45 Winning Bowl Game Recipes

By Southern Living
Photo: Charles Walton IV

Few things bring Southerners together quite like football season. Our die-hard devotion to our favorite team is intense, but what transcends rivalries is our devotion to good football party food. Whether you tailgate at every game, or you host a crowd in front of the television during bowl games, this lineup of football party recipes promises to make your gathering a success. Early morning kickoff? No problem. Your guests will love Fried Chicken Thighs and Biscuits. Need something for those that grab and run? Salt-Roasted Beef Tenderloin Sliders fits the bill. Plus, you will find lots of dips and spreads for those who like to hang around the food table rehashing the plays. With all the yelling and cheering going on your crowd is bound to get thirsty, so choose one of these game-day cocktails to keep them hydrated. Send your football party into overtime with some sweet treats. One of these bake-and-take cakes will make the perfect football party dessert; not only are they delicious, but you can bake and transport them in the same pan. 

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Fried Green Tomato Sliders

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Sliders

Start with fried green tomatoes from your favorite meat 'n' three restaurant. Bake them on a baking sheet at 350° for 5 minutes or until warm and crispy. Add sweet-hot pickle chips to the bun with wooden picks for a fun garnish.

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Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

Recipe:  Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

Spice things up with this cheesy dip. You can make it ahead and keep warm in a fondue pot or mini slow cooker during your party.

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Pepper Jack Grits Poppers

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pepper Jack Grits Poppers

Wow your guests with this 6-ingredient twist on the iconic finger food.

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Pimiento Cheese Rolls

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Rolls

These are cheesy, buttery, and altogether addicting. They’re great in a bread basket, served alongside chili, or as an appetizer.

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Fried Chicken Thighs & Biscuits

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Fried Chicken Thighs & Biscuits

Two Southern icons make the ultimate sandwich, generously topped with pickled green tomatoes and local honey.

 

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Crispy Oven-Fried Drumsticks

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Crispy Oven-Fried Drumsticks

These oven-fried drumsticks have a satisfyingly crunchy texture. We loved the flavor results when we used 1/2 tsp. red pepper.

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Muffuletta Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Muffuletta Dip

You can serve this versatile recipe on French bread crostini or with crackers over a block of cream cheese. Try tossing leftovers in a Caesar salad.

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Veggie Potato Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Veggie Potato Salad

This low-fat potato salad is rich with creamy goodness but easy on the fat and calories. The perfect addition to your next outdoor party.

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Chicken-and-Bacon Satay

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken-and-Bacon Satay

A satay is an Indonesian version of kabobs: thinly sliced marinated meat grilled on a skewer and served with lip-licking peanut sauce.

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Chicken & Honey Sandwiches

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken & Honey Sandwiches

This sandwich falls under the "hearty fare" category. It'll satisfy your hunger to win.

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Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Dip

Hot sausage spices up the veggies in this creamy, flavor-packed dip. Serve with corn chip scoops, red pepper strips, and pretzel rods.

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Grilled Salsa

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Grilled Salsa

What's a party without salsa? Make yours one to remember.

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Warm Gumbo Dip

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Warm Gumbo Dip

Just like any good Louisiana gumbo, this dip is thick and full of flavor.

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Salt-Roasted Beef Tenderloin Sliders

Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Salt-Roasted Beef Tenderloin Sliders  

You can serve these hearty bites between biscuits, brioche, or artisan dinner rolls for an elegant presentation.

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Brisket Shooters

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Brisket Shooters

Save time and pick up brisket and sauce from your favorite barbecue joint to use in these party bites.

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Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip

These hearty bites will become your signature party dish. You can keep the queso blanco warm in a fondue pot or 1-qt. slow cooker.

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Slow-cooker Mustard Barbecued Pork

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Slow-cooker Mustard Barbecued Pork

This recipe was inspired by the popular mustard barbecue sauce found in parts of South Carolina. Enjoy it plain or spend a little more time using it for Down-South Banh Mi (pictured) or South Carolina Sliders.

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Smoky Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Smoky Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs

We love when two Southern classics come together - like deviled eggs and pimiento cheese. You won't be able to tear yourself away from the deviled egg tray, especially if you garnish with sliced country ham and pickled okra.

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Grits Crostini

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Grits Crostini

You can bake the crostini up to a couple of hours ahead of time, top just before guests arrive and place in the oven to finish.

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Baked Goat Cheese Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Baked Goat Cheese Dip

Bake a mixture of goat cheese and cream cheese and top with a spicy tomato mixture for a warm dip that’s great for entertaining. You can assemble this dip ahead and freeze for up to one month.

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Chili-Roasted Black Eyed Peas

Southern Living

Recipe: Chili-Roasted Black Eyed Peas

Roasting black-eyed peas gives them a crispy, dry texture that’s perfect for snacking. Chili powder and cumin give the beans a flavor-packed coating that won’t disappoint your guests.

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Tortellini Caprese Bites

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Tortellini Caprese Bites

Tortellini Caprese Bites are drizzled with a basil vinaigrette and are so simple to prepare. The no-mess presentation makes these appetizer skewers ideal for parties.

