Football may look a little different this year, but one thing hasn’t changed: We show up for the food! Funny commercials and half-time performances are a fun bonus (and, oh yeah, there’s also a game going on), but everyone knows the tailgate food is the best part of the Big Game.
To help you get in gear for the game on February 7, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite recipes. Great for gatherings of any size, these dishes are made to be passed around. Ahead, check out easy appetizers and shareable side dishes we love.
Recipe Idea #1: Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a staple at any tailgate. Whether you opt for a simple smoked flavor, a sweet and savory teriyaki marinade, or a flaming hot sauce, wings are even more satisfying when you know you’re getting the absolute highest quality.
Enjoy our tasty Chicken Wings with the knowledge they're 100% antibiotic and hormone free and raised on non-GMO feed (for their health and yours!).
Recipe Idea #2: Classic Kabobs
For an appetizer that packs a big punch, kabobs are pretty tough to beat. It’s a dish that looks more complex and involved than it is — and that means less time spent sweating over a menu and more time cheering on your favorite team.
Best of all, kabobs are easily customizable. Chop your favorite protein (shrimp and chicken breast are our go-tos) and vegetables (bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes work well!) and coat with an easy marinade of honey, soy sauce, and garlic (bonus points if you let it marinate overnight!). Slide them onto a skewer in alternating order, and then pop on a grill or grill pan when you’re ready to eat.
And, you can easily accommodate family members or guests with special food allergies or restrictions by only sliding on the ingredients they want. Everybody wins!
Start building your kabob now.
Recipe Idea #3: Quick & Easy Sweet Potato Fries
Chances are, you already know that fries and football go hand-in-hand — and so we don’t need to tell you that this side dish is super for watching football games. The difference with this iteration, though, is how simple it is to prepare. Three ingredients, five steps and one air fryer — that’s all it takes to make restaurant-worthy sweet potato fries!
Chop peeled, uncooked sweet potatoes in thin vertical slices, coat with avocado oil and sprinkle with Auntie Nono’s Everything Seasoning for a unique, delicious flavor. Cook in a preheated air fryer for 15-18 mins. It’s as easy as that!
By using an air fryer and nutrient-packed sweet potatoes, this recipe is a lighter alternative to traditional fries — and without sacrificing any of the delicious, crispy taste.
Get the secret ingredient now.
Recipe Idea #4: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
For an appetizer that oozes sophistication, jalapeno poppers are surprisingly easy to make.
Stuff seeded, vertically halved jalapenos with a blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, onion powder, salt and pepper; wrap thick-cut bacon around the entire jalapeno, then secure with a toothpick. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes (or until the bacon is nice and crispy). Brace yourself for the compliments!
Time to get cookin’. And may the best team win!
