Everyone knows that the best part of the Super Bowl is the snacks. Well, maybe not for actual football fans as opposed to people like me who become dedicated when their team succeeds the playoffs, but that’s neither here nor there. Regardless of the fact that I didn’t truly understand the rules of football until a recent Netflix obsession with ‘Friday Night Lights’ interrupted my social life for three straight weekends, I’m looking forward to rooting for New York on Sunday….and the fact that it’s a free pass to eat and drink on a Sunday has nothing to do with it.

Like the festive New York Giants cake, pictured above, that my friend’s coworker brought him this morning, there is no shortage of food and beverage ideas that are full of team spirit. New York is one of the best food cities in the world and whether you’re watching from a 10001 zip code, a sports bar across the country or like me, a local party surrounded with New England Patriots fans, look to the Big Apple for culinary inspiration. 

Hot Dogs: Martha Stewart herself has admitted to being a fan of the Grey’s Papaya hot dog. If you don’t want to fill up fast, channel the New York-style hot dog with sausage and chutney puffs from Leite’s Culinaria.

Also Try:
Hot Sausage Dip from Cookin’ Cowgirl
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls from Hidden Ponies
Amber Ale Hot Dog Buns from Evil Shenanigans

Soft Pretzels: If you love a good soft pretzel from a New York City street vendor (and even if you don’t want to publicly admit it, I know you’re out there), try soft pretzel bites with cheddar-mustard dipping sauce from Delicious Dishings.

Also Try:
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Soft Pretzel Bites from What’s Gaby Cooking
Rosemary & Sea Salt Soft Pretzels from Dishing Up Delights
Soft Pretzel Tots from A Cozy Kitchen

New York-Style Pizza: Even though I live in Chicago I admit to a preference for thin-crust or “New York Style” pizza over any deep dish pie. Thin crust, spicy sauce, gobs of cheese and plenty of veggies  is the way to my pizza-loving heart. This weekend, I’m eyeing thin crust pizza with tomatoes, mushrooms and broccoli from Bev Cooks.

Also Try:
Spinach + Ricotta Pizza
Chipotle Black Bean Pizza
Thin Crust Mushroom Pizza from Christine’s Cuisine
Prosciutto Pizza from Alexandra’s Kitchen

Buffalo Wings: Buffalo might be a city in upstate New York, but buffalo wings are anything but scarce in the five boroughs. Instead of ordering in a pile of greasy wings, whip up your own spicy buffalo wings at home with this recipe from The Culinary Chronicles.

Also Try:
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Wings from What’s Cooking Chicago
Buffalo Chicken Poppers from Iowa Girl Eats

Cheesecake: Don’t forget the sweets when you’re planning your Super Bowl spread. New York cheesecake is is high, firm and dense with a hint of lemon. Perfect for celebrating a post-game win, but if you want to give your guests something to nosh on throughout the afternoon, I love the cheesecake lollipops from So Domesticated. Decorate the chocolate coating with sprinkles in your team color.

Also Try:
Glenn’s Cheesecake
Brownie Oreo Cheesecake Bars from I Run for Cake
New York Cheesecake from Simply Scratch

Tagged as: Buffalo Wings, cheesecake, Hot Dog, New York Giants, pizza, sausage, Soft Pretzel, Super Bowl