Spicy Chorizo Cheddar Football Puffs Aka Pigskins

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to seriously upgrade your football snacks game. Ever been stuck wondering what easy apps to make for a kick off party? I got you, mate.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy something other than crisps for the big game? These Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Puffs, or "Pigskins" as I like to call them, are packed with a flavour punch that'll have your guests cheering louder than when England scores a belter.

These are great game day appetizers.

Brief Overview

Inspired by classic British cheese straws with a bit of that Mexican food finger food flair, these puff pastries are the perfect appetizer for a Mexican party or any gathering really.

This recipe is a medium difficulty, and will take you about 1 hour and 50 minutes to whip up about 30 mini puffs.

Main Benefits

Honestly? The main benefit is pure, unadulterated deliciousness. But hey, the cheddar adds some calcium, so we can almost call it a party food healthy easy option, right? Make the Puffs to use as snacks for BBQ or tailgating food ideas .

These are super super bowl snacks and great chorizo appetizers made with cheddar cheese appetizers .

Ready to get started?

Level Up Your Game Day Grub

Okay, so, picture this: I was hosting a Super Bowl party last year. And I wanted to make a snack that would be something a little bit unique.

Everyone loved these chorizo puffs! You know, a party can be make-or-break based on the food, right? So, next, let's look at the ingredients you'll need.

Right then, let's get into the nitty gritty of what you'll need for these belting Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Puffs .

Honestly, these little blighters are perfect football snacks . Forget those boring crisps, yeah? We're going full-on game day appetizers here!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Alright, listen up. For the pastry you'll need 225g all-purpose flour. Get that plain flour, not the self raising stuff. A teaspoon, that's 5ml , of salt.

Now, the important bit, 115g of proper chilled butter, cut into cubes. And 115g of chilled full fat cream cheese. Don't scrimp on the fat, it's key! You'll need between 60-80 ml of ice water.

Add it slowly, yeah?

For the filling, it's 150g of chorizo sausage, skin off, of course. Get a good quality chorizo, something with a bit of a kick.

And 225g of proper sharp cheddar cheese, grated. The sharper the better, mate! Lastly, a tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro.

Seasoning Notes

Okay, so chorizo and cheddar is a match made in heaven, honestly. But don't be afraid to add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a proper kick.

Smoked paprika is also a winner here, brings that Mexican Food Finger Food vibe and makes this the perfect Appetizer For Mexican Party .

A tiny bit of cumin can work wonders too! If you haven't got cilantro, flat leaf parsley will do in a pinch, but cilantro is way better.

We aim to make something suitable for snacks for bbq .

Equipment Needed

You'll need a food processor if you've got one, but honestly, you can just use your fingers. A rolling pin, baking sheets, and some parchment paper or silicone baking mats are essential.

A small bowl for the egg wash and a pastry brush. A pizza cutter, or a sharp knife, for cutting out the football shapes.

That is the key detail to impress your mates for the Super Bowl snacks and tailgating food ideas .

Honestly, nothing too fancy, yeah? Most of it is easy apps to make and you'll probably already have it in your kitchen.

If you haven't got parchment paper, just grease the baking sheets really well. Now, go on, get your stuff together and let's get cracking!

Alright, gather 'round, you beautiful bunch! We're diving headfirst into a football snacks masterpiece. Forget the same old crisps and dips.

Get ready for my Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Puffs, or as I like to call 'em, Pigskins. These are proper game day appetizers .

Mastering the Pigskin: My Cooking Method

Honestly, these ain't just snacks for bbq ; they're a whole vibe. Think Tex-Mex meets posh cheese straws. These are ideal when you're thinking of tailgating food ideas that really score.

Prep Steps: The Essential Kick Off

• Mise en place is key, people. Get everything measured, chopped, and ready to roll. Time is precious, especially before the match! This is where your easy apps to make start, right here.
• Organisation is your best mate. I like to get the pastry ingredients prepped first, then tackle the chorizo appetizers . Trust me, it saves a world of stress.
• Safety first! Mind the hot hob when cooking the chorizo. Nobody wants a burnt finger before they've even tasted the Mexican food finger food .

step-by-step: From Dough to Deliciousness

1. Pastry Power: Whizz flour, salt, butter, and cream cheese in a food processor until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until it just comes together.
2. Chill Out: Form dough into a disc, wrap it, and chill for at least 60 minutes . Don't skip this; it's crucial!
3. Chorizo Charm: Cook chorizo in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain the grease.
4. Cheese, Please: Combine chorizo, grated cheddar, and cilantro. This is where you can add other cheddar cheese appetizers . Oh my gosh, it smells good!.
5. Shape Up: Preheat oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick and spread with chorizo mix.
6. Pigskin Perfect: Cut out football shapes. Re-roll scraps if needed.
7. Golden Glory: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds and kosher salt.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20- 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game

• Keep everything cold . Cold butter and cream cheese mean flaky pastry. End of.
• Don't overwork the dough. Treat it gently, or it will become tough.
• Prep the pastry the day before. This is the perfect make-ahead option , saving you stress on game day.
• Don't overcook the chorizo. You want it browned and slightly crispy, not dry and sad.
• Taste the chorizo mix before you put it on the dough and adjust the seasonings. You know? That kind of stuff...

