111 Game Day Food Recipes Football Fans Will Cheer For

The game day food is as important as the match itself.

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

In the South, game day food is just as important as the game itself. Fast-food wings and grocery-store veggie trays just won't cut it. That's why we've gathered all of our favorite football party food recipes into one go-to game-day collection. From dips like Jalapeño Popper Dip to handhelds like Cheeseburger Egg Rolls, these crowd-winning dishes deserve to be displayed on your tailgate spread.

We find a wide assortment of grab-and-go snacks work best with eager football fans, so whip up a few of these easy recipes to be the talk of the tailgate, like our Buffalo Chicken Dip (Hook 'em horns!) or Mini Potato Skins (Geaux Tigers!). Forget a touchdown—everyone at the tailgate or watch party will cheer when they see you've made Pulled Pork Nachos and Mini Muffulettas. You can bet on our Fried Pickle Chips and Bacon Bites, then once your favorite team wins, celebrate with Spiked Arnold Palmer and Kitchen Sink Cookies. Get ready for kick-off by preparing these easy-to-make, grab-and-go recipes that are perfect for game day gatherings.

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Florida State Fried Chicken

Southern Living Florida State Honey Fried Chicken on a plate to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Since the 1990s, this fried chicken has been a favorite of athletes at Florida State University. A honey drizzle is just the finishing touch fried chicken needs.

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Crispy Fried Chicken

Southern Living Crispy Fried Chicken on a platter to serve

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

We recommend making extra of these finger-lickin' crispy chicken pieces to feed a room full of football fans. The chicken marinades in a buttermilk, pickle juice, and hot sauce mixture for hours, giving the chicken a wonderful tangy flavor that everyone will love. Serve with hot pickled peppers on top for more zing in every bite.

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Pulled Pork Nachos

Pulled Pork Nachos
Antonis Achilleos

This hearty crowd-pleaser comes together in just 15 minutes. With lots of opportunities for ingredient substitutions and variations, it's impossible to fumble this dish.

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Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham
Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Snack recipes come and go but this dip recipe is one you'll want to keep in your recipe box forever.

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Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

Ham-And-Cheese Sliders
Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Throw this bake in the oven for easy, handheld delight. Hawaiian Rolls and gruyère cheese will tempt tailgaters until the platter's empty.

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Double-Fried Gator Bites With Georgia Barbecue Sauce

Southern Living Double-Fried Gator Bites With Georgia Barbecue Sauce on a platter to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Tied to game day at the University of Georgia, gator bites are simply chicken nuggets that are set out on the tailgate spread. We think this homemade version beats the fast food variety.

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Mini Potato Skins

Mini Potato Skins
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer

These potato skins will be a hit at any watch party. Made with only five ingredients, these handhelds are convenient and delicious with a beer occupying your other hand.

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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Photographer: Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

These crispy wings are easy to make and taste as good as any restaurant wings. Thanks to an air fryer, they're done in a flash and will fly off the platter in no time. We like them best with honey mustard dipping sauce.

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Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans

Southern Living Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans in a serving dish with grilled corn beside

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

A game day cookout isn't complete without at least one casserole dish filled with baked beans. You'll know these beans are ready to come out of the oven when the edges start to bubble.

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Guacamole

Southern Living Classic Guacamole in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips on the side

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you're short on time, you can pull this party dip together in just 15 minutes so you don't have to show up empty-handed. Topping with pomegranate seeds gives the dip a colorful finish.

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Cook-The-Enemy Gumbo

Southern Living Cook the Enemy Gumbo in a bowl to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

While this recipe calls for shrimp, you can add the meat of your choice depending on your team's opponent. You can add chicken for the Gamecocks, pork shoulder for the Razorbacks, sliced brats for the Dawgs, or even gator.

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Buffalo Chicken Bites

buffalo chicken bites
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

If you don't want to go through the mess of eating wings, make these Buffalo Chicken Bites and offer toothpicks to your guests for a mess-free eating experience. Serve with ranch or blue cheese for the full buffalo wing experience without the sticky fingers.

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West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls

West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls on a plate to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Frozen dough is the secret ingredient that helps this classic West Virginia appetizer come together easily. You may want to double (or triple) this recipe for hungry tailgaters.

