Our Staffers' Favorite Apps for the Super Bowl

For some people, the Super Bowl is about football. But let's be honest: For a lot of us, it's really about the snacks. Our national holiday celebrates all the cheesy, spicy, indulgent bites that make the big game fun for everyone — including those who are just there the halftime show. We asked our staffers for the recipes that liven up their watch parties, and they shared some winners.

"This bright and fresh pico de gallo is my go-to for the big game. I’m usually still trying to detox from all the heavy holiday foods come February, so I appreciate that this classic Mexican salsa is loaded healthy ingredients — without compromising on flavor. It’s a real winner.”

— Noelle Paredes, Online Editor

"I developed this for Food Network Magazine for a recent summer issue, but it can be made year around — it’s crunchy and fresh yet hearty and can be made ahead, so it's great for watching a game. I’d serve it with burgers or chicken wings for the Super Bowl."

— Amy Stevenson, Recipe Developer

"This is a showstopper centerpiece of an appetizer with many little treats in and around the crispy (fried in olive oil) and fluffy focaccia! Break off a piece of the focaccia to dip in the melty brie and pair with a piece of salami for a fun interactive experience. Scatter some fruit, olives and more cheese around the board for continuous fun until all the focaccia is gone."

— Andy Liang, Recipe Developer

"This Crispy Pepperoni Dip is a total Super Bowl crowd-pleaser and one of my favorite appetizers to make for the big game. It has creamy whipped ricotta on the bottom, crunchy mini pepperoni on top and just the right balance of savory, herby and sweet, thanks to fresh oregano and a honey drizzle. It feels elevated but is secretly so easy, which means more time watching the game and less time in the kitchen. I like to serve it with store-bought focaccia for dipping!"

— Amanda Neal, Lead Recipe Developer

"I’ve always been a cheesy, oven-baked dip kind of gal on game day — that is, until crispy pepperoni cups entered the lineup. This creamy ricotta dip has become my new go-to; it checks all the boxes with sweet heat from the honey, richness from the focaccia dippers and, of course, smoky, salty goodness from the pepperoni cups. Best of all, it’s ready in a flash, so you can easily make a second batch when the first one gets devoured."

— Kristie Collado, Digital Programming Manager

"One of my all-time favorite appetizers to whip up for the big game is homemade soft pretzels. They're shockingly easy to make and always bring the wow factor. Paired with some mouth-watering beer cheese, it's a guaranteed hit. Have a crowd with a sweet tooth? A cinnamon sugar dusting is never a bad idea."

— Ellie Sanders, Editor

"Cowboy caviar is my go-to party appetizer because it's sneakily healthy, using simple, fresh ingredients like beans, veggies, herbs and olive oil. It's also very easy to pull together! I love the cumin, jalapenos and fire-roasted corn in this flavorful version from Ree Drummond, served alongside sturdy tortilla chips."

— Kelly Smith Trimble, Senior Editorial Director

"I made this one time and it was, of course, delicious, but it was also fun and hilarious. Everyone started calling them 'table nachos,' and they have been requested many more times over the years. It’s such a spectacle, perfect for game day, birthdays or general frivolity!"

— Jessica Yonker, Editor

"Frankly, tater tots don’t need any dressing up to be delicious, but the Super Bowl calls for some special-occasion garnishes. I made Molly’s elote-inspired app for my last Super Bowl party and it disappeared in minutes. It's cheesy and satisfying, but the lime topping, cilantro and homemade pickled red onions add freshness that's very welcome in the middle of February."

— Sabrina Choudhary, Online Editorial Coordinator