{"id":84978,"date":"2026-01-09T09:00:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T14:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=84978"},"modified":"2026-01-09T08:52:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T13:52:43","slug":"football-friday-tailgate-recipes-semi-finals-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2026\/01\/09\/football-friday-tailgate-recipes-semi-finals-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Football Friday Tailgate Recipes: Semi-Finals Edition\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Happy Football Friday. \u00a0We are snacking our way through the playoffs. \u00a0The games have been exciting. We have Oregon and Indiana left to decide who will take on The U in the championship game. These are super easy recipes. Dump it all in the crockpot while you pregame with your <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2025\/11\/07\/football-friday-tailgate-recipes-warm-and-cozy-tailgate-beverages\/\" target=\"_self\">favorite beverage<\/a>. \u00a0I hope you enjoy the tasty treats and the semi-final game this weekend.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"entry-title text-3xl md:text-4xl font-bold text-gray-900 leading-tight\">Football Friday Tailgate Recipes: Semi-Finals Edition<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"recipe-title\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/hot-bacon-cheese-dip\/#RecipeCard\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hot Bacon Cheese Dip<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed<\/li>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">4 cups shredded cheddar cheese<\/li>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">1 cup half-and-half cream<\/li>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce<\/li>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">1 teaspoon dried minced onion<\/li>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">1 teaspoon prepared mustard<\/li>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">16 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled<\/li>\n<li class=\"ingredient-item \">Tortilla chips or toasted French bread slices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Directions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol class=\"directions-list\">\n<li class=\"direction-step\">In a 1-1\/2-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 6 ingredients.<\/li>\n<li class=\"direction-step\">Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until cheeses are melted, stirring occasionally.<\/li>\n<li class=\"direction-step\">Just before serving, stir in bacon.<\/li>\n<li class=\"direction-step\">If desired, top with crumbled bacon.<\/li>\n<li class=\"direction-step\">Serve warm with tortilla chips or toasted bread.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"article-heading text-headline-400\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/slow-cooker-chicken-tacos-8769304\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mm-recipes-structured-ingredients_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-recipes-structured-ingredients\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">tsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">ground cumin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">tsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">chili powder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1 1\/2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">tsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">kosher salt<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1\/2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">tsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">black pepper<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1\/2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">tsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">garlic powder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">8<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">boneless skinless chicken thighs<\/span> (about 2 1\/2 lb.)<\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1<\/span> (<span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">10-oz.<\/span>) <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">can diced tomatoes and green chiles<\/span> (such as Rotel)<\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">Fresh tortillas<\/span>, warmed<\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">Fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, sour cream, and salsa<\/span>, for serving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Directions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Gather all ingredients.<\/li>\n<li>Stir together cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a 6-quart slow cooker.<\/li>\n<li>Add chicken and toss until coated evenly in spice mix. Arrange chicken in an evenly layer in bottom of slow cooker.<\/li>\n<li>Spoon diced tomatoes and green chiles evenly over chicken.<\/li>\n<li>Cover and cook until chicken is very tender, about 2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW.<\/li>\n<li>Transfer chicken to a cutting board; shred using 2 forks.<\/li>\n<li>Return chicken to liquid in slow cooker (about 1 1\/2\u00a0 cups) and toss until well coated. Serve in warmed tortillas with desired toppings.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"wprm-recipe-name wprm-block-text-none\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.lecremedelacrumb.com\/slow-cooker-beef-on-rice\/#wprm-recipe-container-20997\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Slow Cooker Beef on Rice<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredients\">\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">2<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">pounds<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">beef chunks <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-1\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">4<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">cups<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">beef broth<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-2\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">1<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">onion<\/span>, <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded\">chopped<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-3\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">1<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">teaspoon<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">Italian seasoning <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-4\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">2-3<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">teaspoons<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">salt<\/span>, <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded\">or to taste<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-5\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">1<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">teaspoon<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">black pepper<\/span>, <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded\">or to taste<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-6\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">\u00bc<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">cup<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">cold water<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-7\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">3<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">tablespoons<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">corn starch<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\"><span class=\"wprm-checkbox-container\"><label class=\"wprm-checkbox-label\" for=\"wprm-checkbox-8\"><span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\">\u00a0<\/span><\/label><\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">4-6<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">cups<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">brown or white rice <\/span>, <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded\">(for serving)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Directions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions\">\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-20997-step-0-0\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">Add beef, broth, and chopped onions to slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-20997-step-0-1\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-20997-step-0-2\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">About 10-15 minutes before serving, Transfer slow cooker contents to a large stock pot and bring to a boil.