BBQ recipes, product reviews, & how-to's

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Brisket Quesadillas

Brisket Quesadillas

If you happen to have leftover brisket, then brisket quesadillas are a must try! You know it’s gonna be a good one when a recipe calls for meat and cheese to come together in a soft flour tortilla. Let me walk you through the process.…

Tangy Cilantro Lime Crema

Tangy Cilantro Lime Crema

This tangy cilantro lime crema is so easy to make that I can’t believe I was intimidated to try it for so long! This recipe uses common ingredients found in the refrigerator and pantry and only takes less than five minutes to make! What is…

Banana Pudding Dessert

Banana Pudding Dessert

When you go to a BBQ restaurant, you will most likely see banana pudding listed as a dessert. This is a classic treat served up at family gatherings and backyard cookouts. I’ll show you how to make this easy banana pudding desert to finish off your meal!

Ingredients for Banana Pudding

Ingredients for the banana pudding recipe.

Here are all of the necessary ingredients for banana pudding:

  • Bananas
  • Vanilla pudding mix
  • Vanilla wafers – I prefer Nilla Wafers brand for best flavor
  • Milk – any milk you have on hand will do
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar – confectioner’s sugar will work, too
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Vanilla extract – for use in both the whipped cream and banana pudding

Make the Whipped Cream

I prefer to use homemade whipped cream to use in this banana pudding recipe because when I use a premade whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, it makes the dessert way too sugary for my liking. And this is coming from a guy who loves drinking soda!

Making whipped cream at home is super simple: take one cup of heavy whipping cream and pour into a mixing bowl. Mix with two tablespoons of powdered sugar and a half teaspoon of vanilla. Use a mixer to beat for 3-4 minutes or until you get medium sized peaks on the beaters themselves. Once this is finished, set aside.

Making the Banana Pudding Dessert

Mixing cold milk and vanilla pudding packet together.

To make this easy banana pudding, start by pouring a 5 ounce packet of vanilla pudding into a large mixing bowl with two cups of cold milk. Mix these ingredients with a hand mixer for a couple of minutes.

When that has been well mixed, pour in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and mix some more. Finally, take your homemade whipped cream and put in and stir until well-blended.

Layering the Easy Banana Pudding

Layer of pudding and whipped cream mixture going on top of vanilla wafers and banana slices.

With the pudding now made, it’s time to strategically layer with slices of banana and vanilla wafer cookies. A trifle bowl is perfect for this because it is glass and you can see the layering. If you don’t have a trifle bowl for banana pudding, then you can use a large serving bowl or mixing bowl.

Start by placing a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom of the bowl, topped with slices of banana. Pour in a layer of banana pudding and make it evenly smooth. Repeat this process two more times, making three times total. Make sure to save a banana and extra vanilla wafers for topping later.

Chill, then Serve

Easy Banana pudding ready to go in the fridge to chill.

Place the layered banana pudding dessert in the refrigerator and let chill for at least four hours. After you have patiently waited for this moment to come, remove from the fridge and make a clever arrangement of Nilla wafers (my favorite vanilla wafer cookie) and sliced bananas on top. Feel free to check the featured image at the beginning of this post for inspiration.

How Long is Banana Pudding Good For?

Banana pudding served up in a single serve bowl.

Once made, this banana pudding can be served again chilled over the next two days. I suggest serving leftover banana pudding with some Nilla wafers right out of the box to get that nice, sweet crunch like when it was fresh. The ones originally used in the pudding will have become softened.

Other Dessert Recipes to Try

Looking for some other dessert recipes to bring to the BBQ? Here are some more awesome ideas:

Classic Gooey Butter Cake

S’mores Sliders

Caramel Apple Empanadas

Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookie with Sea Salt Caramel

Banana Pudding Dessert

Banana Pudding Dessert

Banana Pudding Dessert

Yield: 15 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

This banana pudding dessert is a classic dish served up at family gatherings and backyard cookouts. No bake and easy to make!

Ingredients

Banana Pudding

  • 1 packet (5.1 oz) vanilla pudding
  • 2 Cups cold milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz. whipped cream
  • 4 bananas, sliced
  • 6 oz. vanilla wafer cookies

Whipped Cream

  • 1 Cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Make whipped cream by mixing heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix for 3-4 minutes or until medium peaks on beaters develop when pulled out of mixture. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mix vanilla pudding packet and cold milk for 2 minutes or until well blended. Mix in vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk. Slowly mix in whipped cream and blend until smooth and thickened.
  3. Place layer of vanilla wafer cookies and sliced bananas on bottom of serving bowl or trifle dish. Put 1/3 of pudding mixture on top. Repeat this process two more times.
  4. Put banana pudding in the refrigerator to chill for at least four hours. Remove, top with vanilla wafer cookies and fresh banana slices and serve.

