The Super Bowl is just around the corner, so it’s time to decide what to cook – either for your own party or to bring to a pot luck. Alas, our beloved Denver Broncos won’t be participating this year, but Robert and I will still be watching the game! So, I thought I would share my top 6 recommendations for Super Bowl appetizers. They are all guaranteed crowd-pleasers, super delicious, easy to prepare with readily available ingredients – and can be prepared ahead of time, so you don’t have to miss any of the game. Enjoy!
1. Zesty Pimiento Cheese Spread
My mom Sally loved pimiento cheese and made it often. It seems like every Southern family has their own version of this delicious cheese mixture, often called “the caviar of the South”. Mom grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and I’m pretty sure her recipe came from one of our Southern relatives. This is my version of her recipe – the main change is that I add cayenne pepper to give it a bit of a kick. For Super Bowl, you could purchase cocktail bread and make mini Pimiento Cheese sandwiches, maybe even toast them . . .
2. Mexican Black Bean, Tomato and Corn Salsa
I originally created this recipe as a side dish for a Mexican dinner party, but have discovered it’s equally as good as a salsa-style dip. To serve as a one-bite appetizer, spoon the salsa into small crispy tortilla bowls (like Tostitos Scoops). Also, this time of year I would recommend purchasing organic grape or cherry tomatoes, as they will have the most flavor.
3. Fast 4-ingredient Cheesy Crab Dip
This is a new recipe on my website, and it’s favorite, because not only is it chock-a-block full of yummy flavors, it is super easy and fast to prepare, calling for only four ingredients – all of which are readily available. Make sure to use the best quality lump crabmeat you can find – always important, especially in recipes with few ingredients.
4. Taco Salad Dip
A variation of the well-known Seven Layer Dip, this recipe has no refried beans and is a snap to put together. It was given to me several years ago, and continues to receive rave reviews every time I serve it. As recommended above, use grape or cherry tomatoes.
5. Spicy Chicken Wings
We love this recipe for chicken wings as it is just the right amount of spice – not too hot, not too bland. We also like serving these wings with guacamole instead of blue cheese dressing, a trick we picked up at a neighborhood cocktail party. You could also serve them with Ranch salad dressing.
6. Green Chile Canapés
Another scrumptious appetizer made with a short list of readily available ingredients – sliced bread, butter, green chiles, garlic (or shallots), cheese and mayo. Yum! You’ll find this recipe on page 18 in my newest cookbook, Fresh Tastes.
Enjoy!!
