Dip Your Way Through the Big Game

Take a moment and turn the calendar … do you see what’s happening the first Sunday of February? 

That’s right, it’s the Big Game!!! You know the one ;)

Now, if you know me at all, you know that football knowledge is not one of my claims to fame. I barely know the difference between offense and defense and practically every game Dominic has to explain to me how scoring works. But, despite my football faux pas, I do enjoy this season because it means two other, very important things — food and family/friends! When football seems to take over our free time schedule (Dominic isn’t too keen on missing games, especially near the nail-biting playoffs), I choose to focus on the people and snacks :) Can you fault me?

In preparation for the Big Game, I have two football fabulous recipes to share today. Get ready to swoon!  They’re both easy and delicious so invite the kids to join you for some ingredient shopping at Walmart and then in the kitchen as you whip up these dips for your victory celebration.

Regardless of the game’s outcome, your whole crew will consider this spread a winning lineup. I’m sure of it!

Tyson ® Crispy Chicken Strips + Hot Buffalo Dip

Ingredients

• 1 package Tyson ® Crispy Chicken Strips
• 1 cup ranch
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• Wright Brand ® Bacon, cooked and chopped
• Sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles and shredded cheddar
• Optional: tortilla chips, baby carrots, and sliced celery

Directions

Prepare chicken strips according to package directions.

In a microwave safe bowl, warm cream cheese in 30 second intervals. Stir often. Add ranch, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine. Microwave, covered with a paper towel, for 3 minutes or until bubbly. Pour into a serving dish and sprinkle with blue cheese, cheddar, and bacon crumbles. Serve hot alongside Tyson ® Crispy Chicken Strips, tortilla chips, carrots, and celery.

Hilshire Farm ® Lit’l Smokies ® Smoked Sausage + Creamy Cheddar Dip

Ingredients

• 1 package Hilshire Farm ® Lit’l Smokies ® Smoked Sausage
• 16 ounces sour cream
• 1 package dry ranch mix
• 8 ounces Wright Brand ® Bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Optional: French bread, carrots, celery

Directions

Prepare Lit’l Smokies ® according to package directions.

In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and ranch mix. Chop all but 1 slice of bacon and fold the chopped pieces and shredded cheddar into the mix. Sprinkle with green onions and bacon. 

Serve chilled with a spread of hot Lit’l Smokies ® and sliced French bread rounds for dipping. I plate them separately so the Lit’l Smokies ® don’t get cold and the dip doesn’t get hot.

Truly, both of these dips and all the sides can be mixed and matched so don’t worry what goes where when you lay out  your game day tablescape. Bottom line, dips are always a hit at parties like Big Game events because who doesn’t love delicious comfort food during the stressful 4th quarter … or when the kicker who you’ve been counting on misses his one job over and over. See, Dominic, I do pay attention to what’s going on with your team throughout the season!

Shop for your Big Game essentials at Walmart and join in the Walmart Winning Lineup Rewards Program. Because, obviously, there is nothing better than serving up great food AND scoring rewards while you’re at it! And, if you want to avoid actually shopping in the store, use Walmart’s grocery pick-up service. I think all mamas would agree, that’s the real MVP!