50+ EASY Game Day Appetizers

December 19, 2023November 27, 2022 by Erin

Game day appetizers are always an essential part of the big day! From wings, to chips & dips, finger foods and more! This extensive list of 50+ of the BEST appetizer recipes will guarantee that people will declare you the best host ever!

Whether you’re watching football, baseball, hockey, or soccer, the best part of watching the game is always the food…

Pizza and wings are always a go-to for the big game, but there’s so much more!

For example, these Crispy Buffalo Smashed Potatoes are always the biggest hit! And, this Game Day Charcuterie Board lets you do all the work beforehand, so that you can actually watch the game. Or, to please everyone, try this Baked Potato Bar.

PS – Don’t forget about the BEST cocktails for game day too!

So, let’s get started…

The BEST Game Day Appetizers

Overhead shot of smashed potatoes on baking sheet topped with blue cheese, hot sauce, jalapenos and chives.

Crispy Smashed Buffalo Potatoes are crazy good! Crispy smashed potatoes are topped with vinegary, spicy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing.

Side view of glazed wings on sheet of parchment.

These Vietnamese Chicken Wings are baked in the oven until crisp & coated in a sweet-spicy combination of soy sauce, brown sugar and sambal oelek chili paste.

Pasta chips on plate with small bowl of dipping sauce.

Pasta Chips are the latest TikTok food trend. Made with cooked pasta that's coated with parmesan, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Then air fried (or baked in the oven) until crispy, crunchy & delicious!

2 bowls of white chicken chili topped with cheese, sour cream and radishes.

This Easy White Chicken Chili can be made in under 30-minutes. Spicy and smoky it’s made with chicken, white beans, jalapenos, mild green chilis and plenty of monterey jack cheese. It’s a delicious, creamy white chicken chili that perfect for cozy nights at home.

Overhead shot of serving tray of toasted ravioli with bowl of marinara sauce.

Air Fryer Ravioli. Coated in a cheesy, breadcrumb mixture and then air fried until crispy and delicious! Serve this yummy appetizer with marinara sauce or alfredo sauce and enjoy!

Baked potato toppings on wooden tray.

There are so many delicious baked potato toppings to choose from! This extensive list of the 50+ BEST toppings includes meats, cheeses, veggies, sauces and more.

Hands holding bowl of hummus topped with whipped feta & chili oil.

Never choose between hummus or whipped feta again! This Hummus with Whipped Feta and Chili Oil is a party-ready dip that features layers of whipped feta cheese and homemade classic hummus. The spicy chili oil on top cuts through the richness and explodes with flavor!

Air fryer wings in serving basket with blue cheese and celery sticks.

These Air Fryer Chicken Wings cook up amazingly crispy and juicy without deep frying. Then they’re tossed with a spicy buffalo wing sauce that can be made mild to hot, depending on your taste preference.

Extreme close up of tortilla chips in air fryer basket.

These 3-ingredient Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are quick and easy to make, super crunchy, and light. They’re perfect for dunking in salsa, guacamole, hummus, and more! Made with flour or corn tortillas.

Overhead close up of three smoked pork belly slices with grill marks.

Smoked Pork Belly Strips are the only thing better than bacon! Seasoned with an easy dry rub, the pork is cooked low and slow until it’s tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth. It’s a smoky and deeply flavored cut of meat that must make an appearance at your next barbecue.

This is the BEST Beer Chili recipe! A hearty one-pot chili with beans that’s rich, spicy and perfect for game day.

Wings arranged on grey plate scattered with cucumbers.

Crispy and juicy chicken wings, topped with a sweet yet spicy combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and Sambal oelek chili paste.

Air fried chicken tenders on serving tray with small bowl of ranch and lemon wedges.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook up golden & crispy on the outside, but juicy inside. The best part is they can be made in under 20 minutes with just 6-ingredients.

3 crispy rice sushi bites on plate topped with creamy sauce and spicy peppers.

Crispy Rice Sushi Bites feature creamy spicy salmon (or tuna). Crispy, crunchy and so flavorful! Cook the crispy rice in the air fryer or on the stove, and top with all your favorite toppings. The perfect appetizer for any occasion!

Sausage bites arranged on grey plate with small bowl of mustard sauce.

Sausage Bites are simmered in white wine & served with a creamy, spicy mustard dipping sauce. They’re a delicious party appetizer that cooks up quick.

