Does anyone else watch football just for the snacks? Today I am sharing the best game day recipes for Super Bowl Sunday.
I include a variety of recipes in this list. There is a mix of appetizers/snacks, entrees, and desserts that are easy to prepare for a crowd. Football games tend to encourage indulgent eating, and these recipes are perfect examples.
The Best Game Day Recipes:
Ranch Dressing
I think one of the reasons why I love football foods is the abundance of ranch dressing. When football is on (at least in the Midwest), it seems like the ranch dressing comes out. And I am obsessed with ranch. I have my own ranch dressing, and it is fabulous! It can be made in just 5 minutes. I do recommend making it a few hours in advance so that the flavors can marry together. You can serve the dressing as a dip with veggies (just add less buttermilk) or serve it alongside wings, sandwiches, and pizza.
Shredded Buffalo Chicken
In my mind, buffalo chicken and ranch are equally crucial components to a football watch party. Once you have made this chicken, you can use it to top baked potatoes, make buffalo chicken dip, or top pizza. It is also delicious stirred into some macaroni and cheese. If you want to go the healthy route, it is a wonderful addition to quinoa bowls and salads.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
While we are on the topic of buffalo chicken, these meatballs are always a huge hit. You can serve these as is, or you can make mini buffalo chicken meatball subs. I recommend serving with a side of my homemade ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
7 Layer Taco Dip
A classic recipe that is very easy to prepare – no cooking is required. Simply layer refried beans, seasoned sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. If you want to try something a little different, try this Baked Taco Dip.
Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Cheesy Spinach Dip
Sweet peppers are the perfect two-bite vessel for dips. This is an ideal alternative to having a group of people share a dip if you are worried about germs. These peppers are stuffed with a lightened-up spinach dip. If you don’t want to cook, you can fill peppers with store-bought pimento cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This is a STAPLE at all Midwest football parties. This dip is made with shredded buffalo chicken, ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar. You can even serve it in a bread bowl if you want!
Steak Chili
Making chili with steak is a game-changer. This chili is slow-cooked (either in a slow cooker or on the stovetop) and the steak gets so tender. I promise that this recipe is top-tier. I love the ease of serving chili at parties. I serve it from a slow cooker and set out toppings like jalapenos, cheese, and sour cream.
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
This grown-up version of Hamburger Helper is sure to keep party guests going back for more. The recipe is a personal favorite.
Cheeseburger Tacos
Inspired by Velvet Taco, these cheeseburger tacos are made with beef patties topped with cheese, bacon, animal sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and avocado. I like this recipe because you can make small tacos with just half a burger patty; it’s just the right size for snacking.
Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Tacos
With this recipe, you can feed a crowd with minimal preparation time. I return the pulled pork to the slow cooker for serving and set out taco toppings next to it. I love to serve tacos at parties because people have the option of having just one for a snack or eating a few and having a full meal.
Giant Grilled Cheese
How about a giant grilled cheese? To make this, you want to purchase unsliced bread. Then slice it the long way so that you can make a giant grilled cheese. You can serve it with tomato soup for dipping.
Snack and Sandwich Board
Don’t want to cook? Make a big snack and sandwich board with some store-bought dips, cheeses, crackers, deli meat, and sandwich rolls.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole
While many game day foods are more snacks, this casserole is a meal that combines chicken in a creamy cheesy ranch sauce with tater tots. In my heart, it belongs on this list.
Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
I talk about these brownies all the time because I make them all the time. And I make them all the time because people request them. These brownies are made with a boxed brownie mix with cream cheese and homemade caramel swirled in.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
Everyone loves rice krispie treats. This version is even better since it involves layers of salty-sweet chocolate-covered pretzels.