Ultimate Texas Tailgating Recipes
Football is a pretty competitive sport around here. We might get mildly excited when a game is on. Any game, really. But when it comes to the game, there’s one competition that might be even more important than what team wins: throwing the best football party.
Since a great football party is all about the food, fun, and company, here are some crowd-pleasing snacks that will make everyone team “go to your house” next year, and the year after that.
Match-Time Finger Food
Good food is essential to any gathering, but this is not the time or place to waste time with intricacies like setting tables, serving dishes, and cutting things with forks. When all eyes are on the game, finger food is key.
Sliders: Try a mini version of nacho burgers for easy passing, sharing, and devouring. These fiery bites pack enough energy, and an extra spicy kick, to fuel full-powered cheering. Or, for a true Texas barbecue twist, swap the burgers for brisket sliders loaded with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce. These can be prepped in advance and baked in the oven for minimal game interruption.
Potatoes: Sub in potato puffs for a classic baked potato: Simply cook according to the frozen packet instructions, and then thread onto skewers. Next, load up your potato kebabs with grated cheese and bacon bits, and cook further until the cheese is melted to perfection.
Jerky: If you’ve got a little time, add some oomph to your menu with these homemade jerky recipes.
Chips: Most importantly, don’t let the chip bowl run out! Try these homemade alternatives for extra crunch and impressed guests.
Halftime Chili Bar
The essence of halftime is pulling out all the stops. It’s about a centerpiece, a showstopper, something so incredible it can actually distract you from the score. This is what the Texas chili bar is all about. It’s easy but impressive, and the perfect thing to sustain guests for the second half.
Chili: Make your favorite recipe and keep it warm in a slow-cooker until it’s time to unveil.
Setup: Set up a table at party central and decorate with little bowls of all the toppings you can think of. Guests can serve themselves and come back for more.
Toppings: Think lime wedges, avocado, scallions, cilantro, grated cheese, sour cream, buffalo dressing, cornbread, salsa, and your favorite hot sauce.
Celebration Sweets
It’s the end of the game. One team will win. One team will not. But whether or not you’re victorious, the important thing to remember is that a very large amount of football was played and you were there to witness it. And that is worth celebrating with some serious desserts — whether they’re the victory lap to the meal or a consolation prize for guests.
Mini Apple Pies: Have a tray of quick, wholesome apple pie bites ready to soothe the football frenzy. These are easy to make: divide a sheet of puff pastry into equal triangles, spoon apple puree and a dusting of cinnamon in one corner, then fold them over. Glaze with beaten egg and sprinkle over sugar crystals, then bake at 400 F for around 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Ice Cream Floats: For the final hurrah, having tubs of vanilla ice cream and cans of Dr Pepper on hand for the ultimate Texas float is never a bad idea.
At Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, we’ll be on your team every day of the year. Call your local Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to make sure your house is ready for a big party.
Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation. © 2018 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
