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Shared Apr 17, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #17 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.

My apologies that this is really late. I spent a few hours at the doctor’s office today and it threw our schedule out of whack. But such is life sometimes and you just roll with it. 🙂

I decided to time myself to see if I could do all the light switches in less than 5 minutes.

Just under the wire!

Join in the Chatter

::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

Shared Apr 17, 2013 comment

Ask the Readers: How Can I Streamline My Household Duties?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s question is from Bobbie:

I am currently 14 weeks pregnant, the mother of a four year old and a night shift nurse. We recently moved and lately, I have noticed that my husband has picked up a lot of my slack. I really want to get back on track and ease his load, so I need to find a way to streamline my household duties, financial duties and menu planning all at once. I am committed to finding a system that I think will work for my family.

I am wondering if any of your readers have suggestions on places to find printables or systems that work for them?

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Shared Apr 17, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #17

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.

April 17, 2013 Project

Your project for today is to wipe down your door knobs and light switch plates.

If you have children, they’d probably love to help you out with this project!

Then, come back here at 6 p.m. EST and I’ll show you pictures of my cleaning accomplishments for today and have a linky so you can link up yours, too!

Join in the Chatter

::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

photo credit

Shared Apr 16, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #16 Update (And help! What do I do about the boy bathroom smell?!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 16, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.

I ended up only getting the kids’ bathroom floors and baseboards done today.

Because it was really, really icky!

Yikes!

As I was cleaning the baseboards, I noticed that we now have a lovely boy bathroom smell in our kids’ bathroom… oh joy! Now I know what all you moms of boys have been talking about for so long. And I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks for dealing with this. Because it’s a whole new territory for me. 🙂

Join in the Chatter

::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

Shared Apr 16, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #16

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 16, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.

April 16, 2013 Project

Your project for today is to deep clean your bathroom(s).

You can follow this list, if you find it helpful:

Set the timer for 20 minutes and put toilet cleaner in each of the toilet bowls and let it soak.

Remove any items that don’t belong in the bathroom, put away items that need to be put away in the bathroom, empty the trash.

Spray and wipe down the sink and tub.

Finish swishing and cleaning the toilet.

Shake the rugs outside (or throw them in the laundry) and mop or vacuum the floors.

Wipe down the outside of the cupboards and clean the mirror.

You’re done!

As for me, I’m planning on scrubbing the bathroom floors and baseboards — something that often gets a little overlooked.

Then, come back here at 6 p.m. EST and I’ll show you pictures of my cleaning accomplishments for today and have a linky so you can link up yours, too!

Join in the Chatter

::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

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Save money by ditching your gym membership with these frugal workout alternatives!

Shared Apr 15, 2013 comment

52 Ways to Save $100 Per Year: Cancel Your Gym Membership {Week 15}

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 15, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Every Monday in 2013, I’ll be sharing a different way you can save $100 this year. If you do all of these things, you’ll be able to save over $5,000 this year alone! Many of these things will likely be things you’re already doing, but hopefully all of you will pick up at least a few new ideas or some inspiration from this series.

How many of you have a gym membership that you aren’t using regularly? If you’re not using it, that’s just money going down the drain every single month!

And even if you are using it occasionally, it could be really pricey for each visit. For instance, if you’re paying $40 per month for your membership and you only go once a week, that’s $10 per visit!

What if you cancelled your gym membership and committed to try other much more alternative options? Here are some ideas that have worked for me:

Inexpensive Gym Alternatives

1. Buy Some Used Exercise Equipment

We have gotten great deals on workout equipment on Craigslist. If you wait until midyear — when everyone has long since forgotten their New Year’s resolutions — you may be able to get a fantastic deal on an almost-new treadmill or elliptical that someone just wants to get out of their house.

Garage sales are also great places to check for workout equipment. Know what you’re looking for, have patience, and you’re bound to find a deal.

2. Watch YouTube Workout Videos

YouTube is a treasure trove of free workout videos. I personally haven’t used a whole lot of them, but one I am very familiar with is Clare from Peak313.com. She has all sorts of fantastic workout videos, workout routines, and great fitness ideas on her blog — all for FREE!

If you have YouTube workout channels you recommend, would you post the link in the comments for us? Thanks!

3. Check Out Some Workout DVDs

You can find dozens — or even hundreds — of workout videos at your local library. I love Jillian Michael’s DVDs — especially her 30-Day Shred. If you are wanting something a little more low impact, try Leslie Sansone.

