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    Urban Bliss Life » Blog » Football Party Finger Food: The Best Game Day Recipes

    Published: January 27, 2017 / Updated: April 24, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Football Party Finger Food: The Best Game Day Recipes

    43 shares

    Gearing up for the Big Game? Throw the best tailgating party ever with these Football Party Finger Food recipes!

    tailgating food on red checkered tablecloth

    The Big Game is coming up and I cannot wait!

    Oh, not because I'm a huge football fan. I enjoy watching the game, and it's fun to have an excuse to yell nonsensical randomness at the television.

    But really, I'm most excited about The Big Game because it means Football Party Finger Food!

    Table of contents

    • Best Game Day Recipes
    • Game Day Appetizers
    • Best Game Day Dips
    • Game Day Desserts
    • Game Day Cocktails
    • Kitchen tools and party decor for the big game

    Best Game Day Recipes

    table full of tailgating game day food and drinks

    What do you like to serve when you're feeding a crowd?

    I have to admit: I love classic tailgating food. Give me a table full of salty pretzels, messy wings, indulgent dips, and of course, some decadent desserts and drinks, too.

    Here is a recipe collection of tasty finger food recipes including some of my fave from fellow food bloggers. Any of these would be perfect for you to serve for the Big Game.

    You will love these recipes because

    • They are all easy to make, even for the novice home cook!
    • All of these football party finger foods are easy to eat with your hands.
    • Most of these recipes can be made with 10 ingredients or less, and many are 5 ingredients or less.
    • Each of these fast recipes can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less!

    Game Day Appetizers

    Best Game Day Appetizers

    These appetizers are all easy to make and easy to eat while you cheer on your favorite team on Game Day! No forks required :)

    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

    These air fryer popcorn shrimp are #1 on the blog and Google for good reason: they are easy to make, the recipe makes two batches (eat one now and freeze the other for later!), and they are SO delicious! These are always a big crowd-pleasing appetizer!

    Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

    Use wonton wrappers to make fun little homemade air fryer pizza rolls!

    Easy Pizza Cups

    Muffin pan pizza cups are a fun and delicious, easy-to-eat game day food!

    Buffalo Chicken Bites

    Buffalo chicken is a game day staple, and these Buffalo Chicken Bites are easy to eat, two-bite appetizers that are perfect for the big game!

    Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

    Forever a tailgating favorite, these Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are super fast and easy to make. They're always a crowd pleaser!

    Photo Credit: www.razzledazzlelife.com

    Loaded Jalapeno Poppers

    Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and a savory Cajun spice, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are simply irresistible!

    Photo Credit: wowitsveggie.com

    5-Ingredient Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

    These Vegan Jalapeno Poppers are made with just 5 ingredients and full of flavor!

    Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Mini Peppers

    Buffalo chicken stuffed mini peppers pack a ton of big flavors in this delicious two-bite Game Day appetizer.

    Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

    Bacon-wrapped shrimp is always a crowd favorite! And this Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp recipe makes everyone's Game Day fave food even easier and faster to make!

    Photo Credit: pinchandswirl.com

    Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

    Love the salty crunchy bacon and sweet pineapple in every bite. This sweet and spicy appetizer is so easy to make!

    Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

    These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower pack a lot of flavor into each and every bite! These are fast and super easy vegan appetizers perfect for Game Day.

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

    Wings are a MUST for Game Day! You just need 3 ingredients and 30 minutes and you can make these easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

    Photo Credit: www.lifesambrosia.com

    Jalapeno Coins

    If you love jalapeños, you'll love these super crispy, tasty jalapeño bites!

    Photo Credit: www.bonappeteach.com

    Air Fryer Pork Belly

    Succulent crispy pork belly cooks up beautifully in the air fryer. These are fast, tasty Game Day finger foods!

    Photo Credit: healthyambitions.co

    Keto Balsamic Caprese Steak Bites

    Caprese bites get some added protein in these Keto Balsamic Caprese Steak Bites. Yummy way to get your veggies in!

    Photo Credit: gypsyplate.com

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Steak bites are the ultimate Game Day food, and easy to serve with toothpicks and the garlic butter sauce drizzled over each bite. Yum!

