Category: Side Dishes & Salads

Easy Marinated Mushrooms

These easy marinated mushrooms are some of the most addicting little bites I’ve ever made. Easy is right, too. They take no time at all to make. They are packed with flavor, a little sweet, a little heat and a bit of vinegar kick. I can guarantee that you will want to at least double the recipe because you won’t be able to stop eating them.

Easy Marinated Mushrooms

Same-Sized Mushrooms Are Best

I used a mix of white button and cremini mushrooms, but you can use any mushrooms you like. You do want to make sure you use mushrooms that are all about the same size or some will cook faster than others. You want them to all be cooked the same, not some soft and some not.

The marinade for these easy mushrooms is very good. I plan on using it for other dishes, including as a marinade for chicken.

Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Marinades & Sauces, Naturally Gluten Free, 30 Ounce
Pompeian Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Marinades & Sauces, Naturally Gluten Free, 30 Ounce
Pompeian Gourmet White Wine Vinegar, Bright & Fresh Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Shellfish & Sauces, 30 FL. OZ.
Pompeian Gourmet White Wine Vinegar, Bright & Fresh Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Shellfish & Sauces, 30 FL. OZ.

Also try my garlic ricotta stuffed mushrooms and my easy marinated cheeses (delicious!).

Easy Marinated Mushrooms
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Marinated Mushrooms

These easy marinated mushrooms are some of the most addicting little bites I’ve ever made. Easy is right, too. They take no time at all to make.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword marinated, mushroom
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 228kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until just tender, 3-4 minutes. Drain well.
  • Transfer mushrooms to a large bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except for the parsley.
  • Toss gently to combine.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 8 hours.
  • Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

The mushrooms will keep up to 5 days but are best the first two days after they marinate.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 575mg | Potassium: 2259mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 991IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 169mg | 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)

Pineapple Baby Beets

I remember my mom making pineapple baby beets when I was a kid. I never ate them because I was afraid of them. Beets? Ewwwww! I could understand the pineapple. But those weird little red things that stain everything they touch? Why would you ever eat them? Well, the answer I now know is that they are GREAT!

Pineapple Baby Beets

Fresh Is Great, But Not Required

You can use fresh beets if you wish when you make these pineapple baby beets. Just cook them first, and let them cool for a bit before quartering and adding into the mix. You can also use fresh pineapple. Just chop it fairly small and add it in along with any accumulated juices. Either way, pineapple baby beets are delicious!

You can use fresh pineapple if you desire. Just core it and chop really well. Try to get some of the juice too.

Pineapple Pitter,Pineapple Seed Remover Olives Pitter Tool, Pineapple Corer Pitter Tool with Space-Saving Lock Design,Multi-Function Fruit Pit Remover for Making Pineapple Jam (Stainless Steel)
Pineapple Pitter,Pineapple Seed Remover Olives Pitter Tool, Pineapple Corer Pitter Tool with Space-Saving Lock Design,Multi-Function Fruit Pit Remover for Making Pineapple Jam (Stainless Steel)

Also try my spiralized roasted pickled beets.

Pineapple Baby Beets
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pineapple Baby Beets

I remember my mom making pineapple baby beets when I was a kid. I never ate them because I was afraid of them. But now I LOVE them!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword beets, pineapple
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 61kcal
Author Mom

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the pineapple tidbits with the syrup.
  • Stir constantly until thickened.
  • Add the butter, lemon juice, and beets.
  • Heat thoroughly, about 5 minutes, and serve.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers. Warm before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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 Bacon Roasted Cauliflower

I love the spicy vinegary flavor of Buffalo wings, along with a great blue cheese dressing for dipping them in. Now I can get those same great flavors in an easy-to-make side dish. The only way possible to make this Buffalo bacon roasted cauliflower any better is to double the recipe. Because more is definitely better.

Buffalo Bacon Roasted Cauliflower

Crazy Good And Different

If you’re not in to the funkiness that blue cheese has, try substituting cubed Monterey jack cheese instead. We still like the funky, but not super duper funky, so we often substitute gorgonzola cheese instead. No matter what you use Buffalo bacon roasted cauliflower is a treat.

