Getting ready to host a gathering for the Big Game? We've got helpful tips and recipes to help you create the best Game Day Menu your guests will love!
Getting ready for the Big Game?
Whether you're planning a tailgate party or hosting a game day gathering at home, creating the perfect Game Day menu is key to keeping everyone happy and energized.
Here’s how to score big with delicious, crowd-pleasing football food.
Jump to:
- 🍕 Creating the best game day menu
- 🚗 Tailgating tips
- 👩🏻🍳 Game day party tips and FAQs
- 🌟 About these recipes
- 🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
- Best Game Day Menu
- Top Five Game Day Recipes
- #1 Game Day Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- #2 Game Day Recipe: Best Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe
- #3 Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs
- #4 Game Day recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce
- #5 Game Day Recipe: Tex-Mex Vegetarian Sheet Pan Nachos
- Game Day Pizza
- Easy Pizza Cups
- Air Fryer Pizza
- Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
- Taco Pizza
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- CPK Thai Chicken Pizza (Copycat Recipe)
- Chicken Pesto Flatbread
- Thai Curry Pizza
- Air Fryer Frozen Pizza
- Game Day Wings
- Filipino Adobo Chicken Wings
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Salt and Pepper Wings
- Honey Bourbon Wings
- More Game Day Appetizers
- Steak Crostini
- Turkey Pesto Sandwich
- Air Fryer Corn Ribs
- Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
- Shrimp Tostada recipe
- Elote Dip
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Loaded Nachos
- Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Ninja Foodi Baked Potato
- Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
- Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
- Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Game Day Dips, Sauces, and Seasonings
- Easy Pico de Gallo recipe
- Whole30 Salsa: Restaurant-Style Salsa in Just 15-Minutes
- Chicken Wing Dipping Sauces: Game Day Recipes
- Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning
- Buffalo Ranch Sauce
- Vegan Buffalo Sauce
- Hot Honey Sauce
- Easy Homemade Dairy Free Ranch Dressing
- Game Day Desserts
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Chocolate Rice Krispies
- Mint Chocolate Brownies
- Triple Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies
- Air Fryer Cookies
- Pinot Noir Chocolate Chip Brownies
- Chewy Chocolate Fudge Cookies
- Apple Pie Bars
- 🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
- More tailgating recipes
🍕 Creating the best game day menu
Before we get to the recipes, here are some important things to keep in mind when planning your game day menu for a home gathering.
- Crowd size and preferences - Knowing the number of guests and their dietary preferences is crucial. Are there vegetarians, vegans, or gluten-free guests? Make sure to have a variety of options that cater to everyone’s needs.
- Ease of eating - Finger foods and dishes that can be eaten standing up are ideal for Game Day. Think sliders, wings, and dips. Avoid anything that requires a fork and knife, as people will likely be moving around, cheering, and socializing.
- Prep time - Opt for recipes that can be made ahead of time or require minimal cooking during the game. Slow cooker recipes, make-ahead casseroles, and dishes that can be served at room temperature are lifesavers.
- Mess factor - Consider foods that aren’t too messy. Sticky ribs and overly saucy dishes might be delicious, but they can be tricky to eat without making a mess—especially if you’re watching the game on the couch.
🚗 Tailgating tips
If you're taking the party to the stadium, these tips will help ensure your tailgating experience is a success:
- Plan around portability - Pack foods that are easy to transport and serve. Wraps, sandwiches, chips, and dips are great choices. Consider using disposable containers for easy cleanup.
- Keep it simple - Tailgating is all about fun, so keep the menu simple. Stick to tried-and-true recipes that don’t require last-minute prep.
- Stay safe with proper food storage - Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot to avoid spoilage. Use coolers with ice packs for cold items and insulated containers for hot dishes.
- Pack essential tools: Don’t forget grilling tools, extra fuel, paper towels, and trash bags. Having these on hand will make your tailgating experience smoother.
👩🏻🍳 Game day party tips and FAQs
A good rule of thumb is to prepare 2-3 appetizers per person and then plan for 1-2 main items, such as sandwiches or pizza, along with sides. It's better to have a little extra than to run out of food.
To keep food warm, use slow cookers, chafing dishes, or insulated serving trays. For tailgating, insulated containers or thermal bags work well. Make sure to preheat these items before placing the food inside.
To avoid running out of food, plan for a mix of heavy and light snacks. Have backup options like chips, nuts, or popcorn that can be quickly refilled if needed. Preparing some dishes ahead of time also ensures you can easily replenish during the game.
