Of course, you can’t have a cocktail party without some wow-worthy holiday appetizer recipes. Start with a tray of Mini Cranberry Meatballs—sweet, tangy, and gone in a flash. Pair those with Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms, which are warm and savory with just the right pop of flavor. And for a touch of elegance, serve up Paula’s Walnut Praline Brie and Fruit Platter that features the most decadent sweet and crunchy topping—plus, it’s just plain pretty!

Now, for the sippers! Mix up a batch of Paula’s Christmas Martinis for a festive and fruity holiday cocktail recipe. Bonus—they look downright magical with a little sugar rim and a beautiful garnish of rosemary and cranberries. And if you prefer to serve up something cozy, a mug of Hot Buttered Rum will warm everyone right down to their boots.

Round out your Christmas cocktail party menu with a sweet bite or two. Paula’s Peppermint Pinwheels are as cute as they are tasty, and a tray of Old-Time Chocolate Fudge adds a nostalgic quality that we just adore this time of year.

Pull out your prettiest platters, light some candles, and crank up those carols. With this mix of finger foods and festive drinks plus plenty more options below, your holiday gathering will be the talk of the town. Happy holidays, y’all!

The post 20 Recipes for a Christmas Cocktail Party appeared first on Paula Deen.

Now let’s start by gathering your ingredients for the cornbread. You’ll need the following items:

• 2 cups self-rising cornmeal
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 stick softened butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 4 eggs

This is a classic Southern cornbread recipe, and it’s very easy to make.

While the oven is pre-heating to 350˚F, combine the cornmeal and flour in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Then, mix your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.

Pour the batter into a prepared 13x9x2 casserole dish and bake until golden brown, approximately 25 minutes. Let it cool before crumbling the cornbread into a bowl and setting it aside to be used later in the dressing.

If you prefer, you can use your own favorite cornbread recipe, but it’s important that you not use a sweetened cornbread, as that will drastically change the flavor profile of this dressing.

Once your cornbread is ready, gather the rest of the ingredients for the dressing:

• 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
• 2 sticks butter
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes
• 4-5 stalks chopped celery
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 8 green onions, chopped, using both the white and green parts
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3-4 cups chicken stock (you’ll add a bit at a time)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten

To get started on the dressing, brown the sausage for 5 minutes over medium heat. Then, remove the sausage from the pan, leaving some of the drippings behind.

Add the butter to the pan with the drippings, letting it melt, before adding the chicken bouillon, celery, and sweet onion, cooking until the celery and onion are translucent—this should take around 5 to 10 minutes. Then stir in the green onions, garlic, and parsley, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Now pour the sausage, the veggie mixture, and some of the chicken stock over the cooled cornbread, gently folding so as not to break up the cornbread and sausage further. Continue adding chicken stock until it’s your desired moistness—keep in mind that as it bakes, it will dry out some, so make it a little wetter than you might think. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Then, pull some of the mixture out to combine with the beaten eggs before mixing it all back together. Adding the eggs last ensures you can safely taste the dressing to ensure your seasonings are correct.

Now pour the dressing into a greased 13x9x2 baking dish and bake at 350˚F for 45 to 60 minutes, until the dressing is cooked through. If you’re worried about over-browning, add tinfoil towards the end.

A homemade Southern cornbread dressing with sausage may be a labor of love, but you’ll surely have a table full of thankful guests once they get a scoop of this Southern favorite next to their turkey and taters.

Will you be making a homemade dressing this Thanksgiving? Will you be making this one? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How to Make Paula’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe with Sausage appeared first on Paula Deen.

Start with Paula’s Mini Mummies—puff pastry-wrapped goodness that’s just the right amount of spooky without scarin’ anybody off. They’re perfect as finger food and pair just as well with juice boxes as they do with your favorite fall cocktail. Next, whip up a batch of Sandwich Cookie Spiders—no oven needed, just some of everyone’s favorite sandwich cookies, pretzel sticks, and a little creativity. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat! And don’t forget dessert—Paula’s spooky Graveyard Pudding Cups are always a hit. Whether you want to set a spooky scene with bones, monsters, and gravestones or you prefer something more kid-friendly, like candy pumpkins or gummy worms, the only limit is your imagination!

