Football Spread Recipe

Football Spread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 (3 ounce) packages beef-flavored ramen noodles
  • Boiling water, enough to cover noodles
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeno peppers
  • 1 (12 ounce) can chicken breast, drained and shredded
  • (7 ounce) bottle hot sauce (such as Pico Paca)

Directions

Step 1: Break the ramen noodles into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the seasoning packets from the ramen. Pour enough boiling water over the noodles to cover them completely. Cover the bowl and let the noodles sit for about 5 minutes or until they are tender.

Step 2: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the mayonnaise, shredded chicken, diced jalapeno peppers, and hot sauce. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 237
  • Total Fat: 21g (27% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 4g (18% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 30mg (10% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 578mg (25% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4g (1% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 8g (16% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 5mg (5% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 14mg (1% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 134mg (3% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Football Spread is an intriguing American appetizer that combines unexpected ingredients like ramen noodles, mayonnaise, chicken, and jalapeno peppers into a creamy, spicy dip. This dish offers a creative twist on traditional party snacks and has garnered a loyal following for its bold flavors and easy preparation.

Origin and History

The Football Spread recipe is a modern American creation that emerged as part of the growing trend of casual, hearty dips and spreads suitable for parties, especially during major events like Super Bowl parties. While its exact origin is unclear, its believed to have gained popularity through social media and food blogs, where people began experimenting with unique ingredients, such as ramen noodles, in unexpected contexts. The dish has since become a fun conversation starter at many gatherings, combining comfort food with an element of surprise.

Regional Variations

Although the Football Spread is commonly associated with American party food, regional variations of dips and spreads using ramen noodles exist across the United States. In some areas, similar dishes are made with different noodle types, proteins, or sauces, but the use of ramen in this spread stands out for its unique texture and flavor profile. Some versions add ingredients like pineapple to balance the heat, while others may substitute the chicken with tuna or different types of hot sauce for varying levels of spice. This adaptability makes it popular for a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets Football Spread apart from other dips is the use of ramen noodles as a base. Most traditional party dips rely on ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, or cheese as their foundation, often paired with chopped vegetables or meats. Football Spread, however, incorporates ramen noodles, which provide a unique texture and absorb the hot sauce and mayonnaise, making each bite both creamy and spicy. The addition of canned chicken and jalapenos further distinguishes this dish from typical dips, giving it an unexpected savory and spicy punch.

Where to Serve It

Football Spread is perfect for casual gatherings such as Super Bowl parties, tailgates, and potlucks. Its unique flavor makes it an eye-catching appetizer, and its especially great for events where people are looking for something different from the usual chips and dip. Serve it with crunchy Scoops chips or over a fresh salad for an interesting twist. Its also a great option for serving with gluten-free crackers or even as a sandwich filling if youre feeling adventurous. The dish can be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it versatile for different serving styles.

Fun Facts

  • Despite being a relatively recent creation, Football Spread has become a go-to recipe for those looking to impress guests with something offbeat yet tasty.
  • The use of ramen noodles in the dip is a nod to the ongoing popularity of ramen as a comfort food in many countries, but this recipe takes it to a new level.
  • Many people have adapted the recipe by adding other ingredients like shredded cheese or extra vegetables to adjust the flavors according to their preferences.
  • Football Spread has become a staple in some online communities, where users share their own variations and tips for making it even more delicious.

Conclusion

If youre looking for a fun and unexpected dip that combines savory, spicy, and creamy elements, the Football Spread is an excellent choice. Its combination of ramen noodles, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and chicken makes it a standout dish at any gathering. Whether you serve it at a Super Bowl party or just want something new for your next casual get-together, this spread is sure to be a hit with guests.

FAQ about Football Spread Recipe

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, freezing is not recommended as the texture may change. Simply take it out and let it chill again before serving.

Yes, this spread can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend nicely overnight, making it even more flavorful when served.

Yes, you can substitute the canned chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit the alternative protein.

This spread is perfect for serving with crackers, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks like celery and carrots. You can also serve it on toasted bread or over a bed of greens for a more substantial appetizer.

The level of spice can vary depending on the hot sauce and jalapeños you use. If you're sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or choose a milder variety of jalapeños. Alternatively, you can omit the hot sauce entirely for a milder version.

Yes, you can substitute the beef-flavored ramen noodles with chicken, shrimp, or even plain ramen noodles. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

When stored properly in the fridge, the spread should stay fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may change, and it may not taste as good.

Absolutely! You can use any type of hot sauce you like. Some people prefer a mild or tangy hot sauce, while others like something with more heat. Experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your taste.

Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh. You can also use a vegetarian mayonnaise alternative to keep it fully plant-based.

Comments

Mary Parker

03/12/2024 12:28:05 AM

Here is the rewritten review: "It was a fascinating combination. I decided to add some extra chicken breast and black beans to the mix. I served it with Scoops as suggested. The meal was enjoyable and can be easily customized to suit individual preferences."

Thomas Hill

11/03/2022 08:32:03 AM

Review: I found this recipe to be quite intriguing. I had some leftover rotisserie chicken that needed to be used up, so I decided to give it a shot. I scaled down the recipe to make only a third of the serving and substituted some of the ingredients. Even with the adjustments, it still made a substantial bowl. If serving at a party, I would recommend making only a third as part of a larger buffet of options. I diced the chicken and used Cholula hot sauce instead of what the recipe called for. After a few bites, we tossed in a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, which helped balance out the heat without overpowering it. Overall, it was an interesting dish that provided a nice change of pace when served alongside other options. However, if I were to pick just one appetizer for a party, this wouldn't be my top choice.