Game day is all about excitement, camaraderie, and of course, delicious food! Whether you're hosting a small gathering or throwing a big party, having the best game day recipes is essential to keep everyone satisfied and cheering for their favorite team.
From finger-licking appetizers to mouthwatering main courses, this blog post will guide you through some crowd-pleasing recipes that are sure to score big points with your guests. So, put on your game face and get ready to tackle these tasty treats that will have everyone cheering for more!
1. Baked Nachos
Baked Nachos is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for game day or as a quick weeknight dinner. It features seasoned ground beef, tortilla chips, and a variety of toppings like diced peppers, onions, beans, corn, and melted cheese.
The nachos can be customized with optional toppings like Greek yogurt, lime juice, avocado, and fresh cilantro. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to satisfy everyone's cravings.
2. Sheet-Pan Chicken Nachos
Sheet-Pan Chicken Nachos are a delicious and crowd-pleasing game day appetizer. Made with layers of corn tortilla chips, shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and a variety of toppings like tomatoes, bell peppers, pickled jalapeños, corn, avocado, and cilantro, these nachos are packed with flavor.
The recipe also includes a simple roasted chicken method, but you can easily use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience. Whether you're hosting a party or just enjoying a casual game day, these sheet-pan nachos are a must-try.
3. Hot Italian Sliders
Hot Italian Sliders are a delicious game day treat that will satisfy any crowd. Layers of pepperoni, ham, salami, and provolone cheese are baked to perfection on sweet slider buns.
These sliders are easy to make and take less than 30 minutes to prepare and bake. They are a guaranteed hit and will disappear as soon as they hit the table.
4. Game Day Chili
Game Day Chili is the perfect cold weather tailgating meal, made with ground beef, fresh or canned tomatoes, and a bottle of beer.
This easy-to-make chili is packed with flavor and can be prepared in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. The addition of beer adds a delicious depth to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for game day gatherings.
5. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day. These spicy jalapeño halves are filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and pepper Jack cheese, then wrapped in crispy bacon.
They can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in ranch dressing or BBQ sauce. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, these poppers are sure to be a hit at any game day gathering.
6. Taco Pinwheel
The Taco Pinwheel is an easy and flavorful game day appetizer that can be made ahead of time. With ingredients like cream cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning, these pinwheels are packed with great flavor.
The addition of green onions, black olives, and pickled jalapeños adds a nice crunch and spice. Simply spread the mixture on tortillas, roll them up tightly, refrigerate, and slice before serving. It's a simple and delicious snack that will be a hit at any game day gathering.
7. Homemade Nachos
These Homemade Nachos are the perfect game day snack. Loaded with delicious toppings like taco meat, refried beans, cheese, olives, and corn, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, these nachos are a crowd-pleaser. Top them off with salsa and avocado for an extra burst of flavor. Get ready to enjoy a plate of these tasty homemade nachos during your next game day gathering.
8. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate game day treat. Made with a secret ingredient – cream cheese – these sausage balls are incredibly moist and tender.
The combination of hot sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar cheese creates a flavorful and addictive appetizer. They can even be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience. These sausage balls are a must-have for any tailgate or party.
9. Game Day Totchos
Game Day Totchos are a must-have for any game day gathering. This easy and delicious recipe combines crispy tater tots with two types of cheese, bacon, pico de gallo, and green onions.
The tots stay perfectly crunchy, unlike traditional nachos, and can be baked or fried for extra crunch. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just enjoying a game at home, these Totchos are a winning choice.
10. Air Fried Philly Cheesesteak Taquitos
These Air Fried Philly Cheesesteak Taquitos are a game day winner. Made with slow cooker cheesesteak rolled into crispy air fried taquitos, they are a delicious and convenient snack.
Perfectly seasoned beef, onions, and bell peppers are wrapped in Mission Super Soft Corn Tortillas and air fried to perfection. The addition of provolone cheese adds a creamy and melty element. Whether you have an air fryer or prefer to bake them, these taquitos are a crowd-pleasing option for game day.
