(Family Features) Before the end zone dances and sideline celebrations, settling in for a winning game day experience starts with delicious foods. Whether your football parties take place at home, in the backyard or right outside the stadium, kicking it off with savory appetizers can get the crowd on its feet.

Keep your game plan simple this season and light up the scoreboard with fan favorites like dips and wings. These versions are both easy to prepare and can be enjoyed fresh or made in advance and kept warm or reheated to energize your fellow diehards.

Visit Culinary.net to find more touchdown-worthy tailgate recipes.

Add Savory Spice to Game Day Celebrations

Powering up for a successful game day starts with a pregame spread, and no tailgate or homegate is complete without a spicy dip that brings the heat.

This Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect solution for firing up your crowd as it requires little preparation so you save precious time before kickoff. Whether you bake shortly before the game begins or make it ahead of time for a parking lot party, simply keep it warm and serve with chips or veggie sticks for a quick, shareable appetizer.

Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip

Servings: 3-4

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, plus additional for topping, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 heavy pinch dried dill
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• blue cheese crumbles
• chips
• vegetable sticks

1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. In bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and dried dill until combined. Add hot sauce; mix until combined.
3. Transfer mixture from bowl to oven-safe dish. Top with additional shredded cheese, to taste.
4. Bake until cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.
5. Top with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion.
6. Serve warm with chips and vegetable sticks.

Score a Touchdown with a Game Day Dip

One of the best ways to take tailgating to the next level this season is by making healthier versions of classic game day fare. For example, you can be the MVP of your game day gathering with a delicious, hall-of-fame-worthy appetizer. Call an audible by using fresh, easy and healthy ingredients to make it better for you and score extra points with family and friends.

This Game Day Taco Dip takes fan-favorite flavors – beef, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes and black olives – and adds a twist with the Fresh Express Butter Supreme Salad kit. This tasty, colorful blend of green butter lettuce, red butter lettuce, radicchio and baby chard is available in the refrigerated produce department and is perfect for creating healthier versions of beloved tailgating dips, snacks, finger foods and more.

Visit FreshExpress.com to discover more winning game day recipe ideas and find a retailer near you.

Game Day Taco Dip

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans, zesty salsa flavor
• 1 jar (16 ounces) thick and chunky salsa, medium or hot
• 2 cups guacamole
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 packages (5 ounces each) Fresh Express Butter Supreme
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
• 1 package (14 ounces) tortilla chips

1. In skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef 5 minutes, or until no longer pink. Sprinkle with taco seasoning; mix well. Add water; cook 2 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Transfer to bowl; cool to room temperature. Add cilantro; mix well.
2. In 9-inch pie plate, evenly spread refried beans; top with seasoned ground beef and salsa. Add spoonfuls of guacamole across top of salsa then carefully spread to smooth.
3. Place sour cream in small resealable bag; cut off corner. Pipe sour cream to create football shape on guacamole.
4. Put pie plate in center of 15-by-18-inch tray. Arrange salad blend around pie plate. Top with cheddar cheese, tomatoes and olives. Serve with tortilla chips.

Just Wing It

Skip the silverware at your next homegate and dive right in with a fan favorite that requires just your hands and a heap of napkins: wings.

Whether you pick through your pieces or clean each wing to the bone, these Game Day Chicken Wings are perfect for eaters of all types. A simple flour-based coating keeps the recipe easy to make and baking in the oven means you can skip the messy fryer or firing up the grill.

Cook until crispy then corral your party’s favorite dipping sauces from ranch and blue cheese to barbecue and more. Once your spread is served, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the game.

Game Day Chicken Wings

Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 chicken wingettes, thawed
• dipping sauces (optional)
• fresh parsley (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Line baking sheet with foil. Arrange butter cubes on foil.
3. In medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Coat both sides of wings in flour mixture then evenly space among butter cubes on baking sheet.
5. Bake wings 30 minutes.
6. Turn wings over and bake 15 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked.
7. Serve with dipping sauces and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.

