variations are endless, and I’ll provide some swaps below. Check out my veggie egg bake and ham and cheese egg muffins. They set you up for busy mornings when you need a quick, protein-rich meal on the go. Add this to your collection of egg bake recipes, brunch ideas, savory breakfasts, and high-protein meals!

I’ve shared countless videos on how to make the perfect egg bake on Instagram. I’m the egg bake queen, if I do say so myself. There’s no rubbery, dense, dry egg bakes in this house, and this sausage egg bake is one of our favorites! This is very versatile. Feel free to swap some ingredients out to suit your taste. However, I have some tips below for different veggie options and why you should cook some of them beforehand. 

This hearty, healthy make-ahead breakfast bake is perfect for anyone seeking high-protein breakfast ideas or delicious, easy recipes.

Sausage Egg Bake

Whether you’re cooking for one person or have a large family, spending a little time on food preparation helps reduce kitchen stress and helps pull together quick meals throughout the week. This is why I love ingredient prepping. Because the sausage was cooked and the vegetables were prepped, I was able to get this breakfast egg bake into the oven much faster.

Related: Hearty Veggie Egg Bake Recipe

Main Ingredients

• Eggs. I used seven large eggs because I like a thicker egg bake. The number of eggs you use depends on how thick or thin you want the mixture. Make a thinner egg bake for sandwiches, or go thicker if you want a version hearty enough to enjoy on its own.
• Cottage cheese. I often discuss how to cook with cottage cheese because it can be finicky. Rather than repeating myself, you can read the post I linked above for some of my tips. 
• Havarti cheese. Havarti cheese is absolutely delicious and, in my opinion, underrated. It gives a creamy, buttery flavor that complements the rest of the dish. I use it almost exclusively in place of mozzarella, which I think has zero flavor.
• Italian sausage. You can’t have a sausage egg bake without it! Sausage is packed with flavor, so it does the heavy lifting in this recipe! It’s also loaded with protein.
• Veggies. I used bell peppers because I love the combination of sausage and bell peppers, but feel free to use whatever you prefer.  
• Seasonings and herbs. Since the Italian sausage packs so much flavor, additional seasonings are optional. Sometimes I add a few to jazz it up! 

Recommended For This Recipe

To blend the cottage cheese, I used this Ninja Food Processor. This system is a workhorse and my most-used kitchen appliance. It’s functional and affordable!

Shop Here

Sausage Egg Bake Instructions

It takes less than 10 minutes to get my sausage egg bake in the oven. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool off so you can dive in!

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F
2. Spray a 10×15″ baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Cook or defrost your Italian sausage. ** see notes
4. Sprinkle the peppers, scallions, and cheese over the Italian sausage.
5. Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and seasoning to a small blender or food processor.
6. Blend until just combined. Try not to make it too frothy.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the meat, veggies, and cheese.
8. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the ingredients.
9. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the center is set.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. ** see tip below
11. Slice and serve with your favorite toppings! 

Related: Ham & Eggs Breakfast Muffins

Tips For Success + Variations

• Cook watery vegetables before adding them to the dish. This is because they release moisture, and excess moisture is the downfall of any egg bake. So, veggies like tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms should be sautéed thoroughly before adding them to your baking pan. 
• An egg bake is a great option for a quick and easy brunch. Bake it in a pretty dish, such as these rose gold baking sheets, and serve toppings like sour cream, additional cheese, salsa, herbs, and peppers on the side. You can easily double or triple the recipe using the slider in the recipe card below.

If you’ve tried my sausage egg bake, I’d love it if you would leave a comment below!

Print

Sausage Egg Bake With Savory Italian Sausage

This sausage egg bake is a low-carb, gluten-free recipe that's hearty and satisfying. Perfect for quick breakfasts and weekly meal prep!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Resting Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 435kcal

Equipment

• Nutribullet Blender
• Ninja Food Processor Set
• Oregano
• Smoked Paprika
• High Sided Baking Pan
• Redmond Real Salt

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage cooked * see notes
• 7 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 2 scallions sliced * darker tops set aside
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 325°F
• Spray a 10×15″ baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
• Cook or defrost your Italian sausage. ** see notes
• Sprinkle the peppers, scallions, and cheese over the Italian sausage.
• Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and seasoning to a small blender or food processor.
• Blend until just combined. Try not to make it too frothy.
• Pour the egg mixture over the meat, veggies, and cheese.
• Use a spatula to distribute the ingredients evenly.
• Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the center is set.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. ** see tip below
• Slice and serve with your favorite toppings!

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 268mg | Sodium: 1021mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g

Homemade condiments will level up your cooking! A killer sauce or dip can elevate a dish by adding acidity, freshness, and flavor. They’re easy to make, healthier, and customizable. Want more garlic or spice? Go for it!

My chunky blue cheese dressing is another reader favorite, and if you love ranch dressing, having your own dry mix gives you more ways to use it! This honey mustard recipe requires a few extra ingredients, but it’s what makes it unique and the best (in my humble opinion).

We all need an arsenal of quick, easy sauces, and my sour cream sauce is the most popular among my friends and family. It was a happy accident one day when I ran out of mayonnaise, and all I had was sour cream. Years later, using equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream as a base for many sauces, dips, and dressings is my go-to. If you’re like me and don’t love mayonnaise but appreciate its richness, cutting it with sour cream lightens it up a bit while adding a subtle tang and creaminess.

Sour Cream Sauce Recipe

The best part about this recipe, aside from how easy and delicious it is, is that it’s customizable. Adding salsa turns it into a quick Southwest-style sauce, and experimenting with different salsa flavors is fun. For example, when serving this with fish tacos, I like to use a lime-forward salsa like this one. Like spice? Add whatever seasonings and hot sauce you want. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley will add a fresh, herb-y flavor. Seasonings like smoked paprika or roasted cumin will add depth of flavor. A little lemon or lime juice will brighten the sauce, and the acid helps balance the richness. This is a very versatile recipe!

