Get ready to kick off football season with a game day spread that’s sure to be a winner! From tailgating must-haves to crowd-pleasing snacks, these 50+ game-day recipes will make game day unforgettable.
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Around here, game day food is just as important as the game itself. As the college football season kicks into high gear, it’s time to kick things off with a winning lineup of recipes perfect for tailgating, hosting a watch party, or just enjoying the big game from your favorite chair at home.
Game Day Success
There’s something special about game day that just can’t be beat. It’s more than just watching football—it’s about gathering with friends, sharing delicious food, and cheering on your favorite team with all the enthusiasm you can muster. Whether I’m tailgating at the stadium or hosting a watch party at home, the energy is always electric. Here are my tried and true tips to make your gathering successful:
Plan a Variety of Dishes
- Mix Hot and Cold Dishes: To keep things interesting, offer a balance of hot dishes (like chili or wings) and cold options (like salads or dips).
- Use Slow Cookers: Serve dips, chili, and other warm dishes in slow cookers to keep them hot throughout the game.
- Include Finger Foods: Easy-to-eat items like sliders, nachos, and veggie platters are perfect for a buffet, allowing guests to graze throughout the game.
2. Prep Ahead
- Make-Ahead Recipes: Choose dishes that can be prepped or fully cooked in advance, like casseroles, dips, and desserts. This reduces stress on game day.
- Batch Cooking: Cook more significant portions of crowd favorites like chili, pulled pork, or pasta salads, which can be easily reheated or served cold.
3. Keep It Simple
- Limit Menu Items: Focus on a few essential dishes that will be a hit rather than overwhelming yourself with too many options. Also, don’t hesitate to use your favorite store-bought items like chips, bread, or desserts to complement your homemade dishes.
4. Stay Organized
- Label Dishes: Label each dish’s name and key ingredients, so folks will know what they are digging into.
- Set Up Stations: Organize your buffet into stations, such as a drinks area, main dishes, sides, and desserts, to help with traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks.
8. Don’t Forget the Drinks
- Stock a Variety: Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including water, soda, beer, and maybe a fun-themed drink.
- Self-Serve Station: Set up a self-serve drink station to free up your time and let guests help themselves.
Best Game Day Recipes
No matter who you’re rooting for, these recipes will make your game day experience unforgettable. Let’s go!
Appetizers and Finger Food
Best Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream cheese sausage balls are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer that can be served on any occasion. Adding cream cheese takes this classic recipe to a whole new level, making these sausage balls the all-time best!
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!
Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp
Creamy Southern Deviled Eggs
Extra creamy deviled eggs are a classic, crowd pleasing appetizer and a must for any southern holiday celebration. This deviled egg recipe is simple to make with no-frills or fancy extras. They are the perfect finger food for holidays, parties and gatherings anytime of the year.
Best Homemade Baked Cheese Sticks With Marinara
Cheese sticks at easy to whip up in no time along with a little dipping sauce.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
Homemade Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern recipe that’s rich, creamy, and so easy to make. This cheesy spread made with pimentos and just the right amount of peppery seasoning is perfect served with crackers and celery as a sandwich or slathered on a burger.
Instant Pot Ultimate Pulled Pork Nachos
Mouthwatering pulled pork piled onto crispy tortilla chips and then loaded with toppings makes ULTIMATE Nachos that you will become obsessed with! Pulled Pork cooked in the Instant Pot is tender and juicy.
Southern Caviar – Black Eyed Pea Appetizer
Made with black-eyed peas, corn, and a zesty dressing, Southern Caviar (or Black Eyed Pea Appetizer) is quick and super easy to make! This spicy and crunchy recipe is a versatile Southern staple that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or on top of grilled seafood or chicken.
Salami Chips With Dip
Cajun Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Spicy, juicy Cajun Garlic Shrimp can be cooked in just 15 minutes and served as an appetizer with toast or a quick dinner with pasta! This simple, no-fuss recipe is loaded with flavor and will disappear fast whenever it's served.
Dips and Spreads
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.
Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip is rich, creamy, and super easy to make in the slow cooker. This cheesy, warm dip with swirls of fresh spinach and artichokes is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for your next party, game day celebration, or when you're entertaining.
Southwest Ranch Dip
This 10-minute recipe has all the creaminess you love from ranch dip with a spicy kick! Southwest Ranch Dip is crazy delicious served with carrots, celery, and chips. Plus it's awesome as a dressing, marinade or a spread on burgers and wraps.
3-Ingredient Spicy Sausage Dip
Three-ingredient Spicy Sausage Dip is the perfect (and quick) appetizer to whip up for your next party, game-day gathering, potluck, or snack on over the weekend. Delicious, homey ingredients are combined for a taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
Peanut Butter Dip
When you’re craving something light, creamy, and satisfying, no-bake Peanut Butter Dip is the answer! Perfect for pairing with fresh fruit or your favorite savory snacks, it makes a crazy good protein-loaded treat for after school or when you are entertaining.
