Tag: recipe

Marinated Cheese

My wife told me that her sister was coming over to spend the night. No way was I gonna serve something out-of-a-box. Nope. I had to pull out the big guns. No shortcuts. This marinated cheese was it. And truth be told, it was easy.

Marinated Cheese

A Big Party Hit

Everyone absolutely loved this marinated cheese. It’s hard to stop eating it. The combination of the soft, smooth cream cheese and sturdy, tangy extra sharp cheddar is great by itself. Add in some fresh herbs and a few spices and a wonderful vinegar and oil dressing and you have a great appetizer. The peppers in our garden were ripe. I grabbed one and used it in this cheese instead of opening a jar of pimentos.

Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) - 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))
Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 fl oz.))

Also try my easy marinated mushrooms.

Marinated Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Marinated Cheese

My wife told me that her sister was coming over to spend the night. No way was I gonna serve some something out-of-a-box. Nope. I had to pull out the big guns. No shortcuts. This marinated cheese was it. And truth be told, it was easy.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, marinated
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 21kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the cheeses

  • 1 8 ounce sharp cheddar cheese block
  • 1 8 ounce cream cheese

For the marinade

Instructions

  • Unwrap the cheeses and place on a plate in the freezer for 15-30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine all of the marinade ingredients and whisk well.
  • Cut both cheese blocks in half lengthwise.
  • Slice the cheeses into 1/4″ thick squares.
  • Place cheeses into a resealable container, standing them on edge (think dominoes).
  • Add the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate 8-12 hours.

Notes

You can use a sugar substitute if you wish.

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 15mg | 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)

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

Fresh corn season continues to wind down here in Indiana. Time for my end-of-summer push to devour as much sweet corn as I can! And what better way to make corn than to add in some spicy Tasso ham and make a spicy Tasso and corn casserole! I so love Tasso ham. So tender, so tasty, and definitely so spicy. I made my own Tasso on my smoker, and it came out fantastic. It was so easy to make!

This creamy corn casserole is sweet and also spicy. I found the original recipe in Louisiana Cookin’, one of my favorite Louisiana-themed magazines. Not only is each issue full of great Creole and Cajun dishes, there are also articles about the food and happenings in the area.

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

A Truly Special Corn Dish

The original recipe for spicy tasso and corn casserole called for topping the casserole with crushed potato chips. I decided to skip that and just enjoy the great vegetables and spice in this dish. True, adding chips would definitely add a nice crunch. I bet crushed tortilla chips would be outstanding, so feel free to add them if you like! Either way it bakes up delicious!

8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray
8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray

Also try my crispy shrimp in tasso sauce.

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole
Print Pin
3 from 2 votes

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

This creamy corn casserole is sweet and also spicy.
Course Side
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword casserole, corn, spicy, tasso
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 193kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Louisiana Cookin’

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the corn, pepper, green onion, and tasso and cook 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
  • Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the Cajun seasoning, sour cream, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  • Spoon into the baking dish and bake 20 minutes.

Notes

The original recipe called for sprinkling the casserole with crumbled potato chips (2 cups) before baking. I omitted that ingredient to keep the casserole a little lower in carbohydrates. Feel free to add the chips, or Panko breadcrumbs if you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1240IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 29mg | 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)

Habanero Sauce

My wife and I tried planting a garden a few years ago. We had all the usual things, like lettuce, and corn, and tomatoes. Well, even with a fence around it, the deer, rabbit, raccoon and possum had an absolute field day eating all of our produce. We ended up with maybe half a head of lettuce and a small head of cabbage in the end. It was a total loss.

We still plant a garden, but it’s now in pots, and it consists solely of peppers. Pimento, jalapeno, Cajun, and habaneros. No animals bother them at all. Victory!

Habanero Sauce

A Great Sauce On Anything

I decided to make a simple sauce of the habaneros this year. This makes for a perfect hot sauce by itself, and it also is a great way to add flavor to other sauces.

I keep my sauce in these squeeze bottles. It’s fun squirting sauce out. I can get artsy with it. No one needs to know that.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

This habanero sauce has a great fruity flavor to it. I added mango, but you could use just about any fruit, such as papaya or even pineapple. I found it to be not overly hot at all, but it’ll still wake you up and tingle your lips and tongue.

Also try my Yum Yum sauce.