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Hot Corn Dip

Southern Living Hot Corn Dip

Jessica Furniss

If you show up to the game day party with this corn dip in hand, it'll guarantee that you're invited back for every game of the season. Plus, it's simple to make and easy to transport.

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Toomer's Lemonade Sheet Cake

Southern Living Toomer's Lemonade Sheet Cake in the pan with a few pieces cut to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Whether you've visited Auburn or not, you've likely heard of the famous lemonade that's sold at Toomer’s Drugs. This cake was inspired by the lemonade and has plenty of lemon juice as well as lemon zest on the ingredient list.

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Chicken Nachos

Southern Living Chicken Nachos on the pan ready to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Set out a sheet pan of these chicken nachos, and your tailgate guests are sure to shout with joy! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe extra easy. You can add all the toppings before you serve the nachos, or you can let people top their own.

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Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Grape Jelly Meatballs
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

You can't go wrong with this classic appetizer that has been pleasing crowds for decades. Plus, they're made in a slow cooker so they'll stay warm until it's time to dig in.

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Copycat Publix Buffalo Chicken Dip

Southern Living Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip in a bowl to serve with carrot and celery sticks, chips, crackers, and glasses of beer

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Thanks to the poached chicken, this copycat recipe just might be even better than the original. This step takes the flavor of the chicken to the next level.

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Million Dollar Dip

million dollar dip on a tray with crudites and crackers

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Think of this dip as an easier version of a cheese ball. It comes together with just six ingredients and a little bit of stirring rather than forming it into a ball.

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Grove-Worthy Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches

Southern Living Fancy Pimiento Cheese Tea Sandwiches on a platter to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

While the name of these sandwiches implies that they're suitable for tailgating at The Grove in Oxford, Mississippi, we think they'd be welcome at any other game day gathering as well.

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Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Hot chicken is a Nashville delicacy, and this dip recipe is a perfect way to incorporate the flavor into your weekend get-together.

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Dill Pickle Dip

Southern Living Dill Pickle Dip in a bowl to serve with potato chips

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie cox

This dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so it's a great make-ahead option for busy weekends. Dill pickle chips make great dippers and amplify the pickle flavor.

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Party Poppers

Party Poppers
Hector M. Sanchez Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Simply named, they're called Party Poppers for a reason: We think they're essential for any festivity. If your tailgate spread needs a Hail Mary, these wrapped and stuffed peppers will do the trick.

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Muddy Buddy Mix

Muddy Buddy Mix
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Muddy Buddy Mix is the perfect game day snack for fans who have a sweet tooth. Plus, you don't have to turn on the stove or oven to pull it together.

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Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Kentucky Bourbon Balls plated and ready to serve

Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

These no-bake candies are a chocolatey version of classic bourbon balls. You can also make them without the alcohol, but it will change the flavor.

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Alabama Yellowhammer Cocktail

Southern Living Yellowhammer Slammer in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

With four different types of liquor on the ingredient list, this game day drink made famous by Gallettes in Tuscaloosa packs a strong punch. The bar serves nearly 5,000 cups of this fruity punch on game days.

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Football Cake

football cake
Photgrapher: Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

No party is complete without a cake, and this football-shaped dessert can be enjoyed by fans of all teams. No special equipment is required. You make the football shape using two round cake pans.

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Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Antonis Achilleos

If a recipe involves queso, odds are it's a winner. Queso stuffed peppers, though, are a game changer. You may have to play defense on these party favorites or they'll be gobbled up before the end of the first quarter.

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Baked BLT Dip

Baked BLT Dip
Skyler Burt

We can never say no to a BLT. This recipe lets us get all the delicious flavors from the sandwich in one scoop.

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Beer-Cheese Fondue

Creamy Feta Phyllo Bites
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Serve up this piping hot fondue with bratwurst, steamed broccoli florets, roasted Brussels sprouts, and roasted fingerling potatoes for dipping, and you've got a game day crowd-pleaser. This dip is decadent with just enough lager to make it an ideal tailgate snack.

