Category: Side Dishes & Salads

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

Fresh corn season continues to wind down here in Indiana. Time for my end-of-summer push to devour as much sweet corn as I can! And what better way to make corn than to add in some spicy Tasso ham and make a spicy Tasso and corn casserole! I so love Tasso ham. So tender, so tasty, and definitely so spicy. I made my own Tasso on my smoker, and it came out fantastic. It was so easy to make!

This creamy corn casserole is sweet and also spicy. I found the original recipe in Louisiana Cookin’, one of my favorite Louisiana-themed magazines. Not only is each issue full of great Creole and Cajun dishes, there are also articles about the food and happenings in the area.

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

A Truly Special Corn Dish

The original recipe for spicy tasso and corn casserole called for topping the casserole with crushed potato chips. I decided to skip that and just enjoy the great vegetables and spice in this dish. True, adding chips would definitely add a nice crunch. I bet crushed tortilla chips would be outstanding, so feel free to add them if you like! Either way it bakes up delicious!

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 crispy shrimp in tasso sauce.

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole
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3 from 2 votes

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

This creamy corn casserole is sweet and also spicy.
Course Side
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword casserole, corn, spicy, tasso
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 193kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Louisiana Cookin’

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the corn, pepper, green onion, and tasso and cook 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
  • Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the Cajun seasoning, sour cream, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  • Spoon into the baking dish and bake 20 minutes.

Notes

The original recipe called for sprinkling the casserole with crumbled potato chips (2 cups) before baking. I omitted that ingredient to keep the casserole a little lower in carbohydrates. Feel free to add the chips, or Panko breadcrumbs if you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1240IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 29mg | 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)

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

I have been on a Buffalo chicken kick lately. I love anything with Buffalo sauce on it. Well, man cannot live on Buffalo chicken alone, or so I am told. So, Buffalo cauliflower bites to the rescue! Yep, that same great Buffalo flavor and cool Ranch dressing for dipping, all in a healthy bite.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

I Like A Little Char…

I like to finish these Buffalo cauliflower bites off on the grill to get a little char on it, but that’s really not necessary. You can make the entire dish in the oven in no time at all. If you want that little char too just put them under the broiler for a few minutes. Give them a good stir and broil them a bit more to get that char on all sides.

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 nachos. Yeah, nachos made from cauliflower! Genius!

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites to the rescue! Yep, that same great Buffalo flavor and cool dressing for dipping, all in a healthy bite.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, cauliflower
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 cups
Calories 68kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the cauliflower

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Add the hot sauce and stir until warm.

For the oven

  • Preheat oven to 450 F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Place florets in a large bowl and sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt and pepper and toss gently to coat.
  • Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until just tender.
  • Remove to a large bowl, drizzle with the sauce and gently toss to coat.

For the grill

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking. Spray a vegetable basket with non-stick spray.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the florets. Cook until just tender, 3-4 minutes. Remove, rinse with cold water and drain well.
  • Transfer florets to a large bowl. Sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt and pepper and toss gently to coat.
  • Gently scoop the florets into the vegetable basket and place on the grill. Grill until just starting to char.
  • Remove to a large bowl, drizzle with the sauce and gently toss to coat.

Notes

Serve with cool Ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 978mg | Potassium: 586mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 44mg | 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)

Coyote Sweet Corn

Ahhhhh, fresh corn-on-the-cob. I love it. The season is winding down here, so I grabbed a few more ears and made this wonderful Coyote sweet corn dish. The corn is the star of the show, but there are a lot of other great flavors to be found too! There’s so much flavor to be found in every single bite. This is an amazing bowl of goodness.

Coyote Sweet Corn

Incredibly Delicious

I was amazed on how much of a difference sun-dried tomatoes can make to this coyote sweet corn. I was just as amazed about the bread and butter pickles. After all, I’d never thought of adding either to something like this, and boy, was I surprised. It’s a combination of richness and a little spiciness, just like I love. And in my opinion, this is one mighty fine looking side dish to boot! You know, you eat with your eyes first!

