Game Day Grub: The Ultimate List of Football Food Ideas

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In need of some great game day food ideas? We’ve got you covered with football party food inspiration from the first kickoff to the final touchdown.

brushing marinade on Honey bbq chicken wings, one of our favorite gameday recipes

Plan your game-day menu with these delicious recipe ideas! 🏈

Are you ready for the big game? We’ve got ya covered with tons of fantastic football food ideas! From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got it all!

There’s nothing like watching the biggest football game of the year while enjoying delicious food with your family!

Start out with these yummy game day dips:

4 cheese dip appetizer on pan - gameday food

4 Different Cheese Dips on 1 Sheet Pan

Why have one when you can have FOUR dips for your football-watching party?! Please any crowd with this oversized and abundant sheet pan dip idea — dippers included!


Velveeta Queso Dip

Yep, more CHEESE! Keep things simple with this classic queso recipe (and bookmark it whenever you’re in a pinch for a staple appetizer recipe!)


Mexican Street Corn Dip

Basic can be boring. Turn up the flavor with our yummy Mexican Street Corn Dip. The lime and cilantro flavors really make it pop!


touchdown taco dip with chips

Baked Taco Dip

No fiesta is complete without a spicy and savory taco-inspired snack! You may even have all these ingredients on hand already for this football food idea. 🙌


Blue Cheese Creamy French Onion Dip

Calling all blue cheese lovers! This tasty French onion dip tastes amazing with your favorite potato chips. Serve this football food idea at your next party if you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer.


Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you need a crowd-pleasing dish this football season, you can’t go wrong with this tried and true recipe. If you want to jazz up your presentation, try serving your Buffalo chicken dip in a bread bowl.


hand dipping a broccoli floret into low carb keto ranch dip

Keto Ranch Dip

Keep it low carb with this delicious homemade keto ranch dip. It’s super easy to whip up and can be ready in just 5 minutes!


Keto Pimento Cheese Dip

Low-carb lovers will rejoice when this cheesy dip is served. Put out a bowl of pork rinds or keto veggies and no one will realize their snack is full of flavor without the carbs!


Keto Dill Dip

Bored of classic ranch dip? Make this 5 minute dill dip instead! This recipe can be made using pantry staples and it’s a favorite of Hip2Save’s Lina and Rachel.


a bowl of avocado feta salsa dip which is perfect for a game day party

Fresh Avocado Feta Salsa

Looking for a creative dip to serve on game day? Look no further than our avocado and feta dish. This refreshing salsa is a touchdown!


Homemade Guacamole

Simple recipes can be a smash and this yummy guacamole is no exception! This easy recipe is a welcome addition to any football party. 🥑


Jalapeño Popper Dip

Want to spice up your gameday food selection? Your guests might just tackle each other to get the last bite of this delicious jalapeño popper dip. We love that this recipe calls for only a few common ingredients like mayonnaise and cream cheese.


pizza dip in a pan

Layered Melted Pizza Dip

Pizza is one of the most common football food ideas. Make your party stand out with this highly-rated dip that puts a spin on a classic!


Parmesan Artichoke Dip

Looking for a quick game day food idea? Parmesan artichoke dish is always a hit and our recipe only uses 4 ingredients!


Keto Spinach Artichoke Dip

Grab your instant pot and make this keto spinach artichoke dip for your Game Day party. It’s a creamy, cheesy crowdpleaser that goes fast, but if by some miracle you do have dip left after the party, you can look forward to it tasting just as awesome the next day!


swiss cheese bacon dip

Swiss Cheese Bacon Dip

Are you out of recipe ideas and need a Hail Mary? This crave-worthy recipe will come to the rescue. This bacon with Swiss cheese dip is so popular that we never seem to have any left after the game! 😋


Warm Bacon Cheese Keto Dip

If you prefer cheddar over Swiss cheese, try this warm bacon dip at your game day party. It’s a low carb recipe that everyone seems to love and you can have it on the table in just 10 minutes.


Restaurant Style White Queso Dip

Break out the tortilla chips and get to snacking on this scrumptious white queso dip that tastes just like it does in the restaurant!


Keto Queso Dip

Just because you’re watching your carbs doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. Join in on the football food feast with this keto-friendly queso dip!


