Tailgating with a Southern Accent September 15 2023

southern tailgating recipes from the ritchies at ritchie hill bakery

Ritchie Family Tailgating Favorites

Football season is upon us, and whether you are a burger & brats crowd or prefer to break out the chicken wings, we have the perfect additions to your menu to add a Southern touch to touchdown season.

Southerners like to add a little zip to any occasion we come across, like an additional accent on top or our already endearing, southerly drawl. For the Ritchie family, that accent is cheese straws. Whether tailgating, packing a picnic, or laying out the buffet, cheese straws fit right in. To help enhance your weekend watching we have gathered a few ideas for your next game day menu, with cheese straws in mind of course!

We can’t imagine a Southern affair where deviled eggs aren’t deemed perfectly appropriate, and football is no exception — an easy go-to that you can prepare in advance and is sure to disappear by halftime. For an uncommon “wow” factor, try them sprinkled with Heath’s Cheese Straws for the perfect crispy, crumbly finish.

Ritchie-Style Deviled Eggs

  • 12 hardboiled eggs, halved with yolks removed
  • 4-6 tbsp Duke’s mayonnaise (to desired consistency and taste)
  • Spicy Brown mustard (or Dijon mustard) to taste
  • paprika, parsley, & crumbled cheese straws for garnish
  • 2 ounces grape juice
  • the adorable deviled egg platter carefully tucked into every Southerner’s pantry

Traditional Ham and cheese biscuits are no strangers to the football scene, but this weekend let some of our cheese straws handle the cheddar and try this tasty alternative instead:

Poppy Seed Ham & Cheese Sliders

  • 1 flat of 24 King’s Hawaiian Rolls
  • slices of your favorite Swiss cheese
  • sliced ham
  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 5 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 4 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 2 tbsp finely minced sweet onion
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • heavy pinch of salt

Mix the butter, mustard, poppy seeds, minced onion, salt, and Worcestershire sauce together. Cut the entire flat of Hawaiian rolls horizontally and lift the top layer, spread each cut side with mixture. Stack ham and cheese slices and replace top roll layer. Place on a cookie sheet, cut between each roll to separate, and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil if desired.

*Original source: Jenni Fields, pastrychefonline.com


Try adding a chilled salad, such as a classic corn salad, or simply cold watermelon topped with feta cheese for some refreshing variety. And in a sea of brownie and cookie possibilities, pack a punch with another make-ahead favorite, Kentucky Bourbon Balls.

Wherever your menu takes you, we wish your team the best of luck! Happy tailgating!

The Ritchies