Good game day recipes are essential for a winning big game party. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just a few die-hard fans, this collection has everything you need to keep the party going from kickoff to the final whistle!
Game day is here, and that means one thing—amazing food! Whether you're hosting a big watch party or just enjoying the game with family, having a spread of delicious, crowd-pleasing eats is a must. Two all-time favorites—buffalo chicken and pizza—are always a hit, but why stop there? This collection of 30 game day recipes has everything you need to keep your guests satisfied from the coin toss to the last play.
Jump to:
- Tips for selecting food for a big game day party
- Winning Game Day Snacks and Appetizers
- Sugared Pecans
- Sesame Seed Wonton Crackers
- Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
- Loaded Tater Tot Cups
- Brandy Meatballs
- Herb and Cheese Wonton Crackers
- Pulled Pork Potato Skin Bites
- Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites
- Sweet Garlic Meatballs
- Buffalo Chicken Mini Burgers
- Hearty dishes and fresh salads for game day
- Boozy French Dips
- Arugula Prosciutto Pizza
- 5 Ingredient Tortellini Salad
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Portobello Mushroom Pizzas
- Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
- Spicy Sausage Arugula Pizza
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Sandwiches
- Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
- Indulgent sweet treats for game day
- Brownie Bites
- Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes
- Mini Puff Pastry Apple Tart
- Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies
- Butterscotch Cake with Chocolate Butterscotch Frosting
- Easy Lemon Bars
- Pecan Shortbread Cookies
- Puff Pastry Peach Tartlets
- Chocolate Cupcakes - Butterless
- Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes for you to try!
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
From appetizers & snacks to hearty entrees & fresh salads, and of course, sweet treats to finish it off, this lineup has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving savory appetizer bites, hearty sandwiches, homemade pizza, refreshing salads, or indulgent desserts, we’ve got you covered. So get ready to host the ultimate game day party with recipes that are easy, delicious, and sure to be a winning play!
Tips for selecting food for a big game day party
Planning the perfect game day menu is all about ease, safety, variety, inclusivity, and serving. Here are five key guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Keep It Easy
You don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else enjoys the game. Choose foods that can be fully or partially prepared in advance. Crockpots, slow cookers, and easy-to-assemble dishes are great options that minimize last-minute stress.
2. Ensure Food Stays Safe
Keeping food at the right temperature is essential. Hot foods should stay hot, using crockpots, warming trays, or chafing dishes. Cold foods should stay cold, using ice packs, chilled serving dishes, or smaller portions that can be replenished frequently.
3. Accommodate Dietary Restrictions
Offer a variety of foods to cater to different dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. At the same time, make sure to include crowd favorites like buffalo chicken and meatballs for those who love classic game day flavors.
4. Provide a Variety of Options
A long game means different cravings at different times—from light snacking to heartier meals and sweet treats. Aim for a well-rounded selection:
- Snack foods – Nuts, dips, chips, veggies
- Hearty, filling dishes – Sandwiches, pizza, sliders
- Healthier options – Salads, fresh veggies
- Sweet treats – Cookies, brownies, cupcakes
5. Make it Easy to Serve and Eat
At most football viewing parties, guests are usually standing or sitting with their plates in hand, eating while watching the game. Make sure there's enough table space for all the food plus the equipment to keep it hot or cold. Also, think about how easy it is for guests to eat—choose finger foods, toothpicks, or easy-to-handle dishes that don’t require knives. Keep it simple!
With these guidelines, you’ll have a stress-free, crowd-pleasing menu that keeps everyone happy from kickoff to the final whistle!
Add some favorite dips to your game day buffet.
12 Favorite Game Day Dip Recipes
Winning Game Day Snacks and Appetizers
Sugared Pecans
These sweet pecans have a hint of cinnamon and cloves for a perfect addition to your game day buffet. Make extra - it's impossible to eat just one!
Sesame Seed Wonton Crackers
These sesame seed wonton crackers are a quick, easy, and crispy snack! Perfect for pairing with your favorite dip or adding to a cheese board, they’re a must-try for any occasion!
Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
We've wrapped all the delicious flavors of the classic jalapeño popper appetizer in a wonton wrapper to make these mini jalapeño popper egg rolls! Easy to make and fun to eat, they'll score big at your big game party!
Loaded Tater Tot Cups
These bite-sized loaded tater tot cups are ready in just 30 minutes! A fun, mess-free way to enjoy loaded tots, they're the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next big game party!
Brandy Meatballs
These Brandy Cocktail Meatballs are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd favorite! They’re a must-have for your football watch party!
Herb and Cheese Wonton Crackers
These herb and cheese wonton crackers are quick, easy, and deliciously crispy! Perfect for your cheese board, a snack, or pairing with your favorite dip, they’re a must-have for game day—and they’re vegetarian!
Pulled Pork Potato Skin Bites
Pulled pork and potato skins come together in these homemade pulled pork potato skins—a perfect game day comfort food! Loaded with tender pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and sour cream, they’re sure to be a hit at your big game party!
Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites
The creamy comfort of mac and cheese meets the bold kick of jalapeño poppers in these irresistible bites! Baked in mini muffin tins, they're the perfect game day snack for your party spread.
Sweet Garlic Meatballs
These sweet garlic meatballs deliver the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more! A quick and comforting addition to your game day spread, they're ready in just 30 minutes!