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">Whisk together cold water and corn starch, add to pot, and stir until thickened.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">Serve over rice and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-heading text-headline-400\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/recipes\/slow-cooker-vegetable-soup\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mm-recipes-structured-ingredients_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-recipes-structured-ingredients\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">4<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">thick-cut bacon slices, cut into 1\/2-in. pieces<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1 1\/2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">lbs.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1 1\/2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">cups<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">chopped yellow onion (from 1 medium onion)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">cup<\/span> 1\/4<span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">-inch-thick carrot slices (from 3 medium carrots)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">cup<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">dried navy beans<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">3\/4<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">cup<\/span> 1\/4<span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">-in.-thick parsnip slices (from 2 medium parsnips)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">3\/4<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">cup<\/span> 1\/4<span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">-in.-thick celery slices (from 2 stalks)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">6<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">cups<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">chicken broth<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">Tbsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">minced garlic (from 3 garlic cloves)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1\/2<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">tsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">black pepper, plus more for garnish<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1\/4<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">tsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">kosher salt<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">3<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">cups<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">chopped curly kale (from 1 bunch)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-quantity=\"true\">1<\/span> <span data-ingredient-unit=\"true\">Tbsp.<\/span> <span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ingredient-name=\"true\">Fresh thyme leaves<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mm-recipes-steps_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-recipes-steps mntl-block\"><strong>Directions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n<ol>\n<li><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">Cook and crumble bacon: <\/span>Cook bacon in microwave until crisp, according to package directions. Crumble bacon.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">Add vegetables and beans to slow cooker: <\/span>Place potatoes, onion, carrots, beans, parsnips, celery, broth, garlic, pepper, salt, and bacon in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">Cook soup: <\/span>Cover and cook on LOW until potatoes and beans are tender, 5 1\/2 to 6 hours.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">Add kale and lemon juice: <\/span>Uncover and stir in kale. Cook, uncovered, until kale is tender, about 2 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>Stir in lemon juice.<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-sc-block_65-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block southernliving-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\">Garnish, and serve: <\/span><\/li>\n<li>Ladle soup into serving bowls, and garnish with black pepper and thyme leaves.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"wprm-recipe-name wprm-block-text-bold\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.simplejoy.com\/salted-caramel-crock-pot-brownies\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Salted Caramel Crock Pot Brownies<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredients\">\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\" data-uid=\"0\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">1<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">box <\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">fudge brownie mix<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\" data-uid=\"1\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">2<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">teaspoons<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">kosher salt<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\" data-uid=\"2\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">2\/3<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">cup<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">oil<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\" data-uid=\"3\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">1\/4<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">cup<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">water<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\" data-uid=\"4\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">2<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">eggs<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient\" data-uid=\"5\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount\">12<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit\">ounces<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-name\">caramel sauce<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Directions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">Grease a large slow cooker very liberally with cooking spray.<\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix and salt. Then whisk in the oil, 1\/4 cup water, and eggs until combined. Pour into the prepared slow cooker.<\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">Pour the caramel sauce over the brownie batter, doing your best to keep it away from the sides. Top with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 1\/2 to 3 hours.<\/li>\n<li class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-text\">The brownies will be gooey in the center at the end of cooking (especially if you end around 2 1\/2 hours) but the edges should be set. Scoop out and serve with a spoon and top with ice cream.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>On The Menu<\/h3>\n<p>Enjoy the Indiana \/ Oregon game. We will get more recipes ready for the championship game.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: Taste of Home dot com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Happy Football Friday. \u00a0We are snacking our way through the playoffs. \u00a0The games have been exciting. We have Oregon and Indiana left to decide who will take on The U in the championship game. These are super easy recipes. Dump it all in the crockpot while you pregame with your favorite beverage. \u00a0I hope you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1643,"featured_media":84979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[35689,5,7361,35605,35602,35691,35690],"tags":[35727,35847,9451,7846,35846],"class_list":["post-84978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-bigten","category-bowl-games","category-indiana-hoosiers","category-oregon-ducks","category-recipes","category-tailgating","tag-desserts","tag-dips","tag-soup","tag-tailgate-recipes","tag-tailgate-treats"],"modified_by":"Kate Pearson Halyburton, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1643"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84978"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84978\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84983,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84978\/revisions\/84983"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}