Jose’s Party Cheese Dip

Looking for a seriously big batch of rich, creamy, a-bit-spicy-but-not-too-spicy cheese dip for the big game? Well, this is it. Courtesy of my old favorite margarita spot in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jose’s Restaurant. Jose’s party cheese dip satisfies any crowd. The flavor is fantastic. And although it might seem like there’s a good number of ingredients, it’s pretty easy to make.

Joses Party Cheese Dip

Perfectly Spicy

This makes a really big batch of Jose’s party cheese dip. It’s not a super thick dip like the usual cheese dips you find (you could cut back on the cream and milk if you want a thicker dip, but I find this dip is perfect as it is). It’s very tasty, with just the right combination of spices. Perfect with warmed tortilla chips (I also think this dip makes a great sauce for nachos, hot dogs, and just about anything).

Also try my chicken nacho dip.

Jose's Party Cheese Dip
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5 from 1 vote

Jose’s Party Cheese Dip

Looking for a seriously big batch of rich, creamy, a-bit-spicy-but-not-too-spicy cheese dip for the big game? Well, this is it.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, dip, southwestern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 395kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Jose’s Restaurant

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus 2 teaspoons
  • ¼ cup white onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic minced, plus 2 teaspoons
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 3 ¼ cup milk
  • 2 ½ pounds white cheese grated (you can substitute yellow shredded cheddar)
  • 4 ounces jalapeno peppers chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder hot is better!
  • Tortilla chips warmed, for serving

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large pot.
  • Add onion and saute until starting to soften.
  • Add garlic and cook another 1 minute.
  • Add flour, stir and cook another 1 minute.
  • Add cream and milk. Bring to a low boil.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Slowly add cheese, a small bit at a time, stirring constantly until melted. Do not add the cheese too quickly or the mixture will separate.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except chips and warm.
  • Serve with fresh hot tortilla chips.

Notes

You can transfer the dip to a crockpot set on low for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 785mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 957IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lime Pepper Saltines

It seems that I have a bit of an addiction to flavored saltines. It all started when I made Fire-Eater saltines, which disappeared in no time. I should probably hide them, but then, I’d still know where they are so that isn’t going to help. Guess I’ll try moderation instead. These lime pepper saltines aren’t going to help either. They have just a hint of lime with a great pepper flavor. I was very pleasantly surprised as to just how much I liked them.

Lime Pepper Saltines

Seasoned Just Right

I found the seasoning at our local GFS store, but you can also find a mix like it at your local grocery store. You can also substitute lemon pepper, which seems to be a bit more common. Lime pepper saltines are different, more citrusy to me.

Also try my Buffalo wing, Fire-eater and smoky Ranch saltines.

Lime Pepper Saltines
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1 from 1 vote

Lime Pepper Saltines

These lime pepper saltines have just a hint of lime with a great pepper flavor. I was very pleasantly surprised as to just how much I liked them.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers
Prep Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings 30
Calories 38kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place crackers in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Pour in the oil.
  • Sprinkle with the seasoning.
  • Seal and gently toss to coat.
  • Let sit (on the counter) for 12 hours to get ‘happy’, tossing gently every once-in-a-while.
  • Serve as-is or with cream cheese for topping.

Notes

Also great topped with your favorite sliced cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Louisiana Red Bean Dip

This party-time dip is a take on the classic Louisiana dish, red beans and rice. It’s almost Mexican-ish, with green chiles, chili powder and cumin. The texture of the red beans reminds you of, well, re-fried beans. Topped with spicy sausage crumbles, this Louisiana red bean dip is perfect for any get-together.

Louisiana Red Bean Dip

Spice It Up A Bit

I like to serve Louisiana red bean dip drizzled with hot sauce. But, if you’re serving for a crowd you might want to skip that step. Or make two batches of dip. One for your friends that like a little kick and one for those that don’t.

Also try my pimento olive dip.

