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    Home » Appetizers

    Best Game Day Party Food Recipes

    By Jill Baird · Published January 29, 2023 · Updated February 20, 2023 · 2 Comments

    best game day foods collage- taquitos, cheese ball, dip and potato skins, party foods recipes.

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    In anticipation of the Super Bowl, we’ve pulled together 55 of the Best Game Day Party Food Recipes that are sure to win over any of your guests.  This list includes simple dips, appetizers, pizzas, chicken wings, desserts and much more that your family and friends will love whether it’s game day or not!

    Jump to:
    • Our Favorite Game Day Food Recipes
    • Top Game Day Appetizers
    • Best Game Day Party Food Dips
    • Best Game Day Bread and Pizza Recipes
    • Best Game Day Chicken Recipes
    • Best Football Party Dessert Recipes
    • Game Day Party Food FAQs

    Our Favorite Game Day Food Recipes

    When it comes to game day food, simple crowd-pleasing appetizers and finger foods are where it’s at.  There is nothing fancy about these 55 Best Football Party Food Recipes - just pure, simple deliciousness.  

    We’ve included fun appetizers, delicious dips, healthy snacks and finger-licking-good chicken recipes as well as game-day favorites like buffalo chicken, baked potato skins, soft pretzel bites and more.  And don’t forget the desserts - we’ve got those, too!  Whether you plan to host a full-on backyard tailgate or a small family party at home, there is something here for everyone.

    Top Game Day Appetizers

    1. Pizza Pinwheels

    These simple Pizza Pinwheels make the perfect appetizer or football party food. They’re made with crescent roll dough, pizza sauce, cheese and your favorite pizza toppings and can be ready in just about 20 minutes flat.

    Pizza pinwheels on a white countertop.

    2. Pork Carnitas Nachos

    These fully loaded sheet pan Pork Carnitas Nachos are sure to get the party started. We take slow cooker carnitas and bake them between layers of tortilla chips and cheese, then top with guacamole, ranch dressing, fresh cilantro and hot sauce for a seriously easy and delicious meal. It's a game day food idea people will keep coming back for more.

    A sheet tray full of nachos topped with carnitas, cheese and more.

    3. Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

    This is one of our favorite game day recipes. These Buffalo Taquitos are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and taste great served as is or with a side of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or even guacamole.

    Buffalo chicken taquitos on a plate.

    4. Italian Mini Kabobs

    These Italian Mini Kabobs are a quick and easy no-bake appetizer, a football party food idea. They only take a matter of minutes to throw together, but look elegant and taste amazing.

    A close up of an Italian appetizer sized kabob made with bread, meats and cheeses.

    5. Cheese Filled Peppers

    With just 5 ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can crank out these ooey-gooey, flavorful, and unbelievably simple appetizers that everyone will love.  They're stuffed full of ranch-flavored cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese and then baked until melty. It's an easy game day food you can make ahead of time and cook when you're ready. It

    Cheese stuffed peppers.

    6. Bacon Wrapped Smokies

    These yummy little guys are a little sweet, a little spicy and totally delicious, a gameday food favortie.   

    Bacon wrapped smokies with a toothpick resting on a piece of pineapple.

    7. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    If you aren't feeling the Lil Smokies, you can also make these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites.  Just as delicious and just as much fun to eat! They make the best food for a party any time of the year.

    Appetizer sized chicken bites wrapped with bacon and secured with a toothpick.

    8. Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

    This recipe is a consistent football party favorite, using just 3 ingredients and taking only about 10 minutes to make.

    Cream cheese stuffed jalapenos topped with bacon.

    9. Sweet Potato Fries

    Not only are these Sweet Potato Fries delish, but this recipe also includes instructions for a smokey, spicy dipping sauce to go along with it! This food for football party goes with pretty much anything, everyone loves this spicy and creamy sauce.

    Homemade sweet potato fries with dipping sauce.

    10. Crispy Potato Bites

    They are fully loaded, made with thin slices of oven-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, ranch dressing dip, homemade bacon bits, and green onions. 

    Crispy potato bites garnished with sour cream, bacon and fresh greens.

    11. Loaded Baked Potato Skins

    You can't go wrong with this football party food classic.  Feel free to mix and match ingredients, too!

    loaded potato skins on a serving platter with a side of ranch.

    12. Toasted Raviolis

    These crispy Toasted Ravioli are a classic that make the perfect easy appetizer or snack.  Made from fresh or frozen raviolis, they are dunked in eggs and breadcrumbs, then baked and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also make these in the air fryer!

