While the classic ‘chips and dip’ are always a goody, and guaranteed to satisfy, why not get creative? Thankfully, Latin Americans have done the hard part for us and they’ve come up with some of the most delicious and simple nibble-foods for every kind of gathering. Here’s five of our favorite Latin-inspired party snacks that will put the “super” in your Super Bowl.
1/ BACON WRAPPED JALAPEÑO POPPERS
Oven-baked jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon will leave even your foodie friends impressed with your creativity. You decide how spicy, you decide how cheesy, and you decide how bacon-y*. The best part about this recipe is that it requires very few ingredients and very little effort. But the finished product would suggest otherwise.
* not a real word, but should be.
2/ MINI CHIMICHANGAS WITH GUACAMOLE
Mini Chimichangas
This take on the Mexican favorite is sure to score a touchdown with your family and friends. Burritos are already a fan favorite, but make them bite-size, deep-fry them, and pair them with guacamole and “…we have a winner, folks!” Whether your party is a beef chimichanga type of shindig or a chicken chimichanga type of affair, that choice is entirely up to you. We won’t judge either way. (*cough* BEEF!)
But what makes this dish note-worthy is the guacamole. Guac is already a Super Bowl ‘must-have,’ but chimichangas make the best guac-to-mouth transport—they’ll beat out a tortilla chip any day. Now your biggest concern is making sure you’ve made enough.
3/ PERUVIAN CEVICHE
Ceviche
If you’re like me, then your healthy-eating New Year’s resolutions are out the window on Super Bowl Sunday. But for those of you with far more will power than the rest of us, ceviche undeniably makes it to the number one slot for tastiest health food. And if Peruvians do one food right (of many), it’s ceviche.
Peruvians have not only mastered ceviche-making—they’ve arguably devised the simplest way to make healthy food taste like an indulgence. With its perfect balance of spice, acidity, and freshness, all you need is a homemade sweet potato chip to make this a quick-bite finger food perfect for game time.
4/ CHORIPAN WITH CHIMICHURRI
Choripan with chimichurri
An Argentine classic. Absurdly simple, yet somehow, a timeless trademark in Argentine cuisine. Who could have predicted that putting a grilled sausage between two pieces of French bread would be so ground-breaking? But somehow this appetizer has captured the hearts (and bellies) of countless flavor-seekers.
If you, like most of us, already have the grill going on Sunday then throw some sausages on the fire, make some choripanes, and take the effort and hard work out of your Super Bowl party. Serve them with some homemade chimichurri to make the gauchos proud, and make your guests your “regulars.”
5/ SHRIMP TOSTADA BITES
Shrimp Tostadas
Nom nom! Shrimp with lime juice and avocado on a tortilla chip—who could ask for more yummy goodness in a single bite. It’s fresh, it’s light, and best of all, it’s easy-peasy. This is another option on the healthier side of the spectrum… at least while the Super Bowl food goggles are on.
The idea is minimal in its preparation, but the level of creativity in this snack is in your hands. Throw some guacamole, homemade pico de gallo, or mango salsa on them and you’re already ahead of the game. However, a simple avocado with a touch of lime and cilantro and you have a bite-size piece of heaven nevertheless. Get fancy with it or keep it simple— because either way you’ll have the visitor side cheering for the home team.
