Your Food Guide To The Perfect Super Bowl Party: Are Chicken Wings OVERRATED??
We all love football, but unless your team is playing on Super Bowl Sunday, the day is as much about the food as it is about the game. Today we're polling the Fantasy Life crew on their favorites for the big game. We've got recommendations, recipes, and hot takes that will put your spiciest snacks to shame and set you up as the perfect host for your Super Bowl 59 potluck.
Let's dig in, but be careful if you're reading on an empty stomach.
What is Your FAVORITE Super Bowl food?
I don't want to be the one to make them, but if I show up to a Super Bowl party and there are sliders I'll be happy. All the goodness of a burger, but small enough that I'll have room to try all the other snacks on offer.
- Jonathan Fuller
Every year for the Super Bowl, I like to order a custom-made party tray of these beautiful grains. Except, it’s less of a “tray” and more like a 6-pack. They mix the grains with yeast, hops, and water. I don’t really understand the full process of how they make it, but you drink it and it’s really, really good!
“My favorite Super Bowl food is the friends we made along the way.”
- Armie Hammer
(Editor's note: who the f*ck let Armie in here???)
It’s not really about a specific food for me, it’s about utility. I don’t want anything too messy or time-consuming—nothing that will keep me from dishing out high fives as needed. So bite-sized, (sauceless) finger foods are my jam. If I have to choose just one, Pigs in a Blanket hit hard.
Chalk answer, but I love buffalo chicken dip. Any dip, really. The efficiency of reloading your plate with chips and dipping in various consistencies and flavors is peak for this kind of event.
- Joe Metz
This might seem out of left field, but … brownies. The whole point of a Super Bowl spread is to have an excuse to eat things you wouldn't normally be able to justify eating on a Sunday at 6:30 pm ET and some bomb-ass brownies certainly fit that bill. Mix and match bites with some chips and dip for the full salty/savory experience.
What are you bringing to a Super Bowl potluck?
- bonus points for recipe/link!
Crockpot buffalo chicken dip is my go-to. It's easy, delicious, and can be prepped at home and brought in the crockpot. Goes great with chips, veggies, or pretty much anything. Just be sure to use shredded chicken instead of chunk chicken for optimal consistency.
- Jonathan Fuller
I’m a #dipboy, so I’m bringing a hot spinach and artichoke dip. And before you lambast me for introducing vegetables to a day meant for gluttony and meat farts, know that this dish has mayonnaise and multiple cheeses (cream, Parmesan, and the one named after the guy from Everybody Loves Raymond). Eat it with tortilla chips or some nice crusty bread.
Dip train is starting to roll out of control. But it’s this 3-ingredient cream cheese sausage dip. Easy to make and delicious! Just make sure to get Tostitos Scoops to go with it! #notsponsored
Dip is great, especially when you use Rotisserie chicken in your buffalo chicken dip. With dips covered, I'm going with a shareable that seems to be grossly underappreciated among individuals over the age of 12—pigs in a blanket. Some flakey croissants, lil smokies (the cheese ones if you're feeling like Gordon Ramsey), and some fancy sauce on the side? Unleash your inner child.
- Joe Metz
Chicken and waffle kabobs. I love to cook and I'm a fat kid at heart, so comfort foods like chicken and waffles are always on my mind. However, I'm always on the move during the game either standing up after a big play or talking with people during the commercials. So, I need something handy. This is the best of both worlds and I actually made these back in '21 and they were a hit with my kids (and my stomach).
This is not just because the Big Game is in New Orleans, but I'm bringing Jambalaya. There are a ton of great recipes but whatever I use, it needs to include chicken, sausage, and shrimp. This is the dish meant to make sure you put something delicious and hearty in your stomach so you can continue enjoying your beverages of choice. That combination of spices, the holy trinity, and a protein threesome mixed together with rice works with any Super Bowl party theme. It will be the first empty dish on the table—guaranteed.
All of this sounds wonderful. So, I’m bringing a big appetite. Thanks for the invite, guys!
Ya, I'll have what she's having!
What is the most overrated Super Bowl food?
This is a controversial take, but I'm going to say chicken wings. It's not because they aren't good—wings are fantastic—but they're messy. I want to be consuming a variety of foods and drinks which gets a lot more difficult if I'm constantly needing to clean my hands. Great food but the logistics are a nightmare.
- Jonathan Fuller
I’ll say it—vegetable trays. If I was worried about being healthy during the Super Bowl, I’d watch the game from an elliptical machine.
Thank you, Cooterdoodle, for being so brave and standing up for what you believe in … Anyways, sorry Jake, but it’s spinach artichoke dip. Too many other good cheese dips. I will gladly try yours, though! 🙂
Buffalo chicken dip. I mean, c'mon people. Congrats—you know how to mix cream cheese, chicken, and a bottle of Frank's. We both know there's going to be leftovers after the game. And we both know they're going to sit there in your fridge until you "reluctantly" toss them out. Be better this year.
Nothing. This is a great time to benefit from other people’s hard work and kitchen expertise. Just make sure to show up with a decent store-bought item and take off the 50%-off tag before you arrive at the party.
Jonathan hit the nail on the head. The (over)rating is more about utility and efficiency than taste and enjoyment of the actual food. Chicken wings are simply a sub-optimal shareable for the Super Bowl.
