There’s something about Monday Night Football that makes it feel like a cozy little event. The game’s on, candles are lit, sweatshirts are oversized, and—of course—the snacks are the real MVP.
When it comes to game-day hosting (or a casual night in), I love appetizers that are easy, low-effort, and still feel a little elevated. My secret? The crockpot and air fryer. They let you set it, forget it, and actually enjoy the night instead of spending it in the kitchen.
This lineup has a little something for everyone: spicy jalapeño poppers, cheesy dips, sweet & smoky meatballs, and more. Perfect for football, holiday get-togethers, or any cozy night at home.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Wrapped in Bacon & Stuffed with Cream Cheese)
Spicy, creamy, and wrapped in bacon—these are always the first to go.
You’ll need:
• Fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Shredded cheddar (optional)
• Bacon strips (cut in half)
To make:
1. Mix cream cheese and cheddar in a small bowl.
2. Fill each jalapeño half with the mixture.
3. Wrap with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, until bacon is golden and crisp.
✨ Pro tip: A light drizzle of hot honey before serving takes these to the next level.
Crockpot Mexican Street Corn Dip
This one’s creamy, cheesy, and full of smoky, tangy flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
You’ll need:
• 32 oz frozen corn, thawed
• ½ cup mayonnaise (don’t worry, it won’t taste like mayo)
• ½ cup sour cream (regular or light)
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
• 5 oz queso fresco, grated or crumbled
To make:
1. Add all ingredients to your crockpot and stir.
2. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning — add lime juice or Tajín for a flavor boost.
4. Top with extra queso fresco and cilantro.
Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Spicy, cheesy, and a total classic.
You’ll need:
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is perfect)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
To make:
1. Combine all ingredients in your crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway.
3. Serve warm with celery sticks, chips, or crackers.
Sweet + Smoky BBQ Mini Wieners or Meatballs
The perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky. The honey adds a rich caramelized flavor without letting the jelly overpower the sauce.
You’ll need:
• 1 package cocktail wieners or frozen meatballs
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
• ⅓ cup grape jelly (use less if you just want a hint of sweetness)
• ⅓ cup honey
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To make:
1. Add BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and honey to your crockpot and stir until combined.
2. Add the wieners or meatballs and coat evenly.
3. Cook on low for 3 hours or until heated through and the sauce is thick and glossy.
4. Top with parsley before serving.
✨ Optional tweak: If you’re not a fan of grape jelly, try using a little extra honey or a splash of brown sugar for that same sweet finish without the jelly flavor.
Crockpot Pizza Dip
All the flavor of pizza — no crust required.
You’ll need:
• 1 block cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• ¼ cup mini pepperoni
• Optional: bell peppers or mushrooms
To make:
1. Spread cream cheese in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Layer with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and toppings.
3. Cook on low for 2 hours or until bubbly.
4. Serve with breadsticks, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
Save & Share
Whether you’re hosting friends, tailgating, or just hanging out in sweats watching the game, these recipes are easy to prep and always a hit.
