Make Ahead Game Day Recipes to Feed a Crowd

When you’re hosting a Game Day Party, the last thing you want to be worrying about is running around making the food. You can cheer on your time and enjoy time with friends without needing to be in the kitchen when you have these snacks and appies made ahead.

Get ready for game day with these delicious make ahead recipes that are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. From savory appetizers to hearty main dishes, these crowd-pleasing recipes are sure to be a hit at your next sports gathering.

nachos, a creamy dip, sliders topped with poppyseeds, and meatballs

Hosting a Super Bowl party, hockey watch party, cheering on your favorite team, or just having friends over for a games night is so much easier when you have these delicious dishes in your freezer.

Watch as we show you exactly how to make many of these recipes at once and get them in your freezer to make your game watch gathering amazing.

YouTube video

All of these can be made as freezer meals and then served cold or cooked up to set out for your guests.

Crispy Chicken Wings

chicken wings next to Ranch dip and carrot sticks on a plate

Crispy Chicken Wings are pretty much a Game Day staple. The great thing about this recipe is that they can be made ahead and cooked up before your guests arrive.

Shredded Beef Nachos

tortilla chips covered in melted cheese, diced tomatoes, diced green onions, and shredded beef

Nachos are the ultimate in Game Day fare. These Shredded Beef Nachos are hearty, tasty, and sure to feed a crowd. You can cook this up on a baking sheet for everyone to share or set up a Build Your Own Nacho Bar. That way, each person can add their favorite toppings.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

buns topped with melted butter and poppy seeds

Pop these make ahead Ham and Cheese Sliders in the oven just before your guests arrive. They’ll bake up and be hot with the cheese all good and melty by the time your team scores their first points.

Meatball Subs

toasted baguettes topped with meatballs in red sauce and melted mozzarella cheese

Meatball Subs are a great party food. Serve these with a bowl of chips and some veggies and dip and you’ll be providing a complete meal.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip

cheesy dip in a casserole dish next to raw celery sticks and raw carrots

Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip can be served with crackers, tortilla chips, or raw vegetables. It’s creamy, rich, and tasty. This dip is a great make ahead Game Day recipe.

Honey Sriracha Meatballs

meatballs with toothpicks in them on a plate

Just the right flavor combination of sweet and spicy is what makes these Honey Sriracha Meatballs a great party food.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

hot dip in a bowl and on a plate next to some blue corn tortilla chips

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a party classic. This recipe is the best version I’ve ever tried both because of the crunch of the water chestnuts and because it can be made ahead and frozen. That part means that I can pull it out whenever the craving hits!

Another nice thing about this recipe is that you can throw it in the slow cooker, making it even easier to serve.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

quesadillas cut in triangles next to a bowl of sour cream

If you’ve got the ingredients to make your Buffalo Chicken Dip, take a few extra minutes and make these Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas. Then, pull as many as you need out of the freezer and cook up in a skillet, on a sheet pan, or in the Air Fryer.

Steak Bites

cubes of cooked steak next to potato wedges

These Steak Bites are the perfect melt-in-your-mouth morsel that can cook up in the Air Fryer or skillet. Set out sauces for dipping or serve with french fries.

Pizza Buns

buns topped with melted cheese, diced green peppers, and pepperoni

A major hit with kids, these Pizza Buns cook up quickly in the oven and can be a complete meal. Change up the toppings if you want to include your usual pizza topping choices.

Pizza Sliders

buns topped with seasonings and sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Keep the pizza train going! These handheld sandwiches will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The best part of these Pizza Sliders is the sprinkling of Italian seasoning and Parmesan on top.

Jalapeno Poppers

stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon on a baking sheet

A tasty mouthful sure to make fans happy is these freezer friendly Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. They’re always one of the first things to go at my gatherings.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings

chicken wings on a plate next to french fries

You’ll want to set some napkins out with these freezer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings because they’re sticky good.

Texas Style Ribs

Since you’ve got the napkins out for the wings anyway, you might as well serve up some Texas Style Ribs! To make this a full meal, serve with potato skins and salad.

Turkey Sliders

buns with slices of turkey and cheese next to potato chips

While these Turkey Sliders can be a snack food, they filling enough to be lunch. Especially when served with some easy store-bought items like potato chips, chocolate, and candy for people to munch on.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

creamy spinach dip in a bowl with tortilla chips

Great for pita chips, pretzels, or bread cubes, this make ahead Spinach Artichoke Dip is easy to heat up.

Chili

chili being lifted out of a bowl with a spoon

What would a Game Day event be without chili?! Whether it’s tailgate food, something you throw in a thermos to take to a football game, or serving a steaming pot to a crowd, you need this Chili recipe.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Ooey-gooey and cheesy, these Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas can be served as an appetizer but they are filling enough to be served as a meal. Set out guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for a complete experience.