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  1. Midwest Living
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  4. Best Game-Day Snack Recipes

Best Game-Day Snack Recipes

By Midwest Living editors Updated January 23, 2023
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Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
Credit: Carson Downing

Load your buffet table with snack favorites, from dips to chicken wings to spicy nuts.

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Buffalo Cauliflower Dip

Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

All the flavors of your favorite chicken wings—minus the chicken! This party hit is flexible too. You can swap whole-milk Greek yogurt for the sour cream, or Monterey Jack or mild cheddar for the Colby cheese.

Related: Creative Cauliflower Recipes

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Sticky, Kicky Chicken Wings with Cilantro Yogurt

Sticky, Kicky Chicken Wings with Cilantro Yogurt
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Your game-day buffet needs a little heat, and these Cajun-spiced wings are just the ticket! Trade traditional ranch for homemade cilantro yogurt dip for dipping, and remember to serve with plenty of napkins and water.

Related: Sassy Sauces and Seasonings for Chicken Wings   

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Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Pepperoni Pizza Dip
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped sweet peppers and sliced pepperoni quick-cook in your Instant Pot, then get combined with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a scrumptious dip. 

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Smoked Gouda Artichoke Spread

Smoked Gouda Artichoke Spread
Credit: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy cheese spread is addictive thanks to the slight tang and brightness from marinated artichoke hearts and smokiness from the smoked gouda. You can make the spread a few days ahead and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

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Loaded Buffalo Nachos

Loaded Buffalo Nachos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When it comes to game-day snacking, we leave the messy task of deep-frying hot wings to the pros. But buffalo-flavor nachos? Game on. (Be sure to use kettle-cooked chips; they're crunchy enough to support all the toppings.)

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Syrian Hummus

Syrian Hummus
Credit: Carson Downing
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Ice cubes and cold water give this hummus its incredibly creamy texture (and an edge over purchased varieties!). Surround it with pita chips and crunchy veggies for a lighter game-day snack option.

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Cheesy Rosemary and Pecan Snack Mix

Cheesy Rosemary and Pecan Snack Mix
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

On game day, plan to find us parked by this bowl of maybe the best snack mix we've ever published.

Related: Easy Snack and Nut Mixes

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Parmesan Gougères

Parmesan Gougères
Credit: Carson Downing
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These light, cheesy puffs taste best when served straight from the oven but can be made ahead for easy hosting.  

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Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Credit: Carson Downing
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This spicy twist on classic chicken tortilla soup is perfect for dishing up on game day. Serve with a selection of fresh garnishes and tortilla strips.

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Garlic and Herb White Bean Dip

Garlic and Herb White Bean Dip
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This hearty dip is a crazy-simple appetizer but also can be the heart of a light supper, served with an assortment of vegetables, cheese, crackers, sliced meat and fruit.

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Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Santa Fe Turkey Wraps
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Jalapeno cream cheese and roasted corn add a little heat to these delicious game day turkey wraps. 

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Delicata Dippers

Delicata Dippers
Credit: Carson Downing
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No peeling necessary! Delicata's thin skin makes it a cinch to prepare and easy to pick up and dip when sliced and roasted.

Related: Easy Delicata Recipes

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Fruit Platter with Maple-Mascarpone Dip

Maple Mascapone Dip
Credit: Brie Passano
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Sweeten up your spread with a fruit platter and dip. To make it ahead, cover and chill kabobs and dip up to 8 hours before serving.

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Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites with Lime-Sriracha Mayo

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
Credit: Blaine Moats
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These sweet and salty caramelized bites are so good, you may not even want to dip them. But be sure you do for a tangy, creamy finish.

Related: How to Cook Bacon Like a Pro

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Buffalo Sweet Pepper Poppers

Buffalo Sweet Pepper Poppers
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These easy appetizers combine two party favorites — jalapeno poppers and buffalo chicken wings.

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Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Ricotta and Parmesan Spread
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Fresh herbs season this ridiculously simple spread from BelGioioso Cheese in Wisconsin. It keeps well in the fridge and is delicious with cherry tomatoes or other vegetable dippers, as well as crackers or baguette slices.

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Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches with Pepperoncini Slaw

Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches with Pepperoncini Slaw
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These little beef sandwiches make a great appetizer for a party. And you can put them together in just 20 minutes.

