Tag: recipe

Copycat Church’s Fried Chicken Using the Vortex

I could make (and eat) ‘fried’ chicken using my Vortex BBQ all day long. It has never let me down. It has never been anything but easy. This copycat of Church’s fried chicken using the Vortex was no exception. Incredibly crunchy skin. Unbelievably moist and flavorful meat. And as easy as coating it, grilling it, eating it. Done.

Copycat Church's Fried Chicken Using the Vortex

Easy. And Fantastic.

There are no tricks or special handshakes that you need to know to get fried chicken right using the Vortex. And although a lot of sites say to rotate the lid every 15 minutes while cooking, I’ve not found that it makes a difference. I don’t over-crowd my grill and I make sure I have a super-hot fire. If you’ve found that rotating the lid is a requirement, let me know but so far, I’ve not had anything but success just keeping the lid right where it is. I also do not flip my chicken while it is cooking. Doing so will result in ‘batter loss’, a bad thing. Just keep it right where it is.

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

Also try my insanely-awesome proper pub fried chicken, another fantastic recipe for deliciously crispy tasty chicken cooked using the Vortex. You can also use off-the-shelf fried chicken coating to make spectacular chicken on the Vortex. Check out my Kentucky Kernel chicken too!

Copycat Church's Fried Chicken Using the Vortex
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3.67 from 3 votes

Copycat Church’s Fried Chicken Using the Vortex

This copycat of Church’s fried chicken was no exception. Incredibly crunchy skin. Unbelievably moist and flavorful meat. And as easy as coating it, grilling it, eating it. Done.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 373kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Just A Pinch

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces chicken I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

For the dry mixture

For the wet mixture

  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup cold water

For a crispier coating

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Combine all of the dry mixture ingredients in a pie plate.
  • In another pie plate, whisk together the eggs and water.
  • Working in batches, dip the chicken into the wet mixture, then into the dry mixture.
  • One more time, dip the chicken into the wet mixture and then the dry mixture.
  • Transfer chicken to your grill grate around the Vortex and cook until done, about 45 minutes.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with oil the last 5 minutes of cooking to get a crispier skin.

Notes

You can use any cuts of chicken that you prefer, but I have found that bone-in, skin-on thighs produce the best results time after time!

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 2963mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 202IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Roasted Spiral Potatoes

My oh my oh my these roasted spiral potatoes were good. And kinda pretty, too. But definitely delicious. The potatoes get cooked up perfectly, mixed with smoky bacon, garlic and seasonings. As the potatoes near their journey to doneness they are then topped with butter and cheese. Oh yeah! Garnished with sour cream and green onions, this is one mighty fine side dish.

Roasted Spiral Potatoes

Fancy, But Easy.

Assembling the potatoes in the pan is the key to having them cook perfectly (and look cool). It’s easier than it looks. Just cut all of your potatoes the same thickness (it’s up to you if you want to leave the skin on or not). Then for each circular layer select pieces that are roughly the same size. You then just lay them into a lightly oiled cast iron skillet at a slight angle, overlapping by about half. You’ll need one hand to hold them in place and one hand to add potatoes. Once you’ve made the full circle they’ll stay in place.

Roasted Spiral Potatoes

The Aroma Is Amazing

When the roasted spiral potatoes come out of the oven they are tender, covered in ooey gooey melted cheese. They look and smell out of this world. You’ll never want to cook potatoes any other way.

Make sure you add a good bit of paprika to the spice mixture. It adds great color.

Roasted Spiral Potatoes

This dish is best prepared in a cast iron skillet. Nothing conducts heat better!

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

These potatoes go great with a grilled steak. The perfect meat-and-potatoes dinner! Also try my melt-in-your mouth melting potatoes.

