Let’s Eat!
Recipes you’ll wish you doubled
Fall Minestrone Soup with Pastini
Pure comfort in a bowl, this Fall Minestrone Soup with butternut squash, spinach, cannellini beans, thyme, parmesan and pastini is incredibly nourishing and delicious.
Butternut Squash Orzo Skillet with Basil Breadcrumbs
Celebrating this new season + website with my all-time favorite food to experiment with: PASTA. It’s finally feeling like Fall in Texas and there’s no better cozy, weeknight dinner than a skillet orzo in my opinion! This one’s already a favorite in my house. This sweet savory orzo dish with sweet butternut squash, wilted spinach, creamy ricotta and finished with crunchy, fresh basil breadcrumbs. I’m telling you, this one’s a no brainer for Fall.
CPK Inspired BBQ Chicken Salad
If you also grew up going to California Pizza Kitchen, then you know how incredible this salad is! This is just one of those nostalgic cravings that hit me hard the other day and I knew I had to make it: chopped romaine, fresh corn and tomatoes, tangy bbq glazed chicken, cilantro ranch and crunchy tortilla chips. Is your mouth watering yet or just me? Even better, this one is dairy-free friendly, gluten-free and lightened up a bit!
Bahn Mi Inspired Meatballs with Sriracha Drizzle + Sesame Slaw
Vietnamese food is just always a treat in my book, particularly Bahn Mi sandwiches and my absolute favorite place of all time for Bahn Mi is Nammi located in the Dallas Farmer's Market. They make an INCREDIBLE Bahn Mi that inspired me to make my own spin that is meal prep friendly and delicious! I hope you enjoy!
Greek Inspired Lamb Meatballs + Garlic Yogurt Sauce
I don't know HOW this recipe slipped through the cracks! My Greek Inspired Lamb Meatballs + Garlic Yogurt Sauce is one of my most requested recipes and I am finally adding the recipe to the blog!! I love these meatballs because they are herby, flavorful and delicious with tangy, creamy yogurt sauce. Makes for an awesome app for your next dinner party or with lettuce cups, couscous or basmati for a weeknight dinner. Either way, you can't go wrong!
Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
I live for a squash recipe and if I had to pick my favorite, THIS is it. I have made this recipe countless times for friends and family and it is always a crowd-pleaser and also the perfect thing to make when hosting because it's hearty, oh-so flavorful and make-ahead friendly!
One Pot Butternut Squash + Chicken Farro Pilaf
I am a sucker for a one-pot meal. A sure fire easy dinner and the easy clean up doesn't hurt either! With Fall upon us, there's no better time to have a quick, hearty, flavorful meal on hand for easy weeknight dinners and this is definitely one to add to your rotation! Spiced butternut squash and herby chicken tossed with delicious cheesy farro and jasmine rice. Deliciously filling and makes for great leftovers...or seconds :)
Lemony Garlic Pasta with Broccolini + Breadcrumbs
When asked what I like to make and eat most, the answer is emphatically PASTA. If you need a zesty, summery pasta dish to add to your repertoire, this one is for you! This pasta paired with a white wine and lemon garlic sauce, broccolini and toasted bread crumbs makes for a perfect meatless meal or can be served alongside chicken or shrimp. It's a win-win either way!
Cheeseburger Spaghetti Squash Bake
Juicy ground beef, tangy tomato, pickle, mustard and cheddar, this cheeseburger bake has it all (minus the guilt) and is the perfect thing to squash that cheeseburger craving. Did she really just do that? Yes, she did ;) Dare I say, it's even better the next day? If you have leftovers that is.
Air-Fryer Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad with Dairy-Free Cilantro Ranch
If I could eat buffalo wings and ranch every day for the rest of my life, I absolutely would. The combo makes my mouth water on cue every time and so I love coming up with more balanced meal ideas with this flavor duo.
About Elise
What Would Ina Do?
Hi! I’m Elise, the personal chef and recipe developer behind Coppedge Kitchen.
Raised on the Barefoot Contessa, I fell in love with cooking for others, and in 2020, followed my signature mantra (What would Ina do?). I left my job in finance, went to culinary school, and began cooking for private clients in my hometown of Dallas, which taught me the real key ingredients— understanding what’s worth cooking on repeat, and how to simplify without sacrificing flavor or health.
My philosophy is simple: do your best to cook with what’s in season, don’t overcomplicate it, and lean into flavor. People crave the kind of recipes that feel effortless but impressive. Like that one dress in your closet that’s guaranteed to make you feel amazing and get compliments on. That, but for dinner!
That’s the heart of Coppedge Kitchen: approachable, show-stopping dinners that build confidence in the kitchen, and bring ease to even your busiest nights. Whether I’m cooking for you or you’re cooking with me, you’ll walk away with something worth sharing, and even passing down.