Superbowl "Must-Have" Snacks

It's that time again. A time for all die-hard fans from two opposing teams to join together at an arena decked out fully in team spirit and cheer as long and as hard as they can for the team they feel will win the Superbowl. But in reality, not everyone can afford those airline tickets to fly there let alone stay at a hotel that's going to be crowded. Toss in the high price of the actual admittance ticket and always high cost for food or drinks and what have you got? A very expensive game. So you opt out this year in going for whatever reason. It isn't your team or it's just not a trip that can be taken. This is where the fun starts. The superbowl party. There are tons of things that you can have at these parties. But there seems to be a bit of a staple in regards to food. Taken from experiences that I've had from parties that succeed food-wise, here are what I feel are some of the numerous must-have snacks for the big game.

Submarine sandwiches

There are several ways to have submarine sandwiches. You can go out and buy enough subs to feed X number of people and just cut them up into smaller pieces to stack up on trays or plates. This is often the easy way out because let's face it, not everyone can afford to spend a lot of time preparing food or wanting to. Not every wife, husband or significant other will want to, either. Why? Work doesn't often grant time off to make food for a sporting event, although, very wishful thinking. If you can pull it off kudos to you.

However, there are those who prefer to make these sandwiches because they can specialize them and as we all know, making them yourself can cost a lot less than pre-made submarines. This buying your own materials can go one of two ways, both which I've seen very successful, but the latter somewhat less than the first. Let me ask you first, dear reader. Have you ever ordered a sub at a pizza place or grocery store deli only to come home and find out they added banana peppers or forgot tomatoes? Somehow they messed up your order and you just don't have the time or the gas to return it and get the sub right? That's why making your subs beforehand is a blessing. You can control what's on it to guarantee you'll eat it (and those leftovers that are probably going to haunt you the rest of the week).

Some, on the other hand, prefer to leave out meats, condiments and let their guests make the sandwiches themselves. This way nobody gets stuck with something they don't want and hopefully, you have less leftovers. Everyone can appreciate that. Another plus side to allowing everyone to make their own sandwiches is the fact that you may not know your bud Paul has a tomato allergy. So you throwing on tomatoes can be dangerous. Allowing everyone to make their own submarine can prevent this from happening entirely and it gets them up for a few minutes moving in between quarters.

Pizza and Wings

I've never once seen a Superbowl party that didn't have pizza and wings as a combo. This combination seems to be a staple in most game parties as well as the big Superbowl. Like I mentioned before, one can always pre-order (which I would advise) both pizza and wings, which generally for the "big game" most places offer a special deal on the two ordered together. While making pizza is easy enough, making sure the wings are completely cooked and properly done is sometimes best left to those who make a living on it. You don't want to risk anybody getting deathly ill because of an improperly cooked piece of chicken.

This is also something most kids will eat and let's just face it now, if you have kids then they're gonna be wanting to eat during the game at least twice. Seeing as most kids (yes, including the little ones) adore pizza, it'll please everyone.

Chips

Having several kinds of chips (potato or corn) are present at almost every Superbowl party that I've been invited to. You can get a pretty nice spread with all the varieties and flavors, which will hopefully please everyone attending. There are also the 'must have' dips to go along with these chips because everyone knows you have to have some with your chips or they get bland.

With as many chips as there are available, there are as equally many dips. You have your dairy ones like french onion or ranch and your pepper dips, or even cheese dips. Also combinations of pepper and cheeses. These give the chips a little "kick" and seem to go down fast.
But definitely, chips are almost a requirement at parties.

Sodas and Beers

Even if you don't have children in attendance at the party, there is a chance one or two may be designated drivers or just not be the type to drink. Having a good variety of beverages available can make everyone feel welcome. This includes the sometimes dreaded diet sodas, but, to be fair some people dislike regular soda or may not be allowed to drink them due to a medical condition.

While beer can get just as costly as soda, perhaps limiting variety to one or two kinds in the same way you should with soda would be a better option. Either that or state a B.Y.O.B. case (Bring Your Own Beer) to any guests in attending. If you're providing food, they can at least provide drinks or vice versa. It wouldn't be a party without drinks, so be sure also to provide disposable cups to prevent too many dishes having to be done in the aftermath of the game.

Be sure, however, if there will be drinking to collect car keys at the door for any of those who do not have drivers and insist on driving. Remember that safety comes first in your guests. You don't want to be guilt ridden if Bob leaves and wrecks, hurting himself or others.

No matter what your fancy is at a Superbowl Party, these four seem to be the biggest staples in snacks. Sure, some go off the wall with shrimp being served, but you don't have to spend a fortune in order to have a good time and eat well. While the big deal may be what to serve, remember also that it is about spending time with friends, family and of course the football game - the guest of honor. Also, be smart and be safe, as I said, but above all else just have a good time and enjoy that halftime show!