Category: Seafood

Blue Cheese & Crab Pizza

1/1/2026

Blue Cheese & Crab Pizza (with Optional — but Let’s Be Honest, Mandatory — Awesome Shrimp)
For grillers who want their pizza to smell fancy, taste fancy, but still feel like Wisconsin.
This is not a normal pizza.
This pizza is what happens when someone at deer camp says:
“Hey, you guys think blue cheese and seafood would be good on this crust?”
And instead of saying no, everyone looks at each other like
“…well now we gotta try it.”

And THAT… is the spirit of Midwest Grill’n.
We don’t stop to think. We fire up the Pit Boss and see what happens.
This pizza is bold.
It’s confusing.
It’s the culinary equivalent of seeing a guy ice fishing shirtless at -3°.
You want to judge it — but you also respect it.

This recipe is for the brave.
If ranch is the wildest thing you’ve ever put on pizza — turn back now.
If you think seafood belongs only near water — this may ruin you.
If you love blue cheese so much you’d wear it as perfume — welcome home.

We’re grilling blue cheese + mock crab + olives + Parmesan like fancy food critics --
but also adding Awesome Shrimp because:

we like protein
we like chaos
we are FRIENDS OF FLAVOR
and 10/10 midwestern uncles agree: shrimp fixes everything

Ingredients
(gather these like you’re heading into battle with a spatula)

1 Pizza Stone for your Pit Boss Grill
1 Pizza Crust (homemade, store-bought, or whatever was on sale)
1 Tub Blue Cheese Spread (the funkier the better)
1 Package Mock Crab Legs (because we’re fancy, not financially reckless)
Awesome Shrimp — optional in theory // mandatory in practice 🦐
- Grilled, pan-fried in garlic butter, sautéed, or stolen off someone else’s plate.
1 cup Black Olives
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Optional toppings if you’re wild: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, extra cheddar (we don’t judge)

Directions
(read like a recipe — do like a ceremony)

Preheat your Pit Boss and place the pizza stone inside so it gets piping hot.
A cold stone is like bad romance — disappointing and avoidable.
Lay out your crust. Admire it. Whisper encouragement.
Smear blue cheese spread across it like paint on a barn.
Thick. Fearlessly thick.
Chop mock crab legs. Pretend you caught them yourself even if they came from aisle 5.
Scatter crab like snow at Lambeau in December.
Shrimp Time:
- Grill them.
- Butter them.
- Season them.
- Pretend you’re on the Food Network.
- Chop and add generously. (More shrimp = more bragging rights)
Sprinkle olives and Parmesan like you’re casting a spell of delicious confusion.
Slide onto the stone and grill until the cheese melts, the edges crisp, and neighbors start sniffing around like raccoons near a fish fry dumpster.
Remove from heat and let sit JUST long enough to not wreck your mouth.

Slice. Serve. Watch the room go quiet as everyone processes what they just tasted.

Taste Breakdown
Blue cheese brings the funk.
Crab brings the coast.
Awesome Shrimp brings the BOOM.
Parmesan unites the flavors like a church potluck mediator.
Olives add that “who invited her? … actually she’s great” energy.
It’s seafood meets supper club.
Pizza meets cocktail hour.
Fancy meets flannel.
You won’t know if you love it or fear it until bite #2 --
and by bite #3 you’re finishing the whole thing.

When to Serve This Dish

When people think you only grill bratwursts? FLEX.
When you want to test friendships with blue cheese opinions.
When there’s an “R” in the month. (Seafood superstition bonus points)
Ice fishing weekend. Because contrast is comedy.
Friday Lent dinner — Catholic grandmas won’t know how to feel.
Any night you’re feeling bougie but still wearing sweatpants.

Conversation You Will Hear While Eating This
“I don’t know what’s happening.”
“Why is this good?”
“I want another slice but I need to sit with my feelings first.”
“Is this pizza… classy?”
“Pass the shrimp.”

