Category: Main Dishes

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocados going on sale is always a happy time for me. I cannot get enough of them. I like them on greens, on burgers, in dressings, and of course, in avocado egg salad. This salad has the perfect creaminess but still a bit of texture from the eggs. It also has a nice refreshing bite from the chives. Not a lot, but just a pleasant taste that rounds out the perfect sandwich filling.

Avocado Egg Salad

The Perfect Sandwich

I thought that croissants would be the perfect bread for serving avocado egg salad. The tender, sweet bread goes so well with it. The only problem was that I couldn’t get enough! I had never wished that croissants were larger more than I did after that first bite! Why? Why! Why are they soooo small?!

I absolutely stink (best word I could think of) when it comes to making boiled eggs. Hard or soft, doesn’t matter. I am egg challenged. So I picked up a little cheap egg cooker like the one below. This lil baby cranks out 7 eggs in about 15 minutes and they’re perfect each and every time! I don’t even feel bad any more that I just cannot make boiled eggs!

DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity
DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity

Also try my (no avocado) delicious egg salad.

Avocado Egg Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Avocado Egg Salad

This avocado egg salad has the perfect creaminess but still a bit of texture from the eggs. It also has a nice refreshing bite from the chives.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword eggs, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 430kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place eggs and avocado into a medium bowl and mash lightly with a fork or potato masher.
  • Add all but the croissants and mix.
  • Cut croissants in half lengthwise. Divide egg mixture between bread and serve.

Notes

This egg salad is best served immediately after preparing.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 788IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg

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 Burgers

One sign that you absolutely love a dish? You make it three days in a row. Like these Buffalo chicken burgers, that I made… you guessed it… three days in a row! The burgers are so tender, so juicy, and they have just the right amount of spiciness. The heat is there, but I’d say it’s somewhere around medium spicy. Packed with celery and carrots, and topped with a wonderful blue cheese sauce, each bite really is like a fantastic chicken wing. But on a bun.

Buffalo Chicken Burgers

These Are Some Great Burgers

I so enjoyed making and devouring these Buffalo chicken burgers. They have found their way to the top of my gotta-make-regularly list. Not only are they very easy to make, they look and taste absolutely fantastic. I cannot wait to enjoy them again, and soon. You can skip the blue cheese sauce if you want, and just dress the burgers plainly, using mayonnaise if you want. The blue cheese adds more of a Buffalo wing experience.

I like to use a burger press when I make burgers. It, in combination with some patty papers, enables me to crank out a whole bunch of equally-sized burger patties in no time at all with little cleanup.

Weber Original Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black

Also try my Buffalo chicken subs.

Buffalo Chicken Burgers
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Burgers

These Buffalo chicken burgers are so tender, so juicy, and have just the right amount of spiciness. Each bite is like a fantastic chicken wing. On a bun.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, burgers, chicken
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 646kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

Instructions

  • Place the chicken hot sauce, carrots, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, chives and bread crumbs into a large bowl.
  • Gently combine but do not overmix.
  • Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat.
  • Divide the meat mixture into 4 equally-sized balls and form into patties.
  • Lightly brush both sides with oil and transfer to the grill over direct heat.
  • Cook 4-5 minutes.
  • Turn and continue cooking another 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature has reached 165 F. Remove.
  • Serve the burgers on the Kaiser rolls, with a few pieces of lettuce and plenty of the creamy blue cheese sauce.

Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

  • Place the blue cheese crumbles into a small bowl.
  • Use a fork to smash or break up into small pieces.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir.

Notes

I also like to drizzle these burgers with a little Buffalo wing or hot sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 646kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1486mg | Potassium: 844mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3185IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 3.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Hatch Chile Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese makes for a great grilled cheese sandwich. Pimento cheese loaded with roasted Hatch chiles makes for an outstanding grilled cheese sandwich. Or dip. Or burger topping. The cheese melts perfectly. And there’s just that slight green chile flavor. Not overpowering, not spicy. Just a really nice pepper flavor. I like that a lot. These sandwiches are different in a very good way.

Hatch Chile Pimento Cheese

No Hatch Chiles?

If you can’t find Hatch chiles, you can substitute any mild green chile such as a poblano. Or in a pinch you can use canned green chiles. Our market sells 7 ounce cans of roasted green chiles that would work just fine as a substitute in this Hatch chile pimento cheese. That little can works out to be about the same as 3 Hatch chiles after they’ve been chopped. It’s not quite the same flavor, but it’s as close as you can get without having the real thing.

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

Click here for my roasted Hatch chile recipe.

