Gameday appetizers may be my very favorite excuse to get together to watch football! Can I get a shoutout for the FOOD which is the real MVP here?
Football season is approaching and I want to be ready with the best of the best appetizers for my tailgating or watch parties! I can’t resist a good game day appetizer and I don’t want you missing out either so I have rounded up all of the best! A few of my favorites are Hot Corn Dip, Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts, and Sticky Honey Garlic Wings.
Game Day Appetizers
Be honest, do you look forward to watching the game more, or are you just there for the food? Game day appetizers are my absolute favorite thing! I love that they range from sweet to savory. This means I can have a ton of different flavors and options on my plate all at once! I think that there isn’t much better than being at a party and having what feels like unlimited options for my tastebuds! Plus, they are super simple! A lot of the time you will already have all of the ingredients on hand in your kitchen! Appetizers and snacks are so delicious and I can’t wait to gobble them all up!
Because I love game day appetizers so much, I have rounded up forty-five (see, I couldn’t stop at just a few!) different recipes. They are all quick and easy and loved by all– kids included! Because of the wide variety, I am positive that you will find something that you love. They are my favorite tried and true recipes that are so yummy that you won’t be having them only one game day. You will now have a list of go-to game day appetizers for all of your future parties and get-togethers! Happy eating!
Quick Picks
Here are a few of my favorite game day appetizer combos. From dips to wings, served up with homemade sauces, here are a few recipes you’ve got to try out!
- Buffalo Wings: A classic crowd-pleaser, serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
- Chips and Guac: These are so easy to throw together! Try my tasty guacamole and air fryer tortilla chips.
- Sliders: Pizza sliders, ham and cheddar sliders, and buffalo chicken sliders are all so delicious and packed with flavor!
- Meat and Cheese Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and spreads. See my full list of charcuterie recipes here! This is one of my favorite things to serve because there’s always something for everyone.
Creamy BLT Dip
BLT Dip is an appetizer that is delightfully light and oh so good! A creamy seasoned base is topped with all the flavors of the classic BLT, you are going to love it!
Ingredients: Sour Cream, cream cheese , onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, tomatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tortilla chips
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is an insanely delicious way to jazz up your next party. Chock full of intense but balanced flavors this appetizer is going to disappear fast.
Ingredients: chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch, cheddar cheese, green onions and blue cheese crumbles optional
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail is a classic party appetizer that needs to be at your next gathering! This party favorite is easy to throw together and can be made in advance.
Ingredients: medium RAW shrimp, water, lemon, onion, bay leaves, granulated sugar, salt, ketchup, lemon juice, lemon zest, prepared horseradish, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings are going to be your new go to favorite. Golden, crunchy and cooked to perfection, these onion rings are so addicting!
Ingredients: onions, flour, baking powder, eggs, panko, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil spray
Bacon Wrapped Chestnuts
These Bacon Wrapped Chestnuts are crunchy sweet chestnuts, that are enveloped in a savory bacon and marinated in a sweet spicy sauce for the perfect flavor combination.
Ingredients: whole water chestnuts, bacon, brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise
California Avocado Dip
California Avocado dip is so easy to make and has so many delicious and fresh ingredients! Avocados, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro come together in this irresistible dip!
Ingredients: Avocados, Roma tomatoes, onion, jalepeno, salt, lemon juice, cilantro
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are crispy outside and tender inside. Lightly seasoned and golden, they are a delicious addition to any meal. These are a healthy way to indulge without the guilt. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and your side dish is done!
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper
Hot Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
Delicious and sweet caramelized onions inside this incredible creamy and cheesy dip! With the added bacon this dip is sure to be a huge hit at your next party!
Ingredients: oil, large sweet onions, water, cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated remand cheese, bacon, salt and pepper to taste
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy and slightly spicy chicken dip. It has all the flavors you love in your favorite hot sauce combined with more mild ranch dressing and topped off with the strong cheese.
Ingredients: fat free cream cheese, reduced fat blue cheese or ranch dressing, Buffalo or Red Hot sauce, crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese, Premium Chunk chicken breast, drained, or 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Sticky Honey Garlic Wings
Sticky honey garlic wings are incredibly delicious and an excellent appetizer for absolutely any event or party! They have a mouthwatering, sweet taste that will keep you snacking all night long!
Ingredients: chicken wings, Baking Powder, honey, soy sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, garlic, water, cornstarch, sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Little Smokies
Little Smokies, smothered in a sweet tangy BBQ sauce are one of the easiest, most loved appetizers out there. These are guaranteed to disappear whether it’s for a party or dinner, these are just too tasty and fun not to eat.
