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Easy Recipes by Jess Bentley

@sliceofjess

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👩🏻‍🍳: Recipes You’ll Love + Food Finds
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The weather these past few days totally has me channeling all the fall, cozy vibes. Such a tease. I’m now craving some of my favorite autumn comfort foods. 🍁🍂
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BLOG —> https://sliceofjess.com/yellow-squash-casserole-with-shredded-chicken/
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INGREDIENTS:
* 1.5 lb. Chicken Breasts
* 6 tbsp. Salted Butter, divided
* 5 Yellow Squash, sliced
* 1 Sweet Onion, chopped
* 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
* 45 Ritz Crackers, crushed
* 16 oz. Cheddar Cheese, shredded
* 2 Eggs
* 1 cup Half and Half
* 2 tbsp. Fresh Thyme, chopped
* ½ tsp. Salt
* 1 tsp. Black Pepper
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DIRECTIONS:
1. Sauté the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of butter, making sure to flip halfway through. The chicken will be ready for shredding when it reaches an internal temp of 165F.
2. Remove the chicken from the skillet to shred. In the leftover juices, sauté the squash and sweet onion until softened. While the veggies are sautéing, crush the crackers, shred the cheese and chicken. Add the garlic to the skillet the last minute of sautéing, or until fragrant.
3. Preheat oven to 400F.
4. Once the vegetables are softened, add the shredded chicken, half the cheese, half the crackers, eggs, 2 tbsp. butter, half and half, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to the warm skillet. Mix until combined.
5. Transfer the casserole mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and crackers. Cut the remaining two tablespoons of butter into small cubes and randomly place on top of the cheesy cracker crust.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden. taken in Cornelius, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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a year ago

👋🏼: Hello, welcome to a slice of my kitchen and daily shenanigans! I don’t show my face much… so I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. I’m Jess (virtual hug), the gal behind the camera. It’s so nice to have you here; thank you for following along my adventures! I was born and raised in California and moved to North Carolina in 2012. I absolutely love being in the kitchen (can you tell?), and I hope that my recipes inspire you to cook with local, seasonal produce and eat a more colorful plate.
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🤪 Fun Facts: I’m a Leo, so obviously I am super social and outgoing… seriously, I’ll make friends with just about anyone. #socialbutterfly Unless you chew with your mouth open, that’s one of my few pet peeves (it’s the sound! I cringe). I’m pretty clumsy and almost cut my finger off, needing 12 stitches, while trying to pry open a frozen English muffin with a dull steak knife (true story). Then I sprained my ankle pretty badly while walking down the stairs about a week later. Fun times. Last year I fell face first on the sidewalk and ended up looking like Lloyd Christmas until I could get my front tooth fixed. Eeeek. I was named after a fictional duck in my older brother’s favorite childhood book (thanks @chuckbsmith 🦆) and I like to go running when I have free time… which seems to be far and in-between these days. Hope to get back to it soon. I was an accountant for 10 years before becoming a full-time blogger, so I guess you can say that I’m pretty fond of my excel spreadsheets and I own a Swingline stapler like Milton from Office Space. White daisy’s are my favorite flower (they’re so happy looking) and I can recite just about every episode of Friends by memory. Microwave nachos are my serious weakness and those who know me personally can vouch that they can always count on a Slim Jim in my purse for when they’re hungry (#sorrynotsorry). I’m terrible at dressing myself and actually matching… but I do love me some leopard print, hippy earrings, hairy shoes and purses.
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Favorite Quotes:
❤️: It’s never too late to be who you might have been.
🧡: Be true to your own taste, because something you really love is never out of style. taken in Charlotte, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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18

