Super Bowl watch parties typically focus on the big game and the commercials. But this year, the Taylor Swift effect is a big draw, too.
If you find yourself suddenly hosting a Super Bowl party, Donna Kelce (Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce's mom) is an expert. She's had at least one son, either Jason Kelce (center for the Philadelphia Eagles) or Travis Kelce (tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs) in four of the last six Super Bowls.
Serving as a big game spokesperson for Barefoot Wines and Ziploc bags, she is sharing advice on successful Super Bowl parties, especially with many NFL newcomers perhaps throwing their first watch parties. She's also had her own Mama Kelce's Cookies sold in December 2023 at Arrowhead Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field on Christmas Day, with proceeds going to charity.
Her advice: Stick to fan favorites in terms of food and snacks and don't be afraid to let someone else do the cooking. Here's some more Super Bowl party tips from Donna Kelce.
Super Bowl food deals:Get specials on wings, pizza and more at Hooters, Little Caesars
You don't have to cook everything
While there may be a few family favorites you want to prepare – perhaps that Buffalo Chicken Dip – there's nothing wrong with ordering out, Kelce told USA TODAY. For instance, if you don't have time to clean and cut veggies or fruit, supermarkets do trays and fruit bowls.
"Those are easy to pick up. I would also say cheeses and a charcuterie board, those are all things that can be purchased ahead of time if you're not going to make it yourself," she said. "I'm not one for basking over a hot stove. I'm for getting things quick," she said. "I love to watch sports and I don't want to be in the kitchen as much as I can (by) doing things ahead of time."
Don't make it complicated
Admittedly, Kelce has been watching Super Bowls in person over the last few years. But when the family would have a watch party the choice "was always chicken wings and pizza, things that were easy and that could be delivered," Kelce said.
And most folks seem to agree with sticking to the staples. Pizza and wings are on the game day shopping list for 47% and 42% of those planning to watch the Super Bowl. Americans are expected to eat 1.45 billion wings during the Super Bowl, the National Chicken Council estimates.
Just as your snack and food choices should be simple, so should the beverages. Remember, you will need sodas and juice for children and possibly something stronger for the adults.
"Like wine, hosting a Super Bowl party can be complicated," she said. "But it doesn't have to be. Barefoot Wine believes that football and wine should be easy, so you can enjoy it and you can enjoy the game." Barefoot, the official wine sponsor of the NFL and Super Bowl 58, has some food pairing notes online if you need them. Kelce's favorite pairing: a hot dog with a Pinot Grigio.
Don't let food go to waste
If you cook anything, make sure it's leftover friendly. For instance, Kelce said her family likes to reuse chili to make chili dogs the next day. "And any of my leftover dips become a part of loaded nachos," she said in a statement. Leftover veggies can be used in chicken noodle soup: just add some chicken broth, toss in any meat from leftover chicken wings, and add some egg noodles.
A Ziploc survey suggests at least 18 million pounds of leftovers were thrown out after watch parties last year, but hosts can make sure that's not the case at their party, said Kelce, who has been named Ziploc's "Chief Leftover Officer" for the Super Bowl.
A reminder about your Super Bowl food spread: After more than two hours, bacteria can multiply on food that's at room temperature and below 140 degrees, what the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety & Inspection Service calls the "danger zone." Meat and poultry – that means chicken wings – must be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of sitting out, the agency says.
Your leftovers will remain edible for up to four days in the refrigerator. Reheat them to 165 degrees (measure with a food thermometer); soups and sauces should be reheated to a boil.
As you put away leftovers, you can always pack some up for guests to take home, too. You can put out some Ziploc Stay Open Design Bags with guests' names on them and let them fill up a to-go bag. (Another hint: If you are going to a watch party, pack a Ziploc bag in your purse or pocket in case the host wants to unload some goodies after the game, Kelce said.)
That way, regardless of the game's outcome, your guests "go home feeling like winners," she said.
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:@mikesnider& mikegsnider.
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