Everyone loves Taco Tuesday, right?! Well this super simple, flavor-packed Taco Tater Tot Casserole makes it easy to enjoy the bold flavors of taco night...any night of the week. With ingredients you know and love, made in just one pan, this is dinner done fast and done well!

Made with seasoned beef, all your favorite taco flavors and toppings, and a layer of golden brown tater tots, this Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a twist on traditional Taco Night that's oh so delicious and perfect for the whole family.

If you like this easy Mexican-inspired casserole, be sure to try some of our other quick and delicious dinner recipes with similar flavors. We love this Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole, these super easy and tasty Viral 4-Ingredient Taco Cups, this hearty Frito Taco Casserole, and this unique and flavor-packed Taco Pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: This delicious casserole comes together in just one pan, making prep, cook time and clean up an absolute breeze. It's cooked and baked in the same skillet, so no need to dirty a bunch of different dishes!
• Delicious Twist on Taco Night: We all love a good Taco Tuesday or taco night. And this is a fun and new way to enjoy everyone's favorite meal, in skillet form. You get all the same flavors in an exciting new dish.
• Feeds a Crowd: Casseroles are always great to serve a family or a large group, and because this is made in one big skillet and it's customizable, it's the perfect meal to get on the table for the whole family.
• Quick and Flavorful Dinner Idea: With a handful of familiar and easy-to-find ingredients, plus a simple cooking method, this dinner comes together fast, and they're flavors everyone in the family will enjoy.

Laura Ashley's Tip: We are using ground beef in this recipe, but feel free to change up the meat! Ground chicken or turkey are also delicious in this recipe too.

Ingredients

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

• Ground Beef: The meat and main protein in this casserole. We like lean ground beef for it's meaty flavor and crumbled texture when it's browned. It's just like the classic taco meat everyone knows and loves!
• Onion: Yellow or sweet onion works best here but use whatever you have on hand. This aromatic adds nice flavor to the beef.
• Canned Beans: Black, pinto or charro are our favorites for this recipe. They add more fiber, protein, flavor and texture to the casserole. Use your favorite variety.
• Shoepeg or Mexicorn: With slightly smaller kernels and a touch sweeter than yellow corn, this brings a nice sweet flavor, texture and pop of color to the casserole. If you can't find shoepeg or mexicorn, canned, fresh or frozen yellow corn works perfectly too.
• Salsa: Use whatever flavor or style you prefer here. There are so many different varieties to choose from, so use your favorite. This adds a nice zip, tang, and signature taco-esque flavor to the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream: Rich, tangy, and another signature "taco night" ingredient, this gives the beef mixture a nice creamy and velvety consistency.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and buttery, this makes everything melty and delicious.
• Frozen Tater Tots: Use your favorite variety from the freezer section - you can't go wrong here! Once cooked, these are crispy, golden and perfectly potatoey, making them the ideal topping for this casserole.
• Olive Oil (optional): Gives the tots an extra crispy exterior.
• Toppings: Pick and choose what you and your family like here. Fresh toppings take this taco casserole to a fresh and crunchy level. We like sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, more sour cream, and guacamole.

Tools You’ll Need

• 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or Large Oven-Safe Skillet
• Meat Chopper
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cheese Grater

How To Make Tater Tot Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in diced onion and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add beans, corn, salsa, and sour cream. Stir until combined.

5. Fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes.

6. Arrange the frozen tater tots over the beef mixture in an even layer, in a circular pattern, starting with a row along the edge of the pan and working your way in. For an extra crispy crust, spritz with olive oil. Season with additional taco seasoning or salt and pepper, if desired.

7. Bake 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are nearly golden brown. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or chives. Serve taco sauce, hot sauce, additional salsa or spicy ranch on the side.

Pro Tips

• Choose The Right Pan: I recommend using a large, round, heavy oven-safe skillet to make this casserole. I like a cast iron skillet or shallow dutch oven best. They conduct and hold heat well, so everything will cook and warm through evenly. Plus, all of the ingredients fit nicely and it looks extra mouthwatering when it comes out of the oven when it's time to serve! Alternatively, you can use a 13"x9" pan. Simply make the beef base mixture in a skillet, then pour the mixture into your baking dish before topping with the tots.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: You can certainly use pre-shredded cheese for ease, but taking time to freshly hand shred your own ensures the casserole is super melty and delicious.
• Get The Tots Golden: It might take an extra 5 minutes or so, but let the tater tots get nice and golden brown before adding the rest of the cheese and toppings. A crispy, crunchy topping is the best!

