(Family Features) Gathering for the big game is a source of annual excitement for fans across the country, but the moment is as much about connecting with family and friends as it is the action on the field. The superstar of the celebrations is often the food, from snacks and appetizers to full-blown meals and tasty sweets.

For a better-for-you way to grub out at gametime, this Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip from Milk Means More features essential nutrients provided by yogurt so you can enjoy a football favorite that nourishes both the body and soul.

Find more game day recipes at MilkMeansMore.org.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip

Recipe courtesy of Liz Della Croce of “The Lemon Bowl” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1          can (15 ounces) fat-free, refried beans
• 1          cup salsa
• 2          cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1          tablespoon cumin
• 1          tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1          teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 2          avocados
• 1/2       cup cilantro, minced, divided
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          lime, juice only
• 1/2       cup scallions, minced
• 2          Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/4       cup black olives, sliced
• tortilla chips

1. In small bowl, mix refried beans and salsa. Spread mixture in thin layer on bottom of large platter.
2. In separate small bowl, whisk yogurt, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cayenne, if desired. Spread mixture on top of bean layer.
3. In third bowl, mash avocados with 1/4 cup cilantro, garlic powder, lime juice and remaining salt. Spread guacamole on top of yogurt layer.
4. Sprinkle dip with minced scallions, diced tomatoes, black olives and remaining cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(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) Back and forth action for four quarters keeps fans on their feet, but a mouthwatering menu is what homegating and tailgating are truly all about. Keep your crowd energized by loading your game day playbook with recipes that are just as exciting as the game itself.

Meld together traditional tailgate tastes with these Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.” They’re perfect for serving during the pregame festivities to power up your fellow diehards or as a halftime snack to recharge for a second half surge.

Starring the vibrant flavor of Fresh Cravings Salsa and its homemade-tasting alternative to softer, duller blends of jarred salsa, this appetizer offers a savory solution you can enjoy all season long. Made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices, the salsas make a perfect addition to a variety of recipes to take homegating to the next level.

Visit FreshCravings.com to find more homegate recipes worthy of the hall of fame.

Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites

Recipe courtesy of chef George Duran
Yield: 16 biscuit bites

• 1          tube biscuit dough (8 biscuits total)
• 7          ounces grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4       cup jarred jalapenos, chopped
• 8          slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1          cup Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa
• nonstick cooking spray

1. Preheat air fryer to 350-360 F.
2. Divide each biscuit in half by pulling apart in centers. Use hands to flatten each biscuit into circles. Set aside.
3. In bowl, mix mozzarella cheese with chopped jalapenos, bacon and salsa.
4. Add heaping spoonful into each flattened biscuit and pinch each together tightly to form balls. Top each with small amount of salsa mixture.
5. Spray nonstick cooking spray in air fryer and, working in batches, cook biscuit bites 6-9 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve warm.

Note: If air fryer access is unavailable, biscuit bites can be baked 8-10 minutes at 400 F in oven, or until golden brown.

Source: Fresh Cravings

(Family Features) Whether you’re hosting a big game party at home or hitting the road to join friends and family, scoring a touchdown with the crowd starts by supplying superstar snacks.

As one of the most popular foods at many watch parties, the options are endless when it comes to America’s favorite guac. From spicy versions with a cayenne pepper kick to bacon-loaded recipes worthy of a trophy, what’s your guac of choice? Check out these game worthy recipes, and surprising facts from Avocados From Mexico.

A Hall of Fame-Worthy Food

Did you know that guacamole from all of the avocados sold for big game parties could fill an entire stadium 12 feet high? You can join the millions of game watchers who plan to enjoy their guac with this Championship Guacamole recipe, a real craving crusher that can help make your crowd go wild. Smooth, crunchy, smoky and salty flavors all team up to sack hunger with a bacon blitz.

Spark Good Times

Light a fire under your crowd this year with Victory Guacamole, a perfect party recipe sure to spark good times. Take your tacos to the next level or dip a chip in this fiery recipe. Just one taste will win you over and victory is always good.

