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    Home » Recipes

    Over 115 of Our Best Game Day Party Recipes

    Published: Jan 29, 2023 · Modified: Feb 11, 2023 by Ashley

    This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    Kick off your game day party with 115+ of our favorite appetizers, mains, sides, cocktails, and desserts that are perfect for the big game!

    Collage of images of party food with text that reads, "Over 115 of Our Best Game Day Party Recipes".

    This one is for the sports fans (and those of us who use game day as an excuse for fun food spreads 🙋🏻‍♀️).

    Whether you're into football, basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, golf, bowling, or synchronized swimming, this post is your new go-to resource for all things related to game day food.

    Sports gatherings can vary widely, so I've broken things down into helpful categories below, and you can click on any link to jump straight to that section.

    Back when my husband worked in a big office, we'd have his department over to watch football with an epic spread of appetizers and desserts with the addition of a 6 foot wedge (that's a giant sandwich) from a local deli.

    The top appetizer requests were always this layered taco dip, these sweet-and-sour meatballs, my favorite deviled eggs, these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, and my classic pickle treats.

    Desserts always included these peanut butter haystacks, this margarita cake, a batch of cranberry oat cereal bars, and our favorite puppy chow (AKA muddy buddies).

    I hope this post helps you plan the most delicious party ever, regardless of whether it involves your favorite sports team.

    Game on!!

    Jump To:

    • 🥟 Bite-sized snacks
    • 🥣 Appetizer dips and spreads
    • 🍔 Game day mains
    • 🥗 Super sides
    • 🍹 Kick-off cocktails
    • 🍪 Party-pleasing desserts

    🥟 Bite-sized snacks

    These are some of our very favorite bite-sized game day snacks. These appetizers are portable and poppable, and many can be made in advance, leaving you relaxed come game time.

    Deviled eggs in a serving tray.

    No Mayo Deviled Eggs

    This easy-to-make, classic deviled egg recipe is a bite-sized party appetizer favorite! Made with pantry staples - no mayo needed!

    Make this recipe
    Overhead view of smoked salmon rolled in tortillas with dill cream cheese.

    Smoked Salmon Roll-ups

    This 5 ingredient party food recipe is simple and delicious. It can be made in advance, making party prep a breeze!

    Make this recipe
    Chicken wings topped with Parmesan cheese on a plate with carrots and celery.

    Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

    This air fryer chicken wing recipe turns a few ingredients into perfectly crispy, juicy wings coated in a garlicky parmesan butter. Perfect for the big game!

    Make this recipe
    Platter of mini pizza bagels with fresh basil.

    Easy Homemade Mini Pizza Bagels

    This homemade pizza bagel recipe is quick & easy to make! These freezable, endlessly customizable snacks can be cooked in the oven or air fryer.

    Make this recipe
    Overhead view of pickle spears rolled with ham and cream cheese on a wooden board.

    Pickle Treats

    This 3 ingredient pickle treat appetizer recipe is one of my family's very favorite game day treats. They're salty, tangy, creamy, and absolutely addictive!

    Make this recipe
    Platter or goat cheese stuffed peppadew peppers.

    Garlicky Goat Cheese + Herb Stuffed Peppadews

    Sweet and a little spicy, these addictive stuffed peppers are the perfect accompaniment to any appetizer spread!

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    Platter of stuffed mushrooms.

    Settino’s Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

    This is my Italian father-in-law's recipe for the BEST stuffed mushrooms. They can be made in advance and reheated at game time.

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    Picking up a homemade pita chip from a bowl full of them.

    Homemade Seasoned Pita Chips: Easy, Baked, 5-Ingredient Recipe

    Freshly baked crispy pita chips are easy to make at home from pita bread in under 10 minutes! Just 5 ingredients plus salt and pepper. Perfect for dipping in hummus, muhammara, and more!

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    Cucumbers with falafel-spiced purée on top garnished with tomatoes, herbs, and hot sauce.

    Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites

    These cucumber bites are a healthy party appetizer recipe with major Middle Eastern flair! They're quick & easy to assemble and make a great addition to any game day spread!

