This Sunday, friends and family all over the country will gather around their TVs for what can only be described as the biggest and best sporting event of the year. Countless more servicemembers and military families will be tuning in from every corner of the globe. It could quite possibly be the greatest modern American tradition.
And even though the football game is technically the main attraction, there will be plenty of people who are there for something else. Maybe it’s the commercials you’re interested in, or maybe you think even those have gotten lackluster recently. For some, the halftime show is the real entertainment. But for most, there’s one question that rivals “Who will win?” and it’s “What are we eating?”
This weekend, we’ve all got game day food on the menu. Whether you’re hosting the whole crew or are just bringing a dish to a potluck, we’ve got you covered with super-easy, super-delicious ideas that will leave everyone’s mouth watering…
1. Cool Ranch Snack Mix
Keep this cool twist on a classic around all game, if it lasts.
What You’ll Need
- 3 c. Corn Chex cereal
- 3 c. Rice Chex cereal
- 1 c. pretzels
- 1 c. broken up Cool Ranch Doritos
- 1/2 c. butter, melted
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tbsp. Ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. Dried Parsley
What to Do
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, toss the cereals, pretzels and crumbled Doritos.
- In a small bowl, whisk the butter with the salt, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and ranch seasoning
- Pour butter and spices over the snack mix.
- Toss until the cereal and pretzels are completely coated.
- Spread snack mix out on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 10-15 minutes.
- Let cool completely before serving.
2. Buffalo-Ranch Waffle Fries
These are some seriously flavorful fires…
What You’ll Need
- 1 bag frozen waffle fries
- 1/3 c. buffalo sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Ranch dressing, for dipping
- 1 tbsp. diced green onions (optional)
What to Do
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Toss waffle fries in buffalo sauce and Ranch seasoning.
- Spread waffle fries in an even layer on a baking sheet and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until fully warmed and slightly crispy.
- Serve with a drizzle of Ranch dressing and top with green onions, or simply place a cup of Ranch dressing next to fries for dipping…the choice is yours.
3. Philly Cheese Sliders
With the Eagles playing in the big game, any spread this Sunday HAS to include cheesesteaks.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lb. rib eye steak
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half moons
- 10 slices provolone
- 15 mini hoagie rolls (or dinner rolls)
- 4 tbsp. melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
What to Do
- Place steak in freezer for 20-30 minutes to make the meat easier to slice. Remove the meat from the freezer and slice very thinly.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté about 7-10 minutes, until onions are translucent and peppers are tender.
- Push sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan and add meat to the other side. Let the meat sit for a minute or so to get a nice sear, then sauté on the same side of pan for about another 5 minutes, until mostly cooked through.
- Once meat is cooked through, toss together with the vegetables.
…Now let’s assemble the sliders
- In a 9×13 baking dish, lay down the bottom halves of the mini rolls.
- Lay slices of provolone on top of the bread and evenly distribute the steak mixture over the cheese.
- Top with more cheese, then place the other halves of the mini rolls on top.
- Brush the bread with melted butter. Cover with foil and bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is completed melted through. For a more toasted bun, uncover the pan during the last few minutes of baking.
4. Churro Almonds
So simple, yet so delicious.
What You’ll Need
- 2 c. almonds
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1/3 c. water
- melted white chocolate
What to Do
- Combine sugars, cinnamon, salt and water in a large skillet over medium heat.
- When the sugar has dissolved, stir in the almonds. Stir constantly for about 8-10 minutes, until the almonds are completely coated and the sugar crystallizes. The mixture should be dry.
- Remove from heat and transfer almonds to parchment paper to cool.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Let set for 10 minutes to cool
5. Football Cake Pops
Footballs? For dessert?!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb Sara Lee All Butter Pound Cake
- 1 jar (16 oz) of Chocolate Frosting
- Melted White Chocolate (optional)
- Plastic Forks
What to Do
- Cut thawed pound cake into 1-inch slices
- Use rounded cookie cutter to cut cake slices into an oval—or football—shape
- Stick cake pieces onto the end of the plastic forks, arrange on cookie sheet, and freeze for 20 minutes
- Microwave frosting for 20-30 seconds, stirring occasionally until the frosting is melted and smooth
- Dip frozen cake pieces into the melted chocolate frosting and place on drying rack to cool.
- Use melted white chocolate to add laces and give your “football” an extra authentic look.
These delicious snacks and tasty treats will be something everyone can enjoy, no matter who they’re rooting for. For more great recipe ideas like these for the Bog Game, visit delish and Home Is Where the Boat Is.
Got a winning recipe of your own that you’d like to share? Comment below.
