THE ELECTRIFYING atmosphere under Friday night lights is majorly fueled by loyal fans scattered across stadium seats. Young children with painted faces, parents with cushioned seats, and grandparents with binoculars, all assemble together to chant and cheer on their adored teams. These fans supply players with the strength and much-needed spirit to trudge forward one more down, again and again. But who fuels the fans? Where do they get their charge from? Tailgate party foods, of course! Below we have shared a few of our favorite pregame recipes. Try them this fall.
PARTY HAM ROLLS
Submitted By Ruth Cochran
Ingredients: 1 c. butter, melted, 3 T. prepared mustard, 3 T. poppy seed, 1 sm. onion, grated, 3 pkgs. party rolls, 1 lb. ham, shredded, 2 c. Swiss cheese
Directions: In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, mustard, poppy seed, and onion. Slice rolls in half with an electric knife. Remove tops and spread both sides with butter mixture. Place ham and cheese on the roll bottoms. Cover with top halves. Bake in foil roll container at 400° for 10-15 minutes.
SHEET PAN NACHOS
Submitted By Sheri Elder
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped, 1-2 lbs. ground beef, dash of chili powder, dash of garlic powder, dash of paprika, dash of black pepper, dash of salt, 1 bag nachos, 1 can black beans, 1 c. cheese, shredded, 2 tomatoes, chopped, lettuce, shredded, 1 container sour cream, 10 oz.
Directions: In a greased skillet, brown onion and ground beef. In a small mixing bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add to ground beef mixture. Mix well. On a sheet pan, layer nachos, ground beef, black beans, and cheese. Bake at 350˚ until the cheese has melted. Next, layer tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream.
BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP
Submitted By Cindy Crosslin
Ingredients: 1 pkg. cream cheese, softened, 8 oz., 1 can chunk white chicken drained, 10 oz., 1/2 c. buffalo wing sauce, 1/2 c. ranch salad dressing, 2 c. Colby/Jack cheese, shredded
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350˚. Spread cream cheese into an ungreased, shallow, light baking dish. Layer with chicken, wing sauce & salad dressing. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with baguette slices, tortilla chips, or celery. GN
