Kelly Vaughan
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✏️ freelance food writer + editor
🍴 formerly @todayshow @food52 @marthastewart
🩷 fan of books, ice cream, rom-coms, and palm trees
Articles by Kelly Vaughan
Zero-Prep Meatball Casserole Is the "Dump Dinner" of My Dreams
Recipes Main Dishes Casseroles Be the first to leave a review! Credit: Photo: Jeff Harris; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter A mostly hands-off cheesy baked pasta that comes together in one dish in under an hour. Serves6 Prep10 minutes Cook50 minutes Cook Mode+ Jump to Recipe We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Meatball Casserole
Now Safety and taste are two different things. Let’s talk about airplane food. Though full meals are rarely, if ever, offered on domestic flight routes for economy passengers, there is the option to buy premade sandwiches, salads, cheese plates, and other perishable offerings—an undisputed upgrade to the …
19 Easy High-Protein Fall Dinners to Keep You Full and Satisfied Original
David Malosh Fall is all about enjoying cozy dinners and an abundance of hearty produce. When you want to serve your family a meal that satisfies their craving for something warm and nourishing, turn to these high-protein fall dinners. They're perfect for keeping everyone full and fueled during the busy fall season. Think: lean chili recipes, stuffed squashes, meaty pasta dishes, and cozy soups.
19 High-Protein Dinners That Taste Like Fall in Every Bite
Fall is all about enjoying cozy dinners and an abundance of hearty produce. When you want to serve your family a meal that satisfies their craving for something warm and nourishing, turn to these high-protein fall dinners. They're perfect for keeping everyone full and fueled during the busy fall season. Think: lean chili recipes, stuffed squashes, meaty pasta dishes, and cozy soups.
15 Lazy Back-to-School Dinners for the Busiest Weeknights Original
Ralph Smith Between stocking up on school supplies, taking your little ones to after-school activities, and attending orientations, it’s safe to say that the back-to-school season is no joke. But when you still want to prepare a home-cooked meal for your family on busy weekdays, you need easy dinner recipes. They're just the remedy for those hectic nights and will keep your entire family nourished without a whole lot of work.
15 Lazy Back-to-School Dinners That Practically Make Themselves
Between stocking up on school supplies, taking your little ones to after-school activities, and attending orientations, it’s safe to say that the back-to-school season is no joke. But when you still want to prepare a home-cooked meal for your family on busy weekdays, you need easy dinner recipes. They're just the remedy for those hectic nights and will keep your entire family nourished without a whole lot of work.
54 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for When You’re Out of Ideas
Mike Garten Wondering what to cook in your air fryer? Beyond crispy chicken tenders, fries, and roasted vegetables, it can also handle desserts like cakes and cookies. An air fryer is essentially a compact countertop convection oven. Its powerful heat source and circulating air cook food quickly and create crisp edges with little or no oil. It can also free up oven space during holiday meals, cook an entire turkey breast (yes, really!), and reheat food without heating up your whole kitchen.
16 Muffin Tin Recipes That Make the Cutest Little Bites Original
Stacy K. Allen That muffin tin hiding in the back of your cabinet can do a whole lot more than bake a dozen muffins! Sure, it’s great for a batch of something warm and sweet in the morning, but some of the best muffin tin recipes have nothing to do with muffins at all. Ree Drummond uses hers to make everything from fluffy egg bites to cheesy appetizers and pull-apart dinner rolls. You can even turn a pile of potatoes into individual stacks with crispy, golden edges.
16 Delicious Things You Can Make in a Muffin Tin
That muffin tin hiding in the back of your cabinet can do a whole lot more than bake a dozen muffins! Sure, it’s great for a batch of something warm and sweet in the morning, but some of the best muffin tin recipes have nothing to do with muffins at all. Ree Drummond uses hers to make everything from fluffy egg bites to cheesy appetizers and pull-apart dinner rolls. You can even turn a pile of potatoes into individual stacks with crispy, golden edges.
Peach Crumb Bars Are the Easy Late-Summer Dessert I Can’t Stop Making
Recipes Desserts Bars Be the first to leave a review! Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter Fresh peaches are sandwiched between two layers of oat crumble crust and drizzled with a sweet glaze for the perfect handheld, late-summer treat.