Final Word
Seafood on pizza is bold.
Blue cheese on pizza is bold.
Blue cheese + crab + Awesome Shrimp grilled outdoors?
That’s Mad Dog & Merrill® bold.
We are not here to follow rules.
We are here to make memories, fill bellies, and scare cardiologists.

Mad Dog & Merrill® Midwest Grill’n --
Where recipes are suggestions, and chaos is seasoning.

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Southwestern Spicy Shrimp: Bold Flavor on the Grill

10/5/2025

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When shrimp hits the griddle, you know good things are about to happen. And when that shrimp is Awesome Shrimp seasoned with smoky peppers, zesty lime, and a little bacon magic? Well, that’s not just dinner—that’s a full-on flavor fiesta.

This Southwestern Spicy Shrimp recipe brings the heat, the smoke, and the crunch of bacon together in one sizzling dish that screams “grill season.”

🦐 Why Awesome Shrimp?
Because you deserve the best. Awesome Shrimp cooks up tender, juicy, and full of natural flavor that shines even brighter with bold seasonings. Whether you’re making tacos, piling them on skewers, or just eating them hot off the griddle, they never disappoint.

🔥 Seasonings That Pop
This recipe layers flavor like a good campfire story:

Chipotle seasoning for smoky heat
Chili lime for a zesty tang
Ancho pepper & dried poblanos for rich, earthy spice
Cumin for that warm, Southwest backbone

Toss them all together, and you’ve got shrimp with a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than your morning coffee.

🥓 The Bacon Factor
Here’s where things get wild. Before the shrimp even touches the griddle, we crisp up a full pound of bacon. That gives you two wins: crispy bacon to snack on (try to save some for the plate!) and a perfect ¼ cup of bacon grease to fry your shrimp in. It’s smoky, it’s savory, and it’s the flavor base that ties the whole dish together.

🔪 The Recipe
Ingredients:

2 lbs Awesome Shrimp
1 teaspoon chipotle seasoning
1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning
1 teaspoon ancho pepper
1 teaspoon dried poblanos
1 teaspoon cumin
1 lb bacon

Directions:

On your Pit Boss griddle, cook bacon until crisp. Reserve ¼ cup of bacon grease.
In a bowl, mix shrimp with chipotle, chili lime, ancho, poblanos, and cumin until fully coated.
Add shrimp directly on top of the bacon on the griddle.
Grill 3–5 minutes, flipping frequently, until shrimp are pink, plump, and spicy perfection.
Serve hot with the bacon (if there’s any left!) and a cold Sun Drop for balance.

🌮 Why We Love It
Shrimp recipes don’t get much better than this—bold spices, sizzling bacon, and the unbeatable flavor of Awesome Shrimp grilled to perfection on a Pit Boss. It’s fast, it’s fiery, and it’s guaranteed to make you the hero of your backyard feast.
Serve it with tortillas, pile it over rice, or just grab a fork and dig in. Either way, it’s a recipe that lives up to its name: Awesome

🍋🍒 Bonus Recipe: Sweet & Zesty Shrimp with Sun Drop & Cranberries
If you’re looking for a twist on the bold, smoky flavors of Southwestern Spicy Shrimp, try this Midwest-inspired version. We’re swapping some of the dry heat for a glaze made with Sun Drop soda and tart Wisconsin cranberries. The result? Shrimp that’s still got a kick, but with a sweet, citrusy balance and a glossy, crave-worthy finish.

Ingredients:

2 lbs Awesome Shrimp
½ cup fresh Wisconsin cranberries, chopped
1 cup Sun Drop soda
1 teaspoon ancho pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra glaze)
1 lb bacon (because we’re not skipping that!)

Directions:

On your Pit Boss griddle, cook bacon until crisp. Reserve ¼ cup bacon grease.
In a small saucepan on the grill, simmer Sun Drop with cranberries until the cranberries soften and the mixture reduces into a tangy glaze. Add ancho pepper, cumin, and honey (if using).
Toss shrimp in the glaze, then add them directly to the griddle with the bacon.
Cook 3–5 minutes, flipping frequently, until shrimp are pink, juicy, and coated in that sweet-spicy cranberry-citrus glaze.
Serve hot, garnished with extra cranberries or a lime wedge for a pop of color.

