Category: Appetizers, Desserts & Snacks

Homemade Red Velvet Klondike Bars

Klondike bars are a very dangerous thing. Whatever gene you have to be born with to control yourself around them is one that I do not have. I thought that the store-bought ones were tempting enough until I made homemade red velvet Klondike bars. Now I know what true temptation is.

Homemade Red Velvet Klondike Bars

No Chocolatiers Live Here, That’s For Sure

I’m not a baker or chocolatier or anything like the experts that make chocolate treats. I was lucky to get the chocolate on these bars in an even remotely even manner. These homemade red velvet Klondike bars came out tasting fantastic. I couldn’t care less if some had a bit more chocolate than others.

One of the biggest keys to these bars is the coconut oil. It doesn’t take a lot of the oil, but it’s very important to the texture and sheen of the chocolate.

Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil, Cold-Pressed - Natural Hair /Skin Oil and Cooking Oil with Fresh Flavor, Non-GMO Unrefined Extra Virgin(Aceite de Coco), USDA Organic, 16 oz
Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil, Cold-Pressed – Natural Hair /Skin Oil and Cooking Oil with Fresh Flavor, Non-GMO Unrefined Extra Virgin(Aceite de Coco), USDA Organic, 16 oz

You can, of course, substitute any ice cream flavor you like. Red velvet ice cream was only available here for a limited time, so I had to grab it while I could. For a simpler but just as crazy good treat, try my homemade mini ice cream sandwiches. If you love red velvet as much as my wife does, my red velvet ice cream cone cupcakes are delicious too!

Also try my frozen yogurt dots.

Homemade Red Velvet Klondike Bars
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Red Velvet Klondike Bars

I thought that the store-bought ones were tempting enough until I made homemade red velvet Klondike bars. Now I know what true temptation is.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword dessert, homemade
Prep Time 6 hours
Cook Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4 -6 servings
Calories 391kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Almost Super Mom

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add ice cream to an 8" x 8" baking dish lined with parchment paper. Add enough so that the ice cream is 1/2" – 1" thick.
  • Spread out evenly using a spatula.
  • Freeze for at least 6 hours or until the ice cream is completely refrozen.
  • Turn pan upside down to remove the ice cream.
  • Cut into 4-6 equal-sized squares. Return the squares to the freezer to re-freeze.
  • Place coconut oil and chocolate chips into a double boiler over medium heat and and melt, stirring often.
  • Remove chocolate from heat and let cool to room temperature. Do not rush this step.
  • Working quickly, take ice cream squares from freezer and dip into the chocolate.
  • Flip with a fork and quickly remove to parchment paper.
  • Place bars in freezer for 20 minutes.
  • Wrap in thin foil before serving.

Notes

Well-frozen ice cream is key to making sure the chocolate sticks well. Also do not rush cooling the chocolate sauce. It needs to be at room temperature. Any warmer and it will melt the ice cream and not adhere.

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 556IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 169mg | 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)

Chicken Salad Crescents

The original recipe for chicken salad crescents on the Plain Chicken blog was for small bite-sized rolls, perfect for a party appetizer. I decided to go big and serve them as the main course for lunch, and they were perfect! The super-light crunchy dough makes for the perfect wrapper around chicken salad. You can use your own chicken salad recipe of course. However, I was particularly fond this version, which has Worcestershire sauce in it. The Worcestershire really added a great flavor dimension along with the extra sharp cheddar. They were fantastic!

Chicken Salad Crescents

Chunky Chicken Salad Is Better

If you do use your own chicken salad recipe to make these chicken salad crescents, you might want to cut down on the mayonnaise. You want the salad to be thick. Not too thick, but thick enough to stand up to 20 minutes in the oven. Too thin and it’s going to run all over the place, leaving you with a pan of sadness!

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 creamy smoked chicken salad sandwiches.

Chicken Salad Crescents
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4 from 1 vote

Chicken Salad Crescents

You can use your own chicken salad recipe of course, but I was particularly fond this version, which has Worcestershire sauce in it. The Worcestershire really added a great flavor dimension along with the extra sharp cheddar. They were fantastic!
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken salad, crescent rolls
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 24 rolls
Calories 115kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a bowl mix together the chicken, celery, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and mayonnaise.
  • Open crescent roll cans and separate dough into triangles.
  • Add a half slice of cheese to the center of each piece of dough.
  • Top with 2 tablespoons, more or less, of the chicken salad and roll up the dough as you would a regular crescent roll.
  • Sprinkle rolls with poppy seeds.
  • Transfer rolls to parchment paper- or Silpat-lined baking sheets and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

These are great made with rotisserie chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 238mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 104mg | 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)

BBQ Pinwheels

Oh, I’ve made my share of pulled pork sandwiches. And I love them. Sometimes you want something a little different, but still with that great BBQ flavor. BBQ pinwheels are an excellent alternative to sandwiches. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and very tasty. They also make for the perfect party appetizer.

