Kickoff Queso Loaded Sweet Potato Rounds

Recipe Introduction: Kickoff Your Taste Buds!

Fancy something amazing for game day food ? how about we ditch the usual and dive into something truly delicious? i'm talking about kickoff queso loaded sweet potato rounds .

These little bites are the bomb. the creamy, spicy queso is next level, and honestly, who doesn't love a good sweet potato appetizer ?

Sweet Potato Bites: A Winning Combo

Originating from my love for all things cheesy and spicy, these rounds are a flavour explosion. they’re kinda like nachos, but way better.

Sweet potatoes replace the tortilla chips, and it is perfect party food appetizers . this recipe is super easy, taking about 55 minutes total.

You'll get about 6-8 servings. perfect for sharing or, you know, keeping all to yourself!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly? they are delicious. but also, they are a bit healthier than your average football food appetizers . sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber.

These easy appetizers for a crowd are ideal for tailgate food parties. think of it as the super bowl food of champions! want to know the playbook for the ultimate game day food feast? these spicy game day snacks are your first play.

They’re easy to throw together and taste great! and who doesn’t love a good queso dip recipe ? the best thing? you can totally customize them.

Add more jalapeños for extra heat. or switch up the toppings to suit your taste. now, let’s get to the ingredients, shall we? i hope you are saying "how do you like them apples?" already.

These ground beef appetizers are a game-changer for your next gathering.

Kickoff Queso Loaded Sweet Potato Rounds Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (1.25 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese (227g), softened
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (113g)
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (57g)
• 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, diced (60ml)
• 1 tablespoon jalapeño brine (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (2.5 ml)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 pound ground beef (454g) or plant-based ground beef substitute
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 medium onion, diced (150g)
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (150g)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (approx. 1 oz / 28g)
• 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
• Diced avocado (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Green onions, sliced (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until tender and slightly browned.
• In a medium saucepan, combine cream cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, milk, diced jalapeños, jalapeño brine, cumin, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Heat over low heat, whisking constantly, until smooth and melted.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or plant-based substitute) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Arrange baked sweet potato rounds on a serving platter. Spoon queso evenly over each round. Top with ground beef mixture.
• Garnish with your favorite toppings (sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, hot sauce). Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:30g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:Southwestern

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Game Day Food !

Okay, folks, so you want to make some seriously addictive Kickoff Queso Loaded Sweet Potato Rounds for game day food , right? No sweat! Let's break down exactly what you'll need.

Main Ingredients: The Tailgate Food Dream Team

Alright, here's the playbook for creating a list of ingredients that'll score big for "game day food".

• Sweet Potato Rounds:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 680g )
    • Quality Check: Go for firm potatoes with smooth skin. No bruises allowed!
  • 2 tbsp olive oil ( 30 ml )
  • 1 tsp chili powder ( 5 ml )
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ( 2.5 ml )
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder ( 1.25 ml )
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Queso Time:

  • 8 oz cream cheese ( 227g ), softened – important, people!
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack ( 113g )
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar ( 57g )
  • 1/2 cup milk ( 120 ml )
  • 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños ( 60 ml ), plus 1 tbsp brine ( 15 ml ) – don't skip that brine! It's the secret.
  • 1 tsp cumin ( 5 ml )
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder ( 2.5 ml )
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, if you're feeling fiery)

• Ground Beef Power:

  • 1 lb ground beef ( 454g ) (or your fave plant-based ground)
    • Quality Check : Look for bright red beef or a plant based replacement
  • 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15 ml )
  • 1 medium onion, diced ( 150g )
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced ( 150g )
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz / 28g )
  • 1/4 cup water ( 60 ml )

• The Fun Part: Toppings! This is where you get creative.

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt – essential for cooling things down
  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Hot sauce – because why not?

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Party Food Appetizers

Cumin and chili powder are the backbone here. don't be shy with the taco seasoning. seriously. for extra depth, try a dash of smoked paprika.

If you’re short on something, taco seasoning is a decent sub for chili powder, cumin, and paprika in a pinch.

