It’s Game Time! 5 Game Day Recipes to Kick off Football Season

Whether you’re a fan of college football or the NFL, football season has begun and that means game day recipes are coming up, too! Get ready to kick off the season with tasty snacks and appetizers to enjoy all afternoon. Classics like cheesy dips and chips and salsa are easy to munch on. And  game day recipes can be easy and with minimal ingredients if that’s what you’re looking for.

Game Day Recipes & Ideas

There are so many ideas for game day recipes all over the internet and throughout the season. Some families might have traditional recipes or go-to dishes to whip up. But there is always room for more creativity and new foods!  Get ready to cheer on your favorite team or casual Monday night football with tasty recipes like these. For the cream cheese based recipes, you can also use a dairy free option like Kite Hill Cream Cheese Style Spread.

1. Spinach Pinwheels

Cheesy spinach pinwheels are easy to make with puff pastry, spinach, some cream cheese, and shredded cheese like monterey jack. Throw in some garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture on puff pastry sheets and roll it up. Bake until golden brown and enjoy the flaky deliciousness!

2. Caprese Skewers

Add a fresh, light element to the football party spread with little caprese skewers. On long toothpicks or short skewers, thread mini balls of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving and enjoy! This recipe is super easy to make and easily loved by many.

3. Southwest Pasta Salad

Classic mayonnaise based pasta salads are always great. But you can mix it up with variations like a southwest pasta salad recipe. The dressing can be made with salsa and something creamy like sour cream or mayonnaise. Then, add Tex-Mex style ingredients like peppers, corn, tomatoes, black beans, and cilantro. It’s a fresh and filling pasta salad that’s perfect for parties!

4. Pretzel Crusted Cheese Ball

Make a cheese ball with cream cheese, shredded jack cheese, and seasonings like Tacoma Boys Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Let it chill in the fridge then roll it in crushed up pretzels. You can even be super clever and shape it into a football for the party!

5. Cheesy Artichoke Dip

Artichoke dip is really pretty easy and packed with flavor with just a few ingredients. Cream cheese or sour cream can be mixed with some mayonnaise, parmesan, garlic, and Tacoma Boys Marinated Artichokes. Serve it chilled or heated up in the oven with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

Ideas for Football Season Snacks

Chips, hot wings, pigs in a blanket… Football season snacks like these are half the reason to sit down to watch the game! It’s nice to celebrate the start of the NFL season with a group of friends or family. This also means supplying plenty of snacks to munch on throughout the games. Plus, all the different beer you might want to try! You can gather a variety of snacks that are sweet, salty, and savory. Plus, leave a couple lighter options out like veggies with dip to cut through the traditionally heavy, rich football season snacks.

• Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
• Jalapeno Poppers
• Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
• Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Browse Tacoma Boys own recipes for even more ideas, such as bacon wrapped dates, coconut crusted shrimp, and more.

Dips, Dips, & More Dips!

One of the easiest ways to serve and enjoy appetizers at football parties, dips are abundant at Tacoma Boys. From Boar’s Head Fiery Chipotle Pepper Hummus to Tacoma Boys Queso Blanco and more! And when it comes to salsa, there are so many Tacoma Boys options to choose from including:

• Mango Salsa
• Salsa Chipotle
• Habanero Salsa
• Peach Salsa
• Mild, Medium, and Hot Salsa
• Mango Lime Salsa
• Black Bean Salsa
• Hatch Tomatillo Salsa

For other ideas for dips to whip up homemade, try Tacoma Boys Caramelized Onion Dip, Buffalo Chickpea Dip, or Jalapeno Popper Dip.

Hosting Tips for Football Parties

Start off the season watching the games at home with the help of some hosting tips for a football party. If you’re not used to hosting, get prepared ahead of time with lots of seating, drinks, and of course, snacks! Once you have the food handled, you can pretty much relax and enjoy the game. Consider some tips like these for your football viewing party:

• Try a BYOB style gathering and ask everyone to bring a dish
• Check the internet or cable connection ahead of time to make sure the specific game you want to watch is accessible
• Keep hot food hot and cold food cold until ready to serve
• Make cleanup easy with a designated spot for dirty dishes or compostable disposable plates and utensils

Tacoma Boys has all the drinks including beer and wine plus food like fresh produce, fresh meat, and more! Stop by for convenient foods like dips or premade pizza plus everything else you need. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!