Baklava (Step by Step Instructions!)

Phyllo pastry and walnuts are layered together then baked until the pastry is deliciously flaky. A sweet honey syrup is poured over the top which soaks into the baklava and makes every bite heavenly.

If you love sweet dessert bars, also try these Neiman Marcus Bars and these Lemon Coconut Bars. You’ll love them!

Baklava Recipe

Baklava is one of the best desserts of all time! It’s made with flaky layers of buttered phyllo pastry stuffed with walnuts. Honey syrup is poured over the top so that every bit is deliciously sweet.

It’s a heavenly dessert recipe that is impossible to resist! And not only is it delicious, but it travels well and lasts a long time so you can share it with friends and family.

Where is Baklava From?

There is much debate about the origin of Baklava. Both Greece and Turkey claim to be the originators of the recipe. According to Wiki, the oldest known recipe that resembles baklava came from the Romans. You know that it’s a winning recipe if it’s remained popular for that many centuries!

How to Make Greek Baklava

This is a fairly simple recipe that is made in 4 steps.

1. The first thing you need to do is gather your ingredients. Phyllo pastry dries out quickly once it’s unwrapped so have everything ready to go before you open the package.
2. Assembling the baklava is all about layers. Eight layers of phyllo and butter line the bottom of a baking dish. Then comes some walnuts, more phyllo, more butter, more walnuts, and on you go until your ingredients run out.
3. Now you cut it into diamonds or rectangles then pop it into the oven.
4. Making the syrup is as easy as mixing some water, sugar, honey, and lemon juice together. Easy! And when you pull the baking dish out of the oven, pour the syrup over the top and let it soak into every nook and cranny.

Homemade Baklava Ingredients

• Walnuts: processed or chopped fine
• Cinnamon: yum!
• Salted butter: salted gives the baklava the best flavor
• Phyllo pastry: turns deliciously crisp when baked
• Honey syrup:made with water, honey, sugar, and a little lemon juice

How long Does Baklava Last?

This dessert will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

What’s The Best Way To Store It?

To keep this crispy, it is best stored uncovered in a container at room temperature. But if you prefer chewier baklava, then store it in your fridge.

Can I Freeze this Recipe?

Yes! Baklava freezes very well. Make sure that it is cooled completely then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Wrapping it once more in aluminum foil will help prevent any freezer burn.

Baklava Recipe Variations

Feel free to switch up the nuts you use and the type of citrus that you add to the syrup!

• Greek Baklava: made similar to this recipe with walnuts and honey
• Turkish Baklava: made with pistachios and a sugar syrup
• Persian Baklava: made with a rosewater syrup

Want More Delicious Dessert Recipes? Try One Of These!

• Melt in your Mouth Shortbread Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
• No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert
• Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars
• Easy Brown Butter Amond Cake

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Baklava Recipe

Phyllo pastry and walnuts are layered together then baked until the pastry is deliciously flaky. A sweet honey syrup is poured over the top which soaks into the baklava and makes every bite heavenly.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Greek

Keyword baklava, baklava recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Resting Time 2 hours

Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes

Servings 22 pieces

Calories 265kcal

Author Kristen Stevens

Ingredients

• 12 ounces walnuts halves or pieces
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup salted butter
• 16 ounces phyllo pastry thawed

The Honey Syrup

• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the walnuts and cinnamon in your food processor and pulse until chopped.
• Melt the butter in a pan or microwave.
• Cut the phyllo pastry in half so that you have 2 9" wide pieces

Step 2: Assemble the baklava

• Brush a layer of butter in the bottom of a 9x13” baking dish. Top with 2 sheets of phyllo pastry. Brush lightly with butter then add 2 more sheets of phyllo. Repeat this 2 more times so you have 8 sheets of phyllo pastry in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle 1/3 of the walnuts into the baking dish. Top with 2 sheets of phyllo. Brush the top of the phyllo with butter then repeat once more so that you have 4 sheets on top of the walnuts.
• Sprinkle another 1/3 of the walnuts into the baking dish. Top with 2 sheets of phyllo. Brush the top of the phyllo with butter then repeat once more so you have 4 sheets on top of the second layer of walnuts.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the walnuts into the baking dish.
• Add 2 more sheets of phyllo then brush the top with butter. Continue to add the phyllo and butter layers until you run out of phyllo pastry. Baste the top with any remaining butter.