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    Glass of shrimp cocktail over a bowl of ice.

    Killer Shrimp Cocktail

    A flavorful shrimp boil and homemade cocktail sauce bring this Beetlejuice-inspired appetizer to life!

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    Spinach balls in a platter with grainy mustard for dipping.

    Lindrusso’s Spinach Balls

    Serve these bite-sized spinach and Parmesan morsels with your favorite mustard for a tangy appetizer offering!

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    Skewers of pasta salad ingredients next to a pitcher of balsamic vinaigrette.

    Pasta Salad Skewers with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Food on a stick is always more fun! Greek yogurt adds creaminess to the dressing in this fun spin on a party favorite.

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    Platter of tomato bruschetta mixture on top of toasted bread with fresh basil.

    Settino’s Italian Bruschetta

    My family's favorite bruschetta recipe, just the way my Italian father-in-law taught me to make it. This quick & easy appetizer recipe is always a hit!

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    Croissants on a platter filled with apple, cheddar, and bacon jam.

    Cheesy Bacon + Apple Croissants

    Bacon jam adds smokiness to this sweet-and-salty 5 ingredient appetizer recipe. An easy apple-studded hors d'oeuvre that will be a hit at any party!

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    Small dish of mini meatballs in sweet and sour sauce.

    Sweet and Sour Meatballs

    We love to keep these super simple bite-sized appetizers warm in a slow cooker throughout our parties.

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    Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts with toothpicks holding them closed on a plate.

    Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

    Sweet, salty, and almost always the first appetizer to disappear at any game day gathering!

    Make this recipe
    Overhead view of a tray of deviled eggs with colorful garnishes.

    French-Inspired Deviled Eggs

    These mayo-free beauties get a big boost of flavor from fresh tarragon, cornichons, and Dijon.

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    Overhead view of a bowl of spiced almonds.

    Ethiopian Spiced Almonds

    Roasting nuts with berbere makes for an exotic snack. Feel free to use this same method, swapping it out with other spices for flavor variations.

    Make this recipe
    Overhead view of a platter of tortilla roll-ups with cream cheese and vegetables.

    Veggie Cream Cheese Roll-ups

    Eat the rainbow with these colorful, veggie-packed bites! Easy to assemble and completely customizable to your preferences.

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    Crostini topped with manchego, chorizo, figs, and honey on a wooden board.

    Honeyed Chorizo & Fig Crostini

    This smoky-sweet Spanish appetizer recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at your next tapas party! A simple, elegant hors d'oeuvre that can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

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    Meatballs in a dish with a dipping sauce alongside.

    Hoisin Cocktail Meatballs

    Incredibly tender and flavorful party bites with a delicious dipping sauce.

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    Mini tostadas topped with avocado, tuna, cilantro, and lime.

    Tuna Tostada with Avocado Dressing + Chipotle Sour Cream

    These bite-sized beauties have a Mexican flair that will wow your dinner party guests. You'll love how easy this tuna tostada appetizer is to put together!

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    Overhead view of prosciutto and brie crostini with dried apricots.

    Prosciutto & Brie Crostini with Dried Apricots

    France meets Italy in this simple prosciutto & brie crostini recipe that packs a flavorful, sweet-and-salty punch. With only a handful of ingredients, they're perfect party bites for entertaining that are easy enough to make last minute. Plus tips for building your own stellar crostini!

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    Platter of fried dumplings with macaroni and cheese inside.

    Deep Fried Roasted Garlic Mac & Cheese Dumplings

    Roasted garlic-infused mac & cheese is stuffed into dumpling wrappers, deep-fried till golden, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food snack.

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    Bowl of crispy potatoes with a chipotle aioli dipping sauce alongside.

    Patatas Bravas with Chipotle Aioli

    A Spanish tapas favorite that's easy to make at home using only a few ingredients! These crispy fried potatoes make a great addition to any meal.

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    Platter of stuffed baby potato skin appetizers.

    Cheesy Potato Skins with Smoky-BBQ Shredded Beets

    Bite-sized potatoes are stuffed with cheddar cheese and baked till crispy, then topped with a vibrant array of toppings in this healthier spin on a party classic.

