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These easy Game Day Food ideas will hit the mark at your next watch party! Including lots of make ahead foods, belly pleasing sandwiches and snacks, and game winning desserts, this collection will feed the crowd and please every appetite.

A collage of four images: game day food like loaded nachos in a skillet, hoagie sandwiches with melted cheese, mozzarella sticks being dipped in marinara, and a colorful charcuterie board with fruits, veggies, meats, and cheeses.


 

🏈 Get ready to become the MVP of your next watch party with these crowd-pleasing dishes that are as satisfying as a game-winning touchdown!

Table of Contents

My 2 Best Tips For Making Game Day Food

Make-Ahead Magic: Many dips and appetizers taste even better when made a day ahead, allowing flavors to blend together and reducing game day stress. Look over your list to see which foods or recipes you can make completely ahead or at least prep.

Batch Cooking: Double recipes and freeze half for future events — your future self will thank you during playoff season!

Melissa in her kitchen smiling in front of the starting ingredients for the chicken the quinoa salad and skillet chicken on the wood block in front of her

🩷 Melissa

Game day is more than just watching the action unfold on screen — it’s about bringing people together around incredible food that gets everyone cheering.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering for a local sporting event or feeding a hungry crowd on Superbowl Sunday, the right game day recipes might just be remembered longer than the game results!

Game Day Foods: Appetizers & Finger Foods

Nothing beats the excitement of game day appetizers that guests can grab between plays! These crowd-pleasing finger foods are designed for easy eating while cheering on your team.

I especially like making portable appetizers because they deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

1
POV dipping air fryer mozzarella sticks in marinara sauce
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy, double breaded, and gooey Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a tasty dish that can be stored in the freezer to eat later.
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2
close up of a plate of egg rolls
Easy Egg Rolls
This egg roll recipe is easy! Use a bag of chopped cabbage, add a little ground pork, roll them up and fry them to perfection. You’ll love them!
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3
air fryer corn dogs lined up in the basket
Air Fryer Corn Dogs
Experience the delicious crunch of homemade air fryer corn dogs – a surefire hit for all ages.
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4
A white plate of mini corn dogs, made from a classic corn dog recipe, sits on a checkered napkin and wooden board, with a small bowl of ketchup nearby.
Homemade Corn Dog Recipe
Make crispy, golden corn dogs at home with this easy Corn Dog Recipe that delivers fair-quality results using simple ingredients. Perfect for family fun, it's like having yummy carnival food in the comfort of your own home!
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5
Plate of mini baked corn dogs
Mini Baked Corn Dogs
Quick, simple, and delicious mini baked corn dogs are the perfect easy lunch or dinner for your busy weeks. Your kids will love these cute little corn dog bites!
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6
Tray of ham and cheese pinwheels
Quick and Easy Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are filled with melted Swiss cheese and delicious ham. Hot pinwheels are basically ham and cheese sandwiches, but in a smaller snack form! These cute rolls will make for a great appetizer at your next house party!
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7
chili dogs recipe over round white plates.
Chili Dogs Recipe
This homemade chili is bursting with earthy, savory flavors and is so easy to make! In under 20 minutes, you will have perfectly crafted chili dogs ready to be enjoyed. 
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8
cast iron pan showing the progress of making carne asada fries recipe.
Carne Asada Fries
These Carne Asada Fries feature an array of flavor-packed ingredients! The perfectly seasoned steak, gooey cheese, and delicious toppings come together to create the perfect appetizer or entree.
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Sandwiches to Feed Hungry Crowds

When the game goes into overtime, you’ll need substantial dishes that can feed a hungry crowd. These satisfying sandwiches go above and beyond, not only filling tummies but proving that even simple sandwiches can be a star!

