Manicotti on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I don’t think of my Char-Broil Big Easy as just a grill. Or just an oil-less fryer. It’s also great at baking. Pretty much anything I can make in my oven, I can make in it. Like my manicotti on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Crazy delicious, with a plenty of hot, melted cheese, this dish is easy to put together. And the Big Easy cooks it up perfectly, with hardly any cleanup required.

Manicotti on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Dutch Oven Liners To The Rescue

I get these disposable aluminum Dutch oven liners online for baking large dishes like this manicotti on the Char-Broil Big Easy. They are perfect. They’re about 8″ wide and a few inches deep. They hold a lot. They’re heavy duty. Even though you need to still support them on the bottom when lifting them, you can fill them up and be confident that’ll not collapse on you.

Bunk Bed Baskets To The Rescue

My second big key to making on the Big Easy is to have a few bunk bed baskets on hand. Yes, I could get by with just one. And one fits easily into the Big Easy basket. But two are just easier. It’s hard to reach down in the original basket and get something off the bottom. With a bunk bed basket (or two), I just lift the basket and the food right out and onto my countertop (well, cutting board if it’s hot).

It’s a bit of a science to get two bunk bed baskets into the Big Easy but it’s quite doable. Play with it a few times first, without any food in them, and you’ll get the hang of it.

Manicotti on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Big Swap

Food near the bottom of the Big Easy basket tends to cook or bake faster than food higher up. Most of the time that’s not an issue. With this manicotti, I decided to swap the two pans of food around towards the end so they both browned evenly. With two bunk bed baskets this was very easy to do.

Manicotti on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Oh Yeah, The Food!

Did I mention that this manicotti is delicious! The Italian sausage and spinach stuffed pasta tubes get cooked perfectly, and are just packed with flavor. I used a good quality, tasty marinara sauce. And plenty of cheese. Maybe a little extra. It’s possible. Boy, did this come out great!

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

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

Manicotti on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Crazy delicious, with a plenty of hot, melted cheese, this dish is easy to put together.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, pasta
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 460kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces manicotti Some always end up tearing, I recommend cooking 10-12 ounces just in case!
  • 1 pound Italian sausage bulk or in casings
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cups spinach fresh, chopped
  • 8 ounces mozzarella shredded, divided
  • ¾ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
  • 1 egg slightly beaten
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for cooking the pasta
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 24 ounces spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per the manufacturer's instructions. Drain well and spread out onto a baking sheet to cool and dry.
  • Meanwhile, crumble the sausage (remove from casings first if using links) into a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until almost done.
  • Add the onion and continue cooking until it has softened and the sausage is cooked through.
  • Add the spinach. Stir and cook another 2-3 minutes or until wilted.
  • Remove skillet from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan along with the egg, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  • Spray the two pans with non-stick spray.
  • Fire up your Big Easy so it heats up while you stuff the pasta tubes.
  • Spread 1/4 cup of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of each pan.
  • Stuff each manicotti with the sausage mixture. I prefer to block one end of the tub with one hand while using the other hand to stuff the tubes (gently).
  • Place stuffed tubes into the pans. Do not stack. You might have to kind of wiggle and shove them in to get them to fit.
  • If you have leftover meat mixture just sprinkle it around and in between the manicotti.
  • Divide remaining sauce over the tops of the manicotti.
  • Cover the fans with foil.
  • Place one pan in the bottom of your Big Easy. If you have 2 Bunk Bed baskets, put the pan in a basket instead and lower it to the bottom of the Big Easy basket and attach at the sides.
  • Place the other pan in a Bunk Bed basket and lower it into the Big Easy basket. It will rest on top of the first basket if you are using two. Otherwise, just attach it to the sides of the Big Easy basket just above the first pan.
  • Cook for 35 minutes. There is no need to swap the pans.
  • Remove the foil. Top the pans with the remaining cheeses.
  • Return the pans to the Big Easy and cook another 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and turns golden brown. The top pan will cook slower than the bottom. If desired, rotate the pans after 15 minutes.
  • Remove pans from the Big Easy and let rest 15 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

The instructions above are for cooking both pans at the same time on a Big Easy. This requires a Bunk Bed basket (or two to make it even easier). If you do not have a Bunk Bed basket you’ll have to cook one pan at a time.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 1307mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1367IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Broccoli Rice Casserole on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Char-Broil Big Easy is a great cooker. I can treat it like a grill. Or an (oil-less) deep-fryer. And I can bake in it. This broccoli rice casserole on the Char-Broil Big Easy starts as your standard make-in-the-oven recipe. No magic occurring here. No strange tools required. Just a pan, a Big Easy and some simple ingredients. And great results.

