When the teams hit the field and the touchdowns start rolling in, the real MVPs show up on the snack table. These 30 game-day favorites are perfect for fans who believe football parties are just as much about the food as the final score.
This list is full of so many choices to serve at any gathering or get together, whether it be football themed or not. Because let’s be honest, I’m really there for the food, fun commercials, and the half-time show.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Make this easy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers recipe foryour appetizer tray at your next party, or for snacking on at the holidays! Each and every bite is loaded with a creamy, mildly spicy, cheesy, and smoky bacon flavor that is totally irresistible!
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers When I see these at a party they are the first thing I will grab. I love the flavor combo of Jalapeño, cheese,and bacon together!
Easy Fruit Dip
This Easy Fruit Dip is creamy, fresh, and sweet, made with just 3 simple ingredients! It's so delicious and can be served with any type of fruit as well as cookies, crackers, or cake! It's perfect for snacking at movie nights with a few friends or to enjoy as part of a shared dessert for larger crowds.
People are always shocked when I tell them this fruit dip has only 3 ingredients! It’s creamy, fresh and the perfect addition to your party.
7 Layer Dip
This classic 7 Layer Dip is a celebration favorite with everything there is to love in a dip. It starts with a layer of seasoned refried beans and then on to homemade guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes, chopped green onions, and delicious olives. Give it a nice scoop with a crunchy tortilla chip and celebrate the fiesta in your mouth!
This classic dish will always be loved by all. Anything you can dip a tortilla chip into is an automatic win in my book!
Mozzarella Stick Recipe
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are deliciously seasoned with breadcrumbs on the outside and hot, gooey melted cheese on the inside. They are absolutely perfect dipped in marinara sauce and served for your next party or game night! Air fryer, oven, and traditional frying method instructions all work and these are great for making ahead and storing in the freezer so you can enjoy mozzarella sticks whenever you want!
I would like to consider myself a mozzarella cheese stick connoisseur. I will always order them if they are on the menu! Luckily, I have perfected the perfect mozzarella stick recipe and can now have them whenever I want!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Grape Jelly Meatballs are such an easy party appetizer recipe that they hardly need an introduction. Saucy, savory, simple, and sweet, these 3-ingredient meatballs are such to be the hit of your next game day or holiday gathering.
These are a no brainer for any game day. They’re so easy and only use 3-ingredients! And really, everyone loves a meatball!
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends are irresistible, juicy bites of mouthwatering meat (the same kind used to make bacon) that is rubbed in spices, infused with smoky flavor, and tossed in a fabulous barbecue sauce. Eat them as an appetizer by spearing with toothpicks, or throw them into tacos or salads, onto buns for pork belly sandwiches, or over nachos.
With this recipe being one of the most popular recipes on the blog, I had to include it on this list. If you have never had these before, your life is going to be changed forever and you will wonder to yourself how on earth you have lived so long without this delectable salty and sweet goodness.
Fried Homemade Onion Rings Recipe
This easy Homemade Onion Rings recipe makes deliciously crisp golden onion rings with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for enjoying with grilled burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fish, or anything else you can think of! Try adding them to your burgers, salads, and sandwiches for an extra satisfying crunch!
Have you ever wondered how to make homemade onion rings? Today is your day with easy instructions and a great recipe to follow for the perfect at home recipe.
Pizza Dip Recipe
This hot Pizza Dip is a melty, cheesy dream come true, packed with savory pepperoni and your favorite pizza toppings. Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a craving for something irresistibly gooey, this easy appetizer is always a huge hit!
This may not be on everyone’s rotation for frequently used dips because you don’t know about it yet! This Pizza Dip is easy and cheesy and it’s just like eating your own mini pizza, but in dip form! If anyone loves pizza (who doesn’t?), they’re going to love this dip.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a healthy and refreshing side dish made with fresh corn, black-eyed peas, black beans, Roma tomatoes, onions, peppers, jalapeños, and a homemade garlic and lime dressing. It's perfect for making at the last minute for potlucks or summer BBQs, or for adding to wraps, burritos, and so much more!
I love this side dish and make it for every Superbowl party! It’s fresh and healthy and helps balance the table of maybe some not so healthy items. Everyone needs options! Serve it with lime flavored chips and you will be going back for more and more and more.
The Best Toasted Ravioli
Toasted Ravioli is a popular St. Louis appetizer, and for good reason! With classic Italian flavors permeating each crunchy bite, it's a versatile dish that will go well with so many main dishes. It's a great appetizer for all kinds of occasions, from fancy dinner parties to snacking on game day!
