List of Bowl Food Ideas
Bowl Sunday is almost here! If you need menu ideas, you'll find a ton of inspiration in the list of Bowl food ideas below, everything from dips and finger foods to main dishes, mac and cheese, and, of course, sweets!
When we think of Bowl food, we immediately go to things like cheesy dips, potato skins, onion rings, wings, chili, sandwiches, and a lineup of slow cookers.
And we absolutely, positively cannot even think of a get-together without an assortment of sweet treats - brownies, bars, Rice Krispie treats, and cookies.
Bring on all of the rich Bowl recipes!
DIPS!
We don't think it's possible to have any kind of party without at least one dip, let alone a Bowl party. You'll find an memorable assortment of dips here, everything from classics like salsa and guac to hot and cheesy varieties, and straightforward ones you can make ahead and keep in the fridge until it's time to serve.
Black Bean Salsa & Buffalo Chicken DipBlack Bean Salsa
This black bean salsa is rich, made with fresh ingredients, and totally bursting with flavor thanks to beans, two types of chiles, corn, and a variety of seasonings.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This buffalo chicken dip is A straightforward classic that features three different layers of flavors including chicken (use canned or rotisserie!) mixed with your favorite buffalo sauce (we always go for Frank's RedHot!), cream cheese, ranch dressing and, of course, lots of cheese! Feel free to substitute blue cheese if you prefer it!
Dill Pickle Dip & Hissy Fit DipDill Pickle Dip
A must for any pickle fan! This dill pickle dip features loads of pickle and dill flavor and it's reliable for dipping pretzels, chips, crackers, or veggies.
Hissy Fit Dip
This "Hissy Fit Dip" with the crazy moniker is a HUGE party hit - sausage, cream cheese, sour cream, two kinds of cheese, chives, and seasonings make this one absolutely irresistible!
From-scratch French Onion Dip & Game Day DipCaramelized Onion Dip
With deeply caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, some basic seasonings, sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise, this French onion dip recipe is so much richer than anything you'll find at a store.
Game Day Dip
This game day dip is reliable football food - only 5 ingredients and you throw them all in the slow cooker! A straightforward, cheesy dip!
Crab Dip & From-scratch SalsaCrab Dip
This is the standby straightforward crab dip - full of flavor and reliable for summer parties. It always reminds us of visiting Maryland and sitting at a restaurant outside on the water. Dig in with your favorite chips or serve on baguettes!
Straightforward From-scratch Salsa
This from-scratch salsa recipe is a standby! It comes together in just 10 minutes and tastes like it came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant. The fresh flavors of tomato, lime, and cilantro will require multiple chip refills and with no leftovers!
Hot Corn and Cheese Dip & Hot Reuben DipHot Corn and Cheese Dip
This creamy, cheesy, hot corn dip is full of flavor and will have you refill the tortilla chips all night long.
Hot Reuben Dip
Reuben dip includes all of the classic elements of a Reuben sandwich: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing (it also includes cream cheese, which we've come to realize is pretty much a dip essential). It's even served on little cocktail-size pieces of rye bread. Absolutely reliable for the Bowl, any other game day menu, or pretty much any party or snack, ever.
Jalapeno Popper Dip & Loaded Baked Potato DipJalapeno Popper Dip
Jalapeno Popper Dip is creamy, cheesy and has just the reliable amount of kick. Great appetizer for your next party or watching the big game!
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
This loaded baked potato dip combines all of the fantastic flavors of a classic loaded baked potato - sour cream, bacon, cheese and scallions. Scoop away with potato chips!
From-scratch Guacamole & Pizza DipFrom-scratch Guacamole
This simple from-scratch guacamole recipe is straightforward to mix and absolutely a standby. A must for any party and especially for game days and the Bowl!
Pizza Dip
This straightforward pizza dip recipe features layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, pizza sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings. Always a hit!
Sausage Dip & Seven Layer DipSausage Dip
Savory, creamy, and ultra-addictive, this sausage dip is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Made with 3 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes, this straightforward dip comes together for the ultimate party appetizer. Serve it up with tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, and more!
7-Layer Dip
This seven layer dip recipe is EASY and reliable for your Bowl party! Layers of refried beans, cheddar cheese, avocado, jalapeños, tomatoes, sour cream and olives!
Slow cooker Spicy Beef Queso Dip & Spinach Artichoke DipSlow cooker Spicy Beef Queso Dip
A combination of spicy taco meat, creamy, melty Velveeta, and cans of Rotel, this slow cooker queso dip will be the hit of every party.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This spinach artichoke dip is straightforward, cheesy, and reliable for your next party. Serve it in a bread bowl or with your favorite chips or crackers.
