Baked Ham-and-Cheese Pull-Apart Sandwiches

Making these baked ham-and-cheese pull-apart sandwiches was almost like making Hasselback potatoes. Or pepperoni pull-apart bread. You can use whatever sandwich ingredients you like. Make it as simple as we did, or as complicated as you wish.

Baked Ham-and-Cheese Pull-Apart Sandwiches

An Easy Way To Feed A Crowd

Just toss in the oven and 20 or so minutes later you have 6 or so baked ham-and-cheese pull-apart sandwiches, perfect for a get-together. The Dijon mustard/butter mixture adds a nice twangy kick to these sandwiches. They come out of the oven hot, with a moist inside and just a little crunch on the outside. You can serve them with extra condiments if your guests prefer. We like them as they were.

I’ve made these a few times now, often changing up the meats and cheeses that I use.

Also check out my pepperoni pull-apart bread.

Baked Ham-and-Cheese Pull-Apart Sandwiches
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4 from 1 vote

Baked Ham-and-Cheese Pull-Apart Sandwiches

Making these baked ham-and-cheese pull-apart sandwiches was almost like making Hasselback potatoes. Make it as simple as we did, or as complicated as you wish.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, ham, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 428kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian bread
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • cheese sliced (We used sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • sandwich meat sliced thin (We used ham)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Lay two wooden spoons alongside the bread loaf. This will keep you from cutting too deep into the bread.
  • Cut bread into 3/4″ wide slices and place onto a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet pan.
  • Combine the butter and mustard.
  • Gently place folded cheese pieces and sandwich meat in between every other slice.
  • Brush inside the sandwiches and the top of the bread loaf with the butter mixture.
  • Loosely cover in foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Serve with your favorite condiments on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 316mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Creole Remoulade

This spicy Creole remoulade is fantastic on crab cakes, or slather it on a bun for a great po’ boy! There’s some kick from the horseradish and mustard … and hot sauce! This is not some light, laid-back, weak remoulade at all! It packs a lot of flavor. It’s my go-to sauce when I want something ‘lively’.

Spicy Creole Remoulade

Perfect On Darned Near Anything

This spicy Creole remoulade is also great on my crab cakes with shrimp! The creaminess and spiciness works fantastic with crab. And shrimp. Or put it on a hoagie next time you make a big ole cold-cut sandwich or burgers. It’s so much better than adding a plain-old sauce. Just slather it on the insides of the bread or buns!

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.

Also try my red pepper remoulade.

Crab Cakes with Shrimp
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Spicy Creole Remoulade

Spicy Creole remoulade.
Course Sauce
Cuisine Creole
Keyword Creole, sauce, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 27kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate for one hour before using.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 641IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

West Coast Burger

Brian Boitano, the gold medal skater, had a show on the Food Network for a while called What Would Brian Boitano Make? that was actually quite good. He cooked up all sorts of great food ideas, many of which were for entertaining. I’ve made a number of his recipes and they’ve all come out fantastic, including this one for a West Coast burger.

West Coast Burger

Burger Greatness

There are two things that make this West Coast burger a great burger: the sauce and the onions. The sauce is a great combination of your usual burger toppings with a little hot sauce and garlic powder added in for extra flavor. The onions are sautéed, which isn’t anything spectacular. But, what is spectacular is that you add in mustard at the end of the sautéing. That really takes the onions to a new level. What a great idea!

I like to use a burger press when I make burgers. It, in combination with some patty papers, enables me to crank out a whole bunch of equally-sized burger patties in no time at all with little cleanup.

Also try my Buffalo wing burgers.

West Coast Burger
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West Coast Burger

There are two things that make this burger a great burger: the sauce and the onions.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 581kcal

Ingredients

For the onions

For the special sauce

For the burger

  • 4 hamburger patties seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 4 burger buns
  • burger toppings cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc
  • onions and from above
  • special sauce from above

Instructions

For the onions

  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the onions and saute for 15 minutes or until softened and lightly caramelized.
  • Add mustard, stir, and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

For the sauce

  • Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

For the burger

  • Cook burgers as you normally would.
  • Slather buns with the special sauce. Add patties and desired toppings, followed by the onions.