Source: Fresh Express

(Culinary.net) Powering up for a successful game day starts with a pregame spread, and no tailgate or homegate is complete without a spicy dip that brings the heat.

This Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect solution for firing up your crowd as it requires little preparation so you save precious time before kickoff. Whether you bake shortly before the game begins or make it ahead of time for a parking lot party, simply keep it warm and serve with chips or veggie sticks for a quick, shareable appetizer.

Find more ways to turn up the heat on game day at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip
Servings: 3-4

• 2          cups shredded chicken
• 8          ounces cream cheese
• 1/2       cup sour cream
• 1 1/2    cups sharp cheddar cheese, plus additional for topping, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          heavy pinch dried dill
• 1/2       cup hot sauce
• 2          green onions, chopped
• blue cheese crumbles
• chips
• vegetable sticks

1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. In bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and dried dill until combined. Add hot sauce; mix until combined.
3. Transfer mixture from bowl to oven-safe dish. Top with additional shredded cheese, to taste.
4. Bake until cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.
5. Top with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion.
6. Serve warm with chips and vegetable sticks.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) On those busy evenings when brainstorming a meal the whole family agrees on seems like a tall task, turning to a versatile protein can open a bevy of options. The next time your loved ones are stuck in a dinnertime rut, discover the versatility of veal to present a list of new meal possibilities.

Pairing your favorite traditional mealtime flavors with veal can allow you to uncover family-friendly dishes with familiar taste. Add excitement to the weekly menu with a recipe like these Crunchy Buffalo Baked Veal Cutlet Sandwiches, which offers the classic combination of Buffalo sauce and blue cheese in a dish that requires less than an hour in the kitchen.

Thin veal cutlets are dredged in flour, hot sauce and breadcrumbs before hitting the oven. Once baked, the cutlets are added to your favorite type of roll and topped with blue cheese broccoli slaw and as much additional Buffalo sauce as you desire for a flavor-packed meal your loved ones can savor together.

Find more ways to discover veal’s versatility at Veal.org.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Crunchy Buffalo Baked Veal Cutlet Sandwiches

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          package broccoli slaw
• 1/2       cup blue cheese dressing
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon black pepper
• 1          cup flour
• 4-6       tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/3       cup Buffalo-style hot sauce, plus additional for serving, divided
• 1          cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3/4       cup blue cheese crumbles
• 8          veal cutlets, pounded about 1/8-inch thick
• 4          sub rolls

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.  Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In medium bowl, using tongs, lightly toss broccoli slaw and blue cheese dressing.
3. In shallow bowl, stir together salt, pepper and flour.
4. In separate shallow bowl, whisk melted butter and hot sauce until combined.
5. In bowl of food processor, pulse panko and blue cheese crumbles until combined. Transfer mixture to plate.
6. Pat veal cutlets dry with paper towels. Dredge one veal cutlet in seasoned flour then coat with hot sauce and butter mixture. Place cutlet on top of panko blue cheese crumbs and gently press down to coat one side. Turn cutlet over and press down again gently to coat, including edges. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cutlets
7. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F.
8. Cut rolls in half, add two cutlets per roll, top each with broccoli slaw mixture and drizzle lightly with Buffalo-style hot sauce.

Substitution: Ranch may be used for blue cheese.

Source:  Veal.org

(Family Features) Tender, juicy, flame-kissed and seasoned just right — there may not be anything more satisfying than a perfectly grilled steak.

These recipes and grilling tips from the steak experts at Omaha Steaks will help you put the perfect steak on your plate any time you want.

Get more grilling recipes at www.omahasteaks.com. You can also download the free Steak Time app to get exclusive recipes and an innovative grilling timer.

Peppercorn Crusted Strip Steaks

Serves 4

• 4 Omaha Steaks Strip Loin Steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 teaspoons coarsely ground black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground sea salt
• 4 teaspoons garlic cloves, minced

1. Preheat grill on high.
2. In small bowl, combine black peppercorns, salt and garlic.
3. Blot steaks dry with a clean paper towel.
4. Brush both sides of steaks with olive oil.
5. Evenly apply rub on to one side of each steak.
6. Grill steaks to desired doneness. Use Steak Time app or grilling chart to determine correct cooking times.
7. Serve steaks with rub side up.