Habanero Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Habanero Sauce

I decided to make a simple sauce of the habaneros this year. This makes for a perfect hot sauce by itself, and it also is a great way to add flavor to other sauces.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 184kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 cup carrot chopped
  • 1 sweet onion chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 10 habanero peppers more or less depending on how much heat you want, seeded and chopped. Optional: Roast or smoke the peppers before seeding and chopping
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 mango skinned, chopped

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
  • Add the carrot, onion, and water.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and continue simmering until the carrots are soft.
  • Remove from heat and add the habaneros, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and mango.
  • Let cool slightly then transfer to a blender (or blend in the pan using an immersion blender).
  • Puree until the sauce reaches the desired texture.
  • Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Notes

Stir well before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1239mg | Potassium: 776mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 12301IU | Vitamin C: 129mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz
New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz

Smoked Bologna Sandwiches

I can’t say that I eat a lot of bologna. But when I do, I do it up right. Now, there’s nothing wrong with a good ole slice or two of bologna on bread with mustard. In fact, they were a staple of mine back in the day when I fished and camped quite regularly. You can’t get any easier. But smoked bologna sandwiches are where bologna dreams of being.

Smoked bologna is just about as easy to make. No fancy brines. No fancy wood. Just a little seasoning and onto a smoker at 250 F for 1 1/2 hours. You could use your grill too, just add some smoking wood and cook over indirect heat.

Smoked Bologna Sandwiches

These Are Not Boring Bologna Sandwiches

I had the guy behind the deli at my local grocery store cut chub bologna thick, about 1/2″. I then cut slits around the edges. This prevents the bologna from curling up. A little Cajun seasoning, and 1 1/2 hours later, they were done.
The sandwiches were straightforward. Lightly toasted buns, thin sliced Vidalia onion, mustard, and dill pickles. These smoked bologna sandwiches were delicious.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this bologna.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

If you’re feeling adventurous, smoke an entire bologna chub!

Smoked Bologna Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Bologna Sandwiches

The sandwiches were straightforward. Lightly toasted buns, thin sliced Vidalia onion, mustard, and dill pickles. These smoked bologna sandwiches were delicious.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bologna, sandwich, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 252kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 250 F cooking. Use a light smoking wood such as apple.
  • Sprinkle both sides of the bologna slices with the seasoning.
  • Place onto the smoker and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Lightly toast the buns if desired.
  • Add bologna slices. Top with onion, plenty of mustard, and dill pickle slices.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Add a leaf or two of iceberg lettuce for extra fresh crunchiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 3199mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 592IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 234mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes 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.

What started out as an experiment to see if I could bake miniature pumpkin cheesecakes on my Char-Broil Big Easy ended up being one of the best tasting desserts I’ve had in a long time. I was contemplating Thanksgiving, and dreaming about how great a turkey out of my Big Easy tastes, when it dawned on me…. why not also use the oil-less fryer for making dessert? Well, let me tell you folks, these mini pumpkin cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy are amazing!

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Cooking…

These little cheesecakes take less than 30 minutes to cook. Although, they do need to chill overnight. Well, they should chill overnight… I can’t say that all of them lasted that long. I think you can shortcut the chilling by placing them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. And the taste? Phenomenal! Fantastic pumpkin flavor and creamy. All in all, they are the best pumpkin cheesecake you can imagine.

The crusts…

I used pre-made miniature pie crusts and cooked them in the Big Easy using the baking pans designed specifically for the cooker. If you don’t have them (they’re also great for making mini pizzas) you can use the standard basket that comes with the Big Easy (you can cook 4 pies at a time) and better yet, use the bunk bed basket which doubles the number of pies you can cook at a time.

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

Mini pumpkin cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy are the best way to cap off a great turkey dinner. If you prefer a non-Thanksgiving version, try my Big Easy mini classic cheesecakes.

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

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!

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These little cheesecakes take less than 30 minutes to cook. They need to chill overnight. Well, they should chill overnight… I can’t say that all of them lasted that long.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, cheesecake
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 hours
Total Time 13 hours 10 minutes
Servings 24 servings
Calories 383kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy or preheat an oven to 350 F.
  • Place cream cheese in a mixer and beat until creamy.
  • With the mixer still running, add the eggs one at a time.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  • Pour mixture into the pie crusts, about 1/3 cup each. Do not overfill. You may not need all 24 crusts.
  • Place in the Big Easy (you’ll have to work in batches) or oven, and cook 15-20 minutes or until batter has set.
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly then refrigerate overnight before serving.
  • Top with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

The filling mixture makes approximately 5 cups.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1621IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Vortex Chicken Wings

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

If you follow our blog at all you know that I cook up a LOT of chicken wings. Sometimes I make them in the fryer, sometimes on the charcoal grill, sometimes on the gas grill, sometimes on the smoker, and often on the Char-Broil Big Easy. I even have a free eCookbook full of wing recipes. But now, I have Vortex chicken wings and life has gotten even better.

