9 Slam-Dunk Snack Recipes for March Madness

This week marks the race to the Elite Eight for 16 college basketball teams. After some upsets in the first two rounds, you won’t find a single perfect bracket, according to NCAA.com. So now that your perfect record is no more, it’s time to focus on the important things — like what you’ll be snacking on for the rest of the tournament. We found 10 basketball-shaped snacks to roll out at your next watch party.

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls (above)

It wouldn’t be a watch party without a buffalo-chicken dish. If your favorite buffalo chicken tenders married your cheese plate, these deep-fried chicken and cheese balls are what you’d get. They’re crispy on the outside and hot and cheesy on the inside. Dipped in a tangy blue cheese sauce, you’ll have to go back for seconds and thirds.

Mini Cheese Balls

Mix and match a basic cream-cheese base with toppings according to which teams are playing. Pick toppings based on the team colors and place them on respective sides of a platter. You might find your guests’ seating arrangements are based on who they’re rooting for.

Arancini

Cheesy Italian rice balls are a labor of love but the time commitment is totally worth it. They’ll be crispy on the outside and piping hot on the inside. Don’t forget to snap an Instagram of the impressive cheese-pull.

Swedish Meatballs

Feel like you snagged box seats with these fancy meatballs. The side of lingonberry cream gives the plate a VIP touch.

Bacon-Cheese Pizza Bombs

Eddie Jackson’s cheese-and-bacon-filled balls are the ultimate finger food for pizza lovers. Brushed with herb oil and served hot out of the oven, they’re a must-have for any get together. Don’t forget warm marinara for dunking — it is basketball season after all.

Crab Cake Croquettes

Seafood doesn’t have to be fancy. These fried crab croquettes from Kelsey Nixon can be shaped into small balls before you fry them up. A chili mayonnaise dipping sauce has a kick for anyone looking for a little extra spice.

Spicy Fried Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Leftover macaroni and cheese can be tough to reheat. It either becomes a goopy mess or a puddle of oil in the microwave. Sandra Lee’s easy solution is to roll bite-size servings in flour and deep-fry them for a snack that’s got all the flavors you love without the mess.

Peanut Butter Balls

These peanut butter balls really start from scratch. You’ll make your own peanut butter to combine with confectioners’ sugar and graham crackers. Make these ahead of time and you can dip them in the chocolate coating just before your guests arrive.

Caramel Popcorn Balls

Marcela Valladolid’s sweet popcorn balls can be ready in no time. Decorate them with a variety of toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles and melted chocolate for a dessert plate with something for everyone.

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