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    Football Party Game Day Recipes

    January 19, 2021 by Anna Leave a Comment

    These Gr8 game day recipes will make your football party fun and tasty. One of the biggest eating days of the year surrounds the big NFL Championship bowl game. Here are some big batch, make-ahead main courses, appetizers, and desserts to help you stay competitive on the second biggest eating day of the year!

    Football Cookies on green felt.

    So put on your stretchy pants and your oversized team jersey and get ready to enjoy the day!

    Chili

    Our favorite game day recipe is chili. We have four Gr8 dishes for you to choose from. Bake a batch of potatoes or make a big pot of rice, this will stretch the servings and make it heartier.

    Scott's World Class Chili

    Overhead shot of chili and beans in a white bowl topped with shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, and chopped onions.

    If you choose to make Scott's World Class Chili, head first to the meat counter and ask them to cube the roast for you while you finish your shopping. This will save you time in the kitchen.

    This dish simmers for 2 hours, so if you finish a half hour before kick-off, you should be good to go for serving at half-time.

    Throw the washed potatoes in a 400ºF oven just as the game starts and they should be ready right on time. Or start the rice about 30 minutes before half-time.

    Hearty (Heart Healthy) Turkey Chili

    Overhead shot of chili in a white bowl topped with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and broken tortilla chips.

    Our Turkey Chili is a healthier version of the classic ground beef chili that we all grew up eating.

    Every time I've ever served this my guests come back for more...they don't even notice it's turkey!

    To make this quicker, check your grocer's produce section for onions already diced and you can buy green pepper already cut in the freezer section.

    This chili simmers for at least an hour, so if you finish just before kick-off, you will have a Gr8 meal at half-time!

    Instant Pot Chili

    A large mug filled with chili surrounded by dishes of chopped onion, chopped avocado and shredded cheese. An Instant Pot in the background.

    If you're really in a hurry, make Instant Pot Chili!!! Another classic chili and this recipe begins with bacon, so you know it has to be good, right?!

    Cheesy Chicken Chili

    White Cheddar Chicken Chili in a yellow and orange bowl toped with cheese and avocado with sliced lime on the side.

    Switch things up and make this creamy cheesy Chicken Chili. You will be blown away by the rich spicy flavor and creamy consistency.

    Pizza

    Always a Gr8 idea!

    Chicago Style

    You don't want to miss Jurga's Deep Dish Skillet Pizza made in your cast iron. Cut it in big pieces for a meal or in small pieces as an appetizer!

    Grilled Pizza

    Grilled pizza with pepperoni, pizza sauce, cheese and mushrooms on a wood pizza board.

    Use your grill to make pizza for the crowd. Everyone can choose their own toppings!

    Appetizers

    If you're game day recipes consist of appetizers, here are our winning ideas.

    Nachos

    Cheesy nachos in a cast iron pan.

    Nachos are always a winner on game day. And these are "Nacho" Typical Nachos.

    Full of cheese and chicken and beans these are practically a meal! With these amazing, spicy flavors, you may want to make two batches!!

    Wings!

    Chicken wings in a dish with dip and carrots and celery.

    A classic for football watching. One of the best recipes is Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip. To make this quicker, check if your local meat counter already has the wings separated into pieces.

    These wings literally go together in minutes and cook in under 15 minutes. Serve a store bought dip if you won't have time to make the dip.

    And if you buy the celery and carrots already cut up, you have a beautiful presentation!

    Quesadillas

    Portobello Mushroom Quesadillas with cartelized onions.

    Another appetizer that is easy and hearty is quesadillas. Jurga recently posted her favorite Portabello Quesadillas with Caramelized Onions.

    The most time consuming part of these is caramelizing the onions. So, take that into account when planning.

    You can have them all assembled and heat them up when you are ready to serve.

    Spinach Dip

    A white dish filled with Spinach Dip with crackers in the background.

    Spinach Artichoke Dip is ALWAYS a crowd pleaser. The classic creamy flavors are loved by all.

    Whip this up and keep it in a small crock pot or simmering over a candle and you will have everyone asking for the recipe!

    Chips and Salsa

    Probably one of the easiest and most loved appetizers to serve is fresh salsa. Buy a big bag of corn chips, set it all up next to the fresh veggie tray and all your guests will be satisfied.

    We have several to choose from, or make them all!

    A green striped bowl of salsa fresca with a tortilla chip stuck in it.

    Debbie is our salsa expert and she has generously shared both her Salsa Fresca and Salsa Verde recipes.

    It may seem intimidating, but it goes together in your food processor or blender quickly...and just about EVERYBODY loves it!

    A crystal bowl filled with pomegranate avocado salsa surrounded by tortilla chips.

    If you want to serve a salsa that's a little different, try Kyle's colorful delicious Pomegranate-Avocado Salsa.

    Popcorn

    Not just for movies, one of my favorite, last minute, delicious, filling snack ideas is to whip up a batch of popcorn.

