Buzz
The biggest game of the year is almost here (though the Puppy Bowl also has its own charm). Super Bowl LVI is fast approaching, and thankfully, the CDC has refrained from issuing major warnings about gathering. If you're planning to host a party, it's time to start thinking about the menu. Whether you're expecting a small crowd or a big one, here's how to make sure you don't drop the ball.
How much beer is enough?
Super Bowl gatherings are different from regular parties. Sure, they involve people coming together to eat, drink, and escape adulting. But the main focus on football (and comfort food) means you'll want a mini brewery’s worth of beer at your place.
A general guideline for estimating how many alcoholic beverages you'll need at a party is to provide two drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. So, if you're expecting:
20 guests
For 4 hours
You'll need (40 drinks during the first hour) plus (60 drinks for the next 3 hours), totaling 100 drinks. (Your guests may consume less, but it’s always better to be prepared than risk a party mishap.)
Evite provides a drinks calculator that allows you to adjust your estimate by categorizing guests as “heavy,” “light,” or “average” drinkers, and specifying your beverage offerings.
What beer should you serve?
Beer is the classic drink for Super Bowl gatherings. Mytour’s senior food editor Claire Lower strongly suggests serving Champagne (or sparkling wine) instead because of its ability to cleanse the palate and cut through salty, greasy flavors. (The Super Bowl may offer many things, but health-conscious food isn’t one of them.) If sparkling wine isn't your style, opt for light, crisp beers like pilsners and lagers—budget-friendly choices that won’t compete with the food. So, if there's ever a day for a beer enthusiast to enjoy Miller High Life, this is it. (For large Super Bowl parties with 30-40+ people, a keg might be a smart choice.)
Certainly, you can craft a signature cocktail that reflects the hometown of your favorite team (or both teams if you're neutral). However, it’s perfectly fine to skip the hassle of arranging ice, glasses, liquors, mixers, and garnishes and just stick with beer and wine. If there’s ever a party that thrives on simple drink offerings, it’s one hosted by the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Don't forget to include non-alcoholic drinks
Always keep in mind that there will be children and adult guests who prefer not to drink alcohol; ensure you have plenty of water, soda, and juice (for the little ones) available. As a general guideline, plan for one liter of water per every four guests, and 8 oz. of soft drinks per person.
How many wings and pizza slices are needed?
Finger foods are the name of the game at a Super Bowl party: chips, dips, sliders, pizza, and of course—wings. But given that inflation has caused the price of chicken wings to rise by 14% to 26% compared to last year, you might want to serve fewer. The amount you need will depend on the other foods you plan to serve, but as a general rule, if wings are the main dish (with light snacks like crudités, pretzels, and popcorn on the side), estimate around 10 wings per person. If you have a variety of other appetizers, 5-6 wings per person should suffice. Check out this chicken wing calculator for more details. Make sure to buy early: The National Chicken Council predicts that Americans will consume 1.42 billion wings this year, so get yours before they’re gone. (Also, did you know there's a Chicken Council?)
When it comes to pizza, the general rule is three slices per adult and two per child. However, this is ideal for a “pizza party.” If pizza is your main dish, aside from chips and salsa, feel free to follow this guideline. But if your table is stacked with nachos, dips, pigs in a blanket, and more, you can definitely order less. Regardless, make sure to place your order one to three days ahead as it’s one of the busiest days for many pizza chains.
Remember, this is the perfect time to ask your guests to bring their favorite appetizers or sides, which will reduce your workload and save money. People love the chance to make their dad’s famous queso or show off that Pinterest-inspired pepperoni-covered cheese chunk shaped like a football.
