25 NFL Appetizer Party Food Ideas That’ll Have You Eating Like a Champ

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Score big on flavor with these NFL appetizer party food ideas. You’ll find cheesy, meaty, and even plant-based options. There are dips, nachos, chips, and more!

nfl appetizer party food
NFL Appetizer Party Food. Photo Credit: XOXO Bella.

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Why settle for the same old chips and dip when you can surprise your friends with something new?

These appetizers are easy to make and great for serving a crowd. Many of them can also be prepped ahead of time or cooked in batches.

Air Fryer Hand Pies (Air Fryer Sloppy Joes)

A plate with savory pies, juicy tomatoes, and a fork.
Air Fryer Hand Pies (Air Fryer Sloppy Joes). Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Hand pies are a classic choice for game day.

This version is ready in less than 30 minutes, with sloppy joe sauce, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and store-bought pie crusts.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies (Air Fryer Sloppy Joes)

Big Mac Tacos

lunch ideas for coworkers
Big Mac Tacos. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These savory appetizers are like a cross between tacos and burgers.

They’re tangy, cheesy, and savory, with a flavor profile just like the famous fast-food burger.

Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

instant pot chicken buffalo dip
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Looking for something you can make in the Instant Pot? You’ll love this dip!

Serve it with veggie sticks, tortilla chips, or bread slices.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter

bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar and butter
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Love bacon? Make a big batch of these irresistible game day appetizers.

Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, and then pair with mac and cheese or a light coleslaw.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter

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Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

turkey bacon ranch sliders
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These sliders are perfect for serving a crowd.

They’re made with bacon, turkey deli meat, butter, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. You can use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Pasta Chips

Bible School Snacks Pasta Chips by Food Plus Words
Pasta Chips. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Turning pasta into chips might sound unusual, but trust me, you’ll love this!

They’re healthier than deep-fried potato chips, with only a few seasonings and herbs.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips

Instant Pot Chicken Bites

Crispy fried chicken nuggets served on a white plate.
Instant Pot Chicken Bites. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These chicken bites are a winning choice if you’re preparing for a spontaneous gathering.

They’re ready in 30 minutes. Remember to cut the chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

step 9 sausage balls with cream cheese
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese (Cream Cheese Sausage Balls). Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Make these sausage balls using just four simple ingredients.

They’re cheesy and meaty, something you’d want to pair with spicy mustard dip, marinara sauce, and a crisp green salad.

Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Homemade Bacon Jam

This bacon jam recipe is about to change your life for the best (literally the best you'll ever have). Spread it on toast, use it as a burger topping or savor the flavor crackers. You'll never go back to plain old jam again!
Homemade Bacon Jam. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

This homemade jam is smoky, sweet, and savory all at once.

Pair it with crackers, burgers, and sliders for a smoky-sweet upgrade to your usual game day favorites.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Bacon Jam

Parmesan Potatoes

Stuffed squash on a plate with tomatoes and herbs.
Parmesan Potatoes. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These Parmesan potatoes are made with red pepper flakes, garlic, sea salt, and other pantry staples.

Use Yukon Gold or any low- to medium-starch potatoes for the best results. They’ll end up fluffy and delicious.

Get The Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Air Fryer Tater Tots

AIR FRYER TATER TOTS BY FOOD PLUS WORDS 2
Air Fryer Tater Tots. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Nothing says game day comfort like homemade tater tots. They’re loaded with buttery, savory, and slightly garlicky flavors.

Air fry them until golden, and then serve with ranch dressing.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tots

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Buffalo Popcorn

summer dips and appetizers
Buffalo Popcorn. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

This popcorn is made with only a few simple ingredients, including vegan butter, agave syrup, and hot sauce.

Plain popcorn kernels are naturally vegan, making this the best choice if you’re looking for something a bit healthier.

Get The Recipe: Buffalo Popcorn

Monster Cookie Hummus

A bowl of cookie dough dip, perfect for tailgate food, is topped with colorful candies and oats. It's paired with graham crackers on a white surface with a cloth.
Monster Cookie Hummus. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Ready for a sweet surprise on game day? This dessert hummus made with cookie-inspired ingredients offers a fun change of pace.

It’s made with chickpeas, natural peanut butter, and cinnamon!

Get The Recipe: Monster Cookie Hummus

Sweet and Salty Trail Mix

Two bowls filled with a snack mix of pretzels, popcorn, cereal, nuts, and dried berries. Some pieces are scattered on the white surface around the bowls.
Sweet and Salty Trail Mix. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Trail mix is easy to grab by the handful and keeps you fueled for hours.

This version also works for movie nights. You can store it in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.

