The 2016 football season has finally kicked off, and there are endless delicious and creative tailgate food options coming out of the kitchen – check out a few favorites:

Anything to do with macaroni and cheese is typically a crowd pleaser. Old House to New Home posted a recipe for baked mini macaroni and cheese bites that we cannot wait to try. This recipe yields 48 mini muffin-sized bites with many ingredients that are typically already in the kitchen:

Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 48

12-ounces elbow macaroni
5-ounces garlic and herb cheese (any soft, spreadable cheese i.e. boursin, alouette or herbed cream cheese)
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
2 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
Pinch salt and ground black pepperFor the crust:
2 cups crushed Ritz Crackers
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Heat the oven to 375 F. Spray 2 mini-muffin tins with cooking spray. Melt the 6 tablespoons of butter in saucepan and then mix the crushed Ritz Crackers and the 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Press about 1 teaspoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the mini-muffin tin until firmly packed – crust should come up a little on the sides. Prepare macaroni. Cook in boiling water, strain and then put in a large bowl. Add the herbed cheese, cheddar, sour cream, milk, eggs, cold butter, salt and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cheese starts to melt and no large clumps remain. Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of mixture into each well over the prepared crust and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for at least 10 minutes (If removed before then, they will crumble and fall apart). When set, run a knife around the edges and gently remove. Serve warm.

(Recipe from Amanda on Old House to New Home)

Another favorite recipe is anything to do with hot dogs, especially when presented as a finger food. These mini corn dog bites from Walton.com are an easy touchdown that’s sure to please:

Mini Corn Dog Bites

Cook time: 14 to 16 minutes
Servings: 48

1 package (15 ounces) all beef bun-length hot dogs
1-cup all-purpose flour
1-cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1-teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (melted and cooled slightly)
1-cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs

Heat the oven to 375 F. Prepare Mega Mini Muffin Pan with vegetable pan spray. Cut each hot dog into 6 pieces.  In large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk and sour cream, then stir the butter mixture into flour mixture until just combined. Distribute batter evenly within the muffin pan, about half full each, then place one hot dog piece in the center of each well. Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until muffins have golden-brown edges. Let cool for 5 minutes in pan, then remove to cooling grid.

(Recipe from Wilton.com Recipes)

To add a little spice to your tailgate event, try these Firecracker Chicken Meatballs from Little Spice Jar – this item can be prepped the night before and popped in the oven, just in time for kick off, the next day:

Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

Start to finish: 30 minutes (Cook time: 25 minutes)
Servings: 18 to 22 meatballs

Meatballs:
1 3/4 to 2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
4-teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1-teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1-cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder

Firecracker Sauce:
1/2 cup hot sauce
1-cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Heat the oven to 475 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the firecracker sauce ingredients (hot sauce, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and red pepper flakes). Allow to come to a boil, reduce to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. In a large bowl, combine with your hands the ground meat, garlic, salt, ground black pepper, eggs, panko, paprika and onion powder. Shape the mixture into 3-tablesoon balls (a small ice cream scoop is a good scale). Place meatballs onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Drizzle or baste the sauce on the meatballs and bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes (add additional sauce as desired).

(Recipe from Little Spice Jar contributor Marzia)

Plain Chicken has also posted 25 Tailgating Recipes to Kick Off Football Season if you are looking for more ideas.

If you are still looking for the perfect home with plenty of entertainment and outdoor living space, look no further than Traton Homes! We have a variety of Atlanta new home options available now with covered patios, large decks and more! Act quickly and you could be in your new Traton home to cheer on your favorite team – visit TratonHomes.com for more information.