ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? The date and the teams are set all, now it’s time to plan the Super Bowl Par-tey!
Every since I can remember, Super Bowl Sunday was a big to-do in our house. Growing up, my family always had some sort of party, whether big or small, regardless of what teams were playing (it was a bonus when it was your team!). Now that I am married to a football loving man, of course this tradition continues. Since the Super Bowl is just a few days away, I am already cooking up a winning menu for the big game.
The Game Plan
I have a few “go-to” party foods that will get anyone’s mouth watering and maybe want to make you go streaking down the field because it’s so tasty. So keep your shirt on and let’s get this party started. Here’s my play by play:
1st Down – Paula’s Texas Caviar
With this mix of fresh veggies and robust flavors, it’s sure to please any fan! I would recommend making it the night before. It’s not only a time saver, but it gives all of those flavors longer to marry. But if you can’t, give it least an hour or two in the fridge before serving.
2nd Down – Cream Cheese & Sausage Dip
This dip from The Sisters Cafe will surely drive your team down the field or at least to the kitchen. Put all the ingredients in the crockpot, set it and forget it. Or at least until its time to eat! Oh and don’t forget the tortilla chips. Scoops work great!
3rd Down – Buffalo Chicken Dip
To get your chicken wing fix, try Buffalo chicken dip instead of traditional wings. It’s cleaner, much easier to eat, and bone free! I make this for almost every party occasion, usually by request! Yes, this is not the healthiest of healthy recipes, but it is oh so worth it!!
You can opt to make it as healthy or not so healthy as you like by using no-fat, low-fat or full-fat ingredients. I generally use fat-free dressing and low-fat cheeses (you cannot tell the difference once the hot sauce is mixed in). And if you are short on cooking time, you can use canned chicken or even pick up a rotisserie chicken from the deli of your grocery. Dip with celery sticks and corn or tortilla chips. I usually have the veggies and Fritos Scoops (my husband’s fav). There are several variations of this dip but here’s my rendition. Caution, it’s addicting!!
Called an Audible – Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings.”
For your vegan friends, try these dangerously addictive Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings” from Peta. Not your average “wing” but it will definitely fulfill that craving for buffalo sauce. Serve alongside vegan blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Touchdown! – Beer Brats
Nothing says football food like a big, juicy beer brat. It is sure to tackle that hunger ramped up from all that cheering and score big with the crowd. We typically use turkey brats, but you can use any bratwurst of your choice.
Start by cooking them in any beer of your choice (we are a Miller Lite family) on the stovetop for about 20 minutes then toss them on a hot grill until they are golden brown to finish them off. And yes, they are safe for the kids. The alcohol cooks off leaving a yummy flavor behind. Have your buns ready. And for the extra point, we like to top it with spicy mustard, ketchup, and some sautéed onions and peppers. Enjoy!
So huddle up and kick off your party right with good food, good friends and hopefully some good football. If it’s not, at least the commercials will keep our interest. Go Pats!
Do you have plans for Super Bowl Sunday? What are your “go-to” party foods?