24 Super Bowl Food Ideas to Make, Even If You’re Not Watching the Game
Check out all of our favorite recipes to make for your Super Bowl viewing party.
Magdalena O'Neal
The Super Bowl is once again upon us, and even if you’re not a football fan, you can still eat around the television and tweet about the halftime show and the commercials. We’ve rounded up two dozen of our favorite wing recipes, finger foods, and dips to make sure the Super Bowl leaves you just as full as every other year.
We’ve got all the traditional Super Bowl food ideas you expect. Some are straight-up familiar comfort food, like Grilled Buttermilk Chicken and Jalapeño Poppers. Some nudge into “a little something different” territory, like wing recipes that incorporate flavors such as Thai curry, tamarind, or agrodolce. But all are perfect for game day, and sure to please a crowd.
Most of these recipes can be largely prepared ahead of time, because there’s nothing worse than missing the big play because you’re tending the grill or stuck in the kitchen chopping things. That will leave you plenty of time to be present for your guests, and you’ll be sure not to miss a touchdown. (Or the commercial that everyone will be talking about the next day.)
Take traditional jalapeno poppers to the next level with the addition of fresh shrimp. Gouda can be subbed in if you can’t find cumin-studded Leyden at your grocery store.
2 of 7Sunset Magazine
Cheddar and Bacon Mini Hasselback Potatoes
These mini loaded potatoes are a perfect finger food to ensure that your guests actually leave full. Set the toppings on the side to serve so everyone gets exactly what they want on their potatoes.
3 of 7Thomas J. Story
Chicken Enchilada Nacho Bowls
Nacho bowls are super easy to prep and take the mess out of traditional nachos by giving each person their own bowl.
4 of 7E. Spencer Toy
Smoky Beef-and-Bacon Chili Nachos
Our favorite chili recipe makes a perfect topping for nachos that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
5 of 7Annabelle Breakey
Poblano and Nopales Chimichangas
Who needs the deep fryer when you can bake a flaky crust? These chimichangas are a great crispy treat that rid you of the hassle of spending your day in front of the fryer.
6 of 7Thomas J. Story
Buttermilk Cornbread
If you plan on serving BBQ or chili, whip up a skillet cornbread to serve alongside.
7 of 7E. Spencer Toy
Sweet Potato Crostini
These super simple crostinis can be topped with anything you have in the fridge, or set out like chips to be used as dippers with a big bowl of queso.
Dip Recipes
1 of 5Annabelle Breakey
Chile con Queso
It’s not a party if there aren’t people crowding around the queso! A big bowl of queso will go a long way with your guests, and you can set up all sorts of dipping options.
2 of 5Peden & Munk
Gabriel’s Guacamole
This is the base recipe from Gabriel’s in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is intended only as a jumping-off point: Add more seasonings to your taste. We preferred it with 1/2 teaspoon jalapeño, 4 teaspoons onion, and 4 teaspoons lime juice.
3 of 5Eva Kolenko
Salsa Verde Cherry Tomatoes
Consider this a dip that’s done the dipping for you. This herb packed salsa verde gets stuffed inside of a large cherry tomato as a fresh palette cleanser between wings and pizza.
4 of 5Iain Bagwell
Pineapple Al Pastor Pico de Gallo
If you don’t want to make the whole pastor, just follow the last few steps for roasting pineapple in the marinade. It’ll add a smoky and sweet flavor to your pico de gallo.
5 of 5Courtesy of Aran Goyoaga
Roasted Carrots with Red Lentil Hummus
Your vegetarian friends will rejoice at finding this amongst the spread on the food table. Pair with a big pile of roasted carrots and other veggies.