Admit it: as unappetizing as some casseroles look, most taste way too delicious. When living the college lifestyle, casserole type dishes are the only easy and affordable ones to make. However, there is hope for the ugly duckling casserole! These are tips on how to turn a favorite casserole into an eye turning and even more delicious dish.
Attractive = Delicious
Okay, maybe it doesn’t help the taste, but just changing the way food is presented can make it more appealing.
1) Bake it in a pretty casserole dish just to put you in a better mood about casseroles. Eat out of bowls instead of plates to make the dish look fuller and more put together, which is not only more attractive but it can help you eat less.
2) Try the layered look. Instead of mixing every single ingredient together, take apart the recipe. It turns the blob of a dish into a meal. For example, chicken and rice casserole. Don’t put the rice in the bottom of casserole dish to cook with the chicken, but cook it at the last minute and use it as the bed when plating the chicken. Use the green beans as a side or turn them in the same direction (it please the eye) when putting them in the dish with the chicken. Instead of shredding the chicken, keep the pieces whole and bake in the sauce (the rest of the ingredients, minus the cheese). Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken at the last minute until browned.
3) Top with fresh ingredients. Of course, a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of thyme will turn any dish around. Use flavors already incorporated in the casserole, and ones that have contrasting colors. For example, sun-dried tomatoes on top of a noodle casserole. Try these tips for plating a casserole.
If changing the look isn’t convincing enough, add some finishes for perfection.
1) Take out the bland. Incorporate color by adding fresh flavorful veggies or extra seasonings. Depending on the recipe adding chopped chives, oregano, garlic, or cilantro would be a great flavor boost. Try any magazine or website, like Cooking Light, Southern Living, Taste of Home, or Pinterest for great recipes.
2) See the bright side. Most casseroles already have enough fat and carbs, so balance it out with a healthy side to make it a better meal. Microwavable frozen greens are a go-to. Try roasted broccoli or a fruit salad.
3) Texture is key. Many casseroles are mushy and that immediately turns away tastes buds. However, adding a few crunchy favorites can help. These are the top 5 casserole toppings. For example, for the literally mush sweet potato casserole, add nuts and sliced sweet potato pieces (either on top or folded into the casserole) .
Try this simple Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole
If you have any ideas or questions, send a message to my facebook page.
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