Game Day Entertaining
Starters
Football Pizza Dip
Warm from the oven indulgent dips, handcrafted signature cocktails & a selection of appetizers will have you well prepared for season opener football games. Football Pizza Dip offers those craveable flavors we just can’t seem to get enough with a design over the surface that has it gridiron action ready. Run the option by dividing & layering the ingredients between 2 {1-quart} oval baking dishes if you please. Bake one just before guests arrive & pop the second in the oven during half time. Learn how to make a charming Football Pizza Dip that may be prepared for tailgating socials all season long.
Football Pizza Dip
makes 14 servings
The Basic Fundamentals
Soften cream cheese quickly. Unwrap it & place on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on HIGH power for 10 to 15 seconds.
2 {8-oz} packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups shredded Italian blend cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 {1-oz} package chopped fresh basil
4 scallions, sliced
3 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup spicy marinara sauce
25 low-fat or regular pepperoni slices
2 provolone cheese slices
Garnish: Fresh parsley & crushed red pepper flakes
Toasted baguette slices or pita crackers
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Stir together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend, the sour cream, the mayonnaise, the basil, the scallions, the garlic & the red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Spread into a lightly greased oval 3-quart casserole dish. Spread the marinara sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Top with the remaining 3/4 cup Italian cheese blend. Arrange the pepperoni slices to resemble a football shape in the center of the dish. Bake 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the provolone cheese slices to resemble football laces. Remove the dish from the oven & arrange the cheese slices in the center of the pepperoni. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts & the dip is warm in the center. Garnish, if desired. Serve with toasted baguette slices or pita crackers.
The Extra Point
A variety of cheeses may be used to make the football laces from Havarti to Mozzarella. Adding them late during the baking process will have the design looking it’s very best for serving.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Make Football Pizza Dip
Football Pizza Dip offers all of those familiar flavors fanatics go wild for on game day. Loaded with a variety of creamy cheeses & tangy marinara, this appetizer is much more effortless to serve guests than a traditional pizza prepared from scratch.
The Technique
A half sheet pan always proves to be a valuable tool when baking casseroles, dips & items that have the potential to bubble over. In the case of this particular dip, it will be less cumbersome to place it into & remove from the oven. Add a few minutes to the bake time to ensure the ingredients are throughly heated.
No. 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Stir together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend, the sour cream, the mayonnaise, the basil, the scallions, the garlic & the red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Spread into a lightly greased oval 3-quart casserole dish.
No. 2
Spread the marinara sauce over the cream cheese mixture.
No. 3
Top with the remaining 3/4 cup Italian cheese blend. Arrange the pepperoni slices to resemble a football shape in the center of the dish. Bake 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the provolone cheese slices to resemble football laces. Remove the dish from the oven & arrange the cheese slices in the center of the pepperoni. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts & the dip is warm in the center. Garnish, if desired. Serve with toasted baguette slices or pita crackers.
etc
Game Day Entertaining 101
Visit these posts for more football & tailgating party inspiration
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Buffalo Fried Chicken & Waffles
Game Day Provisions 101: Classic Fried Chicken
The Tailgaters Essential Frying Guide
The Tailgaters Quick Reference BBQ Guide
The Essential Tailgating Tent Guide
Game Day Provisions 101: Gridiron Whiskey Caramel Corn
Game Day Crafts 101: Tag Football Sacks
Game Day Crafts 101: Gridiron Tailgating Bags
Game Day Crafts 101: Almond Footballs
The Tune
“The Jumpin’ Jive” The Andrews Sisters
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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
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