After you've filled out your brackets, invite some pals over for the most exciting tournament in college basketball. These casseroles, pizzas, brownies and more will feed your hungry fans and ensure every moment of the party is a hit.
47 Slam-Dunk Recipes for Your March Madness Party
Updated on May 30, 2024
Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip
This creamy dip is oozing with cheesy goodness thanks to the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella. We topped ours with pepperoni slices, but you can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. This is just one more delicious way to use your cast-iron pan. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Chipotle Chili Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves Buffalo wings, but they are so messy! These Buffalo chicken rolls are mess-free and always go fast at parties—and they're much tastier than regular Buffalo wings, if you ask me. —Tiffinie Cichon, Gulfport, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 175 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Savory Cracker Snack Mix
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a snack mix with the flavors of my favorite Everything bagel seasoning, a friend suggested I make it even more versatile with something other than oyster crackers. Now it’s a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 306 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Puppy Chow
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This snack mix is perfect for a late-night treat or a as pick-me-up any time of the day. I sometimes take a batch to work, and it's always eaten up quickly. —Mary Obeilin, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 194 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Bacon-Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
These loaded burgers are one hearty meal in a bun. They're sure to satisfy the biggest appetites. —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 701 calories, 43g fat (15g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 1280mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 48g protein.
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Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day Dip
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can easily whip up this creamy, spicy, salty dip. For parties, I love dips in the slow cooker—just turn it to low once the dip is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 168 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
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Root Beer Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When it's too difficult to take along root beer floats on a picnic, take these cookies instead! I've found the flavor is even better the next day. The hard part is convincing my family to wait that long before sampling them.—Violette Bawden, West Valley City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 130 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Chorizo Chili
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I modified a bean soup recipe and came up with this wonderful chili. I make it mild, since that's how my family likes it, then I just add Tabasco sauce to spice up my bowl. Feel free to make it vegetarian by using soy chorizo and vegetable broth. —Jenne Delkus, Des Peres, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 1262mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 18g protein.
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Mexican Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen (3-2/3 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these spicy appetizers for parties and football games and never have any leftovers. The hot wings contrast nicely with the cool but zippy dip. When the wings run out, we use the extra cilantro dip on tortilla chips. —Barbara McConaughey, Houlton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 360 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1416mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
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Jalapeno Popper Spread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 239 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Cheeseburger Dip
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 157 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
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Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves Buffalo chicken wings, but the frying makes them unhealthy. This recipe takes out some of the fat yet lets us enjoy the same amazing taste. —Terri McKenzie, Wilmington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 398 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 2212mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
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Cauliflower Breadsticks
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 66 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
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Root Beer Pulled Pork Nachos
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 391 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
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Festive Guacamole Appetizers
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
For ages, my brother's family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and we always eat Christmas snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 57 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Black Bean, Chorizo & Sweet Potato Chili
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili is one of my all-time favorite dishes. This recipe takes it to the next level by changing up the flavors and adding a surprise--sweet potatoes! —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 263 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.
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Machaca Beef Dip Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The winning combination of beef, cumin, chili powder and the spicy heat of chipotle peppers makes these sandwiches game-day food at its finest! —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 476 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1288mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
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S’mores Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 159 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Spinach Dip Pull-Aparts
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even picky eaters who don't like to eat spinach will dig into these tasty little bites. — Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 balls with 2 tablespoons sauce: 182 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Ham ‘n’ Cheese Biscuit Stacks
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 121 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this new favorite recipe, stuffed poblano peppers. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 496 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 913mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 40g protein.
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Cuban Sliders
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
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Chicken Nachos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken nachos recipe is delicious and so simple. Rotisserie (or leftover) chicken keeps it quick, and the seasonings and splash of lime juice lend fantastic flavor. My husband enjoys this snack so much that he often requests it for dinner! —Gail Cawsey, Geneseo, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to dunk these appetizer meatballs in blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. If I make them for a meal, I often skip the dressing and serve with blue cheese polenta on the side. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 33 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Breadstick Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do refrigerated breadsticks lend a fun twist to pizza, but they make this dish a weeknight staple at my house. Feeding kids? Slice pieces into small strips and let the kids dip each strip into marinara sauce. They’ll love it! —Mary Hankins, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without marinara sauce): 267 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
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Dilly Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My younger sister shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional barbecue sandwich and is a proven crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make in the slow cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 332 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 863mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
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Bandito Chili Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 450 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1442mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
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Sausage and Peppers Sandwich
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sausage with peppers was always on the table when I was growing up. Here's how to do it the easy way: Just grab a sheet pan and the ingredients, then let the oven do the work. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
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Garlic-Cheese Flatbread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 146 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 380 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
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Nacho Tots
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
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Coca-Cola Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 491 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
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Taco Chili
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
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Burrito Bake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It's so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 509 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1403mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
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Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
2 dozen (1-3/4 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
These fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 237 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
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Chewy Peanut Butter Pan Squares
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With seven of us in our family, including two teenage boys, these peanut butter squares never last long! It's hard to believe how simple they are to prepare. —Deb DeChant, Milan, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 139 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Cheeseburger Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 508 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1132mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Sausage Bread Sandwiches
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 sandwich loaves (3 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these sandwiches in my spare time and freeze them so they’re ready when needed, such as for tailgating parties when we attend Kansas State football games. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 432 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
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Texas Taco Dip Platter
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
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Caramel Corn
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Glazed Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Mint Brownies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about this recipe is that these mint chocolate brownies get moister if you leave them in the refrigerator for a day or two. The problem at our house is that no one can leave them alone for that long! —Helen Baines, Elkton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 105 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Pulled Pork Sliders
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our favorite pulled pork recipes combines the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these sliders a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 265 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roll your burgers, cheese and taters all into one. It's the perfect dish to use to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done when this is the reward! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 479 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
