Cheese Curd In Paradise

Bacon

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

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This post is sponsored by Camellia. All opinions and text are my own. #NationalSlowCookerMonth

Three types of beans slow cooked till tender with BBQ sauce, smoky bacon, smoked sausage, onion, and garlic. Perfect for a meal all alone as a delicious and hearty side

beans in a bowl

January is National Slow Cooker Month and I am joining with a few of my friends to celebrate all thing slow cooker!

Slow cooker and crockpot recipes are everywhere this time of year. Who doesn’t love a warm meat that is packed with flavor from cooking all day to let everything blend together perfectly? I know that I do!

One of the sponsors for #NationalSlowCookerMonth is Camellia Brand Beans, Peas & Lentils from L.H. Hayward and Company. The Camellia Red Bean is one of their most popular bean, but they offer 18 different varieties of high quality products. The family has been in business since 1923, and implementing high standards into their products. The beans are fresh, clean, USA grown, and a family business. For my recipe, I use 3 different Camellia Brand Beans- Red Kidney, Great Northern, and Pinto.

Opting to use dried beans in the slow cooker over canned is a game changer. The flavor and texture is so much better. I find the beans hold up better, and the taste is more produced.

This recipe uses the delicious dried beans, but also uses BBQ sauce, bacon, onion, garlic, and smoked sausage. These beans are fantastic because it can be an easy hearty side, or it can be a meal all alone! It is also great because it can feed a crowd of hungry people!

beans in a bowl

What do you need to make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans?

  • Dried Pinto Beans
  • Dried Red Kidney Beans
  • Dried Great Northern Beans
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Bacon
  • Smoked Sausage
  • Water
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Slow Cooker
beans scooped from a bowl

How do you make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans?

  1. Place beans in a pot and cover with water. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and rinse.
  2. Place beans, water, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 hours.
  3. Remove cover and add BBQ sauce, bacon, and smoked sausage. Stir. Replace cover and cook for an additional 60 minutes on low.
  4. Stir and serve. The beans will thicken as they cool.
beans scooped from a bowl

Wednesday’s Slow Cooker Recipes

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beans in a serving dish

Looking for more delicious recipes featuring beans!?

Skillet Rice and Beans with Kielbasa

Calico Beans with Hamburger

Slow Cooker Taco Chili

Creamy Vegan Curry Bean Soup

bags of beans
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beans scooped from a bowl

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Beans, Side Dish, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10 people

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried pinto beans
  • 1 cup dried great norther beans
  • 1 cup dried red kidney beans
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 cups water
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 8 strips of regular bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2/3 cup sliced smoked sausage
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Place beans in a pot and cover with water. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and rinse.
  2. Place beans, water, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 hours.
  3. Remove cover and add BBQ sauce, bacon, and smoked sausage. Stir. Replace cover and cook for an additional 60 minutes on low.
  4. Stir and serve. The beans will thicken as they cool.
beans scooped from a bowl
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Contest runs 1/20/2020 at 12:00 a.m. till 1/27/2020 at 11:59 p.m. 

The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #NationalSlowCookerMonth bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway and contest is open only to US residents. 

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Meat Lovers Breakfast Casserole

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Meat Lovers Breakfast Casserole is the perfect start to a weekend or holiday morning. Bacon, ham, sausage, cheese, and eggs baked together to make a creamy, rich, and delicious breakfast everyone will love.

breakfast casserole on a plate

I love to make breakfast casseroles and breakfast bakes for holiday mornings. There is something so nice about a warm, hearty, and tasty breakfast that I can quickly pop in the oven. My Meat Lovers Breakfast Casserole is one of my family’s favorite breakfast recipes.

I prep everything the night before and let it sit overnight. This recipes includes crisp bacon, sausage, and smokey ham- plus lots of cheese. It is so good! I use bread as my base and allowing the bread to sit in the egg mixture overnight and once it is baked it is so creamy and custardy.

This casserole is fantastic as a meat lover variety, but if you like a few onions, peppers, or other veggie mix-ins they would be a delicious addition as well. However, one of my favorite parts is the yummy melted cheese sprinkled over the top of the casserole.

breakfast casserole in baking dish

What do you need to make Meat Lovers Casserole?

  •  White Bread
  • Large Eggs
  • Whole Milk
  • Black Pepper
  • Cooked Bacon
  • Sliced Ham
  • Breakfast Sausage Links
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 9×13 Baking Dish
  • Whisk
breakfast casserole in baking dish

How do you make Meat Lovers Breakfast Casserole?

