Football season kicked off this week, which I could truly care less about until it comes to the delicious football snacks that people make to eat while they watch the games. Some people care about plays, I care about the football party menu.
While I’ll never say no to a tailgate at a college football game or great tickets to an especially exciting sporting event with friends, my TV is not automatically tuned into ESPN on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall.
After college, I moved from a quick stint at my mom’s house outside of Philadelphia to Hoboken, where I quickly discovered that there was an extensive culture of football fans who went to bars on Sunday to watch games. Even though I wasn’t a football fan, that sounded like something I could get into.
After spending one September afternoon at my friend John’s neighborhood bar watching a Giants vs. Eagles game over pitchers of beer, I quickly learned that Sundays are not Saturdays, as you in fact have to go to work the next day. Subsequently, I learned that being the soberest person at a bar during a football game is about as much fun as the annual visit to the lady doctor.
So, the majority of my sports-watching during the fall and winter is limited to my or my friends’ living rooms. I far prefer it to being out at crowded, sweaty bars because not only is the booze cheaper, but the snacks are always better. To save you from crowded bars, I’ve pulled together a list of my favorite football-friendly recipes for your viewing – and snacking – pleasure. Laces out!
Dips & Skewers:
Photo: Leigh Loftus
Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole from In Good Taste
Baked Goat Cheese Marinara Dip from In Good Taste
Baked Chicken Meatballs from In Good Taste
Chipotle Chicken Fingers from In Good Taste
Fresh Tomatillo Salsa from In Good Taste
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers from Erin’s Food Files
Seven Layer Dip from I Was Born to Cook
Hot Crab Dip from Chez Us
Tortellini Skewers from Dana Treat
Black Bean Nachos from Aggie’s Kitchen
Soft Pretzel Bites from Handle the Heat
Vegan Baked Taco Dip from Baked Bree
Pretzel Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket from Tablespoon
Brown Butter Garlic Snack Mix from Sarah’s Cucina Bella
Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa from Shutterbean
Sandwiches, Tacos & More:
Photo: Leigh Loftus
Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Citrus Slaw from In Good Taste
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders from In Good Taste
Chipotle Steak Sliders from In Good Taste
Mozzarella Sticks with Buttermilk Dip from Food People Want
Black Bean Sliders from Baked Bree
Bacon, Apple & Cheddar Sammies from Aggie’s Kitchen
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos with Black Bean Pico from Eat. Drink. Smile.
Spicy Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado & Tomato Sandwiches from Chez Us
Black Bean and Shrimp Quesadillas from The Perfect Pantry
Oven Ham Sammies from Dine & Dish
Vegetarian Quesadillas with Chipotle Cream from Smith Bites
Taco Cupcakes from Plain Chicken
Corn and Cheese Crepes with Tomatillo Salsa from Kitchen Belleicious
Shrimp, Sundried Tomato & Feta Quesadillas from Cookin’ Canuck
Grilled Pork Spring Rolls from Chez Us
Chili & Soup
Photo: Leigh Loftus
Vegetarian Three Bean Chili from In Good Taste
Every Vegetable Chili from In Good Taste
Classic Turkey Chili from In Good Taste
Chicken-Tomatillo Chili with Sour Cream and Cilantro from In Good Taste
Loaded Baked Potato Soup from In Good Taste
White Chicken Chili from Not Rachael Ray
Game Day Chili from Aggie’s Kitchen
Crockpot Pumpkin Chili from Kalyn’s Kitchen
Black Bean and Peach Salsa Soup from Soup Chick
Macaroni & Cheese Soup from Spicy Southern Kitchen
Paleo Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili from Peas and Thank You
Beef & Three Bean Chili from Fearless Homemaker
Pumpkin, Chickpea and Red Lentil Stew from Better Homes & Gardens
Hearty Beef Stew from Once a Month Mom
Beer, Bacon & Cheese Soup from Taylor Takes a Taste
Pizza
Photo: Leigh Loftus
French Bread Pizzas with Mozzarella and Pepperoni from In Good Taste
Fresh Fig, Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza from In Good Taste
Brie, Cranberry and Leek Flatbread from In Good Taste
Smoked Salmon Flatbread from In Good Taste
Potato Leek & Bacon Pizza from Bev Cooks
Barbecue Chicken Pizza from Not Rachael Ray
Sausage and Fennel Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Peppadews from Smith Bites
Potato Rosemary Pizza from Shutterbean
Pesto, Tomato & Mozzarella Cheese Pizza from 4 the Love of Feasting
Buffalo Chicken Pizza from We Are Not Martha
Pizza Bites from Chaos in the Kitchen
Portobello & Sausage French Bread Pizza from Cooking With Amy
Pizza Bianca with Goat Cheese & Greens from Love & Olive Oil
Pizza Pot Pie from Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice
Desserts
Photo: Leigh Loftus
Seven Layer Magic Bars from In Good Taste
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Squares from In Good Taste
Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies from In Good Taste
Cake nor Candy Brownies from In Good Taste
Peanut Butter Banana Bread from In Good Taste
Tequila Bars from Erin’s Food Files
Toffee Chip Cookies from Bran Appetit
Fall Apple Crisp from Things We Make
Apple Crumb Bars from Sweet & Crumby
Chocolate and Potato Chip Cookies from The Waspy Redhead
Pumpkin Walnut Oatmeal Squares with Cinnamon Glaze from Bake Your Day
S’Mores Cookies from The Girl Who Ate Everything
Soft Double Peanut Butter Chip Cookies from Creations by Kara
Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies from Not A Crazy Vegan
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Parsley Thief
94 Comments
Gina
September 27, 2011 at 11:10 amThat is quite the round-up, hard to decide what to try first. That would keep any football fans happy.
