Make Game Day Entertaining Easy with These Essential Big Game Eats

Hosting a get-together for the big game this weekend? The game day spread can make or break even the best football party. Make game day entertaining easy and delicious with these essential big game eats...

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. 

When it comes to game day entertaining, I only have one thing on my mind- the big game snack spread. I usually don't care much about who is playing who, or even who ends up being the champions in the end. I am there for one thing & one thing only- the food, folks. 

Because when it comes to snacking, there isn't much that beats a good game day spread. From the essentials like chips & dips to wings to pizza and everything else in between, the big game menu is what makes or breaks a game day get-together for me.

Smokehouse Game Day Platter

This simple and tasty Smokehouse Game Day Platter is sure to score a touchdown with your guests at your next football party or get-together...

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. 

If you ask me, the best thing about the big game is the food, folks. I mean, I can get into cheering for the hometown team and all, but the I get the most fired up over the game day snacks. 

No matter which team wins, as long as the snacking spread is a winner then I am a happy gal. ;) Being the food blogger/self-proclaimed foodie in my family, I am usually the one bringing something a little different for the game day spread. Chips and dip are great and all, but let's kick that football party menu plan up just a notch or two, shall we?

Blue Diamond's new game changing Smokehouse Almonds served as the inspiration for this tasty and easy to make game day platter. It starts with a can of Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds- salty, crunchy, with just the right amount of smoky flavor. 

I paired it with sweet & smoky cocktail sausages and a few of our favorite smoked cheeses with crackers. This simple and tasty Smokehouse Game Day Platter is sure to score a touchdown with your guests at your next football party or get-together...

30 Thirty Minute Game Day Recipes

Be ready for the big game quick with these 30 Thirty Minutes Game Day Recipes...

With football season coming to a close soon (ahem, there just may be a pretty big football game on the first Sunday in February ;) ) and basketball season about to go into full swing, it is always good to have a few quick and tasty recipes in your game day arsenal. 

Game day recipes that don't require a lot of time or fuss to throw together making them perfect for that last minute get-together or party to watch the game.

I scoured my favorite food blogs and have found 30 of the very best game day recipes that can be ready to serve in 30 minutes or less. :) You heard me right, folks- many of these recipes can be ready in under a half hour.  Quick, easy, and crowd pleasing- the perfect game plan for a delicious game day menu! 

Chocolate Fudge Football Brownie

This easy to make & fudgy Chocolate Fudge Football Brownie is the perfect family friendly sweet treat for the big game... 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine.

Game day happens to be family time in our home. It doesn't matter which teams are playing or who wins or loses (okay, my husband just may disagree with me on that one depending on who is playing exactly ;) ), the big game is always the perfect opportunity to invite family over and to hang out. 

It also happens to be the perfect excuse to whip up a tasty game day menu, and what game day menu is complete without a sweet treat to share like this very appropriate Chocolate Fudge Football Brownie?

Not only is this fudgy football brownie the perfect dessert for your game day party, it is also crazy easy to make thanks to a little help from Pillsbury™'s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix & Creamy Supreme® Frostings! :) 

So easy in fact, that I got my husband and daughter in on the brownie making fun. Usually it is just me in the kitchen prepping the game day menu, but we thought why not mix it up a little & start the game day fun a little early with a family baking session?

12 Touchdown Scoring Dessert Recipes

Score a touchdown at that next tailgate or game day party with these 12 football themed dessert recipes...

My most favorite time of the year is officially here, folks! Fall has arrived, the leaves are starting to turn, & college football season is in full swing. 

The start of college football season also means plenty of tailgating & game day parties on the weekends. And what is a tailgate or football party without the food- am I right? ;)

Can I get a woot-woot from all of you out there who only watch the game for the food & the beer? (Woot-wooting over here! ;) )

I know that most of us have it covered when it comes to the savory stuff. Nachos, buffalo wings, & pizza are usually staples on any respectable game day menu. But what about the sweet treats to celebrate that win or to ease the blow of a big loss? 

No worries because I have got you covered with these 12 touchdown scoring dessert recipes that I sharing with you all today! :) Each & every one of the sweet treat recipes below are either football shaped or football themed making them the perfect addition to your next game day spread...

Buffalo Fried Okra

A classic southern dish gets a spicy makeover perfect for game day in these Buffalo Fried Okra...

This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor.

Buffalo sauced foods are pretty much a staple in my house all year round, but even more so when football season rolls around. I mean, what is a game day menu without something Buffalo sauced? 

Wings and Buffalo flavored dips are my usual stand-by's for game day feasting, but I decided to take my Buffalo sauce game up a notch or two by giving a classic southern appetizer an unexpected spicy kick. 





I soaked fresh sliced okra in egg and then coated them in a traditional cornmeal breading, fried them up golden brown & crunchy, and then tossed them in a foolproof homemade Buffalo sauce- game day perfection, folks!