4 years ago

My grandma was known for many of her recipes, but this one was a regular at family gatherings. Fluffy potatoes served pipping hot in a creamy cheese sauce that’s dressed with a crunchy topping and herbs.
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BLOG —> https://sliceofjess.com/2023s-version-of-grandma-junes-cheesy-potatoes-recipe/
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INGREDIENTS:
30 oz. Frozen Shredded Hash Browns
½ cup Melted Butter
10.5 oz. Cream of Cheddar Soup
1 cup Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream)
1 small Yellow Onion, chopped
8 oz. Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded and divided
4 oz. Monterey Jack, shredded
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Paprika
½ tsp. Black Pepper
1 cup Crushed Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream Chips
½ cup Grated Parmesan
¼ cup Chopped Chives, for garnish
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DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour the frozen hash browns in a large bowl and mix together with the butter, cheddar soup, Greek yogurt, onion, half of the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and spices. Mix until combined.
2. Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the hashbrown mix into a 9x13 greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining sharp cheddar, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the top with crushed Ruffles chips. Top the chips with parmesan and place back in the oven for 10 minutes.
4. Once the chips have slightly browned, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to sit for 5 - 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped chives before serving. taken in Charlotte, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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3 years ago

Think moody bookstore/coffee shop nestled in the quaint downtown Cornelius Stars Hollow. Storewide savings. Coffee shop tunes. Beautiful small business vendors. Complementary homemade soup bar and apple cider punch. Come join us and hang with your besties! 🍁🍂🤎
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🍂 Gilmore Girls Party
🗓️ Sunday Oct 11, 2026
🕰️ 12pm-6pm
📍 21714 Catawba Ave Downtown Cornelius
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🧁 @sealedwithakissbakery
🎈 @housepartylakenorman
🎃 @theporchpop
☕️ @controlled.chaos.coffee
📚 @katiedowens @lakenormanbook
🌻 @theblossomistnc
🕯️ @merbleueco
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NO RSVP NECESSARY & THE EVENT IS FREE. taken in Nina's Boutique by @sliceofjess

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16

2 days ago

🍤 Sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy! These Coconut Shrimp Nugget Crostini are the ultimate party appetizer. 🤤

Coconut Shrimp Nugget Crostini

🥥 For the coconut-lime sauce:
• ¼ cup coconut cream
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes

🍯 For the crostini:
• 12 Just Shrimp Nuggets
• 12 toasted crostini slices or Melba toast
• ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini
• Hot honey, to taste
• ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
• Red pepper flakes + chives (optional)

How to make it:

Mix all coconut-lime sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook Just Shrimp Nuggets according to package directions.
Top each crostini with a shrimp nugget, coconut sauce, pepperoncini, a drizzle of hot honey, and toasted coconut flakes.
Garnish with red pepper flakes and chives, if desired. Serve immediately!

Save this recipe for your next holiday party! 🎄✨ #holidayappetizer #appetizer #recipe #foodtok #partyfood by @sliceofjess

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3 days ago

Need a quick appetizer for the game today? Give my sausage rolls a try! Simple, savory, and so satisfying.
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BLOG —> https://sliceofjess.com/the-best-easy-cheesy-homemade-sausage-rolls/
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INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. Ground Sausage
1/2 cup Bavarian Sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
1/2 cup Shredded Colby Jack
13.2 oz. Packaged Puff Pastry
2 Egg Yolks, whisked
2 tbsp. Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, as needed
Dijon Mustard, for serving
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INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 425F.
2. Mix the sausage, sauerkraut, and cheese in a large bowl.
3. Lay out the puff pastry and cut in half lengthwise. Divide the meat mixture among both sides, forming a log of sausage on top of each puff pastry.
4. Fold over the puff pastry to seal the meat inside the puff pastry into rolls. Cut each roll into 16 bite-sized pieces. Transfer each 16 pieces to a parchment-lined baking sheet. You will need two sheets.
5. Brush the tops of each roll with egg yolks and then sprinkle with the seasoning.
6. Bake, in two batches, for 18 - 20 minutes each, or until desired golden color. Transfer after baked to a wire rack to cool. Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.

