Super Bowl LV: Perfect Recipes for Your Party

Thumbnail image from Pixabay

By Rebecca Fending

In its 55th year running, the Super Bowl is just around the corner. With a head-to-head between our own Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs, this year is sure to be a great game.

Whether you’re hosting your own Super Bowl party, attending someone else’s or just planning on kicking back in your comfortable pants and favorite recliner, these recipes are sure to enhance your experience. Featuring a some tried and true classics and a few modern takes on crowd favorites, jazz these recipes up and make them your own to impress yourself and your guests.

Mac ‘n’ Cheese Egg Rolls 

Inspired by Delish

• About 12 ounces vegetable oil, enough to fry egg rolls 
• Mac ‘n’ cheese of your choice, prepared (homemade, Kraft, Annie’s or even Stouffers) 
• 1 cup each of fresh grated cheddar and mozzarella or pepper jack 
• 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• One package egg roll wrappers 

1. Once your mac ‘n’ cheese of choice is prepared, fold in grated cheeses until melted. When combined, add your seasonings. Let cool until able to be handled. 
2. Prepare your egg roll wrapper by placing it in a diamond shape. Wet the corners with water and place a large spoonful of your mac ‘n’ cheese mixture in the middle, a bit more than one tablespoon. Roll as you would a burrito, tucking in the corners and wrapping tightly. If needed, wet the top point again and press into the body of the egg roll for a secure hold. Repeat until your cheese mixture is gone. 
3. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep pan until one inch high. Place over medium heat and wait until it is hot*. Add egg rolls and fry for about one minute each side, or until lightly golden. Cool on paper towel lined plate. 
4. Serve with dipping sauce options such as ranch, buffalo sauce or even barbecue.

*Test by placing tip of wooden spoon handle in middle of pan. When it is ready, it will bubble around the handle. 

Super Bowl Spinach Artichoke Mini Bagels 

• 1 package of mini bagels 
• 1 cup thawed or fresh chopped spinach 
• 12 oz. jar of artichoke hearts 
• 1/3 cup finely diced white onion 
• 1/3 cup finely diced mini portabella mushrooms 
• 8 oz. cream cheese 
• ¼ cup mayonnaise 
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 1 clove minced garlic 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 cup mozzarella to top bagels 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 
2. In a large bowl, soften cream cheese in microwave until easy to work with and mix all dip ingredients together. Set aside. 
3. Cut open mini bagels and spread a spoonful of the spinach artichoke mixture onto the surface. Place bagels on baking sheet. 
4. Once you have filled the baking sheet or used all of your spinach mixture, sprinkle a liberal amount of mozzarella on top of each bagel. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.  

Hot Crab Dip Crostinis 

Inspired by Betty Crocker

• 1 baguette, sliced into ¼ inch thick pieces 
• 8 oz. cream cheese 
• 1 cup mayonnaise 
• 1-pound lump crab meat 
• ¼ cup finely diced white onion 
• ¼ cup scallions 
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan, reserve 1/4 cup for topping 
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning 
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

1. To make your crostinis, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place slices on top. Brush slices lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes. Leave oven at 350 and baking sheet lined with same foil for baking crostinis with dip topping. 
2. In a large bowl, soften cream cheese in microwave and add all dip ingredients to bowl. Once combined, spread a spoonful of mixture to the top of a crostini. Place topped crostinis on baking sheet. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.  

Honey Mustard Hawaiian Sliders

• One package of Hawaiian-style rolls
• Deli ham
• Swiss or provolone cheese slices
• Bread and butter pickle chips

For the honey mustard:

• 2-4 tablespoons honey, depending on sweetness preference
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Slice the sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half with a serrated knife. Set top aside and place bottom layer of buns into a lightly greased 13×9 baking dish.
3. Layer desired amount of ham on the bottom half of the rolls. Follow with layered cheese slices.
4. Once meat and cheese are finished, place a pickle chip in the center of each roll. (The pickle doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it adds so much in flavor and texture!)
5. Mix your honey and mustard together in a small bowl. Play around with the balance of honey and mustard to get your desired balance of flavors. Spread over the bottom side of the top bun layer. Place tops onto the meat and cheese covered bottoms. If you have extra honey mustard, keep as a dipping sauce.
6. Place baking dish in oven and bake for 10-20 minutes or until desired temperature/bake on rolls. If the bread browns too quickly, place a tin foil cover over the dish and continue baking.

For Hawaiian pizza combo lovers, add pineapple slices or chunks to sliders for an extra sweet kick!