Related: High-Protein Chicken Protein Bowls

Ingredients You’ll Need

The recipe only requires three ingredients: equal parts salsa, sour cream, and mayonnaise. The seasonings are optional. Sometimes I add them, and sometimes I jazz it up!

• Mayonnaise adds richness and flavor. I use this avocado oil mayonnaise, but any will work.
• Sour cream adds tang and creaminess and mellows out the mayonnaise flavor.
• Salsa. I use fire-roasted salsa for extra flavor, but use what you like.
• Optional seasonings. Smoked paprika, roasted cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, Aleppo pepper.

Note. The calories in 1 cup of sauce are approximately 665, and most of those calories come from the mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is a fat, and it averages about 100 calories per tablespoon. Sour cream, however, is very low in calories, averaging about 15 calories per tablespoon. You can play around with the ratios of mayonnaise and sour cream to lower the calorie count.

Related: Gluten-Free Sausage Balls

How To Make Sour Cream Sauce

This is so easy that I can hardly even call it a recipe, but be sure to read the tips at the bottom of the post.

1. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and salsa to a bowl.
2. Stir well to ensure everything is well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Note. Three ingredients are all you need, and I often make it with only those three. Add salt, pepper, herbs, hot sauce, and seasonings to taste.

These glass serving bowls. are perfect for serving and storing the sauce. They’re pretty and functional!

Serving Suggestions & Tips

This versatile sauce can be used as a sauce, dip, or dressing. Here are some of my favorites.

• Drizzle it over protein bowls like my high-protein southwest chicken bowls.
• Serve as a dip with corn chips, quesadillas, burritos, chicken strips, or taquitos.
• Stir into a southwest pasta salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
• Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for better flavor and a creamier consistency.
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens it, as do fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
• I suggest letting this hang out in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for better flavor.
• Add your favorite hot sauce, chipotle in adobo, or cayenne for some heat.
• The salsa you use can completely change the flavor. I’ve made this with salsa verde in white chicken enchiladas. It was amazing!

If you try my easy sour cream sauce, I’d love it if you would leave a comment below!

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Sour Cream Sauce Recipe

Level up your meals with my simple sour cream sauce recipe, a fan favorite for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, chips, and more!

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Rest Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 171kcal

Equipment

• Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
• Fire Roasted Salsa
• Glass Mixing Bowl
• Wire whisk
• Serving & Mixing Bowl Set

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup fire-roasted salsa

Optional Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper

Instructions

• Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and salsa to a bowl.
• Stir well to ensure everything is well combined.
• Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
• If using the additional seasonings, add them now.
• Whisk well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 267mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g

If you’re a foodie, add this to your vacation bucket list immediately. Olivia’s delivers on food, service, and atmosphere, offering up familiar favorites as well as unique options with an island flair.

One of my favorite Disney tips is to visit other Disney World resorts. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day outside of the Disney parks, especially if you’re on a family trip with kids. There are typically fun (and free) things to do, not to mention it’s a great way to sample all the amazing Disney World food specific to each resort!

If you’re heading to Disney and looking for more dining options to add to your itinerary, I just shared our favorite sandwiches and some of the best salads you can get on property. And if you’re heading to Disney Springs early, here’s where you can get breakfast before 10 AM! Let’s dive in.

The food at Disney World has come a long way in the 40+ years we’ve been visiting. Disney restaurants have stepped up their game, and Olivia’s Cafe is no exception. Brunch at Olivia’s is actually breakfast. It’s served from 7:30 AM to 2 PM, seven days a week, and the menu stays the same.

Old Key West is a smaller Disney resort hotel, but it is highly underrated. It’s small but charming, unpretentious, and inviting. Olivia’s is no exception. Imagine a beach house with a warm and cozy vibe. There are nautical touches throughout the restaurant, large paddle ceiling fans, mismatched chairs, and an overall casual and welcoming atmosphere. It makes you want to stay a while.

The inspiration for the restaurant came from Olivia Farmsworth, a resident of Old Key West who was well known for inviting strangers and friends into her kitchen to eat. As you enter the restaurant, the lobby walls are covered with real photos of Disney Vacation Club members (who often return to update them). This is meant to make you feel welcomed, and it does. It’s the first thing I noticed, and I LOVED looking at all the photos. 

Olivia’s Cafe At Disney’s Old Key West

On our last few trips, we’ve been staying at the Drury hotel in Orlando, which is actually a Good Neighbor Hotel located right outside Disney Springs. We absolutely love this Disney hotel and the location. In fact, we love it so much that I wrote a full review here.

Shannon and I love getting up early and walking to Disney Springs. There are some early-morning breakfast options worth waking up for, and it’s a relaxing way to start on a non-park day. Once at Disnsye Springs, you can follow the path over to Saratoga Springs, which takes you all the way to Old Key West Resort. It’s a long but beautiful walk, as most of this path runs along the water. The morning we did this, we had one goal in mind: to have breakfast or brunch at Olivia’s café, and it did not disappoint.

Related: Geyser Point Bar and Grill Review @ Wilderness Lodge Resort

Olivia’s Cafe Menu

The menu at Olivia’s is one of the things that makes it unique. You’ll find familiar favorites like pancakes and omelettes as well as island-inspired dishes like the wildly popular conch fritters, banana bread French toast with Bahamian banana rub syrup, and unique condiments like Key lime hollandaise sauce and a Key West-inspired ketchup. Shannon and I rarely go out to a Disney breakfast or brunch because the menus don’t excite us. We’re always looking for something a little more unique that entices us to go, and Olivia’s café does that!

