Tag: sandwich

Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille

We both really enjoyed this copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille sandwich. I had plenty of smoked turkey on hand after smoking a few turkey breasts. The light smoke flavor of the very tender turkey, along with gooey cheese and the best part, a bit of smoky BBQ sauce, really made for a great sandwich. It’s like a grownup take on a grilled cheese.

Copycat Applebee's Clubhouse Grille Sandwich

BBQ Sauce On A Sandwich Is A Good Thing

Any ‘plain’ sandwich can have that little extra something just by adding a bit of BBQ sauce to it. Like this Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille. Not a lot, you’re not making a pulled pork sandwich. But just enough so you know it is there. You’ll remember it more than just a sandwich with just say, mayonnaise. Remember it the next time you make any sandwich.

I like to cook sandwiches like this one on my Cuisinart Griddler. It gives me the perfectly crispy bread and melted cheese!

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

Also try my copycat of Applebee’s classic patty melt.

Copycat Applebee's Clubhouse Grille Sandwich
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille

We both really enjoyed this copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille sandwich. I had plenty of smoked turkey on hand after smoking a few turkey breasts. The light smoke flavor of the very tender turkey, along with gooey cheese and the best part, a bit of smoky BBQ sauce, really made for a great sandwich. It’s like a grownup take on a grilled cheese.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 1002kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cincy Shopper

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 slices bread nice and thick
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • 2 teaspoon mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 3 slices ham
  • 3 slices turkey
  • 1 slice extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 slice Jack cheese
  • 2 slices bacon cooked
  • 2 slices tomato
  • iceberg lettuce
  • avocado sliced, optional

Instructions

  • Warm a skillet over medium-high heat or fire up a griddle on your grill.
  • Spread butter on one side of each slice of toast.
  • Place butter side down onto the skillet and cook until the butter is melted and the bread is golden brown.
  • Remove to a plate, butter sides down. Slather one bread slice’s un-buttered side with mayonnaise and the other slice’s with the BBQ sauce.
  • Add ham, turkey and cheeses to skillet all in a pile.
  • Heat until the cheeses start to melt.
  • Remove and place on top of a bread slice.
  • Top with bacon, tomato and lettuce and serve.
  • Optional: Add a few thin slices of avocado!

Notes

Texas toast holds up great to these loaded sandwiches!

Nutrition

Calories: 1002kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 71g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 2112mg | Potassium: 738mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1366IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 514mg | 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 Chicken Panini

I made a nice big ole batch of slow cooker shredded Buffalo chicken the other day. One of my favorite things to make with it is Buffalo chicken panini. It takes only minutes to make yet it’s absolutely packed with flavor. Crunchy bread. Smoky bacon. Ooey gooey cheese. Tangy blue cheese (or gorgonzola if you prefer a little milder flavor). Kickin’ chicken. And cool, crunchy slaw.

Buffalo Chicken Panini

I Use My Griddler For Perfect Paninis

I could eat a Buffalo chicken panini all day long. My Cuisinart Griddler does a great job of crisping up the bread and melting the cheese. I use my Griddler for everything from breakfast to dinner. Check out my other recipes all made with the Griddler!

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

Also try my Buffalo chicken subs.

Buffalo Chicken Panini
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Panini

One of my favorite things to make with it is Buffalo chicken panini. It takes only minutes to make yet it’s absolutely packed with flavor. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, chicken, sandwich
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 618kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bread thick slices
  • butter
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices thick bacon cooked
  • ½ cup Buffalo chicken shredded, warmed (see our slow-cooker or Big Easy recipes for making Buffalo chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbled
  • ½ cup coleslaw mix
  • 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing

Instructions

  • Preheat a panini press or skillet.
  • Spread butter on one side of each piece of bread.
  • Place two slices butter-side down on the press or in the skillet.
  • Divide cheese and bacon between sandwiches.
  • Combine the chicken with the blue cheese and divide between the sandwiches.
  • Mix the slaw and Ranch dressing and divide between the sandwiches.
  • Add remaining bread slices butter-side up and close press.
  • Cook until the bread is toasted and golden. If using a skillet flip the sandwiches once the bottom is done and cook the other side until toasted and golden.