Up until a couple of months or so ago, okra was one of those vegetables that I hadn't cooked with much, and was I actually a little intimidated by it. It wasn't until my aunt started growing fresh okra in her garden that I realized just how easy and versatile this vegetable is. 





It grows like crazy, so you can easily freeze quite a few batches to use in gumbos, jambalaya, or to simply bread and fry throughout football season and well into the winter months. Which is a good thing because I have a feeling that these Buffalo Fried Okra are going to be requested quite often for game days this season. 

These crunchy, spicy nuggets of Southern goodness are perfectly poppable and absolutely irresistible! 

Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings

Perfectly breaded & fried chicken nuggets are tossed in a flavorful & spicy sauce in these Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings...

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Persil Proclean 2in1. All opinions (& messy stains) expressed below are 100% my own.

If you happen to read my blog pretty regularly, you might have already noticed this by now- But when it comes to game day, I am in it only for the food, folks. Period.  

And with the biggest game of the year happening later on this week, I have been in full-on game day menu planning over here. 

Personally, I do not have a stake in this year's game. But no matter which team you may or may not be rooting for this coming Sunday, one thing is for sure- there is no reason in the world why your football party menu can't be the MVP of the day. ;)

One item that is always a must-make for game day in our house has to be something Buffalo sauced. Whether it be my Buffalo Parmesan Hummus, or this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Potato Salad, or these flavorful Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings that I am sharing with you all today, my game day menu isn't complete without something spicy & saucy. 

And let me tell you all about these boneless wings for a sec- they are pretty much ah-mazing. Like lick your fingers clean amazing. And I am not saying that just because I made them, folks.

My son even went so far as to suggest that I patent this recipe & then sell the rights to a certain restaurant chain that is well known for their wings. ;) 

These boneless "wings" are perfectly breaded & fried until crispy & golden brown (I may or may not have posted a video of this golden frying goodness on my Instagram), and then they are tossed in a rich roasted garlic Buffalo sauce...

Asian Chili & Garlic Pork Sliders

These super flavorful Asian Chili & Garlic Pork Sliders are sure to be the MVP of your next game day get-together... 

Of all the game day recipes I have posted to this blog over the years, I have never once posted a sliders recipe.... that is, until today. And I have no clue why it has taken me this long! 

I mean, sliders make the perfect football food. They fit in one hand leaving one hand free for making gestures of victory or disgust during the game. ;) 

You can pack a ton of flavor into these tiny burgers. And they are perfectly snack-sized so you that can save room for the other game day goodies being served like hot wings and chips & dip. That is game day food perfection in my books, folks.

These Asian Chili & Garlic Pork Sliders are actually inspired by some of the flavors that I used in these Slow Cooker Banh Mi Pork Sandwiches that I posted to the blog in October 2016. And those pulled pork sandwiches were inspired by the Banh Mi pork sliders I made with some of my fellow food bloggers while attending the Pass the Pork tour in Minnesota in September of that same year. 

Isn't it awesome how recipe inspiration can work sometimes? :)

Hawaiian Pizza Pineapple Bites

These grilled Hawaiian Pizza Pineapple Bites have all the deliciousness of a traditional Hawaiian pizza minus the guilt...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Save-A-Lot. The opinions and text are all mine.

Can we talk tailgating/football party food for just a sec? I think the food is the best part of game day. 

Yes, I get into the game (most of the time), but it doesn't matter to me if the home team is winning or losing just as long as there is good food being served. 

The only issue I take with most traditional game day snacks is how unhealthy they can be. Not that I am a huge health nut, but it is definitely nice when there are a few healthier options on the menu for the big game.

I know what you all are thinking right now- healthier food has to be more expensive & that just doesn't jive when you have to feed a crowd for the game. But healthier game day eating doesn't have to empty your wallet. Not when you can shop at your local Save-A-Lot for all your football party needs. ;) 

That's right- your local Save-A-Lot has all the fresh (& healthy!) produce, meats, & even the essential paper products you need to make your game day get-together delicious & healthier without breaking the bank!

3 Easy Steps to a Crowd-Pleasing Homegating Platter

Whip up a snack platter that is sure to score a touchdown at your next game day get-together with these 3 Easy Steps to a Crowd-Pleasing Homegating Platter...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own.

When it comes to game day snacking & entertaining, I go for easy & fuss-free every single time. I never want to be the hostess that is stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the big game. I mean, what fun is that anyways? ;)

One of my favorite homegating dishes to throw together for a football party is an easy, yet crowd-pleasing platter. A tasty snack platter almost always serves as the star & the centerpiece of my game day spread. Once I have the platter made & ready to go, I can easily build the snack table from there with all the goodies that my party guests bring.  

Building the perfect homegating snack platter doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. In fact, you can whip up a platter that is sure to score a touchdown at your next game day get-together in just 3 easy steps...

