25 Game Day Appetizers That Will Make You the Real MVP (original) (raw)

We love sports as much as the next person, but when it comes to game day gatherings, it’s really all about the grub. As such, if you’re hosting a hungry group of sports fans in your home this year, we strongly suggest you start planning the menu stat. Consult our roundup of crowd-pleasing game day appetizers that are easy to make and hard to stop eating, and you can’t go wrong (especially if you follow up with one of these desserts).

Avocado Deviled Eggs on a wooden platter.

1. Avocado Deviled Eggs

We’ve never met a deviled egg we didn’t like, but creamy avocado and a dash of hot sauce make these bad boys next-level delicious.

Game Day Appetizers Carrot Pigs in a Blanket

2. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket

Trust us, this trompe l’oeil isn’t as cruel as it seems. In fact, carrots are a surprisingly tasty and satisfying stand-in for mini hot dogs in this vegetarian twist on the beloved finger food.

Game Day Appetizers Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings.

3. Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a game day no-brainer—particularly when the tender wings are left intact (i.e., keeping the flats and drumettes together) for a more substantial appetizer that won’t cause partygoers to fight over their preferred piece of the bird.

Game Day Appetizers Mini Nachos

4. Mini Nachos

Because no one wants to be the unlucky nosher with a chip that got the short end of the topping stick.

Game Day Appetizers Brie Stuffed Pretzel Bites

5. Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites

The only thing better than a fluffy, chewy soft pretzel nugget is one that’s stuffed with brie cheese. Ooh-la-la.

Game Day Appetizer 7 Layer Dip

6. 7 Layer Dip

Seven layers of Mexican-inspired flavor combine to make a dip that’s so decadent and delicious, partygoers won’t hesitate to eat it with a spoon when the chip bowl is empty.

Game Day Appetizers Buffalo Cauliflower Nuggets

7. Buffalo Cauliflower Nuggets

Is there anything cauliflower can’t do? (Answer: No.) These tasty bites are just as comforting as the chicken version, but with a good-for-you twist.

Game Day Appetizers Sweet Potato Crostini

8. Sweet Potato Crostini

A sweet potato base takes the place of bread in this offbeat “crostini” recipe and the end result is every bit as elegant and gourmet-tasting as the traditional appetizer…without all the carbs.

Game Day Appetizers The Classiest Cheese Balls in the Universe

9. The Classiest Cheese Balls in the Universe

Presenting a modern twist on a cheesy (pun intended) favorite. Goat, cheddar and blue cheeses get all dressed up with innovative toppings to create a dairy-forward appetizer that tastes totally fresh and looks downright elegant.

Game Day Appetizers Mini Tortillas

10. Mini Tortillas

Blessedly easy to make and destined to be the star of the party spread no matter what you fill ‘em with—these fresh, homemade tortillas are basically the perfect edible canvas.

Game Day Appetizers Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

11. Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

If the game day event happens during the cold season (i.e., the Super Bowl), forget about the rainbow heirlooms and stick to vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes instead for a more flavorful bruschetta.

Game Day Appetizers 15 Minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders

12. 15-Minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Rotisserie chicken and store-bought buffalo sauce are the secret to making flavor bombs that are just as satisfying as chicken wings, but easier to make and far less messy to eat.

Game Day Appetizers Mini Lobster Rolls

13. Mini Lobster Rolls

If you’re feeling fancy, skip the sliders and serve a miniature hot dog bun stuffed with just the right amount of tender lobster meat. Guests will swoon.

Game Day Appetizers Italian Pinwheels

14. Italian Pinwheels

It’s like a perfectly curated charcuterie board without all the serving fuss—you know, so no one risks missing a play while making their plate.

Game Day Appetizers Spinach Artichoke Squares

15. Spinach Artichoke Squares

Spinach artichoke dip gets a decidedly sophisticated new look in this modern recipe, which calls for the same rich and gooey goodness served on a tidy, puff pastry vessel.

Game Day Appetizers Baby Bloomin Onions

16. Baby Bloomin Onions

Finally, you can recreate your favorite steakhouse appetizer of sweet and crispy fried onions dipped in cool-but-kicky horseradish sauce at home. (And the crowd goes wild!)

Game Day Appetizers Pimento Cheese Stuffed Shishito Peppers

17. Pimento Cheese Stuffed Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are delicious on their own when lightly seasoned and charred—but fill ‘em with pimento cheese and you’ve got a classy game day appetizer that puts the stuffed jalapeno to shame.

Game Day Appetizers Spicy Avocado Hummus

18. Spicy Avocado Hummus

Guacamole or hummus? Good news: You don’t have to choose, ‘cause the love child of the two beloved dips hits all the right notes.

Game Day Appetizers Prosciutto Bites

19. Prosciutto Bites

The pizza dough is pre-made, the preparation is exceedingly simple and the finished product is proof that there’s truly nothing better than a garlic knot wrapped in salty pork.

Game Day Appetizers Crispy Baked Cauliflower-Corn Nuggets

20. Crispy Baked Cauliflower-Corn Nuggets

These corn and cauliflower croquettes are cheesy, crispy and highly addictive. They’re also oven-baked, not fried, so you don’t have to feel too bad about eating them by the dozen.

Game Day Appetizers Roasted Veggie Chips

21. Roasted Veggie Chips

Parsnips, beets, turnips and radishes are thinly sliced, tossed with olive oil and sent into the oven to make chips that taste just as yummy as the potato variety and look prettier, too.

Game Day Appetizers Mozzarella Bites

22. Mozzarella Bites

These are basically just mozzarella sticks you can eat in a single bite. Need we say more?

Game Day Appetizers Baked Gorgonzola Bites

23. Baked Gorgonzola Bites

Here, the full flavor of gorgonzola mellows beautifully when baked on a bed of fluffy pizza dough balls. Forget about the carbs and just let the savory magic take you away.

Game Day Appetizers Chicken Parmesan Bites

24. Chicken Parmesan Bites

Forget about the ketchup—marinara is a superior dipping sauce for crispy, tender morsels of chicken, and this Italian-inspired recipe is proof.

Game Day Appetizers Loaded Baked Potato ‘Chips

25. Loaded Baked Potato ‘Chips’

A true innovator discovered that you can turn a fully-loaded baked potato into a bite-size party appetizer, and let’s just say it’s a real game changer.

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Freelance PureWow Editor