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Make food the real winner this Game Day with some of these 50 Easy Game Day Snacks! From dips to wings and much, much more. I’ve rounded up a delicious list of yummy snacks and appetizers that are easy to make and bound to score BIG with the crowd.
Table of Contents
You might forget who won the game, but you’ll never forget a delicious game day spread! Here are 50 Game Day Snacks that’ll please everybody’s tastes! From flavor-packed vegetarian bites to crispy wings, addictive dips, and more! And why stop at the game? These healthy snack ideas are great for parties, movie nights, and beyond!
What are good finger foods for game day?
- Wings touch down as the most popular and craved finger food to munch on during the big game. Over 1.4 billion wings are consumed on the big game day Sunday alone!
- Chips and dip is a must as one of your game-day snack ideas. Flavored chips or tortillas with an array of tasty dips are sure to please anybody’s taste buds!
- Charcuterie and cheese boards. Pile on all your favorites, like tasty meats, fruit, cheese, and crackers.
- Bite sized bites like meatballs, stuffed peppers, shrimp, and stuffed EVERYTHING is always on the menu for game day!
tips for making game day snacks
- Make veggies the MVP! Less than a quarter of all adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables, and 18 percent eat enough fruit. Veggies are versatile, inexpensive, and perfect to add onto a whole host of appetizers. Pair up veggies with a wide range of healthy dips and veggies for the win!
- When they go high, we go low (sodium)! Help control your salt intake, opt for low-sodium versions of side sauces – such as low-sodium soy sauce.
- Cooking for a large crowd? Go big, or go home with some batch cooking. Make life easier and double up on your recipe amounts with some easy batch-cooked recipes. Whip up a big bowl of this Sweet Potato Chili!
- You can be lean and not mean! Go for leaner proteins, like fish and chicken, when making your snacks. You’ll get a satisfying bite with less fat.
how to plan a menu for game day
- Decide the guest count. How many people are gearing up for a day of football and food? This will help you decide how much and what to make. You should also consider who is coming, whether it’s a group of adults or more family-friendly with kids.
- Narrow down the menu. With the above in consideration, choose a few different recipes that will satisfy your guests list tastes. Do you need vegetarian, dairy-free, or kid-friendly dishes?
- Pick recipes with similar cooking methods. Overhaul your game day menu with snacks and appetizers with similar cooking methods. This includes oven, air fryer, stovetop, or no-cook recipes.
- Consider the timing. When cooking for a crowd, timing is everything! Choose recipes that can be prepared ahead of time, as well as those that can be quickly cooked on the day of.
best game day recipes
Food is essential to throwing a football party, and planning an appetizer menu for game day should include easy-to-make and tasty finger foods. Cheer on your team while grubbing on some delicious eats. From savory game day snacks and appetizers to sweet, no-cook, or kid-friendly recipes, you’re sure to find the perfect menu for feeding a crowd.
Savory game day snacks & Appetizers
- Chicken Wings – These crispy chicken wings cook to perfection in the air fryer with the best juicy, tender meat. Toss in buffalo and serve with carrots, celery, and blue cheese dressing.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip – You’ll love this cheesy, creamy, spicy chicken dip that makes for the perfect game-day appetizer served with chips, veggies, and more!
- Dunkable Beef Meatballs – Homemade meatballs come together quickly, and cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer. Dip in marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer.
- Cheesy Chicken Wonton Cups – These taco wonton cups are crispy, bite-sized, and perfect for your game day party. They’re stuffed with juicy shredded chicken, fresh salsa, taco seasoning, and gooey cheddar cheese.
- Shrimp Avocado Salsa – This Avocado Shrimp Salsa is a bright & zesty recipe! It makes the perfect appetizer or even main dish for parties. Serve with tortilla or pita chips, and enjoy!
- Avocado Deviled Eggs – These deviled eggs are made simple with lime and cilantro for a lightened up spin on the classic, made with avocado instead of mayo.
- Shrimp Cocktail – There is a reason classics never go out of style! This gorgeous platter of chilled succulent shrimp with a cocktail sauce tells everyone is always a winner.
- Artichoke Tahini Dip – Served this cheesy dip with spinach, artichokes, tahini (my special ingredient!), and feta cheese hot with crackers for dipping.
- Meat Stuffed Pitas – Quick and easy to make, these Lebanese meat stuffed pitas or “arayes” are ready to enjoy in minutes, and every bite is truly tasty!
- Kibbeh Balls – Lebanese kibbeh balls are a fun and deliciously beefy onion appetizer that already traditionally appear to look like footballs! How fun and superiorly delicious.
