This post is sponsored by Goldfish®, Lance®, Pretzel Crisps®, Cape Cod®, and Pop Secret®, all opinions are my own.
I love football! I always have – it has been my favorite sport to watch for as long as I can remember. And as we get closer to the Big Game, it seemed like the perfect time to share some of my favorite recipes and tips so that you can show off your Big Snack Energy!
First you need to assemble your all star squad. For me that always includes Pop Secret® Popcorn, sturdy dippers (Pretzel Crisps®, Cape Cod® Chips, Late July® Tortilla Chips, & Snyders of Hanover® Mini Pretzels) and dips, and a little something kind of sweet to offset all the salty…more on that in a bit!
I am OBSESSED with the cone/cone holder for the popcorn! Not only does it give you height on your table-scape, it also allows everyone to have their individual portions! This is great if you have someone who likes put a lot of salt on their popcorn (It’s me…I’m that person). It’s an easy way to make popcorn a handheld treat – plus who doesn’t love food in a cone?
Next…I have to share a recipe with you that might blow your mind. I wanted something that was a little sweet a little savory and a lotta delicious. Enter the Goldfish®/Peanut Butter Cracker Treat. At first I thought this would be just a great recipe for the kiddos but honestly..I think everyone will love them!! You only need a couple of ingredients and this would be a fun way to get your kids in the kitchen!
In a large pot, melt 1 bag of marshmallows with around ½ cup of creamy peanut butter. Once completely melted and combined – remove from heat. Add in 1 cup of roughly chopped Lance® Toastchee® peanut butter crackers, 1 cup to 1 ½ cup of rice square cereal, and 2 cups of Goldfish® crackers. Gently stir to combine then pour mixture out onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Pro- tip : Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray! This way the mixture wont stick to your hands. Gently press the mixture down and into a rough square shape. Let cool. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!! A fun add in here would be to add in chocolate candies that match your favorite team’s colors! (I know…I always gotta theme stuff, I can’t help it!)
Now if those treats aren’t enough to steal the show, next we have a jalapeno popper “football” cheese ball!!! I have been making these for years and always get rave reviews!! Here’s how you make it!
· 2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened
· 1 packet fiesta ranch dry seasoning
· 1 cup fiesta blend shredded cheese, plus an additional ½ cup
· 2 jalapenos, roughly chopped – deseeded
· 6 sliced of bacon, cooked and crumbled
· 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
· 1/3 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
· 1 slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese
· optional – green onions
In a medium sized skillet over medium heat cook bacon. Once it is beginning to get crispy add in your jalapenos. Once bacon is crispy and the jalapenos have softened slightly, remove from heat and add to a bowl – reserving ¼ cup of mixture to a separate dish. Add your softened cream cheese, seasoning, and 1 cup shredded cheese to your bacon and jalapenos and stir to combine. Once everything is combined, form your cheese into a football shape on your platter, then cover and set in fridge to cool (do this step especially if your football was hard to shape, because it’s easier to form shapes when it is colder)
In the same skillet you cooked your bacon in, add your breadcrumbs and turn the heat on to low to toast. Breadcrumbs don’t take long to brown, only a minute or two, so watch carefully. Remove from heat and add in your parsley and remaining bacon and jalapenos. Once that has cooled slightly, add in your remaining shredded cheese. Remove football from fridge and reshape if needed. Then gently add your breadcrumb topping mixture to the football covering completely (you will likely have extra of the breadcrumb mixture, I will place it around the bottom edges of the football for extra “décor”). Now cut “laces” from your slice of cheese – One longer and 3 or 4 shorter – and arrange on the top of the football to create your football cheese ball!! (depending on when you are eating, you can then place back in the fridge or out onto your food table) Then I like to surround my football with my dippers of choice – I’ve said it a bunch of times but you NEED sturdy dippers! Pretzel Crisps®, Late July® Tortilla Chips, or Cape Cod® Chips are my favorite because they can withstand a substantial dip without breaking.
And because I’m me and you know I can’t have a spread without a little meat and cheese tray. I want to keep it simple and delicious. First I have my dip – a Buffalo Chicken Dip and here’s my hack – I love the kind you can get from Walmart’s refrigerated deli area!! I just add a little touch of crumbled bleu cheese to the top of mine!! I think it’s important when you’re having a get-together that you don’t stress out over feeling like you need to make every single item. Sometimes grabbing something that’s already been prepared for you means less stress, less dirty dishes, and more time you enjoying your spread! Next I add in my dipper of choice – mini pretzels! Then add in your favorite meats and cheeses. With all of the food I have currently, I wanted to keep it easy and a fave for all palates – a sharp cheddar cheese and a pepperjack cheese and a smoked summer sausage. Add in some fun football themed toothpicks for easy grabbing and you’re good to go!
Lastly, I love to just have a variety of dips out in cute containers so that you know there will be something for everyone! To go with your tortilla chips – you need salsas, guacamole, and cheese dip. Another combo I love – sea salt and vinegar Kettle Brand® chips and a French onion dip – YUMMO!
The best part of this food spread? Everything can be found at Walmart whether you want to go in store or order online for pickup or delivery (my favorite! Its SO EASY!)
So now that you have a plan for your next big game party – what are you waiting for?!?
The Blonde Kitchen 