Hosting a Super Bowl party? Show guests you're there to win! This Super Bowl snack stadium is stuffed with tasty treats and surprisingly easy to assemble.
How to Build a Super Bowl Snack Stadium for the Ultimate Game Day Spread
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
When it comes to hosting a game day party, there are two kinds of guests: people whose primary focus is the action and people who are there for the food. But what if you could combine the two, putting together a spread that’s touchdown-worthy for everybody? Introducing the Super Bowl snack stadium!
Part football, part snack and 100% over-the-top, a snack stadium is the ultimate showpiece for a Super Bowl party. And with a great selection of game day foods, you’ll be sure to score extra points with family and friends.
While it looks like putting together a Super Bowl snack stadium will take more time and effort than putting on the halftime show, this one is a cinch to assemble. We’ll walk you through how to build the ultimate snack stadium using simple household items, with plenty of ideas for the best snacks to pack the stands. Also, don’t worry if you are looking for healthy options, as we have a list of healthy game day snacks.
How to Build a Super Bowl Snack Stadium at Home
Though building this super-sized snack stadium does take time, it’s totally worth it. Plus, the materials are easy to find (your local dollar store or Dollar General will likely carry everything you need).
What You Need to Build a Snack Stadium
- Eight 12-pack soda cartons
- Plastic party cups
- 6 aluminum loaf pans
- 2 small aluminum or disposable plastic bowls
- 2 small aluminum trays
- Sheet pan
- Dinner-sized paper napkins
- Plastic straws
- Craft or wrapping paper
- Tape
- Hot glue
Instructions for Snack Stadium Set Up
Step 1: Build the skybox seating
Glue the bottoms of two aluminum loaf pans together. Repeat this step so you have two lower-level skyboxes. To create the upper-level skyboxes, glue the bottom of one aluminum loaf pan to the bottom of two cups side by side. Repeat this step so you have two upper-level skyboxes. Add extra cups to make the upper-level skyboxes taller as needed.
Step 2: Build the stands
Draw a wide triangle on the long side of one soda carton. Cut the box to form a diagonal stand shape. Repeat this step with all eight boxes, resulting in 16 stands.
Step 3: Wrap and decorate the stands
Using craft paper or wrapping paper, wrap each soda carton stand. Line the interior with paper napkins and glue plastic straws around the edges to dress up each stand. Feel free to get creative with your team’s colors!
Step 4: Make the towers
Glue the bottoms of two plastic cups together to create tall towers for each corner of the stadium. Glue a small aluminum bowl onto two of the towers to hold dips.
Step 5: Assemble the snack stadium
On a large table, start by placing your sheet pan (the field) in the middle. Place the two small aluminum trays (the end zones) on either side. Place the prepared lower and upper skyboxes on each side of the field. Place the prepared stands around the field in the remaining empty space. Place the four towers at each corner to complete the stadium structure. Then, get ready to fill it with snacks!
What to Fill Your Super Bowl Snack Stadium With
Now, let’s get on to the part you’ve been waiting for—the snacks! Of course, when it comes to your own snack stadium, you can fill it to the brim with all of your favorite Super Bowl snacks, but we’ve got a few suggestions.
Creating the Field
Just like in real life, all eyes are on the field. To make this snack stadium really pop, you need a centerpiece-style spread in the middle. We love the idea of the centerpiece of your stadium being a show-stopping gridiron cake. The bright green frosting and clean yard lines—not to mention our gumdrop players—really make this cake look like the real deal. Pop on a few yellow bendy straws as goalposts and you’re ready for kickoff.
Not interested in sweets? Make homemade guacamole the star of the show. Spread guacamole into a pan and then add goal lines using sour cream. Or, swap avocados for artichokes and put together a cheesy spinach and artichoke dip. It may not be as green as a field, but guests will love digging into this flavorful dip with a variety of chips and pretzels.