From the Farm to Your Table

If you’re eating guacamole during the big game, it’s likely to come from No. 1-selling Avocados From Mexico. During January and leading up to the big game, more than 95% of avocados in the U.S. come from Mexico, according to the Hass Avocado Board. Michoacan is the state in Mexico where avocados grow all year and can meet the U.S. demand due to its rich volcanic soil, natural irrigation and unique topography.

With a unique combination of good health (with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals) and good taste, adding avocados to your big game party sparks good times.

To find more information about avocados, explore AFM’s digital kitchen and find even more guacamole recipes, visit avocadosfrommexico.com/big-game/kitchen.

Source: Avocados From Mexico

(Family Features) Gear up for a game day experience to remember with satisfying snacks that energize your crowd. As almost everyone’s favorite part of homegating, the foods you serve can elevate your watch party from benchwarmer to all star status.

Delicious snacks that include salsa offer an easy-to-make option that keeps fans cheering the entire game. According to the Game Day Eats Report from Fresh Cravings, 22% of guests would insist on running out to pick up salsa if it wasn’t available for the feast; 18% would even be devastated and consider leaving.

Consider these Stuffed Peppers from chef Anthony Serrano, a simple snack he makes for his family on game day for a crowd-pleasing solution that scores high fives from the opening play to the final whistle.  

Made with the bold flavors of Fresh Cravings Salsa and its combination of vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices, it’s a vibrant way to add some authentic homemade taste to the table.

Visit FreshCravings.com for more homegating appetizers and snacks.
 

Stuffed Peppers

Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano

• 6          bell peppers, halved lengthwise and deseeded
• 1          tablespoon avocado oil
• 1          teaspoon sea salt
• 16        ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Style Salsa
• 2          cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
• 2          cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2          pounds 80% lean ground beef, cooked, lightly seasoned and drained
• 1          bunch cilantro, chopped

1. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of bell peppers with avocado oil and season with salt. Grill peppers on each side 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Add salsa, riced cauliflower and 1 cup cheddar cheese to cooked ground beef. Stir and return to heat until cheese begins to melt.
4. Place bell peppers on sheet pan or casserole dish. Use large spoon to fill peppers with ground beef mixture. Top stuffed peppers with remaining cheese.
5. Return to grill and grill approximately 15-20 minutes, or until cheese begins to caramelize.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Garnish with cilantro.

Source: Fresh Cravings

Ready-for-action recipes to feed fans

(Family Features) When game day arrives and your crowd is ready to crank up the heat, turning to appetizers and dishes that feed the whole group can help save the season. You can defend against overly complicated recipes with long cook times by instead opting for finger foods and handheld snacks that allow for more pregame prep and less cleanup after the final whistle.

For example, setting up a chili bar allows for convenient eating throughout the game as it's easy to keep warm for hours. To give your guests a variety of flavors to choose from, these recipes for bacon-wrapped potatoes and ribs glazed with a sweet-hot sauce involve short ingredients lists and simple preparation to keep you out of the kitchen and into the game.

To find more recipe inspiration for game day, visit Culinary.net.

A Perfect Pregame Warmup

As one of the ultimate comfort foods, chili is an ideal watch-party snack: easy to prepare, stays warm in a slow cooker and can be personalized by guests with a wide variety of toppings. Consider adorning your bowl with a combination of these add-ons:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Ketchup
• Hot sauce
• Jalapenos
• Green onions
• Chives
• Olives
• Diced avocado
• Diced tomato
• Bacon bits
• Corn chips
• Crackers

Score Big with Little Potatoes

Part of the fun of the Big Game is the food, and you can score big points by serving up crowd-pleasing sides and snacks. For a familiar spin on a football-watching favorite, try these Pigskin Potatoes: a classic combination of little potatoes and melted cheese wrapped with bacon.

There's no fumbling around with this game day snack made with Creamer potatoes from The Little Potato Company. With no washing or peeling required, little potatoes cook in next to no time whether they are boiled, roasted or smashed. You can be the MVP of your kitchen without missing a second of the action.

Visit littlepotatoes.com/gameday for more game day recipe inspiration and to find a store near you.