Louisiana Red Bean Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Louisiana Red Bean Dip

This party-time dip is a take on the classic Louisiana dish, red beans and rice. It’s almost Mexican-ish, with green chiles, chili powder and cumin. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, dip
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 102kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: I prefer to place the cooked sausage into a food processor and pulse a few times to get rid of any large clumps.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Spray a small casserole dish (I used two 15 ounce Ramekins) with non-stick spray.
  • Place remaining ingredients (but use only 1/2 cup of the cheese) into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  • Pour blended mixture into dish.
  • Top with the sausage and the remaining cheese.
  • Bake until hot and bubbly, 15-20 minutes.
  • Serve with warmed tortilla chips.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mini Churros

These mini churros will disappear as soon as you make them. They taste just like the churros I remember getting from street vendors as a kid living in Peru. I used to hope that there’d be a churro cart at my school bus stop when I got out of school each day. The carts had little gas-fired deep fryers on them. The vendor would squeeze out the batter into the hot oil, and in minutes (and after a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar) you had a hot treat that you could not stop eating.

Mini Churros

Deliciously Addicting

This version for mini churros using oyster crackers is even easier than the classic version. And no deep frying is required. But the flavor is the same. And oh, how good they are! You’ll find yourself unable to stop eating them too!

If you follow this blog you know I like a little kick in everything, even my snacks. So I was tempted to add just a bit of cayenne to the sugar mixture. But since I made these treats for my wife to share with her co-workers, I resisted the temptation. I doubt I’ll be as strong the next time I make them, which will be very, very soon.

Also try my spicy oyster crackers.

Mini Churros
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5 from 1 vote

Mini Churros

These mini churros will disappear as soon as you make them. 
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, sweet, treats
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 5 cups
Calories 517kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Line a large baking pan with foil.
  • Add the crackers and spread them out evenly.
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Stir in the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and let boil for 2 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon and all of the vanilla.
  • Carefully pour mixture over the crackers.
  • Using a spatula, gently toss and stir the crackers to get them coated completely.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Stir together the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, the sugar and salt.
  • When the crackers are done baking sprinkle them generously with the sugar mixture.
  • Let cool completely then break the crackers apart (some will stick together).

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 1137IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Nacho Cheddar Saltines

My addiction to flavored saltine crackers is getting worse. It all started a few weeks ago when I made a batch of Fire-Eater saltines. They were packed with heat and flavor. They disappeared in no time at all. I’ve since made several other flavors, all of them great. But these nacho cheddar saltines aren’t great. They’re greater than great. Very similar in flavor to those little old fish-looking crackers, but oh so much better. And easier to make that’s for sure!

Nacho Cheddar Saltines

Make A Bunch. A Whole Bunch.

There’s absolutely no point in making only one sleeve of nacho cheddar saltines. They’ll be gone before the 8 hour ‘resting’ time is up. Make a whole box and you’ll thank me.

You can use something like Kernel Seasons Nacho Cheddar seasoning when you make these crackers. Or grab a big ole jar of cheddar cheese powder and go to town!

Also try my delicious bagel-seasoned saltines.

Nacho Cheddar Saltines
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5 from 1 vote

Nacho Cheddar Saltines

These nacho cheddar saltines aren’t great. They’re greater than great. Very similar in flavor to those little old fish-looking crackers, but oh so much better. And easier to make that’s for sure!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, crackers
Prep Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours
Servings 8 servings
Calories 79kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place crackers in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Pour in the oil.
  • Sprinkle with the seasoning.
  • Seal and gently toss to coat.
  • Let sit (on the counter) for 12 hours to get ‘happy’, tossing gently every once-in-a-while.
  • Serve as-is or with cream cheese for topping.

Notes

Also great served topped with sliced cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

No Carb Sherbet Pops

These no carb sherbet (er, sherbert as I was raised to call it) pops are proof that going low carb does not mean getting no flavor. Packed with your favorite gelatin flavor (in our case yummy raspberry), it’s the perfect treat for a hot day. Or cool day, as was the case here. I made pops, but you can also just pour the sherbet mixture into single-serve cups and freeze them.

The original recipe for no carb sherbet pops calls for using a small 4-serving box of gelatin, which is perfect. For double the flavor use the bigger 0.6 ounce box.

No Carb Sherbet Pops

Make Some For The Adults, Too

For an adult version, substitute wine or champagne for the club soda. If you don’t mind a few carbs add in some fruit before or after you puree the mixture.

I admit that any time I get to break out my popsicle molds I get all giddy. I know that fun times and good flavors are coming!

For another no-carb summer treat, try my sno-cones and my cherry Slurpee, which can also be made low-carb. My orange dreamsicle is fantastic, but sadly, not low-carb.

No Carb Sherbet Pops
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5 from 1 vote

No Carb Sherbet Pops

These no carb sherbet (er, sherbert as I was raised to call it) pops are proof that going low carb does not mean getting no flavor. Packed with your favorite gelatin flavor (in our case yummy raspberry), it’s the perfect treat for a hot day. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 pops
Calories 10kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 0.3 ounce flavored gelatin sugar-free. Use your favorite flavor. For extra flavor, use a 0.6 ounce box.
  • â…“ cup water boiling
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • â…“ cup club soda cold, plus more
  • 1 ½ cup ice crushed

Instructions

  • Place Jello-O into a medium-sized bowl.
  • Add the boiling water and stir until the Jell-O is dissolved.
  • Whisk in the heavy whipping cream, vanilla and 1/3 cup of soda water.
  • Place the ice into a blender.
  • Add the Jell-O mixture and puree until smooth. If the mixture is too thick add more club soda, a bit at a time.
  • Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until set.

Notes

You can substitute whole milk for the cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 10kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

No-Boil Deviled Eggs

I’ve made my share of deviled eggs. Pretty pastel ones. Awesome Jell-O ones. And ya know, shelling all those eggs can be a job. So when I ran across a way of making no-boil deviled eggs, I immediately decided to give them a shot. What you end up with is that same great deviled egg flavor, but with a lot less trouble. This approach solves a whole lot of problems, especially if you’re setting out to make a big huge batch of eggs for a family get-together or picnic.

No-Boil Deviled Eggs

Great Results. And Easier.

The original recipe for no-boil deviled eggs called for cutting the cooked eggs into squares, which would’ve maximized the amount of finished eggs you would get. But, I thought that round ones would be more attractive. Plus, I’m not sure I’d be that great at cutting that many squares that would come out looking similar. I prefer a much easier way. Using a cooking cutter made it easy. And a bit fun, actually.

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 jalapeno popper and BBQ deviled eggs.

No-Boil Deviled Eggs
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5 from 2 votes

No-Boil Deviled Eggs

When I ran across a way of making no-boil deviled eggs, I immediately decided to give them a shot. What you end up with is that same great deviled egg flavor, but with a lot less trouble.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword deviled, eggs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 3 dozen
Calories 458kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Spray an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Separate the egg whites and yokes into two bowls.
  • Whisk the whites until they just get foamy. Do not whisk until they foam completely. Less is more in this case.
  • Pour the egg whites into the dish and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or a few minutes more until the eggs have set.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool.
  • Whisk the yokes until smooth.
  • Spray a skillet with non-stick spray and add the yolks. Scramble until cooked.
  • Transfer the yolks to a food processor.
  • Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper and process until very smooth.
  • Transfer to a pastry bag with a round tip or dessert decorator.
  • Remove the cooked eggs whites from the baking dish and cut into squares, or use a small cookie cutter to cut into circles.
  • Pipe the egg yolk mixture onto each egg white.
  • Sprinkle with paprika and chives.

Notes

The number of deviled eggs you will get will of course depend on how you cut them. I used a large round cookie cutter so I only got about 2 dozen.

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 754mg | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1099IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp

If you are within 500 miles of Augusta, Georgia, do not make these Old Bay peel ‘N eat shrimp. Instead, get in your car and drive to Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar and order a batch of their spicy boiled shrimp. If you’re like me and a drive to Rhinehart’s is a bit out of the question, make these shrimp. They’re mighty close to tasting like the ones at Rhinehart’s, but for the real deal, you need to make the journey.

Old Bay Peel N Eat Shrimp

Perfect For My Shrimp Addiction

I could eat these Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp all day long. Hot or cold, it doesn’t matter to me. With cocktail sauce. With clarified butter. Or by themselves. I don’t care, just get me a basket of shrimp.

I recommend that you not be shy with the Old Bay when you sprinkle the cooked shrimp just before serving. If you’re a big fan of Old Bay like I am you’ll want as much of that great flavor on your shrimp as you can get. I go nuts with it. There’s no such thing as too much of it for me.

