What makes the perfect game day or game night? Besides your favorite board game or card game or football game on TV? It’s the snacks, of course. Some easy, healthy, flavorful game day and game night snacks are the difference between an ordinary, forgettable night and a memorable, habit-forming experience.
We have our fair collection of board games that we have accumulated over the years, but we never made a consistent habit of game nights until one night a few years ago, I put together a game night special of a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, veggies, dips, meats etc. You know, the whole enchilada. In fact, I also made beef enchilada.
The game night lasted over six hours, the food lasted a few more days, and the memories still linger. Of course, we don’t go all out with a smorgasbord of food every game night. That would be wildly amazing, but also not very practical. But we do make one or two of the following collection of game night snacks and appetizers for a once-a-week game night, and it’s ridiculously fun!
So whether it’s the Super Bowl or a Snack Bowl, or a championship or your showmanship on the line, you will LOVE these fun, delicious, unique game night snacks, recipes, and ideas!
1. Jalapeno bacon bites (Fried cheese balls)
Jalapeno popper bites
Far as we are concerned, no game day or game night is complete without extra cheesy, extra creamy, extra flavorful jalapeno bacon bites (fried cheese balls)! Gooey, melty cheese inside a crispy shell, and packed with bacon, jalapeno, and hot sauce… No need to roll the dice with these, they are a guaranteed W!
2. Chicken puffs (Chicken bouchees)
3. Fish empanadas
Curried fish empanada
These Sri Lankan fish patties (fish empanada) are legendary in Sri Lanka! A slightly spicy, savory, scrumptious filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust these are quintessential game day and game night snacks!Instead of fish, you can use your choice of protein for the filling or make it vegetarian too. They are easy to make and freeze well for later as well.
4. Sweet and spicy pigs in a blanket
Pigs in a blanket
I usually skip these little piggies at dinner parties and potlucks because they are almost always too bland, and the blanket is there only to cover their shame. But not this recipe! These sausages are fried in a sweet and spicy sauce, and then wrapped in crescent roll dough, and served with a creamy, spicy, tangy habanero cheese dip! Plus, I make these bite-sized so they are perfect for game day and game night! Kind of like bite-sized hot dogs, but so much better!
5. Cocktail meatballs
Cocktail meatballs
Tender, juicy, flavorful, from scratch cocktail meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork meat, then covered in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce made with honey, orange juice and sriracha! Quick and easy to make, always a crowd-favorite, and they disappear in a flash!
6. Indonesian beef meatballs
Nasi goreng spiced beef meatballs
Make ahead friendly game night snacks, with an Asian flavor twist!Nasi goreng is the Indonesian version of Chinese fried rice, with an explosion of spicy, sweet, salty, umami flavors from ketjap manis (Indonesian soy sauce), sambal oelek (a spicy Asian chili sauce), cayenne pepper, fish sauce etc. These nasi goreng flavored beef meatballs can be pan fried, or oven baked, or even grilled, PLUS they can be served cold too! So you can have them teed up and ready to go on game night.
7. Mini chicken taquitos
Chicken taquitos
A creamy, juicy, tangy chicken and cheese filling wrapped in mini street taco tortillas and then fried to perfection! Served with a little sprinkling of cotija cheese on top.These crispy mini chicken taquitos are SO GOOD! And maybe pair it with a Mexican horchata (or vegan horchata for a dairy-free alternative) for a creamy, refreshing drink!
8. Savory cheese cookies
Thyme and cheddar cheese cookies
Uniquely delicious savory cookies that are cheesy and buttery with a little kick of spice! These are flavored with thyme (dried or fresh), black pepper, and white cheddar cheese.And you can easily make these ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer. Plus, by simply adjusting the baking time you can make these cheese cookies either cheesy and soft OR crumbly and delightfully crisp!
9. Baked fish croquettes
Fish croquettes
A baked alternative to classic, deep fried Sri Lankan fish cutlets (fish croquettes). These are filled with a spicy fish filling and coated with a deliciously crispy, crunchy, golden breadcrumb coating! Baked croquettes are almost never evenly crispy and crunchy like deep-fried croquettes are. BUT, I came up with a nifty, foolproof way to make sure these baked ones are ALWAYS just as crispy and evenly browned as their deep-fried counterpart!
10. Fried jackfruit croquettes
Jackfruit croquettes (vegan)
A one-of-a-kind, delicious, vegan alternative to the baked fish croquettes above. If you’ve never had jackfruit before, here’s all you need to know about it – it’s one of the most (perhaps even THE most) versatile vegetables (or fruits – when it’s ripe) on the planet!Jackfruit has a deliciously meaty texture (that’s why it works so well in a jackfruit curry), and they make fantastic deep-fried croquettes. I use canned jackfruit here, but fresh jackfruit also works, if you have access to it. These are a great option for some healthy snacks.