Honestly, these little Super Bowl snacks are so moreish. Plus, they look the part! The perfect appetizer for Mexican party .

So, ditch the boring snacks and get your bake on. I can guarantee your guests will be chanting your name louder than the winning goal! Plus, they're also a good option if you're looking for party food healthy easy .

Right, let's talk shop about these Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Snacks – or "Pigskins," as I like to call 'em!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Those Football Puffs

Honestly, there's more to it than just chucking ingredients together, innit? Here are my notes to get your puffs banging.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Game

Alright, you've baked these bad boys. Now what? Don't just plonk them on a plate. Think presentation, yeah?

Plating and Presentation Ideas:

• Arrange them on a wooden board. It gives a rustic vibe.
• Use a few ramekins with salsa , queso , or a cool ranch dressing for dipping.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro . It's the little things, really.

Complementary Sides or Beverages:

• These bad boys are screaming for a cold pint of lager or a Mexican beer.
• Guacamole is a must, obviously!
• And a cheeky margarita , if you're feeling fancy.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive

Right, so you've got leftovers? Unlikely, but hey, it happens. Proper storage is key, so listen up.

Refrigeration Guidelines:

Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be grand for up to 3 days.

Freezing Options:

You can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely first. They'll last for up to a month. Perfect for those Super Bowl snacks .

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Best way to revive them. A few minutes at 175° C ( 350° F) until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Fine in a pinch, but they might go a bit soft.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a change? I’ve got you covered. Let's get creative with these easy apps to make .

Dietary Adaptations:

• Vegetarian: Swap the chorizo for some fried halloumi for a tasty alternative.
• gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour for the pastry.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps:

• Autumn: Add a touch of roasted pumpkin puree to the filling for a seasonal twist.
• Summer: Mix in some grilled corn kernels for a summery vibe.

Nutrition Basics: Eat Smart, Play Hard

Alright, let's keep it real. These are treats, yeah? But let’s be aware, shall we?

Simplified Nutrition Information:

Each puff has about 250-300 calories. They're packed with protein and flavour but have some fat from the cheddar cheese appetizers .

Key Health Benefits:

Honestly, the main benefit is pure joy. But hey, they contain protein and some calcium , so it’s not all bad news. Great for game day appetizers or tailgating food ideas .

So there you have it! My guide to Mexican food finger food . These chorizo appetizers are perfect snacks for bbq .

And a great choice for an appetizer for mexican party . Follow these tips, and you'll be the star of your next party.

Go on, give it a go! Honestly, it’s easier than scoring a goal from the halfway line. And don't forget that this can be also a party food healthy easy choice with some minor changes on the ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to store leftover Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Puffs? Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Puffs are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven (around 180°C/350°F) for a few minutes until heated through.

You can also prepare the unbaked puffs ahead of time, arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time perfect for a last minute "Match of the Day" snack attack!

I'm rubbish at making pastry! Is there a cheat's way to make these football snacks?

Don't worry, mate, we've all been there! If you're short on time or pastry challenged, you can definitely use store-bought puff pastry. Just make sure it's all-butter puff pastry for the best flavour and flakiness none of that margarine stuff!

Roll it out, add the filling, and follow the rest of the instructions as normal. It won't be quite the same as homemade, but it'll still be a winner.

My kids aren't keen on spicy food. How can I adapt these football snacks to be less fiery?

No problem, easy peasy! For a milder version of these Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Puffs, use a sweet chorizo instead of the spicy variety. You can also reduce the amount of chorizo in the filling and add a bit more cheese to compensate.

Alternatively, for a completely non-spicy option, use cooked ham or bacon instead of chorizo. Remember, a happy family is a winning team!

Can I make these "Pigskins" vegetarian? What would be a good substitute for the chorizo?

Good shout! To make a veggie version, swap out the chorizo for a tin of black beans that have been rinsed, drained, and lightly mashed. Season them with a bit of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder (if you want a little kick). You could also add some finely chopped roasted red peppers for extra flavour and texture.

The feta cheese is also a substitute if cream cheese is not available.

Are there any nutritional considerations I should be aware of when making these Spicy Chorizo & Cheddar Football Puffs?

These little beauties are delicious, but they are a bit of a treat, so portion control is key! They're relatively high in fat and sodium due to the cheese and chorizo. To lighten them up slightly, you could use a lower fat cheddar cheese.

Also, bear in mind the estimated nutritional information is just a guide, and can vary based on the ingredients you use.