Jess's Tailgate Queso and 50 Ideas for the Big Game

     My sister-in-law Jess and her husband, Anthony are both proud Northwestern alumni.  They have a group of friends that tailgates at every home football game.  We try to join them at a game each year, though as the number of kiddos expands it gets a little more difficult.  The regular tailgaters plan who is bringing what.  There are a number of game day treats that have to be there.  This queso dip is a must-have.  A huge pot of it is set out with plenty of tortilla chips and people just dip into the communal queso pot.  It also gets slather on brats and burgers.  It is always a hit.

Jess's Tailgate Queso

Ingredients:

1 2 lb block of Velveeta

2 cans Rotel

1 can Hormel hot no bean chili

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp minced garlic

Optional: diced jalapenos or hot sauce if you like more kick

1. Cut Velveeta into cubes and put it and all the other ingredients into a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-low heat until completely melted.  Make sure to stir frequently because it can scorch quickly.
3. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips or on burgers, brats or hot dogs.

     Jess says she normally likes to make things from scratch or with store brands, but in this case she prefers using exactly what she spelled out in the recipe.  Enjoy!

     I don't know about you, but I love having people over for football.  It is a great time to make all of those treats that it is hard to justify making when you're not having people over.  This year has been extra busy for Matt and I, so we haven't had a chance to have as many Sunday get togethers as normal.  In years past, there would be a pot of chili on the stove almost every week.  It would also give me a chance to make other snacks and treats.  To me, the mark of a perfect game day food is something you can prep that morning and have it ready when your guests arrive.  Then it can hold all afternoon and people can help themselves as they are ready.  Of course there is an extra big game coming up, so we wanted to give you plenty of ideas!  Below are 50 super festive ideas to help you plan your party for the big game.  Now the hard part is going to be picking which ones to do.  I want one of each!

1. Cooking With Carlee: Stuffed Pizza Footballs

2. I Say Nomato: Nightshade Free Nachos

3. Love My Messy Messy Mess: Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip

4. Dad What's 4 Dinner: Jalapeno Bacon Corn Muffin Bombs

5. Together As Family: Fritos Sweet & Salty Snack Mix

6. Tornadough Alli: Stuffed Petzels

7. Family Around the Table: Cranberry BBQ Chicken Wings

8. The Speckled Palate: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Mustard Cole Slaw

9. Baby Thyme Cafe: Versatile Pulled Pork

10. 4 Sons 'R' Us: Bacon Chicken Ranch Sub Sandwiches

10. East Coast Garlic Fingers with Donair Sauce

11. Topic's Cucumber Dip

12. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Ball

13. Kickin' Corn Dip

14. Cowboy Salsa

15. How to Build the Ultimate Snack Stadium

16. Crispy Crunchy Egg Rolls

17. Crockpot Honey Buffalo Meatballs

18. Cheesy French Onion Pull Apart-Bread

19. Fall Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

20. Snickers Poke Cake

21. Triple Chocolate Cake Balls

22. Monster Cookie Dough Cheese Ball Dip

23. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Fajitas

24. Aunt Sarah's Balsamic Corn and Bean Salsa

25. Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

26. Buffalo Chicken Nachos

27. Golden Beet Meatballs

28. Homemade Guacamole

29. Roasted Garlic and White Bean Hummus

30. Hot Cuban Dip

31. Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

32. The Best Homemade Salsa

33. Game Time Chili

34. Tabbouleh

35. No Flour Monster Cookie Bars

36. Wet Burritos

37. Garlic Bread Poppers

38. Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

39. MiMi's Sweet Football Cheese Ball

40.7-Layer Dip

41. Laura's Chicken Taquitos

42. No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Fluff

43. 3 Ingredient Chip Dip

44. Knock Your Socks Off Tailgate Burgers

45. Bloody Maria

46. Kansas Caviar Bean Dip

47. Baked Onion Dip

48. Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Ribs

49. Bacon Explosion

Now that we have your menu planned, it is time to make your party a little extra festive.  Katie from Love My Messy Messy Mess made a printable prop sheet for you to use!  Now get those invitations sent, we're ready to party!

50. Printable Super Bowl Party Prop Sheet

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