If you’re hosting this year’s game day party, this Bad Bunny–inspired recipe roundup is your starting lineup. These 25 party-ready recipes pull from Puerto Rican flavor, Nuyorican street food energy, and pro–level snacking skills. From crispy appetizers and hearty mains to drinks and desserts sweeter than Bad Bunny’s smile, this roundup has everything you need to keep the energy high, the plates full, and you hyped enough for that group sing-along to “Tití Me Preguntó.”
Who Is Bad Bunny?
Billboard Artist of the Year, Billboard Latin Artist of the Year, Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Billboard Latin Music Award for Latin Rhythm Album of the Year… the answer is, Bad Bunny es el más duro. That means he’s a really neat guy.
Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, was born and bred in the northern region of the island of Puerto Rico. After rising to superstardom in 2016 with his song “Soy Peor,” Bad Bunny became a beloved icon of reggaeton and Latin trap.
His gender-fluid style, lighthearted vibe, and passionate advocacy for all things Puerto Rican have made him a worldwide phenomenon.
Benito was announced as the upcoming halftime entertainment for U.S. football’s most prominent game, as he wrapped up his exclusively Puerto Rican residency, No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí (I Don’t Want to Leave Here). His passionate exclusivity and determination provided a boon to the Puerto Rican economy and has brought overwhelming awareness to the economic, colonialistic, and infrastructural disparities Puerto Ricans on the island have faced from the onset of their existence as a United States territory.
Why Is The “Bad Bunny Bowl” Controversial?
When the football powers that be announced their halftime entertainer, the world showed its ass. Half of us– us being me– were dusting off our perreo moves. White guys from Idaho are studying lyrics to his most popular songs in preparation for the Big Game. Still estos ridículos were clutching their red hats, crying about “immigrants” taking over.
Besides the laughable fact that Puerto Ricans aren’t immigrants– we’ve been citizens since the signing of the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917– the current administration promotes the ignorant narrative that anyone with a Spanish-sounding name or an accent is a dangerous foreigner. When Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime show artist, racists everywhere denounced him and railed against the League for allowing a “non-US citizen” to perform.
Apparently, Making Ignorance Great Again is their other motto.
¡Apúntate Que Hay Pari!
very loosely translated: Game Day Recipe Playbook
Hosting a game day party should never stress you out. Here are my tips for throwing a bash worthy of Benito’s greatest hits:
- Prep some of the recipes ahead so you can spend more time limbering up. No one wants a pulled hamstring whilst twerking.
- This isn’t a potluck, it’s a halftime party (with a little football thrown in). If your dish needs a fork, it had better be worth it.
- Make sure your recipes are kept at proper temperatures. Un Verano Sin Ti takes on a whole new meaning if you’re offering up food-borne illnesses.
- Puerto Rican parties are LOUD, welcoming, and indulgent. Your guests should feel free to indulge and enjoy, and so should you.
Game Day Party Hosting FAQs
Shoot for 6–8 ounces of protein per person, multiple handheld snacks, and at least one plant-based option. People eat more when the game is close and halftime is when they’ll dive in.
Dips, stewed meats, marinated proteins, desserts, and sauces can all be made a day ahead so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during halftime.
Fried snacks, sliders, braised meats, rice dishes, and room-temp sides hold better than delicate salads or last-minute seafood. Be sure to have plenty of slow cookers, chafing dishes, and ice beds on hand to maintain proper food temperatures.
Citrus-forward cocktails, rum punches, agua frescas, and light beers– Medalla is the beer of PR– all balance salty, fried, and spicy foods.
I Like It: Appetizers That’ll Set The Party Off
Puerto Ricans have go-to recipes that we love to serve at any celebration. Tea sandwiches and dips abound, but I like to switch things up and present classic recipes in new ways.
BACALAITOS
Take your guests to the kioskos of Piñones or Luquillo with these crispy salted cod fritters.
Make them party-size by scooping the batter with a smaller spoon.
SANDWICHITOS DE MEZCLA
If these crustless tea sandwiches aren’t on a table, you’re not hosting a Puerto Rican party.
The luncheon meat and cheese filling can be made a day or two ahead to cut down on prep time.
EMPANADILLAS DE PIZZA
These pizza-filled empanadas are gonna tug at your guests’ heartstrings if they grew up in PR.
Make the Empanada Dough a week or two ahead, and whip these childhood favorites up in a snap.
