Category: Side Dishes & Salads

Cajun Cheesy Waffle Fries

Yeah, I coulda just turned on the oven, tossed in a few waffle fries, and had a side for my burgers in less than 30 minutes. And I would’ve been fairly happy with that. But why not spend any extra minute or two and turn those fries into something special? These Cajun cheesy waffle fries prove just how easy it is to turn a simple side into something fantastic. Smoky bacon, sharp onion and creamy cheese, all on top of waffle fries seasoned well with Cajun seasoning. Just a bit of heat, just a bit of spiciness. Perfect.

Cajun Cheesy Waffle Fries

Go Crazy

Mix it up a bit. I’ve made these Cajun cheesy waffle fries with smoked cheddar, leaving out the bacon, for a wonderful twist. Don’t have green onion? Red onion, minced, works great too! Instead of Cajun seasoning, use your favorite. I like blackened seasoning. Or smoked paprika. You can’t really mess these up. Oh, and sure, if you don’t have waffle fries, good ole French fries work great too! And you don’t have to use pre-make fries, either. You can fry your own. Use a mandolin to make potatoes into those fun waffle shapes.

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 Texas fries.

Cajun Cheesy Waffle Fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cajun Cheesy Waffle Fries

These Cajun cheesy waffle fries prove just how easy it is to turn a simple side into something fantastic. 
Course Side or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, cheesy, fries
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 297kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 22 ounce waffle fries Ore-Ida Golden Waffle Fries
  • 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 6 ounces cheese finely shredded . I used a mix of 3 ounces cheddar and 3 ounces Monterrey Jack
  • 4 sliced bacon cooked, crumbled
  • 2 green onions sliced, for topping
  • Ranch dressing for serving, if desired

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 450 F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or use a silpat.
  • Add the fries and arrange them into one layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the fries with half of the Cajun seasoning and flip. Return to the oven and bake another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown with crispy edges.
  • Sprinkle tops of fries with the cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, and the bacon. Return to the oven and bake another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Sprinkle with green onion and serve with Ranch dressing.

Notes

Drizzle with the dressing right before serving!

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 516mg | Potassium: 387mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 735IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 165mg | 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)

Arkansas Slaw

My wife and I are always on the lookout for a great, easy recipe for a dish she can take with her to work for her lunches. This Arkansas slaw has quickly become a favorite. It’s one she makes often and never tires of, and that’s a major plus.

On the surface, this Arkansas slaw is pretty much your standard slaw. But, it’s the addition of apple and celery that really make it different. Super crunchy, with a great dressing, it holds up for days, making it perfect for those workweek lunches, a picnic, or a family get-together.

Arkansas Slaw

Make Your Own Slaw Mix. Or Don’t.

I use pre-packaged slaw mix almost every time I make a slaw at home. Yeah, I could grab some cabbage, some carrots and whatever else and chop it myself, but those little bags are usually cheap, priced nicely, and always look good in the grocery case.

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)

I lived in Arkansas for a number of years and for the life of me I don’t know what makes this ‘Arkansas Slaw’. Maybe it’s just called that because it’s amazing… like Arkansas! There! I figured it out!

Also try my BBQ Shack slaw.

Arkansas Slaw
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Arkansas Slaw

On the surface, this Arkansas slaw is pretty much your standard slaw. But, it's the addition of apple and celery that really make it different.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 188kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dressing

For the slaw

  • 1 12 ounce coleslaw
  • 1 small sweet onion sliced thin or chopped
  • 1 red delicious apple peeled, cored, diced
  • 2 ribs celery chopped

Instructions

  • Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Add the slaw ingredients and stir gently to combine.

Notes

You can substitute light mayonnaise, but you’ll have a thinner dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 522mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 22mg | 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)

Garlic Red Potatoes

Who doesn’t love perfectly roasted red potatoes? A little garlic, a little citrus, a little cheese and a little time and you’ve got the perfect side dish. A light crunchy outside, creamy buttery inside. I used red potatoes in my garlic red potato recipe, but you could use any potato you want. Fingerlings are great made this way too. You get lightly crunchy outsides. And fluffy, tender insides. The perfect potatoes!

Garlic Red Potatoes

Garlic. Everywhere.

The addition of lemon really lightens these garlic red potatoes. I wouldn’t leave it out. If you want a bit of a kick, add a few good pinches of dried red pepper flake. To ensure your potatoes come out perfectly, select potatoes that are all approximately the same sizes when quartered. If you use smaller potatoes, such as fingerlings or baby potatoes, you can keep them whole if you wish.

I also make these potatoes on my grill. I use a grill basket to make cooking them easier. It also makes for easy cleanup.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Also try my Creole roasted potatoes.

