Want to find that perfect dip for the tailgate party? Look no further–this recipe, adapted from Southern Living, is a hearty, filling and very tasty dip designed specifically for tailgating. It freezes well and takes around 45 minutes to prepare. Of all the tailgate food, dip is one of my favorites since it’s so easy to prepare and, if you find the right recipe it can be a very satisfying companion to a good beer.
Definitely a nice spin on the old spinach dip and it’s a recipe that you can play with if you prefer more spicy or more sweet.
Tailgating Dip: Sausage, Bean & Spinach Recipe
Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell
Ingredients:
- 1 sweet onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1-lb hot ground pork sausage
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened
- 6-oz. package fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese
- crushed red pepper flakes and garlic powder to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°. Cook diced onion, pepper & ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, until meat crumbles and is no longer pink (around 10 mins). Drain.
- Stir in garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute. Stir in wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid has almost completely evaporated.
- Add cream cheese, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until cream cheese is melted.
- Stir in spinach and salt, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Gently stir in beans.
- Pour mixture into a 2-qt. baking dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375° for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with corn chips, bell pepper strips, pretzels etc.
There you have it! A hearty, tasty tailgate food with enough zing to satisfy even the most fussy palates. What do you think? Do you have a favorite tailgate food that you always take to the parking lot? Do you have your own tailgating dip and want to share it with fellow tailgaters? Then leave a comment! We’d love to hear what tailgate recipes y’all come up with for game day!
