Tag: recipe

Mango-Basil Dipping Sauce

I love using cocktail sauce for dipping boiled or grilled shrimp. When I don’t make my own I grab a bottle or two of cocktail sauce at the store. But there are times when you want something different. A different flavor than cocktail sauce, something fruity. Something without horseradish.

Mango-Basil Dipping Sauce

Bring On The Shrimp

This mango-basil dipping sauce is different. It has a fantastic tropical flavor, making it perfect for shrimp.

You can make other variations of this great mango-basil dipping sauce simply by substituting other fruits for the mango, such as papaya or pineapple. If you want a little kick to your sauce, add a bit of hot sauce (preferably something fruity, like a habanero sauce) or even some red pepper flakes. You can use different flavored hot sauces too, to come up with totally new versions of this dipping sauce. Cholula, one of my favorite hot sauces, makes this 5-pack that has all sorts of different flavored sauces.

Cholula Hot Sauce Variety Pack, Product of Mexico, Gift Set Includes Six 5 Fl Oz Signature Cholula Hot Sauces for Eggs, Pizza, Mexican Dishes, and More, 30 fl oz
Cholula Hot Sauce Variety Pack, Product of Mexico, Gift Set Includes Six 5 Fl Oz Signature Cholula Hot Sauces for Eggs, Pizza, Mexican Dishes, and More, 30 fl oz

These little sauce dipping cups are great for serving this sauce. They’re easy to clean up, too. And they’re also great for dipping nuggets, tenders or even chicken wings.

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

For the shrimp, I made a batch of copycat Bubba Gump shrimp on my Char-Broil Big Easy.

Also try my Delta Dippin’ sauce. It’s mighty yummy too!

Mango-Basil Dipping Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Mango-Basil Dipping Sauce

This mango-basil dipping sauce is different. It has a fantastic tropical flavor, making it perfect for shrimp.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, fruity, herbs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 267kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1169mg | Potassium: 799mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 4499IU | Vitamin C: 179mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp

The sauce on these slow cooker Delta shrimp is absolutely incredible. It’s another example of how simple Cajun-inspired ingredients can produce a fantastic dish. Although I used large Louisiana shrimp, you can easily substitute sliced Andouille  sausage or chopped chicken pieces.

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp

Canned Tomatoes Work In A Pinch

The original recipe for slow cooker Delta shrimp called for fresh, diced tomatoes, which are definitely not in season here right now. So I substituted the next-best-thing: canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes. They add much more flavor to the sauce than just ‘regular ole’ tomatoes. I recommend substituting fire-roasted tomatoes into any dish that calls for tomatoes if you can’t find fresh.

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 Delta sausage.

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp

The sauce on these slow cooker Delta shrimp is absolutely incredible. It’s another example of how simple Cajun-inspired ingredients can produce a fantastic dish.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, shrimp, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 152kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and celery and cook until starting to soften.
  • Stir in the flour and allow to thicken.
  • Slowly add the water and stir.
  • Pour mixture into a slow cooker set to low.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except for the shrimp.
  • Stir and cook for 3 1/2 hours. If the sauce gets too thick add a bit more water and stir.
  • Add the shrimp and cook 30 more minutes.
  • Serve over hot cooked rice.

Notes

Use spicy Rotel instead of the tomatoes for a nice kicked-up version.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 695mg | Potassium: 590mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1706IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2mg

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

Cheddar Cheese Soup

I’ve never been to Epcot. I really want to go, if for nothing else but the foods from the various places around the world. I might take in a few rides too, but I’m all about the food first. So since I haven’t been there I can’t really say for sure that this cheddar cheese soup is a copycat of the Canadian cheese soup you can get at the Le Cellier Steakhouse. I do know that this soup is crazy good, though. Heavenly good. Creamy. A bit smoky thanks to the bacon. And there’s just a slight kick of heat.