If you’re on the Disney dining plan, Olivia’s Café counts as one table service credit for both breakfast/brunch and dinner. I always recommend that you look at the prices for each table-service restaurant you plan to visit. Use your credits at the most expensive restaurants to get the most bang for your buck! You can access all the Disney restaurant menus on their website and via the My Disney Experience App. I’ve also noticed the app is updated more often than the website.

Disney Brunch Review

We started with a cocktail, the blackberry orange spritz, made with Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, for $17.50. I don’t typically order bubbly drinks, but after the walk from our hotel, it sounded refreshing, and it was. This was light, refreshing, not too sweet, but also alcohol forward, which I didn’t mind. Adult beverages at Disney World are expensive, so I want my money’s worth. 

We started with the famous Olivia’s Cafe conch fritters, served with key lime mustard for $16, which I was so excited to try. I had heard nothing but good reviews about them, and they were not wrong. The texture was spot-on for a fritter, and I loved the visible chunks of conch, which added nice texture. You’ll also want to slam dunk these in the Key lime mustard. It was fantastic!

I had already scoured the menu and knew I wanted to order the crab cake Benedict ($26). Eggs Benedict is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and this was another home run! The crabcakes themselves are full of crab without too much breading, but the Key lime hollandaise makes the dish. It’s light and tangy, with a hint of lime, giving it a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the crab cakes and rich egg yolks. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of Olivia’s breakfast potatoes. They taste like scallop potatoes made with canned soup. The next time we go, I will choose a different side.

My husband ordered the bacon jam cheeseburger for $26 and loved it. Specifically, he commented on the quality of the beef, and I agree. You can tell it’s a good-quality beef patty. My only note, though my husband disagreed, is that the avocado is not necessary. I love avocado, but I don’t think it meshes well with the jam and pickles’ flavors. Speaking of the pickles, they’re delicious and come from The Land Pavilion at Epcot, so that’s a little Disney fun fact. The ketchup is their Key West ketchup, which has a bit of citrus. It also comes with an aïoli. This was unique and flavorful! (he also did not care for the potatoes)

Pro tip. You can find the menu for Olivia’s Cafe here. It’s always a good idea to check Disney menus right up until you leave for your trip, as they change often.

Related: Polite Pig @ Disney Springs Review

Final Thoughts

Aside from the potatoes, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Olivia’s Café! With so many fantastic Disney restaurants to choose from, I ask myself three questions before recommending one.

• Would I go out of my way to go back?
  • As I mentioned above, brunch doesn’t usually excite us, but we will absolutely go out of our way to go back to Olivia’s Café (and I’ll be ordering the conch fritters every time!)
• Is it memorable?
  • I have already forgotten many of the things we tried on our most recent trip, but I’m still thinking about our meal, so yes – it’s memorable!
• What would I recommend to other people?
  • I recommend Olivia’s to anyone looking for a breakfast that is a little more unique, who loves exploring other Disney resorts, and anyone traveling with kids. The menu has something for everyone, including Mickey waffles.

If you’ve dined at Olivia’s Café, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Depending on when you’re arriving, our tips for visiting in February or later in the month, heading into April, may be helpful. If you’re in the thick of your Disney planning and need more help, we explore all the best Disney food and ways to save money on your trip!

In this post, we discuss visiting Disney World in March, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. March is a favorite for many vacationers – those needing a change of scenery from the winter blues, beautiful weather (fair temperatures and little to no rain!), and EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival!

Weather At Disney World in March

Although the crowds may be high, the temperature isn’t! March boasts beautiful weather, with temps ranging from 56 – 79°F. Plus, the rain is minimal, and there is no concern for hurricanes. That being said, Florida weather can be unpredictable. We suggest wearing layers to combat any sudden temperature changes. This is especially helpful for chilly mornings or evenings that you could experience while visiting in March!

Also, although rain is less common in the fall, you may still want to be prepared for it. Packing a disposable poncho is a quick fix for a sporadic Florida shower. If you forgot your Disney raincoat and you see storm clouds on the horizon, duck into stores and under awnings for coverage. But our best tip for fluctuating weather is to be like Elsa and “let it go.” It’s central Florida, and an occasional rain shower is almost guaranteed!

Crowd Levels

There is no need to sugarcoat it: Most of March is BUSY. In fact, as a whole, it is considered one of the busiest months of the entire year. And the reason is simple: spring break. Due to the varying spring break times across school districts, it stays busy. 

• Best time to go: The first 10 days of the month.
• Worst time to go: The rest of the month!

That nice weather we discussed earlier also attracts visitors. You might have a slightly slower day here and there, but they are rare and unpredictable. Once the dance and cheer competitions start and spring breakers arrive, it’s going to be busy everywhere – parks, resorts, monorail, Disney Springs, and even the buses. This is 

Youth Sports Championships At Disney World

On top of all that, Disney World in March sees a massive influx of visitors due to the many competitive youth sports championships in the Orlando area. These groups love to stay and play at Walt Disney World during their off days. And boy, you can NOT miss them – they love to travel the parks and resorts in large groups, donning matching gear and peppy energy.

To put it into perspective, Shannon and I waited almost an hour to order food at a pool bar over at Caribbean Beach because there were at least 20 cheerleaders in front of us, all paying separately. I have no issue with them personally, but it is important to note that their presence doesn’t just affect the parks. It will be more crowded everywhere, especially at the hotels where they are staying.

• March 13 – March 14, 2026: UDA All-Star National Cheer & Dance Championship
• March 13 – March 14, 2026: The Quest Recreational Cheer & Dance Championship
• March 14 – March 15, 2026: UCA All-Star National Cheer & Dance Championship

You can find out more about each competition on the ESPN Wide World of Sports website.

Events At Disney World In March

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 4th – June 4nd, 2026
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt!

RunDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: February 206th to March 2nd, 2026
Help your favorite Disney princesses face villains and foes during this fairytale weekend! Guests can participate in princess-themed 5k, 10k, or half marathons – or take them all on in the Disney Fairytale Challenge! Running not your thing? Maybe try some Disney Princess Yoga instead!

Tips For Visiting Disney World In March

• Despite March’s crowds, Disney offers discounts for this time of year. Click here to check out the current discounts and offers for yourself.
• To save time and stress getting from point A to point B, I can’t recommend using ride-sharing enough. Personally, we don’t want to start or end our days being crammed into crowded buses (and they cram you in). The time and stress it saves are valuable. Trust me. Just budget for rideshare. We average about $20-$25 a day, including tips. 
• The temperatures will start to creep up by mid-afternoon, but you can still expect cooler mornings and evenings. Pack layers and pack options. On our last trip, these lightweight cardigans were a godsend, and I lived in this romper!
• If you’ve never been to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, it’s a Disney must-do. The park is adorned with elaborate Disney-themed topiaries, the food booth offers seasonal eats, and the flowers and gardens are absolutely stunning!

Related Planning Posts

We have dozens of posts to help with your Disney trip planning. The list below serves as a great starting point, featuring some of our Disney must-dos, favorite Disney snacks, budget-friendly options, and best times to visit.

• Drury Hotel Disney Springs Full Review
• Renting A Pontoon Boat At Disney World
• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Polite Pig Disney Springs Review
• Disney Springs Happy Hours
• Resort Hopping At Disney World
• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ

I hope these tips for visiting Disney World in March were helpful. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

It’s versatile and can be enjoyed as a dip (or 7-layer dip), spread onto tostadas or burritos, or added to rice bowls or taco salads, all great ways to use the leftovers. Add this to your list of easy appetizer recipes, game day food, and party food recipes. It’s also very budget-friendly and can be made in a crockpot!

If you’re a bean lover like me, you may like these recipes: My go-to cannellini bean salad, this Italian twist on beans and rice, and tuna pasta salad with beans, which is a fan favorite on the blog!

A midday snack attack inspired this recipe. I didn’t feel like going to the store, but I had a can of beans and half a bag of tortilla chips that needed to be used. It was 29 degrees outside, so I wanted something warm and cozy, and this cheesy bean dip was the result. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want a quick snack or side dish. I’ve made several variations, and they’ve all been delicious. I’ll give you some ideas below.

Cheesy Bean Dip

A well-stocked pantry is essential for quick, easy meals, but the benefits of canned beans go far beyond that, providing healthy carbs, protein, and fiber. Add a healthy fat like olive oil, avocados, or nuts, and you’ve got yourself a complete and nutritious meal. 

Canned beans are incredibly versatile. I use them to make quick salads, like my simple chickpea salad. For dinner, you can add them to chicken protein bowls or my oven-baked rice for an easy twist on beans and rice. They’re a healthy and affordable way to stretch just about any recipe!

Related: Smoky Cheese Dip With Shredded Beef

Step By Step Instructions

You only need three ingredients to make this cheesy bean dip recipe, but the products you use matter.

• Start with a can of your favorite refried beans. I used Siete Organic Refried Pinto Beans. I prefer a simple, clean ingredient list without unnecessary lard, oil, or additives. Use any refried beans you like.
• Fire-roasted salsa adds tomatoes, garlic, and onions, along with a subtle smokiness, which gives the dip fantastic flavor. Any brand will work, but a thick consistency works best. 
• For the best texture, go to the deli and buy white American cheese. I have them slice it on the thickest setting so I can easily cut it into cubes. American cheese is very affordable, and you only need a small amount (about 1/3 pound) for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese will not work. It’s coated with anti-caking agents like potato starch, cornstarch, or cellulose, which can make the dip grainy and too thick. 

• To make the dip, add everything to a small skillet. Low heat and patience are key. Too high a heat can scorch the dip. Let it warm through for about seven minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Once the cheese has melted into the dip, there are no more visible chunks, and it’s warmed through, you’re done.
• Adjust the consistency, if necessary. I like this to be quite thick, but if you want it a little looser, add some of the salsa juice and warm through. Taste and adjust the salt, and you’re done!

If desired, garnish the top. I’ll give you some ideas below.

Note. The salsa does the heavy lifting in this cheesy bean dip recipe, so the brand you choose matters. A flavorful, thick fire-roasted salsa works best. It’s one of my favorite shortcuts because it already has garlic, onions, peppers, and spices. I’ve been obsessed with this brand lately. If the salsa you use lacks flavor, add extra seasonings like cumin, garlic, smoked paprika, etc.

Tips For Making Cheesy Bean Dip

• All of the ingredients are adjustable. To loosen it up, add more salsa. Cheesier? Add more cheese.
• If you want it completely smooth, add it to a small food processor and pulse it a few times.
• Jazz it up with your favorite hot sauce, seasonings, peppers, and fresh cilantro.
• Don’t have cheese? Greek yogurt adds a delightful creaminess and lightens the dip up a bit.
• Cream cheese also works in place of cheese, or a combination of both cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
• Serve with corn or tortilla chips, veggies, or use it to make tacos, taco salads, rice, or burrito bowls.
• This cheesy bean dip isn’t the prettiest dish, so I like to garnish it up when I want a nicer presentation. Fresh herbs, scallions, a swirl of sour cream, jalapeños, avocado, chopped tomatoes, or pico de gallo are all great options and add a bit of freshness to the dip!

If you try this simple cheesy bean dip, I’d love it if you would leave a comment below!

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Cheesy Bean Dip | Simple 3 Ingredient Recipe

Serve up a warm and comforting bowl of Cheesy Bean Dip in just 15 minutes with three simple ingredients. It's perfect for last-minute guests!

