Recipes

Dips, Chips And Forecast Tips: Transform Your Super Bowl Menu Based On Your Weather

Close up of man dipping nacho chips in avocado dip while gathering with friends. — (Drazen Zigic/Getty Images)

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It’s the mainstay of football gatherings nationwide: The dip. Stock up on crackers or chips, pita and pretzels because you know that the dip you serve – whether hot or cold – will be the superstar of the Super Bowl party.

According to Google Trends, Americans have been searching for their favorite appetizer over the past few weeks and they’re looking for crowd-pleasing flavors that everyone can recognize.

Dips are easy to make and can feed crowds of people. These communal dishes encourage sharing and socializing, which every good host knows are the keys to a successful watch party. And on a cold winter game night, they can warm guests up with a little heat, spice and zing.

Here are the unique searches for Game Day dips for 2025 throughout the U.S. (Google Trends) — Here are the unique searches for Game Day dips for 2025 throughout the U.S.
(Google Trends)

This year’s winner? Buffalo Chicken Dip, the easier-to-eat-than-wings party staple, dominates in 13 states, including much of the Northeast. But other hot dishes are in close competition: Queso and Cheese Dip variations are also very popular this year in the South.

So let’s add one more ingredient to these party recipes… the weather. And whether you’re dealing with cold temperatures, mild winter days or leftover snow and ice, we have your dips. You just have to buy the chips.

Philadelphia And The Northeast: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Many, many parties will feature Buffalo Chicken Dip. This recipe from Brown Eyed Baker is an easy classic that features three different layers of flavors, focusing on the power trio that is hot sauce, chicken and cheese. Try corn chips as an alternative dipper to complement these sharp, pungent flavors.

What’s the Weather There?

“Just like that one person you invite to your Super Bowl party who has to leave early, Winter Storm Garnett should leave New England by afternoon. It will be breezy, but not as cold as it could be this time of year,” said senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman.

Buffalo chicken dip in cast iron casserole dish surrounded by slices of bread — (bhofack2/Getty Images)

Kansas City And The Plains: BBQ Chicken Dip

Switch up the flavor profile and give a nod to Kansas City-style barbecue with a tomato-based, sweet and smoky dip. Toss ingredients into a slow cooker if you wish, and allow the thicker, sweeter KC BBQ dish to bubble away until game time. Creme de la Crumb offers an easy recipe that you can make ahead of time. Serve this with crusty bread to make it more like a meal.

What’s The Weather There?

“Like the chips left on your plate, after you ate all the dip, much of the central U.S. will be dry. Not shockingly, it will be cold, too,” according to Erdman.

Set of sauces - tomato sauce, pesto, mustard, barbecue sauce, guacamole, mayonnaise on black rustic background — (Olesia Shadrina/Getty Images)

South: Cheese Dip/Queso

Looking for an Instagram-worthy choice that’s popular with partygoers? Many states in the South are searching for recipes for cheese dip or queso. This dip works for all ages and that trendy cheese pull is oh-so-satisfying with a salty tortilla chip. Customize with taco meat, peppers, tomatoes or even bacon to make it your own, as this recipe from Simply Recipes suggests.

What’s The Weather There?

Erdman has this to say to Southerners: “Floridians, including snowbirds and other tourists, just take your chips and queso, some towels, a good book and hang out at the beach all day. Make sure to tease your friends in cold places on social media. And you can still make it home in time for the big game.”

Person dipping tortilla chip into homemade Mexican Chorizo Queso Oaxaca Dip — (bhofack2/Getty Images)

West: Avocado Dip/Guacamole

Guacamole is a traditional cold dip that’s fresh, healthy and delicious, but we’re offering a twist on the classic with this avocado dip recipe from My Baking Addiction. And the best part? This dish can be made as mild or as spicy as you want. It’s smooth and creamy, thanks to ingredients like sour cream and cream cheese. Make it a few hours before the party and chill it in the refrigerator until kickoff.

What’s The Weather There?

“Take that spread of food and a TV outside on the patio if you’re in the Southwest Sunday. Can we come over around 5 p.m.? We’ll bring whatever you want. If you’re in the northern Rockies, go skiing first, then load up on chips and dip at the bar after,” said Erdman.