Another option is a combo of cheese, crackers and meats, like a classic charcuterie board. Pile plenty of sliced meats and cheeses in your “football field.” You could even display them on a bed of lettuce for a splash of green! Here are more cheese board ideas—and don’t forget to read up on cheese board pairings.
Filling the End Zones
Your snack stadium deserves its fair share of savory treats, and the end zones are perfect for bigger items. Here’s where you can show off your favorite Super Bowl recipes.
We packed the end zones full of spiraled tortilla roll-ups, including spinach and turkey tortilla pinwheels. For more end zone ideas, consider adding Buffalo chicken wings to the mix, or even stuffed pizza bites. Or, how about a variety of mini sandwiches such as Philly cheesesteak sliders and hot dog sliders? We also love the idea of using the end zones for a selection of sliced cheeses and meats.
Seating the Skyboxes
It’s not a party without the best dip recipes, and the lower-level skyboxes are the perfect venue. We filled the skyboxes full of chunky salsa and beer cheese dip, but the options are endless. Consider adding homemade hummus or a delicious blue cheese dip to go with your wings.
For those craving something sweet, a few of the boxes can be filled with candies and our football-themed Touchdown Cookies. If you have leftovers after the game, these boxes can double as party favors. Wrap them up with plastic wrap and send your pals home with something sweet.
Packing the Stands
To go with all those delicious dips, we’re in favor of filling the stands with snack-aisle favorites like potato chips, pretzels, crackers, pita chips and popcorn.
If you have time to spare, consider whipping up Zesty Snack Mix and homemade seasoned crackers, or turning a soft pretzel recipe into pretzel bites.
Decking Out the Towers
This snack stadium isn’t all about indulgence. Healthy Super Bowl recipes are fair game, too! On the exterior towers, we filled disposable dishes with a creamy veggie dill dip and packed plastic cups full of vegetable sticks.
Of course, you can also swap out the dill dip for other options like a Vegetarian Buffalo Dip or use the towers for even more room for snacks, such as long pretzel rods or breadsticks.
More Ideas for Snack Stadiums
If you love the idea of building a spread for your fans but don’t love traditional game day foods, no problem! You can build and fill your stand any way you please. Get creative with a veggie-only stadium featuring a huge spread of sliced vegetables and an array of dips. More interested in charcuterie? Build the spread featuring the best charcuterie board meats and cheeses, with the stands full of crackers and sliced bread. The skyboxes are a great spot to offer other additions such as pickles, grapes and nuts.
No matter how you put it together, this Super Bowl snack stadium is a fun and festive way to celebrate, and it’s easy to customize for other big games.
Even More Ideas for Super Bowl Snacks
Buffalo Chicken DipTotal Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy
If you love the taste of buffalo wings but don't have the cooking confidence to make them from scratch, this dip will become your new signature dish. It comes together quickly with all of the tangy, spicy flavors your guests will love.
Meatball SlidersTotal Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Listen up, cheese lovers: These sliders are bursting with your favorite food, from the cheesy pesto in the meatballs and the mozzarella sandwiched inside the rolls to the sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella on top. You can even make homemade Hawaiian dinner rolls to make them extra special.
Philly Cheesesteak DipThis Philly cheesesteak dip is a winning appetizer for game days or holiday parties. Shaved steak, sauteed onions and peppers are baked into a creamy base and topped with melted provolone for the ultimate ooey-gooey finish.
Thinly shaved ribeye steak, sauteed onions and peppers, and a boatload of provolone mixed into a creamy dip base? Yes, please! Serve this dip with a side of toasted baguette for a dish that tastes exactly like a deconstructed Philly cheesesteak.
Bacon-Wrapped SmokiesTotal Time: 50 minutes
Level: Easy
These mini cocktail sausages are salty and sweet, so they're a long-time favorite snack for game day. Oh, did I mention this recipe has only three ingredients? Well, four, if you count the toothpicks!