MEZCLA STUFFED
DEVILED EGGS
These two-bite delicacies take the traditional filling for Puerto Rican party sandwiches and combine it with a classic American appetizer.
BLACK EYED PEA FRITTERS WITH SOFRITO DIPPING SAUCE
A great vegetarian appetizer that’s simple to make but loaded with earthy, spiced flavor.
The Sofrito Dipping Sauce may be your preferred condiment for all of your dipping needs.
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS: Heartier Party Recipes
In addition to partying, Puerto Ricans love to eat. Don’t invite us to any event and not serve some kind of food. We’ll talk about you for at least 2 generations.
To keep the bochincheros at bay, consider serving some of these filling recipes at your party.
PORK CHICHARRONES
Absolutely no one will be mad if you serve these boldly flavored, fried pork belly strips.
And if they are, they’d probably be glad with the next recipe.
PARTY MEATBALLS
IN GUAVA SAUCE
Did a party really take place if no meatballs were present?
The answer is NO.
These meatballs can simmer in a slow cooker while you shake your cocktails or your nalgas.
RELLENOS DE PAPA
How can anyone not love meat and potatoes shaped like a football and fried? These picadillo-stuffed potato balls are the perfect shape for tossing around the party while vibin’ to “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.”
VEGAN EMPANADAS
While this recipe from Andrew over at Make It Dairy Free isn’t authentically Puerto Rican, he’s Jamaican so that’s like a cousin bringing to the house.
It’s a must-have if you care about the vegans or vegetarians in your life.
PINCHOS
Heavy on the flavor, these grilled pork skewers will take you to the streets of “Nuevayol” to give you a truly Nuyorican dining experience.
Marinate these a day ahead for max sabor.
YHLQMDLG: Recipes to Imbibe
YHLQMDLG= “Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana,” which translates to “I Do Whatever I Want” has to be one of my life’s mottos. I do what I want in the kitchen and in business. I tend to encourage my homies and family to do the same.
These recipes aren’t all traditionally Puerto Rican, but they will always be welcome at my parties because of their massive flavor, boozy vibes, and easy prep.
AUTHENTIC PIÑA COLADAS
Nothing says P FKN R like the national drink of Puerto Rico.
This ain’t no watered down, pre-packaged piña colada either. Nothing but fresh pineapple and creamy coconut will do for our Bad Bunny Bowl.
TROPICAL HIBISCUS SOUR
Shout out to my good Sis, Jazz, from Dash of Jazz who told me “You better do a Bad Bunny roundup, Girl!” Without her, and this fabulous hibiscus sour recipe, we wouldn’t be having so much fun.
AUTHENTIC PUERTO RICAN MOJITO
Ya tu sabes que there’s always room for rum around here and this iconic Puerto Rican citrus cocktail donde quiera se cuela and is ready for the show.
Make a batch non-alcoholic so everyone can enjoy it.
TROPICAL SANGRIA
This boozy cocktail– seriously, it has six different alcohols will have you in the corner talmbout “Yo Perreo Sola!!”
Go ‘head and do your thing… responsibly… or name the baby after me.
COCONUT MANGO SOUR
My homies at This Worthey Life know what it takes to get the party jumping. This coconut mango sour also works well as a mocktail, so be sure to check out the post for swaps.
Un Verano Sin Ti: Lighter Snacking Fare
Not everyone enjoys super-heavy game day fare, so these recipes are on the lighter side. Lighter never means “less flavor” with me, though, so have no fear of “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii” gentrification vibes here.
A few of these recipes can be made well ahead of game day, so jump on the chance to reduce your same day workflow.
GUACAMOLE
Another recipe borrowed from our Southern cousins, but this chunky avocado classic is super simple to whip up and fills in a lot of gaps for dietary needs.
GUINEITOS CON MOLLEJAS EN ESCABECHE
Chicken gizzards and green bananas may not sound like typical party food, but if you’re hosting a Puerto Rican party and these show up, you’ll be a bigger star than Benito.
Just kidding. You won’t. But good job.
TOASTED COCONUT
CURRY PEANUTS
Football food should be fun and addicting. You should go back for handful after handful of these savory nuts from Lynn at Fresh April Flours.
Its coconut and curry flavors are giving major “Me Fui De Vacaciones” vibes.
BLACK EYED PEA SALAD
with COLLARD GREENS
Ensaladita light at a game day party?!? Claro que sí when it’s as hearty and filling as this one. Completely vegan this will appease the appetites of carnivores and plant lovers, alike.