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Tiger Tea

Southern Living Tiger Tea in a glass to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This boozy version of an Arnold Palmer is synonymous with game day in Baton Rouge. Sweet tea vodka and lemonade replicate the famous combination, but swap the vodka for sweet tea for a non-alcoholic version.

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Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Could Hawaiian Rolls and tender buffalo chicken possibly get any better? With Colby-Jack and blue cheeses, plus fresh fixings like lettuce, pickle, onion, and tomato, the answer is an emphatic yes.

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Rotel Sausage Dip

Rotel Dip
Caitlin Bensel

It's not a game day party without this six-ingredient dip. Serve this meaty Velveeta dip with scoop chips, and you're ready to go.

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Jalapeño Popper Dip

jalapeno popper dip
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

If stuffed jalapeños are a hit at your usual gatherings, this dip will be a winning surprise. Cheesy and spicy, this dip has all the kick of a handheld popper but with extra points for creamy texture.

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Dry-Rubbed Smoked Chicken Wings

Dry-Rubbed Smoked Chicken Wings
Jennifer Causey

If the wings are good, so is the party. This pitmaster-approved recipe packs in the paprika and uses a smoker for dry-rub wings good enough to steal the show from the quarterback. Cook low and slow for tender wings.

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Bulldog Tequila Negroni

negroni

Robbie Caponetto

This cocktail recipe requires just four ingredients and is just the right shade of red for Georgia game days.

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Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Skyler Burt

Let your slow cooker do the work for you and soon enough, you'll have party-worthy dip that's creamy with a kick. We used Frank's Red Hot, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce.

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Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole

Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Guacamole is always good, but this Southern-style version will blow the rest out of the stadium. It combines three fan favorites for a game-changing dip recipe.

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Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Deviled eggs are a welcome addition to any Southern gathering. Forget the football teams playing, the real rivalry is the one between Duke's Mayo and Hellmann's. Which will you choose for the yolk filling?

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Party Potatoes

Party Potatoes - Southern Living

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It just isn't a Super Bowl party without a batch of aptly named Party Potatoes.

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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

We suggest at least doubling this two-ingredient recipe for your game day crowd. It's impossible to eat just one of these buttery cracker and salty bacon concoctions.

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Homemade Brownies

Southern Living Homemade Brownies on a plate to serve with a glass of milk

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Skip the boxed mix and impress your game day crowd with homemade brownies. Add a little cinnamon or cayenne to set them apart from other brownies.

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Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad

Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad in a red dish with strawberry linen

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This nostalgic dish will never go out of style. Creamy, fruity, and with a salty crunch on top from the pretzels, this dish will always be welcome at game day gatherings.

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Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

These pinwheels have all the fixings found with your typical buffalo chicken dip but with the ease of a handheld vessel. Finally, a pastry that goes great with beer.

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Quesadillas al Pastor

Quesadillas Al Pastor
Skyler Burt

Quesadillas are an easy crowd-pleaser. Add smoked shredded pork for an upgraded and slightly sophisticated version.

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Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese

Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Two Southern staples in one slider? Yes, please. Your game day guests will love the crispy chicken, and pimiento cheese takes the slider to the next level.

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Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings

Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Fire up the grill and the heat with this recipe your guests will want an instant replay of. Gochujang and grated ginger spice up the wings, and honey tempers it with subtle sweetness while adding caramelized flavor.

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Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Go big or go home. And by big, we mean a juicy grilled chicken sandwich with a tangy honey barbecue sauce and all the fixin's.

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Tex-Mex Skillet Poblano Dip

Southern Living Tex-Mex Skillet Poblano Dip in a skillet to serve with chips and beer

Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Andrea Fanning

Break out your best cast iron to make this deliciously decadent poblano dip.

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Kitchen Sink Cookies

Kitchen Sink Cookies
Jennifer Causey

Who can turn down a homemade chocolate chip cookie? Salty add-ins make them even more irresistible. This recipe includes chocolate chunks, corn chips, chopped almonds, and a touch of sea salt.

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Pizza Pepper Poppers

Pizza Pepper Poppers
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Ready in just 30 minutes, these finger foods are great as an after-school snack, but they are even better complementing a good game. Cheese and pepperoni work hard to make sure this is unlike any other stuffed pepper you've had.