Avoid dishes that are overly messy, difficult to eat, or require a lot of utensils. Also, steer clear of foods that might spoil quickly, like dishes with mayonnaise if left out too long, or anything too rich or heavy that might not be enjoyable during a long game.
🌟 About these recipes
We've got a huge Game Day recipe collection on the blog with hundreds of recipes. But if you're hosting or planning a Game Day gathering, we've selected 45+ recipes to help you plan the most delicious menu.
In this recipe collection, you'll find:
- Our top 5 Game Day recipes.
- Great pizza variations to serve.
- Our fave recipes for chicken wings.
- Some tasty game day appetizers.
- Homemade sauce, dip, and seasoning recipes that can be the flavor foundation to the best Game Day gathering ever.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
While beer is often the go-to drink for Game Day, wine can be an excellent choice to elevate your menu. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Wings: For spicy buffalo wings, a Riesling or off-dry Gewürztraminer balances the heat. For BBQ wings, a Zinfandel or Syrah enhances the smoky flavors.
- Sliders: Classic beef sliders pair beautifully with a Cabernet Sauvignon, while chicken sliders work well with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Chili: A robust Malbec or Merlot complements the hearty flavors of a spicy chili.
- Nachos: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of loaded nachos, while a sparkling wine adds a festive touch.
- Pizza: For a variety of pizzas, a medium-bodied red like a Chianti or a light Pinot Noir works across the board, enhancing both tomato-based and cheese-heavy slices.
Best Game Day Menu
Top Five Game Day Recipes
We've got a LOT of recipes for Game Day, but start with one or more of our TOP FIVE Game Day recipes.
Always a crowd pleaser, this popular air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe makes a large amount - enough to make one batch for tailgating eats now and freeze one batch for dinner another night!
What's Game Day without big bowls of chili? This is seriously the BEST Instant Pot Turkey & Bean Chili we've had. We make this a LOT and it's always a hit with guests!
These slow cooker honey bourbon meatballs are ALWAYS a hit, at any party! And they're perfect to serve on Game Day. This is an easy dump-and-go recipe that you can start in the morning and let it slow cook until game time.
Our favorite way to make ribs! These Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are the perfect main dish for Game Day, and they are so fast and easy thanks to the electric pressure cooker.
These fully loaded Tex-Mex vegetarian nachos are the ultimate Game Day nachos, and they're so easy to make!
Game Day Pizza
Make Game Day a pizza party! We've got a ton of pizza recipes on the blog, but here are some of the tastiest pizza recipes to enjoy during football season.
These pepperoni pizza cups are simple to make, and a fun alternative to traditional pizza.
When you want to serve pizza fast, these air fryer French bread pizzas are perfect.
Barbecue chicken flatbread is an easy twist on pizza. Perfect for watching the Big Game!
We love a good food mashup and this is one of our faves! Taco pizza is a fun option for Game Day, especially if it falls on a Taco Tuesday or pizza night!
Homemade pizza rolls have a fun twist and are great for the whole family!
If you like California Pizza Kitchen's (CPK) Thai Chicken Pizza, you will LOVE our copycat dairy-free version!
Chicken pesto flatbread is a delicious and easy form of pizza to whip up for tailgating parties.
When you're craving pizza but also curry, make Thai curry pizza! So full of delicious curry flavors in every bite, and easy to serve on Game Day.
Ain't no shame in the frozen pizza game! Our recipe shows you how to make your favorite frozen pizzas fast in the air fryer.
Game Day Wings
Choose any of these chicken wing recipes that were MADE for Game Day and tailgating parties!
Want wings with BIG umami flavors? You've gotta try these Filipino Adobo Chicken Wings!
These crispy air fryer chicken wings are a classic, must-have party dish for any Game Day menu! Get all the crispiness without the excess oil.
Our take on classic Chinese salt and pepper wings is perfect for football season. The ultimate crispy wings make delicious finger food on Game Day.
Honey bourbon wings are sticky, flavorful, and easy to make baked wings. A tailgating food classic!
More Game Day Appetizers
Here are some more delicious appetizers and finger foods to add to your Game Day Menu.
Serve these steak crostini at your next Game Day party and watch them disappear quickly! With rich steak slices and an herb cheese mixture on crusty crostini slices, these are indulgent, hearty appetizers to feed a crowd.
Turkey pesto sandwiches are the ultimate Game Day sandos! These are great any time of year, but especially after Thanksgiving as a way to use up those roast turkey leftovers.
