Tag: Big Easy Side

Roasted Cauliflower Version 2.0 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.

Roasted cauliflower is something we make often on the Char-Broil Big Easy. It takes absolutely no time at all to prepare and always comes out perfect. In the past I’ve roasted entire heads of cauliflower in the Big Easy. The only trick to using a whole head of cauliflower is that you have to make sure you buy one that’ll fit into the Big Easy basket.

Roasted Cauliflower Version 2.0 on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This time (aka Version 2.0) I thought I’d try using florets instead. And for a little color and ‘ahhhhh’ factor, I used a combination of purple and orange cauliflower. Topped with what has become our house-favorite seasoning, Casa Seasoning from AlbuKirky Seasonings, this cauliflower was tender and tasty. Perfect.

To keep the roasted cauliflower florets from failing thru the Char-Broil Big Easy baskets I lined them foil. With the addition of two bunk bed baskets you could easily cook a good-sized head of cauliflower. You can also use this same recipe for making broccoli.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Also try my Bang Bang cauliflower, also made on the Big Easy. Not in to cauliflower? Roasted carrots are amazing!

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

Roasted Cauliflower Version 2.0 on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Cauliflower Version 2.0 on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The only trick to using a whole head of cauliflower is that you have to make sure you buy one that’ll fit into the Big Easy basket.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, cauliflower, Char-Broil
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 36kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: I prefer to remove the florets from the cauliflower and then steam them. You can also boil them, but steaming them isn’t as violent so they tend to stay together. Also, if you are using purple or orange cauliflower boiling tends to remove some of the color.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Lay a single layer of foil inside the basket and/or bunk bed baskets.
  • Add the cauliflower in a single layer. Try to not over-crowd too much. A little is ok, but stacking them won’t result in even roasting.
  • Lower the basket into the cooker and cook for 10-20 minutes depending on how done you want your cauliflower.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before seasoning with your favorite seasoning and serving.

Notes

Too cook a medium head of cauliflower all at once I used two bunk bed baskets, both lined with foil. You could get by with a single bunk bed basket and then also line the bottom of the Big Easy basket with foil.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks

Beer-Can Cabbage 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.

I’m a big fan of making beer-can chicken. I end up with tender, moist flavor-packed chicken every time. That’s why I was so intrigued with the idea of making beer-can cabbage on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just like with chicken, the cabbage came out tender and tasty. Absolutely perfect, chopped and mounded on top of a pulled pork sandwich.

Beer-Can Cabbage on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I used a head of purple cabbage to make my beer-can cabbage on the Char-Broil Big Easy. You want to make sure you get one that is big enough to hold a beer can. The can doesn’t have to fit entirely inside of the cabbage, but you want it to go at least three inches. The hardest part of making beer-can cabbage is definitely the process of hollowing out the center of the cabbage. You don’t want to hollow out too much, so be careful.

Of course, the stronger the beer, the stronger the beer flavor will be in the cooked cabbage. I used a very light American beer. Since I was using the cabbage on a pulled pork sandwich I didn’t want something overwhelming.

Beer-Can Cabbage on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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4 from 1 vote

Beer-Can Cabbage on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Absolutely perfect, chopped and mounded on top of a pulled pork sandwich.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, cabbage, Char-Broil
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 1 cabbage
Calories 380kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Cut out the core of the cabbage.
  • Open beer. Drink half and then place the can in the holder, if using.
  • Using a spoon, carve out enough of the center of the cabbage so that the beer can (and holder) fit at least halfway inside the cabbage
  • Insert the beer can.
  • Rub the outside of the cabbage with a little bit of oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer to the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook for 1 hour or until tender. (Test by carefully inserting a skewer).
  • Carefully remove the basket from the Big Easy. You don’t want to spill the hot beer on yourself.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes before removing the cabbage to chop or slice as desired.