Storage and Freezing

If you've got leftovers, great news! This meal is delicious the next day, too. Here are the best ways to keep them fresh and flavorful.

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. When you're ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also rewarm in the microwave if you're in a pinch.
• Freezer: You can freeze this casserole, too! When you're ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warm. Then simply add your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Change The Protein. Ground beef is a classic taco-style meat to use here, but feel free to use whatever you like or have on hand. Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even a combination could work. Whatever you use will take on the delicious flavors of the seasonings you add.
• Sour Cream Tips: This one is definitely for the sour cream lovers. If you want to decrease the amount of sour cream, you can opt for more salsa and less sour cream (i.e. 1 ½ cups salsa and ½ cup sour cream). You can also substitute 1 cup of sour cream with 8 ounces softened cream cheese.
• Get Creative with Garnishes. This recipe calls for some of the signature taco toppings to garnish with, but get creative! Pickled onions, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, crunchy tortilla chips or fresh jalapeno slices would also be delicious on top. Of course, a dollop of my homemade Guacamole and Pico de Gallo and game over! SO good!
• Add More Veggies. If you're looking to bulk up your filling, or you simply want to use up some veggies you have on hand, go for it. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms or additional beans would go perfectly in this casserole.
• Amp Up The Heat. Add in a can of diced green chilies, some chopped jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne if you're looking to really spice things up!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Casserole Recipes

• Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
• Crockpot Pizza Casserole
• Old Fashioned Squash Casserole
• Swiss Chicken Stuffing Casserole

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Taco Tater Tot Casserole

This Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a total winner with family and friends, plus it's made simply in just an hour. With 10 ingredients, it has a seasoned Mexican filling on the bottom, and crunchy tater tots on top. What's not to love!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword beef

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 day day 1 hour hour

Servings 12 servings

Calories 296kcal

Ingredients

• 1-1 ¼ pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup diced yellow or sweet onion
• 1 packet taco seasoning divided
• ½ cup canned beans (black, pinto or charro) drained and rinsed
• ½ cup shopeg corn or mexicorn drained
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
• Olive Oil Spritz optional
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in diced onion and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add beans, corn, salsa, and sour cream. Stir until combined.
• Fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Arrange the frozen tater tots over the beef mixture in an even layer, in a circular pattern, starting with a row along the edge of the pan and working your way in. For an extra crispy crust, spritz with olive oil. Season with additional taco seasoning or salt and pepper, if desired.
• Bake 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are nearly golden brown. Sprinkle evenly on top the remaining cheese and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Cool 5 minutes prior to serving. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or chives. Serve taco sauce, hot sauce, additional salsa or spicy ranch on the side.

Video

Notes

Storage: 

• • Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. When you're ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also rewarm in the microwave if you're in a pinch.

• • Freezer: You can freeze this casserole, too! When you're ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warm. Then simply add your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Substitutions:

• • • Change The Protein. Ground beef is a classic taco-style meat to use here, but feel free to use whatever you like or have on hand. Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even a combination could work. Whatever you use will take on the delicious flavors of the seasonings you add.
    • Sour Cream Tips: This one is definitely for the sour cream lovers. If you want to decrease the amount of sour cream, you can opt for more salsa and less sour cream (i.e. 1 ½ cups salsa and ½ cup sour cream). You can also substitute 1 cup of sour cream with 8 ounces softened cream cheese.
    • Get Creative with Garnishes. This recipe calls for some of the signature taco toppings to garnish with, but get creative! Pickled onions, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, crunchy tortilla chips or fresh jalapeno slices would also be delicious on top.
    • Add More Veggies. If you're looking to bulk up your filling, or you simply want to use up some veggies you have on hand, go for it. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms or additional beans would go perfectly in this casserole.
    • Amp Up The Heat. Add in a can of diced green chilies, some chopped jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne if you're looking to really spice things up!

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 881mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 499IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Taco Tater Tot Casserole appeared first on Dinner in 321.

I was first introduced to this chocolatey goodness at Serendipity 3 in New York City. Oprah deemed their Frozen Hot Chocolate as one of her “Favorite Things,” so you know I had to make it my mission to try one on my next visit to the city. Let me tell ya…it was love at first sip!

