This simple granola recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest you will find on the Internet. I've been making this exact recipe before Thriving Home even started. It's got 5 main ingredients but you can easily add more if you want to jazz it up. Such a simple, healthy snack!

One of the most common recipes that I use from our recipe index is our Oatmeal Pancake Mix recipe. Ever since I stumbled on this recipe a few years ago, I haven't used any other pancake mix. My family…

Filled with only a few flavorful ingredients, this Spinach Bacon Quiche comes together quickly but won't stick around for long. Make ahead and freeze directions included.

Learn how to save time and money and eat healthier by prepping Overnight Oats ahead of time for the week. Use our 7 different delicious overnight oats recipes to start filling your fridge today.

Raspberries and lemon zest star in this delicious, make-ahead Raspberry Overnight Oats recipe that takes just minutes to put together. Whip up a few batches when fresh raspberries are in season or make…

Why I love Eggs-in-a-Hole There are quite a few reasons this mama loves a good 'ol egg-in-a-hole for breakfast. It's quick and easy to make. It's one of my go-to weekday breakfasts. It's cheap.…

Love that candy bar with chocolate, coconut, and almonds? Well, now you can have everything that's delicious about Almond Joy in one make-ahead, nutritious overnight oats recipe.

This make-ahead Peach Pie Overnight Oats recipe takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast. Think late summer, ripe peaches, and a delicious slice of…

Kids and adults alike love these simple breakfast burritos filled with all good things including BACON. Make these in mass and freeze them to have on hand for busy school and work mornings as a grab-and-go option. What a nutritious, protein-rich, and delicious breakfast to start your day!

Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

The Very Berry Smoothie starts your day with a super food punch! This easy, healthy smoothie includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, plus some hidden spinach. Make some freezer smoothie packs ahead of time to have these on hand for a quick, nutritious breakfast.

This beautiful, nutritious, and easy purple smoothie really does taste like a Blueberry Muffin. Freezer smoothie pack instructions included!

I love this easy healthy breakfast idea: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Breakfast Cookies. These healthy make ahead breakfast cookies are great fresh or also as a freezer meal.  Zucchini for breakfast!?…

Want a high protein, low carb, on-the-go breakfast option that will keep you satisfied all morning? These Cheddar Chive Egg Bites are the perfect solution for a healthy breakfast on busy weekdays. Make…

Our freezer friendly Blueberry Avocado Muffins are a popular recipe in our cookbook, From Freezer to Table. This easy breakfast idea packs some serious nutritional punch to your morning. And that tasty…

Making steel cut oatmeal in the Instant Pot is a breeze. This easy breakfast idea will quickly make its way into your healthy breakfast rotation! Thanks to this Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Steel Cut…

This Fluffy Eggs and Bacon is an easy breakfast idea that is great for feeding a crowd or large family. Even better, it's a freezer meal! I recently inherited a huge box of recipe cards from my grandmother…

What do you do with a freezer bag full of leftover bread heels in the freezer, overripe bananas, and even some butternut squash puree? (Don't cast a skeptical eye at the squash...just look at all the…

Sometimes it's 5 p.m., and you have few groceries in the fridge and no plan for dinner. That was me one night last week. Thankfully, I had eggs, cheese, milk, and some fresh spinach to work with. And…

You caught us. Yes, it's slightly ridiculous how much we eat oatmeal around here, whether it's Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packs or another baked oatmeal recipe from our breakfast recipe index. We love…

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is an easy breakfast idea AND a great freezer meal. Could you ask for more? Yep. You could. Because it is also a great recipe for a large family or for feeding a group…

Here it is. Many, many friends over the years have asked me for my husband's secret smoothie recipe. And today is the day we've all a few of us have been waiting for... "Hey Nathan, can…

If you follow our blog at all, you know our families love them some breakfast. We've got so many pancakes, waffles, French Toast, egg, and oatmeal recipes on our Breakfast Recipe Index page. So why another…

I love my little 5-year-old girl. She's always concocting "new healthy recipes, Mommy!" and trying to take pictures of them with my phone. Well, this one of hers has finally made it on the blog. My 7-year-old…

Ever wonder what to do with the heels of bread or crusts that your kids turn their noses up at? How about apples that are about to go bad? You could make this recipe, if you have time to flip French…

