Italian Sub Stuffed Pita Sandwich
Are you ready for Super Bowl Sunday? Whether you’re hosting friends at home or heading to a party, having a menu of make-ahead, crowd-pleasing dishes makes the day relaxed and fun. Here are a variety of recipes ideal for a football party, poker night, or picnic. Most can be prepared ahead of time so you won’t miss the best commercials.
We like to lay out a spread of picnic-style foods, then settle in front of the TV and nibble all day. Choose items that can be served cold, at room temperature, or kept warm in a slow cooker or low oven. I favor recipes that don’t need last-minute work, are easy to eat without a mess, and deliver that comforting, satisfying flavor everyone expects on game day.
When planning a party menu, pick one or two heartier dishes and complement them with lighter snacks made from grains, vegetables, or other affordable ingredients. Beginning with chips and dips helps fill people up while keeping portions of the main dishes smaller and more budget-friendly. This approach keeps guests happy without breaking the bank.
Cobb Salad Wrap Sandwich
Decorating in team colors is fun, but consider calling attention to both teams. For a creative twist, offer regional specialties from each team’s hometown. My go-to strategy is always comfort food that can be made ahead so I’m not stuck in the kitchen during kickoff.
Set up a self-serve beverage station, scatter bowls of nuts and snacks around the room, and place napkin stacks nearby so guests can manage greasy fingers. Protect wooden tables with plastic-coated tablecloths or use trivets for hot dishes to prevent damage. These small preparations let you enjoy the party instead of worrying about clean-up.
If you plan a substantial main dish for dinner, you may prefer to keep the appetizer selection lighter so guests still have room. If you want more filling options, serve sandwiches, tacos, sliders, and other hearty finger foods. Below are recipes that cover both lighter and heartier fare.
This Super Bowl weekend, treat your guests to easy, homemade snacks and small plates that let everyone relax and enjoy the game.
Photo Credit: Food Network
Jane’s Tips and Hints:
Do as much prep as you can before game day. Read each recipe and identify steps you can make in advance. If several recipes call for the same ingredients, like onions, chop them all at once to save time. Shop a few days ahead when possible to avoid crowds. Mix large batches of cocktails and chill them in pitchers so guests can serve themselves while you enjoy the game.
Most importantly, allow extra time on the day so you can relax and enjoy the party.
- 16 oz sour cream
- 2 packages taco seasoning mix
- 1 small onion, chopped finely (optional)
- 1/2 to 1 lb lean ground beef (optional; replace with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version)
- 16 oz refried beans
- 4 oz canned diced green chiles
- 2 small tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup guacamole
- 4 oz chopped black olives
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- Taco or picante sauce, or fresh salsa
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Combine sour cream with one packet of taco seasoning in a small bowl and set aside.
- If using beef, brown onions and ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, stir in the second taco seasoning packet and water as directed on the package, and simmer until thickened. Set aside.
- Heat refried beans with about 1/4 cup water to reach a spreadable consistency, then set aside.
- Lightly oil a shallow 12-inch quiche dish or pie plate and layer ingredients in this order: refried beans, cooked beef and onions (optional), green chiles, tomatoes, guacamole, black olives, taco or picante sauce, cheddar cheese, and the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle green onions around the edge and place a dollop of salsa in the center. Surround the dish with tortilla chips.
- Cover and keep at room temperature until serving, or warm briefly in the microwave if desired.
- Yield: 10 servings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped onion
- 1/2 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ancho chile powder
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 to 4 tbsp chipotle in adobo, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained but not rinsed
- Juice of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 pinch sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips and fresh vegetables for serving
- Heat oil over medium-high and sauté onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, and chile powder until onions are soft, about 3–5 minutes.
- In a food processor combine the cooked onion mixture, cilantro, chipotle, and beans. Pulse until coarsely pureed, then add lime juice, half the lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Process until very smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Adjust chipotle or lemon to taste. Transfer to a bowl, garnish with cilantro, and refrigerate up to three days—the flavors improve with time.
- For a party, place the hummus bowl on a platter and surround it with tortilla chips and an assortment of lightly steamed or raw vegetables for a colorful, healthier presentation.
- Yield: 10–12 servings as an appetizer
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1-1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken (thighs, breasts, or tenders)
- Canola oil, if frying
- Combine flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a flat container.
- Beat eggs in a separate bowl and place panko in another flat container.
- Trim and cut chicken into uniform 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Pat dry.
- Dredge pieces in the flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko.
- To bake: preheat oven to 425°F, place nuggets on a parchment-lined sheet, and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes depending on size.
- To fry: heat about 1/2-inch canola oil in a skillet until hot, fry until golden on all sides, and drain on a rack set over paper towels to keep them crisp.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces.
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Spicy BBQ Ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup prepared mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- Blue Cheese Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup blue cheese salad dressing
- For each sauce, whisk ingredients together until smooth, taste and adjust seasoning, then refrigerate covered until serving.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp prepared mustard
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (optional)
- Pinch sugar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1-1/2 cups slivered salami
- 1 cup slivered ham
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tbsp minced pepperoncini, drained
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 4 (6-inch) pita breads, halved
- Green lettuce leaves, cleaned
- 3 green onions, minced
- Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
- Toss salami, ham, olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, and cheese in a medium bowl. Add half the dressing and toss to coat; add more dressing if needed.
- Line pita halves with lettuce, fill each with about 3/4 cup of the mixture, and sprinkle with green onions. Serve chilled.
- Yield: 4 servings (2 pita halves per serving)
- 1 lb cooked large shrimp, coarsely chopped
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp snipped chives
- 1 tbsp minced flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped basil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 10 (3-inch) round dinner rolls or sourdough rolls
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Combine shrimp, celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, parsley, and basil in a bowl; season to taste.
- Cut a 2-inch round from the top of each roll, remove some interior, warm the rolls in the oven about 5 minutes, butter the insides, and fill with shrimp salad.
- Cap the sliders and serve.
- Yield: 10 servings
Additional items that might tempt you this Sunday!
| Baked Buffalo Chicken Wraps |
| Chuckwagon Beans |
| Cobb Salad Wrap Sandwiches |
| Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs |
| JB’s BBQ Beef Sandwiches |
| Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto Mayonnaise |
| Sausage, Onion and Pepper Hoagie Sandwiches |
| Savory Ham and Swiss Cheese Mini Muffins |
| Selection of Delicious and Healthy Super Bowl Treats |
| Selection of Fabulous Sandwiches for Super Bowl Sunday |
| Smoky Shredded Pork Tacos |
| Texas Caviar (Black-Eyed Pea Dip) |
| White Bean and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Dip |
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