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Party-Style Pork Empanada

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe:  Party-Style Pork Empanada

Our Party-Style Pork Empanada uses refrigerated canned bread dough to make preparation easier. You can make up to two hours ahead of time, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the party.

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Cuban Black Bean Dip

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Cuban Black Bean Dip

Start with black bean soup mix to make this zesty bean dip. Serve with slices of cucumber, bell pepper, or your favorite raw vegetable.

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Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

A tasty appetizer of Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp will be hit with your party crowd. They'll savor the hint of heat mingled with sweetness in each bite.

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Chicken Salad Pitas

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken Salad Pitas

Pepper jelly adds a nice sweet-hot note to chicken salad. And you'll love the extra zing from lemon zest and ground red pepper.

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Sorghum Caramel Corn

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sorghum Caramel Corn

A sticky-sweet coating can make popcorn even more delicious than it always is, and this Sorghum Caramel Corn is the perfect recipe to sink your teeth into. For Halloween happiness, this recipe begins with simple microwave popcorn, then mixes in roasted peanuts, brown sugar, and that classic Southern staple: bacon. After you’ve coated this creative concoction with sorghum syrup flavored with just a little hint of vanilla, bake it in the oven until it is mixed to sugar-glazed perfection. You’ve just taken this already-delicious bacon-caramel corn to the next level. Bag it up for guests to enjoy and you’re ready to go. Happy Halloween.

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Afterburners

Southern Living

Recipe: Afterburners

These all-time favorite bite-sized peppers are delicious with Spicy Queso Dip.

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Black-Eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip

Southern Living

Recipe: Black-Eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip  

Serve Black-eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip atop cornbread crackers for a unique regional pairing.

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Bacon-Herb Cupcakes

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Bacon-Herb Cupcakes  

Use a combination of parsley, thyme, and oregano, or sage, rosemary, basil, and chives for a savory and perfectly balanced nibble.

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Sweet-Hot Baby Back Ribs

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Sweet-Hot Baby Back Ribs

Our directions for these juicy baby back ribs are for a two-burner gas grill. If you have a three-burner grill, light both sides, and leave the center portion off.

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Bacon-Grits Fritters

Photo: Jennifer Davick/Prop Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell/Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Bacon-Grits Fritters

Grits are treasured like gold in the South. These Bacon-Grits Fritters are the perfect Southern delicacy to introduce to your family and friends. Watch them quickly disappear.

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Fried Pecan Okra

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Fried Pecan Okra

Crushed pecans and baking mix form the crisp breading for this classic Southern-style side.

 

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Pizza Sticks

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Pizza Sticks

For a crowd, assemble several pizzas; cover and chill up to two hours. Bake a few at a time, to keep the Pizza Sticks coming out hot and fresh.

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Harvest Pizza

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Harvest Pizza

Sweet potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, red onion, cheese, and Italian spices make this good-for-you pie distinctly delicious.

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Shanghai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Recipe: Shanghai Spring Rolls

Make the filling ahead of time to meet your party preparation timeline. Serve with homemade chili sauce over a bed of fresh lettuce.

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Empanadas

Recipe: Empanadas

These mouth-watering Latin pastries are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of chicken, green olives, fresh herbs, and spices.

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Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza

Recipe: Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza

Bring your homemade pizza to the next level by incorporating fresh ingredients. If you don't have time to prepare your own fresh dough, some supermarkets sell uncooked pizza dough on request from the bakery department.

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Rolled Olive Sandwiches

Jennifer R. Davick

Recipe: Rolled Olive Sandwiches

Make these sandwiches for a throwback classic that is still delicious today.

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Beer-Batter Fried Pickles

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Beer-Batter Fried Pickles

Crunchy, tart pickles get a crispy, deep-fried coating in beer for this crowd-pleaser. Serve with a Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce.

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Quick 'n' Easy Chicken Barbecue Pizza

Recipe: Quick 'n' Easy Chicken Barbecue Pizza

Barbecue sauce, refrigerated pizza dough and packaged precooked chicken breast strips make Quick 'n' Easy Chicken Barbecue Pizza a snap to prepare. For even more flavor, sprinkle pizza with chopped cooked bacon and chopped fresh cilantro before adding the cheese.

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Honey Chicken Wings

Recipe: Honey Chicken Wings

This easy chicken wing recipe is great for any party.

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Herbed Goat Cheese Bites

Photo: William Dickey

Recipe: Herbed Goat Cheese Bites

This scrumptious appetizer is easy to prep. Simply roll a log of creamy goat cheese in fresh chopped thyme, parsley, tarragon, and mint in advance. Then, just before serving, spread onto fresh toasted baguette slices and top with sun-dried tomatoes and basil leaves.

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Macaroni-and-Pimiento Cheese Bites 

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Styling Buffy Hargett, Food Styling Vanessa McNeil Rocchio and Angela Sellers

Recipe: Macaroni-and-Pimiento Cheese Bites

Wow family and friends with these easy party poppers. You can also bake the mixture in a casserole dish and use the breadcrumb coating as a crispy topping.

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Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches

Photo: Charles Walton IV

Recipe: Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches

This is an updated version of a recipe that used ham, cheese, and mustard. Eyes lit up at our tasting table when these roast beef sandwiches came out of the oven.

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