We’re in that camp who enjoys a good Super Bowl party for the company and snacks. Sure, that game can run on the projector in the background, and we’ll happily tune in for Lady Gaga spidering her way into the arena or to see Beyoncé commanding the world’s largest stage, but, like, we’re really all about that pimento cheese and guac.
Honestly the Internet has too many recipes to choose from, but we’ve been devotees of Kristen Miglore’s Food52 Genius Recipes column for years. She truly has a knack at picking out recipes with a special, lightning je ne sais quoi that has us happily leaning on this roundup. Kristen’s got your dips, finger foods, bigger snacks and even “actual vegetables” to help balance what can otherwise feel like a pretty indulgent evening.
Here are our highlights:
Roberto Santibañez’s Classic Guacamole
Guac is an unspoken requirement for any party. This one from Roberto Santibañez leans heavy on the green ingredients, pulverizing the onion, cilantro, and jalapeño with salt to extract and amplify their combined flavors.
Super(bowl) Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
These are actually not on Kristen’s list but we’re making a quick inclusion here since, like the guac, people tend to expect some solid sheet pan nachos at a Super Bowl party. Give the people what they want with this test kitchen-approved recipe that could totally be vegetarian if you choose. We’d add a little cilantro garnish and lime juice drizzle before serving, too.
We’re not hummus experts but are intrigued by this recipe’s use of baking soda. Like the notes say, it showcases the chickpea and tehina flavors, so be sure you’ve got the ingredients you like to make this combo count.
Our editor-in-chief Lauren was a Parker & Otis regular in college and is even more of a believer in Kristen’s tastes after seeing this recipe made the roundup. Southerners have strong opinions about this regional staple and their rendition gets the ratios right in Lauren’s opinion. The Durham, North Carolina–based restaurant even goes so far to use this as a grilled cheese base with bacon and tomato—up to you of course, but speaking from experience, we don’t think you’d regret taking these few extra steps.
Momofuku’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette
Sure there’s some pungent elements going on here but they marry nicely with David Chang’s treatment. The mint is a surprising, refreshing addition that can help level out some of the stronger flavors. Plus it’s just a great relief for when you’re tired of grazing on the heavier foods.
Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Whatever happens with team allegiances, halftime scandals and/or just simple dietary preferences, these cookies can easily bring your crew together by the end of the evening. New York’s own Ovenly has reimagined the most classic cookie of them all so well that you won’t even realize the butter’s missing.