BBQ Pinwheels

A Nice Change From BBQ Sandwiches


You can use anything from pulled or shredded pork, chopped brisket, smoked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken.  For a spicier kick, substitute pepper jack or habanero jack cheese for the cheddar and use a spicy BBQ sauce.

If I’m reaching for a bottled BBQ sauce, I often go for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

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 BBQ hot dog appetizers and my bacon cheddar pinwheels.

BBQ Pinwheels
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3.50 from 2 votes

BBQ Pinwheels

BBQ pinwheels are an excellent alternative to sandwiches. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and very tasty. They also make for the perfect party appetizer.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, pulled pork, wraps
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 594kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tube pizza dough
  • ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce plus more for serving
  • 1 ½ cups pulled pork or pulled chicken, rotisserie chicken, chopped brisket… whichever you prefer
  • ½ small red onion chopped
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar shredded (Swiss, provolone or pepper jack also go well)
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Sprinkle the flour onto a flat surface.
  • Open the pizza dough and spread it over the flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle.
  • Brush the BBQ sauce all over the dough.
  • Sprinkle the dough with the meat, onion, cheese and parsley.
  • Starting with the longest edge, roll the dough up into a long cylinder.
  • Cut the cylinder into 1″ wide sections and transfer, laying down flat, to a baking sheet.
  • Bake 15 minutes or until hot and the dough is crispy and done.
  • Serve with additional BBQ sauce, warmed, for dipping if desired.

Notes

Mix it up. Make some of these pinwheels using regular BBQ sauce, some with a smoky sauce and some with a spicy one!

Nutrition

Calories: 594kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1781mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 812IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 268mg | 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)

Buffalo Wing Saltines

Making a big ole batch of Fire-Eater saltines inspired me to make even more varieties of flavor-infused crackers. This is a fantastic way to take plain ole kinda boring crackers and turn them into something special. Of course, my next choice was Buffalo wing saltines since I eat anything Buffalo-ish. These incredibly easy-to-make snacks are just what you’d expect: crunchy and packed with flavor. They bring that great traditional Buffalo wing flavor.

Buffalo Wing Saltines

Very Addicting Buffalo Treats

Serve Buffalo wing saltines with softened cream cheese to help ‘cool’ the kick if you desire. I just eat them by the handful straight out of the bag.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce

I found Buffalo wing seasoning at our local GFS store. You can also find it in your grocery store’s spice section.

Also try my lime pepper and Fire-eater saltines.

Buffalo Wing Saltines
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Wing Saltines

These incredibly easy-to-make snacks are just what you’d expect: crunchy and packed with flavor.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, crackers
Prep Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings 30 crackers
Calories 21kcal
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

These are also great dipped in blue cheese or Ranch salad dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 1mg | 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)

Bayou Fried Shrimp

These Bayou fried shrimp are absolutely incredible. I’m quite sure that they are the best shrimp I’ve ever made or had. The coating is nice and light, with just a bit of crunch, and a bit of a spicy kick. The shrimp are tender, moist, and cooked perfectly. They are the perfect appetizer, but would be even more insanely good on a shrimp po boy sandwich.

Bayou Fried Shrimp

A Great Marinade And Coating

The marinade and coating mixture I used on this Bayou fried shrimp would also be fantastic on other fried seafood, from oysters to any kind of fish. It’s really great stuff, adding flavor to just about anything.

If I’m cooking for a crowd, I’ll break out my big deep fryer. But, if it’s just the two of us, I’ll fire up my Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size for both of us. It fries everything perfectly. And as an added bonus, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which saves me money.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

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

Also try my copycat of Applebee’s Sriracha shrimp, coconut fried shrimp, southern fried shrimp, and my copycat of Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang shrimp. Did I mention how much I love fried shrimp? Oh yeah, my kickin’ fried shrimp are fantastic too!

