Thanksgiving might be the biggest food day of the year, but, if you ask us? The Super Bowl is certainly the best one.
Instead of turkey, green beans and yams, you can have crispy potato chips, spicy chicken wings and juicy burger sliders with grilled onions and hot American cheese.
Sorry pilgrims, your fall squash just can't compete with that.
And, honestly, neither can football. Because, when it comes to the big game, most of us are lost in the incredible spread of deep-fried finger foods; savoring every moment of the one night of the year that we get to eat nothing but TGI Friday's appetizers for dinner.
As we look forward to Sunday Feb. 11, therefore, we're already dreaming about what we're going to put on our disposable plastic plates. Assuming you guys also prefer taquitos to touchdowns (or at least recognize you can't have one without the other), we share those ideas with you now.
These are our top ten favorite Super Bowl foods of all time — and where to get them.
10. Loaded Potato Skins
Kicking off our best football bites list are loaded potato skins: a salty, heavy sports bar classic. Topped with crumbled bacon and a thick layer of cheddar cheese, each piece is fatty and carb-y, and has a satisfyingly rich taste. The only problem with the starchy skins, however, is that they can often be dry — a phenomenon which keeps them from moving any higher on this list (though those spuds should be honored to make it at all, considering all the foods they beat out).
If you choose to serve them at a home viewing party, then, we suggest making sure you have sour cream on hand. When paired with that creamy topping, they're always delicious.
Where to get: Given the nature of potato skins, we suggest making these yourself. If you're time crunched (or dining out), however, Harrigan's Family Restaurant offers an excellent version: 144 Main Rd., Montville; 973-263-0111, harrigansmontville.com.
9. Jalapeño Poppers
There are plenty of versions of jalapeño poppers — from cream cheese-stuffed, to bacon-wrapped and more. The ones we're talking about here, though, are those iconic, cheddar cheese-filled ones that you get at diners and pubs galore.
Remarkably crispy and satisfyingly hot (in both senses of the word), the bite-sized killers are one of the most sensational appetizers known to man.
Where to get: Best from a diner or sports bar. We recommend the West Essex Diner: 516 Route 46, Fairfield; 973-737-9024, thewestessexdiner.com.
8. Quesadillas
We haven't met a quesadilla we didn't like, so, of course, the cheesy Mexican dish had to make it on this list. Warm, gooey and sloppy (in all the right ways), we love them with anything from beef to bacon inside, and guacamole to chipotle aioli on top.
Whether you craft one yourself, grab a few from the Taco Bell drive-through or splurge on a high-end shrimp and chorizo version from your local cantina, you really can't go wrong with any version of this crowd-pleasing semi-circle from heaven.
Where to get: Our favorite quesadillas come from Chili Willies in Boonton, because the tortillas are thin, soft and perfectly greasy: 702 Main St., Boonton, 973-299-8775, chiliwilliesrestaurant.com.
7. Six-Foot Subs
Like a regular sandwich, just bigger.
And the bread on these things? Always better (especially when the oil and vinegar gets a few hours to soak into it).
The Super Bowl is one of your few excuses a year to order 72-inches of ham, salami and provolone — so don't miss your chance.
Where to get: Two local favorites: Michael's Salumeria (536 Valley Brook Ave., Lyndhurst; 201-939-9654, msalumeria.com), and Don's Sandwich Shop (606 Main St., Boonton; 973-263-3189, instagram.com/donssandwichshop).
6. Totino's Pizza Rolls
You guys know what these are.
And you know where to find them.
Where to get: Freezer section of literally anywhere that isn't Whole Foods.
5. Nachos
There are many things about nachos that are great: the melty cheese, the greasy beef, the cool guacamole...
But, the best thing about nachos? The ability to make them with Doritos.
Because, you just can't have a Super Bowl (in case the commercials don't remind you) without Doritos.
Where to get: Order exceptional nachos from Mi Rancho Mexican Grill (195 Spring St., Newton, 973-300-0605, miranchomexicangrillnewton.com), or DIY those aforementioned Doritos nachos by hitting up your local ShopRite.
4. Bone-In Wings
If you Google "best Super Bowl foods," there's no doubt wings will come up as the number one answer. Saucy, sloppy and spicy, the bone-in bangers have become almost synonymous with the big game.
Enjoy them with creamy ranch, warm buffalo sauce or naked with a smoky spice rub. However you like them, every is a good way to eat a savory chicken wing — or 12 — on the second Sunday of February.