Notes

  1. Can substitute a premade whipped topping such as Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream. Keep in mind it will taste much sweeter this way.
  2. Slice bananas and place on top of banana pudding right before serving as sliced bananas that sit out will brown quickly.
  3. For more banana flavor, substitute banana pudding mix for vanilla pudding mix.
  4. Store up to two days after use.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1 Cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 1gSugar: 31gProtein: 4g

NOTE: Nutrition information isn't always accurate.

Smoked Meatball Sliders

Smoked Meatball Sliders

These smoked meatball sliders on Hawaiian rolls are the perfect way to feed a family or small crowd. The combination of meatballs, marinara, and cheese make these sliders perfect for any weeknight meal! Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Here are the ingredients you’ll need…

Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders

Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders

Put a spin on your traditional burger and serve it in slider form on a sweet roll! These Hawaiian roll cheeseburger sliders are easy to make and use ground beef instead of patties. Check out the process this easy cheeseburger sliders recipe! Ingredients for Hawaiian…

Buffalo Chicken Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for any party or tailgate! Combines that classic Buffalo hot sauce flavor with ranch and shredded chicken, then placed on a sweet Hawaiian roll with pepper jack cheese and topped with melted butter and ranch seasoning.

Ingredients for the Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Sprinkling pepper jack cheese on Buffalo pulled chicken sliders.

The ingredients for this Buffalo chicken sliders recipe are as follows:

  • Hawaiian rolls – a 12-pack of sweet Hawaiian rolls to be the canvas you create this masterpiece on
  • Shredded chicken – can use either leftover smoked chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store; white meat preferred
  • Buffalo hot sauce – provides the spice, along with some tangy flavor
  • Ranch dressing – what’s Buffalo chicken without ranch (or blue cheese) to tame it down and add another element of flavor?
  • BBQ seasoning – a seasoning with some heat is preferred
  • Pepper Jack cheese – this is basically Monterrey Jack cheese with peppers; adds another creamy salty flavor with a touch of spice
  • Melted butter – for topping the slider rolls and helping your ranch seasoning stick to the tops
  • Ranch seasoning (optional) – adds more ranch flavor

Prepping the Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Mixing Buffalo hot sauce with chicken in a mixing bowl.

To prep the Buffalo chicken ranch sliders, start by taking a 12-pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls and slicing down the middle, creating a top and bottom. Place the bottom portion into a greased foil pan or onto a baking sheet.

Next, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and put in three cups of shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for these Buffalo chicken sliders). Then pour in a three-fourths cup of Buffalo hot sauce, half cup of ranch, and two tablespoons of seasoning. Mix the ingredients with a spatula, tongs, or using your hands with food-grade nitrile gloves.

Pour sauced Buffalo chicken mixture onto bottom portion of Hawaiian rolls. Sprinkle two cups of shredded pepper jack cheese on top before topping with the upper portion of rolls.

How Long to Cook Buffalo Chicken Hawaiian Roll Sliders

With the Buffalo chicken Hawaiian roll sliders assembled and the tops brushed with melted butter (and topped with ranch seasoning), it’s time to place them on the grill.

Cook for 15 minutes at 350 degrees over indirect heat. Ideal smoking woods or pellets would be hickory or apple. Once done on the grill, remove, break or slice into individual rolls, and serve!

Other Hawaiian Roll Slider Recipes

S’mores Sliders – perfect for dessert!

BBQ Beef Sliders

Hawaiian Roll Cheesesteak Sliders

Smoky Ham & Cheese Sliders

Chicken Bacon Ranch Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Buffalo chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls in a bed of kale.

Buffalo Chicken Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for any party or tailgate! Combines that classic Buffalo hot sauce flavor with ranch and shredded chicken, then placed on a sweet Hawaiian roll and topped with melted butter and ranch seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 3 Cups shredded chicken
  • 3/4 Cup Buffalo hot sauce
  • 1/2 Cup ranch dressing
  • 2 Tbsp BBQ seasoning
  • 12-pack King's Hawaiian rolls
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 Tbsp ranch flavored seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to 350 degrees over indirect heat using hickory wood or preheat oven to same temp.
  2. Slice 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls in half and place bottom portion in greased 9x11 foil pan. Set aside.
  3. In medium-sized mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, Buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, and BBQ seasoning. Mix ingredients well together using a spatula.
  4. Put mixed ingredients on bottom half of rolls. Spread shredded pepper jack cheese on and put upper portion of buns on top. Brush melted butter on top of buns, sprinkling ranch seasoning on.
  5. Place rolls in grill for 15 minutes. Remove, separate with a knife, and serve.

