Though chicken wings have long been the undisputed MVP of football season, bowls are staging an upset. From coconut-lime chicken soup to umami-rich miso ramen, these craveable, carry-anywhere creations are becoming the go-to choice for hungry crowds who want flavor fast.
When big-game traffic hits, restaurants need dishes that hold steady under pressure — and bowls deliver. They batch well, stay sturdy on the line, and hit the table hot, even during a fourth-quarter rush. Plus, they scale effortlessly for last-minute catering orders.
Ready to build a winning lineup? Here are some bowls to watch:
Soup That Scores
Classic chili is always a first-round draft pick, but there’s a whole roster of soups ready to take the field. Consider a charred corn and poblano chowder, a sweet potato stew with Contigo® Chorizo, or a creamy mushroom soup for your vegetarian guests.
And whatever you do, don’t bench the toppings. A great soup becomes unforgettable with the right finishing touches. Try fried jalapeño coins, brown-butter panko, or chili-maple pumpkin seeds. These end-zone-worthy add-ons bring big personality without slowing down the line. And for an extra win, pair your soups with warm Delancey Street Deli® Bavarian Pretzel Breads for dipping — a simple side that adds comfort to every bowl.
Home-Field Advantage
Regional flair is one of the easiest ways to give your menu a built-in fan base. In Appalachia, a pork and pinto bean bowl featuring Ridgecrest® Fully Cooked Pork taps into hearty mountain flavors. Head a few states south, and a Lowcountry shrimp-and-grits bowl made with Bay Winds® Shrimp is sure to please.
To elevate the dining experience and drive gameday sales, pair each bowl with a house cocktail. An herb-forward gin spritz cuts through richer stews or braised meats, while dessert bowls practically beg for something decadent like a cold-brew espresso martini.
The Comfort Playbook
When gameday cravings hit, nothing scores quite like comfort food. Lean into the indulgence with a pimento mac-and-cheese bowl finished with bacon or a country biscuit bowl topped with West Creek® Pork Sausage Gravy and fried shallots.
Comfort bowls also shine in the scalability department. Offer single-serve, family-size, or full watch-party packs. And don’t forget the First Mark® Disposable Cutlery to make takeout service seamless.
Global Gameplan
Global flavors continue to dominate modern menus, and bowls make it easy to work those influences into your gameday lineup. Try flavors like Thai basil chicken with chili-lime sauce, shawarma-spiced beef with garlic yogurt, or harissa chickpeas with apricot-glazed turnips.
As you dial in your lineup, remember that cross-utilization is your friend. Magellan® grains like quinoa and couscous can serve as bases for multiple bowls, and proteins seasoned simply with salt and pepper provide a blank canvas for whatever globally inspired toppings you add at assembly.
Sweet Victory
Dessert doesn’t usually get drafted for gameday, but maybe it should. A warm brownie bowl layered with mascarpone and berries is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any watch party, while a citrusy yogurt bowl with honey and Piancone® Premium Authentic Italian Cookies offers a lighter way to satisfy the sweet tooth.
For an extra win, consider bundling dessert bowls into a gameday combo with an entrée and a drink. It’s an easy upsell that boosts check averages.
From kickoff to overtime, bowls give you the flexibility to prep ahead, serve fast, and keep fans cheering. Because gameday success isn’t just about speed — it’s about flavor that sticks long after the final whistle.