Hatch Chile Pimento Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Hatch Chile Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese makes for a great grilled cheese sandwich. Pimento cheese loaded with roasted Hatch chiles makes for an outstanding grilled cheese sandwich. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pimento cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 869kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Brewer and The Baker

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except for the cheese into a food processor and process for 10 seconds.
  • Add the cheeses and pulse a few times until combined.

Notes

Roasted green chiles also make for a tasty pimento cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 869kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 78g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 1569mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1037IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 839mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black
OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black

Cafeteria-Style Pizza

Am I the only one that actually enjoyed the pizza from the high school cafeteria? Maybe I was just lucky and our school had a special recipe that resulted in good pizza. This cafeteria-style pizza is mighty good too. Maybe this is the recipe! It’s definitely easy. It’s mighty tasty. And it makes a big ole pan of pizza in no time. That’s a win for me.

Cafeteria-Style Pizza

Edge To Edge Is Our Pledge

The key to making cafeteria-style pizza is pouring out the batter and getting it nice and even, from pan edge-to-pan edge. It’s actually quite easy to do. And it’s much, much easier than rolling your own dough out, believe me. It’s like making pancakes, really.

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. Get the real 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

You can use whatever toppings you normally like on your pizza. Don’t go crazy with the sauce. You don’t want to drench the dough. A little will go a long ways. In the end you’ll have a great easy pizza!

Also checkout my copycat Pizza Hut pan pizza.

Cafeteria-Style Pizza
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cafeteria-Style Pizza

Am I the only one that actually enjoyed the pizza from the high school cafeteria? Maybe I was just lucky and our school had a special recipe that resulted in good pizza. This cafeteria-style pizza is mighty good too.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 487kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F. 
  • In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, eggs and milk until smooth.
  • Lightly spray a 15″ x 10″ baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Pour the flour mixture into prepared baking sheet. Spread out evenly and to the edges using a spatula or the back of a large spoon.
  • Sprinkle the top of the batter with the sausage, pepperoni and ham.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over pizza. The dough might be bubbly, just try to get the sauce as even as you can.
  • Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and bake another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 1704mg | Potassium: 503mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 677IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 257mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Copycat Jason’s Deli California Club Sandwich

Back in my high school days I worked in a no-name sub shop. I made some mighty darned good sandwiches if I do say so myself. But honestly, nothing I made was as good as this copycat Jason’s Deli California Club sandwich. First, we didn’t make sandwiches on croissants, which give the sandwich such a nice light buttery flavor. And I had no idea then what alfalfa sprouts were. Now I love them on a sandwich, along with guacamole. This sandwich would’ve been a big seller at the sub shop where I worked.

Copycat Jason's Deli California Club

Go Spicy

I used a spicy guacamole to offset some of the sweetness of the croissant in my copycat Jason’s Deli California club sandwich. You can use ‘normal’ guacamole instead, or try my copycat of Jimmy John’s avocado sandwich spread instead.

No Sprouts, No Worries

I also could not find alfalfa sprouts at any of the grocery stores near our house. None of them. In fact one doesn’t carry sprouts any more at all. Luckily I found some bean sprouts. They aren’t the same thing as alfalfa sprouts but they did add a similar texture.

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 copycat Red Robin BLTA. And my copycat of the classic K-Mart submarine sandwiches.

Copycat Jason's Deli California Club
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Jason’s Deli California Club Sandwich

I used a spicy guacamole to offset some of the sweetness of the croissant in my copycat Jason’s Deli California club sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 646kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 croissants halved horizontally
  • 1 pound deli turkey meat thinly sliced turkey sandwich meat
  • 1 sliced tomato
  • ½ cup alfalfa sprouts I substituted bean sprouts
  • ½ cup guacamole
  • 8 slices sweet onion
  • 4 strips bacon cooked crispy
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

  • Divide ingredients between the 4 rolls.

Notes

Also great served on sub rolls.

Nutrition

Calories: 646kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 1892mg | Potassium: 654mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1010IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 185mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash

I watch the show Eat Street on the Cooking Channel because I love food trucks. Whenever there’s one near me I stop and get something, anything. One of the episodes of Eat Street had the host, James Cunningham, stop at the Biscuits + Groovy trailer in Austin, TX. Because my wife and I love biscuits and gravy I knew instantly that I was going to make some of the dishes they serve up. I mean, dang, look at the menu! Everything sounds fantastic, including The Johnny Hash. Biscuits, white pepper gravy, diced potatoes, bacon and breakfast sausage, topped with cheese and garnished with green onions. This ain’t no light breakfast, it’s the breakfast of champions!

