Good morning!
I’m still firmly planted in appetizer mode. Oh, there’s been soup, but my brain cannot shake the hold of the appetizer.
I figure it’s okay, though, because as long as it’s football season, snacks and appetizers are an acceptable topic. Not all of them will end up on the blog, because I already posted a bunch for the holidays. But there’s one last one that caps appetizer season perfectly.
I’m not sad to see January go because it seemed like it lasted … for months. But, we still have lots of winter to go. And lots of comfort food to explore.
Meanwhile, we’ll be getting ready for the Super Bowl, food-wise (see below for my menu — I often get asked if food bloggers cook from our own blogs. We do!). Even though my goofy Bengals completely fumbled a repeat return to the Super Bowl, it’ll still be a fun evening.
There’s a reason this appetizer is sometimes called Bacon Crack. As much as I love appetizers, even I have an inner stopping point just short of where eating one more thing could bring on a crisis that no one wants to be in the same room with. But Bacon Crackers. Oh, my lort, Bacon Crackers. The flavor explosion blocks all sensibility. The day I made this batch for photographing, the peeps got one whiff of the bacon aromas saturating the air, knew the source, and came running. I barely had enough left to do what I needed to do for the blog. Make at your own risk. But make them anyway.
Okay, today’s focus is appetizers. but I just can't let a word play opp like Souper Bowl pass me by. I did actually publish a soup recipe early in January, but I think I overlooked it in the National Soup Month frenzy. So, better late than never … the latest soup!
Rich and creamy, sweet potatoes are paired with spiced chorizo sausage, creating a contrast of flavors that’s utterly delicious. A garnish of crispy fried sage tops the soup beautifully.
Casa SoupAddict’s Super Bowl Appetizer Menu
Bacon Crackers are, of course, at the top of the list; I would be murdered if they didn’t make an appearance. Because the Super Bowl airs right at dinner time, the party leans meal-like, rather than, say, just bowls of pretzels and popcorn and cheese cubes.
So, the sort of main entree-appetizer will be Muffuletta Sliders, which will be on the blog next week in time for both the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. A big platter of crudites (gotta get those healthy vegetables in there to offset the Bacon Crackers lol). And also these family favorites:
Although the sliders are the main event, I’ll be including this as well, only cut into two-bite squares instead of the normal pizza-slice size, all piled on a platter for nibbling.
There is so much I want to say about this chili dip that I have to edit myself, but I also know that it’s going to be a long one anyway. If you’re a Cincinnati chili spaghetti doubter — because you question the chili, or the fact that it’s served on spaghetti. Or both — I cannot encourage strongly enough that your first introduction to Cincinnati chili be through this dip.
It starts with a layer of cream cheese mixed with Rotel and spread in a pan. Top with warmed Cincinnati chili, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese and green onions, and bake until bubbly. Serve with Fritos Scoops for maximum dippage.
To make it all as easy as possible, you can buy authentic Cincinnati chili on Amazon. Search for Skyline Chili (the perennial favorite), Gold Star Chili (also well-beloved), or my go-to, Dixie Chili. Buy the cans, rather than the seasoning packets (to guarantee the correct flavor — although I wouldn’t doubt if they run out of the cans before the Super Bowl. Many displaced Cincinnatians get their Cincinnati chili from Amazon). Kroger and Walmart also sell Cincinnati chilis, although I can’t confirm that they’re available in all regions of the U.S.
I know this one has made an appearance before in a not-too-distant past issue of the Digest. But, I’m listing the things that are actually on my Super Bowl menu aaannndd a repeat mention of this thing is absolutely worth it. Some appetizers have that wonderful simplicity where just a few ingredients create a big burst of flavor. This is one of those. Yes, it’s old-timey, and yes, you should try it. Fellow GenXers, you know what I’m sayin’.
We’ll be washing everything down with lots of this punch. It’s a crowd-pleasing, alcohol-free option that always empties before the end of the game. It’s pretty, it’s fizzy, it’s refreshing. The perfect party punch!
I hope this issue of the Digest has given you a few ideas for your own party, but if you need more, check out my full collection of Game Day Party Foods.
Until next time, friends, keep thinking warm 🌶 thoughts, stay kind 🫶🏻, and embrace the mini-meal appetizer.