Former NFL players tackle Game Day Grub Match

Football fans know that NFL players can score on the field, but can they score in the kitchen. Only one can be Game Day Grub Match champion.

As the Super Bowl approaches, competition is heating up. But, that competition isn’t limited to the gridiron. The Game Day Grub battle can be intense. The best snacks, dips and chicken wings can make or break any big game moment. Three former NFL players tackled the ultimate Game Day Grub Match.

Some foods are classics for sports watching. Chicken wings, chips and brats are often favorite football fan foods. But, what can set those classic dishes apart? Using favorite ingredients in unexpected ways can make the familiar seem new again.

Group Shot: Celebrity Chef Josh Capon (judge); PepsiCo Executive Chef Stephen Kalil (judge); Nick Mangold (athlete); Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell (judge); Rashad Jennings (judge); Kay Adams (host); and Greg Jennings (athlete) (PRNewsfoto/PepsiCo)

With Super Bowl LII quickly approaching, PepsiCo challenged three former NFL players to put their talents and reputations on the line in the ultimate football cooking challenge. The Game Day Grub Match had Greg Jennings, Nick Mangold and Rashad Jennings put their culinary skills to the test in this entertaining cooking competition.

Similar to many popular food television cooking competitions, the concept is similar. The three NFL players had to create dishes based on a particular theme and use various PepsiCo brand ingredients. Ingredients included Doritos, Lays Potato Chips, and even Sabra hummus.

Chef Anne Burrell and Former Athlete Rashad Jennings in the kitchen for PepsiCo’s Game Day Grub Match (PRNewsfoto/PepsiCo)

The cooking competition was judged by Chef Anne Burrell, Chef Josh Capon, and PepsiCo Executive Chef Stephen Kalil. These

NFL players were definitely ready to play. Here’s the dishes that they created in the three episode challenge.

"• Episode One: Hometown Challengeo Greg Jennings: Sweet and Tangy Brat Sandwiches with Lay’s Kettle Cooked Jalapeno Potato Chipso Nick Mangold: Crunchy Fritos-Chorizo Bacon Chilio Rashad Jennings: Bison Juicy Lucy made with Quaker Oats and Tostitos Queso• Episode Two: 2-Minute Challengeo Greg Jennings: Sabra Spinach Veggie Wrap with Guacamoleo Nick Mangold: One-Bite Doritos Nachoso Rashad Jennings: Seven-Layer Tostitos Nachos• Episode Three: Wings Challengeo Greg Jennings: Pure Leaf Sweet Tea Wings with Bourbon Honey Mustard Dipping Sauceo Nick Mangold: Cool Ranch Doritos-Crusted Wings with Buffalo Sauce and Sabra Ranch Tzatziki Dipo Rashad Jennings: Naked Mango Wings with a Mango Habanero Sauce"

These dishes would make any football fan happy at a Super Bowl watching party. Personally, the Bison Juicy Lucy by Rashad Jennings was a smart choice by Rashad Jennings. The nod to the host city, Minneapolis, infamous burger was genius. While it didn’t necessarily compare to the original Juicy Lucy at Matt’s Bar, it was a clever choice for this cooking competition.

Wings are always a favorite for Super Bowl and football watching parties. Who wouldn’t want some Doritos crusted wings as a snack? Nick Manfold’s dish was an inventive use of both the Cool Ranch Doritos and the Sabra hummus. The play of flavors with the cool ranch and Tzatziki showed his culinary chops.

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The three episodes can be watched online at www.GameDayGrubMatch.com. If you want to watch on your own, there’s a spoiler warning ahead. The winner has already been announced. The winning dish will be featured at Buffalo Wild Wings menu, Mall of America location, during Super Bowl LII weekend.

Spoiler alert – the winning dish was Nick Manfold’s Cool Ranch Doritos-Crusted Wings with Buffalo Sauce and Sabra Ranch Tzatziki Dip.

Did Game Day Grub Match inspired your Super Bowl LII menu? All the recipes can be found at www.pepsico.com/recipe. With these NFL inspired recipes, any Super Bowl party will definitely be a winner.

More importantly, this type of challenge can inspire the home cook to be creative in the kitchen. Who hasn’t had an extra bag of Doritos in the pantry? Why just put chips in a bowl, when you can do so much more with it. If you don’t like chicken wings, use some Doritos on a boneless pork chop or pork wing.

Also, this type of challenge reminds cooks to focus on flavor. If you love mango tea, use it various types of recipes. Marinades or sauces are great examples. That flavor can infuse other foods. The sense of familiar can make any dish a new favorite.

Are your ready for a Game Dray Grub Match? These NFL players proved themselves in the kitchen. What will you be making for your Super Bowl party? Share your comments below or tag us on social media using #FoodSided.