When the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles square off on Sunday for Super Bowl LIX, the focus for many gatherings large and small will be the food. Whether you like wings, pizza, chili or nachos, the big game is often a time to celebrate our favorite noshing items as much as it is to root for our favorite team.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker have not set their food-based friendly wagers yet for the game, but in the past, Lucas has put up famous Kansas City barbecue against pizza and beer from Philly. Perhaps cheesesteaks this year?
Both cities are iconic foodie destinations and can offer up inspiration for game day. Make sure to celebrate the host city as well — New Orleans. Consider pulling from southern fare for a Big Easy-themed comfort food palate, or treat your taste buds to Cajun-inspired spicy seafood bites.
Here are some ideas to make your party planning easier, or some crowd-pleasing choices if you are invited to a party: include some easy to assemble but oh-so-delicious fare.
For example, “build your own” bars are always fun and a great way to let people pick and choose items that work for them. Think taco bar, mini nacho bar, build your own personal pizza, a hot dog topping bar or slider burger bar.
Charcuterie boards are another popular way to offer a wide variety of options to guests without cooking. Arrange nuts, olives, hard and soft cheeses, salami, grapes, crackers and breadsticks on a large tray in small groupings. A small jar of pepper jelly, perhaps some pub cheese in a crock and you are good to go.
Don’t forget fun classics like sweet and salty mixes, green chili and tomatoes melted into that iconic orange cheese with tortilla chips, onion dip with ruffled potato chips, or a calzone from your favorite shop.
Even the premade pepperoni and cheese platters are quick and easy alongside a shrimp ring. Artichoke dip — a cup of mayonnaise, a cup of parmesan, and a drained can of artichoke hearts all baked and bubbly is another crowd pleaser.
If you’re hosting this year, the crock pot is your best friend. Its “set it and forget it” nature makes this an ideal way to pre-assemble your dishes to avoid stress on the big day in batches large enough to feed a hungry crowd of football fans. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that you can cook and serve from, keeping your food warm through each touchdown.
Crock pots can even be used for serving hot drinks on a freezing February day — hot cocoa is a fan favorite. For quick and easy cleanup, crock pot liners are sold online and in stores.
Whether you’re cheering for the Chiefs — again — or singing “Fly Eagles Fly” this Sunday, have fun with the day and enjoy spending time with family and friends. You can always get back to your New Year’s diet resolutions on Monday.