11. Focaccia
Focaccia bread
This focaccia is the stuff of legends. A perfect high hydration focaccia bread that is drenched in flavor, with big bubbles on top, large air pockets inside, and irresistibly crispy throughout! Italian focaccia is a type of “flat bread” that works beautifully as a quick bread snack, and this focaccia is flavored with infused olive oil and herbs for an unforgettable game day and game night snack! This is one of our favorite starter recipes for potlucks and parties, and the crowd ALWAYS goes wild!
12. Scallion pancakes
Chinese scallion pancakes
Incredibly flaky, crispy, light, and layered, these savory laminated pancakes are quite possibly my favorite flatbread ever! These taste like an elevated roti canai, because of that amazing umami taste from sesame, five spice, and scallions. Serve with a traditional dipping sauce, and you’ll discover your new favorite game night snack!
13. Rainbow sandwiches
Rainbow sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan-friendly)
Also known as ribbon sandwiches, tea sandwiches, club sandwiches, multi-decker sandwiches etc., this colorful sandwich goes by different aliases because it’s always on the Most Wanted Game Night Snacks list!And these healthy veggie sandwiches are a classic Sri Lankan appetizer too. The buttery, flavorful, naturally-colored vegetable fillings are a kid-favorite too!
14. Curried beef roti
Sri Lankan beef roti
Curried ground beef with peas and potatoes, wrapped in a delicious roti and cooked on a griddle or nonstick pan until golden brown and crispy! These spiced curried beef roti are a popular Sri Lankan snack and street food that are perfect for game day and game night! The roti here is a variation of godhamba roti (similar to Malaysian roti canai or Indian paratha roti).You can easily substitute the beef filling with another protein (including fish), eggs, or keep it vegetarian with extra potatoes.
15. Curried beef buns
Sri Lankan curried beef buns
Pillowy soft, delicious bread buns and a flavor-packed, spicy, satisfying, curried beef filling, with the perfect meat filling to bread ratio!You can also add potatoes to the filling if you like, but I prefer just the spicy beef curry filling. The bread buns are made with my popular hot dog buns recipe. The dry curry filling can be made with beef, chicken, pork, lamb or even goat meat. The curry filling packs a good deal of heat thanks to the generous amount of black pepper, but feel free to adjust it to your taste!
16. Grilled cheese sandwich with curried beef
Curried beef grilled cheese sandwich
This version of grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort food times two! The great thing about a spicy, flavorful curry is that it can be mashed up with other flavors with incredible results! So a hearty beef curry paired with gooey, melted cheese is a no-brainer! Even better, this works so well with leftover curry. I often make this grilled cheese with leftover chicken curry, spicy dry beef curry, and the peppery dry beef curry preparation I use for the curried beef buns above.
17. Salt and pepper shrimp
Szechuan salt and pepper shrimp
These Asian salt and pepper shrimp are spicy, zesty, crispy and crunchy on the outside, and soft and juicy on the inside! They are packed with flavor, and a little kick from the szechuan pepper salt mix and crushed chili flakes! These are made with large head-on shrimp, but the recipe is versatile. Follow my tips to make the best salt and pepper shrimp for a one-of-a-kind game night snack!
18. Popcorn chicken
Spicy cumin popcorn chicken
Bite-sized, crispy, fried chicken bites are usually very high on anyone’s list of perfect game night snacks! And when they are so easy to make, why even hesitate? Deliciously marinated crispy popcorn chicken bites, tossed with spicy cumin salt and toasted peanuts! The recipe is very versatile, and you can use chicken breast or chicken thighs to make this dish.
19. Baked mushroom fries
Baked portobello mushroom fries (vegan)
Crispy on the outside and deliciously meaty on the inside, coated with a spiced “egg wash” and a spiced cilantro salt, and then served with a vegan aioli dip made with roasted eggplants – an absolute home run!I have made these vegan portobello mushroom fries both baked and fried. So you always have the option of frying them too. They are just as crunchy and crispy baked as well, so either is fine. And that vegan aioli is like a creamy baba ganoush and is SO SO GOOD!A great way to turn your portobello mushrooms into an irresistible snack!
Puff pastry snacks
Puff pastry appetizers are just meant for entertaining. Parties, potlucks, game day, board game night… whip up a quick puff pastry snack, and you’re guaranteed to hit it out of the park!
While homemade rough puff pastry is infinitely better than store-bought, and I personally always make my own, it is an extra step and you don’t necessarily have to go that route. You can use store-bought puff pastry sheets, and it’ll still be a slam dunk! Super flaky, buttery, delicious puff pastry snacks.