    Toasted ravioli in an air fryer basket.

    13. Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites

    These Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites have all of the zesty flavors of Buffalo chicken without the deep-fried breading.  They’re tender, juicy and taste great covered in blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing for dipping. When you're coming up with the best football food, put this one at the top of your list.

    Buffalo chicken bites stuck with toothpicks, surrounded by ranch dressing, carrots and celery sticks.

    14. Mini Veggie Cups

    No game day menu is complete without these Mini Veggie Cups. They are a perfect no-mess appetizer or snack for everything including baby showers, toddler birthday parties and after school snacks.  They are fun, healthy, fresh and super simple to prep.

    Rows of plastic cups filled with assorted raw veggies and filled with ranch dressing in the bottom.

    Best Game Day Party Food Dips

    15. Homemade Guacamole

    This Homemade Guacamole recipe is quick, easy, and just as good as anything you’ll find at a restaurant.  With a few simple ingredients (and no cooking), you can have the zestiest, fresh, and flavorful party dip in no time - just add chips!

    A serving bowl full of guacamole.

    16. Homemade Ranch Dressing

    Our Homemade Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, flavorful and so much better than the store-bought version.  Loaded with buttermilk, mayonnaise and a simple spice mix, this simple recipe works great as a salad dressing, veggie dip or even drizzled over pizza or chicken.

    A white ramekin filled with ranch dressing surrounded by fresh raw veggies.

    17. Cheesy Bean Dip

    This Cheesy Bean Dip makes the absolute best appetizer.  It’s a warm, cream cheese bean dip, full of great Mexican flavors and tastes great served with everything from tortilla chips to fresh veggies.

    A white baking dish filled with cheesy bean dip.

    18. Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip

    This recipe tastes just like buffalo chicken wings in creamy, cheesy dip form.

    Frank's buffalo chicken dip in a serving dish.

    19. Everything Bagel Seasoning Dip

    We love serving this simple dip with crackers, chips, pretzels, pita bread, crostini or even fresh veggies.

    Everything bagel seasoning dip in a serving dish surrounding by fresh veggies and crostini for dipping.

    20. BLT Dip

    This recipe brings together all of the bacon, lettuce and tomato goodness of the classic sandwich and turns it into a cream cheese, sour cream and ranch based dip that everyone will love.

    BLT dip in a glass baking dish.

    21. 7 Layer Bean Dip

    Sometimes, you just can't beat the classics.  Whether you make this for the Super Bowl or a summer BBQ, it's one of those dishes that everyone seems to know and love.

    7 layer dip in a glass baking dish.

    22. Refried Black Beans

    These easy Refried Black Beans make a perfect side dish to go along with all of your Mexican-inspired favorites.  They are loaded with flavor and can be enjoyed plain, as a warm cheesy dip or filled inside enchiladas, tacos, burritos or quesadillas!

    Refried black beans on a tortilla chip

    23. Easy Homemade Salsa

    You'll love this restaurant-quality, fresh and easy salsa because it's super quick, always delicious and can be made far in advance!

    fresh salsa in a bowl with a side bowl of tortilla chips.

    24. Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

    This warm and cheesy Jalapeño Artichoke Dip is simple to make and a total crowd-pleaser.  It’s sure to be a hit for your next game day or Super Bowl party, and can be served with any of your favorite crackers, chips or raw veggies.

    Corn chip being dipped in jalapeno Artichoke Dip.

    25. Jalapeno Popper Dip

    If you like jalapeno poppers, you will love this dip.  It's warm, creamy, spicy and cheesy with a crispy crunchy cracker topping.

    Jalapeno popper dip in a white serving dish.

    26. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dip Recipe

    cheesy chicken alfredo dip recipe

    27. Loaded Queso Dip

    This Loaded Queso Dip is the ultimate game-day appetizer. Packed full of ground beef, creamy queso, Rotel tomatoes, beans, and plenty of cheese, everyone loves a simple, hearty dip recipe.

    Best Game Day Bread and Pizza Recipes

    28. Combination Pizza

    When is comes to game day dinner ideas, this homemade Combination Pizza Recipe is chock full of meat, veggies, melted mozzarella cheese and plenty of flavor.  Complete with a chewy homemade crust, this pizza is a great way to keep everyone happy.

    Close up photos of a baked and unbaked combo pizza.

