Getting ready for a big game this weekend? Whether you’re tailgating at the game or enjoying it with family and friends in the comfort of your own home, Football season is food season here in the South and no one wants to miss out on the fun by being in their kitchen!
Below you’ll find a collection of quick and easy recipes to enjoy on your game day. Visit each one to find a full photo tutorial on how to make it as well as a print friendly button in each post to print them out and take them with you. You’ll also find some quick tips from me as well!
Have a GOOD GAME!
1. My number one tip anytime you entertain is this: Cook as much as you can ahead of time. Everyone wants to enjoy the big game so planning ahead can keep you out of the kitchen and with your guests.
This photo is from last fall but it works! Notice the junk on top of the refrigerator, just keepin' it real for y'all ~winks~
2. Slow Cookers are your best friend! Slow cooking makes tender and juicy meat, perfect for sandwiches and BBQ plates. Many new models are easily portable, too!
Try this: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork BBQ (Click for recipe)
Click here to browse through Side Dish recipes on Southern Plate.
3. When it comes to desserts, think “grab and go”. Cookies, bar cookies, pound cakes, and brownies are great desserts to have on hand. They are sturdy, travel well, and easy to walk around with at tailgating events.
Try these: Peanut Butter Brownies with Peanut Butter Fudge Icing (Click for recipe)
4. Don’t forget the iced tea! No matter the season, Sweet tea is always the beverage of choice in the South. Here is my recipe for perfect sweet tea every time! To view a video of how to make it , click here.
Sweet Tea
- 5 regular size tea bags (orange pekoe is what we generally use)
- 3/4 cup sugar
Makes 2 quarts
Place tea bags in sauce pot fill about three inches and bring just to a boil, then remove from heat.
Fill pitcher 1/2 of the way with cool water and add sugar. Stir. Add hot tea, stir. Add more water, if necessary, to make two quarts. Serve over ice.
*It is important to add the cold water first and then the sugar before adding in the hot tea to prevent the sugar from being scorched and having a bitter flavor.
5. Enjoy your day! I’d love to hear about your favorite games and teams in the comments below. I’m team neutral myself so let me know your team and I’ll root for all of them!
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it
is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
— William Arthur Ward. Submitted by Jennifer. Got a great quote to add? We’d love to have it! Please click here to go to our quote submission page.
More great tips and exclusive recipes for family meals and entertaining are in my new cookbook! It will be on store shelves October 5th, pre order now!
Oh, the joys of football season! We try to have a few parties for big games each year….49ers and Stanford are our two main teams, and Oakland Raiders depending upon who they are playing!
As for food, got to have a 7-layer dip with seasoned meat, beans, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, olives, cheese and scallions. We usually BBQ tri-tip and have a crock pot of chili with all the fixings. I have a special hot artichoke dip that we serve with crackers and a veggie plate. Other than that, it’s a pot luck of what our guests bring.
Keep up the wonderful recipes!
Gotta have the white barbecue sauce with the pulled pork! Awesome meal. I don’t usually watch the games but heck, that ain’t gonna stop me from making the food. Thanks Christy Lou!
I am looking forward to football season this year because we can actually watch the games. I am so looking forward to Auburn beating Bama in this year’s Iron Bowl.
We always have a big Iron Bowl party even if it’s just me, Mama, and Daddy. I make rotel dip for nachos, desserts depend on my mood usually chocolate though. Sweet tea is our every day drink around here so we usually spring for sodas.
Loved the pictures and loved the good looking food! Thanks for sharing!
I haven’t made that pulled pork recipe yet but can’t wait to try it. Go Teams! 🙂
Your website is great. I love the recipes. The game day ideas look very good. I know I will be trying some of them on Sundays and other days too. I live in Milwaukke, Wisconsin and of course my team is the Green Bay Packers!!!!!! If you don’t have a favorite team, then cheer the Packers on and go with a winner.
My football watching is limited to the halftime shows, but I can still enjoy the food, friends, and spirit of it all.
Gotta root for my GA Bulldogs.
Goooo Dawgs! Sic ’em! WOOF WOOF WOOF!