Football season has kicked off, which means great games, popping parties and phenomenal food. Whenever I throw a party, I love cooking up those sweet and salty snacks I know my friends will be drooling over. And the best part? All of these recipes are quick and cheap to make! When you host your next watching party, make it a touchdown by cooking up these seven easy recipes.
1. Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
By far the most filling recipe on this list, these bad boys are delicious and only require three ingredients: cranberry sauce, your favorite BBQ sauce and frozen meatballs. Each meatball holds onto the rich flavor of the sauce. For something more like a meal, I recommend serving over seasoned rice, or even in sandwich sliders with pickles.
Cost: $8.58
Time: 15 minutes
You can find the recipe here.
2. Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are a true southern delicacy, and you’ll be happy to know that they are fun and easy to make. I love cooking them and my roommates love eating them. Some small tips: The recipe calls for frying them in vegetable oil, but I found that the batch I made in olive oil tasted better. Also, breading the pickles can be a messy process, so clear some space for this. Once your pickles are covered in the egg and flour mix, put them aside on a plate with a thin layer of flour to keep them from sticking to it.
Cost: $20.34 for all the ingredients including the basics (flour, salt, eggs, milk)
Time: 20 minutes
You can find the recipe here.
3. Taco-Seasoned Tater Tots
Who knew tater-tots could get even better? These low-hassle tots are sure to be a party favorite. While ketchup is a classic sauce for tater-tots, these paired with salsa will be a fiesta on your tongue.
Cost: $5.70
Time: 30 minutes
You can find the recipe here.
4. White Queso
Real cheese makes for a really good flavor. This queso dip will challenge your favorite Mexican restaurant, and its cheesy goodness will win because you made it! Feel free to go off the recipe a little bit and add some diced jalapeños and onions for extra flavor to savor.
Cost: $16.65
Time: 15 minutes
You can find the recipe here.
5. Guacamole
Holy guacamole— A good guacamole calls for everything you love, so never stick exactly to the recipe. Consider this recipe more like a guideline, and add more of everything you love: jalapeños, limes, red onion, tomatoes, etc. You will not regret it.
Cost: $16.09
Time: 10 minutes
You can find the recipe here.
6. Spinach-Artichoke Dip
No football party is complete without a spinach-artichoke dip. It is the token of American sports munchies. This recipe is a big one, but don’t worry. Put this dish right in front of the T.V. and it won’t last past halftime.
Cost: $19.29
Time: 35 minutes
You can find the recipe here.
7. Apple Pie Bites
What’s more American than apple pie? I have been dying to make this yummy desert again for my friends, so they too can enjoy its gooey, crisp yumminess.
Cost: $10.08
Time: 30 minutes
You can find the recipe here.
Photos provided by Yellow Bliss Road, Tastefully Frugal, Old El Paso, Eating on a Dime, Confetti and Bliss and Cakescottage.com