It’s game day, and you know what that means: Great fun, great company and great food.
And when it comes to planning the perfect football good food menu, we’ve got you covered. Read on for nine of the best tailgate and game day food ideas, from travel-friendly snack mixes to all the amazing dips.
7-Layer Dip
There’s nothing like a layer dip to make it look like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen. But we promise, this dip is one of the best appetizers that is also deceptively easy to make. You start with canned refried beans, then layer on cheese, guac, tomatoes, olives, green onions and — our personal favorite — sour cream mixed with McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have an app everyone will love.
Texas Trash Dip
Love Mexican-inspired flavor but craving a warm dip? This Texas Trash dip recipe is ideal for you. Canned refried beans get a spicy upgrade with chopped green chiles, while cream cheese and sour cream make each bite deliciously creamy. And, of course, an ooey gooey cheese topping brings the flavor to the next level. You’ll want to start serving this football game food favorite as a starter on taco night, too.
Mediterranean Spiced Artichoke Bake
Warm artichoke dip is already a crowd-pleasing favorite — but this appetizer recipe finds a way to make it even better. It’s got all the ingredients you love — tangy cream cheese, tender artichokes and cheesy parm — but gets a flavor upgrade with a blend of rosemary, oregano and thyme. Serve it with pita chips or crostini for a delicious side on game day.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Nothing says “game day” like Buffalo wings, and this dip recipe puts a new twist on a favorite. It has all the Buffalo flavor you love, thanks to a package of McCormick Original Buffalo Wings Seasoning Mix, along with chopped chicken for flavor and texture. Oh, and did we mention it features three types of cheese? This is a staple you’ll come back to over and over.
McCormick Guacamole
Chips and guac are a game day staple, and they’re oh-so-easy to make at home. Our easy guacamole takes the guesswork out of seasoning your guac by using McCormick Guacamole Seasoning Mix, a blend of savory seasonings that adds complex flavor in an instant. Prefer a spicier guacamole? Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a welcome addition to any get together, and they’re a must-have tailgating appetizer. Our recipe keeps it classic, using a blend of mustard, mayo and parsley for creamy, savory yolks, plus a dash of paprika for flavor. Best of all, this crowd-pleaser is easy to make — all you need is 10 minutes and 6 ingredients.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Meatball Sandwiches
This is it — the perfect game-day sandwich. From the cheesy meatball filling to the garlic-and-cheese topping, every inch of these sandwiches bursts with flavor. While the whole sandwich tastes homemade, using store-bought rolls and pre-made meatballs saves time. This recipe requires just 10 minutes of active prep, and comes together entirely in under an hour, giving you more time to focus on football.
Caribbean Jerk Pulled Pork Sliders
If you’re looking for a sweet and savory take on sliders, give this Caribbean-inspired pulled pork version a try. Tender Caribbean jerk pulled pork is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while a homemade pineapple and jalapeno salsa adds sweetness, spice and a little crunch. Best of all, your slow cooker does most of the work. Just prep the recipe first thing in the morning for delicious pulled pork in the afternoon - just in time for kickoff.
Taco Snack Mix
Portable snacks don’t get much easier — or more delicious — than this. Our easy taco snack mix recipe mixes and matches chips, cereal and crackers for a variety of shapes and textures, but brings everything together with a buttery taco coating. You get classic taco flavor in an instant by using McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix. And, because this recipe comes together in 16 minutes total, you can stay focused on the game.
Try Other Football Game Food Favorites:
- Spinach Dip Recipe
- Ultimate Nachos Recipes
- Taco Party Wings
- OLD BAY Party Dip Recipe
- Corned Beef Pinwheels
Save your favorite food, dessert, drink recipes from various cuisines and organize your ingredients with McCormick Meal Planner. Create a Flavor Profile to save all your favorite recipes and create grocery lists for easy shopping. We’ll also set you up with custom recommendations for various cuisines based on the items you save.
