The Vikings are unfortunately out of the playoffs, but that pain was eased every so slightly by beating the Lions on Christmas and simultaneously ending any hopes Detroit still had for the postseason.
Now in a season-finale matchup with the Packers, there’s simply nothing to play for other than bragging rights over a divisional opponent. That is a good amount of fun and reason to watch for die-hard fans, but for those who aren’t as locked in to the context of the situation and just want to be there for the game-day vibes, the food you’re serving will help give them an experience to remember.
With that in mind, here’s a quick and convenient three-course menu for your game day tailgate, whether that’s in the actual lots around the stadium or in the comfort of your own home.
Let’s dig in!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
I dare you to find any notable holiday or game day gathering in the Midwest that does not feature this absolute staple.
Christmas just ended and New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. More than likely, you’ve got some leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip sitting in your fridge right now or you likely plan on making some for the big bash you’re headed to this weekend.
The thing is: Are you in any way tired of eating this dish? No, not at all. Bring on the hot, cheesy, creamy goodness that calls the Crock Pot its home.
Tater Tot Hotdish
Now this is one of those dishes that, if you aren’t from the state of Minnesota, you may have never heard of. I know that was the case with me (from Iowa) when I started dating my now-wife who grew up in the Twin Cities area. Her mother brought a “Tater Tot Mock Taco Hot Dish” (say that three times fast) to a family dinner and I, in all honestly, thought she had spoken in tongues for a moment.
For those who are more familiar with the word “casserole”, this is essentially the same thing. Based on the name, you can probably surmise that the foundation of the dish is a nice hot batch of tater tots. From there, you’re able to customize the entree to your heart’s content. While the traditional people over there will stick with some combination of ground beef, peas, carrots, and a can of cream of mushroom soup, my mother-in-law likes to work in ingredients such as black beans, corn, salsa, and taco seasoning to give the dish a whole new look.
If you’re a breakfast person, you can even make a hearty bacon, egg, and cheese tater tot hotdish for those early games that will surely keep your guests stuffed until kickoff.
Whatever you can think of, just put it with some tater tots and profit.
Juicy Lucy
The classic Minnesota burger that still has people fighting over who actually invented it.
An original “Juicy Lucy” is a burger constructed out of two patties smashed together around a block of cheese that becomes a creamy explosion of goodness after being cooked to your liking. Over the years the Lucy has taken on many forms with toppings and different cheeses utilized inside, but I promise there’s nothing more classic and tasty than the original.
Whether you’re a believer that Matt’s Bar came up with this meaty sensation or you’re a loyal 5-8 Club member and believe they were the geniuses behind it, you’re always going to remember your first Lucy.
And also probably your second, third, fourth…
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