Cheddar Cheese Soup

A Great Cheese Makes For Great Soup

I used the best white cheddar I could find to make this cheddar cheese soup, and although you can go with a cheap brand, I think a quality cheese can really make this dish, while a lesser one can just make it ‘ok’. So splurge on a good cheese and you’ll be glad you did.

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 creamy pimento cheese soup.

Cheddar Cheese Soup
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4 from 1 vote

Cheddar Cheese Soup

This soup is crazy good. Heavenly good. Creamy. A bit smoky thanks to the bacon. A just a slight kick of heat.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cheddar, cheese, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 574kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add bacon to a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until the bacon starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the red onion, celery, and butter. Sauté until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the flour. Stir, and continue stirring for 4-5 minutes until the flour is cooked over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add milk. Bring to a simmer and continue to simmer slowly for 15 minutes.
  • Remove pot from the heat and stir in cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste until the cheese is melted.
  • Stir in warm beer.
  • Serve garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

White cheddar cheese can be hard to find. You can substitute orange but of course the soup will have a slightly different color.

Nutrition

Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 797mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1020IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 563mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup

It was one of those days. Too much to do, and just not enough time to put together a complicated meal. And worse, it was mighty cold out. Crazy bad cold And snowing. Crazy bad snowing. The best solution to my problems? This slow cooker spicy kielbasa cabbage soup. Yes, three ingredients. That’s it. Great Campbell’s spicy V8 flavor (you could substitute any V8 flavor that you love!), with yummy kielbasa sausage. Oh, and cabbage. It’s deceptively good, actually, and not what you might expect from something so easy. It’s perfect for a busy day.

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup

Oh, That Delicious Broth!

I prefer to brown most meats before adding them to the slow cooker. It adds a bit of texture and color and better flavor, in my opinion. But you don’t have to brown the kielbasa for this slow cooker spicy kielbasa cabbage soup first. No matter how you do the sausage, the broth is going to make it taste great.

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)

Don’t let the ‘spicy’ part of the recipe name scare you. For us, at least, this soup did not come out overly spicy at all. The flavors mellow a bit as the soup cooks throughout the day. But one man’s mellow might be another man’s spicy.

Also try my slow cooker tortellini soup and you’ll love my slow cooker French onion soup.

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup

Don’t let the ‘spicy’ part scare you. For us, at least, this soup did not come out overly spicy at all. The flavors mellow a bit as the soup cooks throughout the day.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cabbage, crockpot, kielbasa, slow cooker, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 -10 servings
Calories 15kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ head green cabbage shredded
  • 1 64 ounce spicy V-8 vegetable juice
  • 2 14 ounce Kielbasa sausages cut into 1/2" rounds (lightly browned in a skillet with a splash of oil, if desired)

Instructions

  • Add cabbage to bottom of slow cooker.
  • Add juice, followed by the sausage.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours, stirring every hour or so.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the V-8.

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 23mg | 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

Baked Potatoes 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 rarely eat baked potatoes as a side. Instead, I prefer to cook up a big ole Russet potato, load it up with all of my favorite toppings, and eat it as the main course. They are truly one of my favorite foods. I like my potatoes done perfectly, with a slightly crunch skin. If I’m cooking them indoors, in the oven, I follow the recipe for the Best Baked Potatoes. They always come out fantastic. This time I decided to see if I could get the same great results cooking potatoes on my Char-Broil Big Easy. And boy, did I ever get great results. These potatoes were as great as (if not a bit better than) the potatoes made in the oven. Creamy insides, slightly crunchy skin, just absolutely perfect.

Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Delicious Perfection

I didn’t want to bury the flavor of these great baked potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy, so I topped them simply: a bit of crumbled cooked bacon, a little butter, a dollop of sour cream, cheese, and a few green onions. Perfection. These bakers go great with my Big Easy all-American meatloaf.

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

Want to make bakers on a regular ole grill? You can!

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!

Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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2.34 from 3 votes

Baked Potatoes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These potatoes were as great as (if not a bit better than) the potatoes made in the oven. Creamy insides, slightly crunchy skin, just absolutely perfect.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 168kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Rinse the potatoes under cold water and brush off any dirt. Dry well with a paper towel.
  • Pierce each potato 4 times with a sharp knife.
  • Lightly brush the potatoes with oil.
  • Sprinkle some salt onto a plate and roll the potatoes in the salt.
  • Place potatoes into the Big Easy cooking basket.
  • Bake until potatoes are done (210 F internal temperature, or tender all the way through when poked with a knife), 40-60 minutes depending on their size. You can also test for doneness by squeezing the potatoes (with potholders on). If they give easily, they are done.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

The Big Easy cooks potatoes perfectly!

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 888mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

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.

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 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
Author Based on a recipe from The Food Network

Equipment

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.

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

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew

Oh my goodness. There’s just about every taste I love in one bowl. I could eat this green chile mac and cheese stew all day long. Spicy Mexican chorizo. Beefy broth. Tomatoes with chiles. Beans. All with a lot of kick. This is not a wimpy savory bowl of stew here. Nope, it’s not for the faint of heart (or stomach). But it is the perfect dish for a cold day. It’s gonna warm you up for sure!

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew

A Bit Of Everything In One Bowl

Just about any cheeses can be used in this green chile mac and cheese stew, but I kept the spicy theme going and topped it with a freshly shredded habanero jack cheese. There’s nothing wimpy about it. This dish has some serious kick in each every spoonful!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this stew 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!

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

For a nice twist, substitute a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes for the tomatoes with chiles.

Also try some Chet’s Truckers stew.

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew
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5 from 1 vote

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew

Oh my goodness. Just about every taste I love in one bowl. I could eat this green chile mac and cheese stew all day long. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword stew
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 365kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper Magazine, December 2015

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the chorizo into a large pot over high heat.
  • Cook until done.
  • Add the onion.
  • Cook until tender, 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and pepper flake.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add pasta, stir and reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 7-8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente (just slightly undercooked).
  • Add the green chile sauce and Velveeta.
  • Cook until the cheese is completely melted, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve garnished with Habanero Jack cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.

Notes

This stew has a nice spicy kick to it.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1323mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 879IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

I have a slow cooker (er, crockpot) for the same reasons everyone else does. I on occasion like a great, easy meal that I can toss into the pot and not have to fuss with. A Dutch oven over low heats works just as well, specially if you need to brown something first. For this slow cooker spicy spaghetti and meatball soup it doesn’t matter whether you go low-and-slow in the crockpot or Dutch oven, the end result is great. It’s like having Campbell’s SpaghettiOs™ but with much better, richer flavor, and a nice kick. And really big meatballs. Who didn’t want more meatballs in their SpaghettiOs™ when they were a kid? I sure did. I probably threw fits about it, too! Well, problem solved!

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

A Great Meal For A Crowd

I used packaged frozen meatballs for this slow cooker spicy spaghetti meatball soup. Our homemade Italian meatballs (made on the stovetop or in the Char-Broil Big Easy) would be great too. Outstanding, even. Either way, this makes a good batch of soup. Plenty for a small crowd.

You can leave out the red pepper flake, but I think you’ll want to add at least a little. And don’t be shy with the basil either.

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)

If you’re feeling adventurous, try out my homemade SpaghettiOs. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

I have a slow cooker (er, crockpot) for the same reasons everyone else does. I on occasion like a great, easy meal that I can toss into the pot and not have to fuss with
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, meatballs, slow cooker, soup, spaghetti, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 118kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the pasta into a slow cooker. Add more basil or red pepper flake as desired.
  • Cook on high for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Set slow cooker to high and add the pasta. Cook for another 20 minutes.
  • Serve with more Parmesan cheese as desired.

Notes

Great served with a slice or two of garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 49mg | 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

Fire-Eater Chicken Meatballs

I was looking for something a little different for an appetizer to serve for the Super Bowl. I’ve done the beef and pork meatballs, and those are great, but I wanted something new. I thought, let’s try chicken and turkey meatballs instead. But let’s make sure they aren’t bland. These fire-eater chicken meatballs are definitely not bland. They are tender and tasty by themselves, but made even more perfect with a kicked-up dipping sauce that also has a bit of sweetness to it.