    Photo Credit: www.thekitchenismyplayground.com

    Easy Cheeseburger Sliders

    These cheeseburger sliders are a great way to feed a hungry crowd!

    Photo Credit: masonfit.com

    Healthy Cheeseburger Bites

    Get all of the best parts that you love about cheeseburgers, without the calories!

    Photo Credit: simpleandsavory.com

    Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

    Stuffed mushrooms help elevate classic Game Day food, and these healthy spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms are hearty and satisfying.

    Photo Credit: beplantwell.com

    Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Wings

    These vegan cauliflower wings have a bold BBQ flavor and are perfect for Game Day!

    Photo Credit: www.drugstoredivas.net

    Wonton Taco Cups Recipe

    All of your favorite taco fillings in a fun wonton cup!

    Photo Credit: www.goodlifeeats.com

    Easy “Cheesy” Kale Chips Recipe

    Chips are a requirement for Game Day eats, and these are healthier, tasty chips you can feel good about eating!

    Photo Credit: taoofspice.com

    Baked Jalapeno Popper Bites w/ Brown Sugar Bacon

    This version of jalapeño poppers is baked and coated with sweet brown sugar bacon. Yum!

    Photo Credit: funmoneymom.com

    Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

    Meatballs are awesome Game Day bites. How to make them even better? Wrap them in bacon!

    Photo Credit: www.currytrail.in

    Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

    With big Buffalo chicken flavors, these meatballs are made for Game Day.

    Photo Credit: inmamamaggieskitchen.com

    Ground Beef Taquitos

    Cranberry Meatballs

    You can make these cranberry meatballs in the Instant Pot/Ninja Foodi or the slow cooker. They are so flavorful and perfect football party finger food!

    Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs

    You can make these Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs a few hours before the big game and then keep them heated up in the slow cooker until the guests arrive.

    Tex-Mex Vegetarian Sheet Pan Nachos

    If you need a meatless Game Day appetizer, try this bright, colorful, vegetarian Tex-Mex sheet pan nachos recipe! Makes enough to feed the whole crowd on Game Day!

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Loaded Nachos

    Loaded nachos are always a hit! These are made with slow cooker pulled pork and piled high with everyone's favorite nacho toppings.

    Garlic Parmesan Knots

    Garlic parmesan knots are SO yummy and awesome Game Day food to enjoy with a side of pizza sauce for dipping.

    Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

    This take-out favorite of cream cheese crab rangoon is super easy to make at home, thanks to the air fryer! Serve it with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.

    Photo Credit: stephaniesain.com

    Mexican Street Corn Salad

    Mexican street corn salad is gluten-free and perfect for dipping chips into on Game Day!

    Soft Pretzel Bites

    It's not Game Day without pretzels! These soft pretzel bites are easy to make at home, and delicious when served with beer cheese dip!

    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    This fast Game Day recipe is gluten-free and so delicious! Serve these air fryer coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce or cocktail sauce.

    Photo Credit: culinaryshades.com

    Potato Wedges In Air Fryer

    Crispy potato wedges cooked in the air fryer are perfect Game Day finger food!

    Best Game Day Dips

    Best Game Day Dips

    Chips and dips are a must for Game Day! But dips are also a great way to get kids (and adults!) to eat their veggies, getting some balance on that tailgating table. Here are a few yummy dips you can make ahead of time, perfect for the football party finger foods listed here.

    Creamy Dairy Free Queso Dip

    Creamy and cheesy, but without the cheese, this Dairy-Free Queso Dip is perfect for dipping your chips into, or slathering on top of nachos. A delicious, dairy-free game day appetizer!

    Chunky Cashew Queso Dip (Vegan Queso)

    This vegan queso is thick and chunky, but you can make it creamier if you'd like! Perfect dip for tortilla chips.

    Restaurant-Style Salsa

    This restaurant-style salsa is my fave! I make this often and it just takes 15 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have on hand. SO yummy!

    Photo Credit: www.thetravelpalate.com

    Ground Beef Queso Dip

    This ground beef queso dip is rich and creamy, and easy to make!