Every visit to the city since has required a visit to this little gem! They go all out for the holidays with their decor and have a lot more yummy goodies other than their Frozen Hot Chocolate. My second favorite is their Strawberry Fields Sundae: Cheesecake, Strawberry Ice Cream, and Strawberry Topping with Whipped Cream!

When we opened our restaurant Thyme on Broadway in 2015, we found at a food show that Ghirardelli sold a Frozen Hot Chocolate mix! It was an instant addition to our drink menu. Serendipity 3 sells one as well, but not in the bulk size we needed for the restaurant. It is the best blend of bittersweet chocolate notes balanced with the right amount of sweetness. The Frozen Hot Chocolate was our #1 seller at the restaurant, and I always make sure there’s a container in my pantry for celebrations or when that sweet craving hits!

What You’ll Need

• Ghirardelli Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix (This canister will make 15 drinks.)
• Milk
• Ice
• Optional: Whipped Cream and Garnishes (noted below)

Tools You’ll Need

• Blender
• Measuring Cups

How to Make This Recipe

1. The brand of blender and type of ice will make the ice amount and time to blend vary. (See tips below) To the blender, add milk, ice (start with 1 cup), then the frozen hot chocolate mix. Blend until the ice is crushed fine and the mixture billows smoothly from the sides through the middle of the blender. If too thin, add more ice and blend again. Too thick, add a little milk.
2. Pour in a cup and top with whipped cream and desired garnishes.

Tips and Substitutions

• You can get creative with garnishes:
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Caramel
  • Chocolate Shavings
  • Sprinkles
  • Strawberry Syrup
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Cherries
  • Fresh Berries
• There is also a Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix that is sold in some stores. It has directions for a Frozen Hot Chocolate on the back. In a pinch, I’d use this…but the Frozen Hot Chocolate mix is our preference.
• The type of ice makes a difference in the texture and cohesiveness of the blend. I recommend a firmer large chunk of ice rather than a rabbit size, shaved, or crushed ice. They yield a more watery result.
• The type of blender makes a difference in the time to blend and the smoothness of the ice. At the restaurant, we tried a few brands and found that Vitamix hands down made the best blend. While they still yielded a yummy result, we found that the cheaper blenders lent a chunkier ice and a less desirable texture. Of course, you can still use whatever blender you have on hand and it will still taste scrumptious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Like This

• Frozen Hot Chocolate Pie
• Rich and Thick Hot Chocolate

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Frozen Hot Chocolate

Chocolate heaven, insanely delicious, and easy to make, this frozen hot chocolate is perfect to cool you down and warm your heart!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1-1 ¼ cups ice chunks
• ½ cup Ghirardelli Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix (1 of the scoops that comes in the canister)
• Whipped Cream
• Chocolate Drizzle

Instructions

• Add to the blender milk, ice (start with 1 cup), then the mix. Blend until the ice is crushed fine and the mixture billows smoothly from the sides through the middle in the blender. If too thin, add more ice and blend again. If too thick, add a little milk and blend again
• Pour in a cup and top with whipped cream and garnish as desired. ENJOY!

Video

The post Frozen Hot Chocolate appeared first on Dinner in 321.

Holiday punch has been around for thousands of years and there are probably thousands of punch recipes. They might be fruity, sour, dolloped with sherbet or ice cream, spiked, topped with pop or filled with fresh produce. This Slush Punch Recipe uses just six easy ingredients; sugar, strawberry Jello, lemonade, Hawaiian punch, pineapple juice and ginger ale!

This easy holiday punch has been a tried and true family recipe for several decades! Mom always has stocked in the freezer and ready to pull out one container at a time. This is a nonalcoholic drink recipe but feel free to add some vodka to make it a cocktail punch for the adults!

Festive drinks during the holiday season are some of my favorite things to make. I also love a creamy hot chocolate or frozen hot chocolate served at a party. 

“This has to be the world’s greatest slush punch recipe! It was love at first sip! My whole family loved it!”

