Football Party Recipes - Southern Living

Photo: Jennifer Davick

The Southern Living Pulled Pork Sandwich

Our Test Kitchen took cues from the pros to bring pit-barbecue flavor to the backyard. It's a no brainer on game day.

Recipe: Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich

Sweet-Hot Baby Back Ribs

Nothing can compete with this first-string rib recipe. Your friends and family will be coming back for more.

Recipe: Sweet-Hot Baby Back Ribs

Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Super Quick Chili Bites

Slice tops from hearty round dinner rolls, and then let guests hollow out centers and spoon Super Quick Chili into them. Keep the chili warm in a slow cooker during the game.

Recipe: Super Quick Chili Bites

Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

You can save time by preparing the cheese dip up to a day ahead; just cover and chill in an airtight container, and bake just before serving.

Recipe: Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Southern Sweet Tea

Here's a universally Southern favorite. No matter what team your root for, you'll find this thirst quencher gracing just baout every table.

Recipe: Southern Sweet Tea

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Spicy Buffalo Wings

Hot wings may be the quintessential game-day food. Round it out with Spicy Buffalo Sauce and Cool Ranch Sauce. And don't forget the celery.

Recipe: Angela's Spicy Buffalo Wings

Baked Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip

Warm, creamy Baked Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip is always a big hit! This version has been lightened up. Keep the secret to yourself, and guests will never guess that this tasty dish is actually good for them.

Tip: For easy entertaining, this dish can be assembled up to a day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then bake just before serving.

Recipe: Baked Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Fried Chicken Bites

Serve these zesty chicken bites warm or cold with a side of Blue cheese or honey mustard dressing. The kids will love these, too!

Recipe: Fried Chicken Bites

Shanghai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Make the filling ahead of time to make these yummy spring rolls more friendly to your party preparation timeline.

Recipe: Shanghai Spring Rolls

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Hush Puppies

Standard game day fare in Mississippi and South Carolina includes these crisp cornmeal nuggets. But you don't have to be from those two states to appreciate the fried-up goodness.

Recipe: Hoppin' John Hush Puppies

Warm Turnip Green Dip

It's southern tradition to have a little hot sauce with your turnip greens, so be sure to offer guests several brands to choose from on the side.

Recipe: Warm Turnip Green Dip

Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

These meatballs are a football staple. Save yourself time by making them ahead. Place cooked meatballs in a zip-top plastic freezer bag, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Add this sweet-and-sour sauce on game day.

Recipe: Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Chili-Roasted Black Eyed Peas

Turn canned chickpeas or black-eyed peas into a unique and affordable party snack. Simply toss them in olive oil with a few seasonings and roast until crisp. The key is to bake the beans as long as possible without letting them burn. This will dry them out, making them extra-crunchy like nuts. Enjoy by the handful or sprinkle over a salad.

Recipe: Chili-Roasted Black Eyed Peas

Layered Spicy Black Bean Dip

Be ready to party in just 10 minutes. This fiesta party staple uses a store-bought black bean dip to add flavor and shorten the ingredient list.

Recipe: Layered Spicy Black Bean Dip

Bacon-and-Greens Salsa

Warm salsa? You bet. It's just right for chilly weather.

Recipe: Bacon-and-Greens Salsa

Cheese Straws

These make for the perfect party snack. They're especially easy to make and travel well. If you like your cheese straws less spicy, use a smaller amount of red pepper.