PICO DE GALLO
I know, I know, it’s not Puerto Rican, but no Boricua that I know has ever turned it down at a party.
This simple to make dish only needs a bowl of toasted tortilla chips to set it off.
Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana: Indulgent Recipes
It’s difficult to think about partying at halftime when it feels like the world is on fire, but that’s when it’s most important.
Nadie sabe what tomorrow’s going to bring so live life out loud, drink, eat, and be merry with these indulgent recipes. Worry about the calories mañana.
ARROZ CON SALCHICHAS
How can I not include Benito’s favorite dish?
Fried sausages cooked together with beer-infused, fluffy rice and plump kernels of corn? You can see why it’s his fave?
MILLION DOLLAR DIP
Anytime Jocelyn, AKA Grandbaby Cakes, and I get together there’s going to be a dance off.
If she brought this loaded dip to the party she’d win because I’d be chowing down.
PERNIL
You had to know this one was coming.
Making a roast pork shoulder for crowds is the smartest thing you can do.
Use the shredded meat to make sliders, nachos, or eat as usual.
ARROZ CON GANDULES
This rice with pigeon peas is going to be the most Puerto Rican thing in the party– even if you’re Puerto Rican.
My version has marinated pork chops stirred in so it’s hearty enough for dinner.
ROASTED POBLANO
WHITE QUESO DIP
My friends always expect this subtly spicy, creamy dip whenever I host a game day party.
It may not be from PR, but this dip absolutely grew up with Puerto Rican best friends who called him primo!
El Último Tour Del Mundo: Sweet Touchdowns
We’re wrapping up this Bad Bunny Bowl with the sweetest endings you can imagine.
I hope you’ve enjoyed all these delectable recipes and, more importantly, enjoy celebrating the diversity and joy that is the Puerto Rican culture. These recipes are the best way I know how to honor a part of myself and my people, so I hope you’ll take them with you to the kitchen (and the dance floor).
MANTECADITOS
Press play on Cantares de Navidad while munching on these guava paste-filled almond cookies.
It’s impossible to eat only one.
BUDÍN DE COQUITO
Remember that Coquito I bullied you into drinking during the holidays?
Well, you can use it to make this traditional Puerto Rican bread pudding dessert.
SEE? I’m not all that mean.
BARRIGUITAS DE VIEJA
One of the things I love most about Bad Bunny is how inclusive he is.
He wouldn’t talk shit about these Old Lady Bellies right here. He’d embrace them, wrinkled pumpkin and all. And he’d also eat them.
TRES LECHES PALETAS
YES, ice cream in February! TF?
If guys can be outside hollering with their painted chests out, then we can indulge in these three (but really four) milk popsicles in the house.
Rainbow sprinkles are a must.
COQUITO CHEESECAKE
I hate to say it but there’s a gang of island-born Boricuas who denigrate those of us who are born outside the island.
Benito isn’t one of them and this truly Nuyorican dessert that combines NY-Style cheesecake with the famous Puerto Rican cocktail is my tribute to him.
While you’re practicing Tití Me Pregunto for the hundredth time, whip up some of my best Puerto Rican recipes. Be among those of us who embrace Bad Bunny’s charm, creativity, and acceptance of all people. Este joven makes us all so much prouder than we already are because he’s bringing our flow to the world in his own unique and diasporically-inclusive way.
The best parties are those celebrated with your biggest supporters: your family and friends. During the big game, I hope you’ll be among mine.
Let me know what your favorite Bad Bunny song is and what you’ll be serving at your Bad Bunny Bowl Party!
Thank you so much for posting this!!!
This menu is FIRE. Now I’m not just excited about watching Benito, but also eating! Thank you!
Yesss!! My pleasure. I know this recipe roundup will be clutch when planning for Bad Bunny’s halftime show party.
As a native Puerto Rican I can honestly say that this roundup embodies the flavors of the island. These recipes are guaranteed to satisfy all of your guests’ preferences. Thanks for this amazing lineup!
My pleasure! I’m glad to hear it gets the Boricua seal of approval, LOL!
These recipes look so good, can’t wait to get back to my roots for game day! Gracias for all the great suggestions!
My pleasure! Enjoy!
I got nostalgia looking at this roundup, I haven’t had a bunch of these recipes in a WHILE. Thank you so much for posting this, super excited to make them for my next get-together!
Enjoy! Hope you have a blast watching Benito Bowl, LOL!