Getting ready to host a gathering for the Big Game? We've got helpful tips and recipes to help you create the best Game Day Menu your guests will love!
Getting ready for the Big Game?
Whether you're planning a tailgate party or hosting a game day gathering at home, creating the perfect Game Day menu is key to keeping everyone happy and energized.
Here's how to score big with tasty, crowd-pleasing football food.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]🍕 Creating the best game day menu
Before we get to the recipes, here are some important things to keep in mind when planning your game day menu for a home gathering.
- Crowd size and preferences – Knowing the number of guests and their dietary preferences is crucial. Are there vegetarians, vegans, or gluten-free guests? Make sure to have a variety of options that cater to everyone's needs.
- Ease of eating – Finger foods and dishes that can be eaten standing up are ideal for Game Day. Think sliders, wings, and dips. Avoid anything that requires a fork and knife, as people will likely be moving around, cheering, and socializing.
- Prep time – Opt for recipes that can be made ahead of time or require minimal cooking during the game. Slow cooker recipes, make-ahead casseroles, and dishes that can be served at room temperature are lifesavers.
- Mess factor – Consider foods that aren't too messy. Sticky ribs and overly saucy dishes might be tasty, but they can be tricky to eat without making a mess—especially if you're watching the game on the couch.
🚗 Tailgating tips
If you're taking the party to the stadium, these tips will help ensure your tailgating experience is a success:
- Plan around portability – Pack foods that are simple to transport and serve. Wraps, sandwiches, chips, and dips are great choices. Consider using disposable containers for simple cleanup.
- Keep it simple – Tailgating is all about fun, so keep the menu simple. Stick to tried-and-true recipes that don't require last-minute prep.
- Stay safe with proper food storage – Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot to avoid spoilage. Use coolers with ice packs for cold items and insulated containers for hot dishes.
- Pack essential tools: Don't forget grilling tools, extra fuel, paper towels, and trash bags. Having these on hand will make your tailgating experience smoother.
👩🏻🍳 Game day party tips and FAQs
A good rule of thumb is to prepare 2-3 appetizers per person and then plan for 1-2 main items, such as sandwiches or pizza, along with sides. It's better to have a little extra than to run out of food.
What's the best way to keep food warm during the game?To keep food warm, use slow cookers, chafing dishes, or insulated serving trays. For tailgating, insulated containers or thermal bags work well. Make sure to preheat these items before placing the food inside.
How do We avoid running out of food during the game?To avoid running out of food, plan for a mix of heavy and light snacks. Have backup options like chips, nuts, or popcorn that can be quickly refilled if needed. Preparing some dishes ahead of time also ensures you can easily replenish during the game.
Are there any dishes We should avoid serving on Game Day?Avoid dishes that are overly messy, difficult to eat, or require a lot of utensils. Also, steer clear of foods that might spoil quickly, like dishes with mayonnaise if left out too long, or anything too rich or heavy that might not be enjoyable during a long game.
🌟 About these recipes
We've got a huge Game Day recipe collection on the blog with hundreds of recipes. But if you're hosting or planning a Game Day gathering, we've selected 45+ recipes to help you plan the most tasty menu.
In this recipe collection, you'll find:
- Our top 5 Game Day recipes.
- Great pizza variations to serve.
- Our fave recipes for chicken wings.
- Some tasty game day appetizers.
- Homemade sauce, dip, and seasoning recipes that can be the flavor foundation to the best Game Day gathering ever.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
While beer is often the go-to drink for Game Day, wine can be an excellent choice to elevate your menu. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Wings: For spicy buffalo wings, a Riesling or off-dry Gewürztraminer balances the heat. For BBQ wings, a Zinfandel or Syrah enhances the smoky flavors.
- Sliders: Classic beef sliders pair beautifully with a Cabernet Sauvignon, while chicken sliders work well with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Chili: A robust Malbec or Merlot complements the hearty flavors of a spicy chili.
- Nachos: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of loaded nachos, while a sparkling wine adds a festive touch.
- Pizza: For a variety of pizzas, a medium-bodied red like a Chianti or a light Pinot Noir works across the board, enhancing both tomato-based and cheese-heavy slices.
Best Game Day Menu
Top Five Game Day Recipes
We've got a LOT of recipes for Game Day, but start with one or more of our TOP FIVE Game Day recipes.
