Author: Mike

Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes

I really don’t know what came over me. I took one bite of a one of these open-faced garlic toast Sloppy Joes and just smiled. I’ve always been a huge Sloppy Joe fan. I have several recipes for them here at Life’s A Tomato. And I love garlic toast, be it out-of-a-box or my favorite totally-loaded homemade version. Now I can enjoy both great things in bite-after-bite of downright yummy comfort food goodness. Nope, there’s nothing fancy going on here, but oh, does it ever hit the spot!

Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes

Customized For Your Tastes

One of the really nice things about this recipe for open-faced garlic toast Sloppy Joes is that you can really change it without creating a lot of fuss. There are a ton of different spaghetti sauces on your local grocery store. Try a mushroom sauce. Or maybe vegetable. Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef and really amp up the Italian-inspired flavors. Kick it up with shredded pepper jack cheese instead!

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my slow cooker kid’s Sloppy Joe.

Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes

So good yet so easy!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic bread, sloppy Joes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 401kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven according to the garlic toast package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, crumble the ground beef into a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir and cook until done. Remove any excess fat.
  • Stir in the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning, to taste.
  • Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer another 5-10 minutes until sauce has thickened, stirring often.
  • Bake the garlic toast per the package instructions.
  • Spoon meat mixture over bread slices and top with cheese.
  • Return to the oven and turn on the broiler. Broil 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Serve garnished with parsley.

Notes

You can also serve these on hamburger buns as (messy) sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 832mg | Potassium: 691mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 720IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 179mg | 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)

Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

I find myself watching re-runs of Steven Raichlen’s grilling shows on PBS over and over. It seems that no matter how many times I’ve seen an episode I run across something that I have to add to my to-cook list. His wood-grilled blistered tomato and ricotta bruschetta hit me as something I needed to make and soon. So I did. This recipe proves that it really doesn’t take many ingredients or much time to make a delicious side dish. Some good bread, ricotta and cherry tomatoes and you’re just about done. I almost always have a grill going, and there’s always enough room left for a few tomatoes. This is fantastic summertime dish, but you can make it year-round too!

Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

Tomato ‘Pop’

There’s a wonderful contrast between the crunchy bread, the pop of the tomatoes, and the creaminess of the cheese in this grilled blistered tomato and ricotta bruschetta. Roasting the tomatoes adds such a wonderful flavor. I could’ve added fresh herbs like the original recipe called for, but decided to leave them out. I’m glad that I did.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making the tomatoes for this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta
Print Pin
4 from 2 votes

Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

Roasting the tomatoes adds such a wonderful flavor.
Course Side or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bruschetta, tomato
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 283kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for medium-high direct heat grilling.
  • Spray a grilling basket with non-stick spray. You can also use a cast iron skillet or disposable pan.
  • Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the tomatoes to the basket and place over direct heat.
  • Grill until the tomatoes start to char and the skins pop. Shake or toss the tomatoes and grill the same on the other sides.
  • Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
  • Place the bread slices on the grill and toast slightly on both sides.
  • Divide the cheese between the slices of bread, spreading it out evenly. Don't be shy with it. You might have extra cheese. You might not.
  • Add the tomatoes to the cheese. You can slice them in half first if you want, specially the larger ones.
  • Garnish liberally with parsley or fresh herbs and serve.

Notes

This bread is also excellent when drizzled with some slightly-reduced balsamic vinegar!

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 934IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 241mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Spicy Remoulade Sauce

I do love dipping my fried shrimp in spicy cocktail sauce. But I also like something different, something… better. And this spicy remoulade sauce is it and then some. It’s got a little kick to it, from hot sauce, spicy Creole mustard and cayenne pepper. Lovely shallots join the party too. This is a great sauce and not just for dipping fantastic fried shrimp. Slather a bunch of it on a po boy sandwich and you’ve got a real treat!

Spicy Remoulade Sauce

Great Mustard Makes A Great Sauce

My favorite Creole mustard comes from Zatarain’s. It’s a nice coarse stone ground mustard with a wonderful vinegar kick to it. It’ll make you pucker up a bit. Hey, it’s mustard, not mayonnaise so you want that special zestiness! It really adds a lot to this spicy remoulade 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.

Also try my red pepper remoulade sauce.