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

Also try my cauliflower steaks and Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun cauliflower.

Buffalo Bacon Roasted Cauliflower
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4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Bacon Roasted Cauliflower

I love the spicy vinegary flavor of Buffalo wings, along with a great blue cheese dressing for dipping them in. Now I can get those same great flavors in an easy-to-make side dish. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, cauliflower
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 137kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from A Spicy Perspective

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 F.
  • Place the bacon strips at one end of a large sheet pan.
  • Place the cauliflower florets at the other end.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
  • Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Toss the cauliflower in any bacon grease that is on the pan. Return to the oven, season with salt and pepper, and roast another 5 minutes or until crisp-tender and lightly charred.
  • Remove cauliflower to a platter.
  • Drizzle with the wing sauce.
  • Crumble the bacon over the top of the cauliflower.
  • Add the blue cheese and green onions and serve.

Notes

Add a few jalapeno slices for a nice spicy kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 731mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Oriental Chicken Salad

This oriental chicken salad is by far our favorite meal-sized salad. I can never eat just one little ole serving. It’s addictingly good. The dressing is just the right combination of acid and sweet. It is truly the best dressing for an Asian-inspired salad. Instead of traditional croutons there are crunchy yummy fried Ramen noodles. They make for the perfect topping over the just-as-crunchy cabbage.

Oriental Chicken Salad

I love the dressing for this oriental chicken salad so much that I always double the recipe for it. The Ramen noodles stay crunchy in the dressing so you don’t get down to the bottom of the plate only to discover sad, soggy ‘croutons’. Don’t be afraid to double the amount of Ramen either.

Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)
Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)

Also try my southern fried chicken salad.

Oriental Chicken Salad
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5 from 2 votes

Oriental Chicken Salad

This oriental chicken salad is by far our favorite meal-sized salad. I can never eat just one little ole serving. It’s addictingly good. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, chicken salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 948kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 2 packages Ramen noodles spice mix discarded
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cups chicken cooked, chopped
  • 1 head green cabbage shredded
  • 1 bunch green onion chopped
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds

For the dressing

Instructions

For the dressing

  • Whisk together all ingredients

For the salad

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Crunch the noodles into the skillet and brown, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the almonds and cook another minute. Remove from heat.
  • Place the remaining salad ingredients into a large bowl.
  • Add the Ramen noodles and toss.
  • Drizzle with the dressing, toss, and serve.

Notes

The dressing is crazy good. Double the amount and you won’t be sorry.

Nutrition

Calories: 948kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 75g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 2100mg | Potassium: 706mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 351IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 157mg | 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)

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

I absolutely loved these bacon cheese-stuffed peppers. Every bite was full of my favorite things, like cheese and bacon. And a bit of sharp onion and sweet roasted bell pepper. I left the onions fairly crunchy because I was looking for a great crunch (along with the crunch of the bacon) to contrast the soft pepper and gooey cheese. You can cook yours further if you want but don’t go overboard. Crunch here is a good thing.

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

Add A Bit Of Heat, If You Want

For a spicier version, substitute habanero jack cheese for the cheeses, and use poblano peppers instead of red bell peppers. A sprinkle or two of red pepper flake on top isn’t going to hurt anything either. You can’t go wrong with bacon cheese-stuffed peppers no matter how you change them up (if you do). And for me, spicier is better!

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

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from the BBQ Pit Boys.

Also try my sausage-stuffed Hatch chiles.

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
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4 from 1 vote

Bacon Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

I absolutely loved these bacon cheese-stuffed peppers. Every bite was full of my favorite things, like cheese and bacon. And a bit of sharp onion and sweet roasted bell pepper. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword peppers, stuffed
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 336kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ pound bacon
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • beer
  • ¼ cup white onion chopped
  • ¼ cup Monterey jack cheese more or less, shredded
  • ¼ cup Mozzarella cheese more or less, shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and add the bacon.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes until crisp, turning once. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Cut peppers in half vertically. Remove any seeds.
  • Place peppers on a baking dish and fill the halves with the beer. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until tender.
  • Meanwhile, crumble the bacon into a bowl and add the onion and cheeses.
  • Uncover the peppers and pour off any remaining beer. Fill cavities with the bacon mixture and return to the oven, uncovered, until the cheese is melted.

