Tag: recipe

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I had some fried chicken leftover in the fridge. I’m completely ok with chowing down on cold leftover chicken. But I’m even more ok with chopping it up and using it in fried chicken salad sandwiches. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers, and the perfect sandwich for a picnic.

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

This Is One Great Chicken Salad

This is an incredible version of chicken salad. I love the buttermilk in the mayonnaise. The mustard adds a bit of kick. But all the flavors in the sauce mixture do not overpower the chicken. You can still tell that there’s fried chicken in there. It’s a great twist.

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)

Don’t have leftover fried chicken on hand? Any cooked chicken will do just fine in this salad. Want a spicier chicken salad? Try my spicy chicken salad sandwiches or my fried chicken breast sandwiches. And one of my all-time favorites, Big Daddy’s Kick’n chicken salad is a must-make too!

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I had some fried chicken leftover in the fridge. I’m completely ok with chowing down on cold leftover chicken. But I’m even more ok with chopping it up and using it in fried chicken salad sandwiches. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, chicken salad, deep-fried, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 675kcal
Author Based on a recipe Damaris Phillips

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, Italian seasoning, cayenne and lemon in a large bowl.
  • Add in the chicken, parsley, celery and green onions.
  • Stir gently to combine and coat with the dressing ingredients.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Serve chicken salad on croissants.

Notes

You can substitute whole grain mustard for the Creole mustard or use the classic yellow mustard instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 675kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 807mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1245IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 3mg

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)

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich

I was watching an old Food Network show the other day. Bobby Flay was visiting this great little place in Nashville, Tennessee, that was famous for Nashville-style fried chicken. I drooled through the entire episode. The fried chicken looked fantastic. Done right, in cast iron over gas and made it Nashville-style by adding a bunch of cayenne pepper. You just knew it was good (and perhaps painful for some). I decided to take the same approach to a sandwich and make a fried chicken breast sandwich.

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich

Make It Hot

I fried up a couple of coated chicken breasts. By themselves they were absolutely outstanding. Crunchy outside, moist and flavorful inside. I made one Nashville-style and realized I had made the perfect fried chicken breast sandwich. Seriously kicked up chicken on a bun with cooling lettuce, tomato and mayo.

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

Can’t take the heat? Tone it down or just make it ‘normal’, but you won’t be disappointed either way.

Also try my fried chicken salad sandwiches.

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich

I fried up a couple of coated chicken breasts. By themselves they were absolutely outstanding. Crunchy outside, moist and flavorful inside. I made one Nashville-style and realized I had made the perfect fried chicken breast sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, deep-fried, sandwich
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 630kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Bon Appetit

Equipment

Ingredients

To make it Nashville-Style Hot

For the sandwiches

Instructions

  • Toss the chicken breasts with black pepper and 2 tablespoons of the salt. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
  • Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together in a large bowl.
  • Whisk the flour and remaining 4 teaspoons of salt in another large bowl.
  • Heat 2″ of oil to 325 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Working in batches, dredge chicken in flour.
  • Shake off excess then dip into the buttermilk mixture.
  • Shake off excess then dip again into the flour mixture.
  • Shake off excess then fry until golden brown on both sides, 10-12 minutes.
  • Transfer to a rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool.

To make it Nashville-Style Hot

  • Whisk cayenne, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a medium bowl.
  • Carefully whisk in 1 cup of the deep fryer oil.
  • Brush mixture onto both sides of the cooked chicken breasts.

For the sandwiches

  • Slather buns with mayo. Add tomatoes, chicken, lettuce, and pickles.

Notes

Don’t have buttermilk? Just use whole milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 630kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 2360mg | Potassium: 706mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1931IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 15mg

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

Deep Fried Biscuits with Honey Butter

Deep fried biscuits with honey butter are a rare treat for me, but I love them as much as ever. They’re very easy to make, and you can put just about anything on them. This time I went the sweet route, drizzling the biscuits with a homemade honey butter mix.

Deep Fried Biscuits with Honey Butter

A Real Treat

My mom would deep fry biscuits for breakfast for me when I was kid. It was a rare treat, and one I always looked forward to. I loved the crunchy exterior and soft pillowy (it’s unlikely that I used the term ‘pillowy’ as a kid, though) interior of deep fried biscuits with honey butter. Sometimes I would eat them with just butter, and lots of it. That’s probably when my butter addiction started, come to think of it.

