Tag: italian

Baked Italian Sub Pizza

This baked Italian sub pizza packs on everything I love about a classic Italian sub (er… hoagie). Sandwich meats. Black olives and banana peppers (yum). Cheese. Lots of cheese. Some more cheese. And just a bit of Italian dressing and basil. Quick to make and quick to disappear, these pizzas make for a great fast lunch or dinner. Every bite sure is tasty gooey cheesy!

Baked Italian Sub Pizza

The Best Toppings In Every Bite

To spice this baked Italian sub pizza up, use hot banana peppers, spicy salami and maybe toss a few jalapeno slices on there to boot. Oh, and a good bit of dried red pepper flake ain’t gonna hurt either.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my French bread pizza rustica.

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from My Fridge Food.

Baked Italian Sub Pizza
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Italian Sub Pizza

This baked Italian sub pizza packs on everything I love about a classic Italian sub (er… hoagie). 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword French bread, pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 1092kcal
Author Based on a recipe from My Fridge Food

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Cut the bread in half lengthwise and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the insides of each half of bread with the Italian dressing.
  • Divide the tomato, salami, ham, olives and peppers between the two bread halves.
  • Add cheeses.
  • Sprinkle with crumbled basil and place in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
  • Cut into slices and serve.

Notes

Wrap any leftover pizza in foil and refrigerate. Reheat at 350 F for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 1092kcal | Carbohydrates: 124g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 3085mg | Potassium: 860mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1446IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 462mg | Iron: 9mg

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)

Italian Meatballs

This is our go-to recipe for Italian meatballs. We usually double the ingredients and make a big batch (24 2-ounce meatballs), freezing some for later. They are perfect on sandwiches, over pasta, wrapped in bacon, on pizza, you name it. They’re great fresh but also great to have on-hand frozen for that quick-and-easier lunch or dinner.

Italian Meatballs

These Italian meatballs really need to set up overnight in the fridge to be the right consistency and flavor. We always make 2 ounce balls, but you can make smaller ones if you like. I wouldn’t make them any bigger, though. As much as I do love meatballs, I think there’s a limit. I want them cooked perfectly all the way through. I’ve found that really big meatballs tend to get done on the outside long before the inside.

Meatball Master
Meatball Master

The meatballs can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, on a smoker such as the Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker, or in a Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-less Fryer.

Italian Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Meatballs

This is our go-to Italian meatball recipe. We usually double the ingredients and make a big batch (24 2-ounce meatballs), freezing some for later. They are perfect on sandwiches, over pasta, wrapped in bacon, on pizza, you name it.
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Italian, meatballs
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings 16 balls
Calories 172kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: If you use a high-fat ground beef, such as 80/20, you can use 1 pound of beef and 1 pound pork. The less fat in your beef, the more pork you’ll want to use.
  • Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, using your hands.
  • Shape into meatballs (we usually make 2-ounce balls) and place on a wax paper-lined pan.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

Cooking on the stovetop

Cooking in a smoker

  • Smoke at 225 F for 2-3 hours over a light wood such as apple.

Cooking in an oven

  • Bake at 325 F for 25 minutes.

Cooking on the Char-Broil Big Easy

  • Cook for 25-30 minutes.

Notes

Note: Meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 F.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 132IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 62mg | 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)

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches

I was perusing Plain Chicken, one of my favorite blogs to follow, when I came across Steph’s great recipe for grilled Italian chicken tenders. I thought to myself, “Self? What do you think about making sandwiches from this recipe?” So that’s what I did. And, boy, what great grilled Italian chicken sandwiches they were! The chicken has a great Italian flavor, complimented by the fresh toppings. It’s oh-so-tender. It’s oh-so-juicy. This sandwich was a great change from my usual.

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches

Deliciousness In Every Bite

You won’t be disappointed with these grilled Italian chicken sandwiches. You don’t have to use chicken tenders. Any cut of boneless chicken will do. I’m a big fan of chicken thighs so next time I make these I’ll use thighs instead. Chicken breasts would work great too. I recommend butterflying them first so that they have an even thickness throughout. That’ll help them cook evenly and faster. It also gives the marinade more surface area to flavor. If the butterflied chicken breast is too large for a single sandwich (and it probably will be), just cut into two pieces.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

Also try my grilled Jamaican jerk chicken sandwiches.

