Hey chefs,

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up, and it’s all about football, friends, fun — and most importantly, food. While it might not feel like the most fancy culinary event of the year, the Super Bowl is actually the perfect time to flex a very fancy culinary muscle: hors d’oeuvres.

In chef terms, these are small bites that aren’t meant to stand alone as a full meal, but instead keep guests satisfied, energized, and happily grazing when served alongside other dishes. In real-life terms? We’re talking finger foods, appetizers, and your classic game day favorites — just approached with a little more intention.

So without further ado, here are some culinary school–approved tips for building the best game day spread ever — one that might just outshine the biggest game of the year.

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Why Small Bites Make Sense for the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl isn’t a sit-down dinner. It’s long, loud, and full of movement. People snack, pause, come back for more, and snack again.

From a chef’s perspective, building a menu around smaller portions:

• Encourages variety without overloading the table
  
• Keeps guests comfortable over a 3–4 hour stretch
  
• Allows you to mix indulgent foods with lighter ones
  
• Makes hosting feel easier and more flexible
  

Instead of one heavy centerpiece, you’re creating a flow of eating — which is exactly what this kind of event needs.

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How to Build a Balanced Game Day Spread

You don’t need a dozen dishes. You need contrast and intention.

A well-rounded lineup usually includes:

• Something fresh and crisp — acid, herbs, crunch
  
• Something rich or creamy — cheese, butter, or dairy-based
  
• Something savory and protein-forward
  
• Something warm and carb-based — bread, pastry, or potatoes
  
• Optional: a slightly sweet bite to round things out
  

When these elements are present, the table feels generous and complete without feeling chaotic.

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Elevated Ideas That Still Feel Comforting

The best game day food feels familiar — just a little more thoughtful.

A few crowd-friendly options:

• Crostini with whipped ricotta, honey, and toasted nuts
  
• Mini meatballs with a sticky glaze (balsamic, chili-honey, or pomegranate)
  
• Puff pastry pinwheels with cheese and herbs
  
• Crispy potatoes with cultured sour cream and chives
  
• Stuffed mushrooms or endive cups for something fresh and savory
  

You don’t need elaborate recipes here. Clear flavors and good technique do the heavy lifting.

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Texture and Temperature Do the Heavy Lifting

One of the easiest ways to elevate a game day table is to think beyond flavor.

Aim for contrast:

• Hot foods paired with cold ones
  
• Crunchy bites alongside creamy elements
  
• Bright, acidic flavors cutting through richness
  

When everything isn’t the same temperature or texture, people stay engaged — and keep reaching for “just one more.”

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Make-Ahead Strategy for Actually Enjoying the Game

A great spread starts before kickoff.

• Prep dips, fillings, and sauces the day before
  
• Assemble cold items early and keep them chilled
  
• Save baking, frying, or reheating for just before the game starts
  
• Rotate platters instead of putting everything out at once
  

A steady refresh always feels better than a massive spread that goes cold halfway through the first quarter.

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The One Classic That Always Belongs

An elevated spread doesn’t mean skipping the classics. Every great game day table deserves one bold, indulgent anchor — something saucy, messy, and unmistakably Super Bowl.

That’s where chicken wings come in.

If you’re looking for a wing recipe with big flavor and chef-level technique, you can find mine here.

Because the best Super Bowl food strikes the perfect balance: a little polished, a little indulgent, and completely worth gathering around.

Keep calm and graze on.

    Brennah Van Wagoner
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2025
    Email the author! brennah.oaks@gmail.com