Winning Game Day Menus

Crowd-Pleasing Dishes for NFL Sundays

NFL Sundays mean packed restaurants, buzzing bars, and crowds hungry for food as satisfying as the game they’re watching. As a foodservice operator, your menu needs to deliver hearty, easy-to-eat options that can handle the game day rush. With a focus on a few standout dishes using quality ingredients, you can build a winning menu that keeps fans fueled through every quarter.

Here’s how you can craft a game day lineup featuring crowd-pleasing products like Crestview Poultry wings, Kern Meat Company’s center cut pork steaks, and more.

1. Crestview Poultry’s Wings and Chicken Tenders

No NFL menu is complete without wings, and Crestview Poultry offers a quality product that will keep your kitchen moving efficiently. Their wings are versatile, ideal for classic preparations like buffalo, or for something a bit different, try tossing them in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. These wings are easy to batch cook and hold well, making them a great option for busy game days when customers are placing big orders for their tables.

For those fans who prefer boneless, Crestview’s chicken tenders are just as popular. These tenders are perfect served as a platter with an assortment of dipping sauces or tossed in the same sauces as your wings. Consider offering them with a crispy breading or grilled for a healthier option, giving customers variety while using the same core product.

Tips for Service:

  • Batch Cooking: Cook wings and tenders in large batches ahead of peak times, then reheat or toss in sauce to maintain quick service.
  • Sauce Options: In addition to BBQ, consider offering other fan favorites like honey mustard, garlic parmesan, or spicy habanero to mix up the flavor profile without increasing your ingredient load.

2. Kern Meat Company’s Center Cut Boneless St. Louis Pork Steak

Pork steak is a real game-changer on your menu. Kern Meat Company’s center cut boneless St. Louis pork steaks are tender, flavorful, and perfect for grilling or slow-roasting, giving you flexibility in how you prepare them. These pork steaks are thick enough to serve as a main entrée, yet quick enough to grill and serve during high-traffic times.

Take it up a notch by coating the pork steak in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce for a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with crispy fries, baked beans, or a fresh side of coleslaw. The heartiness of pork steak appeals to customers looking for a substantial meal beyond the usual chicken wings and sliders.

Tips for Service:

  • Prep Ahead: Pre-marinate the pork steaks or slow-cook them to save time during service. Finish them on the grill when ordered to keep them hot and juicy.
  • Pairing Options: Serve with classic sides like skin-on fries, cornbread, or even mac and cheese bites for a complete game day meal.

3. Louisa Mac and Cheese Bites with White Cheddar and Bacon

When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese tops the list. Louisa’s mac and cheese bites with white cheddar and bacon are a perfect addition to any game day menu. These crispy, golden bites are filled with creamy mac and cheese, adding a rich, indulgent snack that’s easy to share and enjoy in between plays.

These bites offer a nice contrast to the larger protein items on your menu, providing a cheesy, bacon-filled option that pairs well with anything from wings to pork steaks. Their small size and ease of preparation make them ideal for high-volume service, and they’re a fun, flavorful option that customers will love.

Tips for Service:

  • Serve as Starters or Sides: These bites are versatile and work well as appetizers or side dishes. Offer them as part of a shareable platter alongside your wings and tenders.
  • Portion Control: Serve in smaller quantities to encourage repeat orders, or bundle them with other items in combo meals.

Tips for Building Your NFL Game Day Menu:

  • Keep It Simple: Use ingredients that are versatile and easy to prepare in bulk, like Crestview Poultry wings and tenders or Kern Meat’s pork steak. This ensures you can handle the game day rush without getting bogged down in complex prep.
  • Offer Combos: Create combo meals featuring a mix of wings, tenders, and sides like mac and cheese bites or fries. This gives customers the variety they want without requiring extra prep time from your kitchen staff.
  • Flavor Variety: Keep sauces simple but bold. Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is a fan favorite and pairs perfectly with wings, pork steaks, and even tenders. Offer a few additional options for variety without overcomplicating your prep.

By focusing on quality products like those from Crestview Poultry, Kern Meat Company, and Louisa, you can craft a menu that satisfies even the hungriest fans. Keep it simple, keep it tasty, and keep your kitchen running smoothly—because game day is all about quick service and big flavors.