76 Best Game Day Recipes

Whether you’re watching your favorite college team or are hosting a Super Bowl party, these crowd-pleasing Game Day Recipes will win big. Discover plenty of sporty, easy-to-make appetizers and snacks, dips, healthy game day recipes, desserts, and more.

 

Meggan’s notes

I absolutely LOVE football season, but probably not for the football. I love it for the food that we get to taste while other people enjoy the game.

Chili bar, wings, dips: it’s a mash-up of all the favorites. “What shall I feed them this weekend,” I wonder, as I sort through all the appetizers, soups, and sandwiches. It’s a tough call, and no giant Samsung replay monitor is going to help me. It’s all just too good!

A good rule of thumb, like any party, is to mix it up. Have 1 or 2 hot entrees, some cold side dishes, plenty of Super Bowl snacks, and some pre-portioned sweets so guests can help themselves.

Game Day Snacks

1. Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce

The easiest party appetizer on the planet is also the most delicious. You can make meatballs from scratch (I’ll show you how), but if you want a shortcut, buy frozen meatballs. With that trick, you’re looking at 3 ingredients total (meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce).

2. Barbecue Smokies

Sharpen your toothpicks. Barbecue Little Smokies are the easiest, most festive appetizer you’ll ever make. Two ingredients (smokies and your favorite bbq sauce), zero prep, and 100% addictive, exactly the way all good party food should be.

3. Turkey Roll Ups (Costco Copycat)

These Turkey Roll Ups are exactly the ones like you get at Costco (complete with cranberry sauce cream cheese). If you substitute square Lavash bread for the tortillas, you don’t need to trim away any ends.

4. Pigs in a Blanket

As a mom of 3 young children, I know that everyone is always hungry now and there is zero time for complicated snacks. Pigs in a Blanket hit all the right notes of ease, speed, and most importantly, kid approval. Whip up a batch of little piggies with just smokies and store-bought crescent roll dough. It’s okay to take shortcuts!

5. Baked Buffalo Wings

I’m spilling my secret to the crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings (spoiler alert: it’s baking powder!). Bake the chicken wings, then toss them in hot buffalo sauce and pair with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for the ultimate game-day appetizer idea.

6. Taco Pizza

This easy Taco Pizza starts has a store-bought crust, salsa-flavored refried beans, seasoned beef, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. Bake until bubbly, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite hot sauce.

7. Twice Baked Baby Potatoes

These mini potatoes are like an appetizer-sized steakhouse twice baked potato. Although this party snack recipe tastes like it took all day, these bacon-studded beauties can be yours in just 35 minutes. Taking a dish to pass? Try my twice-baked potato casserole with all the flavors served right in a baking dish.

8. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are, in my professional opinion, a no-brainer. They are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, and they can be dressed up any way you want. Toss them in my Sweet Baby Ray’s copycat barbecue sauce, homemade buffalo sauce, or anything you love.

9. Pizza Sticks

It only takes 3 ingredients to make these easy, cheesy Pizza Sticks! Wrap cheese and mini pepperonis in wonton wrappers, then fry to crispy golden perfection. Then, try them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or nacho cheese sauce.

10. Bacon Wrapped Smokies

You only need 4 ingredients for these easy, salty-sweet Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Beat the clock: After 5 minutes of prep time, the best game day snack is ready to head to the oven.

11. Potato Skins

This hearty Potato Skins Recipe makes a delicious, easy appetizer that can be customized with your favorite toppings for your game day gathering or potluck.

12. Coconut Shrimp

This restaurant-style Coconut Shrimp recipe is a cinch to make at home with freezer and pantry staples. My shatteringly crispy Coconut Shrimp appetizer is good on its own, and even better once dunked in the spicy Sriracha-chile sauce.

13. Homemade Soft Pretzels

Homemade Soft Pretzels that are soft and chewy on the inside and crackly brown on the outside. Knot or twist your way to the BEST soft pretzels you’ve ever had, then dip them in homemade cheese sauce or homemade mustard.

14. Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls are one of the tastiest snacks to come out of the United Kingdom, and with good reason. With an herby, sausage filling wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown and flaky, these crispy little rolls are always a hit, no matter where you serve them.

15. Chex Mix

Make this homemade Chex Mix recipe in the microwave in 10 minutes or less. It’s adapted from the original Chex Party Mix recipe, but I use more butter and I think it’s better that way.

16. Veggie Pizza

Beloved by kids and adults alike, this easy Veggie Pizza makes eating vegetables fun. Prep the entire healthy pizza recipe in just 15 minutes. You might want a double batch, though; it’s just that delicious.

17. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

For a 30-minute appetizer recipe that will steal the show, turn to Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. I love to serve them with lemon wedges, but cocktail sauce or barbecue sauce are tasty options, too.

18. Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups

For a make-ahead appetizer recipe that’s zesty, cheesy, and perfect for parties, try Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups. The mini wraps are made with a savory cream cheese filling flavored with green chilis and black olives. They’re not spicy, so if you like the heat, pass Tabasco at the table.

19. Ham and Cheese Sliders

These family-friendly Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate hearty party snack. Layer soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls with deli ham and Swiss cheese, then brush the buns with melted butter infused with onion, garlic, mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce.

20. Jalapeño Poppers

These bite-sized Jalapeño Poppers have an extra-crunchy coating and two kinds of cheese in the filling. Enjoy all your favorite flavors without peppers that actually, you know, pop open.

21. Ranch Oyster Crackers

At my house, the Best Snack Award goes to Ranch Oyster Crackers. This easy, no-bake recipe is little more than crispy crackers tossed in butter, herbs, and spices, but even a big bowl disappears in minutes. 

22. Pull-Apart Pizza Bread

This pull-apart bread is a cinch to make because you start with store-bought biscuits and stuff them with cheese and pepperoni. During my research and development, I tried making a cheese-only version. 0/10 I don’t recommend it, and even my kids wouldn’t eat it. But with pepperoni? No leftovers. Do with this information what you will.

23. Chinese Chicken Wings

These oven-baked Chinese Chicken Wings are baked until crispy and then tossed with a spicy, smoky dry rub. They are FULL of flavor with strong cumin and fennel notes and plenty of heat from Sichuan peppercorns.

Game Day Dips

24. Buffalo Chicken Dip

This easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is classic Midwestern fare, and it can be yours in minutes with just 5 ingredients (canned or leftover chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce). Serve with plenty of fresh celery sticks, crackers, and chips.

25. Cheesy Bacon Dip

Cheesy Bacon Dip has two kinds of melted cheese (cream cheese and Swiss cheese), a full pound of crispy bacon, and buttery cracker crumbs.

26. Taco Dip

If you have 10 minutes, you have plenty of time for this Taco Dip Recipe, the best ever layered Mexican dip that’s loaded with your favorite toppings and perfect for parties. Break open a bag of corn chips and get your next fiesta started!

27. French Onion Dip

Skip the seasoning packet and try this easy homemade French Onion Dip. Cook the caramelized onions low and slow to bring out their rich golden color and natural sweetness, then serve this savory dip with potato chips, pretzels, or crackers.

28. Cowboy Caviar

This easy recipe for Cowboy Caviar is fun, fresh, colorful, and endlessly adaptable. It makes a great dip, salad, side dish, or topping for grilled meats. Always a party favorite!

29. Mexican Corn Salad (Esquites)

Straight from the streets of rural Mexico, this Mexican Corn Salad (known as esquites by the natives) is super simple to make and so delicious. If you’re looking for the real deal, down to the Doritos for serving, look no further.

30. Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Homemade Spinach Artichoke Dip is even better than the classic restaurant appetizer. It’s hot, bubbly, cheesy, and just begging for some crusty bread or tortilla chips.

31. 7-Layer Dip

This 7-Layer Dip is made with refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and scallions. It’s nothing fancy and no cooking required, but together the whole combination tastes amazing when scooped up with a sturdy tortilla chip. 

32. Pico de Gallo

For a truly authentic Mexican Pico de Gallo, hunt down dried Mexican oregano. It’s the secret ingredient you taste, but can’t identify, at restaurants and resorts south of the border. Along with fresh tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro, you can easily recreate this classic recipe at home.

33. Beer Cheese Dip

Beer Cheese Dip is a ranch-flavored pub-style dip that takes just minutes to make (no cooking) and is a must-have at any party. It doesn’t matter if you’re on team pretzel or team chip; everyone’s a winner with this amazing dip.

34. Hot Corn Dip

For a hot dip recipe that will please a crowd, try this easy, cheesy Hot Corn Dip. This make-ahead appetizer idea can feature frozen, canned, or fresh corn so you can share it any time of year.

35. Nacho Cheese Dip

This easy Nacho Cheese Sauce comes together in 5 minutes or less with just 4 ingredients – and no roux! It’s perfect for nachos or as a spicy dipping sauce, and you can easily control the heat depending on how many jalapeños you add.

36. Chipotle Copycat Guacamole

This Chipotle Guacamole recipe is the real deal. With just seven ingredients and a few minutes, you can enjoy as much Chipotle Guacamole at home as you can mash.

