Dennis Littley
Covers:
Recipes, Food, Cooking, Beverages, Wine, Beer, Desserts, Baking, Smoking Meat and Seafood, Italian Cuisine, and just about everything food-related.
Doesn't Cover:
Anything that is not related to food. I do not cover travel.
Helping home cooks make restaurant-quality meals with confidence. Professional chef, publisher, speaker & founder of Ask Chef Dennis
Articles by Dennis Littley
Colorful Unicorn Cookies
My unicorn cookies are soft, buttery vanilla cookies with swirls of pastel pink, blue, and purple dough and colorful sprinkles on top. They have the familiar flavor of a homemade sugar cookie, with a playful look that makes them especially fun for celebrations. Audio Player The colorful swirls come from the dough itself, not icing added after baking. Once you’ve scooped the colors together and added the sprinkles, the decorating is done. Three colors, one dough.
Biscoff Butter Cookies Recipe (Soft and Thick)
My Biscoff Butter Cookies have thick, soft centers, lightly golden edges, and little pieces of Biscoff biscuit for crunch. Lotus Biscoff cookie butter gets mixed right into the dough, so every bite has that caramelized, gently spiced flavor, and white chocolate chips stud the cookies for creamy contrast. Audio Player The cookie butter drizzle adds another layer of Biscoff flavor, making every bite Biscoffally delicious.
Raspberry Lemon Cookies
My Raspberry Lemon Cookies have a soft, buttery texture, juicy pieces of fresh raspberry, and just enough lemon flavor to balance the sweetness. Raspberries and lemons are a wonderful combination, especially when you bring them together in a homemade cookie, and a simple lemon glaze adds a sweet-tart finish. Audio Player Each cookie bakes up with its own raspberry streaks and lightly crackled top.
Homemade Turkey Dry Rub
My homemade turkey dry rub is the herb-and-citrus mixture I use to dry-brine my Thanksgiving turkey. Fresh thyme, sage, black pepper, and citrus zest give the bird its familiar holiday aroma, while carefully measured kosher salt does more than season the skin. Given enough time in the refrigerator, it seasons the meat below the surface and helps it stay juicy during roasting. Smoked paprika is optional for a subtle smoky note. Audio Player This is the same blend I use in my dry-brine turkey recipe.
28 Chocolate Cake Recipes for Every Occasion
A good chocolate cake ought to make you want a second slice before you've finished the first. But the cake I'd choose for a birthday isn't always the one I'd bring to a potluck or serve after a big dinner. I've gathered 28 of our chocolate cake recipes, including my favorite chocolate quick bread recipes. From soft layers with homemade frosting to dense flourless cakes, warm desserts you serve with a spoon, and chocolate loaves you can slice for an afternoon treat.
Amaretto Sour Recipe
My Amaretto Sour recipe combines the sweet, almond-like flavor of amaretto with bourbon and fresh lemon juice for a smooth, refreshing cocktail with a balanced sweet-tart finish. Audio Player The Amaretto Sour Cocktail gained popularity in the 1970s, when sweet liqueur-based cocktails were fashionable. Early versions were often made with just amaretto and lemon juice, while later variations introduced bourbon for a more complex take on the original.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
My Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies combine rich, buttery shortbread with tart dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and the bright citrus flavor of fresh orange zest. The red cranberries and green pistachios make these cookies a beautiful addition to holiday cookie trays. Because they’re made with slice-and-bake dough, you can prepare them ahead of time and bake a batch whenever you’re ready.
Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
My Pumpkin Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with pumpkin puree and warm baking spices. The result is a tender, moist quick bread with a comforting fall flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy two familiar favorites in one loaf, whether you’re serving it for breakfast or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee. Audio Player The bananas bring natural sweetness while the pumpkin adds moisture and body.
Pecan Pie Dip Recipe
My Pecan Pie Dip combines a rich, buttery pecan topping with a light, creamy filling for all the flavors of traditional pecan pie without having to bake a pie. Audio Player Serve this dip with graham crackers, pretzels, or crisp apple slices so everyone can scoop up a little of the creamy filling and pecan topping. This chilled dessert is a delicious addition to a holiday dessert table and can be prepared ahead of time.
Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe
My Gold Rush Cocktail is a smooth, refreshing bourbon drink made with fresh lemon juice and honey syrup. It has the bright citrus flavor of a whiskey sour, but the honey adds a softer, richer sweetness that balances every sip. Audio Player If you enjoy bourbon cocktails, this is an easy one to add to your collection. With just a few ingredients and a cocktail shaker, you can have a refreshing drink ready for happy hour, a dinner party, or a quiet evening at home. Just three main ingredients.
Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
My Cranberry Orange Scones have crisp, golden edges, tender buttery centers, and tart cranberries in every bite. Fresh orange zest flavors the dough, and a drizzle of orange glaze adds just enough sweetness to balance the berries. Audio Player If your idea of a scone is something dry that needs a full cup of coffee to get through, this recipe will change your mind.
Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe – Editorial Update Draft
This homemade blue cheese dressing recipe is rich, creamy, and full of tangy blue cheese flavor. It takes just minutes to put together, and the secret to its restaurant-style texture is blending some of the cheese into the creamy base while saving the rest for delicious chunks. I love this dressing with a classic wedge salad or Buffalo wings. Make it ahead, give the flavors time to come together, and you’ll have a dressing that’s hard to beat.
27 Easy Casserole Recipes for Cozy Family Meals
There’s something wonderfully reassuring about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven. Whether it’s a cheesy pasta bake, a creamy chicken dinner, or a favorite side dish everyone looks forward to, our easy casserole recipes will make sharing a good meal a little easier. Audio Player I’ve gathered 27 of my favorite casserole recipes from Ask Chef Dennis, with hearty dinners, classic comfort foods, holiday sides, and breakfast bakes.
26 Homemade Soup Recipes for Cozy, Comforting Meals
A pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove has a way of making the whole kitchen feel welcoming. Some days call for chicken noodle soup and warm bread; other days, you want a hearty bowl filled with beef, vegetables, or pasta. Whatever you’re craving, there’s something special about sitting down to soup made from scratch. Audio Player I’ve gathered 26 of my favorite homemade soup recipes to help you find a bowl you’ll love.
Irish Coffee Recipe
There’s something wonderfully simple about a good Irish Coffee. It’s hot coffee, Irish whiskey, a little brown sugar, and lightly whipped cream, but when those four ingredients are put together properly, you get much more than coffee with a splash of whiskey. Audio Player The hot coffee is rich and slightly bitter, the Irish whiskey adds warmth and character, and the brown sugar softens the edges with just a hint of molasses flavor. Then there’s the cool layer of cream floating on top.
Old-Fashioned Hot Milk Cake Recipe
Old-Fashioned Hot Milk Cake is a simple, buttery vanilla cake with a soft, tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. Made with basic pantry ingredients and a mixture of hot milk and melted butter, it's an easy homemade cake that proves you don't need frosting or layers to make a delicious dessert. Audio Player This is the kind of cake I love serving with fresh berries and a light dusting of confectioners' sugar.
Coconut Custard Pie Recipe | Creamy & Easy
Rich, creamy custard, sweet toasted coconut, and a flaky, golden-brown pastry crust make my Coconut Custard Pie an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Toasting the coconut before adding it to the filling brings out its natural sweetness and gives the pie a deeper coconut flavor. Audio Player The secret to a good custard pie is getting the texture just right. The filling should be soft and creamy but firm enough to hold its shape when sliced.
Classic French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Our French 75 Cocktail recipe uses gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. It’s crisp, bubbly, and refreshing, with just enough sweetness to balance the gin’s tart lemon and botanical notes. What I love about our French 75 Cocktail Recipe is how this simple combination of ingredients can make an elegant, restaurant-quality cocktail. The bright citrus and gin give it plenty of character, while the Champagne lightens everything up with a crisp, effervescent finish.
