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Home » Game Day Recipes

Published: Sep 14, 2019 · Modified: Sep 9, 2023 by Eden Westbrook · This post may contain affiliate links

50+ Amazing Game Day Recipes

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Get ready to elevate your game day experience with these incredible tailgate food ideas! Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just enjoy the excitement of game day, having the perfect spread of delicious food is essential.

From finger foods to hearty dishes, we've got you covered with the best tailgating and super bowl party-worthy recipes to keep you and your guests well-fed and satisfied throughout the day.

This post may contain Affiliate Links. Please see my Full Disclosure Policy for more details.

Jump to:
  • Get Ready to Cheer for your Team with an Awesome Spread!
  • The Ultimate Big Game Day Party Recipes
  • Easy Shareable Appetizers
  • Roast Beef Sliders
  • Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs
  • Beef Nachos Supreme
  • Soft And Chewy Pretzel Bites
  • Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
  • Coconut Shrimp + Dipping Sauce
  • Football Charcuterie Board
  • Sloppy Joe Sliders
  • Dips and Sauces
  • Garlic Butter Sauce for Seafood
  • Mango Pico de Gallo
  • The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
  • 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
  • Cold Jalapeno Popper Dip
  • Pineapple Habanero Salsa
  • Easy Garlic Aioli from Scratch
  • Avocado Lime Crema
  • The Best-Ever Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip
  • Hatch Green Chile Queso Dip with Chorizo and Mushrooms
  • Football Cheese Ball
  • Delish Desserts
  • Plain Milk Barfi (Indian Milk Fudge)
  • Game Day Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball
  • Magnolia Table Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Mixed Berry Trifles with Butter Cake
  • No-Bake Football Character Cookies
  • Football Whoopie Pies Recipe
  • Crowd Pleasing Mains Dishes
  • Smoked Brisket Sandwiches
  • Seafood Boil in a Bag
  • Birria Tacos with Consommé
  • Healthy Crockpot Chicken Chili Recipe
  • Grinder Sandwich
  • Nashville Hot Chicken
  • Smoked Brisket Tacos
  • Dorito Casserole
  • Game Day Drinks
  • The BEST Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
  • Lemonade Iced Tea (Arnold Palmer Drink)
  • Vodka Party Punch
  • Sparkling Tuscan Lemonade
  • Spicy Bloody Mary with Bacon
  • Pink Starburst Shots
  • Texas Ranch Water
  • Brazilian Limeade
  • Jameson Green Tea Shot
  • Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
  • On the Grill/Smoker
  • Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
  • Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
  • Grilled Chicken Legs
  • Best Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
  • Smoked Tri Tip
  • Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
  • Beer Brats Recipe
  • Epic Wings
  • Lemon Pepper Wet Wings
  • Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub Chicken Wings
  • Garlic Parmesan Wings
  • Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
  • Guava BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Crispy Oven Baked Cajun BBQ Wings

Get Ready to Cheer for your Team with an Awesome Spread!

No game day party is complete without a fantastic recipe collection that will wow your friends and family. We understand the importance of having food that not only tastes amazing but is also easy to prepare and serve.

So, we've scoured the internet and tested countless recipes to curate over 50 tailgating and game day recipes that will take your game day festivities to the next level!

One of the key aspects of a successful tailgate is having a variety of finger foods that are easy to eat while cheering on your team.

a hand lifting a sloppy joe slider from a baking dish

Whether it's crispy lemon pepper chicken wings with a tangy, buttery sauce, loaded nachos with all the fixings, or mini sliders with juicy roast beef, these super bowl-ready recipes will undoubtedly be crowd favorites.

These bite-sized treats not only pack a punch of flavor but also allow you to socialize and enjoy the game without the hassle of utensils. However, we also understand that a game day party requires more than just finger foods.

That's why we've included a selection of the best tailgate recipes that will satisfy even the hungriest football fan! From flavorful chili, to juicy grinder sandwiches, a fun football-shaped cheesecake ball, and tasty guacamole, our recipe collection has something for everyone.

  • Grinder Sandwich (TikTok Viral Recipe)
  • 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
  • a view of atlanta lemon pepper wet wings in a bowl with lemon wedges
    The Best Lemon Pepper Wet Wings
  • side view of roast beef sliders stacked on on a wood tray
    Roast Beef Slider Recipe

These dishes are not only delicious but can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game!

If you are ready for epic tailgating recipes, look at these game day appetizers, party-ready drinks, and my ultimate list of super bowl-worthy dips!

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The Ultimate Big Game Day Party Recipes

Easy Shareable Appetizers

Get your game face on with our irresistible appetizers for a crowd-pleasing football party. From nachos to sliders, these game day appetizers are sure to score big with your guests!