9
casserole dish with baked ham and cheese sliders on hawaiian rolls.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Gooey cheese, savory ham, and sweet rolls make these Hawaiian Roll Sliders a quick, easy, and inexpensive snack or dinner ready in under an hour.
Check out this recipe
10
slide view of cooked sliders
Sliders Recipe
These sliders feature juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and buttery buns for a flavor-packed delight!
Check out this recipe
11
side view with a round white plate with a club sandwich on top with chips
Club Sandwich
This club sandwich is a delicious and customizable sandwich with layers of bread, meats, bacon, vegetables, cheese, and condiments.
Check out this recipe
12
The Ultimate Pulled Pork Sandwich
These Pulled Pork Sandwiches are so delicious! Made with slow cooker cooked pork that’s topped with an easy homemade barbecue sauce. SO GOOD!
Check out this recipe
13
The Ultimate Turkey Sandwich
This Ultimate Turkey Sandwich is piled high with turkey, cheddar, avocado, and more.  It’s a healthy lunch idea that’s delicious and so satisfying!
Check out this recipe
14
The Ultimate Hummus and Veggie Sandwich
The Ultimate Hummus and Veggie Sandwich piled high with veggies and sprouts, loaded with creamy hummus, and held together with sturdy whole grain bread. Meatless sandwiches never looked so good!
Check out this recipe
15
top view of a pan of Italian beef sandwiches with melted cheese on top
Italian Beef Sandwiches
These easy Pepperoncini & Beef Sandwiches are tender, cheesy, and slightly spicy for a delicious meal that’s quick and easy! This simple sanwich recipe is perfect for picnics!
Check out this recipe
16
sesame bun stuffed with melty classic cheesesteak ingredients with parsley on a stack of three white plates
Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Cheese steak sandwiches are a deliciously rich and cheesy classic sammie that’ll warm you up from the inside out and satisfy all your comfort food cravings!
Check out this recipe

Fan Fave Charcuterie Boards

You can probably tell that I really, really like putting together a fun charcuterie board! Just use these ideas as starting points and mix and match whatever you have on hand to build your own.

An easy way to DIY a fabulous charcuterie board is to balance sweet and savory, soft and crunchy, and creamy and crispy!

17
top view of a cheese board
Family Friendly Cheese Board
How to make a cheeseboard that is family friendly, perfect for a party, and gluten free, and something the kids will love!
Check out this recipe
18
The options are endless for this Everyday Cheese Board, but the trick is to get a solid combination of flavors, textures, and colors on the board! I like cheddar, Colby jack, and Swiss cheeses with jam, mustard, various types of crackers, olives, and fruit.
Every Day Cheese Board
The options are endless for this Everyday Cheese Board, but the trick is to get a solid combination of flavors, textures, and colors on the board! I like cheddar, Colby jack, and swiss cheeses with jam, mustard, various types of crackers, olives, and fruit.
Check out this recipe
19
This classic cheese board has a little something for everyone! I like to fill my cheese boards with sweet, savory, and salty elements to round out the flavors and textures.
My favorite Classic Cheese Board
This classic cheese board has a little something for everyone! I like to fill my cheese boards with sweet, savory, and salty elements to round out the flavors and textures.
Check out this recipe
20
Platter with cheese, apple slices, crackers, and caramel dip
Easy Fall Apple and Cheese Board
How to make a simple Fall Apple and Cheese Board that is perfect as a snack or party platter! This cheese board recipe is so great because it can be served as a light dinner, or as an easy appetizer.
Check out this recipe

Buffalo & Wing Recipes

No game day spread is complete without the classic crowd-pleaser: buffalo chicken and chicken wings! Whether you prefer them crispy, saucy, or somewhere in between, these wing recipes will have your guests talking long after the final whistle blows.

21
garlic parmesan air fryer chicken wings stacked on a plate
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Garlic Parmesan Wings are better than your favorite restaurant wings! Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these wings are a quick and easy entrée, appetizer, or side dish. 
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22
A close-up captures a hand dipping a golden-brown baked hot wings into a bowl of creamy white sauce. Sliced celery sticks sit invitingly in the background on a pristine white plate.
Crispy Baked Hot Wings
Baked hot wings offer a fiery and flavorful experience, combining crispy chicken coated in a spicy sauce, making them a fun and exciting dish.
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23
buffalo sauced cauliflower floret on a golden fork.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These breaded Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are chewy, spicy, and flavorful, making a great appetizer or entrée.
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24
cauliflower wings in a ring around a dish dipping sauce with one on a fork POV dipped in.
Cauliflower Wings 
Cauliflower Wings are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and smothered in buffalo sauce. These irresistible wings are easy to make and bursting with flavor!
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25
chicken wings in the air fryer
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These crispy, juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Wings are great for a busy weeknight or game day snack. The savory seasoning blend ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
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Dips & Spreads That Disappear Fast

The right dip recipe can make or break your game day party, and these creamy, flavorful options are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. From rich cream cheese based dips to zesty spinach artichoke classics, these recipes pair perfectly with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

