21 epic football appetizers you won’t want to miss

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This starting lineup of 21 epic football appetizers are sure to score big with friends and family! Whether you’re huddled around the TV for the big game or just in it for the halftime commercials, these mouthwatering munchies are the MVPs of any football gathering.

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

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.

No need to sneak the recipe from your favorite Tex-Mex joint, these homemade Southwest Egg Rolls are the real MVPs. Tuck into a fiesta of chicken, corn, beans, and melty cheese all snug in a crispy shell. They’re the snack that scores big time with every bite, making you the quarterback of the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Egg Rolls

Zucchini Chips

Bowl of zucchini chips with parsley in front of two bowls of dipping sauce.
Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slide over, greasy chips, these Zucchini Chips are crunching their way into the snack hall of fame. You’ll be the snack champ and maybe even get your kids to eat some zucchini!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Chips

Buffalo Ranch Dip

A person dipping chicken fingers into a bowl of dip.
Buffalo Ranch Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the heat without breaking a sweat with this Buffalo Ranch Dip that’s as bold as your favorite linebacker. Just stir it up, plop it down, and watch your chips dive into this creamy, zesty bowl of yum.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Ranch Dip

Jalapeño Poppers

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

Light the fire under your snack spread with Jalapeño Poppers, the little guys with a big game attitude. They’re packing a lineup of cream cheese, fiery jalapeños, and smoky bacon that’s sure to tackle your hunger.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Poppers

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

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

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish are the unsung heroes of the appetizer world, turning simplicity into snack gold. Serve these up and watch them disappear faster than a halftime show.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Buffalo chicken egg rolls on a wooden cutting board with celery and sprinkled with blue cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fuse the kick of buffalo wings with the crunch of egg rolls and you’ve got Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, the ultimate snack fusion. These bad boys are the rookies of the year, coming in hot with a playbook of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

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

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is like the halftime show of appetizers: unexpected and totally mesmerizing. With just a few cuts and a quick air fry, you’ve got a crispy, dip-able masterpiece. It’s the onion that blooms into the heart of every fan, no deep fryer required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Crockpot Little Smokies

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

Throw these Crockpot Little Smokies into the game and watch them disappear faster than a lead in the fourth quarter. Just toss ’em in, set the timer, and get back to the couch – these little guys are self-sufficient.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips on a plate with sauce.
Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Break out the pasta for something other than spaghetti night with these game-changing Pasta Chips. They’re the underdogs of the snack world, coming off the bench to deliver a crispy, savory win. Who knew pasta could go from main dish to crunch-tastic munchies?
Get the Recipe: Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Ravioli

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

Air Fryer Ravioli are like the rookie that came out of nowhere, scoring points for both team crispy and team cheesy. Just bread ’em, air fry ’em, and serve ’em up with a side of marinara for dipping. They’re the game day surprise that’s as easy to make as they are to pop in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo tenders with blue cheese and celery.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the air fryer’s answer to the call of the wild, wild wing craving. They’re the snack that brings the heat without any of the grease-splattered guilt. Whip ’em up quick and get back to shouting at the TV in no time.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Sausage Cheese Dip

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

Sausage Cheese Dip is like that clutch player that comes through when the game’s on the line – reliable, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser. Stir together five simple ingredients and you’ve got a dip that’ll make you the kitchen MVP.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Cheese Dip

Mozzarella Sticks

Pulling apart an air fryer mozzarella stick to show the gooey cheese inside.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Mozzarella Sticks are the classic go-to when you want to score big with minimal kitchen time. These cheesy sticks of glory are a fan favorite that’ll make you the first-round draft pick of game day hosting. Forget the frozen aisle, you’re about to bring the crunch.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

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

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs are the snack that’ll have you winning the potluck before the game even starts. They’re the fancy-looking, bacon-ranch packed bites that’ll have your guests huddling around the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Pretzel Bites

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

Who knew canned biscuits could moonlight as Pretzel Bites, the snack that’ll have your couch crowd cheering for more. These little golden nuggets are a ticket to salty, chewy bliss. Pass ’em around and watch the fastest disappearing act of game day.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

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

Roll out the red carpet for Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels, the snack that’s part spicy, part creamy, and entirely too easy. Each bite is a swirl of flavor that’ll make you the MVP of party planning.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Everything Bagel Dip

A person is holding a cucumber with a dip on it.
Everything Bagel Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Everything Bagel Dip is like the best part of a bagel brunch, but you can legit eat it with a spoon – or chips, no judgment. This dip’s got all the sesame, poppy, onion, and garlic goodness without the actual bagel. It’s the kind of dip that’ll make your coffee table feel like a deli counter.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Dip

Bang Bang Shrimp

A person dipping fried shrimp into a bowl of dip.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Make some noise with Bang Bang Shrimp, the appetizer that’s dressed to impress but doesn’t require a tux. These little crispy critters are doused in a sauce that’s all kinds of sweet and spicy. You’ll be dishing out high-fives with every bite, and not just for the game plays.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Meatball Crescent Rolls

Meatballs wrapped in dough on a wooden cutting board.
Meatball Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Meatball Crescent Rolls are the sneaky little snacks that’ll have your guests asking for more. Enveloped in buttery dough, these meatballs are the Hail Mary of party food. Just pop ’em in the oven and watch the crowd go wild.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Crescent Rolls

Sweet Chili Wings

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

Sweet Chili Wings are the perfect play for those who want the sweet victory without the kitchen scrimmage. These wings are all about that sticky, sweet heat that’ll have you licking your fingers and patting yourself on the back.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Boom Boom Sauce

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

Introducing Boom Boom Sauce, the secret weapon in your condiment arsenal that’s ridiculously simple to make. This sauce is a blend of sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of kick to elevate any appetizer to legendary status.
Get the Recipe: Boom Boom Sauce

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