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    ¾ view of a platter of General Tsao’s Chicken Egg Rolls with a bowl of dipping sauce.

    General Tsao’s Chicken Egg Rolls

    Two Chinese takeout classics come together in this epic mashup! General Tsao's Chicken Egg Rolls only take a few ingredients & are simple to make at home.

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    Overhead view of a popcorn bowl with rosemary, marcona almonds, adn dried cranberries.

    Marcona Almond + Dried Cherry Popcorn with Crispy Rosemary

    An upscale twist on classic movie theater popcorn. Make it right in the comfort of your own home with only 6 ingredients!

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    Platter of Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp + Peanut Sauce.

    Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp + Peanut Sauce

    Wrapping up these Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp & Peanut Sauce is easier than you think!

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    Cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto.

    Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

    A classic sweet-and-salty combination. Be sure to use ripe melon and quality prosciutto for the best results.

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    Tempura Green Beans with Sriracha Aioli + Soy Ginger Dipping Sauces

    Tempura Green Beans with Sriracha Aioli + Soy Ginger Dipping Sauces

    Seltzer is added to flour and salt to create a beautifully light and fluffy tempura batter. Delicious on green beans and other veggies.

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    Close-up of someone holding a deviled egg with a cornichon on top.

    Dressy Deviled Eggs

    Sweet, tangy, and addictive - I've put a modern twist on my Grandma's classic deviled eggs. Guaranteed to be a hit at any party!

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    Crudité Cups with Homemade Ranch Dressing.

    Crudité Cups with Homemade Ranch Dressing

    A quick blend of herbs & spices mixed with yogurt makes these colorful, portable snacks the perfect healthy treat!

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    🥣 Appetizer dips and spreads

    Nothing beats a good dip when it comes to your game day lineup. I usually assemble a few options in advance in casserole dishes and stash them in the fridge until kickoff.

    Some of our favorite items to serve alongside dips and spreads are:

    • Pita bread or pita chips (my homemade baked pita chips are divine!)
    • Tortilla chips or scoops
    • Fresh veggies/produce like celery, cucumbers, carrots, jicama, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and grape tomatoes
    • Pretzels, pretzel sticks, or pretzel crisps
    • Potato chips
    • Crackers (both plain varieties and ones with additional flavors/ingredients work well)
    • Sliced baguette, either plain or toasted in the oven (toasted is also fantastic rubbed with garlic while it's still hot)
    • Grissini or breadsticks
    • Bagels or bagel chips
    • Bread bowls
    • Veggie chips or sticks
    • Doritos or Fritos
    • Naan bread or naan crisps

    Overhead view of layered taco dip with tortilla chips alongside.

    Layered Taco Dip with Refried Beans

    This quick & easy make-ahead layered taco dip recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for your next potluck, picnic, or game day gathering!

    Make this recipe
    Bowl of buffalo chickpea dip with celery sticks and veggie chips

    Buffalo Chickpea Dip

    Why choose between spicy Buffalo wings and smooth hummus when you can have the best of both worlds? Perfect for game day or any appetizer spread!

    Make this recipe
    Platter of hummus with fresh veggies and pita chips.

    Easy Classic Hummus Using Canned Chickpeas

    Smooth, delicious homemade hummus using canned chickpeas comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. An easy appetizer or snack!

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    Tortilla chip scooping up guacamole.

    Dino’s Guacamole – Restaurant-Style Guac in Just 5 Minutes!

    Restaurant-style guacamole is super simple to make at home! 2 ripe avocados + a few ingredients and you have the perfect Mexican appetizer!

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    Muhammara in a serving dish topped with feta cheese alongside pita bread.

    Muhammara

    A rich, garlicky dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Great served with pita bread and feta cheese.

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    Overhead view of mango black bean salsa with tortilla chips.

    Mango, Jicama + Black Bean Salsa

    Juicy, ripe mango and fresh lime brighten the flavors of this sweet-and-salty black bean salsa. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, potlucks and summer BBQs!