Vortex Chicken Wings

I am always on a quest for the next best wing cooking idea. Recently, I discovered the best way for making crispy wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy, which came out fantastic. But, I was still looking for the best way to get crispy wings on my charcoal grill. That’s when I discovered the Vortex and Vortex chicken wings are amazing. The Vortex is an insert for your grill that lets you concentrate the charcoal heat, making for an incredibly hot fire. As you can see below, the wings ring the Vortex, getting super hot and, in just a while, crispy. And it couldn’t get any easier.

I couldn’t be more happy with my Vortex purchase. I purchased the small-sized model, which works fantastic on my old 18″ Weber kettle and 22″ Weber Performer grills. But, a larger model is available for the 22″-26″ cookers.

The Vortex isn’t just for high-heat cooking of wings. Check out the Vortex web site for tons of other ways you can cook using the insert. Love Buffalo wings? Making them is easy using the Vortex.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Note: Since posting this, I’ve made wings on my Vortex hundreds of times. I’ve found that rotating the lid isn’t so critical (specially when cooking on a smaller grill such as the Jumbo Joe). For a little smoky flavor, throw a nice chunk of your favor wood (I like hickory or cherry) over the Vortex about 5 minutes before you put your wings on.

Make some potato wedges using your Vortex and you’ve got a great lunch! Or dinner….

Vortex Chicken Wings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Vortex Chicken Wings

The best wings ever from a charcoal grill!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Vortex, wings
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 6
Calories 363kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup Cajun seasoning or your favorite rub
  • Your favorite wing sauce and dipping sauce.

Instructions

  • Place the wings into a large resealable container or baggie.
  • Add the oil and seasoning. Seal and shake to coat well.
  • Refrigerate for 3 hours.
  • Place the Vortex into the center of your grill. Open the bottom vents on your grill by 1/3, while keeping the top vent open completely.
  • Light a charcoal chimney full of charcoal. Alternatively, you can fill your Vortex with charcoal and light them inside the unit.
  • Let the charcoal get fully ashed over.
  • Add the chicken as shown in the picture above. For the flats have the skin side up, and for the drumettes keep the meaty part away from the fire.
  • Close the grill and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Rotate the lid 90 degrees and cook for another 15 minutes.
  • Flip the wings. Rotate another 90 degrees and cook 15 more minutes.
  • Check if the wings are as crispy as you like. If not, rotate another 90 degrees and cook another 15 minutes.
  • Transfer wings to a bowl and toss with the wing sauce.
  • Serve with dipping sauce.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include seasoning or sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2396IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Spicy Creamy Coconut Salad Dressing

I smoked a few shrimp the other day since I already had the smoker going. I figured they’d be great in a Cobb salad, and I was right. For some reason, I was hankerin’ for a nice creamy dressing to top off the salad. But not any ole wimpy dressing. Something with a kick, something spicy. And something that makes you think about the tropics. Like coconut. I love the taste and creaminess of coconut so I made a spicy creamy coconut salad dressing that satisfied all of my cravings!

Spicy Creamy Coconut Salad Dressing

Nice And Coconut-y. And Spicy.

This spicy cream coconut dressing is really refreshing and spicy. It’s not only perfect on a salad, but it’s great as a dip for veggies. If it’s too thick for your liking just add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of milk.

I love making and eating Cobb salads, specially in the summer when there are so many great ingredients to choose from. Check out my smoked chicken Cobb and my southwestern Cobb salads. They are all great!

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

These little sauce dipping cups are great for serving salad dressings. They keep me from over-dressing my salads, which is something I’m prone to do since I’m a dressing-aholic. 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)

Also try my Cajun dip and salad dressing and my Honky Tonk sweet and spicy salad dressing.

Spicy Creamy Coconut Salad Dressing
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Creamy Coconut Salad Dressing

This spicy cream coconut dressing is really refreshing and spicy. It’s not only perfect on a salad, but it's also great as a dip for veggies.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword coconut, homemade salad dressing, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 468kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1427IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz
New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz

Big Mac Slider Hoagies

I love making grilled Big Macs here at home. Sometimes I make full-sized ones. And sometimes, I make mini-sized ones. These Big Mac slider hoagies are a take on my favorite Big Mac sliders. They’re the same great tasting sandwich, but served on hoagie buns for a little something different.

Big Mac Slider Hoagies

Kick it Up!

Nothing beats fresh toppings on a hot-off-the-grill beef burger, specially with a nice big dollop of special sauce. Need a little kick in your sauce? Add a few squirts of Sriracha or hot sauce. As much as I do love spicy foods, I usually keep my Big Mac Slider Hoagies ‘classic’, tasting just like the burgers you can get at the restaurant!

