Punt boring snacks: 43 tailgate flavor touchdowns

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It’s that electrifying time of year when football fever sweeps the nation, and the true stars of the show aren’t always the players on the field. Tailgating aficionados, unite! Say goodbye to the mundane snacks and dive into a world of flavor explosions, mouthwatering treats, and tailgate triumphs that will score a touchdown with your taste buds.

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Homemade Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sink your teeth into the savory goodness of puff pastry beef empanadas, a delectable game day eat that combines tender beef and flaky pastry for a satisfying bite. These handheld treats are perfect for any gathering or tailgate party.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos

Image shows a white tray filled with Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos.
Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Get ready to experience nachos like never before with our Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos. Crispy french fries topped with succulent pulled pork, melted cheese, and an array of delicious toppings make this dish a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for game day snacking.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos

BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Image shows A person is holding a toothpick with a little smokie over a bowl filled with more bbq bourbon little smokies.
BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your game day experience with BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies, a flavorful and crowd-pleasing football snack. These cocktail sausages, bathed in a smoky barbecue and bourbon sauce, will score big points with your fellow fans.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Image shows an overhead shot closeup of Bacon Wrapped Dates.
Bacon Wrapped Dates. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet dates and savory bacon with these delightful bacon wrapped dates. They are the perfect game day eat, offering a balance of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When the game’s on, Pizza Rolls are the way to go. These little pockets of joy deliver that pizza taste in a format that’s easy to share and enjoy. No need for plates or forks, just a love for football and a good snack to go with it. Touchdown, anyone?
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Football Cookie Balls

Image shows an overhead view of a football shaped oreo cookie ball on a referee striped napkin.
Football Cookie Balls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Football Oreo Balls are a playful twist on a classic treat, making them a winning tailgate food. These bites bring together the love of football and the joy of a delicious no-bake dessert.
Get the Recipe: Football Cookie Balls

Classic Brownies

Image shows a stack of Classic Brownies on a wooden table.
Classic Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sink your teeth into the fudgy goodness of Classic Brownies, a timeless favorite that promises pure chocolate bliss in every delectable bite. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey aroma and the irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture of these beloved treats, a perfect sweet treat for game day.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Image shows bacon deviled eggs in a red tray.
Bacon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These Bacon Deviled Eggs are a snap to make, and they have so much more flavor than traditional deviled eggs. They are smooth and creamy, making them a perfect game day eat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Image shows A person dipping a pretzel crisp into a bowl of buffalo chicken dip.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the creamy and spicy world of Buffalo Chicken Dip, a crowd-pleasing game day eat that combines shredded chicken, hot sauce, and creamy goodness. Serve it with tortilla chips or celery sticks for a fantastic game day snack that packs a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Lasagna Pizzas

Image shows a close up of a Lasagna Pizza Appetizer topped with freshly grated parmesan sitting on a white plate with another one in the background.
Lasagna Pizzas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This mashup between lasagna and a pizza bagel is ooey-gooey cheesy deliciousness, making it a unique and delightful game day eat. It’s a perfect way to use extra lasagna filling if you accidentally make too much, but this is also so tasty that you’ll want to whip some up to make these again and again for your game day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Who knew that BBQ and the Instant Pot could go so well together? This delicious BBQ shredded chicken is a cinch to make and is perfect for a BBQ chicken sandwich, on a salad, or as a topping for baked potatoes, making it a versatile and mouthwatering game day eat.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crescent roll bagel dogs are a fun and easy game day eat that everyone loves. They’re delicious for dinner, but they’re just as tasty for leftovers the next day in your child’s school lunch. Just wait for them to come home and tell you about all the other jealous kids.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites

Image shows a hand holding a quarter of a Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bite with more on a white tray in the background.
Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These fun and easy appetizers are heaven on an English muffin, making them a delightful game day eat. The cheesy, boozy mixture is the perfect marriage of flavors, and they’re so quick and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites

Crockpot Chili

Image shows a closeup of a bowl of Crockpot beef chili.
Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a bowl of hearty crockpot chili, a comforting and budget-friendly game day eat that’s packed with tender meat, beans, and a medley of flavors. Whether enjoyed at a tailgate or a night in, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Image shows a corn chip with Chicken enchilada dip on it and the full container behind it.
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the ooey-gooey goodness of cheesy chicken enchilada dip, a crowd-pleasing game day eat that makes excellent use of leftover rotisserie chicken. This indulgent dip combines creamy cheese, flavorful chicken, and zesty enchilada sauce for a party-perfect treat. Serve it up with tortilla chips or as a topping for nachos, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Pretzel Bites

Image shows a bowl filled with homemade Pretzel Bites.
Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy crispy and soft pretzel bites, perfect for snacking during the game or as party appetizers. These bite-sized morsels are a budget-friendly game day eat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites

White Chocolate Party Mix

Image shows white chocolate party mix piled into a white bowl on a wooden table.
White Chocolate Party Mix. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This white chocolate party mix is an addictive game day eat, combining savory and sweet with pretzels, M&Ms, dried cranberries, and more. Perfect for snacking during the match.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Party Mix

Boudro’s Guacamole

Image shows a white bowl with guacamole and a chip sticking in it with more chips on a tray to the right of it.
Boudro’s Guacamole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the creamy and flavorful world of a San Antonio tradition. This copycat Boudro’s guacamole is a game day eat that combines ripe avocados, zesty lime, roasted tomatoes and pepper, and a medley of seasonings for a fresh and delicious dip. Perfect for sharing and enjoying while watching the game.
Get the Recipe: Boudro’s Guacamole

Cheese Popcorn

a bowl of cheddar cheese popcorn with kernels spilling out of the side of the bowl onto a white surface.
Cheese Popcorn. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Mastering the art of crafting homemade cheddar cheese popcorn is a game-changer for snacking during football events. Whether it’s a tailgate or a game day watch party, this treat adds a burst of flavor and excitement to the snacking experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Popcorn

Beer Cheese Dip

soft pretzels next to a bowl of beer cheese dip and two beers in bottles.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This effortless beer cheese dip is an excellent choice for football gatherings. Its rich, cheesy flavor pairs perfectly with pretzels or bread, making it an irresistible snack that’s sure to keep everyone satisfied at your tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ultra-crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are a healthier knock-off recipe for the deep fried restaurant version. Perfect for an easy crave-worthy recipe everyone will love while watching the game.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Crispy Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free

Tortilla Chips with gucamole behind.
Crispy Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Unleash a fan favorite with the extra crispy Tortilla Chips, a three-ingredient wonder that outshines traditional chips, whether it’s doritos or nachos. The MVP of crunchiness, these fully gluten-free chips are ready to take the spotlight on your game day spread, delivering winning bites that keep the crowd cheering.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free

Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ready for game day? Potato Skins are the touchdown of football snacks. They pack all the hearty goodness you crave while watching the game, in a bite-sized treat. Grab one and get back to cheering; you won’t miss a play or a delicious bite.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a snack that’s both crispy and cheesy, Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks have got your back. They’re the perfect companion for those nail-biting moments during the game. Quick to grab and packed with flavor, they’re a football favorite for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Blooming onion on a plate with sauce in the background.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the deliciousness of Air Fryer Blooming Onion while watching football! Crunchy, flavorful, and guilt-free thanks to the air fryer, it’s the perfect shareable appetizer to keep everyone’s spirits high, no matter the score.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Marinated Cheese

Slices of cheddar and cream cheese with garnish rest on herb crackers on a white marble surface.
Marinated Cheese. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your football event with Marinated Cheese, a sophisticated yet easy-to-make appetizer. Its layered cheese infused with herbs and pimento peppers offers a tangy and flavorful delight. Perfect for sharing on crackers or bread, it’s a star addition to any party spread.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Cheese

Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Level up your game day lineup with the super easy and extra crispy Tater Tots Croquettes Recipe, a three-ingredient wonder that will steal the spotlight at any football gathering. These fluffy, golden tots are the ultimate keto side dish, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Get ready to kick off your football feast with these irresistible tots that will change your game day traditions forever.
Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Air Fryer Ravioli

