Author: Mike

Taco Pasta

Last week was taco week here. Every dish I made was taco-themed. Now, that’s not to say any of them were traditional, but they definitely had that great taco meat flavor. This taco pasta is no exception.  The sauce is delicious – creamy with a taco kick. If you’re craving taco flavor, but are tiring … Continue reading “Taco Pasta”

Last week was taco week here. Every dish I made was taco-themed. Now, that’s not to say any of them were traditional, but they definitely had that great taco meat flavor. This taco pasta is no exception.  The sauce is delicious – creamy with a taco kick. If you’re craving taco flavor, but are tiring of handheld tacos, try this instead.

Taco Pasta

A Delicious Main Dish. And A Side Salad?

There’s a lot of great flavor in this taco pasta. The addition of flavorful meat makes for a quick and easy dinner dish. But you can also serve this as a side dish by just leaving out the meat.

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

I love my homemade taco seasoning. I make a huge batch and always have it on hand.

Taco Pasta
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4 from 1 vote

Taco Pasta

Last week was taco week here. Every dish I made was taco-themed. Now, that’s not to say any of them were traditional, but they definitely had that great taco meat flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, taco
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 740kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain well.
  • Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
  • Add onion and cook until just starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  • Add the taco seasoning and salsa. Stir. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the pasta, cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve topped with shredded cheese and jalapenos and/or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Use a thick salsas or your pasta will end up runny.

Nutrition

Calories: 740kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1433mg | Potassium: 712mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1801IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 218mg | 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)

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

If you follow this blog at all you know that I’m a big fan of putting Kernel Season’s on just about every snack I make. So, when I ran across this idea for making cheddar ranch pork rind puffs, I was all over it. Be careful, these crunchy bites are highly addictive. They’re almost like eating giant Cheetos, but with a little pork rind flavor and crunch. If you need more kick (heat), add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flake to the spice mixture before adding the pork rinds.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

Just What Pork Rinds Needed

I can eat an amazing number of cheddar ranch pork rind puffs. They’re rather addicting. For me, and maybe it’s just me, pork rinds need a little ‘help’ to make them good.

Cheddar Cheese Powder by Hoosier Hill Farm, 1 lb
Cheddar Cheese Powder by Hoosier Hill Farm, 1 lb

Also try my Cheddar Ranch Fritos. They’re equally as addicting.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs
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5 from 1 vote

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

When I ran across this idea for making cheddar ranch pork rind puffs, I was all over it. Be careful, these crunchy bites are highly addicting. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheddar, pork rinds, Ranch
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 132kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine cheddar seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and salt in a re-sealable container (or baggie) that is large enough to hold the pork rinds.
  • Add rinds to the seasoning. Seal and gently shake to coat well.
  • Spread the rinds out onto a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.

Notes

For best results, use plain pork rinds.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 435mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | 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)

French Dip Crescents

I had a little meat and au jus left over from the French dip sandwiches I made the other day. I figured I’d try something new and make them into French dip crescents. They came out tasting just like French dip sandwiches, with a lighter and fluffier exterior. Quite tasty and moist, and fun for dipping. These little yummies make for fun appetizers.

French Dip Crescents

These are the perfect size to serve as appetizers for the big game. Just make sure you have a few paper towels on hand. The sandwiches are a tad messy after you dip them. After they are quite messy.

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NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Also try my French dip sandwiches.

French Dip Crescents
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5 from 1 vote

French Dip Crescents

French dip crescents taste just like French dip sandwiches, with a lighter and fluffier exterior. Quite tasty and moist, and fun for dipping. These little yummies make for fun appetizers
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword French dip
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 264kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Warm the meat and au jus over medium heat.
  • Divide the crescent rolls into 8 large triangles.
  • Add 1/2 slice of cheese to dough and top with 2 tablespoons of meat.
  • Roll up and seal the dough.
  • Transfer to a baking sheet and cook 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
  • Serve with the au jus for dipping.

Notes

Also great made using those tiny smoked sausages instead of the leftover French dip meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 26mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Calcium: 144mg | 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)

Grilled Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken Thighs

Nothing beats the tenderness of grilled boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This simple recipe for grilled sweet-n-spicy chicken thighs brings a little spiciness and a little sweetness. Although you could use the rub and glaze on white meat chicken or even pork, it works best with the richness of a chicken thigh. Moist and tender doesn’t even come close to describing this chicken. And ‘flavorful’ doesn’t do it justice enough. The rub has just a slight spiciness to it. Nothing too strong, but you’ll get a hint of it. The glaze is simple yet it brings a bit of sweetness and tartness.

Grilled Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken Thighs

Any Chicken Will Do

I prefer boneless skinless chicken when I make something like these grilled sweet-n-spicy chicken thighs. You could substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts instead. I would recommend butterflying them first. That way you get nice even cooking. Those big breasts are easy to overcook on the outside if you don’t butterfly them first.

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

Also try my grilled Dijon chicken thighs and my grilled honey-rosemary thighs. For low-and-slow, try my awesome smoked chicken thighs.

