Donna Kelce’s Famous Super Bowl Dip: A Travis Kelce Favorite!
Super Bowl season is synonymous with football, camaraderie, and of course, delicious food! And what’s a Super Bowl party without an incredible dip? This year, skip the same old recipes and try a dip that’s a true champion: Donna Kelce’s famous Super Bowl dip, a long-time favorite of her son, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. This creamy, cheesy, and undeniably addictive dip is guaranteed to be a touchdown with your guests. Get ready to score big with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Why This Dip is a Super Bowl Winner
Donna Kelce’s dip isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a tradition. It’s been a staple at Kelce family gatherings for years, fueling Travis and his brother Jason (Philadelphia Eagles center) through countless games and celebrations. What makes it so special? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures: creamy cheese, tangy sour cream, zesty spices, and a hint of heat. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for keeping everyone energized during the big game.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Cream Cheese:** 2 (8-ounce) packages, softened. Using softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth and creamy dip.
* **Sour Cream:** 16 ounces (2 cups). Full-fat sour cream provides the best flavor and texture. You can substitute with light sour cream for a slightly lighter version, but be aware that it may alter the overall consistency.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup. Mayonnaise adds richness and helps bind the dip together. Use your favorite brand. Light mayonnaise can be used, but it will result in a slightly less flavorful dip.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a milder taste. Consider using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1 cup. Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture. You can substitute with pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies:** 1 (10-ounce) can, undrained (Rotel is a popular brand). These add a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dip. Use mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference for heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, drain some of the liquid from the can.
* **Green Onions:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor. Scallions can be used as a substitute.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor. You can substitute with 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic, sautéed lightly before adding to the dip.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Onion powder enhances the overall flavor profile. You can substitute with a small amount of finely minced onion, sautéed lightly.
* **Chili Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Chili powder adds a subtle warmth and complexity. Adjust the amount to your liking, depending on your tolerance for spice.
* **Cumin:** 1/2 teaspoon. Cumin adds an earthy and smoky flavor. A little goes a long way, so start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if desired.
* **Hot Sauce:** To taste (optional). Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, or sriracha are all great choices.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the dip to your liking.
* **For Serving:** Tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, vegetable sticks.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Donna Kelce’s Super Bowl Dip
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking! This dip is incredibly easy to make; even a novice cook can master it.
**Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese**
This is arguably the most important step. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start. This will ensure a smooth and creamy dip without any lumps. You can soften cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or you can microwave it for short intervals (15-20 seconds at a time) until it’s soft but not melted.
**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This step is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture of the dip.
**Step 3: Add the Cheese**
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the bowl. Stir to combine, making sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. This will ensure that every bite is cheesy and delicious.
**Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Green Chilies**
Add the undrained canned diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) to the bowl. Stir gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dip watery. The tomatoes and green chilies add a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dip, so adjust the amount to your liking.
**Step 5: Add the Seasonings**
Add the chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin to the bowl. Stir to combine. Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want to add some heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
**Step 6: Chill the Dip (Optional but Recommended)**
While you can serve the dip immediately, it’s best to chill it for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to thicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**
Before serving, give the dip a quick stir. Transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of chili powder, if desired. Serve with your favorite dippers, such as tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.
Tips and Variations for Donna Kelce’s Dip
This dip is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
* **Add Meat:** For a heartier dip, add cooked and crumbled ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo. Brown the meat and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the dip.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian option, add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dip, add diced jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or a few extra dashes of hot sauce.
* **Make it Creamier:** For an even creamier dip, add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
* **Make it Ahead:** This dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Serve it Warm:** While this dip is traditionally served cold, you can also serve it warm. To warm it, bake it in a baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Use a Slow Cooker:** For easy serving at a party, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Keep warm on the warm setting.
* **Individual Servings:** Prepare the dip as instructed, then spoon into individual ramekins or small bowls for easy serving at a party. This also helps with portion control.
* **Elevate with Toppings:** Before serving, top the dip with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Tortilla Chips:** The classic choice for a reason. Choose your favorite variety, whether it’s plain, salted, or flavored.
* **Crackers:** A variety of crackers, such as Ritz, Wheat Thins, or Triscuits, can provide a different texture and flavor.
* **Pretzels:** Pretzel crisps or pretzel rods offer a salty and crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
* **Vegetable Sticks:** Carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips are a healthy and refreshing option.
* **Pita Bread:** Toasted pita bread triangles are a great alternative to chips or crackers.
* **Bagel Chips:** Crispy bagel chips provide a sturdy and flavorful dipper.
* **Breadsticks:** Serve warm breadsticks alongside the dip for a more substantial appetizer.
Make Your Super Bowl Party a Touchdown!
Donna Kelce’s Super Bowl dip is a guaranteed winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So, this Super Bowl season, skip the ordinary and treat your guests to this championship-worthy dip. They’ll thank you for it!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
*Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes.*
* **Calories:** 250-300
* **Fat:** 18-22g
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-14g
* **Cholesterol:** 60-80mg
* **Sodium:** 400-500mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 10-15g
* **Fiber:** 1-2g
* **Sugar:** 2-4g
* **Protein:** 8-10g
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dip may thicken slightly upon refrigeration, so you may want to add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or milk to restore it to its original consistency before serving.
This Donna Kelce’s Super Bowl Dip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and customizable ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to any Super Bowl party or gathering. So, gather your friends, prepare the dip, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team!
Enjoy this winning recipe and have a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us in your photos!