By Kate Elizabeth Queram   kqueram@dnronline.com

Dawn Morris’ seven-layer dip is a Super Bowl staple at her parties. Photo by Nikki Fox

For Washington Redskins fans Dawn and John Morris, the last mega-exciting Super Bowl Sunday was in 1992, the most recent time their team made it to the big show — and 10 years before the couple threw their very first Super Bowl party. The key to a successful game day get-together, according to Dawn Morris, is not about the game. It’s about the food.

“It doesn’t matter so much that our team is in,” said Morris of Harrisonburg. “We just like an excuse to watch football, invite our friends over and eat a lot of food that we normally would not eat.”

At the Morrises’ house, the bulk of the Super Bowl Sunday menu revolves around appetizers and finger foods. There are always chicken wings, jalapeno poppers and nachos. And then, there are the dips. According to Dawn Morris, the couple usually offer a variety of dip choices, including a vegetable tray with a bowl of ranch, corn chips with cheese dip and, most notably, seven-layer dip — a Mexican-style dish with layers including sour cream, beans and cheese, served with nacho chips.

“You can just eat a little bit and continue to graze, or you can put a big pile on your plate and grab some crusty bread and chips and make it a meal,” she said. “It’ll fill you up because it’s just a heavier food.”

Michael Quinn, a lecturer at James Madison University and a Baltimore Ravens fan, agreed that the seven-layer dip is a key element at any Super Bowl party.

“I think that’s the essential dip. I think that’s the one that everyone stands around,” he said. “I don’t know why, but that’s the ultimate thing. Everybody goes for that. It’s the first thing that runs out.”

Because dips are relatively easy to make — in most cases, it’s just a matter of mixing a few ingredients and then serving — they’re an ideal party dish. For extra low-maintenance dips, Quinn recommended microwaving Velveeta cheese with Rotel chilies and tomatoes and serving with nacho chips, or buying pre-made queso dip.

“But if you have to do it straight out of the can, never buy the generic,” he advised. “They’re terrible.”

And make sure to have a variety of both dips and beverages, Dawn Morris advised.

Though football is the reason for the party, the food is what’ll keep it going — that, and the Super Bowl commercials.

“Honestly, I think the commercials are the most important part of the game,” she said. “I think the food’s important and I think a good variety of beverages tailored to your audience.”

Dips to try at your game day party

From Dawn Morris
Seven-Layer Dip
1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
1 (16-ounce) package low-fat sour cream
1 package taco seasoning
1 small container of guacamole
1 large diced tomato
1 (2.25-ounce) can of sliced ripe olives
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Mix taco seasoning with sour cream, set aside.
Layer all ingredients, in the order above, in a 9-by-9-inch baking dish.
Serve with an assortment of nacho chips, pita and chunks of bread.

From cooks.com
Beer Cheese Dip
1 (10-ounce) package Wispride cheddar cheese
1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese
4 tablespoons beer
¼ teaspoon garlic powder or salt

Mix ingredients together and refrigerate, or serve immediately with pretzels.

From allrecipes.com
BLT Dip
1 pound bacon
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 tomato, peeled, seeded and diced

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels.
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Crumble bacon into the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture. Mix in tomatoes just before serving.