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash

Start With Great Biscuits

I’m definitely not a food industry expert, but I do recognize a good concept when I see it. All of the biscuit dishes from Biscuits + Groovy start with great buttermilk biscuits. You can then build from there, like with the Johnny Hash. It’s definitely loaded with all things good and breakfasty.

Get The Real Deal

If I was anywhere near Austin, Texas right now I’d be in line at the Biscuits + Groovy trailer and my stomach would be growling!

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 the Biscuits + Groovy The Donna Summer.

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Biscuits + Groovy The Johnny Hash

Biscuits, white pepper gravy, diced potatoes, bacon and breakfast sausage, topped with cheese and garnished with green onions. This ain’t no light breakfast, it’s the breakfast of champions!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword biscuits, gravy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 2 servings
Calories 671kcal
Author Inspired by the Biscuits + Groovy Food Truck

Equipment

Ingredients

For the white pepper gravy

Instructions

For the white gravy

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Whisk in the flour.
  • Whisk in the milk until smooth. Gravy will continue to thicken. If too thick add a bit more milk.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the biscuits, breakfast links and bacon

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Add the sausage links and bacon.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Flip links and bacon. Cook for 5 more minutes then remove the links. Continue to cook until done. Remove and let cool slightly before chopping the bacon and slicing the links into bite-sized pieces. Note: If you want a little crispiness to your links place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after you’ve removed the bacon.
  • In the other pan, place the biscuits and cook per package instructions.

Making the biscuits

  • Split biscuits and place on a plate.
  • Add potatoes, gravy, meats and cheese.
  • Top with chives or green onions. Serve.

Notes

Use whole milk for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 671kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1056mg | Potassium: 798mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 202mg | 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)

Mock Bacon Filets

My wife loves filet mignon. On occasion I will grab an entire beef tenderloin and cut it into filets. But, let’s face it, filets aren’t the cheapest cut of meat. Not even close. That’s when it’s time to make these mock bacon filets. Mushroom-stuffed patties wrapped in bacon, topped with more mushrooms and a wonderful sauce. The sauce really is amazing. And they’re incredibly easy to make.

Mock Bacon Filets

Surprisingly Awesome

These mock bacon filets are almost meatloaf-like. That’s a good thing since I’m a meatloaf-aholic. I have to say that the sauce is very, very good. So good in fact that we decided (after our first bite) to use it to glaze our next meatloaf. The sauce really compliments the dish perfectly. So perfectly that you won’t miss not having real filets. I could eat way, way too many of these.

I love to cook these filets in a cast iron skillet. It just makes life easier and better. Since this dish starts on the stove and finishes in the oven, it’s simpler to use a single pan for both steps. The recipe does make 4 large patties, so a larger skillet is a must.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

Sometimes I got the piggy route and make bacon-wrapped pork medallions instead!

Mock Bacon Filets
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5 from 1 vote

Mock Bacon Filets

Let’s face it, filets aren’t the cheapest cut of meat. That’s when it’s time to make these mock bacon filets. Mushroom-stuffed patties wrapped in bacon, topped with more mushrooms and a wonderful sauce. And they’re incredibly easy to make.
Course American
Cuisine Main
Keyword beef, filets
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 747kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the patties

For the sauce

Instructions

For the patties

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Place the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and place into the oven to partially cook the bacon while assembling the patties. You do not want the bacon to get crispy, just slightly done. Remove and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bell pepper, onion, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt and pepper.
  • Form the meat into 8 equally-sized patties.
  • Melt the butter in a medium skillet.
  • Add the mushrooms and saute until soft.
  • Spoon a small amount (do not use them all) of the mushrooms into the center of 4 of the patties.
  • Cover with the other patties and pinch along the edges to seal.
  • Wrap patties with the bacon and secure with toothpicks.
  • Transfer to a shallow pan.
  • Pour sauce over patties and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Garnish with remaining mushrooms and serve.

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

The hot sauce adds more flavor than kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 747kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 178mg | Sodium: 1588mg | Potassium: 1573mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1343IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 7mg

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)

Country Breakfast Tots

I may have a slight obsession with the show Carnival Eats on the Cooking Channel. Noah Cappe, the host, has the dream job of traveling around sampling yummy and different fair foods. Like these Country Breakfast Tots he discovered at the Tot Spot food truck at the Georgia National Fair. I made them as soon as I saw them on the King Crab and I episode. Just tater tots, bacon, sausage gravy and fried eggs. Well, not “just”. This is the breakfast dreams are made of.