Sun-Dried Tomato Dip & Taco DipSun-Dried Tomato Dip
One of our family’s favorite dips! This sun-dried tomato dip has an ultra-creamy base, pureed sun-dried tomatoes, and some simple seasonings. We love it with pretzels, crackers, and fresh veggies.
Taco Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and evenly seasoned, this straightforward-to-make taco dip recipe makes the ultimate appetizer. This no-bake recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes with 6 simple ingredients. This taco dip is guaranteed to be a hit and reliable for dipping tortilla chips, dunking quesadillas, and scooping with taquitos!
Warm Black Bean Dip & Warm and Cheesy Bacon DipWarm Black Bean Dip
This warm black bean dip is creamy and positively bursting with flavor thanks to black beans, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, chili powder, corn, and an abundance of cheese. Grab your favorite tortilla chips, a baguette, or some veggies and plan on not having a single morsel leftover. A party and game day must!
Warm and Cheesy Bacon Dip
This warm and cheesy bacon dip is creamy and packed with lots of bacon. It's a hot version of the popular Loaded Baked Potato Dip!
Cheesy Chili Dip & Bacon-Jalapeno Cheese BallCheesy Chili Dip
This cheesy chili dip is incredibly straightforward and reliable for parties, cookouts or watching the game. Only THREE ingredients!!
Bacon-Jalapeno Cheese Ball
This is what we'd refer to as the ultimate cheese ball. In addition to cream cheese and cheddar cheese, it's also packed with bacon, chopped jalapeños and seasonings like cumin, cayenne and Worcestershire sauce that make it the crème de la crème of cheese balls. It is most fitting for your Bowl get-together!
FINGER FOODS
Finger foods make a standby Bowl food! More appetizer-style food that's a little heartier, and a good complement to the dips.
Antipasto Appetizer Squares & Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped DatesBaker notes
This straightforward antipasto appetizer bake features layers of Italian meats and cheese, sandwiched between layers of crescent dough. Great for parties!
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A straightforward recipe for bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Fontina cheese. Only THREE ingredients and they can be assembled ahead of time. This is a reliable appetizer for any party or holiday!
Deviled Eggs & Cheesy Pepperoni BitesClassic Deviled Eggs
This classic deviled eggs recipe uses mayo, mustard, sour cream, and a collection of seasonings that makes these the standby deviled eggs you'll ever eat! Whether you're headed to a picnic, New Year's Eve party, or a holiday brunch, these make a wonderful addition to any menu.
Cheesy Pepperoni Bites
These cheesy pepperoni bites are A straightforward party appetizer that comes together in less than 10 minutes. Cubed pepperoni and cheeses are mixed into a simple batter and the result is DELICIOUS. A quicker version of our family-favorite pepperoni bread.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread & Crispy Baked Chicken WingsCheesy Pull-Apart Bread
This cheesy pull-apart bread with garlic butter recipe is A straightforward crowd-pleaser for any occasion, especially football season. It's simple to throw together, only calls for 7 ingredients, and is ready in just 30 minutes!
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
You'll never believe these baked chicken wings were made in the oven! straightforward, crispy skin, meat that falls off the bone, and covered in a sensational dry rub. Add sauce if you'd like and serve them up at your next game-day party.
From-scratch Chex Mix & Jalapeno PoppersFrom-scratch Chex Mix
A from-scratch version of the uber-popular chex mix snack mix. A combination of cereals, pretzels, nuts, and a sauce packed full of flavors. Another popular option is the nuts and bolts snack mix!
Jalapeno Poppers
Making jalapeño poppers at home is ridiculously straightforward and only requires THREE ingredients! A huge party hit!
Loaded Nachos & Nachos with Beer-Braised CarnitasLoaded Nachos
These are the absolute epitome of supreme loaded nachos… a mixture of tortilla and corn chips topped with tons of cheese and all of a standby toppings you could imagine! They are sure to become a party staple at your house.
Ultimate Nachos with Beer-Braised Carnitas
These carnitas nachos are built with layers of carnitas, black beans, white onion, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheeses. Once out of the oven, we sprinkled the top with some fresh cilantro and had our favorite salsa, guacamole, and sour cream and pickled jalapeños for topping.
Pigs in a Blanket & Potato SkinsPigs in a Blanket
This classic party recipe is the ultimate appetizer or snack! Flaky, buttery crescent rolls wrap up a juicy mini-hot dog and bake to perfection in this straightforward pigs in a blanket recipe. Made with two ingredients (three with cheese) and ready in minutes this satisfying snack hits the spot!
Potato Skins
These crispy potato skins are filled with cheese and bacon and topped with sour cream and green onions. Basically, these are everything that is good about appetizers. And football season!