I served these shrimp with my quick and easy cocktail sauce.

Also try my grilled Old Bay crab legs!

Old Bay Peel 'N Eat Shrimp
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4.34 from 3 votes

Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp

I could eat these Old Bay Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp all day long. Hot or cold, it doesn’t matter to me. With cocktail sauce. With clarified butter. Or by themselves. I don’t care, just get me a basket of shrimp.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Old Bay, shrimp
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 134kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the vinegar, water, 1/3 cup of the Old Bay seasoning, garlic and peppercorns in a large pot.
  • Bring to a rapid boil over medium high heat.
  • Add the shrimp. Cover and cook 2-4 minutes or until the shrimp are pink. Do not over cook.
  • Drain shrimp but do not rinse.
  • Transfer shrimp to a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons (or more) of Old Bay and toss gently to coat.
  • Serve with cocktail sauce and clarified butter, if desired, for dipping.

Notes

These shrimp are also great served cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 896mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 211mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Old Fashioned Shrimp Dip

I absolutely could not get enough of this old fashioned shrimp dip. My wife made this for the Superbowl. When she brought it out I admit I might have made a face. That ‘what is that?’ face. But I grabbed a cracker and dug in and wow! What a great dip! Fantastically creamy rich, but with the tang of cocktail sauce, this dip packs in tons of flavor and of course my favorite, shrimp!

Old Fashioned Shrimp Dip

Classic Greatness

I think this old fashioned shrimp dip is perfect just as it is. And it’s perfect for a crowd, too. You could, though, substitute crab for the shrimp. I’d be ok with that. Specially since I’m a crab addict in addition to being a shrimp addict. It’s a great dip either way. Just grab lots of crackers!

Refrigerate your serving platter for a bit before adding the dip. It’ll help keep it nice and cool.

Also try my mom’s fantastic horseradish-y shrimp dip! I love it too!

Old Fashioned Shrimp Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Old Fashioned Shrimp Dip

Try making this dip with crab instead!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dip, old fashioned, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 69kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the cream cheese, onion, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
  • Spread mixture out evenly onto a 7" platter or serving dish.
  • Drizzle half of the cocktail sauce over the cheeses mixture and, using the back of a spoon, spread out evenly to the edges.
  • Pat the shrimp dry and chop coarsely. Sprinkle over the top of the dip mixture.
  • Drizzle with the remaining cocktail sauce and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle with green onions and serve.

Notes

Store any leftover dip in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Peach and Chili Sauce Meatballs

We’ve all had the ‘standard’ appetizer meatballs. Heck, I’ve had more than my share, I admit it. Proudly. These peach and chili sauce meatballs are not those meatballs, though you might think they are at first. No, these are way, way, way better. The flavor is unmatched. The sauce will have you reaching for a spoon, a straw or even a piece of bread. You don’t want to waste a drop.

Peach and Chili Sauce Meatballs

Time Well Spent

These take about 3 hours to make, which gives you 3 hours to come up with some sort of story to tell everyone as to why half of them disappeared before you served them.

I do like spicy foods. So I used Sambal Oelek in these peach and chili sauce meatballs. It’s not overly spicy, but it does add a really nice kick. Now, if I was making these for a get-together or the big game I’d probably make two different batches, one without the chili sauce, and one with. But for me, the kicked-up version is all I’ll ever need!

This recipe calls for cooking the meatballs in a slow cooker, but you can use a pot on a stove over medium heat instead.

Also try my sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs.

Peach and Chili Sauce Meatballs
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3 from 3 votes

Peach and Chili Sauce Meatballs

We’ve all had the ‘standard’ appetizer meatballs. Heck, I’ve had more than my share, I admit it. Proudly. These peach and chili sauce meatballs are not those meatballs.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Servings 16 servings
Calories 20kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic, stir and saute for 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to cook.
  • Add the broth and stir.
  • Bring to a boil and let boil until thickened, 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  • Stir in the peach preserves, chili sauce, chili paste, Worcestershire sauce and onion soup mix.
  • Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
  • Add the meatballs to a 5 quart slow cooker on high heat.
  • Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  • Cover and heat for 3 hours, stirring gently every 30 minutes or so.

Notes

Serve as appetizers or on rolls as sandwiches. 

Nutrition

Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.