Grilled Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken Thighs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken Thighs

Nothing beats the tenderness of grilled boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This simple recipe for grilled sweet-n-spicy chicken thighs brings a little spiciness and a little sweetness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken thighs, grilled, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 444kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Traeger Grills

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any large pieces of fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the rub

For the glaze

Instructions

  • Prepare your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Place the chicken into a large bowl and drizzle with the oil.
  • Toss to coat.
  • Combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle over the chicken, tossing as you go.
  • Grill chicken over direct heat 2-3 minutes per side just long enough to get grill marks and a little color.
  • Remove to indirect heat and cool until internal temperature reaches 155 F.
  • Microwave the honey in a bowl or cup for 20 seconds. Stir in the vinegar.
  • Reserve 2 tablespoons of the glaze.
  • Brush remaining glaze (you may not need all of it), over the chicken as it cooks to completion, 165 F internally.
  • Serve chicken drizzled with reserved glaze.

Notes

Substitute hot honey in the glaze for a tasty kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 748mg | Potassium: 933mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 489IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Cheeseburger Soup

This thick, creamy cheeseburger soup absolutely hit the spot on a really cold day here in Indianapolis. We’ve had temperatures well below zero for days now. Having a big batch of this soup on hand really helped warm us up!

Cheeseburger Soup

Nice And Creamy Good

I’ve seen a few variations on this recipe for cheeseburger soup around the web. We decided to make a few more changes of our own. In particular, we substituted extra sharp cheddar and Fontina cheeses for the usual Velveeta. The result is so creamy cheesy good. For even more creaminess, use half the milk specified and add in some heavy cream.

Amazon Fresh - Beef Broth, Carton, 32 oz
Amazon Fresh – Beef Broth, Carton, 32 oz

Instead of crumbling the burger into the soup we made tiny meatballs. This made for a little more snazzy appearance and a feel of that more like a cheeseburger. For more great cheeseburger flavor, make a big ole batch of my cheeseburger gnocchi.

This recipe is based on a recipe from The Spice Garden.

Cheeseburger Soup
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Cheeseburger Soup

This thick, creamy cheeseburger soup absolutely hit the spot on a really cold day here in Indianapolis. We’ve had temperatures well below zero for days now. Having a big batch of this soup on hand really helped warm us up!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, cheese, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 598kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Spice Garden

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 medium potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 1 medium carrot peeled and diced
  • 1 small sweet onion diced
  • ½ medium green bell pepper diced
  • 1 small jalapeno seeded and minced
  • 14 ounces beef broth
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more
  • kosher salt
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 2 ½ cups milk divided
  • 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 4 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese cubed
  • 4 ounces Fontina cheese cubed

For garnish

  • 4 slices bacon cooked, crumbled
  • 1 green onion chopped

Instructions

  • Place the potatoes, carrot, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, broth and garlic into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and continue simmering until the potatoes are starting to soften, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into small balls.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Add the meatballs to the soup.
  • Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Stir and cook until softened. Add to the soup.
  • Add 1 1/2 cups of the milk to the soup and return to a simmer.
  • Add remaining milk to a large cup or bowl. Stir in the remaining flour until smooth. Slowly add the mixture to the soup while stirring. Continue stirring until the soup thickens.
  • Add the cheese to the soup and melt, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve soup warm with crumbled bacon and green onion as garnish.

Notes

Substitute pepper jack cheese for some of the cheddar for a nicely spicy soup!

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 730mg | Potassium: 1097mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2320IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 417mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Well, I’ll be. You could just knock me over with a feather. These little yummy homemade chicken nuggets taste even better than those little things you’d get at all of the fast food restaurants! The texture is exactly the same. So much so you’ll think you’re at a McDonald’s. They’re crazy addicting, that’s for sure.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Fast Food That Isn’t Like Fast Food

We really liked these homemade chicken nuggets. They were very flavorful and were almost like eating just-fried chicken bites. They’re highly addicting. It’s a good thing I made a lot of them.

We served these with warmed Russ and Frank’s Sassy BBQ sauce and some homemade sweet-and-sour dipping sauce.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

What else would go with these little yum-yums? Yeah, homemade McDonald’s fries. For a more ‘adult’ version, try my Parmesan chicken bites or my crazy-yummy blackened chicken fingers..

Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Well, I’ll be. You could just knock me over with a feather. These little yummy homemade chicken nuggets taste even better than those little things you’d get at all of the fast food restaurants! 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken nuggets, homemade
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 423kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Girli Chef

Equipment

Ingredients

For the nuggets

For the egg wash

  • 2 eggs beaten with 1 teaspoon of water

For dredging

For dipping

Instructions

  • Pour 2″ of oil into a skillet, deep fryer or Dutch oven. Heat to 350 F.
  • Place all of the nugget ingredients into a food processor and pulse until it is well combined and forms a paste. If you are using ground chicken, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Place the egg wash into a pie pan.
  • In another pie pan place the dredging ingredients.
  • Roll the chicken into small balls (about the size of a big marble).
  • Roll the chicken around in the dredging mixture. Shake off any excess.
  • Roll the chicken around in the egg wash. Shake off any excess.
  • Roll the chicken around in the dredging mixture again.
  • Shake off any excess and place on the parchment paper.
  • Using the back of a spoon, lightly press down on each chicken ball to flatten it out to form a nugget.
  • Working in batches, dip the nuggets in flour one more time.
  • Shake off the excess and add to the oil.
  • Fry on each side about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

These freeze well and can be easily reheated in the oven or an air fryer.

