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29 Game Day Appetizers & Cocktails

Here are some of the Best Game Day Appetizers and Cocktails to make your game day party one to remember. This list has everything from the Most Delicious Chicken Wings to a refreshing Strawberry Vodka Cocktail.

The Best Game Day Recipes

It’s football season, friends! And whether you’re a fan of the sport or not, there’s no doubt that everyone loves a good Game Day Party. This Game Day Appetizers and Cocktails list is your one-stop shop for all the recipes you need for the big party.

This list has something for everyone. Of course, there are some healthy appetizers. And there are some really fun appetizers, too (hello Game Day Charcuterie Board!). Plus, there’s a mix of mocktails and cocktails to suit everyone on your invite list.

Tips for Preparing Appetizers in Advance

Here are some helpful tips for when you need to make some of these Game Day Appetizers ahead of time.

  • Plan for the right amount of food. First, you have to make sure that you are prepping enough game day appetizers for your guests. I suggest that you plan on serving 3-6 snacks per person (depending on if they are there for a meal or just mid-day snacking).
  • Label everything! This is important so that you don’t mix up sauces and dressings, or other ingredients that may look alike. It’s also extremely important if you’re making cocktails in batches.
  • The air fryer will be your best friend. A lot of these apps can be prepped ahead of time and then reheated before serving. And instead of waiting for your oven to heat up (and keeping it on the whole time) you should utilize the air fryer! You can even ask to borrow a friend’s so that you can reheat food faster.

Tips for Making Cocktails for A Crowd

Below are some helpful things to keep in mind when making cocktails for a party to go with your game day appetizers.

  • Get lots of ice, and then buy more. There never seems to be enough ice! It’s always better to have more than enough in my opinion.
  • Use the freshest products that you can find. It may be tempting to buy bottled citrus juices and other non-perishable ingredients, but believe me when I say fresh is best! Fresh lemon, lime, and other fruit juices are what sets your cocktails apart from the rest!
  • Find some fun pitchers or drink dispensers. And then don’t forget to label them for your guests. It’s way easier to make a big batch of cocktails rather than play bartender during the whole party!

29 Game Day Appetizers & Cocktails

Here is what you’ve been looking for! Your game day spread will never be the same thanks to these quick, easy, and fun recipe options.

cocktail glass with a clear lime-tinted beverage and lime wedge garnish

Best Ever Skinny Margarita

This refreshing cocktail only needs 4 ingredients and pairs perfectly with Mexican-themed game day snacks. It’s a great option when you’re trying to find a cocktail that doesn’t have a lot of calories.

a high ball glass with pink beverage, ice, and pineapple garnish

Pineapple Ginger Beer Mocktail

This refreshing Pineapple Ginger Beer Mocktail is perfect to serve as an alcohol-free option for your guests. Made with sweet pineapple juice, fresh blackberries, zesty lime juice, and bubbly ginger beer.

stemless wine glass with a clear cocktail that's garnished with mint and lime

The Best Hugo Cocktail

If you’re looking for something different to sip during the big game, try this Hugo Cocktail! With hints of floral and citrus, this bubbly Italian spritz cocktail comes together with just 5 ingredients. 

a cocktail glass with a margarita and rimmed with spicy salt

Light & Refreshing Spicy Margarita

Looking for something spicy instead? Try this Light and Refreshing Spicy Margarita! Homemade jalapeno-infused tequila mixed with fresh lime, orange juice, and agave for the ultimate sip. 

a bowl of pico de gallo on a plate with tortilla chips

Homemade Pico de Gallo

An easy Homemade Pico de Gallo recipe made with simple fresh ingredients for a delicious, addicting fresh tomato salsa that has a spicy kick to it. Grab your favorite bag of tortilla chips and this game day app is good to go!

a stone bowl with guacamole and bacon garnish

Creamy Bacon Guacamole

This easy, 5-minute Creamy Bacon Guacamole is an incredible twist on the classic spread. You’ll never want to make your guacamole another way. It goes great on the Game Day Charcuterie Board.

a bowl of hummis on a plate with pita chips

Easy Creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus

This Roasted Garlic Hummus is an easy and flavor-packed way to add to your game day dip assortment. Serve this hummus with veggies, tortilla chips, or pita chips.

a bowl of queso dip with chips surrounding the bowl

The Perfect Creamy White Queso Dip Recipe

Learn how to make the Perfect Creamy White Queso Dip Recipe from scratch. This Easy Queso Dip uses real cheese, I guarantee you’ll never go back to using Velveeta again! Queso is always a hit on game day and you’ll be asked to make it over and over again.

white casserole dish with baked spinach artichoke dip

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

This is the dip everyone will be asking for! My Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip is rich, creamy, and great with chips or veggies. It’s so simple and this party favorite is ready in under 45 minutes!

mango salsa in a white bowl on a marble countertop

Fresh Mango Salsa

Here’s another great dip to make for your game day spread. This Mango Salsa is also great on tacos and nachos! It’s light, refreshing, and so easy to make.

a large sheet tray with an assortment of game day snacks like cheese dip, guacamole, pretzels, chips, cheese cubes, veggies, and chicken wings

Epic Game Day Charcuterie Board

This Game Day Charcuterie Board is the ultimate appetizer platter. It has all the foods you love to snack on while watching the big game. From pretzels to guacamole to bacon-wrapped jalapeños!

blue plate with small bites made up of sweet potato slices, avocado, and shrimp

Cajun Shrimp Sweet Potato Bites

Tender shrimp are pan-fried in a spicy Cajun seasoning, then served on top of creamy guacamole and crispy sweet potato fries. Level up your game day appetizer game with these easy Cajun Shrimp Sweet Potato Bites!

a platter of romaine lettuce leaves with scoops of shredded buffalo chicken and a dipping sauce on the side

Easy Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick game day app recipe that’s on the table in 15 minutes! They’re loaded with shredded buffalo chicken and topped with fresh veggies.

a plate of air fried breaded avocado fries

Crispy Air Fryer Avocado Fries with Dipping Sauce

These Crispy Air Fryer Avocado Fries with two epic dipping sauces are certainly going to wow your friends! Crunchy panko on the outside and creamy avocado on the inside – it’s the fry you never knew you needed. They are a trendy snack that you’ll be showing off in no time!

a large sheet tray with nachos

The Ultimate Cheesy Sheet Pan Steak Nachos

The Ultimate Cheesy Sheet Pan Steak Nachos with layers of cheese, steak, veggies, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema. These epic nachos are the perfect appetizer for sharing.

a plate of ahi tuna poke nachos with diced mango, green onions, and sriracha mayo

Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos

Crispy wonton chips topped with tender tuna, mango, green onions and diced avocado plus a drizzle of sriracha mayo! Every bite is full of flavor and an irresistible crunch.

A 7 layer dip on a large plate with pita chips beside it

Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip

Homemade pita chips topped with fluffy whipped feta cheese, hummus and lots of colorful veggies! Every morsel of this easy appetizer idea has the ideal balance of textures. Creamy hummus and cheese pair with crisp veggies and crunchy pita chips for the ultimate bite.

guacamole in a bowl with chips around it

Homemade Guacamole

I mean, does it get more satisfying than a crunchy, slightly salty tortilla chip dunked into creamy homemade guacamole? This chunky homemade guacamole recipe packs the perfect amount of heat plus a zesty zing from freshly squeezed lime. Seriously so satisfying.

Crispy Baked Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli -web-2

Crispy Baked Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli

These simple oven baked french fries are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just the way they should be! Dip them in a flavorful roasted garlic aioli sauce for the perfect contrast between creamy and crunchy.

lettuce wrap with ground chicken and veggies

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are made with chicken, fresh ginger, cilantro, and fresh vegetables and slathered in a Spicy Peanut Sauce. It’s a quick and easy appetizer with tons of flavor and flare.

buffalo chicken meatballs topped with ranch dressing

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Tender ground chicken meatballs smothered in a spicy buffalo sauce. This take on classic buffalo wings is made in the crockpot, which makes it a super easy, no-fuss appetizer idea. Drizzle with ranch dressing just before serving.

crispy baked korean bbq chicken wings with sesame seed and green onions

Korean BBQ Baked Chicken Wings

Crispy chicken wings covered in a sweet, spicy and savory chili garlic BBQ that will blow your mind! Baked instead of fried, this easy chicken wings recipe 100% needs to be one of your game day appetizers.

baked chicken wings asian style on a plate garnished with sesame and green onion

Asian Baked Chicken Wings with Raspberry Hoisin Glaze

Asian Style Baked Chicken Wings are tossed with a sticky sweet Raspberry Hoisin Glaze for the best game day bite!

crispy garlic parmesan baked chicken wings

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings

These Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings will be the life of the party! Baked instead of fried, then tossed in a mouthwatering garlic parmesan sauce. They’ll be gone before you know it.

buffalo chicken wings

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are made with just a handful of ingredients. Perfectly crispy on the outside, extra juicy on the inside, and covered in classic hot buffalo sauce. This is a delicious game day snack that everyone will love!

buffalo air fryer cauliflower wings on a plate with ranch

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Don’t let the vegetarians at your party miss out on the buffalo wings deliciousness! These crispy buffalo cauliflower “wings” are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside and smothered with spicy sauce. They’re everything buffalo wings should be – without the chicken.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Sliders - web-9

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Ready in less than 30 minutes, these buffalo chicken sliders are the ultimate game day food. Tender shredded chicken is packed with buffalo flavor, then drizzled with ranch sauce and served on fluffy whole wheat buns. Is your mouth watering yet?

honey bbq air fryer chicken wings on a plate with ranch

Honey BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Perfectly crisp and tender chicken wings cooked in the air fryer and smothered with homemade honey barbecue sauce. I mean, does it get any better?

whole30 beef chili in a bowl with toppings and a spoon

30 Minute Beef Chili

Hands down this is the best beef chili recipe – and it’s ready in only 30 minutes! Loaded with veggies, ground beef, spices and beans just add your favorite chili toppings and dig in.

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14 comments on “29 Game Day Appetizers & Cocktails”

  1. Avatar photo
    Angie | Big Bear's Wife

    oo my, everything looks fantastic! I’m loving those Mexican Chicken Enchilada Fries!!!

  2. I sure wish we lived closer…. your recipes look great!!! Also, I’m with you, “GO FALCONS”!! šŸ™‚

  3. Now THIS would make an amazing game day spread! I’m still deciding what I am going to make…lots of great choices here! Thanks for the inspiration!