Crazy Cajun Nachos

Goodness, me-oh-my. I think these Crazy Cajun Nachos pretty much sealed the fate of ‘normal’ nachos in this house. These nachos are.. well, crazy good. Andouille on nachos is what nachos have needed since they were invented in the 40s by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya. And how cool would it be to immortalized by having a food named after you? Anyone up for a big ole plate of Mike’s? Nope, doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Crazy Cajun Nachos

More Cheese Sauce, More Better.

The cheese sauce on these crazy Cajun nachos is simple, but really tasty. It’s great on baked potatoes and hot dogs, too. Trust me. And it’s actually good as a dip by itself.

Also try my potato chip nachos.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Chef Jamie Gwen.

Crazy Cajun Nachos
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4 from 1 vote

Crazy Cajun Nachos

Goodness, me-oh-my. I think these Crazy Cajun Nachos pretty much sealed the fate of ‘normal’ nachos in this house. These nachos are.. well, crazy good. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, nachos
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 400kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
  • Add onion and pepper, season with salt and pepper, and cook 10 minutes.
  • Increase heat to medium high and add the sausage. Cook 3-5 minutes or until the mixture turns golden in color.
  • Add the chiles, stir, and reduce heat to low to keep warm.
  • Combine the cheese, cornstarch and Cajun seasoning in a large bowl.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the beer (or broth) and bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low. Working in batches, add some of the cheese and whisk until melted.
  • Spread chips out onto a large platter.
  • Top with the cheese sauce, then the sausage mixture.
  • Garnish with tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream.

Notes

You may want to dice the sausage instead. 

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 823mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1357IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

This Cajun dip and salad dressing goes great over a salad. It is also fantastic as a dip for everything from veggies to onion rings, to chicken nuggets. Adjust the Cajun seasoning, to taste. I’d use a bit less Cajun seasoning when making a salad dressing and a bit more when making a dip. The end result will taste better if you use a homemade Cajun seasoning mix or a store-bought one that has less salt.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

The Perfect Dressing For A Wedge Salad

We served the dressing over a simple wedge salad. We love the crispy freshness of iceberg lettuce.

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

Also try my spicy creamy coconut salad dressing.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

This Cajun dip and salad dressing goes great over a salad, and it is also fantastic as a dip for everything from veggies to onion rings, to chicken nuggets. 
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, dip, homemade salad dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 660kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all of the ingredients.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 660kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 515mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4300IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce bring the heat thanks to Louisiana hot sauce.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce

I prefer to cook my wings in my Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer using the Wingin’ator 3000 modification, then finish them off on the grill to get a nice crunchy skin. But, they’re just as great cooked in the oven or on a grill. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce are a delight no matter what you use to make them.

Try my Cravin’ Cajun, honey lime, and my Cajun Bay wings.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Chicken Wings

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce bring the heat.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, wings
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 367kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the wings

For the dipping sauce (if you like a lot of sauce like we do, you’ll want to double the ingredients)

Instructions

For the wings

For the dipping sauce

  • Place the cream cheese, dressing and hot sauce into medium bowl.
  • Microwave for 1-2 minutes until melted.
  • Whisk mixture until creamy smooth.
  • Fold in the blue cheese.

Notes

The dipping sauce is also great using Ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 672mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Ragin’ Cajun Cheddar Ranch Bugles

Bugles snacks don’t need a whole lot of help to be even more addicting than they already are. I decided to kick them up with some spicy Ragin’ Cajun Fixin’s Cajun seasoning, with a hint of cheddar and Ranch. Crazy good. Make a batch of Ragin’ Cajun cheddar ranch Bugles for the next big party at your house. Folks will know you didn’t just put a bowl of bagged snacks. You went the extra mile! You didn’t just call it in, you nailed it!

Ragin' Cajun Cheddar Ranch Bugles

Witching Hour

Remember to always put a few Bugles on the ends of your fingers and make sounds like a witch. You have to. You can’t help it. Then get back to enjoying these Ragin’ Cajun Cheddar Ranch Bugles. Stop playing around. There are some great snacks to be enjoyed!

Also try my Sriracha Bugles.

Ragin' Cajun Cheddar Ranch Bugles
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4 from 1 vote

Ragin’ Cajun Cheddar Ranch Bugles

Make a batch of Ragin’ Cajun cheddar ranch Bugles for the next big party at your house. Folks will know you didn’t just put a bowl of bagged snacks. You went the extra mile!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheddar, Ranch, snack
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 4kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine seasonings in a small bowl.
  • Place chips into a large plastic bowl.
  • Spray lightly with oil, gently stirring to get good coverage.
  • While stirring the chips, slowly pour in the seasoning mix.
  • Spread chip mixture out evenly onto a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 5 minutes.
  • Let cool completely before serving

Notes

It’s ok to add more seasoning for more cheesiness!

Nutrition

Calories: 4kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

I’m pretty selective when it comes to which food-related shows I’ll watch on TV.  I prefer the ones where the host isn’t over-the-top and the focus is on the food. Ree Drummond’s The Pioneer Woman is just one of the shows that I do watch. I got this recipe for Cajun chicken pasta from the program.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Great Flavor. Nice Kick.

I often end up making versions of the recipes Ree presents, and they have always come out fantastic. Like this dish. This Cajun chicken pasta has a nice spicy kick, just like I like it. I’m going to make this again, but substitute blackened chicken instead. That wouldn’t be too different but just different enough.

Also try my spicy sausage pasta.

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Cajun chicken pasta has a nice spicy kick, just like I like it
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Cajun, chicken, pasta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 1972kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 3 chicken breast boneless, skinless, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • ½ large red onion diced
  • 4 Roma tomatoes seeded, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • Pinch ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain.
  • Place the chicken into a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the Cajun spice mix and toss to coat.
  • Heat a large skillet or pot over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Once hot, add the chicken. Without stirring, let brown slightly on one side. Toss and brown the other side. Remove to a plate or large bowl.
  • Add the remaining butter and oil and heat.
  • Add peppers and onions and cook 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and remaining Cajun spice mixture. Stir and cook another minute.
  • Add tomatoes and cook for 1 more minute. Remove all vegetables to a plate or bowl (you can use the same one you used for the chicken).
  • Add the chicken broth to the pan, and cook over high heat, stirring for 5 minutes to reduce.
  • Reduce heat to medium low and slowly stir in the cream.
  • Add in the cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt, to taste. Don’t be shy with the cayenne, you want the sauce to have some kick!
  • Let cook, simmering, for 5 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Add the chicken and vegetables back to the pan. Stir.
  • Finally, stir in the pasta, mix well, and heat through.
  • Serve garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

A small can of diced tomatoes can be substituted for the fresh tomatoes. Just drain well first.

Nutrition

Calories: 1972kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 258g | Fat: 69g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 773mg | Sodium: 904mg | Potassium: 4612mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2539IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Wow, now this is the way to cook and serve up cauliflower. The flavors are fantastic, and just doesn’t get any easier to make. You can make this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower in any style you want, just substitute your favorite spices. I lean towards southwestern and Cajun flavors, so that’s what I used. A little citrus, a little earthiness, and just a bit of heat. It’s nice to have something that looks a little different!

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Crunchy Outside, Tender Inside

The yogurt coating forms a light crust over this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower. It’s a nice little crunchy contrast to the tender roasted insides. I was pleased with how well this cooked up. I was afraid the cauliflower would be hard. Instead it was perfect.

Also try Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun cauliflower.

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower
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4 from 1 vote

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Wow, now this is the way to cook and serve up cauliflower. The flavors are fantastic, and just doesn’t get any easier to make. You can make this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower in any style you want, just substitute your favorite spices. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower, roasted, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 64kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Trim the green leaves from the cauliflower. Also trim the stem so most of the woody part is gone and there is a nice flat surface on the bottom.
  • Note: Depending on how large your cauliflower is, and how you like yours cooked (we prefer a little bite to ours), you may want to steam or microwave the cauliflower a little first. Make sure you dry the outside of the cauliflower afterwards so that the yogurt mixture will adhere.
  • Spray a small baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
  • Dip the head of cauliflower into the bowl and swish it around to get it fully coated. Transfer to the baking sheet stem-side down.
  • Roast for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and starting to get tender. I inserted a long toothpick into the cauliflower to make sure it was cooked like I want it (a little al dente). Depending on the size of your cauliflower, it may take more or less time.

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 872IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a huge pile of Cajun mashed potatoes with a lake of gravy in the middle. As a kid I would build a ‘mashed potato dam’. That way I could make sure none of the gravy ran into the other foods on my plate. I was pretty opposed to gravy “contaminating” my peas.

Cajun Mashed Potatoes

You Almost Don’t Need Gravy

 Now that I’m older I’m ok with the gravy getting into other things on my plate. Let that gravy run wild, I say. Especially when that gravy has extra kick. Honestly, these Cajun mashed potatoes don’t need a whole lot of gravy, they can stand on their own just fine.  The combination of andouille, celery, green pepper and onions is fantastic.