Country Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy
Country Fried Steak isn't complicated, but a few small details make the difference between a crisp, tender steak and one with breading sliding off into the skillet. The double dredge gives the steak its substantial crust, while the browned bits left in the skillet become the flavor foundation for the gravy. You don't need a Southern diner to make really good Country Fried Steak.
Southside Cocktail Recipe
Our Southside Cocktail is a refreshing gin cocktail made with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and mint. It's bright, citrusy, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make at home. If you enjoy a classic gin cocktail, you're going to love how the botanical flavors of the gin pair with fresh mint and tart lime juice. A quick shake with ice brings everything together, creating a crisp, well-balanced cocktail that's perfect for happy hour, dinner parties, or warm summer evenings.
Hamburger Steak Recipe with Onion Gravy
Our Hamburger Steak Recipe with Onion Gravy makes the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that never goes out of style. Juicy seasoned beef patties are pan-seared until nicely browned, then finished in a rich, savory onion gravy that’s made right in the same skillet. Add mashed potatoes and a green vegetable, and you’ve got the kind of dinner everyone looks forward to.
Swiss Steak Recipe with Rich Tomato Gravy
Swiss steak is proof that knowing how to cook a cut of beef is often more important than how much you paid for it. Round steak isn’t naturally tender, and that’s exactly why it works so well in this recipe. Pounding the beef helps tenderize it, browning develops flavor, and a long, slow braise gives the connective tissue time to soften. What starts as an economical cut of beef becomes fork-tender Swiss steak surrounded by a rich tomato gravy.
Painkiller Cocktail Recipe
A Painkiller Cocktail is one of those drinks that can sneak up on you. It tastes like pineapple, orange, and creamy coconut, but underneath all that tropical goodness is a healthy pour of dark rum. And that’s what makes it so good. A Painkiller Cocktail is all about balance. Pineapple juice provides tropical sweetness and acidity, orange juice adds brightness, and cream of coconut gives the drink its signature richness and silky texture.
Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Pepper Steak is the kind of meal every home cook should have in their weeknight menu rotation. It’s quick, adaptable, and doesn’t require complicated ingredients or equipment. And truthfully, it’s just plain delicious! When dinner needs to happen fast, Pepper Steak is one of those recipes that delivers a lot of flavor without keeping you tied to the stove.
Classic Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe
If you’re looking for a sophisticated whiskey cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve, our Classic Boulevardier Cocktail deserves a place in your cocktail rotation. The ingredients may be simple, but proper measuring, chilling, and dilution make the difference between a cocktail that tastes harsh and one that’s smooth, balanced, and enjoyable from the first sip to the last.
Mexican Picadillo Recipe With Ground Beef and Potatoes
Picadillo is one of those practical dishes every home cook should know how to make. It turns a pound of ground beef and everyday vegetables into a satisfying skillet meal that’s hearty, loaded with vegetables, easy to customize, and just as good spooned over rice as it is tucked into a warm tortilla. Our homemade picadillo recipe combines ground beef with diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and just a touch of cinnamon.
Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
There aren’t many things more satisfying than tender beef covered in homemade gravy. My Beef Tips and Gravy recipe starts by properly browning the beef, then builds layers of flavor with bacon, onions, garlic, red wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme. Give it enough time in the oven and that inexpensive chuck roast turns into something pretty spectacular. The secret to really good Beef Tips and Gravy isn’t complicated, but it does require a little patience.
Ho Ho Cake Recipe (Better Than the Original Snack Cake)
If you grew up loving Hostess Ho Ho’s, you’re going to fall head over heels for our homemade Ho Ho Cake. It has everything you remember about the classic snack cake, only better. Moist chocolate cake, a light and fluffy cream filling, and a rich chocolate frosting come together in one irresistible dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy a serious chocolate craving. Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you.
Classic Hugo Spritz Recipe Made in Just 5 Minutes
If you’re looking for a light, bubbly cocktail that’s as elegant as it is refreshing, my Hugo Spritz is sure to become your new favorite summertime drink. Made with crisp Prosecco, fragrant St-Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh mint, lime, and sparkling soda water, this classic Italian cocktail comes together in just minutes. The Hugo Spritz originated in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy in the early 2000s as a lighter alternative to the Aperol Spritz.
