The biggest game day of the year is almost here — on Feb. 12, the Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. Whether you’re rooting hard for a side or you’re just in it for the commercials, if there’s one great unifier on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s the food. And this Sunday, food will be the main event not just on your Super Bowl spread, but on your TV when the second season of Gordon Ramsay’s “NEXT LEVEL CHEF” premieres on Fox immediately following the game.
Making his television debut on the show is one of our favorite sources for simple, delicious recipes — Shay Spence, a food and travel writer and former People Magazine food editor, who has garnered 1.2 million followers on TikTok, where he shares quick and easy recipes, his travel adventures, restaurant reviews and tips, and snapshots of his life at home with his partner in sunny Key West, Florida.
Ahead of the big game and his TV debut, we caught up with Shay to get the scoop on the new show, his Super Easy Super Bowl Snack Series, and to find out who he’s rooting for. Read on to learn more about Shay and get his quick and easy game-day recipes.
Better: Your videos have received more than 32 million likes on TikTok, so you’re not exactly new to a big audience, but how does it feel to be appearing on TV alongside culinary superstars Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais?
Shay Spence: I’ve always kind of treated my social media channels like my own personal cooking show, and even though I know a lot of people are watching my videos, it definitely doesn’t feel as high stakes as being on the actual TV! Between the intense competition aspect of the show and working under some of the most renowned chefs in the world, this is definitely the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. Plus with the time slot right after the Super Bowl, I know millions of eyes will be on me, so the pressure is definitely on.
Better: If you were only making one recipe from your Super Bowl snack series, which would it be?
SS: It would be the cheesy pretzel dogs, because they are completely addictive but also it’s impressive to make your own mini pretzels — no one has to know how easy it is using the pizza dough shortcut.
Better: Who are you cheering for in the big game?
SS: I’m not qualified to speak on anything sports related — I’ll be rooting for Rihanna.
Shay’s Super Easy Super Bowl Snack Series
These crowd-pleasing Super Bowl snack recipes couldn’t be easier — as Shay says, “Nothing cheeses me off more than when recipes claim to be quick and easy and they are in fact neither.” Watch the videos to see how to make them and get the ingredients in the captions.
Cheezy Mini Pretzel Dogs
@theshayspence catch me competing on Next Level Chef premiering on FOX after the Super Bowlllll and make these cheesy mini pretzel dogs too 🥨 🌭 full recipe below xoxo CHEESY MINI PRETZEL DOGS (makes 30) 2 (13.8-oz.) tubes refrigerated pizza dough (such as Pillsbury) 8 cheddar cheese slices, cut into quarters 8 American cheese slices, cut into quarters 30 smoked cocktail franks 1/3 cup baking soda 1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp. water Garlic powder Flaky sea salt Dijon mustard or honey mustard, for serving Preheat oven to 450F and bring a pot of water to a boil. Unroll the tubes of dough on a large cutting surface and stack one square of each cheese about 1 inch apart on the dough (there should be 5 rows of 3 on each piece of dough.) Top each with a cocktail frank and cut into squares. Use your hands to wrap the dough completely around, sealing really well so they don’t fall apart in the boiling water. Add baking soda to the water and stir to dissolve. Working in batches (I do 10 at a time), boil the dogs for about 45 seconds then transfer to rimmed baking sheets. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and flaky salt. Bake until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Serve with mustard. #Superbowlsnacks #gamedayrecipes #gordonramsay #nextlevelchef #nflplayoffs #snacktime #recipesforyou #superbowl #easyrecipes ♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling & Various Artists
Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Sliders
