Category: Side Dishes & Salads

Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun Cauliflower

I have to admit, I’m not the world’s best at vegetable sides. My go-to list for main dishes is much longer. This is something I’ve been working on…. slowly. I prefer sides with a little kick. This Cajun cauliflower recipe from Chef Paul Prudhomme is definitely on my go-to sides list. It is very easy to make and boosts some great flavor to boot. And it’s a lot healthier than your usual creamy cheesy cauliflower recipes.

Chef Paul Prudhomme's Cajun Cauliflower

Try A Variation Of Seasonings

I keep a variety of Cajun seasonings on hand, from Chef Paul’s version to Slap Ya Mama and everything in-between. Each has its own flavor, its own twist. They all make dishes like Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun cauliflower different. I just hope he wouldn’t be offended if I’m not always using his brand’s seasoning! Sorry Chef! (RIP)

Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning from Louisiana, Original Blend, No MSG and Kosher, 8 Ounce Can, Pack of 3
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning from Louisiana, Original Blend, No MSG and Kosher, 8 Ounce Can, Pack of 3

Also try my southern whole-roasted cauliflower.

Chef Paul Prudhomme's Cajun Cauliflower
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1 from 1 vote

Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun Cauliflower

This Cajun cauliflower recipe from Chef Paul Prudhomme is definitely on my go-to sides list. It is very easy to make and boosts some great flavor to boot. And it’s a lot healthier than your usual creamy cheesy cauliflower recipes.
Course Side
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Cajun, cauliflower
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 64kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chef Paul Prudhomme

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets (2-3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped (parsley also works just fine)
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

  • Bring 1 quart of lightly salted water to a boil in a large pot.
  • Add the cauliflower and boil gently until starting to get tender, about 3 minutes. Drain well.
  • Place the butter in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Add the cauliflower and stir until the cauliflower is slightly browned, about 4 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat, stir in the pepper sauce, cilantro and Cajun spice blend, and toss gently.

Notes

You can also make this dish using broccoli.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 226IU | Vitamin C: 71mg | Calcium: 36mg | 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)

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad

This avocado with crab-mango salad is a great dish as an appetizer or a side salad. It’s light and refreshing and darned tasty to boot! This is the perfect salad for a warm summer brunch, combining crunchy and creamy textures into each and every bite. And of course there’s decadent crab throughout.

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad

One Fantastic Salad

Use a good quality lump crab. I made these by using a cookie cutter to form them. You can also just use an avocado half, with the pit removed of course, to serve them in like little salad bowls!

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NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Also try my avocado wraps with spicy mayonnaise and my ham salad filled avocados.

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Avocado with Crab-Mango Salad

This avocado with crab-mango salad is a great dish as an appetizer or a side salad. It’s light and refreshing and darned tasty to boot! 
Course Side Dish or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword avocado, crab, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 325kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Daisy Martinez

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lime zested and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
  • ½ mango peeled and diced
  • â…“ cup red bell pepper diced
  • â…“ cup red onion diced
  • ½ jalapeno diced
  • ½ pound crabmeat jumbo lump
  • 3 avocados cut into 1/4″ bites

Instructions

  • Squeeze half a lime into a bowl. Add the oil and cilantro and mix well.
  • Add the lime zest, mango, bell pepper, onion and jalapeno and mix well.
  • Add the crab and mix gently.
  • Drizzle the remaining lime juice over the avocado.
  • Place 1/4th of the avocado in the bottom of a large round cookie cutter or metal ring. Tamp down slightly with the bottom of a spoon.
  • Add in 1/4th of the crab salad and tamp down. Slowly remove the cookie cutter. I put a spoon on top of the salad mixture to hold it down while removing the cookie cutter.
  • Repeat with remaining avocado and crab salad.

Notes

This salad is best when served immediately after preparing.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 960mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 959IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 59mg | 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)

Easy Refried Beans

I was looking for a few sides to go with our tacos the other night. I came across this easy way to make an easy refried beans. The creamy cheese and crunchy jalapeno and onion really kick that ole blah flavor up a few notches.

Easy Refried Beans

Beans Need Help

Grab a bowl of Fiesta corn with these easy refried beans and you have the perfect sides for taco night. We use La Preferida refried beans whenever we’re serving canned beans. They have great flavor, but even the best canned beans need a bit of help. No one has to know that your beans came from a can.

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 is a great side for my cheese enchiladas.