Buffalo Chicken Mini Burgers
Buffalo wings meet bite-sized burgers in these Buffalo Chicken Mini Burgers! Packed with zesty buffalo flavor, served on a stick, and absolutely adorable, they’re a guaranteed showstopper for your game day spread!
Hearty dishes and fresh salads for game day
Boozy French Dips
These easy slow cooker French dips are perfect for a make-ahead game day dish. Featuring delicious slow cooker caramelized onions and a cozy au jus broth for dipping!
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Arugula Prosciutto Pizza
This easy prosciutto pizza with arugula is made with your choice of homemade or store-bought pizza dough, topped with fresh mozzarella and drizzled with a quick balsamic reduction—a deliciously simple addition to your game day spread!
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
5 Ingredient Tortellini Salad
Boost your game day spread with this quick and easy cold tortellini salad! Bursting with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, zesty pesto, and peppery arugula, this simple pasta salad is a refreshing buffet addition. Vegetarian.
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Slow cooker barbecue chicken sandwiches are a game day must-serve! Pair with a store-bought coleslaw mix for a quick and easy way to add veggies to your spread.
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Portobello Mushroom Pizzas
These baked portobello mushroom pizzas use large portobello mushroom caps instead of pizza crust for a quick and easy pizza with plenty of veggies! Topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato, and fresh basil. Vegetarian.
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Enhance your game day menu with lemon orzo pasta salad! Prepare it a day in advance for a stress-free game day. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant salad is a refreshing buffet addition. Vegan.
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Spicy Sausage Arugula Pizza
This easy spicy sausage pizza is perfect for game day! Use homemade pizza dough and sauce or grab pre-made versions at the store to save time. Topped with a quick lemon arugula salad. Ready in 30 minutes!
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Whip up this spinach and strawberry salad in under 10 minutes! Topped with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it's a refreshing and vegetarian-friendly addition to your game day menu.
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Sandwiches
This easy slow cooker pesto chicken recipe requires just a few ingredients to create a deliciously filling chicken Caprese sandwich! Set up a build-your-own sandwich bar for your crowd, making it the perfect choice for game day!
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad is the perfect addition to your game day spread! With homemade kale pesto, crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes, this Caprese pasta salad is a crowd favorite that’s sure to impress!
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Indulgent sweet treats for game day
Brownie Bites
These rich, fudgy brownies are the ultimate game day treat—gooey, chocolatey perfection in every bite! With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent flavor, they’re the ideal sweet snack to satisfy your cravings during the big game.
Lemon Vanilla Cupcakes
These easy lemon vanilla cupcakes are the perfect sweet treat for your game day spread! With a light, fluffy crumb and a zesty punch of lemon flavor, each cupcake is topped with a creamy vanilla and lemon buttercream frosting that will have everyone reaching for more.
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Mini Puff Pastry Apple Tart
Put a fun twist on the classic apple pie with these mini puff pastry apple tarts—a game day treat that’s sure to WOW your guests! These individual-sized tarts are easy to eat, perfectly bursting with flavor, and absolutely adorable—a must-have addition to your game day spread!
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies
These chewy salted dark chocolate olive oil cookies are a game day game-changer! Made with dark chocolate, olive oil, and flaky sea salt, they’re the perfect butter-free treat for satisfying your sweet tooth during the big game!
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Butterscotch Cake with Chocolate Butterscotch Frosting
Score big with this easy butterscotch cake—a moist, rich cake topped with a decadent butterscotch and chocolate frosting that's packed with flavor! It's the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for your game day celebration.
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Easy Lemon Bars
These homemade lemon bars are a game day must-try, made with just 5 simple ingredients! With a crispy shortbread crust and a creamy, tart lemon filling, they’re the perfect sweet indulgence for your celebration.
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
These easy pecan shortbread cookies are a delicious game day treat! With a perfect balance of buttery flavor, crisp texture, and toasted pecans, they’re a winning addition to your spread.
Puff Pastry Peach Tartlets
These mini peach pastry squares are a delicious and impressive game day treat! Made with frozen puff pastry, they’re as beautiful as they are tasty—perfect for adding a sweet touch to your spread. Vegetarian.
Chocolate Cupcakes - Butterless
These butterless chocolate cupcakes made with coconut oil and topped with rich chocolate frosting are a game day favorite—deliciously moist and full of flavor!
Recipe & Photo: Life As A Strawberry
Easy Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
This chocolate chip shortbread cookie combines the best of both worlds—buttery shortbread and chocolate chips—for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat. With just 4 ingredients, it’s a delicious bite for your game day spread!
Frequently Asked Questions
For a 3-4 hour buffet-style party with 10-15 guests, we recommend having 5-8 options. This can include 2-3 snack items (chips, dips, nuts), 2-3 heartier choices (sandwiches, pizza, salads), and 2-3 sweet treats. Adjust the number of options based on guest count, time of day, and party length. Cheese and charcuterie boards are great for both smaller and larger groups!
For your perfect game day menu remember the five key tips discussed above; ease, safety, variety, inclusivity, and serving. Also take into account what your set up is, football viewing parties happen with people holding plates around a TV, not sitting at a table with utensils. So, keep your selections easy to eat.
We hope you loved this guide to game day recipes! If you have any questions, drop a comment below. For more recipe ideas, visit Appetizer Bliss.
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