Walmart Deli Hot Bar Hacks: Delicious Recipes Using Prepared Foods
The Walmart deli section, particularly its hot bar, is a treasure trove of convenient and affordable ingredients. While the prepared foods are great on their own, they can also serve as the foundation for quick and easy, yet surprisingly delicious, recipes. This article explores creative ways to transform Walmart’s hot bar offerings into satisfying meals and snacks, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
## Why Use the Walmart Deli Hot Bar for Recipes?
Before diving into specific recipes, let’s consider the advantages of incorporating Walmart’s hot bar into your cooking routine:
* **Convenience:** The primary benefit is convenience. The food is already cooked and seasoned, eliminating the need for extensive prep work.
* **Time-Saving:** Significantly reduces cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Affordability:** Often, buying smaller portions of prepared items from the hot bar is more economical than purchasing all the individual ingredients for a recipe.
* **Variety:** The hot bar offers a range of options, from fried chicken and mashed potatoes to mac and cheese and various vegetables, allowing for diverse culinary creations.
* **Portion Control:** You can buy precisely the amount you need, minimizing food waste.
* **Experimentation:** The hot bar encourages experimentation. Try small amounts of different items to discover new flavor combinations.
## Essential Tools & Ingredients (Besides the Hot Bar):
While the hot bar provides the core components, you’ll likely need a few additional items:
* **Basic Pantry Staples:** Salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, your favorite spices.
* **Fresh Produce:** Onions, garlic, tomatoes, lettuce, avocados, cilantro, limes – depending on the recipes you choose.
* **Dairy & Eggs:** Cheese, sour cream, yogurt, eggs – again, based on the recipes.
* **Bread & Wraps:** Tortillas, burger buns, sandwich bread, pita bread.
* **Sauces & Condiments:** Hot sauce, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, salsa, soy sauce.
* **Cooking Utensils:** Cutting board, knives, mixing bowls, pots, pans, baking sheets.
## Delicious Recipes Using Walmart Deli Hot Bar Foods:
Here are some creative recipe ideas utilizing ingredients from the Walmart deli hot bar:
### 1. Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches (Elevated Comfort Food)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Fried chicken (bone-in or boneless, depending on preference)
* Waffles: Frozen waffles, homemade waffles, or even Belgian waffles from a bakery
* Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup or your favorite pancake syrup
* Butter: Salted or unsalted butter
* Optional: Hot sauce, powdered sugar, berries
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** If using bone-in chicken, remove the skin for a slightly healthier option (optional). If the chicken is cold, gently reheat it in the oven or microwave.
2. **Prepare the Waffles:** Toast the waffles according to package directions or prepare homemade waffles. If using toaster waffles, ensure they are crisp and golden brown.
3. **Butter the Waffles:** Lightly butter each waffle.
4. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Place a piece of fried chicken between two waffles. Drizzle generously with maple syrup.
5. **Optional Garnishes:** Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a sweet touch, or top with fresh berries for added flavor and visual appeal.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Chicken Selection:** Use chicken tenders from the hot bar for easier handling and a less messy eating experience.
* **Waffle Choice:** Belgian waffles provide a heartier and slightly sweeter base.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple syrup for a sweet and spicy twist.
* **Savory Option:** Instead of maple syrup, use a savory gravy or hot honey.
* **Make it a Breakfast Sandwich:** Add a fried egg for a complete breakfast meal.
### 2. Loaded Mashed Potato Bowls (Customizable Comfort)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Mashed potatoes, fried chicken (shredded or diced), corn, gravy
* Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a blend
* Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon (pre-cooked bacon bits work well too)
* Sour Cream: Or Greek yogurt
* Green Onions: Chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Components:** If the mashed potatoes, chicken, corn, and gravy are cold, reheat them separately. Reheating in the microwave is the fastest option.
2. **Assemble the Bowl:** In a bowl, layer mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, corn, and gravy.
3. **Add Toppings:** Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Top with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.
4. **Customize:** Add other toppings of your choice, such as black beans, salsa, or hot sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Potato Perfection:** If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add a little milk or broth to thin them out.
* **Protein Power:** Use pulled pork or sliced roast beef from the deli instead of chicken.
