The Super Bowl is this Sunday. I know. I can’t believe it either. Even if you’re not aware who’s playing, knowing that kickoff is set for 6:30 pm ET and stands will be semi-filled with 25,000 masked fans (not to be confused with an additional 30,000 unmasked cutouts) signals party time!

For those of us for whom Super Bowl is more about the snacks than the game itself (someone had to say it), you’re going to love these appetizers that are quick, delicious, and easy on the budget.

Hint: Chiefs and Buccaneers

Pico de Gallo

This is my recipe from a previous post Confessions of a Compulsive Chopper. It’s the best … not too spicy; so fresh and lovely. So delicious served with fresh, crunchy tortilla chips!

You’ll need:

✅ tomatoes
✅ onion
✅ green bell pepper
✅ garlic, fresh
✅ garlic powder
✅ lime
✅ jalapeno
✅ cumin
✅ salt and pepper

Guacamole

The best guacamole keeps it simple—not too spicy to make sure avocado remains the star. Make it smooth or chunky, exactly as you desire. This is the recipe you’ve been looking for and will soon become your #1 go-to.

You’ll need:

✅ avocados
✅ lime juice
✅ salt
✅ onion
✅ cilantro
✅ garlic
✅ cayenne (optional)

Guacamole

The best guacamole keeps it simple—not too spicy to make sure avocado remains the star. Make it smooth or chunky, exactly as you desire. This is the recipe you've been looking for and will soon become your #1 go-to.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings:

Calories: 252kcal

Cost: Varies

Ingredients

▢ 3 avocados very ripe then peeled, pitted
▢ 1 lime, juiced
▢ 1 tspn salt
▢ 1/2 cup finely diced onion
▢ 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
▢ 1 tspn minced fresh garlic
▢ 1 pinch cayenne (optional), or to taste

Instructions

In a medium-size bowl, mash together the avocados, juice from the lime, and salt. Keep it chunky or make it smooth—exactly as you prefer.
Add the onion, cilantro, and garlic.
Stir in the optional cayenne.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to marry.

Variation:

Add two ripe, finely chopped Roma tomatoes.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @EverydayCheapskate or tag #EverydayCheapskate!

Caramel Corn

Here’s a quick and easy way to make what I find to be amazing gift-worthy caramel corn, with both stovetop and microwave instructions, your choice. Either way, the secret to crunchy, caramelly awesomeness is to finish by baking the caramel corn in a low-temperature oven, stirring often.

You’ll need:

✅ popped corn
✅ butter
✅ brown sugar
✅ baking soda
✅ vanilla
✅ sea salt

Homemade Golden Caramel Popcorn in a Bowl

Caramel Corn

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert, Gifts, Sweets

Cuisine: Western

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 49 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes

Servings: 1-cup servings

Calories: 190kcal

Cost: Varies

Ingredients

▢ 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels or about two bags of plain microwaved popcorn)
▢ 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (OK to sub dark brown sugar)
▢ 1/2 cup butter, 1 stick (no substitutes, please)
▢ 1/2 cup light corn syrup
▢ 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (omit if using salted microwaved popcorn)
▢ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (do you make it yourself? It's the BEST!)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 225F.

Ready the Popcorn

Place the popped popcorn (12 cups) into a big bowl, one that is at least twice the volume of the popcorn itself. Do not err on the side of a bowl that is too small, because you are going to do some serious stirring in a bit. Remove and discard any un-popped kernels.

Make Caramel - Stovetop Instructions

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat
Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt, stirring until just combined.
Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce to simmer and allow to cook for 4 minutes—DO NOT STIR.
Remove from the heat and quickly whisk in the baking soda and vanilla. You’ll get a little show here as the vanilla will “sizzle” while the baking soda gets all foamy and gorgeous. Make sure the mixture is stirred very well, then immediately pour over the popcorn.
Stir well to coat all of the popcorn until caramel begins to harden. Keep stirring. A little more until fully and evenly distributed to every bit of popcorn ... there, that ought to be about right.

Make Caramel - Microwave Instructions

Cut the butter into chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl along with the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir well to combine. Microwave on high for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove bowl from microwave and stir very well. Return to microwave and heat for 2 more minutes on high.
Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla and baking soda. It will make popping sounds and get light and foamy. After stirring, immediately pour over the popcorn in the bowl. Stir well to coat all of the popcorn. Keep stirring. A little more until fully and evenly distributed to every bit of popcorn ... there, that ought to be about right.

Either Way, Continue Here

Whichever method you’ve followed, now spread the coated popcorn on one large or two smaller cookie sheets, breaking up any clumps. Bake at 225 F for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Spread out on waxed paper and allow to cool.

