Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch: Tailgating

Showing posts with label Tailgating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tailgating. Show all posts

Cajun Shrimp Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Cajun Shrimp Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner is an easy to make dinner recipe our whole family loves. The homemade cajun butter is what brings this simple Cajun Sheet Pan Dinner together with so much flavor. Tender shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn bring all the classics of a Seafood Boil together in this simple sheet pan recipe.

I love how quick this dinner recipe is to make. A few other quick and easy dinner recipes we love are One Pot Cajun Shrimp Sausage Pasta, One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, and Shrimp Sausage Jambalaya.

Cajun Shrimp Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
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Marinated Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi

Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Grilled Beef Skewers with a well balances Beef Bulgogi Marinade with just the right balance of acid, sweet, ginger, plenty of garlic, and toasted sesame seed oil. A delicious dinner recipe that is even great for a busy weeknight since the beef is even better if marinated the night before. Serve with rice and your favorite veggies, Asian Cucumber Salad or Asian Coleslaw.

Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi Skewers on a white plate.
This Marinated Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi recipe is an adaptation from a sweet Korean woman who was our neighbor many years back when we lived in our townhouse and only had 2 tiny tots running around. For the life of me I can't seem to remember her name anymore.

I think Lorna was just barely 3 at the time and LJ was just learning to walk, climb stairs and belly slide down them at 90 miles an hour while I had a heart attack. Little boys are fearless from an early age! Needless to say we moved to a rambler after that for my own sanity before Mas came along.

She would bring over Marinated Korean Beef Bulgogi from time to time and homemade Kimchi to serve along side. We usually BBQ or stir-fried the Bulgogi Beef and all I can say is I was hooked but she never would share her recipe, so when we moved I had to adapt my own.

This is very similar to her recipe for her Beef Bulgogi according to my taste buds, and always receives rave reviews from the kids.

We always prefer it when we BBQ it so they can eat it straight off the skewer, but its also delicious quickly stir fried on the stove-top.

This recipe is great prepared ahead of time and frozen or left in the fridge for a day to marinate.
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Taco Soup with Ground Beef

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
One of my favorite Taco Soup Recipes is Hamburger Taco Soup because it's so easy, healthy, packed with flavor and inexpensive to make. It's ready in 45 minutes and is great for a crowd since everyone can choose their own toppings. 

If you're hosting like a football party or gathering Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers, Chili Con Queso Dip, Nacho Cheese Dip, or Pico De Gallo are all favorites to appetizers or to serve along side the Taco Soup.

Hamburger Taco Soup topped with avocado, cheese and cilantro with chips around the edge of the bowl.
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Mango Black Bean Salsa

Friday, March 8, 2024
Mango Black Bean Salsa is a favorite for snacking or as a condiment to go with our favorite Mexican food recipes like these Quick Shrimp Tacos

Mangos have a delicious sweetness that pairs so well with the spicy jalapeños, lime juice, orange juice, cilantro and seasonings. The black beans pack this appetizer with a protein punch. It holds up well in the fridge and can be made the day before. The flavors meld together after a little time in the refrigerator. 

Other Salsa Recipes you might love include: Pico De Gallo, Habanero Pineapple Blueberry Salsa, Tomatillo Salsa Verde, and Mango Salsa.

A down shot of Mango Black Bean Salsa in a orange bowl with chips around the edge.
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Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Red Potatoes

Monday, February 6, 2023
Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Red Potatoes are an easy party snack. Mini Red Potatoes are filled with a sausage, cream cheese, fontina cheese and parmesan. Then topped with a cheesy panko topping for a delicious appetizer at your next party.

A side shot of Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Red Potatoes on a white tray that is on top of a wooden cutting board.
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My entire family is addicted to these Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Red Potatoes. We ate a whole pan of these the other night, and the kids still wanted more.

They are perfect as finger food, a side, or even a main dish. Each marvelous red potato is salted, then filled with a sausage, cream cheese, and fontina cheese, before being covered with crunchy panko bread crumbs. 

The tops are then baked until golden brown for the ultimate finger food.

Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Red Potatoes make the perfect game day food.
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French Dip Sandwiches In Crock Pot

Thursday, July 21, 2022
French Dip Sandwiches in the Crock Pot are easy to make! I provide two variations one that includes browning the meat and sautéing the onions and one for when you're crunched for time and toss everything in the slow cooker.

Tender melt in your mouth chuck roast, onions and pepperoncinis makes these so flavorful with a delicious au jus for dipping.

Spicy Crock Pot French Dip on a yellow plate with a glass container of au jus to the left side of photo on plate.

Since it's throw back Thursday I thought it's a great time to revisit a family favorite! Spicy Crock Pot French Dips.

