EASY GAME DAY APPETIZER IDEAS

Hi friends! Today I’m sharing our Game Day Appetizer Ideas! This is one of my favorite times of the year because it means we have a reason to have all our family and friends over. We love hosting here in the Houston household, and football season is no exception. Keep reading to see the compilation of Easy Game Day Appetizer Ideas!

If you’re hosting a lot of people, this post will be great for giving you LOTS of dishes and recipes to cook to create a sort of potluck for your guests! If you’re not having a lot of people over and just planning on feeding the fam and some friends, you could pick even just one of these to make a big portion of. Regardless, these are all super yummy, warm, and hardy recipes that will have you and all of your guests happy.

Most of these recipes are quick and easy too. I truly think anyone could make them! So, if you’re not trying to spend all day in the kitchen while your husband and his friends are yelling at the TV, these recipes are for you. It may be the southern woman in me, but I feel like there is nothing better than football on the TV, my people around me, the smell of good food in the air, and a drink in my hand. I don’t know one person around me that would say that sounds like a bad time.

So let’s get to these Easy Game Day Appetizer Ideas! Here are some of my top recommended appetizers, bites, easy dinners, and desserts that you can whip up for the big game day below. I will be sharing the links that will take you to see more of that specific recipe, and also including all of their general ingredients after each one below. I hope you all enjoy!

Let’s start with SNACKS/APPETIZERS to get warmed up:

Super Bowl Appetizer: Easy Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe

Okay, we all love your typical artichoke dip. It’s freaking amazing. Would I ever have thought before to put crab in it??? NO. But oh wow was it a game changer for upping the level of tastiness in the artichoke dip world. This super crowd-pleasing dip can be put together in just 10 minutes! Talk about cheesy crab perfection. You’re whole house of guests will be raving about this one – I promise you!

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used Primal Kitchen)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 12 ounces lump crab meat
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. Lightly coat a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
3. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream
4. Stir in artichoke hearts, crab meat, 1/2 cup fontina cheese, pepper jack cheese, green onions and Worcestershire
5. Season with salt and pepper
6. Spread crab mixture into the prepared baking dish
7. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup fontina cheese
8. Place into oven and bake until bubbly and golden (about 20-25 minutes)
9. SERVE!

Baked Feta and Roasted Pepper Bites Recipe

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 tube of crescent dough (Pillsbury is always amazing)
• Cooking spray for pan
• Roasted red peppers
• Block of feta cheese 
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Medium shallot minced 
• Kosher salt
• Lemon zest for garnish

HOW TO MAKE:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Roll out your crescent dough so it is flat
• Adhere together all of the holes/gaps in the dough with your fingers
• Cut vertically and then horizontally creating 24 squares
• Grease muffin tin with cooking spray
• Place square dough pieces into tin slots
• Fill each square with a roasted pepper and cube of feta
• Sprinkle with thyme leaves
• Sprinkle with minced shallot
• Lightly season with salt
• Bake until dough is cooked through and golden, 15 to 17 minutes
• Let cool for 5 minutes
• Transfer to serving platter and top with more fresh thyme leaves. Grate a light layer of lemon zest over bites
• READY TO SERVE!

Keto & Low Carb Friendly Spicy Sausage Balls Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound spicy ground pork sausage
• ½ (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup of almond flour
• ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or salt
• ¼ teaspoon salt

HOW TO MAKE:

Option #1:

• Turn on oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray the air fryer rack.
• Combine sausage, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, mustard, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Roll heaping tablespoonfuls of the pork mixture into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
• My oven has an “air fry” option to which you would click the air fry option and then place the balls into the oven and allow to cook for 16-18 minutes until slightly browned on top and cooked through but if you’re using an actual air fryer I would set the time for the same and flip halfway. Maybe check to see if they’ve browned before.
• Let them cool for a minute or two on a serving platter and then DONE!
• ENJOY!

Option #2:

• You could also use a Ninja Air Fryer or even an Instant-Pot if you have one of those! I love the option of air frying just because I believe it locks in so much more flavor and moisture than just baking or cooking on a skillet.

The Best Truffle Mac N Cheese Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter for baking dish
• Salt
• 1 lb. elbow macaroni
• 2 tsp. truffle oil (I use the TRUFF brand & it’s incredible)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives

HOW TO MAKE:

• Preheat an oven to 375°F
• Lightly oil the pan with a non-stick cooking spray.

• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat
• Add the macaroni and cook
• Stirring occasionally, until not quite al dente (as it will cook more in the oven).
• Drain and transfer to a large bowl
• While the pasta is still warm, drizzle with the truffle oil and mix well!
• Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and melt 1/2 stick of butter
• Add the flour and paprika while you cook, mix well until there are no visible chunks of flour

• Whisk in the milk, half-and-half and a pinch or two of salt and bring to a boil
• Simmer, whisking frequently to smooth out any lumps, for 4 to 5 minutes
• Remove from the heat
• Add a pinch of pepper and 1 cup each of the Gruyère and cheddar
• Stir until smooth
• Pour the cheese mixture onto the macaroni
• Add the chives and mix well
• Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheeses of your liking
• Bake until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes
• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving!

