(Family Features) It’s game day, which means your party needs food and needs it fast. Use recipes that can pump up the crowd this season and make every game a win.

These quick recipes for an Olive Bar Flatbread and a Mediterranean Nacho Bar can leave the fans in your home screaming for more.

Your fans will almost assuredly be dipping, diving and running for these simple snacks created with fresh ingredients like Sabra Hummus, which is available in more than a dozen flavors in the deli section of your grocery store. Spread it on fluffy flatbread with your favorite veggies to create a snack that fans can go crazy over, or set it out buffet-style for everyone to munch on at halftime.

Find more game day recipes at sabra.com.

Mediterranean Nacho Bar

• Sabra Hummus
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped zucchini (1/4-inch chunks)
• Chopped Greek olives
• Chopped pepperoncinis
• Shredded lettuce
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Grilled chicken
• Pita chips

1. Assemble hummus, tomatoes, green onions, zucchini, olives, pepperoncinis, lettuce, cheese and chicken in buffet format.
2. Serve with pita chips.

Olive Bar Flatbread

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

• 3          tablespoons Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
• 1          flatbread
• 1/2       cup desired vegetables, chopped (olives, roasted peppers, peppadew or artichokes)
• 3          miniature mozzarella balls, sliced
• 2          cups arugula
• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• ½         teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon pepper

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Place hummus on flatbread. Top with desired vegetables and mozzarella.
3. Bake on lower rack 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and browned.
4. Toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on flatbread and serve.

Source: Sabra

Quick and tasty ideas for game day

(Family Features) Take your tailgating game to new heights this season with fresh dishes that are easy to make and serve, whether your tailgating tradition takes place at the game or at home.

Fast prep times and short ingredient lists make these recipes a cinch to prepare in advance and have ready to go as soon as you reach the parking lot or before guests arrive. The star ingredients are naturally hardwood-smoked sausages and seasoned deli meats from Eckrich, which offers a variety of smoked sausage flavors in traditional ropes and bun-length links as well as gluten-free deli meats such as Black Forest ham and oven-roasted turkey, all with just the right blend of seasonings for a rich, savory taste.

You can switch up the flavors of these recipes by subbing in different varieties of smoked sausage, such as replacing the original rope-style smoked sausage with Eckrich Jalapeno & Cheddar Links. The roll-ups are also easy to customize for guests using any type of deli meat, and they’re easy to enjoy on the go if you need a quick bite on the way to the stadium.

Tailgate Like a Pro

Try New Toppings
Smoked sausage and deli meats are easy to add to a bun for an instant meal, and there's plenty of ways to dress your tailgate menu up or down based upon the preferences of your guests. Be sure to keep some basics on hand for those who prefer traditional preparation, but for the more adventurous types, try out these ideas for toppings that create a new dimension of flavor.

• Grilled onion
• Grilled peppers
• Grilled, roasted or sauteed mushrooms
• Spicy mustard
• Flavored ketchup (think spicy, fruity or sweet)
• Ethnic flavors like curry or marinara sauce
• Hot sauce
• Roasted corn relish
• Crumbled or shredded cheese
• Bacon crumbles

Handy Hacks

• Repurpose coffee filters as holders for your sandwiches. They're easy to hold and help keep your favorite toppings contained.
• Up-cycle an empty six-pack container into a convenient cookout caddy to hold napkins, condiments and utensils. Not only is it quick to grab and place on the table, but it helps keep napkins from blowing away in a breeze.
• For kabobs, keep wooden skewers from charring by soaking them in water before threading on ingredients.
• Prepare toppings the night before and arrange them in a disposable foil pan for a quick and easy DIY topping bar.

Million Dollar Moment

This season, Eckrich – the official smoked sausage and deli meat sponsor of the College Football Playoff – is once again hosting the Road to the National Championship sweepstakes. Fans around the country will have the chance to make a 20-yard throw for $1 million at some of the biggest college football games of the season, including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta. Visit EckrichFootball.com for your chance to win.

Find more game-day recipes at Eckrich.com.

