Author: Mike

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

Who doesn’t love a bologna sandwich? Well, this takes the old classic to a whole new level. You’ll find it hard to believe that you’re eating bologna. You’ll think that you’re at a fru-fru fancy dining place. Crispy, fried sandwich meat with spicy BBQ sauce served on a bun with creamy tangy slaw. You need fried BBQ bologna sandwiches right now! And actually, I do too!

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

These Are Not Boring Sandwiches

These fried BBQ bologna sandwiches are so good that we made them twice this week already. Although I grew up eating my share of bologna sandwiches (on white bread with mayo and maybe a squirt or two of yellow mustard), I never had fried bologna until I moved to the mid-west. Dang, all those years missing out on such awesomeness! I probably wouldn’t put slaw on my sandwiches as a kid, though. In fact, I wouldn’t have anything to do with slaw in my younger years. Now, it’s a totally different story. I love slaw. I can’t get enough of it as a side, on sandwiches, or wherever!

If I’m reaching for a bottled BBQ sauce, I often go for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Sweet Baby Ray's Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT
Sweet Baby Ray’s Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT

Also try my Pool Room Bologna burgers. They’re crazy good too.

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fried BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

This takes the old classic to a whole new level. You’ll find it hard to believe that you’re eating bologna. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, sandwich
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 439kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brush all sides of the bologna with the BBQ sauce and sprinkle with the rub.
  • Place in a large resealable container for 4 hours.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, remove bologna from container and shake off any excess sauce.
  • Fry in oil until browned on both sides.
  • Remove to a plate.
  • Toast buns if desired.
  • Top bun bottoms with fried bologna, followed by slaw and bun tops.

Notes

Use spicy BBQ sauce for a nice kicked-up sandwich!

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1021mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg

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)

Mardi Gras Slaw

I’m a huge fan of anything slaw. It’s kinda odd since when I was growing up I couldn’t stand slaw at all. Now, slaw is the one thing I almost always order when eating out. I often make it when cooking at home. And slaw isn’t just a wonderful side. It’s fantastic on top of hot dogs, hamburgers, and best of all, pulled pork or smoked brisket sandwiches. This colorful Mardi Gras slaw is one of the slaws that changed my mind about slaws.

Mardi Gras Slaw

A Wonderful Twist On A Classic Slaw

This recipe for Mardi Gras slaw comes from Marguerite at Cajun Delights, my favorite place for all thing Cajun, from food to music.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my bacon ranch slaw.

Mardis Gras Slaw
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Mardi Gras Slaw

I’m a huge fan of anything slaw, which is odd since when I was growing up I couldn’t stand slaw at all. Now, slaw is the one thing I almost always order when eating out, and I often make it when cooking at home. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, cole slaw, coleslaw
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 140kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cajun Delights

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine cabbage, onion and bell peppers in large bowl.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients.
  • Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat completely.

Notes

Always stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 637IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 54mg | 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)

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

This copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken dish is the best take on the classic sweet-n-sour chicken I’ve ever had. The flavors are just spot on, from the sweetness of the pineapple to the kick from red pepper flakes, to the crunch of onions and crispy chicken. The sauce is amazing, too. I’d make this again. And again.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

Worth A Mess

I confess that I made a big ole mess in the kitchen when I made this copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken. Apparently, I was cornstarch-dredging challenged that night, because I had cornstarch all over the place. It was well worth it, though. This dish is definitely worth any kind of mess you might make, too.

It might seem like there’s a lot of ingredients in this recipe. There are a few, for sure. But it’s actually pretty easy to make. The end result is the best reward you could ask for.

Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) - 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))
Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))

Also try my Firecracker chicken and my spicy orange chicken.

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Panda Express SweetFire Chicken

This copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken dish is the best take on the classic sweet-n-sour chicken I’ve ever had. The flavors are just spot on, from the sweetness of the pineapple to the kick from red pepper flakes, to the crunch of onions and crispy chicken.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, copycat, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 261kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken pieces in a large resealable baggie or container and add the flour along with salt and pepper to taste. Seal and shake to coat.
  • Place beaten eggs in a shallow bowl.
  • Place 1 cup of the cornstarch into another shallow bowl.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok.
  • Working in batches, remove chicken pieces from the baggie and shake off the excess flour.
  • Dip into egg and coat, shaking off excess.
  • Next, dip into cornstarch and coat, shaking off the excess.
  • Fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Finish cooking remaining chicken.
  • Combine the 4 tablespoons of water and remaining 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a cup or glass.
  • In a small pan, combine the red pepper flakes, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and keep warm.
  • Add a little more oil to the skillet or wok and add the bell pepper and onion and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Add the pineapple and cook another minute.
  • Add the sauce mixture in and stir.
  • Add the cooked chicken and gently stir to coat and combine.
  • Serve over rice or noodles, if desired, and garnished with green onions.