Roast Beef Sliders

These drippy, cheesy roast beef sliders are the perfect appetizer for entertaining! Made with layers of roast beef, a creamy garlic aioli spread, then brushed with a flavor-packed butter sauce and baked to golden brown perfection. All served with a rich au jus that will blow your guests mind.

Photo Credit: petersfoodadventures.com

Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs

Jalapeno Deviled Eggs is the perfect bite size, hand held, spicy appetizer. These spicy devilled eggs pack a punch! Made with 3 types of jalapeño peppers, they'll be the hit of your party!

Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com

Beef Nachos Supreme

This oven baked beef nachos supreme recipe is fully loaded with veggies, ground beef, cheese, and refried beans for the ultimate appetizer or meal for game day, parties, and everything in between in less than 30 minutes! 

Photo Credit: thebellyrulesthemind.net

Soft And Chewy Pretzel Bites

Slightly crisp on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside, they are everything you’d expect from your favorite soft pretzel shop and perfect for dunking into cheese or your favorite sauce.

Photo Credit: inkristaskitchen.com

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are filled with thin sliced ribeye steak, onions, bell peppers, garlic and provolone cheese then fried to crispy perfection.

Coconut Shrimp + Dipping Sauce

Crowd-pleasing coconut shrimp are crispy little bites of golden-brown deep-fried goodness with juicy jumbo shrimp inside. This recipe is super easy, quick to whip up, and there's the tangy, sweet, and savory coconut shrimp sauce that everyone loves.

Photo Credit: www.troprockin.com

Football Charcuterie Board

This Football Charcuterie Board is the perfect addition to any game day celebration! Packed full of delicious meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and a football-themed cheese ball, this game day charcuterie board will go a long way in feeding your guests.

Photo Credit: www.yourhomemadehealthy.com

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Satisfy your semi-healthy cravings with these turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders. They're the perfect size for sharing and are hot and ready to eat in under an hour! 

Dips and Sauces

Spice up your Super Bowl party with these crowd-pleasing dips - the MVPs of game day snacking

Garlic Butter Sauce for Seafood

This creamy lemon garlic butter sauce is decadent, rich, and incredibly easy to make. It holds so much flavor with fresh garlic, lemon zest, and plenty of good quality butter, it's a great dipping sauce for seafood and shellfish.

Mango Pico de Gallo

This homemade mango pico de gallo recipe is a fun tropical twist on the classic salsa that is the perfect side dish to any summer meal. This colorful salsa has the perfect balance of sweet mango flavor, tangy lime juice, and a kick of spice from our fresh chilies and will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is everyone’s favorite game day made with juicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, hot sauce, and loads of cheese.

Photo Credit: thetoastykitchen.com

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

The everything bagel cheese ball is a super simple recipe that's great for a chill game day hangout. You whip up this bomb cheese ball with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and some of that amazing everything bagel seasoning to amp up the flavor. So yummy!

4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe

This is my all-time crowd pleasing 4 ingredient guacamole recipe! So simple, yet it's perfect for dipping tortilla chips into, topping a juicy burger with, or even spreading on toast. The kids love it, the grown-ups love it, it's the perfect snack!

Photo Credit: funmoneymom.com

Cold Jalapeno Popper Dip

This Cold Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon is creamy and cheesy with a delicious spicy kick. A perfect blend of jalapenos, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and savory bacon makes this the ultimate party appetizer.

Photo Credit: twocloveskitchen.com

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

This delicious roasted pineapple habanero salsa is a perfect blend of sweet, heat, and acid.

Easy Garlic Aioli from Scratch

My easy aioli recipe is made with an immersion blender, a much easier way to get that perfect, creamy consistency. Whip up this easy garlic aioli sauce to dip, schmear, and top any dish. It's a creamy sauce that packs a ton of flavor with fresh lemon and punchy garlic and goes well with just about anything!

Avocado Lime Crema

If you're a fan of guacamole, then you're in for a real treat with this Avocado Lime Crema. It's creamy with a tangy flavor, and it's so easy to whip up in just a few minutes with a few simple ingredients!

Photo Credit: xoxobella.com

The Best-Ever Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

If you’re looking for a chip dip, this will definitely add a splash of colour to the plate. There are quite a few ingredients you need to combine for this but, trust me, it’s so worth it! 

Photo Credit: streetsmartnutrition.com

Hatch Green Chile Queso Dip with Chorizo and Mushrooms

Look no further for your new favorite game day appetizer, it’s this Hatch Green Chile Queso recipe! It’s blended with chorizo and mushrooms for plenty of spicy, savory flavors.

Photo Credit: bestappetizers.com

Football Cheese Ball

This football shaped cheese ball recipe, it’s always a hit! Cheese + Bacon = WINNER!

