Super Snackin’

Like most of you, I’m planning on watching “the game” on Sunday – (when writing this, the final two have not been determined) one thing I know for sure is it’s not my Brownies!!  Being a foodie, and a snack lover, I pretty much try everything that’s put out, especially the dips. There’s something special about chips and dip – the savory dips, the salty chips, or the fact that I can graze throughout the game without Jackie really noticing. Some of my snack favorites are those little wieners in a bun, (brown mustard a must) meatballs in BBQ sauce, spicy chicken wings, classic potato chips and my favorite French Onion Dip – Dairymen’s and so much more. While I do toss in a few veggies, it’s the chips and dips that get my favor. Below I listed three yummy classic dips ( and one bonus dip) for you to whip up, and recommend a medley of corn chips, multigrain scoopers, and Triscuits (those lime chips rock as well). Also, here’s a little trivia on the snacking consumption side of the game (the number of buffalo wings is staggering). Enjoy the snacks and the game.

By popular demand, we’re now sharing guides for the previous week’s logo contest!

Every Friday, scroll to the bottom of the post to review last week’s guide and see if we managed to stump you. 

The Super Bowl was first played on January 15, 1967, following the merger agreement between the NFL and AFL. It became the championship game for the NFL, with the Green Bay Packers winning the inaugural event against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The Super Bowl has evolved into the most-watched sporting event in the United States, featuring elaborate halftime shows and star-studded commercials.

The Super Bowl is second only to Thanksgiving in terms of food consumption.

More than 11 million pounds of potato chips and 8 million pounds of guacamole are eaten on Super Bowl Sunday.

Americans devour around 1.4 billion chicken wings each year for the game, and consistently rank as the most popular Super Bowl appetizer, with dips like buffalo chicken dip and classic queso following close behind.

Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• Tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing.
3. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
5. Optionally sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles before serving.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery, and carrot sticks.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Crackers, pita bread, or sliced baguette for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Fold in artichokes, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Serve with crackers, pita, or sliced baguette.

Loaded Nacho Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
2. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Stir in cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Once melted, add diced tomatoes and chilies. Stir until well combined.
5. Top with crumbled bacon if desired.
6. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

And here’s one you likely never tried: This dip combines the creamy, spicy elements of jalapeño poppers with a surprising sweet-salty twist from peanut butter and bacon. The rich flavor combination offers a blend of heat, sweetness, and smokiness, making it a standout conversation piece at any Super Bowl party. I will be trying this one!!

Peanut Butter and Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup smooth peanut butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4-5 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup crushed pretzels (for topping)
• Extra crumbled bacon for garnish
• Tortilla chips, pretzel sticks, or crackers for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, bacon, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with crushed pretzels and extra bacon.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips or pretzels.

How did you do on last week’s logo contest?

Check out our logo guide for the “Punxsutawney Phil.” post here!