Category: Main Dishes

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches

I wanted a grilled cheese sandwich. But, after visiting the Der Pretzel Wagen food truck here in Indianapolis a few days earlier and grabbing an outrageously good pretzel sandwich (The Ham Solo, is my favorite), I was also jonesin’ for a pretzel. I’m always jonesin’ for a pretzel. So, I decided to combine the two desires into a very easy sandwich. Pretzel ‘bun’, melty gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a bit of Dijon mustard. These pretzel grilled bacon and cheese sandwiches are easy to make, and quite tasty. They make for a delicious lunch time treat!

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches

Simple. Easy. And Fun.

I didn’t go the fancy route. I used frozen pre-made pretzels. Heck, I’ve tried to make my own pretzels and I can’t. And American cheese. My pretzel grilled bacon and cheese sandwiches are good enough to hold me over until I can get back to Der Pretzel Wagen food truck for one of their pretzel sandwiches!

Update: Sadly, Der Pretzel Wagen is no longer open for business! I sure do miss their food. Hopefully they’ll come back some day.

To get the cheese all ooey-gooey I tossed the sandwiches on a hot Griddler for a few minutes.

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

Also try my delicious fried bologna sandwich.

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches
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4 from 1 vote

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches

I didn’t go the fancy route. I used frozen pre-made pretzels. And American cheese. It was enough to hold me over.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, grilled cheese, pretzels, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 sandwich
Calories 199kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 pretzels frozen, warmed per package instructions (and cut in half horizontally if large) or use fresh
  • 2 pieces American cheese
  • 2 pieces bacon cooked
  • Dijon mustard to taste

Instructions

  • Slather the top of one of the pretzels with mustard.
  • Add a slice of cheese, the bacon, and the remaining cheese.
  • Add a few more squirts of mustard and add the other pretzel.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Calcium: 23mg | 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

Mini Habanero Meatloaves 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.

Since getting my Char-Broil Big Easy I have been going back and remaking some of my favorite dishes that I usually make on my smoker. The Big Easy cooks at a high temperature. Much higher than you would normally run a smoker so you have to adjust the cooking times. Of course, but the rest is pretty straightforward and worry-free.

Mini Habanero Meatloaves on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Fast And Delicious

These crazy-good mini habanero meatloaves cooked on the Char-Broil Big Easy cook in almost no time at all, which is a good thing because you’ll want to get to eating them as soon as possible. So there’s no waiting 2-3 hours for them to cook on a smoker for these little beauties. Tender, juicy meat that packs a punch. No, they are not your grandma’s meatloaves. Well, I guess they could be if your grandma likes the heat of habanero peppers.

The key to these great mini habanero meatloaves is the onion, celery and bell pepper mixture. You must make sure you get all the liquid out of the vegetables after they have been blended. Your efforts will be well rewarded with a fantastic tasting meatloaf that you’ll want to make again and again.

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 Habanero Meatloaves on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Mini Habanero Meatloaves on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These crazy-good mini habanero meatloaves cooked on the Char-Broil Big Easy cook in almost no time at all, which is a good thing because you’ll want to get to eating them as soon as possible. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, meatloaf, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
Calories 445kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Place the onion, celery and green pepper into a blender. Pulse until chopped, but not quite pureed. Squeeze out any excess moisture. It is important to get as much moisture out as you can. I've found that the easiest way to do this is to place the vegetable mixture in a cheesecloth, wrap it up, then wring it like a wet towel. You'll be amazed at how much liquid will be released.
  • Place beef and pork into a large bowl. Add onion mixture.
  • Whisk egg with milk and add to beef mixture, along with the bread crumbs and steak seasoning.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Pour half of the sauce onto the meat mixture and combine all ingredients well.
  • Reserve the remaining sauce.
  • Divide beef mixture into 4 pans.
  • Spoon remaining sauce over top.
  • Place pans in the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook for about 45 minutes or until the center of the loaves reaches 165 F.
  • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes then serve.

Notes

You’ll need a Big Easy Bunk Bed basket if cooking all 4 pans at once, otherwise you can only cook two at a time. For the pans, I used disposable mini loaf pans, which measure 6.1″ long x 3.8″ wide, and are 2″ tall.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Shrimpin’ Dippin’ Broth

Wow. My wife and I both agree, shrimpin’ dippin broth is one of the best dishes we’ve ever made. Of course the shrimp are great by themselves. But it’s the dipping broth that is beyond fantastic. You could just drink it by itself, but it’s best sopped up with a warm baguette or poured over rice. This reminds me of a shrimp boil but it is oh so much better.