This is really a fantastic side dish. It looks great, smells great, and tastes beyond great. This fall and winter, when fresh corn is nowhere to be found, I’ll make it using canned  corn kernels. It won’t be quite the same but it’ll remind me of summer and that great fresh corn flavor. Sadly, I’ll miss out on the joy from peeling ear after ear of freshly-picked sweet corn!

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 candied sweet corn, slow cooked jalapeno corn, and my super yummy cedar planked sweet corn.

Coyote Sweet Corn
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Coyote Sweet Corn

Ahhhhh, fresh corn-on-the-cob. I love it. The season is winding down here, so I grabbed a few more ears and made this wonderful Coyote sweet corn dish. The corn is the star of the show, but there are a lot of other great flavors to be found too!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword corn, sweet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 63kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Highlands Ranch Foodie

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the corn and the sun-dried tomatoes and saute for 4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add the basil, onions, jalapeno and pickles.
  • Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve garnished with chopped cilantro.

Notes

For extra sun-dried tomato flavor, substitute a tablespoon of the oil the tomatoes are in for the butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 34mg | 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)

Georgia Caviar

A salad doesn’t have to be complicated to be great. A few fresh ingredients, a few canned, with a great dressing, and you have a big batch of colorful salad that is sure to impress at your next family gathering. This Georgia caviar (sounds fancier than ‘some beans with pepper and onion and black-eyed-peas salad’) has a great crispy fresh crunch, sweetness from corn, and that great black-eyed pea flavor. The dressing has a bit of a hint of vinegar, with sweetness to offset it.

Georgia Caviar

Pretty. And Pretty Good, Too!

I grew up on black-eyed peas and I still love them. My dad is (apparently) required to have them at every meal. He grew up on them too. I can’t say any more about this Georgia caviar. I just keep looking at the picture and thinking, ‘dang, that was a great salad’. It really was. So refreshing.

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 Cowboy caviar, Buffalo Cowboy caviar and summer corn salad recipes.

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Kimberly Schlapman.

Georgia Caviar
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Georgia Caviar

This Georgia caviar (sounds fancier than ‘some beans with pepper and onion and black-eyed-peas salad’) has a great crispy fresh crunch, sweetness from corn, and that great black-eyed pea flavor.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword pickled, salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 154kcal
Author From Kimberly Schlapman

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dressing

For the salad

Instructions

For the dressing

  • Place sugar and vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the oil.

For the salad

  • Combine all ingredients except the salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with the dressing and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Stir well before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 108mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 11mg | 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)

Candied Sweet Corn

The best months of the year are when sweet corn is in season. We have lots of great corn here in the mid-west, and there are lots of ways to prepare it. This candied sweet corn is definitely sweet. It also has a bit of spice to it thanks to some Cajun seasoning. The sweet and heat really complement each other perfectly. This corn dish disappears quickly.

Candied Sweet Corn

Any Corn Will Do

You can also use canned or frozen corn, so you can make this candied sweet corn year ’round. Sure it’s best when made with fresh corn, but we all know that can’t always happen! Best thing about fresh corn besides the great flavor of course, is that you get to spend quality time peeling or cutting the kernels off.

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 southern creamed corn.

Inspired by a recipe from The Neelys.

Candied Sweet Corn
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Candied Sweet Corn

This candied sweet corn is definitely sweet, but it also has a bit of spice to it thanks to some Cajun seasoning. The sweet and heat really compliment each other perfectly. This corn dish disappears quickly.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword corn, sweet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 58kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Neelys

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut the corn off of the cob.
  • Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and cook until tender.
  • Add the corn and cook until tender.
  • In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey and Cajun seasoning.
  • Stir in the corn mixture and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.

Notes

Add a little diced jalapeno for a little heat for the sweet!

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 338IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | 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 Baked Beans

Man, these smoked baked beans are just flat out insanely good. You could make them in the oven, but it’s the smoky flavor that just makes these beans outstanding. They’re even better if you add a few chunks of smoked pork or beef.

This recipe makes a pretty good sized batch, but believe me, it won’t last long. People are going to want seconds if not thirds.