Dill Pickle Herb Dip
Fresh herbs and dill pickles mixed with cream cheese make a dip that's loaded with tangy, savory flavors with a pop of freshness. Served with veggies, chips, or crackers, it's an appetizer that pickle lovers will go crazy over, and even the "I don't like pickles" crowd will dig into!
Baked Pepperoni Dip
Baked Pepperoni Dip is full of gooey cheesy goodness, with all the amazing flavors of pepperoni pizza! Whether you’re entertaining friends, hosting a game-day party, or celebrating the holidays, this crowd-pleasing hot dip is always a favorite.
Creamy White Bean Garlic Dip
Creamy white bean dip with fresh rosemary, garlic, and lemon is a fantastic appetizer to serve when entertaining or hosting a party. This simple-to-make recipe is great served with pita chips, crackers or veggies whenever you want a flavor-pack snack!
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.
Million Dollar Dip
Million Dollar Dip made with just a few simple ingredients is totally addictive and deserving of its name! This easy dip recipe made with cheese, bacon, green onions, almonds and mayo is great to serve at parties, for game day or when you're entertaining.
Crock Pot Reuben Dip
All the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich are loaded into this creamy, outrageously cheesy Crock Pot Reuben Dip! It's a favorite at any party and perfect for entertaining. Made in the slow cooker or baked in the oven, this is one seriously delicious dip to serve any time of the year.
Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip
Warm Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip is a MUST-make for any party! Made with sausage, cream cheese, and pimento cheese along with green chilies and tomatoes, this over-this-top dip is ideal for game day, tailing or when you’re entertaining.
Main Dishes
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!
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!
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.
Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
These meaty Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are simple to make in the slow cooker and loaded with rich flavors. Cooked slowly with brown sugar, tomato sauce, and spices, this homemade recipe is a meat lover's dream. It's a great, budget-friendly dish that’s ideal for a weeknight meal, parties, or when you’re feeding a crowd!
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken is a new healthy twist on the classic Southern dish that people rave about! With iconic sweet heat flavors of honey, cayenne, and hot sauce coating crispy air-fried chicken, this recipe will have you licking your lips and your fingers to savor every amazing bite.
Grilled Barbecued Hot Dogs
Made with yummy beef hot dogs and kicked-up store-bought barbecue sauce, these Grilled Barbecued Hot Dogs are the ultimate cookout recipe!
Cowboy Spaghetti
Cowboy Spaghetti is a fun and delicious recipe that combines two classic comfort foods: spaghetti with meat sauce and chili! It's packed with crispy bacon and tossed in a southwestern-style sauce for an irresistible bite, that's perfect for game day, casual entertaining with friends, or a family dinner.
Oven Fried Chicken (Crispy And Juicy)
Learn how to make crispy, succulent chicken in the oven, without sacrificing flavor or texture! This simple recipe for Oven Fried Chicken is a winner on busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you want delicious fried chicken without a lot of work.
Quick And Easy Ground Beef Chili
Ground Beef Chili has all the flavors of your favorite classic chili recipe but made in half the time! It's comfort food that warms the soul with each hearty bite.
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Home Run Hot Dog Chili is the ultimate topping for your grilled dogs, sausages, and burgers! This meaty, tangy, slightly sweet sauce is simmered in just the right combination of herbs and spices. It's a winning recipe for your next cookout, BBQ or tailgate party!
Pepperoni Pizza Pull-Apart Bread
Gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and buttery bread are combined to make a fun twist on pizza! Pepperoni Pizza Pull-Apart Bread is outstanding served as an appetizer, snack, dinner, or any time you need to satisfy your pizza craving.
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.
Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches
These easy-to-make sandwiches are juicy, cheesy, and loaded up with amazing flavors from leftover roast beef! Whether you're making one for lunch, trying to use up leftovers, or you're making a dozen for game day, Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches are a guaranteed winner!
Bloody Mary Chili Recipe
If you're a Bloody Mary fan, then you're going to LOVE this chili! With all the bold flavors of that popular drink, it's a hearty bowl of goodness that's loaded with beef, beans, and warm spicy flavors.
6-Ingredient Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Easy to make with six ingredients, slow-cooked pulled pork infused with spices and brown sugar practically melts in your mouth with each tender bite! This simple barbecue-style recipe is great for serving piled high on sandwich buns or as a main dish, and is terrific when you're feeding 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.
Best Roast Beef And Cheese Sliders
These roast beef and cheese sliders are crazy delicious and super easy to make! Savory roast beef and melty cheese wrapped up in sweet Hawaiian rolls and then baked in a buttery sauce are absolutely irresistible. They are the perfect party food and a welcome sight on the dinner table.