Crockpot with aluminum foil divider to make two dips at a time.

If you’re serving multiple gameday dips but don’t own more than one slow cooker to keep them warm, no worries!

This life-changing Crock-Pot hack from Reynold’s Kitchens uses aluminum foil and slow cooker liners to create a divider inside your slow cooker, enabling you to cook two dips simultaneously. Genius!


Up next: appetizers and handhelds – the ultimate gameday foods!

air fryer empanadas

Air Fryer Empanadas

Wow your guests with this homemade empanadas recipe! These empanadas look intricate, but they’re easy to make! Stuff them with ground beef or turkey based on your preference.


Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball

Score some compliments when you serve this tasty cheeseball. This ultimate football food idea combines bacon, cheese, and jalapeño for the win! 🏆


Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Own an air fryer? You can whip up these yummy jalapeño poppers using just 3 ingredients! It’s the perfect fast and keto-friendly recipe for a football party!


Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Is it a stretch to think this poppable gameday appetizer looks like mini footballs? You just need bacon, Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper. Spear them on toothpicks for the perfect handheld appetizer! 🥓


Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffed With Cheese and Jalepeños

Can’t choose between sausage or bacon? Now you don’t have to! This meat-lovers delight will keep your guests satiated as they watch their favorite football team try to win the game.


Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

Enjoy a crispy gameday snack that has great texture and a flavorful crunch. Thanks to your air fryer and some light breading, Brussels sprouts have never tasted so good!


Chicken Parmesan Sliders

You’ll hardly believe these amazing sliders only take 40 minutes to make. This recipe is a party in your mouth. Make these chicken parmesan sliders all in one pan using your favorite dinner rolls, frozen chicken tenders, and melted mozzarella cheese.


a plate of keto buffalo chicken rollups which make a great Gameday recipe to serve at a football party

Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups

This keto-friendly, low-carb dish is the definition of comfort food! Wrap your Buffalo chicken mix in flavorful browned cheese. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal to remember!


Cheesy Cowboy Casserole

Simplify your gameday cooking with a hearty crockpot recipe. This cheesy cowboy supper is made with ground beef, potatoes, corn, beans, and gooey cheese. This tasty dish will be the hit of any football potluck or tailgating party. 🤠


Cheeseburger Sliders

This easy slider recipe is a hit with adults and children alike. We still can’t believe how simple they are to make. Bake the burgers and the Hawaiian rolls in the oven and in 25 minutes, you’ll be able to feed a small party. 🍔


dipping a cheesy taco breadstick gameday appetizer in sauce

Cheesy Taco Stuffed Breadsticks

Even picky eaters seem to love this innovative side dish. With only 3 ingredients, this recipe is hard to fumble. These taco-stuffed breadsticks are sure to be the MVP of your next football party.


Easy Corn Salad

This simple corn salad makes for a flavorful and refreshing side dish and will be a hit with any crowd. 🌽


Crispy Roasted Potato Bites

These handheld potato bites are a nice change from standard French fries, tater tots, or mashed potatoes. Bake sliced potatoes on a sheet pan and coat them in delicious parmesan garlic oil. Take them out of the oven and watch how fast your guests huddle around the pan.


hand holding a crispy taco wonton cups, one of our favorite easy GameDay appetizer ideas

Crispy Taco Wonton Cups

Keep it simple with this easy Gameday appetizer idea! For a twist on tacos, put your taco filling in wonton wrappers instead and you’ll have a perfect handheld snack for party guests.


3-Ingredient Easy Baked Brie Puff Pastry

Fancy football fans will love it if you serve up this baked brie puff pastry with some crisp apple slices. With only 3-ingredients, your guests will never guess how easy this upscale appetizer was to make!


Keto Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Keep your diet on track this gameday with a tasty low cab appetizer. These buffalo chicken zucchini boats are full of flavor but only contain 5 grams of carbs per serving!


melted nachos using tater tots - football food ideas for football party or gameday

Crispy Tater Tot Nachos

Can’t decide between nachos and tater tots? Now you don’t have to choose! This hearty recipe is one of our favorite gameday food ideas.


Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Tenders

Try a creative spin on traditional chicken tenders. Some bagel seasoning and breadcrumbs transform your tenders into a delicious handheld bite.


Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball

While the football players throw their ball, make one of your own! Use bacon, mozzarella, cream cheese, and bagel seasoning to make this fun cheese ball that’s worthy of a spot on the table come game day. 🏈

ham and cheese party sliders

Grilled Ham and Cheese Pull-Apart Sandwiches

Feeding a small party? These tasty ham and cheese sandwiches are just what you need! One of our most popular recipes, these sandwiches are a cinch to make and are easy to hold in one hand while you cheer for your team with the other.


Keto Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Going low-carb? No problem. These appetizing stuffed peppers don’t lack flavor. For a satiating snack, fill your favorite colored peppers with garlic, onions, chicken sausage, and cheese.


Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos

Impress your guests with these homemade taquitos that you can whip up in your Crockpot! If you have any leftovers, these yummy taquitos heat up well the next day, too!


A platter of philly cheesesteak sliders which is one of the best gameday party foods

Philly Cheesesteak Party Sliders

Here’s another one of our favorite simple slider recipes! Philadelphia Eagles fans will have fun serving these scrumptious sandwiches at their next football party or tailgate.


Pine Cone Cheese Ball Appetizers

Hosting a football party near the holidays? This festive cheeseball with almonds is the perfect addition to your gameday food table.


Loaded Zucchini Skins

This low-carb football food appetizer is a fun play on the popular potato skins. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a healthy snack that tastes positively sinful.


grilled shrimp boil

Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Love Southern cooking? Us too! This easy sheet pan shrimp boil is perfect for a tailgate or football party. Whether your group loves Southern food or you’re fans of a Southern football team like the New Orleans Saints, this recipe is sure to please! It’s so easy to make and it’s ready in just 35 minutes! 🍤🙌


Southwest Chili

This comfort food will keep you warm on those colder football nights. We love how easy this recipe is to make over the stove and how each of your guests can customize their toppings. It’s the perfect recipe for a make-your-own chili bar.


Sweet Potato Fries With Avocado Dipping Sauce

Sweeten your gameday spread with these crispy sweet potato fries made in the air fryer. What sets this dish apart is the delicious avocado dipping sauce. Made with cilantro and lime, this dip is creamy and refreshing.


bags of fritos with taco toppings for walking tacos

Hip Tip: Want a hands-off hosting approach? Try Walking Tacos by having a slow cooker full of taco meat and use individual-sized chip bags as the base of the tacos. Then your guests pile on their favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for a hand-held snack in the bag—just grab a fork, no plate required!

You can even try this method as a dessert with Nilla wafers and banana pudding. Yum!


Feed your inner carnivore with chicken wings & meatballs.

easy parmesean meatballs using the air fryer

Air Fryer Parmesan Meatballs

Meatballs are one of the most popular gameday food ideas and now you can make them in the air fryer. Using common ingredients, you can whip these flavorful meatballs up in about 15 minutes.


Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These keto meatballs are worthy of a trophy. They combine sausage and cream cheese for a decadent bite. The recipe makes 45 balls which is the perfect amount for your next tailgate, gameday party, or fantasy football league get-together.


Dill Pickle Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are the ultimate football food and this keto-friendly recipe gives them a tangy spin. Use dill pickle juice to season your wings and pop them in the air fryer to make a delicious handheld treat. 🥒🍗


Keto Apricot Glazed Party Meatballs

Pair the sweet taste of fruit with the savory flavor of meatballs. This low carb recipe is a match made in heaven!


honey bbq chicken wings on a plate with ranch dressing

Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Wings

Looking for a finger-lookin’ good football food idea to serve this season? Bake these sweet and smoky honey BBQ wings that will make your mouth water.


Keto Meatballs

These juicy keto meatballs are made with marinara sauce and melted parmesan cheese. This simple recipe is versatile and adaptable so you can customize it to your liking.


Slow Cooker Buffalo BBQ Chicken Wings

Need an entree that is easy to transport to a tailgate party or football food potluck? These slow cooker Buffalo wings fit the bill! These super tender chicken wings are full of flavor and ready to fall off the bone.


cranberry meatballs weeknight dinner in a slow cooker

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chili Meatballs

These sweet and sour meatballs are a party for your mouth. This simple recipe is a hit with readers too! It only takes 3 ingredients to make these highly rated zesty meatballs!