St. Louis Toasted Ravioli I love these crispy little squares of goodness. The ravioli with Italian seasoned breading dipped in the marinara is like eating your own bowl of pasta, just a lot less messy.
Football Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Dip
Score a touchdown with this easy and fun Football Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Dip for your next Game Day party and get ready to receive rave reviews! Whether you are there for the actual game or just for the half-time show and commercials, this simple dessert dip with Oreo cookies and mini chocolate chips can be made in 15 minutes and is sure to please!
This is a recipe to add some flair to the spread. It looks so fun on the table and will be a big hit with kids and adults. Oreo anything is sure to be a winner and it’s great to have a lot of options for dipping!
Easy Crispy Coconut Shrimp
There is something completely irresistible about crispy fried Coconut Shrimp dipped in your favorite sweet chili sauce or pina colada dipping sauce. This coconut shrimp recipe is restaurant-quality but actually really easy to make at home and way less expensive! It's one of our favorite appetizers ever!
This one is for those fish loving fans at any party! A perfectly crispy and sweet coconut shrimp at home is easier than you think!
Loaded BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are made up of a giant pile of layered tortilla chips that are loaded with juicy shredded meat, filling black beans, all our favorite toppings, and of course lots of melty cheese!
Loaded nachos is great to serve for a large crowd because it can feed a lot! Pile it with your favorite toppings and tender shredded meat, fresh pico, creamy guacamole and of course melty cheese and everyone can grab their favorite flavors in one bite!
The Best Guacamole
This chunky, homemade guacamole recipe is easy, authentic, fresh, and unbelievably, out-of-this-world good with lime, garlic, onion & cilantro mixed in with wonderful avocados. This is the best guacamole recipe ever. For real.
A classic recipe that everyone should know how to make. I have had a lot of guacamole recipes and this one is by far the best!
Crispy Loaded Potato Skins
These Crispy Loaded Potato Skins are one of our favorite Game Day appetizers that is perfect for any party! Topped with sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon bits, green onions, and served with sour cream for dipping, everybody raves about these savory bites!
It’s true I have a couple of favorites I make for every Superbowl party and these crispy potato skins are always on the menu. Salty, cheesy, crispy, flavors makes this appetizer irresistible. Dip it in a dallop of sour cream and you will people raving about these left and right!
Philly Cheesesteak Dip
Philly Cheesesteak Dip is like a deconstructed Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Melty cheese, grilled peppers and onions, and tender beef come together in dippable form inspired by the famous sandwich!
If you don’t quite have the means or time to make a full Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, this is the next best thing. It has it all with the tender onions and peppers and beef in a melty cheese layer. Dip your favorite bread in it for an unforgettable dip!
Slow Cooker Little Smokies in Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce
Slow Cooker Little Smokies in Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce are one of the easiest, tastiest party foods ever and perfect for your next Game Day event!
Another quintessential game day snack! They’re easy to make and even easier to serve! No messy fingers with this toothpick loving snack. The honey garlic BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet and always a must to serve on game day.
Soft Pretzel with Cheese
It's impossible to resist these Homemade Soft Pretzels with Mustard Cheese Dip! Salty, buttery and warm, soft pretzels are perfect for tailgating, celebrating Oktoberfest, or just for a fun afternoon snack!
Your guests will appreciate these homemade soft pretzels. Dip them into the perfect mustard cheese dip or make several different dips to try out. These are sure to be a big hit!
Southern Hush Puppy Recipe
Southern Hush Puppies are deceptively delicious bites of slightly sweetened cornmeal batter flavored with a little onion and fried until crisp on the outside and fluffy and light on the inside. They make a fantastic appetizer or side dish for almost any meal!
In my house we are big fans of hush puppies and don’t only serve them on game days, but we make them quite frequently! I mean why only eat these deceptively delicious bites once or twice a year when you can have them all the time. They are the perfect side dish to serve any time!
Homemade Egg Rolls
Savory ground pork and veggies wrapped up in a crispy fried shell then served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce make these Homemade Egg Rolls even better than the ones you get for take-out from your favorite Chinese restaurant!
Homemade egg rolls are perfect for a Super Bowl party because they’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to customize with veggie or meat fillings. They’re also great finger food that can be made ahead of time and served with a variety of dipping sauces, making them a guaranteed game day win.
Baked Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
Oven Baked Korean BBQ Chicken Wings are sweet, savory & spicy, thanks to a Korean red chile pepper paste called gochujang that adds fantastic flavor to this Asian-inspired Korean barbecue sauce.