Sausage Rolls | Game Day Appetizers | Football Food | Easy Appetizers | Appetizer Ideas | Slice of Jess taken in Cornelius, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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9 days ago

Cheesy, saucy, savory, and just everything you want in one skillet.
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BLOG: https://sliceofjess.com/cheesy-chicken-parm-meatballs-skillet/
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INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. Ground Chicken
1 Egg
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
1 cup Chopped Fresh Spinach
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Dried Italian Seasoning
3 cups Marinara
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
3 tbsp. Chopped Italian Parsley
Shredded Parmesan Cheese, for garnish
Red Pepper Flakes, optional for garnish
Toasted Baguette Slices, for serving
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INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix the ground chicken, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, spinach, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning in a large bowl until combined.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Pour the marinara in the bottom of an oven-safe skillet. Start to roll the meatballs and place them directly on top of the marinara. You should get about 15 meatballs.
3. Loosely tent with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Once baked, uncover the foil and sprinkle the entire skillet evenly with shredded mozzarella. Place back into the oven and crank on the broiler. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3 - 4 minutes.
4. Garnish with Italian parsley, shredded parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve with toasted baguette for dipping.

Meatballs | Meatball Skillet | Chicken Meatballs | Chicken Recipes | Comfort Foods | Easy Recipes | Slice Of Jess taken in Cornelius, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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13 days ago

You know what you need in your life? Some tiny pasta simmered in a veggie-packed broth, then garnished with Parmesan, black pepper, and herbs. The best.
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BLOG —> https://sliceofjess.com/my-grandmas-favorite-recipe-for-pastina-italian-penicillin/
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FOR THE ITALIAN PENICILLIN:
4 cups Chicken Stock
Parmesan Rind
1/2 Yellow Onion
2 Carrots, peeled and cut in half
2 Celery Stalks, cut in half
5 Garlic Cloves
1 Sprig Fresh Thyme, optional
1 tsp. Turmeric
1 tsp. Salt
2 tbsp. Butter
1 cup Pastina
1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Splash of Heavy Cream
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TO TASTE & GARNISH:
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Cracked Black Pepper
Chopped Italian Parsley, optional
Fresh Lemon Juice, optional
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INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Add the chicken stock, Parmesan rind, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and optional fresh thyme to a large pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and lower the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Using a slotted ladle or spoon, transfer the vegetables to a blender, making sure to remove the Parmesan rind and thyme sprig to disregard. Add turmeric, salt, along with some of the broth to the blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour the blended veggies back into the broth, add the butter, and stir to combine. Pour in the Pastina and simmer, uncovered, for 8 - 10 minutes. Stir about every minute or so to prevent sticking.
4. Once the Pastina is al dente, turn off the heat and stir in about 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and a splash of heavy cream.
5. Serve warm with more Parmesan, fresh cracked pepper, and optional Italian parsley and lemon juice.

Pastina | Pastina Recipes | Italian Penicilin | Comfort Foods | Cozy Recipes | Family Recipes | Home Cooked Meals taken in Cornelius, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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14 days ago

Come with us as we check out @puerta.clt and all their amazing menu items that feature @smfchicken! You seriously can’t go wrong with any of their offerings, but here’s what we ordered below! Amazing food, amazing atmosphere, amazing service! Be sure to stop by and give them a try.
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* Smoked Chicken Tinga Empanadas
* Esquites (corn, chili butter, lime, cotija)
* Chicken Tinga and Carne Asada Tacos
* Enmoladas Suizas
* Chicken Quesadilla
* Papas Bravas
* Crispy Adobo Chicken with Hominy Gratin
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CLTfood | CharlotteRestaurants | Support Local | CharlotteEats | SMFChicken | CLTNC | CharlotteNC | CLTeats taken in Charlotte, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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22 days ago