Notes

You’ll want to use a beer can chicken holder from Char-Broil to help keep the cabbage from falling over.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 1640mg | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 890IU | Vitamin C: 332mg | Calcium: 377mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks

Hash Brown Patties 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.

I used to grill (or bake) my frozen hash brown patties. But now I make hash brown patties on the Char-Broil Big Easy, I can make them even easier than before. Just toss a few little cakes-of-potato-goodness into the cooker and in no time you have crispy golden brown hash browns. My wife likes hers plain so she can top them with ketchup. Me, I like a little cheddar and chopped chives.

Hash Brown Patties on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Bacon. Sour cream. Butter. Green onions. BBQ sauce. Roasted red bell peppers. You name it, anything goes great on hash brown patties cooked hot and quick on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

To make these hash browns on the Char-Broil Big Easy I used a bunk bed basket. It lets me double or even triple the amount of cooking space I have.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

You can also cook potato skins and French fries on the 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!

Hash Brown Patties on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Hash Brown Patties on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Just toss a few little cakes-of-potato-goodness into the cooker and in no time you have crispy golden brown hash browns.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, hashbrowns
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 hash brown patties frozen
  • Your favorite toppings ketchup, shredded cheddar, chopped chives, chopped cooked bacon, etc

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Place the frozen hash brown patties into the Big Easy basket. Use a bunk bed basket to cook even more patties on the Big Easy at once.
  • Lower the basket into the Big Easy and cook for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. Note that some patties may get done sooner than others, so start checking them after 20 minutes.
  • Enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks

Roasted Cauliflower 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.

As much as I use my Big Easy to cook up fantastic chicken, I also use it just as much for side dishes. This roasted cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out absolutely delicious. Tender and flavor-packed, with just a hint of smokiness from the bacon. And as with anything I cook on my Big Easy, it was easy to make.

Roasted Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Make sure when you pick out the head for your roasted cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Don’t get a really big one or it won’t fit into the cooker. Shoot for one that is about 8″ wide. Or if you prefer, try my recipe for roasted cauliflower florets.

For a little kick don’t be afraid to add a few pinches of dried red pepper flake to the chicken broth as you cook the cauliflower. It won’t be overwhelmingly hot, but it’ll give you a slight hint of heat.

You can roast cauliflower in the standard basket that comes with the Big Easy or a bunk bed basket (lined with foil to keep the liquid in), or the Big Easy cooking rack.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Not in to cauliflower? Roasted carrots are amazing!

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

Roasted Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Roasted Cauliflower on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This roasted cauliflower came out absolutely delicious. Tender and flavor-packed, with just a hint of smokiness from the bacon. And as with anything I cook on my Big Easy, it was easy to make.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, cauliflower, Char-Broil
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 188kcal
Author Based on recipe from Eat Well 101

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the cauliflower in a pot and add the chicken stock.
  • Add the thyme and bay leaves.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 12 minutes.
  • Drain but reserve some of the cooking liquid.
  • Fire up your big easy.
  • Place the cauliflower into a pie pan and place into the cooking rack.
  • Pour 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid over the cauliflower.
  • Pour half of the butter over the cauliflower.
  • Sprinkle with more thyme and a few pinches of salt and pepper.
  • Place rack into the Big Easy and cook 10-15 minutes or until the cauliflower starts to turn golden in color.
  • Remove from cooker and drizzle with remaining butter.
  • Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with bacon and more thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 505mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks

Herb Roasted Mushrooms 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.

The cooking rack for the Char-Broil Big Easy (sadly, no longer available!) is a definite must-have accessory for the cooker. I use it to cook everything from French fries to nachos. And yep, even herb roasted mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. I often remove the racks themselves and add 9″ pie pans (you can leave in the racks and use 8″ or smaller pie pans). Then I’m off and running.

Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Everything comes out great. And since I have more than one Big Easy I can cook a main dish in one (like fantastic roasted chicken) and a side or two in the other! Score!

