10 Tasty Ways to Reuse Your Football Party Leftovers

There’s something about hosting a football party that makes people lose all sense of portion control. As if somewhere along the line a wire got crossed and you and your friends “Freaky Friday”-swapped with 300-pound linebackers, inheriting all their considerable appetite. You prepare mountains of chicken wings, stock up on all the chips and all the dips, smother your coffee table with all manner of bite-sized junk food and bottles of beer.

And then later, once the dust of the event has settled and you’re evaluating the wreckage, you realize just how overboard you went in the snack food department. Time to channel your inner culinary McGyver and devise some creative ways to recycle from the wasteland of leftovers. Here are ten tasty recipes to inspire some ideas.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Chowhound

The buffalo wing is football’s culinary mascot, so it makes sense that people tend to always overdo it on batch size come game day. Not to worry, there are plenty of creative ways to make sure that beloved leftover chicken doesn’t go to waste. By shredding the meat off the bone, you’ve got material for everything from quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches, to creamy pasta or even a loaded baked potato, the sky’s the limit (and by sky I mean your appetite). You can even incorporate into a dip like this creative combo that brings together all the classic elements of a buffalo wing.  Get our Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

NFL Team Crock-pot, Slow Cooker and Warmer, $62.11 on Amazon

This NFL Crock-pot is just the thing to make WAY too much food in!

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Spinach and Artichoke Dip Orzo

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Made this absolutely INSANE one-pot spinach and artichoke orzo last night and y'all… I can't stop thinking about it 🤭 so easy, so quick, SO GOOD because it's basically just an excuse to eat (slightly lightened-up) spinach and artichoke dip with a spoon 🧀 recipe comin' soon because I can't keep this one to myself! . . . . . . . #spinachartichoke #spinachandartichoke #spinachartichokepasta #onepotmeal #onepanmeal #onepotpasta #springproduce #30minutemeals #feedfeed #forkfeed #huffposttaste #foodblogfeed #food52 #f52grams #foodgawker #eatrealfood #tastespotting #foodbloggers #nytcooking #quickdinners #easyrecipes #weeknightdinners #weeknightmeals #weeknightcooking #vegetariancooking #vegetarianfoodporn #meatlessrecipes #meatlessmondays #cheesypasta

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Get over being annoyed that you have to rummage around for yet another storage container because folks didn’t finish the spinach-artichoke dip. Instead, say a little silent “thank you” because tomorrow night, all you really have to do for dinner is toss it with some orzo and enjoy. Get the Spinach and Artichoke Dip Orzo recipe.

Guacamole Salad

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Words can’t express how much I love this Guacamole Salad! And since it only takes 15 minutes to make, I’ll be making them on a regular basis. 🥑 Want the easy recipe? Click the link in my profile!☝ . https://www.veggiessavetheday.com/guacamole-salad/ . #veggiessavetheday #avocadolover #guacamolesalad #vegan #iheartavos #plantbased #glutenfreevegan #veganrecipe #saladrecipe #noanimalsharmed

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Ease the guilt of last night’s chips and guac binge by putting the remainder of that dip to good-for-you use in a fresh, easy salad. Looks like junk food and health food can live happily under the same roof after all. Get the Guacamole Salad recipe.

Upside-Down Chili Con Carne Pie

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Chili topped with cornbread hits that comfort food spot. http://www.ketovangelistkitchen.com/upside-down-chili-con-carne-pie/ #ketovangelistkitchen #ketocomfortfoods #chili #chiliconcarne #chilipie #sweetcornbread #keto #ketodiet #ketoweightloss #ketorecipes #ketogenic #ketogenicdiet #ketogeniclife #lowcarb #lowcarbrecipes #lowcarbmeal #lchf #lchfdiet #lchflifestyle #banting #lowcarbhighfat

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Shake up chili’s encore performance by reconceiving it as the base for a pie. With half the work done the day before, all you have to do to take this dish to the end zone is quickly whip up the corn bread topping and dig into this keto-friendly crowd pleaser. Get the Upsidedown Chili Con Carne Pie recipe.