Notes

The onion mixture is great on hot dogs, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 581kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 735mg | Potassium: 504mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Taco Burgers

Yowsa. These taco burgers bring the Mexican-ish flavors big-time. The patty tastes a lot like taco meat. The tortilla chips taste like a taco shell. And the guacamole cools it all down… until you get slapped by a last hit of hot salsa. Really tasty. And messy. I like messy. Messy things are almost always the tastiest.

Taco Burgers

Tender Patties That Need A Little Love

The patties are very moist, which means you have to be very careful with them on the grill or they’ll fall apart. It really all depends on your salsa. If you use a thin, runny salsa, you might want to add a binder (such as crushed tortilla chips or masa) to the meat before forming it into patties. Be kind to your taco burgers and they’ll reward you with great flavors.

I like to use a burger press when I make burgers. It, in combination with some patty papers, enables me to crank out a whole bunch of equally-sized burger patties in no time at all with little cleanup.

Also try my ultimate Sriracha burgers.

Taco Burgers
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Taco Burgers

These taco burgers bring the Mexican-ish flavors big-time. The patty tastes a lot like taco meat. The tortilla chips taste like a taco shell. And the guacamole cools it all down… until you get slapped by a last hit of hot salsa. Really tasty.
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword burgers, taco
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 573kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound hamburger
  • 1 egg beaten lightly
  • 6 tablespoons salsa thicker is better, divided
  • 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 4 slices extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • guacamole
  • blue corn tortilla chips crushed

Instructions

  • Combine the beef, egg, 3 tablespoons salsa and taco seasoning in a large bowl.
  • Form into 4 patties each approximately 4 ounces.
  • Grill patties until done. Top with cheese. Remove from grill.
  • Lightly toast the buns.
  • Serve buns topped with burger, guacamole, remaining salsa and the crushed chips.

Notes

Serve with pepper jack cheese for a little more kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 573kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1242mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 574IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 486mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Roasted Chicken Salad Sandwich

This is my favorite roasted chicken salad sandwich recipe. I love the tender, roasted chicken countered with the crunch of onion and celery, along with the smooth mayonnaise. It is the perfect chicken salad sandwich made only better with fresh toppings.

Roasted Chicken Salad Sandwich

Great Chicken Flavor In Every Bite

Any good roasted chicken will do. Rotisserie chicken, too. I roasted the chicken on our Big Easy fryer. Nothing could be easier. A simple marinade, then an hour in the cooker, and you end up with perfectly moist and tender roasted chicken salad sandwich. You can actually skip the marinade and just season the chicken and roast. It seriously could not be any easier.

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.

For something a bit spicier, use some of my spicy roasted chicken when making these sandwiches .

Roasted Chicken Salad Sandwich
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Roasted Chicken Salad Sandwich

This is my favorite roasted chicken salad sandwich recipe. I love the tender, roasted chicken countered with the crunch of onion and celery, along with the smooth mayonnaise. It is the perfect chicken salad sandwich made only better with fresh toppings.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken salad, roasted
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 191kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a large bowl.
  • Add a little of the onion and celery and mix.
  • Add enough mayonnaise to just coat the mixture, Fold.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add more onion, celery and salt, to taste until you have the flavor just like you like it. You'll need to add more mayo also, but not too much at a time. You don't want the mixture to get runny.
  • Lightly toast the buns or bread.
  • Top with lettuce and tomato, followed by a large serving of the chicken salad.
  • Add top bun and enjoy!

Notes

Also great made with turkey.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1389IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon Biscuit Pull-Aparts

When I first saw these bacon biscuit pull-aparts on the Picky Palate, I thought, “These have to be illegal in most states. They look just too good.”. They have everything that is yummy in them: biscuits, cheese and bacon with warmed maple syrup on top. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, or as a side for dinner.

