5 Delicious Super Bowl Side Dishes

Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your game day spread. Obviously, wings, pizza, and sliders will be on the menu, but what should you serve on the side?

 

Here are five delicious ideas that look just as good as they taste. Add one — or all — of them to your spread to keep guests happy and full, regardless of who takes home the trophy.  Be sure to consider having the most comfy TV recliner chair possible for you and your guests: the ultimate in Super Bowl watching!

1. Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

You can’t have a Super Bowl party without garlic bread, and this pull-apart version is hard to beat. The rolls are incredibly tender and delicious, perfect for dipping in cheese, ranch, or pizza sauce. The recipe calls for homemade dough, but the process will be more than worth it when you finally pull off a piece and take a bite.

You can even add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese during the last five to 10 minutes of baking to make a cheesy version. If you do end up with any leftovers, you can easily store them in the fridge for up to two days.

2. Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a lighter option that’s just as filling, pasta salad is the side to make. Toss in a vibrant mix of zucchini, red onion, bell peppers, carrots, and other bright, nutritious veggies. You can even use multicolored noodles to make the dish even more appetizing.

 

Drizzle on the lemon-basil dressing and serve warm or cold, whichever you prefer. You can turn it into a main dish by tossing some lobster, grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

3. Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos

Are you feeding a crowd on Super Bowl Sunday? Make these super easy sheet pan nachos. This side is loaded with juicy chicken and melty cheese and is sure to be a hit. Plus, if you line the pan with tin foil, you’ll have little to no cleanup after the game.

 

You can add any of your favorite toppings and garnishes to these Tex-Mex nachos, but onions, pico de gallo, cilantro, and lime juice are usually good options. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes and serve hot with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped anything is a meat-lover's dream, and these scallops are no exception. Their savory, buttery flavor helps offset some of the spice from the hot pepper jelly on top. Whip up a batch in no time at all. You can even prep the day before, so you just have to broil them when game time rolls around.

 

Simply wrap the scallops in bacon and use a toothpick to secure them. Broil for three to four minutes, sprinkle with salt, and serve with the hot pepper jelly on top or on the side.

5. Crispy Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms

You want something cheesy but not too filling, so what do you make? Crispy brie-stuffed mushrooms, of course! These bite-sized treats are flavorful and light, so you and your guests will still have room for other sides and mains.

 

All you have to do is destem some baby bellas and stuff them with the herby, cheesy mix. Bake until the mushrooms are soft around the edges and the brie is just beginning to brown and bubble. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve straight out of the oven or at room temperature for the best flavor.

And #6, a BONUS!

Shrimp and Steak Kabobs

If you love steak and large shrimp, this is the perfect combination for your side dish! Cook the steak on high heat just long enough to sear. Lower the heat and begin slow cooking the steak. When the steak becomes “rare,” you may begin assembling the Kabobs. Alternate the peeled large shrimp, steak and all ingredients on skewers. Grill, or broil until meat reaches desired doneness. Turn kabobs often, baste it with lemon sauce.

Let Creativity Reign

As you whip up delicious side dishes in the kitchen, remember to let creativity reign. Follow your taste buds when it comes to flavor combinations, additions, and substitutions. You might even ask your partner or kids to taste-test a few dishes in the weeks leading up to game day. That way, you know which variations are tastiest and which ones to tweak at a later date.