13 Ways To Upgrade Super Bowl Party Snacks

Add flavor to popcorn

Elevate your basic popcorn with a variety of seasoning blends and toppings. This quick and simple approach adds a fresh twist to this affordable snack. You can keep it straightforward with gourmet sea salt or introduce sweet elements by mixing in candy. No advanced cooking skills are required to enhance this treat—just pop a bag of plain microwavable popcorn, sprinkle on your chosen seasonings, and toss in your favorite add-ins. It’s an ideal option for Super Bowl gatherings where space and kitchen tools are limited.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings and preparation methods. Furikake, a popular seasoning in Asian cuisine, brings a salty and umami flavor that pairs wonderfully with plain popcorn. You might find that you don’t need to add extra salt, as many furikake blends already contain it. For a sweet twist, drizzle some caramel (or grab a pre-made version from the ice cream aisle) to transform this snack into a dessert. You can also experiment with different oils, such as bacon fat or truffle oil, to infuse flavor right from the start. This can be done by popping corn the traditional way on the stove or even over an open flame.

Make pigs in a blanket gourmet

Transform a beloved classic—pigs in a blanket—into a gourmet treat by swapping in flavorful sausage or upgrading to flaky puff pastry. There are numerous options for this simple change, such as sweet maple-infused breakfast sausages or puff pastry topped with a sprinkle of cheese that crisps beautifully in the oven. For an added layer of flavor, spread a thin layer of grainy mustard inside the pastry before rolling it up, enhancing each bite into a delightful culinary experience.

You can also pair these with a variety of mustards and dipping sauces. Honey mustard is a great choice, but crafting your own with wildflower honey or gourmet specialty mustard allows for a personalized flavor profile.

Don’t overlook the presentation! Being bite-sized, pigs in a blanket can be arranged beautifully on a tray alongside dipping sauces. You could even embrace a football theme by shaping each pastry like a football and lining them up on a "field" of greens.

Homemade jalapeño poppers

You might recognize the assortment of jalapeño poppers available in the frozen food aisle of your local grocery store. These options often come heavily breaded and feature a creamy, yet rather predictable cheese blend that, while enjoyable, isn't likely to make any waves. Instead of opting for this uninspiring choice, consider making your own by scooping out a jalapeño and filling it with a mix of cheeses. Cream cheese serves as a great base, but you can also incorporate some goat cheese for added flavor. Feta contributes a salty kick, while brie enhances the creaminess of this delightful appetizer.

Cook them in an air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior. If your guests have never tasted the homemade version with that extra touch of tang, they'll be thoroughly impressed. Bell peppers can be used in a similar fashion if you're looking for a larger, milder alternative. Don’t forget to add toppings like bacon, green onions, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. If you're concerned about the heat level, serve a Greek yogurt or sour cream dipping sauce on the side to help mellow the spice.

Customize potato skins

With a crunchy, salty, and flavorful outer layer, potato skins make for an excellent Super Bowl treat. Crafted from hollowed-out baked potatoes with a crispy shell, they are perfect for piling on delicious toppings. Elevate them to the highlight of your spread by adding ingredients like sour cream, cheese, chili, and green onions — but don’t forget to consider unique choices like pesto, marinara sauce, or barbecued meat. Offering a variety can be exciting, but embracing the football theme is just as enjoyable. You can highlight the distinctive flavors of each team's hometown, such as barbecue for the Kansas City Chiefs and cheesesteak for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Remember to enhance the potato skins themselves before baking. Canola or olive oil are excellent choices for achieving that perfect crispiness. You might also experiment with coconut oil, sesame oil, or even beef tallow for a different flavor profile. Be sure to scoop out some of the potato to create space for your toppings.

Add veggies to your buffalo dippers

Buffalo wings are a classic Super Bowl dish, but you can easily modify them for vegetarian guests by using cauliflower and mushrooms. Coat and fry them to achieve that crispy texture, then generously coat the vegetables in buffalo sauce. Tempura batter provides a light and crunchy finish, while breading offers a heartier layer. To maintain their crispiness, add the sauce just before serving. Consider making a variety to cater to the diverse tastes of your guests.