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

Black pepper honey is also great on these biscuits. Or, skip the honey butter and dust these little beauties with powdered sugar for fantastic breakfast ‘donuts’.

Deep Fried Biscuits with Honey Butter
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Deep Fried Biscuits with Honey Butter

Deep fried biscuits with honey butter are a rare treat for me, but I love them as much as ever. They’re very easy to make, and you can put just about anything on them.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword biscuits, butter, deep-fried, honey
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 304kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the biscuits

For the honey butter

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven (you’ll need 2″-3″ worth) to 375 F.
  • Open biscuits and separate. Use your hands to stretch them out slightly, forming little discs.
  • Working in batches, fry biscuits 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

For the honey butter

  • Melt butter in a small saute pan over low heat.
  • Add honey, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir.
  • Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

The honey butter is great on ‘regular’ biscuits and bread, too!

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg

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

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

I was searching for a new tomato-based sauce that I could use on (whole or ground) Italian sausage sandwiches. It was a cold day, so I wanted something that would cook all day, making the house smell great. I like that. Eight or so hours of great smells, culminating in a fantastic sandwich topped with slow cooker marinara sauce. That’s a great way to beat the weather.

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

The Perfect Sauce For Anything

This slow cooker marinara sauce is a great all-around marinara sauce. Double the recipe and keep some in the freezer. It’s great to have on hand for those nights when you need a simple meal. Great on pasta, sandwiches, pizza, you name 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)

Add a bit of dried red pepper flake for a little kick, if you want.

Try my quick fix messy meatball sandwich.

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

 It was a cold day, so I wanted something that would cook all day, making the house smell great. I like that. Eight or so hours of great smells, culminating in a fantastic sandwich topped with slow cooker marinara sauce.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, Italian, sauce, slow cooker, spaghetti
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6 cups
Calories 21kcal
Author From Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to your slow cooker set to low heat.
  • Stir and cook 8 hours, stirring every hour or so.
  • If the mixture gets too thick add a little water and stir.
  • Remove the bay leaves before using.

Notes

Store in the fridge until ready to use. Leftovers can be frozen for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | 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

Copycat Cin Chili

I’m a huge fan of Cin Chili Texas-style chili mix. It has a tremendous southwestern flavor with just enough kick, but not so much as to scare anyone off. Whenever I’m in Cincinnati I swing by Jungle Jim’s and grab a few packs of mix. But, sadly, sometimes I can’t make it to Jungle Jim’s. So I searched around and came across this copycat Cin Chili recipe. This mix makes downright good chili. It’s mighty close to the original. Close enough. There’s nothing but good flavor in this chili.

Copycat Cin Chili

Beans. Yes I Added Them. Don’t Hate Me.

I add beans to my chili. I know, I know. Texas chili supposedly doesn’t contain beans (or ‘filler’ as some refer to it). If I was serving this chili over hot dogs I’d probably leave the beans out.

This copycat Cin chili is super easy to make. I whisk each spice mix in small bowls so I just add them in when needed. In no time at all I’m enjoying great chili.

Amazon Fresh - Beef Broth, Carton, 32 oz
Amazon Fresh – Beef Broth, Carton, 32 oz

Also try my copycat of the chili from Wendy’s.

Copycat Cin Chili
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Cin Chili

This mix makes downright good chili. It’s mighty close to the original. Close enough. There’s nothing but good flavor in this chili.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, chili, copycat
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 356kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Spice mix #1

Spice mix #2

Spice mix #3

Instructions

  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large pot.
  • Add meat and brown. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in the beef broth and tomato sauce.
  • Stir in spice mix #1. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in spice mix #2. Add beans if using. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If chili gets too thick add a little water.
  • Stir in spice mix #3. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve garnished with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Make it at least once the way it’s written. Then you can play with the ingredients after that. This is a delicious chili. If you can get the original, then get it. If you can’t, make this copycat!

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1724IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 5mg

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)

Gumbo

I love a good gumbo. I’ve made several variations in the past. I came across this version from Chef Frank Brigtsen, and I just had to make it (a few times now, actually). It takes a lot of time, but it is by far the best gumbo I’ve ever had. You could shortcut some of the process (say, by using rotisserie chicken or store-bought chicken broth), but I don’t think you’ll be as happy with the end result.