- Joe Metz
I hate to pile on, but it's clearly wings. Just do chicken tenders instead and stop pretending like you live in a Bud Lite commercial from 1994. They are so impractical as a finger food.
When is the best time to refill your plate?
- i.e. during commercials, special teams, halftime show
This is probably another controversial take, but I'm usually totally fine with missing part of the halftime show to restock my food and drink. I am more excited for this year's halftime show than most others, but I still think it's the right answer.
- Jonathan Fuller
All opinions are valid … Except for Jonathan’s. I’m not missing one second of Kendrick Lamar’s set OR the appearance from SZA. Just grab more food when you need a drink refill (unless it’s halftime).
Trick question—the entire spread is on the coffee table in front of the couch.
You don’t have to refill if you fill adequately the first time. The key is to stack your plate until it’s one false step from Jenga-ing all over the ground. But that’s just me, the host of the party (and the owner of the carpet) might have a different take.
This is why I stay standing or I'm usually on the edge of my seat most of the time. Anyway, right after a failed third-down attempt is the best time. You (likely) won't miss any action during the punt and can get back for the commercials.
During the official reviews is optimal, but anytime during the game is fine. You don’t want to miss the commercials or the halftime show since that is what we’re here for.
Special teams is the perfect time to get your refill. When the offense or defense is running off the field, run to the table or the bar and get right. Even if there is something that happens, they will replay it a million times. You can't leave during halftime and you never want to leave when the offenses are on the field. The truth is you can't leave during commercials. Sacrifice the special team's time.
Not halftime, that means you miss the main event. I like Swing's call. Make sure your spread is within close proximity to your viewing experience, then you won't have to worry about missing anything at all.
- Joe Metz
In the middle of an important drive. Just like when you are at a stadium, you can't go to the concession stand at the exact same time as everyone else and wait in lines. Being able to load up while no one is watching is a true luxury. You can even sneak in some added bites that don't even ever reach your plate that the football-watching slappies will never even know about.
Pick one: Philly Cheesesteaks or Kansas City BBQ?
I hate having to pick just one, both are great options, but if I can only have one I'm going Kansas City BBQ all the way!
- Jonathan Fuller
It’s Philly Cheesesteaks and it’s not particularly close … Heartburn and indigestion for a week? No thanks!
KC BBQ all day, baby! There's just no substitute for it.
Because whichever food I choose could be considered an endorsement for that team—and because I’m rooting for a historic Super Bowl double loss—I’m going with Secret Option #3: Jambalaya. In honor of the host city.
Kansas City Cheesesteaks. Always be the contrarian in the room.
KC BBQ, no hesitation.
- Joe Metz
As a card-carrying big back, I resent the idea that I have to choose. What's the point of being a football fan if I can't indulge in all of the yummy regional goodness? At my Super Bowl party, I like to recreate dishes made famous in the participating cities. I would never want to choose. I feel sorrow for those who feel they must.
BBQ. I like variety and a cheesesteak is just one giant behemoth ball of the same thing.
What is your go-to Super Bowl beverage?
I have two answers depending on where I am. At home, I'm drinking New Glarus Spotted Cow beer. If I'm out at a bar my go-to drink is a Crown Apple Mule (just a moscow mule with Crown Apple instead of vodka).
- Jonathan Fuller
Since the big game is in New Orleans this year, I’ll give you a few of my favorite locally brewed beers born out of Louisiana. (To the editors: I may add more. Let me do some extra taste testing real quick … for science.)
- Fruity
- Brewery: ABITA
- Beer Name: Purple Haze
- Lager
- Brewery: Urban South
- Beer Name: Paradise Park
- IPA
- Brewery: Gnarly Barley
- Beer Name: Jucifer
- Double Dry Hopped IPA (that will melt your pants off - in a good way)
- Brewery: Parish
- Beer Name: Ghost In The Machine
Feel like I should probably just say a tall glass of water after Cooterdoodle’s answer …
I'll keep it generic, but a hazy/NE IPA or lager in the 5.0% ABV range is the ideal drink at the start of the game. They've got flavor and you won't regret having a few before halftime. However, if you have any rooting interest in the game, there are two paths you can go down around halftime.
If your team is winning, go with an old-fashioned. They're simple but imagine trying to toast your team winning the biggest game of the season holding a Bud Light. We're adults here. A bourbon-infused cocktail would be the classy way to kick off your team's championship reign.
However, if you're on the other side of the equation, get some jello shots. Regress to your college days (i.e., happier times) and forget the impending pain of a "what-if" season. Heck, organize a beer pong or flip cup tournament while you're at it. Forget the game. There's always next year!
Can we get these beer snobs out of the chat?
- Matt Swing (again)
The tears of the fans in the room of the team who lost
Modelo Especial with a lime wedge. Though, an old-fashioned is always a good choice, Bulleit or Eagle Rare, preferably.
- Joe Metz
Are we sharing our favorite drink or listing off every single thing we can think of (I'm looking at you, Cooterdoodle)?? My go-to drink is an ice-cold Mike's Hard Lemonade. Refreshing and delicious. (The rest of you could learn a lot from me).