    Easy Pico de Gallo

    Pico de Gallo is great for chips but also use this on top of the sheet pan nachos listed above and on tacos!

    Smoked Salmon Artichoke Dip

    Smoked Salmon Artichoke Dip is great for dipping bits of big chunky bread and veggies.

    Easy Dairy-Free Spinach Dip

    Spinach dip without the dairy! So easy to make and perfect for that veggie tray.

    Photo Credit: www.familytabletreasures.com

    Ultimate Avocado BLT Dip

    BLT in dip form! Such a great Game Day snack.

    Photo Credit: www.bakersbeans.ca

    Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Dip

    This hearty buffalo chicken and bacon dip is always a crowd pleaser! Great for Game Day tailgating.

    Game Day Desserts

    Game Day Desserts

    Don't forget dessert! These sweet treats are delicious Game Day snacks to enjoy while cheering in your favorite team.

    Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

    Football and apple pie go hand in hand - but even more so, these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies! Feeling especially festive? You can cut out puff pastry in football shapes to create football-shaped apple hand pies!

    Chocolate Chip Bars

    These chocolate chip bars are super duper easy to make and you can make them up to two days ahead of the Big Game!

    Photo Credit: freshaprilflours.com

    Game Day Football Brownie Bites

    Brownie bites decorated as footballs are yummy, finger food desserts for Game Day!

    Disneyland Churros Copycat Recipe

    These Churros Bites are SO yummy, and the crunchy, sugary treats make great tailgating food!

    Apple Pie Bars

    Apple pie in bar form is easy to eat while cheering on your fave team on Game Day!

    Photo Credit: anaffairfromtheheart.com

    Touchdown Snack Mix

    This crunchy, yummy snack mix is an easy and fast snack to make for your tailgating party!

    Photo Credit: www.diprecipecreations.com

    Chocolate Dessert Cheese Ball Football Dip

    This chocolate dip is great for any party, but make it into a football shape to watch the Big Game and you've got a super fun football party dessert dip!

    Photo Credit: crayonsandcravings.com

    Sweet and Salty Snack Mix Recipe

    If you need a super fast and easy snack for Game Day, you can whip up these sweet & salty snack mix in just 2 minutes!

    Photo Credit: cookingwithcarlee.com

    Cookies and Cream Football Cheese Ball

    Another fun take on a dessert dip perfect for Game Day: this cookies and cream football cheese ball is great for dipping graham cracker cookies!

    Mint Chocolate Brownies

    These brownies are the ultimate mint plus chocolate pairing. Decadent, rich, and easy to make ahead of the Big Game!

    Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

    Peanut Butter Snickers and M&M's Candy Truffles (+Video)

    These candy truffles are so cute and will surely be a big hit at your tailgating party at home!

    Snickers Touchdown Towers & Starburst Pretzel Flags

    Turn two fave candies - Snickers and Starburst - into football themed snacks for Game Day!

    Game Day Cocktails

    Game Day Drinks

    Beer is fine, but these cocktails made with beer, cider, or whiskey are even better! Enjoy these tasty Game Day cocktails in moderation while cheering on your team during the big game.

    Photo Credit: www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com

    Classic Whiskey Sour - Just 3 Ingredients!

    A little bit sweet, a little bit tart, this classic Whiskey Sour cocktail is the perfect way to kick off your Big Game get together!

    Photo Credit: www.thefreshcooky.com

    Maple Whiskey Sour

    This cool weather Maple Whiskey Sour requires just a few ingredients to make, and the maple and cinnamon make this an unforgettable Game Day drink.

    Bourbon Lemon Cocktail: Citrus Bourbon Buzz

    A bourbon cocktail with a lemonade twist, the Citrus Bourbon Buzz is refreshing and light. And an oh so tasty way to celebrate the Big Game!

    Photo Credit: www.troprockin.com

    Fireball Apple Cider Cocktail

    You can make these hot or cold. Either way, it's always a party when Fireball cocktails are served!

    Photo Credit: pinchandswirl.com

    Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe

    Kick up your football party with The Boulevardier -- a sophisticated take on the classic Negroni that uses your choice of whiskey or rye instead of gin.

