4 Easy Recipes for a Winning Tailgate

There’s nothing better than a game day tailgate, especially at USC. Our school is known for its massive pre-football game parties. People all over campus are decked out in cardinal and gold, buzzing with excitement for the game and, best of all, snacking on delicious food. Everyone is getting pumped and fueling up before the big game. Whether you’re throwing a party at your house or apartment or tailgating closer to the Coliseum, you know to come prepared with snacks. Below, I’ve listed some simple game day recipes that are sure to be crowd pleasers.

Pigs in a Blanket

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry
• 16 cocktail franks
• 1 lightly beaten egg

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Cut each pastry into 3 strips, then cut each strip into 4 rectangles. Place one mini frank diagonally on one rectangle and roll it up. Repeat until all are rolled. Place onto tray lined with baking paper and brush with egg. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until golden. 

Pimento Cheese Dip

Ingredients: 

• 6 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup sharp white cheddar, ¾ cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup monterey jack cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 4 oz chopped pimentos
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Directions: Beat cream cheese until soft using hand mixer. Add all remaining ingredients and beat until creamy. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour. 

Ranch Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 (16oz) bottle of ranch
• 2-3 cups of rotini pasta
• 1 chopped green pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cucumbers, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salad seasoning

Directions: Cook pasta, drain and rinse under cold water. Put noodles in bowl and pour ranch over to coat them. Place all chopped ingredients in bowl. Add salad seasoning and mix. Refrigerate until time to serve. 

Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

• 1 package of 10 buttermilk biscuits
• ¼ cup pizza sauce
• 10 slices pepperoni
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Flatten biscuits and press into muffin cups. Put 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each cup. Top each with a slice of pepperoni and spoonful of cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.