(BPT) – Gathering with friends and family to cheer on your home team makes for an unforgettable watch party. To take your “home-gating” up a notch, focus on what everyone loves — plenty of snacks and beverages to fuel guests from kickoff to final play.
Here are several tips to effortlessly keep the crew fed and happy so they enjoy themselves (even if your team fumbles) without missing any of the action.
Plan your portions
Making sure you’ve got enough snacks and beverages for your hungry and thirsty crowd is crucial. For drinks, plan to average about two drinks per hour per person and you’ll have plenty for everyone.
Where the food is concerned, provide at least 4-6 different types of appetizers for guests to choose from — or more, if you’re throwing a larger gathering. Caterers generally plan for about one pound of food per guest, to help you estimate the quantities you’ll need to satisfy everyone.
Choose tasty options that are easy to prep and cook
Make it easier for yourself and opt for simple appetizers that require minimum prep time, allowing you to relax and focus on other hosting tasks, like decorating or setting up extra seating where needed. Pick some tried-and-true favorites that you know how to make and that your guests are bound to love, like chicken wings, pizza rolls or sliders, plus a variety of different types of chips and dips.
Looking for a twist on the fan-favorite game day queso? Try Bob Evans®Queso Macaroni & Cheese. Microwave ready in five minutes, this creamy dish with medium spice brings the classic queso flavor to the table in a new way and is easy to prepare and share with family and friends.
If you’re feeling creative, try this bold mashup recipe that combines Queso Macaroni & Cheese with tacos for a delicious bite that will have everyone coming back for more. Better yet, the dish is super-easy to make and is also a terrific option to bring along with you to a potluck watch party.
Prep time: 25 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Servings: 6.
Ingredients
20 ounces (1 package) Bob Evans® Queso Macaroni & Cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 pound ground beef
1 1/4 ounce taco seasoning mix
10 ounces enchilada sauce
8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Heat Bob Evans® Queso Macaroni & Cheese according to package directions. Stir in sour cream, diced tomatoes and green chiles.
3. Meanwhile, cook beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly; drain and return to skillet.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce; cook until very thick.
5. Spoon half of macaroni and cheese mixture into greased 2-quart baking dish.
6. Top with meat mixture, 1 cup cheese and remaining macaroni and cheese.
7. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
8. Top with grape tomatoes and cilantro and enjoy!
Find this new flavor of macaroni and cheese and other tasty side dishes including a variety of mashed potatoes in the refrigerated section of grocery retailers nationwide, or visit BobEvansGrocery.com to explore all their options.
Make it festive
Bring the team spirit to your watch party by adding streamers, banners and other accents in your home team’s colors. Complete the look with football-themed serveware and encourage everyone to wear their favorite jerseys!
Score big beyond game day
This sports season, Bob Evans® and Jarritos® are teaming up to offer a promotion that goes beyond just game day. Now through March 15, consumers who buy one Bob Evans® dinner sides product and one single-serve Jarritos® soda bottle will be eligible to receive a $20 Fanatics® reward. Consumers will be able to submit receipts through March 31 and redeem their Fanatics® e-gift card through April 15.
Visit BobEvansGrocery.com/Jarritos for the full promotion details and how to submit your receipt.