Last night I asked Mr. Spinner what he had in mind for appetizers for the Superbowl and he instantly said “potato skins!”
Ah yes, potato skins are a must, and humbly I say my recipe makes the best potato skins ever. They are truly the crispiest, flavorful skins I’ve ever had/made and they’re baked instead of fried. I’m not much of a football fan, but who doesn’t enjoy the excitement, food, cocktails, and gathering of friends during this seemingly National Holiday? It warrants the best appetizers and treats, and I actually love showing how delicious gluten free food can be.
Here are a few of our favorites…….enjoy!
Artichoke Dip is always a winner. It’s hot,creamy, cheesy and has a little zip from the fire roasted chili’s. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or crackers.
These bacon wrapped shrimp never disappoint and are so easy to prepare. Wrap them ahead of time and place on a cookie sheet in the frig until ready to grill. Then it’s just minutes to grill and baste with your favorite gluten free BBQ sauce. Yum! You can do them stove-top as well by using a grill pan, just be sure to turn the exhaust vent on.
My Gluten Free Chex Mix is addicting…place a few bowls around the room…it’s the perfect snack for conversation.
My layered taco dip is a classic favorite.
For a dramatic display, try the Asian Layered Appetizer , which has a beautiful presentation. This appetizer strays from the ordinary with Asian influenced flavors making it a switch from the traditional spread. The cream cheese spread is best made ahead of time so the flavors can develop, so this is another winner for planning ahead!
How about Swedish meatballs? They’re turkey meatballs so they’re lighter in calories but you won’t miss a thing…another highly requested favorite at our house.
Mini Reuben Picks are a must for three reasons. Easy! Awesome! Different!
Nachos are another must have, and these Nachos Especial are individual loaded bites. The link also gives six more amazing nacho recipes.
And it’s always a good idea to have a light, fresh option at your party. This Quinoa Southwest Salad offers a Southwest punch of flavor and can be eaten by itself as a salad or with tortilla chips like a salsa. It is truly my favorite Quinoa recipe to date and surprises those who have never tried Quinoa…they become a fan instantly.
And don’t forget the always loved (especially by us wine drinkers) cheese tray, one of my personal favorites. Serve with three to four different cheeses.
Here are some good options, especially if you have wine drinkers: sharp white cheddar, peppery parmesan, smoky cheddar, gouda, emmental swiss, and Dutch Rembrandt. Add an assortment of nuts like mixed or cashews, and pistachio’s are always a hit too. Add fresh strawberries and grapes and finally your favorite gluten free crackers.
And…this can be prepared ahead and kept in the frig, just be sure to remove the tray at least 20 minutes before guests arrive and don’t refrigerate your crackers or nuts.
For beverages, try a Bloody Mary Bar. Be sure to check the ingredients in your Bloody Mix, as so many of them have wheat, soy, or modified food starch. A safe one is our new favorite, Miss Mary’s Morning Elixer…no kidding, it’s fantastic! I use to LOVE Zing Zang Mix…but it contains wheat, and this new find is even better! Get the spicy one if you like zing, it’s to die for.
For the condiments at your Bloody Mary Bar, offer celery stalks, pickled dilly green beans, olives, and two kinds of pickles (spicy and kosher). My son makes skewer for his bloody mary with skewers of salami, beef sticks, polish sausage and cubes of cheese…whatever you prefer. I like the peperoncini’s too (Mezzetta is a good brand). Some even add shrimp, which is a delight in itself. And it’s quite the presentation to have prepared skewers ready at the bloody bar.
Don’t forget the beer! Above is New Grist Sorghum Beer which is pretty good, but I still miss my Corona. If you like a heavier beer, Pyro by Burning Brothers Brewery is hands down the best GF beer available.
Well, that’s a wrap…I hope you enjoy my Superbowl Spread, and don’t forget my newest Superbowl Appetizer, Green Chili Chicken Bites….They’ve been summoned to the list from here forward.