Step 3: Cut and bake the baklava

• Cut the baklava into 4 long strips. Then make cuts diagonally so you have diamond-shaped pieces.
• Place the baking dish into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-35 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden on the top.

Step 4: Make the syrup

• While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. Warm the water and sugar in a small pot over high heat just until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the honey and lemon juice. Set it aside to cool.
• When the baklava has finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cool syrup over the top. Let it rest for at least two hours before serving.

Notes

Phyllo pastry needs to thaw before you can use it. Let it thaw for at least 1 hour at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

To keep the baklava crispy, lightly dab the melted butter over the phyllo pastry. Too much butter can make the dessert soggy. Also, make sure that the syrup is cool before you pour it over the hot baklava. 

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 132IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

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Homemade Ranch Dressing

Rich, creamy, and perfectly tangy Homemade Ranch Dressing is the perfect addition to any dish. If you are like most people ranch dressing is a staple in the kitchen.

This is made with my homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix which just makes that much more amazing. Try these other homemade mixes, for healthier and insanely easy, tasty dishes. Homemade Fajita Seasoning, The Best Taco Seasoning, and Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is an amazing combination of zesty herbs with garlic, onion and chive flavors in a creamy base. This recipe uses sour cream, mayo and milk. If you want a thinner dressing use a little bit more milk. If you want to use it as a dip, leave it a bit thicker and reduce the milk. Which ever way you make it, it’s going to be perfect.

This American household staple comes together in a cinch without the extra sugar or ingredients you can’t pronounce. It’s quite magical how tasty it is, it’ll make any old salad exquisite. It goes with everything from Buffalo Wings to Pizza. Making it from scratch is only going to make everything you put it on, taste that much better. It’s so creamy and divine. The flavor is out of this world too!

Ranch Ingredients

Super simple ingredients you can pronounce.

• Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix: Homemade is the best! Try this Homemade Ranch Season Mix.
• Sour Cream: Makes it rich and creamy, you can substitute plain greek yogurt.
• Mayonnaise: Do not use Miracle Whip, it’ll change the flavor
• Milk: For extra tanginess you can use more buttermilk.

Making Homemade Ranch

Quick and Easy, but the flavor is dynamite.

1. Mix: In a medium sized bowl mix all the ingredients together with a whisk
2. Storage: This will last as long as your dairy products will last so check your sour cream and milk dates. Do not freeze.

Where did Ranch Dressing Come from?

A Nebraska born Cowboy named Steve Hensen invented the original Ranch Dressing in Alaska where he was a plumber and cook for his fellow workers. He then perfected it on the actual Hidden Valley “Dude” Ranch he and his wife owned in the 1950’s.

He started selling the much asked about dressing to help make ends meet on the ranch and eventually ended up selling the first dry mix packets in stores. It took off and in 1970 he sold the brand and the product for 8 million dollars. By the 1980’s it had ousted Italian as America’s most popular dressing. And now you can have this iconic dressing homemade the way it was meant to be.

Ranch Dressing Variations

Use this recipe as a base for fun variations

• Bacon: Adding bacon to anything is amazing.Try adding in bacon crumbles, because… bacon, my friends, bacon!
• Cheese: Shred a mixture of cheeses to make a cheesy ranch.Add in finely shredded parmesan or a mixture of different cheeses for Homemade Three Cheese Ranch!
• Pepper: Add crushed black peppercorns for a bite.
• Spice: Add jalapeños peppers for a perfect jalapeño ranch.
• Mexican: Mix it with your favorite salsa to add to Tacos
• Avocado: Blend in avocado for a tasty avocado ranch.

More Homemade Inspiration

Homemade always tastes better and surprisingly easy.

• Crunchy Homemade Croutons
• Insanely Good Homemade Granola
• Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
• Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• The Easiest Homemade Pizza Ever

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Homemade Ranch Dressing

Rich, creamy, and perfectly tangy Homemade Ranch Dressing is the perfect addition to any dish. If you are like most people ranch dressing is a staple in the kitchen. 

Course Dressing

Cuisine American

Keyword homemade ranch dressing, ranch, ranch dressing

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 10 Tablespoons

Calories 110kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup milk more if needed

Instructions

• In a medium sized bowl whisk the ranch mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth. Refrigerate the leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 40mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

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Hot Corn Dip

Hot Corn Dip is super cheesy, packed with flavor and such a crowd pleaser. This always one of the first dips to disappear!