  1. Cut the bread into cubes. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish and evenly place bread into the baking dish.
  2. Place chopped bacon over bread, but reserve 2 chopped slices for topping. Next, top with ham, and finish with the uncooked sliced sausage.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and pepper. Pour mixture evenly over the bread and milk. Top with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
  4. Cover casserole and place in fridge. Allow casserole to sit for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  5. Remove from fridge when ready to bake. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Uncover and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese and remaining chopped bacon. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. The center should still slightly jiggle when you remove it from the oven. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
breakfast casserole on a plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wheat bread?

Yes, but I do not recommend a super dense bread because it may not result is the nice custard egg texture.

Can I use chopped sausage patties?

Yes, just make sure to cut them into bite sized pieces.

Can I add the bacon without cooking prior?

Yes, the casserole will reach a high enough temperature to cook the bacon, but it will not be crisp.

What are other cheeses I can use besides cheddar, or that mix well with cheddar?

I love to use monterrey jack cheese or pepper jack is delicious in this recipe as well.

My casserole seems a little jiggly when I removed it from the oven- is this normal?

There should be a little jiggly in the casserole, and allowing it to rest for 5 minutes will allow it to come together and set a little more.

breakfast casserole on a plate

Looking for more delicious breakfast and brunch recipes!?

Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Blueberry Yogurt Pancakes

Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Quiche

Eggs Benedict Casserole

Loaded Egg and Toast Cups

breakfast casserole on a plate

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breakfast casserole on a plate

Meat Lovers Breakfast Casserole

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword Bacon, Breakfast, Casserole, Eggs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Fridge Time 8 hours
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  • 8 slices white bread
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 10 slices cooked chopped bacon, divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped sliced ham
  • 7 uncooked breakfast sausages, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Cut the bread into cubes. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish and evenly place bread into the baking dish.

  2. Place chopped bacon over bread, but reserve 2 chopped slices for topping. Next, top with ham, and finish with the uncooked sliced sausage.

  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and pepper. Pour mixture evenly over the bread and milk. Top with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.

  4. Cover casserole and place in fridge. Allow casserole to sit for at least 8 hours or overnight.

  5. Remove from fridge when ready to bake. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Uncover and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese and remaining chopped bacon. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. The center should still slightly jiggle when you remove it from the oven. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

breakfast casserole on a plate

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Egg and Bacon Loaded Breakfast Tacos

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It is National Taco Day and I am celebrating by starting the morning with my Egg and Bacon Loaded Breakfast Tacos. Warm tortillas filled with fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, fresh salsa, chopped onions, cheddar cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro. The perfect breakfast for any taco lover!

tacos on a platter

Oh my tacos. Who doesn’t love tacos? I feel like they are one of my favorite foods, and I am always excited to see them on the menu. I really love all kinds of tacos too. I feel like the dragon in the children’s book “Dragons Love Tacos” because there is a part where they list the long listing of the different tacos the dragons love. My oldest son loved that book so much that we had a Dragons Love Tacos birthday party for him- I even included taco cookies, a cake with the book design on it, a Dragons Love Tacos t-shirt, and event a make your own taco party game with different paper toppings for the kids to play. I still remember the funny look the bakery staff gave me when I came in with the book to show them. It as probably one of my all-time favorite parties.

tacos on a platter

These tacos are all sorts of amazing! It starts with fluffy eggs and bacon, and then loaded with all the essential toppings: salsa, cheese, onion, avocado, and fresh cilantro. This recipe is so quick to pt together, and is one of my favorite breakfasts.

You can even leave the bacon out of the eggs if you prefer that to the eggs and bacon. Personally, I love the bacon in this recipe, but I know that is not for everyone, and something that can be an easy adaption so everyone can enjoy the tacos. You could also add roasted or sauteed veggies to your tacos as well for a little extra bulk to your meal.

I often am asked about my eggs because they are really tasty, and I have worked hard to learn to keep them nice and fluffy. The trick I can tell you is to use a little more milk than you think you need, and cook them slow and low. If the heat is too high you miss out of the fluffy quality of the eggs.

tacos on a platter

Happy National Taco Day!