- Bell Pepper Nachos – This nacho recipe is a fun twist on the classic with crunchy bell peppers with taco beef and cheese, then topped with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
- Coconut Shrimp – Crunchy air fryer shrimp has the best shredded coconut and panko coating, cook up quickly, and are so easy to make!
Sweet game day snacks & Appetizers
- Honey Roasted Nuts – The flavors are a wonderful blend of subtly salty and sweet, and it will really win you over with its blend of textures. It’s a great snack to munch on while watching the game.
- PB Chocolate Dip – This dip is made with the sweet-lovers in mind without neglecting the health nuts – perfect for fruit, wafers, and biscuits!
- Stuffed Dates – These gourmet stuffed dates are so quick and easy. They’re one delicious snack that requires very little effort! Choose from four different flavors, that are all equally as tasty.
- Grilled Fruit Kabobs – These bbq fruit skewers are fun to make and on the grill and a delicious and healthy snack too!
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies – Soft and chewy with a delicious chocolate coating to add a special touch.
- Trail Mix Cookies – These chunky cookies include rolled oats and loaded with peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, and chocolate chips; vegan & delicious!
- Candied Walnuts – Candied walnuts are ridiculously good and only take 30 minutes to make from start to finish! All you need is an egg white, a few spices, and, of course, walnuts, and you’re set!
- Edible Cookie Dough Dip – This delicious homemade edible cookie dough is a perfect sweet treat kids and adults of all ages! Serve it as a dip, and use graham crackers or apples to scoop some up.
- Vanilla Cupcakes – You can never go wrong with a yummy cupcake, and this recipe is made lighter by using Greek yogurt for the cupcakes and low-fat cream cheese for the frosting. Add a few drops of your team’s colors to each for a celebratory way to cheer them on!
Vegetarian Game Day Snack Ideas
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – A healthy low-carb game day snack to add to your game day spread.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – There are so many ways to stuff them, and they’re always a crowd pleaser! I load mine up with chickpeas, walnuts, and cheese for an appetizer full of flavor and texture!
- Spinach Artichoke Dip – This easy vegan spinach artichoke dip is sure to wow your guests, made with cashews and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Creamy Feta Dip – An effortless appetizer that’s made for sharing- perfect with crackers, super quick to prep, and baked to cheesy perfection.
- Crispy Quinoa Patties – They’re addictively cheesy, delicious and make for a healthy snack or appetizer! They’re perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the freezer, too.
- Tofu Bites – These air fryer tofu cubes are marinated before cooking for a crispy and tasty appetizer that are beyond flavorful.
- Broccoli Cheese Hand Pies – These cheesy hand pies are loaded with broccoli and cooked golden with a crunchy crust for an easy appetizer to serve during the football game.
- Tahini Cauliflower – Cauliflower is roasted and seasoned with spice mix and served with a creamy tahini sauce.
- Crispy Cheese Rolls – Crispy cheese rolls (Rakakat) are the perfect crunchy, ooey-gooey appetizer made with akawi and mozzarella cheeses.
- Avocado Fries – Wonderfully crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. You can make them in the oven or air fryer, and are extra delicious dipped spicy mayo.
No-Cook game day Snack Ideas
- Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes – Creamy and bursting with flavor, these tomatoes have the best velvety tangy goat cheese filling and crunchy breadcrumb topping.
- Cheese Board – Making a cheese board is based on your taste, and this recipe shares some of my favorite additions and highlights a few ideas to make it your own.
- Easy Guacamole – No party is complete without a fresh and zesty guacamole! Serve with tortilla chips and salsa for a fresh no, cook game day snack.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – Hummus is creamy and perfectly dippable, and the addition of roasted red peppers takes it over the top.
- Smoked Salmon Platter – Full of fresh whole foods that pair perfectly with each other, including avocado, bright tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. Include toppings like capers, red onions, and everything bagel seasoning to complement the cream cheese and smoked salmon.
- Cream Cheese Spinach Dip – This dip is lighter made with Greek yogurt and should absolutely make an appearance at your next get-together!
- Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip – This party appetizer will feed a crowd and impress them in the process. It has layers upon layers of fresh and vibrant ingredients!
- Butter Board – Fresh berries, honey & nuts atop softened butter are perfectly dippable with bread. This viral Tik Tok trend recipe is a fun way to eat bread and butter with a sweet bite and fresh fruit.
- Cucumber Smoked Salmon Sushi – These gluten-free cucumber sushi rolls are so easy to make, and they are such a colorful and fun appetizer. Filled with fresh veggies, smoked salmon, and a seasoned cream cheese.
