Kick off the football season with these 10 game day tested and game day approved recipes that are sure to be the MVP of your tailgate party!
Hey, y'all! I am so stinking excited football season is officially here! Football is a huge tradition in my family. Each Sunday all of my family gathers together at my parent's house to watch the big game. We're talking my mom and dad, my brothers, their spouses, a handful of nieces plus my little family. Basically, we cram enough people in my parent's home theater to fill an entire NFL roster.
My favorite things about football season, aside from the game, of course, is being able to spend time with family and all of the food. I come from a long line of cooks and let me just tell you, football food may just be everyone's forte. To say we eat well during the games is an understatement. Everyone brings at least one appetizer or dish to share and we chow down from kickoff to the 0:00 flashes on the screen.
Last year Maps & Monograms featured a series called Saturday Snacks where each week I share with you what we're munching on during the game. I tell you on Saturday so you have a chance to run out and by the ingredients from Sunday's game...or for Saturday's game if college football is your thing (Go Gators!). I am super excited about re-launching this series for this football season. To celebrate Saturday's Snacks, I'm going to share with you 10 of my favorite football foods.
Down, set, hike!
Oops, false start! I should tell you that one of my favorite things about this dishes is the fact that many can be made ahead of time, or require little prep and can be whipped up without having to miss a much of the game.
*whistle, whistle, whistle*
Ham & Cheese Pretzel Roll-Ups- One of my favorite combinations is salty ham and gooey cheese. These Ham & Cheese Pretzel Roll-Ups are incredibly easy to make and taste absolutely fabulous. You can pop them in the oven at the beginning of half-time and they'll be ready before the third quarter!
Chicken & Waffle Sliders- I am all about shortcuts when it comes to Game Day foods and this recipe is full of them. It combines frozen chicken nuggets (the fancy schmancy ones) and mini-frozen waffles to create a bite-size version of a Southern classic. Other great game day shortcut recipes like this include my Meatball Sub Sliders and Bunless Burger Bites.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers- This appetizer is super fun! These tater tot skewers are topped with cheese, crispy bacon and fresh green onions. They taste wonderful with ranch dressing! They are quick and easy to make and easy to reheat during the commercial break! If you like this "crack" combination (as it's called) you'll love my Crock Pot Crack Chicken! It tastes great on sandwiches or piled up on a potato and would make a great addition to your tailgating menu!
Chili Cheese Dip- This is one of my family's favorite dips. It is a phenomenal combination of chili and creamy cheese. It tastes great with tortilla chips or Frito's. Just be cautioned that this stuff is dangerously addictive!
Slammin' Queso Dip- Toss out your old queso recipe, you'll no longer be needing it. This deliciously creamy queso is jam-packed with sausage, tomatoes, and peppers making it the ultimate queso recipe! I make this dip for all of my parties and it is ALWAYS a hit.
Queso Blanco- If you prefer your queso without meat this recipe is for you! You won't believe how easy this wonderful queso blanco dip is! It is deliciously creamy and oh so cheesy!
Cowboy Caviar- Perhaps you'd like something a little lighter? Cowboy Caviar, also known as Mexican Caviar, or Texas Caviar is a fantastic dip typically made southwestern inspired fresh veggies, beans, and a tangy vinaigrette. It is simple to make and requires zero cooking. It is perfect for munching on poolside, while camping or tailgating! If you're feeling naughty, you should check out my beer infused Cowboy Caviar Queso!
Chocolate Covered Footballs- Timeout ... I have to give my arteries a break. I love serving something sweet during the game. These chocolate covered footballs are not only super festive but they are also really stinking easy! Another super fun, and totally easy sweet football treat is my No Bake Referee Cookies!
Football Shaped Jalapeno Popper Cheeseball- Score a touchdown with this delicious & festive Jalapeno Popper Football Shaped Cheeseball! This yummy cheeseball will look great on your tailgating table! And trust me, it tastes as good as it looks! This cheeseball is the perfect combination of salt and with a smidge of heat! If you love this flavor combination, be sure to check out my warm and gooey Jalapeno Popper Dip!
Easy & Cheesy Italian Bombs- I may have saved one of the best for last! These Easy & Cheesy Italian Bombs take only minutes to prepare. Delicious salami is surrounded by ooey-gooey cheese and premade biscuit dough to form the ultimate football food.