11. Beer Dip
Beer Dip is a salty dip made with real beer and pairs perfectly with pretzels. It's a great addition to game day snacks and can be made spicy by adding jalapeno peppers.
Another option is Cheesy Beery Dip, which can be used as a dip or as a dressing for vegetables, sandwiches, and burgers. Overall, Beer Dip is a tasty and easy-to-make dip that will satisfy your game day cravings.
12. Low Carb Chili
Low Carb Chili is a flavorful and satisfying game day recipe that is perfect for low carb eaters and non-low carb eaters alike. This chili recipe cuts down on carbs by omitting beans, and it has a mild spice level that can be easily adjusted to taste.
With just a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a variety of spices, this chili is easy to make and packed with flavor. It's a great option for those looking to enjoy a delicious and low carb dish during game day festivities.
13. Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches
Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches are a game day crowd pleaser. Loaded with melted cheese and marinara sauce, these sandwiches are easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
The meatballs are flavorful and juicy, and the combination of provolone and mozzarella cheese adds a delicious cheesy element. The sandwiches are baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Overall, these Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying option for game day.
14. Pecan Balls
Pecan Balls are a delicious and easy 4-ingredient recipe perfect for game day snacking. These nutty, buttery, crumbly cookie balls melt in your mouth and can be enjoyed plain or with a chocolate drizzle.
They are a make-ahead snack that is great for tailgating, picnics, and holiday parties. Overall, Pecan Balls are a tasty and convenient treat for any game day gathering.
15. Pizza Fries
Pizza Fries are a crowd-pleasing game day snack that combines the best of both worlds – pizza and fries. With a base of golden and crispy french fries, these loaded fries are topped with chopped pepperoni, pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
It's a cheesy and flavorful twist on traditional loaded fries that is sure to be a hit at any game day gathering.
16. Loaded Totchos
Loaded Totchos are a game day favorite that will satisfy any crowd. These crispy tater tots are smothered in a delicious combination of bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese. It's the perfect comfort food for those cold winter days spent indoors watching movies or cheering on your favorite team.
The recipe is versatile, allowing you to substitute different forms of potatoes if desired. With its easy preparation and mouthwatering flavors, Loaded Totchos are a must-try for any game day gathering.
17. Buffalo Bills Puppy Chow
Buffalo Bills Puppy Chow is a team-colored snack made with Chex cereal and candy melts. It's a gluten-free recipe that is perfect for game day and Super Bowl parties.
The candy melts cover the cereal, creating a fun and festive treat. Whether you mix the colors together or keep them separate, this Puppy Chow is a great way to show team spirit and impress your guests.
18. Hot Corn Dip
Hot Corn Dip is a cheesy and delicious appetizer that is perfect for game day. It is made with corn kernels, green chiles, sweet onion, cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of shredded cheeses.
The dip is baked until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. It has a little bit of spice and is best served hot with tortilla chips. Overall, it is a flavorful and easy-to-make dip that will be a hit at any football tailgate or party.
19. Ranch Cheez-Its
Ranch Cheez-Its are a delicious and easy-to-make game day snack. With just five ingredients, including Ranch seasoning and dried dill, these flavored Cheez-Its have a savory and cheesy taste that is perfect for munching on during the big game.
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a convenient option for game day parties. Try this recipe for a tasty and addictive snack that will keep everyone coming back for more.
20. Sausage Balls
Sausage Balls are a versatile and delicious game day recipe that can also be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. These savory bites are made with sausage, flour, and cheese, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying snack.
They can be served on their own or paired with sweet or savory dishes, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Whether you freeze them for later or enjoy them fresh out of the oven, these sausage balls are a must-have for game day.
21. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delicious twist on traditional sausage balls, incorporating Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix for added flavor. These appetizers pack a punch of heat and are perfect for game day parties.
With a combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and hot pork sausage, these balls are baked until golden brown and can be served with ranch dressing for dipping. Try this recipe for a tasty and satisfying game day snack.
