Category: Appetizers, Desserts & Snacks

Twinkies on the Char-Broil Big Easy

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

I grilled Twinkies not long ago, and I thought, “Hey, these are good!”. Then, yesterday I tossed some Twinkies into my Char-Broil Big Easy for just a few minutes, and I thought, “Wow, these are absolutely INCREDIBLE!”. The Twinkies get a fantastic crust on them, while the insides get all ooey gooey, marshmallowy yummy! I mean, these little treats are beyond addicting!

Twinkies on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Crazy Easy And Oh So Good

I drizzled a bit of strawberry syrup over the Twinkies on the Char-Broil Big Easy to make them extra-special. Chocolate syrup. Roasted nuts. Whipped cream. Anything can be added, but they are also beyond fantastic by themselves. You can fit a lot of Twinkies on the Big Easy at once, especially if you have the Bunk Bed basket or a Wingin’ator 3000, making them the perfect dessert for a crowd. So grab a few boxes and get to cooking!

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

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

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

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

Twinkies on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Twinkies on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Twinkies get a fantastic crust on them, while the insides get all ooey gooey, marshmallowy yummy! I mean, these little treats are beyond addicting!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, dessert
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 65kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 Twinkies
  • Your favorite toppings syrup, fruit, roasted nuts, whipped cream, ice cream, you name it!

Instructions

  • Fire up your Char-Broil Big Easy.
  • Remove the Twinkies from the wrapping and place in the Big Easy basket.
  • Lower basket into the cooker and cook for 5 minutes or until hot and starting to get toasty crunchy on the outside.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

I like to roast my Twinkies until they get a little dark, with a slight crunch to them.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Buffa-Que Shrimp

If you look around Life’s A Tomato you’ll quickly find that I love chicken wings, from hot-and-spicy Buffalo wings to sweet Bourbon wings. I’ll never burn out on wings, but when I ran across this recipe for making Buffalo wing-like shrimp from Steven Raichlen, I knew I’d have to make it. The recipe for Buffa-Que Shrimp comes from Mr. Raichlen’s book, The Barbecue Bible, which you can find on every BBQ enthusiasts bookshelf.

Buffa-Que Shrimp

More Buffalo-y

Buffa-Que shrimp definitely have that Buffalo flavor. You can serve them with a blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce, or do I like I did and just eat them right off the plate as-is. I cooked the shrimp on a griddle on my gas grill, but you can also cook them directly on your grill grates. Just don’t over-cook them!

Frank's RedHot Hot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce, 12 fl oz
Frank’s RedHot Hot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce, 12 fl oz

Also try my crazy-good crab-stuffed shrimp.

Buffa-Que Shrimp
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Buffa-Que Shrimp

Buffa-Que shrimp definitely have that Buffalo flavor. You can serve them with a blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce, or do I like I did and just eat them right off the plate as-is
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, shrimp
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 286kcal
Author From Steven Raichlen

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the sauce

Instructions

For the shrimp

  • Place shrimp into a resealable baggie or container.
  • Whisk together the remaining shrimp ingredients. Add to the bag, seal, and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Remove the shrimp from the marinade and place onto the grill over indirect heat.
  • Cook 10-15 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and done.
  • Transfer shrimp to a bowl and toss with the sauce, below.

For the sauce

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Add hot sauce, stir. Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

No one is going to complain if you add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 316mg | Sodium: 2426mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 359IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Pickled Hot Dogs

When I made these pickled hot dogs, a little voice in the back of my head kept asking if I was making Vienna sausages. To which I replied, No. They may sort of look like Vienna sausages (if they came in a Mason jar). But oh my, they are something completely different.

Pickled hot dogs are just delicious. A little spicy (I added habaneros from our garden), a little garlicky, and a great hit of pickling spice and vinegar.

Pickled Hot Dogs

Great Snacks. Grilled Or Not.

It’s quite alright to just eat these yummy dogs right out of the jar. I certainly did. But they are even better grilled. I grilled them just like regular ole dogs, put them on buns, and gobbled them down. You don’t want to add a bunch of toppings, though. You don’t want to bury the great pickled flavor. And while you’re at it, try a quick and easy batch of grilled pickles!

Get a big jug of quality white vinegar, you’re going to want a whole bunch of these hot dogs!

Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) - 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))
Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))

Also try my spicy pickled pineapple.

