As the summer season winds down, many of us begin to prepare for fall, which means cooler weather, pumpkin everything, and football. Whether you are hosting a football game day watch party or tailgating at the game, one of the best parts about game day is the football food. Even if you are entertaining on a budget or serving up some backyard burgers from the friendly confines of your very own backyard, here are some of our favorite football recipes that are sure to be a total touchdown for all of your family, friends, and football guests.
Anything Bite-Sized
When hosting a game-day watch party or tailgating at the game, everyone loves a good bite-sized appetizer. Not only are they fun to eat, but you can enjoy a little bit of everything because they are just enough for one or two bites. If you are looking for an easy appetizer to serve for the football game, try some of these football-friendly appetizers:
- Bacon-Jalapeno Burger Balls with Dill Relish and Awesome Sauce
- Bacon-Wrapped Apple Dates
- Baked Pork Meatballs
- Bite-Sized Sliders with Sriracha Aioli Recipe
- Gluten-Free Pizza Cups
- Grass-Fed Meatballs – Perfect for the littlest of tailgaters
- Paleo Chipotle Bacon Deviled Eggs
- Pan-Roasted Shrimp with Peach BBQ Cocktail Sauce
- Pizza Meatballs
- Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
- Turmeric Chicken Meatballs
Chicken Wings or Chicken Tenders
Another great game-day recipe is chicken wings or chicken tenders. Bake them, fry them, or grill them, chicken wings and chicken tenders are both incredibly versatile. Choose your favorite method of preparation, add an array of delicious dipping sauces and serve.
- 5 Spice Duck Wings
- Coconut-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Pineapple Dipping Sauce
- Coconut and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Free-Range Chicken BBQ Wings
- Garden Ranch Wings
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- How to Make the Healthiest Chicken Wings
- Loaded Carnivore Nachos
- Quick and Easy Thyme, Honey, and Dijon Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
- Simple Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Chili
One of the most iconic recipes of all football games is a big pot of slow cooker chili. The best part about chili is you can keep it super simple or dress it up any way you like depending on what ingredients you have available to you. Take a taste of some of these chili recipes, all perfect for an outdoor tailgate or indoor couch gate.
- Bison Bone Broth Chili
- Paleo Chili for Slow Cookers
- Smokey Coffee and Cocoa Paleo Chili
- Spicy Korean Chili with Kimchi
- Sweet Potato Chili
Dips, Hummus, and Salsas
Dips are another delicious football food. From homemade hummus to salsa, dips are an essential part of any game day menu. Put together a few of your favorite dip recipes, like this Smoked Salmon Dip, and include chips, crackers, pretzels, and vegetable sticks for guests to eat and enjoy.
Kabobs and Skewers
If you cannot decide what to serve, why not try a little bit of everything with a kabob or skewer? Load them up with your favorite fruits, proteins, and vegetables to create a one-of-a-kind culinary masterpiece that is unique to guests’ preferences and tastes. Get creative and have fun making mouthwatering flavor combinations. Plus, doesn’t everything just taste better when it is served on a stick? If you need some kabob and skewer recipe ideas, try some of these:
- AIP Aloha Chicken Skewers
- Asian Beef Kabobs
- Balsamic Steak and Mushroom Kabobs
- Chimichurri Sirloin Kabobs
- Easy Beef Top Sirloin Kabobs
- Paleo Tequila Lime BBQ Shrimp
Ribs
Cooking for the masses of football fans in your family or group of friends? Try a few racks of ribs. Bake, grill, or slow cook, ribs are another easy and fun football food that guests will enjoy, especially if they are slathered in a savory and sweet sauce like these Baby Back Ribs with Ginger Thyme Peach Sauce, Memphis-Style Barbecue Beef Back Ribs or these Paleo BBQ Lamb Denver Ribs. Finger foods, like BBQ ribs, are incredibly delicious, but messy, so if you plan on serving these at your game day tailgate or watch party, remember to pack extra napkins and paper towels.
Sandwiches and Subs
Basic deli and sub sandwiches are a great way to save time when preparing for a tailgate or football watch party, but why not elevate sandwiches with something heartier recipes like some of these:
- Beef Brisket Tacos
- Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder – Perfect for homemade pulled pork slider sandwiches
- Grilled Bratwurst with Onions Braised in Beer and Mustard
- Grilled Guacamole Ground Turkey Sliders
- Midwestern Style Beer Bratwurst
- Philly Cheesesteaks
Need some additional game day recipes? Check out seven simple and delicious game-day recipes right here. Happy tailgating everyone! Now, who’s ready for some football food?