Garlic Red Potatoes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Garlic Red Potatoes

Who doesn’t love perfectly roasted red potatoes? A little garlic, a little citrus, a little cheese and a little time and you’ve got the perfect side dish. A light crunchy outside, creamy buttery inside.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic, potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 122kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds red potatoes quartered
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place potatoes in an 8" x 8" inch baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Add potatoes to the dish.
  • In a small bowl combine melted butter, garlic, salt and lemon juice.
  • Drizzle over the potatoes and stir to coat.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops of the potatoes.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.

Notes

I like to add a little more garlic.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 439mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 43mg | 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)

Beer Battered Shrimp and Fries

“I’ll have the beer battered shrimp and fries and… a side salad.” No. No one has ever said that. This isn’t a salad-on-the-side kind of dish. It’s seriously battered, deep-fried decadence, from start to finish. The shrimp are absolutely delicious. I could eat well…. ok, more than a few of them. And the fries? Insane. I opted to double-dip them. They ended up just amazing. Yeah, they’re definitely battered and then some. But they’re sooooo good and different! And huge! All that batter makes them gigantic I tell ya!

If the double-battered monster fries scare you, they’re actually just as fantastic (or pretty much) single dipped.

Beer Battered Shrimp and Fries

So Crazy Good And Addicting

I used my little Fry Daddy when I made these beer battered shrimp and fries. I’m not sure I can recommend doing that. I mean, sure, they came out fantastic, but you can’t really fry a bunch of either the shrimp or the fries at once, so it’ll take you a while to make a mess of them. The battered shrimp and fries like to stick together, so you can’t crowd them. If you can, I’d recommend using a larger fryer or a Dutch oven.

If I’m cooking for a crowd I use my big fryer. But if it’s just the two of us I’ll use my Fry Daddy instead.

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.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Also try my blackened fried shrimp.

Beer Battered Shrimp and Fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Beer Battered Shrimp and Fries

“I’ll have the beer battered shrimp and fries and… a side salad.” No. No one has ever said that. This isn’t a salad-on-the-side kind of dish. It’s seriously battered, deep-fried decadence, from start to finish.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, fries, shrimp
Prep Time 6 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 698kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the shrimp batter

For the fries

Instructions

For the shrimp (note the fries need to soak, so start them well before you plan on eating)

  • Place the shrimp in a bowl and lightly dust with flour. Stir gently to coat. You just want a light coating, so don't use too much flour.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper and the beer. You want the batter to be slightly thick, like a pancake batter. If it's too thick add a small amount of beer and whisk. Let stand for 15 minutes.
  • Heat oil in your deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350 F . If you have a small deep fryer like I do, I recommend warming your oven on the lowest setting so you can put the shrimp and fries in there to keep warm while you cook all of the batches.
  • Working in batches if needed, dip shrimp in the batter and coat completely. Transfer to the oil and fry for 2 minutes per side. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

For the fries

  • Fill a large bowl with cold water.
  • Cut the potatoes into 1/4" sticks. I did not peel mine, but you can peel yours first if you desire.
  • Transfer the potatoes to the water and soak for at least 4 hours. Ideally, you'll want to drain and add fresh cold water every hour, but if you don't have the time, just soak for 4 hours.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the oil. You want a pancake batter-like consistency. If it's too thick, add a bit more of beer and whisk some more.
  • Heat oil in your deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350 F.
  • Working in batches, dip the fries in the batter and transfer to the hot oil. Fry for 5 minutes or until just golden but not done. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Note: If you're not double frying, you'll want to extend the fry time and cook the fries until golden brown and crispy.
  • Now it's time for the second fry if you're doing it. Again dip the fries in the batter and fry until golden brown and crispy, 3-5 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and season.

Notes

Grab some cocktail sauce and tartar sauce for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 698kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 3808mg | Potassium: 1239mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 971IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 10mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Spicy Texan Onion Rings

I have long had a problem controlling myself around onion rings. I’ve loved them since I was a kid. I’ve tried and tried to keep some sort of decency about myself when eating them. Then along came these spicy Texan onion rings. In no time at all every last bit of self-control I might have had was gone. I seriously do not remember what else we had for dinner the night I made these. Could’ve been filet mignon. Doesn’t matter. The rings were the star.

Spicy Texan Rings

The Boldest Onion Rings Around

I made a chipotle mayonnaise dipping sauce to go with my spicy Texan onion rings. The sauce has a bit of a kick, but it doesn’t have such bold flavors as to drown out the rings. The crunch, the heat and the flavor is amazing. You’ll find yourself making them again and again.

If I’m cooking for a crowd I use my big fryer. But if it’s just the two of us I’ll use my Fry Daddy instead.

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.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Also try my spicy red onion rings.

