Category: Sandwiches

  • Hawaiian Roll Sausage and Peppers

    Hawaiian Roll Sausage and Peppers

    These Hawaiian Roll Sausage and Pepper Sliders are a simple, versatile and crowd pleasing dish that are perfect for parties, potlucks and tailgates.

    sausage and pepper sliders

    Hawaiian roll sausage and peppers are perfect for any occasion and easy to make. Start by layering cooked Italian sausage meat over a sheet of slider rolls, cut in half horizontally, and lined with cheese, such as Hawaiian sweet rolls. Add a layer of sautéed red and green peppers, onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, brush the sliders with a garlic butter, Parmesan, and chopped parsley mixture and bake until the cheese melts and the slider tops are golden brown.

    You can customize sausage and pepper sliders to your liking by using different types of sausage, peppers, and cheese. You can also add a spicy marinara sauce for a little extra kick. No matter how you make them, sausage and pepper sliders are a surefire hit with family and friends alike.

    sausage and pepper sliders

    Ingredients Needed from the Grocery Store or Your Pantry

    SHOPPING LIST

    • Sweet Italian Sausage or Hot Italian Sausage, bulk meat
    • Large red onions or white onions
    • Large Sweet Red Peppers and Green Peppers
    • Tomato Sauce (Jersey Italian Gravy Arabiata Sauce)
    • Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
    • Provolone Cheese, Sliced
    • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
    • Unsalted butter
    • Garlic
    • Parmesan cheese
    • Italian parsley
    • Olive oil

    Step by step instructions on how to prepare and assemble the sliders

    Prep and Cook Ingredients

    To make these little sandwiches, start by cooking your sausage meat in a large skillet, on medium heat until golden brown. When the sausage reaches that golden color, drain any excess fat from the pan and then add 1/2 cup of tomato sauce. Turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 15-20 mins. Once the sauce and sausage meat have cooked down, carefully transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

    While the sausage cooks, chop up your onion, red and green bell peppers. I like to use my vegetable food chopper for this, but a knife works just as well.  Now using the same skillet, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and turn the flame up to medium-high heat. Add the onion and pepper mixture and saute on medium-high heat, for about 5 minutes, then turn it back down to medium heat. Season with salt and black pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder and other Italian Seasoning if you like. Once the peppers are cooked you can set them aside while you begin to prepare the slider rolls.

    Garlic Butter Parmesan Topping

    In a small bowl, melt a 1/2 stick of unsalted butter in the microwave (or in a small pot on the stove top). Oce butter is melted, add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, parmesan cheese and fresh italian parsley, chopped. Mix all together and set aside until you’ve finished assembling the sausage sliders.

    Assemble Sliders

    Now that the sausage and peppers are cooked it’s time to assemble the sliders.  Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the packaging but do not separate each bun into individual rolls. Place the sheet rolls on to a cutting board and with a serrated knife, slice through middle of the sheet of rolls horizontally. The idea is to separate the top from the bottom buns. Now you should have a complete top half and a bottom half of rolls.

    Next transfer the rolls to a greased baking sheet. Set the top half aside and layer sliced cheese on the slider roll bottoms. Then carefully spoon the cooked sausage over the top of the cheese slices and spread out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Once the meat has been spread out, layer the peppers evenly over top of the meat. Now top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place bun tops over the last layer.

    Bake the Sausage and Peppers Sliders

    Before baking the sliders in a preheated 375 f. oven, brush melted garlic butter with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese mixture over top of the rolls. Bake until cheese melts before removing from the oven.

    sausage and pepper sliders

    Suggested Kitchen Equipment

    • Baking Sheet
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Small Bowl
    • Medium Skillet or Large Skillet
    • Disposable Baking Pan
    • Parchment Paper
    • Aluminum Foil

    [lasso id=”18201″ link_id=”6862″ ref=”amzn-cheftinis-kitchens-amazon-page-2″]

     

    These Hawaiian Roll Sausage and Pepper Sliders are a simple, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a game day snack, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. Not only are they effortless to make, but the combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory sausage, and melty cheese makes them irresistible.

