Category: Side Dishes & Salads

Spiced Corn on the Cob

I usually grill fresh corn-on-the-cob, but I thought I’d try something a bit different and boil it instead. I wasn’t going to let all that great corn flavor disappear into the water and leave me with bland corn. Nope, a little spiced corn on the cob was in order. By simply adding a nice hot pepper (or two, really) to the water while you cook the corn, you infuse the cobs with a great spiciness. And the butter doesn’t hurt the flavor either, that’s for sure!

Spiced Corn on the Cob

The Keys To Success

Don’t add too much water to the pot when simmering the corn. The more water, the more diluted the flavors will be, so add just enough to cover the cobs. If Scotch bonnet peppers scare you, just substitute jalapenos. No need to stem them, seed them or chop them. Just toss them into the pot. Spiced corn on the cob can be as spicy as you want it to be.

This recipe is also a great way to make spicy kernels to use in other dishes. Just cook like it says below and peel, cut or scrape the kernels off the cobs.

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2PCS Corn Planer Cutter Thresher Peeler, Corn Thresher Cob Stripper Tool,Premium Stainless Steel Corn Thresher Cob Remover tool with Ergonomic Handle

Also try my corn cob pops.

Spiced Corn on the Cob
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5 from 1 vote

Spiced Corn on the Cob

By simply adding a nice hot pepper (or two, really) to the water while you cook the corn, you infuse the cobs with a great spiciness. And the butter doesn’t hurt the flavor either, that’s for sure!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword corn-on-the-cob, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 120kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Martha Stewart

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 ears fresh corn shucked
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper any hot pepper will do, or 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic

Instructions

  • Cut corn ears in half and place into a large pot.
  • Add just enough water to cover the corn.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Cover and reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 30 minutes, rotating corn on occasion.
  • Remove from pot, let cool slightly, and serve.

Notes

Use a jalapeno for a less-spicy version.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 887mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 10mg | 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)

Quick Pickled Jalapeno Rings

I love when locally-grown jalapenos are at their peak. That’s the time to go grab a few pounds to make quick pickled jalapeno rings. They keep in the pantry forever, always on hand for a pizza, sandwich, salad, burger… hot dogs… everything!

Quick Pickled Jalapeno Rings

Try Other Peppers, Too!

You can use this same recipe for quick-pickled jalapeno rings for other types of peppers too. Go to your farmer’s market at peak pepper time and grab a variety. Each year I try to grow peppers in our yard but often something comes along and steals them. I suspect that it’s the raccoons.

I keep my rings in Mason jars.

32 OZ Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Glass Jars with Silver Metal Airtight Lids, Perfect for Meal Prep, Food Storage, Canning, Drinking, Preserving, Favors, Decorating Jars (6 pack)…
32 OZ Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Glass Jars with Silver Metal Airtight Lids, Perfect for Meal Prep, Food Storage, Canning, Drinking, Preserving, Favors, Decorating Jars (6 pack)…

Also try my quick fix spicy pickles. For a little sweet with your heat, you need to make spicy pickled pineapple.

Quick Pickled Jalapeno Rings
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Pickled Jalapeno Rings

I love when locally-grown jalapenos are at their peak. That’s the time to go grab a few pounds to make quick pickled jalapeno rings. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword jalapeno, pickled
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 pints
Calories 62kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup water
  • 1 ½ cups white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled
  • 8-10 large jalapeno peppers it’s hard to be exact here, but it’s about a pound rinsed, and sliced into thin rings. For smaller rings, use about 20 small jalapenos

Instructions

  • In a nonreactive saucepan whisk together the vinegar, water, salt and cumin. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the salt dissolves.
  • Sterilize the jars and lids.
  • Pack each pint jar tightly with sliced pepper rings and one whole garlic clove each. Leave enough room at the top so the lid rests easily on the mouth of the jar.
  • Add the hot brine to cover the pepper rings leaving about 1/4″ space at the top of each jar.
  • Use a skewer or chopstick to poke down into the jar, freeing any air bubbles.
  • Clean the top of the jars. Add the tops and screw on the lids.
  • Place into a hot water bath for 15 minutes then remove.
  • Let cool and test that the jars are sealed.

Notes

Store in a cool dark place for up a year.

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1184mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 612IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 37mg | 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)

Southwestern Macaroni-and-Cheese

Does macaroni-and-cheese with tomatoes and black beans in it make it healthier? I’m not sure. Probably not. I am sure that this Southwestern macaroni-and-cheese was fantastic. You take your pretty favorite standard recipe and add a few things. That’s it. It’s something totally different than the usual. Still creamy and still cheesy, just different.