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Italian Chicken Sandwiches

You won’t be disappointed with these grilled Italian chicken sandwiches. You don’t have to use chicken tenders. Any cut of boneless chicken will do. I’m a big fan of chicken thighs so next time I make these I’ll use thighs instead.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, chicken sandwiches, grilled, Italian
Prep Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 446kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Ingredients

For the chicken

For the sandwiches

Instructions

  • Combine all of the marinade ingredients except for the chicken.
  • Place into a large resealable baggie and add the chicken.
  • Close and shake to cover.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken and place over direct heat.
  • Sear then flip and sear the other side.
  • Remove to indirect heat and continue cooking until done (internal temperature of 165 F).
  • Remove and let cool slightly.
  • Toast buns if desired.
  • Slather both sides of the buns with the dressing.
  • Add chicken, lettuce, onion and tomato and serve.

Notes

The chicken is also great sliced thin and served over lettuce as a salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1143mg | Potassium: 923mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2711IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 13mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Homemade Italian Sausage

I have been making a lot of pizzas on the grill this year. It took a long time of testing, trying, and testing some more. Now, I’m very happy with our homemade dough and homemade sauce. And now I can say I’m also happy with our homemade Italian sausage. It’s very easy to make but still packs a nice spicy flavor. It’s perfect for pizzas, calzones, or hoagies.

Homemade Italian Sausage

Great Sausage For Pizzas

Nothing beats a pizza hot off a charcoal- or wood-fired grill, specially if it’s loaded with homemade Italian sausage. I use a Kettle Pizza adapter on my 22″ Weber charcoal grill. It’s great any time I want to recreate that awesome classic pizza flavor.

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

Also try my homemade beef summer sausage.

Homemade Italian Sausage
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Italian Sausage

I’m very happy with our homemade Italian sausage. It’s very easy to make but still packs a nice spicy flavor. It’s perfect for pizzas, calzones, or hoagies.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade, Italian, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Servings 3 pounds
Calories 1231kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the pork in a large bowl.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients.
  • Mix well. I found using my hands to be the best way. Just make sure you get all of the spices distributed evenly throughout the pork.
  • Let pork refrigerate for 12 hours before using to distribute the flavors.

Notes

I froze the sausage in 1/2 to 1 pound packages for use later on pizzas or in pasta sauces.

Nutrition

Calories: 1231kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 78g | Fat: 97g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 327mg | Sodium: 2612mg | Potassium: 1490mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 571IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Italian Meat Sauce

This is my go-to meat sauce for all things Italian. I use it (with some variations) in lasagna, on pasta, in calzones, on buns for sandwiches… you name it. It uses the simplest of ingredients, goes together easily, and makes the house smell wonderful.

Lasagna

The All-Purpose Mix

As you can tell, I use this for a whole lot of things. All great. This recipe makes a pretty big batch of Italian meat sauce. Since it has so many uses you won’t have any problems using it up. Just follow the recipe section below for adding in the ingredients for each way you can use this sauce. You want a thicker sauce for some dishes, and a thinner sauce with vegetables for others. It’s easy, though, to modify it for darned near anything!

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black
Lasagna
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Meat Sauce

This is my go-to meat sauce for all things Italian. I use it (with some variations) in lasagna, on pasta, in calzones, on buns for sandwiches… you name it. It uses the simplest of ingredients, goes together easy, and makes the house smell wonderful.
Course Sauce
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Italian, sauce, spaghetti
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 315kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the meat

  • 2 pounds ground meat for lasagna I use 1 pound Italian sausage and 1 pound ground beef, but for other uses I use 2 pounds Italian sausage
  • 1 large white onion diced
  • 2-4 cloves garlic minced

For calzones, pasta and sandwiches, add:

  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced

For the sauce (use half the amounts below if using for lasagna)

Instructions

  • Crumble the meat(s) into a large pot or Dutch oven and brown over medium high heat. Drain fat if desired.
  • Add the onion and cook until softened. If making the sauce for something other than lasagna, also add in the peppers and mushrooms.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add in all of the sauce ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, 1-2 hours.
  • Continue cooking with lid off for another hour, adding a bit more water if the sauce is too thick.

