Sure, Game Day is about, well, the game. But we all know it’s everyone’s favorite snacking holiday, too—the perfect pairing of two American pastimes.
And BBQ folks? The BBQ fam knows how to do snacks. Whether it’s for tailgating at the college games or firing up the grill at home, we know how to fill a grazing table with all the flavors you’re craving the weekend of the big game: savory, spicy, and, of course, saucy.
We’re excited to pass along our list of favorite recipes to cook up (or simply mix up and serve) for that venerated first Sunday in February, overflowing with snacky goodness. Feel free to overwhelm your game-day guests with all the waistline-expanding options. While everyone digs in, don’t forget to grab a pic for the ‘gram. Use the hashtag #headcountrybbq to let us all in on the fun.
1. Smoked Deviled Eggs
These are the Deviled Eggs that every egg always hopes to be. With the gentle application of smoke and a kick of our Original Championship Seasoning (use our High Plains Heat for some added spice), it’s easy to take this classic snack from per-usual to absolutely extraordinary.
2. BBQ Jalapeño Poppers
Baked or grilled, these spicy, bite-sized snacks disappear in a flash. Each pepper is stuffed with a mix of cheese and our Championship Seasoning, then hugged in a slice of bacon and brushed with your favorite flavor of our Bar-B-Q sauce. Follow our tips and tricks to adjust for your preferred level of spice.
3. Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
When cheeseball met meatball. This love story of a recipe will be your new favorite way to stuff your guests while they enjoy the big game. That they’re a cinch to prepare and a fun way to fire up the grill? Those are some serious perks.
4. BBQ Chicken Dip
Get ready for an epic cheese pull. This BBQ Chicken Dip bubbles with two kinds of cheese, chicken, and the smoky flavor of BBQ, making the game-day friendliness of this dish a no-brainer. The savory crust that forms on top while the flavors meld in the oven with have your guests vying for the edge pieces. Serve with a side of chips, crackers, or homemade flour tortillas.
5. Smoked Queso Blanco Dip
This queso mingles with fire and smoke on the grill. What results is a creamy, spicy dip packed with flavor. This recipe makes enough to top burgers and nachos, or omelets if it’s breakfast time—and we aren’t afraid to admit that it’s an indulgent supper, paired with a stack of fresh, salty tortilla chips.
6. Cast Iron BBQ Chicken Nachos
The slow cooker assists in this recipe to make it a quick-and-easy snack or weeknight wonder. Because the chicken is ready when you walk through the door at the end of the day, a skillet of BBQ nachos takes just 5 minutes from start to finish. Don’t skimp on the cheese, the sour cream, or the BBQ sauce (our personal favorite nacho topping).
7. The Best-Ever BBQ Chicken Wing
A big platter stacked with crispy, saucy chicken wings is one of the easiest, most sure-fire ways to bring folks to the table. All any home cook needs to stack ’em good and stack ’em high is a bit of prep, plus some tips and tricks from expert BBQer and Head Country Brand Ambassador Doug Scheiding of Rogue Cookers, and gone are the days of dry meat, soggy skin, and flavorless party food. Try our recipes for Chipotle Chicken Wings with Spicy Honey Glaze, BBQ Dry Rub Wings, Smoked Sweet & Sticky Wings, and more.
8. Southern Style Pimento Cheese Fried Chicken Sliders
Two southern classics join forces in these sliders, which look just as outrageous on a snack board or at the dinner table as they taste. With some added spice and absolutely no corners cut, this recipe is the perfect way to get the family in the kitchen—and well worth the effort.
9. Buttermilk Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
The key to crispy fried chicken that’s rich, flavorful, and tender? It starts with a southern-style buttermilk bath, infused with our Championship Seasoning. After these tenders bubble to a glowing golden-brown in hot shortening, they’re ready for a sprinkle of salt and a dip in our spoon-coating Sweet & Sticky BBQ sauce. Perfect for game day, family night, or a weeknight treat.
10. Pimento Cheese Dip
You don’t have to be from the South to love this pimento cheese dip recipe. We added our Championship Seasoning to this regional classic to complement the cheesy creaminess of the dip and the subtle zing of the pimentos (you can use diced roasted red peppers, too). Opt for our High Plains Heat for an extra kick.
