Building the Perfect Super Bowl Platter Only an Idahoan Would Enjoy
The Super Bowl is this weekend, and it is typically the most-watched television event in the world every year. This year the Kansas City Chiefs will play the Philadelphia Eagles, and while not everyone will care who wins or about the game, most people will watch for the commercials, the movie trailers, the halftime show, the game, or attend a party for the food. When it comes to food, choosing what to serve is a big responsibility. Choosing the right things to make and how much to serve is crucial, and here are some foods you can serve for the perfect Idaho Super Bowl platter.
Mashed Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, or French Fries
You can't have an Idaho party without some sort of potato food item. While French fries are the easiest and most finger-friendly to eat at a party, the thought of dipping many foods into a warm serving of mashed potatoes and gravy is very appealing. A baked potato with chili is also a good way to go, as they are always a hit at any event in the area. Whichever way you decide to prepare it is up to you, but potatoes are a must.
Elk Burgers
With so many elk in the area and elk burgers being so good, why would you not grill up a few to serve while watching football with friends and family? Not everywhere serves elk burgers, so it is a must-menu item if you have some available. Plus depending on how much elk meat you have, this way you have some help eating it all as well.
Squirrel
Eating squirrels may sound nasty to some, but around these parts, it isn't as uncommon as you might think. While there are better options out there, a squirrel isn't as bad as you might think. It is cheap and depending on how many people you have over, it may save you a good amount of money. It isn't a must-have like others on this list, but it is an option if on a budget.
Rabbit
Rabbit is similar to squirrel, in that there are many around and they can feed a good amount of people on a budget depending on how many you have. There are some good-sized rabbits in the area and there would be more meat than on a squirrel. This one also is not a must but is a good option to serve if you have some around or need to feed a group on a budget.
Trout
With Buhl being the trout capital, odds are high that if you enjoy fishing you have some in your freezer. Fish is good, but fresh fish is even better. Grill up some trout this year for your Super Bowl party and it is sure to be a hit. The only problem with fish is it may taste good, but it could stink up the whole house.
Nachos
While most of the items on this list are more Idaho themed, it is hard to have a Super Bowl party without nachos. How you prepare them is up to you, as there are many options, but you have to have them in some capacity or it isn't a true Super Bowl platter.
Fry Sauce, Lots and Lots of Fry Sauce
There are two important items to have any time you have a party in Idaho. One is ranch, and this applies to a party anywhere at any time. The second is fry sauce and lots of it. With the need for a potato item on all platters, fry sauce is a must as well. You don't need French fries to need it, as it works as a great dipping sauce for multiple food items.
BBQ Meatballs
BBQ meatballs are delicious and make for a fantastic football party snack. You can use a variety of BBQ sauces, depending on your crowd, as well as different types of meat. Elk, deer, beef, turkey, it is up to you, but these are recommended for any Super Bowl party and are typically a hit.
Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheeses are easy to make and can be cut up into snack foods or served as whole sandwiches. The reason these work in Idaho is that with so many dairies in the area, you can have good local cheese in your sandwich that will give it that extra Idaho taste and make it better than the cheese most buy at the store.
Finger Steaks
Finger steaks are a big food item in Idaho, and make for a great party snack. You can eat them with your hands, you can have multiple dipping sauces, and they are typically delicious. Add finger steaks to any platter and they will be a hit.
Bonus: Pizza
What is a Super Bowl party without pizza? To make it local, make sure to order from one of the local chains. Train Station and Pizza Planet in Buhl are good, Idaho Pizza Company and Papa Kelsey's also make for good options or any of the other local pizza joints. You can never go wrong with pizza and football.
Whatever you decide to serve this weekend will depend on who you have coming over, but make sure to stock up, get to cooking, and enjoy the game this weekend. Even if the commercials are a letdown, you aren't excited about the halftime show, the game is a blowout or you don't like either team, the food can still make for a good time and an enjoyable Super Bowl experience. Eat up, it's almost game time.