Super Bowl Snack Down

Game day is almost here, and even for those of you who aren’t seasoned football fans, there’s something about Super Bowl Sunday that brings out the fan in everyone. Next to the game itself, the most important thing about Super Bowl Sunday is the food. After all, what’s a great game day if there’s not great food? And by great food all we really mean is bring the tailgate party inside.

And no one knows how to throw a Super Bowl party better than firemen, which is why we're sharing with you some famous dips created by firemen in the kitchens of firehouses all over Bergen County. These three dips are perennial favorites and always requested on Super Bowl Sunday. 

If you like Buffalo Chicken Wings then you will be hooked on the Buffalo Chicken Dip. In fact, it’s so easy to make that you might forever forgo the wings and just make the dip. This is such a huge game day favorite that you might want to make two batches.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 (9.75 oz) cans of white-meat chicken

¾ cup cayenne sauce, wing sauce, or other hot pepper sauce

1 cup ranch dressing

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese

Tortilla chips and/or celery for dipping

Combine all the ingredients, except tortilla chips and celery, in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until all cheeses are melted. Serve warm.

If you like BLT’s then look out—this dip is the sandwich without the bread. Yes, there are scallions. However, although seemingly unorthodox on a BLT sandwich, they add a little something to the dip. So does the parmesan and the parsley. Many people make a face when they hear “BLT Dip” because the sandwich is a sacred item on the Americana menu that to alter it in anyway almost seems like a sacrilege. Our advice is to just make this dip and go to confession!

BLT Dip

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved or quartered

1 cup mayonnaise

¼ cup chopped scallions

2 tbs parsley

Pinch of pepper

½ cup of shredded parmesan cheese

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

Chips or crackers for dipping

Stir together the tomatoes, mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, cheese, and pepper into a bowl. Add the bacon and mix. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

This Hot Chili Dip is the number one game day request. Forget the fact that there are pounds of processed cheese in it because one dip and you’ll be hooked.  This dip is not for the faint of heart because it’s spicy, spicy, spicy! But if you like spicy food, you’ll love this dip.

Hot Chili Cheese Dip

1 lb. mild or spicy sausage

2 cans (10 ¾ oz) cans Nacho Cheese soup

15 oz can chili with or without beans

14 ½ oz can of tomatoes with chilies

16oz pkg Velveeta Cheese cubed

Tortilla chips for dipping

Combine all ingredients except cheese and tortilla chips in a large sauce pan over medium heat; cook until it bubbles. Add cheese. Reduce heat; cook and stir until cheese is completely melted. Then get ready to get hooked.

Whatever team you’re rooting for, or if you’re only watching as an excuse to eat some great tailgating food, have a great day. Oh, and don’t forget the beer! We’ll go back to the diet Monday.