26
A bowl of creamy Knorr veggie spinach dip sits surrounded by fresh broccoli florets, sliced cucumbers, and baby carrots, all artfully arranged on a platter.
Knorr Veggie Spinach Dip
Make this easy Knorr Veggie Spinach Dip in just 15 minute—perfect for parties, game night, or book club! This creamy dip recipe uses fresh spinach, sour cream, and classic seasonings everyone will love. No cooking required – just mix and serve!
Check out this recipe
27
a white bowl of a taco dip topped with sliced fresh jalapeños and cheese.
Taco Dip 
Taco Dip blends creamy textures with bold, tangy tastes in a perfect harmony! Its simplicity and speed make it a go-to recipe you'll return to over and over.
Check out this recipe
28
top view of carrots in a small bowl of artichoke dip recipe surrounded by other dip vegetables
Artichoke Dip
Easy-to-make Artichoke Dip is the perfect snack or meal time appetizer! The creamy dip balances sweet and savory flavors to create a dish that will be hard to resist. 
Check out this recipe
29
close up of a white baking casserole dish with 7 layer dip
7 Layer Dip
7-layer dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion! With just a handful of ingredients and a prep time of just 15 minutes, this dip will be gone as soon as it hits the table.
Check out this recipe
30
jalapeño popper dip
Jalapeno Popper Dip
Jalapeño Popper Dip is creamy, zesty, and oh-so-cheesy. Packed with minced jalapeños, cream cheese, mayo, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this crowd-pleasing dip is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Check out this recipe
31
picture of a chip being scooped into black bean dip
Healthy Black Bean Dip
Black bean dip that quick easy, healthy, full of fiber, and just stinkin’ delicious.
Check out this recipe
32
loaded baked potato dip in a bowl with potato chips.
Loaded Baked Potato Chip Dip
Loaded Baked Potato Dip made with bacon, sour cream, cheese, and more – perfect for potato chips! This easy dip recipe is great for parties or afternoon munchies.
Check out this recipe
33
Bring the fiesta to your taste buds with this classic rendition of everyone's favorite Bean Dip. Refried beans, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, and green onion meld with taco seasoning and salsa for a festive kick that's sure to impress.
Bean Dip
Bring the fiesta to your taste buds with this classic rendition of everyone's favorite Bean Dip. Refried beans, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, and green onion meld with taco seasoning and salsa for a festive kick that's sure to impress.
Check out this recipe
34
A white bowl of garlic hummus recipe without tahini, garnished with chopped green onions, surrounded by lemon wedges, garlic cloves, carrot sticks, and a bowl of pretzel rods, set on a light countertop with a blue cloth in the background.
Garlic Hummus Recipe Without Tahini
You'll love this delicious Garlic Hummus Recipe Without Tahini that uses creamy avocado instead! A super easy recipe with simple ingredients, this flavorful dip is perfect for snacking, parties, or a healthy lunch option.
Check out this recipe
35
a white bowl with chunky cut tomatoes, onion, herbs in a fresh pico de gallo surrounded by limes
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh salsa made with ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice and is the perfect addition to tacos, grilled meats, salads, or as a chip dip.
Check out this recipe
36
ingredients for homemade ranch dressing mix, spices in individual bowls on a blue and white striped towel set on a metal pan.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Mixing up a batch of Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix is such a simple way to elevate salads, toss together a quick chip and dip plate, or give a personal (and tasty) gift for holidays, hosts, or housewarmings.
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37
blue and yellow corn tortilla chips around a small white bowl of red salsa
Restaurant-Style Salsa
This simple restaurant style salsa comes together with vibrant, fresh ingredients and a food processor for a quick and easy at-home dip!
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38
bowl of hummus with red spice on top
How to Make Hummus
How to make the smoothest hummus using only dried chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and salt! I learned this method in Israel and it's amazing!
Check out this recipe
39
top view of bowl with guacamole and tortilla chips around it
The Best Guacamole Recipe
Classic Guacamole that is simple, delicious and can be made with just a few ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro.
Check out this recipe

Crackers, Chips & Breads For Dips & Snack Trays

The perfect pairing for flavorful dips are these homemade crackers, chips and breadsticks! Don’t worry, they’re all super easy and every one of them can be made ahead and even made in bulk for a crowd.