Pickled Hot Dogs
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2.75 from 8 votes

Pickled Hot Dogs

When I made these pickled hot dogs, a little voice in the back of my head kept asking if I was making Vienna sausages. To which I replied, No. They may sort of look like Vienna sausages (if they came in a jar), but oh my, they are something completely different.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs, pickled
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 day 15 minutes
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes
Servings 2 jars
Calories 724kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the jars

  • 12 hot dogs or so
  • 2-4 jalapeno peppers sliced (or habaneros for more kick)
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced

For the pickling brine

Instructions

For the pickling brine

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

For the jars

  • Pack hot dogs into jars. My hot dogs were a little long so I cut the ends off first.
  • Pour in the cooled pickling brine.
  • Add pepper slices and garlic in the empty spaces.
  • Add lids and seal.
  • Place in fridge for at least 24 hours before using.

Notes

Store in fridge until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 724kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 2472mg | Potassium: 536mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 767IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Save

Marinated Cheese

My wife told me that her sister was coming over to spend the night. No way was I gonna serve something out-of-a-box. Nope. I had to pull out the big guns. No shortcuts. This marinated cheese was it. And truth be told, it was easy.

Marinated Cheese

A Big Party Hit

Everyone absolutely loved this marinated cheese. It’s hard to stop eating it. The combination of the soft, smooth cream cheese and sturdy, tangy extra sharp cheddar is great by itself. Add in some fresh herbs and a few spices and a wonderful vinegar and oil dressing and you have a great appetizer. The peppers in our garden were ripe. I grabbed one and used it in this cheese instead of opening a jar of pimentos.

Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) - 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))
Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))

Also try my easy marinated mushrooms.

Marinated Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Marinated Cheese

My wife told me that her sister was coming over to spend the night. No way was I gonna serve some something out-of-a-box. Nope. I had to pull out the big guns. No shortcuts. This marinated cheese was it. And truth be told, it was easy.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, marinated
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 21kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the cheeses

  • 1 8 ounce sharp cheddar cheese block
  • 1 8 ounce cream cheese

For the marinade

Instructions

  • Unwrap the cheeses and place on a plate in the freezer for 15-30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine all of the marinade ingredients and whisk well.
  • Cut both cheese blocks in half lengthwise.
  • Slice the cheeses into 1/4″ thick squares.
  • Place cheeses into a resealable container, standing them on edge (think dominoes).
  • Add the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate 8-12 hours.

Notes

You can use a sugar substitute if you wish.

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 15mg | 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)

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

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

What started out as an experiment to see if I could bake miniature pumpkin cheesecakes on my Char-Broil Big Easy ended up being one of the best tasting desserts I’ve had in a long time. I was contemplating Thanksgiving, and dreaming about how great a turkey out of my Big Easy tastes, when it dawned on me…. why not also use the oil-less fryer for making dessert? Well, let me tell you folks, these mini pumpkin cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy are amazing!

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Cooking…

These little cheesecakes take less than 30 minutes to cook. Although, they do need to chill overnight. Well, they should chill overnight… I can’t say that all of them lasted that long. I think you can shortcut the chilling by placing them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. And the taste? Phenomenal! Fantastic pumpkin flavor and creamy. All in all, they are the best pumpkin cheesecake you can imagine.

The crusts…

I used pre-made miniature pie crusts and cooked them in the Big Easy using the baking pans designed specifically for the cooker. If you don’t have them (they’re also great for making mini pizzas) you can use the standard basket that comes with the Big Easy (you can cook 4 pies at a time) and better yet, use the bunk bed basket which doubles the number of pies you can cook at a time.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Mini pumpkin cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy are the best way to cap off a great turkey dinner. If you prefer a non-Thanksgiving version, try my Big Easy mini classic cheesecakes.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

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

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

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

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These little cheesecakes take less than 30 minutes to cook. They need to chill overnight. Well, they should chill overnight… I can’t say that all of them lasted that long.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, cheesecake
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 hours
Total Time 13 hours 10 minutes
Servings 24 servings
Calories 383kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy or preheat an oven to 350 F.
  • Place cream cheese in a mixer and beat until creamy.
  • With the mixer still running, add the eggs one at a time.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  • Pour mixture into the pie crusts, about 1/3 cup each. Do not overfill. You may not need all 24 crusts.
  • Place in the Big Easy (you’ll have to work in batches) or oven, and cook 15-20 minutes or until batter has set.
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly then refrigerate overnight before serving.
  • Top with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

The filling mixture makes approximately 5 cups.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1621IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Pecan Smoked Shrimp

I had my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker fired up the other day, cooking a bunch of turkey breasts. After they were done, the fire was still nice and hot. So I grabbed a pound of gulf shrimp, seasoned them, skewered them, and put them over the smoke. Shrimp don’t take long to be cook, so in about 30 minutes they were done. I let them cool slightly and served them in a great Cobb salad. These pecan smoked shrimp were only lightly seasoned. I didn’t want the shrimp to be particularly spicy so they didn’t overpower my salad. And I didn’t want to bury the shrimp so I didn’t even notice them any more! If I was going to use them in shrimp cocktail I would’ve increased the cayenne just a little more, and used cocktail sauce to cool off the heat.

