It’s that time of year again. Football playoffs mean high-stakes weekends gathered around the TV, all in anticipation of the big day. To make sure you score a touchdown with your guests, get a head start in making a game plan.

Below are some of our favorite finger foods to serve at a party - all using Alexian Pâté, to cut down on your kitchen time.

Wontons

Wonton wrappers are a staple in our kitchen. They can be used to make a quick cup - by pressing them into a cupcake pan and baking - or to make delicious wonton dumplings.

To make a simply satisfying wonton for your party, spoon small amounts of our Black Peppercorn Mousse into wonton wrappers. Bake or fry until golden brown, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Crisp Pâté & Cheddar Balls

Poppable and craveable, these crispy little balls are a crowd-pleaser. Including Alexian pâté gives a depth of flavor without any extra effort, and a nice oven-baked finish provides a mouthwatering texture.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 cups grated white or yellow cheddar (1/2 pound)

1 package of Alexian Chicken & Veal Country Style Pâté, brought to room temperature

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.

3. Add cheddar and toss to coat.

4. Add pâté and butter.

5. With your hands, mix until well combined and roll mixture into 1-inch balls.

6. Place balls, 1/2 inch apart, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Bake until balls are golden and warm throughout, 25 minutes.

Smoked Cheddar Dip

Instead of the same old cheese dip, step up your game with a smoked cheddar dip with our savory Duck Rillette.

In a baking dish, simply pour melted smoked cheddar over an even layer of warmed Duck Rillette and enjoy! If you wish, you can also stir it into the Rillette so it's evenly distributed into the dip. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted slices of baguette.

Bonus: Beer Pairings!

If you’re looking for a low-effort, highly satisfying appetizer, you can’t go wrong with any of our pâtés, spread generously (or served alongside) our Sea Salt and & Olive Oil Crackers.

For the perfect presentation, serve with a nice selection of cold beer.

Winter Beers: Rich with seasonal undertones like molasses, cinnamon and ginger - dark winter beers pair especially well with our country-style pâtés.

Pale Lagers: Pale lagers go hand-in-hand with football. To make the most of your favorite beer, pair with our Campagne Pâté or Black Peppercorn Mousse. Both are full of savory pork and spices that are complementary to lighter brews.

IPAs: IPAs with bright citrus notes will bring each and every flavor nestled in our Chicken Ballotine, which is made with white chicken meat, pistachio nuts and a medley of dried tropical fruits. A red IPA is dark and a bit bitter - but still flavorful and sweet. The bold, red IPA tastes great with our Wild Forest Mushroom Pâté; you need an earthy beer to pair with this earthy pâté .