Sriracha Honey Chicken Wings

Are you a fan of crispy chicken wings? These sriracha honey wings are dusted with baking powder and cooked in the oven. The result is a flavorful and extra crisp outer coating.


Low Carb Swedish Meatballs

Transform IKEA’s famous Swedish meatballs into a low carb party dish. This recipe is perfect for your gameday party lineup. Trust us when we say that these creamy meatballs don’t belong on the bench!

Prefer a full carb version? We’ve got it!


Don’t forget kid-friendly game day foods for the little ones!

air fryer chicken tenders with honey mustard dressing for dipping

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

What kiddo doesn’t love chicken fingers? Put a healthy spin on yours by using your air fryer. Our chicken tenders and honey mustard recipe keeps the kids coming back for more!


Air Fryer Bagel Dogs

This unique recipe puts a healthier spin on the average hot dog. Cooked in the air fryer, this recipe avoids excess grease. Plus, kids love the puffy dough crust that takes the place of a boring old bun.


Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

What kid doesn’t love cheese sticks? Keep your kids happy and full with these 5-ingredient air fryer mozzarella sticks. The adults will love them too!


tray of hot pockets from the air fryer

Ham & Cheese Air Fryer Hot Pockets

These hot pockets are made with homemade dough that only calls for 2-ingredients! Your kiddos will enjoy this tasty treat that looks like one of their favorite frozen snacks.


Low Carb Pigs In A Blanket

This fun party food is keto-friendly! Who doesn’t love pigs in a blanket? Wrap your hot dogs in fathead dough for a trendy take on a traditional dish.


Keto Pizza Roll-Ups

It doesn’t get easier than this yummy gameday recipe. You only need 2-ingredients – mozzarella cheese slices and pepperoni! Have them on the table in just 8 minutes!

woman holding a hot dog charcuterie board

Make-Your-Own Hot Dog Board

This charcuterie-style hot dog board is one of our favorite gameday food ideas! Both kids and adults will love this innovative idea that allows them to customize their hot dogs to their tastes. 🌭


Mini Corn Dog Muffins

How cute are these sweet and savory muffins? They make a great appetizer or meal come gameday. Spend more time watching the football game and less time in the kitchen. These poppable bites are great for kids and adults alike and they’re ready in under 30 minutes!


3-Ingredient Pizza Crescents

Ready in just 25 minutes, these easy 3-ingredient pizza crescents are a crowd-pleaser. Every bite is full of delicious cheese and pepperoni! Yum!


Hand holding up a Keto Cheeseburger Muffin which makes a great GameDay recipe for kids

Keto Cheeseburger Muffins

Kids love handheld foods and cheeseburgers! We pair the two together with this fun gameday recipe. Let the kiddos apply their own condiments to customize each “burger” to their tastes.


Pull Apart Pizza Bread

This recipe is an oldie but a goodie. Use pizza dough or biscuits as your crust. Add it to a baking dish along with your toppings and in 35 minutes you’ll have a savory pizza bread for all to enjoy.


Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Kids love these simple handheld snacks that utilize ingredients you may already have in your fridge. Combine crescent rolls with Colby Jack cheese sticks, turkey, and salami for a delicious mouthful that kids will actually eat.


Never skimp on gameday dessert!

chocolate-dipped football apples - gameday food and football party food ideas

Chocolate Dipped “Football” Apple Slices

Themed recipes are so much fun! These festive football apple slices are perfect for tailgating on Sunday, enjoying Monday night football, or partying for the big game.


Almond Joy Brownies

These brownies are anything but boring! Use marshmallow creme, almonds, and coconut to make a dessert that stands out from the rest.


Campfire S’mores In A Bag

A sweet variation of a walking taco, these s’mores in a bag are perfect for fall nights watching football. Talk about an easy cleanup!


Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs

All you need to make this festive recipe is pretzels, candy corn (or replace with a pecan), and Hershey Hugs. These are great to make when you want something small to snack on without making you overly full. 🥨


A bowl of cannoli dipCannoli Dip

This Italian dessert is positively addicting. If you love cannolis, try this dip variation. It tastes excellent served with our easy cinnamon chips.