Sara F., TikTok

Looking for a delicious punch you can make on-the-spot and serve? Check out my friend Jesseca's Fruit Punch! It's quick-to-make, customizable, and has all the fruity flavors you love in a celebration drink!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Make Ahead Treat: This is the best punch for many reasons but a big one it’s one thing you can take off your plate well before your celebration! Simply transfer to the refrigerator the day before serving.
• Few Ingredients with Maximum Flavor: This sweet drink has just 6 simple ingredients and is made in 1 bowl. It has the perfect combination of flavors.
• Stores Well in the Freezer: Frozen separate containers makes for easier thawing as well as rationing to the number of people you intend to be serving. You can serve it at multiple occasions!
• Mix and Match Favorite Flavors: The perfect punch has loads of bright, refreshing flavors that you can substitute, add-to, and alter as desired. It can be served with or without alcohol as well.

What is Slush Punch?

Slush punch which often tastes like a slushy drink, has been around for so many years. It's a great party beverage since it can serve so many people. The best part about this easy drink recipe is that it can be made with so many different flavors.

This tasty fruit drink is made with minimal ingredients, my favorite version uses strawberry Jello, frozen lemonade, Hawaiian punch, pineapple juice and is topped with ginger ale. The best part of making slush punch is that it makes a large batch and can be easily made ahead and stored in the freezer. Adding the Jello to the punch creates the slushy consistency.

Try using your favorite fruit juices, lemon or lime flavor of Jell-o, and favorite fruit sodas to make your own delicious recipe. You can even add alcohol like vodka to serve to make it a cocktail!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Sugar: Enhances sweetness; balances the tartness from citrus ingredients.
• Strawberry Jello Mixes: Adds flavor and can contribute to the overall texture of the slush.
• Frozen Lemonade Concentrate: Contributes a refreshing citrus taste and helps balance the sweetness.
• Hawaiian Punch: Adds citrus flavors and a vibrant color to the punch.
• Pineapple Juice: Provides a tropical pineapple flavor, sweetness, and acidity.
• Ginger Ale: It adds effervescence, creating a bubbly and refreshing quality to the punch. It also contributes its distinct ginger flavor, which can add a hint of spice and warmth to the punch.

Pro Tip: Freeze the punch ahead of time. Adding the Jello to the punch is the secret to this recipe that gives it its amazing slushy consistency.

Tools You’ll Need

• Potato Masher or Chopper
• Punch Cups
• Punch Bowl
• Whisk

How to Make this Easy Punch Recipe

1. This is one of those recipes you need to plan in advance. It needs time to freeze so that it slushes properly when it’s time to celebrate.
2. The mixture is simple to make. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan on the stove top. The boiling water dissolves the sugar in the Jello mixture and the flavors will bloom together.

3. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined then place in the freezer. The entire batch can be frozen in one large container, but it’s best to separate in smaller containers if you plan on having it on more than one occasion or if you want to pull out a few containers at a time.

4. When it’s party time, place your desired amount of punch in a large punch bowl and break apart into large chunks with a sharp kitchen item like a butter knife or masher. Pour ginger ale on top of the slush mixture, then ladle and serve. Cheers!

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

• Try using different fruit juices, juice concentrates, flavors of fruit Jello, as well as different fruit flavored sodas.
• If desired, you can substitute with sugar-free alternatives or adjust the amount of sugar.
• Instead of ginger ale, you can also use a bottle of lemon-lime soda like Sprite 7-Up, Ale-8 One, or your favorite bottle of soda.
• If desired, you can add desired spirits for an adult version. Commonly used spirits in this blend are Malibu rum and vodka. Add 1 cup of vodka or rum or more depending on taste and strength of cocktail.  
• Optional garnishes for this punch include fresh lime slices, strawberries, orange slices, a festive homemade ice ring, or fresh cranberries that have been briefly soaked in orange juice or a simple syrup.
• We freeze punch in 9 32 ounce airtight container tumblers. You can use a larger or smaller size container, depending on your storage space and how much you intent to serve at one time. Just ensure the container has extra room as the mixture expands slightly as it freezes.

Storage

The best part about this recipe is in order to make it correctly, it must be frozen in advance! I find it best to freeze this punch in large ziptop bags laying flat so they stack easily and can be defrosted in batches during a party. You can also freeze them in individual containers or tumblers. Ensure you leave extra room in the container to allow for expansion during freezing.

How to Serve Slushy Punch

The beauty of this luscious slush punch recipe is you can serve it in a big punch bowl for a party and it will stay very cold for several hours or you can serve in single serving cups.