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Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Pull Apart Pizza Bread
Alison Miksch

Instead of ordering pizza, serve this bread with your favorite marinara sauce. A savory, Italian take on monkey bread, this biscuit-based Bundt snack is a crowd-pleaser worthy of its own touchdown dance.

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Game Day Chili

Game Day Chili
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

A cool fall Saturday isn't complete without a big batch of chili. Simmering in your Dutch oven, ground chuck, spices, and a bottle of dark beer will become a go-to recipe, and fill your home with a savory aroma that you'll come to associate with game day.

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Sausage Balls

Sausage Balls - Southern Living

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You're only three ingredients away from the perfect party snack. Sausage balls are a great salty bite for any occasion, so you know you can rely on them to satisfy everyone at the tailgate.

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Pecan Praline Dip

Pecan Praline Dip
Alison Miksch

Switch things up from all the salty dishes with this decadent dessert dip. Serve with vanilla wafers to satisfy every sweet tooth in attendance.

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Savory Bacon Dutch Baby

Savory Bacon Dutch Baby
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

We're digging this bacon-cheddar dish that is perfect for game day brunch. This fluffy pancake is best served right out of the oven in your cast iron skillet.

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Spiked Arnold Palmer

Spiked Arnold Palmer
Southern Living

Add a little bourbon to this classic sipper for a spirited game day drink. If you have kiddos at your tailgate, you can easily make two batches: one with bourbon and one without.

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Ranch Snacker Crackers

Southern Living Ranch Snacker Crackers in a bowl to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A handful of these makes for a super-flavorful snack during game day.

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Homemade Onion Dip

Homemade Onion Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Once you try this homemade recipe, you'll never use the packets again. Charred Vidalia onions and fresh chives jolt this classic party dip into the end zone.

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Beer Can Chicken

Beer Can Chicken
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Two game day staples come together to create a classic grilled dish. Grab your favorite game day beer and some spice rub to guarantee that your chicken is tender and flavorful.

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Cheddar Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws

Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

These are the perfect party snacks. They're especially easy to make and travel well. You only need six ingredients for this go-to snack, and odds are, you already have them.

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Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower Wings Image
Micah A. Leal

Use cauliflower to make your new favorite rendition of buffalo wings. These coated cauliflowers add flair to any vegetable platter with other raw veggies and ranch dressing.

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Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Spinach-Artichoke Dips
Caitlin Bensel

We love this indulgent dip, and we know your guests will too. Add frozen artichokes to your classic spinach dip recipe and thank us later.

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Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad

Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad
Abigail Wilt

Say hello to a lighter yet still delicious dish you can make the night before the big game. Making this fruit salad overnight is key to letting the flavors marinate to perfection.

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Super Quick Chili

Super Quick Chili
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Slice the tops from hearty round dinner rolls, and then let guests hollow out centers and spoon Super Quick Chili into them. Keep the chili warm in a slow cooker during the game so everyone can grab more during commercial breaks.

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Hoppin' John Hush Puppies

Hoppin' John Hush Puppies
Becky Luigart-Stayner

A Lowcountry classic is transformed into a crispy, satisfying fritter. A Tomato-Corn Relish seals the deal for this hybrid snack.

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Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs

Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs
Melina Hammer

Think of having Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs as a delicious and convenient way to enjoy making a mess. Our Test Kitchen couldn't get enough of these new sloppy Joes enlivened with a splash of cola, which gives the ground beef a sweet boost that plays well off the filling's spices. You'll love these even more when you add your favorite coleslaw for crunch and color.

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Pepper-Pepper Cheese Dip

Pepper-Pepper Cheese Dip Recipe
Coastal Living

Twice the pepper for twice the fun, pepper jelly and bacon top this cheesy jalapeño dip. Serve it piping hot or at room temperature.

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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Sausage balls are a favorite Southern finger food. This recipe offers a delicious spin using sweet potatoes to make this appetizer stand out.

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Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
Stephen DeVries

These bite-size enchiladas are the solution to a mess-free yet delicious appetizer. Not your average labor-intensive enchilada, these miniatures come together in just three steps and 30 minutes.

