The countdown to the Big Game is officially on, and while everyone else is awaiting the halftime lineup or waiting for the commercials, I’m over here focusing on the real MVP: the spread! In my house, the food on the table is just as important as the action on the field. It’s the soul of the party, and it’s what actually keeps people gathered around long after the final whistle.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to plan a game day menu that you hope everyone loves, but I don’t want you spending your entire Super Sunday stressed out in the kitchen. I have done the hard work for you by providing a list of 22 recipes that will bring authentic, homestyle flavor to your party. From sticky wings to warm peach cobbler, these are the dishes your guests will actually be excited to reach for.
Crispy Wings & Saucy Favorites
Crispy Buffalo Wings
Classic buffalo wings with crispy skin and a tangy, spicy sauce.
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Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Air fryer lemon pepper wings: zesty, buttery, and extra crispy in minutes.
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Crispy Air Fryer Wings
Crispy air fryer wings with juicy centers. This recipe is a perfect base for any sauce.
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Baked Honey BBQ Wings
Oven baked wings brushed with honey barbecue sauce, caramelized edges, no frying mess.
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Crispy Honey Cajun Wings
Crispy wings coated in sticky honey Cajun glaze with a sweet-heat punch.
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Crispy Air Fryer Peach Cobbler Wings
Sweet and savory wings glazed with peachy spices, a special game day treat.
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Sandwiches & Handhelds
Authentic Philly Cheesesteak
Classic cheesesteak loaded with thin-sliced beef, sautéed onions, and gooey cheese.
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Meatball Sub
Saucy meatballs tucked in a toasted roll, smothered with melted cheese.
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The BEST Homemade Sloppy Joe
Sweet, tangy sloppy joes piled high. This recipe is quick, nostalgic, and perfect for feeding many.
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Homemade Corn Dogs
Crispy corn dogs with a golden batter, fun finger food that everyone grabs.
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Hearty Mains for a Crowd
Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Thick, hearty chili loaded with flavor, perfect for topping and crowd-sized servings.
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy chicken enchiladas baked in a bold sauce, an easy make-ahead party favorite.
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The Best Oven Baked St. Louis Style Ribs
Smoky, saucy St. Louis ribs with a sticky glaze and clean bite.
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Oven Baked Beef Short Ribs
Baked beef short ribs, slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, rich and comforting.
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The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow-cooked pulled pork, smoky and juicy, perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or nachos.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Shredded pulled chicken in a savory sauce. It's light, versatile, and great for crowd size servings.
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Easy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Hearty Cajun gumbo filled with shrimp and sausage, deep roux flavor, and warmth.
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Seafood Party Hits
Maryland Crab Cake Recipe
Golden crab cakes with a crispy crust and tender, lump crab center.
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Sheet Pan Shrimp and Sausage
Sheet pan shrimp and sausage with bold seasoning. This recipe is fast, colorful, and minimal cleanup.
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Shrimp Cakes
Crispy shrimp cakes packed with seafood flavor, great with dipping sauce or slaw.
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Sweet Treats
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges, a classic game day sweet finish.
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Homemade Peach Cobbler Recipe
Warm peach cobbler with a buttery topping and cinnamon-sweet filling, made for sharing.
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Game Day Serving & Prep Tips for a Stress-Free Spread
To pull off a legendary spread, I always aim for that perfect trio: something crispy, something saucy, and something sweet. The secret to a smooth game day isn’t just in the cooking, it’s in the strategy! I like to prep my sauces and seasonings the day before and set up a “build station” with bowls of pickles, onions, and extra hot sauce so guests can customize their plates without me hovering.
Timing is everything in a busy kitchen. I start my slow cooker and oven items early, saving the air fryer for those last minute batches just before kickoff so the crunch stays loud. If the wings are ready before the guests arrive, I keep them warm on a sheet pan in a low oven (about 200°F). Toss in a simple dip and a sweet dessert you’ve prepared ahead of time, and you’re no longer just the cook—you’re a guest at your own party. After all, a winning menu is great, but a stress free host is the real victory!
