Simple, Delicious Game Day Appetizers

Personally, my favorite part of game day is the food. I love to have a variety of appetizers and snacks that are not complicated to make. Whether you are watching the game from the comfort of your couch, joining friends at their house, or tailgating, the following recipes are the perfect addition!

Texas Caviar

A crowd-pleaser, and totally addictive, this recipe makes more than enough to feed a large group (or plenty of leftovers for you). All you need to accompany this recipe is a bag of tortillas chips.

3 Stalks of Celery
1 Small Red Onion
1 Red Pepper (or color of your choice)
1 Can of White Corn
1 Can of Black Beans
1 Can of Black Eyed Peas

First, rinse and drain the corn and beans. Next, chop up the celery, onion, and pepper (a food chopper is helpful for this part). Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix.

Marinade
1/3 Cup of Olive Oil
1/3 Cup of Cider Vinegar
1/3 Cup of Sugar

Put in a pot and mix over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Finally, pour the mixture over the veggies and beans and marinate all day in the fridge. Serve with your favorite type of tortilla chips (I think the scoops work best). This recipe is perfect to make the day before the game.

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

This appetizer will make your home smell delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

1 Sheet of Frozen Puff Pastry
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon of Water
1/2 Cup of Seedless Raspberry Jam
1/3 Cup of Dried Cranberries
1/4 Cup of Sliced Almonds
1 Round of Brie Cheese (it’s your choice if you want to remove the rind or leave it on)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Thaw the puff pastry to room temperature. Mix the egg and water and set the mixture aside. Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface, and roll it out into a 14-inch square. Next, cut off the corners of the pastry to make it into a circle. Spread the raspberry jam on the pastry in the shape of a circle equal to the size of the brie. Place the brie on top of the jam and then brush the edges of the pastry with the egg and water mixture. Fold the pastry up around the brie and press the edges together to seal. Place it seam-side down in a baking or pie dish. Brush the top and sides with the egg and water mixture. Finally, bake for 20-30 minutes or until it’s golden brown. When it’s done, let it cool for a bit, and serve with your crackers of choice.

Chicken and Broccoli Stromboli

This recipe includes just four ingredients, and it’s super simple to make. It serves about four people, more if you cut the pieces smaller. Feel free to double the recipe if you need to feed more people.

1 Cup of Broccoli Florets
11oz Package of Thin Crust Pizza Dough
1 Cup of Chopped Cooked Chicken (buy a rotisserie chicken to make it even easier)
1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese Blend (or shredded cheese of your choice)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Steam the broccoli florets until just tender. Stretch the pizza dough to form a 16" by 12” rectangle on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the chopped chicken, broccoli, and cheese lengthwise down the center of the dough. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, pinch to seal, and cut four slices in the dough to vent. Bake for 12 minutes or until browned. Cut into however many pieces you would like, and serve with marinara sauce. Yum!

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

This final recipe is my own simple creation, although I’m sure I’m not the first person to make it. Another easy recipe with only four ingredients, which makes me so happy. 

8oz can of refrigerated crescent dough sheet or 8oz can of refrigerated crescent rolls
5 Slices of Swiss Cheese
4 Slices of Deli Ham
1 Tablespoon of Honey Mustard

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or spray with cooking spray). Unroll the dough sheet onto a large cutting board and press into about a 13” x 9” rectangle. If you’re using the crescent rolls, press all the seams together. Spread the honey mustard on the dough. Next, add a single layer of swiss cheese followed by a single layer of ham, leaving a little space on each end. Starting on the short end, roll the dough up tightly and then press the seams together. With a serrated knife, cut the roll into eight slices and place them on the cookie sheet flat. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Try honey mustard for dipping sauce too.

I hope you enjoy your Game Day Appetizers! Make sure to throw on your Chowdaheadz football apparel before the game starts!