Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

I usually make sandwiches for lunch every day. It’s that or something off the grill or leftovers from the night before. These pepperoni pizza grilled cheese sandwiches are a big favorite around here. They don’t take long to make, taste like a pizza, and have nice fresh veggies on top. Oh, and ooey gooey cheese. Don’t forget that. You can add as much cheese as you want.

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

The Perfect Griddled Sandwich

I bought a Cuisinart Griddler many years ago. I use it for making grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, hashbrowns, bacon, chicken breasts… anything. Like these Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches. Cleanup is easy, and it’s highly portable. It’s great for those trips to the beach or for a cabin rental. You never quite know what cooking equipment you’ll have there when you arrive. You can make breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Griddler from Cuisinart.

The Griddler is a champ at making grilled cheese sandwiches, like my spicy grilled cheesemuffuletta grilled cheese, grilled caramel apply cheese, and grilled spinach and artichoke cheese.

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
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Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

These pepperoni pizza grilled cheese sandwiches are a big favorite around here. They don’t take long to make, taste like a pizza, and have nice fresh veggies on top. Oh, and ooey gooey cheese. Don’t forget that.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled cheese, pepperoni, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 377kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced thin
  • ½ sweet onion sliced thin
  • 4 crimini mushrooms stems removed, sliced thin
  • pinch Italian seasoning
  • ½ loaf French bread or 4 slices Focaccia bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened, divided
  • pinch garlic salt
  • 4 slices sandwich pepperoni or 8 slices pizza pepperoni
  • 4 Mozzarella cheese sliced thin

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the pepper, onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the mushrooms and the seasoning.
  • Stir and cook until the veggies are softened.
  • Remove from heat. Wipe skillet clean.
  • Brush the outsides of the bread with half of the butter and sprinkle with the garlic salt.
  • Assemble sandwiches by dividing the mushrooms, veggies and cheese between them.
  • Melt remaining butter in the skillet and grill the sandwiches until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown.

Notes

Add sliced mushrooms to the peppers and onion too!

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Hawaiian Cole Slaw

I enjoyed this Hawaiian cole slaw so much that I made it twice in one week. I loved the sweetness of the pineapple, the explosion of orange flavor from the mandarins, and my favorite, the Maraschino cherries. It’s a nice tropical flavor all in a crunchy creamy slaw. I’d make this again and again, and soon. And best of all, I had all of the ingredients in my pantry (well, plus a bag of slaw in the fridge).

Hawaiian Cole Slaw

I make a lot of slaws, including this Hawaiian cole slaw, so I try to always keep a bag of shredded cabbage mix around. Slaw mix tends to last a lot longer than salad so it’s easier to store and keep fresh.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try some Hard Eight restaurant coleslaw.

Hawaiian Cole Slaw
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Hawaiian Cole Slaw

I enjoyed this Hawaiian coleslaw so much that I made it twice in one week. I loved the sweetness of the pineapple, the explosion of orange flavor from the mandarins, and my favorite, the Maraschino cherries.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 238kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine slaw mix and mayo in a large bowl.
  • Slowly fold in the pineapple, orange, and cherries.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Chill for 3-4 hours before serving

Notes

Note: You have to make sure that the pineapple, oranges, and specially the cherries, are well drained before adding to the slaw. Wrap the quartered cherries in paper towels to dry. This will also keep the cherries from “bleeding” into the slaw.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Spicy Nuts

Nothing is easier than smoking nuts. I use my Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker, but you can also smoke them on your gas or charcoal grill using a couple of added wood chunks. Smoking nuts only takes 20-25 minutes. If you want your smoked spicy nuts extra smoky and extra spicy, add a bit of chipotle powder. You won’t be sorry!

Smoked Nuts

Perfectly Smoky And Spicy

This version of smoked spicy nuts isn’t in-your-face spicy. There’s a nice subtle spiciness to them, along with that great smoke flavor. They make for the perfect party treat. I like to use a mix of nuts but you can stick with your favorites instead. No one will fault you if you smoke a huge batch of almonds! I would!

