It’s almost that time of year — the time when appetizers reign as king of all foods at Super Bowl parties. Menu planning will be a breeze, since we’ve scoured the internet for the most delicious and unique ideas. Enjoy these recipes that are sure to take your hosting game to the next level.
Coolest Super Bowl Appetizers
1. Bunless Burger Bites
Let’s kick things off with a clever twist on a classic appetizer. These bunless burger bites are reminiscent of the ever-popular slider but offer a tasty lower carb spin. Melted sharp cheddar blankets a savory burger meatball then gets topped with fresh and bright cherry tomato, cooling lettuce leaf, and a yummy pickle to finish. Served on a skewer, these little goodies are sure to be a guest favorite at your next football-viewing party.
2. Garlic Bread Pizza Dip
When you get the chance to combine two amazing foods like garlic bread and pizza, you just don’t say no. This cheesy and decadent dip recipe is sure to be a hit at any party and was an absolute necessity to include on our list of cool Super Bowl apps. It includes savory pepperoni, a total of four yummy cheeses, and warm biscuits for a totally winning combination. Score!
3. BBQ Chicken Nachos
Up next on our list is a classic game day appetizer, nachos. This version is elevated with tangy BBQ chicken, mild shallots, and cooling sour cream plus two types of melty cheeses. Then, it’s topped with fresh cilantro and sweet Roma tomatoes. We suggest making one plate with the original chicken option and another featuring BBQ jackfruit for a vegetarian-friendly option. To make it totally plant-based, substitute vegan-friendly cheeses. Whichever way you choose, this is a crowd-pleasing recipe.
4. Fried Chicken Drummies
No need for a deep fryer for our next selection. These crispy drumsticks are actually oven-fried for maximum convenience. Even better? Cooking time is only half an hour so you can score some quick points with your crowd. Cornflakes, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese combine to make a crunchy and satisfying coating, while buttermilk adds some funk. All the yum!
5. Classic Pigs In A Blanket
Nothing about pigs in a blanket is from scratch or elevated in any way, and we are a-okay with that. Because after all, is it even considered a Super Bowl party without these tasty morsels? We don’t think so. The marriage of buttery crescent rolls, mini cocktail weiners, and sea salt is a happy one that your guests are sure to enjoy on game day.
6. Jalapeño Cheese Crisps
Another easy and cheesy delight, these jalapeño popper crisps satisfy in so many ways. First, there’s the salty goodness of parmesan cheese, with crispy and unctuous chopped bacon, heat from the thinly sliced pepper, and additional flavor from yummy aged cheddar. Plus, these crisps only take about 12 minutes to bake for maximum ease. They are sure to be a favorite for your guests. After all, sweet dreams are made of cheese.
7. Cauliflower Poppers
Sneak in a vegetable with our next selection, tasty and inventive cauliflower poppers. This dish is a bit reminiscent of another classic combo, Brussels and bacon. It is also a super convenient option as a one pan dish and features aromatic spices and charred green onions to round out the flavor profile. Try it with chorizo crumbles instead of bacon for extra heat.
8. Charcuterie
Inspire cult-like devotion by building the ultimate charcuterie board for your game day guests. Charcuterie is simply a combination of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments that makes for a killer appetizer or party snack. It’s even pretty to look at and adds a bit of an elevated feel to a normally low key event. Charcuterie is a great addition to any Super Bowl party plan.
9. Maple Bacon Smokies
Since we’ve already shared a classic take on pigs in a blanket, we wanted to have some fun with that favorite appetizer. Enter maple bacon smokies, which are wrapped in bacon rather than a crescent roll. These are flavored with sweet maple syrup and an extra sugar boost with brown sugar. We suggest adding some red pepper flakes or ground cayenne pepper if you’d like to add some heat. The bacon crisps up really nicely when oven baked and this is a great choice that is a lower carb option for your guests.
10. Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
This next appetizer on our list is a great option for those guests who love a good meatball but avoid red meat. These spicy meatballs use ground chicken rather than beef, and pack a flavorful punch in every small bite. Glazed with hot sauce, firecracker chicken is sure to be your next appetizer obsession. We recommend adding toothpicks for a more user-friendly treat as well as garnishing with fresh chopped chives for a bright oniony finishing note.
11. Totchos
Totchos, or nachos made with tater tots rather than chips, are the next addition to our list of cool appetizers for the big game. They offer a fun twist on a classic game day snack. This particular recipe channels the flavors of Mexico with taco seasoning, black beans, and guacamole. Consider substituting cauliflower crumbles for half of the called for ground beef or using ground turkey for some lighter fare options.
12. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Another classic dip for football viewing parties is heavy hitter spinach artichoke dip. This option can be easily tailored based on your guest preferences because it can be served in so many different ways. Some examples are with crackers, with fresh veggies for a healthier choice, or with a crispy baguette. Spinach artichoke dip hits all the right notes with mild artichokes, savory spices, creamy cheeses, and bright and fresh spinach. It’s a win-win for your Super Bowl gathering.