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken Sliders
With only 5 ingredients, Mississippi Chicken cooked in the slow cooker is tender, juicy, and packed with spicy flavors. When this mouthwatering chicken is turned into sliders, with melted cheese then you've got something irresistible for a weeknight meal. This scrumptious recipe is great to serve as an appetizer, for parties, and perfect for game day!
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.
Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs
Made with a few simple ingredients, Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs are a ridiculously good party appetizer but also hearty enough for dinner. This recipe has robust flavors of ranch and garlic with a mild spicy kick from peppers. Thanks to the slow cooker, it's so easy to make!
Easy Sides
Spaghetti Salad
Easy-to-make Spaghetti Salad is the perfect side dish for a party, potluck, or when you’re feeding a crowd. Tender pasta, pepperoni, and fresh veggies, tossed in a delicious homemade dressing is fantastic to serve any time of the year!
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.
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or an easy way to feed a crowd, Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are sure to be a family (and friend) favorite. Forget turning on the oven and use this easy method to make delicious potatoes, with only 3 ingredients!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and when you add in a spicy dipping sauce, you've got a match made in heaven.
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.
Three Bean Salad
Three Bean Salad combines fresh green beans, creamy red and white beans with a tangy vinaigrette, for a perfect quick and heathy side dish! The vibrant flavors and crunchy texture make it a favorite at potlucks, family parties or as a light lunch. Plus, it's packed with protein and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is tasty.
Italian Pasta Salad
This zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion! With marinated artichokes, olives, and loads of salami and ham, this easy pasta salad recipe can be served as a side dish, or main course and is the ultimate potluck or cookout salad.
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!
Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
The perfect combination of deviled eggs, tender macaroni, celery, onion, and bacon, tossed in a creamy dressing, take pasta salad to a delicious new level! Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a favorite for cookouts and summer parties, and a must for any family get-together.
Easy Pineapple Coleslaw
Pineapple Slaw is sweet and crunchy with a light dressing that will have you feeling like it's summertime with every single bite! This quick and easy recipe is great to serve as a side dish, take to a covered dish supper and is a must at any backyard BBQ.
Pineapple BBQ Baked Beans
Pineapple BBQ Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for cookouts, potlucks, or weeknight meals! With sweet pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and a touch of spice, these beans topped with crispy bacon will be the first to disappear from the table.
Snacks and Munchies
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.
Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery
Celery sticks stuffed with cream cheese, bacon, herbs and cheddar cheese are outrageously good! Served as an appetizer or snack, this is a recipe that's sure to become a favorite at parties, cookouts and family gatherings.
Fried Cheerios (Mini Hot Buttered Doughnuts)
Fried Cheerios is an old-school recipe that’s easy to make and fun to eat. These mini hot buttered "doughnuts" tossed in cinnamon sugar are a great after-school snack, perfect for movie night or any time you want a sweet, crunchy snack!
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Wings
Lemony, garlicky baked chicken wings are downright lip-smacking good! These wings are cooked in the oven with a light, super flavorful sauce that will make you think twice about ever frying your wings again.
Brown Sugar Pepper Candied Bacon
Brown Sugar Pepper Bacon is easy to make and tastes like a million bucks! With its salty, sweet crunch with a peppery kick, it will have you licking your lips with every bite!
Spicy Ranch Crackers (No Bake Recipe)
Crunchy, and full of savory flavors, Spicy Ranch Crackers are not your average snack! Saltines are transformed into an absolutely addictive snack with just four ingredients. This no-bake recipe with big, bold flavors and a bit of heat is super simple to make.
Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Pizza
Craving the nostalgic taste of a cinnamon dessert pizza from your favorite pizza delivery joint? I've got you covered with this simple recipe made with buttery pizza crust, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If that was not enough, I've topped it with a sweet vanilla glaze that makes each slice irresistible!
Sweet Heat Pickles
Sweet heat pickles made from kosher pickles, red pepper flakes, garlic, herbs, and sugar are a delicious and crazy twist on traditional pickles. They are a fabulous balance of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for layering on burgers, and sandwiches, served on charcuterie boards or just eating right out of the jar!
Sweet And Spicy Roasted Nuts
Irresistible, Sweet And Spicy Roasted Nuts are a terrific appetizer, snack, and a must-make at the holidays! Made with just 6-ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, these sweet and savory bites are perfect to serve at any gathering.
Perfectly Popped Stove Top Popcorn
Learn how to make the best stove top popcorn using this simple process, that uses just three ingredients and one pot! Skip the microwave and make tender, fluffy, perfectly popped popcorn every time.
Ranch Dill Pickles (TikTok Recipe)
Ranch Dill Pickles have been blowing up the internet! Turn a jar of dill pickles into something ridiculously good with a packet of ranch seasoning mix. For snacking, appetizers and a must for any summer cookout or party.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Crispy And Simple)
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.
5 Days of Southern Summer Comfort Food!
My go-to summer recipes!
