Easy Dips for Football Appetizers

Football season means parties, tailgates, and family fun on the sidelines. All of these occasions call for some delicious appetizers to get the party going. These are three of my favorite dips that are sure to please any football fan getting ready for a great season.

Zesty vegetable dip - trick everyone into eating their veggies with this delicious dip!

*1 cup mayonnaise

*1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

*½ cup sour cream

*1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix

*1 tablespoon dried minced onion

*1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

*1 tablespoon lemon juice

*1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix until blended. Cover and refrigerate for two hours. Serve with a variety of vegetables, like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and radishes.

Bacon ranch dip - uses reduced-fat ingredients to lighten up the dip without taking away its taste.

*½ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

*½ cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing

*½ cup fat-free sour cream

*½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

*¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon or bacon bits

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Serve with a variety of veggies.

Creamy taco dip - a classic favorite.

*Two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened

*1 cup sour cream

*8-ounce jar taco sauce or salsa

*2 teaspoons ground cumin

*15 ounces refried beans

*1 cup shredded lettuce

*1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

*1 medium tomato, diced

*¼ cup chopped ripe olives

*¼ cup canned chopped green chilies

Beat cream cheese and sour cream in a mixing bowl until smooth; stir in taco sauce and cumin and set aside. Spread beans on bottom of 9"x13"x2" baking dish. Spread cream cheese mixture over beans, leaving a one-inch edge uncovered. Top with lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomato, olives, and chillies and serve with tortilla chips and pita chips.

Source: Taste of Home Tailgate Cookbook 2006