Whether you are watching your favorite team or routing for the underdog, this round-up of recipes is a slam dunk for any March Madness party! This list includes make-ahead favorites along with a few new ideas for a fun time with friends and family.
In This Post
It’s here! You know, March Madness. That time of year that’s full of excitement and frenzy surrounding the NCAA basketball tournament as millions of fans fill out brackets, place bets, and tune in to watch the games.
This collection of 31 recipes has something for everyone as we watch, cheer on, and even possibly cry over our favorite team. So, even if your team doesn’t make to the final four, I can guarantee that the party food will score big time!
What You’ll Find In This Post:
Snacks And Starters
Easy Mini Cheese Balls
Delicious, versatile, and easy to make, Mini Cheese Balls are perfect for any occasion! They are a terrific finger food appetizer for parties, casual entertaining, or holiday gatherings with family and friends.
Black Bean And Corn Salsa Recipe
This colorful and fresh Black Bean And Corn Salsa is creamy, and crunchy with a subtle spicy kick! Made with 6 simple ingredients and in just 10 minutes, this salsa makes a great appetizer on its own, but don't stop there. Serve it as a side dish, or pile it on tacos, salads, eggs, or just about anything!
Slow Cooker Queso Beef Dip
Queso Beef Dip is creamy, cheesy, loaded with ground beef, and simple to make in the slow cooker! This velvety smooth dip with swirls of green chilies, salsa, and jalapeños is a crowd-pleasing appetizer at any party, game-day celebration, or when you're entertaining.
Sausage Jalapeño Popper Dip
All the amazing flavors of jalapeño poppers are combined with sausage to make an amazing hot dip that is over the top delicious! Sausage Jalapeño Popper Dip is a warm, spicy appetizer that's great for any party.
Mexican Corn Dip
Inspired by Mexican street corn, this easy-to-make dip is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party or gathering! Mexican Corn Dip is creamy, cheesy with just the right amount of spice from chilies. Add a pop of fresh-squeezed lime, and you’ve got a party in every bite.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a quick and easy appetizer that is sure to be a hit at your next party! Made with slow-cooked buffalo chicken, cheese and loaded with your favorite wing sauce, it's a hot, creamy dip that will have everyone begging you for the recipe.
Air Fryer Roasted Nuts
Crunchy and perfectly seasoned, Air Fryer Roasted Nuts are a delicious snack, perfect for sprinkling on salads and great for entertaining. Toasting nuts in an air fryer just takes a few minutes and is the best way to bring out the most flavor in these heart-healthy treats.
Crock Pot Beer Cheese Dip
Beer Cheese Dip made in the Crock Pot is creamy, rich, and loaded with ooey-gooey cheese. It's a terrific appetizer for game day, movie night, or when you're entertaining friends. Serve it with pretzels, chips, sausage, and even veggies for a warm, comforting bite that everyone will love.
Perfectly Popped Stove Top Popcorn
Learn how to make the best stove top popcorn using this simple process, which uses just three ingredients and one pot! Skip the microwave and make tender, fluffy, perfectly popped popcorn every time.
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Sweet and tangy little smokies are a required snack for game day. The crock pot does all the work for you so they are also a great for parties!
Crowd-Pleasing Main Dishes
Easy Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Make the VERY BEST hot dogs ever in the air fryer! Cooked in less than 10 these hot dogs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and nestled in a toasted bun. This fast, easy way to serve up a family favorite treat is great whether you are feeding a couple of people or a crowd.
Ham Jam Sandwich
This outrageously delicious combination of ham, jam, and a smear of cheesy spread makes an irresistible sandwich! A Ham Jam Sandwich is perfect for lunch, or a picnic, and is terrific for dinner when you want something special but don't feel like cooking.
Carolina Slaw Dog Recipe
Extra creamy with a healthy crunch, this coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish for any cookout, summer lunch, or dinner. Creamy Coleslaw also makes a terrific topping for hot dogs and hamburgers!
Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs
Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs are tender, succulent, and loaded with irresistible flavors. These meatballs, prepped in just minutes, are cooked in the Crock-Pot and are perfect to serve as an appetizer, for game day or on lazy weekends.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Extra crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings are totally irresistible! No oil or marinating is needed for the BEST wings made in about 30 minutes.
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
The Best Chili recipe starts off with beef and beans in a rich sauce is loaded with amazing flavor! That’s perfect for tailgating, game day, or when you’re feeding a crowd. Simmered for hours, its comfort food at its BEST.
Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
Hawaiian Meatballs smothered in a sweet tangy sauce with pineapple and fresh ginger are cooked low and slow in the crock pot. These succulent meatballs are a slow cooker masterpiece and are great served as an appetizer or main dish!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Perfectly cooked hot dogs, wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer, are outrageously delicious and slightly indulgent! Nestled in a buttery toasted bun, they have the perfect combination of texture and flavor, making them hard to resist.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy White Chicken Chili is warm, comforting, and ready to serve in just 30 minutes. Made with cream cheese and tender chicken this chili hits the spot on a cool night and is great for game day.
Easy Air Fryer Sausage And Potatoes
Savory and delicious Air Fryer Sausage And Potatoes is an all-in-one meal that's great for dinner or lunch. It's super fast to make with easy prep and loaded with flavor!
5-Ingredient Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken
Enjoy this easy-to-make Buffalo Chicken on sandwiches, in dips, salads, sliders, or pizza! Buffalo Chicken made with just 5 ingredients cooked low and slow in the Crock Pot is a recipe with so many uses!
Easy Sides And Salads
Spaghetti Salad
Spaghetti Salad is the perfect side dish for a party, potluck or when you’re feeding a crowd. Made with tender pasta, pepperoni, fresh veggies and tossed in a zesty dressing then topped with Parmesan cheese, this easy-to-make salad is ideal for “soup and salad” night!
Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes cooked in Foil Packs are the perfect side dish for cookouts and BBQs. Cooking in foil packs on the grill is super popular and for a good reason. You can customize your dish with your
Easy Crock Pot Baked Beans
Slow-Cooked, sweet and savory baked beans with brown sugar and bacon is a side dish recipe that's pure perfection! For any cookout, barbecue, or summer party, these Easy Crock Pot Baked beans will be a hit.
BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Inspired by a classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad is outrageously good with the addition of cheese tortellini and a light creamy dressing! This easy-to-make recipe is just the thing for any cookout, potluck, or family gathering.
The Best Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Extra creamy with a healthy crunch, this coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish for any cookout, summer lunch, or dinner. Creamy Coleslaw also makes a terrific topping for hot dogs and hamburgers!
Pesto Pasta Salad With Tomatoes And Mozzarella
Tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, all tossed in a “short-cut” pesto sauce make a salad that is seriously delicious! This easy pasta salad recipe is perfect for parties, cookouts, potlucks and a must-make when you’re feeding a crowd.
Sweet Treats
Chocolate Caramel Pretzels
Pretzels drizzled with buttery caramel sauce and rich, dark chocolate are turned into the perfect combination of sweet and salty! Add in a pinch of flaky sea salt and you’ve got a 4-ingredient, no-bake treat that everyone will love.
Air Fryer Bananas (Viral TikTok Recipe)
Air Fryer Bananas are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without all the guilt. With classic flavors of Bananas Foster, this recipe is simple to make in just minutes in the air fryer.
Mom’s Homemade Fudge
Mom's Homemade Fudge is a rich, chocolaty tradition that everyone loves! It's simple to make with just 5 ingredients and the best treat to enjoy or to give for the holidays!
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are big, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor! Perfectly baked with oatmeal, butter, cinnamon, and an extra helping of peanut butter, these cookies are seriously delicious.
Items I Use To Make These Recipes
- Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: 2-Quart, 6-Quart, 8-quart
- Air Fryer: 4-Quart, 7-Quart
- Dip And Chip Server
- Wooden Salad Bowl And Serving Tools
- Recyclable Plates
- Insulated Drinking Glasses
5 Days of Southern Summer Comfort Food!
My go-to summer recipes!