Marry Me Cheese Tortellini Recipe (One Pan Dinner)
If you love creamy pasta dishes, our Marry Me Cheese Tortellini Recipe is guaranteed to earn a place in your regular dinner rotation. Cheese-filled tortellini cooks directly in a luscious garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, fresh spinach, and plenty of Romano cheese, creating layers of delicousness in every bite.
Greek Chicken Recipe (Easy Greek Yogurt Marinade)
The secret to incredibly juicy Greek chicken starts with a simple Greek yogurt marinade that tenderizes the meat while layering it with bright lemon, garlic, and classic Mediterranean herbs. I’ve cooked a lot of chicken over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that a good marinade makes all the difference. Greek yogurt isn’t just another ingredient. It gently tenderizes the chicken without overpowering it, allowing the fresh lemon, garlic, oregano, and herbs to shine.
Peach Ice Cream Recipe (Easy No-Churn Homemade Ice Cream)
If you’re looking for an easy homemade frozen dessert that tastes like summer my No Churn Peach Ice Cream Recipe is gaurunteed to make you smile. There’s nothing quite like homemade peach ice cream on a hot summer day.
Beef Back Ribs Recipe (Tender Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs)
If you’ve always thought amazing barbecue required a smoker, my oven-baked beef back ribs recipe is about to change your mind. Slow roasting creates incredibly tender ribs, while a quick finish under the broiler gives them that sticky, caramelized barbecue crust everyone loves. Good beef back ribs aren’t difficult, but they do require patience. The secret isn’t a fancy rub or expensive sauce. It’s cooking them low and slow until the connective tissue melts away.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins (Bakery Style Recipe)
If you’ve ever wandered into a neighborhood bakery and couldn’t resist the smell of freshly baked muffins, our Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins bring that same experience right into your kitchen. My tender homemade muffins are filled with juicy blueberries and a rich cream cheese center, and finished with a buttery crumb topping that’s impossible to resist.
Ranch Water Cocktail Recipe (The Original Texas Tequila Drink)
When the temperatures start climbing, few cocktails are as refreshing as a Texas Ranch Water Cocktail. Made with just tequila, fresh lime juice, and sparkling mineral water, this iconic Texas drink proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Ranch Water is often described as the unofficial cocktail of West Texas, and its enduring popularity is rooted in its simplicity.
Old Fashioned Blackberry Dumplings Recipe
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned dessert that tastes like summer in the South, our Blackberry Dumplings recipe is just what you’re looking for. Sweet, juicy blackberries simmer into a rich syrup while fluffy homemade dumplings cook right on top, soaking up all that incredible berry flavor. It’s a simple dessert that has been bringing families together for generations, and after one bite, you’ll understand why.
Chicken Paillard Recipe (French Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce)
If you’ve ever ordered Chicken Paillard at a nice restaurant and assumed it was too complicated to make at home, I’ve got good news. It’s one of the easiest French chicken recipes you’ll ever cook. The secret isn’t fancy ingredients. It’s learning one simple technique that creates tender chicken, incredible browning, and a pan sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything on your plate.
Easy Black Bean Dip Recipe (Creamy Mexican Bean Dip)
Whether you’re hosting game day, planning Taco Tuesday, or just craving something to scoop up with tortilla chips, our Black Bean Dip is always a good choice! It’s creamy, flavorful, and protein-packed with black beans, zesty lime and warm spices, creating a velvety, scoopable treat that disappears in a flash. If you’ve only had canned black bean dip, you’re in for a surprise. Making it from scratch gives you fresher flavor, better texture, and complete control over the spice level.
