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50 Best Game Day Foods That Are the Ultimate Touchdown

Football fans will love these chicken wings, party dips and more!

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chicken taquitos with sour cream and salsa on top
mike garten

Football fans may argue about the game, but no one disputes the fact that there ought to be game day foods — and plenty of 'em. Whether you're hosting a watch party or headed somewhere else for the big game, be a good sport and whip something up that will make everyone feel like a winner. While your Super Bowl spread is super-important, we'd argue that whenever football airs, it is an opportunity to try game day snacks, party dips, fan-favorite desserts and winning cocktails you don't normally enjoy the rest of the year. Any good sports fan knows you can't let a good opportunity go to waste.

For the NFL preseason games, try crispy chicken taquitos and spicy jalapeño poppers with fresh lime margaritas. Later in the season, go for chicken wings and sliders. By the time the big game rolls around in 2025, you'll know which Super Bowl appetizers and finger foods to prep (pizza dip is a must) for a winning party no matter which team hoists the Lombardi trophy.

And, thanks to make-ahead recipes and time-saving strategies (slow cooker FTW), party planning has never been easier. The goal is to spend less time in the kitchen during the game, so you don't miss any of the action. Three cheers for that!

1

Coca Cola Chicken Wings

chicken wings with green onions on a white plate
Mike Garten

You know what pairs with a cold, crisp Diet Coke? These sticky-sweet glazed chicken wings.

Get the Cocoa Cola Chicken Wings recipe.

2

Chicken Taquitos

chicken taquitos with sour cream and salsa on top
mike garten

Tuck rotisserie chicken into corn tortillas for an easy, 30-minute app your whole crew will love.

Get the Chicken Taquitos recipe.

RELATED: 50 Meals You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

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3

Loaded Ranch Potato Skins

loaded ranch potato skins
mike garten

Brush ranch seasoning on the inside of the potato shell to add a surprising flavor to each bite. Save the potato flesh to make Ranch Croquettes!

Get the Loaded Ranch Potato Skins recipe.

4

Avocado Chicken Salad Clubs

avocado chicken salad clubs
mike garten

Two types of sandos stacked between three slices of bread makes a stacker big enough to share. Cut it into triangles for the game!

Get the Avocado Chicken Salad Clubs recipe.

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5

Pizza Dip

pepperoni pizza dip in a white bowl
Mike Garten

Top a luxurious cream cheese base with marinara sauce and *more* cheese for a party-perfect dip that's wayyy better than delivery.

Get the Pizza Dip recipe.

6

Skillet Cheeseburger Hot Dish

skillet cheeseburger hot dish with diced red onions on top
Mike Garten

Why make individual burgers when you can brown all the meat in a skillet and top it with crispy tots? A drizzle of sweet, tangy burger sauce completes the Super Bowl stunner.

Get the Skillet Cheeseburger Hot Dish recipe.

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7

Waffle Nachos

waffle nachos with cheese, sausage and egg
MIKE GARTEN

Give nachos a brunch-ready makeover (ideal for early games on the West Coast!) with store-bought waffles, sausage, eggs and cheese.

Get the Waffle Nachos recipe.

RELATED: Brunch Recipes That Scream "Touchdown!"

8

Pozole Rojo

pozole rojo soup in a clay pot
Ren Fuller

Dried chiles bring fantastic flavor to this comforting stew, and prepping it is the perfect activity for a crisp football Sunday (or college football Saturday). Set out toppings and let everyone dig in!

Get the Pozole Rojo recipe.

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9

Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders

hawaiian roll s'mores sliders on a sheet pan
mike garten

Filled with melty milk chocolate and gooey mini marshmallows, these crowd-pleasing sliders deserve a medal.

Get the Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders recipe.

10

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers in a baking dish
Mike Garten

Two game day greats — stuffed peppers and Philly cheesesteaks — get mashed into one trophy-worthy masterpiece.

Get the Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers recipe.

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11

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

jalapeno poppers with cheese in the center
Mike Garten

Cheese-topped poppers in less than 20 minutes is reason #87 to be obsessed with your air fryer.

Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.

RELATED: Our Best Air Fryer Recipes for Faster, Tastier Meals

12

Nashville Hot Chicken

nashville hot fried chicken with sliced pickles in a basket
Johnny Miller

Serve this seriously spicy classic with white bread to help tame the heat.

Get the Nashville Hot Chicken recipe.

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13

Spicy Soppressata Pizza

spicy soppressata pizza on a wooden pizza peel
Mike Garten

Make things special for game day and opt for a homemade pie instead of delivery — jarred marinara sauce and refrigerated pizza dough make it simple!

Get the Spicy Soppressata Pizza recipe.

14

Ham and Cheese Oven Sliders

ham and cheese sliders on a baking sheet
mike garten

A simple, grab-and-go appetizer, sliders are a great way to serve a crowd without a lot of mess.

Get the Ham and Cheese Oven Sliders recipe.

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15

Spiced Snack Mix

spiced snack mix in a white bowl
mike garten

Toasted with butter and spices, this is soo much better than what you get from the bag.

Get the Spiced Snack Mix recipe.

16

Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels

picnic sandwich pinwheels on a wood cutting board
mike garten

Slice a rolled tortilla into adorable bites to easily make sandwiches for a crowd. Bonus: The herby spread doubles as a dip.

Get the Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels recipe.

RELATED: Game-Worthy Sandwiches That Happen To Be Healthy

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17

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

a baking sheet of roasted potatoes with toppings
mike garten

These crispy, golden potatoes are the perfect base for an endless amount of toppings. Set out ranch, salsa, cheese or herbs for the ultimate customizable party fare.

Get the Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe.

18

Black Bean Burgers

black bean burger on a wooden cutting board
mike garten

Don't forget vegetarian fans! You can prep these "meaty" burgers ahead and stash them in your freezer.

Get the Black Bean Burgers recipe.

RELATED: Vegetarian Recipes Even Meat Eaters Will Love

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19

Walking Tacos

nachos served in a doritos bag
Mike Garten

This fan-favorite dish involves piling tasty homemade fillings, like chili-spiced beef and pickled jalapeños, into snack-sized bags of Doritos or Fritos.

Get the Walking Tacos recipe.

RELATED: 35 Tailgate Food Ideas for the Ultimate Game Day

20

Cheeseburger Pizza

cheeseburger pizza with lettuce, red onion, and tomato on top
Mike Garten

Each slice features all the best components of a cheeseburger (think: beef, Cheddar, even special sauce), so there's no need to grill up burgers. That means you can spend less time flipping patties and more time watching the game. Score!

Get the Cheeseburger Pizza recipe.

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