The roar of the crowd (even if it's just from your living room TV), the tension of the final minutes, the thrill of victory... game day is an experience! And what's an essential part of any great viewing party? The snacks, obviously!

While a bag of chips and basic dip might technically do the job, why not level up your game day grub? Adding a splash of your favourite Old Yale craft beer to classic snacks can unlock incredible new layers of flavour, transforming the mundane into the magnificent.

Forget complicated recipes – we're talking easy, shareable, crowd-pleasing bites perfect for cheering on your team. Here are three simple, beer-infused recipes to make your next game day spread legendary:

West Coast IPA Queso Dip

That familiar, cheesy, slightly spicy dip gets a zesty upgrade with the bright, hoppy notes of our West Coast IPA. The bitterness cuts through the richness, while the citrusy hops add a layer of complexity.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Butter or Oil
1/2 Small Onion, finely chopped
1/2 Jalapeño, finely minced (optional, adjust to taste)
1 cup Milk (or Evaporated Milk for extra creaminess)
8 oz Block Cheddar Cheese, shredded (avoid pre-shredded for best melt!)
4 oz Block Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Old Yale West Coast IPA
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional garnish: Cilantro, chopped tomatoes, pickled jalapeños
Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

Melt butter/oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion (and jalapeño if using) and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in the milk until warmed (do not boil).
Gradually add the shredded cheeses, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until melted and smooth. Do this slowly over low heat to prevent clumping.
Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the West Coast IPA.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour into a serving bowl, garnish if desired, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Pro Tip: Keep queso warm in a small slow cooker on the 'warm' setting if serving for a longer period.

Knotty Blonde Pretzel Bites

Soft, chewy pretzel bites are always a hit. Boiling them briefly in water spiked with baking soda gives them that classic pretzel flavour and chew. Serve with your favourite mustard or make a quick beer cheese dip on the side!

Ingredients:

1 tube Store-Bought Pizza Dough (the kind in a refrigerated can)
2 tbsp Baking Soda
8 cups Water
1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse Sea Salt for sprinkling
Serving Suggestion: Mustard or a Beer Cheese Dip (try melting cheddar/cream cheese with a splash of Knotty Blonde!)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pizza dough slightly and cut it into small, bite-sized squares (about 1-inch).
Bring the 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully and slowly add the baking soda (it will fizz up!).
Working in batches, drop the dough bites into the boiling water for just 20-30 seconds. They'll puff up slightly. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the bites with the beaten egg.
Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Serve warm with your favourite dip!

Pro Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot when boiling or the baking sheet when baking – give them space!

Sasquatch Stout Spiced Beer Nuts

Sweet, salty, spicy, and with a deep roasted flavour from our Sasquatch Stout – these are dangerously addictive.

Ingredients:

2 cups Mixed Nuts (Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds work well)
1/4 cup Old Yale Sasquatch Stout
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 tbsp Butter, melted
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or more, if you like heat)
1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Increase oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
In a small saucepan, combine the Sasquatch Stout, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove glaze from heat. Add the toasted nuts and stir well to coat completely.
Spread the coated nuts back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The glaze will harden as it cools. Break apart any clusters.

Pro Tip: Store cooled nuts in an airtight container – if they last that long!

Grab Your Brews & Get Snacking!

There you have it – three easy ways to infuse your game day snacks with the deliciousness of Old Yale craft beer. Swing by our Abbotsford or Beaumont locations to grab the key ingredients (West Coast IPA, Knotty Blonde, and Sasquatch Stout!), fire up the stove (or oven), and get ready to impress your fellow fans.

What are your favourite game day snacks? Let us know in the comments!

Cheers and happy snacking! 🍻🏈🏒🏀