Fire-Eater Chicken Mac-and-Cheese

I made a big ole batch of fire-eater chicken the other day. It has a really nice kick to it. Besides sandwiches and other great uses for the chicken, I made this insanely good fire-eater chicken mac-and-cheese. It’s based on a Buffalo chicken mac-and-cheese recipe, so you know that it’s great. And you don’t have to use fire-eater chicken, any roasted (or rotisserie) chicken will do, but I highly recommend the kicked-up flavor of the fire-eater version.

Fire-Eater Chicken Mac-and-Cheese

Creamy Crunchy Spiciness

This fire-eater chicken mac-and-cheese is creamy, like it should be. And crunchy, thanks to the celery and panko breadcrumbs. And it has a kick to it. Just like I like. We’ve all had the standard mac-and-cheese. It’s time to add some spice!

Fire-Eater Chicken Mac-and-Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Chicken Mac-and-Cheese

I made this insanely good fire-eater chicken mac-and-cheese. It’s based on a Buffalo chicken mac-and-cheese recipe, so you know that it’s great. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, spicy
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 844kcal

Ingredients

  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 3 cups fire-eater chicken shredded or chopped , or substitute rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup hot sauce or Buffalo wing sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 2 ½ cups half-and-half
  • 1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 ounces pepper jack cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
  • cup sour cream
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup blue cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Salt a large pot of water and cook the macaroni until al denta, about 7 minutes. Drain well.
  • Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the celery and onion. Cook until soft, 5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken and garlic and cook 2 more minutes.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the hot or wing sauce and stir. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
  • In another small skillet or saucepan, melt 2 more tablespoons of the butter.
  • Whisk in the flour and mustard until smooth.
  • Slow pour in the half-and-half while whisking continuously.
  • Whisk in the remaining hot or wing sauce and simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses and sour cream until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
  • Pour half of the macaroni into the baking dish and spread out evenly.
  • Top with the chicken mixture.
  • Add the remaining macaroni.
  • Pour the cheese mixture over the top and spread out evenly.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter. Add the panko, blue cheese and parsley. Stir and pour evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture.
  • Bake 30-40 minutes or until bubbly hot.
  • Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 844kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 1324mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1666IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 802mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fire-Eater Rub and Seasoning

Fire-eater rub and seasoning is by far my favorite kicked-up rub and all-purpose seasoning. It has the wonderful flavor of celery seed. I am a little heavy-handed with the celery seed. Don’t be afraid to cut back on it a bit. Specially if you’re not quite the celery seed enthusiast that I am.

This seasoning it has a fantastic bit of heat. A good amount of heat actually. Hence the name.

I’ve used this rub/seasoning on everything from wings to chicken breasts to corn, to soup, to a kickin’ sauce for burgers, and even prime rib.

Fire-Eater Habanero Wings

A Pantry Staple

Fire-Eater rub and seasoning is a must-have for your pantry. I always have a big batch on hand. Check out my list of great recipes that use this fantastic rub.

Also try my smoky chipotle rubs.

Fire-Eater Habanero Wings
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3.50 from 2 votes

Fire-Eater Rub

The best rub around for chicken wings, whole chickens, turkey… all things poultry.
Course Rub
Cuisine American
Keyword seasoning, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 56kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Makes enough for 3-4 pounds of poultry

  • Combine all ingredients. Store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2338mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4292IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings 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 bought a Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer a while back. It is one of my favorite “grills” by far. It doesn’t get any easier – marinate/brine/rub/whatever meat you wish to cook and put it into the cooker. Turkeys and chickens take about 15 minutes per pound. A family pack of wings takes about 30 minutes. Done. No mess, no fuss. It’s a beautiful thing. And trust me, I cook a lot of wings on my Big Easy. A lot. To get a family pack of wings onto my Big Easy, I use my homemade mod, the Wingin’ator 3000. You can always cook the wings in an oven or charcoal or gas grill of course.

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Just The Right Kick

These fire-eater chicken wings from Steven Raichlen’s The Barbecue! Bible 10th Anniversary Edition are absolutely amazing (as are the other recipes in the 575 page book). Yes, they have some kick, but it’s not overwhelming at all. They’re perfect. I plan on using the rub recipe on whole roasted chickens and turkey from my Big Easy, it’s just that good.

