40 Garlic Clove Chicken

Yes, 40 cloves of garlic went into making this 40 garlic clove chicken. Yes, the house smelled like garlic. A lot. But, it was worth it. I was worried that the chicken would be so garlicky it would be inedible, but I was sooooo wrong. It came out perfectly flavored and very, very tender.

40 Garlic Clove Chicken

No Such Thing as Too Much Garlic

Eating this chicken reminded me of the garlic fries at the now-closed Boogie Burger. It brings the garlic, but in such a good way. Don’t be afraid and try and cut back on the amount of garlic. Heck, next time I might even use 41 cloves!

And if you have any leftovers, this chicken makes for a great sandwich!

Also try my roasted garlic chicken with parmesan gravy.

40 Garlic Clove Chicken
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5 from 1 vote

40 Garlic Clove Chicken

Yes, 40 cloves of garlic went into making this 40 garlic clove chicken. Yes, the house smelled like garlic. A lot. But, it was worth it.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, garlic
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 -6
Calories 498kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.
  • Add half of the chicken thighs and lightly brown on each side. Remove to a plate.
  • Repeat with remaining oil and chicken.
  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Add the green onions and a little thyme and saute for a few minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat.
  • Spread 20 of the garlic cloves around the bottom of the pan.
  • Pour in the wine.
  • Add chicken and any accumulated juices. Try to not stack them or over-crowd them so they cook evenly.
  • Top with remaining garlic. Season with salt and pepper and the remaining thyme, to taste.
  • Cover the pot and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, cook the recipe per package instructions and keep warm.
  • Serve chicken over rice with some of the pan sauce.

Notes

You can also make this dish with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 1144mg | Potassium: 755mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

I made a big batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip for a family get-together. It disappeared fast. It’s highly addictive. I mean, really what’s not to like about it. Tons and tons of cheese. And lots and lots of bacon. And a bit of onion for contrast. Heck, this is not only a great dip, it’s a great topping for a baked potato!

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

Make Extra, You’ll Need It!

You can’t go wrong with something that has bacon in it. And cheese. Make a double batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip. It’s great for dipping but it also makes a great topping for hamburgers too! And baked potatoes will never be the same after you put a few good dollops of it on top.

Also try my hot country ham dip.

This recipe is based on a recipe from You Made That?

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

You can’t go wrong with something that has bacon in it. And cheese. Make a double batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip and keep some on hand for topping just about anything
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, cheese, dip
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 110kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon
  • 2 16 ounce sour cream
  • 2 8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups green onions chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain well and chop into small pieces.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine all ingredients and pour into the dish, spreading out evenly.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Serve with crackers or chips (Frito’s Scoops are great with this dip!).

Notes

Also great made with pepper jack cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Refried Bean Dip

I’m up for anything with a Southwestern angle to it, and this refried bean dip has just that. Now, I served this up as a dip, but honestly… I could just as easily serve it as a refried bean side dish too. The beans get really, really tasty and tender after a few hours of slow cooking. There’s lots of great yummy cheeses. It’s creamy. And oh, yes, there’s a bit of a kick. But it’s not crazy hot.

Refried Bean Dip

Cholula, My Hot Sauce Of Choice

I use my favorite hot sauce, Cholula, when making this refried bean dip. It adds great flavor and that nice little kick. I’d serve these beans with a bottle of Cholula nearby. You never know when someone might want their beans to be a little spicier.

Never skimp when buying refried beans. The extra few cents a can makes a big difference in this refried bean dip. Or better yet, make your own refried beans using dried pinto beans!

For another delicious party dish made in a slow cooker, try our party shrimp.

Refried Bean Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Refried Bean Dip

I’m up for anything with a Southwestern angle to it, and this refried bean dip has just that. Now, I served this up as a dip, but honestly… I could just as easily serve it as a refried bean side dish too. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Southwestern
Keyword beans, dip, refried
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 1722kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pot, Dutch oven, or crockpot.
  • Cover and heat over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring on occasion.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1722kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 77g | Fat: 137g | Saturated Fat: 82g | Cholesterol: 402mg | Sodium: 9632mg | Potassium: 1087mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 7202IU | Vitamin C: 181mg | Calcium: 2070mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cholula Macaroni-and-Cheese

There are a thousand variations on macaroni-and-cheese, it seems. Rich. Creamy. Crunchy. And all sorts of different kinds of pasta. Well, if you’re a follower of this blog you know what we love Cholula hot sauce, often called Flavorful Fire. So it’s only natural then that we loved this Cholula macaroni-and-cheese. A little heat, but still that creaminess that makes mac-and-cheese soooo good.

