Super Bowl 2015 Menu Ideas With Fried Pickles And Chili | Tasting

The Super Bowl is a mere six days away. And whether or not you care whether Seattle's Seahawks soar to their second title in a row or Tom Brady and the New England Patriots bring pigskin glory back to Boston, you've gotta admit: This Sunday will be a championship day for feasting with friends.

If you haven't started planning what you're going to cook, fear not: TT has coordinated your culinary offense. This spread is guaranteed to get a few cheers:

Go long. To feed a big group, a solid bet is a substantial sub sandwich that could satisfy even the hungriest defensive line. Our version (see the recipe), served warm, is made on a scooped-out baguette spread with snappy scallion-pickled jalapeño mayo and piled high with roast beef, Swiss cheese and a smattering of peppery arugula.

Have a bowl all your own. TT's upgrade on basic chili (see the recipe) can be made a couple of days ahead (and actually tastes better that way), and it's a sure bet to be your game-day MVP. The base is ground beef and salty pancetta, cooked low and slow with tomato, extra-dark chocolate and pinto beans. There's even a splash of cider vinegar in there. Serve the chili with a full roster of fixins—sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges, cheese, onions, you name it.

Don't sideline your side dish. Score big with fried pickles (see the recipes): Briny dill spears are coated in egg, flour and panko; fried until golden and crisp; and served with an Old Bay and cayenne-spiked mayo.

Make a punch every fan can root for. TT Drinks Editor Jim Meehan took the East vs. West rivalry seriously when crafting his Stupor Bowl punch (see the recipe). His boozy concoction combines Seattle's Whetland Whiskey with chamomile tea, citrus syrup and, yes, Boston "bittahs."

See? No need for a Hail Mary pass. Your game plan is set.

Still hungry for Super Bowl ideas? Check back this week for TT's ultimate wings recipe, as well as the dip to make this year.

Get the recipes: 
• Fried Pickles with Spicy Mayo
• Roast Beef Sandwich with Charred Scallions and Pickled Jalapeños
• Beef Chili with Pancetta, Ancho and Chocolate
• Stupor Bowl Punch