Author: Mike

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes

You sure can’t go wrong with mushrooms and cheese on a good ole baked potato! I love having baked potatoes for dinner. Not as a side, but for dinner. Load them up and I’m a happy guy. It reminds me of Hogs Breath, my favorite diner in Fayetteville, Arkansas, when I was in college. For just a few bucks you could get a massive loaded baked potato for lunch. Like these cheesy mushroom baked potatoes. Big taters, loaded with lots of cheese and earthy mushrooms. This ain’t fancy eats, but it’s good eats!

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes

Baked Potatoes Love Toppings!

Also try my cheesy broccoli baked potatoes and my easy chili cheese baked potatoes. Like I said, I absolutely love baked potatoes and I’m more than happy to top them with darned near anything. These cheesy mushroom baked potatoes are just one great example!

Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver
Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver

Also try my mushroom and onion baked potatoes.

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes

You sure can’t go wrong with mushrooms and cheese on a good ole baked potato! I love having baked potatoes for dinner. Not as a side, but for dinner
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, blue cheese, mushroom, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 174kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a skillet.
  • Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
  • Split the potatoes along the tops.
  • Divide the mushrooms among the potatoes and top with the cheese sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

Add a little crumbled cooked bacon for even more great flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 938mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 32mg | 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)

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Mmmmmm. Simple, but oh so good! These cheesy broccoli baked potatoes remind me of the wonderful potatoes at Hog’s Breath Eatery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I used to eat at Hog’s Breath regularly. Man, did they have great baked potatoes. Sadly, the Hog’s Breath Eatery has closed. That means I have to make more baked potatoes like this one at home. I used to save up my cravings for the next time I’d go to Fayetteville. Now I can make them any time.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Nice ‘n Cheesy

I used my homemade cheese sauce on these delicious cheesy broccoli baked potatoes. You can use your own or pre-made if you like, but my version is so easy to make. Just don’t be shy with it. The first word in the title of this recipe is ‘cheesy’!

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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 cheesy mushroom baked potatoes, my mushroom and onion baked potatoes, and my take on the Hog’s Breath classic baked potato, The Works.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Mmmmmm. Simple, but oh so good! These cheesy broccoli baked potatoes remind me of the wonderful potatoes at Hog’s Breath Eatery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, cheese, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 184kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a small pan of water to a boil.
  • Add a pinch of salt.
  • Add the broccoli and cook 3-4 minutes or until just barely tender.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the broccoli from cooking further.
  • Split the potatoes along the tops.
  • Divide the broccoli among the potatoes and top with the cheese sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

A little crumbled cooked bacon adds a nice twist too!

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 49mg | 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)

Cheese Sauce

This is my go-to, super easy, cheese sauce. I use it mostly on vegetables, and often on baked potatoes. It’s also great on hot dogs and hamburgers. You need a cheesy sauce, this is the one. It has just the right consistency. You don’t want it too runny. You don’t want it to be all gloppy. This is right down the middle, perfect.

Cheese Sauce

A Cheese Blank Canvas

Substitute a Monterey Jack cheese for a nice white sauce, or pepperjack for something a little kicked up. You can also add things like chopped roasted chiles or jalapenos to give it even more heat. These cheese sauce loves to take on more flavors, so change it up!

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

This sauce is the boss on my cheesy mushroom baked potatoes and my cheesy broccoli baked potatoes.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cheese Sauce

This makes a little over a cup of sauce, about the right amount for 4 servings of vegetables or 4 baked potatoes.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 108kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat 3/4 cup of the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam, stirring often.
  • In a coffee cup or glass, mix together 1/4 cup of milk and all of the flour until the flour is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  • While stirring, slowly pour the milk and flour mixture into the heated milk. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and is nice and thick.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Add salt and cayenne pepper, to taste.

Notes

Sure, you can use any cheese you want!

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Calcium: 171mg | 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 and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes

These grilled and baked pimento cheese-stuffed potatoes were almost too pretty to eat. But they sure were delicious, and definitely something a little different. I don’t know why the thought of stuffing potatoes with pimento cheese never occurred to me before. It’s certainly way, way better than just plain old shredded cheddar cheese that’s for sure! It’s amazing how just a few ingredients, usually ones I have on-hand, can make a plain-ole plain-ole potato something magical. That’s why I love baked potatoes so much. They’re like a blank canvas just waiting for me to add my own touches.

Grilled and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes

Indoors or Outdoors, They’re Great!

You can also bake these pimento cheese-stuffed potatoes in the oven at 350 F instead of finishing them on the grill. I follow my always-go-to method for making the best baked potatoes in the oven when cooking them indoors. They have the perfectly crunchy skin with tender, moist insides every single time. You can’t beat them! The key is to not wrap them in foil. Let them ‘breath’. You want them baked, not steamed. And you want them to cook to 210 F. Yep, you can give them the ‘poke test’ too, but 210 F is the guaranteed perfect temperature.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Nibble Me This.

