The Super Bowl may not be a national holiday, but it’s darn close. When it comes to food for fans of the big game, it’s all about big flavors, fun, and sharing. Historically, Super Bowl foods are creative takes on American classics like burgers, hot dogs, ribs and wings. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most significant Super Bowl food trends that have played out over the years. And, as a bonus, we’ve included a few hints to turn these classic game-party snacks up a notch.
Potato Skins
You can’t go wrong with a crisp russet potato skin with melted cheese, chives, and bacon. Add pepper jack cheese, prosciutto, and fresh thyme to take it up a notch.
Pigs in a Blanket
Kids love it, dads love it, and so do football fans — hot dogs rolled in the crescent dough are sure to please. But you can do better. Try replacing those hot dogs with mini sausages in a flaky crescent roll for more flair.
Jalapeño Poppers
An excellent appetizer for just about any occasion, jalapeño poppers are one of the more adventurous foods of the Super Bowl spread. But you can score extra points by wrapping them in bacon and baking them in the oven.
Deviled Eggs
Everyone loves deviled eggs. People think of excuses just to walk through the kitchen and grab one. You can put an amusing twist on this Super Bowl classic by using pesto dip to draw football stitches on the yellow centers.
Chicken Wings
It’s not a Super Bowl party without chicken wings. They can be spicy, cheesy, garlicky, or sweet and sour. But if you really want to make yours stand out, spice them up with a very light dusting of ghost peppers — and bring the pain.
Nachos
If you forget the nachos, you might as well go home. Guacamole, beans, cheese, and chips and salsa make for an aces’ combination. But, with some bacon bits, avocado pieces and chili instead of beans — now you’ve got Macho Nachos!
Chili
In some parts of the country, chili cook-offs are a Super Bowl unto themselves. Chili is great for warming up and sticking to your ribs on a winter Sunday. But it’s the spiciness that makes it stand out. Double down on your favorite hot sauce and add extra sharp cheddar cheese, and you might inspire others to up their chili game next year.
Pizza
The immortal, ineffable pizza pie. Sure, it’s fun to order from a local shop. But if you want to make it count — homemade from fresh ingredients is a surefire hit!
And there you have it … eight food trends that have evolved with our Super Bowl feasts.