    The best part about these sliders is that you can customize them with your favorite toppings. So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe, give these Hawaiian Roll Sausage and Pepper Sliders a try!

     

    NOTE: If you love easy, finger food recipes like these Sausage and Pepper sliders you might also like to try some of these blog favorites Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders, Chicken Sausage Meatball Parm Sliders, Pizza Tortilla Roll Ups, or Eggplant Parmesan Balls . Perfect for appetizers or Game Day Snacks. 

     

    Hawaiian Roll Sausage and Pepper Sliders FAQ’s

    What are the best type of rolls to use for this recipe?

    I prefer to use small dinner rolls that come in a sheet like, potato rolls, King’s Hawaiian rolls, or any type of  slider style dinner roll.

    What type of tomato sauce is good for sausage and peppers?

    You can use whatever your favorite marinara sauce is. If you want to turn up the heat a bit on the sausage, use a spicy tomato sauce.

    I tested this recipe out with Jersey Italian Gravy Arrabiata Sauce and was very pleased with the results. It added just the right amount of kick to this dish.

    Can these sliders be made in advance?

    Yes these sliders can be made 24 hrs ahead of time. Just assemble the sliders as stated in the instructions but  don’t bake them. Then refrigerate them in an airtight container until you are ready to bake them. Adjust the temperature slightly lower since you’ll have to bake them a little longer.

    What is the best way to transport sausage and pepper sliders?

    If you’re making these sliders for a game day event, I suggest placing the sliders into a disposable baking pan, then baking in the oven and then wrapping tightly with aluminum foil to transport them.

    sausage and pepper sliders

    Hawaiian Roll Sausage and Pepper Sliders

    Sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with crumbled Italian sausage, melted cheese, and peppers brushed with a garlic-butter spread on top.

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lb Sweet Italian Sausage Meat out of the casing
    • 1-2 Red Bell Peppers chopped
    • 1-2 Green Bell Peppers chopped
    • 1 Large Yellow Onion chopped
    • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Arabiata Style
    • 1 Pack Hawaiian Rolls 12 pack
    • 8 Slices Provolone Cheese
    • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese low moisture

    Garlic Butter

    • 1/2 stick Unsalted Butter melted
    • 3 cloves Garlic crushed
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
    • 1-2 tbsp Fresh Italian Parsley finely chopped
    • Salt and Pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until golden brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

      Simmer with Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Transfer the sausage mixture to a bowl and set aside.

        Sauté the Peppers: While the sausage cooks, chop the onion and bell peppers. In the same skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and peppers and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Season with salt and pepper (and optional garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning). Set aside.

        • Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Set aside.
        • Assemble the Sliders: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you have a top and bottom roll for each slider in a sheet.
        • Layer a few slices of provolone cheese on the bottom layer of the slider rolls.
        • Add Fillings: Top the cheese (or bottom roll if not using cheese) with some of the cooked sausage mixture, then some of the sautéed peppers.
        • Top with Cheese: Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Then place the top layer of the buns onto the sausage and pepper mixture.
        • Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the buns with the garlic butter mixture.
        • Bake and Serve: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

        Notes

        *Cover the sliders in foil to prevent the butter from burning on the tops of the slider rolls.* 
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

      • Everything Bagel Ham and Cheese Bites

        Everything Bagel Ham and Cheese Bites

        If you love Everything Bagels these grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich Bites with everything bagel seasoning is going to be your new lunchtime favorite. 

         

        Everything Bagel Grilled Ham and Cheese Bites

         

        Putting my impulse buy to good use…

        A few months ago I happened upon a container of Everything Bagel Seasoning at my local Costco. The second I saw it on the shelf I just knew I needed to grab it.

         

        Then I took it home and tucked it away in the pantry never to see daylight again, lol.