No matter what kind of Halloween hootenanny you’re hosting this year, Paula’s easy Halloween food ideas will surely take it over the top! Let us know in the comments below what Halloween-themed recipes you’ll be making.

The post 12 Easy Halloween Food Ideas appeared first on Paula Deen.

Fresh fruit is a classic way to pull in those patriotic reds and blues—think strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries! This classic Miss Georgia’s Cherry Pie is bursting with bright red cherries, which are both sweet and tart, and is perfectly balanced by the creamy center! Paula’s Blueberry Crème Brulée Tart, featuring a flaky crust, caramelized custard, and pretty sugared blueberries, is as beautiful as it is delicious. For a fun and festive treat, Paula’s Red, White, and Blue Ice Pops bring those classic red, white, and blue colors together in one fun, kid-friendly treat!

If you want to enjoy something sweet with less sugar, Paula’s Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie gives you that sweet strawberry flavor and vibrant red hue using sugar-free gelatin. And, lastly, if you really want a festive showstopper, make Paula’s Savannah Strawberry Tall Cake—layers of cake, cream, and strawberries that bring a patriotic look to any gathering!

These desserts are as sweet as summer itself—which of these 4^th of July dessert recipes will you be making this year?

The post 4th of July Dessert Recipes appeared first on Paula Deen.

Memorial Day is the perfect time to gather around with family and friends, and what better way to keep everyone munching than with some finger foods? Not every party demands a full meal, and these tasty, bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking while you enjoy the sunshine and good company, And since you don’t need silverware, it frees up a hand to hold an ice cold drink—who doesn’t love that?

Finger-Food Appetizers

Deviled eggs are a classic Memorial Day finger food option—try these BLT Deviled Eggs or Pimiento Cheese Bacon Deviled Farm Eggs for a twist on the classic version. For something a little sweet and savory, try Pecan Stuffed Dates or Bacon, Blue Cheese & Fig Tartlets—both are easy to pop in your mouth and packed with flavor. If you’re wanting to satisfy the palates of your littlest guests, Pigs in a Blanket are always a winner, as are Bacon-Wrapped Saltines.

Finger-Food Entrées

Looking for something both handheld and a bit more substantial? Sliders are a great option—from Buffalo Chicken Sliders and Chicken Salad Sliders to Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, Paula’s got you covered!

Finger-Food Desserts

And it’s just not a party without something sweet, and, yes, even your dessert can be handheld! You can’t go wrong with Paula’s Strawberry Tiramisu Bites or Blueberry Cream Cheese Tarts. They’re both fruity, light, and the perfect way to get just the right amount of sweetness!

Which Memorial Day finger food recipes are you planning on serving up? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 21 Memorial Day Finger Food Recipes appeared first on Paula Deen.

Make-Ahead Appetizers

Start things off with Paula’s Southern Cucumber Salad—it’s refreshing and full of flavor, and, as an added bonus, it’s even better when made ahead because the flavors have a chance to really marinate together. Another great starter option is Paula’s Tomatoes Stuffed with Chicken Salad appetizer! Not only does this make-ahead appetizer make your life a little easier, but it’s easy for your guests to enjoy as well—no silverware needed!

Make-Ahead Entrées 

When it comes to the entrées for Memorial Day, you may want to stick with classic burgers, brats, hot dogs, or grilled chicken, but if you even want to get your main course prepped ahead of time, Paula’s Light Lobster Roll recipe is a great option. Make the filling ahead of time and stick it in the fridge until mealtime. Then, everyone can prep their own sandwich!

Make-Ahead Sides

Sides are one of the easiest ways to work ahead—for instance, you can’t go wrong with a Southern Coleslaw or Southern Pasta Salad, both of which are classic make-ahead recipes. If you’re looking for something even fresher, try a Watermelon and Cucumber Salad or Corn and Carrot Salad with Golden Raisins. And of course, every cookout needs a good Mac and Cheese recipe. Plus, this Barbecue Baked Bean Casserole isn’t just any average baked bean recipe—we promise your guests will go crazy over it!

Make-Ahead Desserts

Of course, we can’t forget the dessert! Paula has plenty of make-ahead Memorial Day dessert recipes, including Strawberry Cream Pie and a Blueberry Cream Pie, both of which will satisfy that sweet tooth! For something a little less conventional, serve up a slice of this incredible Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe for a salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy treat.

