Making Big Game Food Preparation Easier

Want to host a winning Big Game party without the stress of complicated food prep? With a little planning and a crowd-pleasing menu, you can ensure the day goes off without a hitch.

Looking for ways to tackle snack preparation and feed a large group effortlessly? Keep reading for tips on how to make Big Game food prep simple and enjoyable.

4 Food Prep Hacks for Game Day

Spend more time rooting for your team and focusing less on the second most important thing about football: the food! Crush your food preparation this year with top tips to minimize stress and maximize flavor.

1. Make Food a Community Affair

Host the big game without all the responsibility. Invite friends and family to bring a dish or drink, and develop some team-themed foods to make the food fun and interesting.

When asking for guests to contribute dishes, outline all the details:

• Be clear about what you are providing to avoid menu double-ups
• Consider curating a list of items and beverages to distribute among the groups and let people sign up for dishes.
• Ask about heating or cooling needs for the items to help prepare your space.
• Plan for any dietary restrictions the group may have.

Check Out Our Dietary Restrictions Infographic

2. Pre-Game for Success

When it comes to food prep, pre-gaming means getting your space ready for guests before they arrive. Whether your party is pot-luck style or BYOB, having areas available for platters and beverages is essential.

• Grab ice and coolers to store refreshments. When people arrive, they will have a place to put their beverages. This creates an accessible grab-your-own option, so no one has to play host to drinks.
• Make room in the fridge to store party-goers’ cold dishes until it’s time to eat. 
• Set up food station areas where dishes can be easily placed upon arrival. Take a tip from catering professionals and use chafing dishes and sterno to keep hot food hot without the fuss of making room in the oven.

3. Make the Menu a Touchdown

Great food doesn’t have to take a lot of effort, especially during the Super Bowl! Keep the menu simple and stick to crowd favorites. 

• Start with snacks like chips, spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, salsa, and charcuterie boards.
• Taco spreads, pizza, crockpot chili, and build-your-own BBQ sandwich platters are easy ways to fill hungry bellies with low effort.
• For a sweet treat, brownies, churros, assorted candy, and football cupcakes are easy and fun.

4. Cook Less with Prepared Food

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the last thing most people want to do is spend game day cooking. Luckily, local restaurant supply stores have plenty of professional-grade, pre-made food options to make food prep stress-free. Here are just a few big game party-approved foods that come perfectly made:

• Seasoned, cooked chicken wings or boneless nuggets
• Canned chili
• Pizza dough, including a cauliflower version for gluten-free guests
• Jalapeno poppers or onion rings
• Pulled pork and chicken
• Mini tacos or corn dogs 

While at your bulk grocery supply store, don’t forget to pick up condiments, buns, bakery items, paper goods, fresh veggies, and other menu items!

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DOWNLOAD OUR CHECKLIST: Game Day Food Prep Checklist