Chicken Philly Hoagie!

This "Chicken Philly Hoagie" puts a little different spin on a Philly cheesesteak that is usually made with beef.  This is so yummy.   You won't believe how good it is.  It's also a huge sandwich. I could only eat a half of one at one time.  I save the other half and it was still good reheated for lunch the next day.   This is another perfect football food recipe.  For a large group, you could use longer French bread loaves and make bigger sandwiches cut in several pieces for easier handling. 

 Here is what you will need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and sliced thin
4 hoagie or sub rolls
4 oz. cream cheese softened to room temperature
1 Tbs. dry Ranch dressing mix
1 green or red bell pepper, sliced in thin strips
1 large sweet onion, sliced and separated in rings
8 slices of bacon, cooked crisp
8 slices Swiss or Provolone cheese

I seasoned my chicken breasts with some Montreal chicken seasoning, seasoned salt and pepper.  Then I put a little pat of butter on each one and just baked them in the oven until done.  Let them cool a bit before slicing thin across the grain.  You can also use grilled chicken breasts or cook them stovetop. Leftover chicken breasts are great for this or if you want to go the easy route use a rotisserie chicken.

Mix the cream cheese with the dry ranch dressing mix until well combined.  Split the rolls and spread the cream cheese on the bottom of each one.

Pile the chicken slices up on the cream cheese layer.

Lay two slices of bacon on each sandwich.

Stack the bell pepper and onion rings on the bacon.  I leave mine raw, because I like the crunch, but you could saute them in a little butter if you want it more traditional.

Place two slices of the cheese on each sandwich.  When it melts it sort of seals the deal and keeps everything in place.

Place the top on it and you might want to secure it with a couple of toothpicks.

Wrap each sandwich tight in foil and place in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

When you remove from the foil, you will have a  ooey gooey cheesy wonderful sandwich!  These are amazing! 



Funeral Sandwiches!

These yummy little bundles of goodness got their unusual name, because in the South, when someone dies you can guarantee that some sweet person will show up either at the funeral home or at the families house with  a warm pan of these little sandwiches.  Actually, the first time I had them, years ago was at the funeral home.   Of course, these are also great to serve for parties and other events.  They disappear fast! 

 Here is what you will need:

12 Kings Hawaiian Dinner rolls (could substitute another good dinner roll)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
12 slices thinly sliced deli ham (Black Forest or Honey Ham is best)
12 slices Swiss cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. yellow mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. poppy seeds

Cut the rolls in half with a serrated knife.  Spread each half with mayonnaise.  Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each roll and cover with the other half.  Place in a 9"x13" baking dish. 

In a bowl, combine the butter, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.  Pour over the tops of the sandwiches.  Cover the dish with foil.  Allow to sit and soak up the sauce on the counter for about 15 minutes. 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Place the baking dish on the center rack and bake for 15 minutes.

Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes or until lightly browned.  The cheese will be melted and ooey gooey and they are yummy!  Double the recipe if you are making for a larger party or crowd!

Baked Italian Sandwich!

This is a delicious hot sandwich you layer and then bake in the oven.  It's excellent served with soups or just with chips or a salad for lunch!  You can also cut this in smaller squares and serve it as a party appetizer!  This would be a great Super Bowl Party recipe!   You can even double it and place it in a 9"x13" baking pan for a larger crowd!  We really loved this! 

 Here is what you will need:

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls (I used Pillsbury)

1/2 lb. deli turkey sliced thin

1/2 lb. deli ham sliced thin

8 oz. pepperoni slices

8 slices Provolone or Swiss Cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese, divided

4 eggs, beaten

1/2 tsp. Greek seasoning or Italian seasoning (I used Greek)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 9"x9" baking dish with nonstick spray.  Open the crescent rolls and separate into two squares. Place one in the bottom of the baking dish, pressing the cuts in the rolls together and spreading to the sides of the dish.  It should be about the right size.

Layer half the turkey, half the ham, half the pepperoni slices and 4 slices of the cheese on top of the dough.  Sprinkle with half the Parmesan or Romano cheese.

In a bowl beat the eggs and the Greek or Italian seasoning together.  Pour half of this mixture over the first layers.  Continue to layer the rest of the turkey, ham, pepperoni and 4 slices of the cheese.  Cover with the other half of the crescent roll dough.  Pour the rest of the beaten egg mixture over the top.  Sprinkle the top with the rest of the Parmesan or Romano cheese.  Cover tightly with foil and place in the oven for 30 minutes. 

 Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until lightly brown on top. Remove from oven and allow to set for about 10 minutes!

Cut down the middle and then across three times to make six servings.  If you are serving this for an appetizer, cut each serving in half again!  Serve warm! 

These are so delicious and you can substitute other sandwich ingredients you like or have on hand...salami or roast beef would be great!