Shortcut Charro Beans

These Shortcut Charro Beans deliver all that hearty, smoky, Tex‑Mex comfort using pantry staples and a handful of fresh add‑ins.

Shortcut Charro Beans

I know, I know... somebody out there is fixin’ to fuss at me because I used canned beans to make charro beans - and frankly, that’s alright. Folks have been debating beans in one way or another (chili anyone??) since before I was born.

But let me remind you something your grandma probably said: “Use what you’ve got and make it good.”

Dry beans are wonderful when you’ve got the time, but canned beans are always in my pantry and make it possible to get a warm, hearty pot on the table without spending your whole afternoon hovering over the stove.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Flaky puff pastry wrapped around smoky ham, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a sweet‑tangy mustard sauce. Simple, cozy, and always a hit.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

There’s just something about puff pastry appetizers that feels a little special, even when they’re simple as can be. There are so many ways to use them for little bites and they make things look a little fancy!

Around the holidays those puff pastry sheets are about near impossible to find around here. Once I had to run all over town to 4 stores before I found the very last package! So... make sure that you stock up in your freezer for those party appetizers!!

Banana Pudding Fluff

A quick and creamy Banana Pudding Fluff made with homemade whipped cream, instant pudding, crushed vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas. Light, fluffy, and ready after a short chill, it’s an easy shortcut dessert.

Banana Pudding Fluff

If you’ve been around my kitchen for any length of time, you already know where I stand: the best banana pudding starts with a homemade custard - silky, rich, and cooked low and slow.

But some days call for something fast, fun, and just a little whimsical. This Banana Pudding Fluff is exactly that.

Swamp Potatoes (Viral TikTok - My Way)

A hearty, down‑home bowl of tender potatoes, smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and country‑style vegetables simmered together into the kind of comforting one‑pot meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all afternoon.

Swamp Potatoes with Smoked Sausage and Green Beans (Viral TikTok - My Way)

You've probably seen some version of this viral "Swamp Potatoes" recipe on the socials here lately, but this combination of ingredients ain't nothing new to those of us who live in the Deep South!

In fact, if you grew up anywhere near the Gulf Coast, you already know there’s nothing more comforting than a pot of potatoes, andouille and green beans simmering away on the stove. It's been a regular meal from back in the day, and it’s still a favorite now - I can easily make a meal out of it myself. 

But as social media goes, give it a catchy name, post it online, and suddenly old classics feel brand new again!

Chicken Salad Round Up

A fresh roundup of my favorite chicken salads - from classic and creamy to fruity, crunchy, savory, and Southern tea‑room inspired - all from Deep South Dish. Whether you love a simple deli‑style scoop, a loaded mix‑in bowl, or a fun wrap, this collection brings together all the ways chicken salad can shine.

Chicken Salad Round Up

I love a good chicken salad, and over the years I've gathered up enough variations that I thought it was time to put them up into a round up for the website!

These are the ones I reach for when a good scoop of chicken salad just hits the spot. From simple classics to loaded mix‑in bowls, fruity twists, savory blends, and even a Southern tearoom favorite, this roundup celebrates every style of chicken salad I’ve shared over the years.

Whether you’re packing lunches, planning a light supper, or just craving something cool and comforting, there’s a recipe here you’ll want to bookmark.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

A cozy, one‑pan Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet with ground beef, stewed tomatoes, macaroni, and melty sharp cheddar. Hearty, comforting, and weeknight‑easy.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

I know y'all are thinking by now that based on my recent posts, I've been living solely off of dips and pasta salads this summer, and you know what? You are mostly correct, I have!

But the husband, aka The Cajun, doesn't eat that kind of food, so yeah, I'm still cooking here and there because he can barely boil water y'all.

I'm always teasing him about those of you gals who tell me your husbands bring you a hot cup of coffee while you're still in bed in the morning.

"I don't know how to work that coffee thing you've got." he says.

Creamy Taco Corn Dip (TikTok – My Way)

 

Cool, creamy, and packed with taco flavor, this easy corn dip blends whipped cream cheese, sour cream, Ranch, taco seasoning, tomatoes with chilies, creamed corn, Mexican cheese, jalapeños, and green onion. Scoop it up with tortilla or corn chips for the perfect party or game‑day appetizer.

Creamy Taco Corn Dip (TikTok – My Way)

If you’re looking for a fun, scoopable party dip that disappears faster than you can set it out, this Creamy Taco Corn Dip is about to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

It’s one of those simple, mix‑and‑chill recipes that somehow tastes like you spent way more time on it. The twist and what makes this version stand out is a surprising ingredient!

Classic Carol‑Style Chicken Salad (TikTok - My Way)

 

A creamy, simple chicken salad inspired by the viral Classic Carol trend - tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and real mayo seasoned just right. Perfect for sandwiches, melts, salads, or snacking straight from the fridge.

Classic Carol‑Style Chicken Salad (TikTok - My Way)

If you spend any time on TikTok, you’ve probably seen the viral “Classic Carol” chicken salad recreations inspired by Chicken Salad Chick. We actually do have one in town, but I’ve yet to make it there and eat any of their many versions myself, so this isn’t meant to be a perfect copycat. It's just my take on that clean, creamy, simple chicken salad everyone seems to love.

I’m calling it Classic Carol‑Style Chicken Salad (TikTok - My Way), because it’s inspired by the social media chatter, shaped by the ingredients folks swear by, and finished the way I like it: tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, real mayo, and just enough seasoning to make everything hum. It’s different from my usual “classic” chicken salad that leans Southern deli‑style with boiled eggs and pickle relish and the one that I make the most, but every bit as comforting and versatile.

Shrimp Potluck Pasta Salad

A cool, colorful pasta salad loaded with tender shrimp, fresh veggies, a punch of Salad Supreme, and a creamy Italian dressing. Easy to toss together, perfect for potlucks, and even better after it chills.

Shrimp Potluck Pasta Salad

I know, I know. Guess I've been posting a lot of salads here lately but - it's what I've been eating y'all, and, well, there will probably be more coming until this heat turns off. Will fall ever get here?? I'm really ready for some of those fall and winter comfort foods!

Anyway...

Pasta salads with shrimp have been showing up at potlucks and church suppers around here for as long as I can remember, and this one is a bright, easy favorite when you need something quick, cool, and satisfying. I wrote this one to be more at home friendly, but of course just increase recipe as needed if it's a potluck or party!

Classic Ranch Dip

A classic sour cream based dip seasoned with ranch dressing and mixed with bacon bits and cheese. Candied jalapeños optional.

Classic Ranch Dip

No lies given, I have been living on dips and salads of all kinds this summer. Maybe it's just me getting older and less heat tolerant, but it's been awful here and I can't bear to be outside in it more than a hot minute y'all!

Of course, the Husband aka The Cajun, isn't a real salad eater, not at all. His idea of a salad is chopped up iceberg lettuce loaded with French dressing. Period.

Course, I don't let him get away with that when I make a nice, chopped salad to go with dinner.