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Fried Pickle Chips

Fried Pickle Chips
Alison Miksch

Crispy pickle chips are always a hit with any crowd. Roundhouse-Kick Sauce with mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, vinegar, Sriracha, and Worcestershire, will punt the pickles to the next level.

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Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

Make these egg rolls to satisfy burger cravings during game days. Dipped in our Special Sauce, a delicious combination of multiple go-to condiments, this snack will send your normal burger takeout order scrambling.

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Creamy Crab Dip

Creamy Crab Dip Recipe
Hector Manuel Sanchez

A fresh take on an old classic, this ultra-creamy dip is heavenly. We know you'll want to eat the whole thing, but let everyone else at the tailgate have some too.

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Mini Muffulettas

Mini Muffulettas
Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

Cheese, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables fill these mini sandwiches. You can prepare these sliders the day before the party, then watch them fly off the plate come game time.

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Slow-Cooker Beef Nachos

Slow-Cooker Beef Nachos
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Nachos are a great way to get a bite of all this recipe has to offer, but with slow-cooker beef this good, there's lots of wiggle room for delicious snacks. Perfect as a bowl-game party bite, you can also serve this recipe in slider buns with your favorite sandwich toppings.

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Slow-Cooker Beef Sliders with Pickled Peppers

Slow-Cooker Beef Sliders with Pickled Peppers
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Rev up your slow cooker the night before. On game day, tote it to the game, plug it in, and let your crowd build their own sandwiches.

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Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese

Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese
Hector Sanchez

This cafeteria-style macaroni and cheese recipe is full of comforting flavor. Fit for a crowd, this mac dish comes together in a slow cooker and will taste just like Grandma used to make.

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Sweet-and-Salty Snack Mix

Sweet-and-Salty Snack Mix
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

This mixture has it all to fulfill both salty cravings and a sweet tooth. Stuff this snack mix into waffle cones for a pretty presentation.

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Collard Dip

Collard Dip
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Spinach dip is great, but this version may be the ultimate winner. Collard greens give this favorite party dip a Southern spin.

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Sweet Heat Hot Dogs

Sweet Heat Hot Dogs
Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Allison R. Banks; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

It isn't a tailgate without some grilling involved. Kick up your regular hot dogs with this spicy-sweet recipe with Sriracha, sweet-hot pickles, and cabbage.

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Easy BBQ Shrimp

Easy BBQ Shrimp
Southern Living

Simple but always popular for a party, barbecue shrimp is a surefire snack to keep everyone happy at the tailgate. Skewer the shrimp with a cocktail pick and serve with some Tobasco sauce to bring the heat to your game day spread.

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Cookie Dough Egg Rolls

Cookie Dough Egg Rolls
Southern Living

Finger food is ideal for any game day function. These Cookie Dough Egg Rolls are easy to make and easy to enjoy before heading to the stadium to cheer on your favorite team.

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Slow-Cooked Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

Pickled Peppers & Onions
Becky Luigart Stayner

Using your slow cooker will help chicken fall off the bone with no effort. Pickled peppers, onions, and simple slaw take this sandwich recipe to the next down.

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Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting

Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

Every game day line-up needs a sweet treat. These Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes are reminiscent of summer days, and they're oh-so delicious.

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Smoky Snack Mix

Smoky Snack Mix
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Pack festive baggies of this snack mix for your guests to take with them in the stands. It's the best salty treat to have on hand for half-time.

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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINA DAILEY

Offer this Cowboy Pasta Salad at your tailgate as a refreshing, chilled side that still packs the heat. Taco-inspired ingredients including black beans, jalapeños, and cilantro make for a pasta salad with tang to spare.

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Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip

Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip
Photo: Iain Bagwell

If the name of this dish alone doesn't convince you of their game day potential, we don't know what will. Keep your queso warm in the slow cooker until it's ready to be scooped up to pair with salty, starchy skewers.

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Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey

Pop these ribs in the oven a few hours before game time, and they’ll be ready by kick-off. A smoky, sweet rub and your favorite barbecue sauce bring all the flavor.

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Frito Pie

frito pies with toppings

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Turn your favorite corn chips into a meal by adding chili. A delicious take on a feel-good classic, no game day would be complete without a hearty helping (or two!).

