Creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce

Oh, me. What a lovely creamy nacho cheese sauce this is. So smooth. So cheesy. It’s absolutely wonderful by itself as a dip for chips. It’s crazy good on nachos. Spooned on burgers. Drizzled on tacos. Anything that needs cheese (which is practically everything) needs this sauce.

Creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce

Nachos Elevated

You can mix this sauce up by using different a cheese or even a mix of cheeses. Just don’t use that pre-shredded stuff. Although it has it’s uses, this isn’t it. That stuff has a coating that isn’t going to melt well. You’ll end up with a less-than-creamy nacho cheese sauce and that’s just not right.

Feel free to stir in some chopped chives, cooked crumbled bacon, or chopped chipotles in adobo sauce before serving.

This smooth (thanks to evaporated milk), delicious sauce would be great on potato chip nachos.

Creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce

Feel free to stir in some chopped chives, cooked crumbled bacon, or chopped chipotles in adobo sauce before serving.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 177kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Empty the can of evaporate milk into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch. Bring to a simmer, whisking often.
  • Continue simmering and whisking until the sauce starts to thicken and is consistency of a thin clam chowder.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add the cheese and stir to melt. If you need, you can briefly the pan to the heat to help melt it.
  • Add the hot sauce, if using, and stir.

Notes

Great for dipping chips!

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 256mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 311mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smash Burger Sauce

Smash burgers are by far my most popular way of making burgers. They aren’t complicated, but they’re packed with great grill flavor (with a little bit of a crunchy edge!) and topped with fresh ingredients and a wonderful Smash burger sauce. Nothing fancy here, just great tastes.

Smash Burger Sauce

Smash Burger Heaven

My smash burger sauce has a bit of pickle juice added for extra flavor. I have learned to never, ever toss out pickle juice. When that jar of pickles is done, there’s still wonderful flavor to be had in the juice. I use it in sauces like this, and also for marinating fried chicken or chicken wings. Never, ever toss out that pickle juice! It’ll stay good forever in the fridge. Just leave it there until you need it (and you will).

You can also buy pickle juice in a jug. Ain’t life great?!

I love making smash burgers on my grill and on my Griddler.

Smash burger sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Smash Burger Sauce

When that jar of pickles is done, there's still wonderful flavor to be had in the juice. Save it for sauces like this!
Course Burger Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword burger sauce
Prep Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 201kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for an hour before using.

Notes

Stir or shake before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 406mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sesame Salad Dressing

My wife quickly declared this sesame salad dressing as one of her all-time favorite salad dressings. She loved the light hint of sesame oil and soy sauce, with just a touch of sweetness. A light vinegar bite and creamy mayonnaise hit all the right notes for her. It’s not a thick sauce, not at all. It’s just slightly thicker than say, Italian dressing.

Sesame Salad Dressing

Your Patience Will Be Rewarded

Although you can try and rush this sesame salad dressing, don’t. Resist the temptation to do that. Let it rest at least 30 minutes before serving. And if you can, let it sit overnight so that the flavors get happy. And as I note in the recipe, you might want to adjust the sesame oil. Although my wife and I both are fans of sesame oil, we find that a little goes a long ways. We felt that one tablespoon was perfect for us. So, we recommend that you start with a little, taste, and add more if desired. You can always add more after it has set a while, too. You just can’t take it back out so use it sparingly if you’re like us and are a little sesame oil-shy!

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

Also try my creamy garlic salad dressing.

Sesame Salad Dressing
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4 from 1 vote

Sesame Salad Dressing

My wife quickly declared this sesame salad dressing as one of her all-time favorites. She loved the hint of sesame oil and soy sauce, with just a touch of sweetness
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade salad dressing, sesame
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1130kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1130kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 112g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1719mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 73IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

One of my favorite things is roasted red peppers, so I was happy to find this recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette. Of course, the roasted red pepper flavor is delicious. But the vinegar gives it a little bite, and the honey balances it all out. Sometimes my husband and I will have salad week for dinner and we will change up the salads and make a couple of dressings for the week. This dressing has become one of my favorites!