Why We Love This Twist
The original recipe is bold, smoky, and fiery. This alternate version leans bright and tangy—still packed with flavor, but with a Midwest twist thanks to cranberries and the unmistakable citrus fizz of Sun Drop. It’s proof that shrimp can go Southwestern or Northern and still come out deliciously Awesome

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Sun Drop Shrimp Boil

9/8/2025

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There are shrimp boils, and then there are Mad Dog & Merrill® Midwest Grill’n Shrimp Boils—the kind that bring people running from three backyards over just to see what’s cooking. And you know us… we had to add a Midwest twist: Sun Drop® soda and a whole lotta Awesome Shrimp.
This recipe is as wild and flavorful as it sounds—bubbly citrus, zesty garlic, and shrimp so good you’ll be licking your fingers before they even cool down.

Ingredients

3 bottles of Sun Drop® soda
A splash of water
½ lemon (squeezed, then tossed in)
½ lime (squeezed, then tossed in)
A few bay leaves
Up North Peppery seasoning
About 1 cup diced garlic (yep, we said a cup—don’t be shy!)
2 bags Awesome Shrimp

Directions

In a cast iron pot or pan on the grill, boil together the Sun Drop® and water. (That fizz is where the magic starts.)
Squeeze in the juice of your lemon and lime, then drop the rinds right into the pot for extra punch.
Add bay leaves, a generous shake of Up North Peppery, and about a cup of diced garlic. (We didn’t measure—we just dumped. Trust us.)
Bring it all back to a good rolling boil.
Pour in the Awesome Shrimp.
Keep boiling until shrimp are pink, firm, and begging to be eaten.
Use a sifter or slotted spoon to scoop out the shrimp, pile them on a platter, and watch the crowd go wild.

Grill’n Tip 🔥
The Sun Drop® adds citrus zing while helping tenderize the shrimp—basically making them “marinate” in bubbly flavor while they cook. Don’t skip it. And don’t skimp on the garlic. Ever.

Final Bite
This isn’t just a shrimp boil—it’s a backyard showstopper. Between the fizzy citrus kick of Sun Drop®, the bold bite of Up North Peppery, and the meaty deliciousness of Awesome Shrimp, this boil screams Midwest Grill’n.
So grab a cold drink, gather your friends, and let the shrimp keep on comin’.

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Pizza Shrimp Skewers: The Backyard App You Didn’t Know You Needed

6/3/2025

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Ever looked at a slice of pizza and thought, “This needs more shrimp and fire?”
Yeah. Us too.

Introducing Pizza Shrimp Skewers—a flavor fusion so bold it skips the crust and goes straight to the grill. Perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, or a meal when you’re done pretending you weren’t going to eat all of them.

They’re easy. They’re saucy. And they’re loaded with Awesome Shrimp—literally.

🦐 Ingredients:

Awesome Shrimp – peeled, cleaned, and ready to rock
String Cheese – cut into chunks (a Midwest delicacy, don't @ us)
Pepperoni – sliced or halved
Green Olives – pitted, preferably salty little monsters
Balsamic Vinaigrette – for zing
Spicy BBQ Sauce – for heat (use Mad Dog & Merrill® Spicy BBQ Sauce, of course)

🔥 Grilling Instructions:

Grill Shrimp First:
Toss the shrimp on a HOT grill and sear for 2 minutes per side—get those gorgeous grill marks and a bit of char.
(We recommend using a Pit Boss Grill—because of course we do.)
Build the Skewers:
Once shrimp are grilled, thread onto skewers with chunks of string cheese, slices of pepperoni, and green olives. Alternate however your heart desires—we’re not here to limit your skewer creativity.

3. Baste & Blaze:
Brush generously with balsamic vinaigrette and Spicy BBQ Sauce.
Set them back on the grill for just a minute to warm the cheese and crisp the edges.
Serve hot and don’t blink—these disappear fast.

