What to Bring to a Game Day Party

You know how it is, game day rolls around and you gotta feed “your hungry guys” (a reference to an SNL sketch; I recognize that the hungry guys and girls really should be feeding themselves in 2023). But what do you give people that’s finger food, delicious, maybe somewhat nutritious, and not too difficult to make? Well, sit back, relax, and read on, because I’m about to tell you about some game day party snacks that are absolute gamechangers.

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Would it really be a game without tortilla chips and some form of dip, like salsa or guac? I don’t really know but I’m told this pairing is a game day party food staple so I’m on board. Also, I’m a self-proclaimed tortilla chip fiend and will take any excuse to eat these. Plus, these tortilla chips are the best! They taste like they are straight out of the fryer (with a hint of canola oil that makes them taste homemade), and Sporked senior writer Jordan Myrick said they are “salty enough to make the chip great for eating on its own, but are also mild enough to not overpower whatever you’re dipping them into.” In other words, the perfect chip.

Sometimes, if you’re wondering what to bring to a game day party, the best answer is simple: good ol’ barbecue chips. No dip or side dish needed, these things pack enough flavor to hold their own in any game day smorgasbord. Jordan said these have an “unimaginable amount of BBQ flavor” and are “salty, sweet, smoky, and zesty—they truly tap every taste bud on your tongue.” Who needs a game day cookout when you could get your BBQ from this bag of chips?

Pepperoni Pizza (Crispy Crust) Hot Pocket

Yes, these are on here. Why? Because that SNL sketch is so funny and we don’t have a Totino’s ranking yet, but Hot Pockets have the same energy. And these aren’t just any Hot Pockets; these are the best, which makes them a viable game day party food idea. Jordan said that this flavor of Hot Pocket was, and I quote, “one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life.” Do you need any more evidence that these are fantastic? No, you don’t. Get these and your game day broskies (aka hungry guys) will thank you.

Parmesan Pastry Pups

What’s better than pigs in a blanket? Pigs in a parmesan-puff-pastry blanket, that’s what. If you are looking for what to bring to a game day party, look no further than this delightful little hot-dog-filled diddy from my soulmate Trader Joe. Sporked managing editor Gwynedd Stuart called these something “literally every omnivore wants to eat,” and said “the juicy mini hot dogs and buttery puff pastry combine to create a delicious, greasy slurry, and the parm on top gives them even more savory flavor.” Ugh, I’m salivating. Somebody plan a game day party so I can buy these please. I will start watching football if it means I get to eat these (I cannot justify just getting them for myself, but for football, anything).

What’s the best hot dip out there? It’s Spinach and artichoke dip, of course. And it totally works as a game day party food as well. Just heat this puppy up in a bowl, put out any kind of chip or cracker, and people will go ham. It’s like low-maintenance (and, honestly, tastier) fondue. This one is made with mozzarella, parmesan, and asiago (no shortage of cheese), plus chunks of artichoke, which Sporked contributor Danny Palumbo said “add some extra earthy tang, and really bring the whole thing together.” This stuff is incredibly rich and well-seasoned. Just try it. It’s sure to be a home run (see what I did there)?

Whole Foods 365 Roasted Garlic Hummus

Lastly, a hummus. A little healthiness, a lot of versatility. This stuff can go with anything from pita chips to chopped-up veggies to game day gyros. Start by getting this hummus, and from there it is a choose-your-own-game-day-party-food adventure. And this particular hummus SLAPS. Danny said the “roasted garlic has a deep garlicky flavor with none of the pungency of the raw stuff,” and he also noted that “it’s got a nice balance of sesame flavor and lemon to boot.” Truly the platonic ideal of hummus. If you must have hummus at your sport watching partay (and sometimes you must), this hummus is a great choice.