25 Meat-Tastic Things to Serve on Game Day

I cant really explain it, but whenever I sit down to watch football, I get a sudden craving for foods teeming with meat. Is that a studly, handsome quarterback with bulging arm muscles dashing this way and that? Pass the hot wings. Did those players just fall on top of each other and tussle around on the field? Or was it something more? Cocktail wiener, stat!!!

Why Im suddenly filled with a lust for flesh any time I see shoulder pads is a mystery to me, but lets just say that I dont go into game day without something meaty on the table. Knowing that and if youre anything like me, here are 25 game day recipes that will satisfy everyones inner carnivore from kickoff to halftime and on through to the after-show.

Related Reading: The Best Game Day Grub to Order Online

1. Bison Chili Cheese Dogs

Self-serve and customizable, these dogs are the perfect noshes for a casual get-together. Is there a Bison team? If not, sub whatever animal mascot represents the team you oppose. Get our Bison Chili Cheese Dogs recipe.

Related Reading: How to Cook Hot Dogs in a Crock-Pot

2. Beer-Braised Bratwursts with Onion

If its February, chances are that the weather outside is too cold for throwing some bangers on the grill. You can still get your sausage fix, however, by braising some brats in beer and infusing them with the aromas of hops and malt. Get our Beer-Braised Bratwursts with Onion recipe.

3. Mini Beer-and-Sausage Corn Dogs

There are those among us who are more into game day eats than the actual game. These corn dogs bites are the perfect Sunday cooking project to keep you busy in the kitchen instead of feigning interest in front of the TV. Get our Mini Beer-and-Sausage Corn Dogs recipe.

4. Spicy Chicken and Chile Taco Dip

The problem with nachos is that its impossible to get an even distribution of toppings while also having them all stay put on your chip as it travels from the plate to your mouth. This recipe solves that problem by adhering everything with a layer of cheese, because a dip that cheeses together stays together. Get our Spicy Chicken and Chile Taco Dip recipe.

5. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Do you feel like there just arent enough buffalo-flavored things in your life (or dip versions of your favorite football foods)? Well, weve got a recipe for you: this spicy, cheesy, chicken-laced dip makes it possible to get your fix by the shovel-full, so grab some chips and start scooping. Get our Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

6. Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Sure, you could order a pizza and call it a day, but my guess is that if youre reading this list, youre not having just any old, run-of-the-mill game day party. Flip the script by turning that pizza into a dip, one that gushes with melted cheese and pepperoni in every oozing bite. Get our Pepperoni Pizza Dip recipe.

7. Bacon and Tomato Guacamole

It wouldnt be a real meat lovers game day party unless you find a way to sneak meat into everything. Including the guac. Oh, and while youre at it, why not the crudit plate and dessert too? Get our Bacon and Tomato Guacamole recipe.

8. Easy Buffalo Wings

A game day feast without buffalo wings would be like a summer day without sunshine, a song without a melody, or, well, you get the point. Make sure to stock up on celery and blue cheese too while youre at the market. Get our Easy Buffalo Wings recipe.

9. Maple-Mustard Wings

Not a fan of buffalo? Okay, well forgive you, maybe. But youve still got to put some wings on the menu to make things complete: these sweet n sour ones with a dash of soy sauce will step up to the plate. Get our Maple-Mustard Wings recipe.

Related Reading: 12 Touchdown-Worthy Wing Recipes

10. Chicken Pot Pie Bites

Face it: With so many appetizers to chow down on, youre not going to be having a real dinner tonight. You know, with like vegetables and stuff. But you can at least make a nod to supper with these pot pie bites that shrink the classic entree down to handheld size. Get our Chicken Pot Pie Bites recipe.

11. Bacon and Cheddar Jalapeo Poppers

These fiery, bite-size bombs of glory are the perfect use for your smokiest bacon. But save a few poppers in the kitchen because theyre sure to disappear like air in a Patriot pigskin. Get our Bacon and Cheddar Jalapeo Poppers recipe.

Related Reading: 13 Jalapeo Popper Recipes to Spice Things Up

12. Beef Pierogies

Pierogies may seem like a left field choice for a game day appetizer, but think about it: Theyre fried, theyre beefy, and they go great with sour cream. Sounds like a classic nosh to me. Get our Beef Pierogies recipe.

13. Prosciutto-Wrapped Macaroni and Cheese Cups

Prosciutto isnt just for fancy antipasti plates. It can get down and dirty too with comfort food classics like mac n cheese. Get our Prosciutto-Wrapped Macaroni and Cheese Cups recipe.

14. Elk Meatballs with Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Theres not a foul ball in the bunch with these meaty bites. If you dont have any ground elk meat in your icebox (although really, why wouldnt you?), you can feel free to swap in lean beef. Get our Elk Meatballs with Bourbon Barbecue Sauce recipe.

15. Beer-Braised Pulled Pork Sliders

Make a big hunk of pulled pork and it will be the gift that keeps on giving. You can use it to stuff these saucy little sliders, or put it on top of the nachos that are further down this list. Get our Beer-Braised Pulled Pork Sliders recipe.

16. Roast Beef and Caramelized Onion Sliders

Its a known fact that foods are more fun when you shrink them down to miniature size. These roast beef sliders are full proof, packing tons of beefy and sweet onion flavor into each bite. Get our Roast Beef and Caramelized Onion Sliders recipe.

17. Pulled Pork Nachos

I suppose you could make nachos with only salsa and cheese, but would it be this meltingly sultry and satisfying? I think not. Get our Pulled Pork Nachos recipe.

18. Grilled Steak Quesadillas

Because its never enough to just sear a steak. Youve also got to surround it with cheese, fold it into a flour tortilla, and eat it with the spiciest sauce that you can handle. Get our Grilled Steak Quesadillas recipe.

19. Easy Slow Cooker Chili

You can dig into this beefy chili straight with a spoon or slather it over hot dogs and nachos. Either way, youll want to have some melty cheese and sour cream on hand to top it off. Get our Easy Slow Cooker Chili recipe.

20. Philly Cheesesteak Potato Skins

You could try to get all elaborate and fill these with provolone or, heaven forbid, Swiss cheese, but really its all about the Wiz. Get our Philly Cheesesteak Potato Skins recipe.

21. Reuben Potato Skins

Anything a sandwich can do, a potato can do too (and sometimes better). Set these out for your gluten-free friends. Get our Reuben Potato Skins recipe.

Related Reading: How to Make Potato Skins Perfectly Crispy

22. Patty Melts

Thinly sliced beef with oozing cheese on buttered toast is incredibly delicious, but this is a recipe for a small gathering. Make these sandwiches in small batches for only your favorite people, because no one wants a lukewarm melt thats been hanging out. Get our Patty Melts recipe.

23. Chicken-Fried Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Peppers

Yeah, thats right: chicken-fried chicken. Youll want plenty of piquant pickled cubanelle peppers to balance out all of the meats greasy, crispy deliciousness. Get our Chicken-Fried Chicken.

24. Juicy Lucy Burgers

Bun, meat, meat, meat, cheese, meat, meat, meat. This is the laymans definition of a touchdown. Get our Juicy Lucy Burgers recipe.

25. Smoked Barbecue Ribs

Ribs are natures version of meat on a stick. Either eat them with your hands or go back to watching croquet or whatever genteel sport it is that youre into. Get our Smoked Barbecue Ribs recipe.

Get more game day recipes and clever party tips and tricks at our big game headquarters.

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