Spicy Remoulade Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Spicy Remoulade Sauce

I do love dipping my fried shrimp in spicy cocktail sauce. But I also like something different, something… better. And this spicy remoulade is it and then some.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 75kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.
  • Whisk or stir to combine.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Stir again before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz
New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls

Perusing Pinterest for food ideas can be a dangerous thing for me. I love it when I come across something whimsical. When I saw this idea for teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls I jumped on it. Sure, I could’ve made the chicken and served it with rice on a pretty white plate. Maybe drizzled it with a bit of soy sauce, and it would’ve been great. Instead, I served it in a hollowed out pineapple! Now you’re talking fru-fru fancy! The chicken is tender and so flavorful. This is a wonderful Asian-inspired dish that is a real winner.

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls

A Taste Carnival

I added some of the pineapple pulp to the chicken as it cooked. You can also add some to the rice. Heck, you’ve got pineapple, why not use it? That’s part of what makes this Teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls so great.

Kikkoman Japan Made Soy Sauce, 33.8 Ounce
Kikkoman Japan Made Soy Sauce, 33.8 Ounce

Also try my slow cooker Teriyaki chicken.

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls
Print Pin
3 from 2 votes

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls

Perusing Pinterest for food ideas can be a dangerous thing for me. I love it when I come across something whimsical, so when I saw this idea for teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls I jumped on it. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 1814kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut pineapple in half, lengthwise.
  • Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of each half, leaving about a half-inch on the sides to make sure the pineapple boats are sturdy.
  • Discard the flesh or set it aside to eat later, and drain any juices.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add the chicken thighs and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes.
  • Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey, and stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 12 minutes.
  • Add the sesame seeds and stir to combine, then remove the pan from the heat.
  • Scoop a cup of rice into each of the pineapple boats, then divide the teriyaki chicken among the boats and serve.

Notes

Best when served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 1814kcal | Carbohydrates: 277g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 5059mg | Potassium: 1470mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 108g | Vitamin A: 440IU | Vitamin C: 217mg | Calcium: 289mg | Iron: 9mg

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)

Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs

I cooked a big ole batch of baby back ribs in my slow cooker the other day. The recipe I used made for smoky barbecue-inspired ribs that came out tender and flavorful. These slow cooker roadhouse ribs are a tad bit different, but still tender and delicious. They’re packed with flavor, inside and out. There’s nothing worse than a rib whose flavor is only ‘skin deep’. You know the kind. Covered in sauce. You take one bite and as soon as you’re past the sauce … nothing. Nada. As boring as a cup of warm water. Not these ribs.

Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs

A Different Kind Of Rib

Now, sure, I’d prefer a rack of ribs off my smoker or grill, but sometimes that’s just not an option. And honestly, I can devour a rack of slow cooker roadhouse ribs just as quickly as one that has been smoked for 6 hours. They’re different. I don’t think they compete with each other. They’re different ways of cooking ribs, each with its own merits.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

I prefer a spicy BBQ sauce on these roadhouse ribs. Well, usually. Sometimes I go the sweet route instead.

Also try my slow cooker rib tips.

Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Roadhouse Ribs

These slow cooker roadhouse ribs are a tad bit different, but still tender and delicious. They’re packed with flavor, inside and out.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, ribs, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 87kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Bake At Midnite

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 rack ribs baby back or St. Louis-style spareribs, membrane removed, cut into 3-4 bone sections if necessary to fit into your slow cooker
  • 2 cans beer any style you like
  • 1 small onion skinned, cut into quarters
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients except for the BBQ sauce to your slow cooker.
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours or until the meat has pulled back 1" from the bone. Stir every hour or so.
  • The ribs will be falling apart, so remove them carefully to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the ribs on all sides with the BBQ sauce.
  • Place under an oven broiler on high for 5 or so minutes until the sauce is set and the ribs start to get a little char along the edges. Flip the ribs once.
  • Serve immediately, cutting into single bone servings if desired.