When I made Spicy Crock Pot French Dips this time I thought I would try to make them without all the fussy pre browning and caramelizing because sometimes life calls for easy and right now my life needs simplicity.

We tossed everything in the Crock Pot before church a few Sunday's back and I was so thankful I had nothing else to worry about the rest of the day!

I'm happy to say the roast was amazingly delicious without all the fuss of pre-browning.

So either way you make it, it's a winner.

Spicy Crock Pot French Dips are super easy to make and perfect for any parties you might be hosting or just an easy fix it and forget it meal for a busy weeknight!

Here's how to make Crock Pot French Dips:
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Lemon Garlic Herb Shrimp

Monday, July 9, 2018
Lemon Herb Shrimp

Lemon Garlic Herb Shrimp always reminds me of my Granny, she would make something similar, and serve it over fresh spinach noodles in a garlic butter sauce. It was always one of my favorites! 

We cook Lemon Herb Shrimp a few different ways dependent on the season and our mood. 

They can be barbecued in a stir fry basket for the grill, or if we have time I will skewer them for easy portion control, because the kids always count who has how many shrimp in our house, and on especially busy nights, or when it's to cold to barbecue, we just toss them in a hot pan until the shrimp turn bright pink. 

No matter how you choose to cook the shrimp, the secret to tender shrimp is to cook them only until they turn bright pink. Avoid over cooking or they have a tendency to become tough, and rubbery.

This recipes great for an easy weeknight dinner, served as an appetizer, or main dish, you can't go wrong. 

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7 Layer Taco Dip

Tuesday, January 16, 2018
7 Layer Taco Dip
 7 layer Taco Dip recipe post is sponsored by Safeway.

7 Layer Taco Dip is one of our favorite things to snack on since it's so easy to make. It's perfect for busy weekends or for something a little bit heartier at your next tailgating party. Sometimes we'll even make it for a quick and easy dinner on a busy weeknight. 

I love how easy it is to make and the fact it always gets devoured without a complaint. 
7 Layer Taco Dip Safeway O Organics
One of my goals this year is to try and make sure we are all eating healthier. I'm not one to count calories, but I do like to opt for healthier options. Less preservatives, organic, and as natural as possible. 
O Organics®, available in my area exclusively at Safeway, makes this easy with their high quality products at an affordable price. It's really an easy switch to make towards healthier choices without making a huge lifestyle change.

I frequently find added discounts on so many of their products using the just for U® savings tool and stock up for later! It's another part of my New Year's resolution to save money on groceries whenever possible and Safeway makes that possible.

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Easy Game Day Recipes

Thursday, January 11, 2018

9 Easy Game Day Recipes!
If you are planning for your Game Day party like me I have 9 Easy Game Day Recipes from some of my favorite blogger friends that Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch has teamed up with that are sure to leave you salivating! From dips to finger foods there is something for everyone!

Part of my favorite thing about Game Day is all the grazing that happens. I'm a snacker at heart! These recipes should all make menu planning simple and worry free.

I personally can't wait to try them all! They are guaranteed to be a hit at your party!

Here's links to all the recipes:

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Hot Apple Cider Buttered Whiskey

Friday, November 10, 2017
Hot Apple Cider Buttered Whiskeys are a perfect warm up for holiday entertaining.

YAY! The weekends finally here, and it should definitely include these Hot Apple Cider Buttered Whiskeys..

It's by far my favorite cocktail to make at the moment, and is always a hit to serve at Thanksgiving! It's based on our other favorite and super popular Hot Apple Cider Buttered Rum. You can't go wrong with either of these. Really the only difference is I added some orange zest to compliment the whiskey.

If I have time I like to make the buttered mixture a day or two before to allow the flavors to develop in the fridge making it perfect for entertaining. If you forgo the apple cider and use hot water instead you can make a Hot Buttered Whiskey, but will need to use more of the spiced butter mixture to flavor the cocktails about 1 1/2- 2 tablespoons. Personally the addition of apple cider really makes these one of my favorites however.

Obviously you can leave out the alcohol for a virgin option. It's super tasty either way.

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Cheesy Pesto Chicken Artichoke Quesadillas

Monday, November 6, 2017
This post was sponsored by Sargento Foods as part of an Ambassador Program for Influencer Central, and all opinions expressed are my own.


It's Football Season, and with that comes food! Lots, and lots of food! 

One of my favorite Football party foods is quesadillas. Since they are so quick, and easy to make, it leaves more time to hangout and visit. I'll sometimes even make a quesadilla bar where everyone can pick their own fillings and toppings. It's super fun and simple! 