Ingredients: little smokies, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar*, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika
Sheet Pan Nachos
Oven Baked Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe are filled with a layer of chips, ground beef, refried beans, black olives, chopped tomatoes, corn, cheese sprinkled over top then baked to perfection! The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients: ground beef, homemade taco seasoning , refried beans, corn , sliced olives, black beans , salsa, shredded mild cheddar cheese, shredded jack cheese, cilantro, chopped , sour cream, jalapenos, roma tomatoes, chopped
Crispy Potato Skins
Baked Potato Skins have a crispy outer shell that is loaded with a cheddar cheese, bacon and green onion combination. These potatoes are everyones favorite appetizer or side dish!
Ingredients: small Russet Potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, Ranch or sour cream for serving
5 Minute Million Dollar Dip
5 Million Dollar Dip is only 5 ingredients and they don’t call it million dollar dip for nothing! It is so deliciously addicting and will be the biggest hit wherever it goes!
Ingredients: green onions, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, real bacon bits, slivered almonds
Awesome 7 Layer Dip
Awesome 7 Layer Dip is an addicting creamy dip that includes all of your favorites, like guacamole, refried beans, and sour cream! You will be amazed how simple it is to put together such an incredibly delicious dip!
Ingredients: refried beans, Homemade Guacamole, sour cream, Homemade Taco Seasoning, salsa, Colby Jack cheese, sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, green onions
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd quickly and easily. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, everyone will love the spicy rotisserie chicken sandwiched between soft dinner rolls with ranch dressing, melted cheese, and crunchy coleslaw.
Ingredients: dinner rolls, shredded mozzarella, rotisserie chicken, Frank’s Buffalo Sauce, ranch dressing, habanero hot sauce, premixed bagged coleslaw, butter, Italian seasoning
Ranch Pretzels
For a quick snack make these Ranch Pretzels. These make the best party, movie night, or after school snack!
Ingredients: mini pretzels, butter, Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Ham and Cheddar Sliders
Delicious and cheesy ham and cheddar sliders that are easy and are great for a gathering!
Ingredients: white dinner rolls*, smoked or baked deli ham, cheddar cheese, Mayonnaise, poppy seeds, yellow mustard, butter, Worcestershire sauce
Fluffy Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip (3 ingredients!)
Marshmallow cream cheese fruit dip is one of the best dips to enjoy year round. Fluffy fruit dip is sweet and creamy that is served with all your favorite fresh fruits!
Ingredients: marshmallow cream, cream cheese, strawberry yogurt, sliced fruit for serving
Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso
This Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso combines smooth Velveeta cheese that melts magically with flavorful chili and Mexican spices in a skillet to pure queso perfection, hands down one of the best copycat recipes EVER! A super easy appetizer that will disappear faster than it took to make it.
Ingredients: box Velveeta cheese, milk, paprika, ground cayenne pepper, can Hormel Chili, chili powder, Lime Juice, ground cumin
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are buttery, zesty, and will WOW at your next family get-together! They are super easy to make and pack delicious flavor in every juicy bite!
Ingredients: chicken wings, baking powder, butter, Lemon Pepper Seasoning , lemon juice, Honey
Churro Cupcakes
Churro Cupcakes are fluffy and light cinnamon sugar cupcakes that are easy to make and even easier to fall in love with! They are made with common baking ingredients that you may even have in your pantry right now!
Ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, butter, room temperature, sugar, eggs, vanilla, vegetable oil, milk, cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon
Hot Corn Dip
Hot Corn Dip is super cheesy, packed with flavor and such a crowd pleaser. This always one of the first dips to disappear!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, red pepper, jalapeño, corn, cream cheese, sour cream, Colby jack cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, sliced green onion
Grasshopper Popcorn
A delicious and minty popcorn that is coated with chocolate and has grasshopper cookies and anded mints hidden inside!
Ingredients: popped popcorn, fudge mint cookies, milk chocolate melting candy *, Andes Créme de Menthe Baking Chips, Green candy melts for drizzle
Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon
These jalapeño poppers are filled with a cream cheese mixture, topped with crumbled bacon pieces, and then baked to perfection. You won’t be able to stop at one!
Ingredients: jalapeños, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions
Asiago Dip
Asiago dip is super creamy and is loaded with flavor! There are just a few ingredients and simple, easy to follow steps. It has the perfect flavor combination, and trust me when I say one bite of this delicious dip will not be enough! It will get devoured in no time by anyone who tries it!
Ingredients: light mayo, bunch thin sliced green onions, grated Asiago Cheese, artichoke hearts diced, sun dried tomatoes, carton low fat sour cream, grated Parmesan, fresh minced garlic
Baked Soft Pretzels
Baked Soft Pretzels are soft and chewy on the inside with the perfect salty golden exterior. This recipe will walk you through these easy homemade pretzels with step by step instructions!
Ingredients: warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, flour, vegetable oil, hot water, baking soda, coarse salt for topping, Cheese Dip
Classic Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)
This quick and easy no bake sweet treat is a combination of cereal, chocolate and peanut butter and tossed in powdered sugar. It’s snack attack perfection!
