Kick Off Football Season with Game Day Treats & Winning Dips

Football is back, and whether you’re cheering for your hometown heroes or just tuning in for the snacks and camaraderie, one thing is certain: game day is snack day. This is the perfect excuse to throw on your favorite jersey, invite some friends over, and bring the heat (and cheese) to your table. We’ve got everything from spicy bites to cool dips — and yes, even some dairy-free options — to help make your football feast a touchdown.

Game Day MVPs: Must-Try Treats

Why settle for chips and salsa when you can go all out with these fan-favorite recipes? Each one is a flavor bomb just waiting to be devoured during commercial breaks (or let’s be honest — mid-play).

Bacon Wrapped Tots with Chipotle Ranch

Crispy, salty, smoky, and dipped in creamy chipotle ranch — these are the bites your guests will fight over. Just be sure to make extra.

Sour Cream and Corn Dip

Warm, cheesy, and slightly sweet from the corn, this dip pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks.

Grilled Cheeseburger Pizza

Part burger, part pizza, all delicious. Topped with pickles, beef, and gooey cheese — this mash-up is made for halftime glory.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Bring the heat with mozzarella sticks tossed in Nashville-style hot seasoning. Warning: they’re addictive.

Empanadas with Grilled Salsa

These handheld bites are stuffed with savory goodness and pair perfectly with a smoky grilled salsa that screams game day.

Pillsbury Taco Crescent Ring

This clever ring of taco-seasoned beef and crescent dough is a showstopper. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.

Parmesan Garlic Pizza Rolls

Think garlic bread meets pizza roll. Drenched in buttery parmesan and ready to disappear faster than a missed field goal.

Mini Cheeseburger Phyllo Bites

Crispy phyllo shells filled with cheeseburger filling — perfect two-bite wonders for grazing fans.

Dip Game Strong: Crowd-Pleasing Dips & Spreads

A good dip can make or break your snack spread. Here’s a roundup of our favorite store-bought dips, spreadable cheeses, and creative alternatives:

• Heluva Good!: This brand offers a wide range of creamy, bold flavors that make chips, pretzels, and veggie dippers even better.
• Cabot Creamery: From Salsa Grande Dip to French Onion, Cabot delivers robust flavors. Don’t sleep on their spreadable cheeses and flavored cream cheeses — they’re a cracker’s best friend.
• Daisy Brand: Known for classic French Onion and Creamy Ranch dips — these staples are perfect for both traditionalists and picky eaters.
• Tillamook: Try their Chive & Onion Cream Cheese on crackers, bagel chips, or even as a topping for those mini phyllo bites.
• Hood: For something different, their cottage cheese with chive is a protein-packed option. And if you’re leaning sweet, Hood’s fruit-flavored cottage cheese offers a unique twist to your spread.

Dairy-Free? Try these dairy free dip options!

No one should miss out on the fun. These dairy-free alternatives are full of flavor and perfect for all kinds of eaters:

• Oatly: Their oatmilk-based spreads are creamy, delicious, and pair great with breadsticks or crackers.
• DIY Dips: Use dairy-free sour cream or yogurt (think almond, coconut, or soy-based) to whip up your own ranch or onion dip at home.

Read our Registered Dietitian blog about dairy alternatives for more inspiration.

Ready, Set, Snack!

The first week of football is more than just a kickoff — it’s the start of a delicious season of eating, drinks, and friendly rivalries. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or prepping for a cozy watch party, these treats and dips are sure to be a win.

Let the games — and the snacking — begin.