Peach Crumb Bars
Dogs 3 hours ago Guardian Dog Smacks Herd Dog for Getting Too Close to His Favorite Girl paradepets.com - Kate McDaniel • 3h I love it when two dogs are technically both doing their jobs, but one of them has decided his job comes with permission to smack a coworker.In the … Lifestyle 2 hours ago Get $300 worth of beauty products for $98 With Anthropologie’s viral advent calendar NBC News - Bethany Heitman • 2h Find goodies inside from top brands like Sunday Riley, Lanolips, Drybar and more.
10 Easy Chicken Salad Recipes for a Fresh Summer Lunch
Caitlin Bensel Homemade chicken salad is just the thing that hits the spot as a cold lunch. The classic version combines cooked chicken (diced or shredded) with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, fresh herbs, and minced onion or shallots. A handful of nuts adds even more texture. From there, you can enjoy it straight from the bowl, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or pile it high on your favorite bread.
These Chicken Salads Are Perfect for Light and Easy Lunches
Homemade chicken salad is just the thing that hits the spot as a cold lunch. The classic version combines cooked chicken (diced or shredded) with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, fresh herbs, and minced onion or shallots. A handful of nuts adds even more texture. From there, you can enjoy it straight from the bowl, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or pile it high on your favorite bread.
25 Hearty Meatball Dinners That Go Way Beyond Spaghetti
C.W. Newell Spaghetti and meatballs are a family favorite, but that’s just the start! That’s because there are so many ways to enjoy meatballs. Meatballs are just as satisfying when they’re stuffed inside a crusty hoagie roll, baked in a cheesy casserole, or simmered in a hearty soup. They even shine in unexpected places, such as a quick stir-fry or a grilled kebab.
These Meatball Dinner Ideas Prove They Aren’t Just for Spaghetti
Spaghetti and meatballs are a family favorite, but that’s just the start! That’s because there are so many ways to enjoy meatballs. Meatballs are just as satisfying when they’re stuffed inside a crusty hoagie roll, baked in a cheesy casserole, or simmered in a hearty soup. They even shine in unexpected places, such as a quick stir-fry or a grilled kebab.
15 Summer Appetizers You Need To Serve At Your Next Outdoor Party
In our opinion, no summer dinner is complete without an array of appetizers to graze on. As the sun is setting on those long and lazy summer afternoons, there is nothing better than a good homemade appetizer that celebrates summer produce. Bonus points for easy, simple recipes that don’t take up too much of your precious time! Since we wait so long for summer produce, we can't wait to take advantage of it once it peaks.
20 Stuffed Vegetable Recipes for an All-in-One Meal
Colorful veggies aren’t solely limited to slicing, dicing, and dunking into delicious dips. Whether you’re working with cremini mushrooms, bell peppers, or spaghetti squash, you can hollow them out and stuff them with just about anything your heart desires: ground beef, savory sausage, fluffy rice, melty cheese, fresh herbs, and even more veggies. Loaded with hearty, flavorful fillings, stuffed vegetable recipes are the tastiest way to get your nutrients in.
20 Hearty Stuffed Vegetables That Make an All-in-One Meal
Thu, July 23, 2026 at 5:18 PM UTC 20 Ways to Eat Stuffed VegetablesGordon Sawyer - Hearst Owned Colorful veggies aren’t solely limited to slicing, dicing, and dunking into delicious dips. Whether you’re working with cremini mushrooms, bell peppers, or spaghetti squash, you can hollow them out and stuff them with just about anything your heart desires: ground beef, savory sausage, fluffy rice, melty cheese, fresh herbs, and even more veggies.
When to Use Ricotta vs. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese and ricotta are both fresh, relatively mild cheeses — and both delicious in their own right — but they’re not the same thing. “Although both are unripened (read: fresh) cheeses, there are technical differences,” says Kathleen Serino, a national training and curriculum manager at Murray’s Cheese.
Why Food Experts Say You Should Never Store Eggs Outside Their Carton Original
2 min read If you get home from the grocery store and immediately transfer your eggs to the refrigerator’s designated egg compartment, you might want to think twice. Although it’s a convenient and attractive place to store your eggs, it’s not exactly the best place to do so. Rather than taking the eggs out of their original packaging and throwing it away, it’s a good idea to keep the eggs in the carton that they were sold in—and then stash the carton near the back of the fridge.
