Potluck Season

It’s Potluck season! With one social gathering after the next, food costs can accumulate quickly. Whether you’re making a meal for the office, a gathering of loved ones, or other social function, we want to help you keep the cost low. Meatballs and Mac & Cheese Cups are simple but sure to please the crowd. Both dishes can be used as an appetizer, entrée, or side dish. Get the most bang for  your buck. Make it through potluck season without breaking the bank. Adjust the ingredients as needed for your preferred taste and budget.

Baked Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef, 90% lean (or ground turkey)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk, 1% (or non-fat)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients, shape into balls (about 24 meatballs)

2. Arrange on baking sheets that have been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

3. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. It is best to use a food safety thermometer to check for doneness (it should read 160°F for ground beef and 165°F for ground turkey).

4. If meatballs are being saved for future use, chill rapidly; package in amounts needed per meal and freeze immediately.

Recipe and Nutrition Facts accessed at:

https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/baked-meatballs

Mac and Cheese Cups

Directions:

• 8-ounce pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves of garlics (minced)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Tip: Using a smaller pasta such as elbow or shell macaroni makes filling the cup easier.

Instructions

1. Butter all 12 cups of a standard size muffin tin and set aside. Place a pot of salted water over high heat on the stovetop to boil and preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the pasta, according to the package directions, or until firm.
3. While the pasta is cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Whisk in the salt, pepper, and flour until the flour is smooth. 
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and heat until just boiling, then remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
6. Once the pasta is done cooking, drain well, and gently stir into the cheese sauce.
7. Divide the pasta among the 12 muffin cups.
8. Top evenly with the breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are just starting to brown. 
10. Let cool completely before removing from the pan. You may need to loosen the cups with a butter knife before gently removing them from the pan.

Recipe and Nutrition Facts accessed at: https://deliciouslittlebites.com/honey-oat-topped-baked-mac-cheese/

All of the ingredients for the above recipes are SNAP eligible. For questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or to receive Application Assistance contact the More In My Basket staff:

Visit: morefood.org

English Toll Free: 1-855-240-1451

Spanish Toll Free: 1-888-382-7105