Pigskin Potatoes

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 44 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) Dynamic Duo or Terrific Trio Little Potatoes
• 6 ounces plain cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/3 cup finely shredded orange cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
• 1 pound thinly sliced bacon, rashers cut in half

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Boil potatoes until fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Cut in half and allow to cool.
   In bowl, use spatula to combine cream cheese, cheddar, chives, salt, pepper and jalapeno, if desired.
3. Once chilled, spread cream cheese on half of cut potatoes and sandwich each with other halves. Wrap each potato using half rasher of bacon around cut middle to ensure cheese doesn't escape.
4. Bake on middle rack 10 minutes. Flip and bake 10 minutes.
5. Turn oven to broil. Broil 2 minutes, turn once and broil 2 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispiness.

Tip: Boil potatoes 2 days ahead. Fill and wrap potatoes 1 day ahead then bake and serve on game day.

A Sweet-Heat Snack

Finger foods and watch parties go hand-in-hand, which is why these baby back ribs are ideal for grabbing a couple (or more) and heading to your favorite spot on the couch. Glazed with a mixture of honey, chipotle peppers and mangoes for some sweet heat, they're cooked low and slow for fall-off-the-bone flavor.

Just wrap the ribs and sauce in aluminum foil, place over low indirect heat and let your grill do the work. To help simplify game day, try cooking a day in advance and warm in the oven a couple hours prior to kickoff.

Find more game day recipes at honey.com.

Baby Back Ribs with Honey, Chipotle and Mango Glaze

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 8

• 2 racks baby back ribs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 4 ripe mangoes, cubed
• 1 cup honey

1. Remove ribs from package; rinse and pat dry. Remove membrane. Place in shallow pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. In small saucepan over medium heat, cook chipotle peppers, mangoes and honey, stirring constantly, until cooked down and thick enough to coat back of spoon.
3. Heat grill to 225-240° F.
4. Wrap ribs and 2/3 of sauce mixture tightly in aluminum foil and place over indirect heat. Close lid. After 2 hours, flip ribs and cook 2 hours. Open aluminum and remove ribs, place directly on grill and brush with remaining sauce. Cook 30 minutes. Remove from grill and serve hot.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (main image and Baby Back Ribs with Honey, Chipotle and Mango Glaze)

Source: The Little Potato Company

Fried, grilled, baked or slow-cooked, game day dishes come in all flavors and textures so everyone comes out a winner. Try these classic ideas and new spins to take your home-gate to the next level.

• Chicken Wings – Bone-in or boneless, skin on or skin off, buffalo or barbecue-glazed, chicken wings are chef’s choice for a handheld party pleaser. With nearly endless ways to prepare them, they’re a game day staple for parties of all sizes.
• Pizzas – While delivery (or carryout) from a local restaurant is likely to be more common, creating a homemade pizza is as simple as rolling out dough, layering sauce and cheese then finishing with personalized toppings. If you’re in charge of a smaller, more manageable group, you can even try personal-sized pies for maximum customization.
• Barbecue – Ribs, pulled pork, brisket and slow-smoked barbecue of all varieties may take more preparation but almost always ends with a happy fan base. Keep in mind that you’ll need to plan further in advance for longer cook times, but larger cuts of meat like pork shoulder help feed larger groups.
• Veggie Trays – Not every game day dish has to include heavy foods or sticky fingers. An assortment of carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and more paired with ranch or blue cheese dressings makes for a more nutritious appetizer ahead of the main course.
• Dips – If you’re looking for help from attendees, look no further than chips and dips for ways guests can lend a hand. Because they’re usually simple to make and easily portable, your fellow fans can bring along any combination of their choosing from buffalo chicken dip and tortilla chips to crackers and hummus.
• Sliders and Sandwiches – The combinations are just about endless for sliders with many variations of meats, cheeses, spreads and more. Keep your menu simple by choosing one type of bread, 1-2 meats and 1-2 cheeses to avoid going overboard. Guests can always add their own touches when it’s time to dig in.
• Walking Tacos or Nachos – Another personalized snack, walking tacos are an easy crowd-pleaser – all they take are taco shells and tortillas along with an assortment of your usual toppings: meat, cheese, sour cream, beans, guacamole, black olives, jalapenos and anything else your guests desire. Just line up the ingredients in separate bowls for DIY dining, and for a secondary option, provide tortilla chips to create nachos instead.