Country Breakfast Tots

Start The Day Out Right

Country breakfast tots isn’t your light-and-fru-fru breakfast item. Obviously. This is the kind of dish I craved back in my younger years working on a dairy farm. I needed food and lots of it because each day had me working hard. Come to think of it, I haven’t worked that hard since. Farming ain’t easy.

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

Also try my Biscuits + Groovy food truck-inspired Donna Summer, a crazy good breakfast dish!

Country Breakfast Tots
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5 from 1 vote

Country Breakfast Tots

Just tater tots, bacon, sausage gravy and fried eggs. Well, not “just”. This is the breakfast dreams are made of.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast, tater tots
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1051kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon
  • 4 cups frozen tater tots heated per package instructions
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk or more
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble or chop.
  • Working in batches (I assume your skillet can cook 4 eggs at a time. If not, cook only 2-3 at a time), crack an egg into the hot skillet. Let it cook for 30 seconds or until the edges are set. Add another egg and also wait 30 seconds. Continue the same process with 2 more eggs. Slightly tilt the pan and spoon the hot oil over the top of the eggs for another minute. Remove the cooked eggs once each has cooked for a total of 3 minutes. Cook the remaining 4 eggs in the same manner. 
  • Crumble the sausage into the same skillet and cook until done, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk until warmed. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve by dividing the tater tots between 4 plates. Top with the bacon, sausage gravy and eggs. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve.

Notes

Add a little minced jalapeno for a great morning kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 1051kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 79g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 514mg | Sodium: 1744mg | Potassium: 991mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1117IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 196mg | 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)

Chet’s Trucker Stew

I don’t know Chet. I don’t even know if Chet really is a trucker. But I do know that Chet’s Trucker stew is amazing. It’s like if you took a bunch of different great dishes and combined them all in a slow cooker, let it go for about 8 hours and then Boom! It’s sorta like chili. And It’s sorta like BBQ beans. It’s sorta like a bean soup. Every bite is packed with so many different flavors. You would never think they’d go together by looking at the ingredients, but they do!

Chets Trucker Stew

It’ll Warm You To The Bone

Chet’s Trucker stew is the perfect cold day dish. You aren’t going away hungry, that’s for sure. Whether you’re a long haul trucker or hunkered down at home on a snowy day, it’s a great easy way to make a big bowl of happiness. And it’s easy as heck to make in a slow cooker. Or a Dutch oven for that matter.

Try Smoked Sausage, Too!

Next time I make this stew (soon!) I may mix it up a bit by using smoked sausage instead of the breakfast sausage and beef. But I’d keep the beans the same, because I felt the combination really made this dish rock.

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

Also try my slow cooker Cincinnati chili.

Chet's Trucker Stew
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4 from 2 votes

Chet’s Trucker Stew

I don’t know Chet. I don’t even know if Chet is a trucker. But I do know that Chet’s Trucker stew is amazing. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, stew
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 365kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
  • Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 7-8 hours, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Best served with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | 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

Southern Bologna Burgers

My wife got me hooked on thick-cut bologna burgers and sandwiches. They are like the grown-up versions of the bologna sandwiches I had as a kid. I get the deli to cut chub bologna 1/2″ thick and then either fry, grill, or smoke it. Then I slather the bologna with Ross’ Pool Room sauce and serve it on buns topped with onion and pimento cheese. Yeah, that’s a Southern bologna burger right there!

Southern Bologna Burgers

Keep It Simple

Any pimento cheese will work on these southern bologna burgers. I didn’t go crazy making one of my more complicated versions. Simple is just fine. For a bit of a kick substitute pepper jack cheese for the Colby or add a minced seeded jalapeno pepper.

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)

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. Get the real 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

You can make these delicious burgers with Ross’ Pool Room bologna sauce or my hot bologna sauce.

Southern Bologna Burgers
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5 from 1 vote

Southern Bologna Burgers

I slather the bologna with Ross’ Pool Room sauce and serve it on buns topped with onion and pimento cheese. Yeah, that’s a Southern bologna burger right there!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 640kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the burgers

For the pimento cheese topping

Instructions

For the burgers

  • Make a 1" cut in the bologna from an edge towards the center.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat or fire up a grill for direct cooking.
  • Fry or grill the bologna, brushing with the sauce as it cooks. You want to get a light char on the bologna.
  • Toast the buns if desired.
  • Assemble the burgers by placing the bologna on the bun bottoms. Add the pimento cheese and bun top and serve.

For the pimento cheese topping

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Serve any leftover cheese mix on crackers or celery sticks.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1036mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 660IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 530mg | Iron: 2mg

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)