21 Super Bowl Recipes That Buccaneers Fans Will Love
We’re days away from the biggest football game of the year, which obviously calls for finger food and game day grub galore. And since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hitting the gridiron this year—on their own turf, making them the first NFL team with a home field advantage—we’re celebrating with lots of Florida-inspired delicacies. Here are 21 Super Bowl recipes that Tampa Bay fans will love.
RELATED: 61 Easy Super Bowl Snacks to Make on Game Day
1. Cuban Sliders
It’s no secret that Florida is home to some of the best Cuban food in the U.S. Feel free to press the sliders, add roast pork and use pan de manteca to turn them into true Tampa Bay Cuban sandwiches.
2. Baby Blooming Onions
Did you know the iconic Bloomin’ Onion was born in Tampa? Outback Steakhouse started there, and it was invented in one of their test kitchens. These homemade minis will give the O.G. a run for its money.
3. Deviled Crab Dip
Tampa is also the birthplace of the deviled crab croquette, an oblong mound of seasoned blue crab meat rolled in breadcrumbs and deep fried. This dip delivers all the essentials in a much more convenient package.
4. Fried Grouper Sandwich
While grouper is the traditional choice in Tampa, this recipe works with halibut, cod, bass, tilapia and basically whatever mild white fish you have on hand.
5. Greek Wedge Salad
Tarpon Springs, a city in the Tampa Bay area, has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any U.S. city. So, it’s no surprise that you can find some killer Greek food there. Tip your cap with this simple salad starter that’s complete with olives, cucumber and feta. (Pro move: For a true taste of Tarpon, serve it with a dollop of potato salad.)
6. Glazed Orange Bundt Cake
Nothing says Florida like fresh-squeezed orange juice. This recipe uses it in both the cake and the three-ingredient glaze.
7. New England Clam Chowder
There’s no shortage of spots slinging next-level clam chowder in Tampa Bay (and c’mon, it’s a fun nod to Tom Brady, the Patriot-turned-Buc). You can tackle this recipe in an hour, leaving you plenty of time to pregame.
8. Spicy Kumquat Thyme Margarita
Dade City’s Annual Kumquat Festival puts these sour gems front and center. Their tartness and slight sweetness make them prime for a citrusy, jalapeño-infused cocktail.
9. Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs
Because of where they’re fished, stone crabs are the go-to in Florida. But these ten-minute legs are a worthy substitute no matter where you’re located. Have them Tampa-style with creamy, drool-worthy mustard sauce, or stick to melted butter and lemon juice.
10. Falafel Patties
Let the Greek influence of the Tarpon Springs area inspire your appetizer menu. These handhelds won’t last long on your game day table (especially next to a side of sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt).
11. Hot Cajun Fish Dip
Celebrating the Gulf Coast = your excuse to go big on seafood. Smoked fish dip is traditionally made with mullet, amberjack or other oily types of fish. This version uses red snapper filet instead, plus a whole boatload of seasonings and herbs.
12. Cuban Mojo Pork Roast
Whether you’re eating this garlic-citrus roast pork over rice, on a sandwich or straight out of the pot, it’s sure to blow your quarantine pod away. Feel free to make it in the slow cooker the morning of Super Bowl Sunday (or the night before), so you don’t miss any of the game.
13. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Garlic shrimp are everywhere in Tampa Bay. You can get them Latin-, Cajun- or Chinese-style, but we’re partial to this 15-minute Mexican version made almost entirely from pantry staples. Serve them over white rice or set them out on a big platter with toothpicks and napkins.
14. Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet
Want to keep the kids from eating pigs in a blanket and buffalo wings for dinner? Serve these single-skillet chicken thighs, finished with feta and green olives.
15. Cheater’s Skillet Paella
Speaking of ridiculously impressive mains that come together in a skillet, paella is always an easy win. It’s been a local mainstay since Tampa’s first influx of Spanish immigrants in the late 19th century.
16. Key Lime Pie with Coconut and White Chocolate
Just because Tampa’s six hours north of Key West doesn’t mean you can’t find an epic key lime pie there. Any Florida resident will tell you it’s all about the sugar-to-lime juice ratio, and this version made with sweetened condensed milk and Greek yogurt totally nails it.
17. Spiced Candied Kumquats
Your kids might have reservations about trying this fruit for the first time…but not if it’s simmered in sweet vanilla-cinnamon syrup.
18. Hummingbird Cake
This iconic banana-pineapple spice cake originated in Jamaica but is now a Southern staple. You and your guests will go bonkers for the pineapple cream cheese frosting—promise.
19. Baklava Pie
Give this Greek dessert a second life in the form of pie. It’s still got all the usual suspects, from crunchy nuts to flaky phyllo dough to gooey honey—you’ll just be saving yourself the sticky fingers.
20. Pastelitos
Ybor City features some of the best pastelitos around, but if you don't live in the area, this six-ingredient take on the famous guava and cream cheese-filled pastries is the next best thing.
21. Key Lime Pie Bars
For when your heart says “pie,” but your patience says, “fat chance.” The only thing more appetizing than the four-ingredient filling (good looking out, condensed milk) is the two-ingredient gingersnap cookie crust.