Notes

Drizzle the sandwiches with a little Ranch or serve it on the side for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 618kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 2904mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black
OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

I cannot get enough of Sloppy Joes. I love Bayou Sloppy Joes. Seriously messy Sloppy Joes. Sloppy Joes made with chorizo. Sloppy Joes made in a slow cooker. Any way you cook ’em, I’ll eat ’em. Like these Philly cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. Made in just minutes, and packed with the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Of course, topped with a creamy cheese sauce. Now, if you don’t think provolone cheese is ‘proper’ on a cheesesteak, you can surely substitute Cheese Wiz and have your Sloppy Joe ‘with’.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes. Elevated.

I was raised on A-1 steak sauce, but some folks were raised on Heinz 57. Either sauce (or any other steak sauce for that matter) is great on these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes sandwiches.

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

Also try my copycat Manwich Sloppy Joes and my crazy-good slow cooker cheesesteaks.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Made in just minutes, and packed with the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Of course, topped with a creamy cheese sauce. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesesteak, sloppy Joes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 615kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Taste of Home

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sandwich

For the cheese sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup provolone cheese shredded, or if sliced, torn into pieces

Instructions

For the sandwich

  • Melt the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the beef and brown, breaking into small pieces. Drain if necessary.
  • Add the steak sauce and broth. Stir.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat and let simmer until the sauce is reduced.
  • Toast buns as desired.
  • Serve buns topped with meat mixture and a few spoonfuls of the cheese sauce.

For the cheese sauce

  • Melt the butter in a sauce pan over medium-high heat.
  • Stir in the flour and cook about 1 minute, whisking.
  • Slowly add the milk while whisking.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until thickened.
  • Reduce heat to low and add the cheese.
  • Stir until the cheese is melted and thick.

Notes

Also great made using Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 615kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 831mg | Potassium: 722mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 534IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 440mg | Iron: 4mg

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 Denny’s Club Sandwich

This is ALMOST a copycat version of Denny’s club sandwich. I had to add a slight twist. After enjoying a copycat of Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille sandwich, which has BBQ sauce slathered on the bread, I just had to do the same with this club sandwich. Otherwise, yeah, it’s a spot-on fantastic copycat of the classic.

I love the tang of the BBQ sauce. I used a hickory-smoked flavored sauce, which I think is the perfect sauce for this sandwich.

Copycat Denny's Club Sandwich

This Is The Perfect Club Sandwich

Now, if BBQ sauce isn’t your thing, substituting Sriracha instead would make for a totally different (and yummy spicy) copycat Denny’s Club sandwich. In fact, that’s a great idea. I am going to make my next club sandwich with Sriracha on it instead! I’m glad I thought of it!

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 deviled egg salad sandwich.

Copycat Denny's Club Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Denny’s Club Sandwich

This is ALMOST a copycat version of Denny’s club sandwich. I had to add a slight twist.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, sandwich
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 743kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bread
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 4 ounces turkey breast thinly sliced sandwich meat
  • 4 ounces ham thinly sliced sandwich meat
  • ½ cup Iceberg lettuce shredded or leaves
  • 4 slices bacon cooked
  • 4 slices tomato

Instructions

  • Toast the bread as desired.
  • Slather one side of two of the slices of the bread with mayonnaise.
  • Top with some lettuce, a slice of tomato, a slice of bacon, and the turkey.
  • Top each sandwich stack with a piece of bread.
  • Add more lettuce, tomato, another slice of bacon, and the ham.
  • Slather one side of two other slices of the bread with BBQ sauce (optional).
  • Add to sandwich.
  • Secure with toothpicks or skewers and serve.