Get The Recipe: Sweet and Salty Trail Mix

Vegan Totchos (Vegan Tater Tot Nachos Recipe)

A casserole dish filled with a colorful vegetable and bean medley, topped with chopped cilantro. A wooden spoon rests in the dish. A striped cloth and small bowl are nearby.
Vegan Totchos. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Believe it or not, even plant-based appetizers can be deliciously indulgent.

These vegan totchos are cheesy, smoky, and savory, thanks to vegan cheese sauce and avocado.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Totchos (Vegan Tater Tot Nachos Recipe)

BBQ Chicken Nachos

nfl appetizer party food
BBQ Chicken Nachos. Photo Credit: Dishes with Dad.

Loaded nachos are always a crowd favorite, and this recipe can take your classic favorite up a notch.

Go ahead and add your favorite toppings, from cherry tomatoes and onions to jalapeños and radishes.

Get The Recipe: BBQ Chicken Nachos

Taco Pinwheels

nfl appetizer party food
Taco Pinwheels. Photo Credit: Pumpkin n’ Spice.

These pinwheels are made with salsa, bell peppers, sour cream, and cream cheese.

Want to make them even more filling? Add shredded chicken and more cheese!

Get The Recipe: Taco Pinwheels

Spicy Queso Hummus Dip

nfl appetizer party food
Spicy Queso Hummus Dip. Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

This dip is a clever mashup of queso and hummus.

It’s made with tomatoes, veggies, cilantro, and cheese. Serve it with crispy potato wedges and Mexican beer.

Get The Recipe: Spicy Queso Hummus Dip

Soft Pretzel Bites with Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip

nfl appetizer party food
Soft Pretzel Bites with Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip. Photo Credit: Heavenly Spiced.

Enjoy these pretzel bites at your NFL parties and weekend movie nights.

This recipe includes a velvety dip made with white American cheese, smoked Gouda, and spices.

Get The Recipe: Soft Pretzel Bites with Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip

Fried Stuffed Olives

nfl appetizer party food
Fried Stuffed Olives. Photo Credit: Cookin’ Up Life.

If you’re looking for something simple and unique, you have to try these stuffed olives.

You can also make them in your air fryer! Feel free to explore other spices and seasonings, too.

Get The Recipe: Fried Stuffed Olives

Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

nfl appetizer party food
Bacon Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

This gluten-free recipe features the irresistible combo of bacon and jalapeño!

You can make them one day ahead of time and refrigerate them. If you want a crunchy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

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Crispy Toasted Ravioli

nfl appetizer party food
Crispy Toasted Ravioli. Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

This crispy appetizer is bound to be a game day classic.

They’re meatless, so you can share them with your vegetarian loved ones. Pair them with veggie sticks to balance the richness.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Toasted Ravioli

Avocado Pico de Gallo

nfl appetizer party food
Avocado Pico de Gallo. Photo Credit: Unique Cooks.

Enjoy avocados and tomatoes in a new, more delicious way.

This pico de gallo delivers bright, zesty flavors everyone will love. It’s definitely an amazing take on the classic Mexican salsa.

Get The Recipe: Avocado Pico de Gallo

Garlic Knots

nfl appetizer party food
Garlic Knots. Photo Credit: Maplewood Road.

These garlic knots are the kind of comfort food that pair perfectly with NFL snacks.

The highlight? Their garlic butter topping! You can add red pepper flakes to make them a bit spicier.

Get The Recipe: Garlic Knots

Cheeseburger Tacos

nfl appetizer party food
Cheeseburger Tacos. Photo Credit: XOXO Bella.

These tacos are made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, flour tortillas, and other simple ingredients.

Want to add more toppings? Go for crisp, fresh toppings to balance out the juicy beef.

Get The Recipe: Cheeseburger Tacos

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Start with the NFL appetizer party food ideas! You don’t want to miss the game because you’re stuck in the kitchen.

Sliders and dips are delicious options you can explore anytime. You can also try various sauces.

They make even simple foods feel like a big deal.

25 NFL Party Food That’ll Have Fans Cheering Louder Than the Touchdowns

NFL Party Food
NFL Party Food. Loaded Smashed Potatoes. Photo Credit: The Clean Happy Life

Before the next game, plan out your NFL party food menu so that you can give friends, family, and football fans a variety of different flavors to choose from. 

Read it here: 25 NFL Party Food That’ll Have Fans Cheering Louder Than the Touchdowns

25 NFL Food Ideas That Score Big on Game Day

NFL Food Ideas
NFL Food Ideas. Bacon Roast Beef Sliders. Photo Credit: The Salty Marshmallow

Score big on game day and impress friends and family with these NFL food ideas. From fun appetizers to delicious meals everyone will love, these ideas are delicious. 

Read it here: 25 NFL Food Ideas That Score Big on Game Day

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

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Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

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