Five foods necessary for every game day party — for whenever those parties return

The next time we see any Michigan Wolverines athletes take the field will likely be in the fall when the football team takes the field to open their season. Football, of course, is the new American past-time and people cannot get enough of it. So, if you plan on hosting a watch party to open up the season and binging football for the entire day, here are a couple must-have food items for your guests.

No. 5: Veggie Tray

Really? A veggie tray makes the cut? Absolutely it does.

The veggie tray is a very underrated portion of a game day party. People love the healthy option. It takes no thought to just put a couple of carrots and some dip on the last corner of your plate when nearly everything else at the party is going to be junk food.

Snagging a carrot or piece of broccoli each trip makes the perfect excuse in your brain that you deserve more of what you REALLY want later.

You’re headed to the fridge to grab another beer? Boom! Balance it off with a piece of broccoli dipped in the delicious ranch dressing.

Lastly, the veggie tray is super important for people with dietary restrictions who may not be able to eat the other options at the table.

No. 4 Brownie Bites

Those little circular bite-sized brownies are going to be a hit at any party because it is so easy to eat a bunch of them and not even notice. It’s recommended by experts (AKA me) that you buy probably two or three boxes of them because they go fast.

The brownie bites are another great option because you can just grab one and pop it in your mouth every time you walk past the food table. Better yet, bring the whole box of them over to the couch and let your guests snatch ‘em up left and right.

Plus, if you don’t want to have the hassle of buying a cake or baking something yourself, it is the easiest way to satisfy the sweet-tooth at any game day party. People of all ages and sizes love these little sweet suckers because of their jam-packed chocolate flavor in a single bite.

No. 3 Little Barbecue Weenies

I mean, come on. Everyone freaks out when they see those little weenies in the crockpot lathered in barbecue sauce on game day. These are almost exclusively reserved for football parties and now is the time you have to pull this ace out of your sleeve.

They are so easy to make, and it’s ridiculous how good they end up tasting with such a basic principle. It’s that savory taste that everyone is going to be looking for at your party.

While it breaks the finger-food theme that all game day parties should have, people will not mind having to use a fork for this stunningly delicious option. It’s a staple and a mainstay at any football-related event you host.

No. 2 Chips and Dip/Queso

Chips and dip/queso are such a perfect option because there is so much versatility that can be had with just simple tortilla chip. Buy a big ol’ bag of your favorite brand of tortilla chips and then your can get a smorgasbord of dips to go along with it. Salsa, guacamole, spinach and artichoke, taco dip, queso, buffalo chicken and so many more options are available to be scooped up with a crunchy tortilla chip.

This is the underrated star of the party because it’s not flashy, but from a hosts perspective it can fit the needs of almost anyone in attendance. After everybody goes through their first round of food, the variety of chips and dip options are going to be the No. 1 item on everybody’s mind.

On top of that, it is a spectacular gluten-free and (in most cases) vegetarian option as well.

No. 1 Chicken Wings

We’ve reached the end of our game day journey, and it concludes with the main course of the party you host. Everything else you might have on the table pales in comparison to the wings you brought for the game.

Everyone loves chicken and this is the pinnacle of the finger food experience at a game day party. Sure they are a little messy, but people love chowing down into a hearty drumstick or pulling the meat off the bones of a flat.

There are also so many different flavors that you can choose from in this case. Go with the classic buffalo or add in some flare with a garlic parmesan or zingy-Asian sauce. Like the chips n’ dip there are so many options to choose from!

The wings will be the hottest item on the list and there is enough sustenance there to make someone almost full but still have enough room in the tank for the rest of the option you have provided.

The key is to make sure you choose the right place to get your wings from, and to have plenty of napkins readily available.

Don’t like my list? (Well, you are wrong, but...) Hit us with yours in the comment section below!