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Simply Delicious

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette is easy to make and you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry. I used jarred roasted red peppers instead of roasting my own, but either will work.

We like this dressing to be smooth. But you can adjust the consistency a bit by not running the food processor as long. Or run it longer. You might want to check it after a few seconds to see if it’s where you want it to be.

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

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

I used jarred roasted red peppers instead of roasting my own, but either will work.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword roasted red pepper, vinaigrette
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 104kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the peppers, garlic and vinegar into a food processor.
  • With the processor on, drizzle in the honey and oil.
  • Process until smooth.
  • Stop and taste.
  • Add salt and pepper as desired. Process a little longer.

Notes

Stir or shake before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Popeye’s Delta Dipping Sauce

Happiness is making a sauce for dipping chicken nuggets or fingers that can also be used in many, many other ways. This copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce is exactly that. It’s very similar to some of the comeback sauces I’ve made or had. This Cajun-inspired dipping sauce really steps up your dipping game and them some. It also is great on po boy sandwiches. Or any sandwiches for that matter. And even hot dogs. And chicken sandwiches, too!

Copycat Popeye's Delta Dipping Sauce

Creole Mustard Makes This Sauce Great

I really think that a good, strong Creole mustard makes this copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce something amazing. You can use any mustard you want, you don’t have to stick to the original idea at all, but in my mind there’s only one Creole mustard and it’s made by Zatarain’s. The extra kick of the Creole mustard really made for a fantastic spread on a fried shrimp po boy sandwich. Which reminds me. This sauce is also great for dipping fried shrimp or oysters!

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.

Also try my copycat Popeye’s blackened Ranch dipping sauce.

Copycat Popeye's Delta Dipping Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Copycat Popeye’s Delta Dipping Sauce

Happiness is making a sauce for dipping chicken nuggets or fingers that can also be used in many, many other ways. This copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce is exactly that.
Course Dipping Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, dipping sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1394kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate for one hour.

Notes

Stir before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 1394kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 139g | Saturated Fat: 58g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 2258mg | Potassium: 581mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 935IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Quick Fix Franch Dressing

Franch dressing is more proof that sometimes easy is best. Sure, I could’ve made some French dressing from scratch. And I could’ve made some Ranch dressing from scratch. But hey, it was a busy week night and I wanted something a little different. So out came the bottled dressings. Boom, done. And what a delicious combination the two make! Quick fix Franch dressing is way better than just French and just Ranch dressings.

Quick Fix Franch Dressing

The Perfect Combination

I used a creamy French dressing and a buttermilk Ranch dressing when I made quick fix Franch dressing. You could also use a sweet French dressing, but to offset the sweetness you might want to then use a spicy Ranch or even Buffalo Ranch.

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

Also try my quick fix BBQ Ranch dressing.

Quick Fix Franch Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Franch Dressing

Franch dressing is more proof that sometimes easy is best.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword French, homemade salad dressing, Ranch
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1152kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1152kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 118g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 2358mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 626IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

There’s no reason to go through the trouble of making homemade chicken nuggets and then serving them with a boring sauce. Heck, there’s no reason to heat up pre-made nuggets (or homemade) and dip them in a lame sauce either. Indeed, this copycat Popeye’s blackened ranch dipping sauce isn’t boring or lame. It’s nothing but creamy spicy yumminess. You won’t be able to dunk your chicken bites quick enough. Or deep enough.

Copycat Popeye's Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

Great On So Many Things!

You don’t just need to make this copycat Popeye’s blackened ranch dipping sauce for dipping nuggets. It’s great on a po boy sandwich. It’s fantastic on a crispy fried fish sandwich. Or use it for dipping fries. Or veggies. It’s a great all-around sauce, but it’s perfect for nuggets or chicken tenders too! Consequently, if you like your sauce a little thinner, add a bit more buttermilk. Thicker? Yep, you guessed it. Add less. Just make the decision for less sooner rather than later!

By and large, I like to use these little dipping sauce cups for serving. They’re the perfect size for dipping nuggets or tenders. And they help keep me from over-serving myself, which can be a problem with a sauce as good as this one!

Also try a copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce.

