Big Game Party: First Down Appetizers

By Jeanne Benedict
Apps on TableMake Killer Apps - Watch Jeanne's Video to See How

Kick off your party with all-star Super Bowl appetizers like Baked Vidalia Onion Dip, Mojito Mayo Dip, and Black Bean and Corn Salsa with chips. Football fans hungry for victory will want to fuel up during the pre-game hype on TV.

These hot and spicy recipes are guaranteed to jump-start the party before the first down!

All-Star Starters


Your party food starter line-up is key! Get guests into the heat of competition with a variety of dips served with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Football ThemedFootball Snack Dispenser

Dish out your snacks in football-themed serving ware, such as a platter shaped like a football, or a player’s helmet converted into a chip and dip bowl. Round out the nibblers with some zingers like Salami & Cheese Stuffed Pepperoncini and Fired Up Breadsticks. For quick bites, put cocktail nuts or foil-covered chocolate footballs in candy dispensers that resemble the Lombardi trophy.

MyPunchbowl.com is the best place online to plan your Big Game party. Use MyPunchbowl to send online invitations and organize your party using their helpful Checklist feature. You can even ask your guests to bring specific items using the Potluck list. It’s easy to use – we recommend it for your parties all year round.

Team Up on Drinks


Don't Forget About the Main Game Meal
Keep your focus on the food and team up on drinks with your guests.
When asked, “What can I bring to the party?” suggest some of
these items:

  • 6-packs of soft drinks or beer
  • Individual-size water
  • Disposable cups
  • Ice

Make Your Own Halftime ShowMake Your Own Halftime Show
The Halftime show will be more fun if your don’t have to run out for more drinks. Make an event out of the beverages by displaying them in a fun, inflatable, football-themed cooler. For flashy cocktails, jazz up beverages in glasses with light-up football ice cubes!

 

First Down Appetizers

 

Guests will be happy, no matter what’s going on in the game, if the appetizers, snacks and drinks are within reach
Baked Vidalia Onion DipThe finished product: Baked Vidalia Onion Dip
of the prime seats – right in front of the TV! While you want to serve recipes worthy of champions, you don’t want to spend all season whipping them up. The Baked Vidalia Onion Dip is extremely easy to prepare, and guests always appreciate a warm and toasty snack. The Mojito Mayo Dip, with its “cocktail” theme, is a big hit at home parties, and a sure bet to score extra points at a tailgating event.



BIG GAME RECIPES – APPETIZERS AND SNACKS


BAKED VIDALIA ONION DIP

Serves: 2 cups
Prep Time: 10 Minute(s)

1 cup chopped Vidalia onion
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese or shredded Swiss cheese (about 4 oz.)
1 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)
Hot pepper sauce to taste (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. In 1-quart casserole, combine all ingredients. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dippers.
MOJITO MAYO DIP

Serves: 1-1/2 cups dip
Prep Time: 10 Minute(s)

1 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. white vinegar

1. In small bowl, combine all ingredients. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper. Chill, if desired. Serve with plantain chips, yucca fries, potato or tortilla chips.
BLACK BEAN & CORN SALSA

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 Minute(s)

1/4 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Light Mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 can (19 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (11 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup quartered grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp. chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)

1. In medium bowl, blend Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Light Mayonnaise, limejuice and cumin. Stir in remaining ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
FIRED UP BREADSTICKS

Serves: 20 sticks
Prep Time: 10 Minute(s)

20 breadsticks (pre-cooked and hard not soft-baked or raw dough)
20 strips bacon
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350. Wrap a strip of bacon around the length of each breadstick.

2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper until thoroughly mixed and transfer to a plate. Roll bacon-wrapped breadstick in brown sugar mixture.

3. Place breadsticks on cookie sheet. Bake 10 - 15 minutes until sugar caramelizes and bacon is crisp. Serve warm.

SALAMI & CHEESE STUFFED PEPPERONCINI

Serves: 35 pieces
Prep Time: 15 Minute(s)

35 pepperoncini
1 cup herb or garlic flavored soft cheese
2/3 cup finely diced salami

1. Cut the top portion with the stem off the pepperoncini, and remove the seeds. Be careful not to split the pepperoncini.

2. In a small bowl mix together the cheese and salami until thoroughly combined.

3. Snip a little bit of the corner off a plastic storage bag. Spoon the cheese mixture into the bag and twist the top until the mixture and begins to come out of the cut corner. Pipe the cheese into each pepperoncini. Chill until ready to serve.

For more football party ideas, check out the Big Game Party Videos, along with my other articles to help you make your party a huge success: Main Game Recipes, Super Pro Decor, and Halftime Fun and Games.
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