Game Day Eats

Appetizers

Killer App: Chicks in a Blanket

While it's unlikely that one could ever tire of pigs in a blanket, it's about time the appetizer received a slight revamp.

While it's unlikely that one could ever tire of pigs in a blanket, it's about time the appetizer received a slight revamp. Rather than hot dogs, why not experiment with a fancier sausage flavor, like chicken apple?

The easiest, least-messy way to wrap these "chicks," or chicken sausages, is with crescent dough. Divide the dough into four rectangles, and wrap it around each sausage tightly.

Pinch the edges of the dough to completely seal it around the sausage.

Slice the rolls with a serrated knife, then pop them in the oven until the sausage caramelizes and the dough turns golden. These are guaranteed to go fast for breakfast, at a party, or for a game-day appetizer. Keep reading for the recipe.

Food News

Take Us Out to the Ball Game: 10 Stadium Bites We're Craving

It's hard to believe that baseball opening day is upon us.

It's hard to believe that baseball opening day is upon us. Something else that might also be hard to believe? That you can find a growing assortment of gourmet eats at stadiums across the country. That's right — forget peanuts and cracker jacks. These are foods you'll want to munch on even after you're done rooting for the home team. Without further ado, here are 10 baseball foods — some local favorites, others designed by iconic chefs — that we can't wait to get our hands on.

Spring

Serve Up a Slam Dunk With These March Madness Recipes

Besides all the excitement over brackets and, of course, the games, one of the best parts about March Madness are the watching parties.That's because parties mean one thing: good food.

Besides all the excitement over brackets and, of course, the games, one of the best parts about March Madness are the watching parties.That's because parties mean one thing: good food. It doesn't matter who you're rooting for — delicious bites will bring people together without fail. Here, we've put together game-day eats that you're familiar with but are way better than what you'd find at any concession stand.

party planning

Slam Dunk Starters For March Madness!

March Madness is already here, and if you're convinced your team is going to take it to the end, have friends over to watch the games.

March Madness is already here, and if you're convinced your team is going to take it to the end, have friends over to watch the games. There's no better way to warm up than with a lineup of seriously delicious appetizers, from hot and cold dips to easy-to-eat finger food. For more slam-dunk starters, check out the rest of our appetizers, too.


Buffalo Chicken Dip

Antipasto Skewers

Mushroom Queso

Carbonara Potato Skins

Mediterranean 8-Layer Dip

Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes
Vegetarian

Say Cheese! Nacho Cheese Dip

If someone were to ask me, "What's your guilty pleasure food?"

If someone were to ask me, "What's your guilty pleasure food?" there's only one thing I can honestly answer: Velveeta. It's so bad . . . yet it's so good! Technically Velveeta isn't a cheese, but a "processed pasteurized cheese product" that has a creamy texture, mild cheddar flavor, and characteristic artificial-orange color.

Velveeta's most endearing quality, however, is its wonderful ability to melt; once heated, it becomes as smooth as velvet. Since 1928, when Kraft first introduced it to America kitchens, Velveeta has been used to make macaroni and cheese and my personal favorite, nacho cheese dip.

While I enjoy the traditional queso dip (a mixture of Velveeta and Ro-tel, a line of canned tomatoes and green chiles popular in Texas), I prefer this jazzed-up rendition. The refried beans provide a nice meatiness and the cumin gives it an element of smoke.

See how to make this gooey, insanely delicious dip.

recipes

Bring on the Buffalo! Fiery Recipes to Make on Game Day

Although I maintain this tangy, orange hot sauce should be enjoyed all year long, it becomes quite a bit more popular every year around the Super Bowl.

Although I maintain this tangy, orange hot sauce should be enjoyed all year long, it becomes quite a bit more popular every year around the Super Bowl. What's not to love? It's spicy, zesty, full of flavor, and sometimes a little bit messy, and it pairs perfectly with chicken and blue cheese. But buffalo sauce isn't just for wings. There are a plethora of ways to enjoy this game-day flavor. Here are six of our favorite ways to enjoy buffalo sauce, from macaroni and cheese to quesadillas.