Air fryer corn ribs are so fun to make for tailgating parties!
This air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe is easy to make and perfect for Game Day snacking!
Shrimp tostada are flavorful, easy to make, and super satisfying. Serve them on Game Day with fresh pico de gallo and smashed guacamole. So good!
Mexican corn dip is a fast and easy recipe. Perfect for serving with chips while watching the Big Game!
Take your nachos to the next level with these slow cooker puilled pork nachos.
Rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes are great for Game Day! Serve them up with those Instant Pot BBQ ribs and you've got a delicious Game Day dinner.
When you need fun fried finger food fast, it's the air fryer to the rescue! These frozen onion rings in the air fryer will be gobbled up at your next tailgating party.
Fully loaded baked potatoes in the air fryer are a flavor-packed dish that your Game Day guests will love.
These buffalo chicken bites are bite-sized morsels of deliciousness and one of the best finger foods you can make for your Game Day menu.
Air fryer potato skins are Game Day ready! These are so much fun to make, and to eat.
A modern twist on a classic American appetizer: air fryer pigs in a blanket are super fast and easy to make, and always a crowd pleaser! Serve them with our homemade honey mustard sauce.
Veggies take center stage with big flavors in this easy Game Day appetizer. Your guests will love these crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites!
Game Day Dips, Sauces, and Seasonings
The foundation for so many great Game Day dishes are homemade sauces, dips, and seasonings. These are all so much easier to make from scratch than you might think. And they taste so fresh and amazing!
Pico de gallo is super easy to make from scratch. Serve it with chips, over tacos, and on top of burgers. So good!
If you're craving thinner, restaurant-style salsa, we've got a fast and easy blender salsa recipe that you'll love.
Make any of the chicken wing recipes on the blog (we have a lot!) and serve them with these two dipping sauces that were made for wings.
Make a batch of this easy homemade mild taco seasoning for your Game Day Menu tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and nachos. Then save the rest in your spice drawer to enjoy for Taco Tuesday nights to come!
This buffalo ranch sauce is super fast & easy to make, and a great dip for cut veggies, chips, and wings.
Did you know you can make buffalo sauce that's vegan? This recipe is super simple and delivers big saucy flavors.
We're in our Hot Honey Sauce era, putting this easy-to-make hot honey sauce on everything. Drizzle it over wings, crostini slices, veggies, popcorn chicken or shrimp....the possibilities are endless!
This is my Go To Dairy Free Ranch Dressing that I use as a dip for veggies and chips, a sauce for chicken wings, and simple salad dressing. It's a staple in our house, but especially great for football food on Game Day!
Game Day Desserts
Add any of these sweet treats to your Game Day Menu for the final flavor touchdown!
These no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars are great to make the day before the Big Game. Then just slice and serve when ready!
Chocolate rice krispie treats are a decadent and delicious dessert to serve as part of your Game Day Menu, beloved by all ages.
These Andes Mint Chocolate Brownies are rich, decadent, and have the winning combo of mint + chocolate.
Triple chocolate chip pretzel cookies are easy to transport to any Game Day party, and are a true crowd pleaser.
Air fryer chocolate chip cookies are great for small batch "baking" and Game Day watching.
With a hint of red wine, these pinot noir chocolate chip brownies are fudgy, decadent, and oh so satisfying.
These chewy chocolate fudge cookies are a reader favorite, and for good reason! They're super rich, chewy, and truly delicious.
Football and fall fruit are the perfect combo and you'll love these easy apple pie bars! They're easy to eat compared to full pies, making them the ideal Game Day party dessert.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make these recipes? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need for some of the recipes in this game day menu recipe collection.
- Air fryer - This is my favorite air fryer to use for wings, onion rings, fries, and more.
- Instant pot - Love the Instant Pot for chili and ribs.
- Slow cooker - This CrockPot slow cooker is the best for meatballs, soups, and more.
- Gas grill - Fire up this gas grill for burgers.
- Baking sheet - From wings to cookies, these baking sheets are workhorses that I rely on in my own everyday baking.
- Kitchen tongs - For meats
- Whisk - This is a sturdy whisk perfect for sauces, seasonings, and marinades.
- Mixing bowls - This trio of nesting mixing bowls is microwave-safe and sturdy for almost any job in the kitchen.
More tailgating recipes
Did you make any of these recipes? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment below letting us know which one you made and how it turned out. Thank you!
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