    ,Make this recipe
    Cheese board featuring a layered gorgonzola fruit torta.

    Gorgonzola Fruit Torta

    Gorgonzola & cream cheese are layered with fresh herbs, dried fruit, & toasted nuts upgrading any festive cheese board or appetizer spread.

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    Bowl of vibrant green chimi-verde dip with naan crisps alongside.

    Top Chef All-Star Marcel Vigneron’s Chimi-Verde Dip

    Tomatillos, fresh herbs, & avocado are blended together in this silky-smooth, spicy dip recipe courtesy of Top Chef All-Star Marcel Vigneron.

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    5 Layer Greek Dip in a serving dish.

    5 Layer Greek Dip

    This quick and easy dip packs a lot of flavor with very few ingredients.

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    Mortar and pestle with toasted spice guacamole surrounded by tortilla chips.

    Toasted Spice Guacamole

    Freshly toasted spices add extra flavor to this game day favorite.

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    Caramelized onion dip in a bowl with fresh veggies alongside.

    Caramelized Onion Dip

    A simple appetizer that tastes like French onion soup but without the guilt!

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    Butternut goat cheese spread on a crostini with nuts on top.

    Butternut, Goat Cheese & Walnut Spread

    Roasted garlic and butternut squash are blended with creamy goat cheese for a seriously decadent appetizer spread.

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    Spinach Dip served in a bread bowl.

    Classic Spinach Dip

    A game day favorite served up in an edible bowl.

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    Caramelized Onion and Spinach Dip with Sage in a bowl with crackers.

    Caramelized Onion and Spinach Dip with Sage

    This dip boasts extra flavor in the form of some seriously mouth-watering caramelized onions, garlic, organic sage, and nutmeg.

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    Pineapple and Black Bean Salsa with tortilla chips.

    Pineapple and Black Bean Salsa

    Sweet pineapple is tossed with spicy jalapeño peppers, black beans, red onion, cilantro, and lime for a quick and refreshing salsa!

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    Overhead view of baked brie with a slice taken out.

    Baked Brie with Jam & Pecans

    Puffed pastry and your favorite jam or preserves and some nuts come together in this ooey-gooey appetizer.

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    Overhead view of a bowl of yogurt and chopped cucumbers for tzatziki.

    Tzatziki

    Garlicky cucumber-yogurt dip makes for a great appetizer. This is part of a burger post, but the dip is fantastic on its own as well!

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    A bowl of mango salsa with cilantro.

    Mango Salsa

    Ripe mangoes and pineapples make the perfect base for this tropical salsa recipe.

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    Cream cheese topped with pepper jelly.

    Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Appetizer

    A two-ingredient Midwest staple! Sweet, spicy pepper jelly and cream cheese make the perfect dip for crackers.

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    🍔 Game day mains

    Some people like to celebrate the big game by grilling up burgers, sausages, or brats for a crowd. Many enjoy having a buffet table of dishes for people to fill their plates.

    Others like to have a big pot of soup or stew hanging out in a slow cooker for their guests to help themselves throughout the game.

    Whatever your style, here are some options for game day entréeas to feed hungry fans.

    Overhead view of bowls of Spicy Turkey Three-Bean Chili with toppings and cornbread alongside.

    Spicy Turkey Three-Bean Chili

    The best bowl of spicy turkey chili is easy to make at home! Includes tips for making it milder, freezing, and topping ideas. Perfect comfort food!

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    Sloppy Joe sandwich with pickles and sweet potato fries

    Our Favorite Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

    Old-fashioned comfort food at its best! Sloppy Joes are an easy weeknight meal that’s always a hit. Try switching the ground beef for turkey, bison, or vegan ground meat alternative.

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    Mushroom and ricotta pizza with baby arugula drizzled with aged balsamic, sliced into triangles.

    Garlicky Mushroom Ricotta Pizza with Wild Arugula + Aged Balsamic

    Sautéed mushrooms are topped with ricotta and Parmesan cheeses and baked into a store-bought pizza crust for an easy, elegant weeknight meal!

    Make this recipe
    Overhead view of a dutch oven filled with sausages, peppers, and onions.

