51+ Winning Game Day Food Ideas Worth Cheering For

There’s nothing quite like hosting a gathering of family and friends to watch the big game. While football is the main attraction, the food always comes in a close second.

Don’t stress about what you’ll serve! These delicious and easy game day food ideas are sure to make an impression. Even better, they’re quick to make, so you won’t have to worry about missing one minute of the big game.

Table of contents:

• Game day finger food ideas and appetizers
• Main game day food ideas
• Vegetarian game day food
• Game day desserts

1. Nachos supreme

Nachos are easy and delicious. To make enough for a crowd, start by putting a layer of tortilla chips on a large cookie sheet. Add meat, cheese and beans and bake it in the oven until the cheese melts. Then add your cold toppings, like sour cream, salsa and avocado.

2. Potstickers

If you want to do something a bit different, try serving potstickers! They’re easy to heat up and are delicious when served with a side of Asian dipping sauce.

3. Grape jelly chili meatballs

This may sound like a strange combination, but once you try grape jelly chili meatballs, it’s sure to become one of your favorite party dishes. Serve this in the slow cooker so it stays warm all day.

4. Loaded potato skins

Loaded potato skins are easy to make from scratch, but it’s even easier to buy them frozen, pop them in the oven and top each one with a dollop of sour cream.

5. Crunchy snack mix

Discover the perfect easy game day food with this crunchy, salty snack mix. Combining cereals, nuts, pretzels and spices, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and always a hit.

6. Sweet potato fries

These baked barbecue sweet potato fries are a flavorful twist on traditional fries. Crispy, slightly sweet and served with ranch dipping sauce, they make a delicious and healthy game day snack.

7. Pimento cheese spread

This classic pimento cheese spread is full of flavor and perfect for spreading on your favorite crackers or bread. It’s a simple, tasty and versatile appetizer everyone will love.

8. Loaded cheese ball

Made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar and savory seasonings, this loaded cheese ball is one of our top 10 Super Bowl foods that will wow your guests. Serve with crackers or veggies for an irresistible party dip.

9. Artichoke spinach dip in a football bread dough

Start with a football-shaped loaf of bread, hollow it out and place spinach dip inside. You can create the “laces” of the football with pieces of bacon or slices of bell pepper.

10. Buffalo chicken dip

This creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip is a surefire hit for game day. Packed with shredded chicken and cheddar, it’s always a crowd favorite. Serve it with celery sticks and chips for a satisfying appetizer.

11. 7-layer dip

Layered with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives and lettuce, this colorful seven-layer dip is a flavorful, easy-to-serve appetizer. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate game day snack experience.

12. Chunky guacamole dip

This chunky guacamole dip combines ripe avocados, jalapeños, tomatoes and lime for fresh, bold flavor. It’s one of our healthy game day food ideas you can serve with chips or veggies while cheering for your team.

13. Beer cheese dip

Enjoy a barstool favorite from the comfort of home. Made with sharp cheddar, Gruyère and a splash of beer, this dip offers a smooth, savory flavor that's great for dipping pretzels, bread or vegetables during sports events.

14. Chili queso dip

It’s easy to make your own queso dip in the slow cooker, and there are plenty of different options, like changing out the type of cheese you use or adding beef. If you’re tight on time, you can also use pre-made queso dip.

15. Creamy crab dip

A warm, creamy dip chock-full of crab is a classy addition to your game day buffet. Make your favorite seafood dip and serve it with crackers, tortilla chips or chunks of bread.

16. Jalapeño popper dip

Jalapeño popper dip is delicious either cold or served in a small slow cooker. Make it from scratch, or pick up a pre-made version from the deli department of your favorite grocery store.

17. Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers

Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are easy finger foods for parties that will be gone in a flash. They combine jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon for a spicy kick to your game day spread.

18. Bacon-wrapped mini sausages

These bite-sized bacon-wrapped mini sausages are one of the most delicious game day finger food ideas. They're simple to prepare and packed with savory flavor, making them a hit at any football gathering.

19. Bacon-wrapped avocado

Slices of ripe avocado wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer make for a truly amazing appetizer. Serve it with a sauce made from mayonnaise, Sriracha and lime juice.

20. Classic buffalo wings

Nothing says game day quite like classic buffalo chicken wings. Bake chicken wings in the oven, toss them in buffalo sauce and serve them with some celery and blue cheese dressing.

21. Pigs in a blanket

You can’t host game day without some pigs in a blanket! Just wrap mini cocktail wieners in crescent rolls and bake them in the oven. Serve them with ketchup and mustard for dipping.

22. Loaded tater tots

Toss a big bag of frozen tater tots in the oven, then serve them with a side of ketchup or ranch. It’s super simple yet oh-so-delicious! 

23. Chicken taquitos

Frozen taquitos baked in the oven and served with a side of queso cheese are sure to be a hit! For extra flavor, serve these crispy taquitos with a side of spicy salsa or creamy guacamole.

24. Mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are always a huge hit, so if you’re going to serve these, make sure you get plenty! Serve them with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. 

25. Stuffed mushrooms

Bite-sized stuffed mushrooms are another popular finger food for your game day gathering. You can stuff them with cheese and sausage, crab meat or anything else that appeals to you.

26. Pepperoni football

Make a football-shaped cheese ball, then cover it with slices of pepperoni and make the “laces” with slices of mozzarella cheese. Serve it on a large plate surrounded by crackers or tortilla chips.

27. Football deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are one of the most popular Super Bowl party foods. Give them a festive look by using slices of olive to add “laces” to the eggs.