Copycat Popeye's Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

There’s no reason to go through the trouble of making homemade chicken nuggets and then serving them with a boring sauce. Heck, there’s no reason to heat up pre-made nuggets and dip them in a lame sauce either. 
Course Dipping Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, dipping sauce, Popeye’s
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 811kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a food processor. Puree until just smooth.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 811kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1846mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1015IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Jalapeno Beer Mustard

It’s rare that I make my own mustard. There are so many amazing varieties available in the store that I have a hard time convincing myself to make one from scratch. Jalapeno beer mustard is not something I can find in my grocery store. So I made some. And wow, what an amazing mustard this is. I found it to be smooth, without that sometimes-overwhelming vinegar-mustard flavor you find. It has just a hint of spiciness. This was the perfect mustard for grill sausage sandwiches. Perfect.

Jalapeno Beer Mustard

The Perfect Kick

The key to this jalapeno beer mustard is using a quality coarse ground mustard. As you can see, I used one that was full of pop-in-your-mouth mustard seeds. It looked amazing and it tasted fantastic. So don’t skimp on that part.

This is nothing but one great mustard. Spread it on sandwiches, too! Any place you want a great mustard, this is the one you need to reach for!

Jalapeno Beer Mustard
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4 from 1 vote

Jalapeno Beer Mustard

This jalapeno beer mustard is the perfect mustard for grill sausage sandwiches. Smooth, with just a hint of spiciness, it's a real winner.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword jalapeno, mustard, spicy
Prep Time 12 hours 30 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 144kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • The night before you are going to make the mustard, place the beer, mustard seeds, mustard powder, vinegar and pepper flakes in a sauce pan.
  • Whisk and refrigerate overnight.
  • Remove the pan from the fridge and place on the stovetop over high heat.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Continue simmering until reduced by half.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1425mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 419IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Perhaps the last thing I needed was an even better-tasting Ranch dressing. This copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing is fantastic. I know I used too much on my salad. Yes, I added more after this picture, I didn’t want to have photographic proof of my obsession but I just couldn’t stop.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Make Extra. A Lot Extra.

I definitely recommend making at least a double batch when you make this copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing. It’s crazy good and won’t last at all. Do not skimp on the fridge time. The dressing needs it to set up and let the flavors come together. And don’t be surprised if it’s a little thick after resting. Right then it’s perfect for dipping. Perfect for wings, vegetables, chips, whatever. For salads, you might want it a little thinner so just whisk in a bit (like a tablespoon at a time) of buttermilk and see how you like it.

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

In my opinion, the brand of mayonnaise you use in a dish is just as important, if not more so, than the quality of the rest of the ingredients. That’s why I use Blue Plate. Always.

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.

Also try my copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Perhaps the last thing I needed was an even better-tasting Ranch dressing. This copycat of the Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing is fantastic.
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Outback Steakhouse, Ranch
Prep Time 5 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 210kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Cover bowl and chill dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • If dressing is too thick add a bit of buttermilk (a little at a time) and whisk.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Goodness gracious me. I wasn’t expecting much from this copycat of the blue cheese salad dressing from Outback Steakhouse. I don’t know why. Maybe I was afraid that it’d be too funky from the blue cheese. Whatever it was, I was wrong because this instantly became my favorite salad dressing. And my favorite wing dipping sauce. Oh, and it’s great for dipping bacon-wrapped shrimp too. I know this for a fact.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing

It’s Better The Next Day

You really need to let this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing ‘get happy’ in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. I actually prefer to let it sit overnight. The flavors get blended as you wait, and the wait is worth it. If you taste the dressing just moments after you make it you might disappointed as it won’t have much flavor. That flavor comes later, so be patient!

More and more, I’ve been serving my salad dressings in the same little sauce cups I use for serving dipping sauces. I like them for wings and nuggets, and even chicken tenders. They have the added bonus of helping me control my serving size, something I need help with with this dressing for sure!

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

Also try my copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

You really need to let this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing 'get happy' in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. I actually prefer to let it sit overnight.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, homemade salad dressing, Outback Steakhouse
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1569kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Refrigerate for 1-4 hours before serving

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1569kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 171g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 1552mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.