Category: Side Dishes & Salads

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

It was a hot summer’s day. My mind was floating off to summers gone by and to picnics and family get-togethers. And then I remembered… pasta salad. Now there’s something I’ve always loved and it always screamed ‘summer’ to me. But I was looking for something a little different. Something as good as grandma’s (well as good as hers as possible) but with a twist. And here it is. Deviled egg pasta salad. Everything good in one salad. Deviled eggs (you probably figured that). Pasta (and you probably were expecting that too). And dill pickles. What? Yep, no celery. Dill pickles instead.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

In A Pickle

This is a dill pickle-flavor-packed pasta salad, make no mistake about it. Now me, I love that flavor so I put a bit extra in my deviled egg pasta salad. You might want to cut it back a bit. Or add more. I don’t know you. Maybe you love pickles even more than I do.

No More Pickles?

Did you use up your jar of dill pickles? Great! Now don’t toss out that wonderful pickle brine! It’s great for a lot of things. It’s great in a burger sauce. Perfect in a fry dipping sauce. Or use it to marinade chicken before throwing it on the grill!

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Also try my ham salad sandwiches!

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

This is a dill pickle-flavor-packed pasta salad, make no mistake about it.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 399kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Great Grub Delicious Treats

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per the package instructions.
  • Rinse and drain well and place in a large bowl.
  • Add the chopped eggs and pickles along with the pimientos, onions, mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Stir gently to get well-combined.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 584mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 785IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Green Bean Stir-Fry

I love a quick stir-fry, especially when vegetables are in season. Green beans were on sale, which means time to make my go-to green bean stir-fry. Everything besides the beans are readily available in my pantry or fridge. Preparation couldn’t get much easier. And stir-frying? About as easy as it gets. Great flavor, a little char, and a sweet and spicy sauce. There were no leftovers.

Green Bean Stir-Fry

Cooked Indoors Or Outdoors, They’re Great!

This time of year I prefer to use a wok outdoors for dishes like this green bean stir-fry. I have a wok insert for my Weber Performer grill. Since the wok sits over a bed of coals the pan gets amazingly hot. The beans seared instantly. It not only doesn’t heat up the house on a hot day, the wok gets much hotter than it ever could on my flattop electric stove. Plus I don’t have to worry about it scratching my glasstop.

For inside cooking I use a flat-bottom wok. That’s mostly because I have a flattop electric stove and not a gas stove. I need as much contact between the bottom of the pan and the cooktop as possible so I get the wok as hot as possible.

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Also try my Mongolian stir-fry sauce.

Green Bean Stir-Fry
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Green Bean Stir-Fry

I love a quick stir-fry, specially when vegetables are in season. Green beans were on sale, which means time to make my go-to green bean stir-fry.
Course Side
Cuisine Asian
Keyword green beans
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 165kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Sunny Anderson

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the beans

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

For the beans

  • Heat the oil in a wok over high heat.
  • Add the beans and cook, stirring continuously, 2-3 minutes until dark in color and starting to caramelize.
  • Add the garlic and fresh ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 more minutes.
  • Add the sauce and stir. Cook another minute.
  • Remove from wok and serve.

Notes

You can substitute 1 teaspoon dried ginger. If you do, add the dried ginger to the sauce instead of to the beans while they stir fry.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 931IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes

Don’t think they’re ‘just’ beans and ‘just’ potatoes. After they cook up in a seasoned smoky broth these seasoned green beans and potatoes aren’t ‘just’ anything, they’re amazing. Heck, I’ll admit it. The broth was so good I had to lift my bowl and drink it. No messing around with a spoon. There’s no time for that. Just go for the gusto. The broth is really fantastic stuff. So are the green beans and potatoes, of course!

Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes

Shanks. Hocks. Either Way.

Although the original recipe called for using smoked ham hocks, I’m a huge fan of using smoked pork shanks instead. The shanks are meatier, which means they also add more of a smoky flavor. To get the same effect with ham hocks, you’ll either need bigger hocks or just add more of them when you cook these seasoned green beans and potatoes.

I like to cook this wonderful side dish in my trusty ole Dutch oven.

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Also try my potato and green bean salad.

Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Seasoned Green Beans and Potatoes

Don’t think they’re ‘just’ beans and ‘just’ potatoes. After they cook up in a seasoned smoky broth they aren’t ‘just’ anything, they’re amazing. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword green beans, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 291kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Neelys

Equipment

Ingredients

For the beans

For the special seasoning

Instructions

For the beans

  • Fill a large pot with just enough water to cover the ham hocks.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
  • Add the beans and sugar and cook another 25 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes and seasoning and cook until the potatoes are just tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove the ham hocks to a cutting board. Let cool slightly then cut the meat off the bone. Chop and add to the pot.
  • Heat through and serve.