Roasted Spiral Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Spiral Potatoes

My oh my oh my these roasted spiral potatoes were good. And kinda pretty, too. But definitely delicious.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword roasted potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 159kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from The Culinary Fanatic

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Lightly oil your skillet.
  • Lightly toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and the minced garlic
  • Layer potatoes around the edge of the skillet. You’ll want to select pieces that are roughly the same size. Over lap the potatoes by about half, using one hand to add potatoes while the other hand keeps the potatoes in place. You’ll want them to be at about a 60 degree angle, slightly angled back, following the contour of the skillet.
  • Once your first layer is done, add two more, each inside of the other. You might need four total layers depending on the size of your skillet and potatoes.
  • When you get to the end you’ll have a little round ‘hole’ in the middle. Place a potato end (point-side up) in that spot to complete the arrangement.
  • Combine the seasonings and sprinkle over the tops of the potatoes. Don’t be shy.
  • Sprinkle the bacon pieces over the top and place in the oven for 45 minutes.
  • Drizzle with the butter, raise the temperature to 425 F, and cook another 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with the cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Serve garnished with sour cream and green onions.

Notes

You’ll need a cast iron skillet to make these roasted spiral potatoes. The larger the skillet, the more potatoes you will need. I used a 10″ Lodge.

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 584mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 23mg | 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)

Honey-Butter Corn 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.

Corn, glorious corn! Fresh sweet corn is everywhere and that means time to fire up and make some honey-butter corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy. A little added sweetness and ready in no time at all. I actually made this honey-butter corn (on the left) along with my Buffalo blue cheese corn (on the right) so that I’d have a nice mix of sweet and savory corn-on-the-cob for dinner.

Honey-Butter Corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy

A Great Side For Any Meal

You can cook the honey-butter corn at the same time you’re cooking something else in the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just place the corn in a Bunk Bed basket above your other food. Depending on what all you are cooking you can squeeze two bunk bed baskets into the Big Easy at once.

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

Also try my Cajun corn-on-the-cob and my Garlic Old Bay corn, both done up right on the Char-Broil Big Easy!

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

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

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

Honey-Butter Corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Honey-Butter Corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Corn, glorious corn! Fresh sweet corn is everywhere and that means time to fire up the make some honey-butter corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy. A little added sweetness and ready in no time at all. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, corn-on-the-cob
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 117kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 ears corn husks and silks removed, cut in half
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 pinch kosher salt

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Place the 8 pieces of corn onto pieces of foil.
  • Place the butter, honey and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the butter is melted and the honey is dissolved. B
  • rush over the tops of the corn.
  • Rotate and brush the other side of the corn.
  • Seal tightly in the foil and place into the Big Easy basket.
  • Cook in the Big Easy for 20-25 minutes or until the corn is tender.

Notes

To cook all 4 ears (8 pieces in all) of corn you’ll need a Bunk Bed basket for your Big Easy.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 352IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Grilled Cornbread with Hatch Chile Honey Butter

Not too long ago I grilled up some cornbread and brushed it with jalapeno honey butter. Good doesn’t even come close to describing how great it was. I instantly became a big fan of grilled cornbread. And since I roasted a huge batch of Hatch chiles, I figured, hey, how about grilled cornbread with Hatch chile honey butter? A little less spicy than the jalapeno version, but still packed with fantastic roasted pepper flavor and just a little sweetness.

Grilled Cornbread with Hatch Chile Honey Butter

Use Cornbread That Can Stand Up To The Task

When making grilled cornbread with Hatch chile honey butter keep in mind that thicker cornbread definitely holds up better on the grill than the thin, crumbly stuff. You have to be pretty careful flipping the cornbread, but it’s worth the stress. I like to have extra melted Hatch chile honey butter on the table when I serve these because, well, you can’t have too much of it that’s for sure.

If you love Hatch chiles as much as I do, don’t hesitate to add a few of the chopped roasted peppers into the cornbread mix before you bake it.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

You can actually make this cornbread in a cast iron skillet. Just cook the cornbread in the pan first. Then remove and slice and grill as the recipe states.