Overhead close up of ham & cheese pinwheel.

These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are an easy & elegant appetizer or brunch idea. Given a bit of tang from dijon mustard & taken over the top with “everything” bagel seasoning.

Cooked bacon wrapped dates in white serving bowl next to small bowl of almonds.

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Almonds make a quick and easy appetizer that's a definite crowd pleaser.

Sweet potato chili in blue bowl topped with tortilla strips and sour cream.

A bowl of cozy and comforting vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s so hearty and flavorful that you won’t even miss the meat!

Bowl of smoked salmon dip with piece of crostini dipped into it.

This homemade Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese is so refreshing, creamy, and delicious! It’s made with 8 simple ingredients like fresh herbs, lemon, sour cream, and rich smoked salmon for an irresistible dipping experience.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mustard Dipping Sauce are the perfect appetizer to serve at your next party or serve them up for dinner with a couple sides. The best part? They’ll be on your table in under 15 minutes!

Overhead shot of greek nachos arranged on plate with toppings.

These Greek Nachos with Hummus are topped with crumbly feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives and a tangy tzatziki sauce. They make a perfect party appetizer!

Stuffed crab deviled eggs on dark background topped with sesame seeds, avocado, radishes and cucumber.

Crab Deviled Eggs are an eay, delicious variation of the classic recipe. It’s like your favorite California Roll in deviled egg form. The creamy yolks are combined with wasabi for a spicy kick, then they’re topped with crab, avocado and cucumber.

Shrimp, lemon wedges and cocktail sauce arranged in tray with cocktail forks.

Learn How to Boil Shrimp for shrimp cocktail, party snacks, and more! This easy cooking method is practically foolproof and fun to customize.

Bowl of chipotle salsa in serving tray with chips and limes.

This 5-Minute Chipotle Salsa comes together easily with the help of your blender. It's a great sauce for tacos or dip for tortilla chips!

Side view of Avocado bites wrapped in prosciutto on wood cutting board.

Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado Bites are the perfect party appetizer. They’re an easy to make, no-bake finger food and come together in under 10 minutes!

Bowl of guacamole on tray with chips.

This fresh and vibrant Guacamole recipe is so easy! Mix it up in minutes for a creamy dip, a delicious topping for nachos, or to serve on Taco Tuesday.

Buffalo cauliflower bites on plate with celery and carrot sticks and blue cheese dressing.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy & amazingly delicious! Enjoy these healthy vegetarian buffalo wings with homemade blue cheese or ranch dip. With directions for the oven or air fryer.

Overhead shot of pretzel bites in serving platter with small bowl of cheese sauce.

Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce are the perfect snack for tailgating. Soft, chewy and bite size with a golden crust, they're perfect for dunking into a rich cheese dip that can be customized 3-ways.

OVERHEAD CLOSE UP OF BOWL OF INSTANT POT VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH SOUR CREAM, AVOCADO, TORTILLA STRIPS.

Instant Pot Veggie Chili is delicious & nutritious. It cooks up quickly and easily with the help of your pressure cooker and tastes like it's been simmering all day.

Overhead shot of greek yogurt ranch dip in bread bowl next to small orange peppers and watermelon radish.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip made with only 3-ingredients is perfect for snacking or parties. Make it in just 15-minutes with a ranch seasoning packet and serve with your favorite veggies for dipping!

Plate of filet mignon bites ready to be served.

These Filet Mignon Bites with Creamy Horseradish Sauce are the perfect elegant appetizer to serve at your next party. Tender bites of filet mignon are wrapped in bacon and served with a thick and tangy horseradish sauce.

This Irish Potato Nachos recipe is always a hit! Made with thin-sliced potatoes that are topped with cheese, bacon, pico de gallo and sour cream. Irish pub nachos are a perfect appetizer for any occasion!

Soft pretzel dipped in cheese sauce.

Make this ooey gooey 4-ingredient pretzel cheese dip to serve along with pretzel bites for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!

Overhead shot of bowl of buffalo chicken chili.

This Buffalo Chicken Chili features all the flavors of your favorite finger food in a spicy chili. It’s a healthy, hearty way to enjoy buffalo wings in a new way!

SIDE VIEW OF ENCHILADA DIP IN LARGE SKILLET.

Take your snacking to the next level with this Cheesy Enchilada Dip. Beans are layered with ground beef and enchilada sauce, and topped with lots of melty cheese, green onions and a dollop of sour cream.

