Football season is in full swing and we Fangirls love to host an entertaining soiree. Not only do all your friends love coming over to hang at your place, but let’s face it — you also have the comfy couch. Since you’re the hostess with the mostest, you know that the central ingredient for any good party (besides football) is food. Since we’re well into the season, I’m helping you out with some new apps and treats to serve. Per usual, this Fangirl’s got you covered.
Here’s our list of five totally brilliant appetizers to serve at your next viewing party.
Popper Dip — Every party needs something spicy to add a little kick and this zesty number is sure to get a thumbs up from your gang. Rich cream cheese, spicy diced jalapeños and sharp cheddar topped with crispy breadcrumbs make for a flavorful delicious treat. This combo is an instant crowd pleaser!
INGREDIENTS
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 4 oz diced jalapeños
- 4 oz diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon divided
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray your baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Add softened cream cheese and mayo to a mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth and combined.
- Add 1/2 the bacon, jalapeños, green chiles, cumin, and cheeses.
- Transfer to prepared dish, smooth out with a rubber spatula.
- Combine melted butter, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the dip.
- Sprinkle remaining bacon pieces over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until panko is lightly golden brown and dip is bubbling.
- If desired, top cooked dip with slices of fresh jalapeno.
- Serve hot.
Bourbon Whiskey Meatballs — Bourbon-yum. Whiskey-great. Meatballs-always. You mean all this time I could have been mixing Bourbon, Whiskey AND Meatballs together and no one told me? Make this dream a reality for yourself with this heavenly recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound bag frozen meatballs
- ½ cups Ketchup (Heaping)
- ½ cups Brown Sugar, Packed
- ¼ cups Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except your meatballs. Mix up really well.
- Place your frozen meatballs into your slow cooker, and pour the whiskey sauce in on top. Mix it up all around so each meatball is coated with the whiskey sauce.
- Now turn up the heat to high. Leave it on high for about an hour, stirring a couple times.
- Once it appears that the meatballs have somewhat thawed, turn your slow cooker down to low. You don’t want to burn all that wonderful whiskey sauce, because really, why would you?
Guacamole — the dip that never disappoints. It’s no fuss and full of flavor. Add some flair to this classic with a serrano chile to turn up some heat. On the side, go for not only traditional tortilla chips, but also carrots and celery to add variety.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 medium avocados, halved
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/3 cup onion, minced
- 1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa, (or diced up tomatoes)
- kosher salt
- fresh pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Slice avocados in half and take out the pit.
- Scrape out the pulp from the avocados in a medium bowl and slightly mash with a fork or a potato masher leaving some large chunks.
- Add lime juice, salt, pepper, cilantro, salsa/tomato and onion and stir to mix thoroughly.
Lil Pups — This yummy protein packed snack is hearty and delicious. The steps are fool proof and the best part? Since you eat them with a toothpick, it’s less clean up! They are the perfect pairing to go along with all of the dips and chips!
INGREDIENTS
- 1(12 ounce) bottle chili sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1- 3 lb Little Smokies sausage (cocktail sausages)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix all ingredients.
- Cook in slow cooker for one hour or on stove top for 30 minutes.
Charcuterie Board — Put the “cute” in Char-cute-rie (sorry couldn’t help ourselves) with this fancy game day spread. So simple to assemble yet impresses on sight. On a rustic cutting board, arrange your rounded selection of cheeses, various meats, a little fruit, and some crackers to create a feast for the senses. Not only does it taste great, but it also looks fab. Want even more tips on how to create the perfect Charcuterie Board? We’ve got a video to show you how! –> Halftime Lifestyle Report: Game Day Charcuterie Board
INGREDIENTS + INSTRUCTIONS
- Rustic cutting board or tray with cheese knives
- A rounded selection of cheeses.
- A curated selection of meats, prosciutto, salami, turkey or ham.
- Fruit, nuts, and olives. Almonds are always a crowd pleaser.
- Add napkins for color and ease!