For the special seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 1857mg | Potassium: 1008mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1223IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Make-Ahead Garlic Bread

I used to buy frozen garlic bread from the grocery store. Regularly. And on occasion I’d make it from scratch. I was looking for something better and easier. This make-ahead garlic bread makes sure I always have great garlic bread on hand and for a better price. And it tastes a whole lot better too! Oh, and even better, I can make it as buttery and as garlicky as I want!

Make-Ahead Garlic Bread

Perfect From The Freezer

I was afraid that all the buttery goodness in the topping would make this make-ahead garlic bread stick together. I feared I’d open the door to a huge block of bread stuck together. I’d be unable to even chisel a single piece away. But no! The pieces are frozen individually first, making sure they don’t stick. I keep them in a large one gallon freezer bag, always on hand for dinner!

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Need more? Make my gotta-have-it garlic bread.

Make-Ahead Garlic Bread
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Make-Ahead Garlic Bread

Easy and great to have on hand. And so much tastier than the store-bought stuff!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic bread
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 1209kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, olive oil, salt and parsley using a fork. You want the mixture to form a paste.
  • Cut the bread into 1" thick pieces.
  • Using a knife or spoon, place 1/2 tablespoon of the butter mixture onto each slice of bread.
  • Spread it out edge-to-edge, covering the bread completely.
  • Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 15 minutes or until the butter isn't tacky.
  • Transfer the slices to freezer bags and freeze until ready to use.

Baking instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 F.
  • Place frozen bread slices on a baking sheet and bake 10-15 minutes or until nicely browned.

Notes

To get the bread extra crunchy, put under the broiler for 30 seconds.

Nutrition

Calories: 1209kcal | Carbohydrates: 219g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 3376mg | Potassium: 739mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 301IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 399mg | Iron: 16mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Roasted Red Pepper Polenta

Polenta. Just saying the word makes me happy. Creamy. Pleasantly filling. Great plain but also a great base for many different of flavors. Polenta is and always will be my favorite side dish. I consider it to be decadent even though its history is more as a peasant dish. The roasted red pepper in this polenta doesn’t over-power that great corn flavor, but it’s there, lightly smoky, lightly sweet.

Roasted Red Pepper Polenta

Quality Broth Makes Great Polenta

I always make my polenta using homemade chicken broth or stock. I believe it makes a really big difference in the richness of the dish. You can substitute water, but you’ll find chicken broth or stock to be much, much better. This roasted red pepper polenta deserves only the best ingredients to make it truly great!

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I use Bob’s Red Mill Polenta, which is found at just about any grocery store around us. On the off-chance you can’t find Bob’s, follow Chef Vivian Howard’s rule: don’t buy a polenta with more than one ingredient on the label. Bob’s has just one, corn.

Roasted Red Pepper Polenta
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Roasted Red Pepper Polenta

Polenta. Just the saying the word makes me happy. Creamy. Pleasantly filling. Great plain but also a great base for many different of flavors. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword polenta, roasted red pepper
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 310kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Guy Fieri

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place peppers into a food processor or blender and process until smooth.
  • Add the broth to a medium saucepan along with the salt and red pepper puree. Bring to a boil.
  • While stirring, slowly add in the polenta.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and stir continuously for 3 minutes.
  • Cook the polenta for 35-40 minutes, stirring often, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. I use a flat wooden spoon for this. If the polenta starts to splatter you can place a lid on the pot, but put it on loosely so moisture can still escape.
  • Stir in the Parmesan and butter.
  • Serve.

Notes

Also great with cheddar or pepper jack cheeses.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 1025mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Bacon and Blue Cheese French Fries

Oh me. There are few things as dangerous as a plate of bacon and blue cheese French fries. If ever there was something that causes my self-control to go totally out the window, this is it. It all starts with perfectly crispy, delicious French fries. Homemade. Hot out of the deep-fryer. Then comes the blue cheese sauce. That wonderful funky cheese flavor. Creamy with hints of garlic and shallot. Delicious. And finally, bacon. Crispy, smoky, perfectly-cooked bacon. These are the fries dreams are made of.

Bacon and Blue Cheese French Fries

Crazy Good Fries Like No Other

If I’m cooking these bacon and blue cheese French fries for a crowd, I’ll break out my big deep fryer. But, if it’s just the two of us, I’ll fire up my Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size for both of us. It fries everything perfectly. And as an added bonus, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which saves me money.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

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If you’d rather not make fries from scratch, you can use frozen ones instead. Just bake the fries per the package instructions, making sure you get them good and crispy. While they’re baking, make the sauce and cook the bacon. Serve hot-out-of-the-oven.

These fries were the perfect side dish for my pub sauce smash burgers.