Related Reading: The Best Keto Costo Buys

Pot Roast with Porcini and Beer

Chowhound

Now, I’ll be honest, I have a hard time imagining a scenario in which the party ends before all the beer is finished. But in case you and your friends are capable of exercising more restraint, put that leftover bottle of pale ale to good use in this hearty, umami-rich pot roast. Get our Pot Roast with Porcini and Beer recipe.

Chicken Chilaquiles

Chowhound

If pigging out on wings and chips and salsa didn’t stop your good buddy Hangover from showing up and knocking on the door the next morning, you can at least take comfort in knowing that those leftover can be put towards making a perfect post-party breakfast. Now, because you’re hurting, we going to keep this real simple: Toss the shredded chicken with salsa, chicken broth, and a little sour cream, and stack the mixture between layers of cheese and tortilla chips; bake for a half hour. And if you’re thinking that throwing a fried egg on top of there would make this situation even better, well then you’d be absolutely right. Get our Chicken Chilaquiles recipe.

Related Reading: 3 Party Salsas in 30 Minutes

Tater Tot Waffles

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Okay Wednesday. Let's do this. 🆕 recipe ➡️ TATER TOT. Waffles style. #ontheblog #linkinbio

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Just in case you ever doubted the versatility of the glorious tater tot (shame on you, where’s your faith?), this recipe proves just how seamlessly the crispy potato puff can transition from evening look to morning look. Like a kind of mash-up between waffle and hashbrown, these Cajun seasoning-spiked mad genius creations are brunch time gold. Get the Tater Tot Waffles recipe.

Salted Caramel Popcorn Balls

Chowhound

Save that leftover bowl of popcorn from going stale by giving the snack a sweet little makeover. All it really takes is whisking up a quick and easy caramel sauce and the ability to form things into a ball, and you’ve got a sweet-salty-crunchy treat to carry you all the way into next week’s game. Get our Salted Caramel Popcorn Balls recipe.

Butterscotch Potato Chip Cookies

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PEEPS: i’ll be making the BUTTERSCOTCH POTATO CHIP BALLS from the #vintagebakingbook on @thefeedfeed’s #instagramlive this morning at 11:00am!! please tune in for much deliciousness (and perhaps a bit of sass . . . ). : @alice_gao. link to recipe in profile. @kettlebrand

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Take those broken, bottom-of-the-bag stragglers and give them new life as the salty yin to butterscotch’s sweet yang in these dangerously addictive cookies. That’s right, dip, you’ve got some serious competition as potato chip’s perfect partner. Get the Butterscotch Potato Chip Cookies recipe.

Michelada

Chowhound

If you hosted, there’s no doubt you’re going to leftover beer and there’s a good chance it’s some light or cheap stuff you may not want to drink right away. You may also wake up with a slight hangover, and if you’re smart and took Monday off (should be a national holiday!) then a spicy michelada (hybrid beer and Bloody Mary cocktail) is the perfect two birds, one stone solution. Get our Michelada recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Crock-Pot Beef Chili

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How to Use a Crock-Pot

A Crock-Pot takes up a lot of counter and cupboard space, but it’s convenient and doesn’t take a lot of headspace. This no-brainer is one of our favorite cooking methods when it gets chilly outside because it’s ideal for comforting soups and stews, beans, and heavy, cheap cuts of meat that turn tender after receiving the low-and-slow cooking treatment. It even does cozy cold weather cocktails.

However, it’s also great for warm weather because you don’t have to be near the hot cooking device while it’s doing its miraculous work. That means you can do your summer hot dogs in the slow cooker, and your fall football season grub. You can also poach salmon, make party mix, and “bake” a hands-off chocolate cake, as well as craft your own condiments like blueberry butter and bacon compote. And that’s still just for starters.

In the market for one of these semi-magical devices? Check out our round-up of Best Slow Cookers for Every Personality and Situation.

While using a slow cooker may not be rocket science, you can mess it up. So remember these tips and get simmering.

