The 2019 Super Bowl, featuring the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, remains a landmark event for sports fans and food enthusiasts alike. During this period, game-day menus shifted toward a blend of high-tech convenience—thanks to the peak popularity of the Instant Pot and air fryers—and a renewed interest in elevated comfort food. These nine snacks represent the most searched, served, and celebrated appetizers that graced coffee tables across the country during the 2019 season.
From the creamy indulgence of buffalo chicken dip to the rise of plant-based alternatives that began their mainstream ascent that year, these recipes provide a blueprint for a successful viewing party. Even looking back from 2026, these snacks remain foundational elements of the "Big Game" culinary tradition because they prioritize ease of preparation, crowd-pleasing flavors, and the ability to feed a large group without requiring a professional kitchen staff.
1. Buffalo Chicken Dip: The Undisputed 2019 MVP
In 2019, buffalo chicken dip was not just a snack; it was a cultural phenomenon. It consistently ranked as the most-searched Super Bowl recipe across a majority of U.S. states. The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of spicy cayenne from the hot sauce, the richness of cream cheese, and the cooling tang of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
To achieve the 2019 standard of excellence, hosts typically moved away from canned chicken, opting instead for shredded rotisserie chicken. This provides a superior texture and a more "homemade" feel. The technical key to this snack is the emulsion of fats. When cream cheese, dressing, and hot sauce are heated together, they can separate if not monitored. By baking the dip at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly browned, you create a cohesive, scoopable medium for tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
2. Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
By the time Super Bowl LIII kicked off in February 2019, the Instant Pot had become a staple in millions of American kitchens. This led to a surge in "set it and forget it" meat preparations, specifically pulled pork. Using a pressure cooker allowed hosts to transform a tough pork shoulder (Boston butt) into tender, shreddable meat in under 90 minutes—a process that traditionally took eight hours in a slow cooker.
The 2019 trend for sliders emphasized the use of sweet brioche rolls. These rolls provided a buttery contrast to the acidic, vinegar-based or molasses-heavy BBQ sauces popular at the time. To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, savvy hosts learned to toast the split rolls with a swipe of garlic butter before piling on the pork and a cooling layer of coleslaw. This snack was particularly valued for its "handheld" nature, allowing guests to eat without needing a full set of cutlery while focused on the game.
3. Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
Efficiency was the name of the game in 2019, and sheet pan nachos became the go-to method for feeding a crowd simultaneously. The technical challenge with nachos is avoiding the "soggy center" syndrome. In 2019, the solution popularized by food bloggers was a double-layering technique. By spreading a single layer of chips, adding cheese and toppings, and then repeating the process for a second layer, you ensure that every chip receives adequate heat and coverage.
The ingredient list usually included black beans, pickled jalapeños, olives, and a heavy dose of a Mexican cheese blend (Monterey Jack and Cheddar). The "loaded" aspect was finalized post-oven with cold toppings: fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, and diced avocado. This contrast between the hot, crispy chips and the cold toppings is what elevated this from a simple snack to a centerpiece.
4. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
While deep-frying was the traditional method for wings, 2019 was the year the air fryer began to dominate the conversation. Air fryer wings offered a way to achieve the crispy skin of a deep-fried wing with significantly less oil. For the Garlic Parmesan variation, the technical trick involves tossing the wings in a small amount of baking powder before air frying; this raises the pH level of the skin, allowing it to brown and crisp more effectively through the Maillard reaction.
Once the wings reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they were tossed in a mixture of melted butter, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. This flavor profile served as a sophisticated alternative to the standard buffalo sauce, appealing to guests who preferred savory, umami-rich snacks over high-heat options.
5. Plant-Based "Chili" with Beyond or Impossible Meat
The year 2019 marked a significant turning point for plant-based meat alternatives. With the IPO of Beyond Meat and the expansion of Impossible Foods into grocery stores, many Super Bowl hosts began incorporating meatless options to accommodate "flexitarian" diets. Plant-based chili became the primary vehicle for these products.