Vegetarian

Fuel Football Fans With 7-Layer Dip

What happens when you pack beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and black olives into a casserole dish?

What happens when you pack beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and black olives into a casserole dish? You get a seven-layer dip that will send football fans tackling each other to scoop their chips first. It's a snap to make, and party-goers will probably devour it in a matter of minutes, as in before the first quarter ends.

We recommend splitting the dip into two smaller dishes so you can spread the joy amongst the couch and intercept unnecessary rough play between your guests. Trust me, people will get territorial about seven-layer dip.

Click here to make this winning appetizer dip.

party planning

A Touchdown-Worthy Super Bowl Menu

When it comes to the Super Bowl, "go big or go home" is the motto for sports fans and foodies alike.

When it comes to the Super Bowl, "go big or go home" is the motto for sports fans and foodies alike. Ending football season on a high note means serving up the best game-day favorites. We're kicking up appetizers with bacon and giving buffalo wings a run for their money with a honey barbecue sauce. Even if you're not throwing a party of your own, impress your friends with Mrs. Fields-style chewy chocolate chip cookies or an unexpected six-pack. No matter who you're rooting for, we can all agree that this menu will leave guests wanting more!

Radeberger Pilsner
The Super Bowl isn't just any game, so why drink just any beer? Radeberger Pilsner, a classic Teutonic tipple, changed the way we look at beer. Consider this brew a jazzed-up version of Coors Light, satisfying those who want a refreshing beer that still peppers the palate with hops-forward flavor. Because it runs about $8 for a six-pack, it's a great choice for an intimate viewing party or an impressive beer to contribute to a potluck.

Bacon Guacamole
Guacamole is a Super Bowl essential. Take this classic game-day dish to another level by adding bacon (yes, bacon!), an unlikely combination that's like a club sandwich in dip form. With its creamy, crunchy texture and chipotle kick, this bacon guacamole recipe promises to be a hit (and devoured in minutes).

The rest of the menu after the break.

party planning

A Tailgate Menu That Will Score Big Points

For many, football season defines Fall, and that means one thing: tailgate parties.

For many, football season defines Fall, and that means one thing: tailgate parties. Since a tailgate is as much about the food as it is the game, pick a menu that will get the crowd cheering. If you're planning a tailgate to root for your favorite team or just need to bring a dish, this menu has you covered. Appetizers with a twist, a crisp cider, and a bit of bacon will leave you plenty satisfied come kickoff!

Angry Orchard Hard Cider

An ice-cold beer and tailgating go hand in hand; you can't have one without the other. But in addition to the ordinary, add a few bottles of this sweet Angry Orchard's Iceman cider. Iceman is reminiscent of dried fruit and caramelized toffee, making it a Fall-forward brew that screams for crisp autumnal weather. Candy-sweet on the nose with a strong alcoholic kick, this hard cider makes for an unexpected tailgate treat that your friends and family will enjoy.

Bacon Guacamole

What's a celebration without bacon and guacamole? When the two come together in this bacon guacamole dip, they easily become the life of the party. The smokiness of the bacon is enhanced by the addition of chipotle chiles, making this dip quite addictive. You may want to double the recipe; chances are your guests will devour it within a matter a minutes. Serve with salty tortilla chips or use it to top off your burgers for a no-fail dip.

Carbonara Potato Skins

Serve up these carbonara potato skins, and you will most certainty score a touchdown. With this appetizer, potato skins meet pasta carbonara for an impressive duo. The unexpected combination of crisp potatoes and creamy carbonara sauce will impress your guests and have them begging you for the recipe.

Fusion Sliders

For finger food perfection, serve up sliders. Theses miniburgers will complement the beer, guacamole, and potato skins perfectly. Grill up bite-sized all-American hamburgers, or try your own version with fusion finger food: combing toppings and spices with inspiration from Asian, French, Indian, Mexican, or Texan cuisine.

Classic Chocolate Brownies

For a no-fuss, classic dessert, turn to a traditional brownie recipe. They make for a great tailgating dessert, because they don't require any fussy extras or even utensils. The cracked top; fudge-y, melt-in-your mouth center; and crumbly sugary texture will end your tailgate on a win!