You can also toss roasted vegetables in buffalo sauce to infuse that flavor into a shareable side dish. This is a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge. Even if there are kids around who would prefer a football-shaped cookie over a plate of vegetables, a splash of buffalo sauce can make them more appealing. If you want a lighter option, serve the buffalo sauce on the side for dipping instead.

Elevate standard brownies

Brownies are always a hit on the dessert table at any event, but they’re particularly enjoyable at a Super Bowl watch party. Enhance your standard batch of treats by adding extra ingredients to boost the flavor and tie in with the game day theme.

Incorporate additions like raspberries or caramel into your batter for indulgent brownies. Mix them in thoroughly for a smooth flavor blend, or gently fold them in if you prefer to keep them whole, allowing for delightful bursts of flavor with each bite. For an impressive taste and eye-catching presentation, swirl these ingredients on top. You can also sprinkle gourmet touches like sea salt or cinnamon on the surface to give your brownies a unique twist.

If you opt for store-bought brownies, consider slicing fruit and arranging it creatively on top to show support for your favorite team. Choose colors that match the teams and shape them like an arrowhead for the Chiefs or an eagle for Philadelphia. Chocolate candies can also be used in a similar fashion, complementing the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies beautifully.

Make a four-cheese cheese ball

A cheese ball is an ideal choice to mold into a football shape, making it a delightful snack for game day. Elevate your cheese ball by blending a variety of cheeses and spices, and pair it with crackers, pretzels, and sliced vegetables. While cream cheese and shredded cheddar are a timeless combination, incorporating other cheeses like Swiss, blue cheese, and Gouda can introduce exciting new flavors. Cheese balls are celebrated for their creamy texture, so adding crunchy elements like potato chips, pretzels, and crackers enhances the experience. You can mix these in or use them as a coating on the outside of the ball.

Consider serving multiple cheese balls to provide a range of flavor choices. You could even theme each one around a different team by adding vibrant colors or infusing the flavors of the team's city into the recipe. See which cheese ball garners more "fans" by halftime and at the end of the game, and compare it to the actual game score. Regardless of how you enhance your cheese ball, we bet it will be devoured by the time the teams head to the showers.

Use puff pastry for sandwiches

Sandwiches are a convenient choice for a Super Bowl gathering, but they can sometimes feel a bit mundane. Instead of just offering a few variations, consider elevating the ingredients in the sandwiches themselves. Transform your standard ham and cheese into something special by layering it on light and flaky puff pastry. You can create individual pastry sandwiches or craft a large, wreath-like display before slicing it into portions. The outcome is a rich, buttery take on a panini that your guests will adore. For a cold sandwich option, swap out regular bread for a croissant to achieve a similarly delicate and flaky texture.

Incorporate condiments inside the puff pastry or place them on the side, allowing guests to customize their sandwiches to their liking. You can also include extras like pickles, banana peppers, or sliced tomatoes. If you're catering to a large group, consider preparing a variety of classic sandwich combinations such as ham and Swiss or turkey and provolone. You might also want to introduce heartier options like barbecue pulled pork or Sloppy Joes for a saucier twist.

Sweet and savory dips

Elevate your game day spread by going beyond traditional cheese dip and incorporating both sweet and savory options. For creamy dips, start with a foundation of cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Enhance the flavor by mixing in cheese, tomatoes, and your preferred seasonings to create a savory delight. Offer a variety of crackers for guests to scoop up as much as they desire.

Sweet dips are also a wonderful addition, providing a touch of indulgence. Combine sweet ingredients like chocolate chips, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla with a cream cheese base. Just like the savory dips, serve them with crackers; graham crackers or vanilla wafers pair beautifully with the sweet flavors.

