The big game is less than a week away and most everyone has their party plans tackled.  But what if you’re the party house … are you ready to score some tasty touchdowns for your guests?  When throwing a patio party, your team is always huddled around the food, so with the dips, drinks and sweets being the MVP of the celebration … you want to make sure it’s something to remember.  When you can’t predict if the game will be good, the halftime show will be in tune or the commercials will even be funny, you have to make sure the snacks are the star of the show.

We have tons of tasty blogs with great game day grub like a Party on the Patio Cocktail, Grilled Chicken and Veggie Enchiladas, Green Chili Cheeseburgers, even Pizza on the Grill!  Or you can visit out Pinterest page for hundreds of festive foods perfect for the big game.

But our “Recipe of the Month” goes to ….

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients

2 ­ 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese

Chicken meat from 2­3 chicken thighs (or breasts if you want white meat)

1/2 of a medium yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic minced (use dried garlic if preferred)

1 cup of Texas Pete’s Wing Sauce (or your favorite sauce)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional)

*Optional Garnish with green onions, add bleu cheese crumbles and mix in dip

Directions

Cream cheese needs to be room temperature so you can mix the ingredients together. Start by adding the chicken, onion, garlic and cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly. Then add your wing sauce and ranch (you may want to reduce the amount of wing sauce to ensure it is not too runny if adding ranch).

You can add the bleu cheese crumbles now. (Many people do not like the bleu cheese, so try adding them on top of half of the dip in an 8 x 8″ pan. That way you have some with bleu cheese and some without.)

You can bake it at 325°F for 20 minutes or until it is bubbly all around the edges. Finish by garnishing with the green onion.

NOTE: This also works well in a crock pot. Just dump all the ingredients together on high until ready, then lower heat to warm.

Houston is all the buzz with Super Bowl bringing its huddle into Texas on Sunday, February 5th (like we had to tell you the date)!  In 2004, over 200,000 people visited Houston to take part in the football festivities … this year one million people are predicted to jam their way into H-town. If you’re not one of the 72,000 that paid a minimum of $3,499 for one ticket, then you need a place to party and watch the big game!

No better place to party for this football frenzy than your own patio!   After all, you’ll have the best seat in the house, comfortable seating, great food at your fingertips and you’ll always be close to a bathroom.  Many people have outdoor patios built just so they can either watch football outside or so they can entertain at a moment’s notice!  In fact, some of our customers called us back in August of 2016 and said, “Hey, Texas Custom Patios, we would like to have this ready by Super Bowl Sunday, is that possible.?” So we got to building and guess what, the covered patios, outdoor kitchens and living rooms were built and those watching parties are sure to be a touchdown now!  So go ahead, invite over your football-loving friends, fire up the grill and get ready to party.

Sports Illustrated came up with 13 things you MUST have for your Super Bowl LI Party … Here’s a hint … Insta-Chill Beer Glasses!  Instant score!

Grab all 13 if you can, but at the end of the day … there are three categories of “Super Sunday Party-Goers” and we have something for each one.

“The Super Sunday Snack Specialist”

The anticipation of sweet and savory delights to enjoy during the big game brings this fan to the table… literally, and probably more than once! For the Snack Specialist, we offer this list of Super Sunday party dishes that can be prepared outside.

Grilled Buttermilk Hot Wings
Grilled Pizza
Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Enchiladas – make ahead
Pig Candy
Cookies & Cream Football Dip 

“The Super Sunday Ad Aficionado”

This fan may talk through every single play, then shush everyone when the commercials begin. We get it. After all, advertisers pay huge dollars for these coveted spots and strive to put their most creative efforts out there. For the Ad Aficionado, we offer this list, which gives you a sneak preview of what companies are buying up ads this year and some hints at their plans.

The Big Game Ad Chart

“The Super Sunday Game Devotee”

When your team makes the Big Game, the intensity dials up even more! Be sure to use your outside voice on your patio when cheering on your team to victory. For the Game Devotee, here’s a great resource to keep up with the latest game news!

Playoff Picture

Enjoying the Big Game outdoors is better for everyone …

What’s your favorite part of the game? Is it the food, the ads or the football?  Comment on our Facebook page, we want to know!