Bacon Biscuit Pull-Aparts

Yummy Gooey Goodness

The result is soft, cheesy gooey yumminess. The bacon biscuit pull-aparts were just as good left over as they were the evening I made them.

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.

I love making pull-apart breads. Try my pumpkin version. It’s perfect for fall. Actually, it’d be great for breakfast too!

Bacon Biscuit Pull-Aparts
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Bacon Biscuit Pull-Aparts

When I first saw these bacon biscuit pull-aparts I thought, “These have to be illegal in most states. They look just too good.”
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, biscuits
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 753kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 slices thick-cut bacon or 1/4th of a breakfast sausage roll
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tube biscuit dough
  • 6 fresh mozzarella sliced thin
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • maple syrup warmed (for serving)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Cook bacon (or sausage) and let drain on a paper towel.
  • Brush butter around the inside of a 9″ cast iron skillet.
  • Place biscuits in skillet. You’ll want to pack them in much like dinner rolls.
  • Top with mozzarella, the bacon (or sausage) and cheddar.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • Serve topped with warm maple syrup.

Notes

Use a 8″-9″ cast iron skillet for best results. You can use an 8″ skillet too, but you’ll have to use one less biscuit (trust me on this).

Nutrition

Calories: 753kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1571mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Calcium: 271mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Wingin’ator 3000 on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Wingin’ator 3000 is the name I’ve given to my modification to the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer. I love using my Big Easy for whole chickens and turkeys, but when it comes to using it for chicken wings, it needs a little help. There’s just no real good way to load the fryer up with a lot of wings at once. So, I made the Wingin’ator 3000.

Wingin'ator 3000 on the Char-Broil Big Easy

All you need is the standard basket that comes with the Big Easy and some round (large square ones also work) disposable grill toppers. You may luck out and find them in your local grocery store. They are made by OscarWare. I found these Oscarware 3-Pack Disposable Grill Toppers which are just large enough.

I turned the basket upside down and traced the outline of the circle it makes onto the toppers. I then cut the grill toppers slightly larger (by 1/8″-1/4″ than the circle using tin snips (wire cutters will work too). The metal in the topper is pretty thin so it cuts easily.

I then gently folded each circle like a hard taco so I could slide it into the Big Easy basket from the side. I unfolded it and then crimped down the edges to firmly attach the toppers to the basket frame.  You want to make sure that the toppers are relatively taut so they don’t fold in the middle under the weight of the chicken. Also make sure you fold the edges in pretty well or you might drag your knuckles on them! I added 3 toppers, creating 3 shelves for wings, 4 if you count the bottom of the Big Easy basket.

For my first trial i put on only a family pack (about 4 pounds) of wings (drumettes and flats). I could’ve easily cooked a lot more, which made me very happy! Just make sure you spray the entire contraption with non-stick spray before loading it. (Note: I cooked two family packs, over 60+ wing flats and drumettes, on the Wingin’ator 3000 tonight, Dec 3, 2013!)

If you’re looking for a way of making fried-like wings on the Big Easy, check out my recent post on crispy chicken wings.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Wingin'ator 3000 on the Char-Broil Big Easy Overhead

Oh and it’s all dishwasher safe making cleanup a breeze! Click here for some of the other awesome things I’ve made on my Big Easy.

If you have any questions about the Wingin’ator 3000 drop me a note. Just hop on over to the About/Contact Us page. I look forward to hearing from you.

Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I bought a Big Easy a while back. It is one of my favorite “grills” by far. It doesn’t get any easier – marinate/brine/whatever meat you wish to cook and put it into the cooker. Turkeys and chickens take about 10 minutes per pound. A family pack of wings takes about 30 minutes. Done. No mess, no fuss. It’s a beautiful thing. And nothing is like roasted chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Easy Seasoning. Easy Chicken.