#1 Game Day Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Always a crowd pleaser, this popular air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe makes a large amount - enough to make one batch for tailgating eats now and freeze one batch for dinner another night!
#2 Game Day Recipe: Best Pressure-cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
What's Game Day without big bowls of chili? This is seriously the BEST Pressure-cooker Turkey & Bean Chili we've had. We make this a LOT and it's always a hit with guests!
#3 Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs
These slow cooker honey bourbon meatballs are ALWAYS a hit, at any party! And they're perfect to serve on Game Day. This is an simple dump-and-go recipe that you can start in the morning and let it slow cook until game time.
#4 Game Day recipe: Pressure-cooker BBQ Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Our favorite way to make ribs! These Pressure-cooker BBQ Ribs are the perfect main dish for Game Day, and they are so fast and simple thanks to the electric pressure cooker.
#5 Game Day Recipe: Tex-Mex Vegetarian Sheet Pan Nachos
These fully loaded Tex-Mex vegetarian nachos are the ultimate Game Day nachos, and they're so simple to make!
Game Day Pizza
Make Game Day a pizza party! We've got a ton of pizza recipes on the blog, but here are some of the tastiest pizza recipes to enjoy during football season.
Simple Pizza Cups
These pepperoni pizza cups are simple to make, and a fun alternative to traditional pizza.
Air Fryer Pizza
When you want to serve pizza fast, these air fryer French bread pizzas are perfect.
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Barbecue chicken flatbread is an simple twist on pizza. Perfect for watching the Big Game!
Taco Pizza
We love a good food mashup and this is one of our faves! Taco pizza is a fun option for Game Day, especially if it falls on a Taco Tuesday or pizza night!
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Homemade pizza rolls have a fun twist and are great for the whole family!
CPK Thai Chicken Pizza (Copycat Recipe)
If you like California Pizza Kitchen's (CPK) Thai Chicken Pizza, you will LOVE our copycat dairy-free version!
Chicken Pesto Flatbread
Chicken pesto flatbread is a tasty and simple form of pizza to whip up for tailgating parties.
Thai Curry Pizza
When you're craving pizza but also curry, make Thai curry pizza! So full of tasty curry flavors in every bite, and simple to serve on Game Day.
Air Fryer Frozen Pizza
Ain't no shame in the frozen pizza game! Our recipe shows you how to make your favorite frozen pizzas fast in the air fryer.
Game Day Wings
Choose any of these chicken wing recipes that were MADE for Game Day and tailgating parties!
Filipino Adobo Chicken Wings
Want wings with BIG umami flavors? You've gotta try these Filipino Adobo Chicken Wings!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These crispy air fryer chicken wings are a classic, must-have party dish for any Game Day menu! Get all the crispiness without the excess oil.
Salt and Pepper Wings
Our take on classic Chinese salt and pepper wings is perfect for football season. The ultimate crispy wings make tasty finger food on Game Day.
Honey Bourbon Wings
Honey bourbon wings are sticky, flavorful, and simple to make baked wings. A tailgating food classic!
More Game Day Appetizers
Here are some more tasty appetizers and finger foods to add to your Game Day Menu.
Steak Crostini
Serve these steak crostini at your next Game Day party and watch them disappear quickly! With rich steak slices and an herb cheese mixture on crusty crostini slices, these are indulgent, hearty appetizers to feed a crowd.
Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Turkey pesto sandwiches are the ultimate Game Day sandos! These are great any time of year, but especially after Thanksgiving as a way to use up those roast turkey leftovers.
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Air fryer corn ribs are so fun to make for tailgating parties!
Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
This air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe is simple to make and perfect for Game Day snacking!
Shrimp Tostada recipe
Shrimp tostada are flavorful, simple to make, and super satisfying. Serve them on Game Day with fresh pico de gallo and smashed guacamole. So good!
Elote Dip
Mexican corn dip is a fast and simple recipe. Perfect for serving with chips while watching the Big Game!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Loaded Nachos
Take your nachos to the next level with these slow cooker puilled pork nachos.
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes are great for Game Day! Serve them up with those Pressure-cooker BBQ ribs and you've got a tasty Game Day dinner.
Frozen Onion Rings in the Air Fryer
When you need fun fried finger food fast, it's the air fryer to the rescue! These frozen onion rings in the air fryer will be gobbled up at your next tailgating party.
Air Fryer Pressure-cooker Baked Potato
Fully loaded baked potatoes in the air fryer are a flavor-packed dish that your Game Day guests will love.