Bayou Fried Shrimp
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5 from 1 vote

Bayou Fried Shrimp

These Bayou fried shrimp are absolutely incredible. I’m quite sure they are the best shrimp I’ve ever made or had. The coating is nice and light, with just a bit of crunch, and a bit of a spicy kick. The shrimp are tender, moist, and cooked perfectly. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 222kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place shrimp into a resealable container or baggie.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the buttermilk, egg, mustard and 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning.
  • Pour mixture in with the shrimp, seal, and shake gently to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Whisk together the fish fry mix and remaining Creole seasoning.
  • Heat 3″ of oil in a Dutch oven to 325 F.
  • Working in batches, remove shrimp from container. Shake off excess marinade then transfer to the fry mix. Roll and coat. Shake off an excess coating and place in hot oil.
  • Fry shrimp 1 1/2 minutes per side then transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

These shrimp are great on po boys!

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 306mg | Sodium: 944mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 228IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 4mg

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

Slow Cooker Party Shrimp

I love shrimp. Boiled peel-and-eat shrimp loaded with Old Bay flavor are my favorite. All I need is a bit of spicy cocktail sauce and I’m ready to go. I thought I’d try something new this time instead of boiling shrimp in spices. I thought I’d try slow cooker party shrimp. And wow! Perfectly cooked shrimp, tender and moist, about as hassle-free as you can possibly get. This is absolutely the easiest way to cook up a big batch of shrimp for a party.

Slow Cooker Party Shrimp

It’s Time To Party

You can cook these slow cooker party shrimp ahead of time and chill them to serve them cold, or let your guests grab the shrimp right out of the slow cooker. Well, using tongs would probably be a good idea. I’d serve them with a variety of cocktail sauces. Spicy. Not spicy. Remoulade. Those things.

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 used 20-24 count wild caught Gulf shrimp for this dish. I prefer Gulf shrimp, and I prefer wild and not farm-raised. Gulf shrimp that have been living in the wilds cannot be beat. That’s why I also use them in my shrimpin’ dippin’ broth.

Also make a batch of my refried bean dip in your slow cooker. It’s another great party dish.

Slow Cooker Party Shrimp
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Party Shrimp

This is absolutely the easiest way to cook up a big batch of shrimp for a party.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, shrimp, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 114kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a slow cooker.
  • Add enough water to cover the shrimp.
  • Cook on high for 2 hours or until the shrimp are pink and done.
  • Serve hot, warm or cold.

Notes

Great served with cocktail sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 1317mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 2mg

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

Potato Chip Nachos

I had a bit of leftover slow cooker pulled pork on hand. That means it’s time to make a big ole platter of nachos. But this time I thought I’d do something different than my favorite pulled pork tater-tot nachos. And something different than using tortilla chips. Yep, time for some potato chip nachos. Same great flavors as regular nachos served up on thick potato chips. It’s a nice twist on the usual. And you know what? They just as good as the classic if not better! I bet Ignacio Anaya never thought of making his invention with plain ole chips!

Potato Chip Nachos

Better Than Tortilla Chips?

These nachos didn’t last long at all. They have all of my favorite tastes in each and every bite. Perfect! I used sturdy ruffled plain chips but you could use flavored chips too. Jalapeno chips would be great for a kick, but then nacho-flavored chips would be the other obvious choice! I do recommend that you try to use the ruffled-style chips. Those ridges capture the yummy toppings and keep them from falling off when you pick them up. That means you get more flavor in each and every bite.

Amazon Fresh - Classic Potato Chips, 11 oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)
Amazon Fresh – Classic Potato Chips, 11 oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

Also try my tater tot nachos and my classic nachos.

Potato Chip Nachos
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Potato Chip Nachos

Same great flavors as regular nachos served up on thick potato chips.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nachos, potato chips
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Arrange the chips on the bottom of a large platter.
  • Add remaining ingredients.

Notes

Don’t forget the hot sauce too!

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)

Buffalo Chicken Mushrooms

I made a nice big ole batch of Buffalo chicken on my Char-Broil Big Easy the other day. Nothing beats the kick of moist, shredded Buffalo chicken. Besides using the chicken in sandwiches, on pizzas, and in wraps, I also used it in a wonderful stuffing for these Buffalo chicken mushrooms.

Although I ended up serving this as a main dish using large mushrooms, the stuffing is perfect in smaller button mushrooms, served up as bite-sized appetizers. They’re full of creamy cheese, celery, carrot and onion, all with the  kick of Buffalo wing sauce.

