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20 Delicious Game Day Recipes!

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These are delicious and the best, game day recipes the football season. lol, my opinion, if you are watching alone or having a whole game day party! Next to the actual game. Food is the most important thing to have an awesome and enjoyable game day.

Collage of game day recipes including Loaded Pulled Pork Nachos and Jalapeno Cream Cheese Bacon Bite.

Every recipe in this list is easy and simple to make, whether you throw it in the oven or want something to keep warm in the slow cooker. Plus, for extra-large, extra fun parties, double these great football food recipes!

What Kind of Food is Best for a Football Party?

When selecting food for a football party, aim for variety, flavor, and ease of eating. Delicious finger foods, such as sliders or wings, are perfect as they allow guests to mingle and eat without the need for cutlery. Also, consider dietary preferences and provide vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

Preparing food that can be made in advance and served at room temperature will minimize your time in the kitchen during the party. 

Finally, set up a self-serve station for drinks and snacks so guests can help themselves, keeping the atmosphere casual and relaxed.

Here are some essential delicious recipes to consider adding to your game day menu:

  • Classic Buffalo Wings: A game day isn’t complete without spicy buffalo wings. Serve them with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
  • Loaded Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, beans, and your choice of meat. Bake until melty and serve with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
  • Sliders: Mini burgers are a great way to feed a crowd. Offer a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own.
  • Potato Skins: Fill crispy potato skins with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions then broil until golden brown.
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip is a veggie-packed crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with bread cubes or tortilla chips.
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Slow-cooked pork shoulder dressed in barbecue sauce and served on soft buns is always a hit.
  • Chili: A comforting bowl of chili can be made in a slow cooker and is perfect for chilly game days.
  • Jalapeño Poppers: Stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, these spicy bites are perfect for those who like it hot.
  • Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer that’s easy to make in large batches and always popular.
  • Meatball Subs: With marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, these subs are a filling and fuss-free option. 

Remember to offer a mix of these savory options with some sweet treats to round out your game day spread.

Finding The Best Game Day Recipes

Loaded Pulled Pork Nachos

When it comes to the classics, sometimes we want a little change or add something a little different to it. That’s where these great recipes come in. These delicious game day recipes will help you fill your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.

A plate of food, with Cheese and Pork

Mini Cheeseburgers With Big Mac Sauce

These delicious mini cheeseburgers are baked in the oven and served with the tastiest Big Mac sauce. They’re so easy to make, perfect for a party or game day as appetizers. Everyone will love these bite-sized snacks completed by a flavourful special sauce.

A piece of cake sitting on top of a wooden cutting board, with Cheeseburger
Image Credit: Low Carb Spark.

Jalapeno Cream Cheese Bacon Bite

These Jalapeno Cream Cheese Bacon Bites offer everything you want in an appetizer! A combination of gooey cheese, bacon, and a little bit of spice takes these to the next level. A delicious bite-size appetizer for any occasion – game day, parties, or get-togethers with family and friends!

A close up of a plate of food, with Cream Cheese
Image Credit: Oh My Creative.

Sourdough Soft Pretzels With Homemade Beer Cheese

These sourdough soft pretzels are made with leftover sourdough starter discard and served with a creamy homemade beer cheese dip. They’re soft, chewy, and surprisingly easy to make!

A variety of donuts
Image Credit: Barley And Sage.

Seven Layer Dip Cups

These Seven Layer Dip Cups are a fun twist on the traditional Mexican 7 Layer Dip. Made the same way but served in individual cups, this deliciously easy recipe is always a hit!

A close up of a sign
Image Credit: Fun Money Mom.

Cheesy Meatball Sliders

These Cheesy Meatball Sliders feature seasoned ground beef wrapped around wedges of Babybel cheese. They’re drizzled with BBQ sauce, then topped with smoked gouda for the perfect game-day treat!

A bottle of wine sitting on top of a plate of food, with Cheese and Meatball
Image Credit: Quiche My Grits.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Baked jalapeno poppers not only taste amazing but with just four ingredients, it’ll become one of your favorite easy recipes. Simple and delicious, it’s the perfect party appetizer for any occasion!

A close up of a plate of food with a slice of pizza, with Cheese and Baked jalapeno poppers
Image Credit: Fun Money Mom.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These Buffalo chicken sliders are packed with flavor and lots of cheese. They make the perfect appetizer for large gatherings.

A close up of food, with Chicken and Slider
Image Credit: The Six Figure Dish.

Philly Cheesesteak With Peppers And Onions

This easy Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is the ultimate game-day fare! Tender bites of sirloin, sauteed peppers and onions, and melted provolone cheese are all cooked up in one skillet and loaded on toasted hoagie rolls.

