Ask a Chef: Tasty game day recipes (2024)

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

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Football season is officially here and that means it's time to tailgate! Whether you are a die-hard fan who never misses a live game, or a fan who prefers to watch from the comfort of your own couch, football season and great food definitely go hand-in-hand.

When I tailgate with my family and friends I love to take our portable grill along because I can use it to cook just about anything. Many SUV's also have great power outlets in the trunk that you can use to keep food hot (great for slow cookers).

Tailgating food is all about fun, and you can't go wrong with classic burgers and hot dogs. For a tasty spin on your next tailgate party try these slider recipes. They are easy to make and are always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pinch salt and pepper
• 12 potato rolls
• ½ pound sliced pastrami
• 1 white onion (sliced)
• 12 slices provolone
• Oil for searing

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine ground beef, egg, horseradish, Worcestershire, paprika, garlic, onion, chili, salt and pepper. Mix until the egg is incorporated, (careful not to over-mix).
2. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 35 to 40 minutes or until the meat will hold the shape of a patty.
3. Use a ¼ cup to scoop the meat into balls and shape into patties then set aside.
4. Heat some oil in a saucepan over low heat, add the sliced onions to the pan and toss in the warm oil to coat the slices evenly (if you are tailgating, use your saucepan on a grill, or bring along a portable griddle).
5. Place a lid over the onions and sweat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Heat some oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and sear the patties on both sides for 6 to 8 minutes, (rare to medium).
7. Place a slice of pastrami and online on the slider and top with cheese.
8. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese.
9. Place on a lightly toasted roll and serve.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon. garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch salt and pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 whole egg
• ½ lbs. sliced ham
• 2 cups guacamole
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 12 wheat country rolls

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine chicken, garlic, onion, paprika, bread crumbs, egg, salt and pepper.
2. Mix all the items until the breadcrumbs are incorporated.
3. Cover with clear wrap and place into the refrigerator for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken mix will hold a patty shape.
4. Using a ¼ cup scoop the chicken mix into balls.
5. Shape each ball into a small patty, set aside.
6. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat, add some oil to the pan.
7. Sear the patty for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until an internal temperature of 165 F.
8. Prepare a slice of ham by adding 1 tablespoon of guacamole in the center of the slice then roll.
9. Place the ham roll on top of the chicken patty and add the cheese.
10. Cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt.
11. Place onto a small bun and serve with lettuce, tomato and your favorite burger toppings (optional).

(Recipe courtesy of Chef Kimberly Larsen for Harmons) Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or butt
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 3 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons coriander
• 1 white onion, rough chop
• 5-6 garlic cloves
• 1 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons honey wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Chipotle paste *Made from Chipotle peppers in adobe, puree to make a paste
• Slider buns
• Shredded cabbage

Directions

1. Prepare Pork Butt/Shoulder by rubbing with cumin, paprika, coriander and salt.
2. Place in slow cooker or oven safe roasting pan.
3. Add diced onion on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours in slow cooker or 3-4 hours in 325 degree oven.
5. Remove from oven and allow to cool in juices. Can store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
6. When ready to serve, shred meat into bite size pieces.
7. In medium mixing bowl combine honey, honey wine vinegar and chipotle paste.
8. Toss pork and coat with honey mixture.
9. Heat sauté pan to medium high heat.
10. Coat pan with oil.
11. Add pork to pan and crisp outside edges quickly.
12. Serve with toasted bun with avocado, aioli and fresh shredded cabbage. *This pork makes a great topping for nachos too!

Harmons is your one-stop store for everything you need to help you score a touch down at your next tailgate party! From our freshly prepared guacamole and salsa, to chicken wings, ribs, party platters and more, we have a huge selection of delicious food and fan gear that will make you the "talk of the tailgate."

If you are looking for more inspiration for your next tailgate party, check out our other Ask a Chef articles.

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