Game day gourmet: How to build the perfect sports day table

NATION — It’s tailgating season! Whether you’re relaxing in the parking lot before the game or gathering in front of the television with family and friends, it means football and food. The biggest debate is what to serve all of the sports fans in your life. While chips and dip might be the go-to snack, why not elevate the experience? You don’t have to put on a five-course, fancy meal to get your game day on. Kicking finger foods up a notch will turn your watch party into a culinary event.
A winning play is to pick one main dish you’re sure everyone will love and build sides and dessert around it. Here are some ideas to level up your game day spread with ease.
Wings! Wings are a no-brainer for game day. Everybody loves this easy-to-eat, delicious finger food. But not all wings are created equal. Tyson® Brand has just debuted a new line, Crispy Wings, that rival your favorite restaurant variety. And here’s the twist: These wings are fully cooked and dry rubbed. They’re not pre-sauced. The rub seasons the wings and creates a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy perfection. They come in three flavors that are sure to please everyone: Rotisserie Seasoned, Garlic Parmesan and Caribbean Style. Pro tip: Serve with a selection of sauces, like blue cheese, buffalo, barbecue, jerk, ranch or teriyaki style.
Boneless wings. Not everyone wants bone-in varieties, right? Tyson’s new boneless Honey Chicken Bites are crafted from tender, all-white meat chicken and coated with a honey-infused breading. Bake them in the oven or air fryer and they’re ready to eat in under 25 minutes. And they pack a protein punch with 14g per serving.
Veggies and dip. A big plate of fresh veggies, like celery, broccoli, red pepper, baby carrots and mini cucumbers adds color to your table and crunch to your meal. Pair the veggies with easy, homemade onion dip. (Caramelize 2-4 onions, sliced thin. Mix with 16 oz. sour cream, garlic powder and paprika to taste. Chill for 1 hour.) Bonus: This dip is also delicious with the wings and honey bites!
Cowboy coleslaw. Slaw goes perfectly with wings, and here’s a fun twist. Take a bag of pre-cut slaw, add 1 each chopped red and green pepper, chopped scallions, 1 can of black beans (drained), and 1 cup frozen corn (thawed). Mix a dressing of 1/2 cup mayo and 1/2 cup sour cream, taco seasoning to taste, a dash of cumin and the juice of 1 lime. Mix and garnish with cilantro.
Brownie bar. A tried-and-true favorite! Bake a pan of brownies, cut them into small squares and serve with a selection of DIY toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, candy bits, sprinkles or whatever else your family loves.
By starting your game day table with favorite finger foods and building delicious, easy sides around it, you’re sure to cook up a winner.
— BPT