    Sausage and Peppers

    This simple, classic Italian comfort food recipe makes a perfect weeknight meal and is easily scaled up to feed a crowd. Serve it with some nice bread for delicious sandwiches!

    Make this recipe
    Overhead view of BBQ Chicken Pizza with Smoked Mozzarella on a pizza peel.

    BBQ Chicken Pizza with Smoked Mozzarella

    Grab your favorite BBQ sauce & a pre-made pizza crust, flatbread, or naan. This easy, sweet-and-smoky chicken pizza recipe will be ready in 15-20 minutes!

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    Overhead view of a slice cut out of a Burrata Pizza with Prosciutto and Pickled Grapes

    Burrata Pizza with Prosciutto and Pickled Grapes

    Three cheeses, prosciutto, and pickled grapes make this sweet & salty burrata pizza recipe served with freshly broken burrata a luscious app or main course!

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    Chef Jehangir Mehta’s Mushroom Blended “Graffiti” Burger

    Chef Jehangir Mehta’s Mushroom Blended “Graffiti” Burger

    A blend of mushrooms, angus beef, and exotic spices amp up the flavor in this grilled burger.

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    Terri's Favorite Vegetarian Black Bean Burger

    Terri’s Favorite Vegetarian Black Bean Burger

    Cumin, fresh cilantro, and green onion pack major flavor inside these veggie burger patties.

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    ¾ view of 3 assembled Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches with au jus, an Instant Pot, and shredded meat alongside.

    Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

    Make the beef for these mouthwateringly tender sandwiches and let it stay warm in your Instant Pot until game time. Then served on top of toasted garlic bread with melted provolone cheese and plenty of au jus for dunking. They'd be great on slider rolls, too!

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    Turkey Salad Tea Sandwiches with Dried Cherries: Dried sour cherries add a pop of sweet-tart flavor to the turkey filling in this simple yet elegant tea sandwich recipe. Perfect party food! #ad

    Turkey Salad Tea Sandwiches with Dried Cherries

    Dried sour cherries add a pop of sweet-tart flavor to the turkey filling in this simple yet elegant tea sandwich recipe. Would also be great on sliders or in mini pita pockets. Perfect party food!

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    Falafel in pita bread with toppings served with yogurt-herb sauce.

    Falafel with Yogurt-Herb Sauce

    Serve these chickpea and herb patties solo or with pita bread. Delicious with a quick, tangy yogurt-herb sauce!

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    Bar-B-Q Turkey Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Guacamole: Grilled pineapple-studded guacamole is piled on top of these turkey burgers that have been brushed with a sweet-and-spicy bar-b-q sauce. #ad

    Bar-B-Q Turkey Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Guacamole

    Grilled pineapple-studded guacamole is piled on top of these turkey burgers that have been brushed with a sweet-and-spicy bar-b-q sauce.

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    Close-up view of a heaping portion of mashed potatoes in a bowl with beef goulash poured over top, sprinkled with parsley.

    Instant Pot Beef Goulash

    This easy, cozy beef goulash recipe has been in my family for at least 6 generations now. It's delicious when served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

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    A plate of chicken salad with dill on a slice or bread with fresh fruit alongside.

    Chicken Salad with Dill

    Easy to make in advance and delicious served as sandwiches, sliders, or stuffed in pita bead. Extra delicious with crispy potato chips piled on top!

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    Persian Malbec Lamb Burgers with Mast-o-Khiar and Pomegranate Tomato Jam.

    Persian Malbec Lamb Burgers with Mast-o-Khiar and Pomegranate Tomato Jam

    Red wine deepens the flavors in both the burgers and jam in this Middle Eastern spin on Adam Richman's Malbec Burger recipe. Great as full-sized burgers or sliders for game day!

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    Pulled chicken sandwich with BBQ sauce and pickles on a plate.

    Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

    Tasty sandwiches with minimal prep. Serve straight out of the slow cooker with slider rolls or buns alongside.

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    Chicken Salad Sliders on a platter.

    Chicken Salad Sliders

    Because all sandwiches are more fun when they're slider-sized, right? These are great on mini rolls, stuffed in pita bread, or on regular rolls.