This Corn Dip is a good companion to Crispy Fried Pickles and Cream Cheese Wontons for appetizers that are sure to be a favorite, but are a little different than your average artichoke dip. You will love this!

Hot Corn Dip

Sweet luscious corn is combined with savory peppers and spices and then intertwined with ooey gooey cheese. What’s not to love? It’s fairly simple and the ingredients are adaptable. It’ll be your go-to appetizer for parties, gatherings, and holidays. People will be asking you to bring this to your next event.

The wonderful thing about this is you can make it year round. It’s bright and colorful and full of tantalizing flavors. I love this appetizer because it’s different from your typical dips and it’s so GOOD! It’s surprisingly tasty, and oh so addicting. Good luck getting it to the table before it’s gone!

Corn Dip Ingredients

Simple ingredients, dynamite taste! Don’t let this list intimate you, all the flavors become amazing once mixed together.

• Olive oil: This is to sauté the onion, red pepper and jalapeños pepper.
• Onion: Dice the onion finely, not huge chunks
• Red Pepper: Finely chop the pepper so it’s easier to dip
• Jalapeños: Use Serrano peppers if you want a spicier dish
• Corn: Sweet and savory all at the same time
• Cream Cheese: Soften your cream cheese before using
• Sour Cream: Add a lovely depth and creaminess
• Colby Jack Cheese: You’ll divide your cheese and use it two different times
• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Perfect combo of spices for this hot dip.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste!
• Green Onion: Slice these up to garnish

Making Hot Corn Dip

A little bit of prep and a little bit of cooking makes for a whole lot of eating!

1. Sauté: In a medium saucepan heat the olive oil and saute the onion and peppers till just tender
2. Mix: In a medium bowl mix the peppers, corn, cream cheese, sour cream, spices and 1 cup of cheese. Stir till combined
3. Bake: Spread the mixture in a lightly greased 2 quart casserole dish or cast iron skillet. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 min, till hot and bubbly. Garnish with green onions

Cheesy Hot Corn Dip Tips and Variations

• Corn:The great thing about this recipe is you can use fresh, canned or even frozen corn. For a deeper rich caramelized flavor sauté your corn before adding it to the dip.
• Heat: Add more jalapeños or leave some of the seeds in if you want it spicier.
• Green Chilies: You can add a can of green chilies for a bigger flavor and kick.
• Spices: To add different zing, try subbing out the chili powder for Chipotle chili powder. Change out the paprika for smoked paprika for an intense smoky flavor. Add cumin too for an extra Mexican spice punch.
• Cheese: The cheese can be substituted. You can use cheddar, pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese or a mixture of them all.
• Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream you can use Mayonnaise instead, but do not use Miracle Whip.  Honestly that would ruin it.
• Make ahead: You can easily put this together and throw it in the fridge till you need it. When ready pop it in the oven and cook as directed. You may need a bit longer to get the center done if it’s been cold long.

What to Serve with Corn Dip

• Tortilla Chips
• Pretzels
• Crackers
• Fritos
• Veggies
• Potato Chips

Slow Cooker Corn Dip

You can make this in the slow cooker if that works best for you. Throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours till bubbly. Turn to warm and serve. It’s kind of nice to use a slow cooker to serve from because it will keep it warm and gooey during your event.

More Delish Dipping Appetizers

Everyone loves to dip things, try these for your next party.

• The Best Hummus 
• Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso
• 2 Ingredient Cheesecake Dip
• Guacamole 
• Mouthwatering Cowboy Caviar

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Hot Corn Dip

Hot Corn Dip is super cheesy, packed with flavor and such a crowd pleaser. This always one of the first dips to disappear! 

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword corn dip, hot corn dip

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 8 People

Calories 279kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion diced
• 1 red pepper diced
• 1 jalapeño seeds removed and diced
• 2 15 ounce cans corn
• 8 ounce cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups Colby jack cheese shredded and divided
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper
• sliced green onion for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium sized saucepan add the olive oil, onion, red pepper, and jalapeño. Cook over medium high heat until tender.
• In a medium sized bowl add pepper mixture, corn, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, chili powder, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
• Spread in a 2 quart casserole dish or small skillet. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly golden brown. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1351IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 271mg | Iron: 1mg

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Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

Perfectly seasoned, Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix is easy, quick and oh so good! Reach for this seasoning mix knowing all the ingredients right inside.