Notes

For a nice twist, use a spicy BBQ sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 743kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1790mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 618IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 146mg | 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)

Slow Cooker Beef Debris Po Boy

You make a po boy and I’ll eat it. You make a messy, dripping po boy and I’ll devour it. The messier, the better. It has to drip and run all over the place. That way I can dip my bread in the juices. Perfect. Like this slow cooker beef debris po boy. This is a sandwich of beauty and flavor and… messiness!

Slow Cooker Beef Debris Po Boy

Messy. Like It’s Supposed To Be.

‘Debris’ refers to beef that is cooked and then cut into shreds. In this case, we cut the beef first then cook it until it completely falls apart. The sauce is absolutely incredible. You’ll want to just take a spoonful of it and eat it right out of the slow cooker.

Patience. Tested.

The aroma of the beef cooking in the delicious sauce will drive you crazy all day long. You will find yourself doing like I did, trying to rush the clock forward to dinnertime. Fortunately this recipe for a slow cooker beef debris po boy makes a big batch so you’ll have plenty of it on hand to enjoy again and again.

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 Italian slow cooker beef,  spicy Italian, French dip and New Orleans roast beef sandwiches too.

Slow Cooker Beef Debris Po Boy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Beef Debris Po Boy

You make a po boy and I’ll eat it. You make a messy, dripping po boy and I’ll devour it. The messier, the better. Like this slow cooker beef debris po boy.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, crockpot, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 604kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Mar/Apr 2016 issue of Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

Equipment

Ingredients

For the beef debris

For the sandwich build

  • 10 sub rolls toasted
  • mayonnaise to taste
  • lettuce sliced, to taste
  • tomato sliced, to taste
  • dill pickle to taste

Instructions

For the beef debris

  • Place 4 tablespoons of the flour into a large bowl.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, coat the meat in the flour mixture.
  • Shake off excess then transfer to the hot oil and brown on all sides.
  • Transfer to a slow cooker set to low.
  • De-glaze the skillet with wine, scraping all of the goodies off the bottom of the pan.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add the onion and celery.
  • Cook 10 minutes or until starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour and stir well.
  • Slowly stir in the beef broth.
  • Add the Kitchen Bouquet and onion and garlic powders, stir.
  • Add the dried pepper flakes, if using, and stir.
  • Pour mixture into the slow cooker and stir.
  • Cook 8 hours or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
  • Adjust seasoning.

For the sandwich build

  • Split the bread horizontally.
  • Slather the loaves with mayonnaise and add the lettuce, tomato and pickles.
  • Spoon in the meat mixture and devour.

Notes

Serve with a whole lot of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 839mg | Potassium: 792mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 15mg

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

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Sliders

The corned beef on these slow cooker sliders is beyond amazing. Yes, it’s tender, but that’s not the main attraction. The flavor is incredible. The corned beef brisket cooks for hours in a wonderful mix of vegetables, seasonings and broth. There’s a mild tomato flavor, which isn’t something you normally expect, but it’s just another taste that really sets this corned beef apart from anything else.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Sliders

Go Kraut-less?

You can certainly add sauerkraut to make these slow cooker corned beef sliders more Reuben-esque, but honestly, I wouldn’t and I didn’t. The corned beef is so incredibly tasty that you don’t want to bury it in kraut flavors. I find it weird to even say that because I’m a huge kraut fan. Specially when it comes to a sandwich with corned beef or pastrami on it. It’s unusual for me to even see one without at least a bit of kraut somewhere!

Looks Hard But It Isn’t

I know it may seem like there are a lot of ingredients in this recipe, but I assure you that it’s not really that difficult to make. There’s just a little bit of preparation time. Then everything goes into the crockpot. I like to take my corned beef out and let it rest for a few minutes before I start slicing 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)

Also try my slow cooker spicy corned beef.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Sliders
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Sliders

The corned beef on these slow cooker sliders is beyond amazing. Yes, it’s tender, but that’s not the main attraction. The flavor is incredible. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword corned beef, crockpot, sliders, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings 12 sliders
Calories 383kcal
Author Based on a recipe from A Southern Soul