Jalapeno Popper DipHere's a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip to a party, I'm always asked for the recipe. Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, Illinois
Jalapeno poppers are one of my favorite crowd-pleasing appetizers, but deseeding and stuffing the jalapeno peppers is incredibly time-consuming. Luckily, this recipe has the same flavors with none of the hard work. In fact, thanks to canned diced jalapenos, no slicing or chopping is required.
Fried Chicken WingsFor game days, I shake up these saucy wings. When I run out, friends hover by the snack table until I bring out more. When they ask me how to fry chicken wings, they never believe it's so easy! —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
These classic wings are fried in an electric skillet to make them as crispy as restaurant-style wings. This recipe has three sauces to choose from, including Buffalo wing sauce, spicy Thai sauce and spicy barbecue sauce.
Touchdown Brat SlidersTotal Time: 50 minutes
Level: Easy
This one-pan recipe is extra saucy, so consider waiting to assemble the sliders until your guests arrive. You'll want to put out a few extra napkins for this one, too.
Spinach Dip in a Bread BowlTotal Time: 15 minutes + chilling
Level: Easy
While you could easily serve this spinach dip in a regular bowl, serving it in a hollowed-out loaf of round bread is way more fun. Serve it with extra bread and vegetables from the crudités platter for dipping.
Porcupine MeatballsTotal Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Level: Easy
Now is your sign to add rice to your meatballs. It adds a unique texture and flavor you'll want to recreate again and again, especially on game nights.
Cowboy QuesoTotal Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy
While this dip makes a tasty snack, it's so filling and flavorful that it could practically be a main dish. Just assemble a plate of tortilla chips and add a generous drizzle of cowboy queso to create a delicious Super Bowl dinner.
Boneless WingsTotal Time: 30 minutes + chilling
Level: Easy
Wings are tasty, but they're not exactly convenient to eat when you're perched on the couch with a big group of Super Bowl fans. Boneless wings can be eaten with a fork and knife, and they're easier to make, too.
Savory Cracker Snack MixTotal Time: 30 minutes + cooling
Level: Easy
This combination of potato sticks, snack crackers, sourdough pretzel nuggets and seasonings is a real winner. Keep bowls of the mix on the coffee table and replenish as needed.
Pigs in a BlanketTotal Time: 25 minutes
Level: Easy
When the Super Bowl is a family affair, it's helpful to have at least one dish on the table you know the kids and adults will like. Serve with a homemade mustard pretzel dip for extra points.
Chili NachosTotal Time: 20 minutes
Level: Easy
I love chili, but easy-to-eat foods reign supreme when hosting a big Super Bowl party. That's why I opt for chili nachos, which can be eaten without a fork or spoon and can be served in smaller portions.
Wonton Mozzarella SticksTotal Time: 20 minutes
Level: Easy
This creative spin on mozzarella sticks couldn't be easier. Just wrap the cheese sticks in wonton wrappers, heat some oil in a skillet and fry the sticks until golden brown.
Onion RingsTotal Time: 25 minutes
Level: Easy
You could easily buy a package of frozen onion rings at the supermarket, but where's the fun in that? Your guests will be impressed that you went the extra mile and made them from scratch.
Chicken Bacon TrianglesTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes + chilling
Level: Intermediate
Store-bought phyllo dough is used as a shortcut, but this recipe is still time-intensive because the stuffed triangles take some time to assemble. The good news is that this appetizer can be prepped in advance and frozen until you're ready to bake it.
Toasted RavioliTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy
Who says you need to use a fork to eat ravioli? This recipe deep-fries our favorite stuffed pasta, turning it into a fun finger food. It might just become a new Super Bowl tradition!
GuacamoleTotal Time: 10 minutes
Level: Easy
Guacamole is a Super Bowl staple, so I always keep a few extra avocados in the fridge, just in case I need to whip up a second batch. For best results, use ripe avocados that feel slightly soft (but not mushy) when you squeeze them.
