For us, Game Day is as much about the food as it is about the game itself (and the commercials, too, if we’re talking The Big Game). And while it’s great to stock a tailgate with tried-and-trues, we always welcome a switch up or new addition to the table. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or tasked with bringing something to snack on, these Game Day appetizers are surefire crowd-pleasers.
Loaded Italian Subs
These Loaded Italian Subs are a game day must-have, packed with layers of deli meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. Perfect for feeding a crowd and customizable to your liking, they’re hearty, flavorful, and easy to make ahead for any tailgate or watch party. Get the Loaded Italian Subs recipe.
Oven-Baked Chickpeas
These Crispy Oven-Baked Chickpeas are a crunchy, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for game day. Tossed in spices and roasted to perfection, they’re a healthier alternative to chips and add a satisfying crunch to any spread. Bonus: they’re super easy to make! Get the Crispy Oven-Baked Chickpeas recipe.
Steak Quesadillas
Take your tailgating game to the next level with these hearty Steak Quesadillas. Loaded with tender skirt steak, melty cheese, and a touch of spice, they’re quick to whip up and guaranteed to please any crowd. Perfect for a filling snack or main course. Get the Steak Quesadillas recipe.
Smoky Spiced Nuts
Add a smoky, savory crunch to your game day spread with these Smoky Spiced Nuts. With a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and other spices, they bring bold flavors and are ideal for snacking between plays or alongside a cold drink. Get the Smoky Spiced Nuts recipe.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Spiced Nuts
For a touch of sweetness, these Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Spiced Nuts are a delicious game day snack. Lightly sweetened with brown sugar and warming spices, they’re crunchy, satisfying, and perfect for those who crave a bit of sweet and spice. Get the Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Spiced Nuts recipe.
Watermelon Tequila Punch
This refreshing Watermelon Tequila Punch from Bobby Flay is a game day crowd-pleaser. Made with fresh watermelon juice and a splash of tequila, it’s light, fruity, and just the right amount of boozy for your tailgate party. Get the Watermelon Tequila Punch recipe.
Brown Butter Cereal Bars
Sweet, salty, and a little bit nostalgic, these Brown Butter Cereal Bars are a game day favorite. Made with browned butter and a pinch of sea salt, they’re an elevated twist on a classic snack, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while watching the game. Get the Brown Butter Cereal Bars recipe.
Spiced Tortilla Chips
Skip the store-bought chips and make these flavorful, crispy homemade Doritos instead! With a herb-infused seasoning blend and a satisfying crunch, they’re a healthier and tastier alternative to your favorite game day snack. Pair them with your go-to dips or enjoy solo! Get the Homemade Doritos recipe.
Chipotle Skillet Nachos
For this Game Day version, we added jalapeños, diced onions, fresh cilantro, a vegan-friendly cheese sauce, and chorizo. But why stop there? Add carnitas or sofritos. Chopped lettuce. Or, take these in a sweet and spicy direction with diced mango. The options are endless—and good luck stopping after a few bites. Get the Chipotle Skillet Nachos recipe.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo wings are a classic game day snack, but if you’re trying to eat less meat or appeal to vegetarians at your gathering, consider serving this vegan-friendly version instead. With plenty to offer in both texture and taste, these baked cauliflower bites slathered in buffalo sauce are a delicious alternative for game day parties. If you can’t handle the spice—or want some more variety on the plate—simply swap in BBQ sauce instead. Just don’t forget the carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese! Get the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.
Pretzel-Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket
As it turns out, too much of a good thing isn’t all that bad when it comes to this upgrade of a beloved bite. Get the Pretzel-Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Layered Caramelized Onion Dip
On Game Day, we want our dip stacked, not the odds against our team. This isn’t your typical layered dip, either—it has a hidden protein boost thanks to tangy skyr. Get the Layered Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Order groceries online with Misfits Market. Sign up now!
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
There’s more than one way to get your Game Day fried chicken fix, and these bite-sized, spiced pieces are one of our favorites. Between the classic Taiwanese night market flavor and perfect crisp level, this popcorn chicken’s a winner. Get the Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken recipe.
Cheeseburger Pinwheels
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing app to serve at your next holiday gathering, these (can be vegetarian-friendly!) bites are a must. Get the Cheeseburger Pinwheels recipe.
Sweet-and-Savory Peanut Popcorn
PSA: This nostalgic, crunchy snack isn’t just for Baseball Season. Get the Sweet-and-Savory Peanut Popcorn recipe.
Curry-Fried Oyster Mushrooms
For a vegan-friendly game day option, these Curry Fried Oyster Mushrooms are a winner. With a crispy coating and bold curry flavor, they’re the perfect plant-based snack or appetizer that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. Get the Curry-Fried Oysters recipe.
Cheesy Potato Croquettes
When cheese and potatoes are involved, what could possibly go wrong, other than underestimating how many you’ll need to make? Get the Cheesy Potato Croquettes recipe.
Smoky Baba Ganoush
Switch up the usual hummus + veg platter—or better yet, add to it—with this smoky, tahini-spiked eggplant dip. Get the Smoky Baba Ganoush recipe.
Potato Peel Chips
Sure, you can make homemade potato chips using the entire potato. But if you’re using red, Russet, yellow, or sweet potatoes for another dish, save those peels! You can fry them in minutes for a tasty, crispy snack. Get the Potato Peel Chips recipe.
Blistered Shishito Peppers
We like shishito peppers pan fried—just a few minutes in a cast-iron skillet with a high-smoke-point oil, salt, and pepper—but they’re even more special with a tangy lemon pepper aioli. Get the Blistered Shishito Peppers recipe.
Caramelized Shallot and Chive Yogurt Dip
Think of this as onion dip’s younger sibling. This riff on a classic has all the hallmark savory flavor and aroma but takes things a step further by swapping onions for caramelized shallots and adding lemon juice into the mix. (Tip: If you’re not a huge fan of tang, simply swap the yogurt for sour cream.) Get the Caramelized Shallot and Chive Yogurt Dip recipe.
Hearty Veggie Chili
Regardless of what bean or grain you grabbed, and regardless of what veggies you have in your fridge, as long as you cook everything down with smokey, spicy herbs and spices, you’ll have a filling vegetarian-friendly chili in less than an hour. Don’t forget the cheese and sour cream. Get the Hearty Veggie Chili recipe.
Yogurt Beet Dip
When we’re looking for a low-stress app everyone will enjoy digging into, we make this beet yogurt dip. The vibrant color alone will get plenty of oohs and aahs. To prep a crudités platter, check out your weekly box and go from there. You’re on the lookout for crunchy carrots, peppery radishes, tender lettuces, or even a couple of apples. Get the Yogurt Beet Dip recipe.
Blueberry Mango Salsa
Haven’t strayed beyond the plain-old tomato, pepper, and onion salsa yet? We’ve got a challenge for you. Whip up this fruity version the next time you’re asked to bring a side to an event. We guarantee rave reviews, and maybe a repeat invite to their next party. Get the Blueberry Mango Salsa recipe.
Bobby Flay’s Radicchio Lettuce Cups
Our chef-in-residence Bobby Flay makes magic out of radicchio with this spin on stuffed lettuce cups. The somewhat bitter leaves complement spiced chicken thighs perfectly, plus they’re sturdy enough to hold all of the fixings: Pickled peppers and a date and cashew relish, plus a much needed squeeze of lime. Get Bobby Flay’s Radicchio Lettuce Cups recipe.
Hungry for more? Keep reading:
The Dips Download: Your How-To Guide for All Things Dips