March Madness has begun, and with it, a slew of basketball watch parties. Whether you’re rooting for the top seeds or are resting your bracket bragging rights on a Cinderella, everyone’s united in a need for solid snacks to carry them through basketball’s craziest month. Picking upsets may be tough, but picking snacks shouldn’t be. Here are my top snacks to enjoy for every round of March Madness.
Round of 64: Veggies and Homemade Hummus
Two days, 32 basketball games. If you’re going to survive to see your favorite team through the rest of the tournament, you’ll want to pass on the potato chips and grab this protein-packed snack. Still delivering that satisfying crunch, veggies and homemade hummus will prove to be the healthy dynamic duo that dominates in the Round of 64.
Round of 32: Homemade Chex Mix
Munch your way through the Round of 32 with your own homemade mix. A perfect combination of classic ingredients with a few surprises thrown in, this snack is perfect for the second round of March Madness. Best of all, you can pick up some spirit points by throwing in some M&M’s in your favorite team’s colors. Your bracket might be nearly busted, but your snacks are still bringing their A-game.
Sweet 16: Cinnamon and Sugar Pretzels
As we arrive at the Sweet 16, you’re going to need a snack that is both sweet (for those who’s top picks are still dancing) and salty (for those who are mourning their team’s tragic loss). Quick to make and even quicker to eat, these cinnamon and sugar pretzels are the best snack to enjoy as the upsets continue to wreak havoc on your bracket. Just don’t knock over the platter during your victory celebration
Elite 8: Tortilla Chips and Guacamole
With only eight teams left, things are starting to heat up in March, and your game day snacks should as well. Chips and dip are a game day staple, and chips and guac is the dream team you can always count on. Bring home some Elite 8 heat with homemade guacamole and crispy tortilla chips. Even if your team’s hopes of making to the Final Four are shot, at least you’ll still have your guac.
Final 4: Hot Wings
As we enter the Final Four, the games and your snacks will be beyond spicy: they’ll be mouth-burning, eye-watering, holy-crap-get-me-some-ranch HOT. With a massive platter of wings and ranch in hand, you’ll be the snack MVP of your watch party. Who knows, they might even forget how three of your four picks were knocked off in the Sweet 16.
National Championship: Cheddar Cheese Popcorn
Its time for the game we’ve all been waiting for (or dreading, depending on the state of your bracket). With an intense, fast-paced game, you don’t have time to mess around with dips or fancy finger foods. You need an unfussy comfort snack that is satisfying and perfect for some stress munching. You need cheddar cheese popcorn. Simply melt some grated cheese on top of your favorite microwave popcorn and settle in to watch your team bring home the title.
Whether your bracket is on its way to imploding, or you’re still in contention for the elusive perfect pick, these snacks are guaranteed to win in every round.