The Sandwich You’ll Crave on Repeat. Creamy pesto, tender shredded @smfchicken, fresh veggies, and golden toasted sourdough come together for the ultimate flavor-packed bite.
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BLOG —> https://sliceofjess.com/super-flavorful-pesto-chicken-salad-sandwiches/
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MAKING THE PESTO CHICKEN SALAD:
2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, (a little over 1 pound)
2/3 cup Mayonnaise, (or more to taste)
1/2 cup Basil Pesto
1/2 cup Shaved Parmesan
3 Green Onions, chopped
Squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice, (about 1 tbsp.)
Salt + Black Pepper, to taste
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TO MAKE INTO SANDWICHES:
Sliced Sourdough Bread, toasted
Mayonnaise
Lettuce
Sliced Tomatoes
Thinly Sliced Red Onion
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INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Poach the chicken and allow to slightly cool. Shred manually or use a stand-mixer to shred.
2. To a large bowl, add all ingredients for the pesto chicken salad and mix until well combined. Taste, and adjust salt + pepper per personal preference. Set in the refrigerator in a covered container until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
3. To make into sandwiches, serve over toasted bread with a layer of mayonnaise and then top with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Enjoy immediately.
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Recipe inspired by my recent visit to @rosemont.clt.

Pesto Chicken | Pesto Chicken Salad | Chicken Salad Sandwich | Lunch Ideas | SliceofJess taken in Charlotte, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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15

a month ago

We Will Never Forget. 9/11

I was a senior in high school, living in Lodi, California. I had gotten up a little early that day, maybe by 10 minutes, to get ready for school. I walked out to the living room to grab some water and my dad was glued to the television screen. The first plane had already hit. I sat down on our couch and asked what’s going on… he was silent. I started following along the news and what was unfolding. Then, I watched the second plane hit the South Tower live. My heart sank.

That day at school, there were no classes. Everyone stayed in their home room with the television on. The entire day. There was no social media, no iPhones… any information you’d get was from watching the news.

It truly was the day that the world stood still.

Be kind to one another today (and every day). So many lives cut short. So many families forever changed. May we forever remember those 2977 innocent lives lost. May we forever honor those brave first responders who ran towards danger when others fled. Forever Heros.

We remember, we honor, and we will never forget. taken in 9/11 Memorial by @sliceofjess

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2

a month ago

Give me some brothy soup + crusty bread to sop up the extra goodness… and call me a happy girl.
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BLOG —> https://sliceofjess.com/cozy-italian-soup-with-homemade-chicken-sausage/
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TO MAKE THE CHICKEN SAUSAGE:
1 lb. Ground Chicken , 92% Lean
1 tsp. Fennel Seeds
1 tsp. Sweet Paprika, (not smoked)
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
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FOR THE SOUP:
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Yellow Onion, chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, thinly sliced or minced
1 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
6 cups Chicken Stock
15 oz. Tomato Sauce
2 tbsp. Prepared Basil Pesto
1 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
1 Bay Leaf
8 oz. Small Dry Pasta Shells
1/4 cup Heavy Cream, warmed
1/2 bunch Kale, ribs removed
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
Salt + Pepper, to taste
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DIRECTIONS:
1. Gently mix all ingredients for the chicken sausage in a large bowl and then set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the chicken sausage mix and start breaking apart into bite-sized pieces. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken sausage to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onions and sauté for a few minutes, or until they’re starting to soften. Next add the garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant. About 1 additional minute. Then add the flour and stir to coat for another minute.
4. Pour in the chicken stock, tomato sauce, basil pesto, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, chicken sausage, and bring to a low boil. Once boiling, add the pasta shells and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the recommended al dente on the box.
5. One minute before the pasta is done, go ahead and add the warmed heavy cream, kale, and grated parmesan. Stir. Continue to simmer for another 1 - 2 minutes or until kale has slightly wilted.
6. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and then serve immediately.

Homemade Soup | Chicken Sausage | Italian Soup | Comfort Food | Soup Season | Fall Recipes | I love Fall taken in Cornelius, North Carolina by @sliceofjess

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8

a month ago