This gumbo is worth every minute it takes to make. It is absolutely incredible, with the most unbelievable richest flavor.

Gumbo

This Is A Bowl Of Joy

I admit, I used more andouille than the original recipe called for because I’m addicted to it. If you want to shave a little time off the recipe see my notes below for using precooked chicken or store-bought roux.

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

Also try my low-carb gumbo.

Gumbo
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Gumbo

This gumbo is worth every minute it takes to make. It is absolutely incredible, with the most unbelievable richest flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword gumbo
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 12
Calories 1200kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Washington Post

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Place the sausage slices onto baking pans and bake until they are starting to brown on the edges, 30-45 minutes.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Heat the olive oil in a very large pot over medium high heat.
  • Add in 3 cups of the onion, 2 cups of the celery, and 1 1/2 cups of the peppers. Also add the bay leaf.
  • Cook until the onions start to brown, 15-20 minutes.
  • Add the remaining onion, celery and bell pepper.
  • Reduce heat to medium and cook another 2-3 minutes or until the onion you just added starts to turn clear.
  • Stir in the garlic, salt, thyme, black and white pepper, cayenne, and file.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook another 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in the chicken stock and sausage.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally and skimming off any oil off of the surface.
  • If you are using precooked chicken, skip down to step #13.
  • Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat.
  • Combine 2 cups of the flour and 4 teaspoons of Creole seasoning in a shallow bowl.
  • Season the chicken with Creole seasoning.
  • Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and fry until brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Add the chicken to the pot and continue simmering another 45 minutes or until the chicken is done and is starting to fall off of the bone.
  • Remove the chicken pieces and let cool.
  • Remove the skin.
  • Remove the meat from the bones and shred.
  • If you are using store bought roux, skip to step #16.
  • Once the oil from frying the chicken has cooled slightly, pour the oil through a sieve.
  • You need just over 3/4 cups of oil to make a roux.
  • Heat the frying pan and add the oil back in.
  • Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the flour.
  • Bring to a simmer, and stir constantly for 15-20 minutes or until the roux is the color of brown chocolate.
  • Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Bring pot back to a boil and skim off any oil.
  • Slowly add the roux to the pot, stirring constantly.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer another 30 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked rice.

Notes

First note: You can substitute rotisserie chicken, but if you have the time, frying the chicken fresh makes a world of difference.
Second note: You can skip making your own roux and add 3/4-1 cup of store-bought roux. I recommend making your own, but it does take time and you definitely don’t want to burn it if you do.

Nutrition

Calories: 1200kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 97g | Saturated Fat: 66g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1547mg | Potassium: 766mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1197IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

I can now throw away the old recipe I had for making slow cooker French dip sandwiches. You know the one. Beef, French onion soup, beef broth and beer and that’s it. I thought that was pretty good in fact. But there’s better and this is it. This version takes that concept to new places. The combination of soy sauce, red wine vinegar and spices really gives these sandwiches a rich fantastic flavor. It is totally unlike the flavor of any dip sandwich I’d had or made before. Of course the meat is fall apart tender, but it’s tasty through-and-through. And the dipping sauce? Straw-worthy.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

Save The Bun! Save The Bun!

I put fresh mozzarella slices on the bottom slices of bread before piling them high with the moist meat when I made this slow cooker French dip sandwich. The cheese helps keep the bread from getting too soggy. That may seem odd since you’re going to end up dipping the sandwich anyways. But you don’t want the entire thing to just fall apart. The cheese helps prevent that.

My rule with a messy sandwich has always been: once you pick it up, don’t set it down. Then you won’t have any ‘problems’. And remember, the ‘messier the better’ rule applies here. So pile it high and dunk it deep!

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)

I love sandwiches topped with tender slow-cooked beef. Try my spicy Italian and beef debris po boy sandwiches too.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

I can now throw away the old recipe I had for making slow cooker French dip sandwiches. This version takes that concept to new places.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, crockpot, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 2863kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Creole Contessa

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shredded beef

For the sandwiches

Instructions

For the shredded beef

  • Brown the roast in a large pot or Dutch oven if desired.
  • Place remaining beef ingredients into a slow cooker set to high and stir to combine.
  • Add the beef, cover, and cook 5 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender.
  • Remove beef (careful as it will crumble) and shred completely. Return to slow cooker for 30 more minutes.