Thank you to Valentina from The Baking Fairy for hosting this one-day event! Check out all the delicious recipes we made for the occasion:
Chorizo and Sweet Potato Breakfast Tacos by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Egg and Bacon Loaded Breakfast Tacos by Cheese Curd in Paradise
Garbage Plate Tacos by The Spiffy Cookie
Huevos Rancheros Tacos by Our Good Life
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Tacos by The Redhead Baker
Lobster Roll Street Tacos by Daily Dish Recipes
Old-School Hard Shell Tacos by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Seared Albacore Tuna Loin Soft Tacos by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Shrimp Tacos with Apple Pomegranate Salsa by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Tacos de Calabacitas by Tip Garden
Vegan Nopales Tacos with Charred Corn and Black Bean Salsa by The Baking Fairy
Vindaloo Pork Belly Street Tacos by Palatable Pastime
Walking Taco Bar by For The Love of Food
tacos on a platter

Looking for more delicious breakfast treats?

Egg White, Turkey Sausage, and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich

Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Monte Cristo Cups

tacos in hand
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tacos on a platter

Egg and Bacon Loaded Breakfast Tacos

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword Bacon, Breakfast, Eggs, Taco
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 tacos

Ingredients

  • 6 tortilla shells
  • 6 strips of bacon, chopped
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp diced white onion
  • 1/2 cup salsa of choice
  • 1 avocado, halved and sliced
  • 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Warm tortillas in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Remove, cover, and set aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt , and pepper. Set aside.

  3. In a large rimmed skillet, cook the bacon till crisp. Reduce heat to medium-low. Drain all but 1 tbsp of the bacon grease from the pan. Add the eggs to the bacon and allow eggs to cook, but gradually pull in the sides and allow the eggs to set.

  4. Once eggs are cooked, place 1/6 of eggs into a tortilla. Top with 1/6 of the following: cheese, onion, salsa, avocado, and cilantro. Serve and enjoy warm.

tacos on a platter

Crispy Chicken Club Wrap

by 5 Comments


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine. #PackInPotential 

Flavorful Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips wrapped inside a flour tortilla. Smokey bacon, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and an avocado mayo make a tasty time-saving weeknight meal the entire family will love. 

crispy chicken wrap on a plate

Back to school will be here before we know it, and I have teamed up with Tyson® at Walmart to provide you with a delicious, quick and easy, meal that is perfect for an easy dinner or a delicious lunchbox meal. I know that my favorite meals are the meals that I can prep and cook efficiently so that I can keep moving with my family and keep everyone’s bellies full.

Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips and Hillshire Farm® Ultra-Thin Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast are two of my favorite products, and I love to make my favorite Crispy Chicken Club Wrap.

crispy chicken wrap on a plate

Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips  are made with 100% All-Natural ingredients and Tyson has made them even crispier than ever before! The chicken is tender and juicy, full of flavor, and the perfect crunch in my wrap!

Every club wrap needs turkey, and Hillshire Farm® Ultra-Thin Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, and nitrates or nitrites added. I love that I can make a filling lunch or dinner for my kiddos knowing that I’m giving them the best ingredients.

Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips and Hillshire Farm® Ultra-Thin Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast are available at Walmart. The chicken can be found in the freezer section and turkey in the deli. I love that the chicken and the turkey come in standard size and also a family size depending on what your needs are! It is awesome to have variety!

chicken strips at the store on a shelf
turkey meat at the store on a shelf

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chicken strips on a plate

What Do You Need to Make a Crispy Chicken Club Wrap?

How Do You Make A Crispy Chicken Club Wrap?

  • Place the tortilla on your work surface and spread avocado mayo on the tortilla
  • Top with lettuce
  • Add sliced turkey, tomatoes, and bacon
  • Finish with crispy chicken strips. I use two larger strips but, depending on size you can add additional chicken if needed.
  • To fold, fold the sizes of the wrap towards the center. Starting at the end, begin folding you wrap, tucking the filling as you go. Make sure all sides are tucked in and secure with a little additional mayo if needed.
avocado on a tortilla
avocado turkey bacon and tomatoes on a tortilla
avocado and lettuce on a tortilla
IMG_2213

This wrap is great for an on-the-go night filled with activities once school begins. I know my family is running to swimming lessons, gymnastics, and basketball during the week, and a quick meal we can enjoy together (or on the run) is a perfect way to keep my energy, and my kiddo’s energy, up. I love that I do not have to fuss with this wrap, and all of the ingredients so that talking for me….I can tell by the satisfied silence when everyone is gobbling down their meal- a major parenting victory for no bickering at the table!

