While we all wish our favorite team, that we spend many of our Sundays cheering on, would be going to this year’s Super Bowl, let’s face it…when the big days comes, we celebrate it whether our team is playing or not.
What comes to mind when we think of the big day? For many, it’s all about the commercials. Others might look forward to the half-time show. Many people think it’s about getting together with family or friends to cheer on either your most loved team, or to cheer for any team other than your most disliked team. Don’t get me wrong, I watch for all of the aforementioned reasons, but mostly, it’s all about the food! I plan my menu that I’m going to serve for weeks ahead of time. It brings me great joy to know that my guests enjoyed the food as much as the entertainment!
While it’s still undetermined just who will be in the big game in 2025, we do know where the game will be played. The stadium hosting this year is the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. There is some history to this stadium that I thought would be fun to share, so if you host a big party, you’ll be full of facts that you can share and WOW your guests with.
According to CBS Sports, the Superdome is an important location for the people of the city of New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of the city in 2005, the fear was that the Superdome would have to be demolished. However, with the “biggest stadium reconstruction project in American history, the Superdome was reborn,” according to the stadium’s official website. The stadium was a symbol of the recovery and served as a “Refuge of Last Resort” for 30,000 evacuees during the natural disaster. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said they started preparing for the New Orleans Super Bowl two years ago.
Enough about that, let’s move on to the food. I’d like to share with you a few of my favorites that have always gotten rave reviews from my friends and family!
Football Shaped Mexican Fiesta Dip
This recipe has been around my family for at least 25 years and it never lasts long when we make it. I’ve shaped this into many different forms for different occasions, like a 3-leaf clover for St. Patrick’s Day or a Christmas tree for our holiday gathering. But, since we’re talking about the Super Bowl, let’s shape it into a football. An easy way to make that happen is to make it and serve it in a football shaped platter such as the platter shown. That platter, too, has been in my family for years, made and given to me by my sister-in-law. It’s very special to me, as is the team it represents! If you don’t have a football shaped platter, just shape it into a football as you’re assembling it.
Ingredients
- 8-oz of Lite Sour Cream
- One Packet of Your Favorite Taco Seasoning Mix or Make Your Own Mix
- 16-oz Can of Fat-Free Refried Beans
- 8-oz of Your Favorite Salsa (Drained)
- 2 Cups of Mexican Blend or Taco Blend Cheese
- One 2.25-oz of Sliced Black Olives, (Optional)
- 1-1/2 Cup of Shredded Lettuce
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, Diced (Optional)
- Sliced Jalapeno Peppers, To Taste (Optional)
- Thin slices of white cheddar cheese (to make the football laces)
Instructions
- Mix the sour cream and the packet of taco seasoning until well blended. Set aside.
- Spread the can of refried beans onto your serving platter. At this time shape into the shape you want using the edge of a knife or your hands.
- Spoon the sour cream mixture evenly over the beans.
- Spoon the drained salsa over the sour cream layer.
- Then layer the rest of your ingredients starting with the black olives (reserve some to use for football laces), jalapeno peppers, diced tomatoes, and lettuce.
- On top of the lettuce, use more black olives or Jalapenos to make football laces.
- Serve with tortilla chips (immediately, if your guests have anything to say about it!
Football Charcuterie Board
I don’t know about you, but I’m not THE best at assembling a charcuterie board, especially when it’s for a theme party, such as the Super Bowl. I found this recipe at Smack of Flavor and thought it was a great addition to my football mexican fiesta dip. I mean, we need a goal post to go with the football, right? This website goes through step-by-step instructions how to make this board, and includes substitution ideas in the event you’re not a fan of what’s listed in the original ingredients. You can cut the ingredients up the day before and then assemble it right before the party begins. This didn’t last long the last time I served it up!
NOTE: I found that I needed more crackers than were on the board, so I just served a variety of crackers on another tray beside this board.
Pigskin In a Blanket
I grew up LOVING pigs in a blanket. Mom would simply make them with bread, spread with butter, and roll hot dogs and cheese up in the bread and cook in a skillet like grilled cheese. Imagine when I got older and realized they could be made with crescent rolls and fancy mini hot dogs! I do miss Mom’s version, but these plate better, especially when served shaped like a football! I found this recipe at Delish.com to be my favorite, although many are just alike. This is fun and you simply make the football laces with mustard! This will be loved by young and old and will disappear right before your eyes! No penalties will be called with this one!
Pulled Pork Nachos
As you’ll see in our Dining With a View – “Nacho” Everyday Nachos blog, pulled pork nachos are my “go to” and easy to pull together. These are simply delicious and perfect for a Super Bowl party. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about making my life easier. These nachos can be thrown together quickly, provide an easy clean-up, and they are always a huge hit! You actually might want to double the recipe and make two batches if you’re feeding a crowd for the big game. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be sure to score a touchdown and maybe that extra point!
Football Shaped Cookies
With all the savory dishes I’ve listed, we can’t forget about dessert! What is more fun than football shaped cookies? I personally love soft and chewy gingerbread cookies and this recipe that I found on momlovesbaking.com was my first-round pick! Don’t try to toss one of these to a guest, because there will be an interception! These cookies were the #1 most popular recipe on their site and you’ll see why! Trust me, your guest will be “running back” to grab more of these amazing cookies!
When you need a time-out, why not stay with Premium Beach Condos in Panama City Beach to watch the big game. All of our units have large, flat-screen TV’s just perfect for watching and all of our kitchens are fully stocked with everything you need to make your favorite football cuisine! To check our availability visit our website and figure out your next game plan!
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