Chocolate Fudge

This crave-worthy chocolate fudge requires only 3 ingredients and can be made right in your microwave!


Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread

This ooey gooey caramel apple spread is a crowd-pleaser. Who knew such a simple autumn recipe could taste so sensational?


slicing cream cheese brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies

These decadent brownies will be the hit of your next football party. This rich and flavorful dessert is sure to score you compliments.


Keto Kitchen Sink Brownies

We know that those on keto still like to enjoy something sweet. These brownies incorporate delicious ingredients like coconut, peanut butter chips, pecans, shortbread cookies, and more. These kitchen sink brownies are so good, you won’t even know they are low-carb. 🙌


holding a stack of homemade thin mints

Homemade Thin Mints

The end of Football season comes just before cookie season starts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite flavors. This innovative recipe uses Ritz crackers to recreate the popular Girl Scout cookie, Thin Mints.


No-Bake Oreo Balls

A no-bake recipe is ideal for those wanting to transport their dessert. If you have a tailgate or football party to attend, these no-bake Oreo balls make the perfect dessert bites. We love that you can customize the flavors. Best of all, they only require 3 ingredients!


S'Mores lasagna in a pan

No-Bake S’mores Lasagna Recipe

Nothing says fall like s’mores and watching football outdoors! This no-bake s’mores lasagna has all the marshmallow goodness you’re looking for except it will keep your hands clean while you eat it! Prepare to drool over this mouth-watering dessert!


Reese’s Peanut Butter Ball

Do you love a good cheese ball? Now you can try this dessert variation! The taste of peanut butter and Reese’s Pieces together is perfection!


chocolate dipped banana bites

Frozen Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Who doesn’t love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate? Pair this winning combo with healthy banana bites and you’ll have a tasty handheld treat for the kiddos.


Keto Snickers Pie

Your low carb guests don’t have to miss out on the sweets. Prepare this decadent “Snickers” pie that was featured on our sister site, Hip2Keto. It might just be named the “MVP” of the party!


inside of vanilla crazy cake

Vanilla Crazy Cake (Eggless, Dairy-Free, And Vegan!)

Want an affordable cake made from scratch? Whether you’re on a special diet or you just don’t have any dairy on hand, this dessert recipe can fit your needs. Many readers report having their own family recipe for this popular depression-era cake. We hope you love this Hip2Save version too! 🍰


Sopapilla Cheesecake Squares

This unique dessert was made with cheesecake lovers in mind! It’s a Hip2Save “Family Favorite” recipe and one that is super simple to make. You just need cream cheese, crescent dough, and a few other simple ingredients. This cinnamon and sugar dessert is sure to be a smash!


Texas Sheet Cake

You don’t have to be a Dallas Cowboys fan to love this sheet cake! This tried and true recipe creates a decadent and moist cake. If you love the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, don’t miss out on this flavorful dessert!


Eat low-carb? Check out more of our keto gameday foods on Hip2Keto.com!


About the writer:

Kara is a writer and photographer from the Midwest. Her creative work has appeared in various publications over the past decade. With a background in finance, she loves to be money-savvy.


Join The Discussion

Comments 8

  1. BobbyAnn34

    Now I’m officially starving!!! Thanks for the recipes, there’s many I want to try!!!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      You’re SO welcome! Enjoy! 🙌🤗

  2. Couponanimal

    I’m pretty excited to try the crockpot divider hack!

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Yay! It sure is a cool tip! Hope you love it too! 💞

  3. Del

    I’m bookmarking this even though I have no intention of throwing a super bowl party. This list is handy for any party. It’s good stuff that just about everyone would appreciate, yet very doable. Thank you for this!

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      You’re very welcome, Del! I’ll be sure to pass your sweet comment along to the team! I agree that these recipes and ideas are great for any gathering. ❤️

  4. Cheryl

    Wow! What an awesome post! This is an amazing resource with so many options. Thank you so much!

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      You’re welcome, Cheryl! 🩷🙌 Glad this list is helpful! Hope you enjoy all of your game day food this weekend! 🏈

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