With the big game just around the corner, many of us are gearing up to either host or attend parties. Amidst all the planning, it’s important to remember to plan what food you’ll have – after all, what’s game day without some delicious snacks? From zesty dips that can be whipped up in minutes to quick bites that are tasty and easy to make, in this guide, we’ll explore a variety of simple and delicious snacks that cater to all tastes. Looking for beverage ideas? Check out our blog, 10 Perfect Beverage Matches for Your Favorite Pretzels!
Gameday Dips With (Nearly!) Zero Prep
Whether you’re hosting or attending a party, the last thing you want to do is spend the day prepping and cooking. These dips aren’t only delicious, but they require minimal effort while providing maximum flavor:
- Beer Cheese Dip: In a saucepan, gently simmer light beer. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring continuously on low heat until the dip is smooth and creamy.
- Salsa Verde: Blend tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature. (Tip: char your tomatillos and jalapeños in a cast iron skillet or grill beforehand for extra flavor!)
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Mix cooked, shredded chicken with cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Spread in a pan, top with more cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Remember to serve your dips with some classic or extra dark pretzels, crostini, and tortilla chips!
Healthy Snacks for the Big Game
Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? Here are some snacks that are healthy without compromising on flavor:
- Trail Mix: Combine nuts, dried fruit, broken-up oat bran pretzels, dark chocolate chips, and pumpkin seeds in a bowl.
- Homemade Hummus: Create a classic hummus by blending chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. For variety, take portions of the base hummus and mix in additional flavors such as roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, or Kalamata olives. Serve with pita chips, vegetables, and whole wheat pretzels.
- Caprese Skewers: Place fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves on small skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Quick and Easy Appetizers
Need appetizers that are big on flavor and short on time? These appetizers are sure to please (even if your team is losing!):
- Pretzel-Wrapped Sausages: Wrap cocktail sausages with pretzel dough, quickly boil in a baking soda bath, brush with an egg wash, and bake until golden brown.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: Halve jalapeños and remove seeds. Stuff with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, then wrap with bacon. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender.
- Charcuterie Board: Create a charcuterie board using your favorite meats, cheeses, and additions. Need some help? Check out our blog on creating the best charcuterie board!
Simple Sweets
Every snack spread needs a sweet finish. These treats are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth:
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels: Dip pretzels in melted chocolate. For a fun twist, top with sprinkles or drizzle with melted candy melts in your team’s color. (Tip: to save even more time, you can purchase Uncle Henry’s Chocolate Covered Pretzel Pieces!)
- No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, then spoon onto a base of crushed graham crackers in lined muffin tins. Chill and top with your favorite fruit.
- S’mores Dip: Layer chocolate chips and mini marshmallows in a baking dish. Bake until melted and bubbly, and serve with graham crackers and some extra salty pretzels for a salty-sweet delight.
Order Handmade Pretzels For Your Party
As you plan your snacks for the big game, remember that the perfect pretzel can elevate your snack spread from good to great. Whether you’re dunking them in a dip, using them in recipes, or enjoying them as-is, you can’t go wrong with Uncle Henry’s Pretzels.
At Uncle Henry’s Pretzels, we’ve been serving up and shipping out our hand-twisted Pennsylvania Dutch Pretzels since 1983. From oat bran to extra dark and everything in between, we truly have something for everyone. So don’t wait; browse our selection of pretzels and find your favorite variety today!
