Gridiron Get-Togethers

The NFL season has begun and many of our neighbors like to invite friends over to root on their favorite team and enjoy some great game day food.

Casual sandwiches, dips, and other finger foods are perfect for game day get-togethers as they can be made ahead so the host can enjoy their own party. The recipes below are also easy clean-up.

Stuffed Sandwich

Serves 8

Assorted sliced deli meats

Assorted sliced cheeses

Thinly sliced tomatoes

Thinly sliced red onions

Salt & pepper

Cream cheese

Mayo, mustard, or oil & vinegar

Loaf of round crusty bread

Cut a round hole at the top of the bread. Scoop out the insides of the bread leaving it hollow. Spread thin layer of cream cheese on sides and bottom to coat the bread.

Layer your sandwich with your favorite cuts of meat and cheese, adding alternate layers of onion and tomatoes. Add condiment of choice. Keep layering until bread bowl is filled and packed firmly.
Spread cream cheese on the inside of the top piece, and place back on top of your sandwich. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before serving. Cut in the shape of a pie wedge.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Serves 8

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 (10 ounce) can chicken, drained (or equivalent rotisserie or freshly-cooked, chopped chicken)

1 cup ranch dressing

3/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Corn chip, scoops

Beat cream cheese, ranch dressing, and red hot sauce.

Fold in shredded chicken.

Put all in slow cooker on medium until melted and bubbly. Stir

Serve in slow cooker on low heat during party with Frito scoops.

Coca Cola Sloppy Joes

Serves 8

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons flour

1 cup Coca-Cola

2/3 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dry mustard

Brown beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain well.

Stir in remaining ingredients as listed. Mix well.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.