This is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in advance not only for a busy night for dinner, but it makes an excellent addition to a lunchbox as well. My kids love a hearty lunch, and my Crispy Chicken Club Wrap always gets raved reviews from the peanut gallery.

crispy chicken wrap on a plate

Easy Homemade Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe’s

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crispy chicken wrap on a plate

Crispy Chicken Club Wrap

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Back to School, Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 wraps

Ingredients

  • 8 Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips
  • 12 slices Hillshire Farm® Ultra-Thin Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
  • 4 10-in flour tortillas
  • 1/2 medium ripe avocado
  • 3 tbsp mayo
  • 4 large romaine lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 8 slices of bacon, cooked
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Place Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips on a baking sheet and cook according to package instructions. Remove from oven and allow the chicken to cook for about 5 minutes before assembling the wrap.

  2. In a bowl, mash together avocado and mayo.

  3. To assemble to wrap: lay the tortilla on a flat work space. Spread 2 tbsp of mayo on the tortilla.

  4. Next, remove center stem from lettuce leaf and place lettuce on the tortilla. Follow the lettuce with 3 slices of turkey.

  5. Add 1/4 of the tomatoes, and 2 slices of bacon.

  6. Next, top with crispy chicken strips. The chicken strips may differ in size and you should use 2 medium-large or 3-4 smaller strips.

  7. To fold, fold the sizes of the wrap towards the center. Starting at the end, begin folding you wrap, tucking the filling as you go. Make sure all sides are tucked in and secure with a little additional mayo if needed.

crispy chicken wrap on a plate

Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Blue Cheese

by 5 Comments


Bacon and Blue Cheese Scrambled Eggs is a dressed up twist on a savory breakfast favorite. Creamy scrambled eggs, rich blue cheese, and crisp smokey bacon make these a new favorite.

scrambled eggs on a plate

Breakfast is probably my favorite meal of the day. However, it must have eggs! I am a complete savory breakfast person. I do love pancakes from time to time, but eggs are a must have for me. I love them prepared almost any style, and I love experimenting with different mix-in, and sides.

To me, it is hard to beat a basic egg scramble. I love to try different combinations in my egg scrambles, and today I am sharing one of my favorite combos: blue cheese and bacon.

Now, blue cheese and bacon is not a unique duo, but it is not typical with breakfast. Most people think steak or a burger when they hear blue cheese and bacon, but this combo is absolutely delicious with eggs!

scrambled eggs on a plate

What Do You Need For Blue Cheese and Bacon Scrambled Eggs?!

Eggs: I like to use a large egg for this recipe- well really anytime I am making eggs!

Milk: Use whole milk for scrambled eggs- it makes them so much richer!

Salt and Pepper: I feel like these are a must have for eggs (especially the pepper if you are my husband!)

Blue Cheese: The cheese can be bough as crumbles or you can crumble off a block. My current favorite blue cheese is Roth’s Buttermilk Blue Cheese (Wisconsin made!).

Bacon: I am always and forever loving Nueskes’s Bacon. They are about 40 minutes north of where I live.

scrambled eggs on a plate

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use thick cut bacon?

Sure! I made a lot of the bacon I cook with in advance so I have it on hand for recipes like this one. I recommend making sure that you get it nice and crisp before chopping.

I only have medium eggs- how to I know how to portion my eggs?

This recipe calls for 4 large eggs. If you only have medium I recommend using 5 medium. If you are using extra-large eggs I find that 1:1 ration for this recipe works just fine.

I keep getting brown spots on the egg when I am cooking- what am I doing wrong?

Turn your heat down. The best method for eggs in slow and low (or in this case medium-low). When you have the heat too high you will see the brown spots on the eggs. Also remember to move the eggs in the pan. Letting them sit too long will also cause parts to overcook. However, if this happens- don’t worry they will still taste good!

I don’t like blue cheese- what is a similar textured cheese that would work in place of blue cheese?

I would suggest using feta. You could use goat cheese too, but that texture is typically softer, but the flavor would be nice with the bacon.

Can I add some veggies?

Sure! I would cook them first to make sure they are tender since the eggs cook quickly. Diced peppers or mushrooms would be delicious.

What type of pan works best?

I like to use a rimmed skillet, like this one. A basic spatula will be helpful as well.

scrambled eggs on a plate

Looking for more delicious breakfast recipes?!

Blueberry Yogurt Pancakes

Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Quiche

Monte Cristo Cups

Eggs Benedict Waffles

Eggs Benedict Casserole

Loaded Egg and Toast Cups

Raisin Bran Muffins

Tart Cherry Crumb Muffins

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scrambled eggs on a plate

Blue Cheese and Bacon Scrambled Eggs

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/3 cup crumbles blue cheese (+ a little extra for topping)
  • 4 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Crack eggs into a medium mixing bowl. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk till combined and pale yellow. There should be a few air bubbles formed on the surface from whisking.