Notes

User pepper jack cheese instead for a little kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1986IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Tennessee-Style Potatoes

Slow cooker Tennessee-style potatoes have quickly become one of my favorite side dishes to make. You start with your pretty-much-standard mashed potatoes. Well, except you boil the potatoes in a flavor mix of chicken bouillon and garlic-infused water. Then you transfer them to the slow cooker where they get even creamier and even smoother. Perfect for a cold day here in Indiana. Perfect for a potluck or family get-together. The potatoes may seem like the usual. But, cooking them in the flavored water really makes for a different, richer flavor.

Slow Cooker Tennessee-Style Potatoes

Don’t Throw Out The Water!

Be sure you don’t throw out the water used to boil the potatoes when they are done. Reserve a cup or so in case the slow cooker Tennessee-style potatoes get a bit thick while cooking. If that happens don’t add a lot of the water. Just add a bit, stir, and see if they’re creamy enough. If not, add a bit more.

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)

Give my corn mashed potatoes and my slow cooker garlic Ranch potatoes a try too.

Slow Cooker Tennessee-Style Potatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Tennessee-Style Potatoes

Slow cooker Tennessee-style potatoes have quickly become one of my favorite side dishes to make. You start with your pretty-much-standard mashed potatoes, except you boil the potatoes in a flavor mix of chicken bouillon and garlic-infused water. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, potatoes, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 242kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes, garlic and bouillon and cook until the potatoes are tender but still slightly firm, 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes, reserving 1-2 cups of the boiling liquid.
  • Return the potatoes to the pot.
  • Add the sour cream and cream cheese and mash until smooth, adding boiling liquid if too thick.
  • Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
  • Stir in the butter.
  • Melt, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Notes

Russets make the best potatoes, but you can also use golden potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 1038mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 27mg | 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

Quick Fix Seasoned Tater Tots

Ya know, it just doesn’t have to be fancy to be good. I’m a big time tater tot addict. I have been since I was a kid and I remain so to this day. Back then all I needed was butter on my tots. Yep, butter. Now, I want a little more flavor, but without going crazy. So I just grab some seasoning mix out of the pantry, do a little sprinkle or two (or three) and it’s time for more grown-up quick fix seasoned tater tots.

Quick Fix Seasoned Tater Tots

No More Boring Tots For Me

Someday I will tackle making my own tater tots from scratch. They’re really not that difficult to make, from what I can tell. Why have I waited so long to try it? Well, I have to say, I’ve been making seasoned tater tots for many, many years, and I sure would hate to mess with tradition. There’s a lot of memories in those bags of potatoes. I like to bake mine a little longer than the bag says. I like mine super-duper crunchy. Not coincidentally, I like my hash browns the same way!

Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning, Dressing and Dip Mix, Shaker Canister, 8 Ounces (Package May Vary)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning, Dressing and Dip Mix, Shaker Canister, 8 Ounces (Package May Vary)

Also try my copycat of Primanti Brother’s Terror Tots. For fast easy, you can’t beat my quick fix Asian fries or my pizza-flavored tots.

Quick Fix Seasoned Tater Tots
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Seasoned Tater Tots

Ya know, it just doesn’t have to be fancy to be good. I’m a big time tater tot addict. I have been since I was a kid and I remain so to this day. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword tater tots
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 2kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Seasoning (pick one)

Instructions

  • Bake the tater tots per package instructions.
  • Transfer tots to a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle with the desired seasoning and gently toss to coat.
  • Transfer tots to a serving plate and serve.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 2kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Texas Fries

There’s no reason for frozen fries to be boring, especially when it doesn’t take much to make them really fantastic. Add a little cheese. A little bacon. A little heat, of course. And a sauce. In no time you’ll be chowing down on delicious fries like these Texas fries. And, in no time, they will be gone.

Texas Fries

Wait… Ranch On Fries?

