Hearty Dips for Your New Year's Eve Party

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 Dec 2007 09:40 AM

Thirty-two games, 64 teams... the road to the College Bowl Championship has begun at my parent's house. With the University of Hawaii Warriors about to make history at the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day, my parent's seaside home has turned into party central and their kitchen is at the center of all the action.

Here in Wisconsin we're gearing up to watch our beloved Badgers (my alma mater) take on Tennessee in the Outback Bowl on January 1st. And around the world home cooks are getting ready to ring in 2008 with their own celebrations. Whether you are hosting an army of New Year's revelers or just planning a quiet night alone with you, the cat, and Dick Clark the following simple and affordable dips will help make your holiday spread a bit heartier.

These are not wimpy dips. They are meaty, thick, tasty, and in some cases could be meals themselves.

CHEESY CHILI DOG DIP

Ingredients:

1 - 15 oz. can of your favorite chili without beans

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 hot dogs, cubed

2 green onions, chopped

Toasted hot dog buns cut into quarters

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a 9 x9 casserole dish layer the chili, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, hot dogs, and green onion.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Garnish with remaining cheese and a few green onions.

Serve with toasted hot dog bun quarters.

HOT SAUSAGE DIP

Ingredients:

1 pound ground pork sausage

1 1/2 cups chopped onions

1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1 (16 ounce) container sour cream

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

Directions:

Place pork sausage in a large skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown.

Drain sausage and stir in onions. Cook until slightly tender, about 2 minutes. Mix in diced tomatoes with green chile peppers. Stirring occasionally, allow the mixture to simmer approximately 15 minutes.

Blend cream cheese and sour cream into the sausage mixture. Season with crushed red pepper.

Serve with tortilla chips or hearty crackers.

BAKED PIZZA DIP

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese

1 (14 oz) jar of your favorite pizza sauce

2 tablespoons of minced garlic

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped green or black olives

6 oz. pepperoni, finely chopped

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Mozzarella or pizza blend cheese

1 Boboli Large Pizza Shell

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread cream cheese in the bottom of a 10-inch pie plate and top with pizza sauce.

Layer toppings over pizza sauce: garlic, green onions, green peppers, olives, pepperoni and cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

Garnish dip with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper.

Heat pizza shell for 10 minutes, cut into strips and serve with dip.

Related Articles:

Super Sandwiches for the Big Bowl Games

Bowl-o-Rama: Party Recipes for Football Fans

Two Appetizers For Your Holiday Party: Deep Fried Tortellini and Artichoke Dip

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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