These simple and delicious Football Party Appetizers will help you create the ultimate football party menu and so you can celebrate game day with a happy tummy.
This post was originally published on January 14, 2021, and has now been updated with new images, a table of contents, .
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Do you want to know one of my favorite things to eat on Game Day? All the Football appetizers!
To have a whole spread of snacks, dips, and finger foods is a dream come true for me. A big buffet full of apps is the best way to kick off the football game.
Appetizers served on the day of the big game tend to be full of flavor, a little bit decadent. They’re things you can’t help but start thinking about ahead of time.
Whether you’re hosting at home, tailgating at a stadium or heading to a friend’s house, this list of easy recipes will help you find the winning dishes to serve this year!
Football party finger foods often include dips, cheese balls and sliders. But I also love to round out the homemade items with a few easy football snack ideas.
And don’t forget about the wings! Check out my Instant Pot Game Day recipes post to see a bunch of different wings recipes (plus more appetizers and even main dish ideas)!
How to Plan A Winning Menu
Think of the Guests
When it comes down to what to serve, you have to determine what your guests would like most. Ask yourself these questions to help you plan your menu.
- Will there be kids at the party?
- Do my guests enjoy meat options?
- Do my guests want fruit and veggies?
- Are these ideas easy to eat?
Knowing what your guests like will help you put together an array of apps that everyone will enjoy.
Plan Ahead
Game day appetizers don’t have to be hard and you don’t have to wait until the day of the big game to make everything.
If you plan your menu right, you can start making the food in advance, which is awesome. Anything that will keep for a few days in the fridge is a win in my book.
Make it a Potluck
If you are hosting, you don’t need to do all of the work by yourself, you can also have everyone else bring an appetizer.
If you know what you want everyone to bring, then make a list and your guests can choose from that list. Having everyone else bring an appetizer can help save you time.
Keep it Simple
Game Day isn’t the day to bring your fanciest dishes and appetizers. Keep it simple for any football party appetizers and you’ll make everyone happy!
The fancier the dishes, the more you might stress yourself out. Keep it as simple as possible for Game Day.
Football Appetizers
What's a football party without appetizers?? These easy recipes are delicious and perfect for all your game day celebrating! From simple dips to fun finger foods, these ideas will help you put together the best party menu.
Easy Football Dip Recipes
Dips and chips are made for parties! Here are some tasty options that are easy to make and a great thing to put on your Game Day party food spread.
Hot Artichoke Dip with Swiss Cheese
This Artichoke Dip with Swiss Cheese is an easy recipe to make and a delicious appetizer to kick off any party!
Roasted Tomato Appetizer with Garlic and Burrata
This yummy roasted tomato appetizer with burrata will have your guests thinking you slaved away on this delicious dish when it’s really the easiest recipe ever!
Easy Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip with Dried Beef
This Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is fast and simple to make and is truly delicious! If you like Jalapeno Poppers you'll love this recipe. This creamy dip is sure to be your new go-to appetizer recipe for all your parties or get-togethers!
Bacon Cheese Dip Recipe
This warm Bacon Cheese Dip is one of my favorite appetizers ever! This will bring people to your buffet table so they don't miss this delicious dip!
Tailgate Dips to Make Your Mouth for Football Sunday
If you’re planning on hosting a football party this year for the “big game” here are 23 tailgate dips to serve your guests. Dips are the best party food idea ever.
Football Finger Foods
These recipes are made for eating with your fingers making them the perfect snack to put on your Football buffet.
Easy Blue Cheese Potato Chip Nachos with Bacon
Swap out the tortilla chips and make these delicious Potato Chip Nachos with Blue Cheese Sauce! With salty bacon and sweet balsamic drizzle, they’re a party for your mouth.
Blue Cheese Steak Bites Appetizer Recipe
These easy Steak Bites are the perfect way to kick off a party. Flank steak and blue cheese go so great together! And starting with a Triscuit makes them ridiculously easy.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
If you’ve never made Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with Goat Cheese before you HAVE to! They’re salty and sweet and the perfect start to a football party.
Dried Beef Roll Ups Recipe
These Dried Beef Roll-Ups are the perfect salty snack to make for game day! This recipe can be made ahead of time and your guests probably haven’t had them before. These are always a crowd-pleaser!
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Taco Cups Appetizer Recipe
These are the perfect, easy appetizers to serve at your game day parties. Salsa Chicken Taco Cups are DELICIOUS and super to quick to make with your Instant Pot!
Baked Salami Chips Party Appetizer Recipe
These Baked Salami Chips are probably the easiest appetizer you can make. Just bake until crisp and they're good to go. You will probably want to make a TON of these because your guests will love them!
Artichoke Dip Sliders Recipe
Your favorite warm dip recipe is reimagined as a slider! It's the perfect finger food idea for watching football.
Loaded Tater Tots with Buffalo Aioli
It's like nachos but with tater tots and it's amazing. Plus the added heat from the Buffalo Aioli makes them even more special.
Cheese Balls and Logs Make Great Snacks
Creamy, cheesy balls and logs pair with crackers and veggies and help round out your party menu.
Cheetos and Rosemary Goat Cheese Log Appetizer Recipe
Delight your friends with this fun high-low snack idea. Your favorite junk food, Cheetos, makes the best crust for a goat cheese log. This is sure to put a smile on your party guest's faces.
Best Cheese Ball Recipe Ever Appetizer
There's nothing better than a cheese ball! This recipe is the best ever with blue cheese and cheddar. It's an amazing party appetizer!
Easy Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe
Who doesn't love a cheese ball? This one, with chicken, is a great snack to set out on your football party table.
Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party
Dried beef is one of my favorite appetizer ingredients! It's the perfect way to add a salty, savory flavor and it works perfectly with the creamy cheese in this appetizer ball.
Tips and Tricks
- Set out some fresh fruits and veggies, along with dip and chip options before guests arrive so they have something right away. This gives you a few minutes for things to finish up in the oven without leaving guests empty handed.
- If you want to serve a hot appetizer, consider making one in a crockpot. It can be served right from the bowl and will stay warm throughout the party.
- Make sure you have a few hearty options to ensure people are full enough.
- Don’t forget the beverages! Beer and wine are a great idea. Or serve a tasty Old-Fashioned or Moscow Mule. Both are classic, refreshing and delicious.
Related Posts
- Everything You Need to Throw a Football Party – everything you could need or want to throw your next party for the big game – recipes, cocktails, decor and more!
- Free Printable Football Banner – add a festive touch of decor to your football party or tailgate.
- Super Simple Football Cookies – these cookies don’t get any cuter or simpler to make.
More Easy Party Food Ideas
- Rum Cake – moist, delicious, and so easy to make!
- Fireball Cupcakes are a Great Way to Celebrate – cupcakes made with your favorite liquor!
- Goat Cheese Pizza with Sausage is AMAZING! – bold and delicious, this is not your usual delivery.
I know you can’t wait to make these easy football party appetizers! They are delicious and will make your game day party amazing!
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