Super Bowl fever is mounting all across North America, and among NA expats around the world. The game’s not until Sunday, but you should really start thinking now about what you’re going to serve those gathered to watch the big game…
An exotic collection of Mini Pakoras, Samosas and Naanpanandas with
a Sweet and Spicy Tamarind Dipping Sauce. Jut one of many
Party Pack selections offered by M&M Food Markets.
I just read ‘s latest ranking of Super Bowl Party Foods at www.sbnation.com. Some of his choices and where he ranks them don’t jive with my perception of the event, but I do agree with his decision to list only ‘stock, standard’ party foods. I think that most of us who are planning to make an event of the Super Bowl this Sunday would rather keep it simple (though mouth-watering) than spend ho0urs and hours shopping and cooking all kinds of way-out chi-chi platter foods that most football fans couldn’t give a dang about.
So, here’s my ‘stock, standard’ list of SB LIII finger foods to have on hand.
Tried and true ‘mains’…
You can’t go wrong with Wings, your choice of flavourings. Get the kind you just heat in the oven and serve. Or a big bowl of Ranch Dressing for dipping. Folks will also dip other treats in Ranch, so do the big bowl.
Pizza is a great idea, especially if you’re not planning to serve an actual meal during the game. The game is in Atlanta (hosting its third Super Bowl) and kick-off time is 6:30 p.m. EST. Serve your Pizzas around either Lunch or Supper time, depending on which time zone you’re in. I like to keep it simple by buying some ‘better’ frozen Pies and loading them up with extra Cheese, Protein and other appropriate toppings.
Nachos are pooh-poohed as passé by food snobs these days, but folks still love them. They’re a little more work than loading Pizzas, but just as welcome! And every bite features a different combination of the ingredients you’ve topped with. Have Sour Cream on hand.
Dogs and Burgers are also traditional at sporting events. Go for big ‘Stadium’ Dogs and Slider Burgers; the long and short of it. Provide the standard toppings. Serve at half time, like a late supper.
Old, faithful finger foods…
Chips and Dips are foundation items of your Super Bowl spread. Potato and Corn, and a couple of dips that will complement the Sour Cream and Ranch already on the table.
International Mini Foods include everything from Fried Mozzarella Sticks, Mini Egg Rolls and Pigs in Blankets to Bacon-wrapped Scallops, Mini Samosas and Mini Spanakopita. One shop just minutes from my house specializes in frozen entrées, sides and appetizers. Their pre-Super Bowl flyer this week featured 4 full-sized newspaper pages of finger foods! Go nuts…
Moderation in all things…
…Including moderation. That was Julia Child’s credo. And I’ve always concurred. You don’t have to serve all of the above at your Super Bowl party. In fact, I personally feel you would be better off choosing one or two ‘mains’ and a selection of finger foods that complement one another. That not only keeps things easy for you but ensures that there won’t be piles of leftovers at the end of the night. Now, go forth and shop!
~ Maggie J.