Exploring Pizza Oven Options

When the big game is on and scads of customers are crowded around your bar, you can earn major brownie points (and return customers) by offering them something to munch -- on the house. Sure, you could just set out some bags of chips and dip. But, if you really want to go above and beyond, whip up a few batches of these house-made dips.

Bacon Cheddar Dip

Who can resist bacon and cheese? This hot dip is perfect for serving with sturdy crackers, since it comes out thick and gooey.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus a few extra handfuls for the top
• 2 cups bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried mustard

Combine all of the ingredients (except for the extra cheddar) in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Divide the mixture into four medium-sized ceramic bowls. Cover each with plastic wrap, and place them in the cooler.

When your customers are ready for some dip, remove the plastic from one bowl of the dip. Top it with a handful of shredded cheddar, and heat it in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes. When you run out, just heat up another bowl the same way.

Three-Pepper Dip

Pepper lovers won't be able to say "no" to this spicy pepper dip. It's lovely served with tortilla chips or big cubes of soft bread.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sour cream
• 4 cups mayonnaise
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, diced finely
• 1/2 cup green pepper, diced dinely
• 1 jar of chipotle pepper, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl, and mix well. Store in the cooler for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop. Divide the dip into several smaller bowls before placing it on the bar for customers to enjoy.

Cranberry Walnut Dip

For customers who prefer something sweeter, serve this cranberry walnut dip with graham crackers or vanilla wafers for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups marshmallow fluff
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup sweetened, dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and whipped topping until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cranberries and walnuts, and either transfer to the cooler or serve immediately.

If you have more questions about how to keep customers happy during the big game, talk to bars like Atlas Pizza & Sports Bar to see what they do.