Skittles Game Face Fizz

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BigGameTreats #CollectiveBias

Who is excited for the Big Game tonight? I know we will be watching it in this house. Well, I will be half watching the game between taking sips of this fun Skittles® Game Face Fizz and munching on one of our game day favorite recipes, my MVPeanut Butter SNICKERS® Popcorn. ;)  

My husband though? He will be all into the game.

Before any big game, I am making my own game plan for a tasty football party menu. I had to stop by my local Walmart first to pick up some of my game day favorites, like Skittles and SNICKERS.

I knew that for today's big game I wanted to come up with a super fun drink that all the get-together guests could enjoy, including my almost 3 year old daughter. 

While picking up a bag of our favorite Skittles at Walmart, it occurred to me why not concoct a fun and fizzy drink in our favorite team colors using the Skittles? :) And thus, my Skittles Game Face Fizz was brought to fruition...

Moroccan Sour Cream Dip

Score a touchdown for the big game with this budget-friendly & flavorful Moroccan Sour Cream Dip...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Save-A-Lot. The opinions and text are all mine.

So, who all is looking forward to the big game this coming weekend? I have to admit that I have never been much of a professional football fan. (My husband, on the other hand, happens to be a whole other story. But only when a certain team that sports the black & gold is playing. ;) )

But one thing I can always get behind for the big game is the game day food. No matter which team you happen to be rooting for this Sunday, I believe that is one thing we can all agree on- everyone loves the football food!

While I love playing hostess and putting together a tasty game day spread, it can get expensive to feed a team of hungry fans. When it comes to planning my menu and sticking to a budget, Save-A-Lot is my Big Game headquarters. My local Save-A-Lot has everything I need to throw an epic football party without breaking the bank because their prices are often 40% lower than conventional grocery stores! :)

Slow Cooker Peach Habanero Short Ribs

These sweet & spicy Slow Cooker Peach Habanero Short Ribs are the perfect fall comfort food & would make a tasty addition to that game day menu...

This recipe first appeared on the Bridgeport Farmers Market Let's Get Fresh site.

I am on a mission once again this outdoor farmers market season to show you all how you can create a delicious recipe purchasing mostly locally grown & raised produce and meats at your local farmers market. I started this locally inspired recipe series last summer, and I am thrilled to be continuing the series this year as well. Each month I will be sharing a recipe here to the blog inspired by and featuring some of my own personal favorite fresh & local finds from my local market. 

For the month of September & for my final recipe for this year's outdoor market season, I am sharing the recipe for these sweet & spicy Slow Cooker Peach Habanero Short Ribs with you all today. These hearty & saucy short ribs are the perfect comfort food for a crisp fall day. They would also make a tasty addition to your next game day menu! :)

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Rich & hearty, this homemade bolognese sauce simmers in your slow cooker all day. Just serve with rigatoni or tagliatelle for comfort food perfection. 

Well, folks... I think the start of comfort food season has officially arrived. The temps have started to drop slightly, the leaves are falling off of the trees, and I have actually had to turn on the heat a few times after waking up in the morning to a cold house. 

I know we typically think of bowls of cozy soups and cheesy casseroles as traditional comfort food, but I am about to step up your homemade comfort food game with this slow cooker recipe for an easy and flavorful bolognese sauce.

I fell in love with bolognese sauce earlier this year when my boyfriend helped to open a new Italian restaurant just north of Pittsburgh. 

There, they slow simmer their bolognese sauce on the stovetop all day and then serve it over homemade tagliatelle pasta. It quickly became my go-to pasta dish to order off the menu almost every time that I would drive up to visit my boyfriend while he was working at the restaurant.

Since I can't always make the two hour drive to the restaurant when I have a bolognese craving, I decided it was time to come up with my own homemade version of my new favorite comfort food. I did consult with the chef of the restaurant as to what his must-have ingredients are for a good, traditional sauce. 

And since I know that most of us do not have the time (nor the patience) to simmer & stir a pot of homemade bolognese over the stove all day, I decided that a slow cooker adaptation for the recipe was necessary.

A Summertime Travel Guide to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

From battlefields to ghostly tours and tales of hauntings, to a vintage baseball tournament, to a constantly expanding local culinary scene, Gettysburg has a little something to offer everyone during the summer season...

This post was created in partnership with Destination Gettysburg. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.

Summertime was just made for weekend road trips. For my family and I, anywhere within a 4-hour drive is game. We pack our bags for a 2-3 day stay, load up the car, and hit the road. One of our favorite destinations for a quick and fun getaway is the historic city of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is just a short 3 1/2 hour drive from the Pittsburgh area.

Last summer, we had the pleasure of teaming up with Destination Gettysburg to plan the perfect 3-day family getaway. From battlefields to ghostly tours and tales of hauntings, to a vintage baseball tournament, to a constantly expanding local culinary scene, Gettysburg has a little something to offer everyone.