Notes

I prefer to use a hickory smoke-flavored BBQ sauce to give the ribs some of that ‘just off the smoker’ taste and aroma.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

This is when I have to admit that I’m addicted to onion rings. I love them dipped in ketchup, BBQ sauce or remoulade, but I love them even more on a great sandwich or burger. So, I decided on slow cooker barbecue beef sandwiches. I made a big slow cooker full of barbecue beef, spooned it onto buns, topped it with as many onion rings as I could fit, and a bit of extra sharp cheddar cheese, and I was happy. The crunchy rings are a nice contrast to the tender, juicy beef. And yeah, I did have more rings on the side. Darn right I did. I’m addicted to them.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Beefy Deliciousness

The beef on these slow cooker barbecue beef sandwiches is really flavorful and tender. Does it taste like a brisket that has been smoked for 14 hours? No. But it’s mighty good, and not just great on sandwiches, either. Save a little for nachos or for topping hot dogs or burgers.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Yes, you could skip the onion rings. You could add sliced red onion instead. I recommend letting the onion soak in cold water for at least 10 minutes before using. That’ll help cut some of the onion-ness.

Also try my slow cooker Hungarian beef.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

I made a big slow cooker full of barbecue beef, spooned it onto buns, topped it with as many onion rings as I could fit, and a bit of extra sharp cheddar cheese, and I was happy.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, crockpot, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 sandwiches
Calories 567kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Crocking Girls

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the roast into your slow cooker.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • Pour the mixture over the beef.
  • Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender.
  • Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred with a fork.
  • Divide beef between buns.
  • Top with onion rings and cheese and serve.

Notes

The onion rings are optional but I think they add a nice crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 1082mg | Potassium: 831mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

I have a slow cooker for the same reason most people have one: it’s easy. But even though I like easy, I love flavor more. I won’t trade taste for convenience, which is why I really liked these slow cooker steak fajitas. The beef simmers low and slow, taking on the great flavors from onion, peppers and salsa, along with a really fantastic fajita seasoning.

Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

Flavor-Packed Goodness

I topped these slow cooker steak fajitas with a very simple but flavorful sour cream mixture. All you do is take a little sour cream and add chipotles in adobo. In a crunch for time? Just use chipotle salsa instead of chopping chipotles. You can usually find it right by the canned chipotles in the grocery store.

The better the salsa you use the better these fajitas will be. Don’t opt for the cheap stuff. Last thing you want to do is ruin a good dish with meh salsa.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker Sloppy Joes.

Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

I won’t trade taste for convenience, which is why I really liked these slow cooker steak fajitas. The beef simmers low and slow, taking on the great flavors from onion, peppers and salsa, along with a really fantastic fajita seasoning.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, slow cooker, southwestern, steak
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 420kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Fit Slow Cooker Queen

Equipment

Ingredients

For the fajitas

  • 2 pounds beef sliced thin (I used ribeye)
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 sweet onion sliced thin
  • 20 ounces salsa
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning store-bought or make your own using the recipe below
  • flour tortillas or corn, warmed
  • chipotle sour cream for serving (just mix a tablespoon or so of chopped chipotles in adobo with sour cream)

For the fajita seasoning

Instructions

For the fajitas

  • Turn on your slow cooker, setting the temperature to low.
  • Add the salsa then the remaining ingredients except for the tortillas and topping.
  • Cook for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
  • Serve on warmed tortillas topped with chipotle sour cream.

For the fajita seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients. Store unused portion in an air-tight container.

Notes

Don’t be afraid to splash on a little hot sauce or taco sauce too!

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1140IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Peppered Shrimp using Sous Vide

Perfectly cooked shrimp. Fantastic, flavorful dipping sauce. What else could you ask for? These peppered shrimp, cooked using sous vide, didn’t last long at all around here. Nice and peppery, the shrimp are super tasty. The sauce is buttery and herbaceous. You might have a bit of the sauce left over, so serve the shrimp with some grilled or toasted bread for soppin’.

Peppered Shrimp using Sous Vide

Sometimes You Have To Get Sneaky

I searched and searched my pantry and could not find allspice berries. Then it struck me! There’s allspice berries in pickling spice! Boom! So I just picked a few out and off I went to make my sous vide peppered shrimp. If you don’t have any allspice berries, don’t fret. The shrimp will still be great. And peppery.

This is easily some of the best tasting shrimp I’ve ever had. The sous vide process cooked each and every one perfectly. And consistently. And the flavor was absolutely amazing. I’ve eaten my share of shrimp. This is Top 5 amongst of all of them.

I use an Anova sous vide cooker. It’s my immersion circulator workhorse!
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano 2.0
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano 2.0

Also try my sous vide snow crab legs.

