Super Bowl – Easy and Affordable Game Day Dishes

Hosting a Super Bowl party, or any party for that matter, doesn’t have to be stressful or super expensive. The day should be about enjoying the game, laughing at the commercials, and visiting with friends and family. Here are a few of my favorite tips and things I do to make the day stress-free, and if I’m relaxed and having fun, my guests are going to be relaxed and have fun.

Make a budget… First of all, you’re already being gracious by hosting, which involves some work, so don’t be afraid to ask others to bring a dish and/or drinks. It cuts down on your time in the kitchen and makes it more affordable, no matter your budget. 

I like to make a main, hearty dish like a big pot of chili or an enchilada casserole, something I can assemble ahead of time and doesn’t require a lot of attention on game day. I also like to serve an alcoholic punch or a big pitcher of a signature drink, which cuts down on costs and again, requires less time. We personally always ask guests to bring their drink of choice. 

If you’re short on serving dishes, Goodwill is a great place to find affordable trays, platters, bowls, etc. And I always buy our paper products like paper plates, disposable utensils, and cups at the Dollar Tree. If they don’t have specific “football” items, mix and match the colors of your favorite team.

CLEANING THE HOUSE… Pick the rooms everyone will be in and focus on those. The house doesn’t have to be cleaned from top to bottom. Pick up clutter, vacuum and dust, and freshen the bathroom. The kitchen, bathroom and of course TV room are the top three spots I focus on. 

MAKE A LIST… I can’t function without a list. My lists tend to be very detailed but I find if I spend a few extra minutes on the list, it makes everything easier and less stressful on party day. I do as much as I can the day before so I’m not rushing around and feeling frazzled right before our guests arrive. 

Bourbon-Citrus Punch….I Never Have A Drop Left!

 

PEPPERONI FOOTBALL CHEESE BALL

INGREDIENTS:

16 ounces cream cheese, room temp

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

8 ounces finely shredded Mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

10 ounces mini pepperoni slices, divided

3 thinly sliced green onion

1/2 cup chopped bacon

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

DIRECTIONS –

Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in Italian seasoning, Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. 

Add half the pepperoni, green onion bacon and red bell pepper. Mix together.

Put cheese mixture in middle of plastic wrap and wrap tightly. Using your hands, shape into a football. You can also line a small bowl with plastic wrap and spoon the cheese mix in. Press the mixture into bowl until it takes on a ball shape. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and transfer to a smooth surface and use hands to shape into a football.

Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 48 hours.

Serve with bread sticks pretzels, crackers, fresh vegetables, etc.

 

Buffalo Chicken Dip – So Good You Won’t Miss the Wings

 

BUFFALO DEVILED EGGS

Hard-boil 1 dozen eggs, let cool, peel and halve lengthwise. Scoop egg yolks into a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup mayo,  1/4 cup finely chopped celery and 2 tablespoons Buffalo sauce. Mash together. Spoon into egg whites and top with crumbled blue cheese. Chopped celery leaves or crumbled bacon are also great topping additions.

 

JARCUTERIE – (A Fun Spin on a Charcuterie Board)

A charcuterie board typically consists of an array of cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit, crackers or small slices of breads, sweet jams, tangy pickles, etc. 

I skipped the board and made these “jarcuterie” appetizers, which can be made ahead of guests arriving, and is an easy treat to snack on while watching the game. I went with a spicy version with salami, spiced nuts, stuffed pickled peppers, and pepper jack cheese. Serve in a glass jar or clear plastic cups for a pretty presentation.

Game day snacks can be heavy and rich so I like to include a refreshing and light salad on the buffet table. I skip the meat, cheese and croutons and fill the bowl with crispy and colorful veggies, which makes it perfect for any vegan/vegetarian/or gluten free guests. You can keep it simple or go wild with the ingredients. For added protein, toss in some garbanzo beans and/or nuts.

 

ALMOND JOY COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

14 ounce bag sweet coconut flakes

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup chopped almonds

14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

DIRECTIONS –

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon dough onto prepared baking sheet. Moisten fingers and shape into rounds and slightly flatten the tops. 

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until the tips of coconut are just starting to turn golden brown.