Course Snack / Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 200kcal

Equipment

• 10" Ceramic Nonstick Pan PFAS-Free
• Fire Roasted Salsa
• Refried Beans
• Silicone Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 16 ounce can refried beans
• 1/4 pound American cheese
• 1 cup fire roasted salsa

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

• Dice or shred the cheese.
• Add all of the ingredients to a medium size, nonstick pan.
• Place the pan over medium-low heat.
• Gently cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the dip is warmed through.
• Serve immediately.

Crockpot Instructions

• Dice or shred the cheese.
• Add all of the ingredients to a crockpot.
• Cook on low for about 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the dip is warmed through.
• Once the cheese has melted, you can keep the crockpot on warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 1552mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 674IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 352mg | Iron: 1mg

From getting creative with leftovers, using what you’ve got, packing a lunch, and getting your kitchen organized, these are just a few strategies that I practice myself, and I know they work. It’s not just about shopping sales and meal planning. Those are good, but let’s dive a little deeper.

For more ways to save, it’s not too late to start the 52-week money savings challenge, read my top 5 tips for saving money, and build an emergency savings account (even when you don’t think you have enough).

My OG’s may remember that before I rebranded to Plain Everything, my blog was all about saving money. I rebranded because I wanted to talk about more of the things I love, like cooking and Disney, but saving money was and still is my jam. If you’ve been paying attention to everything I write about here on the blog, there’s always a subtle nod to my roots. I have a whole series on how to save money at Disney World, and almost every recipe I post is budget-friendly.

Saving On Food

When it comes to saving on food, we’ve discussed how to shop on a budget, how ingredient prepping saves time and money, and which foods are least expensive. But how do you save money on groceries at home? Today, we’re discussing that and more, including how to prevent food waste (which is money going to waste), getting your kitchen organized, and why that matters. Let’s dive in.

Related: Side Job Ideas (To Make Extra Money)

No Spend Challenge

• To save money on groceries immediately, challenge yourself to use what you’ve got. I actually do this about three times a year. It’s easy to forget about things in the back of the pantry or freezer. Challenging yourself to cook from what you’ve got is a great way to save on groceries. When I do this, I still buy the things we use every day, like eggs, coffee, and cream, but I make a conscious effort to make meals and snacks with what I already have.

Pro tip. Having a simple spending/budget tracker like the one below will help keep you in check!

Get Organized

• Organize your entire kitchen. Take note of what you already have so you can plan to use it as soon as possible. Knowing what you have prevents duplicate purchases and gives you a starting point for meal planning. An organized kitchen also saves time and sanity. I’m easily overwhelmed by a messy panty. Keeping things organized ensures you can find what you need quickly!

Pro tip: Implement a “first in, first out” system. When you bring home new products, place them behind the older ones so they are used up first. A simple Pantry + Perishables Inventory List, like the one below, makes this and keeping inventory easy!

Use It Up

• Saving on food and preventing waste go hand in hand. Throwing food away is throwing money away. Use or freeze things before they go bad. Plan meals around what you already have, focusing on items that need to be used first. For example, as I write this, I have an avocado and some tomatoes that need to be used, so I’ll make a quick batch of guacamole and plan dinner around what pairs well with it. 

Bring Food With You

• We’re all guilty of this, including myself. A “quick trip to the store” turns into four different stops, and now you or your kids are hangry. Bring snacks! No one is going to starve to death, but having a few snacks with you will satisfy everyone until you get home. I can’t tell you how many times I have found myself in this position and then been mad at myself for spending the money. Use whatever you already have to make portable snack bags and save money. Nuts, cereal, dried fruit like raisins, or whatever cookies or crackers you have on hand!

Pack Your Lunch

• One of the easiest ways to save on groceries is to bring your lunch. Almost everyone my husband works with leaves for lunch. I can’t imagine how much they spend per month. He prefers home-cooked meals, so leftovers never go to waste in our house. Dining out is something you can stop immediately. It’s SO expensive. Save that cash for a nicer meal out once a month. My husband and I have noticed that the more we eat out, the less special it feels.

Pro tip: Immediately store leftovers in lunch containers, so they’re ready to go throughout the week!

Repurpose Leftovers

• Eating up those leftovers prevents food waste, period! If leftovers aren’t your thing, try repurposing them. Turn chili into taco salads, meat and vegetables can be topped with cheese and mashed potatoes for a riff on shepherd’s pie, spaghetti can be made into a crispy spaghetti pie – you get the idea. A quick Google search will help you turn those leftovers into a whole new dish your family will love!

Saving On Food Requires Creativity

• Let’s say chicken parmesan is on your list this week and calls for mozzarella cheese, but you don’t have any. You can use literally any cheese. With a bit of creativity, ingredients can be swapped, and you may even wind up with something you like better. I recently needed heavy whipping cream for a sauce and used cream cheese because that’s the only creamy dairy product I had. It worked beautifully, I saved myself a trip to the store, and used up the rest of my cream cheese, too. Blended beans can thicken soups, crushed crackers and chips can replace breadcrumbs, and ground meats are interchangeable. 

Pro tip: Recipes are guides, not rules. Don’t be afraid to play around with ingredients, work with what you’ve got, and make it your own!

Related: 18 Realistic Ways To Save Money Every Month

Start Food Prepping

• This is simply having things ready to go. Make it a priority. I posted my simple process for ingredient prepping here. Statistically, over 40% of families order take-out because they’re tired and don’t feel like cooking. If you have some things already prepped and ready, you can have dinner done in 20 minutes – and save that money. 

Pro tip: My favorite containers for food prep are linked here. These are affordable, durable, dishwasher- and freezer-safe, and can be taken from the freezer to the oven. They’re BPA-free, and I love that you can stack the various sizes neatly in your freezer or refrigerator. I use the half-cup portion size most. It’s the perfect amount to grab a quick rice bowl for a one-person meal!

