Not everyone tunes in for the touchdowns and that’s perfectly okay! Our teammate Sandy is all about the gathering part for the Big Game; easy food, family, and a snack bar that invites everyone to linger. She’s pulled together a simple, crowd-pleasing menu that lets you enjoy the day without being glued to the TV; except for the commercials-Sandy loves the fun, new commercial.
SANDY'S EASY BIG GAME MENU
Cozy Cheeseburger Soup
A big pot of soup is Sandy’s MVP. It’s warm, filling, and easy to keep simmering while everyone helps themselves. Her picks are chili or Carmie’s Kitchen Classic Cheeseburger Soup.
Make it with: The ChopStir chops ground beef in a fraction of the time and the 4 quart Staub Cocotte is made of cast iron that has exceptional heat-retaining qualities and keeps soups and stews heated evenly throughout. And also? It’s beautiful and goes from stove to tabletop (or snack bar) for serving.
Serve it with: Simple toppings, homemade cornbread in a mini bundt pan, and jumbo mugs with spoons that can handle seconds, or even thirds. (Sandy’s fam doesn’t judge and probably doesn’t even notice. 😉)
Pinwheels Everyone Will Love
These are Sandy’s go-to because they disappear fast and feel a little special without being fussy.
She uses a Wind & Willow dip mix for big flavor with minimal effort; perfect for pinwheels you can prep ahead and slice before your guests arrive.
Sandy's Hostess Tips: Put out fresh appetizers in stages instead of all at once so snacks always feel fresh!
Make the pinwheels: Follow the package instructions to prepare the Wind & Willow Savoring Herb & Pecan Cheeseball & Appetizer Mix. Spread over a single tortilla, roll up tightly, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge until firm. Slice & serve!
Crunchy Tortilla Chips with a Twist
Instead of store-bought chips, Sandy likes to bake her own and season with Finch + Fennel Fancy Shmancy seasoning.
Make them with: cut tortillas into 8 triangles (or 6, depending on the size of your tortilla) with a large pizza wheel. Use a pastry brush to cover with olive oil (alternatively: use a spray-something flavorless. Avocado spray also works well). Sprinkle each chip with the Fancy Shmancy seasoning; as much or as little as you’d like. Bake at 350° for 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven and flip over. Repeat the oil and seasoning process, if desired. Return to oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes until brown and crunchy.
Most everyone has a nonstick baking sheet in their kitchen but have you tried a pizza stone? It’s perfect for baking the best, crispiest tortilla chips!
Serve them with: Robbi’s Salsa! Danica Leaf Ramekins are the perfect vessel for serving individual portions of salsa, or, add an appetizer spoon and place on a charcuterie board with tortilla chips for the crowd.
TAKE-IT-WITH-YOU-CHARCUTERIE (No Stress Required)
When Sandy heads to a gathering, she loves bringing a charcuterie board that feels thoughtful but still travels well.
That’s where Fancy Panz comes in. The easy-to-use Charcuterie Trayz Insert turns a simple board into a ready-to-go centerpiece you can take from your kitchen to someone else’s without worry or wobble!
Why Sandy loves it:
- Keeps everything contained and easy to carry.
- Makes store-bought or homemade spreads feel “extra.”
- Perfect for sharing snacks before kickoff or during kitchen conversations.
Bringing something beautiful doesn’t need to be complicated.