Notes

You can substitute chicken tenderloins for the breasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 646IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Deviled Pastel Easter Eggs

With Easter approaching rapidly, I thought I’d post a recipe for deviled pastel Easter eggs. These eggs are always on the menu every year when our family gets together to celebrate the day. They’re easy to make. They taste like ‘normal’ deviled eggs. And they look awesome!

Deviled Pastel Easter Eggs

They Do Look Cool

This recipe for deviled pastel Easter eggs makes 24 egg halves. But you’ll have a few egg halves left for other uses. The technique for coloring the eggs can be used for any recipe that calls for hard-boiled eggs. That includes egg salads. Hey, who wouldn’t be wowed by a tie-dyed colored egg salad? They are fun!

DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity
DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity

Also try my creamed spinach deviled eggs.

Deviled Pastel Easter Eggs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pastel Deviled Easter Eggs

These eggs are always on the menu every year when our family gets together to celebrate the day. They’re easy to make. They taste like ‘normal’ deviled eggs. And they look awesome!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword deviled, eggs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 24 halves
Calories 106kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Halve the eggs.
  • Remove the yolks into a bowl.
  • Discard 24 of the halves (use in an egg salad!)
  • Fill drink glasses (we used rocks glasses) with water and add food coloring to each. You want the color to be pretty dark, even for the lighter colors.
  • Working in batches, gently lower eggs into the glasses (we put them on a spoon and lowered them into the water).
  • Stir very gently and let set in the glass until they reach the desired color.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and dry completely.
  • Mash yolks with a fork and add the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Fill egg halves with yolk mixture. It’s easier to use an icing piper or frosting bag, or if those aren’t available, put the mixture in a plastic baggie, cut off the tip, and use that to pipe the mixture.
  • Garnish with paprika and olives or pimentos, if desired.
  • Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Serve chilled for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | 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)

Muffuletta Sandwich

I so love the flavors of a muffuletta sandwich. Great meats, great cheese, and Italian olive salad. Warmed just slightly until the bread is soft and the cheese is ooey-gooey. I could eat muffulettas all day long. Which brings me to my gripe. Why doesn’t every single sandwich shop sell muffulettas? I mean, seriously, it’s the best sandwich there is. Oh sure, you can get your roasted turkey with avocado, and maybe a ham on rye, but really… Just jump to the chase and enjoy the best sandwich ever devised. The muffuletta.

Muffuletta Sandwich

Well Worth The Time

I used my homemade Italian olive salad in this muffuletta sandwich. It takes a day to make the salad, but it is very much worth the time. If you don’t want to make your own olive salad, pick up a big jar of olive salad at your grocery store or order some online. Olive salad isn’t cheap, but that’s for a reason. It’s packed with lots of great stuff!

Amazon Fresh - Artisan Bake at Home French Style Demi Baguette, 12 oz (2 ct)
Amazon Fresh – Artisan Bake at Home French Style Demi Baguette, 12 oz (2 ct)

Also try my muffuletta salad. And my Memphis-style muffuletta.

Muffuletta Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Muffuletta Sandwich

I so love the flavors of a muffuletta sandwich. Great meats, great cheese, and Italian olive salad. Warmed just slightly until the bread is soft and the cheese is ooey-gooey. I could eat muffulettas all day long. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, olives, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1716kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian bread cut in half horizontally (can substitute French bread)
  • 3 cups olive salad
  • 4 ounces mozzarella sliced thin
  • 6 ounces capicola sliced thin
  • 4 ounces salami sliced thin
  • 4 ounces mortadella sliced thin
  • 2 ounces sandwich pepperoni sliced thin
  • 4 ounces provolone sliced thin

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° F.
  • Spread the olive salad on each half of the bread, 1 1/2 cups per side.
  • Next, place sliced mozzarella over the salad on the bottom piece of bread.
  • Top with the meats.
  • Place provolone on top piece of bread and place on top of bottom, to make a sandwich.
  • Wrap tightly in foil and heat 20 minutes.

Notes

Mortadella can be hard to find. You can substitute bologna.