         

        At least that is until now!

         

        I was working on getting some good sandwich recipes posted and wanted to do like a croque monsieur (a.k.a. fancy French ham and cheese sandwich) and in the process came across a recipe for it with poppy seed bread and BAM, light bulb moment…use that Everything Bagel Seasoning.

         

        Just like that, my ham and cheese melt went from basic to extraordinary!

         

        Everything Bagel Bites

        Crazy how my mind works. 

         

        The only disappointment about this recipe is gonna be that YOU didn’t think of it and have been missing out all this time! 

         

        I actually shared the recipe idea and story with a friend of mine and she made it the same day. Her exact words were: “Why did I never think to do this!”

         

        What can I say, a food mind is a terrible thing to waste and mine just works like that. In this case, it all played together like a well-orchestrated symphony. 

         

        Was that bit much? Oh, heck no. You will totally agree once you give this a try.

        Everything Bagel Ham and Cheese Sandwich Bento Box Lunch

        So easy…

        I’m embarrassed to say, the only secret to these is how easy and good they are!

         

        I just use good old-fashioned country white bread, thin layers of honey maple ham, and Swiss cheese, then coat the outer layers with melted butter and you guessed it, Everything Bagel seasoning!

         

        Then, place the sandwich on the griddle and cook on low, on both sides until the cheese melts. You want to cook each side slow and low so you don’t burn the seasoning on the outside of the bread.

         

        When it’s done, cut off the edges but of course, you could leave them on.

         

         

        Pack this sandwich for work, or school or even make it for entertaining! You’re gonna be the lunch box envy of all your friends. 

         

        Now that you have the secret to the BEST EVER Ham and Cheese Sandwich recipe the only thing left to decide is if you are going to share!  

         

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        Everything Bagel Ham and Cheese Sandwich

         


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        Similar Recipes

         

        Everything Bagel Ham and Cheese Sandwich

        Everything Bagel Ham and Swiss Bites

        If you love Everything Bagels, these grilled Ham and Swiss bites with Everything Bagel seasoning are going to be your new lunchtime favorite.
        Servings 8 pieces

        Ingredients
          

        • 4 slices Country White Bread
        • 4 slices Honey Maple Ham
        • 2 slices Swiss Cheese
        • 2 Tbsp Unsalted butter melted
        • 1/4 cup Everything Bagel Seasoning estimated

        Instructions
         

        • Lay out 2 pieces of bread on a cutting board. Place 2 slices of ham and one slice of cheese on each piece. Top each with a slice of bread. Cut off edges.
        • Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl. Lightly brush tops of bread with butter and then sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning. Flip over and repeat.
        • Cook sandwiches (I use a griddle) in a skillet on low heat until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted. Cut into squares of your choice.
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
      • Chicken Sausage Meatball Parmesan Sliders

        Chicken Sausage Meatball Parmesan Sliders

        Game day meals have you in a fix? Looking for a simple, tasty dish that the whole family can help prepare? Well then I’ve got the perfect recipe for you … Chicken Sausage Meatball Parm Sliders.

         

         

        Chicken Sausage Meatball Recipe Ingredients 

        These delicious baked meatballs are made with PREMIO Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage, lean ground turkey, basil pesto, grated Parmesan cheese and few other seasonings.  After baking for about 30 minutes, you just grab your favorite slider rolls add some extra cheese and plate them up for all to enjoy!

         

        ⇒ WATCH THIS RECIPE ON CHEFTINI’S KITCHEN HERE

         

        Is PREMIO Sausage Healthy

        When it comes to sausage there are so many options. Especially in my neck of the woods where there are plenty of stores that make homemade sausages.

        I tend to alternate the brands I use for different recipes, but when it comes to these Chicken Sausage Meatball Parmesan slider, PREMIO Chicken Sausage is often a brand I use. 

