game day appetizer recipes {best dips ever}

It's game night. And this game night is one we Utahns wait for all year. The so-called "Holy War" between the University of Utah and BYU. You might remember my family bleeds red (16 years and probably around $80,000 at the "U" between my husband and me make us true believers). But whatever team you side with in your team's rivalry game, you are going to want to have these amazing football game appetizers at your next game day party. Trust me. Best. Dips. Ever.

This first recipe is a new discovery for me, but a fast favorite in our extended family. I'd even venture to call it a new football game staple (or summer BBQ staple, or New Year's Eve staple--really the must-have dip at any get-together you have planned). It comes from my friend Danielle, so I often refer to it as Danielle's Famous Pickle Dip. But if you don't know Danielle you can just call it Game Day Pickle Dip. Either way it's outrageously delicious. I usually double this recipe for larger crowds.

Game Day Pickle Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

8 oz. cream cheese
2-4 whole kosher dill pickles, depending on how much you like dill pickles
A little pickle juice from the pickle jar
1/2 tsp. garlic salt (or to taste)

Put cream cheese in your mixer and blend until it starts to become smooth. Add a little pickle juice at a time (I just pour it straight from the jar, but you can start with a Tablespoon and add more if you like). Mix until creamy. Add more juice if you need to, but don't add too much--it will make the dip  runny. Grate whole pickles with a cheese grater into cream cheese and mix. Add garlic salt and mix well. Chill for at least a few hours before serving (to let the pickle flavor meld with the cream cheese). I usually make this the night before. Serve with ruffled potato chips and try not to eat the whole bowl, I dare you!

 

The next recipe is probably the best Mexican-style tortilla chip dip I've ever had. It's like Cowboy Salsa on steroids! It's another make-ahead appetizer that will top-off your game day celebration.

Fiesta Dip Recipe

Ingredients

1 15-oz. can black beans
1/2 c. frozen corn (run under cold water to defrost)
1/4 c. diced red onion
1 avacado, diced
1/2 c. diced tomato
Juice from 1 lime
1/2 c. mayonaise
1 c. salsa
1 c. chicken or steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
1/2 c. shredded colby-jack cheese
1/2 c. chopped cilantro

Combine first 6 ingredients (through lime juice) in a bowl, set aside. Mix salad dressing (mayo and salsa) and pour over veggies. Toss with cheese, meat and cilantro. Serve cold with tortilla chips.

May I suggest my very favorite tortilla chips of all time: Juanitas. I have found these at Walmart and Winco--cheap and sooo yummy.

But wait--there's more! This Fiesta Dip also makes the best pasta salad! Check this out. . .

Mexican Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 15-oz. can black beans
1/2 c. frozen corn (run under cold water to defrost)
1/4 c. diced red onion
1 avacado, diced
1/2 c. diced tomato
Juice from 1 lime
1/2 c. mayonaise
1 c. salsa
2-3 cups bowtie pasta, cooked 2-3 min. less than directed
1 c. chicken or steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
1/2 c. shredded colby-jack cheese
1/2 c. chopped cilantro

Combine first 6 ingredients (through lime juice) in a bowl, set aside. Mix salad dressing (mayo and salsa) and pour over pasta. Toss with cheese, meat and cilantro. Serve cold. I eat leftovers of this salad for days and it is amazing!

Happy football season to one and all!