Spicy Texan Rings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Texan Onion Rings

Along came these spicy Texan onion rings and every last bit of self-control I might have had was gone in an instant. I seriously do not remember what else we had for dinner the night I made these. Could’ve been filet mignon. Doesn’t matter. The rings were the star.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword crispy, deep-fried, onion
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 947kcal
Author Homesick Texan

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

  • Slice onions into 1/4" rings.
  • Place in a large bowl or pie pan and add buttermilk and hot sauce if using.
  • Marinate for 15 minutes, turning the rings every 5 minutes to make sure they all get some time in the buttermilk.
  • Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, chipotle chile powder, oregano and cumin and place into a pie pan.
  • Heat oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Working in batches, remove rings from the buttermilk.
  • Shake off the excess and then coat well in the flour mixture.
  • Return the rings to the buttermilk and turn to coat.
  • Shake off the excess and again coat in the flour mixture.
  • Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, turning once.
  • Remove to a wire rack to cool slightly and drain before serving with the dripping sauce.

For the dipping sauce

  • Combine all ingredients. Chill until ready to use.

Notes

The dipping sauce is great for French fries and chicken nuggets, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 947kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1454mg | Potassium: 495mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 514IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Mix

Yes, yes I do like freshly grated Parmesan on my copycat of the Olive Garden salad mix. I don’t hide it. I’m not ashamed of it. Keep it coming, keep grating and don’t expect me to say ‘stop’ any time soon! Now, I love the rest of the salad too. The crunchy crisp greens. Tomatoes. Croutons. Red onions. And my two favorites: large black olives and pepperoncini. All lightly dressed in Olive Garden’s signature Italian dressing!

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Mix

A Great Salad In No Time

This is the easiest way I know to make a fantastic salad in no time. We actually had this as a main dish for dinner. I roasted a few chicken breasts, sliced them, and served them on top of the salad. It made for a great, healthy dinner! Whether served as a side salad or amped up with other toppings, the base recipe for this copycat Olive Garden salad mix is a winner!

When it comes times for dressing, I like to put mine in these little sauce dipping cups. They’re great for not only salad dressing, but also for holding dipping sauces for treats like nuggets, tenders, veggies and my favorite, chicken wings!

(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of - 1.5oz: 12 of - 2.5oz)
(24 Pack, 2 Sizes) Small Sauce Cups, Stainless Steel Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, Commercial Grade Individual Round Condiment Cups (12 of – 1.5oz: 12 of – 2.5oz)

Also try my copycat of the Santa Fe chicken salad from Max and Erma’s.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Mix
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Mix

Whether served as a side salad or amped up with other toppings, the base recipe for this copycat Olive Garden salad mix is a winner!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 34kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from CopyKat

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place your salad bowls, plates or whatever you plan on using for serving into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving time.
  • Open salad package and empty the contents into a large bowl.
  • Add the onion, olives, pepperoncini, croutons, tomato slices and croutons.
  • Drizzle with some dressing (don't flood it) and then toss gently to coat everything in the dressing.
  • Serve with freshly grated cheese over the top.

Notes

Best served fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 793IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Well, I’m done. Done trying out new recipes for Brussels sprouts. Done chasing the perfect way to cook them. Sure, I’ve got several really great recipes, but I never dream about them at night. Nothing that I’d wake up at 2am for, reaching for phone and adding the ingredients to my shopping list. Until now. These creamy garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts are just delicious. And really, they should be. They use just about every scrumptious ingredient you can find. Like bacon. And cream. And cheese, garlic… the list goes on. But do not worry, you still taste the Brussels sprouts. They aren’t lost in there.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Great Just Like It Is

The recipe below for creamy garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts is exactly how I made this dish the first time. And we loved it. The second time I made it with slightly less cheese. And it was still fantastic. It’s not like I was on a health kick all of a sudden, I just wanted to try it with less cheese and it was great. You might want less cheese too. Or more.

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

I used my big ole trusty Dutch oven to make this dish. It does a great job browning the sprouts thanks to its nice consistent heat.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Well, I’m done. Done trying out new recipes for Brussels sprouts. Done chasing the perfect way to cook them. Sure, I’ve got several really great recipes, but I never dream about them at night.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Brussels sprouts, creamy garlic, garlic Parmesan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 267kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Cafe Delites

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts rinsed, stems cut off, any loose leaves removed
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ⅓ cup mozzarella shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a large skillet (a Dutch oven works great), fry the bacon over medium-high heat until just crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the oil left in the skillet.
  • Add the butter (careful, or it'll splatter) and melt.
  • Add the Brussels sprouts and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Cook until the sprouts brown slightly along the edges, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the garlic and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring, for 1 minutes.
  • Add the cream and stir. Simmer, stirring for 3-4 minutes.
  • Make a slurry by stirring together the cornstarch and batter. Slowly stir it into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring, until it's the desired thickness.
  • Crumble the bacon into the skillet.
  • Spray a 9" x 9" pan with nonstick spray. Pour in the Brussels sprouts and spread out evenly.
  • Top with the cheeses.
  • Bake 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

These are also great made with pepper jack cheese for a nice spicy kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 489mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1655IU | Vitamin C: 97mg | Calcium: 141mg | 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)

The Works Baked Potato

Mmmmmm. Simple, but oh so good! The Works 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 instead of saving up my cravings for the next time I go to Fayetteville.