Where to get: We recommend Blue 42 Restaurant and Bar, as it has over 50 sauce options: 158 Market St., Elmwood Park, 201-773-0970, blue42bar.com.
3. Pigs in a Blanket
With juicy little co*cktail weenies wrapped in buttery, melt-in-your-mouth puff pastry, pigs in a blanket may be one of the most mouthwatering delicacies on the planet. As a kid, we all went nuts when our moms made them, and — as adults? We'll order them any time we see them pop up as a special on a gastropub menu.
Dipped in mustard, sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning or drowning in beer cheese (trust us), we couldn't imagine a Super Bowl party without these bite-sized comfort food delights.
Where to get: Best homemade, or by the Hebrew National brand (find at a Walmart or Target near you). If you prefer someone else do the cooking? Order ahead of time from Zuzanna's Gourmet Catering in Randolph; 973-584-5858, zuzannasgourmet.com.
2. Boneless Wings
Crispier, crunchier and with more crevices for soaking up sauces, boneless wings are inarguably better than bone-in wings.
DM us @northjerseyeats with complaints.
Where to get: Allendale Bar & Grill won our social media poll on the best boneless wings in North Jersey, and we agree with that result; 67 W Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-327-3197, allendalebarandgrill.com.
1. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Spicy yet cool, cheesy and creamy, salty and dreamy; from the drippy grease to the tender meat, buffalo chicken dip is absolutely divine.
Going beyond best tailgate food to possibly just food's best food, the messy appetizer is our favorite Super Bowl dish of all time — and one that absolutely needs to be on your game day table this year.
Where to get: Bloomfield Steak & Seafood House is the way to go: 409 Franklin St., Bloomfield, 973-680-4500, eatbeefgethooked.com.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram:@karanicolev&@northjerseyeats, and sign up for herNorth Jersey Eats newsletter.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. While I have personal experiences or opinions, I can provide factual information and answer questions based on available sources.
In this article, the author discusses their top ten favorite Super Bowl foods. They highlight various appetizers and dishes that are popular during the Super Bowl. Let's go through each concept mentioned in the article and provide relevant information:
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is an annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States. It is considered one of the biggest sporting events in the country and attracts a large audience. The game is typically played on the first Sunday in February and is known for its halftime show and commercials.
Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded potato skins are a popular appetizer often served in sports bars and restaurants. They are made by scooping out the inside of a potato, leaving a shell, which is then filled with toppings such as cheese, bacon, and sour cream. They are typically baked or fried until crispy.
Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are a type of appetizer made with jalapeño peppers that are stuffed with various fillings, such as cream cheese or cheddar cheese, and then breaded and deep-fried. They are known for their spicy and cheesy flavor.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a Mexican dish made with tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or beans. The tortillas are typically folded in half and grilled or fried until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Six-Foot Subs
A six-foot sub is a large sandwich typically made on a long roll or baguette. It is often filled with various deli meats, cheeses, and condiments. Six-foot subs are popular for parties and gatherings, including Super Bowl parties, as they can feed a large number of people.
Totino's Pizza Rolls
Totino's Pizza Rolls are a brand of frozen bite-sized snacks that resemble miniature pizza rolls. They are made with a crispy outer shell and filled with cheese, sauce, and various toppings. They are typically baked or microwaved before serving.
Nachos
Nachos are a popular Mexican-inspired dish made with tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and various toppings, such as ground beef, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. They are often served as an appetizer or snack.
Bone-In Wings
Bone-in wings, also known as chicken wings, are a popular finger food often associated with sports events like the Super Bowl. They are typically seasoned, deep-fried, and coated in sauce, such as buffalo sauce or barbecue sauce. They are often served with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are bite-sized appetizers made by wrapping co*cktail sausages or hot dogs in pastry dough and baking them until golden brown. They are often served at parties and are a popular choice for Super Bowl gatherings.
Boneless Wings
Boneless wings are similar to bone-in wings but are made from boneless chicken pieces, typically chicken breast. They are breaded, fried, and coated in sauce, similar to bone-in wings. Boneless wings are often considered easier to eat and less messy than bone-in wings.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy and spicy dip made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and various seasonings. It is typically baked until bubbly and served with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables. Buffalo chicken dip is a popular dish for parties and gatherings, including Super Bowl parties.
Please note that the information provided above is based on general knowledge and may vary depending on regional variations and personal preferences.