How to Use a Slow Cooker

1. Preheat your Crock-Pot. This is something many people overlook, and in some cases it isn’t necessary, but if you have a recipe that calls for browning meat or aromatics on the stovetop first (common in braises and stews), let your slow cooker heat up while you do that; then you’re adding hot food to a hot crock, and not losing any energy. (We don’t recommend browning in the Crock-Pot itself because the heat is harder to control.)
2. Spritz some nonstick spray or rub some butter up the insides of your Crock-Pot before layering in the ingredients to prevent the foods in those areas from burning (this applies whether you preheat it or not).
3. Layer sturdy ingredients—like onions and other root vegetables—on the bottom and sides, where the hotter zones are, and place more delicate ingredients—like meat—on top and in the middle.
4. Don’t pack your slow cooker more than 2/3 full. It could overflow or not cook everything evenly if you stuff too much in there. Try to keep the liquid level at least halfway up the crock though, to prevent drying or burning.
5. Brown your meat in a skillet first to get maximum, robust flavor. (Some people prefer to brown at the end to keep that crusty outer texture, but the meat is often so fall-apart soft by then, it can be tricky.) Then deglaze the skillet and add the deglazing juices to the crock. Drain off most of the fat of fattier meats like pork shoulder first, before deglazing. Don’t forget to refer back to #1 and preheat your slow cooker while you’re doing this!
6. If you want to make sure the liquid at the end is thicker, dredge your meat in flour before browning. Or add a little blend of one part cornstarch and two parts water an hour before the dish is ready.
7. Softer, more delicate ingredients, such as tomatoes and spinach, should go in during the last hour of cooking. Add dairy items, like cream, at the last half hour or less to prevent curdling.
8. When your soup or stew recipe calls for adding broth or water, add it after you put the solid ingredients in the crock, and then pour the liquid over that, to prevent overfilling. You can add more liquid just before serving if you want the broth to be thinner.
9. Season a bit more aggressively with this method because with slow cooking, the potency can fade after several hours. That’s especially true with fresh herbs, which should go in during the last 15 minutes.
10. The typical slow cooker keeps food between 180°F and about 210°F, with at least three options: high (cook for eight to 10 hours), low (four to five hours), and warm, to maintain the dish’s temperature after it’s done cooking until you’re ready to serve it. Don’t leave it at warm for more than four hours.
11. Don’t open the lid during cooking because that can lower the temperature, adding to the time you need to cook your food.
12. After you unplug the Crock-Pot, let it cool, and remove the leftovers, take out the stoneware from the heating element and put it in the dishwasher, along with the lid.

Crock Pot Recipes

Need more slow cooker ideas? Check out some of our favorite crock pot recipes below to get you started.

Slow-Cooker French Onion Dip

Chowhound

Use your Crock-Pot in a way you never considered before: For an amazingly full-flavored dip. The trick is all in the caramelized onions. Get our Slow-Cooker French Onion Dip recipe.

Slow Cooker Hot Wings

Chowhound

Spicy, smoky, tender wings are just the thing to keep your tailgating crew happy, regardless how the game is going. They’re crisped up in the oven just before serving for the best of both textural worlds. Get our Slow Cooker Hot Wings recipe.

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chowhound

This is a little reminiscent of 1950s-style cooking, when homecooks nationwide celebrated the convenience of prepackaged foods. Before we learned that fresh is better for us (and tastes better), even though it’s more work. But come on, this taco soup is so flavorful and meaty. How can you say no? Grab that can opener and get cracking. Get our Crock Pot Taco Soup recipe.

Related Reading: 12 Easy Slowcooker Recipes Perfect for a Weeknight Dinner

Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Chowhound

Cheese. Sausage. Breakfast. Yes. Yes. Yes. Brown the meat, whisk the eggs, mix everything, and dump it in. Cook. Eat. Groan with pleasure. The end. Get our Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe.

Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Chowhound

If you want a healthier breakfast, the Crock-Pot’s got you covered there too. Set it, forget it, and wake up to creamy, comforting oatmeal to top however your heart desires. Get our Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oatmeal recipe.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Chowhound

Pick up a 3-pound chuck roast at the grocery store (or butcher or farmers’ market…or maybe one of those grocery delivery services, like Fresh Direct). Now is the time to make the most classic wintertime Crock-Pot dish. Ever. Get our Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe.

Slow Cooker Fried Rice

Chowhound

See, not every recipe has to be laden with meat. This one has two eggs in it, that’s it, as far as animal products. Oh, and a little butter. But then there are peas, carrots, shallots, and corn. And some edamame gives you more protein. Did we mention it tastes great? There’s that. Get our Slow Cooker Fried Rice recipe.