Pecan Smoked Shrimp

The Perfect Salad Shrimp

I used 21-25 count shrimp, which are a little big for a salad, but still quite ok. Of course, bigger shrimp are easier to skewer. There are fewer of them in a pound so they shell and devein quicker. Small or large, pecan smoked shrimp are delicious!

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also try my NOLA smoked shrimp.

Pecan Smoked Shrimp
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Pecan Smoked Shrimp

Shrimp don’t take long to cook, so in about 30 minutes they were done. I let them cool slightly and served them in a great Cobb salad.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword shrimp, smoked
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 3
Calories 315kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place bamboo skewers in water and let soak.
  • Place the shrimp in a medium bowl.
  • Drizzle with the oil.
  • Add remaining ingredients except the wood. Stir, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
  • Fire up your smoker for low-and-slow cooking, 225 F. Add a few chunks of pecan wood.
  • After the smoker is ready, place shrimp on skewers.
  • Transfer to smoker and smoke for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.

Notes

Serve on salads or as appetizers.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 381mg | Sodium: 1370mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Skinned Watermelon

Nothing beats an ice-cold watermelon. It has been crazy hot here in Indianapolis the last few days, so I decided to grab a watermelon. Then, I skinned it.

The first time I saw a skinned watermelon, I scratched my head… How did they do that? I found a great video on YouTube that explained it all, so off I went made my own skinned watermelon. I was so happy with the end result I carried the watermelon around the ‘hood showing it to the neighbors. Make one and take it to your next big party!

Skinned Watermelon


Let’s get started!

So… here’s how you do it. First, grab TWO watermelons that are as close to the same size as you can get. Large or small, round or oblong, it doesn’t matter, as long as they are the same size. The only other thing you’ll need is a new Scotch-Brite scrubbing pad.

You shave the first watermelon and then scoop out the fruit from the second. The first watermelon is then inserted inside the second. It’s actually pretty easy to do.

The first watermelon…

So, start with the first watermelon. Put it on a cutting board and cut the rind off on all sides. Just take your knife and cut from the top to the bottom down the sides, following the contour of the melon. Don’t cut too deep, but get most of the rind. Be careful, as the melon will be slippery. It’ll want to get away from you.

Now, take the Scotch-Brite pad and run it all over the skinned melon. This will take off the remaining rind and any little ‘veins’ that you see. When you’re done, the watermelon will be smooth and pretty!

Skinned WatermelonThe second watermelon…

Now, grab the second watermelon and cut it in half. Take a large spoon or an ice cream scoop and scoop out most of the fruit. Save the fruit for later, or do as I did and snack on it while you’re finishing the project.

Put them together…

Skinned Watermelon

Test the fit of the skinned watermelon by inserting it into one of the scooped halves and add the other half as a top. If it doesn’t fit well you might have to scoop out more flesh or shave off more melon. Just remember, the skinned melon is as slick as a greased pig. It’ll want to get away from you so hold on to it!
Finally, when everything fits, just as the top and carry the melon to your party. Take off the lid and watch everyone’s expressions as they wonder how you did it!

Skinned Watermelon

Also try my jello-filled melon! It’ll wow everyone too!

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
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

Black Pepper Jerky

After making homemade bacon on my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker, I figured the next logical thing to try would be making homemade black pepper jerky. The curing process for jerky is similar in ways to curing bacon, but it doesn’t take as long. The smoking process is different, since the jerky needs to dry out on the smoker.

Black Pepper Jerky

How was it?

The end result was fantastic. A great peppery flavor, with a little kick of heat. The meat was tender, with a little bit of tug, as you’d expect from jerky. We loved it. Everyone loved it.

Things to keep in mind

The most important things to keep in mind when making jerky is to start with a lean cut of meat (I used a lean top round), sliced super thin, and smoke at a fairly low temperature, 150 – 175 F.

The fire

I lit just a handful of charcoal using my charcoal chimney. The easiest way to do that is to turn the chimney upside down, putting the charcoal where you’d normally put newspaper, and putting newspaper where you’d normally put charcoal. I put just enough unlit charcoal in the bottom of the WSM to cover the bottom grate.

Slicing

To make slicing the beef easier, I sat it in the freezer for about 30 minutes first. Then I used a very sharp knife to get very thin slices.

Pack it in!

To fit as much jerky on my Weber Smokey Mountain as I could, I suspended the meat on skewers. But, I have to admit that skewering the meat and feeding it through the grill grates took some time. You can easily fit 3-5 pounds of jerky on an 18″ smoker.