37. Knorr Spinach Dip

Since Knorr doesn’t print their Spinach Dip recipe on the package anymore, cooks everywhere are scrambling to hunt it down. I am delighted to share the original Knorr recipe, the authentic version people have been making and enjoying for decades.

38. Hot Reuben Dip

Hot Reuben Dip showcases all the flavors of the famous deli sandwich, including corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, in one easy appetizer recipe. Scoop up with crunchy rye chips or Triscuit crackers to complete the Reuben sandwich experience.

Healthy Game Day Food

39. Black Bean Salsa

Transform canned beans into Black Bean Salsa, an easy recipe guaranteed to please. It’s fresh, colorful, and delicious, and it might just be your new favorite party recipe.

40. Roasted Eggplant Dip

Inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe, this easy Roasted Eggplant Dip is full of roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. Enjoy this healthy dip with pita chips or fresh vegetables, on a sandwich, or as part of a mezze platter.

41. Homemade Hummus

Learn how to make hummus that is creamy, flavorful, and better than store-bought. This simple recipe is perfect as-is, or explore easy ways to customize your bowl. Personally, I love to drizzle hummus with clarified butter and a sprinkle of za’atar spice, but maybe that’s just me!

42. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Inspired by the popular restaurant appetizer, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps make a quick and delicious meal that’s chock-full of flavor. Cook ground chicken in an easy stir-fry sauce, then serve in cool lettuce cups with a sassy red dipping sauce.

43. Veggie Platter

For a healthy appetizer recipe that will inspire everyone to eat vegetables (and enjoy them!), serve my easy Veggie Platter. This party snack idea is customizable and ready to share in just 10 minutes, and it’s perfect with a bowl of dill dip on the side.

44. Veggie Roll Ups

Veggie Roll Ups are a tasty riff on that Midwestern classic, veggie pizza. Make the same filling, but spread it on tortillas instead of crescent rolls. That way, they’re easier to tote along to parties.

45. Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche is a refreshing seafood salad made with fresh herbs and vegetables “cooked” in lime juice. Serve it on tostadas, with tortilla chips, or with saltine crackers, and pass sliced avocado, mayonnaise, and Valentina hot sauce on the side. If you need a shortcut, start with cooked shrimp (it cuts your prep time down to just 15 minutes). You can also make tilapia ceviche or salmon ceviche.

46. Bruschetta Recipe

Bruschetta, the classic Italian appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic crostini, is a cinch to make at home in just 20 minutes. It makes a great light appetizer at parties and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, too.

47. Mango Salsa

This easy Mango Salsa recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and is full of sweet-and-spicy flavor. Enjoy it as a tortilla chip dip or as a condiment for grilled steak, salmon, chicken, or shrimp.

48. Fruit Platter

Build a Fruit Platter for a fresh appetizer recipe or easy, healthy dessert. Like a sweet cousin of a charcuterie board, this simple fruit snack showcases my best fruit dip recipe (made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, and lemon juice).

49. Air Fryer Meatballs

Fancy enough for a party menu yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner idea, serve these savory Air Fryer Meatballs plain, with buffalo sauce, or with teriyaki sauce. The turkey meatballs are one of the most popular recipes on my site, but you can make beef meatballs or ground chicken meatballs, too.

50. Chipotle Copycat Tomato Salsa

Also known as pico de gallo, this copycat Chipotle Tomato Salsa is ready in minutes and is a great way to top off all your burrito bowls, tacos, and nachos, and it tastes just like the one from the popular restaurant chain.

Slow Cooker Game Day Recipes

51. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili is a rich, creamy one-pot wonder that tastes especially delicious in the coldest months of the year. Set out a bunch of colorful, zesty toppings and let everyone help themselves.

52. Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

This juicy Italian Beef Sandwich recipe is inspired by the sandwiches of Chicago. With tender shredded beef, lots of pickled vegetables, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, you’ll love how easy these are to make – and how delicious they taste!

53. Slow Cooker Hot Turkey Sandwiches

These slow cooker Hot Turkey Sandwiches are a copycat of “Turkey-to-Go” sandwiches from the Minnesota State Fair. For the juiciest shredded turkey you’ve ever tasted, start with a can of beer and end with a stick of butter.

54. Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Nothing beats Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken piled high on a soft, toasted bun. Make extra, because hungry people everywhere love the sweet and smoky allure of easy pulled barbecue chicken. Don’t be afraid to serve coleslaw on the side (I highly recommend my KFC copycat coleslaw recipe).

55. Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a tasty and inexpensive party menu addition that tastes great on any menu. Skip canned baked beans and try this DIY side dish that’s infused with bacon, brown sugar, and molasses.

56. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

It doesn’t get much simpler than this 4-ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Ideal for busy weeknights and party menus, my best pulled pork recipe also happens to be one of my easiest dinner ideas ever.

57. Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili

Try my Hot Dog Chili on the stovetop, in your slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, then spoon it on top of hot dogs for the ultimate Chili Dog recipe.

58. Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Learn how to make easy, delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne for a comfort food dinner. Including bacon, chuck roast, tomatoes, and beans, this stew recipe is overflowing with savory flavor (and practically prepares itself!). The best part, of course, is all the toppings, so feel free to go hog-wild.

Game Day Desserts

59. Cowboy Cookies

Cowboy Cookies have a fantastic chew from oatmeal, coconut, and nuts. Try my classic combination of chocolate chips and buttery pecans or add your own favorite mix-ins. Even picky eaters will love these cookies! For extra credit, sort out and feature the candy colors of your favorite sports team.

60. Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is made with light and airy angel food cake, white chocolate pudding frosting, and plenty of fresh berries. It’s a fun, surprising dessert idea that nobody is expecting and everyone will love. Feel free to change up the Jell-O and fruit topping to match your favorite team.

61. Banana Bars

Put your overripe bananas to work in a big pan of Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, one of the most spectacular banana desserts ever. The bars are soft and cake-like with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. And for some crazy reason, I think they taste best served cold.

62. Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Your new favorite chewy, soft chocolate chip cookies. Slam on the counter towards the end of baking time, then under-bake them slightly so they come out with crispy edges and soft centers. I’ve also included all the info you need to freeze cookie dough for later.

63. Puppy Chow

Also known as muddy buddies, this classic Midwestern dessert is my go-to no-bake treat for bake sales, game day, and food gifts. If you like peanut butter cups, you’ll love this easy dessert recipe.

64. Pig Pickin’ Cake

A legendary dessert that’s plated up at pig roasts throughout the South, Pig Pickin’ Cake, aka Pig Cake, is as fluffy, fruity, and fabulous as it gets. And good news: This sunshiny orange and pineapple cake is the easiest thing in the world to make.

65. Blondies

Blondies are like a brownie without the chocolate: Sweet, golden, and buttery, these easy vanilla bars are made with just 6 simple ingredients.

66. Chocolate Lasagna

This easy no-bake Chocolate Lasagna recipe has an Oreo cookie crust topped with sweetened cream cheese and chocolate pudding. Every bite is chocolatey, light, and absolutely fabulous.

67. Millionaire’s Shortbread

Millionaire’s Shortbread goes by many names, but all of them point to a buttery shortbread crust topped with luscious caramel filling and a sturdy chocolate topping. Falling somewhere between a cookie and a candy, you’ll be hooked after just one bite!

68. Texas Sheet Cake

No need to make a trip to the Lone Star State to learn how to make the best Texas Sheet Cake from scratch. This rich chocolate cake is topped with a buttery cocoa frosting that has a delicious crackly texture. It’s unbelievable and so good!

69. Rice Krispie Treats

Browned butter and vanilla make these Rice Krispie Treats the tastiest around. They are tall and fluffy, chewy, and sweet, perfect for kid and adult snacking alike! Don’t forget to coordinate your sprinkles with your favorite team.

70. Chocolate Eclair Cake

This easy no-bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a classic Midwestern dessert. Made with graham crackers, pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate frosting, it comes together in about 10 minutes plus chilling time.

71. Banana Pudding

This from-scratch Banana Pudding is made with homemade pastry cream, vanilla wafers, and plenty of fresh bananas. You can build it in a trifle dish, but a baking dish makes it easier to assemble, refrigerate, and serve.

72. Scotcheroos

If you like Rice Krispie treats, then you’ll go head over heels for no-bake Scotcheroos, a crispy, chewy, chocolate-and-peanut butter decadence. They’re ready in minutes and devoured in seconds.

73. Confetti Cookies

These easy Confetti Cookies are delicious, colorful, and made from the famous boxed cake mix. They are fun to make with kids, but you’ll love them too!

74. Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Easy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are my idea of the perfect dessert. Semi-homemade yet full of decadence, this semi-homemade bar cookie recipe stars cheesecake atop a buttery sugar cookie crust.

75. Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

These luscious Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting have a dark chocolate cake made with buttermilk and the most addictive, creamy peanut butter frosting. If you love peanut butter and chocolate, you’ll adore these cupcakes!

76. M&M Cookies

Perhaps the greatest combination of all time, M&M Cookies are part cookie, part candy, and (as if you didn’t already know) completely delicious. Color-coordinate your M&M candies with your jersey, table decor, and your favorite team.