Here's an easy breakfast idea for ya. Our freezer friendly whole grain zucchini pancakes pack a yummy punch! Enjoy using up some fresh zucchini and serving your family a wholesome breakfast. Double the…

I'm on a mission to sneak zucchini into every food I can. Our garden keeps making them and I can't stand to let our own, homegrown zucchinis go to waste! I plan to make more zucchini bread but I can only…

Want to know my number one requested recipe? The one that when anyone tries it, they come crawling back for the directions on how to make it? Lucky you, today I'm sharing with you my Baked Oatmeal recipe.   It's…

You'd never know it from the looks or the taste, but this oatmeal is overloaded with nutrient-dense foods.  It's full of fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamin A, calcium, healthy fat, and even probiotics. …

These healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are moist, sweet, and delicious...and easily freezable. We pull them out of the freezer for snacks or for an easy breakfast.

Baked Egg Cups might just blow your mind. With only three main ingredients, this might be one of the easiest breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipes for kids ever today. Ingredients in Baked Egg Cups Here…

My family has a love affair with eggs whether it's for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  No skin off my back, since they are cheap, easy to make, and healthy.  This "omelette" casserole is either breakfast…

This morning I made Banana Brownie Waffles for my kids and me and they were delicious!  The healthy parts:  low in sugar, low in fat, some whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and banana.  It probably took…

These salmon and sweet potato cakes are packed with nutrition and flavor! Enjoy them as a sandwich or a la carte. Freezing instructions included!

With just 3 ingredients, few appetizers are simpler and will be gone faster than Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese. Sure to be a hit at your next party!

Making homemade hummus in the blender (or food processor) is easier than you think. The hummus ingredients come together quickly leaving you with a healthier and tastier appetizer than you could find…

I stumbled upon this Texas Caviar Dip while on vacation this summer. It is an easy, tasty, budget friendly appetizer that is great for large groups. You're going to love it! At a Fourth of July…

Holy moly. This avocado lime salsa was delicious! To be honest, I didn't create this recipe to go on the blog. I originally whipped it up to go on top of a cilantro lime chicken wrap recipe that…

I feel silly posting this as new, exciting recipe. Because many of you already make this, right? But, Whole Grain Pizza Bread actually is kind of a new, exciting thing recently discovered in our house! Like…

As afternoon snacks go, dark chocolate chips and peanuts rank #1 in my book. But, Creamy Avocado Dip might come in at #2. This healthy and filling dip is a great love of mine for lunch or for snacking. You…

Here's a healthy and super EASY lunch, appetizer, or snack idea for you. Try out this tasty Mediterranean Layered Dip and make it your way.

If I had to pinpoint one favorite food, it might well be crab legs. A few years ago, when I was on staff with my church, my best friend and I took several high school girls to Charleston for Spring Break. …

I use my bread machine to make so much more than just bread. In fact, one of our most popular recipes on this site is for our Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls! My kids love these Ham and Cheese Crescent…

Banana Breakfast Cake is my dream breakfast. My whole family likes it, it's full of nutritious yet simple ingredients, and it works perfectly to double the batch to make a breakfast freezer meal.  I've…

Gourmet pizza at home has never been so easy or tasty! In about 45 minutes, you can make this incredibly easy homemade whole wheat pizza dough from scratch to use tonight or later. Freezing instructions included.

Ah, sweet breads. Forgiver of all added-in leftovers and hidden fruits and veggies. Your family is going to love this pretty darn healthy Chocolate Sweet Potato Banana Bread!

I love this easy healthy breakfast idea: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Breakfast Cookies. These healthy make ahead breakfast cookies are great fresh or also as a freezer meal.  Zucchini for breakfast!?…

Cinnamon and apples get me every time. Whether it's Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal or Cinnamon Apple French Toast, I find it hard to resist this classically delicious combo in the fall. Although this…

It feels a bit silly to be sharing a post about how to make garlic bread. I mean, isn't it kind of a no-brainer? Well, maybe. BUT, we want to help you take your garlic bread game to the next level. This…

It's no secret that I am a muffin lover. I love that they are easy to make, easy to eat anytime of the day, and easy to freeze. When these Blueberry Power Muffins were suggested by my friend Noelle…

I love making muffins. Maybe it's because my figure somewhat represents one at the current time (i.e. 7.5 months pregnant) but for some reason I've been wanting muffins in the morning--and afternoon.…