* **Veggie Boost:** Add steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas for added nutrients.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use vegetarian gravy and substitute the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables.
### 3. Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers (Unexpected & Delicious)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Mac and cheese
* Bell Peppers: Various colors (red, yellow, orange, green)
* Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend
* Optional: Cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables (onions, garlic, mushrooms)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peppers:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers thoroughly.
2. **Prepare the Filling (Optional):** If adding ground beef, sausage, or vegetables, cook them in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Combine Filling (Optional):** If using, mix the cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables with the mac and cheese.
4. **Stuff the Peppers:** Fill each bell pepper half with the mac and cheese mixture (or just the mac and cheese). Mound it slightly.
5. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese.
6. **Bake:** Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Pepper Prep:** To help the peppers stand up straight, trim a small slice off the bottom of each pepper half.
* **Cheese Choice:** Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
* **Protein Boost:** Add diced ham or bacon to the mac and cheese filling.
* **Veggie Variety:** Add diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans to the filling.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mac and cheese.
### 4. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas (Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Fried chicken (shredded or diced)
* BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce
* Tortillas: Flour tortillas (any size)
* Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a blend
* Optional: Red onion (thinly sliced), cilantro (chopped), sour cream, salsa
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Shred or dice the fried chicken. Mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
2. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Spread a thin layer of cheese on one half of a tortilla. Top with the BBQ chicken mixture and any desired toppings (red onion, cilantro). Sprinkle with more cheese.
3. **Fold the Tortilla:** Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling.
4. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. **Serve:** Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Chicken Prep:** Remove the skin from the chicken for a leaner option.
* **BBQ Sauce Variety:** Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors, such as sweet, smoky, or spicy.
* **Cheese Combinations:** Use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Add crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for added texture.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use black beans or grilled vegetables instead of chicken.
### 5. Cornbread & Chili Casserole (Hearty & Satisfying)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Cornbread
* Canned Chili: Your favorite canned chili (or leftover homemade chili)
* Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
* Optional: Sour cream, green onions (chopped), jalapenos (sliced)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cornbread:** Crumble the cornbread into a baking dish. You can use a 9×13 inch dish or smaller, depending on how thick you want the casserole.
2. **Pour on the Chili:** Pour the canned chili over the crumbled cornbread, spreading it evenly.
3. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
4. **Bake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
5. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream, green onions, and jalapenos, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Cornbread Consistency:** If the cornbread is dry, moisten it with a little milk or broth before crumbling it.
* **Chili Choice:** Use chili with or without beans, depending on your preference.
* **Add Some Veggies:** Add diced onions, peppers, or corn to the chili for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili.
* **Make it a Meal Prep Staple:** This casserole is great for meal prepping. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
### 6. Fried Okra & Shrimp Po’ Boy (Southern Comfort with a Twist)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Fried Okra
* Cooked Shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
* Hoagie Rolls: Or French bread rolls
* Mayonnaise: Your favorite mayonnaise
* Lettuce: Shredded lettuce
* Tomato: Sliced tomato
* Optional: Hot sauce, pickles
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** If the shrimp is cold, lightly pan sear the shrimp with a little butter and your favorite cajun seasoning
2. **Assemble the Po’ Boy:** Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the hoagie roll. Layer with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, fried okra, and shrimp.
3. **Optional Toppings:** Add hot sauce and pickles, if desired.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Okra Options:** If you can’t find fried okra at the hot bar, you can use frozen fried okra and prepare it according to package directions.
* **Shrimp Size:** Use small or medium-sized shrimp for easier eating.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a spicy remoulade sauce instead of mayonnaise.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Add crispy fried onions for added texture.
* **Make it Lighter:** Use a whole-wheat hoagie roll and light mayonnaise.
### 7. Green Bean Casserole Bites (Individual Holiday Treats)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Green Bean Casserole
* Puff Pastry: Pre-made puff pastry sheets
* Egg: One egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Puff Pastry:** Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into small squares (about 2×2 inches).
3. **Fill the Squares:** Place a spoonful of green bean casserole in the center of each puff pastry square.
4. **Seal the Bites:** Fold the puff pastry squares over to form triangles or rectangles. Press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
5. **Egg Wash:** Brush the tops of the puff pastry bites with the beaten egg. This will give them a golden-brown color.
