Jalapeno Bottle Caps with Blue Cheese Dip

We love deep fried mushrooms. And deep fried pickles. It was just a matter of time until we made deep fried jalapeno slices. Oh my are we ever glad we did. These little jalapeno bottle caps with blue cheese dip are crazy good. They are not very hot but they do have a bit of a kick. If you’re leery of heat, fear not. They have great jalapeno flavor and a little crunch from the breading. I served them with a great, cool blue cheese dip.

Jalapeno Bottle Caps with Blue Cheese Dip

Great Breading For Anything

The deep fry mix in this recipe for jalapeno bottle caps with blue cheese dip can be used for anything from mushrooms to pickles to jalapenos to shrimp. Make a big batch of it and keep it on hand in an air-tight container in your pantry. You never know when you’ll get the hankerin’ to fry up some yummy appetizers!

If I’m cooking 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.

Also try my Nashville hot pickles and fried green tomatoes.

Jalapeno Bottle Caps with Blue Cheese Dip
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5 from 1 vote

Jalapeno Bottle Caps with Blue Cheese Dip

We love deep fried mushrooms. And deep fried pickles. It was just a matter of time until we made deep fried jalapeno slices. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, dipping sauce, jalapeno
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 356kcal

Ingredients

For the jalapeno bottle caps

For the deep fry mix

  • 3 cups self-rising flour or combine 3 cups all-purpose flour with 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ cup self-rising white cornmeal or combine 1/2 cup regular cornmeal with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

For the jalapeno bottle caps

  • Heat a few inches of oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 375 F.
  • Add beer to the fry mix and mix until smooth. You might have to add more beer. Don’t make it too thin, you want it to stick to the jalapenos.
  • Add in the jalapenos and cover in the batter.
  • Working in batches if needed, deep fry the jalapenos 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
  • Serve hot with cool blue cheese dip.

For the deep fry mix

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Store unused deep fry mix in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

I find myself watching re-runs of Steven Raichlen’s grilling shows on PBS over and over. It seems that no matter how many times I’ve seen an episode I run across something that I have to add to my to-cook list. His wood-grilled blistered tomato and ricotta bruschetta hit me as something I needed to make and soon. So I did. This recipe proves that it really doesn’t take many ingredients or much time to make a delicious side dish. Some good bread, ricotta and cherry tomatoes and you’re just about done. I almost always have a grill going, and there’s always enough room left for a few tomatoes. This is fantastic summertime dish, but you can make it year-round too!

Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

Tomato ‘Pop’

There’s a wonderful contrast between the crunchy bread, the pop of the tomatoes, and the creaminess of the cheese in this grilled blistered tomato and ricotta bruschetta. Roasting the tomatoes adds such a wonderful flavor. I could’ve added fresh herbs like the original recipe called for, but decided to leave them out. I’m glad that I did.

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making the tomatoes for this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta
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Grilled Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

Roasting the tomatoes adds such a wonderful flavor.
Course Side or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bruschetta, tomato
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 283kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for medium-high direct heat grilling.
  • Spray a grilling basket with non-stick spray. You can also use a cast iron skillet or disposable pan.
  • Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the tomatoes to the basket and place over direct heat.
  • Grill until the tomatoes start to char and the skins pop. Shake or toss the tomatoes and grill the same on the other sides.
  • Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
  • Place the bread slices on the grill and toast slightly on both sides.
  • Divide the cheese between the slices of bread, spreading it out evenly. Don't be shy with it. You might have extra cheese. You might not.
  • Add the tomatoes to the cheese. You can slice them in half first if you want, specially the larger ones.
  • Garnish liberally with parsley or fresh herbs and serve.

Notes

This bread is also excellent when drizzled with some slightly-reduced balsamic vinegar!

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 934IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 241mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Glazed Kielbasa Bites

These lil glazed kielbasa bites are perfect for your next backyard get-together. They’re easy to make, grill up in just minutes, and they feed a small crowd. Every bite has a nice mix of Asian-inspired flavors, perfectly complimenting the grilled sausage. Mix things up by using different kinds of sausages, from kielbasa to smoked sausage to even andouille.

Glazed Kielbasa Bites

Great Party Bites

You can make a whole lot of these without making a big fuss. They’re a great way to fee everyone while you’re off grilling the main dish.

For little kick, substitute Sriracha sauce for the chili sauce. Any good thick sauce will work just great on these glazed kielbasa bites. Thinner sauces will not adhere well enough to stay around long enough to add flavor. Thicker is better.

Also try my mini-chicken and waffles!

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Real Housemoms.

Glazed Kielbasa Bites
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Grilled Glazed Kielbasa Bites

These lil glazed kielbasa bites are perfect for your next backyard get-together. They’re easy to make, grill up in just minutes, and they feed a small crowd. Every bite has a nice mix of Asian-inspired flavors, perfectly complementing the grilled sausage.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, sausage
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 288kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill.
  • Spread out the sausage pieces cut side down and grill until you get grill marks.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the pineapple juice, Teriyaki sauce, chili sauce and honey.
  • Flip and top with a piece of pineapple. Skewer with a toothpick.
  • Brush bites with the glaze and grill until you get grill marks on the bottoms.
  • Glaze one more time and remove from the grill.