I love this easy healthy breakfast idea: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Breakfast Cookies. These healthy make ahead breakfast cookies are great fresh or also as a freezer meal.  Zucchini for breakfast!? Yep.…

Warning: This post may introduce you to some ingredients that you don't recognize. But, let me assure you that it's worth giving these Flourless Banana Muffins a shot because they are absolutely moist…

Little hands can't get enough of these ham and cheese crescent rolls. Don't believe me? Here's what happened when I was trying to get a picture of these bad boys. Who can blame her? Between the sweet,…

Ever wonder what to do with the heels of bread or crusts that your kids turn their noses up at? How about apples that are about to go bad? You could make this recipe, if you have time to flip French…

I'm excited to share this recipe with you for a lot of reasons. First of all, I've been on a hummus and pita bread kick. One of my favorite lunches putting a little olive oil and sea salt on pita bread,…

This bread machine recipe has become a staple in our home. It's simple, yummy, and gets a lot of action. This is my go-to recipe when sandwiches of any type are on the menu. We often use the leftover…

Thanks to the generosity of my parents, we have a continual supply of grass-fed ground beef in our deep freeze. Other than mexican soup, the most common thing we use it for is burgers! We had a stretch…

// Talk about some yum-yum in the tum-tum! In a hunt for banana bread recipes, I stumbled on this recipe from Cooking Light. Since the recipe called for grits, I almost didn't make it. However, after…

It's zucchini season! I've already picked 3 from my garden and I see a few more on the way. I want to make sure I put the zucchinis to good use so I've been trying to find healthy recipes that would help…

Photo credit: Steve Johnson I like me a good corn muffin.  Don't you?  But not all corn muffins are created equal. When you buy a boxed mix at the store, for instance, you're getting trans…

As you might know, I love finding ways to sneak more vegetables into food for my kids.  One of our favorite and fast side dishes is Sweet Potato Quick Biscuits. The sweet potato adds moisture and a…

Learn how to save time and money and eat healthier by prepping Freezer Smoothie Packs ahead of time. Use our 7 different delicious smoothie recipes to start filling your freezer today. Free printable recipes and shopping lists included.

This homemade Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte is EASY to make and is my go-to drink when entertaining in the fall or winter. It's made with REAL ingredients from your pantry and everyone loves it and is…

Frozen strawberries, pineapple, and banana combine with coconut milk and almonds to create the most luxurious, healthy smoothie you've ever had! We teach you how to prep ahead by making freezer smoothie packs to have on hand, too. This easy Strawberry Piña Colada fruit smoothie has party time written all over it.

This beautiful, nutritious, and easy purple smoothie really does taste like a Blueberry Muffin. Freezer smoothie pack instructions included!

This easy Chocolate Covered Cherry smoothie recipe tastes like a chocolate shake but is chock full of nutrition thanks to spinach, dark cherries, almond butter, cocoa powder.

Sing with me, everybody (to the tune of "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen), "Now here's my recipe, so Kale Me Maybe!". I am not an impulse spender and am actually quite frugal. But there is one…

Want a healthy snack to power you through the morning or afternoon? Oh my. Please give this smoothie a try. My entire family can vouch for the "strawberry milkshake"-flavored deliciousness of this…

If you love super-bright, refreshing, tropical flavors, this one is absolutely made with you in mind. With juicy pineapple, tart lime, and a few sprigs of fresh mint, there’s far more summer sunshine…

Peanut butter and chocolate are two of my great loves in life. Is it possible that this combo can actually be good for you? The good news is peanut butter and chocolate can be nutritious if eaten in…

With only 5 simple ingredients, you can have this tangy, sweet honey dijon salad dressing ready to go! I love homemade salad dressings. They are just so easy to make and you can adjust them…

A little tangy, a little sweet, and a little heat. This Homemade BBQ Sauce has it all and only requires a few ingredients. A few years ago, I remember we put drumsticks on the grill and realized…

With just a few pantry ingredients, you can have a large batch of marinara sauce cooking in your slow cooker in no time. You can also use this homemade marinara recipe to stock your freezer. Instant Pot…

Avocado Aioli is a super flavorful dip or spread that jazzes up all types of recipes from Oven Fries to raw veggie sticks to sandwiches. Try our short-cut method to make your own homemade avocado aioli! What…

Once you've made these Easy Homemade Croutons, you'll never go back to buying them at the store. Not only do they taste better, but they're healthier too!

