Football season is underway.
You’ve put together your ultimate fantasy team and settled into the NFL’s 100th season. Now it’s time to set a game plan for the most important play of your life: the snacks at your football party.
When your team is in a critical moment, sometimes the only thing that can pacify you and your guests is a nervous mouthful of football-shaped marshmallow treats.
Don’t put out a bowl of chips and call it a day. Make sure your guests don’t regret not going to their coworker Jeff’s party -- greet them with an amazing spread.
Whether you’re hosting a Sunday viewing party or need something special for the tailgate, add some flair to your football gathering with these delicious snack recipes from Big Y.
Few combos are as perfect as wings and football. But let's face it -- at a party, wings aren't always ideal. What's the best way to avoid hunching forward in a sinking couch, eating a wing with one hand while balancing a paper plate with the other? Put all that good stuff in a baking dish and create this creamy, tangy buffalo chicken dip. Bake together chicken chunks, cream cheese, ranch dressing, wing sauce and -- oh yes -- a whole lot of shredded cheddar to create this melty, hearty heated classic that will feed the whole party as long as it lasts. Serve with chips, crackers, toast or even vegetables and watch guests hover over this perfect come-as-you-please (or get-it-before-it's-gone) app.
Big Y recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Chicken kebabs are versatile party-friendly favorites. Delectable on their own or wrapped in a pita, these skewered snacks will give your football-loving guests the thrill of the grill with the comforts of the creamy yogurt sauce that you coat these in for two hours before grilling over medium heat. Pro tip: go long with yogurt sauce for this one and double up so you have enough to marinate your chicken and dip it in once it's cooked.
Big Y recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Kebabs
What better to warm up on a cold fall game day than pasta you've crisped to the point that you won't even need a fork to eat it? You won't have a good answer after you try this crispy baked cheese ravioli, coated with Italian-herbed breadcrumbs and parmesan in a creamy milk-and-sour cream wash. Upgrade to beef ravioli if you absolutely can't spare the opportunity to lay out a meat appetizer for your guests. Serve with heated pasta sauce to make these crisp, lightly browned treats go down that much easier.
Big Y recipe: Crispy Baked Cheese Ravioli
You don't want your party guests in a food coma by halftime. Break up the delicious but hearty offerings with a crisp treat like these cucumber tomato cheese bites. The interplay of the cucumber's freshness, the tomato's acidity, and the garlic and herb Boursin cheese's creamy bite is a surefire recipe for party guest satisfaction. It will also be a great way to answer the age-old question: What would this taste like dipped in buffalo chicken dip?
Big Y recipe: Cucumber Tomato Cheese Bites
Ah, deviled eggs -- they offer the perfect balance of hearty without going too crazy. You'll grow devil horns once you see your guests' reaction after trying these flavor-packed delicacies. With more ingredients than any of the other recipes on this list, Big Y's devilishly good deviled eggs have the requisite richness of a classic deviled egg with the kick of horseradish, the mild heat of shallots and the tangy sweetness of minced pickles.
Big Y recipe: Devilishly Good Deviled Eggs
Presentation is just as important as flavor. Luckily, your guests will be titillated by both the look and taste of these chocolate nutty mini football treats. Score a touchdown with your fellow football lovers when you bust out these head-turning and insanely easy-to-make Cocoa Krispie marshmallow squares, laced with decorative frosting or gel.
Big Y recipe: Chocolate Nutty Mini Football Treats
Because what's more American than football? If the mini marshmallow footballs weren't enough, you can really show off with this dessert, a skewer made of alternating angel cake square, blueberries and raspberries. This tasty, white chocolate-dipped treat will perk your guests up and and boost morale to stave off a party-threatening fourth quarter slog.
Big Y recipe: Flag Cake Skewers
This article is sponsored by Big Y. Don't fumble the snacks. Find ingredients and recipes for your next football party by visiting Big Y.