Cook More For Later

• Making larger batches of freezer-friendly meals saves time and money. If you’re making chili, make a triple batch and freeze some. You can also batch-cook parts of a meal you’re already making. For example, if you’re making shredded chicken for tacos, make extra and freeze some for another meal. There is no right or wrong way. Do whatever works for you! My go-tos are baked rice (a fan favorite on the blog), breakfast sandwiches, and gluten-free sausage balls.

Say Yes To Water

• We can’t talk about saving on food costs without acknowledging the small expenditures that add up, such as soda and energy drinks. Frankly, these things should be a treat, not an everyday thing – IF you’re trying to save money on food. I know many people dislike water, but hear me out. My husband was buying energy drinks almost every day. He doesn’t dislike water, but it had become a habit. Once I showed him the monthly cost, he was shocked and went back to drinking water (most of the time). 

Pro tip: Nickels and dimes add up. Saving a couple of dollars on energy drinks and lattes may not seem like much, but it will save us around $50 a month or $600 a year!

I hope this post has provided helpful ideas for saving on food at home. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Homemade sauces and dressings are surprisingly simple to make and easily customizable, and this one is no exception. I often change it up depending on how I’m serving it. It’s quick, easy, and worth adding to your recipe rotation. If you love sweet-and-savory sauces, also check out my easy honey mustard with Greek yogurt.

Is there anything more satisfying than slam-dunking a potsticker into a flavor-bomb sauce and taking that first bite? My creamy soy ginger dipping sauce is a family favorite, but don’t stop at potstickers. We serve this with rice bowls, noodle dishes, stir it into ramen, drizzle it over hibachi-style veggies, and so much more.

As part of my weekly ingredient prep, I always make a homemade dressing or sauce. Depending on my menu, it may be kimchi mayonnaise, which is very gut-friendly. Ranch dressing made with a homemade dry seasoning mix, and I love a chunky blue cheese dressing (made without buttermilk). I’m a firm believer that a killer or dressing sauce can transform a dish, so I always have one in my refrigerator!

Creamy Soy Ginger Sauce

This sauce checks all the boxes. It takes about five minutes to make with mostly pantry ingredients and delivers big-time flavor. Dark soy adds depth, mayonnaise adds richness, lime juice cuts through the fat, and a touch of honey balances everything. It’s absolutely delicious, and you’ll want to make a double batch!

Related: 2-Minute Kimchi Mayonnaise Recipe

Step By Step Instructions

First, you’ll want to gather your ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry, and add them to a bowl.

• Mayonnaise. It provides richness and fattiness. I used this avocado mayonnaise.
• Greek yogurt. Provides a bit of tang and lightens up the sauce.
• Ginger. Grated fresh on a microplane works best and gives the sauce a zesty, spicy kick!
• Dark soy. It’s rich, salty, and more complex than regular soy sauce, though that works fine too.
• Toasted sesame oil. This adds a toasty, nutty flavor. A little goes a long way.
• Sriracha. A little Sriracha adds a garlicky, spicy kick.
• Lime juice. This brightens up the sauce and adds a little tang.
• Honey. A touch of honey helps balance out all the flavors. ** see note in next steps

Note: I love a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for both richness and tang. Using a full-fat, plain Greek yogurt helps keep the sauce on the thicker side. For this recipe, I used 5% Fage Plain Greek yogurt.

Next, whisk until smooth and give it a taste. You’ll notice there is no honey in the ingredient shot, because I often make this without it. A bit of sweetness helps balance the sauce, and the avocado mayonnaise I use already has some sweetness. Depending on the products you’re using and the sweetness level you like, you may or may not need to add honey. Also, remember that we all have different tastes. My suggestion is to make it without the honey, taste it, and then add a little at a time until it tastes good to you.

Taste again and adjust. Want more spice? Add more sriracha. More acid? Add lime. Remember that all recipes are guides, not rules, especially when making condiments. They’re easily customizable. Add a little bit of an ingredient at a time and don’t go too heavy-handed. Once you add too much, then you’ll need to fix it. Go slow! 

Related: Sardine Rice Bowl (with this sauce)

Creamy Soy Ginger Sauce – Tips

• The best way to grate your ginger is to use a small, handheld grater. I like to grate an entire knob at once and then pack it into small silicone ice cube containers. It works perfectly in recipes like this.
• If you follow a gluten-free diet, look for gluten-free tamari rather than soy sauce. Gluten-free tamari is the perfect substitution for soy sauce, and there are also low-sodium varieties. 
• Go slow with sesame oil. It’s an acquired taste, and toasted sesame oil has a more robust flavor. If you’re unsure whether you like it, start with even less than what I have listed and add more to taste.
• This can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over fried rice, protein bowls, rice bowls, and greens for an Asian spin on salad.
• Serve as a dipping sauce for crudité, egg rolls, potstickers, spring rolls, and chicken wings.
• Toss freshly cooked rice noodles with a little sauce and your favorite Asian veggies.
• Shrimp tacos and poke bowls are even more delicious with a big dollop of this sauce on top.

And that’s it, friends! I hope you love this creamy soy ginger sauce as much as we do! If you make it, please come back to let me know how you like it!

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Creamy Soy Ginger Sauce

You’ll want to repeat this creamy soy ginger sauce and dip everything in it! It’s easy and addictive, and you can whip it up in 5 minutes!

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 166kcal

Author www.savingeveryday.net

Equipment

• Avocado Mayonnaise
• Toasted Sesame Oil
• Dark Soy Sauce
• Low Sodium Tamari
• Sriracha Sauce
• Organic Honey

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a bowl.
• Whisk until smooth.
• Taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Notes

There was enough salt in the tamari for me, but feel free to add more. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Sardines and rice are the ultimate budget-friendly meal (and one of my favorite leftover rice recipes). When building your bowl, you can keep it simple or load it up with toppings like cucumber, carrots, scallions, kimchi, olives, radishes, and more. This is the perfect meal for one person with endless variations.

