A football viewing party is only as good as the food served with it. Sure, your favorite team may have made it all the way to the Big Game, but if you've got a tray of rubbery chicken wings and flavorless hummus, you better hope and pray that the players are scoring big time (or at least that you have enough alcohol on hand to mask the disappointment).
But guaranteeing a successful sports soirée on Sunday, Feb. 12 isn't a difficult feat with the help of good ol' Trader Joe's. The beloved grocery store chain offers a bevy of chips, dips, desserts, and frozen apps that are a touchdown for the tastebuds.
Check out 12 of our favorite celebration-worthy products below, both new and old, that will carry you through the most-watched sporting event in the world (or at least the Rihanna Halftime Show which is, frankly, the only reason why many of us are tuning in anyway).
1. Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
These spicy, salty, citrusy corn twists are perhaps TJ's most addictive item. Thus, it came as absolutely no surprise when they garnered top honors in this year's 14th Annual Customer Choice Awards. Dip them in salsas and cremas or simply enjoy them on their own — the red-stained fingers are entirely worth it.
2. Kibbeh
Middle Eastern-inspired fried and stuffed meatballs? Sign. Us. Up. These spice-forward ground beef delicacies, chock-full of coriander and cumin, are the ideal finger food to pair with other Trader Joe's delights like Zhoug Sauce, Herbed Tahini Sauce, and Tzatziki Garlic Cucumber Dip. And they couldn't be easier to make; all you need is an air fryer or oven.
3. English Cheddar With Caramelized Onions
A charcuterie board is a party must-have, and no board is complete without this creamy, sweet-and-savory block with actual caramelized onion marmalade swirled throughout it. Of course, it enhances any cracker, but it can also be melted on top of a sandwich or burger if you're really spoiling guests this year.
Ordering pizza on America's most famous Sunday (other than Easter) is like camping in front of a Best Buy before Black Friday: It's going to take forever and the payoff is never worth the wait. Why not turn your game day party into a pizza party by buying these gluten-free (they taste just as delicious as gluten-full which, surprisingly, TJ's doesn't seem to offer) crusts that guests can top with their favorite ingredients like tomato sauce, shredded cheese, veggies, and sliced meats. If they concoct a creation that they end up not liking, it's entirely on them—allowing you to continue to sit back, sip your beer, and enjoy the game.
5. Buffalo-Style Seasoned Almonds
If you're craving the spicy tang of buffalo sauce but frying up chicken wings requires too much effort, these almonds are an excellent alternative. Serve them on that charcuterie board as a zesty departure from rich cheeses, dips, and breads.
6. Hold The Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
Setting out tubs and pints of ice cream can get messy, so it's in your best interest to opt for these mini ice cream cones that will satisfy any sweet tooth. These small-but-mighty treats leave a lasting impression, thanks to their hard chocolate shell and variety of craveworthy flavors like maple and chocolate chip.
Hummus is a party-time staple. It's filling, it's customizable, and it can double as a condiment to upgrade boring breads and crackers. This Mediterranean variety takes everything you love about hummus but elevates it with pine nuts, parsley, red bell pepper, and olive oil. In fact, it will likely have you dreaming of that Greek vacation you've been putting off for way too many years.
Sure, the Disney rodent bearing the same name may have made this French dish famous (at least in the States), but it's the Trader Joe's reinterpretation of the rustic vegetarian entrée that now has people talking. These eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and tomato-filled bites are rolled in panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden-brown perfection so that you and guests can mutter "c'était très bon" while watching the most American TV event of all time.
The only thing more exciting than Rihanna performing decades of her biggest hits is an at-home fry bar. Serve up bags of these seasoned waffle fries alongside rows of your favorite sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, and ketchup — your guests will go into a dipping frenzy far more memorable than any throw of the ol' pigskin.
10. Organic Vegan Nacho Dip
If you're vegan or lactose-intolerant, you can have your cheese dip and eat it, too. Introducing TJ's dairy-free take on queso: a savory, sharp blend of "cheddar" (made from cashews) and spices that you can spoon on any tortilla chip for a football fiesta. Plant-based iterations of our favorite comfort foods have come so far, and this product is proof.
11. Brookie
This brownie and cookie hybrid needs no introduction. You get a cookie…you get a brownie…and you get both in one bite. Who is going to say no to that? Nobody, that's who. But in the rare case that someone turns it down, remember to add them to next year's no-invite list. (Kidding, kind of.)
12. Sweet Cannoli Dip
While you can certainly eat this cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta-based dessert tub with a spoon, it's even better when consumed with a variety of cookies that serve as dipping vessels. This may even be the velvety dip you hide in the fridge and wait to chow down on after guests leave. After all, you deserve a reward after an evening of being hostess with the mostess.