Broccoli Rice Casserole on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I did use a bunk bed basket when I made this dish. I just think it makes everything easier to get in and out of the cooker. So, I use it whenever I can. It’s perfect for lifting this casserole out. I don’t have to worry about the pan collapsing on me.

Broccoli Rice Casserole on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Cheesy Greatness

This broccoli rice casserole on the Char-Broil Big Easy is packed with creamy cheesy yumminess. It takes no time at all to put together. And not much time to cook, either.

I was able to fit the entire recipe amount into a single 8″ Dutch oven disposable pan. It was close, though. You might be a little over. If so you can just divide the mixture between two pans and cook them separately.

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

I love making side dishes using my Big Easy. Check out my ever-growing list of my favorite ones!

Broccoli Rice Casserole on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Broccoli Rice Casserole on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Just a pan, a Big Easy and some simple ingredients.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, casserole
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 472kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray the pan with non-stick spray.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet or medium pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the soups and half and half.
  • Add the cheese cubes and stir until melted.
  • Stir in the rice.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • While the Big Easy is heating, place the pan into a Big Easy bunk bed basket.
  • Spoon the mixture into the pan. The pan will be very full. If you cannot fit all of the mixture into the pan divide it between two pans and bake separately.
  • Lower the bunk bed basket into the Big Easy basket and attach at the sides.
  • Transfer the basket to the Big Easy and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until hot and bubbly.
  • Carefully remove the basket from the Big Easy. Then remove the bunk bed basket.
  • Make sure you support the bottom of the aluminum pan when handling it.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Although the Big Easy bunk bed basket is not required, it makes handling the pan much easier and safer.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 1085mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1051IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 287mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Macaroni and Cheese on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Oh my goodness. This macaroni and cheese on the Char-Broil Big Easy is delicious. I love using my Big Easy for side dishes in addition to the many turkeys and chickens that I cook. I have several of the cookers, making it easy for me to cook up an entire meal. This recipe makes a big batch of unbelievably creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. And it makes plenty for a crowd, too.

Macaroni and Cheese on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Baking Away In Big Easy-ville

Everything in this dish is cooked indoors before you transfer it outdoors. What you want is for your macaroni and cheese on the Char-Broil Big Easy to get bubbly hot and browned to perfection. And it will.

If you’re cooking more than one pan at a time keep in mind that usually the bottom pan will get done sooner. So watch them and if you have to, take the bottom one out first.

You can also use your Big Easy to reheat any leftovers. I recommend adding a splash or two of milk first. Then cover with foil and stick into the cooker until hot and bubbly. You can actually hear it bubble if you listen real close.

Feel free to try this same approach with your favorite mac-and-cheese recipe that requires baking or reheating in the oven. The Big Easy does that and does it well. Outside. In the fresh air.

The bunk bed basket lets you double the amount of cooking space you have on your Big Easy. And it’s easy to take in and out of the cooker too!

Use a bunk bed in conjunction with these disposable pans and you’ll be able to make a cook two pans at once!

Also try some roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes on the Big Easy.

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

Macaroni and Cheese on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Macaroni and Cheese on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Deliciously creamy mac-and-cheese.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 469kcal

Ingredients

For the Pasta

For the Béchamel

For the Macaroni and Cheese

  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese freshly grated
  • cup Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

For the Pasta

  • Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than stated on the package so that the pasta is al dente (not quite done).
  • Rinse and drain and set aside until ready to use.

For the Béchamel

  • Heat the milk over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan until it just starts to simmer.
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Return the pan you used to cook the pasta to the stovetop over medium heat.
  • Add the butter and melt.
  • Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns lightly golden in color.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and slowly whisk in the hot milk. The mixture will be thick at first. Keep whisking and it will get thinner.
  • Return the pan to the stove over medium-high heat.
  • Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, coating the back of a spoon.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of the salt. Taste and decide if you want to add more of the salt.