Sometimes we do quesadilla night at home when I have bits and pieces of leftovers needing to be used up, like steak, chicken, roasted veggies, or stuff to make pizza. It's how Cheesy Pesto Chicken Artichoke Quesadillas became a favorite in our house. Let me just say, they are so good! 
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Whiskey Peach BBQ Chicken

Thursday, August 10, 2017
Whiskey Peach BBQ Chicken
This recipe is sponsored by Safeway and Albertsons

Dinner plans in our house usually sound something like this..

Me: What would you like for dinner?

Colt: I don't know, what would you like for dinner?

Colt: Hmmm... Barbecue sounds really good, and it's hot.

Me: Maybe we should head to pick up a few things, and make a final decision.

Colt: That sounds like a plan!

So we headed to Safeway, and found some really ripe O Organics® Peaches as we walked in the entrance that smelled heavenly from almost five feet away, so we knew they were going to be amazing. Colt picked out quite a few, and suggested we throw them on the grill. 

Then Whiskey Peach BBQ Chicken Breast popped in my head, and Colt agreed that would hit the spot! 
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Whiskey Strawberry Iced Tea

Friday, May 12, 2017
If you're looking for a  refreshing Whiskey Cocktail recipe for summer this Whiskey Strawberry Iced Tea will hit the spot on a hot day. The beautiful red color makes it great for 4th of July entertaining. Leave out the whiskey for a delicious non alcoholic Strawberry Iced Tea. 

Whiskey Strawberry Iced Tea
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Strawberry Whiskey Iced Tea came about as a collaborative process between Colt and I. I had suggested to him we should do another iced tea like the Peach Whiskey Iced Tea I shared last summer. As we wandered around the grocery store checking out the produce we settled on Strawberry  one of my favorites when they are in season.

I usually add the whiskey as I'm serving the cocktails to have a nonalcoholic option available so everyone can enjoy the Strawberry Iced Tea.

It's perfect for gatherings like Mother's Day brunch, Memorial Day, a Father's Day BBQ or of coarse a beautiful red cocktail for 4th of July!

I also like to keep a pitcher of the Strawberry Iced Tea on hand just to enjoy at the end of a warm day on the patio.

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Blueberry Mango Salsa

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

The first time I had Blueberry Salsa was over Fish Tacos when Colt and I were having a date night and I instantly fell in love with the sweet blueberries paired with the spiciness of the jalapeño, and cilantro. There's something about good food that just lingers in my mind making it hard to forget, and this Blueberry Mango Salsa is one of those you won't quickly forget! 

Blueberry Mango Salsa from serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com

So for Sundays big game I made Blueberry Mango Salsa, to go with the Fish Tacos Colt made. It's also a favorite when we make Quick Shrimp Tacos or even Breakfast Burritos! We also like to keep it in the fridge as a healthy snack, and it makes a great topping for chicken, and fish.

We decided to try out a video and step-by-step photo instructions since some of you indicated on Facebook awhile back you like both! Please leave me a comment, and let me know what you prefer.

So here's the recipe for one of our favorite salsas!
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Tiramisu Angel Food Cake

Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Tiramisu Angel Food Cake consists of light airy layers of angel food cake, liquor infused espresso, creamy marscapone filling, and topped with chocolate curls is a favorite dessert recipe from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.

If we go out to eat and Tiramisu's on the dessert menu it's almost always my guaranteed pick. 

Tiramisu is traditionally made with ladyfingers, but I used Angel Food Cake soaked in liquor infused espresso or strong coffee could be used, and then covered in creamy marscapone mixture that's hard to keep from eating straight out of the bowl. 

Tiramisu Angel Food Cake is best made at least 8 hours ahead of time so the flavors can mingle in the fridge but an overnight is even better. It holds up exceptionally well made a day ahead of time. 

In Italian Tiramisu translates into "pick me up" and this dessert is sure to pick you up at the end of the day.

Tiramisu Cake is a slice of heaven for the taste buds.

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Ham Black-Eyed Pea Soup With Collard Greens

Friday, November 18, 2016
Ham Black-Eyed Pea Soup With Collard Greens a great use for leftover holiday ham!

Brrr... It's been rather chilly the last few days, leaving me craving any kind of hearty soup. I love Ham Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Collard Greens since it's thick and creamy. The perfect comfort food on a cold day.

If your lucky enough to have leftover ham after the holidays Ham Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Collard Greens is a favorite use in our house, and a must have for  New Years Day. I like adding the sautéed collard greens to the top for an additional pop of flavor.

According to superstition Black-Eyed Peas will bring you prosperity in the New Year. I'm not one to mess with tradition when it entails a hearty bowl of comfort.

Comforting, and hearty, the perfect soup to warm your bones at the end of a cold day.

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24 Tailgating Recipes You Can't Live Without!