Also try my fantastic smoked rosemary nuts and my smoked southwestern nuts. And my smoked peanuts in the shell are amazing too!

Smoked Rosemary Nuts
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Smoked Spicy Nuts

This version of spicy nuts isn’t in-your-face spicy. There’s a nice subtle spiciness to them, along with that great smoke flavor. They make for the perfect party treat.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 966kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 325 F cooking over a mild wood (I used cherry). (If you are using a Weber Smoky Mountain smoker, do not add water to the water pan).
  • Place the nuts in a medium bowl.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in another bowl and pour over the nuts. Toss to coat completely.
  • Pour nuts into a disposable aluminum foil half sheet pan or pie pan.
  • Place onto smoker (top rack if using a Weber Smoky Mountain) and smoke for 20-25 minutes, stirring once.
  • Let cool before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 966kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 936mg | Potassium: 916mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Roasted Poblano Cream Sauce

This roasted poblano cream sauce is the perfect somewhat-spicy sauce for topping grilled chicken sandwiches. It’s also fantastic on burgers, pork, or used as a dip. It actually would work as a soup too. Want a little extra kick? Roast a jalapeno with the poblano and add it to the sauce when you blend it.

Grilled Chicken Fajita Sandwich

Perfect On Chicken

My first use for this roasted poblano cream sauce was over grilled chicken fajita sandwiches. It adds a wonderful southwestern flavor and creaminess to any dish that it’s used on. Feel free to use any pepper you wish if poblanos aren’t your thing. I like them since they aren’t too spicy but also have more flavor than bell peppers.

Also try my roasted poblano slaw.

Grilled Chicken Fajita Sandwich
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Roasted Poblano Cream Sauce

This roasted poblano cream sauce is the perfect somewhat-spicy sauce for topping grilled chicken sandwiches. It’s also fantastic on burgers, pork, or used as a dip.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword creamy, peppers, roasted, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 909kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brush the peppers with just a little bit of oil.
  • Roast the peppers in your oven under the broiler or on your grill over direct heat until charred.
  • Remove from heat and place in a bowl.
  • Cover the bowl with foil and let the peppers rest for 10 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the foil (there might still be some steam) and remove the skin from the peppers.
  • Remove the stem and seeds.
  • Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend until creamy smooth.
  • Pour mix into a saucepan and heat over low heat.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

You can also make the sauce using green bell peppers or even jalapenos!

Nutrition

Calories: 909kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 81g | Saturated Fat: 45g | Cholesterol: 256mg | Sodium: 1633mg | Potassium: 1236mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 4471IU | Vitamin C: 306mg | Calcium: 357mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Cuban Hot Dogs

Although certainly not an authentic take on the (yummy) Cuban sandwich, these grilled Cuban hot dogs do remind you of the tastes of the handheld classic. Easy to make, they’re perfect for lunch. I just fired up my Weber Q1200 grill and tossed a few dogs on. Minutes later we’re enjoying lunch!

Grilled Cuban Hot Dogs

The Right Pickle For The Job

I used McClure’s Sweet and Spicy wavy cut pickles on these dogs. They are by far our favorite pickles. They are crunchy, tasty, and have a really nice kick to them. They were perfect on these grilled Cuban hot dogs. You can use your preferred pickles instead, of course.

Also try my super-yummy Hawaiian hot dogs.

Grilled Cuban Hot Dogs
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Grilled Cuban Hot Dog

Although certainly not an authentic take on the (yummy) Cuban sandwich, these grilled Cuban hot dogs do remind you of the tastes of the handheld classic. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 237kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grill the dogs and toast or warm the buns as desired.
  • Insert one piece of ham into each bun.
  • Add a piece of cheese, followed by the hot dog.
  • Add pickles then mustard to taste.

