I have a confession to make. I have been Paleo for a few years, but not always strict. I have an addiction to cheese, yogurt, and I love baking breads. I also enjoy eating that bread warm from the oven with a slather of butter. This year, I have become a little more strict with how often I eat dairy, grains and gluten, allowing myself the luxury as little as once a week.

I have been diligently working on making my “comfort food” recipes that I grew up with as paleo as possible. My current meatloaf recipe, my grandma’s Cottage Pie/Shepherd’s Pie has gotten an overhaul; I have even managed to make the pancakes I server on Sunday mornings Paleo. My family doesn’t seem to mind this, as long as they can still find that batch of home-made yogurt and cheese in the fridge, or a fresh loaf of bread on the counter.

Here is a list of the best Paleo recipes I have been using so far this year. The “I wish I would have thought of that!” List.

The Best Paleo Recipes I Have Tried Thus Far In 2015

1. The Iron You’s Paleo Moussaka  – I have an addiction to Moussaka… Any Greek food to be exact. I did a dance of joy when I found this recipe. This has been THE BEST alternative to the traditional version. I made mine in the 8 X 12, even froze left overs. I also used coconut milk instead of the almond milk. You are talking about eye crossing, heavenly yet almost sinful bursts of flavor in your mouth.
2. The Iron You’s  Cauliflower Crust Buns –   These cauliflower crust buns are a great alternative to the sweet potato buns I also make.  Pretty much all of the cauliflower crust recipes fit into this one category.  Do a search on the blog over there, cauliflower crust… You will find so many great recipes to go gluten-free, including grilled cheese, bread sticks, Quiche crust; the list goes on.
3. Beauty and the Foodie’s Primal Pizza Pie Layered Casserole –  I have made meatza’s before with great results and a happy family; this recipe takes it to a whole ‘nother level.  Many will argue that cheese is not Paleo, you can leave it off and I often do for myself.  The fam needs their pizza fix on occasion and I can get away with it as long as there is cheese on it.  Many Paleo folk do consume cheese, and in my family’s case, I make my own cheeses using raw goat’s milk.  I feel a little bit better about that, and yes, I can sleep at night. 😛  I often make a few pans, bake them all and freeze left overs in portion sizes.
4. Andrew Zimmern’s Estofado De Carne, Paleo-Style – This is amazing.  I have served this over cauliflower rice, and have used it to stuff squash with as well.  Served over spaghetti squash, simply perfect.
5. Steal this Meal Stuffed Acorn Squash – (from the Whole 30 Website!!!) – A lot of squash is consumed in my house.  If we can’t get it fresh and whole, that’s ok, I have plenty stored up in my freezer.  I have made this as is in the recipe, and last week, I made the meat mixture and added over roasted squash puree I had in my freezer.  Was a perfect lunch for a cold day!

Have you tried the paleo lifestyle?  Do you have any favorite paleo recipes?  Feel free to share all that in the comments section below.