These Football Party Food Ideas Are Totally Trophy-Worthy

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Whether you’re watching your favorite college team or are hosting a Super Bowl party, these crowd-pleasing Football Party Food ideas will win big. With these sporty snacks, main dishes for a crowd, plus delicious drinks and easy make-ahead dessert ideas, get ready to accept the trophy for host of the year.

A football-themed spread on a table.


 

I absolutely LOVE football season, but probably not for the football. I love it for the food that we get to taste while other people enjoy the game.

Chili bar, wings, dips, oh my! It’s a mash-up of all the favorites and I love all the Super Bowl Food. “What shall I feed them this weekend,” I wonder, as I sort through all the appetizers, soups, and sandwiches. It’s a tough call, and no giant Samsung replay monitor is going to help me. It’s all just too good!

A good rule of thumb, like any party, is to mix it up. Have 1 or 2 hot entrees, some cold side dishes, plenty of Super Bowl snacks, and some age-appropriate drinks.

Crock-pot buffalo chicken dip, egg rolls, oven-baked chicken nuggets with honey mustard sauce, tender mini sliders with special sauce… let your stomach be your guide! Add a few sweets if you want. Leave all the bad plays on the field; in your house, it’s nothing but touchdowns!

Pregame Show: 2-Ingredient Barbecue Little Smokies

A bowl of barbecue smokies.

My playbook for football party appetizer success: 2 ingredients + zero prep = two-point conversion. That’s the promise my 2-Ingredient Barbecue Little Smokies deliver on! I always have a batch on the stove or in the slow cooker for every game, home or away. It’s literally just smokies and your favorite bbq sauce.

It’s always hard to choose favorites, though, so some other top hot snack contenders include Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Pigs in a Blanket, Baked Potato Skins, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Crab Rangoon, and Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Homemade Buffalo Sauce.

Balance with a couple of cold appetizers such as Beer Cheese Dip, Black Bean Salsa, Cucumber Sandwiches, Ham Roll Ups, Veggie Dip, and Taco Tortilla Roll Ups.

Barbecue little smokies in a white bowl.

1

2-Ingredient Barbecue Little Smokies

Sharpen your toothpicks. Barbecue Little Smokies are the easiest, most festive appetizer you'll ever make. Two ingredients, zero prep, and 100% addictive, exactly the way all good party food should be.
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Kick Off: Turkey Roll Ups

A tray of sandwiches is always a welcome site at any basketball or football party. I love these Turkey Roll Ups because they are simple to make and easy to transport, and the flavors are great! People might even be familiar with them because Costco sells the exact same thing. They make a nice hearty addition to any buffet.

Looking for more sandwich recipes? Consider Ham and Cheese Sliders (these are off-the-chart incredible), Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps, or Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.

Slices of turkey roll ups on a wooden board.

2

Turkey Roll Ups (Costco Copycat)

Learn how to make Turkey Roll Ups at home, just like the ones from Costco. They are easy to make, cheaper, and tastier than the store-bought version, and you don't have to fight the crowds to enjoy them.
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Half Time: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili in a slow cooker with toppings nearby.

The slow cooker is my Football Party MVP. Not only does it allow you to get a head start on meal prep, but this set-and-forget appliance also allows everyone to serve themselves whenever they’re hungry.

A chili bar is always a successful strategy for large gatherings, and I love to serve Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. Simply set out a big bowl of tortilla chips, plenty of shredded cheddar cheese, minced cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and sour cream so each fan can garnish as desired. You can make White Turkey Chili in your slow cooker, too.

If you’re more of a traditionalist, consider Beef Chili, Turkey Chili, or Vegan Chili with Sweet Potatoes, Venison Chili (if you have venison in your freezer). Or, make a batch of Hot Dog Chili and serve Chili Dogs.

Slow cooker white chicken chili in a blue bowl.

3

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili is a rich, creamy one-pot wonder that tastes especially delicious in the coldest months of the year. Set out a bunch of colorful, zesty toppings and let everyone help themselves.
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2-Minute Warning: Puppy Chow

A bowl of puppy chow in a football-themed table.

Puppy Chow is a must on every Tailgating menu or holiday menu in the Midwest, I rarely host any occasion without a big batch of this 15-minute, no-bake dessert. Coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with powdered sugar, this recipe makes a huge batch (at least 28 servings, enough for a crowd).

Serve in single-serving cups or jars for an easy grab-and-go treat (and feel free to toss in M&M candies that match your team’s colors, if you like!).

Hand-held desserts are always convenient and easy to serve. Your guests will go crazy for a batch of Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting or Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Or serve a Chocolate Eclair Cake, that classic Midwestern dessert made with graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate frosting.

Puppy chow on a beige platter.

4

Puppychow

Puppychow, also known as muddy buddies, this classic Midwestern dessert is my go-to no-bake treat for bake sales, parties, and food gifts. If you like peanut butter cups, you'll love this easy dessert recipe.
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Overtime: Jello Shots

A tray of lemon and lime Jello shots for a football party.

Speaking of team colors, root, root for the home team by tinting these playful Jello Shots to match your mascot. These mini cocktails can be spiked with vodka, tequila, gin, or even bourbon to keep everyone in good spirits all four quarters. Of course, a cooler of beer is a great teammate for any football party, too.

If you’re 21+ crowd is eager to indulge, consider a Bloody Mary Bar with homemade Bloody Mary Mix and all the toppings you can score (don’t forget celery, olives, Pickles, sausage sticks, Pickled Asparagus, and maybe even some skewered Deviled Eggs). You can even make your own homemade Celery Salt for the rim.

Other festive cocktails that can be made in batches include Pirate Punch, a big batch of Palomas, Cheladas (beer with lime juice), or Charros Negros (coke with tequila and lime juice). If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, a big batch of Arnold Palmers of Fruit Punch is an easy way to go.

Various colored jello shots in clear portion cups.

5

Jello Shots

For tailgating, holidays or any day you want to feel more festive, learn how to make colorful DIY Jello Shots. How can you not be in good spirits after shooting one of these mini cocktails?
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A football-themed spread on a table.

More game day food ideas

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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.

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