Appetizers (Page 3)

Is it time for the 2021 Super Bowl already?! The day is coming up quick which means it’s time to come up with your Super Bowl appetizers menu. Nothing screams “Super Bowl” more than a table full of classic Super Bowl appetizers that keep everyone coming back for more. Although there may be no large gatherings this year, hosting for your household can still be a fun time. There’s no better way to get geared up for the big game than to plan out this year’s menu.

Super Bowl Appetizers

What is it about appetizers that make them a great fit for football games? Whether it’s the variety or convenience of small bites, our favorite Super Bowl appetizers are lined up and ready to share! Whip up your favorite Super Bowl appetizers with fresh, specialty ingredients found at your local Tacoma Boys.

Chips & Dip

• Tacoma Boys Tortilla Chips
• Classic potato chips

Pair with:

• Tacoma Boys’ very own jarred salsas – available in a variety of flavors.
• Homemade spinach & artichoke dip made with Fresh Express Organic Baby Spinach found in the produce section. This spinach and artichoke dip by Cooking Classy is a great option.
• Easy ranch dip made with fresh herbs, spices, and Smith Brothers sour cream found in the dairy section.

Sliders

• Roast beef sliders made with medium rare roast beef found in the Tacoma Boys deli section paired with classic King’s Hawaiian rolls. This recipe for french dip sliders by Delish is sure to hit the spot!
• Ham & cheese sliders made with ham from the deli and Hoffman’s Vermont White Cheddar Cheese for the ultimate cheese pull. This recipe is a great guideline to follow for ham and cheese sliders.

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers may be one of the most popular game day appetizers out there, and it’s easy to understand why! If you’re a fan of spicy and savory small bites, jalapeño poppers are the perfect choice for you. Select a large handful of fresh jalapeños from the produce section followed by your go-to cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Simply mix the cream cheese and cheddar, then stuff the halved jalapeño peppers and bake. If you want to take your jalapeño popper game up a notch, wrap them in Tacoma Boys’ applewood smoked thick-cut bacon – you won’t regret it. Savory Tooth has a great recipe for bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers here. 

Potato Skins

What is it about potato skins that make them so addicting?! Potatoes are great all around, but potato skins are next-level. Plus they’re incredibly easy to make which is an added bonus. Instead of whipping up traditional loaded potato skins, try making Real House Mom’s bbq chicken potato skins for this year’s game. We recommend grabbing a few of Tacoma Boys’ baker potatoes to ensure the crispiest skin for the best crunch! 

Pigs in a Blanket

Okay, there is no denying that pigs in a blanket are a game day must. They’re a hit with both adults and kids and are the perfect bite. If you’re looking to make your pigs in a blanket a bit fancier this year, substitute classic hot dogs for a pack of Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef Gourmet Frankfurters. Slice those up and roll them in French Butter Puff Pastry found in the freezer section at your local Tacoma Boys. 

Ready-To-Go Game Day Food

If making appetizers from scratch isn’t your favorite activity, don’t fret! Tacoma Boys carries a variety of pre-made food that is perfect for game day. 

• Fiorucci Panino Antipasti Hard Salami & Pepper Jack Rolls or Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese
• Boar’s Head pre-made hummus available in a variety of flavors such as: fiery chipotle, everything bagel, and roasted red pepper
• Tacoma Boys pre-made scalloped potato salad
• Sea Best Cocktail Shrimp
• Big Shoulders Smokehouse Boneless Pork Ribs – fully cooked
• Big Shoulders Smokehouse Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce – fully cooked
• Ready-to-bake pre-made pizzas – win!

Football Food Made Easy

Whether you prefer to buy specialty pre-made foods or cook everything up from scratch, Tacoma Boys has you covered for this year’s football food lineup. Pop on into your local Tacoma Boys to take a look around to find everything you’ll need for your Super Bowl menu. If you have any trouble finding certain products, ask one of our workers for guidance and they’ll make sure you get what you’re looking for!

P.S. Don’t forget the beer!

There are twelve basic varieties of meat, and hundreds of various qualities and cuts.  From flank steak to deli-sliced ham, there are a ton of options for the most adventurous party platter ideas.  And there are benefits to each!

For example, sliced deli meat is more than just a tasty snack.  It can reduce your appetite, increase your metabolism, and build stronger bones and muscles.