A close up of a sandwich
Image Credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Mushrooms

These air fryer mushrooms are a huge hit on game day! They’re filled with creamy cheeses and seasoning then cooked until tender. 

A plate of food, with Cheese and Mushroom
Image Credit: Simply Happenings.

Slow Cooker Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Slow Cooker Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a classic. It is hot, cheesy, and straightforward to make, pleasing any size crowd, an excellent appetizer for any game day, tail-gaiting, and other get-togethers.

A pizza sitting on top of a wooden table
Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Halftime Chili

This hearty Halftime Chili is deliciously seasoned and chock full of beef, beans, and beer! the best part? Getting all the work done in advance so you don’t miss a minute of the next big game.

A close up of a plate of food, with Bowl
Image Credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen.

Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Grape jelly meatballs make the perfect game-day appetizer. Plus, you will love how easy they are to make in the crockpot with just 4 ingredients!

A person holding a piece of food, with Cheese and Meatball
Image Credit: Crayons And Cravings.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Pickles With A Creamy Garlic Dip

These grilled bacon-wrapped pickles are the perfect game-day appetizer with the hot, crispy bacon, fresh, juicy pickle, and creamy garlic dip.

game day recipes | kimschob.com
Image Credit: In The Kitch.

Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

Deliciously seasoned beef and cheese rolled into tortillas and cooked to crispy perfection! These Air Fryer Beef Taquitos are a low-fat, low-calorie way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal.

game day recipes | kimschob.com
Image Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp

This Air Fryer Brown Sugar Buffalo Shrimp recipe is the perfect appetizer for the Big Game! Coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and slathered in a sweet and spicy buffalo sauce, you will be licking your fingers clean in under 15 minutes!

A plate of food on a table, with Chicken and Sauce
Image Credit: Alekas Get Together.

Easy Onion Strings

Crispy deep fried onions are one of my favorites to add to Burgers and they are totally quick and easy to make at home! If you are grilling, cook them up on your propane burner and keep the mess out of the kitchen!

A basket of fries
Image Credit: Miss In The Kitchen.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These pulled pork sandwiches with homemade BBQ sauce and coleslaw are a perfect slow cooker meal your whole family will love! Perfect for game day and tailgating!

A sandwich sitting on top of a wooden table

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Make this tasty French Dip Sandwich in your slow cooker or instant pot! Tender beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, with au jus on the side for dipping.

A sandwich sitting on top of a wooden table
Image Credit: Celebrating Sweets.

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower

Oven-Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are fun and easy appetizers or snacks made with just a few simple ingredients. Fully loaded with all the awesome flavor of chicken wings, these low-carb and vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Bites have a soft and tender inside and crispy outside.

A plate of food, with Buffalo cauliflower
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon.

Football Game Day Recipes FAQs

Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Many of these favorite appetizers, like the Slow Cooker Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip and the Halftime Chili, are perfect for prepping ahead. Follow the recipe instructions and keep them chilled until ready to heat and serve.

Are there any vegetarian options on this list?

Yes, we have included vegetarian delights like the Baked Buffalo Cauliflower and Air Fryer
 Stuffed mushrooms are just as satisfying and perfect for guests who prefer meatless options.

What can I use as a substitute for beer in the Beer Cheese Dip?

If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic beer, a broth of your choice, or simply use milk to achieve a similar creamy consistency for this cheesy dip.

How can I adjust the spice level in these recipes?

The spice level can be easily adjusted in most of these football recipes
. For milder versions, reduce the amount of spicy ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce
. Conversely, add more if you’re looking to turn up the heat!

Best Game Day Recipes

Whether you’re hosting a big game day bash or just looking for some savory snacks to enjoy with friends, this roundup of favorite recipes is sure to have something to please everyone’s palate. 

From the melty, meaty goodness of Cheesy Meatball Sliders to the vegetarian delight of Baked Buffalo Cauliflower, each dish is designed to score big with your guests. 

As the game heats up, keep the mood light and the stomach full with these easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizers that are guaranteed to make any game day memorable. Dig in and enjoy every touchdown and tackle with these ultimate game-day treats!

Before you go, let me show you one or more easy recipes to consider trying as well. Here are some of my favorite game day recipes!

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5 Comments

  1. These are perfect for the big game. I loved making the mini cheese burgers and will make them again this Sunday. Thank you!

  2. Love this post! We don’t do football parties or anything like that but we do family game nights and make appetizers for dinner and games. This list has so many great ideas!

  3. Just made mini cheeseburger bites and they came out so good! Will be making them for superbowl together with jalapeno poppers!!! Can’t wait!