Game Day Bites Savoring Flavor in Kansas City and Philadelphia
As the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs face off in The Big Game for the second time in three years, fans can bring the flavors of both cities into their own kitchens. Aramark Sports + Entertainment, the award-winning food and beverage partner for both GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field, is helping fans celebrate with iconic game-day recipes inspired by each city’s culinary traditions.
Aramark Sports + Entertainment Senior Executive Chef Erin Wishon from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Executive Chef James Hennessey from Lincoln Financial Field embrace the regional flavors that make stadium dining unique. Now, these chefs are sharing mouth-watering recipes from Kansas City and Philadelphia, allowing fans to recreate signature dishes at home and enhance their game-day experience.
Bringing Stadium Flavors Home
As the lead chef for the Kansas City Chiefs, Chef Erin not only ensures fans are fed but also works behind the scenes year-round to ensure players, coaches, and staff members receive optimal nutrition for peak performance, both in training and on game day. This year, Chef Erin will travel with the team to The Big Easy, overseeing logistics to ensure the team stays well-fed and on track with their nutrition goals.
At Lincoln Financial Field, Chef James leads the culinary program that crafts unique menu items for fans and works alongside the Aramark team to provide top-tier concessions, premium dining, and catering experiences. Together, these chefs have curated recipes that allow fans to enjoy the signature flavors of Kansas City and Philadelphia, no matter where they watch the game.
Recipes Inspired by Philadelphia
Easy Soft Pretzels
Ingredients for dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup baking soda
- 9 cups boiling water
- 2 whole eggs
- ½ cup cool water
Ingredients for cheese sauce:
- 1 ½ cups Velveeta
- ¼ round Boursin cheese (approx. 1.5 oz)
- ½ cup milk or stout beer
Preparation:
- In a medium bowl, pour warm water and add the yeast. Stir until combined, then add sugar and salt.
- Add flour and mix until fully incorporated. If dough is sticky, add more flour.
- (Optional) In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and cool water to create an egg wash. Set aside.
- (Optional) In a medium pot, bring 9 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Once the dough is fully mixed, press a finger into it—if it springs back, it’s ready to knead.
- Knead dough for a few minutes, adding more flour if necessary.
- Roll dough into 12-inch ropes and cut into 8 pieces or shape into traditional pretzels.
- (Optional) Dip dough into the baking soda bath for 20 seconds, then remove and place on a plate.
- Brush dough with egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes. Increase oven to high broil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with cheese sauce and spicy mustard.
Italian Roast Piggy in a Blanket
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 lb chopped Italian roast pork
- ½ lb chopped broccoli rabe
- 3 oz whole egg, whisked
- 6 oz long hot aioli
Preparation:
- Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions.
- Heat chopped roast pork in a 300°F oven until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Heat chopped broccoli rabe in a sauté pan over low heat until hot, then remove from heat.
- Roll out puff pastry to a 14 x 14-inch square.
- Cut dough into 1 ½-inch squares. Place 1 tbsp chopped pork in the center, then add 1 tsp broccoli rabe.
- Wrap dough around filling and place seam-side up on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Brush pastry tops with egg wash.
- Bake at 375°F until golden brown and puffed up.
Recipes Inspired by Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium’s Doritos Empanadas
Ingredients for empanada:
- 12 empanada wraps
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
- 4 oz Doritos, crushed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 egg + 2 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Ingredients for avocado crema:
- 1 avocado, smashed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- In a skillet, sweat onions, then add ground beef and brown. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain fat, add ½ cup water and taco seasoning.
- Stir in 2 tbsp crushed Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Lay out empanada wrappers and brush edges with egg wash.
- Place 2 tbsp beef filling in the center of each wrapper, fold over, and seal edges with a fork.
- Bake or fry until golden brown.
- Brush with egg wash, coat with remaining crushed Doritos, and fry again until crispy.
- Serve with avocado crema.
Jalapeno Cheddar Croquettes
Ingredients for croquettes:
- 2 russet or Yukon gold potatoes, mashed
- ½ cup salted butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp whole milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp jalapeños, chopped & sautéed
- ¼ cup bacon, chopped & crispy (optional)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Ingredients for breading:
- 2 cups seasoned flour
- 4 whole eggs, whisked
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Preparation:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain.
- Whip potatoes with butter, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix in flour.
- Fold in Parmesan, cheddar, bacon, and sautéed jalapeños.
- Once cooled, mix in egg yolks until incorporated. Chill until firm.
- Shape into small spheres or barrels.
- Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and panko in separate bowls.
- Roll croquettes in flour, tap off excess.
- Dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off.
- Coat in panko breadcrumbs and set aside.
- Fry at 325°F for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
- Drain on paper towels and serve.
Bringing the Stadium Experience to Game Day
By highlighting these regional specialties, Aramark makes it easy for fans to experience the best stadium flavors, no matter where they’re watching the game. Whether fans are rooting for the Eagles or the Chiefs, these at-home recipes bring a taste of the stadium straight to any Big Game spread.