Equipment

Ingredients

For the brisket

For the sliders

Instructions

For the brisket

  • Layer 1/2 of the onion, carrots, celery and garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker set to low.
  • Add corned beef brisket, fat side up.
  • Add remaining onion, carrots, celery and garlic.
  • In a bowl whisk together the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, brown sugar, celery seeds and red pepper. Pour over the beef.
  • Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper.
  • Slowly pour beer around the beef and cover the cooker.
  • Cook on low for 8-9 hours until the corned beef is tender.
  • Remove meat and slice or shred as desired. If storing leftovers, I would add a bit of the sauce from the slow cooker so that the beef doesn’t dry out when reheated.

For the sliders

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cut buns in half horizontally.
  • Spread the insides with the Thousand Island dressing.
  • Add corned beef and cheese.
  • Add bun tops and brush with melted butter.
  • Wrap in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Notes

Add some warmed kraut, too!

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 2682mg | Potassium: 683mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2730IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

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

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches

My wife and I both agreed that these slow cooker spicy Italian beef sandwiches were absolutely fantastic. And besides tender, juicy beef, you also get great Italian spice flavors. All served on a sub bun with plenty of smoky provolone cheese. Every bite of this sandwich is perfect.

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches

Kick it Up Even More

To really kick up your slow cooker spicy Italian beef sandwiches use hot pepperoncini and Giardiniera, and substitute habanero jack cheese for the provolone. You’ll have the perfect game-time sandwich.

You may or may not need all of the peppers and Giardiniera I listed for the sandwich build. It all depends on how much you like on your sandwiches. Me, I like pepperoncini, and lots of it, on top. I only used the Giardiniera in the slow cooker and didn’t add any to the sandwich. To each his own!

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 beef debris po boy and French dip sandwiches too.

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches

Besides tender, juicy beef, you also get great Italian spice flavors. All served on a sub bun with plenty of smoky provolone cheese. Every bite of this sandwich is perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, Italian, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 493kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Iowa Girl Eats

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Italian beef

For the sandwiches

  • 10 Hoagie buns or steak sandwich rolls
  • 10 slices Provolone cheese sliced
  • 1 12 ounce peperoncini slices, drained
  • 1 12 ounce Giardiniera drained, lightly chopped

Instructions

For the Italian beef

  • Add beef broth to slow cooker set to high.
  • Stir in the dressing seasoning and red pepper.
  • Add the peppers and Giardiniera.
  • Add meat and cover.
  • Cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 10-11 hours until the meat can be shredded.
  • Remove meat, shred, and return to the slow cooker and cook another hour.

For the sandwiches

  • Open buns and add cheese slices. Make sure to cover the bread with the cheese – it’ll help keep the buns from getting overly soggy.
  • Add shredded meat.
  • Top with pepperoncini and chopped Giardiniera as desired.

Notes

Have plenty of napkins nearby.

Nutrition

Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 790mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 422IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 179mg | 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

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes

The sloppier the sandwich, the better it is. I’ve made chorizo Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Cubans, and kicked-up regular ole Sloppy Joes. All were sloppy. All were fantastic. These slow cooker Gumbo Joes pack in fantastic bayou flavors with traditional Sloppy Joe ingredients such as ketchup, mustard, and onion. Thick and messy. It’s gonna drip and it’s gonna make a mess. It’s gonna be great.

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes

Gumbo-licious

This recipe for slow cooker Gumbo Joes is also a great way to use up leftover gumbo. I don’t usually have leftover gumbo. It seems to disappear very quickly around here. That’s why I had to use a few cans of gumbo instead. It’s surprisingly good on its own. But it’s fantastic in this great take on a Sloppy Joe.

Go Open-Faced

As much as I like to eat these sandwiches like… sandwiches, my preferred way is actually to enjoy them open-faced. I like to toast some hamburger buns until they get a bit crusty. With a bit of a crunch to them. Then I pile the meat mixture high and dig in!

