It’s official – Labor Day weekend is done and now it is time for Friday night football. Or Saturday night football. Or Sunday afternoon football. Regardless of the game day, one thing remains constant: delicious food is essential for a good football party. Whether you are a host or guest, we’ve got 3 easy recipes that score at any football party. 

Pork Tenderloin Sliders

When it comes to football food, it’s all about the meat. Shake things up a bit by offering a new take on a classic crowd pleaser. By using pork tenderloin rather than burgers, you can also save money by skipping extra toppings. The marinated pork will be tender enough to hold it’s own in this easy pairing, an excellent combination of natural pork flavor, a little tang and a hint of sweet. The garlic and olive oil provide depth and texture without taking away from the main attraction. The pork is the star of the show here. Extra points earned for ease on this recipe too – marinade, grill, bake and combine is all that’s required.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 c soy sauce
  • 1/4 c brown sugar
  • 1tsp cinnamon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • pinch of salt & pinch of pepper
  • 2 pork tenderloins (3/4 lb size)
  • Dinner rolls (Marie Callendar are universally loved)

Method:

  • Mix all ingredients in a ziplock bag, adding the pork last
  • refrigerate overnight
  • Grill pork for about 20 minutes, then let tent w/aluminum foil while you bake the rolls
  • Slice and combine

 

 

Southern Caviar

Nothing says party like a good dip; the kind that gets wiped out by the end of the game. And this Southern take on salsa offers plenty of wiggle room for adapting and embellishing as desired. The best version would include all fresh ingredients, but canned works just fine (believe me, I’ve tried!). Be sure to bring an extra bag of chips, because they always go faster than anticipated. Healthy option: in addition to chips, offer lettuce wraps.

Ingredients:

  • 2 (15oz) can black eyed peas (drain)
  • 1 (15oz) can corn (drain)
  • 1 (10oz) can Ro-tel
  • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 16 0z bottle fat free Italian dressing

Method:

Combine it all and let sit for 24 hours

Magic Layer Bars

Often called a 7-Layer Bar, these sweet little desserts are as varied in ingredients as the Southern Caviar recipe. The childhood favorites do pack a sweet punch, so if you need a healthier option try these. Otherwise, enjoy the decadent indulgence of these little treats, but don’t expect to have any extras to take home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages of graham crackers (crushed to fine powder)
  • 1 c butter (melted)
  • 1/2 c chocolate chips
  • 1/2 c white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 c chopped walnuts
  • 1 c shredded coconut
  • 1 c sweetened condensed milk

5027773047_4b397fc2ab_bThe Method:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Combine butter and graham crackers and spread into 13×9 inch pan
  • Add walnuts, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and coconut
  • Spread condensed milk over the entire dish
  • Bake  for 25-30  minutes until top is golden brown
  • Let cool for a couple hours before serving

Football games can be more than just a sporting event. They are often a celebration of friends and food, where pre-game tailgating means just as much as the final score. These gatherings are frequently done potluck style and allow for easy, casual foods. Bring any of the 3 easy recipes above to your next football party, and you’ll be a winner to the fans of any team!