Tailgating is in full swing as football season rolls in. While hot dogs and burgers are king, creative recipes with ingredients from the ocean are just as mouthwatering. These dishes provide a fresh change of pace and a delicious snack as you prepare for or watch the game. Here are easy seafood recipes for your party.
1. Shrimp Nachos
Shrimp nachos are a straightforward yet satisfying recipe. This seafood option is rich in protein but low in calories, so you can enjoy this delicious dish guilt-free.
- Spread tortilla chips out on a tray.
- Layer on cooked shrimp, black beans, sliced avocado, scallions and cilantro.
- Shred pepper jack, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and top nachos with them.
- Bake until the cheese is melted.
- Drizzle on salsa and ranch dressing before serving.
2. Fried Calamari Bites
Calamari bites are perfect for appetizers while enjoying football season since they taste great and require little effort. Be sure to defrost your squid before cooking.
- Beat eggs in a bowl and set aside.
- Mix breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper and other spices.
- Dip your dried calamari rings in cornstarch before coating them in eggs.
- Dredge the calamari ring in your breadcrumb mixture.
- Place your coated pieces in an air fryer basket and cook until crispy.
- Serve with marinara and garlic mayonnaise dip.
3. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
Lobster macaroni and cheese is one of the more comforting recipes to whip up. You can use fresh lobster tails and take out the meat for your mac and cheese.
- Cook your macaroni according to the instructions and drain.
- Heat milk in a saucepan and add butter and flour while whisking.
- Add shredded cheddar and Gruyere to the milk mixture, along with salt and pepper.
- Toss in cooked macaroni and lobster chunks and stir.
- Place the mixture into individual gratin dishes and top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs.
- Bake until it’s browned on top.
4. Salmon Crostini
Finger food recipes like salmon crostini are perfect while you’re fixated on the football game. They’re also pretty easy to prepare for your get-together.
- Cut a baguette into bite-size slices and brush with olive oil.
- Bake your bread slices until they become crisp.
- Mix softened cream cheese with lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt and pepper.
- Place a slice of smoked salmon on top of the crostini.
- Pipe a dollop of cream cheese mixture on top of the salmon.
5. Prawn Cakes
Prawn cakes are a delicious twist for football season. Remember that these crustaceans are different from shrimp. For example, prawns are found in freshwater, while their smaller counterparts are from saltwater.
- Squeeze and dry defrosted prawn meat and toss it into a food processor.
- Add an egg, fish sauce, mayonnaise, chopped coriander, capers and breadcrumbs.
- Divide the prawn mixture and pat it into patties, using flour on your hands and your work surface to prevent them from sticking.
- Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate.
- Take the patties out and fry them in oil until they get brown.
6. Crab Rangoons
Crab rangoons are another seafood and cream cheese match made in heaven. You can pop them in your mouth while you’re on the edge of your seat watching the football game.
- Combine crab meat, cream cheese and green onion in a bowl.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and garlic powder.
- Add the crab filling to the center of wonton wrappers.
- Pat the sides with water before folding the corners to close.
- Fry the wontons until golden and crispy. Serve with sweet and sour sauce.
7. Clam Chowder
When craving a warm bowl of soup during the colder months of football season, clam chowder rarely disappoints. Make it at home and warm your hands and stomach.
- In a separate pot, cook garlic and onion until translucent.
- Whisk in flour before adding milk, vegetable stock and clam juice.
- Add baby potatoes and bring the soup to a boil.
- Stir in your canned clams and let the soup simmer.
- Garnish with chopped bacon and parsley before serving with marinara sauce.
8. Cheesy Baked Oysters
Oysters should definitely be on your football party menu. Just remember to choose ones with closed shells to ensure their safety for consumption.
- Shuck and clean your oysters before laying them out on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, white cheddar, chopped bacon and spinach. Sprinkle on garlic powder and red pepper flakes.
- Add a spoonful of this mixture on top of the oysters.
- Smooth the top to even them out before adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until the cheese browns and serve while warm.
9. Seafood Pizza
Very few things beat a good homemade pizza, and topping it off with seafood further elevates the dish. You can customize your toppings or follow the recipe as is.
- Flour your premade dough and flatten it onto an ungreased pizza tray.
- Spread pizza sauce, leaving half an inch of the edge for the crust.
- Sprinkle your favorite cheese and add anchovies and scallops.
- Add pepper and garlic powder before adding fresh basil and more cheese.
- Generously brush garlic butter onto the pizza crust.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cook up These Football Season Recipes
There are many ocean-derived delicacies you can indulge in, and friends and family may just ask for seconds after finishing their share. Whip up these easy seafood recipes for your party and enjoy the football game with your circle.
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