Whether you’re hosting a crowd for game day or watching the Super Bowl with just your immediate family, you’ll want to have snacks on hand to enjoy during the Big Game. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on takeout or pre-made treats to make a great party spread. Check out these Super Bowl party food ideas and recipes that you can make on the cheap.
Hosting a game-day party? See more ideas for throwing a Super Bowl party on the cheap.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Chili
If you want a substantial meal rather than just snacks while you cheer for your favorite team, chili is the way to go. The ingredients don’t cost much, it’s filling and it goes great with chips and beer. Here’s an easy recipe you can whip up in no time.
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- One can of chili beans
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- One tomato (diced)
- Diced onion to taste
- Additional chili powder to taste
Brown ground beef and drain. Put all ingredients in a crock pot or on the stove. Add 1-2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer to desired consistency. Serve with crackers and shredded cheese.
Nachos
We’d bet that nachos are the most popular Super Bowl party food. This simple recipe is cheap and delicious.
- One brick of Velveeta
- Picante sauce to taste (I use about ¾ of a medium jar per medium brick of Velveeta)
Melt above together in a crock pot or on the stove. Serve with tortilla chips.
Mexican multi-layer dip
For a nacho alternative, throw together a bean-and-cheese layered dip to serve with tortilla chips. My favorite recipe is a five-layer dip, though seven layers (adding black olive slices, tomatoes, green onions and/or guacamole) is also common. It’s also a filling option if you need vegetarian party snacks.
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 block of Neufchatel or cream cheese
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 16 oz. salsa (southwestern style, preferably)
- 8 oz. shredded cheese (Mexican blend is ideal)
- 1 lime
In a 9×13 pan, layer the first five ingredients one on top of the other. Cut the lime in half, and put one half face down in the middle of the dish. Cut the other half into pieces and put each piece face down on either end of the pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Serve with tortilla chips. (Lime-flavored tortilla chips are the best with this dip.)
Potato skins
More carbs with cheese? Yes, please! It’s game day after all. Potato skins will help soak up all the beer you might be drinking – especially if the game gets hairy or your team starts losing. This three-ingredient recipe for potato skins will have your football fans coming up for seconds and thirds.
- 4 potatoes
- Bacon bits
- Mexican or cheddar cheese
Bake potatoes in microwave. Cut lengthwise into quarters. Scoop out centers, leaving ¼ to ½ inch of potato in skin. Deep fry skins until golden brown. Top with cheese and bacon bits. Microwave until cheese melts (1-2 minutes). Serve with sour cream.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Fat pigs in a blanket
Pigs in a blanket are a popular Super Bowl finger food, but if you’ve got a hungry fan base, try fat pigs in a blanket instead. They’re incredibly easy to make. All you need are croissant/crescent dinner rolls (any brand), hot dogs; and ketchup and mustard.
Check the directions on the croissant/crescent roll package and preheat oven to the temperature required for regular cooking. Unroll dough and place triangles on a pan. Place a hot dog at the base of the triangle. Roll up the dog in the dough. Make sure there is some space between each roll. See package for cooking time (usually 10 to 15 minutes). Serve with ketchup and mustard.
Fancy salsa
You don’t have to settle for boring store-brand salsa on game day. Create salsa variety on your platter with the following trick. For every eight ounces of salsa, add a tablespoon or two of either sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a creamy salsa blend.
Blue cheese and jam crackers
Looking for a cheap Super Bowl snack that looks fancy? Whip up a batch of crackers topped with blue cheese and jam.
You can use any kind of club crackers, though I prefer Keebler because they’re almost always on sale. Pick up a container of blue cheese crumbles meant for salads (much cheaper than a chunk of blue cheese from the deli) and raspberry or strawberry jam. It must be jam; jelly is a little too watery. Place crackers on a tray or plate, then use a knife to spread a thin layer of jam on each cracker. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
Football cake or cupcakes
If your football fans like something sweet, skip the store-bought fancy cakes and cupcakes topped with plastic footballs. A box of cake mix or some pantry staples are a cheaper way to make your own Super Bowl-themed dessert.
Ice cupcakes in team colors or use frosting to draw footballs on top. For a football-shaped cake, bake a round cake, cut out a strip down the middle, push the two remaining sides together to create that oblong football shape, cover with brown chocolate frosting and draw on the laces with white icing.
Need more recipes? Try some of these cheap, healthy party snack ideas.
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