Find more game day recipes and ideas at Culinary.net.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) Football season, for many people, is just as much about the food as it is about the action. No matter who’s playing and whether you’re at a tailgate or living room watch party, one thing is for sure: football and flavor go hand-in-hand.

When you’re huddling up to figure out how to score a touchdown with your game day spread, consider taking your snacks to the next level by adding an authentic Mexican flair. Opt for traditional Mexican ingredients like chorizo, queso fresco or cotija in meals and snacks that are already football mainstays, including nachos, tacos and quesadillas, and consider all the possibilities that incorporating these flavorful ingredients can add to other classic dishes like sliders and potato skins.

Ideal for tailgate season, Cacique, one of the country’s top Mexican food brands, offers Mexican-Style Queso Dips – made with real queso fresco and available in Queso Blanco, Southwestern, Jalapeño and Chipotle flavors – and Fully Cooked Chorizos – made with authentically seasoned premium pork shoulder and available in classic, Chorizo with Bacon & Potato, Chorizo with Eggs and Chorizo with Queso varieties – to help fans easily add Mexican flavor to indulgent game day favorites. Both use high-quality ingredients and are microwavable, so they taste authentic and can be ready in minutes so no one misses any of the big plays or touchdowns.

Consider these twists you can add to your favorite game time snacks:

• Loaded Avocados: Give avocados the potato skin treatment by loading them up with delicious toppings like chorizo, queso fresco and crema – just don’t eat the skin.  
• Cheese Fries: Drizzle queso dip over French fries or top with crumbles of flavorful Cacique Chorizo and Cotija in a recipe like these Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Chorizo and Cotija.
• Robust Sliders: Skip regular beef patties and spoon the rich seasoning and punch of flavor that chorizo brings to your favorite slider rolls then top with your favorite cheese and salsa.
• Mac and Cheese: For a new take on mac and cheese, toss cooked macaroni noodles with your favorite Cacique Queso Dip and top with crushed tortilla chips in a recipe like this Southwestern Mac and Queso.

Discover more ways to incorporate Mexican flair into your game day spread at caciqueinc.com .

Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Chorizo and Cotija

• 4          large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch wide sticks
• 3          tablespoons olive oil
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1          package Cacique Fully Cooked Chorizo
• 1          cup Cacique Cotija, crumbled
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat oven to 400° F and lightly grease large, rimmed baking sheet.
2. In large bowl, toss sweet potato sticks with olive oil.
3. Lay fries in single layer on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Bake 15-18 minutes, shaking pan several times, until tender and lightly browned.
4. When fries are almost done baking, microwave chorizo 3-4 minutes.
5. To serve, place golden brown fries on serving platter and spoon chorizo over top. Sprinkle with cotija and fresh cilantro.

Southwestern Mac and Queso

• 1          package Cacique Queso Dip
• 1          box macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
• 1/4       cup Cacique Queso Fresco, crumbled  
• 1/2       cup tortilla chips, crushed

1. Microwave queso dip 2-3 minutes; stir. Pour over cooked macaroni and toss until thoroughly coated.
2. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and crushed tortilla chips over macaroni before serving.

Source: Cacique

(Family Features) When your friends and family gather around the big screen for the big game, only BIG FLAVOR will do! Earn MVP status with quick and easy Johnsonville recipes featuring sausages that are big on flavor when served by themselves, or when they're included in these traditional sports-fan favorites.

Visit www.johnsonville.com for great recipes to flavor up any get-together.

Touchdown Italian Sausage Chili

12 servings
Prep: 35 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes

• 1 package (19.76 ounces) Johnsonville Italian Sausage Links
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian recipe stewed tomatoes
• 1 can (16 ounces) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 3/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking cocoa
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pepper

1. Grill Italian sausage according to package directions; cut into half moon slices and set aside. In soup kettle, sauté onion, celery, sweet pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to boil.
2. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.

Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle chili with grated Asiago, Romano or Parmesan cheese.

PigTails & Fries

6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 to 25 minutes

• 1 package (13.5 to 16 ounces) Johnsonville smoked sausage (Polish, New Orleans, Smoked Turkey, BOLD Beef Hot Links or Beef Franks)
• 1 package (28 ounces) frozen curly french fries
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• Cut sausage links in half lengthwise. Cut each half into three long strips.

