33 Tasty Football Watch Party Foods for the Big Game

Football watch parties wouldn't be the same without delicious snacks. Whether you're hosting just a few friends or a large group to watch the big game, you'll want something for your guests to munch on. From classic buffalo wings to mushroom sliders, these football watch party foods are bound to score a touchdown.

Table of contents:

• Classic football party food

• Healthy football food ideas

• Vegetarian football party foods

• Sweet football snacks

1. Buffalo wings

Buffalo wings are quintessential game day appetizers. They're easy to eat and are packed with flavor and heat. Serve with crumbled blue cheese on top or ranch on the side and feast. For an even quicker version, try these air fryer chicken wings.

2. Ham and cheese sliders 

Another easy-to-eat appetizer, ham and cheese sliders are a classic. And they're easy to make, too. Get some dinner rolls, sliced ham and cheese and butter, and you're all set.

3. Pizza 

Whether you're making it from scratch or ordering in from your favorite place, pizza is something that can't be left out of any football watch party table. Get creative and mix and match favorite pizza toppings to suit most tastes.

4. Loaded nachos 

Nachos also make for great football snacks. Set up a nacho bar so your guests can load their plates with their favorite toppings. Jalapeños, pico de gallo, guacamole, ground beef, cheese sauce and so on — let the combos get wild!

5. Sticky smoky ribs 

If you want to go the extra mile for your football appetizers, barbecue some juicy beef ribs and smother them in your favorite sticky-sweet sauce. The best way to enjoy them? Messily while following the game.

6. Tater tot casserole

Tater tot casserole is the perfect food for game watch parties. No matter if your team wins or loses, this cheesy, starchy bake will be there to comfort you.

7. Pulled pork ring 

This sweet and savory slow cooker dish is perfect for game day gatherings. With a ring of crescent rolls stuffed with smoked pulled pork, barbecue sauce and spring onions, you can wow your guests. Who knew simple recipes could taste so good?

8. Mini corn dogs 

Mini corn dogs are a classic among game day appetizers and usually disappear fast! You can prepare them extra quickly if you have an air fryer, with most recipes taking 15 minutes or less. These make for a great backup snack to keep in the freezer and bring out if more food is needed.

9. Soft pretzel bites

Pretzel bites are a versatile football food idea, served sweet or savory with favorite dips or toppings. Some popular choices include cheese or mustard dips, while warm pretzels tossed in cinnamon sugar work well for sweet lovers. 

10. Philly cheesesteak sliders 

Philly cheesesteak sliders are a low-fuss football snack idea when you prepare the steak ahead in a slow cooker and use store-bought rolls. If you’re looking for other options to serve your cheesesteak, check out these Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.

11. Loaded potato skins

Potato skins are filling and delicious. Load them with sharp cheddar cheese and cubed bacon, and top with sour cream and green onions. You could also serve them bar-style, allowing people to select their own toppings for the ultimate football watch party food.

12. Veggie and dip station 

Who says football food is all high-calorie? Get your veggies in by setting up a dip station. French onion, blue cheese, ranch and tzatziki are just some of the dozens of options out there. Don't forget the carrots, celery sticks and snow peas.

13. Chili bar 

Make a quick beef or vegetarian bean chili and let your guests make their own chili bowl for your football watch party. Set out different toppings, such as chopped onions, cilantro, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños and sour cream.

14. Turkey meatballs 

Turkey meatballs tossed in a mouth-watering barbecue sauce or sweet glaze make for a simple yet tasty football appetizer. Serve with a toothpick to turn them into mess-free finger food.

15. Grilled chicken skewers 

Bring a tropical twist to your football party with these pineapple-glazed chicken skewers. They're a nice, bright complement to richer party foods. 

16. Guacamole and jicama sticks  

Crunchy jicama contrasts well with creamy guacamole for a healthy snack. Make your own chunky guacamole for an extra-fresh tasting treat.

17. Baked zucchini chips 

You might think healthy football snacks are hard to come by, but there are plenty of exciting options. For example, a regular zucchini becomes an irresistible snack when made into crunchy chips. Use your oven or air fryer to make this healthy food in minutes. Serve with ranch or warm marinara for dipping.

18. Fruit kabobs 

Fruit kabobs are a fresh treat for football fans, and best of all, they’re one of the easiest things you can make. Simply wash and slice up fresh fruit, then slide the pieces onto skewers. Serve as is or with a sweet cream cheese dip.

19. Deep-fried pickles 

Deep-fried pickles are a great party finger food. Crunchy, dilly and salty, they're made even better with ranch on the side.

20. Spinach artichoke dip 

Yes, you can get your greens in and still enjoy a finger-licking-good appetizer. Spread this creamy spinach artichoke dip on pita, ciabatta or crostini, or serve with veggie sticks for a lighter option.

21. Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a year-round favorite, and it fits perfectly into any football watch party. For a more decadent dish, combine different types of cheese for a more complex flavor profile.

22. Jalapeño poppers 

Who could forget jalapeño poppers? Among the most popular football watch party foods, they're the perfect mix of heat and creaminess. And since they're not too messy to eat with your fingers in front of the TV, you can enjoy them without worrying about cleanup.

23. Buffalo cauliflower bites 

Vegetarians, rejoice. You can now join the buffalo wing craze with some deep-fried cauliflower. The secret is dousing them in rich buffalo sauce and serving with ranch dip.

24. Mexican street corn dip  

For a creamy, tangy, smoky dip that’s sure to run out before the tortilla chips, try Mexican street corn dip. This dip can be customized to taste, including adjusting the spice level or substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce calories. 

25. Mushroom sliders 

For a vegan or vegetarian take on a classic football snack, forego the meat and replace it with mushrooms for hearty sliders. Soak the mushrooms in a marinade first for extra tenderness and flavor.

26. 7-layer dip

This layer dip is virtually a meal in itself, with seven layers coming together for a multi-textured appetizer. With no cooking required, it’s naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting the dairy ingredients. 

27. Crispy chickpeas 

Oven-roasted chickpeas provide your guests with a satisfying crunch and are a healthier alternative to potato chips. For maximum crispiness, make sure the chickpeas are well-dried before they hit the heat. Flavor with any savory combinations you like.

28. Football cake 

What would be a party without something sweet? If you want to make your football watch party table all the more photo-worthy, don't forget a football-shaped cake. Skip the hours-long prep and order one from a local store via Instacart.

29. Skillet cookie 

Skillet cookies are very low-effort crowd-pleasers. Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they pair perfectly with a scoop of ice cream on top. 

30. Brownies

Brownies also make a great football party dessert. You can easily decorate them to fit a football theme. Cut them into a football shape, fill a piping bag with white chocolate icing and draw the stitching and lacing. It doesn't take much skill or time, so it's definitely worth a shot.

31. Churro bites 

Serve up a bite-sized version of the Mexican classic with store-bought or homemade churro bites. Football fans will enjoy these served as a dipping bar, with choices like Mexican chocolate and dulce de leche.

32. Crispy rice footballs  

These desserts are the perfect way to end the night. Keep your sweet treats on-theme by shaping your crispy rice treats into footballs. Dip in chocolate and draw on football laces with white chocolate.

33. S’mores dessert platter 

This is the sort of no-rules platter that's quick to put together and is usually popular with grazers. Put a mix of s’more fixings on a platter: chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers and other candies. Serve as is, or include the option to toast marshmallows over a table-top fire pit.

Stock up on football snacks with Instacart

These crowd-pleasing football party recipes are classics for a reason. If you want to serve amazing food during this year’s big game, give them a try.

To find out more about what Americans are craving for the big game, check out Instacart’s 2026 Snacktime Report.