Posted by Tastefully Simple on December 26, 2025
When it comes to the biggest sports-watching day of the year, Tastefully Simple can help with easy wins to “bowl” over your friends and family. From easy appetizers to simple spreads, check out our playbook to create an ultimate game day spread.
Did you know that according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), US consumers were expected to spend about $18.6 billion in total for food, drinks, apparel, decorations and more on Super Bowl Sunday? You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great spread using these Tastefully Simple ideas.
Build the Appetizer Spread: Four Winning Stations
Use these four zones to structure your spread.
Crispy & Crunchy Station
Think chips, pretzels, vegetables and nuts.
- Serve a mix of kettle-style potato chips, tortilla chips, and fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery and bell peppers).
- Pair with a signature dip like Garlic Garlic Dip or Onion Onion Dip.
- Sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning over roasted nuts or popcorn for an extra snack kick.
- Pro tip: Use dipping bowls at varied heights (stack on a baking sheet box) to add dimension or football-themed dishes for some extra team spirit.
Build-Your-Own Slider/Bite Station
Meatballs, pulled chicken or even vegetarian sliders.
- Warm meatballs or pulled chicken in a slow cooker tossed with Bayou Bourbon™ Glaze or Smoky Bacon BBQ Sauce.
- Use slider buns or small rolls. Offer pulled chicken tossed in the sauce of your choice. If you have vegetarian guests, grilled and sauced portobellos are a tasty option.
- Provide toppings: pickles, coleslaw, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro.
Wing & Drummies Station
No game day spread is complete without wings.
- Cook wings ahead of time, then flavor two ways. Toss some in Vidalia® Onion Dressing or Honey Teriyaki Sauce and sprinkle others with Perfectly Parmesan Garlic Seasoning.
- Use tiered trays or elevated platters to show off different flavors.
- Label each flavor so guests know what they’re reaching for.
- Offer dipping sauces like Classic Ranch Dressing, Spinach & Herb or Bacon Bacon Dip.
- When serving, assume around 4-6 wings per guest if you’re offering many appetizers.
“Dip & Share” Station
- Prep a variety of dips for dunking. We recommend cold dips like Everything Bagel Hummus, Spinach & Herb Dip and White Cheddar Bacon Dip.
- For warm dips try this simple Creamy Queso Dip and Artichoke & Spinach Dip.
- Surround it with bread cubes, tortilla chips and veggie sticks.
- Add a side of flavored tortilla chips (seasoned with Fiesta Party Seasoning™) for extra flair.
Smart Shopping & Prep Tips
- Plan for portions: Plan for about 10-12 appetizer bites per person across your stations. If hosting 10 people, you’d need a total of 100-120 bites.
- Shop early: Buy base items like chips, buns and wings ahead of time.
- Prep in advance: Pre-cook wings and meat for sliders the day before and then store in the fridge. On game day, toss in sauce and reheat. Chop veggies ahead of time too.
Final Touches for Hosting Success
- Create a flow: Place food stations around the perimeter so guests circulate and don’t cluster in one spot.
- Label flavors: Use small cards or chalkboard labels so people know which sauce is which or the name of the recipe they’re tasting.
- Keep replenishing: Guests will graze throughout; stand ready to refill serving dishes as needed.
- Play the game: Have a half-time dessert ready to keep the momentum going. We recommend Game Day Cookies or Game Day Tiny Cakes made with any of our pound cake flavors. Decorate them with your favorite team’s colors.
- Grab an Appy Hour Bundle from Tastefully Simple. It’s an easy way to get the signature seasonings and dips you’ll need for snacks that score.
With the right sauces, seasoning blends and a well-planned spread, you’ll be hosting a spread that’s easy, festive, and full of bold taste. Here’s to big plays, great food and a fun time!