Southwestern Macaroni-and-Cheese

Just A Kiss Of Heat

I use Cholula hot sauce in recipes like this southwestern macaroni-and-cheese because I find it to be a great, fairly mellow, hot sauce. It’s not in-your-face hot and it has a great peppery flavor. It’s perfect on just about anything. Don’t worry about adding hot sauce to your mac-and-cheese. You don’t have to add much. But I recommend that you don’t leave it out. It’s that subtle taste that makes a big difference!

Cholula Hot Sauce Variety Pack, Product of Mexico, Gift Set Includes Six 5 Fl Oz Signature Cholula Hot Sauces for Eggs, Pizza, Mexican Dishes, and More, 30 fl oz
Cholula Hot Sauce Variety Pack, Product of Mexico, Gift Set Includes Six 5 Fl Oz Signature Cholula Hot Sauces for Eggs, Pizza, Mexican Dishes, and More, 30 fl oz

Also try my Civil War mac-and-cheese.

Southwestern Macaroni-and-Cheese
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4 from 1 vote

Southwestern Macaroni-and-Cheese

Does macaroni-and-cheese with tomatoes and black beans in it make it healthier? I’m not sure. Probably not. I am sure that this Southwestern macaroni-and-cheese was fantastic.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 7kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare the macaroni and cheese as directed. Keep warm.
  • Stir in the beans and tomato along with the Cajun seasoning or hot sauce, if using.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

You can use this recipe with prepared boxed mac-and-cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 3mg | 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)

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits

I don’t make grits often. Certainly not often enough. But the grits I made with some grilled cedar planked shrimp the other day really got me into grits-making mode. So much so that I was thinking about grits while I was shucking some fresh sweet corn. That’s when it hit me. I bet roasted sweet corn would be beyond awesome in grits. And you know, it is!

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits

That Great Roasted Flavor

I threw a few shucks ears of corn onto the grill until they started to char. I cut off the kernels with a knife or use a corn peeler and added them to my go-to grits recipe. The corn kernels add a nice ‘pop’ texture to these roasted sweet corn grits. You don’t have to roast the corn, but the added smokiness is a nice change.

2PCS Corn Planer Cutter Thresher Peeler, Corn Thresher Cob Stripper Tool,Premium Stainless Steel Corn Thresher Cob Remover tool with Ergonomic Handle
2PCS Corn Planer Cutter Thresher Peeler, Corn Thresher Cob Stripper Tool,Premium Stainless Steel Corn Thresher Cob Remover tool with Ergonomic Handle

Also try my cheddar ranch grits.

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits

I threw a few shucks ears of corn onto the grill until they started to char. I cut off the kernels and added them to my go-to grits recipe. The corn kernels add a nice ‘pop’ texture to the grits.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword corn, grits
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 596kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the grits

For the sauce

Instructions

For the grits

  • Roast the corn-on-the-cob on a grill over direct heat or in the oven under the broiler.
  • Let the corn cool slightly before cutting kernels (cut about 2/3rd of the way thru) from the ears.
  • Bring the broth and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Slowly whisk in the grits.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, heavy cream, corn, and the cheese.
  • Keep stirring 2-3 minutes or until the grits are creamy. If they get too thick add more broth or cream.
  • Remove from heat.

For the sauce

  • Melt butter in a large skillet.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in the flour and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and has turned light tan in color, about 10 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and cream. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir.
  • Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

You can substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar for a little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 596kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 904mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1693IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 263mg | 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)

Firecracker Slaw

My wife and I recently had a great lunch at the Aquarium Restaurant located at the Opry Mills shopping center in Nashville, Tennessee. One of my favorite dishes was their firecracker slaw. It had a great balsamic vinaigrette with a great spicy kick. I decided right then and there to attempt to make a copycat of the slaw when we returned home. And I did. And it was delicious!

Firecracker Slaw

A Slaw With A Kick

My version of Firecracker slaw is very close to the one we had at the Aquarium Restaurant. I believe the only differences are that they might have used a white balsamic vinegar (my slaw was darker), and I’m not 100% sure their version contained mustard. Mine is absolutely fantastic, though, and I’ll make it again.

Pompeian Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Sauces, Seafood & Meat Dishes, Naturally Gluten Free, 16 FL. OZ.
Pompeian Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Sauces, Seafood & Meat Dishes, Naturally Gluten Free, 16 FL. OZ.

