With college bowl season in full swing, and the end of the regular NFL season in sight, it’s the time of year to don your team colors, get those chants ready, and hunker down to a great tailgate.

Gathering your team to plan for a truly memorable game day at home, however, starts with almost everyone’s favorite part of the festivities: the food. From meaty meals and zesty appetizers to sweet, long-lasting snacks, fuel your crowd with recipes that keep them coming back from kickoff to overtime.

Chef Anthony Serrano recommends these all-American recipes he makes for his family on game day. Pulled Beef and Slaw Sliders are perfect for piling high with delicious toppings before hitting the couch just in time for kickoff. 

If snacking throughout the action is preferred, make Cast-Iron Smoked Queso Dip and Hummus Deviled Eggs go-to options for armchair quarterbacks. 

And, don’t forget the salsa. According to the Game Day Eats Report from Fresh Cravings, 22% of guests would insist on running out to pick up salsa if it wasn’t available for the feast; 18% would even be devastated and consider leaving! (To find more championship-level game-day recipe inspiration, visit FreshCravings.com.)

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Photos and recipes courtesy Fresh Cravings