Finger foods are Super (Bowl) choices

For some, the second Sunday in February is just an excuse to gather with friends and family and feast on dips, pizza, chips, sliders, charcuterie, and wings, of course.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Depending upon when you are reading this, Super Bowl game watchers and fans are either deciding what to serve, preparing their menus, indulging mid-game or still reeling from the outcome. Regardless, it's always great food that makes for the big win on game day. Finger foods are popular because they are easy to pass around, and the perfect foods to enjoy casually, while catching up with friends or watching the game.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is the second-biggest food-focused holiday in the U.S., just behind Thanksgiving. Fans have traditions of what foods to serve based on the teams playing, reflecting the regional cuisine and culture.

The details

In New England, seafood classics like lobster rolls, baked beans, clam chowder, and maple glazed wings might be on the spread, along with the quintessential Boston Cream Pie. For Seattle, a regional classic is the Seattle dog (a hot dog with cream cheese, sautéed onions, and often jalapeños), as well as smoked salmon candy, teriyaki chicken, and Marionberry pie bars or hand pies.

  • The Super Bowl game is played on the second Sunday in February.

The players

Tim Lopez

A culinary arts teacher in Philadelphia who spent 13 years serving food to the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles. He is the author of 'Kickoff Kitchen: 64 Game-Day Recipes Inspired by Every Pro-Football Team'.

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What they’re saying

“Football is more than just a game — it's a cultural phenomenon that unites cities, sparks fierce rivalries and brings communities together every Sunday. Just as each team has its own history, traditions and loyal fan base, every region of the country has a distinct food culture that reflects its people, geography and heritage. From the smoky barbecue pits of Kansas City to the seafood shacks of New England, the food that fuels football fans is as diverse and passionate as the sport itself.”

— Tim Lopez, Author (Kickoff Kitchen: 64 Game-Day Recipes Inspired by Every Pro-Football Team)

What’s next

The book 'Kickoff Kitchen: 64 Game-Day Recipes Inspired by Every Pro-Football Team' by Tim Lopez offers recipes for house parties or tailgates to celebrate the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

The Super Bowl is not just about the game, but also the diverse and passionate food culture that unites fans and communities across the country, reflecting the regional cuisines and traditions of the teams playing.