Notes

I like to make a shallow cut down the length of my dogs before cooking. That slit opens up slightly during cooking, giving the toppings a place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives

Whenever you’re cooking outdoors on the grill, there’s always room leftover to put treats. Like these insanely good grilled bacon-wrapped stuffed olives. They’re easy to cook, and disappear in minutes. I often refer to these as ‘cooks treats’, since I get to be the first person to sample them. And often I sample too many. But the nice thing is that I’m the only person that knows.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives

Eat ‘Em Like Popcorn

These are the world’s easiest snacks. I used jalapeno-stuffed olives, but you can use garlic-stuffed or whatever you like, even Gouda-stuffed ones. Or heck, they don’t even have to be stuffed! These little morsels come out salty and briny, with a nice kick from the rub (I used a sweet rub with a little kick to it).

Never let that empty grill space go to waste. If you have a fire going, might as well use it. It doesn’t have to be for anything fancy. These little treats are a great example of that.

Also try my spicy roasted olives and my grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives..

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives
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Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives

Whenever you’re cooking outdoors on the grill, there’s always room leftover to put treats, like these insanely good grilled bacon-wrapped stuffed olives. They’re easy to cook, and disappear in minutes. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, olives
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 olives
Calories 36kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Roll small pieces of bacon around the olives and secure with toothpicks.
  • Lightly dust the wrapped olives with the rub.
  • Grill over indirect heat, flipping once or twice, until the bacon is cooked and crispy, 20-30 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly before devouring.

Notes

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Andouille Po Boy

I had an out-of-this-world good andouille po boy from Chef Dan’s Southern Comfort food truck the other day. And ever since, for darned near every minute of the day, I’ve been jonesin’ for another. This time I made my own. A good po boy requires a good remoulade. I made a big batch of Chez John’s Kaw-Cajun Comeback sauce, but any good remoulade will do. Just make sure it’s got some kick to it. The fantastic flavor of andouille and the remoulade are the stars of this sandwich. A little heat and a little spice. Perfect.

Andouille Po Boy

The Messier, The Better

The best po boy drips when you eat it. All down the front of your arms, on your shirt, and all over the table, and best, onto your plate so you can sop up the drippings with the last piece of bread from the sandwich. Those drippings have everything good in them, from remoulade to sausage juice. Good eats. I’m not sure that the drippings aren’t my favorite part. You’re guaranteed to get every flavor in one taste.

Also try my deluxe andouille po boy.

I love the taste of Andouille sausage. It’s not only great on a po boy, I like it in potatoes too.

Andouille Po Boy
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Andouille Po Boy

The fantastic flavor of andouille and the remoulade are the stars of this sandwich. A little heat and a little spice. Perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 673kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fry the sausage in a cast iron skillet until browned. If your sausage isn’t fatty enough you might have to add just a bit of oil, but don’t over do it.
  • Warm the bread if desired.
  • Top bread with the lettuce, pickles and tomatoes.
  • Add the cooked sausage and top with the remoulade.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1528mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake

I love the flavor of Nutella. That great chocolatey, creamy, nutty taste is great in a milkshake. Perfect on a hot summer day. Or any day for that matter. This chocolate with Nutella milkshake is pretty much a to-taste affair. A little of this, a little of that. It’s not like you can mess it up.  Serve this in a chilled milkshake glass and share it with your Sweetie!  I topped this with whipped cream, toasted peanuts and a maraschino cherry.

Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake

Self-Control? Gone.

I love making and drinking milkshakes like this chocolate with Nutella milkshake. They remind me of my days as a kid when I could drink as many of them as I could find. I have to exercise a bit more control now, but I still enjoy them. Try my cola, maple bacon (yes, bacon), and old fashioned malted milkshakes.

For more Nutella goodness, make my Nutella pretzel brownies.

Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake
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Chocolate with Nutella Milkshake

This chocolate with Nutella milkshake is pretty much a to-taste affair. A little of this, a little of that. It’s not like you can mess it up. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, milkshake, nutella
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 313kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients up to the milk into a blender. Blend until the desired consistency is achieved, adding more milk if needed.
  • Pour into a chilled milkshake glass and top with whipped cream.

Notes

Add some toasted nuts and a maraschino cherry too!