21 Old-Fashioned Recipes That Are Still Worth Making
We love experimenting with new recipes and ingredients in the kitchen. But sometimes, it's nice to go back to basics. These classic recipes have stood the test of time. From cozy lunch options like tuna melts to timeless desserts like banana pudding, these recipes taste just as good today as they did in your grandmother's kitchen. Another benefit of old-school recipes: They tend to rely on simple staples you probably already have at home.
Forget Fireworks—These Fourth Of July Recipes Will Steal The Show
Outside of fireworks, we all know that the real show on the 4th of July is the menu. When you think of the 4th of July, you probably think of all the basics: burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and maybe red, white, and blue desserts to cap it off. While we love the classics, and have plenty of those recipes included here, we also love to expand our holiday menus to include our favorite sleeper hits of summer.
Forget Fireworks—These Fourth Of July Recipes Will Steal The Show
Camille Lowder, Kelly Vaughan Mon, June 29, 2026 at 8:12 PM UTC 33 Fourth Of July RecipesPHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON Outside of fireworks, we all know that the real show on the 4th of July is the menu. When you think of the 4th of July, you probably think of all the basics: burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and maybe red, white, and blue desserts to cap it off.
Forget Fireworks—These Fourth Of July Recipes Will Steal The Show
Camille Lowder, Kelly Vaughan Mon, June 29, 2026 at 8:12 PM UTC 33 Fourth Of July RecipesPHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON (PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON) Outside of fireworks, we all know that the real show on the 4th of July is the menu. When you think of the 4th of July, you probably think of all the basics: burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and maybe red, white, and blue desserts to cap it off.
When to Replace Your Pots and Pans—and What to Do With the Old Ones
Credit: Bryan Gardner Old pots and pans can affect cooking if they show signs of rust, warping, or flaking nonstick coating. Replace or recycle worn-out cookware to ensure safety and performance in your kitchen. Dispose of outdated cookware responsibly by recycling, donating, or upcycling instead of simply throwing it away. After years of braising meats and vegetables or cooking pasta and rice, pots and pans can start to show their age.
40 Grilling Recipes You Must Try This Summer
mike garten Grilling season has officially commenced, which means that weeknight meals and holiday gatherings just got a whole lot more delicious. The beauty of grilling is that you don't need to do a whole lot to your food in order for it to develop fantastic flavor. From juicy grilled chicken and succulent shrimp to grilled vegetables and fruit, we rounded up our best grilling recipes for hot summer nights.
These Shortcut Chicken Caesar Wraps Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Lunch (the Dressing Is Better Than Bottled!)
Recipes Main Dishes Sandwiches & Burgers Be the first to leave a review! Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter A classic Caesar salad, with a streamlined, egg-less dressing, wrapped in a flour tortilla, perfect for a pack-and-go lunch. Makes4 wraps Prep25 minutes Cook10 minutes Cook Mode+ Jump to Recipe We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Dementia 9 hours ago A Weekly Kitchen Routine Could Slash Over-65s' Dementia Risk HuffPost UK - Amy Glover • 9h The simple step seemed to cut dementia risk by up to 67% for some. By 2024, Alzheimer’s Society said that they expect the number of people with … Recipes 7 hours ago Strawberries & Cream Energy Balls Are the Easiest High-Fiber Snack EatingWell - Amanda Holstein • 7h These strawberry energy balls are a naturally sweet snack made with fruit, oats and nuts.
37 Father’s Day Dinner Ideas for a Seriously Great Meal
Looking for Father’s Day dinner ideas that feel special without requiring a restaurant reservation? This collection of recipes includes everything Dad actually wants to eat: grilled steaks, juicy pork chops, seafood dinners, pasta recipes, tacos, crowd-pleasing sides, and cocktails too. Whether you’re planning a big backyard cookout or a low-key family meal, these Father’s Day recipes strike the right balance between impressive and totally doable.
37 Father’s Day Dinner Ideas for a Seriously Great Meal
Sturdy swordfish steaks are among the easiest fish to throw on the grill. And when they’re topped with a summery mix of saffron-spiked tomatoes and olives, it’s even better for Father’s Day. See recipe. There are many steak recipes you could grill for the father figure in your life; this one makes it a family affair. Skirt steak cooks in a snap, developing an incredible char while staying tender. See recipe.