Easy Jazzed-Up Refried Beans
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Refried Beans

I was looking for a few sides to go with our tacos the other night. I came across this easy way to make a jazzed-up can of refried beans. The creamy cheese and crunchy jalapeno and onion really kick that ole blah flavor up a few notches.
Course Side
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword beans, refried
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 157kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Just A Little Taste

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add jalapenos and onion and saute until just starting to get tender.
  • Add beans. Stir well to combine. Heat until warmed through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 597mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 166mg | 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)

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes

You sure can’t go wrong with mushrooms and cheese on a good ole baked potato! I love having baked potatoes for dinner. Not as a side, but for dinner. Load them up and I’m a happy guy. It reminds me of Hogs Breath, my favorite diner in Fayetteville, Arkansas, when I was in college. For just a few bucks you could get a massive loaded baked potato for lunch. Like these cheesy mushroom baked potatoes. Big taters, loaded with lots of cheese and earthy mushrooms. This ain’t fancy eats, but it’s good eats!

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes

Baked Potatoes Love Toppings!

Also try my cheesy broccoli baked potatoes and my easy chili cheese baked potatoes. Like I said, I absolutely love baked potatoes and I’m more than happy to top them with darned near anything. These cheesy mushroom baked potatoes are just one great example!

Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver
Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver

Also try my mushroom and onion baked potatoes.

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes

You sure can’t go wrong with mushrooms and cheese on a good ole baked potato! I love having baked potatoes for dinner. Not as a side, but for dinner
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, blue cheese, mushroom, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 174kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a skillet.
  • Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
  • Split the potatoes along the tops.
  • Divide the mushrooms among the potatoes and top with the cheese sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

Add a little crumbled cooked bacon for even more great flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 938mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 32mg | 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)

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Mmmmmm. Simple, but oh so good! These cheesy broccoli baked potatoes remind me of the wonderful potatoes at Hog’s Breath Eatery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I used to eat at Hog’s Breath regularly. Man, did they have great baked potatoes. Sadly, the Hog’s Breath Eatery has closed. That means I have to make more baked potatoes like this one at home. I used to save up my cravings for the next time I’d go to Fayetteville. Now I can make them any time.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Nice ‘n Cheesy

I used my homemade cheese sauce on these delicious cheesy broccoli baked potatoes. You can use your own or pre-made if you like, but my version is so easy to make. Just don’t be shy with it. The first word in the title of this recipe is ‘cheesy’!

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NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Also try my cheesy mushroom baked potatoes, my mushroom and onion baked potatoes, and my take on the Hog’s Breath classic baked potato, The Works.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Mmmmmm. Simple, but oh so good! These cheesy broccoli baked potatoes remind me of the wonderful potatoes at Hog’s Breath Eatery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, cheese, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 184kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a small pan of water to a boil.
  • Add a pinch of salt.
  • Add the broccoli and cook 3-4 minutes or until just barely tender.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the broccoli from cooking further.
  • Split the potatoes along the tops.
  • Divide the broccoli among the potatoes and top with the cheese sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

A little crumbled cooked bacon adds a nice twist too!

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 49mg | 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)

Grilled and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes

These grilled and baked pimento cheese-stuffed potatoes were almost too pretty to eat. But they sure were delicious, and definitely something a little different. I don’t know why the thought of stuffing potatoes with pimento cheese never occurred to me before. It’s certainly way, way better than just plain old shredded cheddar cheese that’s for sure! It’s amazing how just a few ingredients, usually ones I have on-hand, can make a plain-ole plain-ole potato something magical. That’s why I love baked potatoes so much. They’re like a blank canvas just waiting for me to add my own touches.

Grilled and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes

Indoors or Outdoors, They’re Great!

You can also bake these pimento cheese-stuffed potatoes in the oven at 350 F instead of finishing them on the grill. I follow my always-go-to method for making the best baked potatoes in the oven when cooking them indoors. They have the perfectly crunchy skin with tender, moist insides every single time. You can’t beat them! The key is to not wrap them in foil. Let them ‘breath’. You want them baked, not steamed. And you want them to cook to 210 F. Yep, you can give them the ‘poke test’ too, but 210 F is the guaranteed perfect temperature.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Nibble Me This.

Grilled and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled and Baked Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Potatoes

These grilled and baked pimento cheese-stuffed potatoes were almost too pretty to eat. But they sure where delicious, and definitely something a little different. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pimento cheese, pimiento cheese, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 578kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Nibble Me This

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bake potatoes (see The Best Baked Potato). Let cool slightly.
  • Cut top 1/4th off each potato. Using a melonballer or spoon, scrape the potato pulp from both the inside of the potato and the top piece into a large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix. Use a fork to break up and smash any large potato pieces.
  • Spoon mixture back into the potatoes.
  • Place on a grill over indirect heat (or in a preheated oven) at around 350 F for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Notes

Substitute pepper jack for nicely kicked-up potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 975mg | Potassium: 1659mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1040IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 492mg | 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)

The Best Baked Potato

The best baked potato has a crispy skin that crunches when you cut into it. The ‘meat’ is almost creamy. Baking them is what makes them fantastic.There are few things that are as easy as or as good as a great spud. This is how I make them. They are always fantastic time after time.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

No Foil Please

Here’s how we make our potatoes in the oven. Foil? Notice that there isn’t any to be found. When you foil them you are steaming them and the skin will never come up crunchy yummy. This is the way to get that perfect skin. And that perfect potato creaminess. It’s easy and it works. Every time.

Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver
Weber Original Potato Nails , Silver

If you’re wanting to try something, sweet potatoes on a smoker or grill takes traditional baking  to a whole new place. And for the same flavors, but in a salad, try my loaded baked potato salad.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

The Best Baked Potato

The best baked potato has a crispy skin that crunches when you cut into it. The ‘meat’ is almost creamy. Baking them is what makes them fantastic. There are few things that are as easy as or as good as a great spud. This is how I make them. They are always fantastic time after time.
Course Main, Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 292kcal
Author Based on a recipe from What’s Cooking America

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Rinse the potatoes under cold water and brush off any dirt. Dry well with a paper towel.
  • Pierce each potato 4 times with a sharp knife.
  • Brush potatoes with oil.
  • Sprinkle some salt onto a plate and roll the potatoes in the salt.
  • Place potatoes directly on the oven center rack. You might want to put a baking sheet lined with foil beneath them to catch any drippings.
  • Bake until potatoes are done (210 F internal temperature, or tender all the way through when poked with a knife), 40-60 minutes depending on their size. You can also test for doneness by squeezing the potatoes (with potholders on). If they give easily, they are done.

Notes

Use potholders or grill gloves to squeeze the potatoes open when done.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 1539mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

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)

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes

Having a baked potato for dinner is like having breakfast for dinner. It’s something I always look forward to. But for some reason, I feel mischievous having one. It’s like I’m breaking the rules. These easy chili cheese baked potatoes made me feel like I was breaking a lot of rules.

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes

Baked Potatoes Can Be Addicting

I think my addiction to baked potatoes really got started in college. There was a great dive in Fayetteville, Arkansas, called Hogs Breath Eatery. That’s where I would get a huge loaded baked potato for just a few bucks. My favorites were the Terlingua and The Works. Also, their variation of these easy chili cheese baked potatoes.

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 The Works baked potato.

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes
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4 from 1 vote

Easy Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes

Having a baked potato for dinner is like having breakfast for dinner. It’s something I always look forward to.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, cheese, chili, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 473kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Split potatoes open and add one tablespoon of butter to each.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Add chili, cheese, and sour cream and top with green onions.

Notes

Don’t be afraid to add a little minced jalapeno, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 1834mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 6mg

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)

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese

Although not quite historically accurate, this Civil War macaroni-and-cheese is really quite good. I think the main reason that it tastes so good is that the pasta is cooked in milk instead of water. This gives it a creamier taste. Just like when you boil anything else, you need flavor in the water to make up for lost.

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese

A Few Words About The Real Deal

Apparently, elbow pasta, whole milk and cheddar cheese were not very common during the Civil War. But this recipe for Civil War macaroni-and-cheese is a close representation of what soldiers at the time would eat. Straight pasta, skim milk and Parmesan cheeses were more common then. Feel free to substitute!

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 southwestern macaroni-and-cheese recipe.

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Civil War Macaroni-and-Cheese

Although not quite historically accurate, this Civil War macaroni-and-cheese is really quite good. I think the main reason that it tastes so good is that the pasta is cooked in milk instead of water, giving it a creamier taste. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 419kcal
Author Found on the web

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Heat the milk in a large pot until it begins to steam.
  • Stir in the pasta. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and making sure that the pot doesn’t foam over. The pasta should absorb almost all of the milk. Remove from heat.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Add in the cheese, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese has melted. Pour mixture into the pot with the pasta. Stir and add salt, to taste.
  • Spray a 9" x 9" baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Add pasta mixture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle with cayenne.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Although not authentic, feel free to substitute a little pepper jack cheese for the cheddar for a nice kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 684IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 481mg | 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)

Tangy Broccoli Salad

There’s no reason to have a lame side with dinner. I admit it, I spend most of my time concentrating on the main dish, with the side dish being just that… a side thought. I’m working to change that, and this tangy broccoli salad is a great example.

Tangy Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Needs Help And Here It Is

As easy as this is to make, it really makes broccoli shine. I usually end up serving broccoli in some dish where it has been cooked until soft. But served raw with a great dressing is where it really shines.

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.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

You can also make this tangy broccoli salad using cauliflower. Or get the best of both worlds and make my broccoli cauliflower salad! And my version of Martin’s broccoli salad is amazing too!

Tangy Broccoli Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Tangy Broccoli Salad

There’s no reason to have a lame side with dinner. I admit it, I spend most of my time concentrating on the main dish, with the side dish being just that… a side thought. I’m working to change that, and this tangy broccoli salad is a great example.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 -12
Calories 102kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Kraft

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the mayo, sugar and vinegar in a large bowl.
  • Crumble and stir in the bacon and the remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1263IU | Vitamin C: 182mg | Calcium: 100mg | 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)