Super Bowl Snacks

Hosting a Super Bowl party for the first time can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and some easy recipes (or clever takeout shortcuts), you’ll be ready to feed a hungry crowd and have fun in the process. Here’s how to pull it off like a pro, step by step. Oh, and if you haven’t yet started your party pool — now is the time! Click here to learn how to play.

Click here to download your copy

Start with a Game Plan

Think of hosting a Super Bowl party the same way a coach plans for the big game—start early, map out your strategy, and tackle each step one by one.

• Decide on Guest Count: Estimate how many people you’ll have. This affects how much food to make (or order), how much seating you need, and how many supplies to buy.
• Check Your Space: Make sure you have enough seating or comfortable spots for people to watch the game. Don’t hesitate to ask friends to bring extra folding chairs.
• Set a Budget: Know what you can spend on food, drinks, and decorations before you start buying or ordering.

Plan a Crowd-Pleasing Menu

Food is the heart of every Super Bowl party, and you’ll want a good mix of easy-to-munch snacks and hearty main dishes.

Keep It Flexible

• Multiple Options: Offer a variety of choices—some spicy, some mild, a vegetarian option, and something sweet. This way, everyone finds something they like.
• Remember Dietary Needs: Ask guests in advance if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian), and plan accordingly.

Make or Buy?

Simplify game day plans with meat from ButcherBox

• Homemade Highlights: Choose one or two dishes to prepare yourself—something you’re comfortable making and that can feed a crowd (like buffalo chicken dip or chili).
• Order the Rest: Don’t stress about making everything from scratch. Pizza, wings, subs, or taco bars from local restaurants or chain eateries can fill in the gaps.

Easy Recipes for Beginners

Click here to download your copy of our Super Bowl recipes

Even if you’ve never cooked for a crowd before, these recipes are simple, tasty, and easy to scale.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Why It’s Great: Creamy, tangy, and guaranteed to be a hit.
• Basic Ingredients: Shredded chicken (canned or rotisserie), cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• How to Make It:
  1. Mix everything in a baking dish.
  2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
  3. Serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.

Sheet Pan Nachos

• Why It’s Great: Quick to assemble and feeds a crowd.
• Basic Ingredients: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, black beans, jalapeños (optional), guacamole, sour cream.
• How to Make It:
  1. Spread chips on a sheet pan.
  2. Top with cheese, beans, and jalapeños.
  3. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until cheese is melted (about 5-10 minutes).
  4. Add guacamole and sour cream on top before serving.

Slider Bar

• Why It’s Great: Interactive, and guests can customize.
• Base Options: Hawaiian rolls, mini burger patties, pulled pork, sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, condiments.
• How to Make It:
  1. Pre-cook your protein (or buy pre-cooked pulled pork).
  2. Set up a station with buns, meats, and toppings.
  3. Let everyone build their own.
  4. Optionally toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes if you want melted cheese.

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

• Why It’s Great: Super easy dessert, no baking required.
• Basic Steps:
  1. Melt chocolate chips or candy melts.
  2. Dip half of each pretzel rod (or pretzel twist).
  3. Place on parchment paper and add sprinkles in team colors.

Scale Your Recipes for a Crowd

If a recipe is meant for 6 and you’ve got 12 people, just double everything. Use this formula to figure out ingredient amounts:

(Number of Guests ÷ Recipe’s Serving Size) = Multiplier

Then multiply each ingredient by that number. We also have a recipe calculator available here. If you’re worried about too much food, remember that leftovers can be a blessing—or a tasty party favor for guests to take home.

Ordering Food Like a Pro

If you’re short on time or not comfortable cooking for a crowd, ordering is your MVP move.

• Pizza: Call or order online from your favorite pizzeria. Make sure you have a variety of toppings (pepperoni, cheese, veggie, etc.).
• Wings: Look for wing deals from spots like Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, or local bars. Order multiple flavors so guests can sample.
• Taco or Burrito Bowls: Chipotle, Qdoba, or local Mexican restaurants often have catering packages. Great for a build-your-own station.
• Party Trays: Many grocery stores or sandwich shops (like Subway) offer party trays with sandwiches, wraps, or deli meats for easy serving.

Pro Tip: Super Bowl Sunday is a busy day for takeout. Order at least a day or two in advance to reserve your spot and avoid long wait times.

Prepping and Cooking Ahead

Click here for my favorite kitchen knife for cooking

Getting as much done beforehand frees you up to watch the game—and your guests will appreciate a relaxed host.

• Chop Veggies Early: Store chopped vegetables in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Make Dips the Night Before: Buffalo chicken dip or spinach artichoke dip can be pre-mixed and refrigerated, then popped in the oven right before guests arrive.
• Use Slow Cookers: Chili, pulled pork, or queso dip can stay warm without any extra fuss.

Setting Up Your Food Stations

On game day, organization is everything.

• Separate Zones: Keep drinks in one spot (like a cooler), main dishes on the kitchen counter or dining table, and snacks on a coffee table or sideboard.
• Label Dishes: Write simple labels or use small chalkboards for each dish so people know exactly what they’re grabbing.
• Keep It Moving: Spreading out food and drinks prevents guests from crowding in one place.

Clean as You Go

A tidy kitchen and serving area mean less stress when the final whistle blows.

• Disposable (or Compostable) Dinnerware: Plates, cups, and utensils that you can toss or compost keep dishes to a minimum.
• Trash and Recycling Bins: Make them easy to see so guests can help tidy up.
• Have Wipes and Paper Towels Handy: Quick spills are inevitable during an enthusiastic touchdown celebration.

Don’t Forget the Leftovers

After a big game, you’ll likely have leftover food. Instead of letting it go to waste, pack up small portions for your guests.

• Send Them Home Happy: Provide little containers or zip-lock bags so everyone can take a taste of leftover sliders, brownies, or dip.
• Thank-You Note or Recipe Card: Tuck in a quick “Thanks for coming!” card or even a printed recipe so guests can recreate their favorite dish at home.

Stay in the Game (and Enjoy It!)

The whole point of hosting is to have fun and share the excitement of the game with your friends and family. Here are a few final tips:

• Have a Schedule in Mind: Aim to have all food ready at least 30 minutes before kickoff so you’re not scrambling once the game starts.
• Keep Drinks Stocked: Whether it’s soda, water, or beer, make sure there’s enough for everyone.
• Relax and Mingle: Don’t stress if something doesn’t go perfectly—your guests are there to enjoy the game, good food, and good company.

Ready to Host Like a Pro?

Download our free Super Bowl Party Checklist, loaded with recipes, prep timelines, and a foolproof grocery list to make your hosting experience easier than ever. You’ll also get a printable “Game Day Bingo” sheet to keep everyone entertained during commercial breaks and halftime.

[Get My Free Super Bowl Party Checklist]