Tag Archives: mozzarella

Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon Potato Topper

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Macaroni CasseroleBroccoli, Bacon , Tater tots, not the usual ingredients you will find in a Mac and Cheese recipe. I was intrigued, plus I had both Mozzarella and Cheddar in my house which is rare, as I usually only have one or the other. So we tried it, we loved it. The only thing I would say is it needed some extra salt and pepper. I did modify the recipe a bit to use what I had and added a few extra bits, changed bacon to bacon bits for less work, but it all worked out really good. I think I will definitely make this again, and it is a huge recipe so there would be plenty if you need a potluck dish, or a dish to serve company. Original recipe from Allrecipes although I did make changes.

  • 450 grams macaroni (8 ounces)
  • 2 cups each, cheddar and mozzarella
  • 3/4 cup real bacon bits
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 tsp Cajun seasonings- I would increase this to a full tsp next time
  • salt and pepper- don’t be shy
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp butter
  • 30 frozen tater tots

1. Cook macaroni in salted water until tender but still firm. Drain and pour into a large casserole dish that has been greased.

2. Melt 1 tsp of the butter in skillet, and sauté the broccoli and onion until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.

3. While veggies are cooking, crack eggs into large mixing bowl. Whisk with milk, remaining 1 tsp butter and seasonings. Stir in 1 cup of each cheese,10 tater tots,  and vegetables, when they are finished. Pour this mixture on top of macaroni and mix well.

4. Top with remaining 1 cup of each cheese, and top the cheese with the bacon bits. Scatter remaining 20 tater tots on top. Cover.

5. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

6. Eat and enjoy!

Italian Sausage Bread Pizza

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Italian Sausage Bread PizzaAfter last week’s unofficial sweets week, I thought I should probably post some savory recipes. Yes, that’s right we do eat more than cookies around here. Yes, we eat a lot of cookies too, but also yummy stuff like this sausage bread. Our Wednesday nights have been consumed by swimming lessons the last couple months, and this means I need a quick supper. This fit the bill, plus it was delicious. The ricotta cheese gave a creaminess, the italian sausage made it very flavorful and anything with pizza in the title my kids are sure to eat!

Recipe from Betty Crocker

  • 1 lb bulk Italian Sausage- mild or hot depending on your family preference
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 2/3 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese-shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1. Slice bread in half diagonally and scoop out some of inside of bread. Spread with ricotta cheese. Place on greased cookie sheet.

2. Cook sausage in large skillet until no pink remains. Move sausage to edge of skillet and heat 1 Tbsp of oil in middle, add garlic and onions cook until tender.

3. Stir in pizza sauce, oregano, red pepper and salt. Scoop this mixture on to bread. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with remaining Tbsp of olive oil.

4. Bake for 6 minutes at 425 degrees.

5. Eat and enjoy!

Hidden Valley Cheese Fingers

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Cheesy GoodnessHere is a super quick and easy meal. We served with homemade marinated vegetables, the whole meal took less than 10 minutes to put together as I got the vegetables ready the day before. 10 minutes for supper, sounds perfect to me!

Recipe from Hidden Valley The Original Ranch

  • 1 loaf french bread, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 pkg (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 pkg, Hidden Valley Seasoning and Salad Dressing mix
  • 4 cups assorted toppings ( I used mozzarella, red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes and onions)

1. Slice bread into fingers, but keep attached to crust.

2. Beat together the cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix, spread on cut side of bread.

3. Top with your desired toppings.

4. Broil for 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Eat and enjoy!

Italian Sausage Calzones

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dinnerAs far as I know a calzone is a dough filled with pizza toppings, a pizza sandwich if you will. That is what I told my kids when they saw this week’s dinner plan on the refrigerator. I have started writing each meal plan on a white board in the kitchen to avoid being asked 3-10 times everyday the ever popular question “what’s for dinner”, and so instead now I get, what is that? Oh, well, still lots of questions. I also like to see my kids faces light up when they see something they love on the meal plan, not so fun when their little faces drop with fear at the sound of something they think sounds gross, but that doesn’t happen top often. I found this yummy sounding calzone recipe in Betty Crocker Comfort Food and served it with caesar salad. Yummy!

  • 1/2 pound bulk Italian Sausage
  • 1 small onion chopped (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/3 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 can mushroom pieces, drained (about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 large egg white

1. Pre heat your oven to 450 degrees. Cook sausage and onion in large skillet until beef is browned and onion is tender, drain. Stir in pizza sauce and mushrooms.

2. Make dough by mixing together Bisquick, water and oil. Knead slightly until it comes together. Sprinkle flour on work surface and roll out into a 12 inch circle. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. (only half needs to fit as you will be folding it over).

3. Top half of dough with meat mixture, and both cheese. Fold over and press down edges using your fingers.

4. Brush dough with egg white and bake for 15-20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting.

Calzone close up

 

 

Tips- Serve with additional pizza sauce to dip for additional flavor.