17 Super Bowl Appetizers Perfect For Pregaming

Look, the Super Bowl is more than just a chance to watch great commercials and tweet about a killer half-time show — it’s also a time to watch football. And more than that, it’s really a party to celebrate all the great Super Bowl appetizer recipes that the world has to offer. Appetizers are better than main courses, that’s just an indisputable fact. I dare you to find anything on any menu that is better than an order of mozzarella sticks.

If you feel neutral about football or awkward at parties, the food is often a source of comfort and an easy excuse to mingle. Ideally, the food tastes good too. Well good news, because America scores a touchdown when it comes to appetizers, and if there has ever been a time to showcase things America does best, it’s Sunday, Feb. 7, when we plan to sit around and watch men tackle each other for a toy. Is it obvious that I only care about the food yet?

Whether you are hosting a viewing party, or just bringing something to a friend’s place, I encourage you to pregrame with the selection below for crowd-pleasing bites so good I doubt they’ll last through half-time.

1. Cheese Straws

This tasty recipe from My Baking Addiction is such an easy app to throw together, not to mention it yields 30 servings and only takes about 15 minutes to make.

2. Bacon-Wrapped Mini Sausages With Brown Sugar

Mini hot dogs are a Super Bowl classic. Just add bacon and brown sugar like this recipe from Dessert Now Dinner Later, and you've got yourself an appetizer probably better than the game itself.

3. Homemade Pretzel Pizza Bites

Not much is better than bite sized pizza balls. This delicious dish from A Beautiful Mess is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

4. Kale Chips

Kale chips are probably the easiest snack you can make, and you likely have all of the ingredients in your fridge already. Follow this recipe from Oh She Glows for a flawless batch.

5. Kale Pesto Pizza

Speaking of kale, try this kale pesto pizza from Cookie and Kate. Pizza is great to feed a crowd, and you'll get a serving of greens with this one too. What's not to love?

6. Jalapeno Popper Dip

Dips are the perfect appetizer and spicy dips are even better. This jalapeno dip from A Beautiful Mess is all that and more. Plus it's an excuse to buy those spicy potato chips.

7. Garlic Cilantro Fries

Fries are probably thought to be more of a side dish than an appetizer, but I beg you to find anyone who wouldn't want to pregame with these garlic cilantro fries from The Merry Thought.

8. Everything Soft Pretzels

Pretzels tend to be a crowd pleaser and this recipe from A Cozy Kitchen is no exception.

9. Curry Butter Popcorn

Try this recipe from A Better Happier St. Sebastian, and add some spice to a very simple popcorn recipe for an incredibly easy and impressive appetizer.

10. French Onion Chip Dip

French onion dip is such a classic, you'd be a terrible host without it. Try this simple recipe from My Baking Addiction.

11. Sloppy Joe Potato Skins

Baked potatoes are super easy to make, and sloppy joes are always a hit. Combine the two with this killer recipe from A Farmgirl's Dabbles.

12. Baked Goat Cheese and Bacon Spinach Dip

You should always say yes to bacon. And to spinach dip. And to this heavenly dip from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.

13. Baked Brie in Pastry Crust

If you think brie is too fancy for a Super Bowl party, think again. This recipe from Adventures in Cooking might be a little more intense than just baking hot wings, but it's so worth it.

14. Buffalo Chex Mix

Tide your guests over while the hot wings cook with this simple Chex mix from Ari's Menu.

15. Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are another Super Bowl party staple. Try this sweet and spicy (that means all of your guests will love them) recipe from My Baking Addiction.

16. Chicken Parmesan Roll

This savory dish from Apron and Sneakers is filling and delicious. Plus it's easy to eat during those commercial breaks.

17. Mediterranean Nachos

Don't fear this Mediterranean twist on the classic nacho. It's full of fresh veggies and cheese so it probably won't last long. Try the recipe from Ari's Menu.

For more ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: My Baking Addiction (3), Dessert Now Dinner Later, A Beautiful Mess (2), Oh She Glows, Cookie and Kate, The Merry Thought, A Cozy Kitchen, A Better Happier St. Sebastian, A Farmgirl's Dabbles, A Pretty Life in the Suburbs, Adventures in Cooking, Apron and Sneakers