Whether you're attending a Super Bowl extravaganza this weekend, throwing your own or not partaking whatsoever, it's hard to turn down the flavor-packed food that is often associated with watching the Big Game.
For some that means bar food, appetizers and snacks, while others may prefer full-fledged, heavy meals. Regardless, we at Salon Food have you covered. From dips and pizzas to fried foods and comfort foods galore, you and yours are sure to have a field day with the amount of options included here.
So no matter your plans, peruse this list of some especially crave-worthy and delicious dishes that are a joy any day of the year.
Queso & Chips (Getty Images)Image_placeholderOf course, queso is a requisite component in the pantheon of Super Bowl foods. Regardless of the spice level, the warm, super-cheesy dip is always at home at any sort of gathering. It's ideal with chips, but also with various raw vegetables.
As Salon's Amanda Marcotte writes, the beer helps to deepen the flavor and "adds a certain subtle and spiky flavor to queso that really lifts it above its humble fake-cheese origins."
Salmon Artichoke Dip (Bibi Hutchings)Image_placeholderWhile salmon may not be the first accouterment to come to mind when daydreaming about artichoke dip, columnist Bibi Hutchings is adamant that it's the perfect addition to the fan-favorite dip.
Hutchings also writes that "you can omit the salmon, or you can use dairy-alternatives — no problem at all." This recipe says "bring it on" — no matter what dairy or green you use, it's going to be delicious. If you're looking for the perfect post-holiday, game day appetizer, go the spinach route. Toss in chopped, fresh jalapeños to the mix for a kick that's sure to fire up an audience."
We think we'll take her up on these suggestions.
Fresh Glazed Pecans in a Cast Iron Skillet (Getty Images/rudisill)Image_placeholderHutchings also contributed these stellar, crunchy "party pecans" with homemade, cheesy wafer crackers that are bound to be a surefire hit. These "distinctly southern snacks" are both sweet and savory, pair beautifully with practically any libation and are almost always "consumed with gusto." They're both perfect additions to any charcuterie board, too.
The wafers are a super-simple recipe which calls for only 4 ingredients and the buttery, beautifully spiced pecans are incredibly crave-worthy, too.
Crunchy Noodle Salad (Courtesy Bibi Hutchings)Image_placeholderThis crispy, crunchy, bright salad is a perfect juxtaposition with the heavier, richer dishes in this lineup. Prepare a large bowl of this and you're sure to get some appreciative glances and smiles from those who are looking for a few bites of something that has some greens, some freshness and some lightness.
Cheesy Chicken Reverse Nachos (Mary Elizabeth Williams)Image_placeholderWondering what constitutes a "reverse" nacho?
Essentially, as Senior Writer Mary Elizabeth Williams explains, it entails that the meats and cheeses are cooked separately and then the chips are "dipped" into the nacho goodness, instead of being cooked under them, thereby rendering some of the chips soggy and unappealing. Genius!
Chicago mix popcorn (Mary Elizabeth Williams)Image_placeholderPopcorn is a standby and for a good reason: it's easy to mindlessly munch on, it's crisp and light, it's often well seasoned and it's even sometimes vegan.
Here, Williams presents a popcorn that is perfectly balanced in its sweetness, spice and cheesiness, including the juxtaposition of both caramel and cheddar for a real wallop of flavor in each bite. Your guests are sure to be amazed.
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Toasted sourdough bread with sauteed mushroom and hard goat cheese (Getty Images/haoliang)Image_placeholderNot to toot own horn, but .... toot toot!
Step aside avocado toasts, you've had the glory for far too long. It's now time for the RGMT (roasted garlic mushroom toast, of course) to step into the spotlight.
Complete with a deeply garlicky kick courtesy of an entire head of roasted garlic — plus a creamy, decadent spread and a host of sautéed, buttery mushrooms — you will incur lots of compliments if you serve this at a gathering of any sorts.
Just don't be spooked if they suddenly disappear; Casper didn't get his hands on them, but our assumption is that they'll go quickly. So maybe make a double batch?
(America's Test Kitchen)Image_placeholderChili is a classic inclusion in the Superbowl food repertoire, but this version veers in a slightly different direction being that it contains turkey and is cooked in the slow-cooker. Top with whatever variation of garnishes you like; that's always one of the best parts of chili, is it not?
You can also opt to serve it with a large hunk of cornbread for a really enjoyable complement to the deep, savory flavors of the chili. So comforting!
Mozzarella Balls (Mary Elizabeth Williams)Image_placeholderMelted cheese may be one of the single best bites within the food landscape.
Here, Mary Elizabeth Williams takes the timeless joy of a mozzarella stick and compresses it into a pop-able, deeply enjoyable mozzarella ball which is equal parts creamy and gooey, yet also crispy and crunchy. Whether served with marinara or some other dipping sauce or not, these will be a massive hit amongst the partygoers.
Hummus (Mary Elizabeth Williams)Image_placeholderHummus — what a delight!
While some store-bought hummuses leave a lot to be desired, here, Williams uncovers the secret for the creamiest, lightest, "fluffiest" hummus imaginable.
Pair it with vegetables, pita chips, crackers, pita or anything else you'd like.
Pizza with chopped meat, spinach and cream sauce (Getty Images/Eugene Mymrin)Image_placeholderCombining a deeply browned ground protein (or vegan protein) with dark greens and a copious amount of cheese can never be a bad thing, but place that entire selection of ingredients on a pizza crust and you'll even impress yourself. Gussy this up with other inclusions — like grated cheeses, sauces, pestos or other greens or proteins — but it really doesn't need much.
It's a perfect homemade pizza, whether for a big-time game night or just for a quiet Tuesday evening in.
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Onion Rings (Mary Elizabeth Williams)Image_placeholderOnion rings are a true gem and let's be honest: they don't need my waxing poetic about them to snag your interest. The glory of an onion ring stands on its own.
As Williams puts it: "Onion rings are so much better than french fries, and french fries are great. They're definitely far too good to only enjoy when you go out."
So do yourself a favor and whip these up. You (and all of your party pals) deserve it.
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