The Conversation
It’s hard to believe that anyone would pass up a decadent fudge, a mouthwatering donut or even a guilt-free dessert. But in reality, not everyone has a sweet tooth. Crazy, we know. But for those of us that do, sometimes we satisfy it a little too hard and wind up with a sugar-induced hangover (happens to the best of us, right?). Well, no matter what the situation or preferred taste, we’ve got you covered with these 20 savory twists on traditional sweets.
1. Ham and Egg Crepe Squares: Skip that stack of pancakes drowning in maple syrup and opt for a crepe filled with ham and egg. Not only is it more savory, but there’s also more protein (and calcium if you add cheese!). (via Kitchen Comments)
2. Apple Chard Pancetta Cheddar Bread Pudding: Say that 10 times fast! Use that leftover or almost-too-old-to-eat bread to concoct a bread pudding that’s packed with flavor and won’t upset the dentist. (via Bird and Cleaver)
3. Masala Biscuits: Empty cookie jar? Take that as an opportunity to introduce more spicy bites to your (now savory) sweets rotation. (via My Diverse Kitchen)
4. Lasagna Cupcakes: There’s no argument here: Everything is better in cupcake form. Especially when cheese and pasta are involved. Step aside, Crumbs. (Too soon?) (via Tablespoon)
5. Ginger Candy: A candy that will help settle an upset stomach? We’re sold. (via Sweet Savory Planet)
6. Baked Oatmeal Snack Bars: Fill your cookie void with an oatmeal bar that’s high in whole grains, fiber, dried fruit and spice. Here’s a tip: Heat them up before eating and enjoy with a schmear of cream cheese. (via Kath Eats)
7. Bacon Chocolate Bark: Super dark chocolate fits into our savory category when it’s sprinkled with bacon. Feel free to add a light dusting of salt, but just don’t forget a glass of water on the side. Or milk. (via Better Homes & Garden)
8. Parmesan Ice Cream With Prosciutto: This makes the ice cream sundae look like it’s having an identity crisis. And we wonder if it counts as both dinner and dessert… Yep. It does. (via Molecular Recipes)
9. Parmesan French Toast: Another savory take on a breakfast favorite, this french toast boasts cheese, mustard powder, garlic and hot sauce. No need to get the maple syrup. (via The Kitchn)
10. Goat Cheese Tarts With Leeks and Apricot Preserves: Trade in that puff pastry for a treat that offers the perfect balance between savory goodness (goat cheese, leeks) and natural sweetness (apricot). (via Blue Kitchen)
11. Pumpkin Poppers: When you see a donut hole, chances are you think chocolate, powdered or jelly. Enter its savory competitor: The pumpkin popper. (via Chasing Some Blue Sky)
12. Rosemary Olive Oil Cake: For your next birthday, opt for a baked treat that won’t leave you feeling (totally) guilty. A plus side to this rosemary olive oil cake? You can slice it and add a fried egg the next morning for breakfast. (via 101 Cookbooks)
13. Chipotle and Rosemary Spiced Nuts: Candied nuts? Not here. For this spicy and herbed edible, we went straight to the expert — and she delivered. (via Barefoot Contessa)
14. Grilled Watermelon Salad: Watermelon is sweet, but not in that I’m-going-to-be-sick sort of way. Especially when it’s grilled and topped with feta and onions. (via Verses From My Kitchen)
15. Avocado and Tomato Sorbet: There is something so refreshing about a bowl of just-out-of-the-freezer sorbet. Plus, there’s that guilt-free element that’s harder to find with ice cream. Throw in the vegetables and we’re declaring this sorbet healthy. (via Epicurious)
16. Szechuan Style Chicken Lollipop: How many licks does it take…? Don’t let these lollipops fool you — they’re spicy, they’re filling and they’re oh-so-dippable. (via Savory and Sweet Food)
17. Cheddar Apple Hand Pies: It’s like an adult pop tart. Turn your favorite childhood indulgence into the winning appetizer at your next dinner party. (via Desserts for Breakfast)
18. Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites: Tart cranberries + sugary sprinkles + rich brie + salty crackers = a dish that will satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings at once. Because for some of us, the sweet tooth just never shuts up. (via Yummy Mummy Kitchen)
19. Bacon Bourbon Pecan Pie: Traditional pecan pie is so sweet and indulgent, it’s hard to eat more than one bite. Offset the sickly sweetness with the saltiness of bacon and a little bite of bourbon. (via Fancy Food Fancy)
20. Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake: This veggie and ricotta-filled cheesecake will melt in your mouth just as much as its post-dinner alternative. (via 101 Cookbooks)
Have we brought out your savory tooth yet? What’s your favorite savory take on a traditional sweet? Talk to us below!
Miranda is a Brooklyn, NY-based runner, maker, adventure-seeker and risk-taker in the kitchen. She has a thing against Tuesdays, loves a good glass of wine, and wishes time would just slow down. Find her at miralanz.com.
More From Recipes
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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