Buffalo Chicken Bites
These buffalo chicken bites are bite-sized morsels of deliciousness and one of the best finger foods you can make for your Game Day menu.
Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
Air fryer potato skins are Game Day ready! These are so much fun to make, and to eat.
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
A modern twist on a classic American appetizer: air fryer pigs in a blanket are super fast and simple to make, and always a crowd pleaser! Serve them with our homemade honey mustard sauce.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Veggies take center stage with big flavors in this simple Game Day appetizer. Your guests will love these crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites!
Game Day Dips, Sauces, and Seasonings
The foundation for so many great Game Day dishes are homemade sauces, dips, and seasonings. These are all so much easier to make from scratch than you might think. And they taste so fresh and amazing!
Simple Pico de Gallo recipe
Pico de gallo is super simple to make from scratch. Serve it with chips, over tacos, and on top of burgers. So good!
Whole30 Salsa: Restaurant-Style Salsa in Simply 15-Minutes
If you're craving thinner, restaurant-style salsa, we've got a fast and simple blender salsa recipe that you'll love.
Chicken Wing Dipping Sauces: Game Day Recipes
Make any of the chicken wing recipes on the blog (we have a lot!) and serve them with these two dipping sauces that were made for wings.
Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning
Make a batch of this simple homemade mild taco seasoning for your Game Day Menu tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and nachos. Then save the rest in your spice drawer to enjoy for Taco Tuesday nights to come!
Buffalo Ranch Sauce
This buffalo ranch sauce is super fast & simple to make, and a great dip for cut veggies, chips, and wings.
Vegan Buffalo Sauce
Did you know you can make buffalo sauce that's vegan? This recipe is super simple and delivers big saucy flavors.
Hot Honey Sauce
We're in our Hot Honey Sauce era, putting this simple-to-make hot honey sauce on everything. Drizzle it over wings, crostini slices, veggies, popcorn chicken or shrimp....the possibilities are endless!
Simple Homemade Dairy Free Ranch Dressing
This is the Go To Dairy Free Ranch Dressing that We use as a dip for veggies and chips, a sauce for chicken wings, and simple salad dressing. It's a staple in our house, but especially great for football food on Game Day!
Game Day Desserts
Add any of these sweet treats to your Game Day Menu for the final flavor touchdown!
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars are great to make the day before the Big Game. Then simply slice and serve when ready!
Chocolate Rice Krispies
Chocolate rice krispie treats are a decadent and tasty dessert to serve as part of your Game Day Menu, beloved by all ages.
Mint Chocolate Brownies
These Andes Mint Chocolate Brownies are rich, decadent, and have the winning combo of mint + chocolate.
Triple Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies
Triple chocolate chip pretzel cookies are simple to transport to any Game Day party, and are a true crowd pleaser.
Air Fryer Cookies
Air fryer chocolate chip cookies are great for small batch "baking" and Game Day watching.
Pinot Noir Chocolate Chip Brownies
With a hint of red wine, these pinot noir chocolate chip brownies are fudgy, decadent, and oh so satisfying.
Chewy Chocolate Fudge Cookies
These chewy chocolate fudge cookies are a reader favorite, and for good reason! They're super rich, chewy, and truly tasty.
Apple Pie Bars
Football and fall fruit are the perfect combo and you'll love these simple apple pie bars! They're simple to eat compared to full pies, making them the ideal Game Day party dessert.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make these recipes? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need for some of the recipes in this game day menu recipe collection.
- Air fryer– This is the favorite air fryer to use for wings, onion rings, fries, and more.
- Instant pot– Love the Pressure-cooker for chili and ribs.
- Slow cooker – This CrockPot slow cooker is the best for meatballs, soups, and more.
- Gas grill– Fire up this gas grill for burgers.
- Baking sheet– From wings to cookies, these baking sheets are workhorses that We rely on in the own everyday baking.
- Kitchen tongs – For meats
- Whisk – This is a sturdy whisk perfect for sauces, seasonings, and marinades.
- Mixing bowls – This trio of nesting mixing bowls is microwave-safe and sturdy for almost any job in the kitchen.
More tailgating recipes
- Best Beer & Food Pairings
- Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (Yan Su Ji)
- Game Day Appetizers
- Vegan Three Bean Chili
Did you make any of these recipes? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment below letting us know which one you made and how it turned out. Thank you!
