My Best Game Day Recipes

I love the traditional nacho and chicken wing spread, alongside dishes inspired by my travels—from fried chicken summer rolls to Baltimore-style crab cakes. If you’re really ambitious, go all out and construct the ultimate Super Bowl snackadium.

 

Fried Chicken Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

They’re commonly filled with shrimp and roast pork, which I love, but more often than not, I’m craving these fried chicken summer rolls. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Firecracker Shrimp with Blue Cheese Dressing

There is no better couch chow than these firecracker shrimp for Super Bowl Sunday. Get the recipe >>> 

 

 

Sticky Chinese Chicken Wings

Sticky, fatty, salty and sweet, the best versions of this recipe emulsify the chicken fat into the Chinese master sauce as it reduces. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

The World’s Best French Fries

The formula for perfect, crispy french fries with a soft, fluffy interior is easy—fry them once at a low temperature, and a second time at a higher temp until golden brown. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Indian-Inspired Crab Rangoon

Most people envision deep-fried cream cheese when they hear the term “crab rangoon,” but I believe there are no limitations for this beloved Chinese-American appetizer. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Andrew Zimmern Cooks: Guacamole

Guacamole is the perfect healthy snack for entertaining while the big game is on. The simplicity of this version really lets the flavor of the avocado shine. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Pork & Black Bean Chili

When I invite the guys over to watch football, I always serve this chili. I leave it next to the fireplace, so the pot stays warm, and let everyone help themselves. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Fried Tater Tots with a Sweet & Spicy Thai-Inspired Glaze

Sweet and spicy, crunchy and soft, hot and cold, this dish is all about the joyousness of contrasts. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Swedish Meatballs with Beef Gravy

I don’t think there is a more soul-satisfying meal than Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes smothered in homemade beef gravy.  Get the recipe >>>

 

 

French Onion Soup Burgers

In this recipe, I top a beef patty with the trademark flavors of a great French onion soup—soft, caramelized onions cooked with tomato and red wine, and a healthy dose of melted Gruyere cheese. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Buttermilk Fried Onion Rings

It’s a classic Southern-style recipe, with an extra flavor boost from the fennel, paprika and hot sauce. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Grandma Zimmern’s Tailgating Pot of Love

Whether you’re tailgating at the game or at home on the couch, this one-pot meal is fantastic football food. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Dry-Rubbed Fried Chicken Wings

Deep fry a batch of wings before tossing with your favorite dry rub and melted butter. Chicken wing supremacy is really that simple. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip

Elevate the typical artichoke dip with a healthy dose of crab. You’ll thank me for it. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Muffuletta Sandwich

The muffuletta is a classic New Orleans sandwich made famous by Central Grocery, layered with a few different cured meats, provolone and a tangy olive and tomato relish that soaks into the crusty bread. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Sous Vide Spare Ribs with Sticky Rice & Peanut Sauce

I love cooking ribs this way, especially in the Minnesota winter when the last place I want to be is outside trying to control the temperature on my smoker. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

The Perfect Pork Egg Rolls

Studded with tons of flavorful vegetables, herbs and aromatics, I guarantee these are the best egg rolls you’ve ever eaten. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Candied Bacon Party Mix

It’s hard to improve on something like homemade Chex mix, but everything’s better with bacon candy—you can’t argue with that. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Foolproof Macaroni and Cheese

Once you taste the browned buttery bread crumbs, you will be sold. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes

This is my favorite crab cake recipe. If you don’t overmix, and don’t pack your mounds too tightly, you will experience pure, unadulterated crab cake heaven. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Brisket Nachos with Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa

Your friends will go crazy when you put these out on game day with a pitcher of margaritas…. be prepared to make a second batch. Get the recipe >>>