Score a touchdown at your next tailgate, game day party, or football watch at home with these 40 delicious game day appetizers! These tried and true recipes are some of my family’s favorites and are sure to be a hit with your guests.
I grew up in a world where Sundays throughout the fall and winter were football days.
Weekly, my family would gather in the living room and cheer on (ok, more like scream for) our favorite team (the one from Wisconsin wearing the green and gold). Sometimes we’d get so invested in big plays that my sister would end up hiding in the bathroom until the hail mary was caught or the field goal was made.
I can’t lie that that one of my favorite parts of our family watch parties was munching on snacks and appetizers for four quarters.
During college and law school in Wisconsin, game day grew to include my aunt and uncle and pre-game tailgates including tons of beer and beer-boiled brats.
AJ and I have carried on the Sunday football tradition in our house which usually means camping out on the couch for the entire day with a football food spread on the coffee table.
And our favorite way to enjoy football from home is to invite my parents over, set up the TV in the backyard and make an epic spread of our favorite game-day appetizers.
Setting up the perfect game-day spread
Entertaining with big snack spreads is kind of my thing. I even wrote a whole cookbook about it! Stunning Spreads offers more than 75 approachable recipes for easy entertaining, including plenty of game-day fare.
So I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks through the years when it comes to getting your spread for the big game ready to go
Batch your cocktails: Ice-cold beers are always a hit, but if you want to serve cocktails, look for recipes you can batch. A Bloody Mary bar with homemade Bloody Mary mix is always a hit. Beer margaritas are also easy to batch out and assemble just before kickoff.
Make use of the space you have: Don’t stress if you don’t have the “perfect” space for setting up a buffet or lots of serving platters.
Spread butcher paper out on a kitchen island or countertop and use that for setting out some of your snacks, just like when making a charcuterie board. You can even write down the names of each appetizer right on the paper—plus, it makes cleanup a breeze!
Go the semi-homemade route: Don’t be afraid to pair some of your favorite homemade game day appetizers with a pizza or wings from your favorite restaurant. If you’re local to the Queen City, I’ve got tips on where to find the best pizza in Charlotte and best wings in Charlotte.
My favorite game day appetizer recipes
Ready to eat? Me too!
I’ve gathered up 40 of the best game day appetizers around so you can put together the best football food menu.
There’s a little bit of everything here, so you’re bound to find something to put a smile on everyone’s face!
Hot game day appetizers
Get your grills, ovens, and slow cookers ready to go. These hot appetizers will absolutely have guests getting up for more during the commercials.
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Get all of the flavors of jalapeño poppers without the work of stuffing them! Made with fresh jalapeños, mayo and three types of cheeses, this easy appetizer is perfect for parties!
Pepperoni bread is an easy and delicious game-day appetizer stuffed with layers of Italian seasonings, pepperoni and melty cheese. Pop a batch in the oven for your next party, and make sure you have plenty of marinara sauce for dipping!
Extra crispy air fryer chicken wings are not only quick and easy, but they are some of the best wings I've ever eaten! Fire up your air fryer and in under 30 minutes, you'll have super crispy, super juicy, restaurant quality wings!
Featuring three different cheeses, these roasted jalapeño poppers are a favorite game-day snack that disappear in a flash at tailgates and watch parties.
Crab-stuffed jalapeño poppers are one of my favorite appetizer recipes! With just one bowl and in under 30 minutes, you'll have an addicting, slight spicy, super cheesy party snack.
Pimento cheese jalapeño poppers are a Southern spin on a popular party appetizer. This recipe is simple and straight forward with just three ingredients, but packs a flavorful punch.
Made under 20 minutes with beer, cheddar cheese, and a few spices, beer cheese fondue is an easy, quick and delicious recipe to make as a party appetizer or game-day snack!
Absolutely the BEST Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings! These gluten-free and vegetarian cauliflower wings are piled high and take just 5 minutes of prep for an easy game day appetizer.
Crispy seasoned potatoes that are perfect for game day! Top the perfectly crispy bites with sour cream to turn them into footballs for a snack that's as cute as it is delicious.
Pile on the steak, peppers, onions, and of course cheese for these loaded Philly Cheesesteak Fries! This is a quick and easy recipe that will have guests coming back for more.
Ham and Cheese Sliders are a fun, easy, and delicious freezer-friendly dish that is a hit at get togethers. Adults and kids alike always love this one!
Delicious & sticky sausages wrapped in bacon & glazed with mixture of honey & mustard for sweetness & a little heat. This easy party food is loved by all!
Creamy Herb and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms only take minutes to prep and make a tasty party food or appetizer! This recipe can be made vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten free and is also freezable.
These little low carb pizza bites make for the perfect snack or party food. Just cheese, sauce, and your favorite pizza meats and veggies are all you need!
This air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp is loaded with flavor! This non-spicy shrimp is going to be your new favorite appetizer. Baking instructions included for those who don't have an air fryer.
Sloppy Joe Tot-Chos are the ultimate appetizer for any tailgate party! Crispy tater tots are topped with sloppy joe mix and drizzled with melted pimento cheese!
These small bites and dips are made ahead and served cold or at room temperature, making it easier to get everything ready well before kickoff!
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Jalapeño pimento cheese is a spicy twist on the Southern classic. Serve it as a dip or add it to burgers and deviled eggs, turn it into a grilled cheese, and so much more.
There's nothing better than a bowl of classic guacamole! This one is quick and easy to mix up and is perfect with tortilla chips or on top of tacos, nachos, and more.
Made with cereal, cheesy crackers, pretzels, and plenty of ranch seasoning, this easy ranch chex mix is perfect for holidays, game days, birthday parties, and more.
Five Minute Blender Salsa is the easiest way to enjoy fresh, delicious restaurant style salsa at home! Serve this simple recipe with your favorite tortilla chips—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Looking for the perfect appetizer to share? Our Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus is a twist on traditional hummus and adds fun flavor with plenty of roasted garlic!
I know, same Kristen! I am so happy we are having friends over because I think I will make a pretty good dent into this list. 🙂 Yay for food and not so much for football!
Well now I am excited for the super bowl! Is it wrong that I want to make ALL these recipes?! What a great collection 🙂
I know, same Kristen! I am so happy we are having friends over because I think I will make a pretty good dent into this list. 🙂 Yay for food and not so much for football!
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So many delicious recipes! I don’t even know where to start! But hey! I know my weekend will be packed with amazing food 😉