Whether football is an occasion your family gathers for every Sunday or you’re simply looking for some delicious new dips and appetizers to try, here’s a simple template to use for a well-rounded spread designed to delight every palate.
A Light Cheese Board
Cheese and charcuterie boards have taken off and gotten, in some cases, wildly extravagant. A simple spread of soft cheese, a bowl of briny olives, pistachios, and crackers really goes a long way. Throw in a cured meat or two for good measure, if you like. Keep it simple and inviting.
Hearty Meatballs
Providing a heartier bite or two is a hospitable gesture to make sure guests are getting more than snack food. Oven-baked meatballs can be tossed in a simple barbecue sauce and served with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side. Another option is to opt for a nice marinara sauce and serve with crostini or freshly baked bread.
Chicken Wings
Dry-rub chicken wings can be served with a variety of sauces like buffalo, blue cheese, or sweet and spicy. These are a game-day staple for good reason. Always pair with celery and carrot sticks, of course.
A Fresh Salsa or Two
Whipping up a fresh mango salsa or your favorite pico de gallo is a great way to balance out the spread. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips - or bring it up a level and fry some fresh homemade chips (once you make them, there's no going back!)
Simple Kettle-Cooked Popcorn
Popcorn may not be the first thing you think of when planning your Sunday football spread, but trust this tip: popcorn, while a humble snack, is also an amazing, crunchy vessel for your best-scented salts, truffle oil, fresh parmesan, and herbs. There’s something about a bowl of popcorn that is playful and inviting and, bonus: a salty handful pairs ever-so-nicely with your favorite frothy beverage as well.
Crudité Platter
Crudité may sound fancy but simply means “raw veggies,” often served with dipping sauce. This can be anything fresh you have on hand, from crunchy cucumbers and radishes to cauliflower and snap peas. Create a colorful variety with texture and flavor in mind and pair with a few dipping sauces such as classic ranch or a hearty hummus. Keeping the veggies separate from cheese and meat offerings makes your spread friendly to the different dietary needs of your friends and family.
These are just a few ideas to get you started and add a bit of variety to your game-day table. For crowd-pleasing appetizer recipes and serving notes, visit https://thehostnotes.com/category/appetizers/.