Buffalo Sirloin Tips

Serves 4 to 6

• 1 pound Omaha Steaks Sirloin Tips
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chile powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 to 6 bamboo or stainless steel skewers
• 1 recipe Buffalo Sauce
• Leaves green leaf lettuce
• Optional celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing

1. Preheat grill on high.
2. Prepare Buffalo Sauce.
3. Blot sirloin tips dry with a clean paper towel.
4. In small mixing bowl, combine sirloin tips, salt, chile powder and pepper.
5. Thread seasoned sirloin tips onto skewers, keeping the thickness even and allowing space between each piece.
6. Place skewers on grill and cook to desired doneness. Use Steak Time app or grilling chart to determine correct cooking times.
7. Remove skewers from grill and use tongs to slide cooked sirloin tips into a large bowl.
8. Toss cooked tips with Buffalo Sauce until well coated.
9. Use a toothpick to remove tips from bowl onto a plate lined with lettuce leaves.
10. Pour extra sauce into a dipping cup and serve with tips. If desired, serve with celery or dressings.

Buffalo Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons chile sauce

1. Mix ingredients in mixer or food processor until completely combined.

Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter Medallions

Serves 4

• 4 Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon Steaks
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 recipe Garlic Butter

1. Preheat grill on high.
2. Season steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Grill steaks to desired doneness. Use Steak Time app or grilling chart to determine correct cooking times.
4. Just before removing the steaks from the grill, place a generous medallion slice of Garlic Butter on each steak.
5. Let steaks rest 2 minutes, while butter continues to melt and then serve.

Garlic Butter

Serves 4 to 6

• 2 heads garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 pound unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice half an inch off tops of garlic heads and place on baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over garlic and cover with tented foil. Roast in oven for 1 hour.
4. Remove garlic from oven and let cool until able to handle. Squeeze roasted garlic out of the skin into food processor or blender.
5. Add butter, salt, Worcestershire and parsley, blend all ingredients together.
6. Place mixture in middle of a large piece of plastic wrap. Form into a log and wrap tightly.
7. Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours. Butter will keep for several weeks in refrigerator.

Ribeye Steak with Shallot Demi-Glace

Serves 4

• 4 Omaha Steaks Rib Eye Steaks
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup Shallot Demi-Glace

1. Prepare Shallot Demi-Glace sauce.
2. Blot steaks dry with a clean paper towel.
3. Preheat grill on high. Season steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Grill steaks to desired doneness using Steak Time app or grilling chart.
5. Place steaks on serving plate and sauce with the Shallot Demi-Glace.

Shallot Demi-Glace

Serves 4

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 cup demi-glace (can be found in most grocery and specialty food stores)
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oil in a small sauce pan.
2. Add shallots and cook them for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Shallots should be well browned and some should be blackened.
3. Add red wine and reduce liquid by 2/3.
4. Add demi-glace and bring to a boil. Reduce sauce while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes or until desired consistency reached. If desired, add salt and pepper.

Top 5 Tips for Perfect Grilling

1. Clean and pre-heat grill on high.
2. Lightly oil and season everything before you put it on the grill. This helps the searing process and prevents sticking.
3. Sear the outside of steaks when grilling, using tongs or a spatula to turn the meat, and cover the grill as much as possible during the grilling process to help lock in the great flavor and to prevent flare-ups.
4. Use the 60/40 grilling method. Grill for 60 percent of the time on the first side, then grill 40 percent of the time after you turn over the food. This will give you an evenly cooked steak.
5. Place your cooked steak on a clean plate and allow to rest for five minutes before serving to retain moisture and juiciness.

How Long?

Here’s how long you should keep steaks on the heat for grilling perfection. Cooking times are in minutes and based on fully-thawed steaks.