Superbowl Pistachio Bites

Pistachio Football Bites with Cream Cheese (Vegan Option incl)

Get ready for the ultimate Super Bowl LIX showdown!  Whether you're cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles or the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs, one thing is certain: you'll be a winner with these irresistible Vegan Pistachio Football Bites. These savory snacks are the perfect game-day treat, boasting a creamy, herbaceous pistachio spread atop crisp crackers. The delightful combination of roasted pistachios, fresh rosemary, and tangy cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese if you prefer) creates a flavor explosion that will have your guests reaching for more.

These bite-sized delights are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.  With a simple food processor and a few readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. For an extra touch of game-day spirit, arrange the crackers in the shape of a football and pipe on some "laces" with plain cream cheese.  The chunky pistachio-herb topping adds a beautiful visual appeal, making these bites as stunning as they are scrumptious. So, ditch the chips and dips and impress your friends with these elevated snacks that are sure to score big!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Assembly Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 2 dozen bites

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

— Vince Lombardi

Ingredients:

• For the Pistachio-Herb Paste:

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, roasted (+ more for sprinkling on top)

  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese)

• Ritz Crackers (or your preference)

• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, Smoked Paprika, Honey

Equipment:

• Small food processor or blender

• Small bowl

• Piping bag (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pistachio-Herb Paste: In the food processor or blender, combine the shelled pistachios, rosemary, olive oil, and salt. Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse paste. Don't over-process; you want some texture.

2. Cream Cheese Mixture: In the small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the pistachio-herb paste. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. You can adjust the ratio of pistachio paste to cream cheese to your liking.

3. Assembly:

   • Arrange your crackers in the shape of a football on a serving platter.

   • Using a small spoon or piping bag, place a dollop of the pistachio-cream cheese mixture on each cracker/baguette slice. If in a pinch for time, spoon the topping onto each cracker

4. Football Laces: Use a piping bag with a smaller tip, or a squeeze bottle, to pipe thin lines of the plain vegan cream cheese (not mixed with the pistachio paste) to create the "laces" on your football. This will give a nice contrast.

5. Garnish: Sprinkle the assembled bites with a little extra sea salt and, optionally, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Alex’s Tips:

1. Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

2. Spicy or Sweet or BOTH: Add 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the pistachio paste for a bit of heat. Alex’s preference is red pepper flakes. Drizzle honey over each cracker for another mouthwatering flavor addition!

3. Don’t grind the pistachios down too finely. The chunk adds texture to the bites. There is plenty of creaminess from the cream cheese.

4. Make-Ahead: The pistachio-cream cheese mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the bites just before serving.