Bacon and Blue Cheese French Fries
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Bacon and Blue Cheese French Fries

There are few things as dangerous as a plate of bacon and blue cheese French fries.
Course Side Dish or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword French fry
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 390kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the fries

For the blue cheese fry sauce

Instructions

For the blue cheese sauce (make first and keep warm while making the fries)

  • Add butter to a small skillet over medium heat.
  • Add shallot and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until just starting to soften.
  • Add the cheese, milk and pepper.
  • Stirring constantly, raise the heat to medium-high and let the mixture get to a simmer. The cheese should be melted and the sauce will start to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and cover until ready to use.

For the fries

  • Fill a large bowl with cold water.
  • Slice the potatoes into thin, 1/8″-1/4″ sticks. Try to keep them the same thickness.
  • Place fries into the water. Add more water if needed to keep them full submerged.
  • Add the oil to the fryer and plug it in according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Drain the fries. Refill with more cold water. Stir the potatoes. Repeat this step (draining, refilling) until the water is no longer cloudy. This usually just takes me two times.
  • Drain the potatoes well and transfer to a large kitchen towel. Pat dry. Make sure you get them dry or they will splatter when you add them to the hot oil.
  • Working in batches if needed, fry the potatoes until just starting to turn a light brown. You are not cooking them fully, you do not want them to be golden brown yet. Do not over-crowd the fryer.
  • Remove the fries from the fryer using the slotted spoon that comes with the unit. Place on a wire rack over a baking pan to drain. Spread them out evenly.
  • Let the fries cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
  • Working in batches if necessary, return the fries to the fryer and finish cooking them. You want them nice and lightly golden brown. I’ve found that you can actually crowd the fryer a little more than usual for this step. The fries are mostly cooked, you’re just crisping them up and giving them some color so a little extra potatoes in there isn’t going to hurt. Just don’t over-fill the fryer.
  • Remove the fries to the wire rack again to drain. Season well with salt and pepper. I prefer to transfer the fries from the rack to a large bowl, sprinkle them with the seasonings, and toss to season evenly.
  • Transfer the fries to a serving dish and top with the cheese sauce and sprinkle with the bacon.

Notes

You can substitute red onion for the shallot.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 521mg | Potassium: 990mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 403IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Rodney Scott’s Pimiento Cheese

Rodney’s Scott’s cookbook World of BBQ: Every Day is a Good Day is one of the best BBQ-themed cookbooks I’ve ever read. And I do mean read. I didn’t just turn the pages looking at the great recipes (and there are tons of them). I read it. Like a novel. But… yes… oh, the great recipes! Like this pimiento cheese. My wife proclaimed this to be the best pimiento cheese she’s had. That surprised the heck out of me. Not because it isn’t great, but because until this recipe came along everyone, and I do mean everyone, thought her mom’s was the best.

Rodney Scott's Pimiento Cheese

The Steps To Cheesy Greatness

There are two things (I think) that are key to this being one outstanding pimiento cheese. First, you have to use block cheese and then shred it manually. Don’t use that pre-shredded stuff. Yeah, it takes a few minutes to shred it by hand but it’s worth it. Second, you have to use a great BBQ seasoning. It’s up to you whether you use a spice seasoning, a sweet seasoning, or whatever you prefer. We went with a sweet rub, and wow what a mix did it ever make. This is great stuff here.

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.

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Also try my southern pimiento cheese.

Rodney Scott's Pimiento Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Rodney Scott’s Pimiento Cheese

Shred the cheese manually, don't use the pre-shredded stuff!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pimento cheese, pimiento
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 531kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ Cookbook

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Shred the cheese using the medium holes on a box grater. This step is important. Do not use pre-shredded cheese. Shredding your own makes a world of difference.
  • In a large bowl combine the cream cheese and mayonnaise and mix well.
  • Add the pimientos, BBQ rub, mustard powder and onion powder. Mix well. Gently stir in the cheese.
  • Pile high on toasted bread for the best pimiento cheese sandwiches ever!

Notes

Also great on crackers!

Nutrition

Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 643mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1720IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 434mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans

It’s summer time. And summer is good. Summer is better, though, with a big ole plate of spicy barbecue-and-bacon baked beans. These are some of the most flavor-packed beans you’ll find. And talk about easy to make, too! It’s not quite as easy as open a bunch of cans and heat, but it’s close to being that easy. A little time in the oven and you’re ready to devour some tasty beans. Double, triple or quadruple the recipe and you’ve got a great dish for a picnic or family get-together!

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans

Ranch Beans For The Win

Much of the flavor in these spicy barbecue-and-bacon baked beans comes from the Ranch style beans. Then along comes a bit of jalapeno spiciness. And just a hint of sweetness. For the BBQ sauce I went with a nice hickory BBQ sauce to add a bit of that outdoorsy flavor.

