17 football appetizers that’ll be the talk of the tailgate

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Whether you’re hosting a tailgate party or joining a group of friends, these easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing appetizers will make you the talk of the tailgate. So, grab your favorite football jersey and indulge in these game-day delights!

Sausage cheese dip in a cast iron skillet topped with tomatoes and jalapenos.
Sausage Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bacon wrapped little smokies with toothpicks on a plate.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bacon wrapped little smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, or whenever you need a quick and flavorful snack. This classic recipe is always a hit and is sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritter getting dipped into sauce.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up zucchini fritters in your air fryer for a comforting and appetizing dish. Simply grate zucchini, mix in a few ingredients, and air fry for a delightful treat.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with bacon in a glass deviled egg platter.
Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add bacon to your deviled eggs with this fun recipe. The classic recipe gets a boost from ranch seasoning in the filling and a bacon topping, making it the ultimate appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Southwest Egg Rolls

Plate of southwest egg rolls cut open to show the filling of beans, chicken, corn and cheese.
Southwest Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer southwest egg rolls, inspired by Chili’s egg rolls, are a delightful appetizer. Filled with chicken, corn, beans, onions, cheese, and spicy Tex Mex seasoning, they’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Egg Rolls

Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls

Plate of ham and cheese pizza rolls.
Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These bite-sized Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls are the perfect appetizer. Each roll is filled with melty cheese, salty ham, and wrapped in a golden brown pizza crust, creating an irresistible treat.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls

Sweet Chili Wings

Bowl of Thai sweet chili wings on a gray and white napkin.
Sweet Chili Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These sweet chili wings feature tender, crispy chicken covered in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. They’re so good, you’ll be licking the sauce off your fingers and reaching for another!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This classic Texas Caviar is a fresh and colorful salad that makes for a fantastic dip. The sweet and tangy combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables creates a hearty appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

Sausage Cheese Dip

Sausage cheese dip in a cast iron skillet topped with tomatoes and jalapenos.
Sausage Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This creamy and delicious Sausage Cheese Dip, made with just 5 ingredients, including Rotel, Velveeta, and cream cheese, is a fantastic game day appetizer. It’s simple to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Cheese Dip

Fried Pickles

Red basket full of air fryer fried pickles with pickles in the background.
Fried Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the crispy exterior and soft, tangy interior of these air fryer fried pickles. The air fryer delivers a satisfying crunch and taste reminiscent of your favorite restaurant’s fried pickles.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pickles

Boom Boom Sauce

Dipping a chicken nugget in a bowl of boom boom sauce.
Boom Boom Sauce. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This fantastic dipping sauce, with its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor, is an addictive addition to your appetizer spread. Making this homemade sauce is simple and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Boom Boom Sauce

Pretzel Bites

Closeup of someone dipping a pretzel bite in mustard sauce.
Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn canned biscuits into delicious air fryer pretzel bites. These easy-to-make bites are perfect for dipping in hot mustard sauce, making them a hit at your next party.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Puff pastry pinwheels on a round wooden cutting board.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These jalapeño popper pinwheels are a must-have for your next party. Crispy puff pastry filled with a creamy, bacon, and jalapeño-packed filling makes for an irresistible appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Holding a deviled egg sprinkled with paprika.
Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These deviled eggs with a subtle pickle flavor are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion. The addition of pickle relish makes them an irresistible treat that will have your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up your party with these air fryer jalapeño poppers. Jalapeño halves stuffed with a creamy filling and topped with bacon make for a perfect appetizer at your next game day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Poppers

Crockpot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This simple 3-ingredient recipe for Crockpot Little Smokies is a classic appetizer that’s been popular for years. It’s the perfect choice for your next party, as it’s easy to prepare and always a hit with guests.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

Buffalo Wings

Bbq chicken wings with celery and ketchup.
Buffalo Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy crispy, spicy wings without the hassle of deep-frying with this air fryer buffalo wings recipe. These wings are juicy inside and crispy outside, delivering all the flavor without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Wings

Garlic Cheese Balls

Pulling apart a garlic cheese ball filled with stringy mozzarella cheese.
Garlic Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These garlic cheese balls, made with refrigerator biscuits and filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, are a fantastic appetizer. Cook them in the air fryer or oven for a mouthwatering appetizer that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Cheese Balls

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