Grilled Sausage Skewer Sandwiches

Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          regular size package Eckrich Smoked Sausage
• 1          small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1          red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6          wooden skewers, 10 inches long
• 1/2       cup Italian salad dressing, divided
• 6          bolillo or sandwich rolls, split
• 1          avocado, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1/4       cup cilantro leaves

1. Heat grill to medium-high.
2. Cut sausage into 1/2-inch thick slices. Thread sausage, onion and bell peppers alternately onto skewers. Brush 1/4 cup salad dressing on skewered sausage and vegetables.
3. Grill until sausage is golden brown and vegetables are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes, turning once.
4. Brush remaining salad dressing on rolls. Fill rolls with grilled sausage and vegetables. Divide avocado and cilantro onto each.

Tip: To broil sausage rather than grill, heat broiler to medium-high, follow the same skewer preparation instructions and broil about 10 minutes, or until sausage is golden brown and vegetables are crisp-tender.

Ham and Turkey Roll-ups

Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

• 4          ounces Eckrich Deli Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
• 4          ounces Eckrich Deli Black Forest Ham
• lettuce leaves
• 2          tablespoons chunky guacamole
• 1/4       cup chopped cucumbers
• 1          tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese
• 2          slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1. Layer turkey and ham slices. Layer lettuce, guacamole, cucumber, cheese and bacon crumbles. Roll meat and secure with toothpick.

Potato Salad with Smoked Sausage

Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

• 3/4       regular size package Eckrich Smoked Sausage, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 3          small red potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), cooked and quartered
• 1          can (4 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained and halved
• 2          cups Italian dressing
• 1          green onion, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 2          teaspoons ground black pepper

1. In large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in potatoes; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
2. Add olives, dressing, onions, garlic and pepper; mix lightly.

Source: Eckrich

(Family Features) It’s not just a Spanish, tapas-style thing anymore. At all different types of bars and restaurants across the United States, you’ll find menus that continue to explore ways to feature favorite foods – like pork – in more bite-sized, snack-able ways. Beyond the walls of those eateries, street vendors, food booths and food trucks also are featuring portable, easy-to-eat dishes like kabobs and sliders.

One of the great things about street food is that it’s typically an easy way to sample a variety of dishes and global flavors without having to travel far or sit down to a formal meal – which is what makes these on-the-go options the perfect choice for your next tailgate, especially if juicy, tender pork is on your menu.

Whether at the game or in your backyard, a tailgate party is the perfect opportunity to share small but tasty plates with your neighbors, friends and family – perfect bites to enjoy while keeping a close eye on the action on the field.

Spicy Korean Pork Skewers deliver snack-sized game-winning flavor without a lot of preparation time, and without messy plates and silverware, the clean-up is something to cheer about, too. Marinated in an Asian sauce that gets a bold kick from chili garlic, soy and fresh ginger, bite-sized cubes of pork ribs are skewered and then grilled for an unbeatable addition to your game-day spread.

If you want to keep your menu authentic, serve these Korean pork skewers with white rice. Combine them with other small-plate pork dishes to offer your guests a variety of great-tasting choices.

Find more ways to integrate flavorful, juicy pork into your next tailgate or backyard gathering at www.PorkBeinspired.com and www.Pinterest.com/PorkBeinspired.

Spicy Korean Pork Skewers

Servings: 4

• 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup chili garlic sauce*
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 inches fresh ginger root, skins removed and chopped (or substitute 2 teaspoons ground ginger)
• 4 tablespoons filtered sake or dry sherry (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil*
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

1. In large bowl combine chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, ginger, sake, sesame oil and brown sugar and whisk to form a marinade. Add pork to marinade and let sit for 20 minutes.
2. Heat indoor grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
3. Thread marinated pork on skewers, about four to five pieces per skewer. Transfer skewers to grill and cook uncovered, turning to brown evenly every two to three minutes until tender, about 10 minutes total. Serve immediately.

*You can find chili garlic sauce and sesame oil in the ethnic or Asian section of most major supermarkets.

Quick Tip: Make sure to leave plenty of room on the grill between each skewer to avoid overcrowding the meat and to ensure even cooking.

Source: National Pork Board

Makes 4 servings

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 shot bourbon* (optional)

1. Heat vegetable oil in sauté pan over high heat.
2. Add butter to pan and brown slightly.
3. Add onions to pan and sear for about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add brown sugar and salt. Stir well and continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes or until onions are light brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. When onions began to caramelize add bourbon. Continue cooking until all liquid is cooked off and onions are a nice brown color.

*For regular caramelized onions omit bourbon.