        The PREMIO sweet Italian chicken sausage is one of my favorites.  Nothing beats the all natural, Italian seasonings in their Chicken Sausage. This product has no preservatives or artificial additives.

        All the flavors are there, you really just need to add your own special touch to make it your own. 

        That’s just what I did by adding in some basil pesto to the mix. The pesto just kicks it up a few extra flavor notches, giving it my own Cheftini touch!   

         

        How to make Chicken Sausage Meatball Sliders

        Other than de casing and rolling the meatballs taking a little extra prep work time, this recipe is really quite simple and makes anywhere from 36-45 meatballs, depending on their size. That should be plenty to feed a crowd of hungry football fans!

        Not only does this batch yield a good amount, they all bake simultaneously in the oven in no time. Thus making this a quick and pretty time friendly game day bite. 

        PRO TIP: A great tip to making this dish really time efficient, is to keep all the meatballs the same size.  When all the meatballs are the same size they’ll cook evenly and at the SAME time. You won’t have any rogue undercooked meatballs this way.   

        The best way to keep all the meatballs the same size is by using a scooper. I use a 2″ mini ice cream scooper . This scooper can be used for everything from cookies to meatballs, it’s by far one of my favorite kitchen utensils. 

        Another great thing I love about this dish is that this is a great family activity.  Call the fam into the kitchen to share in the work. This way everyone helps and does something together. 

        If they resist just remind them that the faster the meatballs get done, the faster everyone can eat! 

        As soon as the chicken sausage meatballs are rolled, just cover them with sauce, mozzarella cheese and foil. Bake them in a pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is all melted.

        Place the chicken sausage meatball onto slider rolls, maybe add a little extra cheese and plate them up!  

        Besides popping these little guys into my mouth, my favorite thing about these Chicken Sausage Meatball Parmesan Sliders is decorating them with adorable little football party picks. I mean, I know it is so un-football like to say they are “cute” BUT how CUTE are these!!! 

        You are so gonna be the hostess with mostess when you make these PREMIO Chicken Sausage Meatball Parmesan Sliders. With a few extra hands in the kitchen and about 30 minutes of baking time, you’ll be ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the game!

        If you like tailgating recipes you might also like Simple Game Day Sausage Pizza Roll Ups and Mashed Potato Poppers.

         

        Today’s Simple Game Day Recipe is brought to you in partnership with my friends at Premio Foods. I have been compensated for this collaboration but ALL opinions are my own. 

         




        YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE RECIPES:

        Chicken Sausage Meatball Parmesan Sliders

        Course Main Dish
        Cuisine Italian
        Servings 30 Meatballs

        Ingredients
          

        • 1 lb Premio Italian Chicken Sauasges removed from casing
        • 1 lb ground turkey (or chicken) lean
        • 2 large eggs
        • 1/4 cup Basil Besto
        • 1/2 cup Plain bread crumbs
        • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese plus extra for sprinkling
        • 1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley chopped
        • 1 Tbslp garlic powder
        • 1 Tbslp Onion Powder
        • S & P to taste
        • 1 Cup basic tomato sauce
        • 1 Cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese
        • 30 Slider/Dinner Rolls

        Instructions
         

        • Pre heat oven to 400F. Combine first ten ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
        • Form 1.25″ to 2″ meatballs and place In a lightly greased baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs, sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes with foil on and 10 minutes with the foil off.
        • Place meatballs on slider rolls. Garnish with more cheese if desired and plate to serve.
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
      • Portobello Arugula Panini Recipe

        Portobello Arugula Panini Recipe

        #meatlessmonday

        With back to school week in full swing, so is the #whatsfordinner meal time crunch. This Portobello Arugula Panini Recipe is the perfect go to dish for those busy nights when you are on the go. It’s hearty, filling and simple to make. Pair it up with your favorite soup and you have another mealtime dinner winner!