Nutrition

Calories: 1716kcal | Carbohydrates: 185g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 135g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 7217mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 441IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 369mg | Iron: 4mg

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)

Beer Cheese Sauce

Oh me. This beer cheese sauce has lots and lots of uses, from a dip for pretzels or chips to topping hot dogs or burgers, or even over pasta. We served it warm with warmed pretzel balls and a few Tostistos Scoops. Some Fritos would be good too. Everything disappeared in minutes! This sauce is so good you’ll be tempted to grab a straw down the whole lot in no time!

Beer Cheese Sauce

I Like A Little Heat

Adjust the heat to your tastes. I like this sauce nice and spicy. For a thicker beer cheese sauce, just let it cook a little longer.

This sauce is also great on baked potatoes.

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 other version of cheese sauce. It has a nice horseradish kick.

Beer Cheese Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Beer Cheese Sauce

Oh me. This beer cheese sauce has lots and lots of uses, from a dip for pretzels or chips to topping hot dogs or burgers, or even over pasta.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword beer, cheese, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 622kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the beer to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Combine the cheese and flour in a bowl and add to the beer along with the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir until the cheese is melted completely and is of the desired thickness.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Good beer makes for a good beer cheese sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 715mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1795IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 624mg | 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)

Blackening Seasoning

I love blackened chicken or fish. For years, I bought those pre-made blackening seasoning mixes. Now, I just make a batch of this version from Chef Paul Prudhomme. This is mighty spicy (to some). I think that’s a very good thing, but if you’re not really after the heat, back off on the cayenne. Just add it in in small quantity, tasting as you go. I wouldn’t leave it out entirely as it is an integral part of the great flavor this mix lends to any meat.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Make A Big Batch

This blackening seasoning would also be great on steak. Or use it in chili. Or mix some into ground beef for burgers… you name it. It definitely makes for some fantastic blackened fried shrimp. Yum!

RoyalHouse 6 Pack 32 Oz Plastic Spice Jars with Red Cap, Clear and Safe Plastic Bottle Containers with Shaker Lids for Storing Spice, Herbs and Seasoning Powders, BPA Free, Made in USA
RoyalHouse 6 Pack 32 Oz Plastic Spice Jars with Red Cap, Clear and Safe Plastic Bottle Containers with Shaker Lids for Storing Spice, Herbs and Seasoning Powders, BPA Free, Made in USA

Also try my homemade Cajun seasoning.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Blackening Season

I love blackened chicken or fish. For years, I bought those pre-made blackening seasoning mixes. Now, I just make a batch of this version from Chef Paul Prudhomme. 
Course Spice Mix
Cuisine American
Keyword seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 0.5 cups
Calories 110kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • This recipe makes enough to blacken four chicken breasts or pieces of fish.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11646mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8648IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

AOZITA 14 Pcs Glass Spice Jars with Spice Labels - 4oz Empty Square Spice Bottles - Shaker Lids and Airtight Metal Caps - Chalk Marker and Silicone Collapsible Funnel Included
AOZITA 14 Pcs Glass Spice Jars with Spice Labels – 4oz Empty Square Spice Bottles – Shaker Lids and Airtight Metal Caps – Chalk Marker and Silicone Collapsible Funnel Included

Copycat Subway Italian BMT Sandwich

You don’t need to go out to have a great sandwich. This copycat of the Subway Italian BMT sandwich is outstandingly simply and good. Good meats, fresh toppings and a delicious dressing. I used my copycat of Subway’s sub bread to keep it authentic and yummy! This sandwich was just as much fun to make as it was to eat. And the best part is that I got to customize it just like I want it. For me that means extra. Extra meat. Extra cheese.

Copycat Subway Italian BMT Sandwich

Ooooh. Aaaah. Make It Fancy!

Chez John taught me the trick about rolling up the meats before putting them on the sandwich. Not only does it look awesome, it makes it look like there’s a lot more meat! Try it. People will think you went the extra mile when you made this copycat Subway Italian BMT Sandwich. Granted, your meat doesn’t come rolled when you hit up the chain restaurant for a sandwich. Maybe it should! Or maybe you can smile and ask the sandwich professional to roll it for you. Just make sure you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’! It’s worth a shot!

Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) - 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))
Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))

Also check out my copycat of the Battalion Chief Sub from Firehouse Subs and Quizno’s Italian Sub!