Buffalo Chicken Mushrooms

Good On The Grill Or Out Of The Oven

Of course, you don’t have to make chicken on the grill to make these delightful Buffalo chicken mushrooms. Any ole Buffalo chicken recipe will do, like my slow cooker version! Serve these mushrooms with my bratwurst stuffed mushrooms for an interesting mix.

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

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Inspired by a recipe from the Snappyu Gourmet.

Buffalo Chicken Mushrooms
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Mushrooms

Although I ended up serving this as a main dish using large mushrooms, the stuffing is perfect in smaller button mushrooms, served up as bite-sized appetizers.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, chicken, mushroom
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 100kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Snappy Gourmet

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mushrooms small, medium or large depending on how you are serving them. I used small for appetizers, mediums for a side dish, and large when serving as a main dish
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup Buffalo chicken warmed. I used our slow cooker version
  • 1 tablespoon Ranch salad dressing
  • ½ cup celery shredded
  • ¼ cup carrot shredded
  • ¼ cup red onion shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F or fire up a grill for direct cooking.
  • Remove mushroom stems and scoop out the insides.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl.
  • Spoon chicken mixture into mushrooms, filling to just the tops or they will overflow.
  • Bake or grill 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms have softened.

Notes

For easy clean up use a grill basket.

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 716mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1184IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 28mg | 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 Pork Chorizo Potato Skins

I’m a big fan of bar-style potato skins. You know the ones. Crispy skin, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and sour cream. But sometimes I want something just a bit different. Something with some kick to it, like these grilled pork chorizo potato skins. True, you can put Mexican chorizo (not to be confused with Spanish chorizo, which is a cured sausage, Mexican chorizo is a spicy ground pork product) on or in just about anything and I’m going to love it.

Grilled Pork Chorizo Potato Skins

Not The Same-Old Same-Old Potato Skins

Potato skins only take a few minutes to make, so I often toss them on the grill while I’m making burgers or hot dogs for a quick and easy appetizer or side dish. I also keep a bottle of hot sauce nearby in case I want them to be just a bit spicier. Why not? Spicy grilled pork chorizo potato skins are great too!

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 grill-roasted herb potatoes.

Grilled Pork Chorizo Potato Skins
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Grilled Pork Chorizo Potato Skins

Potato skins only take a few minutes to make, so I often toss them on the grill while I’m making burgers or hot dogs for a quick and easy appetizer or side dish. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword potato skins, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 251kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 cup pork chorizo mix or use crumbled cooked Mexican chorizo
  • 1 cup Queso blanco shredded
  • cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cut each potato lengthwise into four wedges. Don’t make the wedges too thick. If you are using very large potatoes you might have a center portion leftover for other uses.
  • Using a spoon or melon baller, scrape out the potato insides, leaving 1/4″ or so left.
  • Place on a microwave safe plate and microwave on high for 6-10 minutes or until tender.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Combine the butter and chipotle powder and brush on all sides of the potatoes.
  • Grill the potatoes, cut side down, over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until they start to char.
  • Turn potatoes over and top with cheese. Grill another 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve topped with the bacon, green onions, and sour cream as desired.

Notes

Try to get the potato wedges as close to the same size as possible. This will help ensure they all cook at the same rate.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 444mg | Potassium: 812mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 321IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Fire-Eater Saltines

Well, my goodness me! There’s good and then there’s crazy good. These Fire-Eater Saltines are definitely crazy good. A good healthy amount of spicy kick on a crunchy yummy cracker. That’s all you’ll need, trust me. Yes, you could slather a bit of cream cheese on them too, but I found them addicting enough just as they are.

Fire-Eater Saltines

My Goodness. I Should’ve Made More.

There’s really no need to make just a single batch of Fire-Eater Saltines because a lil ole sleeve just isn’t going to be enough, that’s for sure! And if you don’t like the heat, just substitute your favorite (milder) seasoning. But hey, the title of this post is ‘Fire-Eater’. So you know there’s gonna be some kick somewhere. You found it.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce

Also try my lime pepper, Ranch and Buffalo wing saltines.

Fire-Eater Saltines
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Saltines

Well, my goodness me! There’s good and then there’s crazy good. These Fire-Eater Saltines are definitely crazy good. A good healthy amount of spicy kick on a crunchy yummy cracker.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, spicy
Prep Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings 30 or so crackers
Calories 21kcal
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 with cubed smoked cheddar or mozzarella!

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 1mg | 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)