        Portobello Arugula Sandwich

        There really isn’t much more to say about this one other than make it and let me know what you think! Have a great week …


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        Portobello Arugula Panini Recipe

        Portobello Arugula Sandwich

        Portobello Arugula Panini

        A hearty, filling and simple portobello, arugula, tomato and provolone panini.
        Servings 2

        Ingredients
          

        • 2 Portobello Mushroom caps Cleaned, de gilled and stem removed
        • 1 Package of MINI Naan Style Bread
        • 1 small shallot sliced
        • 1 Large Tomato sliced
        • 2 Slices Sharp Provolone or other cheese
        • 1 cup arugula
        • grated parmesan
        • evoo
        • #meatlessmonday
        • Salt & Pepper to Taste

        Instructions
         

        • In a skillet, saute the sliced shallots in a little olive oil. Slice cleaned mushrooms into strips. Season with salt and pepper. Add to pan and continue to saute for about 5 minutes until golden in color. Then deglaze the pan with a little red wine vinegar, continue to cook a few minutes more and remove from pan to cool off.
        • Carefully separate two pieces of Naan Style “Mini” bread. Lay out bottom slice on a dish. Evenly distribute the mushroom, shallot mix between the two halves. In a bowl whisk together 4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour over arugula salad, seasoned with salt, pepper and 2 tblsp. of grated parmesan cheese. Top with arugula mixture, sliced tomato, and a slice of provolone cheese. Top each piece with other half.
        • Reheat the same saute skillet with a little cooking spray. Place the panini on the grill. Cook on medium heat (don’t let the crust burn). Carefully flip over when first side is golden brown. Press down on the sandwich if you can while it’s cooking. When both sides are golden brown remove from pan and let stand before slicing.

        Notes

        Tip: Place the cooked sandwich into foil and wrap. Press down on the sandwich to seal it shut.  Remove and slice when slightly cool.
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
      • Pesto Zucchini Tomato Panini Recipe

        Pesto Zucchini Tomato Panini Recipe

        #recipeoftheweek

        There’s no better time than right now to enjoy a zucchini and tomato panini slathered with fresh basil pesto. Whether you have a green thumb and pick these fresh from your beautiful garden or grab them from your local farmer’s market, these 3 are always a winning combo in my book! Add some cheese and some sort of crusty/firmer style bread and your are in for the win!

        This post is going to be as quick as the recipe. I used my OptiGrill from T-fal, which you guys already know I love! It performs double duty on this recipe as it first grills the zucchini and then after you’ve built your sandwich, presses into a delightful panini.  Oh and don’t forget my favorite feature … once those grill plates have cooled down, you just need to pop them out for the easiest cleanup ever.

        ⇒You can read more about my OptiGrill HERE

        If quick, tasty and convenient isn’t a winning combination at meal time then I don’t know what is. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy this stress free, flavorful meal in minutes!


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        Pesto Zucchini Tomato Panini

        Grilled zucchini, sliced tomato, cheese and pesto panini on naan bread
        Cuisine Italian
        Servings 2

        Ingredients
          

        • 1 medium zucchini sliced into rounds
        • 2 plum tomatoes sliced into rounds
        • 1-2 Tblsp. Pesto
        • 8 slices of Gruyerre Fontina, or
        • Provolone Cheese
        • 1 Package of Naan Style Bread
        • Salt & Pepper to Taste
        • Olive Oil/Canola Oil Spray

        Instructions
         

        • Set your indoor grill to low/medium heat. * Season Zucchini rounds with salt & pepper. Spray grill plates lightly with oil. Place zucchini on grill and close for aprox. 5 minutes.
        • Spread pesto on flat side of one piece of bread; layer on zucchini, tomato & cheese. Place other Naan bread on top – flat side down.
        • Place panini on preheated grill, close and cook for 5-7 minutes. *

        Notes

        *the orange setting on the OptiGrill
        *the Sandwich Button on the OptiGrill
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
      • Zucchini in Carozza

        Zucchini in Carozza

        I think I am currently in a Zucchini state of mind and wanted to share another great recipe with you all – Zucchini in Carozza!  Perhaps you’ve heard of Mozzarella in Carozza, which is mozzarella cheese that is sandwiched between bread, dipped in egg batter and then sauteed in olive oil.  This zucchini in carozza is prepared much in the same way, but with sliced zucchini instead of bread.   It makes for a great appetizer, snack, lunch or dinner.