Nutrition

Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 173mg | Sodium: 1360mg | Potassium: 628mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Skillet Cornbread Pizza

This is my take on a great recipe for skillet cornbread pizza from Martha White. Sure, it’s not really a pizza, but it has the flavors of one. It’s a really fun twist on the ‘usual’ pizza. You can add pretty much the same ingredients you’d find on any pizza. Since there’s no sauce on top, just serve the slices with a little (warmed) pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Skillet Cornbread Pizza

A Fun Take On Pizza

You get a good little crunch off the cornbread if you let it get good and browned (not burned!) on the sides and bottom. I think these are rather fun to eat. And they’re mighty easy to make. Skillet cornbread pizza is a really tasty alternative to boring frozen pizza night!

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 pizza skillet bake.

Skillet Cornbread Pizza
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Skillet Cornbread Pizza

This is my take on a great recipe for skillet cornbread pizza from Martha White. Sure, it’s not really a pizza, but it has the flavors of one. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cornbread, pizza, skillet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 486kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Martha White

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Beat the egg in large bowl.
  • Add the milk, oil, cornbread mix, and Creole seasoning and stir until smooth, like a pancake batter.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients except the sauce.
  • Pour mixture into a 8-9″ cast iron skillet and spread out evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake 20-30 minutes or until the cornbread is done and is golden brown.
  • Serve with warm sauce for dipping or drizzle the sauce over top.

Notes

Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 1487mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1097IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 381mg | 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)

Copycat McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Yep, it tastes just like the stuff you get for your nuggets at the fast food chain. We made a batch of this copycat of McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce for dipping some homemade chicken nuggets. Just like everyone else is going to do. That’s what this sauce is for. You want to dip other things in it, go right ahead. For me, though, this is all about nuggets getting happy in a delicious sauce.

As a teen, and when I was in college, I ate my share of McDonald’s chicken nuggets. I always had them with the sweet and sour sauce, and I wasn’t shy about dipping either. Times have changed. Now I make my own nuggets and sauce.

Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce

Make Extra For Later

This copycat McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce freezes well, so make an extra batch and keep some on hand for those times when you want a quick chicken nugget snack with a great dipping sauce.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

Great for dipping chicken nuggets, of course!

Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Yep, it tastes just like the stuff you get for your nuggets at the fast food chain.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, sour, sweet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 131kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the water into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
  • Transfer to a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the water.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering until thickened.
  • Serve warm for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 10mg | 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)

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

We have long enjoyed our favorite appetizer meatball recipe, but this version of sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs from Johnsonville takes the idea to a new level.

Johnsonville recently came out with a line of meatballs. They are soooooo much better than the usual pre-made meatballs you can pick up in your grocer’s freezer section. This is our first time using them, but I can definitely see us cooking with them more! I also substitute my fantastic homemade meatballs. If I have any. They seem to disappear awfully quick around here.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

A Bit Different

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs are perfect for game-time munching!

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NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

For something a bit spicier, give your guests some fire-eater chicken meatballs. Also try my meatball sliders. They make great appetizers too.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These are perfect for game-time munching!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 265kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Johnsonville

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add in the olives, onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes or until the onion starts to soften.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the cheese. Stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add in the cheese and stir to melt.
  • Continue simmering for 30 minutes or until the meatballs are completely warmed through.

Notes

Keep warm for serving. I put them in a small crockpot set to low.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 214IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

40 Garlic Clove Chicken Sandwiches

I made a big ol’ batch of 40 garlic clove chicken the other day. It’s a garlic lover’s dream, for sure. Well, I had a bit of chicken leftover, and I thought… boy, this sure would be awesome on a sandwich. So I made 40 garlic clove chicken sandwiches. That’s 40 cloves of garlic, not 40 sandwiches to be clear!

40 Garlic Clove Chicken Sandwiches

No Such Thing as Too Much Garlic

The Kaw-Cajun Comeback sauce (courtesy Chez John, RIP my friend) which is good on absolutely anything and everything, really works well with theses 40 garlic clove chicken sandwiches. Couple that with fresh crunchy bread and good toppings and you have a great sandwich.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Love garlic like me? Try my woodfired garlic oyster crackers.

40 Garlic Clove Chicken Sandwiches
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

40 Garlic Clove Chicken Sandwiches

I made a big ol' batch of 40 garlic clove chicken the other day. It’s a garlic lovers dream, for sure. Well, I had a bit of chicken leftover, and I thought… boy, this sure would be awesome on a sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Warm the chicken.
  • Slather rolls with the Comeback sauce.
  • Add tomato and lettuce and serve.

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)