Grilled Cornbread with Hatch Chile Honey Butter
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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Cornbread with Hatch Chile Honey Butter

A little less spicy than my jalapeno version, but still packed with fantastic roasted pepper flavor and just a little sweetness.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword butter, cornbread
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 120kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 batch cornbread mix
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 Hatch chile roasted, seeds and membranes removed (alternatively you can use a 4 ounce can of roasted green chiles)
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

  • Cook the cornbread per package instructions. You can use squares or muffins.
  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Melt the butter and stir in the chiles and honey.
  • Brush cornbread liberally on all sides with the butter mixture.
  • Place onto the grill over direct heat for 3 minutes until grill marks start to appear.
  • Carefully flip and grill on the other side for 3 more minutes.
  • Serve hot with any remaining butter.

Notes

Use hot honey for a little kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Cherry Tomato Salad

This cherry tomato salad is crazy good. Tomato season is our favorite time of the year, and this dish definitely satisfied our quest for tomato yumminess. The combination of balsamic vinegar and pesto sauce really makes for a wonderful dressing and marinade. The red onions add a nice bite. The original recipe calls for half an onion, but I would add more. The onions were so great that I’ll definitely use the entire onion the next time I make this salad.

Cherry Tomato Salad

It Doesn’t Have To Be Cherry Tomatoes…

This salad can also be made with whole tomatoes (heirloom would be amazing!) cut into wedges. Of course, it wouldn’t be a cherry tomato salad then but it’d still be great! This salad screams fresh and packs tremendous flavor in every bite.

Pompeian Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Sauces, Seafood & Meat Dishes, Naturally Gluten Free, 16 FL. OZ.
Pompeian Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Sauces, Seafood & Meat Dishes, Naturally Gluten Free, 16 FL. OZ.

If you’re looking for a tomato salad more suitable for kids, try my hot dog tomato salad. It was a childhood favorite of mine.

Cherry Tomato Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Cherry Tomato Salad

This cherry tomato salad is crazy good. Tomato season is our favorite time of the year, and this dish definitely satisfied our quest for tomato yumminess. The combination of balsamic vinegar and pesto sauce really makes for a wonderful dressing and marinade.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword salad, tomato
Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 5 servings
Calories 86kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Ree Drummond

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pints grape tomatoes halved if desired (I used a mix of yellow, purple and red tomatoes)
  • ½ red onion sliced thin (I wouldn’t hesitate to use the entire onion)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons parsley fresh, minced
  • 1 tablespoon pesto
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce cut into chunks or shredded (optional)

Instructions

  • Place the tomatoes and onions in a large resealable container.
  • Whisk together the oil, vinegar, parsley, pesto, sugar and garlic.
  • Add to the tomato mixture and stir.
  • Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
  • Serve over lettuce, if using, or just serve in bowls.

Notes

You can also use sliced or chopped Roma tomatoes.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 646mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2407IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 56mg | 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)

Buffalo Blue Cheese Corn 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 absolutely love cooking corn on my Big Easy. It comes out perfect every single time. Juicy, hot and ready for whatever toppings suit my fancy. This time my topping of choice was inspired by Buffalo wings so I made Buffalo blue cheese corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

A little Buffalo wing sauce, a little blue cheese and a little bit of butter and I’ve got a delicious side dish (the three pieces you see on the right in the picture below). The three pieces on the left are my honey-butter corn-on-the-cob.

Buffalo Blue Cheese Corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Blue Cheese Funk

Worried about Buffalo blue cheese corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy being too spicy? Well, don’t be. The Buffalo sauce is there, you can taste it, but it’s not overwhelming at all, not in the least. The Buffalo blue cheese corn on the Big Easy  ends up sweet and buttery. It has that great blue cheese ‘funk’ and the hint of vinegary wing sauce. Yummy!

The bunk bed basket lets you double the amount of cooking space you have on your Big Easy. And it’s easy to take in and out of the cooker too!

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

Also try my Cajun corn-on-the-cob, done up right on the Char-Broil Big Easy!

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

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

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

Buffalo Blue Cheese Corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Blue Cheese Corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Juicy, hot and ready for whatever toppings suit my fancy. This time my topping of choice was inspired by Buffalo wings so I made Buffalo blue cheese corn on the Char-Broil Big Easy.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, corn-on-the-cob
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 64kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Hey Grill Hey

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 ears corn husks and silks removed, cut in half
  • ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbled

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Place the 8 pieces of corn onto pieces of foil.
  • Combine the wing sauce and butter and brush over the tops of the corn. Rotate and brush the other side of the corn.
  • Seal tightly in the foil and place into the Big Easy basket.
  • Cook in the Big Easy for 20-25 minutes or until the corn is tender.
  • Serve garnished with the blue cheese.

