When there's comfort food in play, everybody wins.
Football fans may argue about the game, but no one disputes the fact that there ought to be game day foods — and plenty of 'em. Whether you're hosting a watch party or headed somewhere else for the big game, be a good sport and whip something up that will make everyone feel like a winner. While your Super Bowl spread is super-important, we'd argue that whenever football airs is an opportunity to try game day snacks, party dips, fan-favorite desserts and winning cocktails you don't normally enjoy the rest of the year. Any good sports fan knows you can't let a good opportunity go to waste.
For the NFL preseason games, try crispy chicken taquitos and spicy jalapeño poppers with fresh lime margaritas. Later in the season, go for chicken wings and sliders. By the time the big game rolls around in 2025, you'll know which Super Bowl appetizers and finger foods to prep (pizza dip is a must) for a winning party no matter which team hoists the Lombardi trophy.
And, thanks to make-ahead recipes and time-saving strategies (slow cooker FTW), party planning has never been easier. The goal is to spend less time in the kitchen during the game, so you don't miss any of the action. Three cheers for that!
1
Coca Cola Chicken Wings
You know what pairs with a cold, crisp Diet Coke? These sticky-sweet glazed chicken wings.
Get the Cocoa Cola Chicken Wings recipe.
2
Chicken Taquitos
Tuck rotisserie chicken into corn tortillas for an easy, 30-minute app your whole crew will love.
Get the Chicken Taquitos recipe.
RELATED: 50 Meals You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes
3
Loaded Ranch Potato Skins
Brush ranch seasoning on the inside of the potato shell to add a surprising flavor to each bite. Save the potato flesh to make Ranch Croquettes!
Get the Loaded Ranch Potato Skins recipe.
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4
Avocado Chicken Salad Clubs
Two types of sandos stacked between three slices of bread makes a stacker big enough to share. Cut it into triangles for the game!
Get the Avocado Chicken Salad Clubs recipe.
5
Pizza Dip
Top a luxurious cream cheese base with marinara sauce and *more* cheese for a party-perfect dip that's wayyy better than delivery.
Get the Pizza Dip recipe.
6
Skillet Cheeseburger Hot Dish
Why make individual burgers when you can brown all the meat in a skillet and top it with crispy tots? A drizzle of sweet, tangy burger sauce completes the Super Bowl stunner.
Get the Skillet Cheeseburger Hot Dish recipe.
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7
Waffle Nachos
Give nachos a brunch-ready makeover (ideal for early games on the West Coast!) with store-bought waffles, sausage, eggs and cheese.
Get the Waffle Nachos recipe.
RELATED: Brunch Recipes That Scream "Touchdown!"
8
Pozole Rojo
Dried chiles bring fantastic flavor to this comforting stew, and prepping it is the perfect activity for a crisp football Sunday (or college football Saturday). Set out toppings and let everyone dig in!
Get the Pozole Rojo recipe.
9
Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders
Filled with melty milk chocolate and gooey mini marshmallows, these crowd-pleasing sliders deserve a medal.
Get the Pull-Apart S'mores Sliders recipe.
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10
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Two game day greats — stuffed peppers and Philly cheesesteaks — get mashed into one trophy-worthy masterpiece.
Get the Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers recipe.
11
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Cheese-topped poppers in less than 20 minutes is reason #87 to be obsessed with your air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
RELATED: Our Best Air Fryer Recipes for Faster, Tastier Meals
12
Nashville Hot Chicken
Serve this seriously spicy classic with white bread to help tame the heat.
Get the Nashville Hot Chicken recipe.
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13
Spicy Soppressata Pizza
Make things special for game day and opt for a homemade pie instead of delivery — jarred marinara sauce and refrigerated pizza dough make it simple!
Get the Spicy Soppressata Pizza recipe.
14
Ham and Cheese Oven Sliders
A simple, grab-and-go appetizer, sliders are a great way to serve a crowd without a lot of mess.
Get the Ham and Cheese Oven Sliders recipe.
15
Spiced Snack Mix
Toasted with butter and spices, this is soo much better than what you get from the bag.
Get the Spiced Snack Mix recipe.
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16
Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels
Slice a rolled tortilla into adorable bites to easily make sandwiches for a crowd. Bonus: The herby spread doubles as a dip.
Get the Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels recipe.
RELATED: Game-Worthy Sandwiches That Happen To Be Healthy
17
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
These crispy, golden potatoes are the perfect base for an endless amount of toppings. Set out ranch, salsa, cheese or herbs for the ultimate customizable party fare.
Get the Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe.
18
Black Bean Burgers
Don't forget vegetarian fans! You can prep these "meaty" burgers ahead and stash them in your freezer.
Get the Black Bean Burgers recipe.
RELATED: Vegetarian Recipes Even Meat Eaters Will Love
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19
Walking Tacos
This fan-favorite dish involves piling tasty homemade fillings, like chili-spiced beef and pickled jalapeños, into snack-sized bags of Doritos or Fritos.
Get the Walking Tacos recipe.
RELATED: 35 Tailgate Food Ideas for the Ultimate Game Day
20
Cheeseburger Pizza
Each slice features all the best components of a cheeseburger (think: beef, Cheddar, even special sauce), so there's no need to grill up burgers. That means you can spend less time flipping patties and more time watching the game. Score!
Get the Cheeseburger Pizza recipe.
Trish Clasen Marsanico
Deputy Food Editor
Trish (she/her) is the deputy food editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things food, from cooking trends and delicious recipes to top-tested kitchen products and grocery finds. She has more than a decade of experience writing about food for GH, Women’s Health, Prevention, Redbook, Woman’s Day, The Daily Meal and Food Network. When she’s not at the supermarket or trying out a new recipe, you can find her at the beach, in her backyard or on the couch — typically with a glass of wine in hand.
Samantha MacAvoy
Assistant Editor
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
