Super Bowl Snack Time

We’re less than a week away from the Super Bowl! I love the excitement surrounding the big day. My husband and I always watch the game every year with a small group of friends. This year, I’m hoping to really score with four of my favorite recipes. Grab your grocery list, because you won’t want to miss these. Game plan: Soup, chips, dips, sliders and a taco bar!

    1.    Maryland Cream of Crab Soup: Snacks are my go-to Super Bowl menu choice. That being said, I still want ingredients that are both delicious and filling with lots of protein. That’s why I chose this crab soup —warm, indulgent, and satisfying! Below, you’ll find the perfect crab soup recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound Maryland jumbo lump crab meat

1 tablespoon fresh parsley

3 teaspoons OLD BAY Seasoning

1/4 cup butter

2 pints heavy whipping cream

1 quart half and half cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 pint milk

DIRECTIONS:

Bring milk, half and half, and heavy whipping cream to a boil. Add crab meat, fresh parsley, Old Bay Seasoning, butter, salt and pepper. When it starts to boil, make a paste of cornstarch and water to thicken soup.

    2 .  Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Dips are shareable and feel satisfying. Whether served with veggies, chips, or pitas, your guests are going to love this one. This is one of my favorites from my friend Suzanne over at www.CrazyBlondelife.com

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 large shallots, finely chopped

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 - 10 ounce jar quartered artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped

• 1 - 4.5 ounce can diced green chiles, drained

• 20 ounces baby spinach (2 containers)

• 1-1/3 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 2 tables za'atar seasoning

• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and shallots and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3 - 4 minutes until shallots begin to soften.

2. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until garlic is fragrant.

3. Add the spinach and sauté until spinach has cooked and reduced down. Mix in the well drained artichoke hearts and drained green chiles. Stir to combine and remove from the heat.

4. Add the spinach mixture to a large bowl (drain any iquid that might be left in the mixture).

5. To the spinach mixture, add the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, za'atar seasoning and a pinch more of salt and pepper.

6. Place in an ovenproof casserole dish, grate more Parmesan over and bake for about 30 minutes or until dip is hot and bubbly. Serve with french bread, crackers or tortilla chips!

    3.   Sliders: These are a party favorite! Pack them with your choice of protein, sauce, and cheese. Your guests will love this interactive, handheld option. Let them choose their toppings—whether it's pickles, banana peppers, tomatoes, or lettuce—the options are endless. I’ve included my family’s favorite recipe below, but there are plenty of twists on this cult classic.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup) or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion

• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, optional

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 (12-ounce) packages Hawaiian sweet rolls

• 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham

• 1 (6-ounce) package Swiss cheese slices

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 

2. Make the spread: 

   Meanwhile, stir the butter, onion, poppy seeds (if using), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt together in a small bowl until combined; set aside.

3. Assemble the sandwiches: 

   Without separating the rolls, cut the rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottoms of the rolls in an even layer on a large-rimmed baking sheet. Spread half of the butter mixture over the bottom half of the rolls. Place the ham slices in an even layer over the buttered bottom half of the rolls and place the cheese slices in an even layer over the ham. 

   Place the top half of the rolls, cut side down, over the cheese. Gently spread the remaining half of the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.

4. Bake the sandwiches: 

   Bake until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Taco Bar - This is my favorite because I usually load up on the toppings and go for a vegetarian option. I brown some hamburger or even tofu, add a variety of tasty toppings (ex. banana peppers, pickled onions, mini sweet peppers, fried plantains, olives, grape tomatoes, avocado, fresh herbs and limes … you get the idea) and load it on a tortilla for a healthy and filling snack. And it makes a beautiful display.

Let me know if you try any of these recipes, and good luck to your Super Bowl team! xoxo