Game-Day Dips — Football Fare

Lucky 7 Layer Dip

Lucky 7 Layer Dip: Rachael Ray

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Tara Donne, Tara Donne

While the New Year ushers in thoughts of renewed resolutions, changes big and small and promises of fresh starts, it also culminates in a season of something else: football. To celebrate this football-focused month, FN Dish is bringing you weekly roundups of your favorite tailgate-ready munchies like juicy chicken wings, deliciously salty chips and dips, hearty sliders, decadent chocolate brownies and others to help you host the ultimate big game bash every weekend. Check back each Friday in January for a complete menu of must-try recipes, plus simple entertaining tips and more winning ideas that are sure to score touchdowns with your friends and family.

Leave it to simple bowls of chips and dip to bring together crowds of hungry football fans like nothing else. To the host or hostess , dips are the ultimate appetizer since they require no hands-on time to plate or serve after they're prepped; just set them on the table and the job is done. For game-focused fans, too, chips and dip are a winning snack, as they can be enjoyed effortlessly without averting attention from the television. The secret to offering a winning spread of dips is making a few different kinds so that you know you'll have something to please everyone.

Lovers of traditional Mexican dip will surely appreciate Rachael's twist on that classic recipe with her Lucky 7 Layer Dip (pictured above), made in just 15 quick minutes. She layers cilantro-laced salsa, cumin-spiced black beans, sour cream and avocados atop creamy refried beans to create a piled-high plate brimming with bold flavors and textures. Served with crunchy tortilla chips, this fuss-free dip will be the star of your appetizer spread.

French Onion Dip

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Instead of picking up store-bought onion dip or hummus, follow easy recipes at home for those tried-and-true favorites to guarantee fresher ingredients and a better taste. In only a few steps, Guy makes a no-fail French Onion Dip (pictured right) for Food Network Magazine that is just waiting to be scooped up with deliciously salty, crispy potato chips. When making his recipe, it's important to let the onions cook slowly over low heat so that they caramelize and become soft and sweet with a golden-brown color. If smooth hummus is more your style, check out Food Network Kitchens' Hummus Trio, a trifecta of flavor-packed dips that can be made in only 10 minutes. In addition to a classic preparation with chickpeas, tahini and lemon juice, the Kitchens made two other bowls of hummus: one with spinach and artichoke hearts and the other with pine nuts and Peppadew peppers.

Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip on a Wooden Place Setting

Photo by: Karl Juengel/Studio D ©Hearst Communications inc., 2009

Karl Juengel/Studio D, Hearst Communications inc., 2009

Looking for something warm to offset the creamy, cool concoctions on your appetizer table? Try Food Network Magazine's Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip (pictured left) made with fresh garlic, a splash of Worcestershire sauce and mozzarella cheese, or Paula's Warm Mexican Crab Dip featuring an indulgent mixture of lump crabmeat, cream cheese and zesty lime juice. Watch this video to see how Paula puts the finishing touches on this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Cocktail: Tequila Oasis

Check out Food Network Magazine 's collection of 50 Game-Day Dips for more touchdown-worthy recipes.

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