Big Game Snacks That Didn’t Disappoint
The big game might have been a bit of a snooze fest, but we can confidently say these big game recipes were anything but.
If you need to throw something together for game day, watch parties, or casual entertaining, skip the store-bought sauces and make your own Homemade Buffalo Sauce. It comes together in minutes, uses simple ingredients, and avoids the added sugars and mystery oils found in many bottled versions.
Once you’ve got the sauce, the options are endless. Two favorites? Buffalo Brussels Sprouts and a High-Protein Chicken Buffalo Dip that always disappears fast.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Simple, bold, and incredibly versatile, this sauce works on vegetables, chicken, dips, and more.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey (we used Mike’s Hot Honey)
Directions
Melt butter in the microwave. Add hot sauce, seasonings, and honey. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The sauce is ready to use immediately.
Buffalo Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, spicy, and addictive even for people who “don’t like Brussels sprouts.”
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup prepared Buffalo Sauce
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Trim Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes, until browned and crisping.
- Remove from oven and toss with Buffalo Sauce until well coated.
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.
High-Protein Chicken Buffalo Dip
All the comfort of classic buffalo dip with a protein-forward, lighter approach.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works, but roasted thighs and legs are even better)
- ½ cup prepared Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Shred chicken and place in a large bowl.
- Add Buffalo Sauce, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Serve with carrot sticks, celery, or whole-grain chips.
Why These Recipes Win on Game Day
- Easy to prep ahead
- Big flavor without heavy ingredients
- Crowd-friendly and versatile
- Work just as well for casual dinners as they do for watch parties
