Super Bowl Sunday, Chicago Style: Big Game Snacks for Less

Super Bowl Sunday in Chicago is more than just a football game; it’s a culinary event. Whether you’re cheering on the Bears (someday!), or just in it for the commercials and the snacks, a great party spread is essential. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to host a delicious and memorable Super Bowl party. Here’s how to create a budget-friendly, Chicago-inspired snack lineup that will have your guests cheering.

The Menu: Chicago Flavors, Budget Prices

1. Mini Italian Beef Sliders

Bring a taste of Chicago’s iconic sandwich to your party in a bite-sized format. Use leftover Italian beef (from our earlier recipe!) or buy pre-cooked sliced beef from Jewel-Osco.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use Hawaiian rolls or mini buns instead of full Italian bread. Stretch the beef by adding sautéed onions and peppers to the mix.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked Italian beef, shredded
- 1/2 cup beef broth (from Italian beef cooking liquid or store-bought)
- 12 slider buns
- Optional: giardiniera or sweet peppers for topping
Instructions:
1. Heat shredded Italian beef with beef broth in a saucepan until warmed through.
2. Spoon beef onto slider buns. Top with giardiniera or sweet peppers if desired.

2. Chicago-Style Hot Dog Bites

All the classic Chicago hot dog flavors, without the full hot dog! Perfect for snacking.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use cocktail wieners or cut regular hot dogs into smaller pieces. Buy relish and mustard in bulk.
Ingredients:
- 1 package cocktail wieners or 4 hot dogs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Yellow mustard
- Chopped white onions
- Sweet pickle relish (bright green, if you can find it!)
- Dill pickle spears, cut into small pieces
- Tomato wedges, cut into small pieces
- Pickled sport peppers, sliced
- Celery salt
Instructions:
1. Cook cocktail wieners or hot dog pieces according to package directions.
2. Arrange on a platter. Provide small bowls of mustard, onions, relish, pickle pieces, tomato pieces, and sport peppers. Let guests build their own bites, finishing with a dash of celery salt.

3. Deep Dish Pizza Dip

Capture the essence of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza in a warm, cheesy dip. Serve with breadsticks, tortilla chips, or pita bread.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use store-brand cream cheese and mozzarella. Look for sales on canned crushed tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Optional: mini pepperoni, cooked sausage crumbles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread softened cream cheese in the bottom of a small oven-safe dish.
3. Layer with pizza sauce, then mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with oregano and optional pepperoni/sausage.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot.

4. Team-Themed Sugar Cookies

Simple sugar cookies decorated in your favorite Chicago team’s colors (Bears, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls!).

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use a basic sugar cookie recipe and store-brand food coloring. Simple frosting designs are just as effective.
Recipe: [Link to a basic sugar cookie recipe]

5. Popcorn with a Twist

Elevate simple popcorn with Chicago-inspired seasonings. Think cheesy, savory, or even a little spicy.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Pop your own popcorn kernels instead of buying pre-bagged. It’s much cheaper!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional Seasonings: nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor), garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, celery salt.
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 kernels; when they pop, add the rest of the kernels in a single layer.
2. Cover and shake occasionally until popping slows. Remove from heat when popping stops.
3. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with your desired seasonings.

With these delicious and affordable snacks, your Super Bowl Sunday party will be a touchdown, Chicago style!