The Secret to Stress-Free Big Game Hosting
Big Game hosting should feel fun, not frantic.
Whether you’re planning a full house watch party or a smaller gathering with family and friends, the key to a memorable spread is simple: choose recipes that are easy to assemble, easy to share, and built on a strong foundation.
That foundation is La Brea Bakery bread!
When you start with artisan sourdough, baguettes, and pretzel buns made with real ingredients and traditional methods, every dish feels intentional. Flavor holds up. Texture delivers. And our spread feels complete.
Here are crowd-pleasing Big Game food ideas that make hosting simple and impressive.
1. Pizza Crostini Bar: An Interactive Game Day Appetizer
A Pizza Crostini Bar turns classic pizza night into a game day experience.
Start with sliced and lightly toasted La Brea Bakery Sourdough Baguette. The sturdy crumb and crisp crust hold up beautifully to toppings without becoming soggy.
Set out bowls of:
• Marinara or pesto
• Fresh mozzarella and shredded cheese
• Pepperoni, sausage, roasted vegetables
• Fresh basil, red pepper flakes, hot honey
Guests build their own crostini and bake briefly until melted and golden.
2. Pretzel Dipping Board: A Bold, Shareable Centerpiece
Soft, artisan pretzels bring warmth and comfort to any gathering.
Arrange La Brea Bakery Pretzel Buns or sliced pretzel bread pieces on a board and pair with bold, crave-worthy dips like:
• Beer cheese
• Spicy mustard
• Buffalo chicken dip
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Honey mustard
The golden pretzel crust and soft interior offer just enough chew to stand up to rich dips, making this board disappear quickly.
Hosting tip: Keep dips warm in small slow cookers so guests can graze all game long.
3. Three Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip
A baked, cheesy dip loaded with jalapeños, bacon, and three cheeses - served warm inside a bread bowl with toasted bread cubes for dipping.
Few things say game day like hot, melty dip.
Hollow out a La Brea Bakery sourdough loaf and bake a creamy three cheese jalapeño popper dip directly inside. The naturally fermented bread develops crisp edges on the outside while staying sturdy enough to scoop from the inside.
The result is a built-in serving vessel and appetizer in one.
Why artisan bread matters here: A strong, well-structured loaf prevents leaks and holds heat better than softer, highly processed breads.
4. Grilled Cheese Skewers on Country White Sourdough
Grilled cheese is comfort food at its best. Turning it into skewers makes it party-ready
Use La Brea Bakery Country White Sourdough for its balanced flavor and crisp exterior. Cut grilled sandwiches into bite-size cubes and thread onto skewers with:
• Cherry tomatoes
• Pickles
• Crispy bacon
Serve alongside warm tomato soup shooters for dipping.
This is nostalgic, satisfying, and easy to prepare in batches.
How to Make Your Big Game Spread Unforgettable
When planning your menu, focus on:
Shareable formats
Interactive builds
Recipes that can be prepped ahead
A strong foundation of quality bread
Good food brings people together. And on game day, that means choosing ingredients that deliver real flavor and real texture.
La Brea Bakery artisan breads are crafted using simple ingredients and traditional fermentation, giving you structure, flavor, and versatility across appetizers, dips, and main dishes.
From crostini bars to burger showdowns, better bread makes every bite better.
