Make Meatballs the Star Player at Your Game Day Bash
After the holidays, when the weather outside is indeed “frightful,” there’s nothing we look forward to more than one of the biggest eating days of the new year. Lessen the stress of making a spread with these mouthwatering ideas for recipes that all share a star ingredient—Cooked Perfect® Meatballs. Made with select cuts of meat and flame-broiled to sear in the natural flavors and juices, they’re the perfect team player with each of the five winning dishes below.
This Game Day App Pairs Two of Our Favorite Things
Yes, we have to agree that everything IS better with bacon—especially when you pair that with the flavors of BBQ. For a simple spin on BBQ Bacon Meatballs, you only need three ingredients. Start with a bag of Cooked Perfect® Angus Beef Meatballs and after they defrost, toss them in a half cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce. (Want to make your own? Here’s a classic recipe.) Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick, then bake in a 375˚ oven for 35 minutes. Once plated, serve with more sauce for dipping and watch your friends come back for seconds or thirds!
The Delicious Result When a Meatball Meets a Muffin Cup
Who doesn’t love a handheld app that hits all the right notes of meaty, cheesy, and creamy with a little crunch? These appetizer cups are each filled with Cooked Perfect® Italian Style Meatballs nestled atop crispy pastry and cheese. Start by adding squares of refrigerated crescent dough into a muffin tray sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon in a mixture of cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella. Top with a meatball, a drizzle of tomato sauce, and another sprinkle of cheese. Then bake until golden brown in a 375° oven, about 15 mins. They’re easy to make but look super impressive.
Score! You Had Us at the Combo of Buffalo and Ranch
There’s not much we love more than a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that we can make in our slow cooker. And for Game Day Sunday, it’s one less thing we have to worry about as we assemble our chips, dips, and other favorite football snacks. This recipe riffs off of traditional buffalo hot wings but swaps in flame-broiled, fully cooked meatballs instead of chicken. Mix a bottle of hot sauce with a packet of ranch seasoning mix, then combine with a bag of Cooked Perfect® Homestyle Meatballs. Cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6, then serve with creamy ranch dressing and some carrot and celery sticks for the perfect crunch element.
Consider This the Quarterback of Classic Recipes
For those who love a sweet and sour kick to their barbecue sauce, this recipe ranks high on the scoreboard. It’s seriously simple, but also packs a flavor punch that your guests will be sure to dig. Get out the slow cooker and spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray. Combine a jar of grape jelly (yes, you heard correctly) and a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce with a bag of Cooked Perfect® Homestyle Meatballs. Cook for 4 hours on high, or low and slow for 6 hours and then serve. All you really need is a toothpick, but if you want to make a meal out of it, pair with rice or a crunchy salad or slaw.
Something Hearty for the Halftime Show
Sliders are great, but what about a mouthwatering mini meatball sub? The smaller version of the Italian classic is a great addition to your Big Game menu and will keep your friends satisfied no matter which team they’re rooting for. Heat Cooked Perfect® Italian Style Meatballs in your favorite tomato sauce for about 20 minutes. Top each sub roll with two meatballs and a slice of provolone cheese, then toast until roll is golden brown and cheese is deliciously melted. Now, that’s something that will have your guests cheering for more!