Ranch dressing mix is so versatile and can be used in so many ways from Café Rio’s Cilantro Ranch Dressing to Slow Cooker Ranch Mashed Potatoes. You will reach for this again and again. Homemade is always better!

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

When you look at the ingredients of a ranch mix or dressing, you’ll always find things in it you can’t pronounce or perhaps isn’t sure what it is. Change that and make your own Ranch Mix, it’s even better than the store bought mix and healthier, since you’ll know exactly what’s in it.

When you see how easy this is you’ll never buy the store mix again. You probably have most of the ingredients already sitting in your pantry. You will love how much you can do with it. Not only does it make the most delectable dressing and dip but you can add it anywhere you want that tangy rich ranch flavor. Keep it handy for all occasions. Your family and friends will love it. Once you’ve had Homemade Ranch Seasoning you’ll never go back, it’s just that noticeably different and amazing.

Ranch Mix Ingredients

This contains just herbs and buttermilk powder mixed together. The ingredients are so simple and comes together quickly and easily!

• Buttermilk Powder: This is a dry substance that will enhance the creaminess in the ranch.
• Dried Parsley and Dried Dill: Both of these seasonings have so much flavor.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Together they blend well and add to the ranch once made.
• Dried Chives: A hint of zest from the onion stalk that is hidden throughout the mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch will go a long way!

Making Ranch Seasoning

This is so easy, there’s nothing to it! Mix together, store in a sealed jar and get ready to use often.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl whisk all the ingredients together until completely combined.
2. When Making Ranch: 3 Tablespoons is equivalent to one dry packet of ranch mix.

Ranch Dressing Recipe

If making ranch dressing whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 3/4 cup milk. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days long.

The Recipe Critic Pro Tip:

If you want your “chunky” herbs to be smaller, mix this in a food processor to make it fine and even.

What is Buttermilk Powder?

Buttermilk powder can be found in the baking section of most grocery stores. Be sure to pick yours up today to make this delicious homemade ranch seasoning!

• Buttermilk Powder: So it’s exactly what you think it is, dehydrated Buttermilk in powder form and it’s awesome stuff
• Uses: This can be used in anything you use buttermilk for and it keeps for months. Use in waffles, pancakes and biscuits.
• Refrigerate: Because it is a dairy, once you open the container and once you mix up this seasoning you will NEED to store it in the fridge.
• Find it: Look for Buttermilk powder in the baking isle near the powdered milk, and evaporated milk.

Tips and Uses of Ranch Mix

Need more reasons to make this and keep it around, here’s a list for you.

• Add: Great use for flour dredge when making chicken, beef or fish.
• Sprinkle: Enhance your popcorn, roasted potatoes or veggies by sprinkling over top.
• Mix: Create a delicious bread by melting butter and brush on bread sticks, French Bread, or toast.
• Add: Mix it in butter on the outside of toasted cheese sandwiches.
• Use: In pasta, potato, chicken and even Mexican dishes to add extra zing.

Storing Ranch Seasoning

This mix is quick and easy to make that storing it is a simple step to ensuring its freshness. Simply add the seasoning to a sealed jar or container. 3 Tablespoons is the same as a ranch dry seasoning packet from the store. This seasoning will last about 3 months in a sealed jar stored in a dry, cool area. This does not need to be refrigerated.

More Ranch Inspiration

So many ways to use this amazing mix, here are a few places you can begin.

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
• Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
• Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
• Cheesy Chicken, Bacon and Broccoli Ranch Pasta
• Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip

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Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

Perfectly seasoned, Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix is easy, quick and oh so good!

Course Dressing, Seasoning

Cuisine American

Keyword homemade ranch, homemade ranch seasoning mix, ranch, ranch seasoning mix

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 3 Tablespoons

Calories 92kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup buttermilk powder
• 1 Tablespoon dried chives
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• In a small mixing bowl whisk together buttermilk powder, chives, parsley, dill, garlic, onion, salt and pepper.
• Add the seasoning to a sealed jar or container for proper storing.

Notes

3 Tablespoons powder is the equivalent to one packet dry ranch mix.
If making ranch dressing whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 3/4 cup milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 885mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 255mg | Iron: 1mg

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