If you find a DVD you especially like, it’s probably worth buying it instead of constantly renewing it at the library. 🙂 But I love how you can “try before you buy” via the library.

4. Get Outside & Get Your Heart Pumping

Getting outside and exercising — whether running, jumping rope, chasing your kiddos around playing tag, or taking your baby out in the stroller for a brisk walk — is one of the best ways to exercise. Not only do you not have to mess with purchasing exercise equipment or DVDs, but you get fresh air and sunshine at the same time!

More Fitness on a Budget Ideas:

Family Fitness for Less

3 Inexpensive Ways to Make Exercise Fun for Your Children

7 Ways to Save Money and Stay Motivated While Getting Fit

6 Tips for Losing Weight on a Budget

Three Ways to Stay Consistent

Now, it’s great to have these gym alternatives. But you actually have to follow through with them to make them worth anything! So here are three suggestions I have for staying consistent with exercising:

Have a Specific Plan

Make a plan and write it down. It could be as simple as saying you’re going to take 3 15-minute walks this week. Or that you’re going to complete 4 days of the Couch to 5K program.

And don’t just plan what you’re going to do. Plan when and how you’re going to do it as well. Will you take your kids on a bike ride after school? Or will you hop on the treadmill first thing in the morning?

Knowing what you’re planning to do and how you’re planning to do it will be a huge step in the direction of success.

Find an Accountability Partner

If you’re struggling to stick with your exercise plan, I highly recommend getting an accountability partner. Find someone to run with every morning or to come over and do a workout DVD with you three times per week.

Or, just ask a friend if she’ll be willing to keep you accountable every day to following through with exercising. This means that you’ll text her, call her, or email her to let her know what you did. It’s amazing how motivating accountability can be!

Track Your Progress

It’s very encouraging to keep track of your exercise each week — and to see the progress you are making over time. You can use something like Nike+ or log your exercise on a site like SparkPeople. If you’re more of a pen and paper person, you can use one of these free Fitness Planning Printables.

What are your best tips and ideas for staying fit on a budget? I’d love to hear!

Shared Apr 15, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #15 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 15, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.

My kitchen looked like it was in pretty great shape today.

But looks can be deceiving.

Yup. All that was hiding in the cracks and crevices of the kitchen floor — including a fake nail from Kaitlynn’s beauty set. 🙂

Join in the Chatter

::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

Shared Apr 15, 2013 comment

10 Goals For This Week

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 15, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Last week’s goals:

Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals

1. Read 20 pages of Rascal by Sterling North aloud to the children. Read four chapters of Paddington at Large with Kathrynne, read four chapters of Life With Lily with Kaitlynn, read four chapters Little House Christmas Stories with Silas.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

3. Memorize Romans 1:9-10.

~~4. Exercise five times.~~

5. Finish reading: ~~One Question~~, While We’re Far Apart, 24/6, Start, and When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box.

Homemaking Goals

~~6. Follow the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge.~~

7. Work on my embroidery project for at least 30 minutes.

8. Try three new homemade cleaning recipes. {I only made one — the Homemade Tub & Tile Cleaner.}

Business Goals

9. Finish tweaking recipes for my new recipes page.

~~10. Finish all my manuscript edits per my editor’s suggestions.~~

This week’s goals:

Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals

1. Read 20 pages of Rascal by Sterling North aloud to the children. Finish reading Paddington at Large with Kathrynne, read four chapters of Life With Lily with Kaitlynn, finish reading Little House Christmas Stories with Silas.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

3. Memorize Romans 1:9-10. {I really am hoping to make some progress on this this week!}

4. Exercise five times.

5. Finish reading: While We’re Far Apart, 24/6, Start, and When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box.

Homemaking Goals

6. Follow the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge.

7. Work on my embroidery project for at least 30 minutes.

8. Try one new homemade cleaning recipe (I’ll post about it if it turns out any good.)

Business Goals

9. Finish tweaking recipes for my new recipes page.

10. Finish editing five chapters for the second round of edits on my manuscript. {Yes, it seems like this is a never-ending process!}

How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!

You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.

Shared Apr 15, 2013 comment

This Week’s Menu

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 15, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Well, I know I was supposed to tell you about my freezer cooking last week. But I pulled a muscle in my neck/shoulder area on Wednesday and I was down and out for a few days while letting that heal.

