Even food snobs know that Big Game celebrations are not about stuffy gourmet spreads, but instead are feasts of grab-and-go grub where the classic tailgate favorites are not only expected, but preferred. That's good news for you if you're hosting the gang for the Big Game this year because to score a touchdown as the host, all you have to do is whip up a selection of the following snacks, display them on a buffet table, and add a little decorative and flavorful flair. The best part? Putting together this delicious spread will take you less than an hour.
Sausages that Score
There may be no more popular party food than sausages. Luckily, they are ridiculously easy to prepare. Skip the cocktail franks and get some of the big, fat, gourmet varieties available in supermarkets, such as chicken apple, mushroom and cheese, Cajun style, and good old fashioned Italian sausages. Slice them into bite-size morsels, brown the cut sides in a pan over medium heat, and keep them warm on a baking sheet in the oven set on low. (The whole process should take about 15 minutes.)
Presentation: Pile them high on a platter and serve them with a variety of mustards and a collection of toothpicks (in team colors if possible!). Don't forget a container for discarded 'picks.
Insanely Good Nachos
So delicious and so easy to make, nachos are another crowd pleaser that are easy to prepare and refill mid-party. For the ultimate nachos experience, you can go traditional (sprinkle grated jack and cheddar cheese over tortilla chips piled high on a baking sheet; sprinkle sliced jalapenos and black olives drained, from a can, drained and rinsed black or pinto beans from a can, and, if you like, shredded baked chicken or cooked crumbled hamburger meat. Place the baking sheet under a preheated broiler for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions, diced avocado, and diced tomato). For a fancier version, sprinkle the chips with shredded jack cheese and pieces of brie, cooked diced shrimp, and jalapenos. Finish with avocado and mango cubes.
Presentation: Slide the nachos onto a serving platter and serve with a side of cocktail napkins for ultimate finger-food fun.
Crudités with Classic Onion Dip
Yes, you could serve broccoli florets and celery, carrot, and bell pepper sticks with healthier hummus, but why would you want to when you can whip up a perfectly decadent batch of classic onion dip in two minutes flat? All you need is one envelope of Lipton Onion Soup mix and 1 16-ounce tub of sour cream.
Presentation: Place the dip in a small bowl in the center of a large platter, arrange veggies around the dip, and serve.
Perfect Pizza
While you can certainly make your own pizza, why not let the pros do it for you? Order a pie or two from your favorite pizza delivery service and you've just knocked another noshable off your list with two minutes of effort.
Presentation: Flip the top and serve straight from the box! This is the Super Bowl, not a gala!
Buffalo Wings
It used to be that you had to buy chicken wings at establishments that made them-or make them yourself from scratch. But in recent years, various flavors of readymade wings have found their way to frozen food sections of grocers nationwide. To make things interesting, buy and prepare a variety of wings-think classic hot wings, teriyaki wings, or Tyson's chili-lime or honey-mustard flavor.
Presentation: Serve the wings on three separate platters; include a little team-color flag stating the type of wings on each. Include side ramekins of dips, such as blue cheese or red-hot sauce.
A Winning Bar
You don't need a fancy bar to get and keep this party started. Football is a beer event, so keep it simple and fun! Fill your largest cooler (or sink) with ice anchored with enough of your favorite brewskies to keep people satisfied. Don't forget to include waters and sodas for designated drivers, kids, and people who want to quench their thirst without getting a buzz.
Presentation: Serve with a side of team-color koozies and a permanent marker so each guest can claim a koozie, write their name on it, and never lose their drink.
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