From Food Network’s Baking Championships to The Bachelor, Jesse Palmer brings his warm, welcoming personality to pop culture shows. Additionally, the former NFL quarterback offers his expertise via ESPN. When he is willing to chat about the Big Game and what is on his menu, the conversation is bubbly, flavorful, and a Heluva Good! time.
Every year, the Big Game is more than just four quarters of football to crown the NFL’s champion. It is a gathering, it offers a sense of community, and it is a feast of food and beverages. While some people might create elaborate menus for the night, one combination is always a winner. Chips, dips, and beer will always score with guests.
Recently, Jesse Palmer partnered with Heluva Good! to share its special partnership with Harpoon Brewery. Ahead of the Big Game, the dip and beer brands collaborated to create a French Onion dip inspired beer. While beer, chips, and dip are a classic pairing, this tangy, robust amber ale is a brew that will get everyone talking at any gathering.
During a conversation with Palmer, he shared his excitement for the special, limited edition beer. He said, “I love hosting family and friends. I’m a massive fan of Heluva Good! dip. It is a staple at our viewing parties every year. Chips, dip, and beer, I can’t name a better combo.”
While Palmer revealed that French Onion is his favorite dip, he enjoys pairing a Harpoon IPA with that food. But, he believes that the Amber Ale’s flavor profile with the tangy onion offers good balance. Whether paired with more French Onion dip, some hearty bacon dip, or even the jalapeno cheddar, all the chips and dip combinations are well suited for this beverage.
Although sports might have well-conceived plays to achieve success on the field, Palmer has seen that food pairings can sometimes have to adapt in the moment. In his role as host on the Food Network Baking Championship shows, he has seen some curious combinations.
When asked about one flavor combination that always seems to go awry, he was quick to answer. Palmer shared, “the one ingredient that bakers are always trying to mix and match that never works is matcha. No match with your chips, dips, and beer. If you avoid that combination, you will be fine.”
With matcha off the table and dips taking center stage, the party host often has to plan for any issue, like the occasional spill. Given that many football fans have a lucky jersey, favorite shirt, or other carefully planned outfit, an errant dip drip could be a party foul.
Palmer said, “I’ve got friends who won’t wash their favorite jersey, even if there are Heluva Good! dip stains on it. When their team keeps winning, it will not hit the wash because they are superstitious. You just have go with the potential spill. It isn’t a party foul. The whole idea of hosting a party is to make friends and family feel comfortable. The more dips, chips, and food the better.”
As the food menu takes shape, the NFL playoffs are in full swing. After some exciting first round finishes, Palmer has a few predictions for the Big Game. He appreciates that the beauty of the playoffs is that anything can happen.
When asked for his predictions, Palmer shared, “I’m going to say the Detroit Lions because my former teammate, Dan Campbell, is their head coach. They have been an incredible story for the last couple of years.”
“Also, I’m going to pick Kansas City. I know that it is not an exciting answer. I was just having a conversation about the whole idea of a dynasty. I know that people get tired of the same team winning over and over again. But, we do not get to see dynasties very often. You just have to appreciate that scenario.”
With his two predictions set, what would Jesse Palmer serve at his Big Game party to represent those two teams? He said, “if you want to do a theme, the two teams offer a great opportunity to infuse the geography of the teams into some specific food items. For example, I would have some burnt tips for Kansas City BBQ fans and I would have some Detroit square pizza for the Detroit fans. Of course, there would be plenty of Heluva Good! dip on hand, too.”
Personally, some Heluva Good! dip with that Detroit pizza might be the winning food item of the night. French Onion dip, Harpoon Brewery Amber Ale French Onion beer, and pizza could be the most talked about pairing of the night.