It’s football season in the South, and no matter which team you pull for, gathering with friends and family to enjoy the big game on TV can be a lot of fun. I’ve got an easy and festive menu that’s part homemade and part store bought, and whether you watch the game at home or choose to tailgate, I’ll share a few tips to help your table score a touchdown of its own.

The snacks are some of the best parts of game day. Easy-to-eat finger foods are the way to go — think handheld sliders, nachos, wings, and bite-size snacks like cheese straws or pigs-in-a-blanket that guests can enjoy while standing and moving about. I like to balance the menu with a little sweet and a little salty to provide variety for everyone and keep things interesting, and I’m happy to get a little help from the grocery store or local bakery. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a few staples to save time, like homemade brownies, cupcakes or ready-made wings.

Another way to bring the party is to present items in festive shapes and in your team’s colors. For example, a cheese ball would be a great thing to serve shaped like a football. To present the snacks, use cake stands or a stack of books under your tablecloth to give your food display some height variation — and don’t forget the décor! We eat with our eyes first, so the more enticing and exciting the presentation, the better.

When planning snacks to feed a crowd, food that can be served at room temperature is best. However, if you do decide to offer a hot dip, make good use of your slow cooker to maintain the temperature.

For recipes from my Some Kinda Good game day menu and more, visit SomeKindaGood.com or connect with me on social media.

Go Eagles — Hail Southern and no place else!

Some Kinda Good Pepperoni Ciabatta Bread

Made on a sheet pan with just a few ingredients, this bread also can be prepared in a toaster oven or on the grill. It’s especially delicious made with homegrown tomatoes!

• One loaf freshly baked ciabatta bread
• 3 tablespoons Georgia olive oil
• Store-bought jarred pizza sauce
• 3 small tomatoes, sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• 1 bunch fresh basil, chiffonade
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Slice ciabatta loaf into ¼-inch slices and place on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice and season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.

Remove the bread from the oven and top each slice with pizza sauce, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.

Turn the oven to broil and bake for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Allow to cool just slightly and, if desired, garnish with red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese and fresh basil.