Crispy air fryer ravioli on a plate with one dipping into a sauce.
Air Fryer Ravioli . Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving something a little more gourmet? Air Fryer Ravioli is here to elevate your game-day experience! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping – it’s a sophisticated snack that still feels perfectly at home in front of the game.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli

Beer Margaritas

A beerita with a salt rim in a glass shaped like a beer can next to limes and a green glass juicer.
Beer Margaritas. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Beer Margaritas are a fun and delicious way to celebrate any big game. Made with Mexican lager and tequila, these are the ultimate game day sipper.
Get the Recipe: Beer Margaritas

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

A bowl of pineapple habanero salsa surrounded by cilantro, limes, and a red linen sit on a wooden cutting board.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This pineapple habanero salsa recipe is a wonderfully sweet and hot condiment perfect for a dip with chips while watching football. It’s a snap to make and one you can prep well in advance, too.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Soy Garlic Wings

Soy garlic wings on a blue plate surrounded by a white linen, a glass of bear, soy ginger sauce, and cloves of garlic.
Soy Garlic Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These soy garlic chicken wings are crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory. With one simple trick, you’ll have consistently crispy wings all football season long without needing to deep fry them.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Wings

Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Buffalo chicken broccoli cheddar bites with avocado dipping sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If there could be a perfect football food, these buffalo chicken cheddar bites would be it. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies on a day when you might not be getting your recommended daily allowance.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Spice up your tailgate with Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers! Stuffed with creamy cheese and topped with bacon, they’re a burst of heat that mirrors the on-field intensity. Your taste buds will be doing a touchdown dance.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With juicy turkey patties, crisp buns, and all your favorite toppings, this easy turkey burger slider recipe takes your favorite turkey burgers and makes them bite-sized! They’re ideal for football parties or any gathering with friends.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A cheese covered dip sits next to crackers.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

When time is short, this hot and creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip is a go-to option for quick appetizers during football tailgates. With minimal ingredients and a 30-minute prep time, it’s an efficient yet delicious choice to keep the party going strong.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

BBQ pulled pork nachos on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Delicious cheddar cheesy BBQ pulled pork nachos are an easy crowd pleaser. Load them up with fresh favorites like with pickled red onions, green onions and cilantro to enjoy the game.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

A closeup of a garnish on a Bloody Mary made with homemade Bloody Mary mix.
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Bloody Marys are the perfect drink for those early morning tailgates. This is the best Bloody Mary Mix because you can make it ahead to serve a crowd. It’s perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and lemon.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

Carne Asada Nachos

Carne asada nachos on a sheet pan.
Carne Asada Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Perfectly grilled carne asada steak makes the best game day nachos ever! Loaded with pico de gallo, melted cheese, guacamole, jalapeños, lime crema and fresh cilantro, these nachos will be a new favorite!
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Nachos

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Hot honey lemon pepper wings on a dark blue plate surrounded by lemon pepper, lemons, a white linen, and lemonade.
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These hot honey lemon pepper wings are a crispy, sweet, savory, and tangy treat perfect for football season. Wings are a football tradition for a reason, and your whole team will love this version.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mini chicken taco cups on a silver tray.
Mini Chicken Taco Cups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Mini Chicken Taco Cups are a tasty appetizers for parties and game day with perfectly seasoned beans and chicken, melty cotija cheese, and a bold kick of flavor from your favorite salsa on top.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Pizza Popcorn

Pizza popcorn in a bowl with fresh rosemary.
Pizza Popcorn. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Movie night meets game day with Pizza Popcorn, a treat designed to satisfy both pizza and popcorn cravings. The buttery, herb-infused, and cheese-topped popcorn is a versatile choice, offering a flavorful addition to any tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Popcorn

Marinated Chicken Wings

Crispy oven baked marinated chicken wings on a plate.
Marinated Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These salty, sticky, sweet and savory wings have it all. One bite and buffalo sauce will be a thing of the past. Sometimes traditions need to be reinvented. This is one of them.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Wings

Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Jalapeno popper pinwheels on a silver tray.
Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Baked Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups are a favorite game day appetizer pinwheel that’s filled with everything we love in a classic popper; cream cheese, fresh jalapenos, and crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

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