With the March Madness tournament coming up, sports fans across the country are planning their watch parties, and one of the most important components is, of course, the food. Trader Joe’s makes it all too easy to have the ultimate March Madness watch party complete with drinks, snacks, and desserts that keep everyone satisfied. Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places for appetizers year round, but they have a few products that are seemingly meant to be served at a watch party.
1. Puff Dogs/Turkey Dogs
This is a great classic that people expect to see at a watch party. They are crunchy, salty, and completely worth every bite. However, not everyone eats beef, so here is a turkey alternative:
Both of these dogs are some of my favorite appetizers especially when accompanied by a sports game. They are dorm room ready because they can be prepped in a microwave! Puff dogs also make for a really easy clean up in your dorm afterward. Be sure to provide plenty of mustard and ketchup for dipping.
2. Spinach artichoke dip
A sports bar classic, but nonetheless necessary for your March Madness watch party. Trader Joe’s makes it easy because this perfectly sized box just needs to be heated and can serve 8 people! In addition to this amazingly warm and gooey creation, Trader Joe’s has a great selection of salsas, guacamoles, and other types of dip. Just purchase some chips to complement them and your friends will love it. There are so many ways to get creative, especially with chips and dip, based on what you and your friends want to snack on while watching the games.
3. Drinks
As for the beverage category, Trader Joe’s has got you covered yet again! For those of age, Trader Joe’s has an extensive beer selection with plenty of variety to choose from. They also sell some of my favorite sodas, Zevia, which is stevia sweetened, and a much healthier alternative to your standard coke or sprite. They also have assorted lemonades and juices that are also great for game day.
5. Mozzarella Sticks
Trader Joe’s never fails when it comes to the frozen appetizer section, and their mozzarella sticks have to be one of their best and most convenient products. Yet again, these are perfect for a dorm room party because they are microwave ready! Your hall mates will not be disappointed if you serve these.
6. Cheese
Make your watch party classier by creating your very own “dorm made” cheeseboard. The cheese party tray from Trader Joe’s is perfect for this! It doesn’t require a lot of effort, which is exactly the kind of snacks you need for a March Madness watch party. Just serve alongside some crackers, and you are good to go.
7. Lava cakes
For your postgame celebration, you may as well finish off the night with this decadent dessert. These are easy to simply pop in the microwave and everyone will love indulging in the chocolate whether their team wins or loses.
Trader Joe’s is a one-stop shop for everything you need to have an awesome watch party, right in the comfort of your dorm! So make your way on over to your closest TJ’s, pop these items in the microwave, and you are more than ready to watch some basketball.