10 Crave-Worthy Recipe Ideas for Game Day

Check out 10 game-changing recipe ideas plus a few tips and tricks for a smooth and memorable game day get together.

No matter what team you’re rooting for, there’s one thing everyone can agree on; outstanding game day snacks are a must. And with all the breaks in the game, you’ll need some truly stellar food to entertain your guests between plays. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite game day snacks. Keep reading for 10 delectable dishes that will have people talking more about your game day grub than about the half time show!

But before we get to the good stuff (food!) it’s worth mentioning a few considerations so you aren’t left in a lurch when the big day comes around. Keep reading for a few important game day hosting tips ...

5 Hosting Tips for the Big Day

Pre-game your prep.

This goes for hosting any type of party. Try to get as much done as you can before the day of the party. Don’t wait until the morning of to clean the entire house, decorate the room, and cook five different recipes. Instead, get as much done as you can the night before so you can relax and have fun the day of.

Don’t forget cups, cutlery, plates, etc.

It’s so easy to get caught up in figuring out the menu that it’s easy to forget the obvious. After all, you may have the best game day casserole in town, but if there’s no dishware, what was it all for? So make sure you have everything you need for your snacks and meals.

Consider seating.

Are there enough seats to accommodate the number of guests you’ve invited? Will it be comfortable for long stretches of time? Can everyone see the screen from where they are? They are there to watch the game, after all. So figure out seating before you have a house full of people standing around with nowhere to sit.

Think of the kids.

Maybe you have kids of your own, and some of your guests may have theirs in tow. Consider setting up a separate kids area with toys, books, snacks, and even some game day crafts. That way the kids can get in on the fun and the adults can focus on the game.

Consider a pot luck.

Everyone loves when a host provides a great appetizer or main dish, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Throw a pot luck and let everyone choose what dish to bring. Trust us, some people have been waiting all year for an excuse to whip out their famous mac n’ cheese recipe.

And that brings us to what we’ve all been waiting for – game day food ideas that will have your guests asking for the recipe before the day is over.

10 Game Day Recipe Ideas

1. Homemade Chili

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of homemade chili, especially in the colder months. Try this hearty recipe for an easy game day meal you can batch prep beforehand.

2. 7 Layer Dip

7 layer dip is a classic, and it’s a classic for a reason. This creamy crowd-pleaser isn’t only tasty – using the right glass dish can also make this colorful dip the perfect centerpiece for your spread.

3. Chicken Wings

Chicken wings make the perfect finger food to dip in some ranch or buffalo sauce and cooked up in a plethora of ways. Bake them in the oven, air fry them, or even pull out the smoker like this one for some seriously moist and flavorful wings. Or try these mouthwatering chicken wings for rave reviews.

4. Pulled Pork Sliders

Pulled pork is definitely a crowd-pleaser. And the only thing better than a pulled pork sandwich on game day is a bite-sized pulled pork slider version you can grab between plays.

5. Loaded Potato Skins

These loaded potato skin appetizers are crisp, delicious, and full of cheese and bacon. Need we say more? Plus, they’re quick and easy to make for hosts who don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. You can even cook these up on the grill for that perfect lightly browned finish.

6. Fresh Caprese Skewers

Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you. These caprese skewers offer a freshness that balances out a menu with some heavier items on it. Plus, skewers are just plain fun to eat!

7. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Pizza is always a go-to when it comes to a fast and easy dish you know everyone will love. But put away the pepperoni and forget delivery. Kick your game day pizza up a notch with this homemade BBQ chicken pizza recipe. This can be made in the oven or on a pizza stone for a perfectly crisp crust!

8. Game Day Charcuterie Board

Can’t decide on just one food? Everyone knows a good charcuterie board is the star of the show at any get together. Give your board a game day twist and get inspired by these football-themed charcuterie boards.

9. Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Do your guests like a little spice? Add some jalapeño poppers to your menu. These bacon-wrapped poppers are perfectly savory, a little tangy, and plenty cheesy.

10. Mini Tacos

Everyone loves tacos. Try these mini tacos for a delicious and easy to grab mini version of this fan-favorite!

Conclusion

From fresh caprese skewers to spicy jalapeño poppers to mouth-watering pulled pork sliders, this line-up of game day recipe ideas is sure to have something everyone will love. Try one or all of them to make your game day a little more special while keeping your hungry guests satisfied.