Fall at The Wharf means game day energy all weekend long—whether fans are cheering at Island Time Daiquiris, relaxing on the lawn at Portside, or grabbing a bite at any one of the numerous restaurants around property. A winning football watch party starts with good company and irresistible food. From Southern classics to coastal twists, here’s how to fuel your football fever with flavor.
Top Game Day Recipe Picks
Every great game day menu scores extra points for simple prep and big taste. These favorites work for tailgates, living room huddles, or outdoor screenings.
Here are step-by-step, game day-ready recipes for two fan favorites: Hot Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Nachos and Pulled Pork Sliders. Each recipe is broken down for ease—so fans can snack like champions all season.
Hot Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 bag of tortilla chips
- 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup favorite BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons hot honey
- Optional: pickled onions, diced mango, cilantro, jalapeño, queso, lime
Directions
- Prep the Oven & Chicken: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chipotle powder for bold, smoky flavor.
- Build the Nachos: Spread tortilla chips across a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half the cheddar over the chips. Top evenly with the seasoned chicken. Add the remaining cheese and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbling hot.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and drizzle generously with hot honey. For extra flair, top with pickled onions, diced mango, cilantro, jalapeño slices, or queso. Squeeze lime juice over the top for a bright, zesty pop. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cooked pulled pork (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 pack slider buns (12 count)
- 1 cup coleslaw (prepared)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing buns)
Directions
- Warm the Pork: In a saucepan, toss pulled pork with barbecue sauce. Heat over medium until warmed through, about 8–10 minutes.
- Prep the Buns: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet and place the bottom halves of the slider buns. Spoon the warm pulled pork mixture evenly onto each bun.
- Slaw It Up: Top each pork mound with a generous spoonful of coleslaw, then cap with the remaining bun tops.
- Finish & Serve: Brush tops of buns lightly with melted butter. Bake for 5–7 minutes until buns are lightly toasted and everything is steamy and delicious. Serve hot—perfect for passing around during the big game!
Enjoy these step-by-step, crowd-pleasing game day bites, and let the football fun begin!