It’s that time of year. With football season in full swing, hosting pregame get-togethers and watch parties for those away games and NFL showdowns is the thing to do. And while our favorite teams hold our attention and test our strength, these tailgate munchies provide an extra kick to get us excited about fall’s favorite sport. Easy to make and better to taste, these favorites are guaranteed to make your turn hosting unforgettable.
Pretzel Bites:
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) package small pretzel twists
1 package Hershey’s Kisses
1 package M&M’s
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees.
2. Place pretzels on a baking sheet, putting a Hershey’s kiss in the center of each twist.
3. Place baking sheet in the oven until the kisses are warmed – shiny and slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Take the pretzels out of the oven and press and M&M into the center of each kiss, pressing down and flattening the kiss.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.
Cheese Straws:
Ingredients:
1 ½ Cups Butter, Softened
1 (1 lb) Block Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
1 ½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Paprika
4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
Instructions:
1. Combine first four ingredients with a mixer until blended.
2. Gradually add flour, beating until just combined.
3. Using a rolling pin or your hands, shape the mixture into 2-inch long ribbons.
4. Place on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Remove from baking sheets and place on wired racks to cool.
Warm Blue Cheese and Bacon Dip:
Ingredients:
7 Slices Bacon, Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
8 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
¼ Cup Half-and-Half Cream
6 Ounces Blue Cheese, Crumbled
2 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Chives
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add cream and mix.
4. Add bacon mixture to cream cheese mixture. Once combined, add blue cheese and chives.
5. Transfer to an ovenproof serving dish and cover with foil. Bake until heated, about 30 minutes.
Suggested Items to Serve With: Gala Apples, Pita Chips, French Bread, Kettle Chips