There is something very special about gathering with friends on a Sunday afternoon to cheer on your favorite team, add in some good snacks and it is perfection. These three tasty crowd-pleasing favorites require very little effort and they disappear quickly.
Candied Bacon Smokies
This easy appetizer is the perfect snack for game day! it’s a fan favorite and they disappear just as quickly as they come together. You’ll have requests to make these again and again I promise.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 30 Little Smokies
What You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Knife & cutting board to cut bacon
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 1 (12-oz.) package Little Smokies
- 1 lb. bacon, cut into thirds
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on prepared pan.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each wrapped Little Smokie.
- Bake 30-35 minutes or until crisp
Serve With Suggestions
- Spicy BBQ sauce
- Honey Mustard
- Spicy Ketchup
🌮Taco Dip
This recipe is a go-to quick, easy, and budget-friendly option that feeds a crowd. It’s just layers of your favorite taco toppings withs creamy seasoned base, and you can customize it by adding items that will please everyone.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
What You’ll Need
- Measuring Cups
- 8×8 disposable tin pan or 9-inch pie dish
- Rubber spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup Pico de Gallo
- 1 cups finely shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
- 1.5 cups finely shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Add cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning to a medium mixing bowl. Mix with a hand mixer on low or by hand. If mixing by hand mix well to be sure there are no lumps.
- Add cream cheese mixture to an 8×8 cake pan or a 9″ pie dish, spread evenly.
- Top with Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, cheese, olives, and jalapenos.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
- If you love guac add a layer of guac on top of your cream cheese mixture.
- Layer in individual serving cups for an easy grab and go option for guests
- Serve with Fritto scoops, Tostitos chips, or my favorite…Cut flour tortillas into chips and cook on a cast iron skillet with a light layer of olive oil. They puff up and brown quickly so have tongs ready. Place on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt.
Sweet & Spicy Meatballs
This might be the easiest appetizer I have ever made, and it always gets rave reviews. Three simple ingredients and a crockpot that’s all you need to create this crave worthy recipe.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low (adjusted time provided in notes for Homemade Meatballs)
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 36 meatballs
What You’ll Need
- Crockpot
- Toothpicks for serving
Ingredients
- 3 bags 12 oz. Frozen meatballs
- 10 oz. grape jelly
- 12 oz Sweet Chili Sauce
Instructions
- Set crockpot to low
- Mix chili sauce and grape jelly together
- Add meatballs to crockpot and pour sauce mixture evenly over the top.
- Set timer for 2-3 hours and stir maybe once or twice during the process.
- Reduce heat to low once meatballs are heated through.
Serving & Tips
- Put small paper bowls and toothpicks to the side, leave a serving spoon in the crockpot. Guests will be back repeatedly.
- You can use the only frozen meatballs I will use suggested above or 32-36 oz bag of your favorite brand.
- If you prefer homemade meatballs try my Homemade Meatballs recipe listed in this blog. Just use the grape jelly and chili sauce in place of the red sauce. Increase cook time low 5-6 hours.
Final Thoughts
I hope that you find this post in a clutch moment when you need to whip up a quick recipe to bring with you to the party. These three recipes are incredible easy to make, budget-friendly and they won’t let you down. If you are looking for more tasty appetizer options check out my Beer Bacon Cheddar Dip recipe! -Hey Ivy