Dips that will score points with your Super Bowl crowd

What's a Super Bowl party without a gooey mess of savory goodness to plunge a sturdy dipper into? I'd say that's not much of a party at all.

We had no trouble finding inspiration to compile this list of 25 mostly diet-busting recipes; magazines and food Web sites are in full-tilt football-party mode right now. (And although this is Super Bowl XLIV, we resisted the urge to publish 44.) Thanks to Food Network magazine plus Allrecipes.com, Cooks.com and Epicurious.com for their good ideas, which we added to our original concoctions.

Among our favorites are the Cheddar Horseradish Spread, the Onion Dip and the Beer Dip, which we've run by popular request in the St. Petersburg Times several times. Football is our annual excuse to make beer dip, and we've found that the cheaper the suds, the better the dip. Pop the tab on that Pabst! We're always partial to hot seafood dips, too.

If you decide to tackle your own creations, remember that for each cup of mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese, you'll need about 1 tablespoon dried seasoning. Give your pantry the once-over; you could go with the packaged onion dip, but see if there are some herbs and spices that would change things up. That's how we came up with our version of the Onion Dip recipe.

Besides salty dippers, don't forget the crudites: Cold, fresh and crunchy vegetables are always welcome on a party menu that trends toward over-the-top. Just like the Super Bowl itself. Tune in at 6 p.m. EST Sunday on CBS; the game kicks off not long thereafter.

1. Muffuletta Dip, in honor of the New Orleans Saints. Combine 1 (8-ounce) block softened cream cheese, 1 cup cubed salami (about 1/4-inch dice), 4 ounces diced provolone, 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 1/2 cup drained, chopped green olives and 1 clove minced garlic. Spread the mixture into a pie plate and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with chopped fresh parsley.

2. Cheddar Horseradish Spread, in honor of the Indianapolis Colts. Mix 2 cups coarsely grated extra-sharp white cheddar, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons drained, bottled horseradish, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley and 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard. Chill. Right before serving, stir in 1-1/2 cups finely chopped or shredded radishes (about 1/2 pound). Season with salt and pepper.

3. Onion Dip. Combine 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Chill at least 2 hours in the fridge. Garnish with sliced scallions.