Game Day Catering: Fuel Your Party with Delicious Empanada Platters

Game day gatherings demand snacks and a lot of them. Especially finger food because you want to enjoy the game and not just simply sit and eat because you worry about spilling it. That is why we prefer to have finger foods over other items. If you are bored of the regular fries, popcorn, and bagels and are in the mood to have something different then consider having empanadas as these are tiny pocket-sized pastries filled with a variety of fillings from savory to sweet that can enhance your game day experience. 

There is a flavor for everyone like classic beef, shredded chicken, pizza, mac and cheese empanadas, and sweet varieties like the Belgian Chocolate+Banana, Caramel+Cheese, Guava+Cheese, and many more.

If going to the store and buying boxes of empanadas for a large group is a task, you can consider reliable catering services while focusing on fun. Professional caterers like Empanada Mama, not only ensure consistent quality but can also provide an impressive array of flavors that might be challenging to prepare at home.

Benefits of Game Day Catering

Stress-Free Hosting

The best part about catering is that you can relax throughout the game without worrying about what's going on in the kitchen and the pressure to ensure the food prepared is delicious. Ordering from a trusted caterer can never go wrong in terms of hygiene, taste, and on-time delivery.

Variety for Every Guest

One of the good things about catering empanadas is that due to their versatility, there is an option for everyone. Whether you are a vegan or lactose intolerant you have the option to customize your empanadas accordingly.

Professional Presentation

Even though it's a game day gathering, the presentation of the food still matters because a well-presented platter sets any game day apart from the usual ones. It adds sophistication to the casual atmosphere. From warming stations to serving utensils and even plates and napkins if requested. Empanada platters come clearly labeled with filling types, making it easy for guests to identify their preferred options. 

Why Empanadas are the Perfect Game Day Snack

Portable and Mess-Free

Empanadas are hand-sized pocket pastries filled with delicious filling and the best part about them is that due to their compact size, you need not worry about carrying a plate or fear of spilling it. It makes game-watching even more comfortable as you don't need to worry about getting utensils to hold them. Minimal mess ensures a cleaner party space.

Flavorful and Versatile

Empanadas are for everyone. It can be the perfect snack equally for vegetarians and meat eaters as well. Because of the variety of options available from meat options like beef and chicken to delicious options such as mushroom, and spinach-cheese, empanadas are never disappointing. For those who have a sweet tooth, there are a bunch of varieties like Nutella, banana-chocolate, caramel-cheese every empanada giving you an experience like never before. 

Filling and Satisfying

Empanadas offer the perfect balance of a crispy flaky dough, firm yet warm, complementing the filling inside and giving you a crisp warm feeling in your mouth.

Unlike regular carbs which don't make you satisfied and you're always craving for more, the rich fillings of empanadas keep guests full and happy throughout the game.

Best Empanada Choices for Game Day Catering

Classic Savory Empanadas

Shredded Chicken Empanada: This classic one is an all-time favorite. Packed with juicy chicken slow-cooked in sofrito sauce, it's always a game-day favorite.

Cheeseburger Empanada: This is a modern twist to the traditional Ground beef empanada. This option particularly resonates with guests who might be new to empanadas, providing a comfortable entry point into this world of handheld delights.

Ground Beef Empanada: Seasoned with a perfect blend of spices this hearty Traditional Latin option is perfect for hearty appetites.

Vegetarian Options

Spicy Spinach Empanada: offers a bold flavor profile further enhanced with garlic, cheese, and just enough heat.

Cheese Empanada: This concept offers pure comfort food appeal which is simple, gooey, and satisfying.

Sweet Empanadas for Dessert

Belgian Chocolate Banana Empanada: A delightful combination of sweet decadent and caramelized bananas is simply just crowd-pleasing.

Caramel and Cheese Empanada: The sweet caramel plays beautifully with the subtle saltiness of the cheese.

Tips for Customizing Your Empanada Catering Order

Choose a Balanced Menu

When choosing a balanced menu,  offer 4-6 different empanada varieties. Classic meat fillings like beef picadillo or chicken are always crowd-pleasers for savory options. Include at least 2-3 vegetarian options like spinach and cheese, mushroom and onion, or even plain cheese. For sweet varieties, guava and cheese or dulce de leche are traditional favorites. If you need gluten-free choices, many caterers can prepare empanadas with corn-based dough instead of wheat flour.

Consider Portion Sizes

For portion sizing, a good rule of thumb is to plan for 2-3 empanadas per person for a light meal or heavy appetizer, or 3-4 per person if empanadas are the main course. Always consider 15-20% extra in case of varying appetites and popular options running out.  

