Best Game-Day Snack Recipes (2024)

Load your buffet table with snack favorites, from dips to chicken sliders to spicy nuts.

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Queso Fundido

Queso fundido (literally, melted cheese) hails from Mexico and usually includes chorizo. You'll get maximum gooey stretch from Chihuahua cheese, but Monterey Jack works too.

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02of 31

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Inspired by BBQ chicken pizza, these sliders offer zesty, finger-licking delight in just a few bites. And they are so easy to make, you can bake multiple dishes if you are serving a crowd.

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Blistered Shish*tos with Sriracha

For your next game-day party, say goodbye to boring carrots and dip, and hello to these addictive pan-fried peppers. Salted and lime-juiced, they're delicious even without the sriracha mayonnaise.

Tailgating Recipes That Score

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Sweet Chile Snack Mix

This snack mix checks all the boxes: Salty and sweet, crisp and kicky—loaded with soy, hoisin and wasabi.

Easy Nut and Snack Mixes

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Buffalo Cauliflower Dip

All the flavors of your favorite chicken wings—minus the chicken! This party hit is flexible too. You can swap whole-milk Greek yogurt for the sour cream, or Monterey Jack or mild cheddar for the Colby cheese.

Creative Cauliflower Recipes

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Sticky, Kicky Chicken Wings with Cilantro Yogurt

Your game-day buffet needs a little heat, and these Cajun-spiced wings are just the ticket! Trade traditional ranch for homemade cilantro yogurt dip for dipping, and remember to serve with plenty of napkins and water.

Sassy Sauces and Seasonings for Chicken Wings

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Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped sweet peppers and sliced pepperoni quick-cook in your Instant Pot, then get combined with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a scrumptious dip.

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Smoked Gouda Artichoke Spread

This easy cheese spread is addictive thanks to the slight tang and brightness from marinated artichoke hearts and smokiness from the smoked gouda. You can make the spread a few days ahead and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

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Loaded Buffalo Nachos

When it comes to game-day snacking, we leave the messy task of deep-frying hot wings to the pros. But buffalo-flavor nachos? Game on. (Be sure to use kettle-cooked chips; they're crunchy enough to support all the toppings.)

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Syrian Hummus

Ice cubes and cold water give this hummus its incredibly creamy texture (and an edge over purchased varieties!). Surround it with pita chips and crunchy veggies for a lighter game-day snack option.

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Cheesy Rosemary and Pecan Snack Mix

On game day, plan to find us parked by this bowl of maybe the best snack mix we've ever had.

Easy Snack and Nut Mixes

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Parmesan Gougères

These light, cheesy puffs taste best when served straight from the oven but can be made ahead for easy hosting.

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Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This spicy twist on classic chicken tortilla soup is perfect for dishing up on game day. Serve with a selection of fresh garnishes and tortilla strips.

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Garlic and Herb White Bean Dip

This hearty dip is a crazy-simple appetizer but also can be the heart of a light supper, served with an assortment of vegetables, cheese, crackers, sliced meat and fruit.

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Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Jalapeno cream cheese and roasted corn add a little heat to these delicious game day turkey wraps.

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Delicata Dippers

No peeling necessary! Delicata's thin skin makes it a cinch to prepare and easy to pick up and dip when sliced and roasted.

Easy Delicata Recipes

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Fruit Platter with Maple-Mascarpone Dip

Sweeten up your spread with a fruit platter and dip. To make it ahead, cover and chill kabobs and dip up to 8 hours before serving.

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Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites with Lime-Sriracha Mayo

These sweet and salty caramelized bites are so good, you may not even want to dip them. But be sure you do for a tangy, creamy finish.

How to Cook Bacon Like a Pro

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Buffalo Sweet Pepper Poppers

These easy appetizers combine two party favorites — jalapeno poppers and buffalo chicken wings.

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Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Fresh herbs season this ridiculously simple spread from BelGioioso Cheese in Wisconsin. It keeps well in the fridge and is delicious with cherry tomatoes or other vegetable dippers, as well as crackers or baguette slices.

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Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches with Pepperoncini Slaw

These little beef sandwiches make a great appetizer for a party. And you can put them together in just 20 minutes.

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Light and Layered Taco Dip

Ground turkey, reduced-sodium and light ingredients, and a confetti of crisp, colorful veggies make this potluck staple more nutritious than a typical layered dip—but every bit as tasty.

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French Onion Sliders

These totally indulgent sliders pack all the flavor of French onion soup into a tidy little sandwich. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Everyday Annie.

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24of 31

Pepperoni Pizza Pull

This warm and cheesy pull-apart bread takes just a few minutes to make. Keep the ingredients on hand for parties as well as a soup supper with family and friends.

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Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing

Carrot and celery sticks add crisp crunch to the platter of Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing. Our wings recipe includes blue cheese, garlic powder, vinegar, and spicy cayenne pepper sauce for kick.

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Cheese Fondue

This crazy-simple classic cheese fondue has just four ingredients (plus the dippers, of course). We especially love it with smoked sausage.

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Chili Pecans

A surprise ingredient, coffee liqueur, adds a sweet background to this make-ahead snack. The recipe calls for ground Chimayo chile, but you can use any ground red chile you like.

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Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls

Freshly shredded cheese works better than packaged shredded cheese in a cheese ball. Prepare the cheese mixture the night before so flavors have a chance to blend. Shape and roll in the crumbled bacon or pistachio nuts a few hours before serving.

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Jack Cheese and Smoky Chipotle Fondue

Lots of Monterey Jack cheese goes into this creamy fondue that gets a flavor boost from sour cream, chipotle peppers and bacon. Scoop it up with bread or tortilla chips.

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Chicken, Bacon, and Cheddar Submarines

This crowd-pleasing party sandwich works on your schedule. You can prepare and bake it all at once for a party, or assemble the sandwiches the night before, and then bake them when your guests are ready to eat. Perfect for Game Day!

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Swiss-Artichoke Dip

Artichoke hearts, dried tomatoes and sauce combine for a rich, creamy dip. Our recipe calls for processed Swiss cheese because it melts smoothly, but regular Swiss cheese will work fine, too. The dip will have a more stretchy, less creamy texture, but it tastes just as good.

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