For the sandwiches

  • Slather rolls with mayo.
  • Add cheese.
  • Top with meat and peppers and serve with a bowl of additional slow cooker juices for dipping.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 2863kcal | Carbohydrates: 242g | Protein: 71g | Fat: 180g | Saturated Fat: 96g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 2230mg | Potassium: 1658mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 142g | Vitamin A: 310IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 14mg

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

Copycat Five Guys Fries

Who doesn’t love a batch of hot, crunchy, salty tasty fries? No, not the kind that are deep-fried just once. Not the ones that have been sitting under a heat lamp for the better part of a day. No! We want fries hot out of the fryer, the ones that have been twice-fried. The crunchy ones! Perfectly delicious. Like these copycat Five Guys Fries!

Copycat Five Guys Fries

The Keys To Success

I made sure that all of my fries were the same size so that I got nice consistent cooking. I like mine thin. And I don’t peel the potatoes either. You can if you want. You also need to be sure that the fries cool completely between the first and second frying. Then you’ll end up with crazy-good copycat Five Guys fries (that go perfectly with my copycat White Castle burgers!).

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

I also make a killer copycat of McDonald’s French fries.

Copycat Five Guys Fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Five Guys Fries

We want fries hot out of the fryer, the ones that have been twice-fried. Perfectly delicious. Like these copycat Five Guys Fries!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, fries
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 90kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil to 375 F in a Dutch oven or deep fryer.
  • Place the fries into a large bowl and add ice cold water.
  • Agitate the fries and drain.
  • Repeat until the water runs clear of starch.
  • Dump fries out onto a large towel and pat dry.
  • Working in batches, deep fry the fries until they turn a light brown color.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Let fries cool to room temperature, at least 10 minutes.
  • Working in batches, add the fries back to the still hot oil and fry until they reach the desired color and crunch.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup and yes, even mayonnaise!

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 473mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

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)

Easy Pimento Cheese

There are a lot of variations on pimento cheese. What really sets this version apart from others is the addition of smoked paprika and celery seed. The two flavors take a somewhat regular tasting salad to a whole new happy place. If you don’t have a lot of spare time but still want a tasty spread, this is it. It’s different and better than the ‘usual’ stuff without being ‘weird’.

Easy Pimento Cheese

Great On Everything

Easy pimento cheese isn’t just great on bread. I also love it on baked potatoes, crackers, Fritos and grilled burgers and hot dogs too! And boy, you know you’ll want to use these mix in some easy grits! Everywhere you think about adding cheese, substitute this fantastic mix instead. It changes everything!

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

My wife’s mom made a fantastic cheese salad that everyone loved. This isn’t that, unfortunately. Hers just can’t be duplicated no matter how hard we try.

Also try my pimento cheese spread.

Easy Pimento Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Pimento Cheese

There are a lot of variations on pimento cheese. What really sets this version apart from others is the addition of smoked paprika and celery seed. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pimento cheese, pimiento cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 333kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Sunny Anderson

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all but the salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Refrigerate at least an hour to let flavors blend.
  • Serve on bread.

Notes

Also great on cracker or celery!

Nutrition

Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 518IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 340mg | 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)

Copycat Heinz Ketchup

Well, by-golly, this copycat of Heinz ketchup is darned good ketchup! Whether you’re trying to replace the store-bought version or just looking for a nice base recipe to start with for making your own special ketchup, this is it. I highly recommend at least doubling this recipe. It’s good stuff. Mighty good stuff.

Copycat Heinz Ketchup

Start With A Little Celery Seed

I found the honey to really add a very nice sweetness, almost floral hint to the ketchup. I really liked that. And the celery seed also added a really nice twist. I love celery seed, I use it in a lot of sauces but mostly in meat rubs. A few people have commented that it changes to the taste too much. Start with a little and see how you like the flavor before adding the full 1/4 teaspoon.

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.

I also made a french fry dipping sauce the other day that is rather nice if I say so myself. Check it out! And nothing, absolutely nothing, is better than a copycat of the classic McDonald’s hamburger topped with homemade Heinz ketchup!

Copycat Heinz Ketchup
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3.67 from 3 votes

Copycat Heinz Ketchup

Well, by-golly, this copycat of Heinz ketchup is darned good ketchup!
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, ketchup
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 279kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and let cool completely before refrigerating.
  • Ketchup gets even better the next day.

Notes

Stir or shake before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1223mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | 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