The New Game-Day Essentials for Your Homegating Spread

Ann Taylor Pittman
Updated

The New Sliders: Korean BBQ Buns

KEY PLAYS

• Asian steamed buns replace traditional ones for an irresistible fluffy-chewy effect.

• Meatballs stay juicier than patties.

• Quick spicy pickles add perky acidic balance and great crunch.

The New Curly Fries: Garlic-Herb Shoestring Fries

KEY PLAYS

• A spiralizer creates delicate potato curls.

• Superthin garlic slices get wonderfully crisp in only 10 minutes.

• Baking at a moderately high temperature cooks the potatoes perfectly—with some crunchy, browned pieces and some more tender strands.

The New Creamy Dip: Jalapeño Popper Bean Dip

KEY PLAYS

• The silky texture of pureed pinto beans enhances creaminess.

• Canola mayo helps stretch the cream cheese, providing similar richness with no saturated fat.

• Broiler-charred jalapeños offer deeply earthy, toasty flavor.

The New Fan-Fave Cocktail: Grapefruit Beergaritas

KEY PLAYS

• Fresh juice and a little simple syrup replace margarita mix to cut 4 teaspoons (16g) added sugars per serving.

• Diluting tequila with juice and beer makes for a gentler cocktail that'll keep guests free from personal fouls.

The New Snack Mix: Spicy, Barely Sweet Supercrunch Granola

KEY PLAYS

• For superior crunch, we use gluten-free pretzels; they're far crunchier than traditional.

• Dry quinoa adds more crunch; the little beads disperse over every bite.

• Whole almonds round out the effect with their firm texture.

The New Take on Wings: Salt-and-Vinegar Boneless "Wings"

KEY PLAYS

• Cornflake breading cooks up crispy.

• Malt vinegar lends complex savoriness that you won't find in most other vinegars.

• The chicken soaks in buttermilk to boost the tang of the vinegar.