Wondering what to do with that hearty bread that's getting stale on the counter? One of the best options is to make this refreshing, summery, and brightly colorful panzanella salad! Homemade croutons will blow your mind.

Classic Panzanella is a rustic salad that was originally created by the farmers of the central Italian countryside who made it as a way to use up day-old bread and their abundance of fresh homegrown vegetables.

It comes together quickly and it's the perfect side dish to various grilled meats. It's also such a versatile salad with options to swap in other vegetables, use various cheeses, try it with a protein, or add beans.

This is a great base and guide to get you started from there you can adjust it to your heart's content!

Easy Zucchini Pizzas!

These are one of the tastiest things you can make with fresh zucchini! Plus in the summer aren't we always looking for more ways to cook with zucchini?

They come together quickly, they taste so similar to the real thing, and it's a great way to boost your veggie intake for the day.

You'll actually find these to be quite hearty and filling thanks to all that cheese, and they are a good option if you are trying to cut some carbs.

You can switch them up and try other toppings, make them spicy by finishing with a fair dose of red pepper flakes, and keep them simple by using shortcuts like a store-bought sauce.

Simply put these are such fun summery take on traditional pizza and I'm nearly certain you'll love them!

Easy Caprese Salad Christmas Tree Appetizer

Caprese salad is one of the easiest, tastiest Italian side dishes to prepare. And its natural colors just happen to be so perfectly Christmasy too so it only makes sense to bring the two things together for a deliciously festive dish making this cheery "Christmas tree".

This tasty "tree" is party perfect, makes enough for a crowd, doesn't require any special kitchen skills, and only needs a handful of ingredients. It's just a quick and simple, edible art project that will be the talk of the holiday gathering.

It's also a fun thing to do together if you've got friends or family around to help. Someone can slice while the other person assembles. Even kids can help with the layering assembly.

So many reasons to add this easy Christmas side dish to your holiday menu!

Looking for more fun ways to make pizza for a small crowd? Also try my easy French bread pizzas or bagel pizzas.

Easy Grilled Pizza Recipe

I've used this method to make pizzas regularly each and every summer. It's a fun family recipe to make together, and also great for serving to friends at parties and gatherings. Everyone loves to customize and top their own to just how they like.

You'll love this versatile recipe because you can use store-bought dough and sauce, or when time allows homemade of both is an excellent option. Just keep in mind with the shortcuts you can easily have these ready in under 30 minutes especially with friends or family help.

They are perfectly adaptable too. You can use other sauces, cheeses, and final toppings.

The key is just to stick to the simple process. That is to grill the crust on one side first, remove from the grill, flip it to that grill mark side, add your toppings, then grilling to finish after that. This way you end with a non-soggy crust that's not overly charred, and so much flavor throughout!

An Easy Pizza Bagels Recipe!

If you grew up in the 90s like I did you can likely relate to this recipe.

But the pizza bagel bites I remember were pretty bland and boring. Here we've upgraded them with bakery fresh bagels, some herbs, and garlic powder seasoning. And we use the best cooking method.

That is to toast them in the oven BEFORE you add the sauce so they don't get soggy. Then finish them under the broiler for a nice toasty flavor and quick finish.

Though these make a delicious after-school snack they aren't just for kids. Even adults love these!

And just like traditional pizza, there are so many ways to make homemade pizza bagels (see ideas below).

Save this recipe for a quick Monday meal or a simple lunch. It may just become a new back pocket recipe that will take you back to fun childhood memories (but they'll taste way better than you remember).

Fresh Tomato Basil Soup

This is how you do comfort food. A vibrant, healthy soup with a grilled cheese to accompany it.

This soup will likely become a highlight of summer dinners, and it's a great way to use all those garden fresh tomatoes.

It requires minimal ingredients but yields such amazing results! The key ingredients include several pounds of gorgeously red ripe tomatoes, lots of flavorful fresh basil, and a fair amount of garlic for a perfectly fresh tasting soup.

Though there may be several steps the process is quite simple. You roast the tomatoes and aromatics, then simmer the soup on the stove, and finish by blitzing it all together with immersion blender. And then you've got yourself an undeniably delicious homemade tomato basil soup!

Want to make it creamy? Simply add 1/2 cup to 1 cup cream to the soup at the end. And feel free to toss in some parmesan cheese too if you can't resist.

An Easy Rigatoni Recipe!

A quick dinner perfect for busy days! This Italian inspired baked rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food after a long day.

It's cheesy, beefy, generously coated in a vibrant tomato-y sauce, and full of tempting pasta carb-y goodness. Checks all the boxes for a simple yet incredibly tasty dinner.

Serve up a mostly homemade dish (we cheat with a jar of pasta sauce) that everyone can agree on. And honestly it's so easy that it's almost more of a guide than a recipe.

You'll love that you get most of those crave-able lasagna flavors here without near the the amount hassle.

Serve it with a side salad or some steamed veggies to complete the simple dinner, and maybe garlic bread if you are in an extra comfort food mood.

The Perfect Summer Pasta Salad

What would summer be without at least one cookout or picnic that includes a vibrant and perfectly enjoyable, cold pasta salad?

This will quickly become a new favorite because there is so much goodness and an abundance of fresh flavor. Each of the ingredients blend exceptionally well together, each one complimenting the other.

It has a harmonious blend of textures as well. There's a nice trio of crisp, soft, and chewy.

This makes a very hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, beef or fish.

Just one thing to note - it does make a very large salad, or enough for a small crowd. The recipe will halve nicely for a family dinner.

Or just make the full recipe anyway and serve the leftovers the following day for lunch.

Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pizza

For years this has been my families favorite pizza I make!

I first shared this recipe way back in 2012, nearly 10 years ago but it a classic you'll want to make again and again!

How could it not be good? It's three irresistible comfort foods in one. Pizza, chicken alfredo and bacon - talk about rich indulgence that everyone will love!

If you want to simplify the recipe you can use store-bought pizza dough. But as least look for something freshly made from the deli if possible, it tastes so much better.

Looking for another delicious dip to pair with it? Try my incredibly popular Spinach Artichoke Dip too!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

A good dip always makes for the ultimate party food or appetizer. Especially when it's cheesy, fiery hot and amazingly creamy like this buffalo chicken dip! It just screams Super Bowl Party!

This simple dip is made with a handful of ingredients yet it really packs in a flavorful punch.

And there are so many options as to what you can use for dipping. Just think crispy for that finishing crunch to pair with it.

Then if you are lucky enough to have any leftovers spread in a quesadilla or make a mini pizza.