The Works Baked Potato

The Perfect Dinner. Really.

I have no problem admitting that for me, The Works baked potato makes the perfect main dish. Not a side, nope. Although you could certainly do that. But you grab a big enough baker and load it up, you’ve got a great dinner. There’s nothing fancy going on here, just a good, fast, easy baked potato.

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

If you’re having trouble getting the insides of your potatoes done the way you want them, try some potato nails. They get the heat deep inside. I always use them when I’m grilling my potatoes to make sure they come out perfectly every single time.

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

Also try my cheesy broccoli baked potatoes.

The Works Baked Potato
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

The Works Baked Potato

I have no problem admitting that for me, The Works baked potato makes the perfect main dish. Not a side, nope. Although you could certainly do that.
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 695kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Split the potatoes along the tops.
  • Divide the remaining ingredients between the potatoes.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 695kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 931mg | Potassium: 1739mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1110IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 342mg | 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)

Martin’s Broccoli Salad

I was looking for a salad for lunches for the work week. Something that would hold up, and wouldn’t get soggy yucky. Something with some crunch. And of course, something yummy. I found that and more in Martin’s broccoli salad. This is great stuff here. It’s perfect for packing for lunch, a picnic, and even served as a side dish with dinner.

Martin's Broccoli Salad

Get Cheesy With It

I’ve made Martin’s broccoli salad a number of times now. I generally follow the recipe to a ‘T’. But I have been known to use different cheese (I love it with pepperjack). Or different nuts (roasted walnuts are fantastic). I thought about making it with cauliflower instead of broccoli. I think I’ll try that next! No matter what, you can’t go wrong with this recipe, even if you make it your own by changing it up a bit!

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)

The original recipe did call for shredded cheese. I prefer cubed cheese. I think it holds up better to the other chopped ingredients and it doesn’t ‘hog’ all of the dressing.

Also try my tangy broccoli salad.

Martin's Broccoli Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Martin’s Broccoli Salad

This is great stuff here. It’s perfect for packing for lunch, a picnic, and even served as a side dish with dinner.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 281kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Martin’s Bar-B-Que

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dressing

For the salad

  • 1 pound broccoli chopped (I used crowns)
  • ¾ cup cheddar cubed (you can use shredded)
  • ½ cup pecans roasted, chopped
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries sun-dried
  • ¼ cup green onions chopped
  • 3 slices bacon cooked, chopped

Instructions

  • Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Add in the salad ingredients and stir gently to coat.

Notes

Always stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 412IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 90mg | 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 Asparagus

I am a huge fan of cooking on cedar planks. From sides to main dishes to desserts, I love the flavor and aroma of cedar. I don’t go crazy with the cedar aroma or flavor. I char the planks just enough to add a hint of the wood to whatever I’m cooking. It adds something different to grilled foods. Like these cedar planked asparagus. Easy as can be to make, they come out crisp-tender (or, to your liking) with a great fresh asparagus flavor. And yes, just a hint of cedar sets these apart from just having grilled them.

Cedar Planked Asparagus

Have Them Your Way

You can easily change the flavor of your cedar planked asparagus by changing the seasonings or using infused olive oil instead. I sometimes like to add a good pinch of red pepper flake for a bit of heat. Lemon-infused oil adds a great citrus flavor. A few roasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and well, nuttiness. You can’t mess these up. Just don’t overcook them.

I like to cook with cedar on my Weber grills. They last forever.

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

Also try my cedar planked sweet corn and my cedar planked green beans.

Cedar Planked Asparagus
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cedar Planked Asparagus

Easy as cedar planked asparagus are to make, they come out crisp-tender (or, to your liking) with a great fresh asparagus flavor.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword asparagus, cedar plank
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 40kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound asparagus
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil use flavor-infused oil if you wish
  • 1 fresh lemon thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more for serving
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for serving
  • Parmesan cheese shaved, for topping

Instructions

  • Soak cedar plank in water for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile bend asparagus stem until it breaks. This will remove the fibrous part.
  • Toss the asparagus with lemon slices, oil, pepper and salt.
  • Transfer plank to the grill over medium heat and top with the asparagus. Grill 20-30 minutes or until the asparagus is the desired tenderness.
  • Serve with shaved Parmesan and sprinkled with more salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

You can use this recipe for other vegetables, too!

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 888IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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