Tag Archives: Bacon

Ciabatta Melts with Chicken, Bacon & Pepper Jack are delicious sandwiches that are easy to make and are sure to be a hit!  It’s a classic sandwich you could get at your local bistro or café style restaurant, and I thought, why not try making it at home?  It has warm, crusty ciabatta bread that is filled with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, spicy, melted cheese, and tender veggies.  The sandwich tastes light and won’t leave you feeling too full.  You can’t go wrong with a warm sandwich on ciabatta! The recipe can be found here. Start by baking the ciabatta bread according to package instructions.  Set the bread aside to cool.  Also prepare the bacon according to package instructions and remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain the grease.  Set the bacon aside. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.  Use a grill or grill pan to cook the chicken on each side … Continue reading

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We recently had dinner at a local Italian restaurant and ordered a variety of Bruschetta as an appetizer.  I’ve been thinking about the Bruschetta ever since and couldn’t resist the attempt to recreate it at home.  Who doesn’t love a crunchy Bruschetta appetizer?  And who doesn’t love options?  That’s what I have for you today!  Four vastly different yet incredibly satisfying Bruschetta recipes. When I think of Bruschetta, I typically think baguette with fresh tomatoes and maybe some basil or balsamic dressing.  These are not your traditional Bruschetta recipes by any means, but I think you’ll like them just as much 😊 They are perfect as an appetizer or snack for any gathering and would be great for brunch, a bridal shower, girls’ night in, etc.  Here’s what I have for you: Smoked Salmon Fig & Apple Blueberry, Basil & Ricotta Tomato Aioli & Bacon   Smoked Salmon Bruschetta is surprisingly simple to make.  Don’t worry, you don’t have to … Continue reading

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Meatloaf is a wonderful comfort food and if you’re from the Midwest…it’s a bit of a staple.  It’s one of those meals you either love or hate.  If you hate it, you probably ate it too much as a kid 😊 but I think you should give it one more chance and try my Chicken Bacon Ranch Meatloaf.  I’m a chicken-bacon-ranch fan and consider myself to be somewhat of a CBR (chicken-bacon-ranch) connoisseur.  If it’s available at a restaurant in some capacity, chances are I’ll order it.  I think it’s delicious and love the flavor combination. The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a standard size loaf pan with parchment paper.  This will help you lift the meatloaf out of the pan after cooking, making it easier to slice and serve.  Open the jar of bacon bits and reserve ¼ cup. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, dried minced … Continue reading

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Bacon wrapped anything is good, but a variety of bacon wrapped appetizers to serve at a holiday gathering or tailgating party is even better!  You and your guests will devour each recipe I’m going to share with you today.  I don’t remember when the “bacon craze” started but it seems to be sticking around, and I’m here for it!  These recipes are all fairy easy to make, can be made ahead of time, are bite-sized / finger foods, and make a decent amount so you shouldn’t have to double or triple the recipes (but you can if you want). Here are the recipes and we’ll walk through how to make each one: Glazed Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Cups Brown Sugar Bacon Crackers Parmesan Bacon Crackers Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Lit’l Smokies   One thing I want to point out is you want to use normal, everyday bacon that is thin or … Continue reading

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As colder weather sets in you are probably looking for something warm and filling to satisfy your cravings.  It is apple season (so move over pumpkin spice) and I think apple is one of the best flavors of the season because it pairs well with many dishes.  There are so many varieties of apples you are sure to find one that is your favorite and tastes great on a salad, or in a sandwich, or perhaps baked into a dessert. I like to create new recipes each fall that are themed around apples and have a few to share with you today: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken & Apple Melts with Honey Mustard Gouda, Apple & Bacon Naan Flatbread Caramel Apple Cupcakes   Slow Cooker Apple Cider is completely homemade.  The base is water, you add chopped fruit and some mulling spices, turn on the slow cooker, and forget it overnight.  Your house will … Continue reading

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are a simple 5 ingredient meal the whole family will love!  They are very flavorful and a combination most people are already familiar with.  Try them for a quick weeknight meal or serve at a summer BBQ.  The kabobs are packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and are marinated in a homemade ranch dressing. The recipe can be found here. Start by adding the wooden skewers to a drinking glass filled with water to soak before grilling.  This will prevent the wood from catching fire on the grill.  Set aside until ready to use.  I like to marinate mine for at least a few hours.  Alternately, you can use metal skewers and skip the soaking process.  My preference is to use 6” skewers but 10” skewers also work, you just won’t have as many skewers. Add the olive oil, black pepper, and ranch seasoning to a gallon size Ziploc bag.  Shake slightly to combine. Slice … Continue reading

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Honey Dijon Grilled Chicken Sandwiches should be on your menu this week!  It’s sweet from honey, tangy from mustard, salty from bacon, and a little earthy / nutty from cheese.  Pair it with some juicy, tender chicken and sandwich it between a pretzel bun or brioche bun and you have the perfect meal.  It’s simple to make, is packed with flavor, and will please everyone at the dinner table. The recipe can be found here. Start by making the sauce.  Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt to a mixing bowl.  Whisk to combine.  Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed, and set aside. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag.  Pour ½ of the marinade into the bag then seal and place in the fridge to marinate overnight.  Cover the remaining marinade and place in the fridge to be used later. Once the chicken … Continue reading

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Rosemary, Garlic & Bacon Chicken Burgers are packed with flavor yet light and almost more satisfying than a beef burger.  You use this lovely rosemary and garlic mayo as a spread on the bun and inside the burger making it extra moist and juicy.  I like to top the burgers with arugula, but you could substitute lettuce.  I like the peppery, crunchy texture of arugula and this it pairs well with the flavors of the chicken burger. The recipe can be found here. Start by cooking the bacon according to package instructions.  Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess grease and set aside.  The recipe calls for 1 slice of bacon per burger, but you can make more and add as much as you like. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rosemary, and garlic.  Set aside.  If you are looking for a lighter option, use … Continue reading

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These are addicting!  Who knew a chicken burger could taste so good?  Chicken Bacon Ranch Burgers are loaded with juicy chicken, melted cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, and plenty of ranch seasoning.  They are a new household favorite and something you should keep stocked in your freezer for plenty of summer grilling. The recipe can be found here. Start by cooking the bacon according to package instructions.  You can use any brand, thickness, or flavor of bacon you prefer.  Just make sure to have enough bacon to use as an ingredient inside the burgers and as a topping.  Once cooked, remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess grease.  Chop 4 strips of bacon and set the other strips aside. Add the ground chicken, chopped bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the entire packet of ranch seasoning to a mixing bowl.  Don’t make the ranch dressing, just use … Continue reading

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Quiche makes a great meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Quiches are easy to make in advance, refrigerates well, and reheats well (think yummy leftovers).  My recipe for Broccoli & Bacon Quiche with Pepper Jack Cheese is certain to be a crowd favorite.  It’s packed with tender broccoli, crispy, salty bacon, and spicy pepper jack cheese. The recipe can be found here. Start by letting the pie crust sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes to soften.  I like to use refrigerated pie crust for the simplicity of it, but you can use homemade if you prefer.  Once softened, unroll the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie plate.  Crimp the edges and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Microwave the broccoli according to package instructions.  Set aside to cool slightly.  I find it easiest to use “heat and serve” frozen broccoli.  If you prefer, you … Continue reading

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