If you're looking to add a bit of spice, finely chop your favorite chiles and mix them in. You could also whip up a salsa or enhance a store-bought salsa by adding fresh vegetables for an upgrade.

Dips are a fantastic complement to your Super Bowl party, as they can enhance a variety of snacks. Be sure to have plenty on hand for your guests to enjoy!

Add fruit to guac

Chips and guacamole are a timeless staple for any Super Bowl viewing party, but instead of simply mashing an avocado, consider adding some fruit to elevate your guacamole above the rest. Chop up mango, pineapple, or other fruits to infuse tropical flavors into your dip. You can either cut the fruit into small pieces for a smooth blend or leave them larger for a chunkier texture. Adding citrus can enhance the brightness of your guacamole, while strawberries can give it a refreshing, summery taste.

Feel free to incorporate additional ingredients, especially if you prefer a more substantial dip. Bell peppers and tomatoes work well, but you can also experiment with corn, crab meat, or even pretzels. Try different combinations to find your favorite, and make smaller batches to prevent browning. If you lean towards a traditional guacamole, consider grilling the avocados before mashing them to intensify their flavor. This method highlights the creamy avocado, complemented by salt and garlic, while adding a delightful smokiness that your guests will love.

Build a nacho bar

Transforming nachos into a DIY bar with a variety of toppings elevates this classic dish. Offer a range of proteins, such as chili, taco meat, pulled pork, and roasted vegetables. Allow guests to customize their creations with additions like cheese, salsa, and coleslaw. While it's great to have beloved staples like melty nacho cheese and pickled jalapeños, consider introducing some unique options as well. To fully embrace the Super Bowl spirit, include ingredients for Kansas City barbecue-style nachos or Philly cheesesteak nachos. Traditional nachos with cheese serve as an excellent foundation for exciting dips and sauces.

If you're hosting, this setup is a fantastic way to organize a Super Bowl potluck. Stock up on tortilla chips and invite everyone to bring their favorite nacho toppings. You can assign categories like protein, cheese, veggies, or sauces, or leave it open-ended to see what creative combinations emerge. This setup pairs perfectly with your favorite game day drinks.

Extra special deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are a superb choice for a crowd-pleasing Super Bowl party dish. These delightful, bite-sized treats can be whipped up in just a few minutes by mixing mayonnaise with egg yolks and serving them in halved hard-boiled eggs. To elevate their flavor, consider adding unique ingredients to the filling or garnishing them with tasty toppings. Create a batch of deviled eggs and personalize them with additions like crab, bacon, or olives—these delicious toppings can be easily placed on the filling you've already prepared. Since this enhancement is all about assembly, you can tailor a batch to cater to your guests' preferences. If you know that only a few enjoy black olives while the majority love lump crab meat, it’s simple to ensure everyone has something they’ll savor.

You can also infuse your snacks with flavors from your team's hometown to tie in with the game or use vibrant ingredients to change the filling's color to match your team’s colors. If you prefer to stick with the same ingredients, consider spelling out your team’s name or mascot by cutting out letters and placing them on top of the deviled eggs. Get inventive with both your flavors and presentation to make these treats the MVP of game day!

Gourmet pizza toppings

Pizza is a timeless favorite for football gatherings, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Step away from the usual cheese and pepperoni and explore gourmet options, such as artisan salami or unique cheeses like manchego or gouda. While finely shredded cheese that melts beautifully is perfect for pizza, consider adding larger shavings or chunks for a more upscale touch. Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate your pizza, and a sprinkle of dried herb seasoning can enhance the flavor effortlessly. Don’t hesitate to try different sauces, such as a creamy white sauce, pesto, or a sweet marinara, to give traditional toppings a fresh twist.

If you’re opting for delivery pizza for convenience, consider enhancing it with extras like hot honey, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh basil to instantly elevate this reliable choice. Just be prepared for your guests to be as eager to grab the next slice as they are to cheer for the next big play.