    29. Homemade Taco Pizza

    Made with refried beans and salsa and topped with seasoned taco meat, shredded cheese and your favorite taco fixings, this baby is easy-peasy and oh-so-delicious.

    Taco pizza on a table drizzled with sauce.

    30. Hawaiian Pizza

    This homemade Hawaiian Pizza is sweet, salty, cheesy and totally delicious.  It’s topped with tomato sauce, Canadian bacon, fresh pineapple and plenty of cheese.

    A pizza topped with pineapples and Canadian bacon being cut with a pizza cutter.

    31. Easy Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

    Making this is sure to win you a few lifelong friends!  It's got a chewy garlic bread crust on the outside, ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese on the inside and couldn't be easier to put together.

    Cheese Stuffed Crust on a serving plate.

    32. French Bread Pizza

    The toppings and flavor combinations that you can make with this French Bread Pizza are endless.  Whether it's BBQ chicken, buffalo chicken, sausage or plain cheese, this is sure to be a party pleaser. Game day food couldn't be easier than french bread pizza.

    buffalo chicken french bread pizza on a cutting board

    33. Pizza Monkey Bread

    This pull apart pizza is fun to eat, super nostalgic and couldn't be simpler.

    Pizza monkey bread in a bundt pan.

    34. Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

    Our cheesy breadsticks are made with pizza dough, a hint of garlic and plenty of mozzarella cheese.  Basically, they are pizza sticks without the sauce.  Yum!

    cheesy breadstick dipped in marinara sauce

    35. Pull Apart Garlic Bread

    Serve this yummy bread along with a bowl of marinara sauce and your family and friends will be in heaven.  It's soft and cheesy, crusty and buttery and full of garlic flavor.

    Pull apart garlic bread in a glass baking dish.

    36. Soft Pretzel Bites

    You can make these as classic salted pretzel bites, or switch it up and flavor them with cinnamon sugar, garlic Parmesan or anything else you can think of.

    Soft pretzel bites with a side of marinara sauce.

    37. Herb Focaccia Bread

    This Italian Herb Focaccia Bread is soft and chewy with a crisp outside and lots of flavor.  We use plenty of olive oil, Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese and flakey sea salt to make sure that this simple bread is as delicious as possible.

    Squares of homemade focaccia bread stacked on each other.

    Best Game Day Chicken Recipes

    38. Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Chicken Tenders

    An absolute party favorite, these are made by dredging chicken tenders in a buttermilk ranch mixture and rolling them in crunchy, spicy Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

    flaming hot cheeto chicken tenders on a platter with ranch dressing

    39. Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

    Healthier than deep fried wings, these are baked until golden and smothered in sweet and spicy buffalo sauce.

    Buffalo chicken wings on a serving platter with a side of dip.

    40. Parmesan Wings

    These beauties, drenched in buttery garlic, Parmesan and red pepper flake sauce, are a delicious and satisfying alternative to buffalo wings.  So yummy!

    Garlic Parmesan chicken wings on a serving platter.

    41. Green Chili Chicken Taquitos

    These Mexican-inspired Green Chili Chicken Taquitos are super creamy on the inside, baked to crunchy perfection, and have just the right amount of spicy kick.  Chicken Green Chili Taquitos are great for snacking, as an appetizer, or served as part of a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

    Stacks of taquitos on a serving platter topped with crema and fresh cilantro.

    42. Chicken Quesadillas

    These crispy, delicious Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect quick and easy game day snack.

    Slices of cooked quesadillas filled with cheese and chicken and topped with tomatoes, sour cream and fresh cilantro.

    43. White Chicken Chili

    This is a great alternative to traditional chili, made with a thick, creamy broth packed with chicken, onions, white beans, green chili and spices.  You'll have everyone asking for the recipe!

    A bowl of white chicken chili garnished with fried tortilla strips, jalapenos and avocado.

    44. Easy Crockpot Ranch Chicken

    If you want to serve mini sandwiches, might we suggest making this super simple crockpot ranch shredded chicken?  Toss onto a slider bun with a little lettuce, ranch dressing, and cheese and you'll have some happy guests.

    crockpot chicken mini sliders

    45. Kalua Pork (Slow Cooker)

    This Slow Cooker Kalua Pork recipe puts a simple twist on the classic Hawaiian luau dish.  It’s smokey, tender, unbelievably delicious, and made easy thanks to the crockpot.

    A plate full of shredded pork, rice and pineapple slices.