Notes

This sauce can be frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 494mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 531IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Italian Ranch BBQ Chicken 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 made some fantastic flashback old school BBQ chicken on my Char-Broil Big Easy the other day. It put me in the mood for more BBQ chicken, so I up and made this fantastic Italian Ranch BBQ chicken. It’s like my old school BBQ chicken kicked up big time. You still get that great BBQ sauce flavor, but as a bonus, you get ultra-tender juicy chicken that has marinated in Italian and Ranch dressings. My goodness, it was good!

Italian Ranch BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Apply The Sauce At The End

The original recipe for Italian Ranch BBQ chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy called for marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce and the dressings. I was using a BBQ sauce made with molasses. I knew that if it spent a long time over high heat it would start to burn. So, I marinated the chicken overnight in the dressings and then placed it into the Big Easy until almost done. That’s when I brushed the chicken with the BBQ sauce. And it was good.

To make these Italian ranch BBQ chicken 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

Also try my southwest chicken on the Big Easy.

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

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

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

Italian Ranch BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Ranch BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Welcome to kicked-up old school BBQ chicken. You get that great BBQ sauce flavor, but as a bonus, you get ultra-tender juicy chicken that has marinated in Italian and Ranch dressings. My goodness, it was good!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ, Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken, Italian, Ranch
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 673kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Equipment

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

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken into resealable container or baggie.
  • Whisk together the Italian dressing, Ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce.
  • Add the marinade to the container.
  • Seal and shake gently to coat.
  • Let marinate overnight.
  • Fire up your Char-Broil Big Easy.
  • Shake off any excess marinade and add the chicken to the Big Easy basket.
  • Cook until chicken is done or just shy of done, 10-15 minutes per pound.
  • Brush remaining BBQ sauce onto chicken and if desired, return to the Big Easy for 5 minutes to ‘set’ the sauce.

Notes

You’ll need a Big Easy Bunk Bed basket to be able to double this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 159mg | Sodium: 1743mg | Potassium: 1026mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 221IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Italian BBQ Chicken

I knew exactly what I was going to do with this slow cooker Italian BBQ chicken as soon as I saw the recipe. Po Boys. I knew that the tender chicken, cooked in BBQ sauce and Italian dressing, would be perfect on French bread and I was right. The chicken has just a hint of sweetness, a bit of a tanginess, and a bit of heat. Perfect for a sandwich of any kind. I loved the contrast of the melt-in-your-mouth chicken and the crunch of onion and iceberg lettuce. Yum!

I didn’t mess around making a sandwich. I loaded up on the chicken. Thick onion slices (soaked in water for 30 minutes to cut a little bit of that onion heat). Ripe tomato. Plenty of shredded lettuce. Heck yeah, it was messy. And messy is good.

Slow Cooker Italian BBQ Chicken

Open To Changes

You can really change up the taste of this slow cooker Italian BBQ chicken by using a more herby or zesty dressing or by adding different BBQ sauces. Smoky, hot, mesquite, etc BBQ sauces would all really make for different tastes. That way you can make this chicken again and again without getting bored with it.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker creamy bacon chicken.

Slow Cooker Italian BBQ Chicken
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Italian BBQ Chicken

I knew exactly what I was going to do with this slow cooker Italian BBQ chicken as soon as I saw the recipe. Po Boys. I knew that the tender chicken, cooked in BBQ sauce and Italian dressing, would be perfect on French bread. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 149kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Center Cut Cook

Equipment

slow cooker
slow cooker

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour over the chicken.
  • Cook on low for 7 hours if slicing, or 8 hours if shredding.

Notes

Great on sandwiches. Leftovers freeze well, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 247mg | Potassium: 332mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

Wow, what great hot dogs these New Jersey Italian hot dogs are. Fried potatoes and sausages and onions… well, you already know they’ll be good before even trying them. Italian seasoning adds great savory flavor. And last, a fantastic kick from Creole mustard (my favorite). I’m not sure just how Italian Creole mustard is but it works!

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

Nothing Fancy, Just Delicious!

I used Ball Park’s new Park’s Finest Signature Seasoned beef franks and found them to have a great complementary flavor. They have a really nice seasoning, very much like a smoked sausage. I think good bratwurst would also be great for these New Jersey Italian hot dogs. But regular good ole beef hot dogs ain’t so bad either!

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also make my oven-baked hot dogs.