Buffalo tofu bites on grey speckled plate next to side of blue cheese and celery.

These Baked Buffalo Tofu Bites make a perfect appetizer for game day or tailgating. These vegetarian buffalo wings can also be made vegan with some simple substitutions.

Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon.

Fried mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and have the perfect crunch. Best way to use leftover mac and cheese.

Get the RECIPE from aheadofthyme.com

OVERHEAD SHOT OF BOWL OF BABA GANOUSH SWIRLED WITH OLIVE OIL.

This Baba Ganoush recipe with grilled eggplant is amazingly smooth and creamy with a delicious smoky flavor. Serve it alongside some fresh pita bread and vegetables for a delicious Mediterranean spread.

This recipe for baked potato skins is simple and just as delicious as your favorite takeout place or bar. Baking potato skins is the key to getting them super crispy.

Get the RECIPE from Little Sunny Kitchen

Close up of green bean fries on baking sheet lined with parchment.

Crispy parmesan Green Bean Fries are baked in the oven for a healthy, delicious treat. Served up with three dipping sauces – green goddess, honey mustard & creamy sriracha. A secret ingredient makes them extra delicious! Air Fryer directions included.

Crackers spread with blackberry goat cheese on serving platter with honey wand and blackberries.

Why not whip up this sweet and savory Blackberry Goat Cheese appetizer for your next party? This elegant appetizer is easy to make with just 5-ingredients!

Overhead shot of corn queso dip in skillet.

Corn Queso Dip is the perfect dip for your next Mexican fiesta or tailgating party. It’s deliciously rich & creamy with a hint of spice and delicious corn flavor.

Crostini topped with brie, basil and prosciutto arranged on grey plate next to honey wand.

These Brie & Prosciutto Crostini with Honey make the perfect, easy to prepare party appetizer that's made with just a handful of ingredients.

Crostini dipped into melty goat cheese.

This baked goat cheese appetizer is super simple to throw together at the last minute with just 3 ingredients! Chevre is baked in marinara sauce until hot and bubbly – Perfect for spreading on crostini.

Hands holding skillet of queso blanco next to two bottles of wine.

Shake things up at your next get together with this cheesy Artichoke Queso Blanco. Serrano peppers and chorizo give it a spicy kick, while the artichoke hearts are the perfect unexpected addition, in this ooey-gooey melty cheese dip.

Overhead shot of small bowl of tapenade on grey plate with crostini scattered about.

This easy Olive Spread recipe comes together in just 10 minutes in your food processor or blender. It's amazing as an appetizer for parties, served as part of a charcuterie board, or used as a sandwich spread.

Overhead shot of din tai fung cucumber salad on grey plate with chopsticks.

This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!

Albondigas in blue bowl topped with sour cream and jalapenos.

Spanish Meatballs – or Albondigas – simmer in enchilada sauce and are topped with sour cream, radishes & cilantro. Serve them taco-style in tortillas or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Air fryer wings in serving basket with blue cheese and celery sticks.

50+ BEST Game Day Appetizers

50+ of the BEST Game Day Appetizers! From wings, to chips & dips, finger foods and more! You'll find a crowd favorite here!!! Try these Air Fryer Chicken Wings. They cook up amazingly crispy and juicy without deep frying. Then they’re tossed with a spicy buffalo wing sauce that can be made mild to hot, depending on your taste preference.

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 30

Servings: 4 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings (about 20 separated wings & drumettes, or 10 whole chicken wings)
Cooking spray

Medium Buffalo Wing Sauce:

12 ounces Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
6 Tablespoons butter (melted)
Few dashes Worcestershire sauce
Few dashes Tabasco

Instructions

Pat wings dry with paper towels.
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place chicken wings in basket and cook at 380 degrees for 25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. After 25 minutes, increase the temperature to 400 degrees and cook for 5-15 minutes longer. Shake every 5 minutes and begin checking for doneness at 5 minutes. Remove when the wings are crisped to your liking.
While the wings are cooking, combine the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
When the wings are finished, dump them into the mixing bowl with the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a milder buffalo wing sauce, use more butter. (See above)

For a hotter buffalo wing sauce, use more Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. (See above)

If you use less or more than 2 pounds of chicken wings, the cook time remains the same.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 2846mg | Potassium: 191mg | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1.2mg

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