The Ultimate Game-Day Spread: Stripling’s BBQ & Snack Playbook

March Madness is here, which means one thing: epic game-day spreads! Whether hosting a crowd or keeping it low-key, nothing beats a feast filled with bold flavors, smoky meats, and irresistible snacks. At Stripling’s General Store, we know that great food makes the game even better, and we’ve got everything you need to build the perfect spread. From southern meats and sausage to signature BBQ sauce, jerky, and snack-time essentials, we’re bringing you a playbook packed with winning flavors.

So grab your bracket, fire up the grill, and build a March Madness feast that’s as exciting as the final buzzer!

Game-Day Essentials: Stripling’s Must-Haves

Before we dive into the recipes and pairings, let’s talk about the all-star lineup of Stripling’s products that will take your watch party to the next level:

Stripling’s Southern Meats and Sausage – Classic southern meats and sausage, smoked to perfection. Grill it, slice it, or add it to dips for a meaty touch.
BBQ Sauce – Stripling's BBQ sauce is the ultimate game-changer, whether you love it sweet, tangy, or with a bit of heat.
Beef Jerky – A must-have snack for keeping energy levels up during intense matchups.
Hoop Cheese – Aged to perfection—perfect for snacking between plays.
Chocolate & Candy – The ultimate snack to fill your sweet tooth while the game keeps you on edge.

Now, let’s get to the fun part: putting together the ultimate game-day spread!

Starting Lineup: Southern Meats and Sausage Appetizers That Score Big

1. BBQ Sausage Bites with Honey Mustard Glaze

A bite-sized appetizer that’s packed with smoky, juicy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Stripling’s smoked sausage links

• ¼ cup Stripling’s BBQ sauce

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• Toothpicks for serving

Instructions:

1. Slice the smoked sausage links into bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and mustard in a small bowl.

3. Sauté the sausage pieces in a pan over medium heat until browned.

4. Toss with the glaze and serve with toothpicks.

Pro Tip: Serve these with pimento cheese dip for an extra Southern twist!

 

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2. Jerky & Cheese Platter

Create a Stripling’s beef jerky & cheese platter for a no-fuss, high-protein snack.

What You’ll Need:

• Stripling’s beef jerky 

• A selection of cheeses (your choice; we prefer our own hoop cheese)

• Crackers or toasted baguette slices

• Nuts and dried fruit for variety

Arrange everything on a platter and let guests snack at their leisure—no cooking required!

Main Event: Game-Winning Southern Meats and Sausage

3. Stripling’s BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Mini sandwiches packed with big BBQ flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Stripling’s BBQ pulled pork

• 1 cup Stripling’s BBQ sauce

• 8 slider buns

• Provolone cheese

• Garlic butter with parsley

• Coleslaw (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Place Stripling’s BBQ pulled pork on the bottom of the sliders.

2. Drizzle top of BBQ pulled pork with Stripling’s BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

3. Layer with provolone cheese and put the top of the sliders in place.

4. Brush the top of the sliders with melted garlic butter and parsley.

5. Bake at your choice of temperature until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Add a slice of cheddar cheese or one of our relishes for an extra kick!

4. Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings

A smoky twist on a game-day classic!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings

• ½ cup Stripling’s BBQ sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Toss wings in olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Grill for about 20 minutes, flipping occasionally.

4. Brush with Stripling’s BBQ sauce and grill for another 5 minutes until caramelized.

Pro Tip: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!

The Final Play: Sweet & Savory Game-Day Snacks

5. Sweet & Spicy BBQ Snack Mix

A crunchy, addictive mix that’s perfect for snacking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pretzels

• 1 cup fried peanuts

• ½ cup honey-roasted almonds

• ¼ cup Stripling’s BBQ sauce

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.

2. In a large bowl, toss pretzels, peanuts, and almonds with melted butter, BBQ sauce, and cayenne pepper.

3. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

4. Let it cool and serve in bowls around the TV!

Final Buzzer: Drink Pairings & Hosting Tips

A great spread deserves the perfect drink pairings! Here’s what to serve with your Stripling’s March Madness feast:

Sweet Tea: A Southern classic that complements the smoky flavors of BBQ sauce, sausage, and wings.
Classic Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy, perfect for balancing the rich flavors of grilled meats.
Iced Coffee: A fun, energizing option to keep the excitement going during those late-night games.
Flavored Sparkling Water: A bubbly, refreshing choice to keep everyone hydrated and satisfied.

Game-Day Hosting Tips

Set Up a Self-Serve Snack Station – Let guests help themselves to jerky, cheese, and snack mix.
Keep the Grill Going – Have extra sausages and wings on standby for hungry fans.
Create a Bracket Challenge – Add some friendly competition to the mix!

Game On with Stripling’s!

March Madness only comes once a year, so make it count with an unforgettable game-day spread featuring southern meats and sausage, BBQ sauce, and crowd-pleasing snacks from Stripling’s General Store. Whether you’re grilling, snacking, or dipping, our flavors bring the perfect winning touch to any watch party.

Stock up on your southern meats and sausage game-day essentials, and let the madness begin!