Sports Illustrated reported that 19 of the top 20 biggest television events were Super Bowl games. The exception? The final episode of “MASH.”
Last year, nearly 100 million people tuned in to watch the New England Patriots take on the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl, although viewership was reportedly down for last year’s game (Saints fans, maybe?)
This year’s game, set for February 2, will pit the San Francisco 49ers against the Kansas City Chiefs, and millions will watch. Viewership is expected to be so high that a 30-second commercial costs $4.5 million.
So as millions around the country settle in to watch the big game, snacks are required. Football watching snacks that will appeal to your most manly men to those who only tune in for the commercials. Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true football watching recipes, and they are easy enough for any football fan to prepare.
My sister, Deana, introduced me to the Seven Layer Dip, and it is one of my all-time favorite dips. It is like a one-dish fiesta for those of us who adore Mexican food.
Seven Layer Dip
32 ounces refried beans
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 cups guacamole
2 cups sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
3 cups tomatoes, diced
1 can (2.5 ounces) black olives, sliced
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
In a bowl combine the refried beans and taco seasoning. Stir until smooth. Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a 13 x 9 casserole dish. Top with a layer of guacamole. Spread a layer of sour cream over the guacamole. Add a layer of cheese over the sour cream. Next a layer of fresh tomatoes. Top with black olives and green onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with Frito Scoops or tortillas.
I love hot wings, but since I tend to wear the remnants of said wings long after eating them, I prefer the wing taste in a tidy dip. This recipe is just fantastic!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Frozen chicken breasts (at least 3)
1 package cream cheese
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup Red Hot sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Using a large pan, place frozen chicken breasts inside. Cover with water and boil on HIGH about 20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked. In a large crock pot, mix one package cream cheese, ranch dressing, Red Hot Sauce and cheddar cheese.
When chicken is fully cooked, shred with a fork and toss into crock pot with other ingredients.
Heat in a crock pot for about thirty minutes. Serve with tortillas or crackers.
My husband loves bacon. Yes, many people love bacon, but Keith Ferguson has bacon-printed pajama pants. He and his friends gather annually to celebrate bacon at a men’s only get-together that features bacon and another favorite of the Southern male – bourbon.
In other words, and I must agree, bacon is the bomb. Especially if coated and sugar with a hint of spice.
Bacon Crack Crackers
1 package butter crackers (like Townhouse or Club crackers, either rectangular or oval in shape)
8-10 slices of bacon
1 cup brown sugar
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch ground black pepper
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Align crackers on a wire rack set into a lined baking sheet. (Leave a little space in between the crackers for the bacon, as it will hang over the edges of the crackers.) Slice the bacon into thirds or fourths (depending on the length and shape of your crackers). Place a piece of cut bacon lengthwise on each cracker. Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar on top of the bacon-topped crackers. Then lightly sprinkle with cayenne and black pepper.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until brown sugar begins to melt and bacon becomes crisp. Allow crackers to cool on wire rack before eating.
My Momma, the ultimate hostess, found the recipe for Rye Bread Pizzas and served them at her annual Christmas Eve party. BIG hit! For years, they were on the menu for her informal get-togethers, a favorite of just about everyone.
Last Christmas, Deana dug out her recipe and made a batch for Christmas Eve. They were just as good as I remembered – so good, I warmed them for breakfast a couple of days later.
Rye Bread Pizzas
2 pounds of mild sausage
1 pound of processed cheese
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon ketchup
1 Loaf of cocktail rye bread
Preheat your electric oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage under medium-high heat. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, heat processed cheese until melted. Add Worcestershire sauce and ketchup to cheese, mix together. Add sausage and ground beef mixture to cheese. Spoon the mixture on each slice of rye cocktail bread. Bake in oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.
Now with any party, you must offer a little sweet to balance the salty dips and grilled meat served at a football party. Chess Squares are so easy to whip up, and they are always a crowd favorite.
Chess Squares
1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 300 and spray a 9×13 dish with cooking spray.
Mix cake mix, melted butter and one egg to a soft dough. Press into the bottom of the pan.
Mix powdered sugar, softened cream cheese and remaining two eggs until smooth, about 1-2 mins. Pour on top of crust. Bake at 300 degrees for 40-50 minutes until top is golden brown.