For the Macaroni and Cheese

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Add the cheeses to the béchamel and stir until smooth.
  • Add the pasta and stir well using a spatula or spoon.
  • Divide the pasta between two Dutch oven liner pans.
  • Sprinkle panko over the tops of the macaroni and cheese.
  • If you do not have a Bunk Bed basket you'll have to cook the mac-and-cheese in two batches. Otherwise, place the pans into the baskets and add the baskets to the Big Easy (it takes a little finagling but you can fit two in there).
  • Place the basket in the Big Easy and cook 20-30 minutes or until the top of the mac-and-cheese starts to brown. See my note below.
  • Carefully remove pans from the Big Easy and serve.

Notes

I like to cook the pasta first, reserving it until needed. That way I use one less pan.
If you are cooking using two Bunk Bed baskets note that the bottom basket will likely cook faster than the top. If need be, remove the bottom one and return the Big Easy basket to the cooker for a few more minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 1715mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Calcium: 389mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Crispy Cajun Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Got a Char-Broil Big Easy? Think you can’t join the tailgating crowd with it? That it’s just for turkeys? Well, wrong! It’s time to fire up and make some fantastic crispy Cajun wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy! These great wings take just a little effort, just a little time, and they come out absolutely fantastic. And the sauce is nothing to sneeze at either! These are great tasting wings too!

Crispy Cajun Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

It’s Super Easy

There are just two simple steps to making crispy Cajun wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy. First, you need to air dry the wings coated in seasoned baking powder (not baking soda) overnight in a fridge on a wire rack. This helps dry out the skin, making it easier to get it crispy later. And second, when it comes time to cook the wings, make sure you don’t over-crowd your Big Easy. The high heat circulates around the wings helps crisp up the skin.

Load Up

You can use a bunk bed basket (and you’ll want to) for more wings. And in fact, if you’re patient, you can fit two bunk bed baskets into the Big Easy at once. Or do like me and get more than one Big Easy and have a wing-cooking funfest!

Don’t Forget The Sauce

Sure, you can use any sauce you want on these wings. But you’ll want to keep that Cajun theme going and make a batch of the sauce below. It has a nice spicy kick to it with a great flavor that compliments the seasoned wings perfectly.

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

Check out my favorite appetizer and desserts made on the Big Easy!

Crispy Cajun Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Crispy Cajun Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Tasty, crispy wings!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, wings
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 769kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock
  • 1 tablespoons baking powder
  • 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning or more, to taste

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

  • Place the wings in a large bowl or resealable container.
  • Combine the baking powder and Cajun seasoning.
  • Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix over the wings.
  • Using your hands, toss the wings to coat.
  • Add the remaining seasoning and repeat.
  • Transfer the wings to a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  • Place in the fridge 12 hours or overnight to dry out the skin.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Lightly spray the basket and the bunk bed basket with non-stick spray. Let the Big Easy preheat for 5-10 minutes.
  • Add the wings to the baskets and lower into the Big Easy. Do not let the wings touch or overlap. You can stand them on end if you want to fit more wings into the baskets. You can also use up to two bunk bed baskets at a time, adding more cooking area.
  • Cook until the wings are lightly browned and crispy, usually 30 minutes. While the wings are cooking make the wing sauce.
  • Transfer the wings to a large bowl. Pour as much sauce as desired over the wings and toss to coat. Serve hot.

For the sauce

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the hot sauce and Worcestershire.
  • Reduce heat and keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

Wings towards the bottom of the cooker may cook faster so check them after 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 769kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 250mg | Sodium: 1723mg | Potassium: 570mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2602IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 407mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Best Big Easy Side Dish Recipes

The Char-Broil Big Easy is great for cooking just about everything. Don’t overlook the side dishes. It’s great for those, too! Here are some of my favorites!