  2. In a medium rimmed skillet, heat butter over medium-low heat. Add the eggs.

  3. Allow sides of the eggs to loosely set and pull in the sides to form the scrambled eggs.

  4. When eggs are about half done (still runny, but forming solids), add the blue cheese and bacon to the eggs. Keep pulling in the sides of the eggs till eggs are set and cheese is partially melted (blue cheese will not typically completely melt).

  5. Remove from heat, serve, and enjoy with buttered toast.

scrambled eggs on a plate

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase. 

This post was originally published in 2013 and was updated to improve for viewers in June 2019.


Franks-N-Beans Hot Dog

by 4 Comments


Franks-N-Beans Hot Dog is not your average hot dog. Wrapped in bacon, grilled, topped with beans, onion, and mustard make a new favorite to your summer BBQ.

hot dog on the bun with beans and onion

So, today isn’t about the ol’ reliable burger. Today is about the hot dog. Truth be told, I am more likely to grab a burger than a hot dog, but I knew that it was an opportunity to create a truly delicious hot dog worthy of knocking a burger off the pedestal.

Enter my recipe for Franks-N-Beans Hot Dog. You guys this hot dog is epic. I am still thinking about the flavors, and can’t wait to make it again. After I made these even my 6 year old, Kellen, was gobbling one down- he proclaimed it to be “super yum!”. We ate these after a day at the beach, and it was the perfect summer dinner.

So what makes this hot dog special?

Hot Dog: Not all hot dogs are created equal. I like to use an all-beef jumbo hot dog. Bonus points for a natural casing too!

Bacon: Smoked and hearty is the way to go. I don’t recommend thick cut because it does not wrap well, but I like a nice big slice for these hot dogs.

Baked Beans: I like to use vegetarian beans for this recipe. It is by no means a vegetarian recipe, but I like the simple flavors of a vegetarian baked bean for this hot dog.

Onion: White or yellow is the way to go.

Mustard: I like to use a simple yellow for this recipe.

Hot Dog Buns: I split them to make sure they are ready for the hot dogs. A hearty bun works best so it can hold their weight from the beans in this recipe.

The ingredients are so simple, and probably things you have on hand. They create a truly memorable hot dog!

hot dog on the bun with beans and onion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to get the bacon cooked on the grill?

I do not find it too difficult. Make sure you are rotating and do not crank up the heat too high to allow the bacon to evenly cook. I advise not using a thick bacon because you will find that it does not stay wrapped unless secured with toothpicks.

Can I use turkey bacon or turkey hot dogs?

Absolutely, but make sure that you get the bacon completely cooked before serving.

Can I use meat substitute products?

Absolutely, but they are not products I typically use so I am not able to advise on cook times or methods.

Why use vegetarian beans? Can I use original or a different flavor?

Sure! I like the simple flavor of the vegetarian, and I like the flavor of my bacon to shine. However, other flavors will work just fine.

I do not like onion. Do you have alternative topping ideas?

Yes! I would use pickled jalapeno, pickle, or maybe some diced tomatoes in place of the onion.

Do I need to use mustard? What can I use it place of mustard?

I suggest traditional hot dog condiments like ketchup or even mayo.

hot dog on the grill
hot dog on the bun with beans
hot dog on the bun
hot dog on the bun with beans and onion

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hot dog on the bun with beans and onion

Check out more delicious summer grilling recipes!

Wisconsin Beer Brats

Rosemary Ranch Grilled Chicken

Cuban Sandwich Burger

Grilled Honey Curry Pork Chops

Grilled Chili Cheeseburgers

hot dog on the bun with beans and onion with a bite taken
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hot dog on the bun with beans and onion

Franks-N-Beans Hot Dog

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 hot dogs

Ingredients

  • 4 jumbo hot dogs
  • 4 slices of bacon (not thick cut)
  • 1 cup baked beans, warmed
  • 2 Tbsp diced white onion
  • Yellow mustard
  • 4 hot dog buns, split
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat grill to medium heat.

  2. Wrap each hot dog with 1 strip of bacon. Place hot dogs on grill. To cook the hot dogs, quarter turn the hot dog every 2 minutes so the bacon evenly cooks.

