What to serve with Frito Pie?

[Honey Bee]

On Sunday, we will be having about 10 people (mostly guys) over to watch the Cowboys game. I make a good chili and have decided to have cheese, Fritos, and onions on the side for people to build Frito pies. Problem is that I don't know what to serve with it. This dish is so heavy that everything I come up with seems like overkill- or maybe that is just me? Looking for suggestions for manly finger foods to go with Frito Pie.

Dessert will be brownies with peanut butter frosting. I'd like to also offer a fruit-based dessert option that does not require silverware.

Ideas are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[pikawicca]

You can cut a lot of different root veggies into sticks, toss with EVOO and S&P and roast at 450 until caramelized. These make great finger food at room temp -- just be sure to provide napkins!

[Honey Bee]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. You have given me some good ideas, not only for Sunday, but for other get togethers, too.
I will add sour cream and jalepenos to the list of topping options. The pumpkin bars sound good, too (I love anything pumpkin!).

[dmfnole]

I've used Sandra Lee's recipe http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recip...
An easy, fruit desert and you can use your hands - no one guessed it was semi-homemade

[stellamystar]

cornbread is good for those with frito-aversions.

[danhole]

Crackers go well with Frito pie, and cut the gas level down! Or tortilla chips, and salsa. You might want to offer some sour cream for the frito pies as well. Cornbread mini muffins, preferably jalapeno, would be a good side, along with your basic vegetable tray, and a fruit tray. The only other thing I can think of is french fries! You know how people order chili cheese fries. I don't but a lot of people like that combo.

[kkak97]

We'll be watching too, Honey Bee. Barefoot Contessa has a recipe for pecan bars dipped in chocolate that are out of this world.

http://www.recipezaar.com/195209

I'd definitely go with the veggies and dip and perhaps some corn muffins with honey butter.
For muchies how about a spicy chex mix.

Go Cowboys!!

[Honey Bee]

Do you have a version on a spciy chex mix you particularly like? This would be a good thing to set on the coffee table

[danhole]

Oh! I have a great recipe for Cayenne pretzels sticks that is so good. If you are interested I will post it. It's really just ranch mix and cayenne pepper, and you can make it spicier or milder depending.

[Honey Bee]

Yes, please. Thanks danhole.

[danhole]

CAYENNE PRETZELS

The longer they sit, the spicier they get!

1 1/2 cup veg oil
1 1/2 env. ranch salad mix
1 1/2tsp garlic salt
1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 packages (15 ounces each) pretzel sticks

Combine the oil, ranch mix, garlic salt & cayenne. Whisk very well. Pour pretzels into large roasting pan, or 2 med. baking pans. Pour in the oil mixture and stir to coat, bake at 200° for 1 1/2 hours, or until a bit browner than they started at, stirring occasionally. Make sure when you stir you get all the spices from the bottom of the pan mixed in well. Cool completely and store in airtight container.

[Honey Bee]

Perfect. I have all of these ingredients at home so I will make these fo sure.
Thanks

[danhole]

One thing I forgot to mention- when I stir them I use a long handled silicon brush, so that I can get the seasonings evenly distributed, and not break the pretzels! They will be a tasty addition to your frito pie party! I have even put them in tins and passed them out at Christmas.

[maplesugar]

What about Raspberry Oatmeal Squares for a fruity dessert? They can be made (and they're better) a day or two in advance. I use this recipe: http://www.joyofbaking.com/RaspberryO... and add a half cup of shredded sweetened coconut to the topping. They turned out fantastic and the raspberry jam holds up well, making them easy to eat without cutlery.

As for a side with Frito pie... I'd stick with something light like veggies and dip.

HTH Thanks for the cheesecake help by the way :)

[Den]

As an Eagles fan, I almost didn't reply when I read you were going to be watching the Cowboy's game, anyway, a couple of easy game day eats...

1 - BLT pitas. Chop up lettuce, tomato and cooked bacon and mix it with mayo and cut small pitas in 1/2 and toast them or use them untoasted and fill with the BLT mix.

2 - Easy salsa. Put 3 cans of Rotel chopped tomatoes and green chiles in the blender and add chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice and salt to taste. Blend it up to the desired consistency.

[Diane in Bexley]

How about wedge iceberg lettuce salads dressed with blue cheese dressing, cherry/grape tomatoes, sliced red onion rings and optional crumbled bacon? You can arrange it all on platter and people can make their own.

As for fruit based option, how about ambrosia salad made with oranges, pineapple, toasted coconut, marshmallows, etc. Or, taffy apple salad, or Waldorf salad?

[Honey Bee]

Thanks. For this oocasion, I am trying to stick with finger foods.
But for future reference, what is taffy apple salad?

[brendastarlet]

I've never heard of it either, do tell.

also, you could make pumpkin pie bars -- doesn't really count as fruit, but I think Frito pie and something non-chocolate for your other dessert sounds good.

[Diane in Bexley]

I'll have to search for the recipe, but it is sliced Granny Smith apples, marshmallows, peanuts, basically a dessert masquerading as a salad.

[Diane in Bexley]

Not a ringing endorsement, a little too sweet for my taste, but lots of men & kids love this, try to use tart apple to provide a contrast to the sweet:

Taffy Apple Salad

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
• 4 large apples, cored and diced with peel
• 2 cups unsalted peanuts
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium saucepan combine the flour, sugar, egg yolk, vinegar and reserved pineapple juice. Cook over medium heat until thick. Remove from heat and chill.
2. in a large bowl combine the pineapple, apples, peanuts and chilled cooked mixture. Fold in whipped topping and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

[Honey Bee]

Being a Southerner with a HUGE sweet tooth, I bet I would like that. Thanks Diane.

[Diane in Bexley]

HoneyBee, forgot to note that peanuts should be added shortly before serving so they don't lose their crunch.

[soupkitten]

pbr

[brendastarlet]

It's such a hearty dish that you shouldn't go overboard. How about carrot and celery sticks with blue cheese dressing -- like Buffalo wings without the wings -- and maybe some lemon bars to go with the brownies? I've never known a man to turn down brownies. And of course, beer!

[Honey Bee]

I am not sure I could resist the temptation to make some wings for that plate! I like the idea of a crunchy snack food.