Source: Omaha Steaks

Apps and starters perfect for game day

(Family Features) Rules may vary from one event to the next, but whether your favorite team kicks it, runs it or dunks it, sports fans and food always provide a winning combo. Gather your friends for the next big game with a menu that gets everyone revved up for a win.

A lineup filled with starters is just the ticket for a game day watch party or tailgate. Offering a series of finger foods and lighter fare lets your fellow fans grab a quick bite before the game or during a commercial break and continue snacking through the game.

Make no mistake, serving up a lighter menu doesn’t mean you need to skimp on quality – just the opposite, in fact. Make every bite count by using exceptional ingredients and introducing unexpected flavors such as the distinctive taste of Jarlsberg Brand Cheese, which has a rich, 60-year Norwegian heritage. Best known as a classic wedge, this mild, mellow and nutty cheese can also be served sliced, shredded and cubed.

Quesadillas are always a hit, and this version combines the best of gooey, melted cheese with bacon and a deliciously tangy salsa for a lively burst of fresh flavor. Then keep the mouthwatering cheese and bacon combos coming with a whole new take on grilled kebabs.

No game day is complete without pizza, and this one scores big with its unexpected blend of flavors for a pie that is smoky and tangy, sweet and savory, and briny and creamy all at once. Then round out your menu with these easy sliders that are big on flavor and small on prep time.

Find more ideas to liven up your game day menu at jarlsberg.com.

Hawaiian Sliders with Cheese, Ham and Pork

Servings: 3

• 3 Hawaiian bread slider buns
• 1 cup pulled pork
• 3 slices ham
• 3 slices Jarlsberg cheese
• sliced pickles
• Dijon mustard, to taste

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Separate buns and layer pulled pork, sliced ham and cheese. Place sliders on oven-safe tray and bake about 10 minutes, or until cheese melts. Remove from oven and gently remove top bun. Add pickles and mustard before serving.

Cheese and Bacon Kebabs

Servings: 4

• 18 slices bacon
• 2 1/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, cubed
• 18 pearl onions
• 12 long skewers

Relish:

• 1/4 cup roasted bell peppers
• 1 1/3 tablespoons capers
• 2 2/3 tablespoons olives
• 1/4 cup cucumber
• 3 1/3 ounces olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice and grated zest
• salt
• pepper

1. Cut bacon slices in half and wrap around cheese cubes. Place cheese cubes and pearl onions on each skewer, alternating ingredients. Roast in pan or on grill 2-3 minutes on each side.
2. To make relish, chop peppers, capers, olives and cucumber, and mix with olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper.

Grilled Pizza with Cheese, Prosciutto and Figs

Servings: 4

• 2 cups pizza or tomato sauce
• 4 1/2 cups pizza dough
• flour, for rolling
• 3 1/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, coarsely grated
• 2 1/2 cups thinly sliced prosciutto
• 8 dried figs, each cut into six wedges
• dried red pepper flakes
• black pepper

1. Heat grill and warm pizza sauce.
2. Divide dough into desired number of pizzas. On floured surface, roll dough into long, thin ovals and spread with sauce. Sprinkle light layer of cheese over sauce. Add layer of prosciutto and a second layer of cheese. Dot with fig pieces then season with red pepper flakes and pepper.
3. Reduce grill heat, slide pizzas onto grill and close lid. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until crust is lightly charred and cheese is melted.

Cheese Quesadillas

Servings: 4

• 4 slices thick slab bacon
• 1 small chili pepper
• 4 medium tomatoes
• 1 small shallot
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon coriander or cumin
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 small lime (juice and zest)
• 6 slices Jarlsberg Original or Hickory Smoked cheese
• 2 large tortillas

1. Fry bacon, drain and chop.
2. To make salsa, remove seeds from chili pepper and finely dice. Chop tomatoes then dice shallot and garlic clove. Combine pepper, tomatoes, shallot and garlic with lime juice, coriander, salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Divide cheese slices and bacon on one half of each tortilla, top with 1/4 cup salsa and fold tortilla over, pressing down to close. In medium-hot, lightly oiled pan, toast tortillas about 1 minute on each side.
4. Cut each tortilla in half and serve with remaining salsa on the side, or combine salsa with black beans and fresh chopped cilantro to make a side salad.

Source: Jarlsberg Cheese

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