Delish Desserts

Photo Credit: masalaandchai.com

Plain Milk Barfi (Indian Milk Fudge)

This is one of the most popular Indian mithais that melts into your mouth! It's perfect for celebrating special occasions, this sweet milk dessert has texture that is similar to a fudge with luxurious saffron and cardamom.

Photo Credit: belleofthekitchen.com

Game Day Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball

This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball is the perfect appetizer for game day snacking! Wow your guests with this easy, yummy treat!

Magnolia Table Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chocolate chip cookies from Joanna Gaines' cookbook Magnolia Table are simply amazing! Thick and chewy with perfectly crisp edges, they are a serious contender for the perfect chocolate chip cookie.

Photo Credit: britneybreaksbread.com

Mixed Berry Trifles with Butter Cake

Mixed Berry Trifles with Butter Cake is a refreshing dessert, layered with fresh berries, butter cake, and whipped cream!

Photo Credit: intelligentdomestications.com

No-Bake Football Character Cookies

These football cookies will be a big hit at any tailgating party! They are easy to make and no baking is involved.

Photo Credit: www.barleyandsage.com

Football Whoopie Pies Recipe

These chocolate football shaped whoopie pies are the perfect game-day treat! They're filled with marshmallow fluff buttercream and are as easy to make as they are adorable! Best of all, they come together in just 30 minutes.

Crowd Pleasing Mains Dishes

Elevate your tailgate party with these amazing football dinner recipes. Get ready for a game-day feast that will impress all your guests.

Smoked Brisket Sandwiches

A mouthwatering BBQ beef brisket sandwich that's a delicious and easy game day or tailgating dish with tangy coleslaw and crunchy pickles.

Seafood Boil in a Bag

My recipe for baking a seafood boil in a bag is an easy way to enjoy it with simple steps, great flavor, and super easy cleanup! Perfect for those of us who grew up eating these at every gathering.

Birria Tacos with Consommé

Birria Tacos are juicy, cheesy, crispy, and incredibly popular! Birria de res stew is slow cooked with spices and chiles, shredded and put into corn tortillas with cilantro, onion, and Oaxaca cheese, and fried in a pan until crispy, melty, and absolutely delicious. Don't forget the consomme dipping sauce, it's bursting with rich, savory flavor.

Photo Credit: joyfoodsunshine.com

Healthy Crockpot Chicken Chili Recipe

 This recipe for chicken chili in a slow cooker is a piece of cake to whip up and it's a scrumptious, good-for-you dish that can feed a bunch of people. Packed with vegetables, fiber, and protein, this chicken chili can even be frozen for later. I whip up this chicken chili recipe every game day. 

Grinder Sandwich

This is the best version of the tiktok famous grinder sandwich, with tons of italian seasoning, a variety of meats, crunchy tangy salad, and classic italian sub dressing. It's one of my family's favorite sandwich recipes and I know it'll be yours as well!

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Chicken is spicy and flavorful at every bite. Serve it with lots of pickles on slices of white bread to sop up the extra sauce. Add fries and a refreshing beverage to make it a complete meal. 

Smoked Brisket Tacos

If you've got some leftover smoked brisket in your fridge, we've got the perfect solution for you - smoked brisket tacos! Tender, smoky brisket piled high onto a soft tortilla with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Photo Credit: grandbaby-cakes.com

Dorito Casserole

This Dorito casserole is filled with layers of nacho Doritos, ground beef, red and green salsa, and shredded cheese, then baked until golden and melty.

Game Day Drinks

Discover the perfect beverages to kick off your tailgate party or homegating experience. From refreshing mocktails to spirited cocktails, quench your thirst while cheering for your team.

The BEST Vodka Strawberry Lemonade

Nothing says party time like vodka strawberry lemonade cocktails! These refreshing drinks are perfect for dining al fresco, and are sure to please everyone at your next tailgating party. They are easy to make, and can be tailored to fit your taste preferences.

Lemonade Iced Tea (Arnold Palmer Drink)

Made with half lemonade, half sweet tea, the Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic beverage that is so refreshing on a hot day!

Photo Credit: www.missinthekitchen.com

Vodka Party Punch

Vodka Party Punch is a simple fruit punch for parties and celebrations. Easy to make ahead in a large batch and can even be frozen for a slushie cocktail. 

Sparkling Tuscan Lemonade

This Sparkling Tuscan Lemonade is a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic lemonade with the addition of a really easy lemon simple syrup with fresh thyme and rosemary.

Photo Credit: scarlatifamilykitchen.com

Spicy Bloody Mary with Bacon

This is the BEST spicy bloody mary with bacon! Made from scratch, this easy recipe includes a chili salt rim and and twisted bacon garnish.

