Tag: italian

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

Wow, what great hot dogs these New Jersey Italian hot dogs are. Fried potatoes and sausages and onions… well, you already know they’ll be good before even trying them. Italian seasoning adds great savory flavor. And last, a fantastic kick from Creole mustard (my favorite).

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

I used Ball Park’s new Park’s Finest Signature Seasoned beef franks and found them to have a great complimentary flavor. They have a really nice seasoning, very much like a smoked sausage. I think good bratwurst would also be great for these New Jersey Italian hot dogs. But regular good ole beef hot dogs ain’t so bad either!

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also make my oven-baked hot dogs.

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

Wow, what great hot dogs these New Jersey Italian hot dogs are. Fried potatoes and sausages and onions… well, you already know they’ll be good before even trying them.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 414kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Simply Recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2″ squares
  • 1 medium green bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 medium sweet onion sliced into strips
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns you'll need buns that are larger than the usual hot dog bun. Bratwurst buns works great too!
  • Creole mustard or whole grain

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add potatoes. Spread them out evenly and let cook 2-3 minutes. Do not stir, you want them to brown.
  • Flip the potatoes and again cook 2-3 minutes, undisturbed. Remove.
  • Add the pepper and onion strips to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes without stirring.
  • Add the potatoes back to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Stir, reduce heat to medium, cover and let cook 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are softened.
  • Meanwhile, grill or cook your hot dogs and toast your buns, if desired.
  • Slather the buns with the mustard. Add the dogs and top with the potato mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 599mg | Potassium: 1044mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Nostalgia Extra Large Diner-Style Coca-Cola Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer, 24 Hot Dog and 12 Bun Capacity, Steam Bratwursts, Sausages, Vegetables, Fish, Dumplings, Red
Nostalgia Extra Large Diner-Style Coca-Cola Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer, 24 Hot Dog and 12 Bun Capacity, Steam Bratwursts, Sausages, Vegetables, Fish, Dumplings, Red
Curl-A-Dog BBQ Spiral Grilling Hot Dog Sausage Slicers
Curl-A-Dog BBQ Spiral Grilling Hot Dog Sausage Slicers
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Italian Herb Skillet Bread

Rhodes dinner rolls make for a great, easy accompaniment to any meal. This Italian herb skillet bread version kicks them up a bit by topping them with savory herbs.

Italian Herb Skillet Bread

You can substitute any seasonings you prefer on your Italian herb skillet bread. I found these rolls to be quite yummy with a honey-flavored BBQ rub too. If you don’t have an 8″ skillet, you can make these in a high-rimmed metal baking pan (such as a cake pan). Just make sure the roll dough balls are about 2″ apart.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

Also try my garlic Parmesan skillet bread and my rapid rolls, also made in the skillet.

Italian Herb Skillet Bread
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Italian Herb Skillet Bread

Rhodes dinner rolls make for a great, easy accompaniment to any meal. This Italian herb skillet bread version kicks them up a bit by topping them with savory herbs.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword bread, herbs, Italian, skillet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings 7
Calories 847kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Rhodes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly grease an 8″ cast iron skillet with shortening (or butter).
  • Place rolls in skillet, starting with one in the middle and the rest around it in a circle. The rolls should be about 2″ apart.
  • Cover the skillet with a towel and place in a warm place. Let rolls rise until touching, 4-5 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine the herbs with the butter. Gently brush the mixture onto the tops of the rolls.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 847kcal | Carbohydrates: 141g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 1614mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 582mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bambüsi Bamboo Bread Slicer with Knife - 3 Slice Thickness, Foldable Compact Cutting Guide with Crumb Tray, Stainless Steel Bread Knife for Homemade Bread, Cake, Bagels 5.5” Wide x 5” Tall
Bambüsi Bamboo Bread Slicer with Knife – 3 Slice Thickness, Foldable Compact Cutting Guide with Crumb Tray, Stainless Steel Bread Knife for Homemade Bread, Cake, Bagels 5.5” Wide x 5” Tall

Italian Meat Sauce

This is my go-to meat sauce for all things Italian. I use it (with some variations) in lasagna, on pasta, in calzones, on buns for sandwiches… you name it. It uses the simplest of ingredients, goes together easy, and makes the house smell wonderful.

Lasagna

This makes a pretty big batch of Italian meat sauce, but since it has so many uses you won’t have any problems using it up. Just follow the recipe section below for adding in the ingredients for each way you can use this sauce. You want a thicker sauce for some dishes, and a thinner sauce with vegetables for others.