    Photo Credit: burrataandbubbles.com

    Apple Cider Old Fashioned

    Warm apple cider, bourbon, brown sugar? Yes, yes, and yes! Heat up your tailgating with this Apple Cider Old Fashioned.

    Bourbon and Bitters Cocktail: Old Man River

    Sure Tom Brady may be in his mid forties, but the Old Man River cocktail isn't named after him. That said, this bourbon drink is a surefire Game Day winner!

    Rosemary Citrus Old Fashioned

    A classic old fashioned gets a citrus and herb boost in this Rosemary Citrus Old Fashioned.

    Hazelnut Bourbon Sour

    This trick play on the traditional Bourbon Sour adds hazelnut for a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Score!

    Apple Whiskey Sour with Ginger

    This Apple Whiskey Sour with Ginger is crisp and tangy. Serve it on the rocks, kick back and watch the Big Game.

    Iced Tea Plus Beer: Summer Shandy Cocktail

    A shandy is usually a warm weather drink, but you're not someone who follows the rules. Make this Summer Shandy Cocktail on Game Day and watch your friends cheer.

    Kitchen tools and party decor for the big game

    • An electric buffet server helps keep your food warm before guests arrive and throughout the game.
    • Crisp white serving platters are great for placing all of the yummy appetizers you'll make.
    • This dip bowl set is perfect to hold any of the dip recipes above.
    • Appetizer plates are perfect for holding all the small bites for the big game.
    • These IPA Beer Glasses are perfect for beer as well as many of the beer/cider/whiskey cocktail recipes listed above!

    This post was first published on January 27, 2017 and was updated January 20, 2022 with new recipe links.

    Which of these Football Party Finger Food recipes would you like to make to feed your hungry crowd watching the Big Game? 

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    43 shares

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Deepika says

        January 31, 2018 at 8:50 pm

        What an amazing collection of recipes. Thank you for including my Mixed Berry Punch as well. :) Scheduling this for the share.

        Reply
      2. Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says

        January 28, 2017 at 4:32 pm

        OMG those little football dippers are so cute! You could take that idea and fill them with anything your heart desired.

        Reply
      3. jill conyers says

        January 28, 2017 at 6:23 am

        Great ideas for our annual super bowl party. Thanks!

        Reply
      4. Waz says

        January 27, 2017 at 4:16 pm

        I'm not really into football, but I do watch the Super Bowl every year as an excuse to chow down on yummy snacks. What a great spread, and these spicy potato wedges look heavenly! :D

        Reply
      5. Pech says

        January 27, 2017 at 4:05 pm

        I'm not that into sports but I'm definitely into the food around sports especially at tailgating and sports viewing parties!

        Reply
      6. Kristen Kavan says

        January 27, 2017 at 1:52 pm

        those football pockets are SO Cute and now I am starving!! I want to make all of these. And that corn. holy moly.

        Reply
      7. Tammy says

        January 27, 2017 at 12:37 pm

        My husband thanks you! Yum!

        Reply
      8. Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says

        January 27, 2017 at 10:43 am

        Oh soooooo many goodies!!! I'm so glad I'll be finished with my Whole30 by the time Super Bowl rolls around. I need to try some (or let's face it, all) of these!!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          January 27, 2017 at 11:49 am

          Good timing with Whole30, Chrissa! :)

      9. Logan says

        January 27, 2017 at 8:38 am

        I'm a big fan of dips and that spinach dip looks delicious!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          January 27, 2017 at 11:50 am

          I can't help myself around dips either. Crackers, veggies, crusty bread... I'll use whatever is there just to eat the dip! :)

      10. Nicole Crocker says

        January 27, 2017 at 7:23 am

        What a great roundup! We are all big football fans in my home so I can't wait to try some of these out for the Super Bowl!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          January 27, 2017 at 11:50 am

          Thanks so much, Nicole! Hope you have a fabulous Super Bowl party!

      11. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says

        January 27, 2017 at 5:39 am

        This is a great roundup for any kind of get-together! I love those pretzel bites. Would definitely make those for my part.

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          January 27, 2017 at 11:50 am

          Pretzel bites are always a crowd pleaser :) Thanks, Kimberly!

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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