Copycat Subway Italian BMT Sandwich
Print Pin
3 from 2 votes

Copycat Subway Italian BMT Sandwich

You don’t need to go out to have a great sandwich. This copycat of the Subway Italian BMT sandwich is outstandingly simply and good. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Italian, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 1061kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sandwich

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 1 ounce pepperoni sliced (use sandwich pepperoni)
  • 1 ounce prosciutto thinly sliced, see note
  • 1 ounce salami see note
  • 1 ounce capocollo see note
  • 1 ounce mortadella see note
  • 4 slices provolone cheese see note
  • 1 tomato sliced thin
  • 3-4 leaves green leaf lettuce
  • Hoagie dressing see below

For the Hoagie Dressing

Instructions

For the Hoagie Dressing

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

For the sandwich

  • Slice the bread in half length-wise.
  • Drizzle both sides with the dressing.
  • Add the meats, cheeses, tomato, and lettuce.
  • Secure the bread with toothpicks and cut into four or six equally-sized sandwiches.

Notes

As you can see in the comment section below, someone pointed out that I did not use the exact meats and cheeses available at Subway. That’s quite true, I was looking for a bit of my own twist on the sandwich. If you want to stick to the real deal, use the meats and cheeses below as you wish: Genoa salami, spicy pepperoni, Black Forest ham, pepper jack, provolone, smoked cheddar and white American.

Nutrition

Calories: 1061kcal | Carbohydrates: 118g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 2508mg | Potassium: 646mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2463IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 398mg | Iron: 9mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

All-American Mac-and-Cheese

Who doesn’t love mac-and-cheese? I’ve certainly made lots of variations on the classic, from a Cholula mac, to pepperoni pizza mac, fondue mac, to roasted garlic and thyme mac. I decided to go a more traditional route. Loaded with cheese, my All-American Mac-and-Cheese is just flat-out cheesy. And it has a little twist at the end to boot.

All-American Mac-and-Cheese

Add A Little Kick

You don’t have to sprinkle your All-American Mac-and-Cheese with cayenne pepper, though I do recommend it. Leave it off entirely or try a little dusting of paprika instead. I think it adds a nice (needed) contrast to the tons of (yummy) creamy cheesiness. Otherwise you end up with a big ole bowl of yellow orange. Sure, it’s tasty yellow orange, but life (and mac and cheese) needs a little kick so add some!

Reheating Leftovers

If I end up with leftovers, I warm them up on the stovetop with a few splashes of milk (not the evaporated stuff, the stuff from the carton). And I might add a pat or two of butter. It helps the sauce get creamy again.

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 20-minute mac-and-cheese.

All-American Mac-and-Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

All-American Mac-and-Cheese

Loaded with cheese, my All-American Mac-and-Cheese is just flat-out cheesy. And it has a little twist at the end to boot.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 563kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni.
  • Continue boiling until the pasta is al dente. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour, mustard powder and cayenne. Continue whisking for 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the evaporated milk and continue stirring until thick, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the cheeses and stir until melted.
  • Add the pasta and stir. If the mixture is too thick add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  • Heat through and season with salt and pepper.

Notes

You might have to add a bit of milk or water to the mac-and-cheese when reheating if it’s too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 861IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 627mg | 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)

Italian Olive Salad

Italian olive salad is a wonderful thing. Although I use it pretty much exclusively on sandwiches, you can also mix it with pasta for a great salad. There’s a great mix of textures and taste. From crunchy carrots to rich Kalamata olives, to the kick of pickled cauliflower and pepperoncini. Although it’s a little work, and takes a few ingredients, this salad is the best there is. Make sure to let it set overnight before using it.

Italian Olive Salad

Olive Lover’s Heaven

If you love olives, you’ll more than love this Italian olive salad. It makes for the world’s best sandwich, a muffuletta.  I can eat muffuletta all day long. I can also eat this salad out of a bowl. And if you’re looking for something different, add a good spoonful of this salad to your next pizza.

Make sure your olives are completely pitted. That’s one advantage of making this salad at home versus buying it. You can make sure each every pit is gone. I used a store-bought olive salad to make a muffuletta the other day and I bit into a pit. I about broke a tooth. No more of that. It’s homemade for me!

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Yeah, you can buy olive salad online or in a store. And it’s good stuff. But, oh, there’s nothing like the homemade salad.

Italian Olive Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Olive Salad

Italian olive salad is a wonderful thing. Although I use it pretty much exclusively on sandwiches, you can also mix it with pasta for a great salad. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, olives, salad
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 30 minutes
Servings 14
Calories 405kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large seal-able bowl.
  • Let set in fridge overnight, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir again before serving.

Notes

Add more oil, in very small quantities, if the mixture gets too dry.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 1385mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2147IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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