Also try my chipotle coleslaw.

Firecracker Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Firecracker Slaw

My version of Firecracker slaw is very close to the one we had at the Aquarium Restaurant.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw, spicy
Prep Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 8
Calories 128kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the slaw mix in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the slaw and toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Always stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 276mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 32mg | 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)

Smoked Shrimp Cobb Salad

Farm-fresh vegetables and fruits scream Cobb salad to me. Add a few smoked shrimp and a great (spicy!) creamy dressing and I’m a happy guy. Any toppings will do, and the more variety, the better. You can make a smoked shrimp Cobb salad any way you want to suit your tastes. Just don’t forget the star of the show, the smoked shrimp!

Smoked Shrimp Cobb Salad

This Is Not A Boring Salad

The spicy shrimp and cool, but still spicy dressing really go well with the coolness of the vegetables. And the pop of the cherry tomatoes. There’s no point in having a boring smoked shrimp Cobb salad.

I think artichoke hearts (and hearts of palm for that matter) should be a required ingredient in every Cobb salad. And shrimp. The shrimp don’t have to be smoked, of course, but that smoky flavor really changes up a salad.

My favorite salads when I eat out are the Buffalo chicken salad at Max and Erma’s, their Santa Fe chicken salad, and the tossed Cobb at The Ram, topped with Buffalo chicken. Yes, I like spicy salads.

Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)
Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)

Also try my grilled shrimp Cobb salad.

Smoked Shrimp Cobb Salad
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Smoked Shrimp Cobb Salad

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

Ingredients

Your favorite Cobb salad ingredients, I used

  • Green leaf lettuce
  • Chilled canned small artichoke hearts drained, chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Chopped radishes
  • Boiled eggs halved
  • Diced avocado

Instructions

  • Arrange ingredients on a platter and serve.

Notes

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)

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Green Beans

Green beans are in season, which means I usually grab a pound or so every few days at the grocery store. Although I often grill my green beans if I’m already outside grilling, this copycat Outback Steakhouse green bean recipe is a big favorite of ours. The beans take only a few minutes to make.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Green Beans

Add Some Orange Things

You can also add carrots to these copycat Outback Steakhouse green beans for a great twist on the restaurant classic. Just peel a few carrots and slice them thin. Put them into the boiling water for a minute or two before adding the beans so they all come out done and tender at the same time. You want the ‘bite’ to be the same between them.

I actually use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make these beans. I was able to make the entire thing in a single pot. 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

For another variation, and one with a little kick, toss in a few pinches (or more) of dried red pepper flake when you saute the beans. Also try my awesome green bean recipe.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Green Beans
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Green Beans

Although I often grill my green beans if I’m already outside grilling, this copycat Outback Steakhouse green bean recipe is a big favorite of ours. The beans take only a few minutes to make.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, green beans
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 59kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the beans and boil for 6-8 minutes or until just turning tender.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sugar and let dissolve, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the beans and toss to coat in the butter mixture. Saute for 3-4 minutes, flipping once or twice.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes

You can use any beans you like for a nice variation!

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 826IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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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)

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms

These roasted vegetable stuffed mushrooms may be one of my favorite summertime grilling ideas. It doesn’t really matter what vegetables you use, either. Just grab whatever vegetables are in season at the store, roast them on the grill, then spoon them into large mushroom caps. Add a bit of seasoning, a little cheese, place onto a cedar plank over a hot fire, and in no time at all you’ll have a great side dish.

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms

That Great Cedar Aroma

Grilling (I usually use my Weber grill) on cedar planks can be a sensitive subject. Some folks really don’t care for it, others, like me, love it. I like the light flavor the planks can add. Specially to dishes like these roasted vegetable stuffed mushrooms. And it looks cool. And it makes the deck area smell great.

I have to admit that I’m cheap, so I re-use planks as much as I can. As long as you don’t burn them too much on one side, you can get a few uses from them. Don’t buy any el cheapo cedar planks for this or any other dish. Get the good stuff and you won’t ever look back. Cheap planks split, warm and have splinters. Good planks are thicker, stay flat and have smoother edges.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Also try my roasted beet and dill cucumber salad.

