My in-laws hosted a “Dips-mas Eve” last holiday season, where each household prepared a dip. A variety of crowd-pleasing dips—hot, cold, savory and sweet dips—all went head-to-head in a friendly family dip throwdown. My fiance and I take food challenges quite seriously, so after much consideration, we decided our contribution would be a Philly cheesesteak dip.

I come from a long line of born-and-bred Philadelphians, so my family loves cheesesteaks. To make a dip that tasted like an authentic Philly cheesesteak, I knew I had to choose the right meat. I went with thinly shaved ribeye steak. Cooked with chopped onions and green bell peppers, then mixed into a creamy base with pantry seasonings and lots of provolone, the quality of the meat really made a difference.

The dip baked until it was perfectly bubbly and golden brown. It was a smash hit with our family, who lovingly coined it “Philly Philly” after the Philadelphia Eagles’ infamous trick play. The creamy, meaty dip was great on the holiday appetizer table, but it’s also an excellent choice to pair with dippers as a Super Bowl food idea (especially when the Eagles make it to the big game!).

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Dip

• Shaved beef ribeye: Like an actual cheesesteak, this dip is only as good as the type of steak used, and thinly shaved ribeye is the best choice for cheesesteak recipes. Look for 1-pound packages of shaved ribeye in the meat section. Better yet, visit the meat counter or a butcher and have them cut a fresh steak—ask for it shaved so it’ll be ultra-thin.
• Creamy base: Cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise form the creamy base of our dip. This trifecta creates an unbeatable balance of tanginess and richness. Be sure to soften the cream cheese so it will mix easily.
• Worcestershire sauce: A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce enhances the dip’s savory, meaty flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, salt and pepper season the dip. You can substitute two garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley if you have fresh ingredients on hand.
• Provolone cheese: Provolone is a classic choice for cheesesteaks and an excellent melting cheese—perfect for baked hot dip recipes. Look for an 8-ounce package of mild sliced provolone containing 12 slices. You can also chop a block of provolone into small cubes.
• Onion: Traditional Philly cheesesteaks feature melt-in-your-mouth onions cooked alongside the steak. Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the meatiness and cream-based ingredients.
• Green bell pepper: Some people love bell peppers on a cheesesteak, and others never order ’em. I like them, so this recipe for Philly cheesesteak dip includes chopped green bell pepper for extra flavor and texture.
• Dippables for serving: Serve this dip with your favorite dippers. Chewy baguette, crisp crostini, tortilla chips, corn chips, crackers and veggies are all excellent for scooping up dips.

Taste of Home

Get ready to snack all holiday long with these Fourth of July appetizers. From refreshing fruit salads to succulent chicken wings, these apps will make this Independence Day the most delicious yet.

Appetizers are often overlooked, but they’re the food that guests snack on most throughout the party. If you’re throwing an Independence Day party this year, set out a few Fourth of July appetizers to hold everyone over until the meats make it off the grill. Even then, these apps are so delicious that people will definitely keep adding them to their paper plates as sides. From classic dishes like chicken wings to some more daring dishes like BLT macaroni salad, we have all the best summery apps for your backyard barbecue.

We’ve included all kinds of on-theme foods, like flag-shaped recipes, quintessentially American desserts and patriotic-themed foods. I love that these recipes are really familiar to guests and are approachable for all kinds of cooks, but they are also genuinely standout delicious among a spread of snacks and apps. There are even a few no-cook recipes if this July is particularly hot and turning on the oven is simply not an option. (In that case, I’d suggest a few no-bake desserts too.)

A lot of these summery recipes utilize what’s in season, like watermelon, berries, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and much more. Remember: In-season produce always tastes best, no matter the season! Plus, many of these apps are inherently gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan, too, which is a relief when catering to guests of all diets. It’s nice to make everyone feel welcome at your party.

Taste of Home

Start your day with southern breakfast recipes like flaky biscuits, hearty breakfast casseroles and creamy grits. These comforting dishes are hearty enough to feed the whole family.

Imagine the scent of freshly baked biscuits, the sound of grits bubbling away on the stovetop and the crackle of a casserole crisping in the oven. If that doesn’t bring to mind a down-home breakfast with southern comfort foods, I don’t know what will. These southern breakfast recipes set the table for a hearty, satisfying start to your day.

This collection brings together recipes that honor traditional southern breakfasts and will fit seamlessly into your weekly meal planner. You’ll find everything from sausage and cheese casseroles to classics like skillet cornbread and fresh takes like apple-stuffed French toast. Many of these southern breakfast recipes can be prepped the night before, so all you have to do is pop them in the oven and wait for the house to smell incredible.

For an authentic experience, stock your pantry with southern staples like stone-ground grits, although quick-cooking grits work in a pinch. Finish the meal with refreshing brunch beverages like sweet tea or citrus spritzers for a relaxed Sunday brunch.

Taste of Home