Notes

To cook all 4 ears (8 pieces in all) of corn you’ll need a Bunk Bed basket for your Big Easy.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 969mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce

Summer is such a great time for a stir-fry. Fresh in-season vegetables scream ‘stir-fry me’ out at you as you walk through the farmer’s market or grocery store. In fact, a few heads of broccoli where screaming at me the other day, so I took them home and made a quick stir fry with broccoli in Hoisin sauce. And boy am I glad that I did!

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce

Broccoli Needs Help And Here It Is

Hoison sauce adds a nice sweet and salty flavor to any veggies. Don’t be afraid to also add a few pinches of dried red pepper flake or fresh sliced chile peppers.
I love stir-frying broccoli in Hoisin sauce. And I really love it even more when cooked outside. I fire up my charcoal grill which has a fantastic, large wok insert. The wok gets incredibly hot over the coals, much hotter than I could ever get it on my flattop electric stove. It’s perfect for stir-frying anything, and quickly. If you have a 22″ Weber charcoal grill I can’t recommend the wok enough.

Of course, you can make this just as easily indoors, using a wok.

Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok, 14-Inch, Black
Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok, 14-Inch, Black

Also check out one of my other favorite grilled side dishes, Asian grilled vegetables. Stir-fried broccoli is also fantastic with my Mongolian Grill stir-fry sauce.

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce

Hoison sauce adds a nice sweet and salty flavor to any veggies. Don’t be afraid to also add a few pinches of dried red pepper flake or fresh sliced chile peppers.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, broccoli
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 34kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat up a wok over high heat.
  • Stir-fry the broccoli with the garlic and oil for 3 minutes.
  • Combine the ginger, water, Hoisin and salt and stir in the broccoli.
  • Stir-fry until the sauce thickens.

Notes

Add a few pinches of red pepper flake for a nice spicy kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 35mg | 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)

Cowboy Hot Dogs

Now THESE are hot dogs. You’ve got your smoky crispy bacon. There’s sauteed sweet onions and mushrooms. And cheese. Add grilled all-beef dogs (or your hot dog of choice) and you’ve got Cowboy hot dogs you can not only enjoy, but be proud of. This right here is why I love making hot dogs. They’re a blank canvas for great flavors and textures. There’s nothing plain or boring about these. They are why I never say “Oh, sigh, hot dogs again for dinner…. “. They’re something to get excited about!

Cowboy Hot Dogs

One Crazy Good Hot Dog

You don’t really need any condiments to top these off. Dijon mustard would be great, if you have to. Or BBQ sauce. But really, they’re great just as they are.

Although you could cook your bacon in a skillet (you are using skillets to cook the onion and mushrooms), I recommend baking it in an oven. I like to line a baking pan with foil and add the bacon. I bake at 350 F for 20-40 minutes, flipping once. The cook time depends on how thick the bacon is and how crispy I want it to get.

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

My German cowboy hots dogs aren’t anything to sneeze at either! You’ll also love my Tennessee Smoky hot dogs.

Cowboy Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cowboy Hot Dogs

Now THESE are hot dogs. You’ve got your smoky crispy bacon. There’s sauteed sweet onions and mushrooms. And cheese. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 471kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 2 tablespoon butter divided
  • 1 large sweet onion sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon cooked, crumbled or chopped

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in two medium skillets over medium-high heat. Add the butter and melt.
  • Add the onion to one skillet. Stir and saute until softened and golden in color.
  • Meanwhile, add the mushrooms to the other skillet. Stir and saute until the mushrooms are softened.
  • Remove onions and mushrooms from heat.
  • Cook your hot dogs as desired. Toast the buns if desired.
  • Place dogs in buns. Top with onion, mushrooms, cheese and crumbled bacon.