Grilled and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes

These grilled and baked pimento cheese-stuffed potatoes were almost too pretty to eat. But they sure where delicious, and definitely something a little different. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pimento cheese, pimiento cheese, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 578kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Nibble Me This

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bake potatoes (see The Best Baked Potato). Let cool slightly.
  • Cut top 1/4th off each potato. Using a melonballer or spoon, scrape the potato pulp from both the inside of the potato and the top piece into a large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix. Use a fork to break up and smash any large potato pieces.
  • Spoon mixture back into the potatoes.
  • Place on a grill over indirect heat (or in a preheated oven) at around 350 F for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Notes

Substitute pepper jack for nicely kicked-up potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 975mg | Potassium: 1659mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1040IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 492mg | 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)

The Best Baked Potato

The best baked potato has a crispy skin that crunches when you cut into it. The ‘meat’ is almost creamy. Baking them is what makes them fantastic.There are few things that are as easy as or as good as a great spud. This is how I make them. They are always fantastic time after time.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

No Foil Please

Here’s how we make our potatoes in the oven. Foil? Notice that there isn’t any to be found. When you foil them you are steaming them and the skin will never come up crunchy yummy. This is the way to get that perfect skin. And that perfect potato creaminess. It’s easy and it works. Every time.

Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver
Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver

If you’re wanting to try something, sweet potatoes on a smoker or grill takes traditional baking  to a whole new place. And for the same flavors, but in a salad, try my loaded baked potato salad.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

The Best Baked Potato

The best baked potato has a crispy skin that crunches when you cut into it. The ‘meat’ is almost creamy. Baking them is what makes them fantastic. There are few things that are as easy as or as good as a great spud. This is how I make them. They are always fantastic time after time.
Course Main, Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 292kcal
Author Based on a recipe from What’s Cooking America

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Rinse the potatoes under cold water and brush off any dirt. Dry well with a paper towel.
  • Pierce each potato 4 times with a sharp knife.
  • Brush potatoes with oil.
  • Sprinkle some salt onto a plate and roll the potatoes in the salt.
  • Place potatoes directly on the oven center rack. You might want to put a baking sheet lined with foil beneath them to catch any drippings.
  • Bake until potatoes are done (210 F internal temperature, or tender all the way through when poked with a knife), 40-60 minutes depending on their size. You can also test for doneness by squeezing the potatoes (with potholders on). If they give easily, they are done.

Notes

Use potholders or grill gloves to squeeze the potatoes open when done.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 1539mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

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)

Shrimp-Stuffed Potato Skins

I was thumbing through a recent copy of Chile Pepper magazine (one of my favorites that unfortunately is no longer being published) when I came across a recipe for shrimp-stuffed eggplants. I can’t say my wife and I are fans of eggplant. So I decided to try the recipe with potato skins instead. The end result was fantastic. Who would’ve thought that shrimp-stuffed potato skins would be so good?

Shrimp-Stuffed Potato Skins

Totally Different. Totally Great.

These shrimp-stuffed potato skins make for great appetizers or they can be served as a side dish. I used the little small shrimp you find normally in your grocery store’s freezer section. They are called 26-30 count shrimp (that’s the number of shrimp in a pound) or salad shrimp. You could use bigger shrimp and cut them in half.

Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)
Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)

Also try my shrimp-stuffed bread.

Shrimp-Stuffed Potato Skins
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4 from 1 vote

Shrimp-Stuffed Potato Skins

These shrimp-stuffed potato skins make for great appetizers or they can be served as a side dish. I used the little small shrimp you find normally in your grocery store’s freezer section.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword potato skins, shrimp
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 373kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add potatoes and boil until just starting to soften.
  • Drain the potatoes.
  • Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh and reserve.
  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Melt the butter in a saute pan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion, parsley, bell pepper and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the shrimp and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Add the potato flesh and stir.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cups of the breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Place potato skins on a baking sheet.
  • Spoon in the shrimp mixture.
  • Sprinkle tops of potatoes with the remaining breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

If you have leftover stuffing mixture, use it as a great dip for crackers!

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 196mg | Sodium: 1144mg | Potassium: 1115mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 246IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 5mg

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)

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes

Having a baked potato for dinner is like having breakfast for dinner. It’s something I always look forward to. But for some reason, I feel mischievous having one. It’s like I’m breaking the rules. These easy chili cheese baked potatoes made me feel like I was breaking a lot of rules.

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes

Baked Potatoes Can Be Addicting

I think my addiction to baked potatoes really got started in college. There was a great dive in Fayetteville, Arkansas, called Hogs Breath Eatery. That’s where I would get a huge loaded baked potato for just a few bucks. My favorites were the Terlingua and The Works. Also, their variation of these easy chili cheese 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 The Works baked potato.

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes
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4 from 1 vote

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes

Having a baked potato for dinner is like having breakfast for dinner. It’s something I always look forward to.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, cheese, chili, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 473kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Split potatoes open and add one tablespoon of butter to each.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Add chili, cheese, and sour cream and top with green onions.