I did make the Healthy Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars. And I attempted to make the The Easiest Loaf of Bread You’ll Ever Bake, but I found that it wasn’t all that easy. In fact, I forgot to bake it and left it on the fridge all night long! So I ended up throwing out the batter — and decided maybe I ought to just stick with my bread machine recipes. 🙂

Breakfasts

Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, and/or Fruit

Lunches

Mac & cheese, fruit
Snack-y lunch
PB&J, carrot sticks, apples
Cheese quesadillas, carrot sticks
Leftovers x 3

Snacks

Fruit/veggies
Popcorn

Freezer Cooking {I’ll share how this goes later this week!}

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Freezer-Friendly Pizza Dough
Baked Chicken

Dinners

Mexican Chicken Lime Soup, fruit, tossed salad
Bean & Cheese Burritos, fruit, veggies
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ham, veggies
Homemade Pizza, fruit, veggies
Breakfast for dinner: Pancakes, fruit, scrambled eggs, and leftover Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ham
Dinner out
Dinner with extended family

What’s on your menu this week? Share details and/or your link to your menu plan in the comments.

Shared Apr 15, 2013 comment

Free ebooks: 101 Healthy Snacks, Paleo Breakfast Recipes, Paleo Kid Snacks

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 15, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Download a free copy of 101 Healthy Snacks.

Download a free copy of Paleo Breakfast Recipes.

Download a free copy of Paleo Kid Snacks.

Find more free ebooks over at eReader Girl. Be sure to follow eReaderGirl on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for the free daily email updates.

Please note that the price is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time. Be sure to check the price before checking out to verify that it is still free.

These ebooks are specifically for Kindles, but you can go here to download a free application that enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Click here to download!

Shared Apr 15, 2013 comment

7 Home Business Ideas for Moms

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 15, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post by Sarah of Early Bird Mom

When I got pregnant with my first child, I assumed I would put him in childcare and continue working full-time – after all that’s what moms do, right? Well, even though my mom was able to babysit for him, my resolve to leave him every day quickly vanished.

By the time my little man was 4 months old, I had quit my full-time corporate job and switched to doing computer consulting from home. That was 13 years ago, and I’ve been working at home in one form or another ever since.

If you’re wondering how you might be able to work from home, here are 7 different home-business ideas that can be started with minimal investment.

1. Sell on eBay, Amazon or Craiglist

A woman in my neighborhood makes great money selling shoes on eBay. She has an arrangement with a local department store to buy up their end of season shoes at rock bottom prices. She lists them on eBay and makes a nice profit.

You could scour thrift stores and garage sales for items to sell. Why not learn to refinish and reupholster furniture and sell it on Craiglist.

2. Blog

I am convinced that anyone who is motivated, works hard, and remains focused can learn how to blog. You really can turn your passion into a business. Plus, it’s fun!

3. Pet sit or House sit

Another neighbor of mine walks numerous dogs every day. She charges a reasonable rate and gets a ton of fresh air and exercise to boot.

House-sitting is even easier. Both these jobs would be great for a stay-at-home mom.

4. Cater and Bake

Do you bake amazing desserts? Why not become known as the go-to mom for home-baked goods for school parties?

This would be a great job for a stay-at-home mom. Small neighborhood stores might even be interested in stocking your goods (our local farmer’s market offers homemade items). Pretty packaging will help this kind of a business stand out.

5. Tutor

Did you love English class in high school? Maybe you were a teacher before you decided to stay home with your kids. Offer tutoring to local families or at the local community center. Make connections with your child’s teachers and the PTA.

6. Babysit or Run an In-Home Daycare

This kind of job is perfect for the mom with young kids at home. If you’re going to be home reading stories and finger-painting with your own little ones, why not add a few more kids to the mix and earn some extra money? Of course running a home daycare is not all fun and games but it can be a successful way to add to your household budget.

7. Become a Virtual Assistant

When I was running my previous business, I depended heavily on my assistant who lived two time zones away. She handled all kinds of work – phone calls, bookkeeping, website updates.

It was a perfect arrangement for both of us – she was able to be home with her kids and keep a very flexible schedule and I had a wonderfully dependable assistant. Being a virtual assistant is a wonderful choice for an organized stay-at-home mom.

It’s challenging to find the time to work from home, but it may be the right thing for you and your family. It has been a great blessing to mine.