Ingredients: rice Chex cereal, chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites are delicious appetizers loaded with shredded cheese, a pop of color from the green onion, cooked bacon chunks mixed with black olives and pecans all rolled together in a tight ball with a pretzel on top. An elegant appetizer to enjoy this holiday season!
Ingredients: each packages cream cheese, packet dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, green onion, of bacon, chopped black olives, pecans or almonds, Pretzel Sticks
Peanut Butter Bars
These peanut butter bars are thick, rich and heavenly! A thick layer of peanut butter with rolled oats mixed together making a creamy filling with a smooth chocolatey frosting that is an irresistible combination.
Ingredients: Brown Sugar, White Sugar, Butter, Peanut Butter, Eggs, Salt, Baking Soda, Rolled Oats, Flour, Butter, Cocoa, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, Milk
Sugar Cookie Bars
These are so simple! They are so easy to whip up a batch and have a delicious sugar cookie in a bar!
Ingredients: butter, granulated sugar, egg, egg white, sour cream, vanilla extract, all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla, Any color of food coloring
No Bake Oreo Balls
No Bake Oreo Balls are rich and smooth truffles that are moist and flavor packed and coated with a smooth chocolate shell. They are quick and easy to prepare and are a treat everyone will go crazy over!
Ingredients: Oreo cookies, cream cheese, white chocolate chips, semi sweet chocolate chips, crushed Oreos for topping
Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist chocolate pumpkin cupcakes with an amazing cinnamon pumpkin cream cheese frosting! These are the perfect fall treat!
Ingredients: Pillsbury® Traditional Chocolate Cake Mix, canned pumpkin, eggs, vegetable oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, cream cheese frosting, butter, powdered sugar, canned pumpkin, cinnamon
Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, fluffy and full of creamy peanut butter with sweet sugar and a large egg, it is that simple. Only 3 Ingredients to make these deliciously desirable cookies!
Ingredients: sugar, peanut butter, egg
Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites
Air fryer zucchini pizza bites are the perfect low-carb way to eat your pizza and love it too! Quick and easy these make a perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal any time of the week!
Ingredients: zucchini, salt and pepper, marinara sauce , mini pepperoni, sliced olives, mozerella cheese, Italian seasoning, chopped basil for garnish
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are the ultimate appetizer! They are tangy, zippy and perfectly seasoned!
Ingredients: dill pickle slices, flour, egg, water, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning
Insanely Delicious Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp are insanely delicious! One of the best appetizers out there, these mouthwatering air fried coconut shrimp are crispy, lightweight and completely delightful! This appetizer is one that is sure to have your guests coming back for more!
Ingredients: large shrimp about 25, eggs, flaked unsweetened coconut, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika optional, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Creamy BLT Dip
BLT Dip is an appetizer that is delightfully light and oh so good! A creamy seasoned base is topped with all the flavors of the classic BLT, you are going to love it!
Ingredients: Sour Cream, cream cheese , onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, tomatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tortilla chips
Classic Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs are a favorite appetizer for parties and holiday celebrations. This traditional deviled egg recipe is simple and perfect.
Ingredients: eggs, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, kosher salt, paprika
Cheesy Cheddar Garlic Breadsticks
Delicious and cheesy cheddar garlic breadsticks that are made with a quick and easy dough recipe! These will be in and out of the oven in no time and you won’t be able to stop eating them!
Ingredients: warm water, sugar, yeast, flour, Salt, salted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cheddar Cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley for garnish
Air Fryer Avocado Fries
Crispy and creamy, air fryer avocado fries are a quick and easy snack that the whole family will love! They’re so delicious and perfect for dipping!
Ingredients: avocados slightly firm, eggs, flour, panko, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, salt
Insanely Delicious Hot Crab Dip
Hot Crab Dip makes the perfect party appetizer. This delicious and addicting crab dip is ready in just 30 minutes and will instantly wow the entire crew!
Ingredients: cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, Worcestershire Sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, lump crab meat
Melon Salad with Citrus Honey Mint Dressing
I don’t know about you but nothing hits the spot more on a hot summer day than fresh fruit and salads! Combine the two together and our melon salad will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied!
Ingredients: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, Juice of half lemon, Juice of half of a lime, honey, mint
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Tender meat, sautéed peppers and onions is smothered with cheese and wrapped in egg roll wrappers and fried to perfection in these Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. This is going to be your go to appetizer or snack when you want to impress without a lot of stress.
Ingredients: oil for frying, Olive Oil, green bell pepper , onion sliced, sirloin steak , Monterey Jack cheese, beef broth, steak sauce, salt and pepper, egg roll wrappers
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto Skewers are a super easy and delicious appetizer, perfect for any occasion. Colorful and full of flavor, these are true crowd pleaser!
Ingredients: cheese tortellini, kalamata olives, black olives, grape tomatoes, of salami, pepperoni, marinated artichokes, small fresh mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze, wooden skewers
