Game nights are the perfect hangouts for my family. If we have to get together, game night is the theme everyone expects. Also if the family has to meet a new person, game nights are perfect for it too. The vibe is informal and casual, which makes everyone instantly comfortable. 

Furthermore, it doesn’t get hectic for the host either as game night food consists of snacks that everyone likes. The best thing about hosting a game night is that I get to cater to every age group. There’s food for the adults and there’s something for the kids too, which makes everyone happy. 

Planning is key for a successful game night so I decide the dishes in advance and make sure I buy everything in advance. I choose items that I can just put together at the last minute like Chip n Dip or just pop in the oven like fajitas. 

Today I will focus on popular game night foods from Mexican cuisine. You can also make them if you are planning to host a theme-based game night or if you are getting together with your Mexican American family. 

How to Make These Game Night Foods?

The list I have compiled has options for everyone. I recommend mixing and matching to come up with the best possible combo that won’t require too much of your time and is liked by everyone.

Some of these require a labor of love but don’t worry, others are easy so there are options for everyone regardless of their level of cooking skills. The Internet is filled with thousands of sources from where you can learn recipes. I would recommend watching recipe videos on YouTube. In my experience, they contain quick tips from the chef, which can be helpful if you cook for the first time. Also, I find it distracting to scroll up and down a written recipe.

In my case, having a stable internet connection makes my life ten times easier as I don’t have to wait for the video to buffer, while my pasta gets overdone or the sauce becomes too thick and gloopy. My Hughesnet connection has done wonders for my cooking sprees, as I live away from the city and it has always been hard to find a high-speed connection here. You can contact Hughesnet servicio al cliente en español to get a stable connection if you live in a rural area like me in the Southwest.

Now let us get to the list.

1. Yuca Fries

Who doesn’t like fries right? Yuca fries are a nice break from potatoes, and their crispy outside and soft interior make them a perfect treat! The nutty taste of the Cassava root is a family favorite. Making fries from the Yuca root is easier, simpler, and more flavorful. 

Here is one recipe you can refer to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZq602vKGUg

1. Loaded Beef Nachos

Nachos are good but loaded nachos are even better. This recipe does not require too much technique and can easily feed and impress a crowd. The beef mince might not be inherently authentic, but adding protein can make the dish super wholesome and fulfilling.

For the recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeZO9hIuBok

• Tacos Dorados

I don’t know about you but I think frying a dish makes it instantly better and Taquitos or Tachos Dorados are my favorite. The rolled-up crispy tortilla with a meaty filling is easy to prepare and can be frozen too. You can buy these ready-made or make and freeze them for your game night. The one thing I like about making these is that my guests can customise it with their favorite filling or I can add whatever I have available. This makes them super budget-friendly too!

I am not attaching a recipe here because I want you to take liberty with this one. From buffalo chicken filling veggies, el cielo es el limite!

1. Tex-Mex Wings

We can never go wrong with wings (unless you forget them in your oven). Just toss them in the seasoning and pop them in a preheated oven. Don’t forget to put on a timer if you are forgetful like me. Here is a recipe you can follow to make the best, crispy yet tender chicken wings in tex-mex style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkJo8Ox3dgw

1. Brisket Empanadas

If you have left-over beef brisket or Mahogany Smoked Meats lying around, here is a recipe to save time and repurpose it for your game night. The fried texture with hints of cumin and sazon is a crowd-pleaser. The empanada dough is easy to assemble too as all you need is a mixer. Here’s how to make them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i0vLVkKf0c

• Croquetas de Pollo

These make-ahead chicken croquets are rich and gooey from the inside and are available frozen too. You can freeze them and then just pop them in hot oil for the game night. 

1. Mexican Pie

Cutting into the layers of tortillas, saucy meat, and cheese is so satisfying and a savory flavor bomb. Also called a taco pie, it is fairly simple to put together and very fulfilling to eat. You can bake it before and just reheat it before serving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OE7ZWXImFI

1. Churros

Ending this list without a sweet dish? Not possible. Churros are easy to make and pairing them with a chocolate or a custard sauce will make each of the guests super grateful for you. This cinnamon-sugar-coated delicacy is quick to put together and does not take too long in the fryer. Here’s the recipe I follow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=453mpKHVaBs

Wrapping Up

Game nights are supposed to be fun and easy and you should not be slaving away in the kitchen. Make sure to pick items that you can make ahead or quickly so that you can spend time with your family and bond with them over a game of Taboo or Scrabble.