Sunday’s conference championship games solidified the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs as the final two teams in the NFL playoffs. This is a familiar matchup — just two years ago, these same teams fought for the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy, with the Chiefs ultimately coming out on top.
On February 9, the Eagles and Chiefs will battle it out once more during Super Bowl LIX, hosted by the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Millions will get together to watch the game, ads, and halftime show — most likely with snacks in hand. But if you’re not a fan of the traditional Super Bowl eats of wings and dips, or you want to spice up your watch party, try serving foods based on the competing teams instead. Here’s a Super Bowl party menu you should offer based on Philadelphia and Kansas City.
Philadelphia
Philly Cheesesteak
Philly cheesesteaks are the iconic Philadelphia food. Made from slices of thinly sliced beef topped with cheese and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll, cheesesteaks are somewhat of a religion in the City of Brotherly Love. Created by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri in the 1930s, cheesesteaks are now the food synonymous with Philadelphia.
Soft Pretzels
Often considered the city’s second most popular food, soft pretzels are a must in Philadelphia. With a tough outside and pillowy center, these snacks are best served hot alongside a bit of mustard. Although soft pretzels are usually found around street corners in Philly, you can easily bake them at home with a bit of practice.
Hoagies
Do not confuse these with subs and offend the Philadelphians. Hoagies are your traditional Italian deli sandwich: deli meats topped with cheese, fresh and pickled vegetables, mayonnaise, and mustard in a long Italian roll. A perfect handheld vessel to serve during the game.
Water Ice
Water ice is Philly’s version of Italian ice. Brought to Philadelphia by Italian immigrants and inspired by granitas, water ice is a mix in texture between shaved ice’s chunkiness and Italian ice’s smoothness. It is smooth, refreshing, and surprisingly creamy. Pick this cold dessert up at your local Rita’s or blend it at home.
Kansas City
Burnt Ends
Kansas City is undoubtedly famous for its barbecue. But of all its barbecue, the crowd favorite is burnt ends. Coming from the “point edge” of a smoked brisket, burnt ends are cubed up and served both on their own or in sandwiches. These end bits are known for their rich, smoky flavor and crunchy texture. They make the perfect finger food snack for watching the Super Bowl.
Kansas City Strip
A Kansas City strip (KC strip) is a cut of steak known for its rich flavor. It is the exact same cut as the more renowned New York strip — but is served with the bone in and has a thicker layer of fat along the edge. Lovers of the KC strip say that the bone gives the steak a deeper, more robust flavor. Cook it however you like to make steak.
Cheesy Corn
Cheesy corn is a popular side dish served alongside barbecued meats. This food is reminiscent of macaroni and cheese, but with corn kernels instead of pasta. Often served with bacon and ham mixed in, cheesy corn is a bomb of rich, creamy goodness.
Cinnamon Rolls
Although they are typically eaten as breakfast or dessert, cinnamon rolls are treated differently in Kansas City. Pioneered by the barbecue joint Shroud’s, cinnamon rolls are commonly served alongside barbecue as a side dish. They’ve since become one of KC’s favorite sweet treats. These buttery, sugary, gooey pastries are definitely a crowd-pleaser.