Sponsor Highlights:

🦐 Awesome Shrimp – the name says it all
🔥 Pit Boss Grills – fire up the flavor
🧂 Wisconsin State Agricultural Tourism Association – bringing the best to your backyard
🧀 Rebex Cutlery – slicing cheese, not fingers
🍖 Mad Dog & Merrill® Spicy BBQ Sauce – the bold bite on every skewer

Final Thoughts:
These skewers are smoky, cheesy, salty, spicy, and sweet all in one bite. Basically, they’re the grilled version of "Why choose?"
Make a tray for the crew—or make a tray for yourself. Either way, this one’s going in the Great Grilled Party Food Hall of Fame

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Shrimp Hors d’Oeuvres: Fancy Enough for a Party, Saucy Enough for Mad Dog & Merrill®

5/7/2025

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You ever bite into something that makes you feel classy and chaotic at the same time? Like you could host a garden party and wrestle a raccoon for the last shrimp? That’s the energy these Shrimp Hors oeuvre's bring to the table.

We’re stacking up layers of horseradish cheese, crisp cucumbers, grilled Awesome Shrimp, and our notorious Horsey Shrimp Dip—all balanced on a Breton cracker like a tiny flavor throne. Then, we crown the whole thing with either jalapeños (for spice lovers) or scallions (for people who enjoy pretending they’re not sweating).

Perfect for backyard parties, holiday spreads, or just standing in your kitchen at 10 p.m. whispering “I deserve this.”

The Fancy (But Easy) Ingredient Lineup:

Breton crackers – sturdy, classy, and somehow always in the pantry.
Horseradish cheese – because cheddar just didn’t bring the heat today.
Grilled Awesome Shrimp – the star of the show. Nothing else will do.
Cucumber slices – for crunch, coolness, and the illusion of health.
Horsey Shrimp Dip – creamy, spicy, and probably legally addictive.
Chopped jalapeños – for those who laugh in the face of mild salsa.
Chopped scallions – for flair, freshness, and a touch of “Look, I used a garnish.”

Assembly Instructions (a.k.a. Tiny Shrimp Shrines):

Lay out the Breton crackers like you’re setting up a runway.
Add a small slice of horseradish cheese to each one—don’t skimp.
Place a cucumber slice on top of the cheese for that crisp foundation.
Add a grilled Awesome Shrimp to each tower of deliciousness.
Dollop a spoonful of Horsey Shrimp Dip like you’re an hors d’oeuvre architect.
Top with either jalapeños or scallions, depending on your crowd’s spice tolerance and willingness to cry at a party.

A Few Pro Tips (Because You're About to Be That Host)

Want to cool the heat? A crisp citrus soda does wonders to balance the spice and makes a refreshing sip between bites.
Knife skills matter. For picture-perfect cucumbers and scallions, use something sharp and reliable—you know, the kind of knife you’d trust at your next backyard BBQ.
Need more shrimp? Of course you do. The good ones go fast—stock up on the flavorful kind that never disappoints.
Serving a crowd? Prep extra dip on the side. Some people will start dipping everything in it—crackers, chips, their own finger. No judgment.

The Final Word:
These aren’t your average hoity-toity party snacks. They’re built different. They’re bold, flavorful, and packed with shrimp so Awesome it probably demands its own dressing room.
Serve these up at your next gathering, and watch your guests abandon their small talk in favor of stuffing their faces and asking, “What’s in this dip?”

Just wink and say, “That’s a Mad Dog & Merrill® secret.”

#MadDogAndMerrill #MidwestGrilln #ShrimpGoals #AwesomeShrimp #HorseyDipHype #PitBossGrilled #RebexCutleryApproved #SunDropSip

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Blue Cheese & Crab Pizza

Southwestern Spicy Shrimp: Bold Flavor on the Grill

Sun Drop Shrimp Boil

Pizza Shrimp Skewers: The Backyard App You Didn’t Know You Needed

Shrimp Hors d’Oeuvres: Fancy Enough for a Party, Saucy Enough for Mad Dog & Merrill®

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