Contributed by Info Guru Lindsay Shugerman
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, and I can’t wait! Even though my team didn’t make it to the big game, it’s still going to be fun. Football. Friends. And of course, lots and lots of food. Oh wait! That’s a lot of food to buy and cook, right? Especially if you hope to actually watch the game, too.
Actually, if you plan it right it’s easier than you think to create a feast worthy of this highlight of the football season. Here are ten ideas for stress-free ways to feed a Super Bowl crowd and still have time to watch the game yourself.
10. Bake in bulk
Forget trying to make two dozen different kinds of treats for Super Bowl Sunday. Pick out two or three of your most popular baked treats and make double or triple batches. Less mixing, less fuss, lots of food. Just make sure you stock up on extras of all your baking ingredients before the big day…you do not want to have to head to the grocery store the morning of the game! Madness!
9. Go overboard with appetizers
Super Bowl 2015 is all about the sea-loving cities of Boston and Seattle, so why not go for a seafood theme? Select a variety of premade seafood appetizers, add some of your own easy-to-make creations and you’re ready for kick off with a minimum of fuss.
8. They cook it, you carve it
A turkey is a great addition to a Super Bowl buffet, but who has time to cook it? (And hey, we just got through the holidays — enough of that all-day oven tending, right?) But if you order a couple of smoked, pre-cooked turkeys you can have all the taste people love without the work. And because it’s best at room temperature, all you need to do is slice it and provide sandwich fixings.
7. Healthy game food? Why not?
No, it is not against the rules of Super Bowl Sunday to serve healthy food. Really! In fact, with all the diets and special food sensitivity these days it might be a good time to offer things like baskets of fruit and bowls of cut up fresh veggies during the game. It’s gluten-free, vegan and paleo (not to mention Kosher and Halal) — not many food choices beat that.
6. The classics…lots of chips, lots of dips
Sometimes you just can’t improve on the classics. When it comes to game day food, that means great big bowls of all kinds of chips. And lots of little bowls of savory dips and salsa. Fill a second table with bottles of soda, cups and ice and you’re set. It couldn’t get easier than this.
5. Chili time!
In my house, a Super Bowl party means making big pots of chili with all the fixings. I make an extra spicy version for myself, my family and a few brave friends. And a second much tamer recipe for everyone else. A big bowl of rice, plus lots of toppings like grated cheddar cheese, chopped onions and whatever else strikes my fancy at the market goes on the buffet, too. All I have to do at game time is slice up some crusty French bread, and the food is ready to enjoy.
4. The Mexican drive-through trick
Several national Mexican fast food chains offer party packs of tacos and other tasty snackage that’s just perfect for a Super Bowl gathering. All you have to do is place your order in advance, hop in the car and pick up the party food all hot and ready. Add a “homemade” touch by making some quick nachos (put cheese and jalapenos in a glass bowl, microwave and pour over chips), then sit down with your guests to enjoy the game.
3. Bring on the cheese
Setting up a cheese board is a perfect choice for feeding lots of people without spending all day (or all week) in the kitchen. Start with a variety of hard and soft cheeses, add crusty bread, bowls of marinated olives, and some good wine. You can also add fresh fruit or sliced sausages or other meats to the table.
2. Subs still work
I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like those giant 6′ long subs. Not only are they cool to see, they feed a whole bunch of people and they don’t require prep work in your kitchen. Order at least one meatless version for your veggie guests (no, removing the meat after the fact does not count), and a gluten-free option if they offer one.
1. Make it a potluck
You don’t have to do it alone. All the shopping and cooking, I mean. When a crowd is coming to watch the Super Bowl, a potluck is a simple and affordable way to have lots of food without anyone spending a lot of money. If you provide the paper plates and other basics, plus some beverages, the guests can bring their favorite game day food and beverages to share. Everyone’s happy, no one spends hours and hours cooking. Perfect.
No matter what you decide to offer for Super Bowl Sunday, make sure you get to watch the game, too. Now go eat, drink and cheer. It’s Super Bowl time!