Super Bowl Recipes: Chili, Wings, Dips and More

“Only five more days, Mum.” That was the greeting yesterday morning. No “Good morning, Mum”, no hug – just the countdown to football’s biggest day of the year. If you don’t follow NFL news, my son would want me to tell you that his beloved New York Giants are playing the New England Patriots in a knockdown, drag-out showdown. He is practically sleeping in his New York Giants’ jersey and baseball hat, determined that his dedication to Eli Manning and the rest of the boys will determine Sunday’s outcome. While my son is busy brushing up on stats, practicing his touchdown dance and checking the status of each player online, I am sifting through recipes and dreaming up our menu for the big day.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am a sports fan and will not be watching “just for the ads” (though it’s hard not to be entertained by football-playing Clydesdales). I will be right in there, shaking my fist at the refs, chest-bumping on the touchdowns and groaning at the fumbles. But I’ll also be eating. Appetizer, dips, wings – these are all “must-haves” on Super Bowl Sunday.

Here are a few of our favorite nibbles and meals. I’d love to hear about some of your tried-and-true Super Bowl recipes. Please feel free to leave recipes or links in the comments section.

Go Giants!

Cocktails:

(Left to right)
The Caesar Cocktail (aka The Canadian Bloody Mary)
Frozen Strawberry & Lime Daiquiri

Appetizers:

(Clockwise from top left)
Roasted Shrimp with Rosemary, Garlic & Lemon
Baked French Fries with Indian Spices (Cumin & Coriander)
Crostini with Balsamic Caramelized Onions, Melted Cheese & Sage
Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Herbed Goat Cheese & Kalamata Olives

Dips:

(Clockwise from top left)
Edamame Dip with Smoked Paprika & Garlic
Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Cream Cheese Spread
Spicy Black Bean Dip with Roasted Red & Chipotle Peppers
Artichoke & Hazelnut Pesto Dip/Spread

Soup, Stews & Chili:

(Clockwise from top left)
Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa
Lean Bison & Barley Soup with Green Peas
Smoky Turkey Chili with Chipotle Peppers & Black Beans
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans & Corn

Heartier Fare:

(Clockwise from top left)
Sticky & Sweet Chicken Wings with Soy, Honey & Ginger
Cannellini Bean “Meatballs” with Tomato Sauce
Baked Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
Healthy Lasagne with Turkey, Pesto & Peppers

Desserts:

(Clockwise from top left)
Nutella & Sea Salt Stuffed Sugar Cookies
Reese’s Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Nutella & Cream Cheese Swirled Blondies
Oatmeal Chocolate Fudge Layer Bars