7 Football Season Snack Ideas for the Classroom

Culinary Recipes and Food Labs for the Football Season!

There is no better time to make delicious apps than around the big game. Make these football snack ideas regularly during the season or before Super Bowl Sunday to get everyone excited! Around here, we love football, and our city identifies with our favorite team, the Buffalo Bills. In middle and high school culinary arts, we spend some time on football game snacks. Additionally, it gets the kids practicing knife skills and cooking techniques while participating in an American food tradition.

1- The twisty potato– Chris practiced this one at home and then made it with his students, and it was a big hit! It involves tricky knife skills, so it suits high school culinary students better.  As an inexpensive cooking lab, it is one of those perfect Super Bowl appetizers because it is tasty and fun. You need skewers and potatoes! You can serve these with chopped chives, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. The crispy potato skins taste delicious and are a fairly nutritious snack. 

2- Salsa and Chips– What better way to practice knife skills than to make salsa with your students than this easy game day food? There are so many variations of salsa that it can be fun to experiment with different ingredients. We have a lesson that includes a worksheet on salsa and the different types and questions for students to answer.

Serve the salsa with your favorite tortilla chips for a light snack or create loaded nachos using the salsa and add grilled chicken, ground beef, or refried beans, cheddar cheese, and any other toppings you and your students like. 

Here’s an easy recipe for salsa:

• 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 TBSP lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño pepper, and chopped cilantro.
2. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture.
3. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper and seasonings according to your desired level of heat and flavor.
4. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
5. Allow the salsa to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasonings if needed.
7. Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop further and the salsa to chill.
8. Lastly, serve the salsa with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or any other dishes you prefer.

More Finger Foods Your Students Will Love

3- Buffalo Chicken Dip– These delicious dips are a hometown Buffalo staple during the big games. Students practice handling raw chicken and can season this delicious dip to their liking. For the wing sauce, if you can get your hands on Frank’s Hot Sauce, that will make your perfect dip truly Buffalo authentic. Here is a recipe that we use. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers. Additionally, Ritz crackers are good with the dip, and so are any cheesy, sturdy crackers. 

You can even use a slow cooker if you have a chunk of time before serving the dip.

4- Chicken Wings (Buffalo Wings)– Do you like Buffalo Wings? These are my favorite football party food recipes! They are easier than you think to make, and students love them. You can bake or fry them for a delicious game-time snack and serve them with bleu cheese or ranch. Also, if you need to store and serve them another day, check out this relevant article about how to reheat the wings. You can even use the air fryer to make wings. 

5- Charcuterie Board– Charcuterie boards are a fun way to present food to a crowd. Students can have fun making a class board or designing individual charcuterie boards, even in small groups. You can make it simple and give them plates to create charcuterie boards. Additionally, we have a lesson introducing charcuterie boards and having them design their own. It also includes a digital charcuterie board drag-and-drop activity! Check out our post for a charcuterie board checklist of must-haves!

Game Day Food Ideas

6- Layer Dip-  These easy party food are easy to assemble and makes the perfect addition to your game time spread. These are great for your party guests because they offer a variety of flavors and textures: A layered dip incorporates multiple ingredients, each contributing its unique flavor and texture. Common layers may include refried beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and toppings like tomatoes, onions, or olives. This combination of flavors and textures adds depth and complexity to the dip, making it more satisfying and enjoyable. Again, if you are planning an event with your students, a layered dip can be made in advance and often tastes better the next day! 

7- Onion Rings– Onion rings make a fantastic addition to your class football game day spread, bringing a delightful combination of crispy texture and savory flavor. In addition, they can help to teach your students about batter and they do not require too many food items. Here’s why they are one of the fan favorites and make a great snack choice for game day:

1. Crispy and satisfying: Onion rings are known for their crunchy exterior, making them incredibly satisfying. The golden-brown breading provides a satisfying contrast to the tender and slightly sweet onion inside.
2. Finger-friendly: Game day snacks should be easy to handle and enjoy while watching the game. Onion rings are perfect as they can be easily picked up.
3. Versatile dipping options: Onion rings offer the opportunity to explore a variety of delicious dipping sauces. Whether you prefer classic options like ketchup or mayonnaise or want to experiment with tangy barbecue sauce, spicy aioli, or even a creamy cheese dip, the options are endless. The versatility of onion rings allows you to tailor the dipping experience to your personal taste and preference.
4. Suitable for vegetarians: If you have vegetarian students or staff members joining your game day gathering, onion rings can be a satisfying snack option for them. They provide a flavorful and satisfying alternative to meat-based snacks, ensuring everyone can find something delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• Vegetable oil for frying

1. Slice the onions into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set them aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Pour the buttermilk (or milk) into a separate bowl.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to approximately 350°F (175°C).
5. Dip the onion rings into the buttermilk (or milk), ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Place the coated onion rings into the flour mixture, turning them to coat evenly. Press the flour mixture gently onto the rings to help it adhere.
7. Shake off any excess flour and carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
8. Cook the onion rings for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Adjust the cooking time depending on your desired level of crispiness.
9. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the cooked onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining onion rings, maintaining the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C).
11. Allow the onion rings to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Serve them while still warm and crispy.
12. Lastly, enjoy your homemade onion rings as a delicious snack or as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

Note: Remember to exercise caution when working with hot oil to avoid any accidents. Always fry in a well-ventilated area and follow proper safety guidelines.

We made the opposing team’s famous dishes each week last season. So, when we played Chicago, we made a dish from Chicago, etc. Follow us on Youtube to see the dishes Chris has been making!

In conclusion, the collaborative culinary adventure with my talented high school culinary arts students has resulted in an array of game day recipes that encompass the essence of good food, perfect for Super Bowl celebrations. Our collective efforts have yielded a mouthwatering collection of super bowl recipes, offering a tantalizing range of flavors and easy football food ideas that are sure to please every palate. From the classic and addictive chicken wing dip to the visually impressive and flavor-packed layered dips, our creations are designed to elevate any game day gathering. These great appetizers, including the crispy perfection of homemade onion rings, are destined to be the stars of the show, captivating guests with their irresistible taste and texture.

Moreover, the dedication, passion, and skill displayed by your students can transform their culinary exploration into an unforgettable experience. So, as you gather with friends and family to cheer on your favorite team, let the aroma and flavors of these game day treats ignite your senses and create lasting memories. Together, let’s savor the joys of good food and the thrill of football in every delicious bite. Game on!