This all-natural basic cheese sauce transforms vegetables, leaving my family always asking for more! It also works as a delicious sauce over pasta, meat, or rice. Best of all, NO VELVEETA! Wow.…

One of my favorite inexpensive ways to incorporate more vegetables into our diet is by adding them into all kinds of my kids' favorite foods. Think muffins, marinara sauce, and crockpot meals, to name…

For those of you who have been cooking with "real foods" (foods that are more of a product of nature than a product of industry), the idea making your own breadcrumbs may seem elementary. Perhaps not…

By Jessica Ellingsworth, Contributing Writer Summer is arguably the best time for savoring seasonal foods, especially perfectly ripened fresh berries. As a child, the berries our family didn't eat right…

Photo credit: Steve Johnson I like me a good corn muffin.  Don't you?  But not all corn muffins are created equal. When you buy a boxed mix at the store, for instance, you're getting trans…

Making pie in a jar is a fun and easy dessert idea the whole family will love. These personal-sized pies are made in little mason jars that can go straight from your freezer to your oven to your mouth.…

This Monster Cookie recipe has been tucked away in my recipe stash for years. You'll find that this cookie is easy to make and your people will gobble them up. My memory is a little fuzzy on where…

Fruit Pizza Cookies are a great dessert idea for groups of people. Each person has a blast customizing their sugar cookie topped with their pick of fresh fruit. Use our cream cheese frosting to make it…

These no-bake oatmeal cookie bites come together in minutes and are full of all real food ingredients. I don't feel quite so bad grabbing a few of these delicious, chocolatey treats! Great for after-school snacks too!

Don't let your leftover smoothie go to waste. Turn it into popsicles! Smoothies are a regular thing in our house. They are a great way to get some fruit, vegetables, protein, and other sneaky nutrition…

Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) is one of my go-to large group treats. This batch was made for a Super Bowl party we attended but I've also found it to be a great treat for birthday parties,…

Last night, I was running short on time. I needed an easy holiday dessert for a small Christmas party pronto! When I scanned our pantry and saw our off brand Oreos in there, this little idea dawned…

A perfect Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip cookie does exist! Yes, it is true. A real food, whole wheat version of a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie does exist! I've searched high and low and baked many…

I can't say when, but at some point, lemon bars got in my head this summer. I've been looking for an excuse to make them, so when my husband asked his interns to come over for dinner, I found my excuse.…

Lets go ahead and state the obvious. These are not healthy. In any way. If you're looking for a healthy, all-natural treat for your child's birthday party, look away. I said LOOK AWAY! OK, you're still…

  I LOVE recipes that make your house smell good - especially in the fall and winter time. There is just something so comforting about your home being filled with the wonderful smells of home cooking.…

Updated and reposted from June 2012 As with most recipes I post here, our family devoured this healthy take on Strawberry Shortcake. The key to this dish is two fold: a) good strawberries macerated with…

Ever get that hankering after dinner for a little "somethin-somethin," as we say around my house? I really want my somethin-somethin to be rich, decadent brownies or chocolate chip cookies, if…

Christmas is a time of year that I don't mind indulging in rich, "unhealthy" foods in the name of celebration.  Last night, we partook of Oreo Fluff.  It's one of those desserts that I could…

Who doesn't love some chocolate pudding every now and then?  But, every time I read the labels on the pudding packs at the store, I cringe.  That's why I was intrigued by Katie Kimball's idea at Kitchen…

I only cook brown rice in the Instant Pot these days. Once I nailed down the perfect cooking time, I didn't look back. Making brown rice in the Instant Pot is easy, fluffy, and perfect every time. Once…

Wow your guests at your next holiday meal with this deceptively simple Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce. The best part is that you can work ahead and freeze it, so you can spend more time with loved ones at…

Our make-ahead Easy Hash Brown Casserole makes this traditional holiday side dish a little bit healthier by making it from scratch and leaving out the canned cream of soup. It comes together quickly but is creamy and comforting as always!

This fresh, delicious, and super healthy Fiesta Chopped Salad works as a light lunch, side dish, appetizer, or snack anytime. Eat on it throughout the week on its own or scoop it with tortilla chips or crackers.

