main dish Archives | The Sparrow's Home

Easy Sausage Egg Bake

November 19, 2018 by Susan

Whoever invented the concept of brunch deserves some kind of trophy.

This easy recipe is one of the stars of many-a brunch. It’s versatile enough that you could add any number of ingredients to customize it just the way you like. I usually keep it simple with just breakfast sausage and cheese.

But it would be delicious with bacon or ham, for sure. Any number of veggies sound yummy, too. Peppers and onions or spinach sound best to me.

Rich and savory and seasoned just perfectly, this casserole is altogether satisfying.

Chicken Pot Pie 2 Ways

April 23, 2018 by Susan

Did you grow up on those little, frozen, pucks of pot pie like I did? In college they were a staple, and when Greg and I first got married, they made quick weekend lunches.

Then I learned how to make it myself, and I haven’t bought one since.

Not only is this probably my favorite use of Thanksgiving leftovers (beside sandwiches…there’s just something special about a post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich, isn’t there?) but one of my top comfort foods in general. It’s on my list of meals to take to friends in need, too.

Southern Red Beans & Rice

January 11, 2018 by Susan

What is your biggest cooking fail?

For me, red beans and rice holds that title. (The chocolate mousse that came out looking like poop is a close second).

Marrying a Southern-born man and living in the South for a number of years meant learning to cook things that I didn’t grow up on. Things like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans & rice. Moving back home to Minnesota, I was eager to share my new found food loves with my family and friends. One problem, while I’d eaten red beans & rice lots of times, I’d never made it before. So maybe making it for a party wasn’t the best idea on my first try.

Comforting Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

October 19, 2017 by Susan

Are you looking for comfort food? Warm. Soothing. Even better if it’s super simple, right?

This baked casserole has the flavor of a more traditional chicken and dumplings, but because it’s baked in the oven is much more hands off. Leaving you time to prepare other things or read a book to your kids.

Foolproof Roasted Chicken

September 21, 2017 by Susan

Simple food cooked well is the heart of any home kitchen. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree to make amazing meals.

I have been making this super easy juicy and delicious roasted chicken for years and it turns out perfectly every single time. Every. Single. Time.

It’s going to blow your mind how easy this roasted chicken is. And how tasty. I almost never make just one. Because, if you’re roasting one chicken, why not roast two? (I like to pick up mine in the two-packs at Costco).

Leftovers are divine in everything from chicken salad to jambalaya to creamy chicken & rice soup.

Summer Recipes Worth Waiting All Year For

July 25, 2017 by Susan

Do you eat seasonally? Whether you really try to or not, you probably do more than you even know. We are naturally drawn to warm, hearty meals in the colder months. I know I pretty much never make things like stroganoff or stew or hot, gooey apple desserts until there’s a chill in the air.

But summer….

Summer recipes are for veggies and grilling. Think fresh.