        Zucchini Grilled Cheese
         I really enjoy preparing these Zucchini in Carozza this time of year because the zucchini and basil marry together with such amazing flavor!

        Slice, dip and saute…. 

        ☛ VIDEO

        Making these zucchini grilled cheese bites takes a little prep work, but when done you’ll have a mouth watering, ooey gooey zucchini treat in just a few minutes!  Although it might be easier to slice the zucchini into rounds, I prefer to slice the zucchini lengthwise. I lay the zucchini flat on its side and begin cutting across 1/4″ slices.  A medium zucchini should yield about 10 slices (or so). Once the zucchini is sliced I stack them and then cut them in half.  Next I take half the slices and spread the pesto on top, add a slice of fontina cheese and top with another slice of zucchini.  I like to let the zucchini sit for a few minutes to allow the zucchini slices, pesto and cheese form a bond. Then I dredge the “sandwich” in flour and dip it into a grated Parmesan cheese egg wash before cooking it in a hot pan coated in olive oil.   When both sides of the zucchini have a nice golden brown color and the cheese is melted they are done. I like to set the zucchini on a paper towel for a few moments to drain off any excess oil.  Serve them warm with tomato sauce or more pesto for dipping.

        These zucchini in Carozza are delicious and won’t take too long to make. With just a slice, dip and saute you are only 25 minutes away from a happier day!

        Happy Cooking and Enjoy!

        Zucchini Grilled Cheese

        Zucchini in Carozza

        Zucchini grilled cheese with pesto and fontina cheese
        Prep Time 15 minutes
        Cook Time 10 minutes
        Total Time 25 minutes

        Ingredients
          

        • 1 medium/large zucchini
        • 2 eggs
        • 1/4 cup flour seasoned with s&p
        • 10 slices narrowof fontina cheese to fit the inside of the zucchini without overlapping
        • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
        • 1/4 cup pesto or green sauce
        • Olive oil for Frying

        Instructions
         

        • Slice end of zucchini and then turn horizontally and cut thin 1/8″ slices across (aprox. 10 slices)
        • Cut the zucchini slices in half and spread pesto over 1/2 the slices; top with a slice of pesto and set aside.
        • Mix 2 eggs with parmesan cheese into a shallow dish; place flour in a separate dish and season with salt and pepper if desired. Dredge the zucchini sandwiches into the flour on all sides; then dip the the zucchini into the egg. Be sure to cover as much as possible.
        • Cook in a saute pan coated in olive oil until golden brown and cheese has melted. Using a paper towel pat the zucchini to soak up any extra oil. Serve Warm or enjoy later.
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
        I use the following items in my kitchen to prepare today’s recipe. For more of my kitchen favorites please visit my online Pantry

        Calphalon Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware 10-inch and 12-inch Set
      • Mozzarella Caprese Arugula with Walnut Pesto Wrap

        Mozzarella Caprese Arugula with Walnut Pesto Wrap

        What do you have for lunch on a lazy rainy saturday? This past weekend we had this amazing Mozzarella Caprese Arugula with Walnut Pesto Wrap.  

        This was one of those recipe ideas that comes from necessity. Kinda like survival of the fittest.  We were all hungry and the fridge was really empty, it was pouring rain outside and neither my husband or myself wanted to go out to the store. Since I was starving, I peeked into the fridge figuring I could find something … anything. We didn’t even have eggs – it was bad. There I found 1/4 block of mozzarella cheese, some cherry tomatoes, a container of arugula, and some leftover walnut pesto, oh and lets not forget two remaining pieces of flatbread that was in there too. What seemed to be a little bleak turned out to be a deliciously yummy lunch.  It didn’t take long for the wheels to turn before I thought to make panini wraps with melted mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes and of course slathered in walnut pesto. 