Notes

Don’t be afraid to add a little minced jalapeno, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 1834mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 6mg

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)

Shrimp-Stuffed Bread

I’ve been a subscriber of Chile Pepper magazine (sadly, no longer publishing) for quite some time now. Every issue has not only great recipes, but also articles on peppers, products and cuisines. Even if you aren’t a fan of heat or spice, Chile Pepper is well worth the subscription price. Why? Because it’s packed with awesome recipes like this one for shrimp-stuffed bread.

Shrimp-Stuffed Bread

Got Crawfish? Use That Instead!

The original recipe called for crawfish tails, which would also make for an amazing dish. But, all of the crawfish around here are imported. I can get Louisiana shrimp thankfully. So that’s why I made shrimp-stuffed bread instead.

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 shrimp-stuffed potato skins and stuffed French bread.

Shrimp-Stuffed Bread
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Shrimp-Stuffed Bread

The original recipe called for crawfish tails, which would also make for an amazing dish. But, all of the crawfish around here are imported. I can get Louisiana shrimp thankfully. So that’s why I made shrimp-stuffed bread instead.
Course Side or Main
Cuisine Creole
Keyword bread, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 662kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper Magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup white onion diced
  • ½ large red bell pepper diced
  • ½ large green bell pepper diced
  • 1 pound shrimp 26-30 count, shelled and cleaned
  • 6 ounces Habanero cheddar cheese cut into chunks
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Slice the bread in half lengthwise and remove some of the insides.
  • Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion, peppers, and salt and pepper to taste. Saute until soft, 10-12 minutes.
  • Stir in the shrimp and saute for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Place the cheese, pepper flakes and mayonnaise into a blender or food processor and blend until combined.
  • Add to the bowl with the shrimp and fold to mix.
  • Scoop mixture into the bread.
  • Close bread halves and wrap in foil.
  • Place bread onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Cut into 4 pieces and serve.

Notes

You can substitute cheddar if you prefer a less-spicy sandwich.

Nutrition

Calories: 662kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 313mg | Sodium: 1579mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 985IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 6mg

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)

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese

Although not quite historically accurate, this Civil War macaroni-and-cheese is really quite good. I think the main reason that it tastes so good is that the pasta is cooked in milk instead of water. This gives it a creamier taste. Just like when you boil anything else, you need flavor in the water to make up for lost.

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese

A Few Words About The Real Deal

Apparently, elbow pasta, whole milk and cheddar cheese were not very common during the Civil War. But this recipe for Civil War macaroni-and-cheese is a close representation of what soldiers at the time would eat. Straight pasta, skim milk and Parmesan cheeses were more common then. Feel free to substitute!

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 southwestern macaroni-and-cheese recipe.

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese

Although not quite historically accurate, this Civil War macaroni-and-cheese is really quite good. I think the main reason that it tastes so good is that the pasta is cooked in milk instead of water, giving it a creamier taste. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 419kcal
Author Found on the web

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Heat the milk in a large pot until it begins to steam.
  • Stir in the pasta. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and making sure that the pot doesn’t foam over. The pasta should absorb almost all of the milk. Remove from heat.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Add in the cheese, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese has melted. Pour mixture into the pot with the pasta. Stir and add salt, to taste.
  • Spray a 9" x 9" baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Add pasta mixture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle with cayenne.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Although not authentic, feel free to substitute a little pepper jack cheese for the cheddar for a nice kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 684IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 481mg | 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)

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions

A bacon-wrapped pork medallion is a beautiful, tasty, juicy, tender joy to eat. The spice mixture adds incredible flavor to perfectly-cooked pork. Up until a few years ago, you had to cook pork to a high temperature for it to be acceptable by the USDA. Now, you can call it done (well, medium rare) at 145° F. The result is not a hockey puck medallion. It’s the pork equivalent of filet mignon.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions

This is a Favorite in our House

I usually stop cooking my bacon-wrapped pork medallions around 150° F, then let them rest for 4-5 minutes. The result is not pink in the middle, but the juices are clear. Perfect!

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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 crazy good balsamic glazed pork medallions. If you prefer beef but can’t bring yourself to pay big bucks for filets, try my mock bacon filets.gen

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
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5 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions

A bacon-wrapped pork medallion is a beautiful, tasty, juicy, tender joy to eat.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, pork
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 152kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cut the tenderloin into medallions about 2″ thick.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add as many pieces of bacon as you have pork medallions and cook for a few minutes. You do not want them to get crispy, just cook them slightly, about 4-5 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
  • Combine the garlic powder, seasoned salt, basil and oregano in a small bowl.
  • Roll medallions in the spice mixture, coating each side.
  • Wrap a single piece of bacon around each medallion and secure with a toothpick.
  • Add butter to the skillet. Melt. Let the butter get hot enough that it almost starts smoking.
  • Add the medallions to the skillet and sear over high heat on both sides, 2-3 minutes. You do not want to cook the meat completely, just get a nice sear.
  • Transfer skillet to the oven and cook until the medallions measure 145 F (or so, but don’t go over 155 F) with an instant-read thermometer.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add a pinch of chipotle powder to the seasoning for a slightly smoky, spicy twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 356mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | 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)