Last Minute Ideas for a Delicious Game Day Spread

Hot Wings Recipe

In a little more than two days, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will take the field at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX. Whether you’ll be rooting for the hometown favorites or cheering Seattle on, here’s what you need for a delicious game day spread — even if you haven’t started planning yet.

Good Bites

Sure, you want to impress your guests with your cooking prowess. But let’s be real here: We’re parked on the couch to watch the game. So instead of elaborate dishes, aim for simple ones that can be eaten easily and enjoyed thoroughly. You want hand-held appetizers like hot wings, nachos and sliders.

Try these recipes: Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork, Crispy Baked Hot Wings, Smothered Beer Cheese Fries with Bacon, Homemade Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Sauce

Psst! If you don’t feel like making wings, downtown Bangor is home to many great spots for wing take out!

Veggies Matter Too

Look, you might think football = wings, pizza and beer … and that’s awesome. But good game day spreads always have veggies too. Plan a veggie platter loaded with your favorites (like sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, celery and grape tomatoes) and a fabulous dip. These healthful bites are great with those decadent bites you have too. Fruit platters are a fan-favorite addition too.

Try these recipe: White Bean Dip and Black Bean Dip, Bacon Horseradish Dip, Roasted Garlic, Lemon and Walnut Hummus

Something Substantial

While most people will nibble their way through the game, you need to serve something substantial too. Choose a good recipe that will feed a cheering crowd (if you’ll have a crowd), and enjoy! For smaller gatherings, homemade pizza is a great way to score good food points too.

Try these recipes: Pork Tenderloin Chili, Tuscan Vegetable Pizza, Baked Smoked Gouda Chicken Pasta

Pick a Good Brew (and Other Beverages)

Don’t forget the drinks! You’ll want pitchers of water (drop some lemon or cucumber slices in, if you want to make them fancier). Iced tea, lemonade and soda are also good for those who won’t be drinking. If beer is more your speed though, try choosing some good Maine brews to go with all your favorite football-watching foods.

Read this: The best local Maine beer pairing for your game day celebration

What’s at the top of your game day food list this year? Share your picks in the comments below!

Sarah Walker Caron

About Sarah Walker Caron

Sarah Walker Caron is editor of Bangor Metro magazine and senior features editor for the Bangor Daily News. She is the author of "The Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook," (Sept. 2018, Rockridge Press) and the co-author of "Grains as Mains: Modern Recipes Using Ancient Grains" (March 2015, DK). Her recipes have appeared in the BDN, Betty Crocker publications, Glamour.com and more. She also writes about food at www.sarahscucinabella.com.