  3. Once bacon is cooked, remove hot dogs from grill and place on buns.

  4. Top hot dogs with beans, raw onion, and mustard.

hot dog on the bun with beans and onion

Irish Colcannon with Bacon

by 23 Comments


It is never to early to start breaking out the Irish recipes if you ask me. Colcannon is one of my favorite dishes to make. It comes from Ireland and Scotland and there is even a song about it.

Colcannon in a bowl

Typically, Colcannon is made from mashed potatoes with cabbage (or kale), cream, butter, salt and pepper. Sometimes people add bacon, green onion, garlic and other types of toppings. Normally, this is considered a regional dish and there are different variations depending on where you are.

I absolutely love this side dish. I know you may think, cabbage and potatoes??? Trust me, it is great together. The textures work well and I love the flavor combination. I like to make mine with cream, green onion, and bacon and that naturally makes this party a little more fun. I GUESS you could use regular milk, but in all honesty the cream adds a lovely light sweetness, and I would miss it!

Colcannon in a bowl

Today, I am not just sharing and Irish recipe with you to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day, but I am celebrating all things potato with a few other blogging friends!

Colcannon in a bowl

Check out these tasty recipes everyone is sharing today!

All About Potato Recipes


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Colcannon in a bowl

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Colcannon in a bowl

So, do celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Do you drink green beer (no thank you) and eat corned beef? I am not a fan of green beer, and will take a darker beer over the green option, but I love corned beef. I have a delicious one-pot corned beef and cabbage recipe I will be sharing with you next week to round out your holiday menu.

We are headed to Florida shortly and I am excited for a little fun in the sun, and lots of time with my family. We are also going to Disney and my sister and I are pumped to eat all the tasty treats.

Follow me on Instagram because I will be posting our Disney food findings during the week!

Colcannon in a bowl

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Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Pesto Parmesan Potato Salad

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Colcannon in a bowl

Irish Colcannon with Bacon

Course Side Dish
Cuisine Irish
Keyword Bacon, Irish, Potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1/2 head cabbage, cut into slices
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 5 green onion, sliced
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes in a medium pot till tender and ready to mash, about 10 minutes. While potatoes cook, place cabbage in a microwave safe bowl and add about 1 1/2 of water to the bowl. Cover and microwave for about 10 minutes, or until tender. 

  2. While the potatoes and cabbage cook, cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate for later. 

  3. Drain water from potatoes. Add cream and butter and mash using a hand mixer or a potato masher. Add salt and pepper. 

  4. Remove cabbage from water and add to potatoes. Gently stir. Add the bacon and green onion (reserving about a tbsp for topping of each). 

  5. To serve, place a little additional butter in the center and top with bacon and green onion. 

Colcannon in a bowl

Loaded Beer Dip

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We absolutely love dips of all kinds at our house. Nothing screams football Sunday to me like chips and dips (well, besides bratwurst!). I am a non-discriminator when it comes to dip as well. I love hot, cold, meatless, meaty, spicy, mild, cheesy, baked, in a crockpot…whew…the list could go on and on, but I will cut myself off there and end with boozy.  Beer dip is really popular in our area, and served at most parties and sporting events. I thought this was a perfect opportunity to dress-up this dip and create my Loaded Beer Dip

beer dip in a bowl with chips and pretzels
My family loved the flavors of this dip! The traditional beer dip holds on strong, but is enhanced with the smoky bacon, sharp cheddar and bite from the green onions. I like to serve this with potato chips, but add a few pretzels as well for beer dip purists. You could also thrown a few veggies together to dip was well. 
Beer dip in a bowl and a pretzel dipped in the beer dip

One of my favorite things about beer dip is that the beer flavor isn’t covered up. I like to use a light beer for this dip, and wouldn’t recommend using a dark beer. A dark beer might make it a little too bitter, and may give you an odd colored dip as well.

beer dip in a bowl with chips and pretzels

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beer dip in a bowl with chips and pretzels

This dip is great for a Super Bowl or other sports type party. It is easy to make, and can be prepped in advance. Plus it is hard to beat a chips and dip snack while watching football!

I am still slightly bummed that our Packers didn’t make it a little further, but hoping next year will be a better year for the Packers. I live in Green Bay and we are a smaller town in comparison to other with an NFL team so the Packers are almost a religion here.