A well-executed 2019 plant-based chili relied on the same aromatics as a traditional beef chili: onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a robust spice blend of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. The plant-based crumbles provided a familiar "mouthfeel," while kidney and pinto beans added bulk and fiber. This snack was often served in a "chili bar" format, allowing guests to customize their bowls with shredded cheese (dairy or vegan), green onions, and corn chips.
6. Classic Guacamole with a Twist
Guacamole is a perennial Super Bowl favorite, but in 2019, the "avocado toast" trend influenced party snacks. Hosts began experimenting with non-traditional toppings to make their guacamole stand out. While the base remained consistent—ripe Hass avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onion, and salt—the 2019 "twist" often included toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch, crumbled cotija cheese for saltiness, or even pomegranate seeds for a burst of acidity and color.
From a technical standpoint, the biggest hurdle for guacamole is oxidation (browning). In 2019, the most effective verified method for preserving color during a four-hour football game was to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip to eliminate air gaps or to add a thin layer of water or lime juice on top before sealing.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
The combination of heat, fat, and salt makes jalapeño poppers an irresistible game-day snack. In 2019, the bacon-wrapped version reigned supreme over the breaded and fried variety. The preparation involves halving jalapeños, removing the seeds and membranes (to control the Scoville heat units), and filling them with a mixture of cream cheese and sharp cheddar.
The technical difficulty here is ensuring the bacon is fully rendered and crispy without overcooking the pepper or losing the cheese filling. Experienced cooks in 2019 recommended using "center-cut" bacon, which has a higher meat-to-fat ratio, and securing the bacon with a toothpick. Baking them on a wire rack over a sheet pan allows hot air to circulate around the entire popper, ensuring the bacon is crispy on the bottom as well as the top.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip in a Bread Bowl
Spinach artichoke dip is a comfort-food classic that saw a resurgence in 2019, specifically when served in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. This presentation not only looked impressive but also reduced the need for extra serving dishes. The 2019 recipes focused on a blend of mozzarella for "cheese pull" and parmesan for sharp flavor.
Using frozen chopped spinach was the standard, but the crucial technical step was squeezing every drop of moisture out of the defrosted spinach. Failure to do so results in a watery, grey dip. When combined with marinated artichoke hearts and a base of sour cream and cream cheese, the result is a dense, flavorful dip that holds its temperature well throughout the first half of the game.
9. Pigs in a Blanket with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Pigs in a blanket are a nostalgic staple, but the 2019 version received a major upgrade: the addition of Everything Bagel seasoning. This seasoning blend (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and salt) became incredibly popular during this timeframe and was applied to the tops of the crescent roll dough before baking.
Using high-quality cocktail frankfurters or mini smoked sausages ensured a better snap when bitten. The technical focus for this snack is the dough's "doneness." To avoid a doughy interior, it is essential to not over-crowd the baking sheet, allowing the convection heat to reach the sides of each wrap. Served with a side of honey mustard or spicy brown mustard, these were often the first snacks to disappear from the tray.
Comparing the 2019 Super Bowl Snack Classics
The following table compares these nine snacks based on their preparation requirements and general popularity metrics during the 2019 season.