    46. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

    This classic Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe is full of tender rotisserie chicken, creamy dill dressing and crunchy apples and celery.  Serve as a chicken salad croissant roll, sandwich bread or in a bowl with crackers for a simple make-ahead lunch.

    Chicken Salad Sandwiches made on croissants and arranged on a serving platter.

    Best Football Party Dessert Recipes

    47. Fruit Charcuterie Board

    This Fruit Charcuterie Board is a great idea for dinner parties and get-togethers all year long.   Served with a side of cream cheese dip, it’s a beautiful and simple option that takes very little preparation and is easy to adapt.

    Fruit arranged decoratively on a platter with a side of cream cheese dip.

    48. Caramel Dip for Apples

    This easy homemade Caramel Dip for Apples is smooth, silky, and perfectly sweet.  It’s a fall favorite that pairs perfectly with tart and crisp fresh apple slices.

    A white ramekin full of caramel dip with slices apples on the side.

    49. No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

    Topped with cherry pie filling, this No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake tastes amazing with all types of cookies and crackers.

    No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake dip on a chocolate graham cracker.

    50. Chocolate Fondue

    Chocolate fondue is deliciously rich and totally fun dessert that's perfect for game days, holidays and birthdays. 

    Melted chocolate fondue in a large dutch oven surrounded by various cookies and candies for dipping.

    51. Buckeye Dip

    Inspired by the Buckeye candy (and Ohio State, of course), this creamy dip is packed full of peanut butter, cream cheese, marshmallow cream and mini chocolate chips.

    Buckeye dip in a white serving bowl.

    52. Coconut Caramel Popcorn

    There are so many layers of flavor in this super addicting game day snack.  This recipe has toasted coconut, coconut flavored caramel and even a chocolate drizzle.

    Coconut caramel popcorn in small party cups.

    53. Candied Pecans

    These quick and easy Candied Pecans are the best sweet and salty garnish, mix-in, gift or snack.  They are super versatile, crazy simple to make and totally addicting.

    Candied pecans on a white surface.

    54. Peanut Butter Bars

    These yummy no-bake Peanut Butter Bars are rich, extra thick and perfect for setting out after half-time.  

    Peanut Butter bars stacked on top of each other.

    55. Rice Krispies Treats

    Our version of Rice Krispies Treats is as gooey, buttery and delicious as the original with a few small tweaks.  A little extra salted butter and a hint of pure vanilla extract turns this already amazing sweet treat into something truly special.

    Classic Rice Krispies Treats cut into squares and stacked on top of each other.

    56. Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

    No list of party food would be complete without these classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

    soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet

    57. Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

    These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are buttery, tender, and so simple to make.  No need to roll or chill the dough for these chewy sugar cookies - just make, bake and eat. They're delicious with or without frosting!

    Sugar cookies topped with white frosting and sprinkles.

    58. No Bake Nutella Cookies

    And if you're looking for a quick and easy no bake option, try these incredible Nutella No-Bake Cookies.  They are always a crowd favorite too. 

    A stack of no-bake cookies.

    59. Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

    These Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, absolutely delicious and made without having to fire up the grill.  They’re seasoned with a simple dry spice rub and slathered in BBQ sauce then slow cooked to juicy perfection. 

    baby back ribs recipe.

    Game Day Party Food FAQs

    What are the most popular game day foods?

    You might be surprised, but according to this CBS Sports survey, the top game day foods in the U.S. include brisket sandwiches, cheeseburger empanadas and buffalo mac and cheese!  This article also lists popular food items by region (fried pickles anyone?).

    What is the best warm dip recipe?

    If we had to choose just one, it would probably be this easy warm bean dip that is made in just over 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

    What is the best appetizer with bacon?

    This is a tough one because I love bacon!  However, this easy Bacon Jalapeno Cheeseball is one I go back to time and again because it can be made ahead of time and is a total crowd pleaser!

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you. It helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    This list of the Best Game Day Party Food Recipes has all of the traditional classics, like chicken wings and dip, along with plenty of fun new favorites.  These simple, crowd-pleasing finger foods are sure to win over any of your family and friends.

    « Loaded Queso Dip
    Homemade Bacon Bits »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Darcy Young

      March 02, 2021 at 8:52 am

      Loved these so much!!! Thank you Jill. You’re awesome!

      Reply
      • The Carefree Kitchen

        March 04, 2021 at 1:10 pm

        Thanks Darcy!

        Reply

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