6. **Bake:** Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Puff Pastry Perfection:** Don’t overfill the puff pastry squares, or the filling will leak out.
* **Filling Variations:** Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the green bean casserole filling.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Ensure the green bean casserole is vegetarian (some may contain bacon).
* **Freezing Option:** You can freeze the unbaked bites for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
### 8. Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies (Portable Comfort Food)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Fried chicken (shredded or diced), mashed potatoes, corn, gravy
* Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crust
* Egg: One egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your liking.
2. **Cut the Pie Crust:** Unroll the pie crust and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a bowl. You’ll need two circles for each hand pie.
3. **Fill the Hand Pies:** Place a spoonful of the chicken pot pie filling in the center of one pie crust circle. Top with another pie crust circle.
4. **Seal the Edges:** Crimp the edges of the pie crust circles together using a fork to seal. Make a small slit in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
5. **Egg Wash:** Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg.
6. **Bake:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Filling Adjustment:** Adjust the amount of gravy in the filling to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
* **Vegetable Variety:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as peas, carrots, or green beans.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use vegetarian gravy and substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables.
* **Freezing Option:** You can freeze the unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
### 9. Spicy Fried Chicken Salad (A Quick and Easy Lunch or Dinner)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Fried Chicken (Boneless)
* Lettuce Mix: Your favorite lettuce mix
* Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, halved
* Cucumbers: Sliced
* Red Onion: Thinly sliced
* Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
* Spicy Ranch Dressing: Or your favorite dressing
* Optional: Croutons, avocado
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the fried chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the lettuce mix, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and cheese.
3. **Add the Chicken:** Top the salad with the fried chicken pieces.
4. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing or your favorite dressing.
5. **Optional Toppings:** Add croutons or avocado, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Chicken Choice:** Use chicken tenders for easier preparation.
* **Dressing Options:** Experiment with different dressings, such as blue cheese or vinaigrette.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Add crispy bacon bits or fried wonton strips for added texture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or some jalapenos.
* **Make it Healthier:** Use a light dressing and add more vegetables.
### 10. Taco Salad with Chicken and Cornbread Crumble (Southwestern Flavors)
**Ingredients:**
* Walmart Deli Hot Bar: Fried Chicken (Shredded), Cornbread
* Lettuce: Shredded lettuce
* Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes
* Black Beans: Canned black beans, rinsed and drained
* Corn: Canned corn, drained
* Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
* Salsa: Your favorite salsa
* Sour Cream: Optional
* Taco Seasoning: Optional
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken and Cornbread:** Shred the fried chicken. Crumble the cornbread into small pieces.
2. **Season the Chicken:** If desired, toss the shredded chicken with a little taco seasoning.
3. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl or individual bowls, layer the lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded chicken, and cornbread crumbles.
4. **Top with Cheese and Salsa:** Sprinkle with shredded cheese and top with salsa.
5. **Add Sour Cream (Optional):** Add a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Cornbread Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of cornbread based on your preference for sweetness.
* **Bean Variety:** Use pinto beans instead of black beans.
* **Add Some Heat:** Add jalapenos or a spicy salsa.
* **Avocado Addition:** Add diced avocado for creaminess.
* **Crushed Tortilla Chips:** Add crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
## Tips for Shopping the Walmart Deli Hot Bar:
* **Go During Peak Hours:** The food is more likely to be fresh during busy times.
* **Check the Temperature:** Ensure the food is hot (or cold, depending on the item) before purchasing.
* **Look for Freshness:** Avoid food that looks dried out or discolored.
* **Read the Labels:** Check for ingredients and allergens.
* **Buy Only What You Need:** Avoid overbuying, as leftovers may not be as good.
* **Use Coupons and Savings Apps:** Look for ways to save money on your purchase.
## Conclusion:
The Walmart deli hot bar is a versatile resource for creating quick, easy, and delicious recipes. By using these prepared foods as a base and adding a few fresh ingredients and pantry staples, you can transform them into satisfying meals and snacks that save you time and effort in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative with different flavor combinations to discover your own Walmart deli hot bar hacks!