Touchdown Football Tailgate Spread (Print Version)

A festive spread featuring wings, potato skins, sausages, veggie sticks, and creamy dips perfect for game day.

# Components:

→ Chicken Wings

01 - 3.3 pounds chicken wings, separated at joints, tips removed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Potato Skins

07 - 4 large russet potatoes
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
13 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Mini Sausages

14 - 14 ounces smoked cocktail sausages
15 - ½ cup barbecue sauce

→ Veggie Platter

16 - 2 cups celery sticks
17 - 2 cups carrot sticks
18 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
19 - 1 cup cucumber slices

→ Dips

20 - 1 cup sour cream
21 - ½ cup mayonnaise
22 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
23 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
24 - Salt and pepper to taste
25 - 1 cup ranch dressing

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 425°F.
02 - Toss chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Arrange evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
03 - Scrub russet potatoes, prick with a fork, and bake directly on the oven rack for 1 hour or until tender. Allow to cool slightly, then slice in half and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a ½-inch shell intact.
04 - Brush potato skins with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down on a baking sheet. Fill each with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Finish by sprinkling with sliced green onions.
05 - Combine smoked cocktail sausages and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat evenly.
06 - Place celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices attractively on a large serving platter.
07 - In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set ranch dressing in a separate bowl.
08 - Arrange baked chicken wings, loaded potato skins, sauced mini sausages, and fresh veggie sticks on a large platter. Serve with the prepared dips alongside.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy chicken wings and hearty potato skins that satisfy
  • Variety of flavors and textures to please every guest
02 -
  • Substitute turkey or cauliflower wings for a lighter or vegetarian option
  • Potato flesh can be reserved for mashed potatoes or another recipe
03 -
  • Add guacamole or spicy salsa for extra flavor
  • Pair with light beers, ales, or sparkling water with lemon
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