Garlic, dill and rosemary give this roasted chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy a nice savory flavor. This is my go-to recipe for roasting chicken. I do not brine the birds or marinate them. I slather them (you can easily fit two decent-sized chickens into the Big Easy) with the mixture below and put them into the cooker.

The skin comes up super crispy and the entire bird is moist and tender and flavorful.

Also try my easy roasted turkey cooked on the Big Easy.

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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Garlic Rosemary Roasted Chicken on the Big Easy

Garlic, dill and rosemary give this chicken a nice savory flavor. This is my go-to recipe for roasting chicken.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 1 chicken
Calories 246kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For gravy

Instructions

  • Rinse the bird and pat dry.
  • Mix remaining ingredients. Note: You may want to add more dill or rosemary. Taste the mixture and add more as you need.
  • Slather mixture all over and inside the bird. You can refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking. I’ve found that marinating isn’t necessary.
  • Place into a heated Big Easy (or onto a grill) and cook until meat in the thighs hits 185 F and the breasts hit 160 F.
  • Let rest 30 minutes before carving (if you can resist it that long!).

For gravy

  • To make gravy from the drippings, add the drippings to the broth in a small pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the flour and stir until thickened.

Notes

You can also use your favorite cuts of chicken instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 9002mg | Potassium: 653mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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. It’s oh-so-tender. It’s oh-so-juicy. This sandwich was a great change from my usual.

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches

Deliciousness In Every Bite

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. Chicken breasts would work great too. I recommend butterflying them first so that they have an even thickness throughout. That’ll help them cook evenly and faster. It also gives the marinade more surface area to flavor. If the butterflied chicken breast is too large for a single sandwich (and it probably will be), just cut into two pieces.

Also try my grilled Jamaican jerk chicken sandwiches.

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches
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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

Equipment

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.

Notes

The chicken is also great sliced thin and served over lettuce as a salad.

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.

Best BBQ Beans on the Planet

The best? Really? Quite the bold claim saying that these are the best BBQ beans on the planet. So, being the skeptical person that I am, I figured these would be lame, middle-of-the-road, and nothing really to talk about.

Best BBQ Beans on the Planet

My Goodness, They Are The Best!

Well, I was wrong. These are the best BBQ beans on the planet and the best I’ve ever had. Now, to be fair, I’ve had some that were close seconds. But these are amazing. So are they the best on the planet? Inspired by Steven Raichlen, these are the best beans in the galaxy. Raichlen introduced me on to a world outside of just firing up some charcoal and tossing on a rubbery steak. And he gave me grill envy. I mean, really, have you seen his shows? He has the BEST toys!

Be cautious when lifting the pan of beans on and off the grill. Always support the pan on the bottom. I use oven mitts.

The only way to make these is on the grill, over indirect heat. Although you can make them in the oven, but you’d really be missing the point (and some flavor).

Also try my easy spicy grilled potatoes.

Best BBQ Beans on the Planet
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Best BBQ Beans on the Planet

These are the best BBQ beans on the planet and the best I’ve ever had. Now, to be fair, I’ve had some that were close seconds. But these are amazing.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, beans
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 263kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Place a few chunks of mesquite over the coals.
  • Add the bacon pieces to a large skillet or Dutch oven over high heat and cook until starting to crisp. Remove bacon to a plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings (I strained the rest and refrigerated it for oiling my grill grates).
  • Place all remaining ingredients into a 9" x 13" disposable pan with 3" sides. Stir.
  • Drizzle reserved bacon drippings over the top of the beans.
  • Place pan on grill over indirect heat.
  • Cook for at least 1 hour, monitoring to see if the beans get too hot or dry out (you might have to add water).
  • Remove beans once they and the vegetables are tender.
  • Cover grill

Notes

You’ll need a 9″ x 13″ disposable pan with 3″ sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 576mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 378IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.