Mini Pizza BitesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Pizza is a winner in any form, but these cute little cups are mess-free and easy to eat with your fingers. Store-bought crescent rolls make a simple shortcut that helps speed up prep.
Ham Pickle PinwheelsTotal Time: 15 minutes + chilling
Level: Easy
Spend more time focusing on the game than cooking with tasty game-day snacks. The best types of pickles for these are okra pickles, but any dill spear would work as well.
Soft Giant PretzelsTotal Time: 30 minutes + rising
Level: Easy
If you've never made bread at home, the idea of making pretzels might seem daunting. But don't worry! This pretzel dough practically makes itself if you have a bread machine (or know someone who will let you borrow theirs).
Savory Potato SkinsTotal Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Most of this recipe involves hands-off baking, so don't be daunted by the long cooking time. When the potato skins are ready, you can load them with whatever toppings you'd like, including sour cream, chives, cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno PoppersTotal Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy
Before you start cutting and prepping the jalapenos for this recipe, make sure you have disposable food prep gloves on hand. Otherwise, the oil and seeds from the spicy peppers can cause skin and eye irritation. As for the cheese in the filling, choose whatever melting cheeses suit your tastes!
Ranch Snack MixTotal Time: 15 minutes
Level: Beginner
My favorite part about making a homemade snack mix is that I can customize the seasonings. In this recipe, ranch is the star of the show (and it will probably be the star of the party, too).
Taco PinwheelsTotal Time: 15 minutes + chilling
Level: Easy
Go ahead and make a few extra batches of these cute little sandwiches. They'll last a couple of days after prepping them, so you can eat the extras as a snack or pack them in lunchboxes. When you serve them on game day, plate them around a bowl of the best salsas for dipping.
Bacon DipThis crowd-pleasing cheesy bacon dip won't last long on your appetizer table. Best served hot with tortilla chips or toasted French bread, this dip is versatile and filling.
If bacon and cheese were playing in the Super Bowl, we're honestly not sure who we'd root for. Luckily, we don't have to choose because our two favorite foods have joined forces in this delicious dip.
Air-Fryer Mozzarella SticksTotal Time: 25 minutes + freezing
Level: Easy
If you have flour, eggs, bread crumbs, string cheese and a few spices, you have everything you need to make homemade mozzarella sticks. Really! You don't even need a deep fryer to pull it off.
Honey-Mustard WingsTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Level: Easy
Sure, you could take the extra time to buy the whole chicken and break it down into wings at home. But most grocery stores have precut chicken wings that are ready to cook, so look for packages labeled "party wings" to save yourself some time. Serve them with extra honey-mustard sauce on the side.
Beer DipTotal Time: 5 minutes
Level: Easy
If you're throwing a Super Bowl party, you will likely have at least one beer hanging around. Use cream cheese and a packet of ranch seasoning to transform it into a snack masterpiece.
Quick Tortilla PinwheelsTotal Time: 15 minutes + chilling
Level: Easy
A giant sandwich is always a hit, but these cute little pinwheels are way easier to portion. Any extras will keep well in the fridge, too.
Dijon-Bacon Dip for PretzelsTotal Time: 5 minutes
Level: Easy
Quick—your guests are coming over in five minutes and you need one more snack to complete your spread. Enter Dijon-bacon dip, which is ready in five minutes and contains only four ingredients.
Taco Meatball RingTotal Time: 45 minutes
Level: Intermediate
This dish is a winner for presentation, but it's not as hard to pull off as it looks. Tuck meatballs into store-bought crescent roll dough, then bake the ring in the oven before adding the rest of the toppings.
Mini Burgers with the WorksTotal Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy
At a Super Bowl party, I want a snack that's packed with cheesy, meaty ingredients but won't spill all over my favorite jersey. These petite burgers are just the ticket.
Garlic-Parmesan Cheese BallTotal Time: 10 minutes + chilling
Level: Easy
If you've never made cheese ball recipes before, now is the time. This one is a tasty mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, spices and walnuts.
