Bacon-wrapped anything is delicious, so it goes without saying that these jalapeño poppers — which are stuffed with herbs and cheese, then wrapped with an entire slice of bacon each — are over the top. Despite sounding indulgent, they're incredibly easy to make and perfect for a game-day party. Learn the tricks to prepping them, like how to keep the heat in check and avoid messy oven explosions, when you watch the video.
This may sound blasphemous, but I've never been quite able to get behind classic seven-layer dip. Don't get me wrong: I understand the appeal and then some. Heck, I wish I were as smitten with it as its many ardent fans are, but it's just not my cup of tea. So when I stumbled across this Mediterranean take on the iconic Super Bowl treat on one of my favorite blogs, I knew it was high time I got my offset spatula at the ready.
What I didn't anticipate was just how much I would adore this tangy, garlic-heavy appetizer. I'm only a hair embarrassed to say that I managed to polish off half the platter in one sitting. Each bite's ever-so-slightly different makeup makes it easy to keep coming back for just one more bite, and do so I did . . .
With the Super Bowl less than a week away, it's time to start prepping for your game-day party — especially now that we know which teams will be playing for the win. If you're a 49ers fan — which, as San Franciscans, we hope you are! — then you might want to listen up! While you can prep for your tailgating soiree with decorations like red-and-gold utensils, there's plenty of 49ers kitchen gear (think cheese boards and wine stoppers) to choose from. Here, we've put together all the items you need to embrace the football festivities.
If someone were to ask me, "What's your guilty pleasure food?" there's only one thing I can honestly answer: Velveeta. It's so bad . . . yet it's so good! Technically Velveeta isn't a cheese, but a "processed pasteurized cheese product" that has a creamy texture, mild cheddar flavor, and characteristic artificial-orange color.
Velveeta's most endearing quality, however, is its wonderful ability to melt; once heated, it becomes as smooth as velvet. Since 1928, when Kraft first introduced it to America kitchens, Velveeta has been used to make macaroni and cheese and my personal favorite, nacho cheese dip.
While I enjoy the traditional queso dip (a mixture of Velveeta and Ro-tel, a line of canned tomatoes and green chiles popular in Texas), I prefer this jazzed-up rendition. The refried beans provide a nice meatiness and the cumin gives it an element of smoke.
What happens when you pack beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and black olives into a casserole dish? You get a seven-layer dip that will send football fans tackling each other to scoop their chips first. It's a snap to make, and party-goers will probably devour it in a matter of minutes, as in before the first quarter ends.
We recommend splitting the dip into two smaller dishes so you can spread the joy amongst the couch and intercept unnecessary rough play between your guests. Trust me, people will get territorial about seven-layer dip.
When it comes to the Super Bowl, "go big or go home" is the motto for sports fans and foodies alike. Ending football season on a high note means serving up the best game-day favorites. We're kicking up appetizers with bacon and giving buffalo wings a run for their money with a honey barbecue sauce. Even if you're not throwing a party of your own, impress your friends with Mrs. Fields-style chewy chocolate chip cookies or an unexpected six-pack. No matter who you're rooting for, we can all agree that this menu will leave guests wanting more!
Radeberger Pilsner
The Super Bowl isn't just any game, so why drink just any beer? Radeberger Pilsner, a classic Teutonic tipple, changed the way we look at beer. Consider this brew a jazzed-up version of Coors Light, satisfying those who want a refreshing beer that still peppers the palate with hops-forward flavor. Because it runs about $8 for a six-pack, it's a great choice for an intimate viewing party or an impressive beer to contribute to a potluck.
Bacon Guacamole
Guacamole is a Super Bowl essential. Take this classic game-day dish to another level by adding bacon (yes, bacon!), an unlikely combination that's like a club sandwich in dip form. With its creamy, crunchy texture and chipotle kick, this bacon guacamole recipe promises to be a hit (and devoured in minutes).
For many, football season defines Fall, and that means one thing: tailgate parties. Since a tailgate is as much about the food as it is the game, pick a menu that will get the crowd cheering. If you're planning a tailgate to root for your favorite team or just need to bring a dish, this menu has you covered. Appetizers with a twist, a crisp cider, and a bit of bacon will leave you plenty satisfied come kickoff!
Angry Orchard Hard Cider
An ice-cold beer and tailgating go hand in hand; you can't have one without the other. But in addition to the ordinary, add a few bottles of this sweet Angry Orchard's Iceman cider. Iceman is reminiscent of dried fruit and caramelized toffee, making it a Fall-forward brew that screams for crisp autumnal weather. Candy-sweet on the nose with a strong alcoholic kick, this hard cider makes for an unexpected tailgate treat that your friends and family will enjoy.
Bacon Guacamole
What's a celebration without bacon and guacamole? When the two come together in this bacon guacamole dip, they easily become the life of the party. The smokiness of the bacon is enhanced by the addition of chipotle chiles, making this dip quite addictive. You may want to double the recipe; chances are your guests will devour it within a matter a minutes. Serve with salty tortilla chips or use it to top off your burgers for a no-fail dip.
Carbonara Potato Skins
Serve up these carbonara potato skins, and you will most certainty score a touchdown. With this appetizer, potato skins meet pasta carbonara for an impressive duo. The unexpected combination of crisp potatoes and creamy carbonara sauce will impress your guests and have them begging you for the recipe.
Fusion Sliders
For finger food perfection, serve up sliders. Theses miniburgers will complement the beer, guacamole, and potato skins perfectly. Grill up bite-sized all-American hamburgers, or try your own version with fusion finger food: combing toppings and spices with inspiration from Asian, French, Indian, Mexican, or Texan cuisine.
Classic Chocolate Brownies
For a no-fuss, classic dessert, turn to a traditional brownie recipe. They make for a great tailgating dessert, because they don't require any fussy extras or even utensils. The cracked top; fudge-y, melt-in-your mouth center; and crumbly sugary texture will end your tailgate on a win!
With the NFL play-offs already halfway over, it's time to start thinking ahead if you're planning a gathering for this year's Super Bowl. If you're not sure what dishes will get the crowd cheering, score big points on food by adding these little pieces of culinary excitement to your party lineup. We've got plenty of new twists on old favorites, from gyro jalapeño poppers to chorizo-and-cheese chips. If you're looking for some inspiration for your game-day dishes, look no further than these 10 tasty recipes.
When I learned that the concept of white chili is foreign to a number of you, I took it upon myself to make the case for why this stuff is better than a bowl of red. I love tomato-based chili — especially when it's conveniently made in a slow cooker — but I positively crave the white kind. Not just any kind: Paula Deen's white bean chili.
It's green chilies (I prefer the Hatch variety), white beans, chicken, and cilantro, slow-simmered for hours to become a stew that's creamier and more tender than its tomato-based counterpart. Make this white chili, and you'll be the talk of any tailgate. To take a peek at how it's done (like all things Paula, it starts with butter!), read more.
Love the Miller kangaroo sweatshirt? Then you'll probably be a fan of Beer Savers ($13 for set of six). These stretchy silicone bottle cap covers are designed to fit a standard glass beer bottle, keeping your brewski safe, not stale — and they can be reused after a rinse in the dishwasher. Much like beer bands, Beer Savers also help you identify which bottle's yours. My only thing is: do you ever not finish a bottle of beer? I don't!