Notes

Add a little diced or minced jalapeno for a nice spicy kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 756mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Smoked Bacon Mac-and-Cheese

Oh my goodness. I’ve had my share of mac-and-cheese and then some. I’ve even grilled it. But nothing has ever come close to this smoked bacon mac-and-cheese. Yeah, it’s creamy ooey gooey cheesy like any proper mac-and-cheese should be. And it has bacon, glorious bacon. And it’s smoked (on my Weber smoker). Yes, smoked. Not a lot of smokiness, not too much to overwhelm, but the exact perfect amount. This is just crazy good eats.

Smoked Bacon Mac-and-Cheese

Add Some Pulled Pork

If you’re in the mood to make this smoked bacon mac-and-cheese even more over-the-top, add a few good handfuls of leftover smoked pulled pork. It’s a fantastic way to use up pulled pork if by chance you have some on hand. Me, I’d already eaten all of my smoked pork. I was very, very happy with this dish without it.

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. Get the real 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

For a another great ‘made outdoors’ take on mac-and-cheese, try my grilled Buffalo version.

Smoked Bacon Mac-and-Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Bacon Mac-and-Cheese

Oh my goodness. I’ve had my share of mac-and-cheese and then some. I’ve even grilled it. But nothing has ever come close to this smoked bacon mac-and-cheese.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, smoked
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 14 servings
Calories 551kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Smoking Meat

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Fire up your smoker for 225 F. Use whatever wood you like, but I would recommend a lighter fruit wood such as cherry or peach.
  • Line a large baking sheet with foil. You might need two baking sheets if they aren’t large enough to hold all of the bacon.
  • Add bacon to baking sheet and sprinkle with the BBQ rub.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, flip, sprinkle with more rub and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until cooked but not overly crispy. Remove from oven and transfer bacon to a paper-towel lined plate. Crumble the bacon once cooled.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted whisk in the flour, mustard, salt, paprika and black pepper. Whisk for 2 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the half and half. Keep whisking for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the 4 cups of cheddar cheese. Pour over the noodles and stir gently to combine.
  • Place half of the noodle and cheese mixture into the aluminum pan.
  • Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the cheese mix and more of the rub.
  • Add remaining noodles and sprinkle with the remaining cheese mix.
  • Add more rub and all of the crumbled bacon.
  • Place on the smoker and smoke for 2-3 hours depending on how smoky you want it.
  • Remove and let rest at least 30 minutes (good luck with waiting that long!) before slicing and serving.

Notes

You’ll need a 9″ x 13″ deep (3″) disposable aluminum pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 551kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 768mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1092IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 503mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Slow Cooker Copycat Snapple Tea

It’s summer. That means iced tea for me, and in particular, Snapple tea. This slow cooker copycat of the fantastic bottled version hits the spot on a hot day for sure. Just toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker and in a few hours you get great tasting tea. I prefer peach- or lemon-flavored tea, but you can use any flavor you’d like. No matter which flavors you make, you’ll love this slow cooker copycat Snapple tea. You do want to use a good, tasty, quality bagged tea in this recipe. You want that clean tea flavor. Not cloudy, yucky, el cheapo tea. Spend a little extra on the tea and be happy.

Slow Cooker Copycat Snapple Tea

Go Low Carb, Low Cal

For lower calorie, lower carb slow cooker copycat Snapple tea use artificial sweetener and any one of the sugar-free fruit flavors of Torani syrup. I’ve found that some syrup flavors can be hard to find locally. Thankfully, shipping isn’t bad so I ordered a few bottles online. You don’t have to worry about the syrups expiring either, so don’t be afraid to order a few and get to trying several different flavors in your teas. Heck you could even mix them. I guess!

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 no-carb sherbet pops!

Slow Cooker Copycat Snapple Tea
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4 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Copycat Snapple Tea

This slow cooker copycat of the fantastic bottled version hits the spot on a hot day for sure.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, crockpot, slow cooker, tea
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 3 quarts
Calories 307kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low 3 hours.
  • Serve cold or over ice.

Notes

Best when used within a day or two.

Nutrition

Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 39mg | 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