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Gameday appetizers may be my very favorite excuse to get together to watch football! Can I get a shoutout for the FOOD which is the real MVP here?

Football season is approaching and I want to be ready with the best of the best appetizers for my tailgating or watch parties! I can’t resist a good game day appetizer and I don’t want you missing out either so I have rounded up all of the best! A few of my favorites are Hot Corn Dip, Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts, and Sticky Honey Garlic Wings.

A collage of appetizers with "the best game day appetizers" written in the middle.

Game Day Appetizers

Be honest, do you look forward to watching the game more, or are you just there for the food? Game day appetizers are my absolute favorite thing! I love that they range from sweet to savory. This means I can have a ton of different flavors and options on my plate all at once! I think that there isn’t much better than being at a party and having what feels like unlimited options for my tastebuds! Plus, they are super simple! A lot of the time you will already have all of the ingredients on hand in your kitchen! Appetizers and snacks are so delicious and I can’t wait to gobble them all up!

Because I love game day appetizers so much, I have rounded up forty-five (see, I couldn’t stop at just a few!) different recipes. They are all quick and easy and loved by all– kids included! Because of the wide variety, I am positive that you will find something that you love. They are my favorite tried and true recipes that are so yummy that you won’t be having them only one game day. You will now have a list of go-to game day appetizers for all of your future parties and get-togethers! Happy eating!

Quick Picks

Here are a few of my favorite game day appetizer combos. From dips to wings, served up with homemade sauces, here are a few recipes you’ve got to try out!

Creamy BLT Dip

BLT Dip is an appetizer that is delightfully light and oh so good! A creamy seasoned base is topped with all the flavors of the classic BLT, you are going to love it!
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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is an insanely delicious way to jazz up your next party. Chock full of intense but balanced flavors this appetizer is going to disappear fast.
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Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail is a classic party appetizer that needs to be at your next gathering! This party favorite is easy to throw together and can be made in advance. 
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Air Fryer Onion Rings

Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings are going to be your new go to favorite. Golden, crunchy and cooked to perfection, these onion rings are so addicting!
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Bacon Wrapped Chestnuts

5 from 3 votes
These Bacon Wrapped Chestnuts are crunchy sweet chestnuts, that are enveloped in a savory bacon and marinated in a sweet spicy sauce for the perfect flavor combination.
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California Avocado Dip

5 from 1 vote
California Avocado dip is so easy to make and has so many delicious and fresh ingredients! Avocados, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro come together in this irresistible dip!
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

5 from 1 vote
Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are crispy outside and tender inside. Lightly seasoned and golden, they are a delicious addition to any meal. These are a healthy way to indulge  without the guilt. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and your side dish is done!
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Hot Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip

5 from 2 votes
Delicious and sweet caramelized onions inside this incredible creamy and cheesy dip! With the added bacon this dip is sure to be a huge hit at your next party!
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Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy and slightly spicy chicken dip.  It has all the flavors you love in your favorite hot sauce combined with more mild ranch dressing and topped off with the strong cheese.  
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Sticky Honey Garlic Wings

5 from 1 vote
Sticky honey garlic wings are incredibly delicious and an excellent appetizer for absolutely any event or party! They have a mouthwatering, sweet taste that will keep you snacking all night long!
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Little Smokies

4.86 from 7 votes
Little Smokies, smothered in a sweet tangy BBQ sauce are one of the easiest, most loved appetizers out there. These are guaranteed to disappear whether it's for a party or dinner, these are just too tasty and fun not to eat.
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Sheet Pan Nachos

5 from 2 votes
Oven Baked Sheet Pan Nachos are filled with a layer of chips, ground beef, refried beans, black olives, chopped tomatoes, corn, and cheese sprinkled over top, then baked to perfection. The possibilities are endless!
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Crispy Potato Skins

4 from 1 vote
Baked Potato Skins have a crispy outer shell that is loaded with a cheddar cheese, bacon and green onion combination. These potatoes are everyones favorite appetizer or side dish! 
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5 Minute Million Dollar Dip

4.75 from 35 votes
5 Million Dollar Dip is only 5 ingredients and they don’t call it million dollar dip for nothing! It is so deliciously addicting and will be the biggest hit wherever it goes!
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Awesome 7 Layer Dip

5 from 1 vote
Awesome 7 Layer Dip is an addicting creamy dip that includes all of your favorites, like guacamole, refried beans, and sour cream!  You will be amazed how simple it is to put together such an incredibly delicious dip!
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd quickly and easily. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, everyone will love the spicy rotisserie chicken sandwiched between soft dinner rolls with ranch dressing, melted cheese, and crunchy coleslaw.
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Ranch Pretzels

For a quick snack make these Ranch Pretzels. These make the best party, movie night, or after school snack!
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Ham and Cheddar Sliders

5 from 2 votes
Delicious and cheesy ham and cheddar sliders that are easy and are great for a gathering!
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Fluffy Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip (3 ingredients!)