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    2 bowls of beef stew with bread and butter.

    Grandpa Henderson’s Beef Stew

    My grandpa made the BEST beef stew! This hearty recipe tastes even better the day after it's made and would be great held in a slow cooker during the big game.

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    Bar-B-Q Pulled Pork Fries with Cole Slaw on a plate with a fork.

    Bar-B-Q Pulled Pork Fries with Cole Slaw

    Take French fries to the next level by piling them with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork and tangy cole slaw for an epic plate of comfort food. Grab a fork and dig in!

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    Lamb Burger on a plate with pickles and toppings.

    Grazin’ TriBeCa’s Lamb Burger

    Delicious burgers with homemade tzatziki - always a hit with a crowd!

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    🥗 Super sides

    Whether it's creamy mashed potatoes to go with beef goulash, pasta salad or baked beans to go alongside burgers and brats, or a cheese-packed loaf of bread, these side dishes will round out any game day meal.

    Platter of pasta salad with salami, Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and basil.

    Antipasto Pasta Salad

    Bring the fun of an antipasto spread to picnic season with this colorful spin on an Italian favorite + a giveaway from prAna!

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    Corn muffins with a bite taken out of one of them.

    Sweet Corn Muffins

    These muffins go great alongside stews or chili, and are also great on their own!

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    Overhead view of Roasted Garlic Gruyère Pull-Apart Bread.

    Roasted Garlic Gruyère Pull-Apart Bread

    Crusty bread is slathered with Parmesan and herb-roasted garlic butter then stuffed with Gruyère cheese.

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    Bowl of creamy cole slaw.

    Cole Slaw

    This is the way my mom makes cole slaw, and it rocks! Simple, delicious, sweet, and creamy.

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    Ramekins of Rainbow Slaw with Smoked Paprika Mayo.

    Rainbow Slaw with Smoked Paprika Mayo

    Smoked paprika adds depth to this colorful, fresh, and tangy slaw. This is really easy to put together, can be made in advance, and stores well in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat.

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    Instant Pot "Baked" Beans: Bacon and molasses take this sweet-and-salty side dish to the next level!

    Instant Pot “Baked” Beans

    Bacon and molasses take this sweet-and-salty side dish to the next level!

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    Overhead view of a bowl of coleslaw with a fork.

    Best Barbecue Coleslaw

    This slaw uses buttermilk, lemon juice, and vinegar for extra tang, and it gets better and better the longer it hangs out in the fridge.

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    Two ramekins of Asian broccoli slaw.

    Asian Broccoli Slaw

    A zesty, sweet-and-spicy dressing is the perfect coating for this colorful cilantro-studded slaw.

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    Overhead shot of an oval casserole dish full of creamy mashed potatoes sprinkled with chopped parsley.

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Super creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are easy to make in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. Perfect with beef goulash or meatballs!

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    Overhead view of a dish of Cucumber & Cannellini Bean Salad with Dill

    Cucumber & Cannellini Bean Salad with Dill

    Mix together 6 ingredients in just minutes with this easy no-cook bean salad recipe. Perfect for days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen!

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    3 containers of potato salad with fresh herbs in the background.

    Easy Instant Pot Herbed Potato Salad

    Quick-cooking baby potatoes and fresh herbs come together in this easy Instant Pot potato salad recipe (stovetop directions included).

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    Balsamic Roasted Tomato Caprese Pasta Salad

    Balsamic Roasted Tomato Caprese Pasta Salad

    Tossing sweet, garlicky balsamic-and-basil roasted tomatoes with pasta and fresh mozzarella is a fun spin on a classic Caprese salad that's perfect for potluck season!

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    Scooping a spoonful of Calabrese potato salad from the bowl

    Calabrese Potato Salad with Green Beans + Tomatoes (Italian, No-Mayo)

    This simple mayo-free Italian potato salad recipe includes fresh & dried oregano, olive oil, & red wine vinegar. A Calabrian family favorite!

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    🍹 Kick-off cocktails

    We often serve bottles of liquor with soda, juice, mixers, and garnishes next to a bucket of ice at game day gatherings.

