Is it just us, or does this late summer feel more autumn-y than normal? The temperatures are mercifully below triple digits, and there have been spots of rain in the forecast. It may be an unfamiliar feeling for most Texans, but it’s perfect for the start of college football season (or Labor Day weekend, if sports aren’t your thing).
The surprisingly not-that-hot weather is even better for indulging in some cold-weather favorites, whether you’re watching the game at home or dragging a smoker out to the stadium parking lot. Speaking of smokers, throwing some turkey legs on one will make you feel like a king for a day. Or maybe you’re a guest who wants to bring something more low-effort: bean dip is for you. And all you party animals can keep the energy up with martinis.
Whether you’re donning burnt orange for the Longhorns’ SEC debut or—for all you NFL devotees—gearing up for what must surely be the Cowboys’ year, let these recipes fuel your game-day spirit.
Bean Dip
Classic Frito-Lay bean dip is football season in a bowl, with just a whiff capable of taking you back to lazy childhood weekends with games perpetually on the TV. Just dump all the ingredients into a food processor to whip up this version in time for kickoff.
Calabaza con Pollo Nachos
These aren’t your typical stadium nachos—forget about the unnaturally orange cheese goo and sliced, pickled jalapeños. This more-upscale recipe combines squash gravy, chicken chile verde, and roasted squash seeds for a deliciously filling appetizer.
Instant Pot Jalapeño-Popper Deviled Eggs
Bacon and jalapeño add an exciting twist on this game-day classic, with the bonus of using an Instant Pot to hard-boil your eggs to perfection. No hovering over the stove for you.
Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings With Curry Lime Sauce
It ain’t game day without wings—we don’t make the rules. But, if you want to bend the rules ever so slightly, you can make a less traditional version of the standard with this truly finger-licking-good curry sauce.
50:50 Freezer Martini
Maybe you’re elated at a high-scoring first half or frustrated by low-performing players. Either way, there’s one thing you can rely on: the martini that’s ready when you are. Make this batched recipe hours, or even days, ahead of time and let it chill in the freezer until you really need it.
All-purpose Instant Pot Chicken With Tomatoes and Chiles
This flexible recipe whipped up in an Instant Pot is a healthier alternative to chili. The only hard part is deciding whether you want to serve it folded into tortillas for tacos or enchiladas or ladled into a bowl with rice.
Smoked Turkey Legs
If you have at least a day to prep and hours to cook, go for these tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside turkey legs. No longer do you have to wait for the annual State Fair of Texas to enjoy gnawing your way to the bone.
Chili Onion Rings
Let the Texas sweet onion be the star of the show by deep-frying it. Savor the combination of the crunchy batter and your dip of choice.
Cowboy Cookies
You don’t have to be a Dallas Cowboys fan to enjoy these sweet treats. These cookies can serve as either a celebratory dessert or a postgame mood booster. Regardless, end your game day on a high note!
Bonus: If you decide to order a tray of barbecue for your tailgate function, we have three ways to transform leftover smoked meat into easy weeknight meals for days.