@theshayspence Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Sliders! This is part 2 of my super easy Super Bowl snack series before the premiere of Next Level Chef on FOX. Full recipe below! SPICY HONEY BUTTER CHICKEN BISCUIT SLIDERS (makes 20) 20 frozen chicken nuggets 6 Tbsp. Butter 2 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. hot sauce 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. paprika 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice) 1/2 tsp. salt Cooking spray or butter, for greasing 1 10-count tube flaky layers biscuit (original size, not grands) Round pickle slices, for garnish Ranch dressing, for serving Toothpicks Preheat oven to 400F. In two standard-size muffin tins, place one chicken nugget in each spot and heat in the oven until crispy, 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together, butter, honey, hot sauce, and seasonings. Toss hot chicken nuggets in the sauce to coat. Grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray and peel each piece of biscuit dough into two pieces. Place one layer on the bottom, then top with chicken nugget, then the remaining biscuit dough. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Skewer a pickle on top of each one with a toothpick and serve with ranch dressing. #recipesforyou #nextlevelchef #gordonramsay #superbowl #superbowlsnacks #easyrecipes #gamedayfood #foodtiktok ♬ On Your Bike – Heinz Kiessling & Various Artists
French Onion Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders
@theshayspence French Onion Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders! Part 3 of my Super Easy Super Bowl Snack series. Full recipe below and don’t forget to watch Next Level Chef on FOX after the Super Bowl! FRENCH ONION BEEF AND CHEDDAR SLIDERS (makes 12) 6 Tbsp. butter, divided 1 large onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 1 Tbsp. flour 1 1/2 cups beef stock 2 tsp. worcestershire sauce Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 lb. sliced roast beef, chopped into bite-size pieces 6 slices of cheddar cheese 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls, sliced horizontally Preheat oven to 425F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and add onions. Cook until they are brown and caramelized, 25 to 30 minutes (if necessary, you may need to add a splash of water to deglaze the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.) Add half of the garlic and thyme to the pan, reserving the other half. Add flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in beef stock and worcestershire sauce, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Bring to a simmer to thicken then remove from heat and add roast beef, tossing to coat and heat through. Melt the remaining butter and add the remaining garlic and thyme. Place the bottom half of the Hawaiin rolls in a baking dish and brush with garlic butter. Transfer to oven until slightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Top with beef and cheddar then place the tops of the rolls on the cheese. Brush with remaining garlic butter and bake until browned on top, about 5 more minutes (be sure to watch carefully.) Serve with creamy horseradish sauce (recipe below.) CREAMY DIJON-HORSERADISH SAUCE: In a bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons mayo, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, the juice on half a lemon, plus 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. If you have more fresh thyme or another fresh herb, add that in as well! #superbowl #gordonramsay #recipesforyou #easyrecipe #gameday #snacks #foodtiktok #nextlevelchef #recipeideas ♬ Zou Bisou Bisou – Gillian Hills
Sheet Pan Loaded Smashed Potato Nachos
@theshayspence Sheet pan loaded smashed potato nachos! Part 4 of my super easy Super Bowl snack series. Full recipe below and don’t forget to watch me on Next Level Chef on @FOXTV 🔪 SHEET PAN LOADED SMASHED POTATO NACHOS 2 lb. small potatoes 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt or Cajun seasoning 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. hot sauce 1 tbsp. lime juice 1 jalapeño, sliced Chopped cooked bacon Chopped chives Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a medium-sized rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and ad potatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil plus the seasoned salt; toss to coat evenly. Bake until fork tender, about 35-40 minutes depending on the size. Let cool slightly. Raise the oven temperature to 450F. Place another sheet pan of the same size on top of the potatoes and press down firmly to smash the potatoes. To get them thinner, you can also lightly pound them with a meat mallet or potato masher (you want them to basically cover the surface area of the sheet pan.) Drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp. olive oil and return to the oven until crispy, 12-15 minutes. Top with cheese and return to oven until melted, about 5-10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, hot sauce and lime juice and stir to combine (if it’s too thick you can thin it out with some water or milk.) Drizzle over the potatoes and top with jalapeño, bacon, chives and any other toppings you like! #smashedpotatoes #easyrecipe #gamedaysnacks #superbowl #superbowl2023 #nextlevelchef #nextleveldish #foodtiktok #easyrecipe #recipesforyou #gordonramsay ♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling & Various Artists