Remember, the jalapeño brine adds a subtle kick.

Equipment Needed: Keepin' it Simple for Easy Appetizers for a Crowd

• Baking sheets – You'll need these for the sweet potatoes.
• Parchment paper (optional, but makes cleanup a breeze)
• Large skillet – For the ground beef action.
• Medium saucepan – Queso central!
• Whisk – Because nobody wants lumpy queso.

Honestly, that’s it. No fancy gadgets needed! If you don't have parchment paper, just grease the baking sheets well. Ready to get cooking some amazing Spicy Game Day Snacks ? Let's do this!

Kickoff Queso Loaded Sweet Potato Rounds: The Ultimate Game Day Food

Alright, let's talk game day food ! tired of the same old snacks? this recipe is about to blow your mind.

I'm sharing my secret to kickoff queso loaded sweet potato rounds . they're like nachos, but way more fun, and hey, maybe a little healthier? perfect for tailgate food , party food appetizers , or even a super bowl food spread.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters

First, let's get organized. prepping is key to smooth sailing. dice your onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños. measure out all your spices.

Soften that cream cheese! seriously, don't skip this. then slice those sweet potatoes into ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick rounds.

Step-by-Step to Sweet Potato Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil and spices.
3. Arrange on baking sheets. Don't overcrowd!
4. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway.
5. Make the queso. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and melt.
6. Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning.
7. Assemble! Sweet potato, queso, beef, and toppings.

Pro Tips That'll Make You a Game Day Hero

Want to avoid common mistakes? don't overcrowd that baking sheet! it makes the potatoes soggy. trust me, i learned the hard way.

Keep the sweet potatoes warm in a 200° f ( 93° c) oven until serving.

Feeling spicy? add some chipotle peppers to the ground beef. this isn't about following rules. add more jalapeños to the queso if you're feeling brave.

Here's the playbook for creating a list of that'll score big for game day food , keeping in mind we want that all-american, "how do you like them apples?" vibe.

Honestly, i'm thinking about making these sweet potato appetizers next weekend.

So there you have it. these kickoff queso loaded sweet potato rounds are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. get ready to hear, "how do you like them apples?" when everyone devours them! i swear, this recipe is a winner.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Killer Kickoff Queso Loaded Sweet Potato Rounds

Okay, so you're making kickoff queso loaded sweet potato rounds , right? awesome choice! here are some extra tidbits. i've learned from making these a gazillion times.

Honestly, sometimes i just crave that queso. you know?

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Game Day Food

Presentation matters. Seriously. Arrange those sweet potato rounds artfully. Think layers! Queso first, then the ground beef, then a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

These go perfectly with a few cold ones. or, you know, maybe a virgin margarita if it's still early. some tortilla chips on the side are always a good shout.

Now, that's some good tailgate food .

Storage Tips: Save Some for Later (If You Can)

Fridge is your best friend here. Leftovers should go in an airtight container. They’ll last about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing isn’t ideal, as the queso can get a bit weird, but if you must, freeze the sweet potato rounds and beef separately.

Reheat in the oven. the queso might be a bit grainy.

For reheating, the oven is best ( 350° F/ 175° C ). Microwave works in a pinch, but the sweet potatoes can get a little soggy.

Variations: Easy Appetizers for a Crowd

Want to go veggie? Swap out the ground beef for black beans and corn. Boom! Vegetarian heaven. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese shreds.

Feeling adventurous? try adding some roasted poblano peppers to the queso for extra zing. play around with different cheeses too.

Pepper jack is a spicy dream. you should definitely serve these at your next super bowl food party.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good About Your Game Day Food

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins. this recipe has fiber, protein, and all that good stuff. each serving will have around 450 calories , 25g of protein , 30g of fat , and 30g of carbohydrates .

The nutritional information is just an estimate. It depends on your ingredients and portions. You will be serving the best party food appetizers this game day .

So, there you have it! a few extra tips and tricks to make your kickoff queso loaded sweet potato rounds even more amazing.

Now go forth and conquer that game day food spread. you've got this.