Cheesy Salsa Buffalo Meatballs

served with Blue Cheese Celery Apple Slaw

#desertpepperrecipechallenge #desertpeppertradingco #desertpeppersalsa.

Game day and tailgating is here and so is the fun food. One of my favorite flavors for game day food is buffalo wing flavors. This recipe is my first recipe entry (Game Day/Party) for the Desert Pepper Trading Company Salsa bloggers challenge.

I am on of 38 bloggers to be chosen to compete in this tasty challenge. The company sent each blogger jars of their Medium Salsa, Chili Con Queso and Peach Mango Salsa. The recipe for these Cheesy Salsa Meatballs is made with two of the their products and some buffalo wing sauce and frozen meatballs.  Simply, right!! Yes, easy to make but so so so delicious.

WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE AND WHAT DO I WIN?

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER: $1,200.00

CASH PRIZE ONE ENTRÉE WINNER: $750.00

CASH PRIZE ONE BRUNCH WINNER: $750.00

CASH PRIZE ONE GAME DAY/PARTY WINNER: $750.00 CASH PRIZE

Here is what the company had to say to those applying.

“This is your moment to shine! We’re looking for original recipes that showcase our delicious queso and salsas in inventive and mouthwatering ways, allowing your culinary skills to truly shine in the kitchen.

One Entrée Winner: $750.00 Cash Prize  

Step out of your comfort zone and be bold! We’re seeking inspiring recipes brimming with wonderful flavors and aromas made with our delicious queso and salsas that will leave us saying WOW!

One Brunch Winner: $750.00 Cash Prize  

Brunch blends the best of breakfast and lunch, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory dishes. Rise and shine! We’re searching for vibrant recipes featuring our queso and salsas to elevate your brunch and make it truly unforgettable.

One Game Day/ Party Winner: $750.00 Cash Prize  

Make this football season a touchdown with Desert Pepper as your game day MVP. Show us your recipes using our queso and salsas that redefine game day finger foods, leaving us cheering for more.”

Ok, so it sounds simple but trust me, the flavors from the spicy salsa and the cheesy chile con queso with the buffalo wing flavor are top notch (just ask my husband lol) especially when served with the Blue Cheese Celery Apple Slaw.

Can you use different kinds of frozen meatballs?

Sure, I used 2 pounds of frozen beef meatball but you could use a turkey or chicken meatball as well. I just like the easy prep of using a premade frozen meatball. I do recommend that you do not use a seasoned meatball such an Italian meatball. I am not certain the final dish would taste the same.

Let the slow cooker do the work for you. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker then pour in the sauces that have been blended together. Stir, heat until bubbly hot then serve on warm.

The time in the slow cooker on low could range from 4-6 hours depending upon you slow cooker. You could heat these on high for less time, more like 3-4 hours.

Buffalo wing style dishes sing blue cheese and celery. What better way than to serve a slaw that is made with cabbage, diced celery, diced apple, crumbled blue cheese, celery seed, green onion and blue cheese dressing.

Can you make these ahead of time and then reheat them?

Yes, these meatballs taste great reheated. You can make them a day ahead then simply reheat and serve in the slow cooker on warm.

FYI…If you thaw the meatballs in the fridge before cooking, this will also shorten the cook time in the slow cooker.

Apple cider vinegar adds a bright tang to the slaw. A pinch of sugar also rounds out the flavors. You could use any sugar free substitute in the slaw recipe.

Where can you find Desert Pepper Salsa products or connect with them on social media?

SHOP: Sprouts, Publix, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Shop Rite, Walmart, Giant Eagle, Market Basket, Jewel, Meijer

Website: https://www.desertpepper.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertPepperTradingCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertpeppertradingco/

 

Let’s go team!! Who wants to bring the crowd pleasing fun game food?

 

Cheesy Salsa Buffalo Meatballs served with Blue Cheese Celery Apple Slaw

Serves 10-12

Meatballs:

1 16 oz. Jar of Desert Pepper Trading Co. Cantina Medium Salsa 

1 cup Desert Pepper Trading Co. Chile Con Queso 

1 cup buffalo wing sauce

2 pounds frozen meatballs (if thawed the cooking time will be less)

In a small bowl, combine the Desert Pepper Trading Co. Cantina Medium Salsa, Desert Pepper Trading Co. Chile Con Queso and buffalo wing sauce. 

Add the frozen meatballs to a slow cooker and pour over the salsa/queso mixture. Mix to cover all of the meatballs with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meatballs reach 165 degrees and the sauce is bubbly and hot. Cook time may vary depending upon the slow cooker. 

Slaw:

1 pound bag coleslaw mix

1 green onion, chopped

1 large celery stalk, small dice

1 small honey crisp apple, small dice

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 cup blue cheese dressing

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

Toss all of the ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.