Many Americans are counting down the days until Super Bowl XLIX airs on Sunday, Feb. 1. Whether you watch for the football, the halftime show, or the commercials, food is a big part of most Super Bowl celebrations. In fact, the Super Bowl is the second biggest eating day of the year after Thanksgiving. From chicken wings to cheese dip, the appetizer possibilities are endless for a good party spread, but beef should be the star at this year’s Super Bowl parties.

According to the National Chicken Council, 1.25 billion chicken wings will be consumed during Super Bowl XLIX. While wings have become a traditional appetizer for parties, there are plenty of ways to incorporate beef into the menu for your Super Bowl festivities.

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Here are five beef appetizer recipe ideas to add to your party menu:

1. “Spicy Whiskey BBQ Sliders” from Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman blog

2. “Southwestern Beef and Black Bean Chili” featured on Fine Cooking

3. “Beef and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms” from the Beef It’s What’s For Dinner website

4. “Philly Cheesesteak French Bread Pizza” by Rachael Ray

5. “Jalapeno Beef Poppers” featured on Certified Angus Beef

By the way, this week’s poll at beefmagazine.com asks for your prediction on the winner of the big game. With 59 votes so far, 41% predict a Seattle Seahawks win; another 31% think the New England Patriots will take the game; and 29% don’t really care.

Let us know your predictions and vote in the poll here.

How will you spend Super Bowl Sunday? Will you entertain, and will beef be part of your celebration spread? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of Beefmagazine.com or the Penton Farm Progress Group.

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