Full disclosure: I know next to nothing about football. And while my husband knows much more than I do, he’s not really a big football fan either. But what I do know a lot about is food. I love to cook, and more importantly, I love to eat. Every year, despite not being football fans, my husband and I watch the Super Bowl. This might be sacrilegious, but we actually watch it for the commercials. So every year we celebrate the big game like everyone else — we make a big spread of highly caloric, delicious food (most of it dripping with gooey cheese) and we eat it in front of the television. It doesn’t matter that I don’t follow who is scoring touchdowns. I’m just as happy with my carby food as any football fan.
This year, instead of making the same old dishes (nachos, wings, potato skins), I thought it would be fun to cook outside the box. I found some really incredible appetizers that will keep any rowdy football fans happy (or commercial fans, as the case may be…)
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745884689527/
Any food on a stick is bound to be a hit. And tater tots are beautiful, crispy little potatoey gems. Pile ’em high with bacon and cheese, and dip them in Ranch dressing. That sounds like Super Bowl food to me.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/93027548534110380/
Everyone has had their fair share of Buffalo wings. Personally, I don’t love them so much because I hate having to eat the meat off of those little bones. (Some people would argue that you’re just supposed to pop the whole thing in your mouth and pull everything off the bone, but that sounds a tad gross to me…) But little bite-sized balls of Buffalo perfection, without the hassle of the bones? Now you’ve got my attention.
Chicken and Waffle Sliders
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/737816351422756330/
Any excuse to buy mini-waffles is good enough for me. The lovely thing about this dish is that there is next to no preparation needed since you’re using frozen waffles and chicken tenders. I’d even kick it up a notch by drizzling each one with maple syrup, but that’s just me.
Mini Corn Dog Muffins
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/266205027952639984/
Who knew that making a corn dog could be so easy? What’s great about these is how easy they will be for your guests to pick them up and pop them in their mouths. Don’t expect these to last too long — they’ll be gone before the end of the first quarter for sure.
Cheesy Meatball Bites
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/42010209004776058/
Pillsbury Crescent rolls are practically magic in my book — they are incredibly versatile, and they always end up being delicious, no matter how you dress them up. This recipe becomes drastically easy if you use jarred marinara sauce and frozen meatballs. Costco trip anyone?
Mini Taco Bowls
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/357402920409137151/
Anything that guests can pick up and pop in their mouths is sure to be popular at your party. You’ll get extra points for “making” the little tortilla bowls, even though all you’ll have to do is cut them out of larger tortillas. It’s a very easy dish that only looks more challenging.
Individual 7-Layer Dips
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/278941770648032736/
I am a dip fiend. There, I said it. So I definitely like to have the perfect bite every time I eat a chip. Nothing makes me more annoyed than when people scoop into a 7-layer dip messily, or when they just take some of the top layer, leaving behind scrumptious beans or sour cream. With individual cups, everyone can dip however they’d like.
Patriots Pretzel Bites
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/553520610438084502/
If you have a house full of Pats fans, then you might want to consider this salty-sweet treat. And did someone say Rollos??!
Falcons Rice Krispie Bites
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/553520610437941176/
If you’re rooting for the underdog (and if you need a dessert option for your table), then look no further. Who doesn’t love Rice Krispies treats, especially if they are flaunting the colors of your team?
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