40
baked cheese crackers in a fish shape on a baking sheet
Cheese Crackers
Cheese Crackers are crispy, golden delights that are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make.
Check out this recipe
41
air fried potato chips in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Potato Chips 
You can make your own batch of Air Fryer Potato Chips with just 3 simple ingredients! These homemade potatoes are crispy, salty, and couldn’t be easier to make. 
Check out this recipe
42
A baking tray with several golden, twisted breadsticks on a blue and tan cloth, next to a jar of seasoning and a bowl of melted butter with a red pastry brush.
Italian Breadsticks {Twisted Breadsticks}
Learn how to make easy Italian Breadsticks at home with this simple recipe. These soft, buttery twisted breadsticks with a homemade garlic and parmesan seasoning are perfect for any meal and will become your family's favorite bread side dish!
Check out this recipe
43
garlic and herb sourdough discard crackers on parchment before baking
Herb and Garlic Sourdough Crackers
Crispy, salty, and flavorful, these fun herb and garlic sourdough crackers hit the spot for an easy snack that you can make right at home!
Check out this recipe
44
round white plate with homemade baked corn tortilla chips with a bowl of salsa in the middle.
Homemade Baked Corn Tortilla Chips
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of Homemade Baked Corn Tortilla Chips, a go-to recipe for perfectly crispy chips that pair wonderfully with any dip!
Check out this recipe
45
Easy Breadsticks Recipe
Light and fluffy breadsticks that are easy to make, easy to cut, and easy to shape; a perfect simple side dish to add to any meal.
Check out this recipe
46
A glass jar filled with garlic parmesan seasoning, showing a blend of fine crumbs and green herbs, placed on a light-colored surface with a soft, blurred background.
Garlic Parmesan Seasoning
Discover how to make the perfect homemade Garlic Parmesan Seasoning with this simple recipe. This versatile blend combines rich parmesan and aromatic garlic for an explosion of flavor that elevates everything from breadsticks to pasta dishes!
Check out this recipe
47
Fathead Cracker Recipe
Quick and easy Fathead Crackers are grain-free, low-carb crackers, gluten-free, and made with mozzarella cheese, cream cheese and almond flour.
Check out this recipe
48
wooden bowl with air fried sweet potato chips.
Easy Sweet Potato Chips 
There is no better snack than crunchy, salty, Sweet Potato Chips! With only a few simple ingredients, these chips will outshine any store bought ones. 
Check out this recipe
49
one bosco stick dipped into a small bowl of red sauce.
Bosco Sticks Recipe
Enjoy these warm, golden Bosco sticks! Filled with cheese and coated in butter and spices, they make a delicious snack or appetizer.
Check out this recipe
50
simple lavish bread crackers on a round plate with a bowl of dip in the middle.
Simple Lavash Crackers
With only a few simple ingredients, you will be able to create the most perfectly crisp and salty Simple Lavash Crackers. Use them for dipping, a snack board, or just a quick snack!
Check out this recipe

Winning Desserts

The desserts on any kind of a buffet may always be the most popular and for good reason! I like to mix a few different desserts when doing a party and tend to go with a cookie, a cookie bar, and some sort of fruit dessert.

