Little did we know, the 2020 Super Bowl was one of the last events to enjoy in a large gathering for the next year. The stands were full at the Hard Rock Stadium, house parties were in full swing, and people were elbowing their way in for space at sports pubs. Now, less than a week away from the 2021 Super Bowl, it’s almost hard to remember what that was like.
We know that everyone, including us, hoped life would be back to some normalcy by now. After all, the Super Bowl seems to be the one sporting event that has a way of bringing everyone together. Some of us enjoy the pastime for the football, some for the food and drinks, some for the commercials, and some for a combination thereof.
We have a solution for at least part of that – the food and drinks. The lack of large gatherings doesn’t mean you can’t have a wide variety of snacks and drinks, as long as you’re down for leftovers.
Below is the holy grail of delicious food made with beer/wine. The best part: all of the dishes are handpicked and are just as tasty, if not better, as leftovers. No waste, no hard decision. Just good food and drink.
Made With Beer
Gochujang Beer Cheese Dip
This one might even be better post-game day, as the flavors deepen and combine as the dip chills. Gochujang is a hot sauce that is most comparable to Sriracha, so this dish is a little hot. From The Beeroness, get the recipe here.
Suggested Beer: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Tasting Notes: Heavy on hops with intense aromas of pine and citrus.
ABV: 5.6%
Brown Ale Pulled Pork
This recipe is simple, easy, and only requires a few ingredients, but it’s tasty and versatile. You can make sliders, pulled pork bowls, burritos, nachos, the list goes on. Get the recipe from Craft Beering here.
Suggested Beer: Payette Brewing Mutton Buster Brown Ale
Tasting Notes: Out of the chute, there’s a rich, roasted, nutty sweetness of cocoa and malt on the nose with a mild kick of earthy, hop bitterness that won’t bust your chops.
ABV: 5.5%
All Day IPA Lemon Bars
Something a little sweeter for all the sweet tooths out there. Created by Founder’s Brewing Culinary Director, this recipe is relatively easy to create, and will nicely balance the many savory dishes. Get the recipe here.
Suggested Beer: Founders Brewing All Day IPA
Tasting Notes: An all-day IPA naturally brewed with a complex array of malts, grains and hops. Balanced for optimal aromatics and a clean finish.
ABV: 4.7%
Porcini Mac and Cheese
We couldn’t very well give a game day snack list and not include Mac and Cheese. You can change up the dish by either using an amber ale or pumpkin ale. From Taste of Home, get the recipe here.
Suggested Beer: Alaskan Amber
Tasting Notes: Richly malty and long on the palate, with just enough hop backing to make this beautiful amber colored “alt” style beer notably well balanced.
ABV: 5.3%
Spicy Bavarian Beer Mustard
Another one from Taste of Home, because they have neverending lists of awesome ways to cook with beer! This one is great for dipping pretzels, or on the bun of a brat. Get the recipe here.
Suggested Beer: Deschutes Black Butte Porter
Tasting Notes: Bold reputation. Soft disposition. Surprising Balance. Behold an iconic and unexpectedly complex porter that’s more than meets the eye.
ABV: 5.5%
Made With Wine
Merlot Meatballs
Delicious as it is unique! These Merlot Meatball Appetizers from The Food Blog are going to become a dinner staple along with a game-day staple. Get the recipe.
Suggested Wine: William Hill Central Coast Merlot
Tasting Notes: Plum, ripe red cherry, raspberry, and soft spice aromas. Hints of chocolate and blueberry.
ABV: 13.9%
Red Wine Cheese Spread
The perfect spread for crackers at your Superbowl get together, and your next day afternoon snack! This Red Wine Cheese Spread from Savory Experiments has a cream cheese base and flavors of caramelized onions, rosemary, red wine, and honey. Get the recipe.
Suggested Wine: Estancia Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied Pinot Noir with flavors of red berries, baking spices, and cherries. Floral notes of violet and lavender, with a rustic toasty finish.
ABV: 14%
Red Wine BBQ Chicken
A new spin on a game day classic. From Food & Wine, get the recipe here.
Tip for storing leftovers: only brush as much chicken as you think you’ll eat that day, keep the extra sauce and chicken separate until you’re ready to eat it next.
Suggested Wine: Erath Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: Layered aromas, including blackberry, currant, toasty pie crust, eucalyptus, and a waft of hearty meatiness. Dark fruits prevail on the palate–cherry, plum and mission fig–nicely seasoned with sage and a light smokiness.
ABV: 13%
Stuffed Mussels
A mouthwatering dish that’ll have you feeling fancy even though it’s so simple. Properly stored, they can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, so double that batch! This recipe, created by Saveur, has the sweet taste of the mussels with flavors of Thyme and white wine.
Suggested Wine: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting Notes: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc delivers layered, nuanced character on a refreshingly crisp palate.
The wine opens with classic aromas of bright lemon, ripe tropical fruit and fresh-snipped greens. This smooth, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc carries through the aromatic notes to the palate, adding hints of grapefruit, white peach, pineapple and juicy pair.
ABV: 13%