Tasty, flavorful cheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein.

A savory meat and cheese platter is more than just a fantastic party appetizer. It is a great way to feed friends’ appetites for healthy, fun snacks.

Here are some of our favorite party platter ideas.

1. Meat And Cheese Platter

You can’t go wrong with a classic meat and cheese platter. Think rolled cuts of thinly sliced imported prosciutto, or various cuts of hard salami.  We have a ton of these varieties at all 3 of our locations!

Aim for a variety of hard and soft cheeses to create a collage of tastes, textures, and colors.

Consider soft brie or camembert as a centerpiece. Other awesome soft cheeses include burrata or fresh mozzarella. Cheddar, parmigiana, or pepper jack look interesting and are delicious hard options.

And lastly, adding a little fruit like grapes, apple slices, dried apricots or strawberries can punch up your platter with color, flavor and sophistication.

2. Melon and Prosciutto Platter

Another classic at parties is melon!  Melon adds brightness and juiciness to your plate. You can top with some fresh herbs or tiny banquettes for some variety. Prosciutto is a fantastic pairing for the sweetness of melon and the saltiness of the meat.  Or for vegetarians (or not!) pair with fresh berries for a balance of sweet and tartness.  For even more textures and sweetness, try adding some watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe.

Burrata and mozzarella are great cheeses that bring out the light party flavor.  And don’t forget the toothpicks to make grabbing your favorite pairing even easier!

3. Greek Appetizer Plate

An example of a Greek appetizer plate uses nuts, soft-boiled eggs, and feta cheese to add some savory variety. And don’t forget the grape leaves and olive oil for real Mediterranean flare!

We also like freshly made hummus and our fresh olive varieties, which you can find near the cheese at all 3 of our locations.

4. Vegan or Gluten Free Platter

No animal-based foods? No problem! A Vegan platter can serve your friends with nearly any dietary needs in style.

Try Vegan breadsticks combined with dips like olive tapenade or artichoke hummus. Vegan and cauliflower cracker varieties are available at all 3 of our stores, including gluten free and vegan options.  Veggies like cauliflower, carrots and broccoli are always great options, especially when they are fresh from Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce!

5. Healthy Platter

Your friends may be meat-eaters, but they may still be health-conscious and be watching their calories. Try using lean turkey, whole wheat crackers, and almonds to keep your guests’ guts and hearts happy.  And you can never go wrong with fresh greens like snap peas or broccoli.

And don’t forget healthy berries and grapes to add beautiful color, as well as a few vitamins!

6. Kid-Friendly Meat and Cheese Platter

Got teeny party people in the house? No problem!

Make a kid-friendly platter by cutting up milder cheeses like cheddar and Swiss. Your meats can be more kid-friendly and rolled up for easy munching. Think deli ham, turkey, and chicken skewers.  Kids also love to pair items like cornichhons rolled into little logs with cream cheese and turkey.  (Adults will want some as well)

Veggies like baby carrots and grape tomatoes are colorful kid favorites. Don’t forget some pretzels or pita chips for a little salty flavor and the ranch dressing for dipping!

7. A Dessert Platter

For a twist or follow up to a great meat and cheese party platter ideas, a great platter can also be the perfect finger food when it’s dessert time. Sliced fruit and dark chocolate work great with chocolate or cream cheese-based dips. You may even want to add some banana or zucchini bread for your health-conscious guests, and some warm dipping chocolate is always fun with fresh fruit like strawberries!

The Best Party Platter Ideas

The best party platter ideas are themed, colorful and flavorful. Your guests will be raving about them and loving your soiree in no time!

For more great party advice, check out our blog today.

As we fall deeper into the season, Thanksgiving is just two and a half weeks away! With that, we want to give our thanks and share some one-of-a-kind suggestions to make this Thanksgiving an unforgettable gathering. Tacoma Boys is grateful to all of our customers. Thank you for visiting our stores and getting top quality cuts, ingredients, beverages, and snacks for all of your experiences. We wish you another wonderful holiday season here in the PNW!
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Summer time is the time for picnics, dinner guests, meals on the back deck, and get togethers of every kind. So be prepared for those events with these smart pre-meal pairings for your upcoming events.
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