This TikTok Hack Shows How to Cook Bacon Without Splashing Oil Everywhere Original
2 min read From a pancake breakfast to homemade Cobb salad and hearty sandwiches, there’s no part of the day where bacon isn’t a welcome addition to the menu. Its salty, fatty flavor and crisp texture instantly makes any dish better. There are a lot of different theories on the best way to cook bacon, but one viral method promises to cook it to perfection—without splattering oil all over your stovetop. Instead of using a regular skillet to cook bacon on the stovetop, you’ll use a deep pot.
Dry Rubs vs. Marinades: Which One Is Best for Grilling? Original
3 min read The start of grilling season is finally here, which means months of juicy, flavorful meats will be hitting your dinner table in no time. Whether you’re cooking up a batch of homemade burgers for your family on a Friday night or smoking sticky-sweet ribs and brisket for a holiday weekend, one of the best ways to build flavor in your food is with dry rubs and marinades. Both can help transform an otherwise ordinary cut of meat into a truly special main course for summer entertaining.
Stop Strawberries from Going Bad with This Simple Trick Original
2 min read One of the best parts of summer? All of those juicy fresh strawberries, which are at their peak in most parts of the country in June. Whether you just enjoy snacking on the ruby red fruit, blending them up into smoothies, using them for a crowd-pleasing no-bake dessert (looking at you, strawberry delight!), or baking a more traditional sweet treat, it’s important to wash and store fresh strawberries properly so that they don’t go bad too quickly.
Glass vs. Metal Pans: Which One You Choose Can Completely Change Your Results
Most home bakers have a variety of bakeware tucked in their kitchen cabinets, including both glass and metal baking pans. Whether you’re making brownies and bars, sheet cakes, or casseroles, these kitchen staples play a big role in how evenly your food bakes and how it looks when it comes out of the oven. Some recipes specify which type of pan to use, while others only mention the size, which might leave you wondering whether glass and metal baking pans really bake differently.
Glass vs. Metal Baking Pans—How to Know Which One Is Right for Your Recipe
2 min read Most home bakers have a variety of bakeware tucked in their kitchen cabinets, including both glass and metal baking pans. Whether you’re making brownies and bars, sheet cakes, or casseroles, these kitchen staples play a big role in how evenly your food bakes and how it looks when it comes out of the oven. Some recipes specify which type of pan to use, while others only mention the size, which might leave you wondering whether glass and metal baking pans really bake differently.
The Freshest Fruits and Vegetables to Buy This May Original
4 min read With juicy berries, leafy greens, and crunchy vegetables overflowing at farmersâ markets and grocery stores, May might just be the best time of year for produce. You get the best of both worldsâthe late trickle of spring greens with the arrival of some of summerâs brightest beauties. Some produce is only available for a short time, so itâs important to know what to take advantage of for the best flavor.
Follow This One Tip to Avoid Ever Cooking Dry Chicken Again Original
2 min read Chicken is the hero of weeknight meals, whether it’s juicy chicken fajitas or Marry Me chicken with the creamiest sauce. But cooking chicken—especially chicken breasts—can sometimes lead to a dinner that’s dry, bland, and, well, disappointing. Because chicken breasts are so lean, they’re not as naturally juicy as other cuts, which means they need a little extra care.
This Is the Fastest (and Easiest) Way to Peel Garlic Original
2 min read If you’re cooking dinner for your family, making homemade salad dressings or marinades, or just stocking up on groceries for the week, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself reaching for garlic. This aromatic allium adds so much flavor to dishes and a little really does go a long way. Although it’s inexpensive and readily available in every grocery store (here’s the best way to store garlic once you get it home), there is one major downside to cooking with garlic.
How to Reheat Tacos So They Don’t Fall Apart Original
2 min read Tacos are a weeknight savior and crowd-pleaser all in one hand-held bite. That’s because they’re completely customizable, easy enough to prepare, and affordable to cook for a crowd. There’s also a good chance that you’ll end up with some leftover tortillas, taco meat, and toppings, which means that you can enjoy tacos well after Tuesday. To preserve the flavor and texture of tacos so that they taste just as good on days two and three, read on to learn the best way to reheat tacos.
