It’s almost that time of year again—when movies that make you cry, movies with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and movies that have a lot of lines uttered by old white dudes that end in “damn it!” are all pitted against each other in a battle royale of cinematic prestige. That’s right, the Oscars are airing on March 10. And if you’re anything like us here at Sporked, you’re already planning your Oscars watch party. And if you are really like us here at Sporked, you are already planning your Oscar party food. So, without further ado, the award for “best foods for an Oscars watch party” goes to…the ones on this list!
- Kirkland Breaded Panko Shrimp
I know, why are Kirkland panko shrimp on this list of best Oscar party food ideas? Because they’re fancy, complex, and golden (like an Oscar), that’s why. Also, the first Oscars ceremony I ever paid attention to was the one where The Shape of Water won, and, to be honest, I’m still a little scarred by that movie, so eating shrimp as opposed to watching them do the deed makes me feel like I have more control of my life. Anyway…they also taste amazing and had Sporked managing editor Gwynedd Stuart noting that they are “crispy rather than soggy,” and that “the oil they’re fried in is super fresh tasting.” Give these things a standing O already.
Read the full ranking of the best frozen shrimp
- El Monterey Extra Crunchy Southwest Chicken Taquitos
You know what other snacks are golden like an Oscar? Taquitos. But these aren’t just any taquitos. No, no—these taquitos won best taquitos in a starring roll (get it? I crack myself up). Jokes aside, these taquitos really do steal the show, and that makes them one of the best Oscar party food ideas in case the ceremony itself is a dud. Their crispy and bubbly fried coating gives them a great crunch and Gwynedd pointed out that their filling (which includes chicken, cheese, peppers, and beans) makes them taste like “Southwest chicken egg rolls from a chain restaurant,” in the best possible way.
Read the full ranking of the best frozen taquitos
- Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar Goldfish Crackers
What’s this? Another golden snack on our list of Oscars watch party food ideas? Why, yes indeed it is…sort of. I mean Goldfish are, in actuality, pretty darn orange, but, hey, so is the Golden Gate Bridge and people can’t get enough of that, so I don’t think America really cares all that much. But gold is not the only reason these are on the list—sometimes you want a fish-shaped snack that reminds you less of the time you watched The Shape of Water and were scarred for life, and more of when you watched that one movie about a cartoon fish named Oscar who runs a car wash. And not only do these flavor-blasted Goldfish make me think of that one talkin’, singin’, Will Smith-in’ fish, they are also divine. Our tasting team noted that “the cheddar powder that enrobes these little crackers wonderfully complements the baked-in cheddar flavor that you know and love.” Go get these for your Oscar party—plus, as fish appetizers go, they’re definitely cheaper than most.
Read the full ranking of the best Goldfish flavors
- Parmesan Pastry Pups
Hey, what can I say, these are on here because they are cute and chic, perfect for a home-brewed black-tie event like an Oscars watch party. These are so nice you could almost call them an hors d’oeuvre instead of just a snack or an appetizer. But don’t worry, the taste is anything but stuffy. These are, in fact, just pigs in a blanket but better. How are they better? Well, Gwynedd described them as “juicy mini hot dogs and buttery puff pastry [that] combine to create a delicious, greasy slurry,” adding that “the parm on top gives them even more savory flavor.” I don’t know about you, but these are for my consideration…in that I’m thinking about buying them. I attempted another Oscars joke, y’all. I know, that one was a stretch.
Read the full ranking of the best Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers
- Tillamook Oregon Strawberry Ice Cream
Let’s be honest, the past year was a year of all things pink, thanks in large part to the whole Barbenheimer-induced fever dream that was July 2023. And when there is a global cinematic phenomenon carrying as much clout as this one did in the age of social media, short attention spans, and whatever else I was thinking of when I started this sentence, you lean in. But this Tillamook ice cream isn’t just a pretty pink face—it’s also, according to our team, “the type of ice cream you can savor longingly with a spoon in your mouth and your eyes shut” like Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis in a yogurt ad. The team also noted that it has “a profound tang, delightful tartness, and nice chunks of strawberry.” Add this to your list of Oscar party food ideas so you have something delicious to nervously chow down on while you wait to see if Barbie (the only movie you actually saw this year) wins anything.
Read the full ranking of the best strawberry ice cream
- Double Stuf Oreos
You can’t spell Oscars without Oreos, which is how these bad boys made it onto our very exclusive list of best Oscar party food. I mean, what can I say that hasn’t already been said about Double Stuf Oreos? They are classic, classy, versatile, and beloved. They are the Meryl Streep of cookies, and while their packaging is far from cerulean (more of an Air Force blue, really), their taste shall remain en vogue for eternity.
Read our ranking of the best Oreo flavors
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!