18 Essential Super Bowl Appetizers

Grilled Rockamole
Photo: Douglas Friedman

No matter which teams are playing or which artists appear at the halftime show, we'd argue that the biggest star of the Big Game is the appetizers. Every Super Bowl party is an opportunity to make a full meal out of little bites, and often the best varieties of bites out there: think pigs in a blanket, vegetable dips and crudité platters, and spicy, saucy chicken wings. Get inspired and set up the best Super Bowl appetizer spread ever.

01 of 18

Fried Cheese Curds with Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce

Cool Ranch Kale Dip
© CHRISTINA HOLMES

White Cheddar cheese curds are battered and deep-fried until they're golden brown for an irresistible appetizer or snack perfect for game days.

02 of 18

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Abby Hocking

Another classic at any big gathering, these poppable appetizers are fast to make and even easier to devour. Add in a drizzle of honey if you want a pop of sweetness with the bacon.

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Stuffed Jalapeños

Stuffed Jalapeños
Abby Hocking / Food & Wine

Cheesy, perfect with a cold beer, and vegetarian friendly, these jalapenos belong at all game day parties.

04 of 18

Rosemary and Sea Salt Popcorn

Rosemary and Sea Salt Popcorn
© Todd Porter & Diane Cu

A little fresh rosemary and sea salt make freshly popped popcorn the ultimate snack between drives (or commercials, depending on your priorities).

05 of 18

Grilled Rockamole

Grilled Rockamole
Douglas Friedman

Shake up your usual guac routine with grilled avocados. (You can also make it ahead and store it overnight).

06 of 18

Muffuletta Calzone

Muffuletta Calzone
Christina Holmes

Sure, a giant sub sandwich might hit the spot but why not upgrade to this toasty muffaletta calzone? Slice it into sections for the perfect finger food for a hungry crowd.

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Tropical Snack Mix

tiki snack mix
Greg DuPree

This irresistible mix of soy-and-honey-glazed peanuts, bacon, and chewy pineapple is a savory pleasure to munch on.

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Bayless's Queso Fundido al Tequila

Bayless's Queso Fundido al Tequila
© Frances Janisch

This simple, 20-minute dip of melted cheese flavored with tomatoes, chiles, onion, and a hit of tequila will delight any dip fanatics at the party.

09 of 18

Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole
© Abby Hocking

The secret to this casserole is the layer of creamed spinach in the middle. We don’t know of anyone who would turn down a Tater Tot.

10 of 18

Buttermilk Cornbread

buttermilk cornbread
Victor Protasio

Easy to snack on and perfect for add-ins like herbs, cheese or even meat, this classic cornbread is a perfect addition to a big appetizer smorgasbord.

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Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs

José Mandojana

These silky deviled eggs are enriched with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dill. This is an ideal recipe for snacking or your next gathering.

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Spring Onion and Salami Sheet-Pan Pizza

Spring Onion and Salami Sheet Pan Pizza
Greg DuPree

Another crowd-pleaser, pizza is easy to section into bite-sized sticks or square slices for easy access.

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Jalapeño Chicken Wings

Jalapeño Chicken Wings
© Todd Porter & Diane Cu

Spicy and habit-forming, these chicken wings have an extra kick, thanks to pickled jalapeños and a healthy dose of hot sauce.

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Philly Cheesesteak Queso

Philly Cheesesteak Queso
Abby Hocking

F&W’s Justin Chapple combines combines provolone and white American cheeses to form a gooey base for sautéed peppers, onions, and thinly sliced rib-eye steak. Justin recommends serving this dip with toasted slices of hoagie rolls.

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German Soft Pretzel Sticks

German Soft Pretzel Sticks
© Lucy Schaeffer

Eat these slightly sweet, chewy, dark pretzel sticks plain, with mustard, or as chef Grant Achatz suggests: ranch dressing.

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Crisp and Lacy Onion Rings

Crisp and Lacy Onion Rings
© John Kernick

These are some of the laciest, crunchiest onion rings you’ll ever taste, and the batter is equally good on all kinds of fried foods.

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Chicken Wings with Angry Sauce

Chicken Wings with Angry Sauce
© Con Poulos

This Korean-inspired recipe is fiery and a little bit sweet. Co-owner Lisa Shin of Wing Wings in San Francisco also uses the versatile sauce as a marinade for pork and as a dip for cucumber spears.

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Hogs in a Blanket

Hogs in a Blanket
© Chris Court

This fun take on pigs in a blanket swaps spicy andouille sausage for the hot dogs, with sweet mustard chutney as a condiment.

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