- Veggies with Ranch Dip – Homemade ranch dip is made healthier by using Greek yogurt as a base with fresh herbs. Great for dipping carrots, cucumbers, or chips.
Kid-friendly game day snacks
- Pizza Bites – This easy pizza bite recipe is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Not only is it simple to make, but there are endless possibilities for toppings.
- Baked Chicken Nuggets – These panko-crusted chicken nuggets come out juicy and tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
- Cheesy Bean Quesadillas – So easy to throw together with mini tortillas, beans, cheese, and veggies.
- Mac and Cheese Bites – These bites are irresistible and are the perfect finger food for a party.
- Chocolate Dipped Bananas – These kid friendly chocolate covered bananas make for an easy and healthy fun treat with your favorite toppings.
- Apple Chips – Simple and easy to make, you can dehydrate them in your oven or in the air fryer. Seasoned with cinnamon, apple chips are naturally sweet with no added sugar.
- Air Fried Popcorn – Just 3 ingredients and under 10 minutes, and you’ll have a bowl full of crunchy puffy popcorn perfect for snacking on!
- Pizzadillas – A cross between a quesadilla and pizza! A warm flour tortilla makes the perfect pocket for rich marinara, ooey-gooey cheese, and any toppings you like.
- Zucchini Tater Tots -A hit with kids and adults alike, these tots come together with just a handful of ingredients. Also, they’re also a great low-carb alternative for your football party.
HOW TO keep food warm
- Oven: As long as you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
- Aluminum Foil: If your oven is not free, you can simply use aluminum foil, which has reflective properties that protects the food from light and oxygen. The foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food, which maintains the moisture, flavor, and texture.
- Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Think of recipes to make in your crock pot or instant pot that will keep warm during the party. You can even use them to keep foods warm even if you don’t cook in them.
- Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food hot as well as cold. The insulation technology that keeps out the heat to maintain cold foods also works to trap heat in and keep food hot for hours at a time. You can even line the cooler with aluminum foil for even better results.
HOW TO store all the leftovers
If you’re like me, you always end up with leftovers after any big gathering. Leftovers are great though it can be tricky to know how to store all of them. Here are a few tips:
- Cool it down. Make sure to cool any hot recipes to room temperature before storing.
- Label everything with the name and date. Keep track of all your leftovers so you know how long you have to enjoy them or toss them if needed.
- Use plastic containers or freezer bags. Keep your food fresh by storing food in airtight containers.
- Save or trash? If you have any perishable items (like meat or dairy), make sure to store them in the fridge. If they have sat out longer than 4 hours, it’s probably best to throw it out.
frequently asked questions
Ask your host what you can bring! They may already have it covered, but some great appetizers and snacks to bring along include any kind of hand help or bite-sized finger foods. Deli sandwich sliders, cheese platter with fruits, nuts, and veggies, cocktail meatballs, and dips are all winners.
Chicken wings and chips with dip are the two most popular appetizers to serve on game day.
Absolutely, and it’s recommended to make recipes in advance to give you more time to spend watching and cheering on your team! Chop and prep veggies and dips a day before and cook whatever you can, storing until ready to cook.
No matter which team wins, you’ll remember the fun spent together over tasty finger foods with friends. Make a spread full of tasty savory appetizers, and choose a game day menu to fit your needs, whether kid-friendly, vegetarian, or just delicious crowd-pleasing recipes. You’re sure to find a few recipes on this Game Day Snacks list!
full list of game day recipes
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Air Fryer Meatballs
Taco Cups with Chicken and Cheese
Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Shrimp Cocktail
Artichoke Tahini Dip
Arayes (meat stuffed pitas)
Kibbeh Balls
Bell Pepper Nachos
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Roasted Cashews with Coconut
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip
Stuffed Dates – 4 Ways
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Trail Mix Cookies
Candied Walnuts
How to Make Edible Cookie Dough
Vanilla Cupcakes with Frosting
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
7 Layer Mediterranean Dip
Baked Feta Dip
Quinoa Patties
Air Fryer Tofu
Broccoli & Cheese Hand Pies
Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
Crispy Cheese Rolls
Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
Easy Cheese Board
Simple Guacamole
Avocado Hummus
Smoked Salmon Platter
Cream Cheese Spinach Dip
Butter Board
Best Hummus Recipe
Avocado Fries
Homemade Ranch Dip
Pizza Bites
Baked Chicken Nuggets
Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Mac and Cheese Bites
Chocolate Covered Bananas
Apple Chips
Air Fryer Popcorn
Pizzadillas
Zucchini Tots
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Recipes for Father’s Day, Recipes Using Oats, Best Air Fryer Recipes, and Strawberry recipes.
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