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Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce

Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Tender meatballs and tangy sauce are a winning combo that comes together even better in a portable slider. Place these miniatures under the broiler with some cheese to sack any doubts that this is an ordinary sandwich.

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Bacon Bites

Bacon Bites

Molly Bolton / Southern Living

Bacon, brown sugar, and breadsticks? Say less. Make these once, and they'll be requested on every Saturday for the rest of football season.

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Deviled Potatoes

Deviled Potatoes
Hector Sanchez Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Why choose between deviled eggs and potato salad? When combined, these two Southern classic appetizers are a force to be reckoned with at any game day gathering.

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Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw

Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Pulled pork and sweet potato biscuits are the quarterback and center you never knew you needed. Add some slaw and that's a winning play.

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Stove-Top Bacon Popcorn

Stove-Top Bacon Popcorn
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Popcorn is for the cinema, but bacon popcorn is for the stadium. Pop your kernels on the stove, add crispy bacon crumbles, and make this recipe your own with variations like Maple and Glazed Pecans or Smoky Chile-Garlic.

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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Micah A. Leal

These party poppers have it all, from a creamy inside to a crunchy outside, and even smoky bacon flavor. Removing the seeds from the peppers before wrapping them ensures that these snacks aren't too hot to enjoy.

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Texas Sheet Cake with Fudge Icing

Texas Sheet Cake With Fudge Icing

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

If your team isn’t doing well on the field, sweeten the mood with rich, chocolatey cake. Texas sheet cake feeds a crowd, but it still may not last long. Pour the icing over the cake while it’s still warm.

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Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch

Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Score when you set out a jar of this fruity, boozy sipper during game time. This sweet-tart punch combines sparkling apple cider and frozen cranberries, sweetened with brown sugar and honey.

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Minty Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade Iced Tea
Jennifer Davick

Whatever your game day spread features, wash it all down with this big-batch tea. Mint and lemonade provide the perfect balance to any spicy party food.

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Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

This black-eyed pea dip may bring good luck to you and your team. This creamy, cheesy dip will be the winner of bowl game watching.

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Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich

Fried Chicken Sandwich
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Who needs delivery when you can whip up a tasty fried chicken sandwich in your own kitchen?

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Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Southern Living

Just a hint of bourbon flavor elevates baby back ribs for a barbecue main that will stand out at any tailgate. With only 30 minutes of hands-on time, these ribs will be fall-off-the-bone tender.

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Homemade Potato Chips with Fried Herbs

Homemade Potato Chips with Fried Herbs
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Potato chips get the gourmet treatment in this easier-than-it-looks recipe.

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Fried Mashed Potato Balls

fried mashed potato balls
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

What's better than mashed potatoes in a bowl? Mashed potatoes in a golden-fried ball.

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Potato-Crusted Pizza

Potato-Crusted Pizza Recipe
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Forget the typical doughy pizza base and go for a crispy potato crust for the ultimate slice.

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Photography, and Food Styling: Karen Rankin

Air frying proves to be the quickest way to get a batch of sweet potato fries on the snack spread. Add an aioli for dipping, and you're on your way.

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Fire Crackers

Southern Living Fire Crackers in a bowl to serve

Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Another snacky side that couldn't be easier to make, these are a great small bite of crunch anytime, not just during the big game.

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Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This go-to mac and cheese recipe is made even easier with the help of a sheet pan, which is perfect if you have a lot going on in the kitchen during game day prep.

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Hot-and-Sweet Fried Peanuts

Hot-and-Sweet Fried Peanuts
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Whip up a batch of these for an infusion of crunch and flavor in your game day spread.

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Afterburners

Afterburners

Stacy k. Allen, Props: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

You'll crave the burn of these bacon-wrapped peppers.

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Ham-and-Swiss Sliders

Southern Living Ham and Cheese sliders in the baking dish ready to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This is yet another hero slider recipe that will tide everyone over until dinnertime.

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Brownie Cookies

Southern Living brownie cookies

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist Shell Royster

Can't decide which dessert to make? These brownie cookies are the best of both worlds (and a welcome dose of sweetness on a savory-heavy spread).

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