When you are ready to prepare for your gathering it’s helpful to have a few tips and tools for preparing the best game day
recipes. Onions are a staple in game day party foods and we’re sharing the best ways to use onions along with some winning recipes and ways of celebrating with fellow fans.
What kind of onions should I use in my game day recipes?
Storage onions are what you will find ingredient shopping late summer through late spring. The season can give you some clues as to which is the best onion to use based on what type of food you are preparing. Our onion flavor and usage guide will help in detail.
For raw preparations, such as fresh salsas, guacamole, and pasta salads, as well as for toppings or garnishes for tacos, baked bean dips, and grilled brats, choose red or white onions. This also goes for recipes that have shorter cooking times such as onion rings. Their milder flavor will complement your favorite foods without overpowering them.
For sauteed and caramelized onion recipes, white and red work, but this is the best job for yellow onions. Their savory-sweetness is intensified in dips, casseroles, and when used as toppings for burgers or barbecue.
What are the best kind of game day recipes?
Game day parties are action-packed. Convenience and mobility is important since your guests will be focused on the screen and will prefer not to be interrupted with a plated meal. If you will serve food throughout the duration of the party, plan on either a grazing table or foods that can easily be passed around. Salsas, guacamole, dips, hummus, bite-size appetizers, and things that can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker, such as meatballs, are all good options.
If you plan to take a break for a meal at halftime, consider a build-your-own or a toppings bar for hot dogs and brats, soups such as chili, or baked potatoes. Caramelized onions, onion relishes, and raw chopped onions make flavorful toppings. Salads with onions make easy sides to serve alongside. If you need to save time, be sure to rely on slow cooker recipes to get more food on the table.
What are the best game day recipes with onions?
We have plenty of favorites, but these are some of our go-to foods to serve when everyone is gathering for the big game.
Root Beer Onion Rings
– Fry up a batch of these winning onion rings just before the game starts. It’s a snack that’s easy to pass around the party.
Caramelized Onion Hummus
– This rich, filling dip can be served with pita chips or tortilla chips, but also with chopped vegetables for guests who want a healthier option.
Charred Red Onion Salsa – This rich salsa is such a great option to round out your salsa offerings at a game day party. It doesn’t use tomato. Instead, olives add a tangy, savory flavor.
Pico de Gallo – A classic recipe that can serve as a salsa or as a topping for all kinds of foods from tacos and burritos to meat and fish just off the grill.
Sweet Onion and Red Pepper Salsa with Lime – If you are looking for an onion-forward salsa, look no further. This one is filled with crisp, sweet, white onion. It pairs well with the flavors of smoky, roasted red pepper.
Creamy Onion Dip
– It wouldn’t be a party without an onion dip and this one uses only four ingredients. You can prepare it the day before the party to make your prep on game day much easier.
Slow Cooker Chili
– A great option to make ahead and keep warm. This works for snacking throughout the game or for a mid-game meal. Build a toppings bar with chopped raw onion, cheese, and corn chips.
Shrimp and Chicken Sausage Gumbo – Set this meal up as a build your own bowl. It makes a fun alternative to standard chili on game day.
Pickled Onion Turkey Burgers
– If you are planning to heat up the grill for burgers, give your guests some options. These turkey burgers topped with tangy onions are a nice addition, or alterative, to beef.
Any one of these recipes highlights the flavor and versatility of onions. You can build your menu based on how and when you plan to eat throughout the party. May the best team win!
10 home-grown and creative Super Bowl Party ideas
And if you are throwing a Super Bowl soiree, you may want to find an inventive new way to celebrate with your friends and family. Here are 10 creative and engaging ideas for a superb Super Bowl Party:
- Tech-Savvy Setup: Create a high-tech viewing experience by setting up multiple screens for the game. Use streaming services, interactive apps, or virtual reality to enhance the viewing experience. Consider incorporating smart home devices for voice-activated controls.
- DIY Snack Stadium: Build a snack stadium using various snacks to represent different parts of the football field. For example, use guacamole for the field, pretzel sticks for goalposts, and candy for the players. It’s a visually appealing and delicious centerpiece.
- Themed Decorations: Choose a theme based on the teams playing or the host city. Decorate the space with team colors, jerseys, and football-themed decor. Create a photo booth with props like helmets and foam fingers for fun snapshots.
- Social Media Engagement: Encourage guests to share their Super Bowl experience on social media by creating a unique hashtag for your party. Set up a social media wall displaying live posts from the party, and consider running contests or polls related to the game.
- Interactive Game Predictions: Before the game starts, have guests make predictions on various aspects of the game (e.g., score, MVP, first touchdown). Provide a small prize for the person with the most accurate predictions at the end of the game.
- Customized Jersey Station: Set up a DIY jersey station with plain shirts, fabric markers, and iron-on patches. Guests can create their own custom jerseys to support their teams or create humorous designs related to the game.
- Craft Beer Tasting: Feature a craft beer tasting station with a variety of local and trendy brews. Create a scoring system or have guests vote on their favorite beer. Provide beer-related snacks and pairings for a complete experience.
- Game Day Playlist: Curate a playlist featuring popular songs from artists loved by millennials and Generation Z. Include upbeat tunes for halftime, and let guests suggest songs throughout the party. Consider a dance-off during the halftime show.
- E-sports Lounge: Set up a gaming area for those who might not be as into football. Host a gaming tournament with popular video games or have a console hooked up for casual gaming sessions. This adds an extra layer of entertainment for diverse interests.
- Virtual Guestbook: Create a virtual guestbook using a collaborative online platform where guests can share their thoughts, predictions, and favorite moments during the game. This digital keepsake can be revisited after the event.
Remember to consider the preferences and interests of your specific audience when planning these activities. Have a great Super Bowl Party!