Read More: 21 Easy Family Meals from the Slow Cooker | 9 Easy Slow Cooker Pasta Sauces to Last You All Week

Related Video: Spicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Negroni Cocktail

The Negroni is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home! Made with one part each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, it's a little bitter, a little sweet, and oh so delicious.

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The Friday Buzz: Nutella for Life, Near Beer, and Flannel Fridays

Here's our weekly roundup of all good things, good advice, good feelings. It’s the happy hour of blog posts! Up this week: Discussions on Nutella and Cookie Butter, Near-Beer, Flannel Fridays, and more!

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14 Aldi Finds We’re Dying to Try in October

They’re baaaack. ALDI Finds are returning once again, featuring a slew of incredible deals on a wide range of products. For its next round of monthly bargains, the cult affordable supermarket chain is not surprisingly going heavy on fall flavors that are sure to satisfy, whether you’re planning to host a Halloween bash or just trying to keep your fridge, freezer, and pantry stocked with some amazing eats. Here some of the must-have items ALDI has in store for October.

ALDI Finds – Wednesday, October 2

Happy Farms Preferred Transylvanian Cave Cheese (Red Wine Soaked)

ALDI

Start your All Hallows Eve celebration with this (bat?) cave-aged cheese direct from Dracula’s hometown. The addition of red wine is a bloody brilliant touch.

Season’s Choice Butternut Squash Risotto 

ALDI

Butternut squash is essentially the Chris Hemsworth to pumpkin’s Liam—it’s the better of the two (let’s be clear, they’re all good), though its sibling tends to hog all of the attention. This creamy risotto is evidence to that fact.

Huntington Home 3 Wick Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream Candle

ALDI

Use this candle with caution. Sure it will make any room smell terrific, but it will also make you very, very hungry.

ALDI Finds – Wednesday, October 9

Barissimo Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew with Almond Milk

ALDI

Pumpkin spice. Cold brew. Almond milk. Could this beverage be anymore trendy?

Related Reading: We Taste-Tested Some of the Wildest Pumpkin Spice Products

Stonemill Who Needs the Bagel? Seasoning

ALDI

Everyone seems to be jumping on the everything bagel seasoning bandwagon—and no one is complaining.

Benton’s Choco Belgian Waffle

ALDI

The only thing better than starting your morning with a warm Belgian waffle is starting your morning with a warm Beligan waffle coated in chocolate.

Related Reading: The Coolest (and Tastiest) Costco Frozen Food Options

ALDI Finds – Wednesday, October 16

Nature’s Nectar Salted Caramel Apple Cider

ALDI

A caramel apple—but in liquid form! And the best part is you don’t have to worry about cracking a tooth.

Specialty Selected Lobster Mac & Cheese

ALDI

Obviously mac & cheese can stand on its own. But the addition of lobster certainly doesn’t make the situation worse.

Peanut Delight Maple Peanut Butter

ALDI

It’s peanut butter maple time. I can come up with plenty of food to spread this on, but it might just be best consumed straight from the jar.

ALDI Finds – Wednesday, October 23

Ambiano Portable Induction Cooktop

ALDI

Take your cooking skills on the go with this nifty hot plate. Dorm dwellers, if you’ve been solely relying on a microwave for your sustenance, this is a must purchase.

Park Street Deli Beef & Bean Chili

ALDI

Need a quick food fix during the game? This homestyle chili is your answer.

Related Reading: 11 Ways to Use Up Leftover Chili

Belmont Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

ALDI

If the dictionary definition of “indulgent” doesn’t feature a picture of a chocolate truffle cheesecake, color me shocked.

ALDI Finds – Wednesday, October 30

Season’s Choice Sweet Potato Casserole  

ALDI

The addition of a crunchy praline topping takes this sweet potato casserole to a whole other level.  Serve it as a side or let it shine as a meatless main.

Specially Selected Italian Ice Cream Cups Black Forest 

ALDI

It wouldn’t be an ALDI list without a taste of Germany (in this case, by way of Italy). Chocolate, cherry, and whipped cream take centerstage with this Bavarian take on an ice cream sundae.

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These Cheap & Easy Meals Have 5 Ingredients or Less

The only thing we like more than delicious is effortless and these easy five-ingredient (or less) meals prove you don’t have to choose.

