Game Day Recipes That Score Big: Appetizers, Wings, Dips & More

There’s no better way to celebrate game day than with a table full of crowd-pleasing food. Whether you’re tailgating outdoors or watching from home, these football recipes are guaranteed to keep everyone cheering long after kickoff. From crispy wings and cheesy dips to slow-cooked BBQ favorites, every dish bursts with bold flavor thanks to McCormick® seasonings and smart, game-day-friendly shortcuts.

Get ready to score big flavor points — here’s your playbook for the ultimate game day spread.

Kickoff Appetizers & Finger Foods

These starters come together fast and travel well, making them perfect for everything from home-viewing parties to tailgate spreads. 

Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls

These egg rolls transform simple ground chicken and slaw into something elevated. McCormick Himalayan Pink Salt with Black Pepper & Garlic All Purpose Seasoning and Ground Ginger combine to build a deep savory filling, bringing garlicky, peppery depth, and a subtle warmth to the filling. Air-frying ensures golden crispiness — perfect for dipping in Thai Kitchen Sweet Red Chili Sauce.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Golden, crispy, and impossibly tender, these chicken strips are a guaranteed game day favorite. Each tenderloin is seasoned with McCormick Garlic Powder and Pure Ground Black Pepper and ready to be air-fried — no oil bath needed. Serve them with the homemade honey mustard sauce made from French’s Yellow Mustard for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.

Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Meatball Sandwiches

Meaty, cheesy, and unbelievably easy — this recipe turns simple store-bought rolls into a party-ready showstopper. Juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder are nestled between soft sweet Hawaiian rolls that have been bathed in melted butter seasoned with Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning, transforming the sliders into garlicky pull-apart perfection. It’s the ultimate shareable snack for game day — simple to make, impossible to resist.

Walking Tacos

Portable, crunchy, and kid-friendly, Walking Tacos are the ultimate no-mess game-day snack. Lean ground beef, seasoned with McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix, is spooned straight into snack-size bags of crushed nacho cheese or ranch flavored tortilla chips, creating an instant, handheld taco bowl. Add your favorite toppings — shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños — and you’ve got a customizable, crowd-pleasing bite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Game-Winning Dips & Sauces

Every good game day spread needs a solid lineup of dips – creamy, spicy, and downright addictive. These recipes can be made ahead, served hot or cold, and paired with everything from chips to veggies. 

Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

This higher-protein twist on the classic Buffalo Chicken Dip replaces cream cheese with blended cottage cheese, creating a creamy, tangy base with the addition of that all-too-trendy protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken and cheddar cheese are doused with Frank’s RedHot® Hot Sauce and seasoned with McCormick Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dill Weed, Parsley Flakes, and Pure Ground Black Pepper. Serve with crunchy veggies, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices — and for an extra hit of richness, sprinkle with green onions or blue cheese crumbles before serving.

7-Layer Dip

The ultimate crowd-pleaser, this 7-Layer Dip layers creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors in every scoop. After the refried beans, the cool layer of sour cream is mixed with McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix for that unmistakable blend of flavors. Each dip of the chip delivers a perfect mix of creamy, zesty, and cheesy goodness. Serve with a big bowl of tortilla chips and watch it disappear before halftime.

Texas Trash Dip

This creamy, cheesy bean dip is the definition of comfort food for any game day spread. The secret to its irresistible Tex-Mex taste? A packet of McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix, which infuses the dip with smoky chili pepper, garlic, and paprika notes. Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas, and finish with fresh toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, lime, or avocado for a winning appetizer that’s guaranteed to please.

Homemade Salsa

Fresh, tangy, and full of vibrant flavor, this quick and easy homemade salsa includes all your standard ingredients, with the added kick of McCormick Garlic Powder and Pure Ground Black Pepper to add depth and a subtle bite. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s endlessly customizable — stir in diced jalapeño for heat or chopped mango, peach, or pineapple for a sweet twist. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or spooned over tacos and grilled meats for a flavor-packed game day essential.

Wings That Bring the Heat

Wings are non-negotiable on game day. Whether you like them smoky, spicy, or sweet, these McCormick-seasoned versions deliver the perfect mix of crunch, juiciness, and bold flavor – no deep fryer required. Serve them all and see which version goes the fastest!

Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Crispy, juicy, and perfectly spiced, these Air Fryer Buffalo Wings bring restaurant-style flavor home with almost no effort. Simply toss chicken wing pieces with a packet of McCormick Air Fryer Buffalo Seasoning Mix — a bold blend of cayenne, garlic, and tangy vinegar that captures everything you love about classic wings. These air-fried wings are guaranteed to be a fan favorite from kickoff to overtime.

Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoky, savory, and just the right amount of spicy — these Smoked Chicken Wings are coated in a dry rub made from light brown sugar, McCormick Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Crushed Red Pepper, and a pinch of salt, creating a perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky depth. As they smoke low and slow, the seasoning caramelizes beautifully, forming a flavorful crust that seals in the juiciness of the chicken. Serve them hot off the grill with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as-is for a finger-licking, flavor-packed win.

Sweet Mesquite Glazed Wings

These Sweet Mesquite Glazed Wings hit that ideal balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The wings are coasted with McCormick Grill Mates Mesquite Seasoning, infusing them with bold, wood-fired flavor. Once air-fried or baked until crisp, they’re coated in a glossy glaze made from the same Mesquite Seasoning, creating a caramelized finish that’s irresistibly sticky and full of depth. Each bite is perfectly balanced between backyard BBQ and game day indulgence.

Hearty Mains for Hungry Fans

When halftime hunger hits, it’s time for the main event. These hearty dishes are easy to make in batches, full of rich McCormick flavor, and guaranteed to keep everyone satisfied until the last play.

Taco Fries

Crispy, golden fries get a bold upgrade with this easy Taco Fries recipe. Once your frozen fries are air-fried or baked to perfection, season them with McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix for that signature smoky, chili-spiced flavor. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch and kick, making them an instant fan favorite. Serve loaded with queso, salsa, guacamole, or a splash of hot sauce. It's messy, indulgent, and the definition of game-day comfort food.

Cocktail Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly tender, Cocktail Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce are the bite-sized heroes every game day spread needs. The meatballs are seasoned with a perfectly balanced blend of McCormick Minced Onions, Garlic Powder, Pure Ground Black Pepper, and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt for savory depth. Once browned, they’re simmered in a luscious, sweet chili sauce made with ketchup and McCormick Chili Powder, creating a glossy glaze that coats every bite. The result is a harmony of sweet heat and smoky spice that’s downright addictive — and since they always vanish fast, go ahead and double the batch.

BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

Smoky, sweet, and fall-apart tender, this BBQ Pulled Pork delivers all the flavor of slow-smoked barbecue with none of the hassle. Pork shoulder roast is slow cooked with McCormick Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix and ketchup to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with deep, tangy-sweet flavor. Pile it high on toasted buns with creamy coleslaw, layer it over nachos, or serve it straight from the pot for a no-fuss game day feast. Any leftovers transform beautifully into next-day meals — think BBQ breakfast hash or loaded baked potatoes.

Easy Chili Recipe

A must-have for any game day lineup, this chili is rich, hearty, and full of bold, warming spices. It gets its signature flavor from a single packet of McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix — the perfect blend of chili pepper, garlic, cumin, and paprika that brings comforting warmth to every spoonful. Just a few simple ingredients are transformed into a rich, robust chili that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Serve it straight from the pot with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions, or spoon it over noodles or nachos for the ultimate chili mac moment.

Winning Game Day Hosting Tips

• Layer your menu: Start with dips and finger foods early, wings at halftime, and chili or pulled pork sandwiches for the fourth quarter.
• Keep it warm: Use slow cookers or warming trays to maintain temperature without overcooking.
• Mix spicy and mild: Offer a range — Buffalo wings for the heat lovers, Sweet Mesquite for the mellow crowd.
• Prep ahead: Chop veggies, mix dips, and pre-season meats the night before so you can actually enjoy the game.

Final Score

From spicy Buffalo wings to hearty chili and crowd-pleasing dips, these game day recipes deliver big on both flavor and fun. Each one uses McCormick spices to elevate everyday ingredients into unforgettable bites — whether you’re serving ten guests or just yourself and the remote.

So, fire up the air fryer, grab your favorite jersey, and let the food (and the game) begin.