The Big Finish

This last step is critical, so don’t skip it. Sample the caramel corn to make sure it is fit for human consumption—perhaps even for gift-giving. You cannot be too careful here. Once you are satisfied, and if any caramel corn remains, store in airtight containers or bags.
Stays 100% crisp and fresh for 2 - 3 weeks in an airtight container, provided it is completely cool before closing the container.

Notes

Corn syrup is required to stabilize the caramel so it doesn't crystalize. Corn syrup is readily available under the brand name Karo in the U.S. and Canada.
Food grade glucose is a great substitute for corn syrup. Look for this in any pharmacy.
If substituting glucose for corn syrup, increase baking time by 20 minutes, as glucose has a higher water content than corn syrup and takes longer for the caramel corn to dry out.
This caramel corn will remain fresh and crisp for 2 - 3 weeks in an airtight container provided it is fully cooled before closing the container.
kcal calculation made assuming dry popcorn is air-popped without oil, which has about 31 calories per cup.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @EverydayCheapskate or tag #EverydayCheapskate!

Chili Cheese Dip

Because you can never have enough queso—especially when paired with chili! This recipe doubles well and good thing as someone is bound to want an entire bowl for himself.

You’ll need:

✅ cream cheese
✅ jarred salsa
✅ canned chili with beans

Chili Cheese Dip

Because you can never have enough queso!

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Servings: servings

Calories: 278kcal

Cost: $5

Ingredients

▢ 12 oz. cream cheese
▢ 15 oz. jarred salsa
▢ 12 oz, canned chili with beans

Instructions

Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan or slow cooker, your choice.
Heat over medium heat (stovetop) or set to Low (slow cooker) until cream cheese is melted.
Stir so that all ingredients are well incorporated.
Serve hot with tortilla or corn chips. Absolutely divine!

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @EverydayCheapskate or tag #EverydayCheapskate!

Cheesecake Fruit Dip

The perfect accompaniment for cut-up fruit—on skewers or piled up in a big bowl

You’ll need:

✅ cream cheese
✅ pudding mix
✅ marshmallow cream

Cheesecake Fruit Dip

The perfect accompaniment for a big bowl of cut-up fruit!

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: servings

Calories: 240kcal

Cost: $6

Ingredients

▢ 8 oz cream cheese, plain or any flavor strawberry cream cheese is a great choice!
▢ 1 tbspn Jell-O Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix find it here
▢ 7 oz marshmallow cream

Instructions

In a small-ish mixing bowl, mix together the cream and pudding mix.
Continue to stir until well incorporated and smooth.
Fold in marshmallow cream.
Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Notes

Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir again just before serving.
Serve alongside fresh fruit. Or fruit skewers are awesome for dipping if you have the patience to do that.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @EverydayCheapskate or tag #EverydayCheapskate!

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We want to hear from you and encourage a lively discussion among our EC users. Keep your comments positive, encouraging, supportive, and on-topic. Please no lectures or personal promotions.

Karen Ranieri says:

February 6, 2021 at 11:19 am

I’m throwing down, Mary!! Bake chicken wings for a good 35 minutes at 350-375 in a 9×13 pyrex, until fat is rendered and skin is crisp. (Ladle chicken fat into a cup lined with foil and throw away in trash after it hardens.) Heat the largest skillet you have (non stick is ideal) and melt 2-3 tbsp of butter. Grab a bottle of any “wing” hot sauce (some say buffalo on them) like Frank’s red hot. Add a cup of sauce and the wings on medium/high heat. Turn every two minutes until wings are coated and sauce has thickened and darkened (ad more if needed). Serve with bleu cheese dressing, carrots, celery.

Sharon says:
February 14, 2021 at 9:06 pm

Haven’t tried this but I don’t throw away the chicken fat. I strain it and use it in making biscuits. Makes them taste even better.

Faith Faber says:

February 5, 2021 at 6:38 am

Great recipes Mary! Can’t wait to try them. And yes I am with you on the mask burning, like now!

Gina Stevens says:

February 4, 2021 at 9:23 am

Thanks, Mary. We all need a good reason to eat! Enjoy Super Bowl Sunday! That should tide us over until Mardi Gras.

Pico de Gallo

You’ll need:

Pico de Gallo

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition

Guacamole

You’ll need:

Guacamole

Ingredients

Instructions

Variation:

Nutrition

Caramel Corn

You’ll need:

Caramel Corn

Ingredients

Instructions

Ready the Popcorn

Make Caramel - Stovetop Instructions

Make Caramel - Microwave Instructions

Either Way, Continue Here

The Big Finish

Notes

Nutrition

Chili Cheese Dip

You’ll need:

Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition

Cheesecake Fruit Dip

You’ll need:

Cheesecake Fruit Dip

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

More from Mary's Everyday Cheapskate

We want to hear from you and encourage a lively discussion among our EC users. Keep your comments positive, encouraging, supportive, and on-topic. Please no lectures or personal promotions.

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