Please believe me when I say I understand how tempting and easy it is to way, way overdo it in the keeping your kitchen stocked department. I might even pass for a minimalist were you not to take a peek in my cupboards and refrigerator, at which point the cat is very much out of the bag. Hi, my name is Maryse and I’m addicted to buying more groceries and kitchen supplies than a single person could ever possibly need.

Related Reading: The Best New Cookbooks for Fall 2019

In an attempt to try and get a handle on this little problem, I’ve recently taken up challenging myself to make meals that skimp on the surplus without sacrificing quality or flavor. And, as it turns out, there are plenty dishes in which five ingredients are all you need to make a totally top-notch dinner. (For the record, I don’t count staples like salt and pepper or cooking fats like oil and butter and ingredients, those are just necessities of life.)

Check out some of our favorites, and we’ll bet you have most of these ingredients on hand already.

Basic Risotto

Chowhound

I’m a big fan of dishes that make cooking cheap and easy without tasting cheap and easy. Case in point: classic Italian risotto. Five basic ingredients—rice, chicken, broth, onion, a little white wine, and grated Parmesan—plus a good, strong stirring arm are all it takes to treat yourself to a luxury-grade dining experience. This lusciously creamy, cheesy dish is the definition of restrained elegance (basically a rice version of the equally awesome Cacio e Pepe pasta), and a hearty, filling meal at that. And this is only the blank canvas version, imagine the possibilities on those nights when you get to splurge for six, seven, or even eight ingredients. Get our Basic Risotto recipe.

All-Clad Stainless Steel Risotto Pan, $179.95 on Sur la Table

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Hearty Split Pea Soup

Chowhound

Frozen peas show off their prime time potential in this bright, mind-blowingly easy vegetarian soup. As is the case with any successful minimalist meal, the key is being smart about selecting supporting characters; you’re casting for function and flavor. Here, tyhme packs a punch of bold, bright freshness to complement the sweet peas. Get our Hearty Split Pea Soup recipe.

Shrimp Scampi

Chowhound

I can’t think of a better ingredient duo to carry a small team to victory than butter and garlic. The powerhouse pair are basically the culinary equivalent of having a really great dance partner, they make whoever they’re paired with 10 times better. In this recipe, for example, they’re the Johnny to shrimp’s Baby, lifting the shellfish up to delectable heights. Serve over rice or tossed with pasta. Get our Shrimp Scampi recipe.

Related Reading: Best New Food Blogger Cookbooks for Fall 2019 

Fettuccine Alfredo

Chowhound

Now that summer’s just about in the books we can return to some of our favorite fall and winter foods that tend not to be as coveted in those hot sweaty months. Fettucine alfredo is one of them and though it’s earned a bit of a bad reputation, a good homemade sauce with real cream and good parmesan is fabulous weeknight meal. Get out Fettucine Alfredo recipe.

Spicy Tomato Soup

Chowhound

SIt’s definitely tomato soup season but keep things interesting with a little red pepper and don’t skimp on the olive oil (or use the cheap stuff). Serve with grilled cheese or garlic bread. All. Winter. Long. Get our Spicy Tomato Soup recipe.

Instant Pot 6-in-1 Multi-cooker, $59.99 on Amazon

If you're not making some of your soups in an Instant Pot at this point...we must question your judgement.

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Twice Baked Potatoes

Chowhound

If you don’t think twice baked potatoes can make a meal than think again. Use thick-cut bacon, and add broccoli or top with leftover chili and you’re in business with warming, easy meal that everyone loves. Get our Twice Baked Potato recipe.

Eggs in Purgatory

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There is nothing hellish about yolky baked eggs in a juicy, chunky, red pepper-flecked tomato sauce. Trust. Sop it all up with a fat, crusty piece of toast (seasoned with garlic and olive oil for extra dramatic effect) and really savor the sin of this perfect breakfast-anytime dish. Get our Eggs in Purgatory recipe.

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Roasted Cauliflower

Tired of steamed cauliflower? Try roasting it! Roasting brings out nutty, buttery flavors in the cauliflower. A squeeze of lemon juice and some Parmesan cheese are all you need to turn this into an excellent side dish.

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