38 Speedy Game Day Snacks

Updated on May 11, 2024

We've compiled the quickest, most crowd-pleasing appetizers for your game-day spread. But be sure to make an extra batch...these bites will surely be gone by half time.

Now Trending

1/38

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Total Time 50 min
Servings about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.

Don’t forget to make other game-day foods and sliders, too.

2/38

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Total Time 30 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/38

White Chocolate Chex Mix

Total Time 30 min
Servings 5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: You won't be able to stop eating this irresistible white chocolate party mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M's. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 547 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
4/38

Hummus

Total Time 45 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 250 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
5/38

Beer Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
6/38

Pesto Pinwheels

Total Time 30 min
Servings 20 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator: I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d'oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 pinwheel: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/38

Homemade Guacamole

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
8/38

Hot Bacon Cheese Dip

Total Time 2 hours 15 min
Servings 4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 261 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
9/38

Tangy Texas Salsa

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings (1/3 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator: I'm a "transplant" from Wisconsin currently living in Texas. Even after 20 years, I can't get enough of our wonderful local citrus. This is one way to work it into a main dish. The combination of tangy fruit, spicy jalapeno and distinctive cilantro is perfect over any meat, poultry or fish. We also dip into it with chips. —Lois Kildahl, McAllen, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1/3 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
10/38

Spicy Mixed Nuts

Total Time 15 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It's a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 225 calories, 19g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
11/38

Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese

Total Time 10 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This salmon dip is a delightful hors d’oeuvre that’s excellent for any occasion. The combination of salmon, cream cheese and spices gives it terrific flavor. —Raymonde Hebert Bernier, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
12/38

Pastrami Roll-Ups

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll-up: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/38

Pizza Oyster Crackers

Total Time 10 min
Servings 3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: This quick and easy snack is a favorite of my kids. I always include a baggie in their lunch boxes. —Carol S Betz, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 135 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
14/38

Buckeyes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church's annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 127 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/38

Zesty Marinated Shrimp

Total Time 10 min
Servings about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 shrimp: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
16/38

Chocolate-Hazelnut Fruit Pizza

Total Time 10 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You can prepare this snackable pizza in just 10 minutes! It's a fun way to sneak in those daily servings of fruit. —Dalynn Dowling, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 103 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
17/38

Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This easy spread is based on several different relishes and spreads I've tasted or made before. I love the sweet and spicy combination of flavors. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 88 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/38

Veggie Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These terrific bite-size appetizers are always a hit wherever I take them. They're easy to make ahead of time, and are a great addition to other party fare! —Lori Kostecki, Wausau, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 58 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
19/38

Marinated Mozzarella

Total Time 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 203 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
20/38

7-Layer Bean Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 18 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To make this zesty 7-layer bean dip, you simply layer the ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a “walking dip,” because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you walk and talk with guests. —Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 102 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
21/38

Spiced Nut Mix

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 10 cups
From the Recipe Creator: One Christmas, my good friend gave me this recipe and a sack of ingredients. I think of her every time I stir up these pumpkin-spiced nuts. —Patti Holland, Parker, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 134 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
22/38

Nacho Popcorn

Total Time 10 min
Servings 5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 98 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
23/38

Almond Cheddar Appetizers

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I always try to have a supply of these appetizers on hand in the freezer. If guests drop in, I just pull some out and reheat to serve. They work great as a snack, for brunch or along with a lighter lunch. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 81 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
24/38

Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/38

Sweet and Salty Chex Mix

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings about 10 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 227 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/38

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
27/38

Party Shrimp

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: The marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this appetizer. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 shrimp: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
28/38

Creamy Caramel Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Because I feed three hungry people in my family (my husband, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and our two boys), I love satisfying snacks that are easy to make. We all appreciate this cool, light fruit dip. —Karen Laubman, Spruce Grove, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 87 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
29/38

Mexican Pinwheels

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Whenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in one bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 59 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/38

Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed egg half: 85 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
31/38

French Quarter Cheese Spread

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Topped with toasty pecans, this sweet-and-savory cheese ball makes a festive hostess gift for holiday parties. Says Heidi: “It’s always a hit; there’s never anything left over, and everyone asks for the recipe.” At home, make it ahead of time for convenience, then bring to room temp and serve.
Heidi Blaine Hadburg – Safety Harbor, FL
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 280 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
32/38

Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza

Total Time 25 min
Servings 24 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 124 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
33/38

Marinated Cheese with Peppers and Olives

Total Time 10 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cheddar cheese, red peppers and pitted ripe olives make a tasty, rustic appetizer when marinated overnight and served with decorative toothpicks. —Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 155 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
34/38

Blue Cheese Potato Chips

Total Time 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 215 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
35/38

Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals

Total Time 25 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 97 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
36/38

Cheesy Quesadillas

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 pieces
From the Recipe Creator: We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
37/38

Pizza Roll-Ups

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Since getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-sized pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll-up: 94 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
38/38

Dill Vegetable Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.