Buffalo-Style Snacks for Game Day
Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
When Buffalo chicken wings hit the snack table on football Sunday, it’s game over. No other snack food can compete — no matter how cheesy or spicy it is. The focus shifts from the TV to the saucy grub as each guest reaches to get his or her fair share (or more).
The sauce, traditionally made with a mixture of butter and hot sauce, is the reason the wings are so irresistible. And while it makes an awesome coating for baked or fried chicken, there’s no limit to where you can apply that beloved flavor combination. Even vegetables taste great dressed in the tangy mixture. Below are some new takes on Buffalo-style snacks that’ll give traditional wings a run for their money.
Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Sauce (pictured above)
On Sundays, it can be hard not to undo your week’s worth of healthy eating. But Buffalo cauliflower will make it easier. With a fraction of the calories and fat, it’s a good and satisfying alternative that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out.
Matt Armendariz, 2012, Television Food Network, GP. All Rights Reserved
Combine two comfort foods and make them mini. For these cocktail hot dog sliders, it’s all about the blue cheese sauce and hot pepper sauce drizzle. Red onions and crushed blue chips add a bonus crunch.
Con Poulos
With a crumbled blue cheese panko topping and a hot-sauce-infused cheese sauce, Food Network Magazine’s mac and cheese incorporates all the key Buffalo wing flavors. There’s even celery (which is often served on the side of wings to go with the blue cheese dip) mixed in with the spicy rotisserie chicken.
2012, Television Food NEtwork, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Consider these crispy bites filled with oozing cheddar and spicy Buffalo chicken game-day croquettes. The creamy blue cheese dip should not be underestimated. Garlic, Worcestershire sauce, a touch of lemon juice and, yes, more hot sauce match up to the bold flavors of the fried balls.
Antonis Achilleos
This quick-fix dinner is perfect for a Monday or Thursday night game. The whole meal, including the grilled corn, takes just 30 minutes.
Raymond Hom
No one will complain about fresh veggies in the snack spread when there’s also Buffalo-style hummus. Just a touch of barbecue sauce and hot sauce adds a smoky flavor with a kick. Suddenly those carrot and celery sticks become more appealing.
You’ll find plenty of more ways to satisfy your Buffalo craving here, including meatballs (pictured above), patatas bravas and stuffed mushrooms. And if all you want is your classic chicken-and-Buffalo-sauce combination, that’s there too.
