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19 Easy and Delicious Appetizers That Score at Every Tailgate

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Die-hard fan or sideline viewer, there’s something about football season that brings us all together: the appetizers. So whether you’re making and taking or dishing it out in your backyard, here are 19 recipes that any tailgater (rooting for your team or against) will thoroughly enjoy. So unlike the game, it’s a win-win.

The Best Appetizer Recipes In the Whole Entire Universe


hummus
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Spicy Avocado Hummus

This includes two of Texans' favorite things: avocados and jalapeños. Pair with veggies, pita chips or pita bread.

lasagna
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

No-bake Dessert Lasagna

This had us at no-bake, but layers and layers of chocolate goodness aren’t bad either.


beercocktail
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Beer Cocktails

No keg stands here. Think more along the lines of beergronis and beergaritas.

Spinach Artichoke Squares

It all starts with store-bought puff pastry dough.


wings
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Roasted Buffalo Chicken Wings

Instead of bringing home Buffalo Wild Wings, wow everyone with this easy recipe.

muffin
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Pizza Muffins

Do you like pizza? Do you like muffins? Of course you do. And better yet, these babies are way less greasy than a large slice—so your couch will thank you.


cuban
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Cuban Sliders

Elevate your cold-cut sammy game with these ooey-gooey sandwiches that are super easy to make for a large group.

cupcakes
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Samoa Cupcakes

Who says Girl Scout Cookie season can’t last all year? These cupcakes are a spin-off of the cult favorite that is chocolate, caramel and coconut perfection.


nachos
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Skillet Nacho Dip

This dynamite dip will get demolished within seconds. Just remember to take your skillet home.

Spicy Glazed Popcorn Chicken

You know what? We're not even going to bring this one. We'll just keep the whole tray to ourselves.

bloomingonion
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Baby Bloomin' Onions

Our favorite steakhouse appetizer turned into a tailgate treat. Don’t forget the dipping sauce.

Eggplant Parm Bites

These aren’t tough to make, but just drop the word eggplant and most people will assume you can also turn water into wine.

No-bake Chocolate Peanut-butter Pretzel Bars

Salty, sweet, crunchy and no oven required. Was making this ever really a question or was it just a matter of when? Pair it with a boozy milk drink to wow the crowd.

Breakfast Sliders

Perfect for getting you through until your halftime popcorn run on 11 a.m. kickoff days.

RELATED: How to Transform Your Favorite Dinner Foods Into Perfectly Acceptable Breakfasts

Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Helllooo, spicy yogurt dipping sauce.


Grilled Watermelon And Feta Skewers

Fight fall by inviting some of summer’s best ingredients to make an appearance at your party. And damn, when it's 90 degrees through September, there are no rules.

Seven-layer Dip

Another tailgate classic. And because it's green chile season, make sure yours are fresh (yes, you can totally taste the difference).

krispies
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Salted Caramel & Chocolate Rice Krispies Squares

This sophisticated take on the Rice Krispies treat will have adults hiding them from the kids at the party.

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diana oates

Dallas Editor

Diana Oates is a freelance writer living in Dallas with her husband and three kids. When she’s not telling you about the best new restaurant in town or the hottest hotel to escape...