I cook the wings for about 30 minutes in my Big Easy, then I toss them onto a hot grill for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. You can skip that final step and still enjoy really fantastic wings. I served them with our cool Ranch dipping sauce.

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

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

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These fire-eater chicken wings are absolutely amazing (as are the other recipes in the 575 page book). Yes, they have some kick, but it’s not overwhelming at all. They’re perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, spicy, wings
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 453kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the Fire Eater Hot Sauce

Instructions

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 643mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1168IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg

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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5 from 1 vote

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. 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.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Sometimes, I’m all about making a quick and easy dinner. But that doesn’t mean I will sacrifice flavor. This recipe for spicy sausage pasta uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. The end result was nice and creamy, with a good bit of heat. It ain’t fancy, but it didn’t have to be fancy. Just good.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Nothing Fancy Here. But It Is Tasty.

You can tone down the heat in this dish, but honestly, it’s not that spicy. For nice little change, substitute andouille (cooked thoroughly) for the smoked sausage.

Although I used fresh, dried pasta works just as well. Just cook per the package instructions and enjoy!

Also try my spicy sausage and sun-dried tomato penne pasta.

Spicy Sausage Pasta
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4 from 1 vote

Spicy Sausage Pasta

This recipe for spicy sausage pasta uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. The end result was nice and creamy, with a good bit of heat. It ain’t fancy, but it didn’t have to be fancy. Just good.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, sausage, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 578kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Heat oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. (I used a 12″ cast-iron skillet)
  • Add the sausage and onion and cook until both are lightly browned.
  • Add the garlic, stir, and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add broth, tomatoes, cream, and salt and pepper (to taste) and stir.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the pasta.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  • Place skillet under the broiler until the top is starting to brown and the sauce is bubbly hot.
  • Serve garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 1789mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 694IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions

Simple and delicious. Like a grilled dog should be. Serve these hot dogs with spicy sauce and grilled onions at your next backyard get-together and people will wonder why they’ve just been squeezing mustard onto their dogs for all these years. The sauce is simple yet delicious. It packs just the right amount of spicy kick to let you know it’s there without scaring people off.

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions

Crazy Good Hot Dogs

I used one of my favorite hot sauces, Louisiana Hot Sauce, to kick these hot dogs with spicy sauce and grilled onions up a bit. Louisiana hot sauce has some heat and spice, but it isn’t overpowering at all. And it’s not overly vinegary like some hot sauces. For the BBQ sauce I used a spicy version for a nice extra kick. You could go light on both and still have a great hot dog.

Also try my Islander hot dogs.

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions
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5 from 1 vote

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions

Simple and delicious. Like a grilled dog should be. Serve these hot dogs with spicy sauce and grilled onions at your next backyard get-together and people will wonder why they’ve just been squeezing mustard onto their dogs for all these years.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 321kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet onions sliced
  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns

For the sauce

Instructions

  • To make the sauce, combine all ingredients except the beer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add just enough beer to slightly thin the sauce.
  • Let sauce simmer while you cook the dogs, stirring occasionally. Add more beer if the sauce is too thick.
  • Grill the onions until just soft.
  • Grill the hot dogs and toast the buns.
  • Serve dogs on buns slathered with the sauce and topped with the onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 1159mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce

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

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce bring the heat thanks to Louisiana hot sauce.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce

I prefer to cook my wings in my Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer using the Wingin’ator 3000 modification, then finish them off on the grill to get a nice crunchy skin. But, they’re just as great cooked in the oven or on a grill. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce are a delight no matter what you use to make them.

Try my Cravin’ Cajun, honey lime, and my Cajun Bay wings.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Chicken Wings

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce bring the heat.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, wings
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 367kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the wings

For the dipping sauce (if you like a lot of sauce like we do, you’ll want to double the ingredients)

Instructions

For the wings

For the dipping sauce

  • Place the cream cheese, dressing and hot sauce into medium bowl.
  • Microwave for 1-2 minutes until melted.
  • Whisk mixture until creamy smooth.
  • Fold in the blue cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 672mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce

Grilled hot dogs with hot Creole blender sauce is the bomb. It’s mustardy and a bit hot (as you kinda figured). And there’s bacon. The bacon and sauce really compliment each other perfectly. The sauce would also make for a fantastic dipping sauce for corn dogs now that I think about it. Actually the sauce would be great anywhere you normally use mustard. Just use this sauce instead.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce

Creole Mustard For The Win

I used Zatarain’s Creole Mustard to make the sauce for these grilled hot dogs with hot Creole blender sauce. It is my favorite mustard by far. I love it so much I have a subscription for it on Amazon. I can’t even think of what would happen if I ran out of it. So, I have to keep it on hand at all times! You can substitute a good grainy mustard too.

