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This coming Sunday evening, football fans around the nation will gather in front of their televisions to watch the battle between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots for the coveted Super Bowl LX title. Not only does the event celebrate the sport of football, but also notable commercials and the mass consumption of snacks.
The nice thing about football fare is that you don't have to be a slave to the kitchen to make fans happy -- finger foods fill the bill just fine. One easy way to please is by serving a variety of dips, hot and cold, accompanied by plenty of crackers, breads, pretzels, chips and veggies for that needed crunch. Chicken wings are optional.
When planning your dip party, think about what the gang likes to eat. Around here gameday calls for hoagies loaded with a variety of Italian meats and cheeses. Now imagine all the sub ingredients combined in a bowl. All the flavors, easier to eat.
With New England fans in mind, there's a flavorful take on classic creamy clam chowder. Serve with French bread or crispy crackers and watch it go.
Another hot dip the gang will love is Italian-seasoned spicy sausage and spinach dip. Tomatoes and three cheeses add to the deliciousness.
And here's a tip. If desired, prep and bake the hot dips ahead, cool and refrigerate. At party time just reheat in the microwave for a few minutes and enjoy!
Italian Hoagie Dip
1/4 -pound cooked ham, thinly sliced
1/4 -pound Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 -pound Capicola, thinly sliced
1/4 -pound American cheese
1/4 -pound Provolone cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. crushed oregano, or to taste
1 T. red wine vinegar
1 medium onion, chopped
Hot peppers, diced, if desired
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 round loaf Italian bread
Directions: Chop meats and cheeses into small squares. In a large bowl blend the mayonnaise, oregano and vinegar. Stir in onions, then meat and cheese. Add more mayonnaise if needed. Adjust seasoning. Place mixture in plastic container and refrigerate.
Meanwhile, cut off top of bread and with sharp knife hollow out the middle of the bread to form a bowl. Cut or tear up the bread that was removed to use for dipping.
When ready to serve, stir tomatoes and lettuce into dip and spoon dip into the prepared bread bowl surrounded by bread chunks.
New England Clam Chowder Dip
1 (10-ounce) can condensed good quality New England clam chowder
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 tsps. Worcestershire sauce
1 T. dry white wine
1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic salt or powder
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
French baguette, sliced and lightly toasted, or crackers, for dipping
Directions: Place all ingredients, except Cheddar cheese, into blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into a small well-buttered casserole. Bake in 350-degree F. oven 15 minutes. Top with Cheddar cheese and bake an additional 15 minutes, till hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.
Spicy Sausage and Spinach Dip
2 T. olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 tsp. kosher salt
1-pound loose spicy Italian sausage
2 T. finely chopped garlic, about 5 small cloves
1 1/2 tsps. Italian seasoning
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
4 cups roughly chopped baby spinach, packed
1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Directions: Grease a pie plate or small casserole dish. Set aside. In large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onions until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add sausage and cook till no longer pink. Add garlic and seasoning and cook 2 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Add tomatoes and wine to sausage and cook till most of the liquid is evaporated. Mix in spinach and cook till wilted.
Turn heat down to low and add cream cheese to skillet. Stir till melted. Sprinkle in Parmesan and stir till mixed. Remove from heat and spoon into the prepared baking dish. Cover with mozzarella cheese.
Bake in preheated 375-degree F. oven 15 to 20 minutes, or till bubbly. Turn oven to broil and broil cheese for 2 minutes. Serve warm. Serve with bread, crackers or vegetables.