22. Buffalo Wing Pretzel Sticks
The Buffalo Wing Pretzel Sticks are a must-have snack for game day. These pretzels are coated in a spicy buffalo wing sauce and baked to perfection.
They are the perfect combination of heat and crunch, making them a crowd favorite. Serve them with blue cheese dressing for dipping and you're all set. These pretzels are sure to be a hit at any game day gathering.
23. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for game day. With only 6 ingredients, including corn, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt, this salsa is packed with flavor.
It can be customized to your preferred level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of peppers used. The addition of roasted poblano pepper takes this salsa to the next level. Serve it with chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
24. Pull Apart Meatball Sliders
The Pull Apart Meatball Sliders are a crowd-pleasing football appetizer topped with a delicious garlic bread topping. Packed with flavor, these sliders are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices.
The sliders are then topped with tomato sauce, provolone and mozzarella cheese. The addition of the garlic butter topping adds a tasty twist to this classic game day dish. Overall, these Pull Apart Meatball Sliders are a must-have for any football party.
25. Copycat Big Mac Sliders
Copycat Big Mac Sliders are a delicious game day appetizer that captures the flavors of the iconic McDonald's Big Mac.
These sliders feature ground beef, onions, pickles, and American cheese, all topped with a secret sauce that takes them to the next level. Easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, these sliders are a must-have for any game day party.
26. Easy Oven Baked Ribs
Easy Oven Baked Ribs are a game day favorite that are simple to make and incredibly delicious. These ribs are prepared with a flavorful dry rub and cooked in the oven for 3 hours until they are tender and falling off the bone.
Slathered with your favorite BBQ sauce, these ribs are perfect for big gatherings and are sure to be a hit on game day.
27. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a tangy and flavorful appetizer perfect for game day. The combination of hot wing sauce, blue cheese, and celery creates a tasty bite that will satisfy any football fan.
These pinwheels are easy to make ahead of time and can feed a crowd. Whether you're a fan of blue cheese or prefer ranch dressing, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit at your next game day gathering.
28. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a cheesy and creamy game day snack that is sure to be a hit with friends and family. The combination of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and melted cheese creates a flavorful and addictive dip.
It's perfect for dipping bread and carrots, or even enjoying as a meal. This recipe is a classic and always disappears within minutes.
29. Dill Dip
Dill Dip is a quick and easy appetizer that is perfect for game day. Made with sour cream, mayonnaise, diced onion, dried dill weed, dried parsley, and kosher salt, this dip is delicious when served with chips or veggies.
It's a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time and gets even better with time. A must-have for any game day spread.
30. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a game day favorite. Tender pulled chicken with a blue cheese hot sauce provides the perfect mix of spice and sweetness.
The Instant Pot makes cooking these sliders a breeze, and the flavor is phenomenal. Serve them up to guests or enjoy them as a quick and fun dinner option. These sliders are sure to be a hit at any game day gathering.
31. Cheesy Chicken Sliders
Cheesy Chicken Sliders are a must-have for game day. These mini sandwiches are loaded with a chicken and veggie mixture, gooey cheese, and served on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
They are quick and easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd. The flavors work well together and the sliders are incredibly satisfying. A delicious and convenient option for game day snacking.
32. Baked Salami Mozzarella Bites
Baked Salami Mozzarella Bites are a simple and delicious game day appetizer. With only four ingredients, these bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside and filled with gooey cheese.
They are always a hit at any gathering and can be served with homemade marinara sauce for dipping. Perfectly salty from the salami and mild from the mozzarella, these bites are a crowd-pleaser.
33. Bang Bang Shrimp Egg Rolls
Bang Bang Shrimp Egg Rolls are a game day must-have! These delicious egg rolls are filled with shrimp, slaw, and the popular Bang Bang sauce. They are easy to make and perfect for snacking during the big game.
Top them off with more sauce and green onions for an extra kick. Make ahead or freeze for convenience. Try this recipe for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more.