Cholula Macaroni-and-Cheese

Life’s Not All About Elbow Mac

I like making mac-and-cheese with something other than elbow pasta (like wagon wheel pasta). People aren’t expecting it, and you’ll find that some pastas hold the cheese sauce better than others. The little wheel pastas I used in my Cholula macaroni-and-cheese trapped the sauce in yummy little spokes.

Also try my pepperoni pizza mac and cheese.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Insane Chicken.

Cholula Macaroni-and-Cheese
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4 from 2 votes

Cholula Mac-and-Cheese

If you’re a follower of this blog you know what we love Cholula hot sauce, often called Flavorful Fire. So it’s only natural then that we loved this Cholula macaroni-and-cheese. A little heat, but still that creaminess that makes mac-and-cheese soooo good.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 472kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375 F.
  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain.
  • Melt two tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisking constantly, stir in the flour, cooking for 1 minute.
  • While still whisking, add in the mustard, salt, white pepper, Cholula hot sauce, and in small amounts at a time, the milk.
  • Bring to a slow boil, still whisking, and boil for 1 minute until thickened.
  • Remove pan from the heat and stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
  • Add the pasta and gently stir to coat.
  • Pour mixture into a 2 quart baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Stir in the breadcrumbs and chili powder. Sprinkle mixture over the top of the mac-and-cheese.
  • Bake 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite hot sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 872mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 902IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 611mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Roasted Potatoes

I could probably eat andouille sausage all day long. I just love that great smoky, garlicky, oniony flavor. And it has a great texture. Not mushy. Sometimes andouille is a little hard to find here, so I end up substituting smoked sausage or even kielbasa. That’s ok, because no matter what sausage you use in these Creole roasted potatoes, it’s going to come out fantastic.

Creole Roasted Potatoes

Side Or Main Dish, Either Way It’s Good!

These Creole roasted potatoes are a fantastically easy dish, with a nice kicked-up flavor. Dice the sausage when serving as a side, or cut it into rounds for a great main dish.

Also try my Cajun mashed potatoes and my garlic red potatoes.

Creole Roasted Potatoes
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4 from 1 vote

Creole Roasted Potatoes

These Creole roasted potatoes are a fantastically easy dish, with a nice kicked-up flavor. Dice the sausage when serving as a side, or cut it into rounds for a great main dish.
Course Side
Cuisine Creole
Keyword Creole, potatoes, roasted
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 249kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Place all ingredients into a large bowl and gently toss to mix and coat well.
  • Pour mixture into a roasting pan and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the potatoes are soften and golden, stirring every 15 minutes.

Notes

If you can’t find andouille you can substitute smoked sausage.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 419mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 530IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Baked Sliders

Everyone loves sliders. Normally, I grill them, but this approach, which bakes them, is great in a pinch. And it is a fantastic way to make a huge batch of sliders in a short amount of time. These baked sliders are perfect for a football game party.

Baked Sliders

More Sliders, More Better

Just put out a ‘slider bar’. All the favorite burger toppings. You know the ones. Ketchup, mayo, mustard, pickles. Don’t forget a little iceberg lettuce. Oh, sheesh! I almost forgot the cheese! Don’t forget the cheese! Baked sliders are just like their grownup big-sized burgers, just a bit more fun to eat.

Also try my Big Mac slider hoagies.

Baked Sliders
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Sliders

Everyone loves sliders. Normally, I grill them, but this approach, which bakes them, is great in a pinch. And it is a fantastic way to make a huge batch of sliders in a short amount of time. These baked sliders are perfect for a football game party.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, burgers, sliders
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 649kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Sprinkle the bottom of a 8″ x 8″ baking dish with minced onion.
  • Add beef, pushing down with your palm to spread the meat out evenly, all the way to edges of the pan.
  • Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning. Don’t be shy with it.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Add cheese and bake another 2 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly then cut into 12 squares.
  • Serve over buns topped with pickle, ketchup and mustard.

Notes

These are also great served with smoky BBQ sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 649kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 678mg | Potassium: 411mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 237mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Deluxe Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is pretty popular in our house. It’s easy to cook and works well with other flavors, and in particular, Southwestern flavors. This deluxe Southwestern quinoa salad is an excellent example. It is a different take on the recipe we normally use. We enjoy both versions!

Deluxe Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Add A Little Kick

The combination of citrus flavors with cumin and smoked paprika really works well. Very classic southwestern. If you want a little bite, toss a few pinches of red pepper flakes in there too. And try different kinds of quinoa for a little color in your deluxe southwestern quinoa salad.

If you’re interested in the awesome steakhouse grinder we had with this salad, click here for the recipe.