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)

You can also make this dish on the stovetop. Just bring it to a slow simmer and let it simmer for at least 4 hours, stirring often and checking if it gets too dry. If it does, just stir in a bit of water.

Also try my slow cooker gumbo.

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes

These slow cooker Gumbo Joes pack in fantastic bayou flavors with traditional Sloppy Joe ingredients such as ketchup, mustard, and onion. Thick and messy. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, gumbo, sloppy Joes, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 396kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Ground the beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Drain and transfer to a slow cooker set to low.
  • Add onion, soup, ketchup and mustard. Stir.
  • Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve on buns.

Notes

Also great served heaped on hot dogs.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 431mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 3mg

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

Stuffed French Bread

We’ve been enjoying a somewhat mild winter here so far. We did have a few nights where it got a little cold, which means time to make comfort food. This simple stuffed French bread really packs a lot of great flavor in every bite. It is definitely what I’d call comfort food. The meat filling is really quite incredibly yummy. It sort of reminds me of the flavors of a beef stroganoff. The French bread holds up well to the mixture. A lesser bread just isn’t going to do here, unless you want to serve it open-faced (which is actually a pretty good idea now that I think about it).

Stuffed French Bread

Nice And Cheesy

I love the extra sharp cheddar melted on top of these stuffed French bread sandwiches, but you could certainly use any other good melting cheese. A nice smoky provolone would be perfect also, as would Swiss or mozzarella.

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

Also try my shrimp-stuffed bread.

Stuffed French Bread
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Stuffed French Bread

This simple stuffed French bread really packs a lot of great flavor in every bite, and it is definitely what I’d call comfort food. The meat filling is really quite incredibly yummy. It sort of reminds me of the flavors of a beef stroganoff.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword French bread, stuffed
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 403kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Place bread halves on a baking sheet.
  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
  • Add the onion and saute for 2-3 minutes.
  • Drain any excess fat.
  • Add celery and cook until it starts to soften.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the soup, milk and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook until mixture is heated through.
  • Pour mixture into bottom bread half and spread out evenly.
  • Add cheese and add bread top.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Substitute Italian sausage (spicy or not) for the beef and Swiss for the cheddar for a nice variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 718mg | Potassium: 325mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 196mg | 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)

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches

I wanted a grilled cheese sandwich. But, after visiting the Der Pretzel Wagen food truck here in Indianapolis a few days earlier and grabbing an outrageously good pretzel sandwich (The Ham Solo, is my favorite), I was also jonesin’ for a pretzel. I’m always jonesin’ for a pretzel. So, I decided to combine the two desires into a very easy sandwich. Pretzel ‘bun’, melty gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a bit of Dijon mustard. These pretzel grilled bacon and cheese sandwiches are easy to make, and quite tasty. They make for a delicious lunch time treat!

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches

Simple. Easy. And Fun.

I didn’t go the fancy route. I used frozen pre-made pretzels. Heck, I’ve tried to make my own pretzels and I can’t. And American cheese. My pretzel grilled bacon and cheese sandwiches are good enough to hold me over until I can get back to Der Pretzel Wagen food truck for one of their pretzel sandwiches!

Update: Sadly, Der Pretzel Wagen is no longer open for business! I sure do miss their food. Hopefully they’ll come back some day.

To get the cheese all ooey-gooey I tossed the sandwiches on a hot Griddler for a few minutes.

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

Also try my delicious fried bologna sandwich.

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Pretzel Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches

I didn’t go the fancy route. I used frozen pre-made pretzels. And American cheese. It was enough to hold me over.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, grilled cheese, pretzels, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 sandwich
Calories 199kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 pretzels frozen, warmed per package instructions (and cut in half horizontally if large) or use fresh
  • 2 pieces American cheese
  • 2 pieces bacon cooked
  • Dijon mustard to taste

Instructions

  • Slather the top of one of the pretzels with mustard.
  • Add a slice of cheese, the bacon, and the remaining cheese.
  • Add a few more squirts of mustard and add the other pretzel.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black
OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush, Black