From the Test Kitchen: Slam Dunk Game Day Recipes

From the Test Kitchen, Volume 6

Sports fans nationwide get passionate and competitive, supporting their favorite teams regardless of the season. From who will win the big game, to what school your alma mater is, to who’s the greatest of all time, we all have our opinions, but everyone can agree that great food is paramount to enjoying a game. Every city has its famous foods, such as Philly cheesesteaks, New York pizza, Chicago hot dogs; the list goes on. In this volume of the Test Kitchen, I decided to explore some recipes that work for operators no matter what part of the country you are in or what season it might be. Shareable and snackable are the words that kept coming to mind, so after perusing Simplot’s vast product portfolio, I came up with four recipes to elevate your next game day celebration.

Sonoran Hot Dogs: A Game Day Power Play

Looking for game-day food that packs a punch? Nothing delivers like a Sonoran hot dog. Wrapped in crispy bacon and loaded with bold, mouthwatering toppings, this Southwestern classic is built for big flavor and even bigger appetites. Simplot RoastWorks® RTE Flame-Roasted Corn and Black Bean Fiesta Blend adds a roasted-sweet depth that perfectly complements the richness of the bacon-wrapped dog. Combined with a layer of savory sweetness from Simplot Simple Goodness™ Premium Vegetables RTE Caramelized-Style Onions, every great hot dog deserves roasted perfection.

But let’s talk heat because game day deserves a little fire! A spicy jalapeño ketchup and serrano hot sauce bring the perfect kick, balancing the richness with a bold, zesty bite. Nestled in a soft, steamed bun, this Sonoran hot dog isn’t just a menu item; it’s an experience. These unique dogs are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that will keep fans coming back for more. Because on game day, boring hot dogs just don’t cut it!

Guacamole Gone Wild: The Ultimate Over-the-Top Loaded Guac

Listen up, guacamole lovers! If you think a bowl of mashed avocado with lime juice and salt is enough, you’re in for a next-level awakening. We’re about to build a ridiculously indulgent, flavor-packed, over-the-top loaded guacamole perfect for restaurant menus, catering spreads, or just flexing your culinary muscles. And it all starts with Simplot's Hand-Scooped Chunky Avocado Pulp, the ultimate time-saver that delivers fresh, perfectly ripened avocado goodness without the pit-prep struggle. To take things over the top, I decided to incorporate Simplot RoastWorks® Flame-Roasted Corn & Jalapeño Blend to not only add the sweetness of corn but also, more importantly, show the ease of using a pre-roasted, pre-seasoned blend to make the loaded guacamole flavorful and a snap to execute. Simplot Simple Goodness™ Premium Vegetables RTE Caramelized-Style Onions also find a home in this creation, bringing all the delicious smoky sweet flavors our onions have to offer. Fresh lime juice and chili-lime seasoning round this out, all served with Simplot Skincredibles® Potatoes Potato Chips seasoned with my favorite new honey habanero seasoning for an unforgettable chip and dip experience.

Truffle Berry Sliders: The Ultimate Game Day MVP

Game day menus deserve bold, unexpected flavors, and these Truffle Berry Sliders bring a winning combination of sweet, savory, smoky, and umami that’ll have your guests coming back for more. These sliders are built for serious flavor seekers, featuring grilled beef patties topped with Simplot Simple Goodness™ Fruit Dark Sweet Pitted Cherries for a pop of rich, deep sweetness. I balanced that with the caramelized goodness of Simplot Simple Goodness™ Premium Vegetables RTE Caramelized-Style Onions, layering in a hint of smoky complexity.

Here’s where things get genuinely next level: a drizzle of hot honey for just the right amount of heat, a touch of truffle oil to elevate the richness, and a balanced truffle berry jam come together with ease. A generous sprinkle of shaved parmesan on the burgers brings it all together with a salty, cheesy finish. Nestled in a soft brioche bun, these sliders deliver an unexpected, upscale twist on classic game-day eats. Whether paired with craft beer, a bold red wine, or a classic cocktail, these truffle berry sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite because game day food should be as exciting as the action on the field. Get ready to score big with every bite!

Muffuletta Magic: A Bold Game Day and Catering Must-Have

When it comes to game day menus and catering, few sandwiches bring the big, bold flavors like a Muffuletta. We’re taking this classic up a notch with a "swicy" twist. Layered with rich, savory Italian meats like salami, soppressata, capicola, and prosciutto, plus melty provolone, this sandwich is already a flavor powerhouse. What makes it stand out is the amped-up olive tapenade, featuring Simplot Simple Goodness™ Premium Vegetables Antigua Vegetable Blend, sweet peppers, and a Chamoy-infused kick that brings a whole new dimension to every bite with a house-made giardiniera that will set your operation apart.

All this goodness is stacked inside pillowy focaccia, soaking up those incredible flavors and delivering the perfect balance of crunch, chew, and bite. Whether feeding a hungry game-day crowd or elevating your catering menu, these Muffuletta sandwiches are a showstopper, bringing together savory, spicy, tangy, and sweet in perfect harmony. Serve them as hearty halves or cut them into party-sized portions. Either way, they’ll be the MVP of any spread!