Make the Most Out of Game Day Leftovers

Posted by Annette Bellisari on

No matter which team you're rooting for this year, there's one thing about game day that I think we can all agree on - an abundance of good food is almost as important as the game itself! And, if you’re like me, when you make a big game-day feast, you’d always rather have too much than run out of something. I always end up making way more than is needed for the game. I used to have a lot left over unintentionally, but these days I often make extra on purpose. After the last fan heads home, those leftovers become ingredients for some delicious meals over the next couple of days. (Whether you intend to eat the leftovers or not, food safety is important. You don’t want any of your friends and family to get sick! Keep all foods at safe temperatures for that particular food, cold or hot, whatever the case may be.) With a little creative thinking and some Bellisari’s recipes, you can put all those leftovers to good use.

I love this easy pulled pork recipe that I throw in the crockpot before I go to bed, and when I wake up the next morning -- voila! My fabulous pork is ready to be pulled. The ginger beer gives it an amazing flavor, and our Saigon Sauce finishes it off beautifully.  I promise it will be a hit with your football-lovin’ buddies. (https://bellisaris.com/blogs/how-to-videos/how-to-make-bellisaris-saigon-ginger-beer-pulled-pork). I love it not only because it’s absolutely delicious, but also because I let the crockpot do the heavy lifting, and the leftovers are so versatile.

For example, on game day I might serve this tender shredded pork on sesame seed rolls and topped with our Saigon Slaw (https://bellisaris.com/blogs/thursday-recipes/saigon-slaw) and/or pickled peppers for the main part of the feast -- especially if game time encompases traditional lunch or dinner hours. Of course, leftover Ginger Beer Pulled Pork is perfect for making our Ginger Beer Pulled Pork Nachos, (https://bellisaris.com/blogs/wednesday-blog/ginger-beer-pulled-pork-nachos-w-saigon-sauce) which my sons and I are happy to eat for lunch or dinner anytime! Or if you prefer to serve the nachos for game day, pulled-pork for sandwiches is even better the next day!

How about making a big batch of Jambalaya for game day? Our mild version is very kid-friendly but still packed with that flavor you expect from this Cajun inspired recipe. (https://bellisaris.com/blogs/wednesday-blog/make-ahead-jambalaya) When making your Jambalaya recipe for game day, be sure to make some extra ground turkey sausage and diced onions and peppers to help make this next recipe even easier. You won’t have to ask twice about eating breakfast before school when our Bellisari’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos are an option.(https://bellisaris.com/blogs/thursday-recipes/make-ahead-breakfast-burritos

As a mother of 2 growing school-aged boys who are both involved in sports and/or other extracurricular activities, I totally understand how busy the start of the school year is. I’m living it too! 😅 So when I can find a shortcut to simplify our lives during this busy time, you better believe I use it! 

Fall football season is one of our favorite times of year around my house, so having friends and family around to watch the game with us is a frequent event. With just a little bit of planning and creativity, making the most of game-day leftovers from the weekend is a cinch with Bellisari’s. 

Shrimp jambalaya in a cast iron pan with vegetables and rice.


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