Pink Starburst Shots

These pink starburst shots are sweet, creamy, and are made with only 4 simple ingredients. These sweet shots taste just like strawberry starburst candy!

Photo Credit: casualfoodist.com

Texas Ranch Water

This drink is a classic in West Texas and is gaining popularity throughout bars (and social media) throughout the rest of the country. Citrusy and refreshing; it’s no surprise that ranch water has become popular with cowboys, hipsters and everyone in between!

Brazilian Limeade

Brazilian Limeade is a creamy, refreshing addition to Taco Tuesday with only 4 simple ingredients!

Jameson Green Tea Shot

Looking for a fun and easy cocktail recipe? Look no further than the green tea shot! This whiskey-based drink is perfect for parties or any other occasion. Best of all, it's simple to make - just follow these easy steps.

Watermelon Vodka Cocktail

Vodka Watermelon Cocktails are the best refreshing drink, and this recipe is ready for your next tailgating party! Tangy lime juice helps balance the sweet watermelon for the best flavor you could ask for from a summer cocktail. 

On the Grill/Smoker

These recipes are excellent to throw on the grill or in the smoker at your tailgate!

Photo Credit: www.fattybuttsbbq.com

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

The mild spice of the jalapeño, filled with a flavorful cheese blend, and wrapped in savory bacon is something that just can’t be beat! Try these smoked jalapeno poppers at your next party or tailgate and watch them disappear before your eyes.

Photo Credit: quichemygrits.com

Smoked Queso Dip Recipe

Whether you’re hosting a big outdoor party or watching the game with friends, this Smoked Queso recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It's the ultimate party dip!

Photo Credit: disheswithdad.com

Grilled Chicken Legs

These grilled chicken legs are marinated, then grilled and basted in barbecue sauce for a quick and tasty game day dish.

Best Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

If you're tired of the same old tacos and want to mix things up, then you have to try this grilled fish taco recipe with homemade mango salsa! The combination of perfectly grilled flaky white fish and sweet 'n' spicy mango salsa is a match made in heaven.

Smoked Tri Tip

The Santa Maria steak that is a West Coast crowd pleaser, this smoked tri-tip recipe is juicy, flavorful, and is going to be your new tailgating go-to!

Photo Credit: burrataandbubbles.com

Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

After cooking low and slow for the perfect smoky flavor, these wings are blasted with a blaze of heat to ensure you get that crispy skin everyone loves — talk about one crowd-pleasing party snack!

Photo Credit: www.fromvalerieskitchen.com

Beer Brats Recipe

This Beer Brats recipe cooks on the grill in one pan from start to finish. Grilled bratwurst with tangy sauerkraut piled on toasted buns are the perfect choice for tailgating.

Epic Wings

Impress your friends at the next tailgate party with our delicious game day chicken wings!

Lemon Pepper Wet Wings

Crispy, tangy, juicy lemon pepper wings the way I learned to make them in Atlanta: fried with a zesty lemon pepper seasoned flour and tossed in lemon pepper wet sauce, made with fresh lemon juice and zest. A perfect game day appetizer!

Photo Credit: ramshacklepantry.com

Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub Chicken Wings

This Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub Chicken Wings Recipe is wing perfection and is great for a perfect game-day appetizer or whenever the itch for some tasty wings strikes. 

Garlic Parmesan Wings

Crispy air fryer garlic parmesan wings are so easy to make in less than 30 minutes. They're tossed in an absolutely delicious garlic and parmesan sauce that is super buttery and delish, it's the perfect party appetizer for game day.

Photo Credit: pinchandswirl.com

Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings

This may be the easiest and most delicious buffalo wing recipe ever! Serve these with carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese dip.

Photo Credit: senseandedibility.com

Guava BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A sweet and savory BBQ sauce tossed over marinated wings is ready in a flash with the help of an air fryer.

Photo Credit: britneybreaksbread.com

Crispy Oven Baked Cajun BBQ Wings

Cajun BBQ Wings are coated in a flavorful dry rub and oven-baked for a deliciously crispy chicken that is then tossed in barbecue sauce. 

Eden Westbrook

Eden Westbrook is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Sweet Tea and Thyme. A classically trained chef, Eden has inspired home cooks into the kitchen with cultural comfort foods, easy family-friendly eats and sweets, and glorious spreads for date night and entertaining since 2015.

www.sweetteaandthyme.com

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  1. Fitoru keto says

    November 22, 2019 at 8:52 am

    Just by looking at the pictures really made me hungry. Can't wait to try these someday. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Dannii says

    September 19, 2019 at 11:07 am

    What an awesome selection. I can't wait to give lots of them a try.

    Reply

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I'm a mom, a wife, a classically trained chef, a believer, and lover of good butter living in the Virginia Countryside with my family.

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