    If you're looking to branch out beyond beer and wine, here are some of our very favorite cocktail options!

    Guava cocktails on a tray with fresh citrus fruit in the background.

    Guava Cooler Tequila Cocktail Recipe – Tropical and Refreshing!

    This guava tequila cocktail is made with guava nectar, triple sec, and a mix of fruit juices for a refreshing, tropical take on happy hour!

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    Bloody Mary with garnishes.

    DM Bloody Mary

    Chile-Infused Vodka makes this is a nice, spicy way to kick off any game day party.

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    Tray of cocktails made with watermelon, mint, lime, and tequila with a bottle of Tajin seasoning in the background.

    Watermelon Sugar High Tequila Cocktail

    Move over, margaritas! This refreshing watermelon cocktail made with fresh mint, lime, & tequila is the perfect way to cool off when the game gets heated.

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    Overhead view of a copper mug filled with a Cucumber Moscow Mule cocktail with ingredients alongside.

    Cucumber Moscow Mule

    Homemade cucumber-infused vodka is a deliciously cool addition to this spicy ginger cocktail, served in a copper mug.

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    Gin cocktails garnished with lime.

    The Herbalist

    Cucumber and lavender team up with gin in this super refreshing cocktail.

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    Bourbon cocktail garnished with a lemon twist.

    Bourbon Rouge

    This cocktail is a great way to enjoy bourbon's sweeter side!

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    Gin cocktails with cucumber and mint garnishes.

    Cucumber Gin Elderflower Smash

    Choose a cocktail or mocktail version of this cool, refreshing gin cocktail.

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    Cola cocktails garnished with lime wedges.

    Chile Libre

    A spicy-yet-refreshing way to enjoy rum and cola.

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    Two glasses of mulled wine surrounded by spices and orange slices.

    Spiced Mulled Wine

    Make this easy spiced mulled wine recipe on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or Instant Pot for the ultimate cozy spiked beverage.

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    Three shot glasses with salted rims.

    Launch Party: Rooster Shots

    This is a spicy little shot that will really wake you up and get you ready for kickoff!

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    Side view of 3 Bloody Mary cocktails garnished with Italian antipasto ingredients next to a jar of Bloody Mary mix.

    Antipasto Bloody Mary

    A drink with a built-in snack is the perfect addition to your game day party!

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    Glasses of white sangria with fruit on a table.

    White Sangria

    A sweet cocktail that you can make in advance and keep chilled with frozen fruit.

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    🍪 Party-pleasing desserts

    Having something sweet to snack on at any gathering is a nice touch. This margarita bundt cake, puppy chow, and peanut butter haystacks are always the most requested at our football parties.

    Many of these sweets could be easily customized with colored candies or food coloring to match the colors of the uniforms of the teams playing. Have fun with it!

    Overhead view of bowls of Puppy Chow (AKA Muddy Buddies)

    Puppy Chow (AKA Muddy Buddies)

    What's better than a quick & easy snack that involves cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and lots of fun mix-ins? Use candies in team colors to customize it to the big game.

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    Overhead shot of a plate with rectangles of white coconut jelly.

    Coconut Jelly

    A silky smooth, slightly sweet way to end any dim sum party! These luxuriously smooth treats take only 5 ingredients and 10 minutes on the stovetop, then just stash them in the fridge until party time!

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    Margarita bundt cake on a cake stand with lime garnish.

    Superbowl Party: Margarita Cake

    A boozy cake with a boozy glaze that's always a hit at our game day gatherings.

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    Pretzels with white chocolate and green candies pressed on top.

    Pretzel Hugs

    Sweet, salty, and super simple to assemble. Use corresponding candy colors to show your team spirit!

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    Dunking a Deep Fried Nutella S’mores Dumpling into marshmallow fluff.

    Deep Fried Nutella S’mores Dumplings

    We took all the fun of s'mores but upped the ante by stuffing them inside dumpling wrappers, swapping the chocolate for Nutella, deep frying them, and dunking them in marshmallow fluff.