Fire-Eater Chicken Meatballs

Meatball Sandwiches, Anyone?

I am definitely going to use the meatballs in other dishes. I’m already planning to make meatball sandwiches with them. A hoagie bun, a few fire-eater chicken meatballs, a little of the sauce and some melted habanero cheese and I’m happy! Or, serve them over pasta with a spicy Alfredo sauce (made spicy by adding it a bit of the sauce).

Did you know you can buy a tool to help you make a big ole batch of meatballs in just minutes? People think of everything!

Meatball Master
Meatball Master

I used my fire-eater spice rub to give the meatballs and the sauce a great kick. You can substitute any spicy mix you like. Just don’t be shy with it. Also try my sweet-and-spicy meatballs.

Fire-Eater Chicken Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Chicken Meatballs

These fire-eater chicken meatballs are definitely not bland. They are tender and tasty by themselves, but made even more perfect with a kicked-up dipping sauce that also has a bit of sweetness to it.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Main
Keyword chicken, meatballs, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 20 meatballs
Calories 169kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Little Spice Jar

Equipment

Ingredients

For the meatballs

For the sauce

Instructions

For the meatballs

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Place the meatball ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
  • Form into balls. Depending on how you want to serve them, make smaller or bigger balls. The cook time is for balls that are golf ball-sized so you might want to adjust the cook time depending on how large you make yours.
  • Place balls onto the baking sheets. Do not crowd them.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they reach 165 F internal temperature.
  • Brush the meatballs with a bit of the sauce and return to the oven for 2-3 more minutes to ‘set’ the sauce.
  • Serve with more sauce on the side for dipping if serving as appetizers.

For the sauce

  • While the meatballs are cooking, place all of the sauce ingredients into a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to boil then reduce to a simmer, whisking often, until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat until ready to use.

Notes

Also great on sub sandwiches!

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 379mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 31mg | 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)

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken

My wife reminded me of this recipe the other day. It was a favorite of ours years ago, when we started our first blog, Crossroads Of America. I was just starting to learn how to cook. This recipe for slow cooker creamy Italian chicken was simple enough for me to not mess up. But it’s still great tasting and looking. Over the years I’ve changed it up a bit. That same great creamy texture and Italian flavor is still there, though. As simple as it is, it’s a great recipe. I still make it now even though I sure have cooked a lot since starting our first blog so many years ago.

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken

Customizable Tastes

The original recipe for slow cooker creamy chicken calls for using a packet of Italian salad dressing mix. And that’s perfectly fine. Since first making this dish I have come up with my own mix. I think it has a bit more flavor. Making your own also lets you adjust the flavors to your tastes. For me that means adding more garlic salt or onion powder, or just more basil (I love basil).

I like to serve this over rice or pasta. With lots of the sauce.

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 Buffalo chicken sliders.

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken

 This recipe for slow cooker creamy Italian chicken was simple enough for me to not mess up, but still great tasting and looking. Over the years I’ve changed it up a bit, but that same great creamy texture and Italian flavor is still there.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, creamy, crockpot, Italian, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 481kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Taste of Home

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken into slow cooker set to low.
  • Combine the dressing mix and water and pour over the chicken.
  • Cover and cook for 3 hours.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the mushrooms and sauté until just starting to soften. Remove and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl combine the cream cheese and canned soup. Whisk until smooth.
  • Fold in the mushrooms and pour mixture over chicken.
  • Cover and cook another hour or until chicken is done.

Notes

If you use thicker chicken breasts you may need more cooking time. Slice them thin or butterfly them for a quicker cooking time.
You can substitute 1 1/2 pounds fresh chicken tenders for the breasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 481kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 207mg | Sodium: 536mg | Potassium: 1276mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 838IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

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