Crock Pot Cheesy Bacon Potatoes

Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for Air Fryer Sausage Rolls and Crock Pot Cheesy Bacon Potatoes, designed to be flavorful and easy to prepare. I’ll include ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, cooking times, temperatures, and notes to help guide you through the process.

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Air Fryer Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls are a classic savory pastry snack. The air fryer version makes them crispy on the outside while keeping the sausage filling juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (you can use breakfast sausage or Italian sausage for more flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
• 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the sausage rolls.
2. Prepare the Sausage Filling:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together until the seasonings are fully incorporated. This mixture will be your filling.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   On a clean surface, unfold the sheets of puff pastry. You may need to roll them out slightly with a rolling pin to make them a bit larger, but be careful not to stretch them too much. Cut each sheet of puff pastry into three rectangles (for a total of six rolls).
4. Assemble the Sausage Rolls:
   Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the sausage mixture and form it into a log-like shape along the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Be careful not to overstuff them, as this can cause the pastry to break open while cooking. Once the sausage mixture is placed, roll up each pastry like a tight log, folding the sides over to seal it.
5. Seal the Edges:
   To ensure the rolls stay sealed, pinch the edges of the pastry together gently. You can use a fork to press down along the edges if desired.
6. Egg Wash:
   Brush each sausage roll with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give the rolls a beautiful golden color as they cook in the air fryer.
7. Cook the Sausage Rolls:
   Arrange the sausage rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between them to allow the air to circulate properly. Air fry the rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides. The pastry should be golden brown, and the sausage inside should be cooked through.
8. Serve:
   Once done, remove the sausage rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with a dipping sauce like mustard, ketchup, or even a tangy barbecue sauce.

Notes:

• If you prefer a vegetarian or less greasy option, try using plant-based sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.
• You can freeze uncooked sausage rolls before air frying. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer. To cook from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• For an extra flavor boost, consider adding finely chopped onions, herbs (like thyme or rosemary), or cheese to the sausage filling.

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Crock Pot Cheesy Bacon Potatoes

This cheesy, creamy potato dish is a perfect side for any meal, and the Crock Pot makes it super easy by doing all the cooking for you. The crispy bacon and cheesy goodness pair perfectly with the tender, soft potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
• 1 lb (450g) bacon (about 8 strips)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into 1/2-inch cubes or slices, depending on your preference. If you cut them into cubes, the potatoes will cook more evenly and absorb the cheese sauce better.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
3. Prepare the Crock Pot:
   Spray the inside of your Crock Pot with non-stick cooking spray or rub it with a little oil to prevent sticking. Add the chopped potatoes, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the Crock Pot. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and bacon in the Crock Pot.
5. Stir and Cover:
   Stir everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce. Cover the Crock Pot with the lid.
6. Cook on Low:
   Set the Crock Pot to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato pieces and the model of your Crock Pot. After 4 hours, check for tenderness. The potatoes should be soft and easily pierced with a fork. If they need more time, cover and cook for an additional hour.
7. Add Extra Cheese:
   Once the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt into the potatoes for an extra cheesy layer. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
8. Serve:
   Stir to combine the melted cheese with the potatoes. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes:

• If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it in the oven or microwave before crumbling it into the dish.
• For an even richer flavor, you can add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, but keep in mind that it may affect the creaminess.
• You can also prepare this dish in advance by assembling the ingredients the night before and cooking them the next day. Just refrigerate the Crock Pot insert and cook as directed.

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Serving Suggestions:

• The Air Fryer Sausage Rolls are perfect as an appetizer or a snack, especially if you’re hosting a party or a game day gathering.
• The Crock Pot Cheesy Bacon Potatoes are an ideal side dish to accompany roast chicken, grilled steaks, or even a simple salad.

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Conclusion:

This combination of Air Fryer Sausage Rolls and Crock Pot Cheesy Bacon Potatoes makes for an incredibly satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal. The crispy and savory sausage rolls paired with the creamy, cheesy potatoes provide comfort food at its best. Whether you’re serving this as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it’s sure to be a hit at any occasion!