Notes

Also great made using andouille sausage!

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 993mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Frozen Yogurt Dots

Sure, I’ve heard of Go-Gurt, but I’ve never had a reason to buy any. Then I came across this idea for frozen yogurt dots that uses Go-Gurt. I had to get some and try it. Just like those ice cream dots you can find at the mall, these little dots are packed with great flavor. They really make eating yogurt fun.

Frozen Yogurt Dots

We don’t have kids. So I have an excuse for not knowing you can also freeze Go-Gurt tubes for great yogurt-flavored popsicles. People should tell those of us without kids these awesome ideas! Heck, I’m lucky I knew about frozen yogurt dots!

Frozen Yogurt Dots on Sheet Pan

Lots And Lots Of Dots!

You can get a good number of dots out of a tube of Go-Gurt. It’s about a half of a full sheet pan’s worth. That’s a good bit for sure.

Frozen Yogurt Dots
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Frozen Yogurt Dots

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
  • Cut just the very corner out of a tube of Go-Gurt. Don’t cut off much, just enough so you can squeeze the yogurt out through the opening.
  • Squeeze small dots of yogurt out onto the parchment paper.
  • Place in the freezer until completely frozen, about 2 hours.
  • Remove dots from parchment paper and enjoy!

Notes

I found that the easiest way to remove the frozen dots from the pan was to use the back of a regular old kitchen knife, scraping it along the paper.

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creole Meatballs

Any time I need some kicked-up meatballs, these Creole meatballs are the ones I make. Sure, I have a more traditional recipe for meatballs too. But these are my go-to meatballs. They have a tremendous spicy flavor. They are not plain old meatballs by any stretch. Tender and tasty, just as you love.

Creole Meatball Sub Sandwich

I make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them for using later.

I love them on a Creole meatball sandwich….. and over pasta with extra sauce

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti

.. or as great appetizers.

Creole Meatball Appetizers

Don’t be shy with the jalapenos, Creole seasoning or the hot sauce. You want your meatballs to have some kick! Creole food does not have a reputation for being bland or boring. These Creole meatballs may not be authentic cuisine, but they keep that dedication to tasty alive for sure!

Make tons of extra. They freeze great and are always ready to make for a quick lunch or dinner.

Creole Meatballs and Spaghetti
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Creole Meatballs

Put some oomph into your meatballs! I usually double this recipe and freeze a few for later.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Creole, meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 354kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine the egg, milk, breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. The mixture will be thick.
  • In a large bowl, combine the meats with the remaining ingredients.
  • Gently mix in the egg mixture, combining well.
  • Form into 2″ balls and place onto baking sheets.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating once.

Notes

These meatballs freeze well for devouring later.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 212mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 969IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp

These little copycats of the Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West shrimp were incredible. The Prairie Dust mix had a great flavor and kick to it. And Peppadew peppers? I could eat them out of the jar. Sure, I “cheated” and used frozen precooked shrimp, but that makes these all the easier to make, perfect for feeding a small crowd in a hurry.

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp

I served these copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West shrimp with just your usual ole Ranch dressing. Really, you can just eat the shrimp like popcorn, one after another, without the dressing. Just pop them into your mouth one after another. Sure, it might not look pretty but they’re so good that it’s hard not to.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Recipe Secrets.

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp
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Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Wild West Shrimp

I served these Wild West shrimp with just your usual ole Ranch dressing, but really, you can just eat the shrimp like popcorn, one after another, without the dressing.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 68kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

Instructions

For the shrimp

  • Bake shrimp per package instructions.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add peppers and saute for 3 minutes.
  • Add shrimp and Prairie Dust mix.
  • Stir and cook until shrimp start to crisp.
  • Remove to a paper-towel lined plate to drain then transfer to a serving dish.
  • Garnish with green onion and serve.

Notes

Serve with Ranch dressing for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

If you follow this blog at all you know that I’m a big fan of putting Kernel Season’s on just about every snack I make. So, when I ran across this idea for making cheddar ranch pork rind puffs, I was all over it. Be careful, these crunchy bites are highly addictive. They’re almost like eating giant Cheetos, but with a little pork rind flavor and crunch. If you need more kick (heat), add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flake to the spice mixture before adding the pork rinds.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

Just What Pork Rinds Needed

I can eat an amazing number of cheddar ranch pork rind puffs. They’re rather addicting. For me, and maybe it’s just me, pork rinds need a little ‘help’ to make them good.

Also try my Cheddar Ranch Fritos. They’re equally as addicting.