Have you worked from home before? If so, tell us about your experiences!

Sarah is happy to have a loving husband and 4 of the most rambunctious boys you’ll ever meet. She blogs at Early Bird Mom all about how to increase productivity at home and in home business.

photo source

Shared Apr 15, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #15

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 15, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.

April 15, 2013 Project

Your project for today is to surface clean the living room and kitchen.

Set the timer for 15 minutes and pick up and put away everything that’s out of place. Bonus project: Find 7 things to get rid of.

Next, wash the dishes in the kitchen (if there are any), wipe down the countertops and surfaces in the kitchen.

Finally, vacuum the living room.

You can follow along with my list — or do whatever constitutes “surface cleaning” to you. There is no one right way to do this.

Then, come back here at 6 p.m. EST and I’ll show you pictures of my cleaning accomplishments for today and have a linky so you can link up yours, too!

Join in the Chatter

::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

photo credit

Shared Apr 13, 2013 comment

Weekend Giveaway: $50 DaySpring Credit (5 Winners)

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 13, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Did you see my post yesterday telling you how you can get a Redeemed Overnight bag or a Redeemed purse for 60% off from DaySpring.com?

I’m also excited because they are giving away five $50 gift certificates to readers here this weekend. You can use these gift certificates on anything DaySpring.com!

If you know someone who needs a new bag (or you could use one yourself), you can use coupon code MSM60 to get 60% off the price of this Redeemed Overnight Bag (regularly priced at $49.99), making it just $20

Or, you can use coupon code MSM60 to get 60% off the Medium Redeemed Purse making it just $18.

Shipping is free with any $50+ order. So you can either order multiple multiple bags, or purchase some items from the DaySpring sale and clearance section to save on your shipping costs.

Would you like to win a free $50 gift certificate to DaySpring.com? Just click on the graphic below and type in your name and email address. Five winners will be chosen and posted on Tuesday. This giveaway ends Sunday, April 14, at 11:59 pm, CST.

(Note: The links in this post are my referral links. Read my disclosure policy here.)

Shared Apr 12, 2013 comment

30-Day House Cleaning Challenge: Project #12-14 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 12, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

During the month of April, I’m encouraging my readers to participate in a 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge (read more here, if you missed my announcement about this challenge last week). Every week day morning at 9 a.m., I’ll post the daily project and every evening around 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post an update and link-up.

Well, the closet didn’t end up being quite as bad was I was anticipating, but it still took me a good 30 minutes to go through…

Yup. That’s about right. 🙂

And here’s what it looked like after 30 minutes of work…

Join in the Chatter

::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on linky below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.

::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!

Shared Apr 12, 2013 comment

The Best Cheesy Hashbrowns

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 12, 2013 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I love all things potato — and this recipe is no exception. It’s simple, frugal, gluten-free… and it tastes great!

This budget-friendly recipe is easy, adaptable, and a total summer cookout crowd-pleaser! Kids AND adults LOVE it!

Guest post from Brigette Shevy.

These Cheesy Hash Browns are so simple!

While I love scalloped potatoes, classic hashbrown casseroles, and basically anything with potatoes and cheese, I don’t like the fact that most recipes call for cream soups and/or sour cream – ingredients that I don’t regularly buy and almost never have on hand.

Either that, or they require making a stove-top sauce with butter and flour and milk… which would be fine if I could actually make a sauce without lumps (my Vita-Mix has saved the day for me on more than one occasion!)

So I was thrilled when my mother-in-law introduced me to a family recipe that would solve all my potato recipe issues… for good!

Not only does this recipe rely on basic ingredients that we all keep around (no can opener needed), there is no tedious (or in my case, frantic!) stirring and whisking involved.

And did I mention it’s cheap? And flexible!

Why you’ll love this recipe for Cheesy Potatoes

This recipe is a perfect side dish to accompany all your summer cookouts as it pairs well with hamburgers or grilled meats. But it’s also perfect to take to holiday parties as a side dish!

You can add a couple of more potatoes to stretch it a little further, and the amount and kind of cheese can be adjusted according to your personal taste.

Kids and adults love it!

I like to make it up early in the day and pull it out of the refrigerator shortly before baking it.

The best part about this gluten-free recipe is that it tastes great!

Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes Ingredient

8-9 medium-large potatoes OR 2 lbs. frozen shredded hashbrowns
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any kind of cheese or mix of cheeses you prefer)
2 cups milk
4 Tablespoons butter
1 ½ teaspoons salt
Shredded Parmesan cheese

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Either will work just fine for this recipe.

I never use frozen hash browns, but I’m weird like that. If you want to save yourself some time, I would definitely recommend starting with a 2-pound bag of frozen hash browns!

How to make Cheesy Hashbrowns

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. If using whole potatoes scrub potatoes: Place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for about 15 minutes, or just until starting to get tender. (NOTE: I’ve tried skipping the boiling part and just using shredded raw potatoes and it doesn’t taste the same. So don’t skip this step!)

3. Rinse potatoes in cold water and peel (the skins will fall off with just a little bit of pressure – it’s not necessary to get every little piece of skin off).

4. Let cool and then dry the potatoes (I use a paper towel to do this)

5. Once potatoes are dry, grate them to resemble hash browns.

6. Place shredded potatoes or frozen (thawed) hashbrowns in a 9×13 pan.

7. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and stir lightly to combine.

8. Heat milk, butter, and salt in a separate pan until the butter is melted (I do this in the microwave). Pour over potato/cheese mixture.

9. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.

10. Bake at 350ºF for 50-60 minutes, or until cheese is browned (I usually turn the broiler on high for the last 1-2 minutes).

11. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

How to serve Cheesy Hashbrowns

Serve them piping hot, right out of the oven so the cheese is super melty and gooey.

What to eat with cheesy hashbrowns?

These potatoes go with almost ANYTHING!

Burgers, brats, hotdogs, and grilled chicken.
A beef roast, pork chops, ribs, and ham.
Baked sandwiches.
Eggs, bacon, and sausage for breakfast.

Cheesy Shredded Potatoes Storage

Store any leftovers in an air-tight food storage container and refrigerate for up to a week.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes, it freezes wonderfully. Just freeze the assembled potato casserole in an air-tight storage container BEFORE baking.

When you’re ready to eat, defrost the potatoes overnight in the refrigerator and then bake according to the instructions (they might need a little extra time in the oven, depending on how well they have been defrosted.

Cheesy Potatoes with Real Potatoes FAQs

Why are my hash browns not crispy?

There might be too much moisture in the potatoes — so they are steaming instead of getting crispy. Make sure your potatoes are really dry before baking. Also, you could try putting them under the broiler for the last few minutes (just make sure you watch them so they don’t burn).

Why do you soak potatoes for hash browns?

Soaking potatoes helps to release the starch and keeps the potatoes from turning brown as quickly. Soaking will also help them cook more evenly.

Is it better to cook hash browns frozen or thawed?

Using defrosted potatoes is usually better than cooking frozen hashbrowns because the heat will distribute. more evenly. Also, using frozen hashbrowns might result in watery consistency later.

Can you make cheesy potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, definitely! These are great potatoes to make ahead of time. You can keep them assembled in the fridge for a day or so before baking, or you can freeze them for months before defrosting and baking!

Recipe

Cheesy Potatoes with Real Potatoes

Author Brigette

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 35

Cook Time 45

These cheesy potatoes are easy, frugal, and flexible! Plus, they taste amazing! They are the perfect side dish to almost any meal.

Ingredients

8 potatoes medium to large size
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
2 cups milk
4 Tbsp butter
1½ tsp salt
½ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
If using whole potatoes: scrub potatoes and place whole unpeeled potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for about 15 minutes, or just until starting to get tender.
Rinse potatoes in cold water and peel (the skins will fall off with just a little bit of pressure – it’s not necessary to get every little piece of skin off).
Let cool and then dry the potatoes (I use a paper towel to do this).
Once potatoes are dry, grate them to resemble hash browns.
Place shredded potatoes or frozen (thawed) hashbrowns in a greased 9×13 pan.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese and stir lightly to combine.
Heat milk, butter, and salt in a separate pan until the butter is melted (I do this in the microwave). Pour over potato/cheese mixture.
Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350ºF for 50-60 minutes, or until cheese is browned (I usually turn the broiler on high for the last 1-2 minutes).
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

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Brigette is a full-time wife and mother who is blessed with three amazing bundles of energy. She enjoys music, experimenting in the kitchen, homeschooling her children, finding great deals, long-distance running, and anything chocolate.

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Nutrition

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Ingredients