20. Easy sausage rolls
Easy sausage rolls
Puff pastry sheets, sausages, and a sweet or savory jam are all you need to make these super easy homemade sausage rolls! They freeze very well, and they are so versatile because you can easily switch up the flavor with the sausage mixture and the jam or jelly spread. How awesome is that!?For a VIP version of these sausage rolls, check out this pork sausage rolls recipe with caramelized apple and fennel! Slightly sweet, slightly spicy, very well seasoned, and ridiculously delicious!
21. Mini cheesy chicken pies
Cheesy chicken hand pies
Cheesy chicken pie filling made with sour cream, cheese, leeks and herbs, all encased in a buttery, flaky homemade puff pastry! While homemade rough puff pastry is my ace in the hole, you can easily make these with store-bought puff pastry sheets too. So easy to make, you can shape the pies any way you want, you can store them for later, and switch up the filling and even make mini chicken pot pies if you like! Absolutely scrumptious game day appetizers and game night snacks!
22. Savory palmiers
Savory palmiers with berry and cheese
Classic French pastries are one of my favorite things to make, and these palmiers are no different. A savory curveball on a classic French recipe, these are so easy to make! Puff pastry, cheese, and a fruit spread are all you need to make these! Crispy, crunchy, spicy, salty, and sweet, and you can easily switch up the flavor by changing the cheese and fruit spread!
23. Vegetarian curry puffs
Easy vegetarian curry puffs
These are an easy version of Indian samosas that you can make with store-bought puff pastry! Flaky, buttery, and filled with a lightly spiced vegetarian filling of potatoes and peas. But they are super versatile, so you could just as easily make these with a meat filling of fish, chicken, beef etc.And there’s no frying involved, so you can bake them all at once. Freezer-friendly too.
24. Mini French onion pies
Mini cheesy French onion pies
All the cozy comfort and flavor of French onion soup inside buttery, flaky pockets of puff pastry!The filling has all the classic flavor of French onion soup, using yellow onions or vidalia onions, along with fresh thyme, garlic, red wine and beef stock, and loaded with provolone and Monterrey Jack cheese!The result is these cheesy, sweet onion and umami flavor packed, easy to make, freezer-friendly and make ahead friendly puff pastry hand pies!
Dips and spreads
A great dip or spread is the alley-oop to a slam dunk game night snack. Sometimes the snacks are only as good as the dip. Sometimes they play second fiddle, sometimes they take over game night.
We get serious about sauces and codiments for game day and game night. Besides, that veggie platter won’t be nearly as appetizing without a zingy dip to go with it!
25. Spicy sweet chili sauce
Spicy sweet chili sauce
This sauce is the G.O.A.T. Really, it’s that simple. A first ballot, hall-of-fame dipping sauce. A thick, sweet, spicy, umami dip, that’s easy to make, easy to adapt, comes together in 10 minutes, and the perfect condiment for just about any appetizer or snack. Easy to store, great for canning too. Make this sauce and you’re the real MVP.
26. Yogurt curry dip
Green curry yogurt dip
Super easy, versatile yogurt curry dip with tons of concentrated flavor! And you only need 3 essential ingredients to make it. Thai green curry is one of my top 5 comfort foods, and I can’t imagine a better dip for chicken wings, veggie platter, pita chips, potato chips etc.
27. Smoked salmon dip
Smoked salmon dip with sumac
Typically, smoked salmon dips are made by throwing everything into a processor and mushing everything up until you end up with a light pink, salmon flavored dip. While that’s par for the course, I prefer to go for a birdie, at minimum. That’s why the ingredients are chopped with a knife here so that you get a creamy dip where you can taste bits of smoked salmon! Sumac adds a lovely citrusy / tangy flavor profile. And the whole thing takes all of 10 minutes to put together! Serve with some chips, carrot sticks / baby carrots, or a veggie tray.
28. Mango chutney
Sweet and spicy mango chutney
A significant part of my childhood in Sri Lanka was spent eating a lot of mango chutney. And mango relish. And mango pickle. Just a lot of mangoes, in general. This sweet and spicy mango chutney is such a fruity, refreshing condiment, and pairs so well with grilled meats, chips, crackers, sandwiches etc. And for a slightly different flavor profile, you could even make this spicy jalapeno mango relish (or strawberry relish, if you can’t find mangoes).
Desserts
Like many things in life, it’s always best to have a balanced hand, even with your game night snacks. And that means a jalapeno popper bite in one hand and an indulgent brownie or a cookie in the other.