Sausage-Cheddar Bites & From-scratch Soft PretzelsSausage-Cheddar Bites
These sausage cheese balls are the reliable make-ahead appetizer and are ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser!
From-scratch Soft Pretzels
These from-scratch soft pretzels are a standby of a standby with a chewy exterior with an incredibly soft inside that just melts in your mouth. They're a fun snack to make with kids. Plus, you can bake up huge pretzels, regular-size, pretzel bites, or even make pretzel dogs with this dough. They're reliable for afternoon snacks, movie nights, game days, or just because!
Oven-Fried Onion Rings & Sausage Stuffed MushroomsOven-Fried Onion Rings
These oven-fried onion rings are less mess than the deep-fried version, but just as crisp and rich! You can eat them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce; we're partial to this Outback Bloomin' Onion dipping sauce recipe.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory and herby, these sausage-stuffed mushrooms make the ultimate appetizer for any gathering. Made with marinated mushrooms and filled with a creamy, sausage and mascarpone filling, this straightforward stuffed mushroom recipe will be requested again and again.
Veggie Pizza & From-scratch PopcornVeggie Pizza
Veggie pizza was one of our mom’s go-to party appetizers when we were a kid – layers of crescent roll dough, topped with ranch-flavored sour cream and chopped fresh veggies and shredded cheese.
From-scratch Popcorn
Get your popcorn fix with this straightforward-to-follow, from-scratch popcorn recipe. Learn how to make popcorn on the stove, in an instant pot, or in the microwave. You can even use the plain popcorn as a base for from-scratch cracker jack!
MAKE IT A MEAL
When serving just dips and finger foods isn't enough, and you want to make sure your guests get enough to eat, include some main dishes on your Bowl menu that scream football food. You’ll find chili, sandwiches, pork, and chicken recipes fit for a crowd.
Classic Beef Chili & Frito PieClassic Beef Chili
Bring on the comfort food with this thick and hearty ground beef chili recipe! Packed with ground beef, a blend of spices, and beans in a rich and thick tomato sauce, this straightforward chili recipe is great on its own or piled on a hot dog!
Frito Pie
This baked Frito pie layers our favorite chili recipe, corn chips, and soft-centered cheddar cheese together for the ultimate chili meal!
Chili con Carne & Cincinnati ChiliChili con Carne
This version of chili con carne is made with chunks of beef, a from-scratch chili paste, and a couple of secret ingredients. A great change of pace from traditional ground beef chili.
Cincinnati Chili
This Cincinnati chili recipe is A straightforward midwestern classic; it includes a unique blend of spices, is slow-simmered for hours, and served over spaghetti with a variety of topping options (if you choose them all, then it's known as "5-way").
Cast Iron Skillet Cheeseburgers & Chipped Ham BBQ SandwichesCast Iron Skillet Cheeseburgers
After making these cast iron skillet cheeseburgers, you'll never want to make them on the grill again! They're tender, flavorful and never dry! Be sure to make a batch of burger sauce to go on them!
Chipped Ham BBQ Sandwiches
Chipped ham BBQ sandwiches are popular in the area we grew up in, and this recipe takes them up a notch; with the addition of chopped hard-boiled eggs and lots of cheese, then they are wrapped in foil and warmed in the oven.
From-scratch Primanti Bros Sandwich & From-scratch Sloppy JoesFrom-scratch Primanti Bros Sandwiches
Another Pittsburgh favorite! These sky-high Primanti Bros. sandwiches with thick-sliced Italian bread are topped with meat (pastrami is our favorite), provolone cheese, sliced tomato, oil and vinegar coleslaw, and, finally, French fries.
From-scratch Sloppy Joes
These from-scratch sloppy joe sandwiches are a reader favorite! Saucy and mildly spiced, they are made with just a few simple ingredients and come together quickly. Keep the filling in a slow cooker and buns at the ready for A straightforward party meal.
Italian Meatballs & Philly Cheesesteak SandwichesItalian Meatballs
Bake up these fabulous meatballs and let them simmer in sauce before using them to build meatball subs.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Cheesy, ultra-comforting, and beyond rich, these from-scratch Philly cheesesteaks will easily become one of your favorite recipes! Tender ribeye steak with sautéed onions and peppers all tossed in melty provolone cheese and cradled in a hoagie roll make this sandwich utopia.
Pulled Pork and At-home Chipotle Chicken RecipePulled Pork
This is the standby pulled pork! It's made right in the oven (no smoker required!) after an overnight brine and being covered in a simple, rich dry rub. Sauce recipe included! Use it for sandwiches, nachos, tacos… so many options!
At-home Chipotle Chicken Recipe
This at-home recipe for Chipotle chicken is spot-on, and arguably even better than the original! Use it as a base to create a burrito or taco bar for your party.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut & White Chicken ChiliSlow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
This slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut is flavorful and made with just the addition of beer and brown sugar - straightforward, rich and reliable for parties! Another great slow cooker meal is slow cooker bbq ribs!