-Gina-
ChopinandMysaucepan
September 27, 2011 at 2:48 amI’ve been looking for inspiration for our footy grand final and I think you’ve just given us a great idea! 🙂
vianney/sweet life
September 26, 2011 at 9:11 pmwhat a list!!! I LOVE all the link,, super football fan here, so any new ideas make me happy!! I read you oatmeal post, your an awesome writer.
Blond Duck
September 26, 2011 at 7:48 amHave a magical Monday! I hope you’re ok!
theUngourmet
September 25, 2011 at 10:31 pmYum! It all looks fantastic! Those cupcakes are super cute! I’m with you on the living room over the sweaty crowded bar….so much more fun. 🙂
-Kim
Angie@Angiesrecipes
September 25, 2011 at 3:14 amWhat a mouthwatering roundup!
Baking Serendipity
September 24, 2011 at 1:27 pmBookmarking your line-up for sure! Love the depth of this list…I can’t imagine not finding the perfect recipe each week. Thank you 🙂
Anna and Liz Recipes
September 24, 2011 at 9:52 amWHat a fantastic group of recipes! You are a GENUIS! We have to bookmark this page ! Thanks again! 🙂
Roz
September 23, 2011 at 6:20 pmHI Maris. Just want to say “hi” and hope you’re doing ok!!!!!!
T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types
September 23, 2011 at 6:39 amThose football cupcakes are the best!
Blond Duck
September 22, 2011 at 9:17 pmI hope you’re feeling better about your writing. 🙂
emily (a nutritionist eats)
September 22, 2011 at 1:28 pmLove this list! I’m with you – in it for the snacks. 🙂
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
September 22, 2011 at 1:08 pmMaris, I love this!!!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
September 22, 2011 at 12:31 pmWow, this is a great collection of recipes Maris! I’ve never been much into football, but now that I live in Austin Texas I don’t think I have a choice but to be, haha! I do go to a lot of neighborhood happy hours where I have to bring a dish, though, so this is enormously helpful. Thanks for sharing, and of course thanks for always stopping by my blog, too! 🙂
Samantha @ Bikini Birthday
September 22, 2011 at 11:25 amYour post is longer than football season itself!
I’m excited to browse through all these recipes to find some to make for the husband on Sunday nights.
Alexandra (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen)
September 22, 2011 at 7:21 amAll these recipes look amazing! I kept on going “I want to try that one! No wait, I want to try that one! Oh but look at that one! …” and so it continued 😉
Pesto n’ Peas Pasta Salad | From the Little Yellow Kitchen
September 21, 2011 at 11:29 pm[…] Maris at In Good Taste posted a whole round up of great ideas for football season. […]
Lauren@LittleYellowKitchen
September 21, 2011 at 9:23 pmAwesome round-up! Gave me some great inspiration for football season. I don’t particularly enjoy watching the game but whenever there is an excuse for a good meal, I am in!
Winnie
September 21, 2011 at 8:21 pmI am not a football fan but all these recipes look great!
Geni
September 21, 2011 at 3:41 pmThank you for the shout out and link to my recipe! Everything here looks so drool-worthy! 🙂
Juliana
September 21, 2011 at 1:40 pmMaris, beautiful links…they are awesome.