ONTO THE MAIN EVENT DISHES:

Black Truffle Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

This would be a dish that you could make a lot of if you’re looking to serve a group and it’s SO EASY. Literally took me under 15 minutes to make. See the details below:

INGREDIENTS:

• Alfredo noodles (I used Egg Fettuccine Pasta noodles)
• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Raw and peeled shrimp
• Salt and pepper
• Focaccia bread – roasted tomato & parmesan (can buy at Trader Joes)
• Truffle Alfredo sauce
• Parsley
• Fresh graded parmesan

HOW TO MAKE:

• Boil egg fettuccine as directed or whatever your pasta of choice is
• Add olive oil and garlic to pan on medium heat to sauté
• Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper (I also used the Trader Joe’s everything seasoning) until no longer opaque on each side
• Add ghee butter to your liking (I used about two tablespoons)
• Top with parsley 
• After pasta is cooked, drain and toss with Alfredo truffle sauce  
• Plate pasta then top with shrimp and grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese 
• Serve with bread. I used focaccia from Trader Joe’s drizzled with balsamic and herbed olive oil 

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe – in the crockpot!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound of chicken breast – depending on how many people you’re cooking for you can tweak this, (boneless and skinless)
• Salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning
• 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced, I get mine pre-minced from TJ and it’s the bomb)
• 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white or other clear vinegar will work)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce 
• 1/3 cup honey (or you can use maple syrup)

HOW TO MAKE:

• Coat crockpot with non-stick cooking spray
• Place chicken breasts into crockpot
• Season all over with garlic seasoning, salt, and pepper
• Coat all over with honey (I used the Organic Spicy Honey Sauce from Trader Joes – it’s incredible)
• Add butter
• Add minced garlic
• Add Apple Cider Vinegar
• Add soy sauce (I used liquid amino all purpose seasoning from soy protein by Bragg)
• Cook on HIGH in crockpot for 3-4 hours
• Shred chicken with fork when finished
• ENJOY! Serve with veggies, potatoes, or any sides of your choice!

The Best Keto Pot Roast Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• boneless sirloin roast (after making this dish I’m gonna suggest a beef chuck roast because it falls apart and the sirloin one did not)
• beef bone broth – I used Thai curry bone broth by LonoLife
• zucchini
• carrots
• cauliflower – in place of potatoes
• mushrooms
• onion
• minced garlic
• garlic seasoning
• Trader Joe’s Ajika Georgian Seasoning Blend (ground coriander, fenugreek, dried garlic, marigold if you wanna try and recreate)
• Minced onion
• Butter -I used ghee butter
• fresh herb – parsley, rosemary, thyme etc.

HOW TO MAKE:

• Line your slow cooker with “slow cooker liner” – Reynold’s Kitchen has a great line to make it mess free
• Add your choice of beef broth
• Add beef to slow cooker
• Season meat all over with Garlic seasoning, Ajika Georgian Seasoning Blend from TJ, minced onions
• Pour beef bone broth over the meat
• Add in roughly diced onion
• Add in the rest of your veggies (I used Cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms)
• Pour the remainder of beef broth into slow cooker
• Add minced garlic on top and seasonings on veggies
• Add in butter
• Turn slow cooker to high and cover with lid
• Cook for 4 hours (since I was in a pinch, but would recommend 7 hours on low)
• Serve with fresh herbs on top
• Serve on plate and enjoy!

DESSERT TIME:

The Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Fudge Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• Nestle Toll House bag of brown chocolate chips (I used Lily’s baking chips as they are a little healthier alternative)
• Betty Crocker Peanut Butter – cookie mix
• 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
• Wax paper
• Glass pan

HOW TO MAKE:

• Pour into pan 24 oz of brown chocolate chips NO HEAT YET
• Add 1 & 1/4 cup of Betty Crocker Peanut Butter – cookie mix
• Mix together
• Add 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk (still no heat)
• MIX
• Turn on LOW HEAT: continuously mix, if you stop mixing it will burn
• Just want to note here that you will be stirring for a while and probably get a little bit of an arm workout in the process lol don’t get discouraged! It will all mix together eventually, I promise!
• Pour mixture onto wax paper in pan and smooth out
• drizzle melted peanut butter over top and lightly spread layer over the top of the mixture
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to form
• Slice into bar/brownie size pieces & ENJOY! They are a little difficult to cut with just a butter knife so I would recommend using a sharp bigger knife.

Caramel Snickerdoodle Martini Recipe

INGREDIENTS: 

• caramel, warmed 2 tbsp. 
• cinnamon sugar
• heavy cream 2 oz. 
• 2x shots of Smirnoff Kissed Caramel (you can either use this or vanilla vodka and add a splash of Skinny Girl caramel)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Ice
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE:

1. Place caramel on a plate and cinnamon sugar on another
2. Dip rims of martini glasses in caramel
3. Then dip in cinnamon sugar
4. In a cocktail shaker add heavy cream
5. Add Smirnoff Kissed Caramel or Vanilla vodka
6. Add cinnamon
7. Add ice and shake until cold
8. Pour into glasses and top each one with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick!

KitKat Cookies Recipe with Sugar Substitute

INGREDIENTS:

•  1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (I used the Whole Earth sugar substitute brand instead to make them a little healthier)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups Kit Kats strips separated and broken into thirds (about 10 fun sized) – we crushed ours with a mallet in a ziploc bag to ensure smaller crushed pieces
• ½ cup chocolate chips

HOW TO MAKE:

• Add butter and sugars to a large bowl. Using a mixer, cream butter and sugars until combined.
• Turn mixer on low. Add egg, mixing completely. Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda.
• Add flour to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
• Add crushed Kit Kats and chocolate chips
• Scoop 1-2 inch size cookie balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill at least 1 hour before baking.
• Preheat oven to 350°. Line an additional cookie sheet with parchment. Separate cookie balls 2-inches apart.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. It’s important not to over bake these.
• Top with small kit kat pieces to decorate and add even more yumminess
• Cool at least 5 minutes on cookie sheets.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days!

If you made it to the end of this, I hope you all enjoyed this post and are able to use some of these recipes for Easy Game Day Appetizer Ideas! Who do you have winning the big game? Let me know in the comments!