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs
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5 from 1 vote

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

Wow, what great hot dogs these New Jersey Italian hot dogs are. Fried potatoes and sausages and onions… well, you already know they’ll be good before even trying them.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 414kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Simply Recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2″ squares
  • 1 medium green bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 medium sweet onion sliced into strips
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns you'll need buns that are larger than the usual hot dog bun. Bratwurst buns works great too!
  • Creole mustard or whole grain

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add potatoes. Spread them out evenly and let cook 2-3 minutes. Do not stir, you want them to brown.
  • Flip the potatoes and again cook 2-3 minutes, undisturbed. Remove.
  • Add the pepper and onion strips to the skillet.
  • Season with salt and pepper and cook, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes without stirring.
  • Add the potatoes back to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning.
  • Stir, reduce heat to medium, cover and let cook 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are softened.
  • Meanwhile, grill or cook your hot dogs and toast your buns, if desired.
  • Slather the buns with the mustard.
  • Add the dogs and top with the potato mixture.

Notes

Cut a long narrow slit in your dogs before cooking to give the toppings a great place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 599mg | Potassium: 1044mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Deep Fried Parmesan Zucchini

It’s not that I don’t like ‘normal’ zucchini. I mean, yeah, it’s pretty ok in a stir-fry. But, deep fried Parmesan zucchini? Now THAT’S yummy zucchini! You can’t beat the flavor and the crunch. And of course, you gotta dip them in Ranch dressing. You’re already committed at this point. Sure, it’s not quite as healthy as stir-fried. Or raw on a salad. But, sometimes, you gotta let go and this… well, what a way to go!

Deep Fried Parmesan Zucchini

Kick’Em Up

You can substitute Italian bread crumbs for the unseasoned bread crumbs and Italian seasoning if you want. I preferred to be able to amp up the Italian seasoning in my deep fried Parmesan zucchini, though. And make sure you drain the ‘coins’ well after frying. They’ll stay crisper that way.

If it’s just the two of us, I fire up my Fry Daddy fryer when I make these yummy appetizer.

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 deep-fried ravioli.

Deep Fried Parmesan Zucchini
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5 from 1 vote

Deep Fried Parmesan Zucchini

You can substitute Italian bread crumbs for the unseasoned bread crumbs and Italian seasoning if you want.
Course Side Dish or Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, vegetable
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 188kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil to 350 F in a Dutch oven or deep fryer. You can also use a skillet.
  • Rinse the zucchini and pat completely dry. Slice into 1/4" pieces.
  • Place flour into a pie plate or shallow bowl.
  • In another pie plate or shallow bowl add the milk. Whisk the eggs into the milk.
  • In a third pie plate or shallow bowl combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
  • Coat the zucchini sliced in the flour. Make sure you get the flour on all sides.
  • Next, dip the zucchini in the milk mixture, coating completely.
  • Lastly, roll the zucchini in the bread crumb mixture.
  • Working in batches if necessary, fry the zucchini slices for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, turning once or twice.
  • Transfer to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Notes

Serve immediately with Ranch dressing if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 244mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 337IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 2mg

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

Italian Grinders

My goodness, these Italian grinders were good. They’re so easy to make. The key is the tasty homemade marinara sauce. And fresh mozzarella. And crunchy bread. Ok, it’s all good. The same approach works great substituting meatballs for the ground meats, but we really liked them the way they were. After browning the meats I pulsed them a few times in a food processor to get a great fine texture. Not overly processed. Don’t go crazy on it.

Italian Grinders

These Italian grinders reminded me a bit of the Sloppy Joes I remember from my childhood, only done Italian style, and well, quite a bit tastier. I wouldn’t be afraid to add a few pepperoncinis to them either. Or some giardiniera.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make the meat mixture. 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!

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

Also check out my Italian hoagies.

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Italian Grinders

My goodness, these Italian grinders were good. They’re so easy to make. The key is the tasty homemade marinara sauce. And fresh mozzarella. And crunchy bread.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1216kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Saveur

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain.
  • Season with salt and pepper as desired. (I like to pulse the meats in a food processor a few times to get a nice consistent texture with no clumps)
  • Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan.
  • Spoon about 1 cup of meat into each roll.
  • Top meat with about 1/3 cup of marinara sauce.
  • Top sandwiches with a few slices of cheese.
  • Transfer sandwiches to sheet pans and place under the broiler until cheese is melted and rolls start to brown.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 1216kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 67g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 256mg | Sodium: 2390mg | Potassium: 983mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1164IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 632mg | Iron: 16mg

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)

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