Smoked Baked Beans

Add Some Kick

If you want, you can add a bit of kick to your smoked baked beans. Just add some roasted, chopped or diced jalapenos or a couple dashes of hot sauce. I cooked mine on a rack beneath some Tasso ham. Tasso has a heavy dose of cayenne on it. All that spicy goodness dripped down into the beans giving them a really great kick. I made sure that the beans got hot enough that I didn’t have to worry if the ham drippings were fully cooked or not. Not everyone has tasso to put on the smoker at the same time as their beans, so reach for hot peppers or hot sauce instead!

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for smoking these beans

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also try my smokehouse beans.

Smoked Baked Beans
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Baked Beans

Man, these smoked baked beans are just flat out insanely good. You could make them in the oven, but it’s the smoky flavor that just makes these beans outstanding. They’re even better if you add a few chunks of smoked pork or beef.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked beans, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 51kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Virtual Weber Bullet

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 250 F.
  • Pour the beans into 9″ x 13″ aluminum pan.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Place onto the smoker and cook for 2 hours or until the vegetables are somewhat tender, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Add some smoked sausage or kielbasa and serve as a meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Cedar Planked Creamy Mashed Potatoes

After making cedar planked Cajun mashed potatoes the other day, I just had to make traditional creamy mashed potatoes the same way. And although I love mashed potatoes right out of the pot, finishing them on a cedar plank over a hot grill just takes them to a new wonderful place. A happy place. There’s a light aroma and flavor of cedar. Not overwhelming or overpowering at all. Really just perfect. And hey, mashed potatoes on a plank on grill looks cool. It’ll amaze your friends and neighbors!

Cedar Planked Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Incredibly Tasty Potatoes

Really, any good mashed potato recipe can be used here. Just make sure that the potatoes are somewhat firm or they’ll run off the plank. That would be a mess. A big mess.

I made these cedar planked creamy mashed potatoes on my just-refurbished 15 year-old Weber gas grill, but any good grill will do. Just make sure you have room for the plank.

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

Cooking on cedar planks can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. Check out my other cedar plank recipes: Cajun mashed potatoes, Twinkies, beef sliders, chorizo portabellos, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, shrimp and grits and spicy grilled shrimp.

Cedar Planked Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cedar Planked Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Although I love mashed potatoes right out of the pot, finishing them on cedar over a hot grill just takes them to a new wonderful place. A happy place.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cedar plank, mashed potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 678kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Ree Drummond

Equipment

Ingredients

For the potatoes

For the chive butter

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • chives to taste (dry chives can be used instead of fresh)

Instructions

  • Soak a cedar plank in water.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and boil until tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Drain and return to the pot.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mash with a potato masher or hand mixer.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Mound potatoes onto the plank and put onto the grill over indirect heat.
  • After 15 minutes add small spoonfuls of the chive butter to the tops of the potatoes (make tiny indentations so the butter doesn’t run off) and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

For the chive butter

  • Mix all ingredients well. Don’t be shy with the chives.

Notes

You can add a little cheese to the potatoes just before placing on the plank.

Nutrition

Calories: 678kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 1256mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1706IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Hot Dog Tomato Salad

What? Hot dogs in a fresh tomato salad? Well, that’s how my mom got me to eat tomatoes when I was a kid. I didn’t really like tomatoes then, but I was more than happy to sit down with a bowl of this hot dog tomato salad.

The key for me was to eat everything BUT the hot dogs first. This left the best part, hot dogs sitting in a great vinegary and oniony dressing. The dogs would soak up a bit of the vinegar and taste unlike any hot dog I’d ever had. Add strangely enough, I would drink up the remaining dressing. Odd, huh?

Hot Dog Tomato Salad

This Is A Childhood Favorite Of Mine

As much as it might sound a little odd, this is a great salad. You can leave out the hot dogs if you like, but I highly recommend adding them. Believe it or not, hot dogs and tomatoes go great together!

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.))

If you’re looking for a more grown-up tomato dish, try my cherry tomato salad.

