Super Bowl starters

The Super Bowl is steadily approaching, and you’re probably pulling your hair out trying to decide what snacks to serve your friends. Take a deep breath. It’s easier than it looks.

You’ll need some seriously good munchies to shut those team rivalries up and avoid hour-long delivery times and high prices. As American sports parties go, we have some pretty capable standbys on the bench.

Chicken wings are so deliciously messy, they keep fans quiet and focused on the next play. A four-pound bag of frozen, skin-on chicken wings costs about $7 to $8. Thaw those in the refrigerator overnight, toss them in a large bowl with one or two bottles of barbecue sauce and bake them on foil-lined sheet trays in a 450-degree oven for 30-35 minutes, turning and basting occasionally.

Like spice? Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Want sweet? Add a few heaping spoons of brown sugar or honey. Just be sure to pour more sauce over the cooked wings before serving.

Chips and dip are expected, if not required. Go the easy route and pick up a few bags of tortilla chips or low-profile flavors, such as original Lays.

Consider your dip — heavy, spreadable, thin — and choose chip shape accordingly. More companies are rolling out ideal scoop-ables.

Mix a container of sour cream, a packet of Ranch seasoning mix or some chopped green onion and bacon bits and call it a day. Or, opt for a jar of salsa blended with queso dip and nuke in the microwave for a minute or two.

The customary giant bowl of Chex Mix has been beaten to death.

Add crunchy wasabi beans (these can be found at Kroger), whole almonds, M&Ms or dried cranberries and start a new bandwagon.

Your guests won’t be offended if you toss the mix in melted butter, a teaspoon of garlic powder and a few tablespoons of soy sauce and microwave it for five minutes, stirring occasionally until dry. Cool on paper towels.

Somewhere in the spread, you’ll want some “healthy” items. Invest in a few bags of red grapes; people toss those back like popcorn. Pair with cubes of sharp cheddar and creamy Havarti cheeses, or spicy pepper jack if you’re brave.

If you’re really adventurous, thick slices of green pear stand up sweetly to crumbled blue or Gorgonzola cheeses. The same applies to red apples, such as Gala or Fuji, and wedges of smoked Gouda. Go crazy.

Beverages are crucial — even non-alcoholic choices. Have your basic canned sodas and bottled waters on hand, but consider making a drink of your own. Mix lemonade powder, a cup of club soda per serving and fresh-squeezed lime and orange juice. Serve over ice.

Even one homemade dish won’t go unnoticed. After all, no matter what team wins, the snacks should never disappoint.