If you want to add a festive touch, trying adding a sugared rim to the cocktail glass or garnish with a cocktail pick with a citrus wheel.

FAQs

More Holiday Recipes To Try

• Chocolate Covered Ritz Crackers
• Holiday Dinner Party Salad
• Caramel Chex Mix
• Bisquick Sausage Balls

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Slush Punch (Easy Punch Recipe)

This Easy Slush Punch is just 6 ingredients and great to make ahead. It's made with Jello and can be stored in the freezer too! Customize this nonalcoholic drink with your favorite juices or sodas.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword holidays

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry jello
• 12 ounces frozen lemonade thawed
• 1 gallon orange Hawaiian punch
• 2 (46 ounce) cans pineapple juice
• 2 liters ginger ale

Instructions

• In a large container, whisk together water, sugar and jello until well combined. Whisk in lemonade, pineapple juice and orange punch. Pour into containers and freeze until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

• Try using different fruit juices, flavors of fruit Jello, as well as different fruit flavored sodas.
• If desired, you can substitute with sugar-free alternatives.
• If desired, you can add desired spirits. Commonly used spirits in this blend are rum and vodka. Add 1 to 2 cups depending on taste and strength of cocktail.

The post Slush Punch (Easy Punch Recipe) appeared first on Dinner in 321.

You’ll love having this homemade hot chocolate recipe for family or guests around the holidays. It’s perfect to have set-up on the stovetop on low or on warm in the crockpot along with a variety of toppings.

With just 15 minutes, it's the perfect holiday snack or dessert that's made from scratch and not from the packet. It really makes all the difference.

This cocoa recipe is extra special because I show you how to make it with real chocolate and no cocoa powder. This is a true chocolate lover's dream!

I love making cocoa inspired desserts, try my hot chocolate rice krispie treats, frozen hot chocolate pie, or frozen hot chocolate! Another made from scratch hot chocolate that I love is Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate! It's made with semi-sweet dark chocolate and paired with heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Hot Chocolate

• Easy to Make: With only 5 basic ingredients and less than 15 minutes to make, it’s an easy sweet treat for cool days.
• Versatile: You can easily swap or change ingredients to your taste preference.
• Precious Memories: Sipping on cocoa often brings back happy memories from childhood.
• Terrific Toppings: Add your favorite toppers like marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint, and more!

Choosing Quality Chocolate

The foundation of any exceptional hot cocoa recipe lies in the chocolate itself. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60% and good quality milk chocolate chips.

Using cheap chocolate can significantly impact the taste and overall quality of the beverage. They can contain a higher proportion of sugar and less cocoa, contain more fillers such as vegetable oils or waxes, contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and leave a bitter aftertaste.

Pro Tip: Be sure to use high quality chocolate, one with 60% cocoa content for the best homemade recipe.

Ingredients

• Cornstarch: Gives this homemade recipe its thick and luxurious texture.
• Milk: Forms the bulk of the drink, providing creaminess, richness, and a smooth texture.
• Dark Chocolate Bars and Milk Chocolate Chips: Serves as the base flavoring, providing the rich, chocolatey taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness while balancing the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need

• Small Saucepan
• Whisk
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board

How to make Creamy Hot Chocolate

1. To a medium saucepan on medium heat, add 3 ½ cups of milk. To the reserved ½ cup of milk, whisk in cornstarch until blended well and set aside.

2. When bubbles appear around edge of the pan, add both chocolates, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and stir until smooth.

3. Whisk in the cornstarch milk mixture.

4. Taste a spoonful to see if it’s at your desired sweetness. Bring to a light boil, then immediately reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and either rest for 5 minutes prior to serving or pour in a Crockpot set to warm. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Tips and Substitutions

• Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60%. The higher the cocoa content, the richer and more intense the flavor will be.
• Thickening Agents: Besides cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives for thickening the hot chocolate. These starches work similarly to cornstarch and provide a smooth, thick texture.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. These alternatives can add sweetness while contributing to the overall thickness.
• Nut Butters: Add a small spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut spread to your cocoa. These nut butters not only add thickness but also impart a delightful nutty flavor.
• Coconut Cream: Replace regular milk with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Coconut cream adds richness and a subtle coconut flavor, making it a popular choice for thickening.
• Spices and Flavorings: Enhance the flavor and thickness by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Hot Chocolate Variations

1. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of chili powder to your mug for a warm, spicy kick. You can also experiment with cardamom or ginger for unique flavors.
2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract or add crushed candy canes to create a refreshing peppermint-flavored beverage. Top it with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
3. Orange Hot Chocolate: Infuse your hot cocoa with a hint of orange by adding orange zest or a splash of orange extract.
4. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Drizzle caramel sauce inside your mug before pouring in the hot chocoalte. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top and stir gently.
5. Coconut Hot Chocolate: Replace regular milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. Top your drink with whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
6. Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a shot of freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee to this recipe for a mocha-flavored delight.
7. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate: Stir in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter until it melts completely. The rich, nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Top with whipped cream and chopped peanuts for extra texture.
8. Raspberry Hot Chocolate: Add a splash of raspberry syrup or a handful of fresh raspberries.
9. Cozy Chai Hot Chocolate: Steep a chai tea bag in hot milk before adding chocolate. Remove the tea bag and stir in your favorite chocolate.
10. S'mores Hot Chocolate: Top your mug with mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows for that authentic s'mores flavor.
11. White Hot Chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate or cocoa powder to create a creamy, vanilla-infused hot drink. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon
12. Bright Pink Hot Chocolate: This pretty pink treat is a huge hit for any Valentine’s Day party, Barbie Party, or afternoon tea party treat!

What to Serve with Hot Chocolate with Real Chocolate

Well of course this recipe is perfect for the holidays, so you have to serve it with some delicious treats! Some of my favorites are my white chocolate peanut butter cookies, Santa brownies, and mini cheesecakes.

Storage

Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the hot chocolate within a day or two, you can store it in the refrigerator. Transfer the leftover drink to an airtight container while it's still warm. When you want to reheat it, you can do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Keep It Warm: If you want to keep the cocoa warm for a few hours, consider using a thermal carafe or a slow cooker set on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.

Freezing Hot Chocolate: Let the beverage cool down to room temperature before freezing. Do not put hot liquid directly into the freezer, as it can raise the temperature inside and affect other frozen items. Pour the cooled hot chocolate into ice cube trays or silicone molds. Leave a little space at the top.

Reheating: Transfer the hot chocolate cubes from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can gently reheat the frozen cubes directly from the freezer, but this might take longer and requires careful monitoring to avoid scorching.

Adjustments: You might need to add a bit more milk or cream to adjust the consistency, as freezing can sometimes change the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Holiday Treats

• Slush Punch
• Caramel Chex Mix
• Christmas at the Ritz Cookies
• Homemade Chex Mix

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Creamy Hot Chocolate

This Creamy Hot Chocolate is quick to make in just 10 minutes and it's made with real chocolate, no cocoa powder! It's truly the most luxurious homemade hot cocoa recipe. A little bit goes a long way!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword christmas, holidays

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 453kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 cups milk divided
• 4 ounces dark chocolate bars (60% cacao) chopped
• 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspooon vanilla extract
• Pinch of Salt
• Topping Options: marshmallows, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, crushed peppermint, cinnamon

Instructions

• To a medium saucepan on medium heat, add 3 ½ cups of milk. To the reserved ½ cup of milk, whisk in cornstarch until blended well and set aside.
• When bubbles appear around edge of the pan, add both chocolates, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and stir until smooth.
• Whisk in the cornstarch milk mixture.
• Taste a spoonful to see if it’s at your desired sweetness. Bring to a light boil, then immediately reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and either rest for 5 minutes prior to serving or pour in a Crockpot set to warm. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Serve with your favorite hot chocolate topping.

Video

Notes

• Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60%. The higher the cocoa content, the richer and more intense the chocolate flavor will be.
• Thickening Agents: Besides cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives for thickening the hot chocolate. These starches work similarly to cornstarch and provide a smooth, thick texture.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. These alternatives can add sweetness while contributing to the overall thickness.
• Nut Butters: Add a small spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut spread to your hot chocolate. These nut butters not only add thickness but also impart a delightful nutty flavor.
• Coconut Cream: Replace regular milk with coconut cream for a dairy-free, thick hot chocolate. Coconut cream adds richness and a subtle coconut flavor, making it a popular choice for thickening.
• Spices and Flavorings: Enhance the flavor and thickness by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 695mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 511IU | Calcium: 365mg | Iron: 3mg

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