51
A square baking pan filled with chocolate oreo brownies topped with broken Oreo cookies, resting on a striped kitchen towel and a wooden cutting board; a knife and a metal spatula are beside the pan.
Oreo Brownies
A true meet-cute of the classic fudge brownie and cream-stuffed Oreos, this is truly the ultimate Oreo Brownies recipe! With layers of fudgy chocolate and crunchy Oreo cookies, this treat is easy to make, perfectly chewy, and absolutely irresistible for any chocolate lover.
Check out this recipe
52
A small plate with three peanut butter chocolate chip cookies sits in the foreground, accompanied by a glass of milk. In the background, more cookies are piled on a larger plate. The scene is set on a light-colored surface.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are the perfect balance of salty and sweet, with a rich, tender center that melts in your mouth. Make a batch when you need a treat that’ll disappear from the cookie jar in record time.
Check out this recipe
53
top view of a sliced fruit pizza with slices of colorful fruit organized in a near mandala design on a round plate
Fruit Pizza
Fruit Pizza is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that showcases seasonal fruits on a cookie crust with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Check out this recipe
54
Perfect Every Time Brownies
This classic brownies recipe is perfectly fudgy, not too rich, and can be made with all kinds of fun mix-ins! With this easy recipe, you'll make Perfect Brownies Every Time!
Check out this recipe
55
A speckled blue baking dish holds a cheater brookies recipe featuring a freshly baked chocolate and cookie crumble dessert. The golden brown cookie topping sits enticingly over the rich, dark chocolate base. This delightful treat rests on a wooden board with a white cloth nearby.
Cheater Brookies Recipe (Chocolate Chip Cookies + Brownies)
Rich, fudgy, and filled with gooey chocolate chips, this cheater Brookies Recipe creates the perfect combination of brownies and cookies! Using a brownie mix and a cookie mix, these brownies-cookies are incredibly easy to whip up in no time.
Check out this recipe
56
close up of four baked brownie cookies in a stack
Brownie Cookies
For fans of fudge brownies, these Brownie Cookies are a must-try! Packed with rich cocoa powder and sweet chocolate chips, each bite is a chocolate lover's delight.
Check out this recipe
57
A baking dish with sliced chocolate chip cookie bars. Several bars are served on a white plate beside the dish. Two glasses of milk sit nearby. A spatula rests in the baking dish. The surface is light and textured.
Original Nestle Toll House Cookie Bars
Nestle Toll House cookie bars are the perfect mix of chewy, gooey, and chocolatey goodness. This easy recipe delivers that classic cookie flavor in a simple, shareable bar—no scooping required!
Check out this recipe
58
fresh fruit atop fruit pizza cookies.
Fruit Pizza Sugar Cookies
Festive fruit pizza sugar cookies are made with super soft sour cream and a simple cream cheese frosting, then piled high with seasonal fruit. YUM!
Check out this recipe
59
Triple Chocolate Brownies
Homemade Triple Chocolate Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream come true! Three types of chocolate make them the BEST rich and fudgey brownies you’ll ever eat.
Check out this recipe
60
A batch of monster cookie bars topped with colorful candy-coated chocolates, cut into squares on parchment paper, with a large knife next to them on a wooden surface.
Monster Cookie Bars
These easy Monster Cookie Bars combine creamy peanut butter, old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms in one delicious sheet pan dessert. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Check out this recipe
61
Three homemade oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and nuts on a decorative white and blue floral plate, placed on a light surface with a checkered cloth and more cookies in the background.
Oatmeal Cowboy Cookies Recipe
These cookies are coming to you from out west – the heart of cowboy country. They are full of all kinds of fun things like dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut all rolled into a perfect oatmeal cookie. A little bit of so many delicious things makes this cookie easy to love and easy to share with friends and neighbors.
Check out this recipe
62
A baking dish with sliced chocolate chip cookie bars. Several bars are served on a white plate beside the dish. Two glasses of milk sit nearby. A spatula rests in the baking dish. The surface is light and textured.
Original Nestle Toll House Cookie Bars
Nestle Toll House cookie bars are the perfect mix of chewy, gooey, and chocolatey goodness. This easy recipe delivers that classic cookie flavor in a simple, shareable bar—no scooping required!
Check out this recipe
63
Easy S’mores Brownies
Quick and easy S’mores brownies using simple ingredients like a brownie mix and Mom’s Best Cereals.
64
Close-up of Reeses Smores Bars on a tray, crowned with a crumbly layer and white icing. One piece is stacked on another, revealing a gooey, layered interior. The golden-brown bars boast visible chunks and a textured surface, capturing the essence of everyones favorite campfire treat.
Reese’s S’mores Bars – Gooey Chocolate & Peanut Butter
S’mores bars include a peanut buttery graham cracker infused cookie-like crust, Reese’s cups, chocolate, and marshmallow all melted together into one incredible dessert. Quick, easy and delicious!
Check out this recipe
65
pin with text that reads chocolate chip cookie cake with a round XL cookie with Happy Birthday decorations
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
An easy and delightful twist on classic cookies: a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie cake that's perfect for any occasion
Check out this recipe
66
pan of peanut butter bars cut into pieces
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut butter cups, move over! These no-bake peanut butter bars have a decadent chocolate topping and the most delicious creamy peanut butter filling that will make all your sweet-tooth dreams come true. And they’re ridiculously easy.
Check out this recipe

FAQs

How far in advance can I prepare game day food?

Most appetizers and dips can be prepared 1-2 days ahead. Wings and other proteins are best prepared the day of, while slow cooker dishes can often be assembled the night before and refrigerated.

How much food should I prepare per person?

Plan for 4-6 appetizer pieces per person per hour, plus 1-2 main dishes. If alcohol is served, increase quantities by 25% as it tends to increase appetite.

What’s the best way to keep food warm during long games?

Use slow cookers on the “warm” setting, chafing dishes, or warming trays. For foods that get soggy when kept warm, consider serving them in smaller batches throughout the game.

More Game Day Recipes To Try

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