Game Day Favorites: 10 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Sports Fans

Chili dogs are always a favorite for sports fans. Nothing quite says “game day” like a juicy hot dog topped with spicy chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and onions. The key to a great chili dog is using a high-quality beef hot dog and homemade chili. Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to blend and intensify. The longer it simmers the better! Serve the chili dogs in toasted buns and you’ll have a classic crowd-pleaser.

Buffalo chicken wings are ideal for a big game day crowd. To make extra crispy wings, pat the wings dry, toss with cornstarch or flour, and bake at a high temperature, around 450 F, for about 50-60 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked through. For the sauce, melt butter, add hot sauce, and whisk in brown sugar, garlic, and chili powder. Toss the baked wings in the sauce to coat and serve with a creamy blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Quesadillas are always a good option for feeding a hungry sports crowd. Fill flour tortillas with cheese, beans, salsa and your favorite fillings, then cook in a hot skillet with some oil until the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa and jalapeños. For heartier quesadillas, add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or sautéed vegetables.

Sliders, or mini hamburgers, are always a hit on game day. Use your favorite burger recipe and form the meat into small patties. Cook the sliders in a skillet or on a griddle and serve them on small buns with your favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, pickles and cheese. Sliders are easy to eat with your hands and perfect for a casual sports get-together.

Nachos are a classic sports snack that always satisfies a crowd. Layer tortilla chips with beans, salsa, cheese, jalapeños, olives, and any other toppings you like. Melt the cheese under the broiler or in the oven until bubbly, then top with sour cream, guacamole, cilantro and sliced scallions. For a heartier option, add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken or sausage. Serve the nachos immediately while the cheese is hot.

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