Jerky on the Weber Smokey Mountain

Conclusion

I was surprised with how easy making jerky was. I’ll definitely be trying different flavors out soon. Also, you can follow this recipe for making jerky at home in the oven. You’ll want to add a teaspoon or two of liquid smoke to the marinade to get a smoky flavor. Also, If you can’t get your oven down to 150 F, set it as low as it’ll go. Then put a wooden spoon in between the door and oven to let some air out as the jerky cooks on racks.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also try my teriyaki jerky.

Black Pepper Jerky
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Black Pepper Jerky

This black pepper jerky was fantastic. A great peppery flavor, with a little kick of heat. The meat was tender, with a little bit of tug, as you’d expect from jerky. We loved it. Everyone loved it.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 2 days
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 2 days 6 hours
Servings 2.5 pounds
Calories 2402kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: Freeze the meat for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients.
  • Place the meat in a large resealable baggie or container. Add the marinade. Stir to coat well.
  • Refrigerate for 2 days, stirring occasionally to make sure the meat gets well coated.
  • Fire up your smoker for cooking 150 – 175 F. Use a light wood, such as apple or pecan.
  • Shaking off any excess marinade. Place the meat on paper towels (use lots of them) and pat dry.
  • Place meat on the smoker (I skewered ours so I could hang it, see the picture above) and smoke for 5-6 hours or until the meat is dry.
  • Let cool for an hour before devouring.

Notes

It’s ok to use low-sodium soy sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 2402kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 166g | Fat: 182g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Trans Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 644mg | Sodium: 5901mg | Potassium: 2941mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 22mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

D.Q. Curing Salts - Pink Salt - 1 bag, 1 lb
D.Q. Curing Salts – Pink Salt – 1 bag, 1 lb

Chipotle BLT Bites

It’s that great time of year when tomatoes are plentiful. And when I think tomatoes, I think BLTs. But not necessarily BLT sandwiches. These little chipotle BLT bites pack all the great flavors of a BLT sandwich in a single pop-in-your-mouth bite, and of course, they come with a little kick. They take a little time to make, but the effort is worth it. Scooping out cherry tomatoes is not necessarily the most fun thing to do, so grab your spouse and a few cocktails and make a party out of it. Or, use slightly bigger tomatoes and make the job easier.

Chipotle BLT Bites

Love That Smoky Heat

The chipotle mayonnaise really makes these chipotle BLT bites something fantastic. Sure, you can omit the chipotles and use just straight mayonnaise. Either way, they are great little appetizers for your next cookout or family get-together.

La Costena Chipotle Peppers 7oz.
La Costena Chipotle Peppers 7oz.

Looking for something a little more substantial than a lil ole bite? Try my bacon weave BLTs!

This recipe is based on a recipe from Rachael Ray.

Chipotle BLT Bites
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Chipotle BLT Bites

These little chipotle BLT bites pack all the great flavors of a BLT sandwich in a single pop-in-your-mouth bite, and of course, they come with a little kick. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword snacks, spicy, tomato
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 32 bites
Calories 47kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Rachael Ray

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lay the tomatoes out so they stand up. Cut about 1/3rd of the tops off and scoop out the insides (I used the tip of a small sharp knife).
  • Place a small piece of lettuce inside each tomato.
  • Combine the mayo and chipotle. We love chipotle, so I doubled the amount. Transfer to a pastry bag, and squeeze into each tomato.
  • Sprinkle tomatoes with salt.
  • Top each tomato with bacon.

Notes

For a slightly spicy version, add a little minced jalapeno on top too!

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 4mg | 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)

Sriracha Bugles

I made Ragin’ Cajun Cheddar Ranch Bugles and they ended up being a huge hit. Everyone loved them. Bugles are so yummy and addicting. Sriracha hot sauce is also yummy (spicy) and addicting. So I decided to combine the two into a single terribly good snack – Sriracha Bugles.

Sriracha Bugles

Spicy Crunchy Love

I made these just hot enough for people to notice. Sriracha has such a great spicy flavor, but some folk might be afraid of it. So, I added enough flavoring so it’ll be noticed, but not so hot that people are running around screaming about their mouths being on fire. Of course, if I was making a batch of Sriracha Bugles just for myself I would probably double or triple the amount of seasoning.

Bugles Original 7.5 oz (Pack of 4)
Bugles Original 7.5 oz (Pack of 4)

Also try my chocolate-dipped peanut butter Bugles.

Sriracha Bugles
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sriracha Bugles

Bugles are so yummy and addicting. Sriracha hot sauce is also yummy (spicy) and addicting. So I decided to combine the two into a single terribly good snack – Sriracha Bugles.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword snacks, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 225kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place Bugles in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with oil.
  • Add Sriracha salt or rub and toss to coat evenly.
  • Place Bugles on a large baking sheet and bake 5 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  • Serve warm or cooled.

Notes

Substitute your favorite seasoning and make all new flavors of Bugles!

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 8mg | 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)