Super Bowl Indian Recipes for a Crowd

I have a confession to make. I'm not a football fan. Shocker, right? I definitely fall into the camp that attends Super Bowl parties for the halftime show and the food! My ideal Super Bowl party in 2023 would be debating whether Rihanna's name is pronounced ree-anna vs. re-ah-na as I watch her halftime show in awe while noshing on loads of appetizers.

Super Bowl Appetizer Ideas

With my lack of excitement around the sport itself explained, let's get into my ideal Super Bowl menu for the big game. Here's a guide book and inspiration on how to build your party for the big day:

1. Have lots of appetizers instead of big meals - Finger foods is the key to hosting a big Super Bowl party. Folks want to snack throughout the day with small bites.
2. Have a variety of drinks - Create a menu which has a variety of drinks that are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It's especially easy to create a large batch drinks like my nimbu pani drink. This drink can easily be made as a mocktail or a cocktail. It's also nice to have some beer and seltzers as well.
3. Have something crunchy - Folks love munching on crunchy little bits. For this category, you can easily purchase snacks like popcorn, chips, or pretzels for crunch. For homemade options, I love making my chaat nachos. Honestly anything with tortilla chips and a dip also does great at these parties.
4. Have something veggie forward - Inevitably you will have a guest that does not eat meat. Make sure to be cognizant of dietary restrictions and have at least one thing for everyone. Veggie-forward dishes also helps break up the greasy food that is often at these parties. You can opt for a simple veggie tray or make something like my tomato chutney bruschetta!
5. Make something that can be prepped ahead of time - Doing a lot of things on game day can be stressful. So pick dishes that can be started a couple days in advance. My caramelized puff pastry swirls can be made up to a month before and baked on the day of the event!

Indian-Inspired Recipes for the Super Bowl

Here is a curated list of my Indian-inspired recipes for the Super Bowl. each recipe is tagged with key factors that make them great to make for the big game.

Nachos Chaat

Description: This Indian nachos chaat is the perfect crunchy and saucy vegetarian appetizer. It perfectly mixes American cheesy nachos with bright Indian flavors.

Make Ahead: Yes! Cut all your veggies and make/buy your chutneys up to two days before the game. You can even ask your guests to assemble their ideal nachos before baking them.

Vegetarian: Yes - it uses chickpeas for protein! You can add meat if you like though.

Other selling points: Crunchy, saucy, and cheesy!

Oven Baked Manchurian Wings

Description: Spicy, saucy, and crunchy Indo-Chinese chicken wings that will have you grabbing another!

Make Ahead: The sauce for the chicken manchurian can be made 2-3 days ahead. This way all you need to do is cook the chicken and toss it in the sauce when the crowd arrives.

Other selling points: These wings don't require frying but still get a crispy exterior from an oven frying technique which creates for a crunchy and saucy baked wing!

Nimbu Pani Cocktail

Description: This nimbu pani cocktail is a refreshing Indian cocktail that has serrano for heat, lime zest for tang, and black salt for sourness.

Make Ahead: Yes! Make the nimbu pani syrup up to a week before your event. All you need to do is assemble the drink on party day!

Other selling points: It makes a large quantity easily and can be put in a drink dispenser for your party. Keep alcohol on the side so guests can decide whether to make it a mocktail or cocktail.

Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Swirls

Description: Caramelized onion puff pastry swirls are reminiscent of Indian puffs and a huge party hit.

Make Ahead: Yes! Caramelize the onions and roll this into a log in your freezer up to a month before the big game! It can simply be cut and baked before your party.

Vegetarian: Yes, this can be made vegan if you skip the egg wash!

Other selling points: Easily makes a large quantity and crunchy puff pastry is delicious!

Tomato Chutney Bruschetta

Description: To the naïve observer, these look like Italy's beloved grilled bread appetizer, bruschetta. However, upon closer inspection, this Indian spin on bruschetta uses thakkali thokku, a South Indian tomato chutney that is spiced with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It for a delicious game day dish that will wet your guests' appetite.

Make Ahead: Yes! Make the tomato chutney 2-3 days before your event. On the day of, you will need to toast your baguette slices in the oven and serve!

Vegetarian: Yes, this can be made vegan if you omit the ricotta for certain slices of bread!

Other Selling Points: Veggie-forward appetizer that can help cut through the grease of other heavier foods!