Notes

  1. This recipe can be made in the oven.
  2. Can substitute ranch for blue cheese dressing.
  3. Mix in a hotter sauce to increase the spice flavor.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 slider
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 1000mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 2gProtein: 19g

NOTE: Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

S’mores Sliders

S’mores Sliders

S’mores sliders are now my favorite way to eat this campfire treat and the ultimate Hawaiian roll dessert! Take the classic s’mores recipe and put a creative spin on it by following the simple recipe below. Ingredients for S’mores Dessert Sliders Here are the ingredients…

Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip

Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip

An epic party dip that is super easy to make, this smoked Buffalo chicken dip combines the flavors of Buffalo style chicken, cheeses, and Rotel. Add in some hot sauce for an extra kick and a kiss of smoke flavor then you’ve got the perfect…

BBQ Beef Sliders

BBQ Beef Sliders

Looking for a Hawaiian roll slider that will WOW at your next gathering? These BBQ beef sliders combine the smoky flavor of a smoked chuck roast with a BBQ sauce and cola braise. Packed in a slider with caramelized onion and provolone cheese, these BBQ sliders have flavor for days!

Ingredients for Barbecue Beef Sliders

Ingredients for making BBQ sliders. Not pictured: chuck roast, butter.

In order to make these flavorful BBQ beef sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Chuck roast – Ideal cut of beef for slow cooking; typically ranges between 2-3 lbs.
  • Hawaiian rolls – the sweet buns to place these sliders on, come in the perfect size
  • BBQ sauce – brings a sweet, tangy flavor
  • Cola – Soda is used for the braise, along with BBQ sauce
  • Onion – goes through the caramelization process (with butter) to become the perfect topping
  • Provolone cheese – smooth texture, mild flavor
  • Beef seasoning – brings out the flavor of the beef for the sliders

Beef Sliders Video

Smoking the Chuck Roast for Barbecue Beef Sliders

Smoked chuck roast getting a nice color from the oak and cherry woods.

The first step of making BBQ beef sliders is cook it low and slow, smoking the beef. As you begin to smoke the chuck roast, preheat the grill to 250 degrees over indirect heat. My favorite smoking wood to use with beef is oak. Add in a touch of cherry wood and it becomes the ideal blend IMO.

While the grill is coming up to temp, season the chuck roast on all sides and let rest until the grill reaches 250 degrees. This helps the seasonings to absorb into the meat, producing better flavor.

With the smoker up to temp, place the seasoned beef on the smoker and let cook for three hours. Spritzing once or twice with beef broth to prevent the outside of the chuck roast from drying out.

Braising the Beef for Shredded Beef Sliders

Smoked chuck roast braised for BBQ beef sliders.

Now that the beef has been smoked for a few hours, we move this to a foil pan or Dutch oven to braise. Braising is when you cook something submerged in liquid ingredients that add to the flavor. In this case, we are using 1 1/2 cups of BBQ sauce and a 12 ounce can of cola. I say “cola” because I recommend a dark-colored soda like either Coke or Dr Pepper. Pour the BBQ sauce and soda braise into the pan and stir. Place your chuck roast in there, cover, and braise.

Braising should take another 2-3 hours or until internal temp reaches at least 203 degrees. If possible, let it reach between 205-210 degrees for easier shredding. Speaking of shredded beef, I prefer to pull the chuck roast out of the braise, shred on a cutting board, and placing back in the braise. I do this so I can shred easier and don’t splash liquid braise all over myself. Make sure to mix the BBQ shredded beef around in the braise to absorb that extra flavor.

How to Caramelize Onions

Caramelized onions in the cast iron skillet.

While the meat is braising, this is a perfect time to start cooking up the caramelized onions. Unlike sautéed onions which can take 5-10 minutes, the caramelization of onions takes about an hour. But don’t be intimidated by the time it takes because it is pretty easy to do.

Cut up three onions into slices and place in a skillet at medium heat with 1/4 tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of salt. Start out by sautéing the onions for five minutes and then reduce to medium-low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the onions start to slowly become brown and translucent. This will provide the perfect flavor and texture for these barbecue beef sliders.

Putting the BBQ Sliders Together

BBQ sliders being assembled.

With the beef shredded and the caramelized onions finished, it is time to assemble our sliders! I prefer to use Hawaiian rolls for these and they typically come in a 12-pack and baked together. Start by taking the Hawaiian rolls out of the packaging and slice in the middle of the pack, creating top and bottom portions.

Place slices of provolone cheese down to cover the bottom portion of the sliders. It usually takes me six slices to cover the bottom. If you prefer, you can place the cheese on top of the BBQ beef like done with these smoky ham and cheese sliders. Next, scoop your BBQ beef onto the buns and top with the caramelized onions. Put the top portion of the Hawaiian rolls on top and you can serve as-is. But…

Closeup of a barbecue beef slider.

Take the BBQ sliders on Hawaiian rolls to the next level by putting it back on the grill at 350 degrees for 10 minutes (indirect heat). This will toast the buns and help melt the cheese. I highly recommend doing this because the toasted buns and melty cheese make these even more delectable!

Other Slider Recipes

Smoked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Hawaiian Roll Cheesesteak Sliders

BBQ Sliders Recipe

Stack of BBQ beef sliders

Smoked BBQ Beef Sliders

Yield: 12 sliders
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 5 minutes

Chuck roast with a smoky flavor, braised in BBQ sauce and cola. Served on a Hawaiian roll slider with provolone cheese and caramelized onions.

Ingredients

  • 1 chuck roast (2-3 lbs.)
  • 1 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. seasoning
  • 12 oz. can of cola (Coke or Dr Pepper)
  • 1 1/2 Cups BBQ sauce
  • 3 onions, sliced
  • 1/4 Cup butter
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to 250 degrees over indirect heat with oak and cherry woods.
  2. Season chuck roast with your favorite beef seasoning. Place on grill and smoke for three hours.
  3. Pour BBQ sauce and cola into a foil pan or Dutch oven and place chuck roast inside. Cover with foil (or lid for Dutch oven) and braise until internal temp of meat reaches 205-210 degrees, which may take another 2-3 hours.
  4. During the last hour of braising, caramelize onions by placing in large pan with butter and salt and cook at medium heat. After five minutes, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45-50 minutes until brown and translucent.
  5. Slice pack of Hawaiian rolls in half and place provolone cheese, shredded beef, and caramelized onions on top. Put on top half of buns.
  6. Place on oven or grill-safe tray and cook at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove and serve.

Notes

  1. Sliders can be toasted in either the grill or oven.
  2. Substitute pepper jack cheese for provolone for a little more kick.

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 slider
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 298mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 28g

    NOTE: Nutrition information isn't always accurate.

    Hawaiian Roll Cheesesteak Sliders

    Hawaiian Roll Cheesesteak Sliders

    Want to serve cheesesteak sandwiches in bite sized form at your next gathering? These Hawaiian roll cheesesteak sliders help you feed more people with less ingredients. Cheesesteak Sliders Ingredients The ingredient list for this cheesesteak slider recipe is pretty simple: Hawaiian Roll Cheesesteak Sliders Video…


    My Diary

    Welcome!

    Welcome!

    Welcome to the website (which is new and under construction this week) for those who love to BBQ! The purpose of this site is to be a friendly forum in which new smokers can feel welcome to learn with me AND for those you veterans who are willing to share their wisdom to help us rookies progress. Thank you for visiting!

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    Smoked bratwurst. Mmmmm.


    All Time Favorites

    Brisket Quesadillas

    Brisket Quesadillas

    If you happen to have leftover brisket, then brisket quesadillas are a must try! You know it’s gonna be a good one when a recipe calls for meat and cheese to come together in a soft flour tortilla. Let me walk you through the process.…

    Tangy Cilantro Lime Crema

    Tangy Cilantro Lime Crema

    This tangy cilantro lime crema is so easy to make that I can’t believe I was intimidated to try it for so long! This recipe uses common ingredients found in the refrigerator and pantry and only takes less than five minutes to make! What is…

    Banana Pudding Dessert

    Banana Pudding Dessert

    When you go to a BBQ restaurant, you will most likely see banana pudding listed as a dessert. This is a classic treat served up at family gatherings and backyard cookouts. I’ll show you how to make this easy banana pudding desert to finish off…

    Smoked Meatball Sliders

    Smoked Meatball Sliders

    These smoked meatball sliders on Hawaiian rolls are the perfect way to feed a family or small crowd. The combination of meatballs, marinara, and cheese make these sliders perfect for any weeknight meal! Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders Here are the ingredients you’ll need…

    Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders

    Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders

    Put a spin on your traditional burger and serve it in slider form on a sweet roll! These Hawaiian roll cheeseburger sliders are easy to make and use ground beef instead of patties. Check out the process this easy cheeseburger sliders recipe! Ingredients for Hawaiian…