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
@theshayspence Cheesy chicken enchilada dip! Part 5 of my super easy Super Bowl snack series. Full recipe below and catch me on Next Level Chef premiering on FOX after the Super Bowl! CHEESY CHICKEN ENCHILADA DIP RECIPE 2 Tbsp. butter 1 onion, chopped 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds and ribs removed for less heat) 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded 1 (10-oz.) can red enchilada sauce 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered 1 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. garlic powder 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese 10 oz. Velveeta Chopped cilantro, for garnish Tortilla chips, for serving Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add onion. Let cook for 5 minutes to slightly soften, then add jalapeño and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. In a casserole dish, add chicken, enchilada sauce, most of the tomatoes (reserve some to sprinkle over the top at the end), spices and sautéed onion mixture. Stir to combine well then top with cheese and Velveeta. Cover and bake in preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until everything is heated through and cheese is melted. Stir to combine, garnish with cilantro and chopped tomatoes and serve with tortilla chips. #gameday #sundayfootball #superbowl #gordonramsay #easyrecipe #foodtiktok #queso #diprecipe #nextlevelchef ♬ The Final Countdown (Originally Performed by Europe) [Instrumental Version] – Hit The Button Karaoke
Jalapeño Popper Hot Crab Dip
@theshayspence Jalapeño popper hot crab dip recipe! Part 6 of my super easy Super Bowl snacks, full recipe below. 🦀 #NextLevelDish JALAPENO POPPER HOT CRAB DIP RECIPE 2 sleeves Saltine Crackers 6 Tbsp. melted butter 3 tsp. Old Bay seasoning 5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped and cooked (reserve 1 Tbsp. of the fat) 8 oz. lump crab meat 12 oz. whipped cream cheese 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/3 cup sour cream 3 Tbsp. chopped pickled jalapeños, plus 1 Tbsp. of the juice 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley 3 garlic cloves, grated or minced Preheat oven to 350F. Toss crackers with melted butter and transfer to foil lined baking sheets in even layers. Sprinkle each side with Old Bay (you will use about half of the old bay for this, and the other half in the actual dip.) Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly darkened. In a large bowl, add all remaining ingredients include remaining 1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay and reserved bacon fat. Stir to combine and transfer to a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Serve immediately with Old Bay crackers. #superbowl #superbowlsnacks #gameday #foodtiktok #recipesforyou #gordonramsay #underthesea #distok #disneyadult #cookwithme #crabdiprecipe ♬ Under The Sea – The Carnival Steel Drum Band
Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos
@theshayspence Buffalo chicken crispy tacos! Part 7 of my super easy Super Bowl snack series. Check me out on Next Level Chef, premiering on FOX after the Super Bowl! Full recipe below. BUFFALO CHICKEN CRUNCHY TACOS 16 flat-bottomed crispy taco shells 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 3 Tbsp. butter 2 lb. ground chicken 2 tsp. ranch seasoning 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. chipotle powder or chili powder 1/3 cup buffalo sauce, plus more for serving 1/3 cup chicken stock Chopped romaine lettuce Chopped tomatoes Blue cheese dressing Blue cheese crumbles Preheat oven to 350 F. In two large baking dishes, arrange the taco shells in an even layer and add a layer of cheddar cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 8 minutes. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add chicken. Season with ranch, garlic powder and chili powder and cook until no longer pink, crumbling with the back of a spoon to break it up. Add Buffalo sauce and chicken stock and cook until the liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add ground buffalo chicken to the taco shells then top with lettuce, tomatoes, blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles and more Buffalo sauce. #nextlevelchef #foodtiktok #superbowlsnacks #whitepeopletaconight #superbowl #recipesforyou #easyrecipe #tacotuesday ♬ On Your Bike – Heinz Kiessling & Various Artists
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
