As the Super Bowl approaches, it’s time to get serious about your Game Day menu. We’ve all come to expect certain go-to snacks: Buffalo chicken dip, hot dogs, and maybe some pizza and wings for good measure. But hold the phone—according to a recent study on the most popular Super Bowl foods by state, North Dakota has a surprising contender for the top spot: knoephla soup.
Yes, you read that right—knoephla soup. This German-inspired dish, which typically features dumplings, potatoes, chicken, and vegetables in a creamy broth, is the top-searched Super Bowl food in North Dakota. Who knew that this humble comfort food could rise to Super Bowl stardom? It’s definitely a unique pick when you consider the classic American football food staples. And while knoephla soup is beloved in the North Central region, it’s safe to say it’s not exactly competing with pizza-level popularity nationwide.
But fear not—knoephla soup is not the only surprise on the list. The study, which analyzed internet search data around last year’s Super Bowl, found that Buffalo chicken dip is by far America’s favorite Super Bowl snack, topping the charts in 29 states across the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Whether you’re at a party in Florida or Ohio, chances are you’ll find that creamy, spicy dip making its rounds.
Meanwhile, baked potatoes made their mark in five states including California, Oregon, and Nevada, showing that the humble spud is still going strong for Game Day. And let’s not forget about fried green tomatoes, which claimed the top spot in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi—another regional surprise! Other states threw some interesting choices into the mix too, like crawfish étouffée in Louisiana and sopapillas in New Mexico.
As for other fan favorites, hot dogs, baked ziti, and garlic knots also made appearances, proving that Game Day snacks are as diverse as the states themselves. But don’t be shocked if you’re served a bowl of knoephla soup this Super Bowl Sunday—it might just become the new MVP of your spread.