Shrimpin’ Dippin’ Broth

A Bowl Of Total Greatness

The rich combination of Worcestershire sauce, bouillon and clam juice are great. A light squeeze of lemon adds a fresh citrus kick. Shrimpin’ dippin’ broth is a meal you’ll make over and over. And it’s easy to throw together too!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this dish and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my restaurant-style peel-and-eat shrimp.

Shrimpin’ Dippin’ Broth
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5 from 1 vote

Shrimpin’ Dippin’ Broth

Shrimpin’ dippin broth is one of the best dishes we’ve ever made.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, shrimp
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 795kcal
Author Based on a recipe from From Away

Equipment

Ingredients

For the broth

For the shrimp

Instructions

For the broth

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the pepper, Cajun seasoning and garlic.
  • Stir and let cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to keep warm until you are ready to serve.

For the shrimp

  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and shrimp.
  • Stir and cook shrimp until pink and done, 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve shrimp with broth in bowls with rice, bread and lemon wedges on the side. You’ll find that you might want to just add the rice to the broth and shrimp mixture, or eat everything separately while dipping the bread into the broth. Whatever works for you!

Notes

The broth is delicious. You can serve the shrimp with the broth and bread for soppin’ and skip the rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 795kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 609mg | Sodium: 3019mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1606IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 471mg | Iron: 10mg

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)

Mushroom Grilled Cheese

I’m going to have a hard time ever eating any other kind of grilled cheese sandwich after devouring these mushroom grilled cheese sandwiches. They are incredible. Creamy, gooey cheese. And the best part, sautéed, earthy mushrooms. Absolutely fantastic. Of course, you need a little something to counter all that creamy stuff. That’s where the nicely-toasted, just-a-bit-crunchy bread comes in. It’s the texture contrast this sandwich needed to make it to perfection.

Mushroom Grilled Cheese

Time Well Spent

It takes a bit of time to make these sandwiches. You can’t rush it since you want the onions to be soft and golden. Remember that you want the cheese to be melted and you just can’t rush that. And definitely don’t rush the bread. You want that buttery goodness to get nicely golden brown with a light crunch. Your efforts will be rewarded.

I like to cook these mushroom grilled cheese sandwiches on my Cuisinart Griddler. It does sandwiches like nobody’s business.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my grilled grilled cheese and my crab grilled cheese sandwiches..

Mushroom Grilled Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Mushroom Grilled Cheese

I’m going to have a hard time ever eating any other kind of grilled cheese sandwich after devouring these mushroom grilled cheese sandwiches. They are incredible.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled cheese, mushroom, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 646kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small sweet onion sliced thin
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded (shredded mozzarella or provolone are also great!)
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated
  • 4 slices bread
  • 2 tablespoon butter softened

Instructions

  • Add the 1 tablespoon of butter and the oil to a large skillet over medium heat and heat until the butter has melted.
  • Add the onion and saute until tender.
  • Add the garlic and thyme and saute 1 minute.
  • Add the mushrooms and saute until they start to caramelized and turn golden brown in color, 10-15 minutes.
  • Add the wine or broth and deglaze the pan.
  • Stir and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  • Add salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the parsley.
  • Let cool slightly then stir in the cheeses.
  • Heat another large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Butter one side of each slice of bread with the remaining butter and place two slices butter side down in the pan.
  • Divide mushroom mixture between the two slices of bread and add remaining slice butter side up.
  • Cook until bread is golden brown, then flip and cook on other side until golden brown and cheese mixture is nice and gooey.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before slicing then serve.

Notes

Thicker bread will hold up better to the mushroom mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 646kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 815mg | Potassium: 942mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1120IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 983mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Bourbon Street Pulled Pork Sandwiches

There’s nothing I love more than pulled pork, made on my Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker, mixed with a fantastic homemade sauce. My favorite sauce, for everything from chicken wings to pulled pork to burgers is my Bourbon Street sauce. For topping the perfect pulled pork sandwich I add either coleslaw or sliced onion and dill pickle. Either one gives the Bourbon Street pulled pork sandwiches a great crunchy, and the vinegar helps tone down a bit of the sweetness in the sauce. Every bite is perfect.

