Super Bowl Essentials

Melina Bodenschatz
Pi Beta Phi

I’ll be honest. I don’t think I’ve actually watched a Super Bowl game since the Colts played the Bears back when I was a sophomore in high school. Don’t get me wrong, I like watching football, and sure, I always have it playing in the background so when people start yelling I can look up and see what all the commotion is about, but for the most part I use it as an excuse for eating whatever is at the party. Or downstairs in our dining room, as was the case last year. Seriously, there’s no better food than game day food, and the spread on Super Bowl Sunday is the cream of the crop. Football is pretty much a sport that only Americans care about, so naturally the feast during the Super Bowl is going to be an all-American banquet of scrumdiliumptiousness. Here are some of the most popular things you’ll find at any gathering set to “watch” the Super Bowl as it plays out in our very own Lucas Oil.

Dips – We’re talkin’ seven-layer, guac, sour cream and onion, spinach and artichoke, pretty much anything you can dip a chip into. That’s why it’s called dip. These are the best appetizers since everybody loves a good dip. If you don’t, then what are you doing at this party, anyway?

Mixes – You know, like Chex Mix or puppy chow. Something everyone can grab from the bowl, put on their plate and mingle with other Super Bowl goers. Actually, now that I think about it, mixes are gross. I bet no one even washes their grimy hands before they stick them into the dishes. I think I’ll be staying away from those this year.

Wings – We just love wings, don’t we? So naturally, they should be the main focus of a Super Bowl party. I was looking at pictures of wings earlier, and they never don’t look delicious. It’s because they always are delicious. As long as there is a nice variety for those of us who can’t handle their spiciness (me) and for those who enjoy the other end of the spectrum (not me), they are guaranteed to be a hit.

Pizza – Last year, the greatest cook in the world, Alma, made us all types of homemade pizza for the big game. I mean barbeque chicken, Hawaiian, meat lover’s, veggie – any pizza you could imagine, she made for us. Whatta saint. Most people will just opt for delivery because they don’t have the heart and soul that Alma has to make pizza for 120 girls (people). I can’t say I blame them.

Veggie Tray – This is essential for people who want to eat “healthy” at a Super Bowl party, even though they will probably load their plates with veggie dip.

Beer – And I’m out.

Whether you’re planning on watching the game or not, these foods will always be staples at Super Bowl parties. As for me, you can find me mooching off of tailgaters in Indy this weekend. And no, I probably still won’t be watching the game.

Melina is a junior studying journalism. You may contact her at melboden@indiana.edu.