Caramel Chex MixTotal Time: 25 minutes + cooling
Level: Easy
Most of your game-day spread is probably savory and salty, but it's good to include at least a few sweet treats to balance things out. This souped-up Chex mix really hits the spot, and it's so tasty that the bowl may never make it out of the kitchen.
Four-Tomato SalsaTotal Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy
Sure, you could crack open a jar of store-bought salsa and call it a day. But this salsa is much more likely to garner compliments, and the addition of pepperoncini peppers makes it extra special.
Warm Spiced NutsTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy
If you want to really up your hosting game, pop these nuts in the oven right before your guests arrive. They'll still be warm and toasty when the game starts.
Tex-Mex PopcornTotal Time: 15 minutes
Level: Easy
Microwave popcorn can be a little boring, but seasoned popcorn is fancy and elevated enough to serve at a party. With a few seasonings from the pantry, these buttered kernels will wow your guests.
Buffalo Wing PoppersTotal Time: 40 minutes
Level: Easy
If you can't decide between Buffalo wings and jalapeno poppers, I have good news: You don't have to! You can stuff jalapeno peppers with blue cheese salad dressing, cooked chicken and buffalo wing sauce.
Baked NachosTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Intermediate
I've never met a nacho I didn't like, and this recipe is a classic for a reason. To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef or swap in a plant-based meat substitute.
Margarita Chicken QuesadillasTotal Time: 40 minutes + marinating
Level: Intermediate
These quesadillas are worthy of their name: They're drizzled with a tangy lime butter and sprinkled with salt. And, of course, it only makes sense to serve them with a selection of margarita recipes.
Pretzel Sticks RecipeTotal Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes + rising
Level: Intermediate
Take your party menu to the next level with these homemade pretzels, warm from the oven. They're even tastier when dipped into queso!
Parmesan-Pretzel CrispsTotal Time: 20 minutes
Level: Beginner
There's no need for store-bought crackers if you have some Parmesan cheese, crushed pretzels and crushed red pepper flakes on hand. Store any leftovers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them up to use as toppers on soup recipes later in the week.
Ham and Cheese SlidersTotal Time: 55 minutes + chilling
Level: Intermediate
When you're planning snacks for your Super Bowl party, think about foods that are handheld and hearty. These sliders absolutely fit the bill! Add banana peppers or pickle slices for a bit of tanginess.
Spanakopita Spring RollsTotal Time: 20 minutes
Level: Easy
When I think of the Super Bowl, cooked spinach doesn't exactly come to mind. But don't worry; these little spring rolls are filled with cheese and fried until crispy, so they'll fit right in with the other snacks.
Cilantro & Lime Chicken with ScoopsTotal Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Level: Easy
This hearty dip is tangy and a little bit spicy, but you can take it easy on the chili powder if you want to keep things mild. Prep this recipe the day before the party so you focus on getting your house ready for the big game.
Queso FundidoTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy
This Mexican-inspired cheese dip looks fancy but is secretly easy to make. The ingredients all cook in the same skillet, so there will only be one dish to clean when the party's over.
Buffalo Chicken MeatballsTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy
If saucy wings feel too messy for a crowded party, grab a toothpick and give these Buffalo chicken meatballs a whirl. They taste so good that the platter will disappear in a matter of minutes.
Teriyaki Beef JerkyTotal Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes + marinating and cooling
Level: Advanced
Believe it or not, you don't need a dehydrator to make beef jerky at home: You can use your oven. It's best to let the meat marinate overnight and cook for several hours on low heat, so start prepping this one at least a day or two before the Super Bowl.
Mini Chicken Chimis with Jalapeno Cream CheeseTotal Time: 45 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Store-bought egg roll wrappers and green enchilada sauce make this recipe extra quick and easy. Double the jalapeno cream sauce so you'll have enough to serve as a dip for chips.
