These home cooks are plugged into kitchen appliances. From pressure cookers to panini presses, the dishes they created are easy to meal-prep and convenient to eat. We can't get enough of these breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts.
Presenting the Winners from Our Countertop Convenience Contest
Updated on Mar. 05, 2024
1/12
Grand Prize: Pressure-Cooker Bo Ssam Sandwiches
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pressure-Cooker Recipe
Here’s an hour-and-a-half version of the legendary eight-plus-hour bo ssam lettuce wraps. The Korean-inspired barbecue sauce provides a savory backdrop for the bright, fresh flavors of cilantro and pickles. Don’t skip the broiling step! That’s where the pork fat and sugar transform the soft shreds into wonderful crispy bits. —Kelly Burnham, Palmdale, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 464 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1156mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
2/12
1st Place: Buffalo Chicken Crunch Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Panini Press Recipe
My daughter-in-law loves Buffalo chicken, so I came up with this easy-to-make crunch wrap using all the same flavors and grilled it in a panini press. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hot, crunchy pocket of spicy, cheesy chicken ready for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch. The wraps are fantastic served with extra blue cheese dressing or sour cream for dipping. We also enjoy them served with fresh veggies, like shredded lettuce or sliced cucumbers. —Theresa Ravencraft, Marysville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 676 calories, 38g fat (14g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1428mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 42g protein.
3/12
2nd Place: Pressure-Cooker Shrimp Risotto
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pressure-Cooker Recipe
Shrimp and risotto are two of my favorite dishes. But risotto takes time and attention when cooked on the stovetop. So I wanted to try making it in my pressure cooker since it’s such a timesaver. I think the flavor and texture of this speedy version is similar to the traditional method. —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, MA
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 499 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 916mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
4/12
3rd Place: Coconut-Almond Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ice Cream Maker Recipe
This ice cream tastes like Almond Joy candy bars. Using a toaster oven and countertop ice cream maker couldn’t make this recipe any easier. —Linda Kirkpatrick, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 278 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/12
Runner-Up: Bakewell Pie Tarts
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Air-Fryer Recipe
With my busy family of five, I’m always burning things in the oven because I get pulled into other tasks. But the air fryer, with its time-controlled powers, has been a godsend. Now when the inevitable family emergency pops up, I don’t have to worry about setting off the smoke alarm! My British heritage means I grew up on tea and Bakewell tarts. This easy rendition uses similar components of the iconic tart, but it’s easier for bustling families to make. You can use any type of jam you want! —Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 597 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 82g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
6/12
Runner-Up: Louisiana Meat Pies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Air-Fryer Recipe
I always found the food of Louisiana so full of flavor. These meat pies are my version of the region’s cuisine. I promise you won’t just have one! —Kristyne McDougle Walter, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat pie: 551 calories, 33g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
7/12
Runner-Up: Low-Carb Cheesy Cheeseburgers
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Waffle-Maker Recipe
I have turned my life around with a low-carb keto diet. This recipe is a wonderful new way to make burgers with all the same favorite flavors that I’m used to. Since the meat and toppings can be changed, the possibilities are endless and I never get tired of making these burgers. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger with 2 cheese crisps: 596 calories, 44g fat (24g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 1312mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
8/12
Runner-Up: Pressure-Cooker Beef and Farro Stew
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pressure-Cooker Recipe
This pressure-cooked beef stew is loaded with tender beef and lots of veggies. It is comforting and filling, and is sure to become a family favorite. —Kaylen Friederich, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 360 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
9/12
Runner-Up: Slow-Cooked Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-Cooker Recipe
My husband works nights. I often put this casserole together when I’m making dinner and refrigerate it. I’ll put the crock into the cooker around midnight and set the timer, so his breakfast is ready when he gets home. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving with about 2 tablespoon syrup: 343 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
10/12
Runner-Up: Slow-Cooker Spanakopita Frittata Sandwiches
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-Cooker Recipe
Years ago my husband and I took a cruise through the Greek islands for our 10th anniversary. Delicious and nutritious foods like this were served on our ship all day, every day. I enjoyed re-creating the flavors in this brunch sandwich. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 481 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 296mg cholesterol, 1115mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
11/12
Runner-Up: Spicy Fresh Tomato and Eggplant Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
11 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Pressure-Cooker Recipe
My garden is overflowing with fresh tomatoes and eggplant toward the end of summer, so I was thinking of ways that those ingredients were used in the old country. A hearty gravy (what it’s called in Sicily) for pasta is just the ticket. You can add meat or sprinkle it with Parmesan if you’d like, but it is good on its own. It also freezes well. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce: 92 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 445mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
12/12
Air-Fryer Lemon Oreos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Air-Fryer Recipe
I love to get fried Oreos at the county fair every summer. Since this version cooks up quickly in the air fryer, I can enjoy my favorite summer treat all year round! Lemon zest and lemon yogurt add a burst of flavor to the batter, and a dusting of powdered sugar makes for a pretty presentation. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