| Snack Identity | Primary Equipment | Prep/Cook Time | Difficulty Level | 2019 Trend Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Chicken Dip | Oven / Slow Cooker | 30–40 Mins | Low | High (Top Searched) |
| BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders | Instant Pot | 90 Mins | Medium | Very High (Gadget Era) |
| Sheet Pan Nachos | Large Baking Sheet | 15–20 Mins | Low | Moderate (Efficiency) |
| Garlic Parmesan Wings | Air Fryer | 25–30 Mins | Medium | High (Health-Conscious) |
| Plant-Based Chili | Large Pot / Dutch Oven | 45–60 Mins | Medium | Emerging (Flexitarian) |
| Twisted Guacamole | Mixing Bowl | 15 Mins | Low | Moderate (Elevated Basics) |
| Jalapeño Poppers | Oven / Wire Rack | 35–45 Mins | Medium | High (Keto-Friendly) |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | Oven / Bread Bowl | 30 Mins | Low | Moderate (Nostalgia) |
| Pigs in a Blanket | Oven | 20 Mins | Very Low | High (Everything Seasoning) |
Hosting and Logistics: The 2019 Strategy
Hosting a Super Bowl party in 2019 required more than just good recipes; it required strategic timing. Because Super Bowl LIII was a relatively low-scoring game (the Patriots won 13-3), the "snacking fatigue" that often sets in during high-scoring shootouts was less of an issue. However, keeping food safe over the course of a four-hour broadcast remained a priority.
Food Safety and Temperature Control
According to the USDA guidelines, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. In 2019, hosts frequently utilized small slow cookers (crock-pots) on the "warm" setting to keep dips and chili at a safe internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C). For cold snacks like guacamole and shrimp cocktail (another 2019 favorite), placing the serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice was the standard recommendation for preventing spoilage.
The Cost of Game Day in 2019
From a financial perspective, 2019 was a relatively stable year for grocery prices compared to the inflation spikes seen in later years. The average cost to host a Super Bowl party for 10 people in 2019 was estimated at approximately $170–$200, depending on the meat selections and beverage choices. Avocado prices fluctuated due to import patterns in early 2019, but they remained a mandatory expense for most households.
Equipment Trends
The "technical depth" of 2019 cooking cannot be overstated. This was the year that the "Kitchen Gadget" became the host's best friend. The Instant Pot allowed for multi-tasking, as it could cook the chili or the pork while the oven was occupied by the wings and the jalapeño poppers. This modular approach to kitchen management is what allowed 2019 hosts to offer such a diverse spread without needing multiple ovens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most popular Super Bowl snack in 2019?
Based on Google Trends data from early February 2019, Buffalo Chicken Dip was the most-searched recipe in the highest number of states. It was followed closely by seven-layer dip and chicken wings. Its popularity was driven by its simplicity and the fact that it could be made ahead of time.
How did the 2019 Super Bowl snacks reflect dietary trends?
2019 was a significant year for both the Keto diet and the rise of plant-based eating. This resulted in a surplus of "meat-heavy, low-carb" snacks like bacon-wrapped poppers and wings, alongside a growing presence of meat-alternative chilis and vegan-friendly dips.
Can these 2019 recipes be made in advance?
Yes, most of these snacks are designed for "prep-ahead" convenience. The Buffalo Chicken Dip and Spinach Artichoke Dip can be assembled 24 hours in advance and kept in the refrigerator until it is time to bake. However, fried items like wings or moisture-sensitive items like nachos should be prepared immediately before serving to maintain texture.
Why was "Everything Bagel" seasoning so popular on snacks in 2019?
The seasoning blend exploded in popularity in 2018 and 2019 after becoming a viral success at specialty grocery stores like Trader Joe's. It provided a complex, savory flavor profile that could be easily added to simple snacks like pigs in a blanket or crackers, giving them a "gourmet" feel with minimal effort.
How many wings were consumed during the 2019 Super Bowl?
The National Chicken Council estimated that Americans consumed approximately 1.38 billion chicken wings during the 2019 Super Bowl weekend. This staggering number highlights the wing's status as a quintessential part of the American sports-watching experience.
Final Recommendation for Game Day Success
If you are looking to recreate the 2019 Super Bowl experience today, prioritize a balance of "High-Low" cooking. Combine time-saving gadgets like the air fryer for your wings with the high-quality presentation of a bread-bowl dip. The secret to a successful 2019-style spread is variety; ensure you have at least one spicy option, one creamy dip, one handheld meat snack, and one fresh vegetable-based dish. By focusing on temperature control and using modern kitchen tools, you can ensure that your guests spend less time waiting for food and more time focused on the game.
