The biggest sporting event of the year is taking place this Sunday- Super Bowl 48! The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos are getting ready for a heated competition in freezing New Jersey at the brand new MetLife Stadium, and with the way these two teams fought their way through the playoffs, this is sure to be one incredible match-up! But not only do we have the game to look forward to- we have all the delicious game day treats to enjoy! Here are some of our favorite Super Bowl friendly recipes that will help fuel an amazing day of football and fun!

 

Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Casserole

1 16 ounce package elbow macaroni

2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

1 15 ounce cans tomato sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

¼ cup sour cream

1 green bell pepper, chopped

Half a bunch of scallions, chopped

½ shredded cheddar/jack cheese mix

¼ shredded mozzarella

1 bunch of chives, chopped

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Bring a large pot of water to boil, add salt. Cook the macaroni 7-8 minutes,  so it stil has a bite to it.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Heat the olive oil, then add the beef and onion. Brown 7-8 minutes, until onions have softened and meat has good color. Drain the fat, then add the tomato sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and allow it cook for 4-5 minutes while you work on the rest of the ingredients.

 

Combine the ricotta, sour cream, bell pepper, scallions, salt and pepper in a bowl. Spread half of the pasta in a casserole dish, then add the cheese mixture and top with the rest of the pasta. Pour the meat and tomato sauce mix over the pasta and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and browned, 20-25 minutes.  Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes. Garnish with chives and serve.

 

Fudgy Football Brownies

1 lb unsalted butter

1 lb plus 12 ounces of dark chocolate chips

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate

3 tablespoons instant coffee granules

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

2 and ¼ cups sugar

1 and ¼ cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

Chocolate frosting

White decorative frosting

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

 

Grease a 12×18 baking sheet with butter, then sprinkle with flour.

 

Melt the butter, 1 lb of the chocolate chips, and the chocolate in a medium bowl over a small pot barely filled with water that’s been brought to a boil. Allow the mix to cool for a minute or two. Carefully mix together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and let the mix to come to room temperature.

 

In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add to the chocolate mixture when it has cooled off. Toss the remaining 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a bowl, then add to the batter. Pour into the baking sheet.

 

Bake for 20 minutes. Tap the baking sheet against the oven to allow some air to escape from the pan, then bake for another 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

 

Allow to cool thoroughly. Using a football shaped cookie cutter (or, we used an oval ramekin!), cut the brownies into footballs. Top with the chocolate frosting, then use the white decorative frosting to make a football.