I used smaller baby portabella mushrooms but you can use any mushrooms you wish, even mixing up types when you make herb roasted mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just keep in mind that larger mushrooms or mushrooms with thicker caps might take a bit longer to cook. I like to cook my mushrooms cap-side down. The juices stay inside the cap, keeping the mushrooms nice and moist.

Also try my pesto stuffed mushrooms, made on the 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!

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Herb Roasted Mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I used smaller baby portabella mushrooms but you can use any mushrooms you wish, even mixing up types when you make herb roasted mushrooms on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just keep in mind that larger mushrooms or mushrooms with thicker caps might take a bit longer to cook.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, mushroom
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 30kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • In a large bowl, toss mushrooms with the remaining ingredients.
  • Transfer mushrooms to the Big Easy. Make sure the stem-side is pointing upwards.
  • Place into the Big Easy and cook 20 minutes or until just tender.

Notes

The easiest way to cook these mushrooms is to use a Big Easy Cooking Rack with 9″ pie pans. If you don’t have either, you can use the Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket.
.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks

Italian Herb Fries 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.

We love French fries. But we don’t like heating up the house on a hot day just to enjoy some fries. That’s where my Char-Broil Big Easy comes in. I can cook (reheat, technically) frozen fries in it just like I would indoors. I like to kick-up my fries, and these Italian herb fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy are definitely kicked-up. A little butter and a few tasty herbs and it’s time to devour some mighty tasty fries!

Italian Ranch BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

To make these Italian herb fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy I used a bunk bed basket. It lets me double or even triple the amount of cooking space I have. I originally used a similar basket that Char-Broil has since discontinued. The bunk bed is at least as good as it was if not better!

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

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

Italian Herb Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Italian Herb Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy

 I like to kick-up my fries, and these Italian herb fries are definitely kicked-up. A little butter and a few tasty herbs and it’s time to devour some mighty tasty fries!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, freis
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 8kcal
Author Based on my Italian Herb skillet bread recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Add the fries to the cooking rack, or as I do, place them in 9″ non-stick pie pans. Place into the Big Easy and cook until golden brown, 20-30 minutes. Fries towards the bottom of the rack might get done sooner, so start checking them after 20 minutes.
  • Pour the fries into a large bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Stir in the spices.
  • Pour butter mixture over the fries and toss to coat. Note: It’s completely optional, but you can also return the fries to the Big Easy, after coating them, for about 5 minutes to get a little extra crunch on them and kind of ‘set’ the spices and butter.
  • Serve.

Notes

You’ll need a Big Easy cooking rack or a Bunk Bed basket to cook these fries.

Nutrition

Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks

Roasted Beets on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Now, sure you can roast beets in your oven. Or even on your grill. But if you have a Char-Broil Big Easy, you should use it instead. The Big Easy is one of the best and easiest outdoor cookers you can find. No mess. No fuss. Perfect for everything from chicken to pies to yes, beets. Just brush the beets with a little oil, vinegar and spices and into the cooker. An hour or so later, perfectly roasted beets on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

Roasted Beets on the Char-Broil Big Easy

After the beets cooled I peeled them and sliced them for topping a great side salad. These Roasted Beets on the Char-Broil Big Easy were perfect!

Using beets that are roughly the same size will ensure that they all get done at the same time, a big plus.

To make these beets on the Char-Broil Big Easy I used a bunk bed basket. It lets me double or even triple the amount of cooking space I have.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

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

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.

Roasted Beets on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Roasted Beets on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Now, sure you can roast beets in your oven. Or even on your grill. But if you have a Char-Broil Big Easy, you should use it instead. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword beets, Big Easy, Char-Broil
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 3 beets
Calories 77kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • You can peel your beets before or after cooking. It’s easier to peel them first, but I think they stay moister if you peel them after they cook.
  • Cut the root end off so that the beets stand straight up.
  • Combine remaining ingredients and brush onto the beets.
  • Place beets into the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • Roast for about 60 minutes or until beets are tender but not mushy.
  • Let cool before peeling and slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks
Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks