Cooking with Paula Deen Covered Dish Favorites 2017

parties and potlucks

One of my favorite traditions is gathering folks together, bringing a dish, and sharing a meal, and this tradition is alive and well in the South. I’ve hosted and attended my fair share of covered-dish dinners, from potlucks and church suppers to family reunions and picnics, and I’m so happy to share this collection of some of my favorite go-to recipes with you. Even if you already have a staple that you like to make for these occasions, it’s always fun to add something new to the table. This special issue is full of recipes for starters, sides, main dishes, and desserts that are easy to make, transport, and prepare in advance for your next celebration. The beauty of covered-dish dinners is that they’re a fun and affordable way to feed…

starters and drinks

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Makes about 3½ dozen These meatballs offer all the zesty flavors and spice of buffalo wings, but without having to deal with the bones and skin. 2 pounds ground chicken 2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) 1 cup diced celery 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled 1/3 cup minced green onion 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups buffalo wing sauce Ranch Dressing (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on a pan, and spray rack with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, stir together chicken, bread crumbs, celery, cheese, green onion, egg, parsley, and salt until well combined. Shape mixture into 1½ -inch balls, and place on prepared rack. 3. Bake until a meat thermometer inserted into center registers 165°, about 20…

salads and sides

Old-Fashioned Baked Beans Makes 10 to 12 servings This hearty side dish is a classic accompaniment to Southern barbecue. 11/2 cups dried navy beans 11/2 cups dried small red beans 11/2 cups dried great Northern beans 1 pound ground chuck 1 onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 8 cups water 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 cup ketchup 1/2 cup dark corn syrup 1/4 cup yellow mustard 2 tablespoons Liquid Smoke 1. In a large bowl, combine all beans and water to cover. Let stand for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain well. 2. In a medium skillet, cook beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beef is browned and crumbly, 8 to 10 minutes; drain. 3. In a large saucepan, bring beans, beef mixture, 8 cups water, brown sugar, and all remaining ingredients to a boil over medium-high…

main dishes

Baked Rigatoni and Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Makes 4 to 6 servings This pasta dish is full of cheesy goodness. 1 (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ (16-ounce) box rigatoni, cooked according to package directions ½ pound lean ground beef ½ pound spicy Italian sausage ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup dry bread crumbs ¼ cup whole milk 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 (4-ounce) package fresh mozzarella, cut into ½-inch pieces Garnish: fresh basil 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Spray an 11x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes and shredded mozzarella. Spoon half of tomato mixture into prepared pan. Spread cooked rigatoni onto tomato mixture; top with remaining tomato mixture. 3. In a large bowl, stir together beef,…

desserts

Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake Makes 1 (13x9-inch) cake Serve up summer by the slice with this delectable sheet cake. 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided 6 large eggs, divided 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons lemon zest, divided 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1 (15.25-ounce) box white cake mix* 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry gelatin ½ cup water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 11/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract 11/4 cups confectioners’ sugar Garnish: sliced fresh strawberries 1. In a medium saucepan, cook strawberries and ¼ cup granulated sugar over medium heat until juicy and slightly thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool completely. 2. In another medium saucepan, whisk together 3 eggs, butter, 2 teaspoons zest, lemon juice, and remaining ½ cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened,…

recipe index

APPETIZERS AND SNACKS Barbecue Snack Mix 19 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs 10 Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip 23 Garlicky Hummus 15 Ham Salad Deviled Eggs 21 Hot Pimiento Cheese Dip 26 Muffuletta Dip 19 Peach Tomato Salsa 12 Roasted Red Pepper Veggie Dip 26 Spicy Boiled Peanuts 13 Spicy Citrus Pickled Shrimp 18 Tangy Marinated Vegetables 12 BARS AND COOKIES Buttery Peanut Bites 81 Chocolate Marshmallow Cheesecake Bites 94 Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies 96 S’mores Brownies 78 Tropical White Chocolate Bars 78 BEEF Baked Rigatoni and Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs 52 Pimiento Cheese Burgers 57 Smoked Beef Brisket 65 BEVERAGES Black Cherry Limeade 10 Easy Party Punch 21 Fizzy Lemon-Limeade 18 Lime Iced Tea 23 Watermelon Punch 13 BREADS Baked Pita Chips 15 Buttermilk Cornbread 43 Vidalia Onion Cornbread 37 BURGERS AND SANDWICHES Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders 15 Pepperoncini Sub Sandwich 54 Pimiento Cheese Burgers 57 CAKES AND CUPCAKES Chocolate Eclair Icebox Cake 80 Five-Flavor Pound Cake 81 Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake 75 Tennessee Jam Cupcakes 91 CHICKEN Buffalo Chicken Meatballs 10 Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fingers 60 Caesar…