While I do have an extensive collection of delicious desserts on the blog, here are a few of my go-to sweet snacks on game day and game night. Just in case you’re craving something a little more indulgent than a platter of fresh fruit.
29. Fudgy chocolate brownies
Fudgy cocoa brownies
This popular, tried and true recipe uses cocoa powder (instead of melted chocolate) to make double fudge cocoa brownies that are slightly chewy and fudgy at the edges of the pan, while being super fudgy in the middle! When the chips are down, nothing hits the spot quite like these double fudge chocolate brownies – fudgy, super chocolatey, and bittersweet!
30. Chocolate chip cookies
Classic chocolate chip cookies
A time-tested, much-loved classic that you just can’t go wrong with! Everyone has their own version of their favorite chocolate chip cookie. With this recipe, I show you HOW TO tweak each ingredient to get the best flavor / texture profile that you love with your CCCs! Plus, I use brown butter to make these. Everybody wins! Wouldn’t that be the best type of game you’ve ever played? And for different variations, you could also make double chocolate chip cookies or s’mores chocolate chip cookies!
31. Dessert nachos
Dessert nachos with salted caramel apple dip
Decadent is one way to describe these. These are cinnamon sugar and butter toasted tortilla chips paired with a salted caramel apple dip, and they taste like delicious churros and caramel apple pie filling bites!Sweet, salty, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible!
32. Cream puffs
Cream puffs
I’ve been making choux pastry a few times a month, for over three decades now. If you do the math, that’s well over a 1000 times by now. That’s why I shared this detailed guide on how to make choux pastry, because it’s such an easy and fun pastry to perfect!These cream puffs are light choux pastry puffs, filled with light chantilly cream, and they are such a delightful bite-sized sweet treat that will really up the ante on your game night entertainment! For different flavor variations, you could also make chocolate cream puffs and strawberry cream puffs.
33. Chouquettes (French sugar puffs)
Classic chouquettes
Didn’t I say I LOVE making classic French pastries and desserts? Choux pastry truly is the workhorse for many amazing French desserts.And these chouquettes are little morsels of delight too! Light, airy choux pastry shells with custard-like insides, and a sweet, crunchy pearl sugar topping on the outside. Elegantly simple and endlessly delicious.
34. Buckeyes (peanut butter balls)
Easy buckeye candy
The one-two punch of chocolate and peanut butter is always a recipe for success! These peanut butter balls are easy, no bake, and a fun treat for kids and adults alike. These are essentially a ball of peanut butter fudge that’s partially dipped in chocolate. You could even use almond butter instead. They come together quickly, and can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks, and freezer for much longer.
Drinks
We don’t always make a drink to keep the snacks company, but if you really want to bring it home and hydrate your spirits with something a little more interesting than H2O, then dare I suggest a spicy margarita?
35. Spicy margarita
Spicy margarita (with jalapenos)
My drink of choice. Sweet, salty, and sour flavors of a margarita paired with the vegetal, earthy, and spicy flavor of jalapeno… what’s not to love about a refreshing cocktail on game night? I make this with my spicy jalapeno simple syrup, and you can use green or red jalapeno. Very versatile recipe and you can make lots of flavor variations!Or make a smoked margarita sour with cherry wood smoked tequila, if that’s more up your alley!
36. Apple lemonade
Homemade apple lemonade
Simple, refreshing, delicious, non-alcoholic apple lemonade is the happy union between a Fall apple cider and a Summer lemonade!You only need 3 ingredients and the combination of these two fruits makes for a super fresh and fruity drink that will perfectly complement a spicy snack or two! OR you can make this tart, sweet, refreshing homemade lemon syrup and use it to make other lemonade flavor variations and cocktails too!
37. Pineapple chia fresca
Pineapple chia fresca
Chia fresca is a popular drink in Mexico and Central America. A quick, easy, refreshing beverage, typically made with water, chia seeds, lime or lemon juice, and a sweetener of choice. You could substitute the chia seeds with basil seeds as well if you like, or use a mix of both. Here I make a fruity pineapple chia fresca that will also perfectly complement any of the spicy, savory snacks. You can use fresh pineapple and blend it or 100% pineapple juice to make this naturally energizing, delicious non-alcoholic drink.
38. Parisian hot chocolate
French hot chocolate
For a cozy winter board game night or a Super Bowl watch party, or whenever because it’s hot chocolate and you’ll enjoy it whenever you feel like it, this intensely thick and creamy French hot chocolate is the answer! A decadent chocolate drink made with only 3 simple ingredients, it can be adapted, doubled, and made ahead of time too. OR you could also make this peanut butter hot chocolate for a more kid-friendly version, and this dairy-free bourbon hot chocolate for a decidedly adult-friendly twist.