No Peppadews? No Problem

You’ll need peppadew peppers to make the sauce. If you can’t find peppadews, you can substitute roasted red peppers, with a bit of hot sauce added for kick. In a big pinch you can substitute some well-drained pimentos.

Also try my grilled taco dogs.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce

Grilled hot dogs with hot Creole blender sauce is the bomb. It’s mustardy and a bit hot (as you kinda figured). It’d also make for a fantastic dipping sauce for corn dogs now that I think about it.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 505kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the hot dogs

  • 4 hot dogs
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and broken into large chunks
  • 4 hot dog buns

For the sauce

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.
  • Add the onion and peppers and saute until the onion is soft.
  • Add garlic and cook another minute.
  • Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool.
  • Place onion mixture into a blender. Add mustard and mayonnaise and pulse until combined. If too thick, add a bit of the liquid from the peppadew jar. You want the sauce to be thick, but still easy to spread.
  • Grill the hot dogs and toast the buns as desired.
  • Place dogs on buns and top with blender sauce and bacon chunks.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 1190mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 314IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Cheesy Hot Dogs with Spicy Onions

Well, you know I like a little heat with everything. It doesn’t have to be overpowering, just some heat. A little spiciness. I don’t do bland. These grilled cheesy hot dogs with spicy onions take no time at all and have just a little kick from the onions. Kick in onions? Well, they got some help from some smoky chipotles with a little of the kicked-up adobo sauce they come in. Chipotles are a great way to add heat to any dish without going too far with it.

Grilled Cheesy Hot Dogs with Spicy Onions

Go Big Or.. Well, Don’t.

On occasion, our local grocery store has foot long hot dogs and buns. For some reason, I really love foot long dogs. There’s just something more fun about eating them (with the added bonus of being messy). It reminds me of when I was a kid, the food stand at the local baseball park served foot long chili dogs. The best thing ever on a hot summer day was a big ole dog and an ice cold Coke. These grilled cheesy hot dogs with spicy onions are perfect for those same hot summer days.

Also try my grilled Cincinnati hot dog.

Grilled Cheesy Hot Dogs with Spicy Onions
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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Cheesy Hot Dogs with Spicy Onions

Well, you know I like a little heat with everything. It doesn’t have to be overpowering, just some heat. I don’t do bland. These grilled cheesy hot dogs with spicy onions take no time at all and have just a little kick from the onions.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 468kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add the onions and cook until they are soft and golden, 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, chipotle chili, adobo sauce, and salt. Cook 2 more minutes and remove from heat.
  • Sprinkle the hot dogs with the grill seasoning.
  • Cook dogs and toast buns as desired.
  • Place a piece of cheese inside each bun and top with a hot dog, followed by some of the onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 1195mg | Potassium: 403mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 458IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 416mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

We have long enjoyed our favorite appetizer meatball recipe, but this version of sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs from Johnsonville takes the idea to a new level.

Johnsonville recently came out with a line of meatballs. They are soooooo much better than the usual pre-made meatballs you can pick up in your grocer’s freezer section. This is our first time using them, but I can definitely see us cooking with them more! I also substitute my fantastic homemade meatballs. If I have any. They seem to disappear awfully quick around here.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

A Bit Different

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These sweet-and-spicy appetizer meatballs are perfect for game-time munching!

For something a bit spicier, give your guests some fire-eater chicken meatballs. Also try my meatball sliders. They make great appetizers too.

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet-and-Spicy Appetizer Meatballs

I think the elements that really make these meatballs stand out are the great meatballs, of course, and also the Kalamata olives. They really add a great richness to the sauce. These are perfect for game-time munching!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 265kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add in the olives, onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes or until the onion starts to soften.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the cheese. Stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add in the cheese and stir to melt.
  • Continue simmering for 30 minutes or until the meatballs are completely warmed through.
  • Keep warm for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 214IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.