Hope you are having a fantastic week and thank you for this post 🙂
NancyC
September 21, 2011 at 12:06 pmThanks for the great roundup of recipes! I’m not much into football, but the get-togethers are always fun!
Alexis @ There She Goesa
September 21, 2011 at 8:31 amsoft pretzel bites, yes please!
Marina
September 21, 2011 at 2:44 amGirl, can I share some of your recipes next week in my “Enjoy your Food” post? 🙂 Let me know!
rebecca
September 20, 2011 at 5:12 pmfun post made me smile and great snacks thanks for the congrats on the baby
zerrin
September 20, 2011 at 1:15 pmI’m not very interested in football, but I do love parties. All these are great to serve to make your guests happy. Thanks for the round up!
alyssa - fashion fitness foodie
September 20, 2011 at 6:50 amI’m a HUGE football fan and love to have people over to watch the games. Thanks for putting these together 🙂
Deborah
September 20, 2011 at 1:02 amI don’t even really watch football, but I want to just so I have an excuse to make a bunch of these recipes!! (I especially love that first picture of the football cupcakes. Too cute!!)
Maia at Sweet Alchemies
September 19, 2011 at 11:14 pmI bookmarked your “Chipotle Chicken Fingers” recipe – that’s right up my husband’s alley (even moreso than football itself)! Stumbled on your blog through chopinandmysaucepan. Your photography is lovely, and you’ve done such a great job infusing your personality and taste into your posts! A pleasure to read, and I look forward to seeing what else you have in store.
Blond Duck
September 19, 2011 at 6:47 pmHave a magical Monday!
Sara @ Saucy Dipper
September 19, 2011 at 6:04 pmI’ve got a thing for lists…this is awesome. And I know it was a lot of work, so, thank you!
Shilpa
September 19, 2011 at 5:42 pmwow! that’s a lot of recipes and so many for us vegetarians too…thank you, thank you, thank you….with the party season around the corner…this is a real treasure.
Bee (Quarterlife Crisis Cuisine)
September 19, 2011 at 4:35 pmI haaate football but LOVE the food! This all looks so so good 🙂
Nadia
September 19, 2011 at 11:56 amwow! you’ve got football season covered! i’m not really into football, but with your vast array of recipes I could really get into it. 😉
Kelly
September 19, 2011 at 10:45 amThat’s quite an extensive list of game day treats! I have to admit I didn’t know much about the football culture until I moved here since it was never a big deal in Boston (my own school never had a team). Love the assortment you’ve got going on here.
Kate
September 19, 2011 at 9:31 amI love this post! What a great idea. Being that I went to UGA I am pretty pumped about football season kicking off but I, too, love the goodies that accompany the tailgates. Looking forward to checking out the other recipes…thanks for the shout out as well 🙂
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
September 19, 2011 at 8:11 amWhat a nice little (or large) recipe collection for fall and football! Great post!
Beth Michelle
September 19, 2011 at 7:49 amGreat list of recipes here! Im looking forward to going through them all! Thanks for sharing!
Rosa
September 19, 2011 at 7:43 amWhat great recipes! A lovely roundup. Everything looks and sounds wonderful.
Cheers,
Rosa
Erika - The Teenage Taste
September 19, 2011 at 6:17 amWhoa – 75 recipes?! Not that’s what I call a recipe round-up! Thanks for sharing, Maris! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
September 18, 2011 at 9:25 pmWhat a comprehensive line up Maris! And those football cupcakes are just adorable! 🙂
Curt
September 18, 2011 at 9:15 pmGreat list! A lot of nice recipes.
Katie@Real Food Katie's Way
September 18, 2011 at 8:12 pmLove this! My hubs is a ridiculous about football…I’ll have to check these out!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
September 18, 2011 at 8:10 pmfabulous ideas and recipes! Hope you had a great weekend
Liz
September 18, 2011 at 12:29 pmThose cupcakes are darling!!! And what a great array of football food…everything sounds fabulous! Enjoy your football Sunday~xo
Roz@weightingfor50
September 18, 2011 at 12:24 pmHi Maris. Wow…so many amazing recipes. This must have taken you FOREVER to put together, so THANK YOU!!!!! Hope your weekend has been a good one.
bakerbynature
September 18, 2011 at 7:15 amIf any food from this fantastic list is served at the next tailgating party I attend, I will be one happy girl! What a great list: I’ve mentally said “yes” to every item on the menu.