Hot Dog Tomato Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Hot Dog Tomato Salad

What? Hot dogs in a fresh tomato salad? Well, that’s how my mom got me to eat tomatoes when I was a kid. I didn’t really like tomatoes then, but I was more than happy to sit down with a bowl of this hot dog tomato salad.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs, salad, tomato
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 268kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Taste and add more vinegar if you like.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 1196IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 27mg | 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)

Cedar-Planked Chorizo Portobellos

I’m finding that stuffed mushrooms are becoming more and more a regular part of my grill outs. They’re incredibly easy to make, and you can stuff them with just about anything, from in-season fresh vegetables to pork chorizo. You can cook these cedar-planked chorizo portobellos directly on the grill. The filling has a great spiciness to it, reminiscent of a southwestern Sloppy Joe with a creamy cheese topping and a little hint of cilantro.

Cedar Planked Chorizo Portobellos

Great As Main Dishes. And As Side Dishes.

I used large mushrooms when I made these cedar-planked chorizo portobellos. Our local grocery store sells them in 2- and 4-packs as ‘grill caps’. They’re the perfect size for 2 or 4 people each, depending on what you use for stuffing. People often buy them and use them as meat substitutes in burgers.

I don’t like to over-char my cedar planks, which increases the aroma and flavor of the cedar. I like just a hint of cedar. Just something different.

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

Cooking on cedar planks can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. Check out my other cedar plank recipes: creamy mashed potatoes, Cajun mashed potatoes, Twinkies, beef sliders, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, shrimp and grits and spicy grilled shrimp.

Cedar Planked Chorizo Portobellos
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cedar Planked Chorizo Portobellos

You can cook these cedar-planked chorizo portobellos directly on the grill. The filling has a great spiciness to it, reminiscent of a southwestern Sloppy Joe with a creamy cheese topping and a little hint of cilantro.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cedar plank, mushroom
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 113kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 portobello mushrooms gills gently scooped out with a spoon
  • Olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons pork chorizo stuffing or more, or substitute cooked crumbled chorizo
  • 4 tablespoons queso quesadilla cheese shredded
  • cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Soak the cedar plank in water for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Meanwhile, lightly brush the mushrooms on both sides with oil.
  • Place on grill, gill-side up, over direct heat for 3 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly while the plank continues to soak.
  • Transfer portobellos to the plank.
  • Spoon pork chorizo stuffing into mushroom tops.
  • Place on grill over indirect heat and cook for 15 minutes. Check often to make sure the plank doesn’t catch fire. If it does, just blow on it or spritz it with a little water to extinguish.
  • Add the cheese and cook another 5 minutes or until melted.
  • Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve.

Notes

Add a little diced jalapeno to the stuffing mixture for a nice kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

7 Bean Salad

I love bean salads. That nice vinegar hit, crunchy vegetables, and a little sweet. And of course, lots and lots of beans. I make this 7 bean salad (which makes a big batch) and keep it on hand for days and days. It’ll keep up to two weeks, so it makes the perfect side dish for an easy lunch. Just toss some burgers or dogs on the grill and serve them up with this great salad.

7 Bean Salad

Beans Beans and More Beans

This salad is also the perfect way to use up any old cans of beans you might have in the back of the pantry. I usually stock up on canned beans before winter (they are perfect to have on hand in case of emergencies), and try to use them by the end of the following year. You can use just about any beans (or peas) that you have on hand in this salad.

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.

My scaled-back bean salad recipe is similar to this 7-bean salad but is a little easier to make. Give it a try too!

7 Bean Salad
Print Pin
5 from 3 votes

7 Bean Salad

I love bean salads. That nice vinegar hit, crunchy vegetables, and a little sweet. And of course, lots and lots of beans.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword bean salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 129kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Beans

Dressing

Instructions

  • Rinse all of the beans and drain well. Place into a large bowl.
  • Combine the dressing ingredients and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add to the beans and toss to coat. Season with more salt and pepper as needed.
  • Refrigerate for 12 hours before serving. Check seasoning again.

Notes

Add any beans you want!

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | 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)