Elk Queso

This is a great appetizer for any game day party! My brother John sent me this recipe – He’s a big elk hunter and usually brings a few pounds of ground elk after a successful hunting trip. Hint to John! Elk can be tough to find at your local market, but there are a few places out there that offer it. Elk is low fat, but of course you can substitute lean ground beef (90%/10%) . This recipe is easy to make and it’s always gone by the end of the game. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground elk (you can substitute lean ground beef (90%/10%)
  • 1 tsp. avocado or olive oil
  • 1 pound of yellow American cheese cut into 1/2″ cubes or shredded cheese
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis

Directions:

  1. Brown ground elk/beef in oil, working it into small pieces with wooden spoon or potato masher. Salt and pepper a little for taste. Don’t over cook. Drain any oil from the meat.
  2. Layer cheese, browned meat, Rotel diced tomatoes and chilis and green chilis into a casserole bowl until evenly mixed.
  3. Bake in a 350° for 30 minutes, stirring the mixture every 10 minutes.
  4. Serve it up hot with corn chips, or soft pretzels.

Bacon Blue Cheese Dip w/ Roasted Garlic

The Bacon Blue Cheese Dip is always a crowd pleaser, and it can be served with chips, crostini, cut vegetables and more. Good for party “bring something” dish and it’s super easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 Cup sour cream
  • 1 – 5oz. container blue cheese crumbled
  • 4-5 Pieces bacon, cooked and chopped (divided)
  • 2 Heads of roasted garlic, chopped
    • You could also lightly sauté some minced garlic in a little olive oil
  • 4 green onions, chopped (divided)

Preparation:

  • Mix softened cream cheese and sour cream thoroughly
  • Mix in blues cheese crumbles
  • Add in roasted garlic, green onions and bacon
    • Save a little green onions & bacon for serving dish topping
  • Chill for 1 hour

It doesn’t get any easier than this! Now get your chips ready and dig in!