Peppered Shrimp using Sous Vide
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Peppered Shrimp using Sous Vide

If you don't have any allspice berries, don't fret. The shrimp will still be great. And peppery.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword shrimp, sous vide
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 62kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set up your immersion circulator for 140 F.
  • Toss shrimp with the salt in a large bowl.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, lemon juice, basil, oregano and cayenne.
  • Whisk together and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the butter, 1 pat at a time, whisking until melted.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before stirring in the shrimp, bay leaves and allspice.
  • Transfer to a vacuum-sealable bag and spread out evenly. Seal. NOTE: I put the bag into the fridge for 1 hour so that the liquid set up before sealing. This made it much easier to seal the bag.
  • Transfer to the immersion circulator and sous vide for 50 mins.
  • Remove and open bag.
  • Transfer liquid to a bowl for dipping.
  • Serve shrimp garnished with sliced green onion.

Notes

Also have some warm bread on hand for soppin’!

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 348mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano 2.0
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano 2.0

Copycat A&W Onion Rings

Describing what I think makes for the perfect onion rings is pretty easy. Nicely seasoned batter that isn’t too thick or too thin. I want to still taste the onion. And of course, there has to be the right bite-through. If I take a bite and half of the onion slides out of the ‘batter tunnel’, I’m just not going to be happy. And (don’t hate me), I have to be able to enjoy the rings without any dipping sauce. Doesn’t mean that I won’t use ketchup or something else, but I want that option. I want the rings to be able to stand on their own. Like these copycat A&W onion rings do.

Copycat A&W Onion Rings

Sweet Onions, Sweet Onion Rings

I prefer to use sweet onions when I make my copycat A&W onion rings. Vidalia and Texas sweet 1015s are my favorite. I try to not get the super-large onions because the rings don’t fit into my small deep fryer. If I am using my big fryer or a Dutch oven I can get the monster-sized onions and make hula-hoop-sized rings!

The Presto Fry Daddy is perfect for making smaller batches of food. It only uses a few cups of oil and comes to temperature quickly. Clean-up is easy too!

Presto Fry Daddy 4-Cup Electric Deep Fryer, Aluminum
Presto Fry Daddy 4-Cup Electric Deep Fryer, Aluminum

Also try my spicy onion rings.

Copycat A&W Onion Rings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat A&W Onion Rings

I prefer to use sweet onions for these rings.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword onion rings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 22kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat a deep fryer or Dutch oven with 3" of oil to 375 F.
  • In a medium bowl combine the tempura mix, onion powder and pepper.
  • Stir in the water.
  • Add most of the beer and stir. You want the batter to be like pancake batter but thinner. Add more beer if you need to make it thinner. If you end up adding too much liquid just stir in some more tempura mix to thicken it.
  • Working in batches if needed, dip the rings into the batter and place in the fryer.
  • Fry 3-5 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown.
  • Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Season liberally with salt and serve.

Notes

I’m picky about my onion rings so I usually get an extra onion or two just to make sure I get enough perfect rings!

Nutrition

Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.04g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans

It’s summer time. And summer is good. Summer is better, though, with a big ole plate of spicy barbecue-and-bacon baked beans. These are some of the most flavor-packed beans you’ll find. And talk about easy to make, too! It’s not quite as easy as open a bunch of cans and heat, but it’s close to being that easy. A little time in the oven and you’re ready to devour some tasty beans. Double, triple or quadruple the recipe and you’ve got a great dish for a picnic or family get-together!

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans

Ranch Beans For The Win

Much of the flavor in these spicy barbecue-and-bacon baked beans comes from the Ranch style beans. Then along comes a bit of jalapeno spiciness. And just a hint of sweetness. For the BBQ sauce I went with a nice hickory BBQ sauce to add a bit of that outdoorsy flavor.

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

Also try my peach BBQ beans.

Spicy Barbeque-and-Bacon Baked Beans
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans

Use a hickory BBQ sauce to add a bit of that outdoorsy flavor.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword baked beans, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 386kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon until about 3/4ths done. I do this in an oven at 350 F for about 30 minutes, but you can also use a skillet on the stove top. Drain.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Lightly grease a 9×9 casserole.
  • In a large bowl combine the beans, barbecue sauce, jalapeno, onion, brown sugar and mustard.
  • Stir in the bacon.
  • Pour mixture into the baking dish.
  • Bake 25 minutes or until bubbly hot and the onions are just tender.

Notes

Add sliced hot dogs for a beans-and-weiners dish!

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 1223mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 105mg | 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)