Hidden Valley has a big variety of Ranch dressings available, so if ‘regular’ Ranch is a little too ‘regular’ for you, try something like Sriracha or Fiesta Ranch instead. Either is great on Texas fries. You don’t have to settle for the ‘usual’ ketchup. Trust me on this. Ranch is better.

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 my copycat Lone Star Steakhouse Amarillo cheese fries and my Cajun cheesy waffle fries.

Texas Fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Texas Fries

In no time you’ll be chowing down on delicious fries like these Texas fries. And, in no time, they will be gone.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword fries
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 358kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bake fries per package instructions.
  • Top with cheese and bacon and return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Add jalapeno peppers then drizzle with the Ranch dressing.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 644mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 112mg | 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)

Copycat Primanti Brothers Terror Tots

My first trip to a Primanti Brothers restaurant was years ago in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. I was always sad that there wasn’t one in Indiana… until now! Yep, we have Primanti Brothers! Woo hoo! My wife and I ate lunch there the other day. We both ordered salads, even though they are famous for their sandwiches. The Buffalo and Crispy chicken entree salads are very good. For a starter we ordered the Terror Tots. It took about 5 seconds for us both to agree: we had to make them at home. So here it is, my copycat of Primanti Brothers Terror Tots. Crispy tots topped with cheese, bacon, spicy Sriracha sauce, and even spicier fresh jalapeno slices. You cannot possibly eat these fast enough.

Copycat Primanti Brothers Terror Tots

Not That Spicy. Really.

The salads at Primanti Brothers were incredibly fresh, as were the jalapeno slices on the Terror Tots. And they weren’t that hot. They in fact were quite tame, and very tasty. I saw the fear in my wife’s face when they first came to our table. She was worried they would be too hot. But, they must grow their peppers especially lightly spicy because we thought they were perfect. They all disappeared.

Huy Fong Sriracha Chili Sauce, 28 Ounce Bottle
Huy Fong Sriracha Chili Sauce, 28 Ounce Bottle

Serve these tots with my copycat of the famous Primanti Brothers sandwich.

Copycat Primanti Brothers Terror Tots
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Primanti Brothers Terror Tots

We ordered the Terror Tots last time we were at Primanti Brothers. It took about 5 seconds for us both to agree: we had to make them at home. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword spicy, tater tots
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1054kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Remove the tater tots from the oven and transfer to a platter.
  • Drizzle with the melted cheese.
  • Sprinkle with the bacon bits.
  • Squirt a few lines of Sriracha. Don’t be too shy.
  • Top with the fresh jalapeno slices and serve.

Notes

You can use shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese in place of the Velveeta. Or try some pepper jack for more kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 1054kcal | Carbohydrates: 128g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 3739mg | Potassium: 1593mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1132IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 710mg | 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)

Ciabatta and Sausage Dressing

As much as I love turkey around the holidays, it’s the dressing and gravy that I love the most. Dressing (especially this ciabatta and sausage dressing) has so many different flavors and textures and colors. Turkey? Meh… not so much. Not that the turkey is a bad thing, it’s just that I much prefer a plate with a lot of dressing and just a bit of turkey.

Ciabatta and Sausage Dressing

Sausage Dressing Equals Greatness

I had never had a dressing that contained sausage until this one. I was blown away by just how much flavor the sage sausage adds. The ciabatta adds such wonderful texture and flavor too. There’s no question, this baked ciabatta and sausage dressing is just fantastic.

8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray
8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray

Also try my more traditional Thanksgiving Day dressing.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro.

Ciabatta and Sausage Dressing
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Ciabatta and Sausage Stuffing

As much as I love turkey around the holidays, it’s the dressing and gravy that I love the most. Dressing (specially this ciabatta and sausage dressing) has so many different flavors and textures and colors. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword stuffing
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 9
Calories 220kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Crumble in the sausage and cook until browned. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Add remaining butter to the skillet and melt.
  • Add the carrot, onion and celery and saute until starting to soften.
  • Place the sausage, cooked vegetables, stock, oil, parsley, rosemary sage and bread into a large bowl and stir.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour mixture into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish and spread out evenly.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and hot.
  • Serve garnished with more parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute chicken stock for the turkey stock.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 484mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1405IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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