        I pulled out my panini press and my phone (for pictures of course).  I mean what kind of food blogger would I be without some drool worthy photos – right?!

        Arugula Mozarella Pesto Wrap

        Anyway, I plugged in my panini press and began to prep. After slicing some mozzarella cheese and some cherry tomatoes,  I spread some pesto onto each wrap and then a few pieces of sliced mozzarella cheese, and then topped with some arugula salad, and sliced cherry tomatoes.  I rolled up the wrap and placed onto the hot press – seam side down.  Grilled the wrap for about 5 minutes and that was it.  I sliced them all up into sections and we all had lunch.  

        So yummy and delicious!  

        Arugula Mozarella Pesto Wrap

        Mozzarella Caprese Arugula with Walnut Pesto Wrap

        Mozzarella cheese, arugula, cherry tomatoes wrapped with a walnut pesto spread.

        Ingredients
          

        • 2 Pieces of FlatOut Thin Crust flatbread
        • 6 slices of mozzarella cheese about 1/2″ thick
        • 1/4 cup of hand torn arugula
        • 4-5 sliced cherry or grape tomatoes
        • Tablespoon of Walnut Pesto or other favorite pesto

        Instructions
         

        • Spread some pesto onto each wrap. Then begin to layer the wraps with arugula, mozzarella cheese, and finally the sliced cherry tomatoes.
        • Roll up and grill on a panini press for about 5 minutes. Slice and serve.
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
      • Ranch Turkey Wrap

        Ranch Turkey Wrap

        Ranch flavored turkey wrap with cheese, avocados and tomatoes.
        Servings 8

        Ingredients
          

        • 1 Cup Hidden Valley Ranch Homestyle Thick and Creamy Dressing
        • 8 oz cream cheese softened
        • 4 flour tortillas 12 ih
        • 10 oz sliced turkey breast
        • 10 oz monteray Jack Cheese slices
        • 2 medium tomatoes thinly sliced
        • 2 large avocados peeled and sliced
        • Shredded Lettuce

        Instructions
         

        • Blend together dressing and cream cheese. Evenly layer half of all the ingredients among the tortillas. Repeat. Fold opposite sides of the tortilla into the center, then roll firmly from the bottom until completely wrapped. Place seam side down and cut in half diagonally.
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
      • Chili Cheese Dogs

        Chili Cheese Dogs

        chili dog 6When my son asked me to make chili cheese dogs, I modified a great chili recipe I got from a good friend. She makes a mean pot of chili (shout out to Gina P, thank you!).  I used her recipe as a guideline for mine because: 1) I like her recipe; 2)the bulk of the cooking time is done in the crock pot, so it can be prepared  in advance; 3) you can walk away from it while it cooks. It’s also a pretty straight forward recipe. I didn’t have the chili kit Gina uses so I improvised with a chili packet I had on hand (McCormick chili seasoning).

        If you’ve been following my blog you know I have been trying to find recipes where I could   get rid of  – I mean incorporate – some Organic seasoned stewed tomatoes. I have an over abundant supply right now thanks to my hubby!  I used these tomatoes instead of tomato sauce in my chili recipe, I think it worked out great.  

        Pair the chili dogs with my broccoli slaw  made with Greek yogurt. 

        For the Chili:

        Cook ground sirloin in a skillet and then drain away the fat.  Then add the diced onion, pepper and smashed garlic.  Saute all the ingredients together for a few minutes to combine the flavors.  Then add the tomatoes and mashed them into the pot.  (These particular tomatoes have notes of oregano and green pepper, which give extra flavor).  Then add the beans (drained) and stir.  Combine together add water and seasoning packet.

        chili dog 1 chili dog 2

         Bring to a boil and then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.  

        chili dogs 7
        The liquid will absorb and the chili will bubble a bit and then its done.

