Ultimate Comfort Food Feast 🍗🧀🥬
Mac & Cheese + BBQ Chicken Wings + Collard Greens
A soulful, crowd-pleasing spread with crispy wings, creamy mac, and smoky greens—perfect for game day, Sunday supper, or anytime cravings strike!
🍗 Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings
(Oven-baked, fall-off-the-bone tender)
Ingredients:
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2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed)
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1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness!)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt & black pepper
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1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s or homemade)
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
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Dry wings with paper towels, then toss with baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 45-50 mins, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
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Glaze: Toss wings in a mix of BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce. Broil 2-3 mins until caramelized.
🔥 Pro Tip: For grill flavor, finish on a hot grill for 2 mins per side!
🧀 Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
(Extra-cheesy with a buttery crunch)
Ingredients:
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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3 tbsp butter
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3 tbsp flour
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2 cups whole milk (warmed)
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1 cup heavy cream
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3 cups shredded cheese (mix cheddar + Gruyère + Gouda)
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½ tsp mustard powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs + 2 tbsp melted butter (topping)
Instructions:
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Cook pasta al dente. Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk/cream to make a roux.
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Off heat, stir in cheese, mustard, and garlic. Fold in pasta.
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Top with buttery panko, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 mins until bubbly and golden.
💡 Secret: Add a splash of evaporated milk for ultra-creaminess!
🥬 Smoky Collard Greens
(Slow-cooked with bacon & apple cider vinegar)
Ingredients:
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1 large bunch collard greens (stems removed, chopped)
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4 slices bacon (or smoked turkey for lighter version)
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1 onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions:
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Sauté bacon until crispy, then cook onion and garlic in the fat.
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Add greens, broth, vinegar, sugar, and pepper flakes. Simmer 45 mins-1 hour until tender.
🌶️ Kick it up: Add a dash of liquid smoke for depth!
Why This Menu Wins
✅ Balance: Rich mac, tangy wings, and bitter greens cut through the fat.
✅ Make-ahead: Mac & cheese and greens reheat beautifully.
✅ Feeds a crowd: Double the wings—they disappear fast!
Serve with:
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Cornbread or buttery rolls
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Ice-cold sweet tea or beer
“This isn’t just dinner—it’s a hug on a plate.” ❤️🔥