8 Western Recipes For Game Day & Beyond

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or someone who casually watches when friends and family are around, concocting the perfect snacks and appetizers will keep your guests delighted while enjoying the Big Game on Feb. 11. If you’re planning on having company over for the upcoming game or any other sporting events, consider these Western recipes that are sure to have your guests focused on food over touchdowns.

1. Epic Sweet Potato Fry Nachos (A Girl Defloured) — This recipe blends two crowd-favorite snacks: nachos and sweet potato fries. However, the real star of this dish is the California-grown sweet potato, sliced and seasoned to perfection before being loaded with a mix of toppings, such as cheese, pickled onions and chipotle crema. This simple process includes pickling onions, combining the chipotle crema ingredients (sour cream, mayo, lime juice and chipotle powder) and then peeling, slicing and adding spices to the fries. Then, cook in the oven at 425 degrees until crispy. The end result? A mouthwatering dish that pairs well with a chilled California Chardonnay, promising a napkin-worthy snacking experience. See the full recipe here.

2. BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Popper Puff Pastry Twists (The Stay At Home Chef) — This twist on the classic appetizer celebrates the jalapeño pepper, a staple of the Southwest. To prep, lay out puff pastry, then add cream cheese, jalapeños and bacon before twisting into delectable strips. With a brush of barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, these twists bake to perfection in just 35-40 minutes. You’ll not only be satisfied with the flavorful snack that’s bound to be a hit at your game-day celebration, but also can be enjoyed at a later time by storing in the fridge and reheating in the oven. See the full recipe here.

3. Wonton Taco Cups (Like Mother, Like Daughter) — These delicious (and cute) wonton cups are the perfect appetizer for the Big Game, featuring crunchy wonton shells filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese and an array of tasty toppings like guacamole and sour cream. These bite-sized treats — crafted by Utah blogger Aimee for Like Mother, Like Daughter — offer layers of flavor in every bite, and they’re easy to make! Just fill greased muffin tin spots with the wonton wrappers, add the seasoned beef mixture and cheese and then bake until golden and crispy. With various topping options like pico de gallo, lettuce or hot sauce, they’re a great snack your guests can easily customize. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so reheating is simple while keeping their crisp texture (although, you may have nothing but crumbs left by the end!) See the full recipe here.

4. Montana Spicy Bison Dip (Allrecipes) — You can score big on game day with this Montana-inspired dip featuring ground bison, tomatoes and cheese — all spiced up using McCormick® Hot Chili Seasoning Mix. This super easy-to-make recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and requires only a few simple ingredients. Cook the meat and onion until browned, then add in tomatoes and the seasoning mix. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and add cheese. Let the ingredients simmer until the cheese is melted. You can finish it off with sour cream and a jalapeño garnish before serving alongside your choice of tortilla chips. See the full recipe here.

5. Mexican-Style Beef Sausage Nachos (Washington State Beef Commission) — Let’s be honest, what’s a party without a big plate of nachos? This recipe from the Washington State Beef Commission shows you how to make Mexican-style beef sausage — just mix ground beef with various seasonings, such as smoked paprika, oregano and chili powder, and then cook until heated through in a skillet. Spread nacho chips on a baking sheet, layering with the sausage mixture and beans, and sprinkle cheese on top before broiling until melted and lightly browned (for 5-8 minutes). Once out of the oven, add in some lettuce and tomatoes; if you would like to add a garnish, consider cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños and lime wedges. See the full recipe here.

6. Buffalo Chicken French Bread Loaf (Ashlee Marie) — This popular Utah food blogger’s new take on the classic recipe, beloved for its spicy buffalo flavor, will surely have your guests talking on game day. Prepare the buffalo chicken by cooking it in a slow cooker for six hours on low (or three hours on high) or in an instant pot for 12 minutes if already thawed (15 minutes if frozen). After shredding the chicken, spread it evenly on sliced bread, topping it with Monterey Jack cheese. Then, bake at 400 degrees for eight minutes (or until the cheese melts), then add blue cheese crumbles before slicing and serving! See the full recipe here.

7. Healthy Cheese Board Recipe, California-Style (The Delicious Life) — This California-style cheese board offers an alternative for your health-conscious friends and family members, all the while showcasing a vibrant spread that’s easy on the eyes. To craft this board, focus on fresh, seasonal fruits, veggies and nuts. Go beyond the traditional options, like broccoli and cauliflower, by taking advantage of vibrant beets, carrots, lettuces and radishes; strawberries and citrus can also add a pop of color to your board. To get the visual appeal of a cheese board, vary the shapes and colors for produce, or consider dried fruits if the fresh fruit isn’t in season. Serve the vegetables with stems still intact for easy handling, and for optimal freshness, store cheeses in the refrigerator until serving time. See the full recipe here.

8. Texas Toast Brisket Sandwiches (OregonLive Recipe Box) — This brisket-inspired Texas toast recipe from The Oregonian will bring a savory twist to your usual tailgate spread. Prepare the brisket by baking it (at 325 degrees) with a flavorful sauce, carrots and onions in foil until tender (typically around three hours), then slice it into thin pieces. Finish off the Texas toast by brushing it with a seasoned buttered mix, grilling until golden, and putting it together with the brisket, cheese, veggies and sauce between slices. See the full recipe here.

No matter which flavorful Western-style recipe you choose, you’re sure to score this football season. Got a top-notch game day dish we haven’t covered? We'd love to hear about it ...

Share your favorite recipe with us here!