Chung-Ah @ Damn Delicious
September 17, 2011 at 10:24 pmI’m loving those football cupcakes but they’re just too beautiful to eat!
EA-The Spicy RD
September 17, 2011 at 5:44 pmLove the football cupcakes, and what a great recipe list for football parties! My football viewing habits sound similar to yours, but my husband is a huge fan. He’s been missing quite a few football games though because of our kids busy sports schedules right now…soccer and football games on Saturday and softball double headers on Sundays. I’m sure he’ll be much happier mid November when they take a break from sports and he gets to watch more football 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny
September 17, 2011 at 3:23 pmIf someone made all of this it would be the best football party ever!!!
marla
September 17, 2011 at 8:13 amI want everything in this amazing line up 🙂 Great list Maris.
Claire @ Un Bello Aperitivo
September 17, 2011 at 7:42 amIt would be a great idea to have a potluck with all these dishes…like a HUGE gathering of people (football optional, haha).
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit
September 17, 2011 at 12:22 amI’m not a football fan, but I do love me some good food! These are things I could enjoy for any occasion. 🙂
Junia @ Mis Pensamientos
September 16, 2011 at 10:53 pmi am an avid college football plan only b/c i went to a big ten college :). not really into NFL or anything else! i’m all about watching at friend’s living room rather than bar. so much more comfortable and fun!
velva
September 16, 2011 at 7:54 pmTailgating and football watching has begun! Here in the South college football is the main event. Did I mention I am a Gator fan? Everyone always seems to be looking for a good tailgating recipe. I am going to share your link with a few friends, to share your recipe ideas.
Cheers.
Velva
Kay
September 16, 2011 at 2:03 pmThis is great! My friends and I always get together for Steelers games and this will be a great reference!
Susan
September 16, 2011 at 11:20 amI prefer to watch football in the comfort of my, or my friends’, home too. Although, one Badger game at Camp Randall is a must! What a wonderful array of football party recipes. Love the cupcakes!
peachkins
September 16, 2011 at 8:13 amI love those cupcakes and those dips sound amazing!
Kitchen Belleicious
September 16, 2011 at 7:15 amFirst thank you so much for the shout out on my crepes. Secondly, I am keeping this list so handy, as in a print out so I can be sure to make some if not all of these fantastic recipes this year! Awesome round up- thanks for doing all the leg work for us!
camille
September 15, 2011 at 10:08 pmThat’s funny, I just had the same conversation – “I don’t care about football but I could get into going to people’s houses to eat a ton of snacks” – with my husband this weekend. He doesn’t care about football either, and while he likes snacks, he doesn’t feel the urge to go to someone else’s house and put a football game on in order to eat them… and he kind of has a point. But if someone invited me over to watch the game, I’d definitely bring something delicious off this list!
Courtney
September 15, 2011 at 9:09 pmLove this post – a must have resource for all us football fans. Thanks, Maris!
leslie
September 15, 2011 at 8:28 pmWow! That post had to take you some time to put together!!!! YUM
Justice Stewart
September 15, 2011 at 6:05 pmThis is great Gameday food!
Cakelaw
September 15, 2011 at 5:49 pmI love your football cupcakes – they are adorable!
Caroline
September 15, 2011 at 4:29 pmWow Maris, now THAT is what I call a roundup! 75 recipes!? I actually love football season (an unhealthy amount) but I’m right there with ya on the food portion. Can’t wait to try out some of these recipes. 🙂
Marina
September 15, 2011 at 2:36 pmWow, some great ideas and recipes!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
September 15, 2011 at 1:14 pmMaris, I can’t express enough how great you are as a food blogger. It takes time to make this 75 recipe list and you always work ahead of time. Love this roundup. My husband’s happy season will start. 🙂
Greg
September 15, 2011 at 1:04 pmI also could care less about football season, although the tailgating part always sounds fun. This is such a fun roundup, thanks so much. I keep scrolling through and finding more stuff I want to make/eat/
Melissa@IWasBornToCook
September 15, 2011 at 12:43 pmGreat roundup – thanks for including me! And, I need to know which bar you’re referring to…I spent many a Sunday at several Hoboken bars (if I wasn’t at the actual game), but I agree, sometimes it’s better to stay home.
Shari @ The Daily Dish
September 15, 2011 at 12:30 pmGreat roundup!
sarah
September 15, 2011 at 11:55 amThat is some roundup! I actually adore the ritual of football, but probably only watch 20% of the game. I like to eat, read a magazine, lay around, and eat while watching. Just enough watching to have an excuse to eat sport food fare.