Make-Ahead Drink

Lastly, be sure to prep something refreshing to sip on—Paula’s Black Cherry Limeade will keep everyone cool!

Make It Easy with Make-Ahead Recipes

Now that you’ve had a taste of Paula’s make-ahead Memorial Day recipes, be sure to check out the full list of ideas below! And with most of your dishes now prepped and ready ahead of time, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the day with your loved ones. Have a blessed Memorial Day, y’all!

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Let’s first talk about the classic game day dishes. You can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true favorites that have been gracing our tables for generations, These are the crowd-pleasers, the ones that disappear from the platter before you even get a chance to sit down. This includes wings, meatballs, nachos—you get the picture!

But don’t be afraid to spice things up a bit either. Add a twist to those traditional game day food favorites or introduce something new and exciting, like these End Zone Egg Rolls and BBQ Chicken in Cornbread Cups. It’s all about balance, y’all!

So, whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or just there for the food and fun, remember that game day appetizers are all about bringing folks together. It’s the food that fuels our passion and keeps our spirits high, so roll up your sleeves, get those snacks prepped, and let’s make this game day one to remember!

Now, what football food recipes are you making? Who are you cheering for this year? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Game Day Appetizers appeared first on Paula Deen.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic champagne toast or you’re looking for something a bit different, we’ve got you covered. For those who enjoy a bit of bubbly, you can’t go wrong with Paula’s New Year’s Eve Champagne Punch or her glitzy Startini champagne cocktail recipe with festive gold flakes.

For you cocktail connoisseurs, consider serving up The Lady & Sons’ Pecan Caramel Apple Martini or this Christmas Martini recipe, which is appropriate all holiday season long! Prefer something a little more classic? You can’t go wrong with a Hot Buttered Rum recipe or a traditional Eggnog recipe!

But not everyone (Paula included) needs an adult beverage in hand as they ring in the new year! Whether you’re looking to make something fun for the kids or you just don’t drink, this Not-Really-Champagne Cotton Candy Mocktail or Paula’s Rosemary Blood Orange Spritzer are both fabulously festive options.

And while taste is ever-important, let’s not forget the importance of presentation on a night like New Year’s Eve! Have fun with beautiful sugared rims, garnishes, edible glitter, and swizzle sticks to make them feel extra celebratory.

Now that we have our New Year’s Eve cocktail recipes and New Year’s Eve mocktail recipes sorted out, let’s raise our glasses and cheers to a new year full of joy, love, and adventure. Here’s wishing y’all a sparkling New Year’s Eve!

Cheers!

The post 15 New Year’s Eve Cocktails & Mocktails Recipes appeared first on Paula Deen.

Here, we’re sharing the ultimate selection of 4th of July side dish recipes because every summer party needs one of the classic summer salad recipes: a pasta salad recipe, potato salad recipe, or slaw recipe. We also love grilled side dishes that can be cooked alongside our proteins, like Paula’s Garlic Grilled Tomatoes or her Saturday Night Vidalia Onions. And of course we can’t go without classic cookout side dishes, like a Southern macaroni and cheese recipe.

Do you have your 4^th of July side dishes planned already? Will you be adding any of the below recipes into your menu? Let us know in the comments below what you’ll be making and how you’ll be celebrating.

We hope you have a fun and safe 4^th of July. Now, let freedom ring, y’all!

The post 4th of July Side Dish Recipes appeared first on Paula Deen.

We’re smack dab in the middle of summer and our neighborhoods are decked out in red, white, and blue, and that can only mean one thing—it’s time to prepare for our annual 4^th of July parties! We love pulling in the patriotic theme in all aspects of our parties, and one of the simplest ways to bring it into our menu is with dessert. So today we’re inspiring you to do the same with this collection of 4^th of July dessert recipes! Using the fresh berries — strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries — that are so tasty and plentiful is an excellent way to bring in the reds and blues that we love to see this time of year.

From Paula’s gorgeous Fruit and Yogurt Parfait to her Strawberry Mold, these 4^th of July dessert recipes are delicious and bursting with color. Will you be trying any of Paula’s recipes this year? If so, let us know which in the comments below.

We’re wishing y’all a berry happy 4^th of July!

The post Berry Sweet 4th of July Dessert Recipes! appeared first on Paula Deen.