Buffalo Chicken Egg RollsTotal Time: 3 hours, 35 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Tight on time? No problem: This dish can be prepped in advance. You can wrap up the egg rolls and freeze them in an airtight container for up to four months.
Ham and Cheese Puff PastryTotal Time: 30 minutes
Level: Beginner
These particular puff pastries cook in the oven, but you can also make air-fryer ham and brie pastries if your oven is full. If you can't find apricot preserves, apricot jam or jelly will do the trick.
Pizza MuffinsTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Intermediate
The best part about these cute little pizzas is that you can customize them based on your guests' preferences. You can top them with veggies, pepperoni, ham, pineapple, or just sauce and cheese.
Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower BitesTotal Time: 25 minutes
Level: Easy
This vegan alternative to wings is just as delicious as the original! Plus, it's healthier than most Super Bowl snacks. If you include celery alongside it, it's practically a salad, right?
Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day DipTotal Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Level: Beginner
I'm a huge hot sauce fan, and Sriracha will always have a special place in my heart. Add a little more if you like it extra spicy, and try a small drizzle if you prefer a milder dip.
Puppy ChowTotal Time: 15 minutes + standing
Level: Easy
Puppy chow is a sweet snack mix made with cereal, peanut butter and confectioners' sugar. Try it, then make another tasty variation, like brownie batter puppy chow and hot cocoa puppy chow.
Root Beer Pulled Pork NachosTotal Time: 8 hours, 20 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Yes, this dish calls for an entire can of root beer! But don't knock it until you've tried it. According to our readers who've tested it, the soda makes the pork extra tender.
Cheeseburger DipTotal Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Ground beef, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and pickles join forces for a savory slow-cooker dip that tastes great with chips, crackers, veggies or cubes of bread. Anyone who loves cheeseburger recipes will want second helpings of this one.
Air-Fried PicklesTotal Time: 35 minutes + standing
Level: Easy
Delight your Super Bowl party guests with a bowl of fried pickles on the snack table. Add a few snips of fresh dill to give them a fresh finish.
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce MeatballsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy
Make this party-favorite appetizer even easier by cooking it in the slow cooker. Just place store-bought meatballs in the slow cooker, then add the grape jelly and chili sauce. Put the lid on and cook on low for four to six hours.
Pizza SlidersTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy
If you can't decide between pizza and sliders, why not have both? Complete your spread with a few of our other favorite slider recipes.
Buffalo BitesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Level: Easy
If you have vegetarian or keto guests, these Buffalo cauliflower bites will hit the spot. The dip has a secret ingredient to keep things light: Greek yogurt.
Cajun Crab PoppersTotal Time: 35 minutes
Level: Beginner
You can buy lump crabmeat in the seafood section of the grocery store. Buy an extra can or two and make more of our favorite crab recipes.
Bacon Guacamole with Cotija CheeseTotal Time: 15 minutes
Level: Easy
Everything's better with bacon, and this winning guacamole recipe is proof. Sprinkle Cotija cheese on top to really impress your guests.
Super Bowl Snacks FAQ
What are the best finger foods for a Super Bowl party?
The best finger foods for a Super Bowl party are salty, sweet and savory snacks that can be enjoyed without a fork and knife. Try boneless chicken wings, pigs in a blanket, puppy chow and a selection of dips like guacamole and queso fundido. Include lots of items for dipping, like chips, crackers, cubes of bread and assorted veggies.
How can I make Super Bowl snacks healthier without sacrificing flavor?
To make healthier Super Bowl snacks, consider using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. The air fryer cooks food quickly with much less oil than deep-fried or pan-fried methods, reducing the amount of calories. If you don't have an air fryer, try baking Super Bowl snacks in the oven.
What Super Bowl snacks can be prepared in advance?
Some dips (like guacamole and queso) should be prepared the day of the party, but many snacks (like quick tortilla pinwheels and chicken bacon triangles) can be made in advance. The more recipes you can make beforehand, the more relaxed you'll feel on the day of the party.
