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.
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.
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.
This smooth and creamy garlic hummus is your trusty sidekick for any gathering.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Named after legendary American golfer Arnold Palmer, this half-lemonade half-iced tea drink is a summer classic.
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.
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!
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.
Check out some of our favorite game day recipes and make your game day party one to trump them all.