Team Dinner ideas for the ending, beginning or celebrating of big wins for our high school sports teams.
Because I know the secret ingredients to a strong and successful team… Good food, good friends, and good motivational times together.
Whether it’s football, cheer, basketball, or gymnastics, high school sports are competitive and the training is intense. Breaking bread with your team is extremely important, for many similar reasons as sitting down to eat with your own family.
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Benefits Of Team Dinners For High School Sports
There are many benefits to high school team sports dinners. An obvious advantage is that dinners can provide the nutrients that are necessary for the strength and focus that are required to perform. We’ve all heard the adage – Carb UP! Before a big game weekend.
But it goes so much deeper than that. It’s the camaraderie of uniting as a team in a more laid-back, non-competitive setting. It’s building relationships and trust with your teammates outside of the gym when the pressure is off and you can enjoy just being teenagers.
It allows your team to socialize and engage together, all while boosting the team spirit over great food and great laughs!
So prepare to bond as it’s time to dig into these delicious high school sports team dinner ideas.
High School Team Sports Pregame Meal Ideas
Pregame meals are crucial for our athletes performance. It gives them the energy to fuel for the endurance they need at the upcoming game or meet.
1. Salad & Sandwich/Wrap Bar
For all of my fellow non-cooking buds out there (I know I’m not the only one that exists!), this one is right up our alley.
Set up a simple spread of a variety of breads, deli meats and cheeses, and vegetables. Don’t forget the condiments!
2. Pizza
Pizza is always a quick, easy, and personalized go-to meal.
3. Chili
Spicy or not, meat or beans, a great comfort pregame meal.
4. Spaghetti & Garlic Bread
Spaghetti serves as a great source of carbs, giving your body the energy it needs for the game.
5. Breakfast Buffet
Pancakes, waffles, french toast, OH MY! Don’t knock it til you try it, but any of these three breakfast options you choose, add peanut butter and syrup… mouthwatering!!!
Add some bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns to your dish to complete it.
6. Sloppy Joe
Need a versatile dish that can suit different dietary preferences? With Sloppy Joes, you can use the classic ground beef or make it vegetarian or turkey-based.
7. Chicken & Baked Potato
Get your body ready for the pregame with these great sources of protein, vitamins, carbs, and fiber.
8. Oatmeal
You can customize your filling and satisfying oatmeal that will keep you full and energized for the game or meet.
9. Fried Rice (Beef, Chicken Or Shrimp)
Just pick your choice of protein to pair with the fried rice as well as vegetables.
10. PB&J
Did you know that peanut butter is a brain food? I failed a major exam twice, and it’s one of those three strikes you’re out kind of test.
However, my instructor told me to rest the night before and to eat a banana and peanut butter right before taking the exam for the third time. Guess what, it worked and now this is my go-to testing snacks for students on those big-day events, whether a test or a game.
11. Mac N Cheese
Sometimes comfort food is the way to go, especially if you’re experiencing any anxiety and want to sleep well the night before.
Celebration Dinners Team Athletes
Looking for some scrumptious team dinner ideas to celebrate the end of the season, or making it to the tournament?
If you’re basing the meal off the weather, or seeking variety, or if you’re just looking to make the celebratory dinner cost-efficient, the following ideas have got you covered.
12. Taco & Nacho Bar
Get creative with your team and have fun with a taco and nacho bar. Grab a variety of meats, cheeses, veggies, chips, rice, beans, and condiments.
Complete the festive bar with salsa and guac.
13. BBQ Cookout
For the celebration dinners where it’s weather-appropriate, light up the grill and get some burgers, hot dogs, brats, and corn on the cob cooking.
14. Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that can feed the whole team.
15. Gyros
Are you looking for a combo of both street and comfort food for your team celebration dinner? Gyros is where it’s at.
16. Portillo’s
My gymnast daughter’s fav celebration team dinner is none other than Portillos! The cheese fries & chocolate cake shake! A celebration in a meal for certain.
17. Grilled Cheese
The beloved comfort food that can be made in batches and minutes.
18. Chicken Fingers Or Wings
Just season and flavor to meet your tastebuds desire.
19. Meatloaf
Who wouldn’t want to celebrate with a nostalgic homemade meatloaf meal?
20. Hibachi
For an entertaining and interactive celebration team dinner, Hibachi will make it a memorable meal.
21. Potluck Buffet
A potluck buffet remains a popular, cost-effective way to celebrate in large groups like team dinners. Get creative and choose a theme for your potluck celebration!
High School Team Dinner Recipes
Recipes are like a GPS for the kitchen: follow them and you’ll never get lost. But if you’re directionally challenged like myself, here are some simple recipes for you to dish out.
22. Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
You can feed the whole team with this Asian classic beef and broccoli that is sure to satisfy!
23. Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake
If you want a dinner that’s bursting with flavor (and is easy to make), this pasta bake is for you!
24. Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Enjoy this delicious and hearty sausage casserole recipe
25. Classic Baked Ziti
You won’t go wrong with this baked pasta dish!
26. Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Here’s another classic comfort meatloaf casserole that the whole team will love!
27. Chicken And Rice Casserole
This chicken casserole is packed with flavor.
28. Taco Pasta Casserole
A simple, but yummy cheesy taco pasta casserole dish with only 5 ingredients!
29. Cheesy Beefy Enchiladas
Another Mexican dinner to spice up the celebration is some beef enchiladas.
30. Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Pull out your slow cooker for these tasty steak bites and potatoes.
31. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
A savory and tender beef stroganoff recipe for your celebratory dinner!
Grab your second family and get ready to break bread while connecting, motivating and celebrating all that’s been accomplished so far.