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.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my Big Mac meatball subs!

Big Mac Slider Hoagies
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Big Mac Slider Hoagies

These Big Mac slider hoagies are a take on my favorite Big Mac sliders. They’re the same great tasting sandwich, but served on hoagie buns for a little something different.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, sandwich, sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 1156kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the special sauce (makes plenty of extra)

For the sliders

Instructions

For the special sauce

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the burgers

  • Form ground beef in to 4 2 ounce patties. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill burgers until done. Top with cheese.
  • Lightly toast the buns.
  • Assemble burgers by slathering bun bottoms with special sauce.
  • Add the burgers, tomato, pickle and lettuce.
  • Skewer to hold in place.
  • Serve.

Notes

Best served with fries!

Nutrition

Calories: 1156kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 89g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 5496mg | Potassium: 888mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 1447IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 468mg | Iron: 15mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz
New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz

Copycat Bull’s Eye Barbecue Sauce

I have to admit, I shy away from bottled BBQ sauces. I do make an exception and occasionally I’ll pick up a bottle or two at the store. But, if you like making your own sauces, a store-bought sauce can make a great starting point. Or you can do like I did and make a copycat version of a pre-made sauce, like this Bull’s Eye barbecue sauce.

Copycat Bulls Eye Barbecue Sauce

Perfect On Ribs

I smoked a few racks of St. Louis-style ribs that were rubbed down first overnight with a copycat of Famous Dave’s rib rub. With only 30 minutes left in the smoke session I slathered the ribs with this great sauce. That extra 30 minutes lets the sauce set up on the ribs.

Thick. Like You Want It.

This sauce is perfectly thick, great for ribs. It has a little sweetness, a little tang, just a hint of heat, and a little smokiness. Don’t like liquid smoke? Leave it out and still enjoy a great sauce that’ll keep in the fridge for weeks, if you have any left. Or substitute smoked salt (and leave out the kosher salt) and still enjoy that great smoky flavor.

I like to keep my leftover sauces in squeeze bottles. Thicker ones like this one do mean I have to cut a bit off the top of the nozzles so it squeezes out easily.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

This sauce is also great on pulled pork or grilled chicken.

Also try my copycat of the great BBQ sauce from Sweet Baby Ray.

Copycat Bull's Eye Barbecue Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Bull’s Eye Barbecue Sauce

This sauce is perfectly thick, great for ribs. It has a little sweetness, a little tang, just a hint of heat, and a little smokiness.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, copycat, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 623kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
  • Reduce to a simmer and simmer 30 minutes or until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Optional: Allow sauce to cool slightly then transfer to a blender and pulse a few times for a smoother sauce.

Notes

This sauce is even better the next day. Refrigerate it overnight and then warm slightly before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 2891mg | Potassium: 900mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 91g | Vitamin A: 1362IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

I have been on a Buffalo chicken kick lately. I love anything with Buffalo sauce on it. Well, man cannot live on Buffalo chicken alone, or so I am told. So, Buffalo cauliflower bites to the rescue! Yep, that same great Buffalo flavor and cool Ranch dressing for dipping, all in a healthy bite.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

I Like A Little Char…

I like to finish these Buffalo cauliflower bites off on the grill to get a little char on it, but that’s really not necessary. You can make the entire dish in the oven in no time at all. If you want that little char too just put them under the broiler for a few minutes. Give them a good stir and broil them a bit more to get that char on all sides.

Frank's RedHot Hot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce, 12 fl oz
Frank’s RedHot Hot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce, 12 fl oz

Also try my cauliflower nachos. Yeah, nachos made from cauliflower! Genius!

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
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4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites to the rescue! Yep, that same great Buffalo flavor and cool dressing for dipping, all in a healthy bite.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, cauliflower
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 cups
Calories 68kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the cauliflower

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Add the hot sauce and stir until warm.

For the oven

  • Preheat oven to 450 F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Place florets in a large bowl and sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt and pepper and toss gently to coat.
  • Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until just tender.
  • Remove to a large bowl, drizzle with the sauce and gently toss to coat.

For the grill

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking. Spray a vegetable basket with non-stick spray.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the florets. Cook until just tender, 3-4 minutes. Remove, rinse with cold water and drain well.
  • Transfer florets to a large bowl. Sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt and pepper and toss gently to coat.
  • Gently scoop the florets into the vegetable basket and place on the grill. Grill until just starting to char.
  • Remove to a large bowl, drizzle with the sauce and gently toss to coat.

Notes

Serve with cool Ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 978mg | Potassium: 586mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 44mg | 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)