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Also try my peach BBQ beans.

Spicy Barbeque-and-Bacon Baked Beans
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Barbecue-and-Bacon Baked Beans

Use a hickory BBQ sauce to add a bit of that outdoorsy flavor.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword baked beans, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 386kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon until about 3/4ths done. I do this in an oven at 350 F for about 30 minutes, but you can also use a skillet on the stove top. Drain.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Lightly grease a 9×9 casserole.
  • In a large bowl combine the beans, barbecue sauce, jalapeno, onion, brown sugar and mustard.
  • Stir in the bacon.
  • Pour mixture into the baking dish.
  • Bake 25 minutes or until bubbly hot and the onions are just tender.

Notes

Add sliced hot dogs for a beans-and-weiners dish!

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 1223mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Slow Cooked Jalapeno Corn

Ah, glorious sweet corn. It makes me happy whenever corn is in season. I love it any way you can cook it. This slow cooked jalapeno corn version adds a bit of heat (though really, it’s quite tame) from jalapenos. It’s tremendously creamy and sweet. It’s also perfect for a get-together since it makes a pretty good size batch. You can halve it if you need, or double it for an even bigger crowd.

Slow Cooked Jalapeno Corn

Light On The Heat. Heavy On The Flavor.

You can leave out the jalapenos. But I think you’ll want to add something in place of it, like minced sweet onion. Don’t go crazy with it. I think you need just a little something for a little bite in this slow cooked jalapeno corn. I mean, it does have ‘jalapeno’ in the name!

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Although I slow cooked the corn in my oven, you can also cook it on a grill or even a smoker. Just keep your temperature around 250 F and the corn will come out delicious.

If it’s in season, I grab my sweet corn from My Dad’s Sweet Corn!

Also try my cedar planked sweet corn.

Slow Cooked Jalapeno Corn
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooked Jalapeno Corn

Ah, glorious sweet corn. It makes me happy whenever corn is in season. I love it any way you can cook it. This slow cooked jalapeno corn version adds a bit of heat (though really, it’s quite tame) from jalapenos, and tremendous creamy sweetness.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword corn, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 223kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Pioneer Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 24 ears fresh corn shucked and kernels cut from the cobs
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 sticks butter cubed
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 jalapenos sliced very thin

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
  • Place corn in a large disposable roasting pan.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours – 2 hours or until the corn is tender.
  • Stir before serving.

Notes

Add seranos or habaneros for an even spicier version of this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 738IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Spicy Bacon Cheese Fries

Yep, you’re right. It’s nothing fancy. Nothing fru-fru. But boy, can I put a hurt on a batch of these spicy bacon cheese fries. Crispy fries. Spicy peppers, Smoky bacon. Ooey-gooey cheese. I really don’t need anything else. Heck, serve it to me as dinner and I’m happy! Specially in my younger days, where I might have found myself at a sports bar or two, I’d call these fries dinner and then some!

Spicy Bacon Cheese Fries

Get Creative With It

Oh sure, you can make these spicy bacon cheese fries a hundred different other ways. You can add chili. Throw on some cheese curds. Squirt on some sour cream. Or you can keep them OG and just enjoy the heck out of a simple plate of fantastic fries!

I do strongly recommend that you hand grate or shred your cheeses in this and any other recipes. The difference is noticeable. There are no ingredients in there that keep the shredded cheeses from sticking. Those same ingredients also make it hard for the cheeses to melt.

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I prefer to deep-fry my pre-made frozen fries. Yeah, you can bake them. But that takes longer and let’s face it, the fries never, ever come out quite as good as they do deep-fried. I don’t do it every day, mind you, but sometimes you gotta treat yourself!

Spicy Bacon Cheese Fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Bacon Cheese Fries

Yep, you’re right. It’s nothing fancy. Nothing fru-fru. But boy, can I put a hurt on a batch of these spicy bacon cheese fries.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, cheesy, fries, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 418kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Just Putzing

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces frozen fries such as Ore-Ida
  • ½ cup Pepper Jack cheese grated
  • ½ cup Colby Jack cheese grated
  • 2 strips bacon cooked, crumbled
  • 1 large jalapeno sliced

Instructions

  • Cook fries per package instructions. I prefer to deep-fry mine.
  • Transfer fries to an oven-safe platter.
  • Sprinkle fries with the cheeses and crumbled bacon.
  • Put into the oven under a low-heat broiler for one minute to melt the cheese. Keep an eye on it and don't put the plate too close to the broiler.
  • Remove and garnish with jalapeno slices before serving.

Notes

For a less-spicy version, leave out the jalapeno and use Monterey jack cheese instead of pepper jack.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 732mg | Potassium: 529mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 310IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 229mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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