Even die-hard college football fans shift their attention come March, when basketball brackets take over and watch parties become a weekly occasion. From the first round upsets to the Monday night championship, there’s one constant: hungry fans who need something great to eat. For that, we turned to Backyard Life culinary advisor Ken Fisher, who mapped out the perfect menu for three weekends of tournament action.
First Weekend: White Chicken Chili
Opening weekend is full of favorites falling early—but nothing disappears faster than this white chicken chili. It features big chunks of tender chicken breast in a thick, savory sauce that’s substantial enough to roll into tortillas or scoop up with tortilla chips and cornbread. You can make it on the grill or in the crockpot, depending on how much time you want to spend away from the action.
Moving On: Jalapeno-bacon jam with a hot dog (or as a burger topping)
The first weekend’s a memory and the underdogs have gone home. Now the heavyweights face off—and things really get cooking. Literally.
This jalapeño bacon jam is the move for weekend two. Thick-sliced bacon slow-cooked down with jalapeños, apples, onions, and garlic into a rich, sweet-savory jam that works as a topping for cheese and crackers, a condiment for hot dogs, or an all-in-one burger topping. All you have to say to get people off the couch is the word “bacon”—the rest takes care of itself.
And then there were four: Game day party sliders
As the calendar flips from March to April over this weekend, there are only four teams standing. It’s about as big as college hoops get, and your one shining moment’s taking place right alongside it in the kitchen.
Burgers—specifically sliders—are the preferred call for this occasion. They’ll have your guests doing backflips and high fives like a college cheerleading team. And, they won’t overstuff your crowd. Like a good center, they’ll fill the lane, leaving room for other deliciousness.
Plan on topping them with condiments like jalapenos, thin cheddar slices, bacon, pickles, or whatever else you care to add. Sliders are about endless customization, so there’s no need for any two of them to be alike.
For all the marbles: Homemade Guacamole
The last night of the tournament is when a champion’s crowned. Recognizing the one that stood the test of time over a sea of worthy competitors.
Funny enough, that’s how you might describe this homemade guacamole recipe. No gimmicks here, just a few simple ingredients. A little bit of white onion, a whole lot of avocado, and salt to taste.
Use it as a veggie dip or serve with tortilla chips. Keep a few extra avocados on hand in case you run out, because nobody’s about to pass this time-tested favorite up.
And there you have it: basketball party recipes for three weekends of tournament action. Take a 30-second timeout, make a list of what you want to serve, and above all, enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Basketball Watch Party Food
Crowd-pleasing finger foods and dips work best—think sliders, chili, guacamole, and shareable appetizers like jalapeño bacon jam. The goal is food that’s easy to grab between plays without requiring a fork and a plate.
Light lagers, IPAs, and hard seltzers pair well with spicy or rich foods like jalapeño bacon jam and sliders. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with citrus or a big batch of lemonade are solid choices that balance heavier flavors.
