The BIGGEST football game of the year is drawing near! It’s time to get together to cheer on your team or, let’s be honest, watch the commercials and hang out with friends. Football viewing parties mean good snack food and not counting calories. (I need cheat days to satisfy those random cravings. It helps me stay on track most of the time). One question that lingers in my head before hitting up a party for the big game is, What should I bring? I always try to find something that most people will enjoy that is also easy to prepare. Here are a few ideas for super easy appetizers:
Ham and Melted Cheese Sandwiches:
There are many versions of these. This one is pretty simple.
Ingredients:
12 slider rolls (split)
12 slices of ham
12 halves of provolone cheese
4 tbsp of butter
1 tbsp of honey
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp poppy seeds
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a foil lined baking sheet place the slider roll bottom half. Top with a slice of ham, half a piece of cheese, top with the top half of the roll. Push the sandwiches so they are touching. Melt the butter and whisk in honey, Worcestershire, mustard and poppy seeds until blended. Drizzle the butter mixture over the sandwiches. Bake until the cheese melts and toppings begin to caramelize (about 10 minutes). Serve warm.
Mini Subs:
You can order a large sub and cut into small finger sandwiches from a local sub joint, but it’s also simple to make a sandwich station on a platter. All you need are rolls, various deli meat & cheese, olives, lettuce, tomatoes, mustard, mayo and any other topping choice you or your guests would like to eat. Set it up as a station so your guests can prepare their own custom sub. This makes everyone happy including your gluten free friends that can’t eat the rolls.
Pimento Cheese Dip:
Running short on time? Just buy a tub of the pimento cheese, pretzels and celery. Set it out and it’ll be gone quickly. You could also make pimento cheese from scratch with this recipe:
Ingredients:
2 Cups shredded American (or Cheddar) cheese
½ cup of Mayo (I prefer Dukes)
1 small jar of diced pimento peppers
¼ tsp Paprika
¼ tsp Onion powder
Dash of hot sauce or diced Jalapenos (optional)
Dash of salt & pepper
Directions:
Combine Cheese and Mayo until creamy. Add spices and mix well. Add in hot sauce or jalapenos if desired. Serve with pretzels, celery, pita bread and/or crackers.
Buffalo Chicken Dip:
This so SO delicious!! I prefer it in a slow cooker primarily because it keeps it warm while serving.
Ingredients:
1 8oz block of cream cheese cut into 1 inch cubes
4 oz crumbled blue cheese
3 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
1 cup of hot sauce or buffalo sauce (less if you do not like spicy food)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
½ thinly sliced green onions
1 tbsp ranch seasoning
(optional topping is extra blue cheese, thinly sliced green onions, chopped celery and/or drizzle of hot or buffalo sauce.
Directions:
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir until combined. Cook on high for about 1.5-2 hours or low for 2-4 hours. Serve with chips, celery or pita bread.
7 layer Dip:
This is my favorite. Perfect with Tostitos!
Ingredients:
2 14oz cans of refried beans
1 package of taco seasoning
1.5 cups sour cream
2 cups guacamole
1 24oz jar Salsa
1 cup shredded cheese
3-4 Roma tomatoes diced.
1 can sliced olives
¼ cup cilantro chopped
½ lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a small bowl mix together beans and taco seasoning. Spread into the bottom of the serving dish. Next spread on sour cream and then guacamole. They layer the salsa and then cheese. Next mix together the tomatoes, cilantro and onions into a small bowl. Squeeze lime on top and add a dash of salt and pepper. Stir together and place on top of cheese. Top with olives and you are done!
Don’t forget the beverages:
You can always have a cooler full of water, juice, soda, beer and wine. I personally think it’s best to have multiple choices of beverages for guests. If serving alcohol, be sure to have a DD, an Uber App or Taxi number handy just in case someone has a little too much fun. Play it safe!
Enjoy! And go team, go!
I am ready to come to a party at YOUR house! Great suggestions and great recipes!