Hosting friends for game day? You need entertaining ideas to feed friends without too much prep — and low mess, too. We’ve got you covered with these five finger foods that everyone will love.
Hot Dog Bar
Hot dogs are about as easy as it gets when it comes to preparation. You can make the classic extra special with elevated toppings. Chop, grate, and cut up toppings the night before, then grill or sauté dogs right before guests arrive. Place hot dog buns out on a sheet pan or large serving tray for easy self-serving. Try including toppings like sliced jalapeños, caramelized onions, grated cheeses, diced green chili peppers, diced pineapple, coleslaw, or chili. And, of course, include the usual condiments like mustard, mayo, ketchup, and relish.
Nacho Bar
A nacho bar means you get to set out toppings and let your guests do the work. Chop and dice toppings the night before and consider sautéing or grilling meats you want to serve with your tacos ahead of time. For the least amount of prep, drop a pound or two of chicken or pork tenderloin in the crockpot and let it cook all day. You can make your own queso or just serve grated cheese in a bowl and let the warm beans and meats melt the cheese.
Sheet Pan Sliders
Hawaiian-style rolls are the perfect shell for a warm and cheesy sandwich. Here are some combos that would taste great: ham and Swiss cheese; barbeque chicken, white cheddar, and jalapeño; Italian style with salami, ham, mozzarella, and onion; or veggie with caramelized onion, red pepper, roasted eggplant, and cheese.
French Bread Pizza
Purchase baguettes at the grocery—cut them in half lengthwise and layer each side with pizza toppings. Use jarred pizza sauce to make it extra easy. Once you have all the ingredients you like on the bread, lay the long halves on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake in a 425-degree oven for approximately 15 minutes. Once the baguettes have cooled, cut them in small pieces to serve on a tray.
Snack Boards
Snack boards are just a pretty way to serve all the food that everyone loves. Use a charcuterie-style board or a large cutting board and start layering snacks of all kinds like nuts, potato chips, crackers, cubed cheese, and breadsticks. Or add some frozen food favorites such as tator tots, pizza rolls, taquitos, or fried mozzarella sticks. Warm them up in the oven and just serve on a tray.
