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Taking Sides: Tips for a Winning Game Day Menu

Regardless of the game's final score, your party will win big with chicken wings, dips, and refreshing drinks on your side!
Taking Sides: Tips for a Winning Game Day Menu
Taking Sides: Tips for a Winning Game Day Menu
SideChef
Welcome to SideChef's original recipes. Created from scratch in the SideChef Kitchen, where recipe inspiration and ingredient experimentation is a way of life.
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SideChef
Welcome to SideChef's original recipes. Created from scratch in the SideChef Kitchen, where recipe inspiration and ingredient experimentation is a way of life.
GO TO BLOG

Put Me In, Coach!

Calling all sports fanatics and foodies! Game days are the best excuse to have fun with your food while watching your favorite team battle it out on the playing field.

No Party Fouls Here

Successfully tackling the game day festivities will be the difference between your friends tweeting that yours was the quintessential party of the year, or awkwardly hanging around wishing they stayed home and watched the game with a big bag of Cheetos. Here are SideChef’s tips for planning the ultimate game day party.

All Hands on Deck

In the spirit of team sports, try foods that can easily be passed around. Guacamole has become the official dip of the Super Bowl, so no need to recreate the wheel. For a more ethnic twist try hummus, salsa, or baba ganoush with pita bread and chips. They can be easily enjoyed while kicking back and watching the game.

Hummus Where the Heart Is

EASYLOW-FAT

Smooth Garlic Hummus

30 Pounds of Apples

This smooth and creamy garlic hummus is your trusty sidekick for any gathering.

Wingin' It

You can’t just wing it when it comes to planning a party. But chicken wings are easy to handle and a delicious option for party guests. If you're worried about frying with all the game day commotion try a double cooking technique. Place your wings under a tinfoil tent with a cup of water and bake in the oven. Then crisp up the skin under the broiler.

Go for a Dip

It is better to dip than drown your wings in sauce, making them sad and soggy. Try unique versions of classic chicken wing recipes for more diversity, along with a few different dipping sauces.

Smokin' Hot

PEANUT-FREETREE NUT-FREE

Smoked Party Wings

How to BBQ Right

What Tailgate Party doesn’t need a huge tray of hot wings? This recipe is always a crowd-pleaser and it’s easy to make a ton of these wings for game day. We’re skipping the hot oil and firing up the smoker!

Finger-Licking Good

EASYLOW-FAT

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dressing

Domesticate Me

These fingies are all kinds of epic. They’re the juiciest, most insanely flavorful buffalo tenders you've ever had. The awesomeness is largely due to the fact that the chicken tenders are marinated in ranch dressing, so each fiery bite has a layer of tangy ranch baked in.

One-Two Punch

Plan on having plenty of beverages since watching an exciting game sure works up a thirst. While you can certainly include the traditional party drinks like beers and sodas, try your hand at creating your own cocktails and sparkling beverages for guests to enjoy as well. For lighter options, try a party punch. Add some bubbles by mixing in club soda, and garnish with a few fresh mint sprigs.

Half and Half

EASYLOW-FAT

Arnold Palmer Half and Half

SideChef

Named after legendary American golfer Arnold Palmer, this half-lemonade half-iced tea drink is a summer classic.

Rep Your Team

To make your game day even more festive, try out some customizable recipes that let you show off your team pride as you snack! Colored candies are a great way to add a splash of representation to the bowl.

Customize It

EASYFISH-FREE

Gridiron Gameday Party Mix for the Big Game

Buy This Cook That

This snack party mix is so easy and fun. Plus, you can make it game day ready by using your favorite team’s colors. Crunchy and munchy, you will want plenty of this party mix on hand for snacking your way through football parties, tailgates, and more!

The Down-Low on Decor

Feel free to add game-day-themed decorations. But don’t get too wrapped up in party streamers, team colors, and face paint. Your guests just want a view of the television screen and a clear path to the food table. Have lots of paper towels, napkins, and rug cleaner on hand for messes created during the nail-biting touchdowns.

Get the Party Started

Check out some of our favorite game day recipes and make your game day party one to trump them all.

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