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms
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4 from 1 vote

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms

These roasted vegetable stuffed mushrooms may be one of my favorite summertime grilling ideas. It doesn’t really matter what vegetables you use, either. Just grab whatever vegetables are in season.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mushroom, roasted, stuffed, vegetable
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 40kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Soak the cedar plank in water, if using.
  • Fire up your grill for high-heat cooking.
  • Lightly brush the peppers (I used whole peppers and saved the rest for later use) and corn with oil.
  • Place over high heat and roast, turning often, until lightly charred and just tender.
  • Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then chop the peppers and cut kernels from the ear of corn.
  • Place vegetables into a bowl and season with oregano (if desired) and salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Add the cedar plank and let it get hot and smoky, about 20 minutes.
  • Reduce grill heat to medium.
  • Using a spoon, gently scrape out the gills from the mushrooms.
  • Lightly brush both sides of the mushrooms with oil.
  • Place mushrooms on grill cap side up and grill 3 minutes. The mushrooms will start to sweat, but do not overcook them.
  • Remove from heat and place onto the cedar plank.
  • Spoon the vegetable mix into the mushrooms and place onto the grill.
  • Grill for 20 minutes or until the mushroom is almost tender, watching to make sure the plank doesn’t catch on fire. If it does, spray it with water from a spray bottle.
  • Add cheese and cook another 3-4 minutes until melted.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve.

Notes

Use pepper jack cheese instead for a little spiciness.

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 990IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Tangy Pit Beans

After I finish writing this post I will curl up in front of a big bowl of these tangy pit beans and go to town on them. I love baked beans, and this is a very, very good variation on the theme. They are not boring. They have just the right amount of tang. And since this recipe makes a big batch, it’s a great dish to take to a pitch-in or family picnic.

Tangy Pit Beans

The Perfect BBQ Side Dish

These tangy pit beans were the perfect side for my smoked habanero meatloaf and cedar planked creamy mashed potato dinner. People will think that they are the same-ole same-ole baked beans. But they’ll realize otherwise with that first bite.

You can also cook these beans in a large Dutch oven.

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

If you’re in a hurry but still want great BBQ beans, try my quick fix version.

Tangy Pit Beans
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5 from 1 vote

Tangy Pit Beans

After I finish writing this post I will curl up in front of a big bowl of these tangy pit beans and go to town on them. I love baked beans, and this is a very, very good variation on the theme. They are not boring. They have just the right amount of tang. And since this recipe makes a big batch, it’s a great dish to take to a pitch-in or family picnic.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked beans
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 254kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. You can also make these beans on your smoker at 250 F, but you’ll have to increase the cook time to 3 hours.
  • Whisk together the mustard and ketchup in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the onion, pepper, sugar, honey, and rub.
  • Add the beans, and slowly and gently fold in to mix well.
  • Pour mixture into a deep 9" x 13" baking pan.
  • Add bacon to top of beans and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes.
  • Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use hot honey for a slight kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 632mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 349IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 39mg | 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)

Grilled Avocados

I cannot stop making these grilled avocados. I’ve fired up the grill a few times lately for dinner, making sure that I also throw a few avocados on. I brushed them with this absolutely insanely great vinaigrette. The flavors are perfect. I had no idea just how fantastic balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard would be on a simple lightly-charred avocado.

Grilled Avocados

They’re Oh So Delicious

I like to make crosshatch cuts into the avocado after I grill it. It lets a little of the vinaigrette get down inside the fruit, making sure you’ll have lots of flavor in each and every bite. You do it before also but I found they get a little soft and a little bit harder to handle.

Don’t use wimpy tools on your grill. Specially when it comes to these avocados. You don’t want to reach in there and grab one hot off the grill only to have it fall onto the ground. You want tongs with some teeth that grip, and grip tight. But not so tight that you ended up making guacamole. Weber’s tools might be more expensive than a lot of the ones on the market, but I can attest to their quality.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

I love making side dishes on my grill, like Brussels sprouts.

Grilled Avocados
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Avocados

I cannot stop making these grilled avocados. I’ve fired up the grill a few times lately for dinner, making sure that I also throw a few avocados on. I brushed them with this absolutely insanely great vinaigrette. The flavors are perfect. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword avocado, grilled
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 359kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Robert Irvine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Slice avocados in half and remove the seeds.
  • Brush avocado insides with the oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill avocados for 4 minutes then remove.
  • In a blender combine the balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, Dijon, 1/4 cup parsley, garlic and 3/4 cup olive oil. Process until smooth.
  • Brush vinaigrette over grilled avocados and serve, garnish with parsley.

Notes

Best when served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 310mg | Potassium: 1012mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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