1
Spicy Barbeque-and-Bacon Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Use a hickory BBQ sauce to add a bit of that outdoorsy flavor.
Check out this recipe
2
Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes using the Char-Broil Big Easy
Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes using the Char-Broil Big Easy
Tender creamy potatoes with pimento cheese that you won't be able to resist!
Check out this recipe
3
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
The sauce is amazing, and has quickly become one of our favorites.
Check out this recipe
4
Apple Pie Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Apple Pie Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I added onion and bacon. These beans are amazing!
Check out this recipe
5
Twice Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Twice Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Absolutely fantastic baked potatoes. I prefer to use disposable mini-meatloaf pans for this recipe. They fit into the Big Easy perfectly and are easy to handle. If you heat more than two mini pans at a time you'll need a Bunk Bed basket.
Check out this recipe
6
Easy Corn-on-the-Cob on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Easy Corn-on-the-Cob on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I was already addicted to sweet corn-on-the-cob before this recipe came along. The Big Easy, though, made my addiction much, much worse.
Check out this recipe
7
Roasted Carrots on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Roasted Carrots on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Mmmm. Lovely sweet delicious roasted carrots. Made on the Char-Broil Big Easy in no time at all. Nothing fancy, nothing hard, just great flavor. 
Check out this recipe
8
Cajun Corn-on-the-Cob on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Cajun Corn-on-the-Cob on the Char-Broil Big Easy
This Cajun corn-on-the-cob is just another great side dish. As with just about anything on the Big Easy, it’s no-fuss and as easy as can be. 
Check out this recipe
9
Hash Brown Patties on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Hash Brown Patties on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Just toss a few little cakes-of-potato-goodness into the cooker and in no time you have crispy golden brown hash browns.
Check out this recipe
10
Roasted Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Roasted Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy
This roasted cauliflower came out absolutely delicious. Tender and flavor-packed, with just a hint of smokiness from the bacon. And as with anything I cook on my Big Easy, it was easy to make.
Check out this recipe
11
Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I used smaller baby portabella mushrooms but you can use any mushrooms you wish, even mixing up types when you make herb roasted mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just keep in mind that larger mushrooms or mushrooms with thicker caps might take a bit longer to cook.
Check out this recipe
12
French Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy
French Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Woo hoo! French fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy! Crispy, hot French fries! Perfection in a pan, and ready in only minutes. Don’t want to heat up the house with the oven making fries during the warmer months? Just toss some (frozen) fries into the Big Easy!
Check out this recipe

The Best Big Easy Main Dish Recipes

The Char-Broil Big Easy is great at cooking just about everything but I particularly love using mine for main dishes. Here are some of my favorites!

13
Easy Large Turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Easy Large Turkey on the Char-Broil Big Easy
No brines. No fancy rubs. Just a 16 pound turkey, a little oil, and some seasoning and 10 minutes per pound.
Check out this recipe
14
Old Bay Crab Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Old Bay Crab Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I can eat a scary amount of crab legs. Fortunately, I don’t have to tell you just how much a ‘scary amount’ is, but when the crab legs are as great as these Old Bay crab legs cooked on my Char-Broil Big Easy, I cannot control myself.
Check out this recipe
15
Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I’m a big fan of cooking honey-chipotle glazed ham on the Char-Broil Big Easy. The ham gets a nice roasted flavor, a bit of a crispy outside, and a super-moist inside. 
Check out this recipe
16
Cajun Marinated Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Cajun Marinated Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Ready in less than an hour it’s perfect sliced. Perfect cubed over salads. Perfect picked up and devoured.
Check out this recipe
17
Shake 'N Bake Pork Chops on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Shake ‘N Bake Pork Chops on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Crazy tasty, the chops were unbelievably moist and tender. Every bite was so good, I hated coming to the end. 
Check out this recipe
18
Spam on the Char-Broil Big Easy
SPAM on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Yep, I did it. I was expecting not-so-spectacular results. What I got was deliciousness
Check out this recipe
19
Hot Dogs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Hot Dogs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I could’ve fired up my gas grill to cook a batch of hot dogs. Or lit some charcoal. That’s when I had a ‘duh’ moment. The Big Easy! It cooks everything great, so why not use it!
Check out this recipe
20
Garlic Lobster Tails on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Garlic Lobster Tails on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Tender, buttery, garlicky lobster tails cooked absolutely spot-on perfect. .
Check out this recipe
21
Chiavetta's Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Chiavetta’s Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Roasted on the Char-Broil Big Easy, the chicken had a wonderful garlicky, vinegary flavor with wonderfully crunchy skin.
Check out this recipe
22
Simple Roast Chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy
Simple Roast Chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy
Delicious chicken time-after-time.
Check out this recipe
23
Mini Lasagna on a Big Easy
Mini Lasagna on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Fantastic lasagna cooked in no time!
Check out this recipe
24
Kick'N Chicken Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Kick’N Chicken Legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
These Kick’N chicken legs on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out fantastic, just like all the other poultry I’ve ever cooked on the Big Easy. Super moist and tender.
Check out this recipe
25
Pulled Pork on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Pulled Pork on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Cooking a pork butt on the Big Easy was not only easy and quick (compared to a 10-12 hour cook time on my smoker), but the end product came out super moist and tender. The meat shreds very easily, perfect for BBQ sandwiches or my favorite, BBQ pulled pork baked potatoes.
Check out this recipe
26
Baby Back Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy 2
Baby Back Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I’d make these ribs again. And again. You can fit 2 racks into the Big Easy (they have to be cut to fit as they have to be around 11″ or so or less in length).
Check out this recipe
27
St. Louis Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
St. Louis Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
I could not have been happier with how great these St. Louis-style ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out. 
Check out this recipe
28
Beer-Can Seasoned Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Beer-Can Seasoned Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
The seasoning is so good you can leave out the beer can. The Big Easy cooks up chicken so moist and tender you won’t notice it’s not there, and the Weber seasoning packs such great flavor you’ll be as happy as if you did use the beer.
Check out this recipe

