Our state is in the midst of a pro football frenzy. Wisconsin’s legendary Green Bay Packers are marching towards the Super Bowl and today the entire state (I’m not exaggerating) is celebrating by hosting playoff parties. Which means I had to dig deep in my recipe archives to find some simple dishes to pass at a viewing party we’ll be attending later this afternoon.
If your favorite teams are playing either today or tomorrow (I’m talking to you folks in New England, Jacksonville, San Diego, Indianapolis, Seattle, Dallas and New Jersey/NewYork) and you are in need of quick and easy party dishes I’m here to help.
The following hearty dips are the perfect way to kick off your play off party. They require simple ingredients (most of which you likely have in your kitchen right now) and they can be prepared in minutes. What’s more, they are not at all pretentious-—these dips were made for sturdy chips, raw veggies, or your favorite crackers. They’re also not bad used as a condiment on deli meat sandwiches… if they are on the buffet table long enough.
SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN WING DIP
Ingredients:
2 packages softened cream cheese
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
2 cups chunky bleu cheese dressing
1 cup hot wing sauce (add more if you want it hotter)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup sliced green onion (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread cream cheese in bottom of a 9-inch baking dish. Mix hot wing sauce with the chicken and pour on top of the cream cheese. Next, spread the chunky bleu cheese dressing over chicken mixture and top with cheese.
Place dish in oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped green onions.
CLASSIC REUBEN DIP
Ingredients:
6 ounces cooked corned beef brisket or deli corned beef finely chopped (about 1-1/3 cups)
3/4 cup drained sauerkraut
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese, divided
1/3 cup prepared Thousand Island dressing
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Chopped green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine corned beef, sauerkraut, mayonnaise, 1/3 cup cheese, dressing, horseradish and red pepper in small bowl. Spread evenly into 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cheese.
Bake 9 to 12 minutes.
Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Serve with pita chips, crackers or rye bread.
***TIP: You can prepare this dip up to 24 hours in advance. Only don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Then, right before your guests arrive bake, uncovered in 425-degree oven 15 to 16 minutes.
More Party Food Recipes:
Super Sandwiches for the Big Bowl Games
Bowl-o-Rama: Party Recipes for Football Fans
Two Appetizers For Your Holiday Party: Deep Fried Tortellini and Artichoke Dip