13. Cheeseburger Sliders
Sliders are a great addition to the appetizers lineup for Super Bowl entertaining. Our classic recipe only takes about an hour and offers a juicy and delicious end result. Plus it even includes a homemade veggie burger option too for those guests with dietary restrictions. Consider eating these sliders upside down for maximum enjoyment.
14. Hummus
Up next on our list of cool appetizers for the big game is hummus. This smooth and creamy dip has Middle Eastern origins but is popular throughout the globe. It usually contains chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and various spices and can be garnished with more olive oil, fresh herbs, and toasted sesame seeds. Hummus can be a flavorful yet mild option to add to your Super Bowl menu. Plus, it’s even healthy and vegan and vegetarian-friendly! For the most nutrient density, serve with crunchy fresh vegetables like julienned red peppers and sliced cucumbers. Hummus can also be enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, or naan.
15. Caprese Skewers
These caprese skewers, our own recipe, are a delicious finger food option for your game day celebration. Plus, they’re super simple and can be assembled very quickly. Simply stack a ball of mozzarella, cherry tomato, and fresh basil leaf on a long toothpick and you’re good to go. For a little extra gourmet flair, we recommend serving with a couple inventive dipping sauces like garlic confit olive oil or flavored balsamic vinegar and be sure to use heirloom tomatoes. If you’d prefer these yummy Italian flavors without the skewer, then try our caprese salad instead.
16. Steak + Frite Bites
Steak is always a crowd pleaser, especially in this case when it’s paired with crunchy and salty fries (or frites). These steak and frite bites are destined to become the star of your Superbowl spread. This dish is a cool twist on a classic French bistro dinner, and we think it’s a great way to add some refined flair to your menu. Bon appétit!
17. Mozzarella Sticks
Another must-have appetizer for the Super Bowl is mozzarella sticks. But skip the freezer section, because our recipe shows you how to make them from scratch. Be sure to remember marinara dipping sauce, or even ranch so guests have some options.
18. Velveeta Queso
Next up is a stick-to-your-ribs, creamy, decadent dip. We’re of course talking about Velveeta Queso. This classic recipe, from our own archives, uses a set it and forget it crockpot approach which allows for plenty of time to prep other appetizers before the party. Added bonus? You’ll end up with about 24 servings of this scrumptious concoction and you can even use any leftovers to add extra life to your nachos.
19. Loaded Pickle Chips
Loaded pickle chips, our next suggested appetizer for game day, are just as cool as they sound. Imagine the briny goodness of a fresh pickle paired with crunchy and satisfying bacon, tangy sour cream, and gooey melted cheddar. It really can’t get much better than this inventive flavor bomb. Plus, this recipe only takes about half an hour to create so it’s a time sensitive option that makes sense for entertaining.
20. Deviled Eggs
Another one of our own recipes, this yummy deviled eggs appetizer is a breeze to make and tastes great. It begins with a classic version of the famous picnic fare, and then offers some inventive variations based on your dietary preferences and restrictions. Some options include avocado deviled eggs, Mexican-inspired deviled eggs, or bacon deviled eggs. Whichever you choose is sure to please your Super Bowl crowd.
21. Cool Ranch Snack Mix
This next appetizer earns its moniker from the savory star ingredient, ranch dressing powder mix. This zesty, crunchy, salty snack mix is addictive and makes for a great addition to a game day food spread. Make it ahead of time for even more hosting ease.
22. Bacon Guacamole Bombs
This next choice is perfect for those keto diets while pleasing to other guests too. The aptly named bacon guac bomb is just that, homemade guacamole balls covered in crumbled bacon bits. Yum! They can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated as well. These touchdown treats are guaranteed to be a favorite of your guests.
23. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Approachable spicy buffalo dip is our next featured appetizer. It can either be made in a bread bowl, baking dish, or cast iron skillet depending on your culinary preference. Plus, this recipe is super easy since it calls for rotisserie chicken and just a few other readily available ingredients and only takes about 20 minutes. Be sure to include it in your Super Bowl spread this year.
24. Beer Cheese Fondue
Nothing goes with football quite like beer and cheese, so why not combine all three with our Beer Cheese Fondue recipe. Use any beer of your choice, but we suggest a hoppy IPA for the best and most flavorful fondue. This finger food can be served with bread, veggies, meats, and/or pickles. Mix and match these or other options so party guests will have plenty of choices. Touchdown!
25. Beef Taco Roll Ups
Last but certainly not least is the final entry on our appetizers list, the humble beef taco roll up. This spicy and delicious pick combines Mexican flavors with the convenience of canned crescent rolls for a winning finish. For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of the suggested ground beef. Either way, the melty cheese, fresh scallions, and tangy sour cream in this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Overall, we hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of 25 cool appetizers for the Super Bowl. It’s sure to help you tackle any party hosting and set you up for continued culinary success.