28. Beer-braised brats

These beer-braised brats are a hearty, elevated game day food choice to impress your guests. Simmered in beer with peppers and onions, they’re delicious served with buns, mustard and sauerkraut.

29. Chili dogs

Chili dogs are a classic game day snack. Topped with savory chili and shredded cheese, they’re great for feeding a crowd and pair well with sides like crispy fries or onion rings.

30. Chicken tenders with honey mustard dip

Crispy chicken tenders served with a tangy honey mustard dip are a surefire hit. They’re easy to prepare, and baking instead of frying keeps them on the lighter side.

31. Hot dog chili

This flavorful hot dog chili is among the most delicious one-pot meals. It’s perfect for topping hot dogs or serving with chips, and it reheats well for leftovers, too.

32. Pineapple-glazed chicken skewers

Juicy chicken and fresh pineapple chunks glazed with sweet and tangy sauce make these skewers one of the most vibrant football game day food ideas. They’re suitable for outdoor grilling or oven roasting.

33. Grilled pork souvlaki skewers

Grilled pork souvlaki skewers are marinated with herbs and lemon, then grilled to perfection. Serve with tzatziki for a filling meal your guests will devour.

34. Turkey and cheese pinwheels

Roll flavorful turkey, cheese and pesto into pinwheels to create a quick and easy game day food. Make them ahead and serve as crowd-pleasing bites.

35. Chicken bacon ranch pizza

This chicken bacon ranch pizza is one of the ultimate game day food ideas. Topped with juicy chicken, crispy bacon and ranch dressing, it’s a flavorful crowd hit for any sports watch party.

36. Ham and cheese sliders

To make delicious ham and cheese sliders, start with Hawaiian sweet rolls, add some mayo and slices of ham and cheese, then bake them in the oven. Feel free to customize the filling with turkey, or add pickles for an extra tangy flavor.

37. BBQ pulled pork sliders

These BBQ pulled pork sliders feature tender pork shoulder simmered in smoky barbecue sauce, topped with crunchy coleslaw and pickles on soft slider buns. They’re great for game day and can be made ahead and served with chips. 

38. Shaved steak hoagie sliders

Juicy shaved steak and sautéed onions and peppers are topped with melted cheese and layered in slider buns for a flavorful treat. Serve with crispy fries or a side salad for a complete meal.

39. Beef sliders with cheddar cheese

These savory beef sliders, topped with melted cheddar, are one of many beloved Super Bowl recipes. They’re quick to assemble, and you can keep them warm in the oven or serve immediately for a delicious bite.

40. Soft pretzels

These homemade soft pretzels are chewy, salty and perfect for snacking during the game. Their warm, doughy texture makes them one of the top 10 football foods, ideal for sharing with friends.

41. Zucchini fritters with Greek yogurt dip

Crispy zucchini fritters paired with a tangy Greek yogurt dip offer a fresh, vegetarian-friendly option. They’re easy to prepare and provide a satisfying crunch.

42. Buffalo cauliflower bites

These crispy cauliflower bites are a flavorful vegetarian party food that’s super for snacking. Baked or fried, they’re a healthy, veggie-packed alternative that everyone will enjoy while watching the game.

43. Vegetarian quesadillas

Filled with melty cheese, beans and veggies, these vegetarian quesadillas are a wholesome, easy-to-make option. They’re endlessly customizable and make a perfect healthy game day food idea for guests of all ages.

44. Pasta salad

This vibrant pasta salad with veggies and herbs is a refreshing, make-ahead vegetarian dish. It’s a good choice for feeding a crowd and adds a cool, flavorful option to your game day spread.

45. Spinach and cheese pinwheels

These savory spinach and cheese pinwheels are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. They make a crispy vegetarian snack or appetizer, ideal for game day gatherings.

46. Crispy rice treats

These classic crispy rice treats are chewy, gooey squares made with marshmallows and crispy rice cereal. Easy to prepare, they make a delicious game day dessert and stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week.

47. Chocolate chip cookies

Soft, chewy and loaded with chocolate chips, these cookies are a game day staple. Bake them ahead of time and keep in an airtight container for up to five days. They’re great for snacking during the game.

48. Cake pops

These bite-sized treats feature moist vanilla cake dipped in white chocolate and decorated with sprinkles. For extra fun, use sprinkles in the teams’ colors! Perfect for serving at a party, they’re easy to make in advance and keep well in the refrigerator for several days.

49. Dark chocolate fudge brownies

Rich, dense and packed with intense chocolate flavor, these brownies are a decadent game day dessert. Once they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for maximum freshness.

50. Chocolate chip dip

This creamy chocolate chip dip combines cream cheese, powdered sugar and mini chocolate chips. It’s easy to serve with cookies, fruit or pretzels as a sweet, shareable game day dessert.

51. Mini cheesecake cups

These mini cheesecake cups feature a graham cracker crust topped with creamy cheesecake filling and fruit compote. They’re a great make-ahead dessert for busy game day preparations.

52. Football-shaped cookies

Sugar cookies shaped like footballs are a festive way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. Even better, if you have kids, you can let them have a blast decorating them before the big game.

Let Instacart help you with your game day party

Now that you’ve got some great game day food ideas, you’re ready to throw an unforgettable party. There’s no need to spend all morning in the kitchen or keep running back and forth once the game comes on. You can whip up these quick and easy football party foods in a flash.

Make things even easier by ordering grocery delivery through Instacart. Just create your grocery list, place your order, then sit back and wait for your shopper to drop it off at your door. 

Want to add some nutritious options to your party? Check out these healthy Super Bowl snacks for a guilt-free celebration.