Superbowl Party Recipes and Tips

January 25, 2016January 24, 2016 Tracy Knutsen

It was the best of times…it was the worst of times. Yes, I know this is A Tale of Two Cities, but today, I use it to describe what can only be hailed as the best and worst day of the year…Superbowl Sunday. This, of course, is the undisputed biggest day of football season (with Opening Day a close second in my book.) Football could only be better if the LSU Tigers had been in the National Championship game!

However, it also marks the END of football season…

*moment of silence*

*muffled sob*

*waving my little New Orleans Saints flag*

So, like millions of homes in America, nay, the world, let’s go out with a Hail Mary and an end zone dance! (cave man chest bump optional) Whether you’re big on planning ahead, or are a last-minute culinary whiz, we’re arming you with recipes, and tips and tricks for entertaining with ease. And while the big game is synonymous with gluttonous indulgence, we’ve also included recipes for a couple of healthier options geared toward those of us looking for lighter fare on a day defined by beer, Buffalo wings and bratwurst.

Many thanks in advance to my blogging friends who contributed to this amazing list! Please be sure to visit them and enjoy their fabulous-ness!

1. Beer Cheese Soup from Nest Full of New

2. Taco Ring from Pampered Chef

3. Meatball Sandwich from Verses From My Kitchen

4. Superbowl Cookies with Team Colors

5. Amazing White Trash Puff Balls

6. Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

7. Gourmet Popcorn Three Ways from Verses From My Kitchen

8. Potato Nachos from Priscilla Bakes

9. Cuppla Cookies

10. Barbecue-Ranch Chicken Wonton Cups from Cheerios and Lattes

11. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs from MOMables

12. Red Velvet Cake Cheese Ball from SnapCreativity

13. Good old Frito Pie from the Pioneer Woman

14. Beer-Candied Bacon from Tide and Thyme

15. Loaded Baked Tater Tot Dip from Averie Cooks

16. Best Ever Onion Dip from Nest Full of New

17. Pizza Rolls from The Girl Who Ate Everything

18. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars

19. Double Chocolate Nutella-Filled Cookies from Nest Full of New

20. Five Spice Chicken Wings from Better Homes and Gardens

21. Corn Salsa from Chef In Training

22. Bourbon Whiskey Meatballs as seen on Tasty Kitchen

23. Popcorn Bar from Pen N’ Paperflowers (LOVE this idea!)

It’ll be a day of stress-free feasting thanks to this play-by-play guide that provides timed steps and instructions for putting together the whole menu without missing a minute of the game.

• Throw the Flag: Don’t stop at decorating with your team’s colors; add yellow and red napkins to mimic the referee’s flag and the coach’s challenge flag. This simple decorative touch will add some interactive competition to your spread.

• It’s Football, Y’all: Many things can easily be cut or shaped into footballs. Don’t have a football-shaped cookie cutter, print a template from the internet and transfer it to some cardstock or cardboard. Then simply place it on your brownies/cookie dough/sandwich bread and cut around it. How about a football-shaped cake pop? A mini-meatloaf? Calzones? Rice Krispie Treats?

• The Perfect Spot: Keep things simple by positioning food near the television, with sweets kept separate from savory dishes. You don’t want guests to be forced to choose between watching the game and eating. It’s a Super Bowl party, not a seven-course dinner.

• Pre-game Warm-Up: Include a mix of both hot and room temperature foods, the latter of which can be prepared and set out ahead of time – ready in bowls before guests arrive.

• Get Into the Spirit: Opt for more unique beer options to pair with your snacks, and don’t forget the citrus! Add a splash of fresh lime to Corona, an orange wedge to Blue Moon or a lemon twist to Ayinger.

• Call for Substitutions: It’s not all about the booze. Don’t forget to include kid-friendly drinks like freshly squeezed lemonade or fruit-filled iced tea for those who are looking for beverages that don’t have to be shaken or stirred. On the other hand, how about a “Hail Mary” Bloody Mary Bar?

• Post-game Wrap-Up: The last thing you’ll likely want to think about after the game is more food. But bidding goodbye to your guests with a parting gift of homemade granola, a container of yogurt and bottle of orange juice makes for a stress-free Monday morning with breakfast already in the bag (in team colors, of course!)

What will you be doing for the Superbowl this year? Have any favorites recipes you can share? I’m pretty good at yelling really loud at the TV, but since my team didn’t make it this year, I’ll probably be focusing more on the commercials and the halftime show!