Whether you’re invested in the actual outcome of the game, or just here for the commercials and halftime show, there is one thing we can all agree on – the most important element of any big game day party is the snacks!
These easy and delicious recipes are super simple to prepare, so you can spend more time cheering on your favorite team, and less time in the kitchen. Many of these recipes require some time to chill in the refrigerator before serving, so prepare ahead and enjoy by game time!
Quick Blender Salsa
If you like to take the “bowl” theme very literally like I do, chips and dips are a must!
Ingredients
- 2.5lbs tomatoes {about 5-7 medium sized tomatoes}
- 3/4 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice {about 2 limes}
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic {about 4-5 garlic cloves}
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 large white onion
- 1/2 jalapeno {remove seeds for less heat}
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
I like to do a little rough pre-chop to get everything to fit into the blender at once, but don’t cut anything too small! Add all ingredients to the blender and pulse (don’t blend!) until salsa is at your desired consistency. Serve with tortilla chips.
French Onion Dip
This recipe can be easily doubled if you’re expecting a larger crowd. Tastes better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic salt {or 1/2 tsp each of garlic powder and salt}
Mix ingredients well and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve with potato chips, or cut up veggies if your spread needs a healthy snack.
Aunt Mary’s Cheese Ball Recipe
This recipe has been passed down in my husband’s family for generations. Usually served as an appetizer at holiday meals, it also makes the perfect game day snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese
- 1 {8oz} package cream cheese
- 1/2 lb blue cheese
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1lb smoked cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
Place cheese in a large bowl and let stand at room temperature until soft. Add onion, Worcestershire, 1/4 cup pecans and half of the crumbled bacon and mix well. Roll into a ball and sprinkle remaining pecans and bacon on top. Chill until firm. Enjoy with crackers and pretzels!
Memaw’s Sausage Rolls
Another one of my husband’s family recipes, Memaw made these sausage rolls every Christmas morning and insists that you serve them with orange marmalade! These can easily be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer until you are ready to bake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Bisquick
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 lb bulk sausage, cooked
Instructions
Stir together the Bisquick, milk and melted butter. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, then divide dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out one half at a time into a 1/8 inch thick, 10×7 inch rectangle. Spread the rectangle with half of the cooked sausage, and roll into a long jelly roll. Repeat with the remaining half of the dough.
Place both rolls into the freezer until they are firm enough to easily cut. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the rolls into thin slices and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve hot with orange marmalade!
Wisconsin Cream Cheese Bars
Where I’m from in Wisconsin we eat our cheese savory and we eat our cheese sweet. Here is a recipe from my cousin. Sure to round out your day of delectable snacking and put you right into a food coma.
Ingredients
- 2 packages of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 {8 ounce} packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, separated
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place one layer of crescent rolls at the bottom of a 9′ x 13″ baking dish. Mix cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar and egg until blended. Pour mixture over crescent rolls and spread evenly. Place the second layer of crescent rolls over the cream cheese mixture. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven to cool.
Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon with a fork or whisk. Dust cream cheese bars with cinnamon sugar mixture whilst cooling.
Now … are you ready for some football? Hopefully these recipes will keep you out of the kitchen for a long period of time so that you can enjoy your friends and family during the Big Game!