With only 5 simple ingredients, you can have this tangy, sweet honey dijon salad dressing ready to go! I love homemade salad dressings. They are just so easy to make and you can adjust them…

Grilling corn on the cob in foil is one of my best tricks! It keeps the corn moist but also adds a nice light char if done right. Use this method on how to grill corn in foil at your next BBQ! I…

Do you have a green bean hater? I dare you to try this bacon-wrapped green bean recipe. I dare you. I took the dare and I now have a transformed husband who looks forward to his green beans. Not…

Prepare to be transported to a warm summer day as you enjoy our Strawberry Avocado Salad. Tangy feta cheese, toasted sliced almonds, sweet strawberries, fresh pineapple, and creamy avocado pair well with the sweet and tangy balsamic dressing.

The flavor of this simple, grilled asparagus recipe will amaze you. The crispy, slightly charred ends are a perfect contrast to the tender fresh asparagus stalks. In 5-7 minutes, you can serve up one…

These make ahead Ultimate Bacon and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes are the quintessential side dish for almost any holiday meal. They are a bit healthier than other twice-baked potatoes yet just as rich-tasting.  This…

When I say this is the best way to make roasted Brussels sprouts, I mean it. Use this method for future Brussels sprout success in your oven. This super simple way to cook Brussels sprouts…

Looking for a salad recipe that is great for a large group? Our Chopped Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad has proven to be a crowd pleaser. My friend Carolyn served up this Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad…

We're so excited to be able to share one of the healthiest, most delicious, and freezable recipes in our cookbook, From Freezer to Table, today--Super Stuffed Baked Potatoes! Super Stuffed Baked Potatoes…

The sweet and vibrant flavor of this Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette homemade salad dressing will bring life and flavor to any salad.  As much as I love cooking from scratch, I still feel a little…

It feels a bit silly to be sharing a post about how to make garlic bread. I mean, isn't it kind of a no-brainer? Well, maybe. BUT, we want to help you take your garlic bread game to the next level. This…

There's nothin' like a homemade biscuit straight from the oven. Are you with me? On holidays, I pull out the Crisco and white flour and make my mother-in-law's killer recipe. And my husband and kids…

Want to pretend you're camping one night, without all the bugs and hassle? A super fun recipe from our cookbook, From Freezer to Table (release date: Sept 12, 2017), is a one-pot chicken meal wonder…

My family won't go for Brussel Sprouts. I've tried multiple times but they simply turn their noses up at the idea of them before they even try them. Husband included. Since I'm the only one who will…

Little fun factoid of the day: In the book, Salt Sugar Fat, I learned that the man responsible for popularizing baby carrots was a top executive for Coca-Cola. After years of using…

This colorful Cranberry Spinach Salad and Creamy Citrus Dressing came from my mom and was a delightful hit at our family's Christmas celebration. The dressing is just about perfect in my estimation--citrusy,…

My husband gets excited about any meal if it includes his beloved pesto cheese bread. Lets be honest, so do I. It is SO good. It doesn't rank too highly in the healthy department since it is made with…

For some reason I have always preferred canned green beans versus fresh. Maybe it's just what I grew up on, but I have never been able to LOVE fresh green beans. However, when I saw the Pioneer…

Looking for a quick and healthy lunch option? As moms, our lunch doesn't have to consist of leftover sandwich triangles from our kids' plates and a rogue baby carrot or two we find left in the vegetable…

By Jessica Ellingsworth, Contributing Writer Mention the words 'brussels sprouts' and the responses can be polarizing. I hear anything from, "ohmygoodness, LOVE them!" to "Um, I am not a fan of those…

Have you ever had purple potatoes? My son picked them out at Natural Grocer a few weeks ago (that's one of my keys to getting the kids to try new foods) and they were delightful. The bluish-purple…

Hi everyone! I'm Sarah and I blog at The Pajama Chef. I am so excited to be guest posting today at Thriving Home. When Rachel contacted me to ask if I would share my Crock Pot Cran-Apple Sauce, I was…

This grilled peach recipe is an explosion of flavors. It's a perfect side dish for your next cookout! Grilled peaches are also a great recipe for large groups. Ever had grilled peaches? I hadn't until…

A friend and I have lately been lamenting/joking about how having kids has stolen some of our IQ. I wouldn't have it any other way, of course. But with all the antioxidants in this Tabbouleh Salad I…

Photo credit: Steve Johnson I like me a good corn muffin.  Don't you?  But not all corn muffins are created equal. When you buy a boxed mix at the store, for instance, you're getting trans…