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs
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5 from 1 vote

Cheddar Ranch Pork Rind Puffs

When I ran across this idea for making cheddar ranch pork rind puffs, I was all over it. Be careful, these crunchy bites are highly addicting. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheddar, pork rinds, Ranch
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 132kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine cheddar seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and salt in a re-sealable container (or baggie) that is large enough to hold the pork rinds.
  • Add rinds to the seasoning. Seal and gently shake to coat well.
  • Spread the rinds out onto a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.

Notes

For best results, use plain pork rinds.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 435mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

BBQ Pigs in a Blanket

This is a simple twist to the old classic. BBQ pigs in a blanket will have your party guests wondering why anyone ever made them the ‘old way’. Great BBQ flavor, served up with a nice creamy honey mustard dipping sauce.

BBQ Pigs in a Blanket

A Tasty Twist On The Class

For ‘normal’ BBQ pigs in a blanket, I use Weber’s Original BBQ sauce. Any old-school flavored BBQ sauce works just fine. But for kicked up bites I use a spicier sauce. If I’m serving both spicy and non-spicy I’ll put a little table sign by them. That way people will know which is which.

Also try my southwestern pigs in a blanket.

BBQ Pigs in a Blanket
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BBQ Pigs in a Blanket

This is a simple twist to the old classic. BBQ pigs in a blanket will have your party guests wondering why anyone ever made them the ‘old way’. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs, treats
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 199kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place BBQ sauce and syrup into a small saute pan and heat to a slow boil.
  • Add sausages and heat through, about 5 minutes.
  • Unroll crescent rolls and divide into triangles.
  • Cut each triangle into 3 thin, long triangles.
  • Wrap dough around the weenies and pinch the ends closed.
  • Place on am un-greased baking sheet.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes or until browned.
  • Serve with dipping sauce

Notes

I like to dip these in mustard, BBQ sauce or ketchup. 

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 689mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving dinner is the big selection of appetizers. You gotta have something to munch on while you’re waiting on the meal to get ready. These little BBQ hot dog appetizers are very easy, but also very tasty. Sure you can cheat and just toss some dogs with store-bought BBQ sauce. But, you’ll find that this homemade version is oh so much better.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

The Perfect Super Bowl Snack

Of course, you can eat these any time of the year. They’re the perfect kind of treat that can be thrown together quickly when watching the big game.

This same recipe for BBQ hot dog appetizers would also be great with smoke sausages cut into bite-sized pieces.

Also try my BBQ pinwheels.

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers
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4 from 1 vote

BBQ Hot Dog Appetizers

These little BBQ hot dog appetizers are very easy, but also very tasty. Sure you can cheat and just toss some dogs with store-bought BBQ sauce, but you’ll find that this homemade version is oh so much better.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 177kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in medium sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute until it just starts to soften.
  • Add the ketchup, vinegar, water, mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Stir. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  • Taste and add hot sauce if desired.
  • Add the hot dogs and simmer until warm. Serve warm.

Notes

Also try dipping these in mustard!

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Oh yes, I’ve made bacon-wrapped tater tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Several times. And I love them. Lots. But, if you follow this blog, you know I like some kick to my tots. Hence these bacon jalapeno tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Same concept, but with some heat. Not a whole lot, but enough to be noticed. Served with a great creamy cheese sauce that also has a bit of a kick to it.

Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Don’t Fret, They’ll Get Crispy As They Cool

The key to cooking bacon jalapeno tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy is to cook them until they just start to char. They won’t be super crispy yet. That happens after you take them out of the cooker and they cool. The bacon will crisp up as it sits.

Add Heat As Desired

If you don’t want to make this spicy version of bacon-wrapped tater tots, leave out the jalapeno slices and use Monterey Jack cheese in the cheese sauce. You’ll definitely still have a plate of fantastic treats.

Also try my bacon BBQ chicken bombs, also made on the Big Easy. For a super-easy snack, try roasting some peanuts!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Bacon Jalapeno Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The key to cooking bacon-wrapped tater tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy is to cook them until they just start to char. They won’t be super crispy yet. That happens after you take them out of the cooker and they cool. The bacon will crisp up as it sits.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, tater tots
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24 bites
Calories 136kcal

Ingredients

For the cheese sauce

For the wrapped tots

  • 1 pound bacon sliced, cut in half (you may not use all of the bacon)
  • 24 frozen tater tots thawed
  • 3 medium jalapenos stems and seeds removed, then cut into 24 small strips

Instructions

For the cheese sauce

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the salt, pepper and flour and whisk for 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk.
  • Bring mixture to a very low boil. Add the cheese and stir.
  • Reduce the heat and peep warm until ready to use.

For the wrapped tots

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Wrap a strip of jalapeno and a tot with a piece of bacon.
  • Place seam-side down into the Big Easy basket. Do not let the tots touch or the bacon will not cook evenly.
  • After all of the tots are wrapped, lower the basket into your Big Easy and cook for 20 minutes or until the bacon just starts to char.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before serving with the warm cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

You’ll need a Bunk Bed basket for your Big Easy to cook all of these tots at once.

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.