I had to put wings on this list because you can’t have a sports party without wings! These Korean BBQ chicken wings are sticky, savory, and packed with bold flavors that stand out from traditional wings. Their perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy makes them impossible to stop eating during the party.
Homemade Salsa
This easy Homemade Salsa comes together super fast and has the most amazing flavor! Plus, you can make it thicker or thinner, or spicy or mild, depending on your preference. Never buy store-bought salsa again!
Another recipe that everyone should have! Homemade salsa beats store-bought every time! Easily customize it to your exact spice level and thickness. I promise it comes together so fast and will have the best, fresh flavor.
Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
These delicious Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches have the perfect combination of thin juicy beef, sautéed onions, and melty cheese on a delicious toasted hoagie roll. It's an iconic American comfort food that is perfect for weeknight dinners and game nights!
I had a friend serve these at a Superbowl party once and man oh man they were a huge hit. So now I love serving Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches as the perfect comfort food with thin juicy beef, sauteed onions, melted cheese with a toasted hoagie roll.
S’mores Dip
Instead of dealing with a campfire, serve up this Skillet S'mores Dip for a scoobable, shareable treat! Chocolate and marshmallows are toasted in the oven then served with graham crackers for dipping in this indoor version of one of America's favorite summer desserts!
A fun twist on the typical dips is serving this S’mores Dip! It’s great to have a sweet treat for those sweet-toothed friends. Serve this shareable chocolatey goodness with graham crackers, cookies, strawberries, cake or anything else you want!
Roast Beef Sliders
Easy Roast Beef Sliders with horseradish, lots of melted cheese, and a savory butter, garlic, and poppy seed sauce are the perfect appetizer for any party, game day, or social gathering! Made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, these small sandwiches pack a big flavor wallop for your mouth!
I love these sliders because I can make a lot very quickly and it can easily serve a crowd! The roast beef and horseradish (leave it off if you don’t like it) pack a ton of flavor!
Mexican Street Corn Dip
This Grilled Mexican Street Corn Dip is a creamy, tangy dip with tons of flavor that is perfect for parties! It's like eating Mexican street corn except in dippable form!
This may not be your typical first choice to serve but I have never met anyone who doesn’t love this dish. Mexican street corn dip is perfect for a party because it’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold, zesty flavors everyone loves. It’s easy to scoop and share making it an ideal snack for nonstop game day munching.
Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
This chocolate Texas Sheet Cake recipe is a potluck favorite that is baked in a single sheet pan! The light and fluffy cake base is topped with a poured chocolate icing that you can make with or without pecans for extra texture and crunch!
Our friends have a tradition where they serve this Texas chocolate sheet cake and cut out little football shapes with the iced laces and everything. It’s a fun dessert to have and it makes a lot so it is easy to feed a crowd with this one! Leave the pecans off if you don’t like nuts!
Virgin Piña Coladas (Non-Alcoholic)
Enjoy a cool, tropical treat this summer with these creamy, refreshing and non-alcoholic Virgin Piña Coladas that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy! It's a sip of paradise in every glass and will transport you right to the shade of a palm tree on a warm beach, no passport required!
Is it too bold to say that I am somewhat of a virgin Piña Coladas expert? I have got the consistency down to an art and people will request this when they come over. I always have the ingredients on hand because it is such a fun and easy drink to serve!
Maryland Hot Crab Dip
This Maryland Hot Crab Dip is going to be the star of your next gathering! Serve it up with crusty baguette slices, salty pretzels, or crispy, crunchy celery sticks for an indulgent, flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that will be gone before you know it!
I know you will have plenty of guests appreciate this hot crab dip which means it will not last long. I personally love it with crispy bread but you can serve it any way you want!
Caramel Apple Dip
Creamy Caramel Apple Dip is hard to resist with its creamy texture, sweet caramel flavor, and delicious crunch of toffee bits on top. Serve it with your favorite dessert dipping snacks or freshly chopped apples for a decadent treat!
This crunchy caramel apple dip is a great party snack because it adds a sweet, refreshing contrast to all the savory game day foods. The mix of creamy caramel, crisp apples (I love serving granny smith for the tart and sweet flavor combo), and crunchy toffee bits makes it a fun, shareable treat guests will keep coming back for.
If you are wanting more of a grilling or smoking day here are some favorites!
I enjoy exploring the world through food, culture, and travel and sharing the adventure with mostly from-scratch, family friendly recipes that I think of as modern comfort cooking.
