Appetizer Ideas for the Superbowl

The key to Superbowl appetizers is to serve both the traditional fare along with a few unique items.

For football fans, Superbowl is often one of the biggest parties of the year. With so many Superbowl parties every year, make yours stand out with a play-up on traditional Superbowl hamburgers, hot dogs and chips. Good taste is not reserved solely for those who prefer the ballet and symphony, but for anyone who enjoys good food. Superbowl is a great occasion to showcase your favorite foods along with event classics.

Dips

Superbowl appetizers are incomplete without interactive dipping. There is something about dipping, scooping and spreading that makes snacking more enjoyable while watching television, a movie or a sporting event. As the Superbowl takes place during February, it is a good idea to serve hot dips if you are located in a cold region of the U.S.. Cheesy baked spinach, avocado or bean dips are great options, as are hot salsas, cheese and taco dips as well as cold dips such as crab or ranch dip are all great choices.

Crackers, Chips and Bread

To accompany the hot or cold dips, offer a variety of dipping items including chips, crackers and breads. Tortilla and pita chips work best for dipping as they are thicker and have less overpowering flavors than potato chips do. Crackers are a good alternative to chips and can be made healthy by purchasing whole wheat or low sodium varieties. Serving small slices or crusty breads next to the dips and spreads is a great way to add a unique flare to your Superbowl party.

Mini-items

"Appetizer" is another word for snack before a meal. However, if sampled from a large variety, they can build into a meal. Great meal-like appetizers include miniature versions of entrée favorites such as miniature sandwiches, quiche, burger sliders, "Pigs in a B," miniature pizzas and anything else that can be served in bite-size form.

Nuts and Mixes

For continual snacking, bowls of mixed nuts and snack mixes including pretzels and cereal mixes are great options. Peanuts, cashews, almonds and pistachios cover the basics as do pretzels and cereal party mixes. For a slightly healthier and low-calorie snack item in lieu of mixed nuts, consider laying out bowls of thick clumpy granola, sesame seed crackers, miniature rice cakes or spiced wasabi peas.

Meatballs and Sausages

Toothpick appetizers are great for when seated in front of the television. They allow for the serving of messy saucy items without the need for forks or utensils. Crock pot saucy meatballs or smoked mini-sausages are perfect hot appetizers for a cold winter day and provide a protein alternative to all the carbohydrate snacking.

Drinks

Cold beer and soda are a must for most Superbowl parties. However, consider serving some alternatives for those who drink neither. Water bottles, fresh juices and lemonade, coffee, tea and even wine can be served at a Superbowl party depending on your and your guests' taste.

References

• Easy Appetizer Recipes: Superbowl Snacks