Move Over, Cobbler: This 5-Ingredient "Dump Cake" Is Cheaper, Easier, and Tastes Just Like Summer
Recipes Desserts Cakes Be the first to leave a review! What’s better than a one-bowl dessert? A NO-bowl dessert. Serves10 Prep10 minutes Cook45 minutes to 50 minutes Cook Mode+ Save this to your Recipe Box — so everything you want to cook is in one place! Jump to Recipe We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Quick Overview Why You’ll Love My Pineapple Dump Cake There’s no mixing required.
Your Guide to the Most Common Types of Pastry Dough Original
3 min read Whether you’re walking through a Parisian boulangerie or an American bakery on a Saturday morning, there’s nothing as satisfying as seeing glass display cases overflowing with flaky ham and cheese croissants, gorgeous galettes (like this summery peach one!), swirly twirly kouign amanns, and other mesmerizing baked goods.
Why You Should Always Let Meat Rest After Cooking Original
2 min read Whether you’re cooking filet mignon for a date night at home or a large roast turkey for Thanksgiving, the texture and juiciness of the meat are just as important as the flavor. There are a few things that can help achieve a perfectly juicy slice, including purchasing high-quality meat, letting it come to room temperature before cooking, and, perhaps most importantly, letting the meat rest after cooking.
What's the Difference Between Long- and Short-Grain Rice?
Credit: Bryan Gardner Understanding the difference between rice types can help you choose the best one for your recipes. Long-grain rice is dry and fluffy, making it ideal for dishes like pilaf and curry. Short-grain rice is sticky and creamy, perfect for risotto and sushi. Rice is a versatile, easy-to-prepare, and healthy ingredient that can be eaten at every meal. There are many varieties of rice, but they are often categorized by grain length: short or long grain.
Asparagus Frittata with Fresh Herbs and Goat Cheese
This asparagus frittata loaded with fresh herbs is easy and nourishing. It makes an excellent vegetarian centerpiece for a springtime brunch or a casual supper. Photo Credits: Ali Redmond When asparagus is at its peak in spring, I want to cook with it as much as possible. I roast it, steam it, grill it, and top it with sauce gribiche to make an excellent springtime side dish. When I want it to be the main event, I make it into an asparagus frittata, which puts the seasonal stalks on center stage.
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Which Is Actually Better? Original
2 min read Chicken is the most consumed meat in the United States, and for good reason—it’s affordable, easy to cook, and endlessly versatile. Chicken breasts and chicken thighs are the most common cuts, showing up in everything from sandwiches and pastas to salads and casseroles. But what’s the difference between the two, and when should you choose one over the other? From flavor and texture to cook time and best uses, here’s a closer look at what sets chicken breasts and chicken thighs apart.
Here’s How Long Fresh Citrus Juice Lasts in the Fridge Original
2 min read A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice can perk up your morning just as lemon or lime juice can add zing and brightness to sweet and savory recipes alike. Although bottled juice from the grocery store is convenient, it definitely doesn’t compare to the flavor of the fresh stuff. Whether you’re prepping cocktail recipes for a party or you have an abundance of lemons on hand, squeezing and storing fresh juice is always a good idea.
Say Goodbye to Mushy Rice Forever—Just Do These 3 Things First Original
2 min read Whether you’re serving it as a simple side dish or it’s the base of a one-skillet dinner, rice is a suppertime staple. Although it’s generally quick and easy to cook, there are a few things that can go wrong along the way—namely, cooking a pot of rice that results in mushy grain. Read on for three tips to prevent mushy rice, plus why it happens in the first place. Why Is My Rice Mushy? There are a few reasons why your pot of rice may turn mushy.
Hands Down, This Is the Easiest Way to Keep Avocados from Turning Brown Original
2 min read Whether you smear them on toast, toss them into a salad, or mash them up for guacamole for game day, avocados are a great fruit (yes, fruit!) to keep on hand for dishes that you can enjoy from morning to night. If you’ve ever stocked up on avocados before, then you know that they can go from underripe to overripe in the blink of an eye. Plus, avocados have a tendency to turn brown very shortly after they’ve been cut open—if not before—which means you need to work quickly.
Pecan Derby Pie Bars
Recipes Desserts Bars Be the first to leave a review! Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these easy pecan- and chocolate-studded bars. Serves16 Prep20 minutes to 25 minutes Cook1 hour Cook Mode+ Save this to your Recipe Box — so everything you want to cook is in one place! Jump to Recipe We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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