Rachel W.
September 15, 2011 at 11:53 amThis is the best resource for snacks EVER. I may need to work my way through all of these…especially the chilis.
Thanks for the shoutout as well, homegirl.
Bev Weidner
September 15, 2011 at 11:47 amHoly ___ all that is amazing!
Tasha
September 15, 2011 at 11:28 amPre-kids, we always spent our Sundays at the bars watching the games. Now I much prefer spending those days at home with our family- and homemade snacks definitely beat bad-for-you bar food! Great compilation list here!
Candace
September 15, 2011 at 9:48 amWhile I really enjoy a good football game with my honey, you have, by far, featured the best part of football season. We haven’t had cable or satellite since we relocated last year and I found out this past Monday night while watching the Pats game at the local pub that I much prefer my living room, my beer and my snacks to anything that the pub has to offer. I am bookmarking this post for year round use. Thanks so much for the effort you have put in to compile this fantastic list!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
September 15, 2011 at 9:34 amWhat a great round-up! I’m not even a football fan but would still love to make some of these recipes 😉
Sarah Caron
September 15, 2011 at 9:19 amAwesome list, Maris. I am trying to get my kids into football this fall … and the snacks that go along with it 🙂
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
September 15, 2011 at 9:18 amI always prefer watching at home on the couch, rather than at a crowded bar. I’m definitely a home body! Of course I LOVE the food that goes with football Sunday! Thanks for sharing so many amazing ideas!
amy @ fearless homemaker
September 15, 2011 at 8:44 amdefinitely a wonderful round-up of recipes + thanks so much for featuring my beef and three-bean chili! we’re huge NFL fans in our household, so i’ll definitely be popping back here for ideas over the next few months!
SMITH BITES
September 15, 2011 at 8:40 amTHAT is quite the roundup Maris – i love watching football, pros, college, high school . . . wonder if that means i like hitting things . . . hmmmmm . . . feeling a therapy session coming on – LOL! Thanks for including us!
Daryl (mom)
September 15, 2011 at 8:09 amAwesome array of recipes from fabulous bloggers!
Sue/the view from great island
September 15, 2011 at 7:54 amThanks, Maris, I can see that I’ll be coming back again and again to these links, esp. the desserts!
Nelly Rodriguez
September 15, 2011 at 7:39 amThis is NOT a post to look out before I have had breakfast! Thanks for the roundup, very useful in these times!
Taylor
September 15, 2011 at 7:34 amWhat an awesome round up of recipes!! I don’t get into NFL football much but I’m a huge fan of college football….I’m definitely saving this page for this season!!
brandi@BranAppetit
September 15, 2011 at 7:33 amI love football season! I am sad from January to August, waiting for college football to start back up 🙂
These all look great – thanks for the link!
Reeni
September 15, 2011 at 7:30 amWow! What a feast! I’m feeling very snacky right now. Thanks for including my pot pies.
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
September 15, 2011 at 7:25 amWhoa! You were busy girl, this is quite a post!! How can I not bookmark every one?
I’m going with dessert first though since your seven layer magic bars are screaming my name.
Thanks, Maris!
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray
September 15, 2011 at 7:00 amI have the exact same attitude as you about football! Everything here looks delicious, can’t wait to try some of these recipes. Thank you so much for including me!
Blond Duck
September 15, 2011 at 6:50 amDefinitely needed here in Tx!
Joanne
September 15, 2011 at 6:12 amThis is like a one stop shop for all my football cooking needs! Amazing round up!
Aggie
September 15, 2011 at 6:01 amSeriously fantastic round up of deliciousness. Wow. I totally love all this food! I’ve got my eye on that chipotle black bean pizza for sure…
Ok, I know exactly what you mean about Sundays at the bar, lol. I worked at a sports bar in college and Sundays were a huge day. I was always envious, wanted to be on the other side, instead of serving….drinking, eating and watching! But I know what you mean, being at home on your own couch with your own food and drinks, nothing beats that.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
September 15, 2011 at 5:44 amWow, this is massive. Thanks for all those links!
Three-Cookies
September 15, 2011 at 5:09 am75 recipes – wow. Would love to go to a buffet that has all these
Erica
September 15, 2011 at 4:57 amloveeeee this post! Josh and i were just discussing what to make this football sunday! Now i have some great ideas!!