The Best Big Easy Appetizer And Dessert Recipes

The Char-Broil Big Easy is great at cooking everything, including appetizers and desserts. Here are some of my favorites!

29
Loaded Roasted Twinkies on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Loaded Roasted Twinkies on the Char-Broil Big Easy
This is the world’s easiest dessert. And they can be topped with darn near anything you have in the pantry, fridge or freezer. 
Check out this recipe
30
BBQ Shrimp in Oyster Shells on the Char-Broil Big Easy
BBQ Shrimp in Oyster Shells on the Char-Broil Big Easy
BBQ Shrimp in Oyster Shells on the Char-Broil Big Easy are so good you'll find yourself eating making them again and again!
Check out this recipe
31
Yard Bird Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Yard Bird Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Yard Bird wings are always my go-to way of cooking wings.
Check out this recipe
32
Brazilian Pineapple on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Brazilian Pineapple on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Deliciously sweet pineapple, brushed with coconut milk and sprinkled with cinnamon-infused sugar. Roasted to perfection. Brazilian pineapple on the Char-Broil Big Easy is a win.
Check out this recipe
33
Roasted Peanuts on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Roasted Peanuts on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Deliciously roasted peanuts ready in no time!
Check out this recipe
34
Pickle Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Pickle Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy
“They’re too darned spicy”, Aunt Martha said. Well, today is Aunt Martha’s lucky today because now she can chow down on some super-tasty pickle poppers without worrying about the heat.
Check out this recipe
35
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Crunchy salty seeds ready in no time!
Check out this recipe
36
Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy
The key to cooking bacon-wrapped tater tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy is to cook them until they just start to char. They won’t be super crispy yet. That happens after you take them out of the cooker and they cool. The bacon will crisp up as it sits.
Check out this recipe
37
Bacon BBQ Chicken Bombs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Bacon BBQ Chicken Bombs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Good doesn’t even come close to describing these. Each bite pops with tender, moist chicken, cheese-stuffed jalapenos, bacon and BBQ sauce.
Check out this recipe

Simple Roast Chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy

Slice it thick, and serve it with gravy and mashed potatoes. Slice it thin and pile it high for a delicious sandwich. Chop it into small chunks for a crazy good chicken salad. No matter how you serve it, this simple roast chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy is spot-on fantastic. As with anything cooked on the oil-less fryer, you can’t get any easier. Just season and cook. The skin comes out crispy. The meat, dark and white, is juicy and flavorful. Each and every bite is perfect. This is why I love my Big Easy.

Simple Roast Chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy

A No-Worry Cookout

I go with 20 minutes/pound as my base cooking time. Simple roast chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy usually doesn’t take any longer than that, but it can depending on the wind and temperature. I check it after 20 minutes/pound and go from there. A little over-cooked is ok, but under-cooked isn’t, so err on the side of caution if you aren’t sure it’s done!