Classic Negroni Recipe (The Perfect Italian Cocktail)
If you want a sophisticated, beautifully ruby-red drink that sets a marvelous tone for cocktail hour, our Classic Negroni recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. This timeless Italian aperitif blends botanical gin, sweet vermouth, and bitter Campari into a perfectly balanced sip that stimulates the appetite. The legendary Negroni recipe traces its origins to Florence, Italy, around 1919, at Caffè Casoni.
Homemade Mochi Ice Cream Recipe (Easy Japanese Ice Cream Dessert)
Making Homemade Mochi Ice Cream is easier than you might think. The combination of chewy sweet rice dough wrapped around creamy ice cream creates a dessert that’s every bit as fun to eat as it is to make. Most people think mochi ice cream is complicated because it looks so unique. The truth is, the recipe itself is surprisingly simple.
Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe – Restaurant Quality
When I'm looking for a dinner that's easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests, I make my Lemon Pepper Chicken. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make and never fails to impress. Tender pan-seared chicken breasts are coated in a rich, creamy lemon-pepper sauce that delivers just the right balance of bright citrus and the tongue-tingling heat of black pepper.
Easy Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Our homemade Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s better than takeout and ready in about 30 minutes. Tender pieces of crispy chicken are tossed in a rich garlic sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for another bite. When you make it yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients, the amount of garlic, and you get perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
Malibu Bay Breeze Recipe | Easy Tropical Rum Cocktail
If you're looking for a cocktail that tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass, our Malibu Bay Breeze is exactly what you need. With just three ingredients and a glass full of ice, you can create a refreshing tropical drink that's perfect for backyard gatherings and summer celebrations. Our Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail is the kind of beverage that instantly transports you to a warm sunny beach.
Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Our Twice Baked Potato Casserole takes all the flavors of a classic steakhouse baked potato and turns it into a crowd-friendly casserole. It has everything people love about loaded baked potatoes, creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy sour cream, all baked together in one easy casserole.
Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe | The Ultimate Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake
If you're looking for an easy dinner that feeds a crowd and satisfies hungry appetites, our Johnny Marzetti Casserole is exactly what you’re looking for. This classic Midwestern comfort food combines pasta, beef, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese into a hearty baked casserole that's been bringing families together for generations. Johnny Marzetti originated in Columbus, Ohio, in the early 20th century.
Easy Pineapple Fluff Recipe
If you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert for your next family gathering, our Pineapple Fluff is our favorite go-to sweet treat. This vintage, no-bake classic comes together in just ten minutes, offering a light, pillowy texture packed with juicy tropical flavor that everyone loves. Dessert “fluff” salads first exploded in popularity across American kitchens during the mid-20th century.
Easy Strawberry Margarita Recipe in Just 10 Minutes
If you're looking for a refreshing cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass, my Strawberry Margarita is just what you need. Made with fresh strawberries, tequila, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice, this cocktail delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, or simply relaxing on the patio, this Strawberry Margarita is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Cake Mix Banana Bread Recipe
If you are looking for the absolute fastest way to turn overripe fruit into a sweet breakfast treat, our Cake Mix Banana Bread will become your favorite kitchen shortcut for using up those overripe bananas. By using a boxed mix for the base, we skip the measuring and head straight to a moist, bakery-style loaf that bakes up beautifully every single time.
Homemade Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself digging through a carton of cookies and cream ice cream looking for the biggest cookie chunks, you’re going to love making our recipe at home. My homemade version is packed with Oreo pieces, incredibly creamy, and delivers the perfect balance of vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookie goodness in every scoop. Most store-bought cookies and cream ice cream is heavy on the cream and light on the cookies. When you make it yourself, you’re in control.
Chocoflan Recipe (Impossible Cake) | Mexican Chocolate Flan Cake
If you’ve never made Chocoflan before, you’re in for a real treat. This Mexican dessert combines two favorites in one incredible cake: rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla flan, and a bonus caramel layer. During baking, the layers magically switch places, creating the beautiful dessert known as Pastel Imposible, or “Impossible Cake.” The result is a show-stopping dessert that’s every bit as delicious as it looks. Looking for more easy dessert ideas to amaze your guests?
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