Cord Organizer for Appliance - Kitchen Appliance Cord Organizer Stick On, Best Kitchen Gadgets Gifts for New Home Must Haves, New Apartment Kitchen Stuff, Kitchen Gifts for Women Adults Mom Wife
Cord Organizer for Appliance – Kitchen Appliance Cord Organizer Stick On, Best Kitchen Gadgets Gifts for New Home Must Haves, New Apartment Kitchen Stuff, Kitchen Gifts for Women Adults Mom Wife
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer and Pasta Strainer - Adjustable Silicone Clip On Strainer for Pots, Pans, and Bowls - Kitchen Colander - Orange
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer and Pasta Strainer – Adjustable Silicone Clip On Strainer for Pots, Pans, and Bowls – Kitchen Colander – Orange
Lasagna
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Italian Meat Sauce

This is my go-to meat sauce for all things Italian. I use it (with some variations) in lasagna, on pasta, in calzones, on buns for sandwiches… you name it. It uses the simplest of ingredients, goes together easy, and makes the house smell wonderful.
Course Sauce
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Italian, sauce, spaghetti
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 315kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the meat

  • 2 pounds ground meat for lasagna I use 1 pound Italian sausage and 1 pound ground beef, but for other uses I use 2 pounds Italian sausage
  • 1 large white onion diced
  • 2-4 cloves garlic minced

For calzones, pasta and sandwiches, add:

  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced

For the sauce (use half the amounts below if using for lasagna)

Instructions

  • Crumble the meat(s) into a large pot or Dutch oven and brown over medium high heat. Drain fat if desired.
  • Add the onion and cook until softened. If making the sauce for something other than lasagna, also add in the peppers and mushrooms.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add in all of the sauce ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, 1-2 hours.
  • Continue cooking with lid off for another hour, adding a bit more water if the sauce is too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 494mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 531IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Le Creuset Magnetic Wooden Trivet, Acacia Wood with Black Silicone Rings
Le Creuset Magnetic Wooden Trivet, Acacia Wood with Black Silicone Rings

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches

I was perusing Plain Chicken, one of my favorite blogs to follow, when I came across Steph’s great recipe for grilled Italian chicken tenders. I thought to myself, “Self? What do you think about making sandwiches from this recipe?” So that’s what I did. And, boy, what great grilled Italian chicken sandwiches they were! The chicken has a great Italian flavor, complimented by the fresh toppings.

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches

You won’t be disappointed with these grilled Italian chicken sandwiches. You don’t have to use chicken tenders. Any cut of boneless chicken will do. I’m a big fan of chicken thighs so next time I make these I’ll use thighs instead.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

Also try my grilled Jamaican jerk chicken sandwiches.

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches

You won’t be disappointed with these grilled Italian chicken sandwiches. You don’t have to use chicken tenders. Any cut of boneless chicken will do. I’m a big fan of chicken thighs so next time I make these I’ll use thighs instead.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, chicken sandwiches, grilled, Italian
Prep Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 446kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Ingredients

For the chicken

For the sandwiches

Instructions

  • Combine all of the marinade ingredients except for the chicken. Place into a large resealable baggie and add the chicken. Close and shake to cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken and place over direct heat. Sear then flip and sear the other side. Remove to indirect heat and continue cooking until done (internal temperature of 165 F). Remove and let cool slightly.
  • Toast buns if desired.
  • Slather both sides of the buns with the dressing.
  • Add chicken, lettuce, onion and tomato and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1143mg | Potassium: 923mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2711IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 13mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber Grill Brush Scrubber - Heavy Duty Grate Cleaner - With 3 Replaceable Pads
Weber Grill Brush Scrubber – Heavy Duty Grate Cleaner – With 3 Replaceable Pads

Stuffed Pasta Shells

Welcome to my version of the standard stuffed pasta shells. Glorious large pasta stuffed with tons and tons of ooey-gooey cheeses. Mushroom-laden sauce. No one is going away hungry after devouring some of this goodness. This makes a big batch, enough for a big get-together. I served these stuffed pasta shells with plenty of my gotta-have-it garlic bread. It is definitely the perfect combination. Ok, I threw in a green salad too to keep things on the healthy side. A bit.

Stuffed Pasta Shells

For a kicked-up version use spicy Italian sausage. I did. I might have slipped in a few good pinches of red pepper flake too.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs.

Stuffed Pasta Shells
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Stuffed Pasta Shells

No one is going away hungry after devouring some of this goodness. This makes a big batch, enough for a big get-together. 
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Keyword stuffed pasta shells
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 334kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, cook sausage until done. Drain.
  • Combine the eggs, ricotta, parsley, salt, pepper and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Stuff mixture into shells (I used a cookie press, but you can also put the stuffing into a plastic bag, cut a corner off, and squeeze). Place shells into a 9×13 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, mushrooms, remaining cheese and sausage. Pour over the pasta shells.
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes or until bubbly hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1216mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 448IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 429mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale