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All the best recipes for football season! This list has it all, from everyone’s favorite dips and cheesy baked sliders to my personal go-to soft pretzels and, of course, lots of chili. We’ve even got drinks and desserts covered too. Basically, everything you need for your next game day is right here.
Rolling into September, kids are heading back to school, college students are settling in, and football season is here. I’m predictable, but it’s one of my favorite times of year. Everything feels so exciting and fun! Even though I don’t really follow football, I LOVE making game day recipes. Whether we’re entertaining or it’s just a simple Sunday night at home, game day food somehow makes the night more fun.
I love having these little events throughout the fall and winter to look forward to. Weekends—and even Monday nights—feel a little more exciting. And you definitely don’t have to care about the game to get into the food!
I’m an Ohio girl through and through, so go Buckeyes and go, go, GO Cleveland Browns! My cousin Khaden begins his first week at Miami University on Monday. Seeing all the photos of him getting settled brought back the best memories. There’s just something about this time of year that fills me with excitement.
And I know what so many of us are searching for right now: that recipe. The one to bring to a college tailgate, a Monday night football party, or even just a night at home that you want to make feel a little more fun and a lot less average.
Come Sunday night, the family dinner requests start rolling in, and everyone wants game day food. Buffalo chicken, homemade soft pretzels, cheesy sliders, and once it gets cold, a big pot of game day chili with everything on top. We’re from Ohio. We know how to do a proper game night!
So I pulled together all of our favorites below. These are the recipes I come back to every football season for entertaining, tailgating, and cozy nights at home. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re actually watching the game or just showing up for the food.
And keep an eye out! I’ve got a few new game day recipes coming your way soon, just in time for all those fall nights ahead.
What are your favorite game day recipes? I could use some new ideas!
Our Favorite Game Day Recipes
4.43 from 527 votes
Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita.
This autumn harvest margarita is a cozy take on the classic, and the perfect warming fall cocktail to sip on with friends or family.
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with Buffalo Sauce
Crispy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: crunchy on the outside, spicy and cheesy inside…serve with a deliciously creamy, cilantro-ranch!
Soft, creamy goat cheese, rolled in Panko bread crumbs, and lightly pan-fried. Golden and crisp on the outside, extra soft and melty in the center. Drizzle with spicy homemade buffalo sauce for a truly delicious appetizer.
Homemade soft pretzel dough, stuffed with a cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, and shaped into a pretzel. Then baked until the pretzel is golden and the dip inside has melted and turned ooey, gooey, and all kinds of perfect. Try serving them up as a fun appetizer for your next party.
Warm broccoli cheddar dip baked with three cheeses, cream cheese, garlic, and spices. It's so delicious simple, and the perfect last-minute holiday appetizer!
