Are you ready to take your backyard game of cornhole to the next level? Then don’t forget the snacks! No game day would be complete without delicious snacks to accompany the competition. Whether you’re hosting a friendly game, a family get-together, or a full-on tournament, the right snacks can set the tone for an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some exciting and easy-to-make snack recipes that are perfect for a backyard cornhole game day. So grab your cornhole boards, set them up, and let’s get snacking!
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Skewers
This delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich is perfect for easy snacking on game day. Simply grill some bread, slice it, and skewer with cherry tomatoes. These skewers are easy to eat with one hand, which means you can hold your cornhole bag in the other. Plus, the bright red and yellow colors of the tomatoes make a perfect complement to your cornhole board.
Preparing Grilled Cheese and Tomato Skewers
To start, you'll need a fresh loaf of your favorite bread, a block of cheddar cheese, and a pint of ripe cherry tomatoes. First, cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and the cheese into similar-sized pieces. Skewer a cube of bread, followed by a piece of cheese, and finally, a cherry tomato.
Next, you'll want to grill the skewers. You can do this either on a traditional grill or a grill pan. Make sure to turn the skewers every now and then to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the bread achieves a beautiful charred appearance.
But the beauty of these skewers isn't just in their simplicity and deliciousness. It's also in their versatility. You can experiment with different types of bread, cheeses, and even add other ingredients to the skewers such as bacon or pickles. A dipping sauce, like homemade ranch or marinara, can also add an extra burst of flavor.
So next time you're gearing up for a backyard cornhole game day, don't forget these grilled cheese and tomato skewers. They're easy to make, delicious to eat, and they'll keep your hands free for those crucial cornhole tosses.
Loaded Nachos
Nachos are a classic snack that always go down well on game day. The great thing about nachos is that they’re so easy to customize and adapt to your guests' tastes.
Preparing Loaded Nachos
To prepare loaded nachos, you'll need a bag of your favorite tortilla chips, shredded cheese (Monterey jack and cheddar are excellent choices), and a variety of toppings. Some popular choices include black beans, jalapenos, olives, diced tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. You can also add protein like shredded chicken or ground beef for an even heartier snack.
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Spread your tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Ensure the chips overlay slightly; this guarantees every chip gets a bit of cheesy goodness. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the chips - the more cheese, the better!
Then, add your chosen toppings. If you're using beans or meats, it's best to add these after the cheese layer but before additional toppings. This helps them heat thoroughly and melds all the flavors together. Top with jalapenos, olives, and other favorites, but save any fresh items like guacamole or sour cream for after baking.
Place your loaded chips into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then add dollops of guacamole, sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa. Serve immediately while the chips are still warm and the cheese is melted.
Loaded nachos are a great communal dish, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy. They're as fun to make as they are to eat - the perfect accompaniment for a backyard cornhole game day.
Watermelon Salsa with Chips
Watermelon is the perfect summer snack. Sweet, juicy, and refreshing, it’s a go-to for many people. But have you ever tried watermelon salsa? It’s a delicious and unexpected twist on the traditional tomato salsa. Simply dice up some watermelon, add some finely sliced red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Serve with tortilla chips and watch your guests gobble it up.
Selecting a Ripe and Tasty Watermelon
Choosing the perfect watermelon for your salsa is a game-changer. The sweetness and juiciness of the melon will contribute significantly to the overall taste of the salsa. Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect watermelon.
Firstly, look for uniformity. The watermelon should be symmetrical, without any bumps or irregularities. This symmetry indicates that the watermelon grew steadily on all sides, which is a good sign.
Next, give it a tap. A ripe watermelon will have a hollow sound when you tap it. If it sounds dull, the watermelon may not be ripe yet, or it might be overripe.
The field spot, or the area of the watermelon that was resting on the ground while it was growing, should be a creamy yellow color. If it's white or green, the watermelon probably isn't ripe.
Lastly, pick it up. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Watermelons are over 90% water, so most of the weight comes from the juice inside. If it feels light, the watermelon may be under ripe and not as juicy as it should be.
With these tips in mind, you'll be able to choose a ripe and delicious watermelon for your watermelon salsa. Enjoy the refreshing sweetness it brings to your backyard cornhole game day!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Spice up your backyard cornhole game day with these delicious buffalo chicken meatballs. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor.
Preparing Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
To make buffalo chicken meatballs, you will need 1 lb of ground chicken, 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 a small onion finely chopped, 1 clove of garlic minced, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1 beaten egg. For serving, get some celery sticks, blue cheese or ranch dressing, and additional buffalo sauce.
Here is the step by step guide to prepare these delectable meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, buffalo sauce, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each meatball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for around 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Once out of the oven, brush the meatballs with additional buffalo sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Serve your buffalo chicken meatballs with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side. They make a wonderful finger food for your backyard cornhole game day, and your guests will definitely appreciate the spicy kick that these meatballs bring to the table.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Finish off your backyard cornhole game day with something sweet, like chocolate-covered pretzels. It’s a winning combination of salty and sweet.
Creating your own chocolate-covered pretzels is a fun and simple process. You will need pretzel rods or traditional pretzel twists, semi-sweet chocolate chips (or any other type of chocolate you prefer), and any toppings you desire, such as sprinkles or crushed nuts.
Start by melting your chosen chocolate in a heatproof bowl, set over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring each time until it's fully melted.
Next, dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, making sure to leave a small area at the bottom for holding. You can use a spoon to help coat the pretzels if needed. After dipping, allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
Then, while the chocolate is still wet, roll the pretzels in your chosen toppings or sprinkle them on.
Finally, place the dipped pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them set until the chocolate hardens. You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Chocolate-covered pretzels make a perfect sweet and salty treat for any gathering. They're easy to make and always a hit with guests! Enjoy the delicious crunch of your homemade chocolate-covered pretzels during your backyard cornhole game day.
Never Go Hungry While You Play
With these mouth-watering and easy-to-make snack recipes, you’ll be sure to wow your guests at your next backyard cornhole game. So why not take your game day to the next level and make it even more memorable with some delicious snacks? From grilled cheese skewers to chocolate-covered pretzels, there’s something for everyone. So grab your cornhole boards, invite your friends and family, and enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, laughter, and of course, snacks!