Pair with Dipping Sauces

When it comes to sauces, you can always go with the classics like the traditional chimichurri made with fresh parsley, garlic, and olive oil as it pairs beautifully with meat empanadas. Garlic aioli complements seafood and vegetable fillings. For those who enjoy the heat, offer a spicy sauce like ají or sriracha mayo. Plan for about 2-3 tablespoons of sauce per person. Having a variety of sauce options lets guests customize their experience and adds another layer of flavor to your catering spread.

Beverage Pairings to Complement Your Empanada Spread

Crafting the Perfect Drink Menu

Offer beverage options that enhance rather than overwhelm the empanadas' flavors. Classic Cola, sparkling water with fresh lime, and some non-alcoholic punch provide a clean, crisp flavor to your palette that won't overpower the subtle flavors.

Beer pairings deserve special attention when serving savory empanadas. It pairs well with spicier options like ground beef, shredded chicken, and even spicy spinach empanadas.

Suggested Pairings

Cheeseburger Empanada + Classic Cola: 

The caramelized flavors from the Coke create a classic American dining experience. 

Ground Beef Empanada + Light Beer: 

The clean, crisp taste of beer complements the spicy empanada, refreshing your palette with every crisp.

Belgian Chocolate Banana Empanada + Iced Coffee: 

This bitter-sweet combination is rich, indulgent, and perfect for dessert.

Setting Up the Perfect Game Day Spread

Create a Self-Serve Station

Arrange empanadas neatly in warming trays and label them accordingly to help guests make informed decisions and enjoy these delicious sweet and savory pastries.

Add Visual Appeal

Choose tablecloths in team colors or classic neutral tones as your foundation. Create depth by varying the height of serving platters and adding strategic decorative elements that enhance rather than clutter the space

Place condiments and dipping sauces in stylish containers to enhance the empanadas by making them even more rich and flavorful.

Keep It Warm

Here are a few tips to keep the empanadas warm. You can use heavy-duty aluminum foil, position chafing dishes with warm water beneath serving platters, and rotate fresh batches from the warming oven every 30-45 mins.

How to Order Game Day Catering from Empanada Mama

Easy Ordering Process

To ensure the delivery on time you can place an order 48-72 hours before the game day by visiting their website or simply by calling to place an order. Empanada Mama offers boxes of 10 so you can order the boxes according to the number of people coming for your game day while providing the option to pick them up from the store and even deliver them to your doorstep at your convenience.

Delivery and Pickup Options

For delivery and pickup, they offer several convenient options. Delivery is available within their service area, with a dedicated delivery window you can select during checkout. They use insulated bags to ensure your empanadas stay warm. If you prefer pickup, you can choose your preferred time slot when ordering, and they'll have everything ready at their counter.

Advance Planning

To ensure the best experience on game day confirm your headcount early and add a few extra empanadas for unexpected guests, consider ordering extra sauce portions. Save Empanada Mama’s contact information in case you need to find the best empanadas in Midtown on a game day.  

Hosting Tips for a Memorable Game Day Party

Create a Festive Atmosphere

For a festive atmosphere, you can incorporate team colors into your tableware, and make team banners. Consider setting up a photo booth with sports props where guests can click fun pictures.

Game-Watching Essentials

For optimal game watching position your TV or projector at eye level, arrange seating in a U-shape, keep side tables within reach for snacks and drinks, and ensure good lighting that won't glare on the screen

Interactive Food Stations

For better convenience, you can label empanadas, and place tongs for each section. You can offer 4-5 options for the sauce bar, from sweet to spicy. Include classics like Chimichurri and garlic aioli and label heat levels. Setting up a mini garnish station and an assembly area lets guest customize their plates.

Elevate Your Game Day Experience with Empanada Platters

Professional catering services handle everything right from carefully preparing empanadas to ensuring the delivery of perfectly crispy empanadas while maintaining ideal serving temperatures throughout the event. You'll get expertly prepared fillings, and restaurant-quality sauces without spending hours in the kitchen.

Most importantly, empanadas offer versatility and convenience. Due to their portable nature guests can grab a fresh empanada without missing crucial plays. The variety of fillings ensures everyone finds their favorite from classic meat options, vegetarian varieties, or even sweet dessert empanadas.

With Empanada Mama’s top-notch catering services, you are guaranteed a stress-free game day hosting where you can enjoy the game day with your guests and create a memorable celebration.