White Chicken Chili
This straightforward white chicken chili recipe is made with white beans, a trio of chiles, and lots of seasonings for maximum flavor. By using rotisserie chicken or chicken that you've already batch prepared, this can be ready in just 45 minutes.
Side Dish Recipes
If you’re going to be serving a meal and not just snacks or dips, then having some side dishes on hand will help stretch those recipes and provide some variety, as well.
Creamy Coleslaw & Boston Baked BeansCreamy Coleslaw
Make this creamy coleslaw recipe for your next potluck, party, picnic, or backyard bbq. Made with a crisp coleslaw mix and a sweet yet tangy from-scratch dressing, this classic coleslaw hits the spot!
Boston Baked Beans
Rich and hearty Boston baked beans cook low and slow in the oven with bacon, molasses, brown sugar, and white beans.
Cornbread & Pasta SaladCornbread
This straightforward cornbread recipe is extremely plush, made with buttermilk and real corn, and it comes together in less than 10 minutes. It will become your go-to recipe to enjoy alongside ribs, chili, or any of your favorite meals!
Pasta Salad
This filling and flavorful Italian pasta salad comes together in minutes! Packed with fresh pasta, meat, cheese, veggies, and a from-scratch Italian dressing, this side dish is a show-stopper.
MAC AND CHEESE
Because mac and cheese deserves its own category :)
Slow cooker Mac and Cheese & Ultimate Baked Mac and CheeseSlow cooker Mac and Cheese
Crock pot mac and cheese is A straightforward, cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe, great for a busy weeknight dinner. It comes together quickly and can easily be scaled up, which makes it reliable for potlucks, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and any time you are feeding a crowd!
Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese
This straightforward baked mac and cheese recipe is totally from-scratch, creamy, and topped with a mixture of bacon and crushed Ritz crackers. We also use this base recipe to create butternut squash & bacon mac and cheese and cajun shrimp mac and cheese.
Chrissy Teigen’s Mac and Cheese & Creamy Stovetop Mac and CheeseChrissy Teigen’s Mac and Cheese
This baked macaroni and cheese recipe from Chrissy Teigen's cookbook is creamy and the cheesy garlic bread crumbs put it over the top! If you've been looking for a saucier baked macaroni and cheese, this recipe is for you.
Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This is the creamiest, cheesiest stovetop mac and cheese you'll ever eat! Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the reliable weeknight recipe. Whether you make a meal out of it or serve it alongside your favorite entree, this simple macaroni and cheese will become your go-to.
SWEETS!
Cookies, brownies, bars, Rice Krispie treats, and all of those favorite portable, straightforward-to-eat-at-a-party desserts!
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies & Better Than Box Mix BrowniesCut-Out Sugar Cookies
This is the absolute standby cut-out sugar cookie recipe, hands-down! No softening butter, no chilling dough, they bake up soft with no spreading and keep their shape each and every time. Use a football-shaped cookie cutter (see cookie example here) or a jersey-shaped cookie cutter and use buttercream icing or royal icing to decorate!
Better Than Box Mix Brownies
These from-scratch chewy brownies have all of the great texture and flavor of box-mix brownies, without any of the processed ingredients. They have become the base for some of our favorite brownie recipes, like peanut butter brownies, buckeye brownies, and marshmallow brownies!
No-Bake Cookies & Frosted Sugar Cookie BarsClassic No-Bake Cookies
These straightforward no bake cookies with chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal are a classic; they come together in minutes and are great to make with kids.
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
These straightforward sugar cookie bars are soft thanks to cream cheese in the dough, and are topped with a standby vanilla buttercream frosting. Tint the frosting with your team’s colors or use custom colored sprinkles!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars & Seven Layer BarsSalted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars feature a layer of salted caramel sauce sandwiched between layers of a favorite chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, then topped with a sprinkle of fleur de sel.
Seven Layer Bars
Seven Layer Bars, aka Magic Bars, feature seven glorious layers of graham crackers, nuts, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut and sweetened condensed milk!
Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies & Rice Krispie TreatsThick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
These large, bakery-style thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies stay soft for days and are a huge family favorite. Made with melted butter, a high brown sugar to white sugar ratio, and an extra egg yolk to ensure soft cookies, they require NO chilling time.
The Most Epic Rice Krispie Treats
This is the rice krispie treat recipe to end all rice krispie treat recipes! LOADED with soft-centered marshmallow, crisp rice krispie cereal, and extra pockets of marshmallows these treats have it all.
TELL ME! What is your all-time favorite Bowl food?
