Football season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate the excitement of opening Sunday than by gathering friends and family for an epic game day feast. Whether you’re a seasoned host or new to throwing game day parties, the key to a successful football Sunday is having the perfect menu. Here are the best foods to serve on opening Sunday that will have everyone cheering—regardless of what happens on the field!
1. Classic Chicken Wings
No football party is complete without a plate of hot, crispy chicken wings. Whether you prefer them spicy, sweet, or tangy, wings are a must-have for any game day spread. Offering a variety of sauces—like buffalo, BBQ, and garlic parmesan—allows guests to customize their plates. Don’t forget to serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and plenty of napkins for the mess!
2. Loaded Nachos
Nachos are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing and easily customizable. Start with a base of tortilla chips, then pile on melted cheese, seasoned ground beef or chicken, black beans, jalapeños, salsa, and guacamole. For an extra touch, add toppings like sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and cilantro. Serve these cheesy delights on a large platter, and watch them disappear as fast as your guests can grab them.
3. Sliders
Sliders are a fun, bite-sized option for game day, and they’re easy to make in bulk. You can go with classic beef sliders topped with cheese, lettuce, and pickles, or mix it up with BBQ pulled pork or chicken sliders. For a vegetarian option, black bean or veggie burgers can satisfy all guests. Serve them on soft mini buns for a perfect game day snack.
4. Chili Bar
A warm bowl of chili is a comforting and filling option for football Sunday, especially as the fall season starts. You can prepare a big pot of beef chili or offer a variety of chili options, including turkey or vegetarian versions. Set up a chili bar with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, and cornbread. It’s an interactive way for guests to create their ideal chili bowl.
5. Pizza
Pizza is a football-watching staple, and it’s easy to order or make your own at home. Offer a variety of flavors, from classic pepperoni to veggie-loaded or even BBQ chicken pizzas. For a more personalized approach, consider setting up a DIY pizza station where guests can add their own toppings to individual-sized pizza doughs before baking. Whether store-bought or homemade, pizza is guaranteed to be a hit.
6. Dips and Chips
Dips are essential for any game day spread, offering something for everyone to snack on throughout the game. Popular options include:
- Guacamole: A creamy avocado-based dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
- Queso: A rich, melted cheese dip that’s great for dipping chips or drizzling over nachos.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip that’s best served warm with bread or chips.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: A tangy and spicy dip that combines shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese.
Set up a variety of dips with an assortment of chips, crackers, and bread, and you’ll have a station that’s a game day win.
7. Grilled Hot Dogs and Brats
If you’re looking to fire up the grill, hot dogs and bratwursts are a game day classic. Set up a hot dog bar with an array of toppings like mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, chili, cheese, and sauerkraut so guests can build their own creations. Grilled hot dogs are easy to eat and keep everyone fueled for the excitement of the game.
8. Taco Bar
A taco bar adds variety and a bit of flair to your game day menu. Provide a mix of proteins like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or carnitas, and set out bowls of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapeños. Offer both soft and hard taco shells, and let guests build their own tacos. It’s a delicious and customizable way to satisfy a large group.
9. Soft Pretzels and Beer Cheese
Soft pretzels with beer cheese dip are the perfect game day snack. The salty, chewy pretzels pair perfectly with a warm, gooey beer cheese dip made from cheddar cheese and your favorite brew. This combo will have guests coming back for more, and it adds a fun, pub-style vibe to your football Sunday.
10. Dessert: Brownies and Cookies
No football party is complete without something sweet to finish off the feast. Brownies and cookies are the perfect desserts to serve because they’re easy to make, easy to eat, and loved by everyone. Consider football-themed desserts like cookies decorated to look like footballs or cupcakes topped with miniature goalposts for a festive touch.
Drinks: Beer, Seltzer, and Soft Drinks
Don’t forget the drinks! Football Sunday pairs perfectly with ice-cold beer, hard seltzers, and a variety of soft drinks for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options. You can also create a signature cocktail for the day, such as a spiked punch or themed drinks in your team’s colors. Keep a cooler or two stocked and easily accessible, so guests can grab drinks throughout the game.
Football opening Sunday is more than just the start of the season—it’s an opportunity to gather friends, family, and fellow fans for a day of food, fun, and excitement. With a menu that includes crowd-pleasers like wings, nachos, sliders, and chili, your game day feast will be just as memorable as the action on the field. So, stock up on these delicious essentials and get ready to host the ultimate football party as the new season begins!
Learn more at: https://www.delish.com/entertaining/g2171/super-bowl-food-menu/
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The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!