Foods like ramen, mac and cheese, instant potatoes, rice mixes, and oatmeal are common items in many pantries. They are quick, easy meals that are also comforting and affordable. But have you ever thought about jazzing them up? Tossing in a few extra ingredients can really take your classic pantry staples to the next level!  By adding more ingredients to packaged foods, you can: 

Sheet pan suppers are great because you can cook everything together on one foil-lined pan, making clean up a snap. You can use all kinds of ingredients and flavors to create something everyone will love. They are a good option for using up any leftover meat or produce you have on hand. Sheet pan suppers use the roasting method for cooking, which brings out the natural flavors of whatever you decide to put on the pan. 

Grain bowls make great 5-ingredient meals for lots of reasons. They are easy to make. They are made with things that you probably already have in your kitchen. They are a great way to use leftovers or use single ingredients in different ways. And maybe most important, they are full of nutrition, including all five food groups!

Creating meals with 5-ingredients or less can simplify meal prep and cut down on time spent in the kitchen. It's not just affordable and easy to assemble but can also be made ahead of time. For instance, salad is the perfect 5-ingredient meal that is budget friendly and can be prepared the night before. And let's not forget, it can include most of the MyPlate food groups! 

After a long week, the best thing to have on Friday nights is pizza! Ordering take-out or delivery, while convenient, might not be the most affordable option. So, make it at home! Homemade pizzas can be a crowd favorite because they are customizable for each person. Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Vegetarian? You can take the meat off and add extra vegetables. Love a crispy crust? Bake your pizza a little longer. Here’s how to get started:

Charcutier boards have become all the rage in recent years. It’s a fun meal to serve for lunches, dinners, and large gatherings because it is easy to put together and has zero cooking or baking. What is charcutier? Charcutier was first derived in 15th century France, where people would go to a charcutier store to by meat products. Unlike a delicatessen (deli) or a butcher shop these meats are processed differently. The process was developed by using salt, vinegar, and smoke to preserve the meat.

Welcome to our 5-ingredient meals series! When you are in a pinch for time, or just want something simple, planning a meal with only five ingredients can be a great option. Let’s start by learning how to use MyPlate to plan quick meals. Then, we’ll discuss making sure your meals are prepared safely. 

As Halloween celebrations wrap up this week, you might be wondering what to do with your leftover pumpkins. While uncarved pumpkins can last for a while as décor, you can also remove the seeds for a delicious and nutritious snack! Pumpkin seeds are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients. Use our recipe below, and add your favorite seasonings for a delicious fall snack.Roasted Pumpkin SeedsServings per recipe: 8

Packing a lunch is a great way to save money and eat nutritiously during the work or school day. With a little planning, you can make it a part of your daily routine. Start by asking yourself a few questions.

What's for dinner tonight? Sometimes, that's not an easy question to answer.  Our latest blog series focuses on meals to make based on what's already in your kitchen at home. This week, the recipe is perfect for a cold winter night: soup! Weeknight Pantry Soup Ingredients: