Let’s face it: the Super Bowl is so much more than just a football game. Seahawks-Patriots is the main attraction, but the NFL’s biggest event has evolved into a full-blown holiday. We’re talking halftime shows, ice-cold beers, and of course, snacks.
But what makes the perfect Super Bowl sampler? A few ground rules:
- It has to make sense for football. No matter what, this is a culmination of America’s favorite sport. A snack that’s completely off course from a normal Sunday won’t do.
- Still, it has to be a bit unique. Something you’d munch on during any old occasion doesn’t have much appeal. It might take more preparation or funds than usual, but most top-notch Super Bowl snacks are a bit rare.
- It brings people together. There’s a communal experience behind watching the Super Bowl, even for those who don’t follow football. What’s one thing we, as a nation, can unite behind during the big game? Our shared love of good eats.
With that being said, let’s dive into the ten best Super Bowl snacks ahead of this weekend’s epic matchup.
Top 10 Super Bowl Snacks
10. Mozzarella Sticks
Over the years, I’ve attempted to scientifically calculate the math behind what makes delicious food. After rigorous testing and hypothesizing, my final equation is this: cheese + fried = good.
Nothing supports that claim better than mozzarella sticks. It’s a fairly simple item, covering cheese with a thick layer of breading. When done right, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. However, nothing is worse than biting into one of these bad boys and getting hollow oil and air. That downside keeps mozzarella sticks towards the back of the list.
9. Egg Rolls
A bit off the beaten path, but that’s what Super Bowl Sunday should be about. Egg rolls, in their traditional form, are an American-Chinese staple. What makes them so alluring for gameday purposes is versatility. There’s next to nothing you can’t stuff into this deep-fried classic.
Any good host knows what kind of crowd to cook for. That makes the egg roll their best friend. Chicken, Philly Cheesesteak, Tex-Mex, shrimp, and Cuban are just a few unique variations. Depending on who is coming over, the egg roll can satisfy all cravings.
8. Chili
Speaking of Tex-Mex, why not an ultimate Southwest staple? Chili is the perfect food for early February, especially in colder parts of the country. This delicious stew blends meat (beef or turkey recommended), beans, cheese, tomatoes and of course chili peppers.
Chili is never going to be the highlight of anyone’s evening. It’s more of a high-floor, low-ceiling option, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Save the experimentation for dessert and make a big ‘ol bowl or two. It’s easy to cook and can be served en masse. Less time in the kitchen means more time to watch football. That’s the magic of chili.
7. Potato Skins
As you’ve guessed by now, customization is king. If your Super Bowl party is bringing in a slew of people, let them handle the fixins. Keeping with the theme, potato skins are a game-changer.
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside potato skins are synonymous with pigskin. Sour cream, cheese, bacon and chives are all typical ingredients. However, the world is your oyster when it comes to this appetizer. Who am I to tell you what to slather on those skins? Pop a tray or two in the oven and enjoy.
6. Nachos
In terms of qualifications, I’m something of an expert on nachos. Melted cheese on chips, topped with who-knows-what. Sign me up. New-school variations, such as American-style BBQ, are always delicious. You also can’t go wrong with a more authentic Mexican take, complete with fresh ingredients.
As mentioned earlier, this weekend is all about bringing people together. A giant plate of nachos serves that purpose. Meat-lover or vegetarian, the perfect chip is always near. Why only sixth on the list? It’s a fairly common appetizer, and an average tray is never going to ‘wow’ anyone. Regardless, it’s a safe selection that doesn’t need much prep; you could do far worse.
5. Sliders
This is a bit broad, I’ll admit. What constitutes a slider can change dramatically from protein to protein. For the sake of this article, I’d outline the following as Super Bowl-friendly:
- Pulled pork
- Beef/cheeseburger
- Chicken (preferably fried)
That’s not to say you can’t do anything else, but those three are common variations. In fact, a ‘basic’ and experimental pair of slider offerings could be a hit. No matter what, these little guys are great for those who crave something filling mid-game.
4. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Nachos might have cornered the chip & cheese market, but they aren’t the end-all be-all. Dips might be the most essential party food on Earth, especially for sports watching. Time is of the essence, after all. During a commercial break, just lop some onto your plate and grab a handful of chips.
However, what is the superior dip? After all, french onion shares almost nothing in common with guacamole. The correct answer, at least for football-viewing, is buffalo chicken. Creamy, savory and spicy, this is an absolute show-stopper when done right. If there’s any downside, it can get a little messy. Still, it’s difficult to imagine this one not being served.
3. Pigs in a Blanket
Now we’re getting to the true heavy-hitters. During my limited amount of research, pigs in a blanket seemed to be divisive. Forget the nay-sayers; this is a first-ballot, Hall-of-Fame snack. It’s essentially a mini-hot dog; who doesn’t love a glizzy?
However, what separates this dish is on the outside. A crispy, buttery puff pastry wraps around the sausage. That gives pigs in a blanket some variety compared to your traditional hot dog. Served with some toothpicks, it’s an easy food to eat, as well. Your choice of condiment only enhances the flavor. These mini-dogs check all the boxes.
2. Jalapeno Poppers
Fried, breaded, and spicy. Jalapenos are your mouth’s best friend and your heart’s mortal enemy. The simplicity is what I love about this snack. The pepper itself serves as the chip; all you have to do is stuff it. I prefer cream cheese, but cheddar is always a solid alternative.
Poppers, especially homemade, aren’t a day-to-day item. However, it’s difficult to think of anyone who would say no to trying at least one. For those preparing, it’s an easy oven-centric appetizer that allows hosts to shift their attention elsewhere. You might think you don’t need jalapeno poppers during the Super Bowl, but you’d be wrong. Don’t make a foolish mistake.
1. Wings
Tom Brady. Jim Brown. Lawrence Taylor. Chicken wings. The undisputed GOATs of football.
I know, I know. “You said the best Super Bowl snacks are unique.” Guess what? Chicken wings are both distinctive and a Sunday staple. They’re easy to grab, easy to eat, and perfect in moderation or as a main course! Different sauces mean the options are endless. Want something tangy or a bit spicier? Why not both!
Don’t reinvent the wheel. If any Super Bowl party lacks wings, it’s a colossal failure; the game doesn’t even matter anymore. After months of NFL action, this iconic snack is the perfect way to end the season on a high note.