    Did you know you can make your own DIY Microwave Popcorn? After you drizzle it with melted butter, here are a couple of tasty topping ideas:

    • Grated Parmesan Cheese, add finely chopped parsley if you have it
    • Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
    • Add a couple Tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the 2 Tablespoons melted butter, drizzle over and toss
    • Lawry's Seasoned Salt
    A brown paper bag filled with popped popcorn.

    Something Sweet

    You could open a bag of cookies, but if you want to make it truly a Super Fun Food Day, here are a couple of sweet ideas.

    Dozens of homemade chocolate chip cookies in a big pile.

    Starting with this big batch of easy and yummy homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies!

    Three brownies sitting on a blue napkin with a glass of milk in the background.

    Everyone loves brownies! And it's a Gr8 dessert for a crowd. Try these Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies, the recipe starts with a cake mix!

    Some Trivia...

    Question:  Which famous jeweler makes the Super Bowl trophy?

    Answer: Tiffany and Co. has been in charge of making the Super Bowl trophy since 1967.

    The original design was sketched on a cocktail napkin during a lunch between Tiffany's then vice president Oscar Riedener and the NFL's then commissioner Pete Rozelle in New York City.

    It takes four months and 72 hours for the trophy to be finished. Engraved on the trophy are the words, "Vince Lombardi Trophy," the roman numerals corresponding to that year's Super Bowl, and the logo of the NFL.

    Details such as the winning team's name and score are engraved after the presentation of the trophy.

    All the Recipes

    A wrap-up of our game day recipes.

    Scott’s World Class Chili
    Scott's World Class Chili can be made early and simmered for hours or frozen for later. Either way, your family and friends will love it!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Beef chili with cornbread
    Turkey Chili with Beans
    For a big crowd, double the recipe, bake some potatoes or make a pot of rice and serve the chili over the potatoes or rice. Everyone seems to love this non-traditional and fun serving method; and it's an economical way for the chili to serve more people!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Instant Pot Chili with Beans
    If you want to use dried beans, soak them for at least 4 hours beforehand.
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    White Cheddar Chicken Chili
    This White Cheddar Chicken Chili is a delicious chili using white navy beans and white cheddar cheese giving it a one of a kind flavor.
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    White Cheddar Chicken Chili
    Chicago Style Skillet Pizza
    Using a skillet and a hot oven gives this Chicago Style pizza a crispy crust layered with pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni and sausage.
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Slice of thick pizza on a white plate.
    Grilled Pizza
    Whether the sun is out or the clouds are hovering, this is a Gr8 recipe to make with all hands on deck! No need for one of those fancy outdoor wood fire ovens. Your everyday grill makes you feel like you're countries away at an Italian Pizzeria! Let everyone choose, chop and prep their own toppings! It makes for a fun pizza night!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    "Nacho" Typical Nachos
    Definitely "Nat-cho" Typical Nachos! Crisped in the skillet with a delicious creamy sauce, takes this appetizer (which could be a meal!) to another level! 
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    You will love these Nacho Typical Nachos! The addition of chicken and the buffalo nacho sauce make this appetizer perfect for any crowd!
    Broiled Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
    These Ina Garten broiled buffalo chicken wings are the perfect snack or appetizer especially served with this blue cheese dip.
    Recipe adapted from Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa Family Style.”
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Buffalo Chicken Wings
    Portobello Mushroom Quesadillas with Caramelized Onions
    These Portobello Mushroom Quesadillas with caramelized onions are packed with flavor and perfect for any appetizer or main course!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Portobello Mushroom Quesadillas with cartelized onions
    Spinach Artichoke Dip
    Perfect for a large gathering! This make ahead delicious dip is always a hit! Recipe adapted from Pioneer Woman.
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Spinach Dip
    Salsa Fresca
    You’ll love this added freshness with chips, on top of tacos, tostadas or on your favorite breakfast egg dish!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    An easy refreshing recipe to make your own salsa. Customize your next taco night to your own taste by making your own gr8 salsa fresca!
    Salsa Verde
    On top of your favorite Mexican food dishes, or with chips as an appetizer, Salsa Verde gives everything a delicious zing of flavor!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Salsa Verde
    Pomegranate Avocado Salsa
    I make this Pomegranate Avocado Salsa every Christmas. The colors remind me of the season and it always looks festive on our appetizer table!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    I make this Pomegranate Avocado Salsa every Christmas. The colors remind me of the season and it always looks festive on our appetizer table!
    Microwave Popcorn
    Microwave Popcorn in a brown paper sack. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, just popcorn, oil and salt. And it's EASY!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Microwave Popcorn Bowl
    Chocolate Chip Cookies
    These chocolate chip cookies are soft and delicious made with butter and lots of chocolate chips. And the recipe makes a LOT so you can eat some, freeze some, and give some!
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Several chocolate chip cookies stacked on each other in front of a glass of milk with a blue straw in it.
    Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies
    These Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies are a huge hit every time we serve them. Super easy to prepare and the perfect dessert for any gathering.
    Gr8 Recipe Here!
    Caramel Brownies
    « Your Own Microwave Popcorn
    Two-Ingredient Potatoes Anna by Anna »

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