We've compiled the most crowd-pleasing game-day snacks for your spread. You may want to make extras because these bites will surely be gone by halftime.
1/30
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
2/30
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
Hawaiian sweet rolls are stuffed with a chicken, bacon and ranch mixture, then coated in butter, chives and garlic for the ultimate sliders. It's a toasted, cheesy heaven that's easy to make and always tasty. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 336 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
3/30
Copycat Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love going out to eat and ordering spinach and artichoke dip, but now that we have our own recipe it's become a favorite at home. I use this for important game days, and it's always a hit at school for treat day! —Hollie Gabriel, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 118 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
4/30
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 66 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/30
Baked Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
I modified a nachos recipe I found, and my family loves it! It is now a regular at all of our parties or any time we're craving nachos. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 313 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 786mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
6/30
Homemade Guacamole
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
7/30
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
From the Recipe Creator:
For New Year’s, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/30
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
9/30
Quick Tortilla Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Serve them with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 47 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/30
Buffalo Chicken Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Belinda J. Gibson, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 152 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
11/30
Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 148 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
12/30
Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? Both crisp and hearty, this restaurant-quality snack is one that my family requests often. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato skin: 350 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
13/30
Fresh Veggie Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no need to bring confetti to your next snack-time gathering. Just carry in this colorful veggie pizza that's topped with a rainbow of crunchy vegetables! Guests usually don't even guess this delicious pizza is low-fat. —Brooke Wiley, Halifax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 164 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
14/30
Beer Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/30
Deviled Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering how you'll treat the family to deviled eggs this spring when eggs are so expensive? Delicious deviled potatoes are the answer. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 potato halves: 194 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
16/30
White Chocolate Chex Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't be able to stop eating this irresistible white chocolate party mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M's. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 547 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
17/30
Hummus
From the Recipe Creator:
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
18/30
Pesto Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d'oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
19/30
Touchdown Brat Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
It's game time when these mini sausage sliders make an appearance. Two things my husband loves—beer and brats—get stepped up a notch with crunchy flavored chips. —Kirsten Shabaz, Lakeville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 354 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
20/30
Bacon Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 261 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
21/30
Korean Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
My take on meatballs is inspired by a savory dish of braised beef meatballs called wanja jorim in Korea. Seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy and Korean hot sauce, these meatballs are deliciously tender and have the perfect balance of flavors. Serve them over rice or noodles or on mini bamboo skewers for an impressive appetizer. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 296 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1020mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
22/30
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite slow-cooker recipes is this impressive buffalo chicken egg rolls appetizer. You can wrap the filling in egg roll wrappers and bake, or, for a bite-size version, use smaller wonton wraps. —Tara Odegaard, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 174 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
23/30
7-Layer Bean Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
To make this zesty 7-layer bean dip, you simply layer the ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a “walking dip,” because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you walk and talk with guests. —Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 102 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
24/30
Pizza Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The cast-iron skillet browns these delicious rolls to perfection. My family can't get enough. Use whatever pizza toppings your family likes best. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 290 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
25/30
Chicken Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken nachos recipe is delicious and so simple. Rotisserie (or leftover) chicken keeps it quick, and the seasonings and splash of lime juice lend fantastic flavor. My husband enjoys this snack so much that he often requests it for dinner! —Gail Cawsey, Geneseo, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
26/30
Pastrami Roll-Ups
From the Recipe Creator:
For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
27/30
Spicy Nut Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It's a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 225 calories, 19g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
28/30
Meatball Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 467 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 804mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
29/30
Caesar Smashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time we had them, my husband and I could not stop eating these crisp, cheesy, savory potatoes! They’re delicious served as a side with dinner, but we also love them as an indulgent snack for movie nights. I prefer parchment paper; I find the potatoes release more easily from it. If using foil, make sure to coat it well with nonstick spray. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 363 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
30/30
Pizza Oyster Crackers
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and easy snack is a favorite of my kids. I always include a baggie in their lunch boxes. —Carol Betz, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 135 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Game-Day Snacks FAQ
What are the best easy game-day snacks?
The best easy game-day snacks are finger foods and dips because these types of recipes are pretty low-lift to make and require few ingredients. In particular, our bacon-wrapped smokies, spinach artichoke dip, jalapeno poppers, homemade guacamole, pigs in a blanket, grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs, tortilla pinwheels and beer dip are super easy. The hardest part is making sure you serve them while they’re still warm, but using a slow cooker for dips and saucy bites helps greatly.
What are healthy game-day snack options?
“Healthy” means different things to different people, but we suggest making recipes that prioritize whole, nutritious foods. If this is your standard, too, our homemade guacamole, baked nachos, hummus, 7-layer bean dip and spicy nut mix are the best, healthy game-day snack options. Don’t forget to set out a large veggie and fruit platter to help balance the richer, heavier snacks. If you are firing up the grill, this grilled vegetable platter would be a great addition to the spread.
What are some make-ahead game-day snacks?
Make-ahead game-day snacks include no-bake recipes, such as tortilla pinwheels, sweet cereal mixes and pastrami and pickle roll-ups. Cold dips, like guacamole and beer dip, can be made a day ahead if stored properly. Press storage wrap directly on the surface of guacamole to prevent browning and store dips in airtight containers. Warm recipes can be assembled the day before and refrigerated. Then you just have to heat it before serving. Remember, though, to never put a cold dish in a hot oven, or it can crack.