Friday, October 7, 2016
24 Tailgating Recipes You Can't Live Without! serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com
It's that time of year the boys in our house look forward to watching Football and I looks forward to snacking on all the delicious tailgating food! I gathered 24 Tailgating Recipes You Can't Live Without sure to leave you looking forward to game day! 

This recipe roundup is sure to leave you inspired! 
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Whiskey Burgers

Sunday, July 24, 2016
Whiskey Burgers, a heart beef patty, topped with bacon, and a homemade whiskey barbecue sauce. serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com
This weeks #SundaySupper theme is Hamburgers & Hot Dogs so after some careful deliberation with Colt we settled on Whiskey Burgers. It's a simple burger patty, covered with your favorite cheese, bacon, and a whiskey barbecue sauce! 

Of course by dinner time after I had made Cheddar Cheese Hamburger Buns for the Whiskey Burgers we ended up with a thunder storm so Colt fried the burgers in the cast iron skillet. It was a much safer route then turning Colt into a human lightening bolt! 

However, I will attest Whiskey Burgers are by far a household year around favorite burger whether we grill them or fry them on the stove. Let's just say I'm a huge fan! 
9

Smoked Salmon Dip

Monday, June 20, 2016
Smoked Salmon Dip is a favorite for snacking. It's an easy yet impressive appetizer recipe. Made in under 10 minutes but always gets devoured fast with everyone asking for the recipe this will quickly become a go to recipe whether you're just watching a football game on Sunday or hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Other easy dip recipes I think you'll love as much as us include Hot Crab Dip, Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

A white bowl with Smoked Salmon Dip.
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Even though this Smoked Salmon Dip recipe sounds fussy it's rather easy to make in under 10 minutes. The flavors only improve after refrigerating overnight, if time allows, but is still delicious served immediately. Dill Smoked Salmon Dip is not only perfect for picnics but great for barbecues and parties! It never lasts long.

Beaten cream cheese with sour cream, chopped dill, chopped chives, fresh lemon juice and salt added for smoked salmon dip.

Beat 8 ounces Cream Cheese until smooth.

Add:
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Chives
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • A Generous Pinch of Salt
Mix until well combined, scraping sides of bowl frequently.

Smoked Salmon added to herb cream cheese mixture for Smoked Salmon Dip.

Add 1 cup Chopped Deboned Smoke Salmon and mix until well combined. Refrigerate until cold or overnight to allow the flavors to develop. 
Smoked Salmon Dip in a white bowl topped with chives and dill.

Garnish Dill Smoked Salmon Dip with additional Dill and Chives if desired.

Smoked Salmon Dip on a cracker.

Smoked Salmon Dip is amazing! Not only is it simple to make but it's positively to die for!

You might also like these other easy Appetizer Recipes:

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Dip Recipe, Appetizer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Superbowl Recipe
American
Yield: 10
Author: Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked Salmon Dip is a favorite for snacking. It's an easy yet impressive appetizer recipe. Made in under 10 minutes but always gets devoured fast.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

Calories

119

Fat

11 g

Sat. Fat

6 g

Carbs

2 g

Fiber

0 g

Net carbs

2 g

Sugar

1 g

Protein

4 g

Sodium

185 mg

Cholesterol

33 mg

The nutritional information and metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or metric conversion tool.

Did you make this recipe?
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Smoked Salmon Dip.


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Sticky Sweet and Sour Ribs

Saturday, September 19, 2015
Easy Chinese style Sweet and Sour Ribs with a sticky sauce that is so easy to make with so much flavor! These are delicious with baby back ribs, pork spare ribs but would also be good over beef ribs.

A rack of sliced Sticky Sweet and Sour Ribs on a wooden cutting board.
I live for this time of year not only do I love football but I love all the delicious finger foods like these Sticky Sweet and Sour Ribs, fun times with good friends and family that happen while watching the game.
Sweet and Sour Pork Baby Back Ribs just happen to be my Sunday must have at the moment while watching football and what I'm bringing to all the football parties we're invited to. We also use the same recipe to make Sticky Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs all depending on what the store has on sale or I might have in the freezer.

I think every good tailgating party requires these stick to your fingers a little spicy, sweet and sour ribs to leave your friends and family fighting for seconds.

The secret to these is a lower cooking temperature for about an hour with a mopping of sauce every 15 minutes, then the ribs are covered in the remaining sweet and sour sauce and the temperature increased for 15 minutes to form the most amazing fall off the bone meat with a sticky, sweet glaze.

For future reference I know I need to make about 3 more racks of ribs then normal because the family just couldn't get enough.

For a main dish a rack of ribs will feed about 2-3 people or 1 Colt. Not only are these perfect for tailgating but there perfect for dinner too! 

Sticky Sweet and Sour Ribs will leave everyone licking their fingers wanting more.
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