5 from 3 votes
Marshmallow cream cheese fruit dip is one of the best dips to enjoy year round. Fluffy fruit dip is sweet and creamy that is served with all your favorite fresh fruits! 
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Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

3.90 from 10 votes
This Chili's Copycat Skillet Queso combines smooth Velveeta cheese that melts magically with flavorful chili and Mexican spices in a skillet to pure queso perfection, hands down one of the best copycat recipes EVER!  A super easy appetizer that will disappear faster than it took to make it. 
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

4 from 2 votes
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are buttery, zesty, and will WOW at your next family get-together! They are super easy to make and pack delicious flavor in every juicy bite!
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Churro Cupcakes

5 from 3 votes
Churro Cupcakes are fluffy and light cinnamon sugar cupcakes that are easy to make and even easier to fall in love with!  They are made with common baking ingredients that you may even have in your pantry right now!
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Hot Corn Dip

5 from 1 vote
Hot Corn Dip is super cheesy, packed with flavor and such a crowd pleaser. This always one of the first dips to disappear! 
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Grasshopper Popcorn

A delicious and minty popcorn that is coated with chocolate and has grasshopper cookies and anded mints hidden inside!
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Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

4.83 from 17 votes
These jalapeño poppers are filled with a cream cheese mixture, topped with crumbled bacon pieces, and then baked to perfection. You won't be able to stop at one! 
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Asiago Dip

Asiago dip is super creamy and is loaded with flavor!  There are just a few ingredients and simple, easy to follow steps.  It has the perfect flavor combination, and trust me when I say one bite of this delicious dip will not be enough!  It will get devoured in no time by anyone who tries it!
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Baked Soft Pretzels

5 from 3 votes
Baked Soft Pretzels are soft and chewy on the inside with the perfect salty golden exterior.  This recipe will walk you through these easy homemade pretzels with step by step instructions!
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Classic Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

5 from 1 vote
This quick and easy no bake sweet treat is a combination of cereal, chocolate and peanut butter and tossed in powdered sugar. It's snack attack perfection! 
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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

5 from 2 votes
These Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites are delicious hand held appetizers that are perfect for any gathering! Made like a classic cheeseball with bacon, cream cheese, green onions, and pecans and held together with a pretzel, these little bite-sized snacks are hard to resist!
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Peanut Butter Bars

These peanut butter bars are thick, rich, and heavenly! A thick layer of peanut butter mixed with rolled oats makes a creamy filling with a smooth chocolatey frosting that is an irresistible combination.
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Sugar Cookie Bars

These are so simple! They are so easy to whip up a batch and have a delicious sugar cookie in a bar!
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No Bake Oreo Balls

4 from 3 votes
Easy no bake Oreo balls are decadent little truffles covered in a chocolate shell. Oreo crumbs and cream cheese create a sweet creamy texture on the inside. It only takes 3 simple ingredients to make this perfect party treat!
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Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist chocolate pumpkin cupcakes with an amazing cinnamon pumpkin cream cheese frosting! These are the perfect fall treat!
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Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

4.89 from 9 votes
These homemade cookies are soft, fluffy and full of creamy peanut butter, and it only takes 3 ingredients to make them! Peanut butter gets mixed together with sugar and a large egg- it’s that simple to whip up a batch!
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Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites

Air fryer zucchini pizza bites are the perfect low-carb way to eat your pizza and love it too! Quick and easy these make a perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal any time of the week!
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Air Fryer Fried Pickles

5 from 2 votes
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are the ultimate appetizer! They are tangy, zippy and perfectly seasoned! 
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Insanely Delicious Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp are insanely delicious! One of the best appetizers out there, these mouthwatering air fried coconut shrimp are crispy, lightweight and completely delightful! This appetizer is one that is sure to have your guests coming back for more!
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Creamy BLT Dip

BLT Dip is an appetizer that is delightfully light and oh so good! A creamy seasoned base is topped with all the flavors of the classic BLT, you are going to love it!
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Classic Deviled Eggs

4 from 5 votes
Classic Deviled Eggs are a favorite appetizer for parties and holiday celebrations. This traditional deviled egg recipe is simple and perfect.
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Cheesy Cheddar Garlic Breadsticks

Delicious and cheesy cheddar garlic breadsticks that are made with a quick and easy dough recipe!  These will be in and out of the oven in no time and you won’t be able to stop eating them! 
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Air Fryer Avocado Fries

Crispy and creamy, air fryer avocado fries are a quick and easy snack that the whole family will love! They're so delicious and perfect for dipping!
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Insanely Delicious Hot Crab Dip

4.66 from 49 votes
Hot Crab Dip makes the perfect party appetizer. This delicious and addicting crab dip is ready in just 30 minutes and will instantly wow the entire crew!
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Melon Salad with Citrus Honey Mint Dressing

5 from 1 vote
I don't know about you but nothing hits the spot more on a hot summer day than fresh fruit and salads! Combine the two together and our melon salad will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied!
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Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Tender meat, sautéed peppers and onions is smothered with cheese and wrapped in egg roll wrappers and fried to perfection in these Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. This is going to be your go to appetizer or snack when you want to impress without a lot of stress.
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Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto Skewers are a super easy and delicious appetizer, perfect for any occasion. Colorful and full of flavor, these are true crowd pleaser!
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About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

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6 Comments

  1. thank you for all of these, wow, a lot of game day inspiration, sheet pan nachos might be the most practical in terms of what most people like and in terms of prep!