Bourbon Street Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Sauce It Now Or Later

You can sauce the pork before mounding it high on the buns for these Bourbon Street pulled pork sandwiches. Or you can add the pork first, then pour the sauce over the top. Or heck, don’t put any sauce on, serve it on the side and dip your sandwich in it! When I am eating out I prefer to add the sauce myself. I order it ‘dry’, and ask for the sauce on the side. That way I can add as little or as much as I want. I’d rather be the one that makes the decision instead of someone in the kitchen. No offense to the fine folks in the kitchen! It’s a personal preference thing.

Mt. Olive Hamburger Dill Chips Pickles, 16 oz
Mt. Olive Hamburger Dill Chips Pickles, 16 oz

Also try my shredded pork sandwich.

Bourbon Street Pulled Pork Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Bourbon Street Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If you prefer your sauce on the Bourbon Street pulled pork sandwiches to be on top and not mixed in, I say go for it! 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pulled pork, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 396kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix the pork with the sauce.
  • Add onion slices to the buns, top with the pork and sauce mixture.
  • Add a few dill pickle slices and the top of the bun.

Notes

These sandwiches are also great topped with cold coleslaw!

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 4961mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 1022IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 333mg | 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)

Cajun Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of our favorite dishes. Although we make a traditional meatloaf in the oven, using a meatloaf pan, we really love meatloaf that is smoked on the smoker. The addition of a light smoky flavor really makes meatloaf something special. You can make this meatloaf either way, in the oven or on the smoker. This Cajun meatloaf is unbelievably tender and tasty. The vegetable mixture is amazing, keeping the meatloaf moist and adding some crunchy to boot.

Cajun Meatloaf

Good Gravy, It’s Great Meatloaf!

I served this meatloaf with our Cajun brown gravy, which is also incredibly rich and flavorful. You can find the recipe for the gravy in our post on brisket with Cajun brown gravy. For a simpler but still fantastic gravy, make our fast Cajun gravy.

Chicago Metallic Non-Stick 2-Piece Healthy Meatloaf Set, Grey
Chicago Metallic Non-Stick 2-Piece Healthy Meatloaf Set, Grey

Also try my easy Creole meatloaf.

Cajun Meatloaf
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Meatloaf

This Cajun meatloaf is unbelievably tender and tasty. The vegetable mixture is amazing, keeping the meatloaf moist and adding some crunchy to boot.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, meatloaf
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 621kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 F or fire up a smoker for high-heat smoking.
  • Melt the butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until almost tender.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
  • Add the ketchup and cream. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  • Add remaining ingredients to a large bowl. Add in the cooled vegetable mix.
  • Using your hands, mix well.
  • Transfer to a large disposable aluminum pan or baking dish and cook or smoke for two hours or until internal temperature reaches 160 F.
  • Remove and let rest for 10 minutes then drain the grease.
  • Let rest another 20 minutes then drain grease. Slice and serve.

Notes

It’s a little work and a good number of ingredients, but it’s worth it!

Nutrition

Calories: 621kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 199mg | Sodium: 892mg | Potassium: 661mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 768IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 100mg | 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)

Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad

When it comes to salads, Cobb salads are by far my favorite. It’s like having a mini salad buffet, with everything I love all on one plate. This grilled shrimp Cobb salad came out tasting as fantastic as it looked. The grilled shrimp have a really nice spicy kick. The spicy avocado dressing also has a kick, but it also has a cool, creamy consistency. The rest of the ingredients are up to you, but cold artichoke hearts are always a big hit in our house.

Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad

Grilling Adds Flavor

Since I had the grill going to cook the shrimp (I actually cooked them on cedar planks, which really adds a totally different great flavor to the shrimp), I also grilled the corn and bacon for this Cobb salad. Next time, if I have my smoker going, I’ll smoke the boiled eggs. Smoked boiled eggs are a great addition to any salad.

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

These little sauce dipping cups are great for serving salad dressings. They keep me from over-dressing my salads, which is something I’m prone to do since I’m a dressing-aholic. They’re easy to clean up, too. And they’re also great for dipping nuggets, tenders or even chicken wings.

(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of - 1.5oz: 12 of - 2.5oz)
(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of – 1.5oz: 12 of – 2.5oz)

Also give my delicious smoked shrimp Cobb salad a try!

Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad

Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, salad, shrimp
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Mike

Ingredients

Your favorite Cobb salad ingredients, I used

  • red and green lettuce chopped
  • artichoke hearts canned, chilled, drained, halved
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Diced radishes
  • Boiled eggs halved
  • avocado chopped

Instructions

  • Arrange all ingredients on a platter.
  • Serve with the dressing.

Notes

Of course you can substitute your favorite dressing and use your favorite salad ingredients!

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)

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

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Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches

You know how around Thanksgiving, you’re always searching the web for ideas on how to use up leftover turkey? Well, you can stop searching. The gravy over these open-faced turkey sandwiches is absolutely to die for. It’s incredible. Savory rich… with a little kick to boot. Although I used turkey I had just smoked, these sandwiches are just as great with leftovers. Maybe even better.

Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches

Perfect Turkey Deliciousness

All I could think about when eating one of these open-faced turkey sandwiches was stuffing. That happens some times in the summer or early fall. You start to think of the holidays and in no time you’re thinking about your favorite late fall and winter dishes. It’d be ok to put a side of stuffing on the plate, don’t you think? I mean, specially if I doubled the gravy recipe. Stuffing and gravy go together like this sandwich and gravy go together!

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)

Save a little gravy for mashed or baked potatoes. It is also absolutely fantastic heaped over mashed cauliflower.

Also try my grilled open-faced beef, cheese and gravy sandwiches.

Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches

The gravy over these open-faced turkey sandwiches is absolutely to die for. It’s incredible. Savory rich… with a little kick to boot.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, turkey
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 526kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Emeril Lagasse

Equipment

Ingredients

For the gravy

For the sandwiches

  • 4 slices bread
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 10-12 ounces turkey breast roast or smoked, warmed if desired

Instructions

For the gravy

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Saute, stirring often, until the mushrooms are soft and turning golden in color, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour and cook until it starts to brown, 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the onion and celery and cook until they start to soften.
  • Whisk in the chicken broth and Cajun seasoning.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and let simmer until the mixture reduces by half and reaches the desired thickness.
  • Season with more salt and pepper as desired.

For the sandwiches

  • Toast bread, if desired.
  • Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
  • Top bread with turkey.
  • Divide the gravy between the sandwiches and serve.
  • To assemble the sandwiches, spread about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the mayonnaise on each slice of bread.
  • Arrange equal amounts of the turkey on top.
  • Ladle equal amounts of the mushroom gravy (almost 1/2 cup each) over each open-faced sandwich.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

The gravy is great over mashed potatoes, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 1267mg | Potassium: 551mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1227IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Oh my goodness. I was so happy with these Buffalo chicken flatbread pizzas. Fantastic flavors all around, from the spicy chicken to the tangy cheese to the creamy Ranch and fresh cilantro. All served on low-carb flatbread pizza crusts that take only a few minutes to bake. It really doesn’t get any easier than these pizzas. And it really doesn’t get any more flavorful.

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza

One Great Pizza

Thin flatbread pizza crusts are quickly becoming a staple in our home. They help make a Buffalo chicken flatbread pizza great. I keep homemade pizza sauce on hand in the freezer, so I can whip together a quick dinner by just adding some cooked sausage or chicken or whatever I have on hand. They’re also a great way to use up leftovers, from tomato slices to turkey.

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

You can leave off the blue cheese crumbles and Ranch dressing and instead drizzle these pizzas with blue cheese salad dressing.

Also try some Buffalo chicken burgers.

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza
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5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Oh my goodness. I was so happy with these Buffalo chicken flatbread pizzas. Fantastic flavors all around, from the spicy chicken to the tangy cheese to the creamy Ranch and fresh cilantro. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, chicken, flatbread, pizza
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 119kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place pizza crusts on baking sheets and bake for 2-3 minutes. Remove.
  • Spread pizza sauce out evenly onto the crusts.
  • Sprinkle with chicken, mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles.
  • Bake for 4-5 minutes or until mozzarella has melted.
  • Drizzle with Ranch dressing and garnish with cilantro.
  • Cut each crust into 4 slices and serve.

Notes

Substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch for even more blue cheese greatness!

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1646mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 303IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan, Design-Forward Cookware
Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan, Design-Forward Cookware