         

        NOTE: skip the chili packet and season with chili powder and cumin. About 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 tablespoon of cumin. I prefer the packets, the brand I use is  MSG free with no artificial flavors.

        Feel free to double the recipe for more chili.  I cut Gina’s recipe in half because only a few of us eat chili in this house (thank God for my son, he is true foodie at heart and loves to eat!).  

        I got about 5 cups of chili from this recipe.  

        The cheese dogs call for 8 hot dogs, with 1 tablespoon of chili (more if you like) on each dog.  That leaves aprox. 3 1/2 cups of chili that could be frozen and used again for another time.  

        I love when I can get two meals out of one dinner.   

        Chili Cheese Dogs

        Hot dogs topped with chili and cheese
        Prep Time 25 minutes
        Cook Time 3 hours
        Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
        Servings 8

        Ingredients
          

        • 1 lb of chopped sirloin
        • 14 oz can of Kirkland Organic Stewed Italian Tomatoes
        • 6 oz of water
        • Mild or HOT chili packet
        • 1 19 oz can of black beans or red kidney beans or a combo of both
        • 1/2 green bell pepper diced
        • 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
        • 1 clove crushed garlic
        • 8 Hot Dogs
        • 8 Split top hot dog buns
        • 1 1/2 cups of Cheddar cheese for sprinkling
        • 1/2 cup of sliced green onion for garnish

        Instructions
         

        For the Chili

        • Cook ground sirloin until brown and drain the fat. Add the peppers, garlic, and onion and mix together. Add the the tomatoes. Crush the tomatoes with a masher then add beans and combine
        • Pour in the seasoning packet and stir. Add the water and bring to a boil. When bubbling transfer to slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
        • Boil hot dogs until cooked through

        FOR the CHEESE DOGS

        • Place hot dog on a bun and split down the center (not all the way through.)Take about a tablespoon of chili and spoon over the hot dog (use more chili on dogs if desired). Sprinkle with cheddar and garnish with green onion. Serve with your favorite side dish

        Notes

        Substitute/Optional:
        1.Ground chicken or turkey
        2.Add 1 small diced Jalapenjo pepper
        3.Use about 8 ozs of basic tomato sauce in place of stewed tomatoes
        (if substituting tomato sauce add 2 oz more of water)
        Freeze extra chili for another round of cheese dogs or warm through with some spanish rice when your in a pinch for a quick meal.
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
          

      • Mexican Roast Beef Wrap

        Mexican Roast Beef Wrap

        Mexican Roll Up wrap

        Here’s a delicious Roast Beef roll up wrapped in a whole grain tortilla with a sour cream and salsa dressing. 

        This one is served with a little doctored up salsa from a jar on the side. 

        Tip: Add some chopped fresh tomatoes, cilantro (or parsley), red onion and a squeeze of lime juice to freshen up jarred salsa.

        You could also Substitute turkey or chicken for roast beef . 

        I am saving the extra dressing to use as dip over the weekend.

         

        Mexican Roast Beef Wrap

        Roast Beef rolled up in flour tortilla with a sour cream, mayonnaise and salsa dressing.
        Servings 4

        Ingredients
          

        • 8 Flour tortillas
        • 1/2 cup sour cream
        • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
        • 3 Tablespoons Hot salsa
        • 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
        • 8 large lettuce leaves
        • Additional Salsa

        Instructions
         

        • Heat tortillas up according to package. Mix together well sour cream, mayo and 3 tablespoons salsa. Spread over heated tortilla. Arrange roast beef and lettuce neatly on tortillas. Roll up tortillas in jelly roll fashion. Secure with toothpicks. Slice each roll in half. Serve with extra salsa.

        Notes

        Tip: when rolling wraps fold ends first then roll up
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!