Tailgate For the Win!
Written by Julie Hying
Tailgate For the Win!
Written by Julie Hying
When the smell of grilled meats drifts through crisp autumn air, you know it’s time to don your team’s colors. Tackle game day with these supercharged twists on meatballs, sauces, dips and wings. Add flags and face paint to your preference.
Kicked-up Cheese Dip
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz. mild cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
¼ cup diced pimentos
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
2–3 tsp. mayonnaise, optional
Cream together cheddar cheese with the softened cream cheese until well combined.
Stir in pimentos and salt and pepper. If you prefer a thinner dip, add in optional mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or liquid from the diced pimentos to preference.
Notes: Pair Kicked-up Cheese Dip with vegetables, crackers or pretzels, or as a spread for sandwiches, burgers or chicken. Optional ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Super Bowl Sausage Balls
1 lb. ground breakfast sausage mild or spicy
11.36 oz. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, 1 package
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
1 packet garlic herb blend included in biscuit mix
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw ground sausage, Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (do not prepare the biscuit mix as directed on the package; use it dry), and shredded cheddar cheese. Add ½ cup water to the mixture and mix until well combined. The mixture will be sticky. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
While the sausage balls are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the garlic herb blend from the biscuit mix. Once baked, remove them from the oven and immediately brush with the melted butter and garlic herb blend. Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving.
Spicy Tight End Dip
2 cups corn (roasted or canned, drained)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced jalapeños (adjust for spice level)
½ cup chopped roasted red peppers
¼ cup chopped fresh green onions
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. smoked paprika
½ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Drain the canned corn or, if using fresh corn, roast it in a dry skillet over medium heat until slightly charred. Dice the jalapeños, roasted red peppers and green onions. Saute them in a skillet for 1–2 minutes. Shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning. Gently fold in the roasted corn, diced jalapeños, roasted red peppers and green onions. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The dip should be creamy with visible chunks of vegetables. Chill or serve warm.
For a chilled dip, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If serving warm, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until heated through and slightly golden on top.
Crispy D-Line Wings
6 lb. chicken wings, trimmed
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. Stone House Seasoning
1 recipe Rushing Buffalo Sauce
Blue cheese dressing, optional
Ranch dressing, optional
Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange a wire rack on the lined baking sheet. Spray the wire rack with nonstick cooking spray or spritz with olive oil. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel and place in a large bowl. Whisk together the cornstarch and Stone House Seasoning in a small bowl. Pour the cornstarch and seasoning mix over the chicken wings and toss until all are well coated. Remove each coated chicken wing and place onto the prepared wire rack on lined baking sheet. Repeat until all of the chicken wings have been coated.
Place in the oven and bake until the chicken has cooked through and the skin is crispy, 50–55 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the buffalo sauce according to the recipe. Once the chicken wings have cooked, remove them from the oven and lightly toss in the buffalo sauce until well coated. (If you prefer your chicken wings on the drier side, return them to the oven for another 5–8 minutes once they have been coated in the buffalo sauce and then serve.) Serve hot with the blue cheese dip or ranch dressing.
Rushing Buffalo Sauce
½ cup melted butter
½ cup hot sauce
2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Pinch granulated garlic
Whisk together melted butter, hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and garlic until well combined. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, shaking to blend well before using, for up to one month.
Tailgating Tips
Make a plan — Plan or prepare dishes the day before. Choose recipes like pimento cheese dip or sausage balls that can be made in advance and easily stored.
Keep it cool — Use a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs for perishable items like deviled eggs, cheese or pork. Store cooked and raw food separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Pack smart — Use leak-proof containers and foil pans to prevent spills. For delicate or individual items, use containers with dividers or trays for secure transport.
Stay warm — Invest in a portable grill and a slow cooker (or several) to keep dishes like pulled pork or dips warm. Insulated food carriers also work well for hot items.
Make it grab-and-go — Opt for some finger food selections like fried chicken nuggets or cookie bars to minimize the need for utensils. Provide napkins and small plates for easy cleanup.
Bring the extras — Pack serving utensils, napkins, toothpicks and dipping sauce cups. Don’t forget a trash bag for easy clean-up.
Make it fun — Add simple fun decorations to create your tailgate setup and serving area. Tablecloths, serving platters and plate stackers make an inviting food display. Think accessible and easy clean-up so you can be a part of the game day fun.
