March Madness isn’t just about basketball—it’s about bringing friends and family together to cheer on your favorite teams, fill out brackets, and, of course, enjoy some amazing food and drinks. Whether you’re hosting a big watch party or just having a few friends over, the right spread can elevate the game-day experience.
Elevate your watch parties by incorporating regional specialties that pay homage to the teams competing in the tournament. Here’s how you can customize your menu to celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of the participating schools.
Midwest Munchies
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
With teams like Illinois and Northwestern representing the Midwest, honor their roots with Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. This hearty pie features a thick, buttery crust loaded with layers of mozzarella, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- Deep-dish pizza dough
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian sausage
- Crushed tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
Serving Suggestion: Slice into generous portions and serve hot, allowing guests to indulge in this Midwestern classic.
Southern Comforts
Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders
Teams like Vanderbilt bring the heat from Tennessee. Nashville hot chicken sliders offer a spicy kick that’s sure to excite your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- Fried chicken tenders
- Spicy cayenne pepper sauce
- Slider buns
- Pickles
Serving Suggestion: Serve these sliders with a side of cooling coleslaw to balance the heat.
Louisiana Crawfish Boil
With LSU in the mix, a traditional crawfish boil brings the flavors of Louisiana to your party.
Ingredients:
- Live crawfish
- Corn on the cob
- Red potatoes
- Andouille sausage
- Cajun seasoning
Serving Suggestion: Spread the boiled ingredients over a newspaper-covered table for an authentic experience, and let guests dig in.
Western Wonders
California Sushi Rolls
Teams like UCLA and USC bring West Coast flair. California sushi rolls are a fresh and light option for your spread.
Ingredients:
- Sushi rice
- Nori (seaweed sheets)
- Imitation crab meat
- Avocado
- Cucumber
Serving Suggestion: Arrange the rolls on a platter with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.
Texas Brisket Sliders
With teams like Texas and Baylor, honor the Lone Star State with tender brisket sliders.
Ingredients:
- Smoked beef brisket
- Slider buns
- Barbecue sauce
- Pickled onions
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of tangy coleslaw for a true Texas experience.
Eastern Eats
New York-Style Pretzels
With St. John’s University representing New York, soft pretzels are a nod to the Big Apple’s street food scene.
Ingredients:
- Pretzel dough
- Coarse salt
- Mustard dipping sauce
Serving Suggestion: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, including spicy mustard and cheese sauce.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
With Villanova in the tournament, these fusion appetizers combine the classic Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of an egg roll.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef
- Onions and peppers
- Provolone cheese
- Egg roll wrappers
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of ketchup or cheese sauce for dipping.
Signature Sips
Kentucky Bourbon Lemonade
With the University of Kentucky in the spotlight, this refreshing cocktail showcases the state’s renowned bourbon.
Ingredients:
- Kentucky bourbon
- Fresh lemonade
- Mint leaves
- Lemon slices
Serving Suggestion: Serve over ice in mason jars, garnished with mint and lemon.
Florida Citrus Punch
Celebrate teams like the University of Florida with a zesty citrus punch.
Ingredients:
- Orange juice
- Grapefruit juice
- Lemon-lime soda
- Slices of assorted citrus fruits
Serving Suggestion: Serve in a large punch bowl with plenty of ice and floating citrus slices.
Sweet Finishes
North Carolina Sweet Potato Pie
With teams like UNC and Duke, this dessert pays tribute to Southern traditions.
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Sugar and spices
- Pie crust
Serving Suggestion: Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream.
Indiana Sugar Cream Pie
Celebrating teams like Indiana University, this classic Hoosier dessert is a creamy treat.
Pro Tips for Hosting a Winning Party
✔️ Create a Self-Serve Setup – Set up a snack station so guests can grab food without interrupting the game.
✔️ Team-Themed Decorations – Use tablecloths, plates, and cups in your team’s colors.
✔️ Keep It Simple – Finger foods and pre-made cocktails make hosting stress-free.
✔️ Game-Time Entertainment – Set up a mini hoop for guests to take shots during halftime.
Final Buzzer
March Madness is all about excitement, and the food and drinks you serve should reflect that energy. With a mix of hearty snacks, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats, you’ll keep your guests happy from tip-off to the final buzzer. So, fire up the oven, mix up some cocktails, and get ready to enjoy the madness—one bite and sip at a time!
Learn more at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6201044/2025/03/14/womens-march-madness-2025-selection-sunday-how-to-watch/
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!