Better with Butter

You can baste the bird with a little melted butter right before removing it from the cooker. It adds a bit of color and helps crisp up the skin a bit. While it’s optional, I like it. But then, I’m a butter-aholic so there’s that…

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

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

Simple Roast Chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Simple Roast Chicken using the Char-Broil Big Easy

Delicious chicken time-after-time.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, chicken
Prep Time 14 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 117kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy. Optionally, spray your Big Easy basket with non-stick spray.
  • Season the chicken cavity with salt and pepper. Do not be shy with the seasoning.
  • Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Get all sides of the chicken seasoned, don't miss anything! Do not be shy with the seasoning.
  • Transfer the chicken to the Big Easy basket and place into the hot cooker.
  • Cook for 20 minutes per pound or until the chicken breast reaches 160 F as measured in several places.
  • If using butter, gently lift the basket from the cooker and brush with the butter.
  • Return to the cooker for 5 more minutes to brown the skin with the butter.
  • If not using butter just leave the chicken in for another 5 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the Big Easy and let rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

Use caution removing the chicken from the basket as both are very hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 103mg | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy

It’s summer time. And summer is good. Summer is better, though, with a big ole plate of spicy barbecue-and-bacon baked beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy. 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 oil-less fryer and you’re ready to devour some tasty beans. Double, tripe or quadruple the recipe and you’ve got a great dish for a picnic or family get-together!

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Packed With Flavor

Much of the flavor in these spicy barbecue-and-bacon baked beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy 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.

The bunk bed basket lets you double the amount of cooking space you have on your Big Easy. And it’s easy to take in and out of the cooker too!

Use a bunk bed in conjunction with these disposable pans and you’ll be able to make a double-batch of these beans!

Also try my apple pie baked beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

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

Spicy Barbeque-and-Bacon Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Use a hickory BBQ sauce to add a bit of that outdoorsy flavor.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword baked beans, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 386kcal

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.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Spray an 8" round disposable Dutch oven pan or use some other pan that will fit into the Big Easy.
  • in large bowl combine beans, barbecue sauce, jalapeno, onion, brown sugar and mustard.
  • Stir in the bacon.
  • Pour mixture into the pan and transfer to the Big Easy basket and into the cooker.
  • Bake 45 minutes or until bubbly hot and the onions are just tender.

Notes

Add sliced hot dogs to make this a great 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.

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These bacon and cheese stuffed mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy are the perfect grilled appetizer. Tender mushrooms that still have a little ‘bite’ to them. The cheese mixture is fantastic. Three different cheeses and a little seasoning combine with bacon and bell pepper for bite after bite of deliciousness. I say ‘bite’, but if you use small mushrooms you can pop these little treats into your mouth like popcorn. Sure, I did.

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Eat ‘Em Like Popcorn

These disposable Dutch oven pans are perfect for making these bacon and cheese stuffed mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. They’re the perfect size for this recipe and they’re the perfect size for the Big Easy basket or bunk bed basket. They’re sturdy so you don’t have to worry about them collapsing. I use them for a lot of my Big Easy dishes.

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.

You can pre-make these mushrooms by doing steps 1-8 then refrigerating the mushrooms for later. Then, when you’re ready to finish them, remove them from the fridge and let come to room temperature for 30 minutes before transferring to a pre-heated Big Easy to cook and heat thoroughly.

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

You can also make these on a grill.

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These are the perfect easy appetizers.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword mushroom, stuffed
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 159kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces mushrooms 12-16 small whole mushrooms
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • kosher salt to taste
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded or grated
  • ¼ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 slices bacon (plus more for garnish if desired) cooked and finely chopped
  • ¼ green bell pepper (plus more for garnish if desired) very finely chopped
  • cayenne pepper to taste
  • paprika to taste
  • parsley chopped, for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 F. Spray a small disposable pan with non-stick spray.
  • Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
  • Dip the mushrooms cap-side down into the butter and place onto the baking dish cap-side up.
  • Pour the remaining butter into the baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the mushrooms with salt. Bake 10 minutes. The mushrooms should just be soft and most of the water in them should be cooked out.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan, Mozzarella, bacon, bell pepper and a pinch or so of cayenne. Add salt to taste.
  • Using a small spoon, gently fill each mushroom with the cheese mixture. Mound it up high. Place in a small disposable pan that will fit onto the Big Easy or place directly on a Big Easy basket or Bunk Bed Basket.
  • Sprinkle tops of the mushrooms with paprika.
  • Fire up your Big Easy and let it get good and hot.
  • Transfer the basket and/or pan to a Big Easy basket and place into the cooker. Cook 15-20 minutes or until the stuffing is hot.
  • Garnish with more bacon, bell pepper and parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

Try to use mushrooms that are all about the same size so they are all done around the same time.

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.