If you’re planning to watch the Super Bowl, here are menu ideas that are easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for game day. Many of these dishes are part of my usual rotation for sports events; they travel well, can be served buffet-style, and accommodate different tastes and diets.
This year I’ll make a big pot of Weeknight Chili and set toppings out on the side so everyone can customize. If you prefer lighter meat, swap ground turkey for beef. For a vegetarian option, a Three-Bean Chili is just as satisfying and can be topped with the same fixings.
No Super Bowl at my house is complete without Buffalo chicken wings. For variety, try Buffalo cauliflower bites or Buffalo Brussels sprouts for a vegetarian take—both deliver the same spicy, tangy flavor that keeps guests coming back for more.
I also love offering healthy dips with plenty of fresh vegetables on the side. Dips are easy to prepare ahead and let guests graze without heavy plates. Good options include Cowboy Caviar (Texas caviar), White Bean Dip with Rosemary Oil, a lighter Artichoke Jalapeño Dip, a Healthy Seven Layer Dip, gluten-free Romesco, and Kale Guacamole. For a neat presentation, serve individual portions in small glass jars and add a few crudités to each one.
Additional game-day ideas
- Baked Feta and Tomato Confit — warm, savory, and great with crusty bread or crackers
- Cheese Bread — easy to pull apart and share
- The Best Ground Beef Tacos — the taco meat can also top nachos, smashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potato slices
- La Taqueria Green Sauce — a tangy, bright salsa verde inspired by the famous Mission District condiment
- Big Batch Jalapeño Margaritas — a festive cocktail for a larger crowd
These ideas are flexible, so mix and match to suit your guests’ preferences and dietary needs. Make what you can ahead of time—chili, dips, and sauces keep well and often taste better after resting—so you can enjoy the game without spending the whole time in the kitchen.
I also have many more recipes and menu suggestions in my cookbook, Dinner Is Done!, which is full of approachable, make-ahead meals and entertaining ideas.