The rich, meaty texture of the sardines, combined with bold flavors and textures, turns a humble can of seafood into a nutritious and satisfying meal. Don’t like sardines? Any tinned fish will work. Swap them out with mussels, trout, anchovies, mackerel, smoked oysters – whatever you want!

It’s no secret that rice bowls are one of my go-to meals when I want something quick and easy, but they’re also a great way to use up ingredients and prevent food waste. I often make a double batch of my oven-baked rice and freeze most of it in half-cup portions so that I can throw one together quickly. They’re versatile and can be easily adapted to fit gluten-free, low-carb, vegan, high-fiber, and high-protein lifestyles.

Sardines are an essential pantry ingredient for lazy dinners, quick lunches, and low-effort meals. They’re also an easy source of nutrients and protein. Having a well-stocked pantry with a variety of canned seafood will help you easily pull together easy, healthy meals like this sardine rice bowl!

Sardine Rice Bowl

I’ve been on a canned seafood journey for the past couple of months, and trust me when I say that I’ve tried just about every combination of ingredients, and rice with sardines is at the top of my favorites list. I can’t put it into words, but it’s a delicious combination and a blank canvas for endless toppings!

As mentioned above, rice bowls are a great way to use up ingredients like leftover cooked protein and veggies. We eat eggs and rice at least once a week, and my husband keeps requesting this shrimp rice bowl. If you’ve been wanting to dive into the world of tinned fish, a sardine rice bowl is a great way to get started!

Related: Foolproof Oven-Baked White Rice Recipe

Sardine And Kimchi Rice Bowl

This combination was fresh, crunchy, and packed with big, bold flavors and textures. The kimchi does the heavy lifting in this sardine rice bowl, providing spicy, tart, savory (umami) flavors. Combined with the sardines’ subtle smokiness, this was absolutely delicious!

1. Warm up a serving of rice. I use my easy baked rice, which is typically frozen (shown below). To defrost it, I place a block into a bowl (I use these containers for freezing), cover it with a wet paper towel, and leave it to defrost for 2 minutes. It’s perfectly heated every time.
2. Add a generous spoonful of your favorite kimchi on the side, and drizzle a little bit of the juice over the rice. Although you can’t see it in the picture, I also drizzled the rice with the tiniest bit of soy sauce.
3. Next, arrange the sardines on top. For this bowl, I used lightly smoked Brisling sardines. Rather than repeating myself, you can read this post to learn about the different types of sardines and the ones I use most. Although these are whole, they’re pretty small and very flavorful!
4. Add sliced radishes and scallions, and finish with some bagel seasoning for flavor and crunch. I love a little fresh lemon over the sardines, but it’s not necessary. The kimchi gives enough acidity.

Related: Kimchi Mayonnaise – Simple 5-Minute Sauce

Sardines And Rice With Creamy Soy Ginger Sauce

This bowl is simple and lets the sardines shine. It’s savory yet fresh and light, with amazing flavors. My homemade soy ginger sauce is so good you’ll want to make a double batch! (that recipe is linked below)

1. Start with a base of cooked rice. This can be fresh-cooked rice or leftover rice that needs to be used. Since these recipes go quickly, I do this first. You actually don’t want the rice to be scorching hot when building a sardine rice bowl. Room temperature is OK.
2. Next, drizzle on any condiments you like. Sometimes I keep it simple with a little soy sauce and Sriracha, or a quick Sriracha mayonnaise. Today I used my creamy soy ginger dipping sauce.
3. Adding a crunchy veggie or two is another great way to hide the texture of the sardines. Today I went with radishes because they provide crunch and a peppery bite that complements the other flavors.
4. For this bowl, I used these boneless and skinless sardines. If the idea of eating the bones and skins isn’t for you, those are good ones to try. You can chop the sardine fillets as small as you want and mix them into the rice. After trying dozens of varieties, which I explained in this post, I prefer sardines packed in olive oil. They’re incredibly tender, succulent, and never dry.
5. Arrange the sardines on top, squeeze a little fresh lime over the top, garnish with scallions or chives, bagel seasoning, and enjoy.

Related: No Mayonnaise Tuna Salad With Avocado

Notes And Variations

• This rice bowl is a one-person meal, so you shouldn’t have any leftovers. However, if you can’t eat a whole can of sardines at once, store them in a single layer, cover them with oil (use the oil from the can), refrigerate, and consume them within 48 hours. 
• Swap out the veggies. Edamame, snow peas, cucumbers, and carrots are all delicious. As I mentioned above, this is a great “use what you’ve got” opportunity. Any canned seafood works. Mackerel, smoked mussels or oysters, rainbow trout – they all work beautifully in a rice bowl.
• Another thing I’ve learned on this journey is that the sauces and garnishes can make all the difference. It can take a bland sardine rice bowl or toast and turn it into something absolutely delicious. A little fresh lemon, your favorite hot sauce, crispy garlic, or bagel seasoning, or some of my favorites.
• Literally anything brined and pickled works beautifully with sardines or any tinned fish recipe. Kimchi, olives, hot peppers, and Giardinera all complement the rich, meaty texture of the fish.

And that’s it, friends! I hope this inspires you to make your own sardine rice bowl, and I’d love it if you come back to let me know how you like it!

Disney Springs can be hectic, but it can also be quite relaxing if you know the right time to go. Most guests wake up early and head straight to the parks, but during your Disney trip planning, it’s a good idea to carve out some time to visit Disney Springs early, especially on a family trip when everyone could use a more laid-back morning.

