Now that the big game is approaching super fast, planning an epic party can start to get pretty stressful. Never fear, I am here to help!
Today I’m going to be sharing some tips for an easy, breezy football party. Spoiler alert: it’s all in the planning and being organized! PLUS, a recipe for a killer everything cheese ball at the end!
NOM. More on this deliciousness later!
To me, the secret to the success of party planning is making lists. First, get a menu planned. List out a bunch of ideas of items you want for the party. For a smooth day of set up, choose items that are easy to put together and can be made ahead of it.
Use ingredients that pack in the flavor without busting the bank. Next, make your grocery list. Top of my list for this party was fun, snacking items. I’m a sucker for crunchy snacks!
I got a variety of flavors so there would be something all my guests enjoyed. Along with putting out the Cheez-It Crunch’d for snacking, I made a variety of dips and treats. I served my Everything Cheese Ball with the sharp white cheddar Cheez-It Grooves. I made Chocolate Potato Chip Cookies with the lightly salted Pringles. An easy homemade bean dip and store bought salsa went perfectly with the zesty salsa and original Pringles Tortillas chips.
I also laid out BLT sliders, Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pinwheels and Sparkling Citrus Punch! WOW, this sure was a great spread but so easy to put together right before the party. Here comes my next party planning tip, make items ahead of time!
Make a prep list of items you know will last. I was able to make the cookies, bean dip, bacon for the sliders, pinwheels AND cheese ball all the day before. I KNOW. Easy peasy, just finishing touches the next day made putting the party together so much less stressful!
I left the decor festive but extremely simple. I really wanted the food to shine! A football inspired vinyl tablecloth (easy clean up for extra excited sports fans! SCORE), cute stuffed footballs, fun yet functional napkins and referee black and white striped straws really added that sporty touch I wanted.
Another tip, get fun items like these cheap on websites and keep them all year round so you can have a fun sports party anytime!
Everything Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 4 tsp poppy seeds
- 4 tsp sesame seeds
- 4 tsp dried garlic
- 4 tsp dried onion flakes
- 2 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 Cup sour cream
- 1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 6 sliced bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Mix together the dried spiced in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add in the cream cheese and sour cream. Mash the two together until they are thoroughly combined. Add in the cheese, scallions and bacon and stir to combine.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on counter, scoop out mixture in a large ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and form into a round ball. Place in fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, unwrap from plastic wrap. Place spice mixture onto a plate and roll the cheese ball in the seasonings until the outside is coated. Serve with your favorite chips and crackers, enjoy!
In a large bowl, add in the cream cheese and sour cream. Mash the two together until they are thoroughly combined. Add in the cheese, scallions and bacon and stir to combine.
Place a piece of plastic wrap on counter, scoop out mixture in a large ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and form into a round ball. Place in fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.
When ready to serve, unwrap from plastic wrap.
Place spice mixture onto a plate and roll the cheese ball in the seasonings until the outside is coated. Serve with your favorite chips and crackers, enjoy!
Seriously, this stuff is so bursting with flavor you just need a little bit on each cracker!
Here is my last little tip for throwing a smooth football party! Once the game gets going everyone will be so into it they won’t want to keep getting up for more snacks. Bring the snacks to them!
AND, you can never go wrong throwing a few puppies in the mix, LOL! I hope you enjoyed today’s recipe and party planning tips. Do you like to serve more appetizer like foods at your parties like me or a full meal? Leave me your favorite game day foods in the comments!
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Dana DeVolk
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Krista says
January 27, 2015 at 8:51 pmOh my goodness Yum!!! I love cheeseballs & everything bagels… I need to try this! Thanks for sharing at Wake Up Wednesday!
Stephanie says
January 28, 2015 at 9:29 amI’m a sucker for a good cheeseball! This sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Samantha K says
January 30, 2015 at 11:53 pmI really need to make this cheese ball! Your party looks like fun!! #client
Lindsay Eidahl says
February 1, 2015 at 1:12 pmThis cheese ball looks so good! Thank you for sharing on Show Me Saturday!
Elizabeth says
February 3, 2015 at 10:54 pmWow! Look at that spread. Wish I was at your party. Yum. Pinned. Thanks for linking up at Snickerdoodle!
Dawn says
April 3, 2015 at 1:02 pmThat is some cheese ball! I’m printing out the recipe now, and linking this to my site! Thanks for sharing.
Erin says
December 7, 2017 at 6:26 pmGreat recipe! This cheese ball is amazing! Made it for thanksgiving and a Christmas party and it was a hit! I did leave the salt out of the 2nd one I made. I thought it was a bit too salty but even with the salt it was delicious!