NFL Thanksgiving: 6 game-day recipes inspired by your favourite team

Thanksgiving is here and this year, it’s coming with the excitement and cheer of National Football League (NFL) games as six teams take to the field. With that in mind, we believe no game-day is complete without indulging in some delicious dishes that not only satisfy your appetite but also celebrate the spirit of your favourite football team.

Whether you’re cheering for a Dallas touchdown or rooting for Detroit to dominate, we have got a recipe to match your team spirit. Without further ado, here are six game-day recipes guaranteed to score big at your table.

1. Dallas Cowboys - Tex-Mex fiesta dip

Cheer on the Cowboys this Thanksgiving day with a Tex-Mex dip that screams Texas vibes. Picture this: creamy refried beans, sour cream, chunky guacamole, zingy salsa, and fresh coriander on top. Drooling already? Same. Let’s get prepping!

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Ingredients:

A can of refried beans

A cup of sour cream

A cup of guacamole

A cup of salsa

A cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Some fresh coriander (chopped)

Tortilla chips

Instructions:

Step 1: Begin by spreading a layer of refried beans across the base. Add a layer of sour cream, followed by a thick spread of guacamole that brings freshness.

Step 2: Now spoon some salsa to add heat and tang. Finish with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of chopped coriander for colour.

Step 3: Finally, serve with crunchy tortilla chips - each scoop gives you a little bit of every layer, creating a bold, vibrant dip that’s ideal for game-day grazing. Go Cowboys!

2. Detroit Lions -  Detroit-style deep-dish pizza bites

First thing that springs to our mind when we hear Detroit? Deep-dish pizza! That said, having a Detroit-style deep-dish pizza on the game-day is a no-brainer. These mini deep-dish bites are crispy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

A sheet deep-dish pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

One to one and a half cup of shredded mozzarella

Half a cup of pepperoni slices

Half a cup of tomato sauce

A teaspoon of dried oregano

Some olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Instructions:

Step 1: Grease the pan with olive oil and then press the dough into it, ensuring it climbs slightly up the sides.

Step 2: Scatter a reasonable amount of mozzarella directly on the dough so it melts into the edges and forms that classic caramelised crust.

Step 3: Layer pepperoni on top and spoon tomato sauce over it - Detroit-style always puts the sauce last.

Step 4: Sprinkle with oregano and bake until the cheese bubbles and the edges turn golden brown.

Step 5: Slice into small squares for easy snacking as you root for Lions!

3. Green Bay Packers - Cheddar and beer soup

As Wisconsin is “America’s Dairyland,” there is no denying the fact that there’s nothing better that screams Green Bay more than a warm, cheesy, beer-kissed soup.

Ingredients:

Two tablespoons of butter

A small onion (finely chopped)

Two garlic cloves (minced)

Two tablespoon of flour

Two cups of chicken or vegetable broth

One cup of light beer (lager or pale ale)

Two cups of sharp cheddar cheese (grated)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Start by gently sauteing chopped onions and garlic in butter until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add in a spoonful of flour to create a light roux, then slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth.

Step 3: Pour in a mild beer - something light enough to add flavour without overpowering the cheese.

Step 4: Simmer the mixure before adding freshly grated cheddar, stirring until completely melted. Garnish with chives and pair with crusty bread for a cosy game-day bowl.

4. New York Giants - Roasted turkey sliders

Honouring Thanksgiving tradition as well as New York’s love for generous portions, these turkey sliders pack all the flavours of a festive feast on your favourite team’s game-day.

Ingredients:

Two cups of shredded roast turkey (leftovers work great)

About six slider buns

Half a cup of cranberry sauce

half a cup mayonnaise

One teaspoon of dried sage (for sage mayo)

Half/full cup of prepared stuffing

Butter (optional, for toasting buns)

Instructions:

Step 1: Begin by lightly toasting small slider buns for structure and crunch.

Step 2: Fill them with shredded roast turkey and then add a spoonful of sage-infused mayonnaise to give the sliders a herby, aromatic touch.

Step 3: Later, add a dollop of cranberry sauce that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Step 4: Assemble the sliders and serve warm. The perfect dish that is easy to enjoy without taking your eyes off the Giants’ game, isn’t it?

5. Washington Commanders - Slow-cooked pulled pork sliders

Calling all WC fans! This slow-cooked pulled pork sliders dish will amp up your game spirit, so that you can support your favourite team on a delicious note. Smoky, tangy, and tender, these pulled pork sliders are a match-day classic.

Ingredients:

500g pork shoulder

One cup of barbecue sauce

About six slider buns

One cup coleslaw

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional: smoked paprika or garlic powder (for seasoning)

Instructions:

Step 1: Start by slow-cooking a pork shoulder with barbecue sauce until it’s soft enough to shred with a fork.

Step 2: Once shredded, mix in a little more sauce to keep the meat juicy. Toast slider buns, then pile them high with the warm pulled pork.

Step 3: Next, top with crunchy coleslaw - its freshness helps cut through the richness of the barbecue sauce - and finish with the top bun.

Step 4: These sliders are flavour-packed, easy to assemble, and guaranteed to disappear fast during the Commanders’ matchup.

6. Philadelphia Eagles -  Philly cheesesteak-stuffed peppers

Philadelphia Eagles fans will certainly love this much lighter twist on the beloved Philly cheesesteak. The stuffed peppers make a delicious and tidy game-day snacking option, so you can cheer for your favourite football team with some stuffed peppers on the side.

Ingredients:

Four large bell peppers

250g thinly sliced chicken steak

One onion (sliced)

One cup of mushrooms (sliced)

One cup of provolone or mozzarella cheese (shredded)

One tablespoon of olive oil

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Step 1: Saute thinly-sliced chicken with onions and mushrooms until tender and well browned.

Step 2: Spoon this mixture into the hollowed peppers.

Step 3: Top with provolone or mozzarella cheese and bake until the peppers soften and the cheese becomes perfectly melted and golden.

Step 4: The result is a hearty, cheesy dish with all the classic Philly flavours!