We spend a lot of time at Disney Springs. If you haven’t tried the Hop Salt Pretzel at Polite Pig or the Chipotle Cobb Salad, both are fantastic. And the Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores at The Ganachery are a must! Be sure to add them to your Disney itinerary!

If you’ve never been to Disney Springs before the stores open in the morning, I highly recommend it. It’s so relaxing, and no-stress Disney vacations are kind of our thing. They pipe the music in, and you get a rare opportunity to explore, snag some fantastic photos (without people in the background), and beat the crowds when stores start to open. Once you’ve gotten a few steps in, you’ll want something to eat, and there are solid options for an early breakfast at Disney Springs!

Breakfast At Disney Springs

Brunch at Disney Springs is hugely popular, but for the sake of this post, we’re focusing on breakfast before 10 AM, as those options are limited and many guests are unaware they’re even available. From sweet and savory options at Everglazed to the newly opened “grab and go” breakfast at Summer House On The Lake, you can’t go wrong. Before we dive in, let’s discuss how and where to get into Disney Springs.

What Time Does Disney Springs Open

Disney Springs officially opens at 10 AM, but unofficially at 9 AM, which is the same time all the eateries on this list open. If you look at the Disney website, the posted opening time is still listed as 10 AM, which makes me wonder how many people don’t realize they can enter an hour earlier. Planning an early trip to Disney Springs is 1000% worth it. (and as soon as The Ganchery opens, the made-to-order s’mores are a must!)

Disney Mickey + Pluto Retro T-Shirt

This super soft Disney t-shirt is one of our favorites! The lightweight material is comfortable in the Florida heat, and one of our favorite money saving Disney tips is to buy your Disney apparel and souvenirs before you get there. (it comes in various color and sizes)

Shop Here

Parking At Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers numerous free parking options, including surface lots and covered parking garages. These are spread out from one end to the other, which is nice because you can park as close as you need to be. The Disney website states parking at Disney Springs starts at 9 AM, but many guests report being able to park earlier, and we’ve witnessed it ourselves many times. If you’re heading to breakfast at Disney Springs, it’s helpful to know which parking option is closest to your destination, which I’ll provide below. 

Related: Food Prices at Disney World + Ways To Save

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Starting at the West End of Disney Springs for breakfast, Everglazed Donuts is a must, especially if you’re a donut lover. They offer both fun and unique options like maple double bacon, peabut butter explosion, and fruity pebbles, as well as glazed and cake for donut purists. If you prefer a savory breakfast like me, there is something for you, too!

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

I was sad when they removed the donut burger from the menu, but I can’t be mad about the breakfast sandwich. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Hearty, cheesy, and customizable with your choice of donut, it’s a delicious and filling breakfast for $10.  I recommend a glazed donut as it adds just the right amount of sweetness. Seating is limited, but there is seating both inside and in a small area outside. We love taking our breakfast down to the water and enjoying the sights and sounds of Disney Springs waking up.

Summer House On The Lake

Staying on the west side, the Summer House on the Lake offers a new grab-and-go breakfast at Disney Springs. The options here are limited, and they can sell out quickly. Once they sell out, that’s it for the day. On the day we visited, everything was already sold out except for the breakfast sandwiches and breakfast tacos. I had already seen videos of the breakfast sandwich, and that’s what we were excited to try!

Summer House on the Lake
Grab & Go Breakfast Hours: 9:00 AM (until sold out)
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

This is a perfect example of how something so simple can be so delicious. Made with high-quality, flavorful ingredients, this sandwich would make me return again and again. For just $7.95, it was flavorful, well-balanced, and very filling. The bread itself is very soft and subtly sweet, and the bread-to-filling ratio is spot-on. The bacon was smoky and flavorful, and the Fresno pepper sauce added good flavor without being overpowering. 

As you can see in the picture, the egg patty is thick and gives a Starbucks egg-bite vibe. It’s creamy, custardy, and the whole sandwich is perfectly balanced – flavorful, not dry, and satisfying. Each item is individually wrapped and packed nicely, giving you the choice to sit on their patio or take it elsewhere.

Related: New (Quick Service) Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Earl Of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich is one of our favorite spots for an early breakfast at Disney Springs. Their breakfast sandwiches do not disappoint. Ranging from $7.49 to $8.99, they are just as delicious as the lunch and dinner options. You can customize them with extra veggies, avocado, protein, etc. This was the sausage, egg, and cheese, and we added avocado, red onion, and tomato. It was hearty and filling!

Earl of Sandwich
Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Location: Marketplace
Closest Parking: Lime Garage

The second and newer option at Earl’s is their breakfast bowls. These are also customizable. They’re basically a tater tot bowl, and we have a profound love for totcho bowls at Disney World. We ordered ours with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, onions, sausage, and sour cream for $8.99. It was savory, hearty, and shareable. My only note is that I don’t love the tall and narrow bowl. Most of the toppings are actually under all that cheese, which made it difficult to mix them up. On our next trip, I will ask for a plate to transfer it. 

Disney Vacation Planner

This handy little Disney vacation planner includes pre-filled sheets for your travel details, resorts stay, packing list, dining reservations, Lightning Lane and Multi Pass times, and so much more!

Shop Here

Starbucks

Last but not least, two Starbucks locations open at 9 AM. One is located on the west side, just in front of the Aerophile Ballon (pictured above). This is the larger of the two locations, offering a full bakery case with options you’re already familiar with. It has ample indoor and outdoor seating. Closest parking is the orange garage.

The second location is a walk-up window located in the Marketplace near the Disney Store. It offers a smaller selection of pastries and no seating. The closest parking would be the lime garage. (When I’m at Disney, I’m skipping Starbucks and getting Joffrey’s over in The Landing at 10 AM!)

And that’s a wrap on where you can find an early breakfast at Disney Springs. I can’t encourage taking advantage of the quiet to sip coffee and enjoy a peaceful morning!