Also try my roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Cajun Mashed Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a huge pile of Cajun mashed potatoes with a lake of gravy in the middle.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, mashed potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 470kcal

Ingredients

For the mashed potatoes

To ‘Cajunize’ the potatoes

Instructions

For the potatoes

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt the butter in the half-and-half over medium-low heat in a small sauce pan.
  • Place potatoes in the bowl of a mixer. Use the paddle attachment on low speed to mash the potatoes. Alternatively, mash the potatoes with a hand masher.
  • Slowly add the butter and half-and-half mixture, sour cream, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until mashed but not smooth.
  • Stir in the vegetable and sausage mix from below.
  • Serve topped with warmed gravy.

To ‘Cajunize’ the potatoes

  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sausage and brown, 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage and all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
  • Add the onion, celery, and green bell pepper and saute until tender, 5 minutes.
  • Add the sausage back to the pan and add the remaining ingredients. Stir.
  • Fold into the mashed potatoes and serve.

Notes

For the richest, creamiest potatoes use full-fat half-and-half and sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 418mg | Potassium: 941mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 863IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Gravy

Looking for a kicked-up gravy for turkey, chicken or mashed potatoes or just about anything? Well, you found it. This Cajun gravy may take a while to make, but it’s worth it. You can’t rush good gravy, a good roux takes time. The end result is creamy, flavorful, and has just a bit of kick.

Cajun Mashed Potatoes

Perfect For Making A Gravy ‘Lake’

I served up some mashed potatoes, made a nice ‘bowl’ in the middle of them, and loaded up on the gravy. Absolutely delicious. This makes a good sized batch of Cajun gravy. You can’t have too much gravy, though. There’s absolutely nothing worse than still having mashed potatoes on your plate but no more gravy.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this gravy and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Heck yeah it’s good on Cajun meatloaf!

Cajun Mashed Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Gravy

Looking for a kicked-up gravy for turkey, chicken or mashed potatoes or just about anything? Well, you found it. This Cajun gravy may take a while to make, but it’s worth it.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, gravy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 7 cups
Calories 103kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the roux

For the gravy

Instructions

  • Make the roux by cooking the oil and 3 tablespoons flour in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Stir constantly until nice and dark brown but not burnt, 10-15 minutes.
  • Whisk in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
  • Keep whisking for 10 minutes or until nice and thick.

Notes

If you use low-sodium broth you might want to add a bit more salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 664mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Andouille Cajun Potatoes

Andouille sausage has such a great, spicy flavor. It’s up there with chorizo as my favorite sausage. A little heat and bold flavor adds a lot to what would’ve been normal (but still good) fried potatoes. These Andouille Cajun potatoes are fantastic. Potatoes need spicy sausage. These are not plain boring potatoes. Not by any stretch.

Andouille Cajun Potatoes

These andouille Cajun potatoes are a great dinner side. And they’re also great for breakfast. Just substitute them for your usual breakfast potatoes.

Also try my Andouille po boy. The more andouille the better, I say!

Andouille Cajun Potatoes
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4 from 1 vote

Andouille Cajun Potatoes

Andouille sausage has such a great, spicy flavor. It’s up there with chorizo as my favorite sausage. A little heat and bold flavor adds a lot to what would’ve been normal (but still good) fried potatoes.
Course Side
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword potatoes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10
Calories 268kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 pound Andouille sausage diced
  • 3 pounds potatoes cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
  • Add the andouille and cook until lightly browned on the edges.
  • Remove andouille to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add potatoes. Reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are just starting to turn tender.
  • Flip the potatoes, increase the heat to medium-high, add the Cajun seasoning and garlic, stir gently, and cook another 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown on the edges.
  • Remove from heat. Add the andouille back to the pan. Add the parsley and toss gently. Cover until ready to serve.

Notes

If you can’t find andouille sausage you can substitute smoked sausage.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 465mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 379IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Creole Remoulade

This spicy Creole remoulade is fantastic on crab cakes, or slather it on a bun for a great po’ boy! There’s some kick from the horseradish and mustard … and hot sauce! This is not some light, laid-back, weak remoulade at all! It packs a lot of flavor. It’s my go-to sauce when I want something ‘lively’.

Spicy Creole Remoulade

Perfect On Darned Near Anything

This spicy Creole remoulade is also great on my crab cakes with shrimp! The creaminess and spiciness works fantastic with crab. And shrimp. Or put it on a hoagie next time you make a big ole cold-cut sandwich or burgers. It’s so much better than adding a plain-old sauce. Just slather it on the insides of the bread or buns!

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.

Also try my red pepper remoulade.

Crab Cakes with Shrimp
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Creole Remoulade

Spicy Creole remoulade.
Course Sauce
Cuisine Creole
Keyword Creole, sauce, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 27kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate for one hour before using.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 641IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.