Beer dip in a bowl and a pretzel dipped in the beer dip

This dip isn’t just for football, but it is great for any potluck or party spread. Like I said, easy and make-ahead friendly. If you are like me and wait to the last minute to to decide what to bring this dip will speak to your procrastinating heart.

beer dip in a bowl with chips and pretzels

Also, let’s be real, you can totally make this for yourself to eat as you binge on The Bundy Tapes…..or whatever…. Perhaps your prefer your television a little lighter and funnier. Not me, but you do you.

beer dip in a bowl with chips and pretzels

Similar Recipes:

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Dip

Sour Cream and Chive Dip

Pickle Wrap Dip

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beer dip in a bowl with chips and pretzels

Loaded Beer Dip

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Bacon, Cheese, Dip, Tailgating
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 cups of dip

Ingredients

  • 16 oz plain cream cheese, softened to room temp
  • 1 oz packet ranch dressing mix
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2/3 cup beer
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, reserve 2 tbsp for topping
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped, reserve 1 tbsp for topping
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced reserve 2 tbsp for topping
  • Potato Chips and Pretzels
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to mix cream cheese, ranch packet, and sour cream. Slowly add in the beer and mix on low till creamy. Gently stir in the cheese, bacon and green onions. Place in fridge for about 30 minutes.

  2. Remove from fridge and transfer to serving dish. Top with cheese, bacon and onions. Serve with potato chips and pretzels.
Beer dip in a bowl and a pretzel dipped in the beer dip

Slow Cooker Creamy Mac and Cheese with Bacon

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This weekend was all about soups, but it was time to shake things up a bit and end it with a little mac and cheese. More specifically, Slow Cooker Creamy Mac and Cheese with Bacon. In case you thought I was just sharing my love of all things cheese you would be right, but it is also because today is National Cheese Lovers Day. We have a day people! I have joined with my other blogging friends to bring you the best cheesy recipes ever!

mac and cheese in a slow cooker

Check out this list of cheesy goodness! I can’t decide what I will make first!

Chicken Madeira by House of Nash Eats Gooey, Gorgeous Raclette from Culinary Adventures with Camilla Easy Italian Sausage Pasta Bake from Cooking For My Soul Extra Cheese Garlic Bread from Karen’s Kitchen Stories Slow Cooker Creamy Mac and Cheese with Bacon from Cheese Curd in Paradise Baked Parmesan Cheddar Crisps from Blogghetti Smoky White Cheddar Beer Cheese Dip from Food Above Gold Layered Chili Mac and Cheese from Palatable Pastime Cheese Danish from Kate’s Recipe Box Macaroni and Cheese Pierogi from The Spiffy Cookie Waffled Pizza Bites from Jolene’s Recipe Journal Pizza Grilled Cheese from A Day in the Life on the Farm Sweet Gherkin Pimento Cheese Spread from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice Easy Cheese Sauce from The Gingered Whisk Creamy Homemade White Cheddar Mac n Cheese from Jonesin’ for Taste Adjaruli Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread) from Caroline’s Cooking Cheese Charcuterie and Pickled Onions from Our Good Life
mac and cheese in a slow cooker

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Slow cooker mac and cheese is a game changer. If you have not tried it you must! I have seen some recipes that require cooking the pasta prior to putting it in the slow cooker, but mine mixes everything together and it cooks in about 2 hours.

I have a few notes in the recipe, but will put the info here as well. Slow cookers can heat differently depending on brand and age. When this recipe gets in the last 30 minutes it is recommended to check you pasta to prevent from being over or undercooked, or if it needs a stir. I have made this many times, and had great results, but make sure that you keep an eye on the pasta towards the end to ensure a creamy and dreamy mac and cheese.

bowls of mac and cheese

My recipe uses 3 different grated cheeses and, my secret weapon, cream cheese. This mac and cheese is so rich and so creamy! I recommend that you grate you own cheese for this dish because the pre-shredded has a powder on it to prevent the cheese from sticking together, and I found when testing this recipe the melty quality of the cheese is better with hand grated. That being said, it will work fine and be very tasty with pre-shredded, but I think the texture is not as good.

I love this recipe because I can make it for a crowd when entertaining at home, or I can make it and take it to a gathering very easily. Plus there is bacon- the forever crowd pleaser.

I am a Wisconsin girl and am wondering, what are your favorite recipes or cheeses? Do you love mac and cheese or maybe cheese right off the block. Or even cheese curds….

bowls of mac and cheese

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mac and cheese in a slow cooker

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Bacon, Cheese, Pasta, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 3 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, grated
  • 1 cup processed american cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup butter diced
  • 8 strips center cut bacon, chopped
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients in to the slow cooker. Stir well.  Cook on low and cover. 

  2. Stir after 60 minutes and replace cover. 

  3. Cook on low for an additional 60. The total cook time is 2 hours. Slow cookers can run warmer and I advise to check the pasta at the 90 minute mark. 

