Maybe you've got the 60-inch flat panel TV, or maybe you've just got a reputation for throwing great parties. In any case, you're hosting this year's Super Bowl bash, and you want food that's as exciting as the big game. Shop strategically, and you can feed a crowd without spending game time in the kitchen.
1. Chips
Image Courtesy of Food Should Taste Good
Between all of the Super Bowl chip commercials, and the simple visceral satisfaction of their salty crunch, your guests are going to crave chips. Skip the greasy, generic chips, and check out this round up of my favorite Super Bowl snack chips. You'll get the scoop on great tortilla, bean, and potato chips, along with flavor picks that seem practically made for Super Bowl parties (Jalapeño tortilla chips, anyone?)
2. Salsa
Image Courtesy of T.W. Garner Food Co.
Sure, most supermarket salsas aren't worth the effort it takes to open the jar. But that doesn't mean you've got to try hunting down decent tomatoes in February. There are some great jarred salsas out there. Green Mountain Gringo's all-natural salsas ($5.59/16 oz.) have great fresh flavor, and pack some heat. And Desert Pepper Trading Company turns out salsas ($5/16 oz.) with intriguing ingredients like pineapple or corn, black beans, and roasted red peppers, in addition to its more traditional offerings.
3. Guacamole
Image Courtesy of Fresherized Foods
Homemade guacamole is so delicious, and so incredibly simple to prepare, that I can't really think of a truly compelling reason to buy it premade. Unless, of course, you can't get your hands on ripe avocados, and can't handle the idea that all of those delicious tortilla chips wil meet their end without ever meeting up with some cool, creamy avocado. Then by all means check out Wholly Guacamole. There's not much besides avocados and spices in each pack of all-natural guacamole, which is exactly as it should be. Find it at Target, or in supermarkets.
4. Hummus and Bean Dips
© Flickr user Ron Diggity
Bean dips of all stripes are delicious with chips and veggies, and make a great addition to a do-it-yourself wrap sandwich bar (just set out tortillas or lavash and all the fixings, and let guests make their own wraps). Check the refrigerated section of your favorite market for prepared bean dips or hummus (Sabra is a reliably tasty brand). Or grab a few cans of your favorite beans (I like Westbrae Natural's organic beans) , and whip up your own:
- Hummus Recipes — Lots of them!
- Black Bean Dip
- White Bean Dip With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
5. Popcorn
Image Courtesy of Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn
Popcorn's savory crunch makes it another ideal Super Bowl snack. Pop up plenty of heirloom popcorn, and serve it up simply salted, or embellished with herbs, spices, or cheese, as in Moroccan-Spiced Popcorn or Parmesan-Garlic Popcorn.
If you're not up to popping your own, pick up Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn ($3.50/5oz). The Hatch Chili Con Queso has a little bit of smoky heat, tempered by a blend of cheddar cheeses. It's my favorite flavor in the line, and a great fit for a Super Bowl menu. At Whole Foods, or buy online by the case at OogiesSnacks.com.
6. Pizza
© Flickr user the Italian voice
Why wait an hour for tepid pizza when you can serve it hot from the oven? Cut the pizza delivery guy some slack (he probably wants to catch some of the game, too), and pick up some refrigerated dough (Trader Joe's sells it for 99 cents a bag), your favorite sauce, and some cheese. Put 'em all together, pop your almost-homemade pie in the oven, and you'll have fresh, hot pizza in about 15 minutes flat.
7. Beer
© Flickr user jeremydeades
It's hard to imagine a Super Bowl party without beer. So I'll turn you over to Bryce Eddings, About.com's Guide to Beer, who has great advice on what to serve:
8. Soda
Image Courtesy of Reed's Inc.
You'll need more than beer alone, and these specialty sodas are a lot more interesting than the old standbys. Cola, ginger beer and root beer pair especially well with Super Bowl party menu standbys like wings and chili. Virgil's Root Beer is a knockout, and comes in a party-friendly, 5 liter keg ($18). Buy one online at ReedsGingerBrew.com.
9. Brownies
© Flickr user jeffreyw
As far as I'm concerned, brownies are the ultimate Super Bowl party dessert. They're a crowd-pleaser, and they just work well with classic Super Bowl party foods. Fat Witch Bakery sells gift tins and boxes of its decadent brownies ($16.45 to $60). Try an assortment of Baby Witches (3 bite brownies), or go for the original Big Witches, which come in a wider range of flavors, including Java and Caramel. Buy online at FatWitch.com.
Or, opt for Greyston Bakery's DoGoodies. The bakery not only turns out fantastic brownies and blondies ($32/dozen), it also offers fair wages, healthcare, mentorship, and social services to previously marginalized workers. That ought to make dessert extra sweet. Buy online at GreystonBakery.com.