As the Easter holiday approaches, many of us are excitedly planning our festive feasts with family and friends. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your Easter dinner menu, look no further than Bob Evans. This beloved American restaurant chain serves up classic comfort food dishes that are perfect for any occasion, including Easter dinner. In this blog post, we’ll share two mouth-watering Bob Evans-inspired recipes that will make your Easter celebration extra special.
Recipe 1: Bob Evans Copycat Slow Cooker Ham
This slow cooker ham recipe is a copycat of the delicious ham you can get at Bob Evans restaurants. It’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, thanks to the simple yet flavorful glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-7 lb.) bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Place the ham in a large slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ham is heated through.
- Baste the ham with the glaze every hour or so.
- Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 3 oz.
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 16g
Cooking Time:
6-8 hours
Equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this delicious ham with your favorite Easter sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls.
Variations:
You can add your own twist to this recipe by using different types of mustard or vinegar in the glaze. For a sweeter glaze, add more honey or brown sugar.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the ham in the oven at 325°F for about 15-18 minutes per pound. You can also substitute the bone-in ham for a boneless ham or a spiral-cut ham.
Storage:
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to baste the ham with the glaze every hour to ensure it’s evenly coated and flavorful.
- Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure it stays moist and tender.
- Save the ham bone to make a flavorful ham broth for soups or stews.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe? Yes, you can use a pre-cooked ham and simply heat it in the slow cooker with the glaze.
- Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can bake the ham in the oven at 325°F for about 15-18 minutes per pound.
Recipe 2: Bob Evans-Inspired Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is perfect for Easter morning. It’s packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Bob Evans Original Recipe Sausage Roll
- 6 slices bread, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- Layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/12 of casserole
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 21g
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Equipment:
- Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Whisk
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious breakfast casserole with fresh fruit, coffee, and juice for a complete Easter morning meal.
Variations:
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the egg mixture, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or chives. You can also substitute the sausage for bacon or ham.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have Bob Evans sausage, you can use any brand of breakfast sausage or even make your own by seasoning ground pork with your favorite spices.
Storage:
Leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow it to set and ensure it holds its shape.
- You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of shredded cheese you like, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta.
- Can I make this recipe without bread? Yes, you can omit the bread or substitute it for hash browns or cooked rice.
Conclusion
These two Bob Evans-inspired recipes are sure to be a hit at your Easter dinner or breakfast table. The slow cooker ham is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, while the breakfast casserole is savory, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a small brunch with friends, these dishes are easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress. So why