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Light and Layered Taco Dip

Light and Layered Taco Dip
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Ground turkey, reduced-sodium and light ingredients, and a confetti of crisp, colorful veggies make this potluck staple more nutritious than a typical layered dip—but every bit as tasty.

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Roasted-Tomato Salsa

Red Salsa
Credit: Carson Downing
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Add color and freshness to your game-day spread with this mild Salvadoran-style salsa. Most of its flavor comes from tomatoes, so choose the ripest, reddest ones you can find, and serve with assorted tortilla chips. 

 

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French Onion Sliders

French Onion Sliders
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These totally indulgent sliders pack all the flavor of French onion soup into a tidy little sandwich. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Everyday Annie.

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Pepperoni Pizza Pull

Pepperoni Pizza Pull
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This warm and cheesy pull-apart bread takes just a few minutes to make. Keep the ingredients on hand for parties as well as a soup supper with family and friends.

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Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing

Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing
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Carrot and celery sticks add crisp crunch to the platter of Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing. Our wings recipe includes blue cheese, garlic powder, vinegar, and spicy cayenne pepper sauce for kick.

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Cheese Fondue

Cheese Fondue
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This crazy-simple classic cheese fondue has just four ingredients (plus the dippers, of course). We especially love it with smoked sausage.

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Chili Pecans

Chili Pecans
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A surprise ingredient, coffee liqueur, adds a sweet background to this make-ahead snack. The recipe calls for ground Chimayo chile, but you can use any ground red chile you like.

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Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls

Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls
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Freshly shredded cheese works better than packaged shredded cheese in a cheese ball. Prepare the cheese mixture the night before so flavors have a chance to blend. Shape and roll in the crumbled bacon or pistachio nuts a few hours before serving.

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Jack Cheese and Smoky Chipotle Fondue

Jack Cheese and Smoky Chipotle Fondue
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Lots of Monterey Jack cheese goes into this creamy fondue that gets a flavor boost from sour cream, chipotle peppers and bacon. Scoop it up with bread or tortilla chips.

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Chicken, Bacon, and Cheddar Submarines

Chicken, Bacon, and Cheddar Submarines
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This crowd-pleasing party sandwich works on your schedule. You can prepare and bake it all at once for a party, or assemble the sandwiches the night before, and then bake them when your guests are ready to eat. Perfect for Game Day!

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Cranberry-Barbecue Meatballs

Cranberry-Barbecue Meatballs
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A mixture of cranberry jelly and bottled barbecue sauce jazzes up classic cocktail meatballs in this easy, three-ingredient recipe. Prepare in your slow cooker or in a saucepan.

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Swiss-Artichoke Dip

Swiss-Artichoke Dip
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Artichoke hearts, dried tomatoes and sauce combine for a rich, creamy dip. Our recipe calls for processed Swiss cheese because it melts smoothly, but regular Swiss cheese will work fine, too. The dip will have a more stretchy, less creamy texture, but it tastes just as good.

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    1 of 29 Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
    2 of 29 Sticky, Kicky Chicken Wings with Cilantro Yogurt
    3 of 29 Pepperoni Pizza Dip
    4 of 29 Smoked Gouda Artichoke Spread
    5 of 29 Loaded Buffalo Nachos
    6 of 29 Syrian Hummus
    7 of 29 Cheesy Rosemary and Pecan Snack Mix
    8 of 29 Parmesan Gougères
    9 of 29 Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
    10 of 29 Garlic and Herb White Bean Dip
    11 of 29 Santa Fe Turkey Wraps
    12 of 29 Delicata Dippers
    13 of 29 Fruit Platter with Maple-Mascarpone Dip
    14 of 29 Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites with Lime-Sriracha Mayo
    15 of 29 Buffalo Sweet Pepper Poppers
    16 of 29 Ricotta and Parmesan Spread
    17 of 29 Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches with Pepperoncini Slaw
    18 of 29 Light and Layered Taco Dip
    19 of 29 Roasted-Tomato Salsa
    20 of 29 French Onion Sliders
    21 of 29 Pepperoni Pizza Pull
    22 of 29 Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing
    23 of 29 Cheese Fondue
    24 of 29 Chili Pecans
    25 of 29 Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls
    26 of 29 Jack Cheese and Smoky Chipotle Fondue
    27 of 29 Chicken, Bacon, and Cheddar Submarines
    28 of 29 Cranberry-Barbecue Meatballs
    29 of 29 Swiss-Artichoke Dip

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