  4. Just before the pasta is done cooking, cook bacon till crisp and set aside. 

  5. Stir, top with bacon, and serve.

mac and cheese in a slow cooker

Blue Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

by 30 Comments


I have been a blue cheese lover since I can remember, and one of my favorite flavor combinations is blue cheese and bacon. Enter my recipe for Blue Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken. One of my very favorite dinners. 

chicken breasts wrapped in bacon in a baking dish

My filling uses cream cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a truly decadent cheesy filling. I use my food processor to blend all this cheesy goodness with fresh spinach, and it is perfect to stuff into my chicken breasts. I wrap the chicken in smokey bacon and bake till the chicken is tender and juicy, and bacon crisp.

For recipes like this one I love to use my ThermoPop from Thermoworks. I have been using ThermoWorks products since working with them on a grilling series a few years ago. Since then, I have raved about their products every chance I get, especially the ThermoPop! I even gave a ThermoPop to my Dad and Father-In-Law for Christmas this year. ThermoWorks has a wide variety of different products to help you cook your food to the perfect temperature resulting is tender and flavorful meats.

chicken breasts wrapped in bacon in a baking dish

As I mentioned, the ThermoPop is my favorite. The ThermoPop has the most convenient features including:

-Rotating display
– Left and right-handed use
-3 to 4 seconds to temperature read
-Splash-proof design
-Big backlit digits
-Temp range: -58 to 572°F (-50 to 300°C)
-Switchable °C/°F
-5,000 hours of typical performance with included lithium battery, replacement batteries available
-9 colors fun colors!

Since I love this product so much, and love sharing my favorite things with all of you, I am giving away a ThermoPop (you choose the color) to one lucky reader! Scroll to the bottom of this post for instructions to enter, and make sure to complete the mandatory requirement to enter, and all of the other options for additional entries!

chicken breasts wrapped in bacon in a baking dish

So, why is it important to use a thermometer to temp meats? Why not just cut right into the center? Well, while it might seem easier, it isn’t, and it immediately drains the meat of all the juiciness and the flavor you worked so hard for! Get in the habit of using a meat thermometer, and you will notice the difference!

chicken breasts wrapped in bacon in a baking dish

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chicken breasts wrapped in bacon on a plate

This is one of my favorite meals to make when we have dinner with my parents. We are all blue cheese lovers, and it is always a hit. I like to serve this meal as pictured (that bite of chicken on the fork went straight into my mouth after I was done shooting this recipe), with steamed green beans or asparagus, and roasted potatoes.

As far as the bacon goes I like to use a center cut bacon for this recipe. I do not use thick sliced because I find that it does not wrap as well as a traditional thickness, and it is more difficult to get crisp resulting in overcooked chicken.

chicken breasts wrapped in bacon on a plate

This is also a recipe that is perfect to share with someone special on Valentine’s Day. It is pretty simple and can be made in advance so you are not scrambling before your date arrives. You can follow by watching the movie 28 Weeks Later or World War Z…..or maybe it is just Ron and I that enjoy a good zombie apocalypse movie on the day of love. I also enjoy Aliens and Predator…. so many choices.

chicken breasts wrapped in bacon on a plate

Similar Recipes:

Grilled Ribeye with Creamy Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce

Pork Tenderloin with White Wine and Blue Cheese Sauce

Weeknight Porchetta

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chicken breasts wrapped in bacon on a plate

Blue Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Bacon, Cheese, Chicken
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 4 oz blue cheese crumbles
  • 3 oz plain cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 18 pieces center cut bacon
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400° F.  

  2. To a food processor, add spinach, blue cheese, cream cheese, pepper, and salt. Process till smooth. Pour the stuffing into a bowl and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.  If you do not have a food processor you can finely chop the spinach and then mix it together. 

  3. Using a small sharp knife cut into the thick end of the chicken and make an incision reaching 2/3 the way down the breast. Loosen up the incision with your fingers to make a hole. Spoon the filling into the chicken. 

  4. Spiral-wrap the breasts with the bacon tightly to cover the meat evenly. Sprinkle a little additional pepper on top, if desired. Bake chicken at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. If necessary, turn oven up to 425 degrees and bake an additional 10 minutes to crisp bacon. Please note that baking time may increase or decrease depending on the size of the chicken. It is best practice to use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to the proper temperature of 165°F. 

  5. Remove chicken from the oven and serve. 

bacon wrapped chicken on a plate
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