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 556IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Pot Roast

I read somewhere that you’re not supposed to say “This is the best thing that I ever ate” on a food show or on a food blog. The theory is that well, tomorrow, you might have a better version of the same dish, so then what are you going to say? “This is even better than the best thing I ever ate”? Well, I’m going to violate the rule right here and now and say that this smoked pot roast is the best pot roast I have ever eaten. It’s incredible and it’s tender. It’s juicy and it’s so flavorful. And it has a hint of smoke.

Smoked Pot Roast

It’s All About That Smoky Goodness

You could make this same recipe in the oven, but since you won’t get that great smoke flavor, you’ll need to add a bit (to taste, but not much) of liquid smoke.

We had some leftover pot roast, so I used up the meat in two other great dishes. First, I substituted the pot roast for corned beef on Reuben sandwiches (rye and Thousand Island and kraut).

Smoked Pot Roast Grilled Cheese

Then I made grilled smoked pot sandwiches by topping Texas toast with white cheddar and sauteed onions, and of course, pot roast.

This pot roast is incredible. But, if you need a little more heat, some kick… try my fiery smoked pot roast instead!

Smoked Pot Roast
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Smoked Pot Roast

This smoked pot roast is the best pot roast I have ever eaten. It’s incredible and it’s tender. It’s juicy and it’s so flavorful. And it has a hint of smoke.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pot roast, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 665kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 250 F and add a chunk or two of light wood (I used apple).
  • Place each chuck steak into a deep 9″ x 11″ aluminum pan.
  • Combine the gravy, dressing, and seasoning packets and rub liberally over each chuck. Use it all.
  • Add 1/2 of the can of beef broth to each pan.
  • Smoke for 1 hour.
  • Cover each pan in foil and cook another 4 hours or until the meat is tender but not yet falling apart.
  • Divide the vegetables between both pans, cover again, and cook another 2 hours.
  • Remove from the smoker and let rest 10 minutes then shred as desired.
  • Devour.

Notes

Great served on bread or rolls as sandwiches, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 665kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 528mg | Potassium: 1366mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4052IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smoky flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish). And of course, there’s a kick – a big kick from BBQ sauce mixed with habanero salsa and mixed into the meat and used as a glaze.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

The Perfect Sandwiches

The leftovers of this smoked habanero meatloaf are just as good as the day you make it. Maybe even a little bit better. It is perfect for sandwiches, which we made the next day. We just topped toasted French bread with a slab of warmed meatloaf followed by mayonnaise and red onion. The onion and bread add a nice crunch to the tender meatloaf. I can’t have a sandwich without mayonnaise, so mine definitely got an extra helping of it on top.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Sandwiches

Go Light On The Smoke

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 wood chunks for this meatloaf.

I smoked the meatloaf on my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. For a great side dish I made my crispy smoked smashed potatoes.

Smoked Habanero Meatloaf
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Smoked Habanero Meatloaf

This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smokey flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish).
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatloaf, smoked, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 445kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

For the smoker

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 – 250 F with a light wood, such as apple.

For the oven

  • Preheat oven to 450 F.

Assembly

  • Place the onion, celery and green pepper into a blender. Pulse until chopped, but not quite pureed. Squeeze out any excess moisture. It is important to get as much moisture out as you can.
  • Place beef and pork into a large bowl. Add onion mixture.
  • Whisk egg with milk and add to beef mixture, along with the bread crumbs and steak seasoning.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half of the sauce onto the meat mixture and combine all ingredients well. Reserve the remaining sauce.
  • Spray a 9×13 aluminum (or glass if using the oven) pan with non-stick spray.
  • Add the beef/pork mixture and form into a roll. Spoon remaining sauce over top.
  • If cooking in the oven, bake 45-60 minutes or until center is done. You may want to drain some of the accumulating fat before serving.
  • If cooking in the smoker, poke a few holes along the edges of the aluminum pan so that any accumulating fat drips out. Smoke 2-3 hours or until the center is done.
  • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes and then slice into thick pieces.

Notes

Great served on Texas toast or hamburger buns as sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.