Super Bowl Recipes

If you've waited to the last minute to get the main ingredient for that Super Bowl recipe favorite - chicken wings - you might have noticed that they are definitely more expensive this year and also a little difficult to find. There are other options to make your Super Bowl recipes just as tasty and stretch your dollar so that everyone will have a good time. Here's just a few ideas for a twist to those tried and true Super Bowl recipes you've used in the past.

Super Bowl Recipes - Chicken Breast "Wings"

If you've been watching your budget lately, you've probably been picking up those "buy one, get one free" packages of boneless, skinless, chicken breasts that are offered by grocery stores on a regular basis. Since you already have them in your freezer, why not adapt your favorite chicken wing marinade and use these boneless chicken breasts for your Super Bowl recipe instead.

To use in your Super Bowl recipe, let the chicken breasts thaw just a little and then cut them in to strips. Chicken breasts are easier to cut when they are slightly frozen. Put into a plastic baggie and pour in the marinade from your favorite Super Bowl recipe. Let them marinate for several hours or overnight, then grill or bake until done. Cut up the celery and make the blue cheese dressing and you are ready to go.

Super Bowl Recipes - Light and Tasty Guacamole

Love guacamole but can't find any avocados on sale for Super Bowl weekend? You can stretch your Super Bowl guacamole recipe by adding "smashed" green peas to your avocados. I know, I know, unless you happen to like green peas you probably don't think this sounds like a very good idea. However, I researched this idea by Googling and found that it's a well-kept secret that some Mexican restaurants add green pea mash to their guacamole to cut their costs. You've probably been eating it already and didn't even know.

The USA Weekend insert for my local newspaper included guacamole with green peas in their list of Super Bowl recipes. For a look at this Super Bowl recipe idea, check it out here.

If you still aren't sure about those green peas in a recipe for your big Super Bowl party, use less than the recipe calls for. You'll still be able to stretch your dollars, you'll still be able to include guacamole as one of your Super Bowl recipes, and you'll be getting an added health benefit, too. More healthy green peas, less percentage of fat from the avocado.

Super Bowl Recipes - Buy1 Get 1 Chips

It's a relief to know that, just as in previous years, chips will be on sale the week of the Super Bowl. While you may not find your favorite chip on sale for your Super Bowl recipe, take a chance and give one of the chip brands on sale a try, instead. With flavorful dips and salsas, and an exciting game on the TV, no one will notice if you don't purchase your regular brand.

Watch for coupons, too, to make your chip savings go even farther.

Super Bowl Recipes - Cream Cheese/Salsa/Cheese Dip

This Super Bowl recipe is all about using leftovers. Everyone has those extra blocks of cream cheese sitting in the refrigerator that didn't get used over the holidays. Maybe you have an already opened jar of salsa and a bag of grated cheddar cheese in there, too. Now is the time to get them out of the fridge.

Combine one or two 8 oz. blocks of softened cream cheese, salsa to taste, and cheddar cheese (or other cheese such as Monterey Jack or Mexican Blend). Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together.

This easy Super Bowl recipe is so flavorful that you won't need to buy an expensive cracker to serve with it. In fact, after multiple taste testings, one of my favorite crackers to serve with this Super Bowl recipe is the simple Ritz Cracker.

Super Bowl Recipes - 14 Layer Bars

I found a great Super Bowl dessert recipe from Big Daddy's House on the Food Network - 14 Layer Bars. Like the dip recipe above, this Super Bowl recipe will use up some of those ingredients you baked Christmas goodies with over the holidays.

Rather than find cans of condensed milk and all of those stale chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, and coconut in your pantry six months from now, this Super Bowl recipe uses small amounts of several different ingredients you probably have left over. If you don't have some of the specific nuts or chips that the recipe calls for, just use more of what you do have. You may have only 10 Layer Bars but I'm betting they will still be totally yummy.

Give 14 Layer Bars a try. Find the recipe here.

Just a note. This recipe says it serves 5-6 people. But the bars are made in a 11 x 15-inch baking pan and they will be very rich and sweet. I'm betting that after your guests have filled up on your other Super Bowl recipes, these 14 Layer Bars will satisfy a houseful of people.