We’re all pretending we’re excited about the Super Bowl LVIII showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, but let’s be honest: We’re really just looking forward to the food and Usher’s halftime show performance of course. Whether you prefer an actual meal or a buffet of appetizers, there’s no wrong way to indulge on Super Bowl Sunday. To help you prepare your menu, here are some of The Root staff’s favorite game day snacks.
It may not be super exciting or fresh, but you can’t go wrong with pizza. Whether you make it yourself or order it from your favorite spot, it’s an easy party choice. Just be sure to get your order in early because Super Bowl day is one of the busiest days of the year for pizza places.
Some people have their own special recipe, while others prefer to buy their favorite pre-made brand and heat it up at home. It doesn’t really matter which you go for, everyone loves spinach artichoke dip. If you’re at the party, grab some early, because it’s always first come, first served with this one. It runs out fast.
When done right, buffalo chicken dip is a fantastic flavor bomb. Be careful though, there are a lot of unsuccessful attempts out there. The dip can sometimes be too spicy or suffer from a serious lack of seasoning.
BBQ, buffalo, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, the choices are endless. If you give your guests a variety of wings, with an amazing selection of dips, your party will be a guaranteed hit.
To clarify, we’re actually down with anything fried. However, chicken strips, much like wings, offer an opportunity to personalize your meal with the sauces of your choice.
What makes meatballs such an easy party choice is that you can put them in the slow cooker in the morning and just let them simmer until kickoff. If you’re already doing wings, we suggest a classic marinara to add some variety to your menu.
When you say sliders, burgers are generally everyone’s first choice. But you don’t have to stick with burgers. If want to get creative, go with pulled pork, fried chicen, or even mini cheesesteaks.
Whether they’re chicken, vegetable or pork, egg rolls are always a party favorite. Plus, they provide easy cooking and clean up for the host. Egg rolls are a first-round draft pick.
If you want to up the difficulty level and impress your friends, BBQ ribs are a solid party choice. Put these in your oven or smoker early in the morning, and they’ll be deliciously tender by game time.
Many of the snacks we’ve already discussed can easily be used with a nacho bar. Set up all the toppings and let your friends go wild. Be sure to throw in a few surprise choices to keep them on their toes.
Black people cannot have a party without deviled eggs. Pro tip: Don’t get too crazy with the recipe. The only acceptable add-ons are bacon, shrimp or salmon. Also, don’t put relish in the filling, it’s not a pleasing flavor.
While we’ve stuck to finger foods for our picks, chili is great on its own, or as an accompaniment to your other snacks. Use it on your sliders or meatballs. Or lay out a cool chili bar with sour cream, dips, cheese, tortilla chips and other toppings. Just make sure you’re guests know if they spill, they are officially banned from all future parties.
It’s Super Bowl Sunday, so we assume the drinks will be flowing. However, make sure you have a nice variety of choices, so everyone feels comfortable. This includes non-alcholic options that aren’t soda. Interesting mocktails show that you’re going above and beyond your usual gatherings.
When the second half of the game kicks off, you need to start rolling out some desserts. If you want to stick with finger foods, but want something more substantial than cookies, cupcakes are a nice option. Bake or buy multiple flavors, and you’ll be a hero.
If cupcakes are too much, brownies are also an amazing dessert choice. Plus, you can make these ahead of time, just add powdered sugar and look like a pro.