1. TO FRY: In deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°F. Fry french fries in batches for 3 to 6 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Place sausage strips in single layer in fryer basket. Fry for about 1 minute or until they curl. Drain on paper towels. Serve with fries.
2. TO BAKE: Spread fries in single layer on baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 17 to 20 minutes, turning once. At the same time, arrange sausage strips in single layer on separate baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 12 to 14 minutes or until they curl. Serve with fries.

Reuben Brat Hoagie

6 servings
Prep: 20 minutes
Grill/Bake: 35 minutes

• 1 package (19.76 ounces) Johnsonville Original Bratwurst
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1/3 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
• 1/3 cup coarse ground mustard
• 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
• 12 slices Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, drained

1. Grill brats according to directions. When cool, cut into 1/4-inch bias slices. In skillet, sauté onion in butter until tender; set aside. In small bowl, combine salad dressing and mustard. Slice French bread lengthwise and transfer to baking sheet. Spread salad dressing mixture on inside of bread. Layer bottom of bread with six slices of cheese, brats, onions, sauerkraut and remaining cheese.
2. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut hoagie and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions: To grill hoagie, assemble sandwich on a large sheet of heavy-duty foil. Wrap in foil. Grill, covered, over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Spicy Sausage Queso

24 servings
Prep: 25 minutes

• 1 package (16 ounces) Johnsonville All Natural Ground Italian Sausage
• 2 pounds Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa
• 1 tablespoon fennel seed, crushed
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon anise seed, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Garlic toast

1. In skillet, cook and crumble sausage until no longer pink; drain. Place cheese in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until melted, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in salsa, seasonings and sausage. Microwave 2 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with garlic toast.

Serving Suggestions: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicier dish. Serve garlic toast with diced tomatoes and chopped black olives. To serve in a bread bowl, cut off the top of a round loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1-inch shell. Cube removed bread. Spoon cheese dip into bread shell. Serve with bread cubes.

Source: Johnsonville

(Family Features) Looking for a way to kick up the flavor for your game-day party? Tailgating by the stadium or watching on a big screen, you can add great taste to the menu with a versatile cheese such as Jarlsberg.

Great for snacking, sandwiches and cooking, this popular cheese has a mellow, nutty flavor, a creamy, buttery texture and melts beautifully. You can find it in wedges, random-weight pieces and convenient slices.

Jarlsberg can be a tasty part of any tailgate experience - try some of these ideas to score big with your guests:

* Super Sliders: Mini beef, turkey or bison burgers topped with sliced Jarlsberg (or Jarlsberg Lite).
* Deep Fried Cheese Sticks: Creamy goodness battered and fried; take their flavor up a notch with marinara or spicy barbecue sauce for dipping.
* Ham & Cheese Calzones: Salty, smoky ham and gooey melted Jarlsberg all wrapped up in a munch-and-carry pastry.
* Kickin' Kebabs: Skewer great taste by alternating cheese cubes with pickled vegetables and chunks of cured ham or smoked sausage.

This recipe for Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers is an easy way to bring some heat to the game - they can be made ahead of time, then just popped onto the grill or under the broiler to be ready before the next time out.

For more recipes with big flavor, visit www.jarlsberg.com/us.

Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers

Makes 16 appetizers

• 16 pickled jalapeño peppers, rinsed and drained
• 2 4-ounce logs fresh goat cheese
• 1 cup grated Jarlsberg cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese*
• 1/4 cup diced green onion (scallions)
• Dash of hot sauce
• Cilantro leaves
• Optional garnish: pickled mini hot red pepper

1. Using small sharp knife, cut slit down one side of each pepper. Leave stem intact and remove seeds and veins. In bowl, mash goat cheese with Jarlsberg, Manchego, onion and hot sauce. Divide among peppers, stuffing each generously. Refrigerate. (Recipe can be made ahead to this point.)
2. Arrange peppers in heavy aluminum foil packet. Grill 8 - 10 minutes until cheese begins to melt. Garnish with cilantro and, if desired, hot red peppers.

*If you can't find Manchego, use 1-1/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese.

Source: Norseland