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    Cranberry Orange Snickerdoodles in a tin.

    Cranberry Orange Snickerdoodles

    Fresh orange and dried cranberries add seasonal flair to this classic cookie!

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    Dark Chocolate Pinwheel with Creamsicle Yogurt Dip

    Dark Chocolate Pinwheel with Creamsicle Yogurt Dip

    Pie crusts are stuffed with rich, dark chocolate and baked until golden brown before being dunked in an orange-infused yogurt dip!

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    Peanut Butter Haystacks

    Peanut Butter Haystacks

    Easy make-ahead treats with only a few ingredients. Crunchy, sweet, and delicious!

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    Brie and waffle skewers with strawberries and maple syrup.

    Brie Waffle Bites

    Brunch on a stick! A fun way to enjoy sweets with maple syrup for dipping.

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    Dessert Nachos with Fresh Baked Cinnamon Tortilla Chips: A colorful fresh fruit salsa, honeyed Greek yogurt + chocolate hazelnut butter are piled atop this plate of sweet-and-salty nachos! #StonyfieldBlogger

    Dessert Nachos with Fresh Baked Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

    A colorful fresh fruit salsa, honeyed Greek yogurt + chocolate hazelnut butter are piled atop this plate of sweet-and-salty nachos!

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    Brownies on a cake stand dusted with powdered sugar.

    Rich Cocoa Brownie Bites

    Bust out your favorite cocoa powder and satisfy your brownie cravings with this super rich, bite-sized chocolate-packed dessert.

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    Tray of copycat Starbucks Espresso Brownies.

    Copycat Starbucks Espresso Brownies

    Enjoy some sweets with a kick of caffeine with these rich, chocolatey treats.

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    Cooling rack of decorated cut out sugar cookies.

    Grandma’s Classic Cut Out Sugar Cookies

    My grandma's classic roll-out cookie recipe makes deliciously soft cookies that hold their shape well for decorating. Use a glass to make round cookies and decorate them with your team's colors!

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    Chocolate cookies and chocolate chips on a blue and white backdrop.

    Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Chocolate Cookies

    These supremely chocolatey cookies are a great way to use a partial container of buttermilk – guaranteed to satisfy even the strongest chocolate cravings.

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    Margarita Donuts on a plate with lime wedges.

    Margarita Donuts

    These donuts have lime zest running through them, and they’re glazed with a tequila and orange liqueur-laced icing.

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    Stack of snickerdoodle cookies topped with cinnamon sticks.

    Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies

    One of our all-time favorite cookies! Soft, delicious, and easy to bake.

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    Holding a square cereal bar with dried cranberries.

    Cranberry-Oat Cereal Bars

    A fun, sweet, dried fruit spin on marshmallow cereal bars.

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    Container of ricotta cookies with tissue paper.

    Ricotta Cookies

    This simple dessert recipe makes lots of pillowy soft, tender cookies that are sure to be a family favorite! Use your favorite team's color for the sprinkles to tie it all together.

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    Peanut butter cookies cooling on a baking sheet

    Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

    These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are a dessert recipe that my family has been baking for years. Easy to make & guaranteed to be a hit!

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    A stack of dessert bars with a shot of tequila, fresh citrus, and a jar of butter flavored coconut oil.

    Margarita Bars

    Take traditional lemon bars to the next level with the addition of fresh lime and orange, plus a salty-sweet garnish. Shot of tequila optional, but encouraged!

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    Milk and cookies surrounded by peppermints and mini marshmallows.

    Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

    Hot cocoa and cookie lovers unite! Peppermint hot chocolate cookies are a festive treat.

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    Banana halves on popsicle sticks coated in peanut butter and bacon.

    Elvis-Style Frozen Bananas

    Elvis-Style Frozen Bananas take the classic Elvis sandwich (peanut butter, banana + bacon) to a new level! This easy 3 ingredient frozen dessert ROCKS!

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    Hi, I'm Ashley and I’ve been writing about food & recipes here at Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen since 2006. I want to help you (yes, you!) gain confidence in the kitchen so you are excited to cook at home for yourself and your loved ones.

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