@theshayspence Garlic Parmesan chicken wings recipe, the perfect Super Bowl party food. Full recipe below! #nextleveldish GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN WINGS RECIPE 2 lbs. chicken wings 2 tsp. seasoned salt or cajun seasoning 1 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 sticks butter 30 whole garlic cloves, peeled 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 cup grated parmesan 1/4 cup chopped parsley Ranch dressing, for dipping Pat wings dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, add wings, seasoned salt and black pepper. Toss to combine and transfer to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack (or just aluminum foil) and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or up to overnight. Preheat oven to 375. Bake wings for about 35 minutes, until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside. (For extra crispiness, turn the broiler on low for a couple minutes to finish.) To make the sauce, add butter and garlic to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until garlic is softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a blender along with mustard and blend until smooth. In a large bowl, toss wings with garlic butter sauce, parmesan and parsley. Serve with ranch dressing. #superbowl #superbowlpartyfood #easyrecipe #foodtiktok #foodies #garlicparmesanwings #chickenwingsrecipe ♬ On Your Bike – Heinz Kiessling & Various Artists
Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bread
@theshayspence Spinach artichoke pizza bread! Part 9 of my super easy Super Bowl snack series, full recipe below. 🙌 SPINACH ARTICHOKE PIZZA BREAD RECIPE 1 large loaf of french bread, cut in half horizontally 1 (15-oz.) jar. spinach dip 7 oz. artichokes marinated in oil, hearts chopped and 2 Tbsp. of the oil reserved 2 tsp. garlic powder 3 cups shredded provolone cheese, divided 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 2 Tbsp. Calabrian chili paste (or 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes) Preheat the broiler to low. Brush the bread with oil from the artichoke hearts and broil until slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes (every broiler is different so be sure to watch carefully — alternatively, you could also do this in a 450F oven.) Set toasted bread aside. Add all remaining ingredients to a bowl (reserving one cup of the cheese for the top) and stir to combine. Spread evenly over the toasted bread and top with remaining cheese. Return to broiler until melted and bubbly, another 5-7 minutes. Serve immediately. #superbowlsnacks #easyrecipe #superbowl #foodtiktok #recipesforyou #spinachartichokedip #superbowlpartyfood #cookwithme ♬ Banana Wind – Instrumental – Jimmy Buffett
Shay’s Favorite Guacamole
@theshayspence my favorite guacamole recipe inspired by @chefaaronsanchez 🥑🙌 full recipe below! #NextLevelDish THE PERFECT GUACAMOLE RECIPE 1 serrano chile 1 medium white onion, separated into two halves 1 lime, juiced 1 lemon, juiced 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (leaves and stems both) 4 avocados Sea salt, to taste 1⁄2 tsp. Mexican oregano 1 roma tomato, chopped Crumbled queso fresco, for garnish (optional) 1. Remove the stem from the serrano chile and discard. Roughly dice the chile, keeping the seeds if you want additional heat. Roughly dice one half of the white onion. 2. Combine the diced chile and onion in a blender cup, add lemon juice, lime juice and fresh cilantro. Pulse until well combined and paste-like. 3. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Place in a bowl and season with salt and Mexican oregano. Gently mash until combined, but not too smooth, you should still see chunks of avocado. 4. Slowly fold in the serrano purée, incorporating well but careful not to over mash the avocadoes. 5. Finely chop the other half of the onion and tomatoes and add to guacamole. Mix to combine and season with more salt, if needed. 6. Top with queso fresco and serve with tortilla chips. #superbowlsnacks #foodtiktok #recipesforyou #guacamole #superbowlpartyfood #easyrecipe #superbowlsunday #nextlevelchef #gordonramsay ♬ Sunshine – WIRA
How to Help:
As a longtime theme park fan, Shay passionately supports a nonprofit that’s near and dear to the hearts of countless theme park fans. Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that provides week-long, cost-free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families from around the world who want to visit Central Florida and its many theme parks and attractions.
Learn more about Give Kids the World Village and donate to support this special cause.
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Brooke Geiger McDonald is the national content director for Make It Better Media Group. A Chicago native, she has worked for publications like O, The Oprah Magazine and SHAPE Magazine and her work has appeared in The Points Guy, Parents, TravelPulse, Attractions Magazine, and more. Her favorite nonprofits to support include Give Kids the World Village and Shedd Aquarium. Follow her on Instagram @brookegmcdonald and Twitter @BrookeGMcDonald.