Southwestern Quinoa Salad
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4 from 1 vote

Deluxe Southwestern Quinoa Salad

The combination of citrus flavors with cumin and smoked paprika really works well. Very classic southwestern.
Course Side
Cuisine Southwestern
Keyword quinoa, salad, southwestern
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 168kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup quinoa
  • 1 cup corn or 1/2 of a can of corn kernels, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 15 1/4 ounce black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 medium orange juiced

Instructions

  • Cook quinoa per package directions, making sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking.
  • Drain and let cool almost completely.
  • Place in a large bowl.
  • Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the corn kernels.
  • Singe the corn, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes.
  • Add the corn, cumin, beans, tomato, feta, green onions, and smoked paprika
  • Stir the salad and add salt if desired.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice and orange juice.
  • Add to the salad and toss.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Roasted Spicy Chicken Breasts

I was very pleasantly surprised with this recipe for roasted spicy chicken breasts. I’ll definitely make them again. Despite being baked the chicken does not dry out or become tough. Nope. The sauce is just slightly spicy. It has just enough kick that you’ll notice it. But don’t fear the heat. It isn’t meant to be overpowering and it’s not.

Roasted Spicy Chicken Breasts

Perfectly Spicy Chicken

These roasted spicy chicken breasts are fantastic sliced thin and used on sandwiches. Or cube up the chicken for topping a delicious, spiced-up salad.

Try this chicken on my southwestern cobb salad.

Roasted Spicy Chicken Breasts
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4 from 1 vote

Roasted Spicy Chicken Breasts

I was very pleasantly surprised with this recipe for roasted spicy chicken breasts. I’ll definitely make them again
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, roasted, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 468kcal
Author Based on this recipe from The Deen Brothers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Spray a glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon zest, paprika, celery seeds, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
  • Season the chicken on all sides with additional salt and pepper.
  • Slather the chicken with the mayo mixture. I found it easiest to just use my hands, making sure to coat the chicken completely.
  • Transfer the chicken to the baking dish.
  • Bake until the chicken is at 165 F internal temperature, 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes then slice thinly and serve.

Notes

You can substitute boneless, skinless thighs for the breasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 1023mg | Potassium: 938mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Dirty Rice and Andouille Sausage

I needed a simple, yet tasty, dish for dinner the other night. I found a few things in the fridge, searched around online, and ended up making this not-quite-authentic-but-still-very-good dish. Dirty rice and Andouille sausage hit the spot and did not disappoint.

Dirty Rice and Andouille Sausage

Andouille Makes This Dish Great

If you can’t find Andouille sausage at your grocery store you can substitute smoked sausage. Andouille has a distinct, fantastic, flavor. Smoked sausage isn’t quite the same, but it’ll do in a pinch. You’re making cheater dirty rice and Andouille sausage, so you can cheat on the sausage too in a pinch.

Also try my copycat of Zatarain’s jambalaya.

Cheater Dirty Rice and Andouille Sausage
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5 from 2 votes

Dirty Rice and Andouille Sausage

I needed a simple, yet tasty, dish for dinner the other night. I found a few things in the fridge, searched around online, and ended up making this not-quite-authentic-but-still-very-good dish.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Cajun, rice
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 867kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 5 cups chicken stock divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Andouille sausage sliced
  • 1 large white onion chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Cook the rice per package instructions, substituting the chicken stock for water.
  • Meanwhile, add the oil to a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sausage and brown on all sides.
  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and the remaining cup of broth. Stir.
  • Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir rice into the pan.
  • Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

Can’t find andouille? Substitute smoked sausage.

Nutrition

Calories: 867kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 1500mg | Potassium: 1089mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fingerling Home Fries

Fingerling potatoes are a great thing. They have such great potato taste. I try to substitute them for “regular” potatoes whenever I can just to get that extra potato punch. This time I decided to make home fries (that I usually make with russets) with fingerling potatoes instead and boy was I ever happy with the difference! Simply using a different potato really makes a big difference in this dish.

Fingerling Home Fries

This recipe for home fries really lets that fingerling potato flavor shine. Also try my spicy home fries.

Also try my steakhouse fries.

Fingerling Homefries
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5 from 1 vote

Fingerling Home Fries

Fingerling potatoes are a great thing. They have such great potato taste. I try to substitute them for “regular” potatoes whenever I can just to get that extra potato punch.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword potatoes, roasted
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 105kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and cook until they are just fork-tender.
  • Drain and allow the potatoes to cool.
  • Smash potatoes flat with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a small bowl.
  • Add oil to a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add onions. Season with salt and add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
  • Saute 7-8 minutes or until the onions are just starting to soften.
  • Add the potatoes to the pan, toss with the onions, and flatten them out to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Let the potatoes cook for a few minutes then flip and again flatten out.
  • Repeat this process until the potatoes get a bit of a crust on them and begin to turn golden brown.
  • Serve garnished with parsley.

Notes

Yellow potatoes or baby potatoes can also be used.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 536mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.