Game days aren’t just about the game, they’re about the food, too! Whether you’re cheering from the couch or hosting a tailgate, these three flavorful game day recipes will score big. From pepper poppers to ranch dip, these recipes are easy to make and even tastier to eat.

PEPPER POPPERS

Ingredients

  • 1 large green bell pepper
  • 1 lb bacon
  • ½ pack of Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, hot or mild 
  • 1 8oz cream cheese
  • Toothpicks

Directions

  1. Clean and rinse your bell pepper.
  2. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper before cutting the bell pepper into one inch strips.
  3. Take a teaspoon of ground pork and place it on top of the bell pepper slice followed by a teaspoon of cream cheese.
  4. Wrap the pepper, sausage, and cream cheese in a slice of bacon, and slide a toothpick inside to hold it together.
  5. Continue until you have used all of the ingredients.
  6. May be grilled or baked in the oven for 20 minutes. Add cooking time in 10 minute increments until cooked. Bell pepper should be tender and ground pork should be cooked once finished.
  7. Cut into bite sized pieces if necessary.
  8. Broil 2 minutes if cooked in the oven to brown. Serve warm.

cowboy caviar; game day recipes

COWBOY CAVIAR

Inspired by Spend with Pennies

Ingredients

  • 3 Roma tomatoes seeds removed, diced
  • 2 avocados diced
  • ⅓ cup diced red onion
  • 15 ounces canned black beans 1 can, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces canned black eyed peas 1 can, rinsed and drained
  • 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels thawed
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Dressing

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

  1. Combine tomatoes, avocado, onion, black beans, black eyed peas, corn, pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl. Stir well so that ingredients are well-combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Pour dressing over other ingredients and stir very well.
  4. Keep refrigerated. Enjoy with tortilla chips.

game day recipes; photo of ranch dip

CHEESY BACON RANCH DIP

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
  2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and spread evenly.
  4. Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies!