We’re calling a “time out”, Seafoodies!
Your game day meal plan needs a new playbook, and we’ve got the perfect addition to your culinary roster. It’s time to take seafood off the bench and get it into the game!
Why should seafood make your starting lineup? It’s unexpected, impressive and (plot twist!) usually easier to prepare than those hours-long chili recipes or complicated crudité platters.
While everyone else is serving the same old buffet of stale chips and messy finger foods, you could plate up Crab Empanadas with Mango Salsa that disappear faster than a quarterback sneak. Or, imagine the crowd’s reaction when they discover our utterly craveable Air Fryer Calamari with Chipotle Dipping Sauce —and watch as everyone’s suddenly focusing more on the food than the game!
But the real kitchen victory here is that all of these 15 family-friendly seafood bites can be prepped ahead, meaning you’ll actually get to watch the game instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Keep some frozen shrimp on hand to whip up easy Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp for last-minute guests, and remember that canned tuna and salmon are your secret weapons for quick-assembly appetizers, like Crispy Rice Rolls with Spicy Tuna. Whether you’re serving up crunchy Air Fryer Mac ‘n’ Cheese Tuna Bites, Smoked Trout Dip with all the dunking options or Sheet Pan Crab Nachos (with extra toppings), these crowd-pleasers are guaranteed to earn you MVP status among your fellow fans.
Here’s a pro tip: Set up your food buffet in quarters, just like the game. Start with lighter appetizers like Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa Crostinis, bring out the hot dishes at halftime and keep a prepped platter in the refrigerator for the fourth quarter when everyone needs a plate refresh. This plan keeps your guests satisfied from kickoff to the final whistle. And since most of these favorites are lighter than traditional game day fare, your guests won’t need that post-gathering nap!
So come on, coach! Shake up your spread with our crowd-pleasing seafood recipe roundup that is about to become your new play-calling standards.
Because whether your team wins or loses, at least your food game will remain undefeated!
These loaded nachos take game day snacking to new heights with sweet white crab meat nestled among layers of melty cheese and fresh toppings.
Air Fryer Mac ‘n’ Cheese Tuna Bites
Mac and cheese gets even better (if you can believe it) in the form of crispy, golden bites that disappear faster than you can make them—perfect for when you need a unique crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Enjoy that sought-after light-as-air crunch, without the mess of deep frying—these tempura shrimp come out golden every time with just a fraction of the oil.
Elevate your classic deviled egg with rich smoked salmon and dill for an updated twist that still feels right at home on any game day spread.
This creamy, smoky dip can be whipped up in minutes and served with everything from bagel chips to cucumber rounds.
Air Fryer Calamari with Chipotle Dipping Sauce
Tender on the inside and perfectly crisp outside—our foolproof calamari paired with spicy chipotle sauce will make you abandon any deep-fried versions.
The delicate smokiness of trout combined with bright lemon and herbs creates an addictive 5-minute dip that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe before halftime.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Shrimp Dip
We’ve taken the beloved spinach artichoke dip and transformed it into a complete showstopper by adding juicy shrimp and baking until bubbly.
Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa Crostinis
These little crostinis balance the heat of blackened tilapia with sweet, refreshing watermelon for an appetizer that says “Let’s get the party started!”
All the satisfaction of classic popcorn shrimp but baked instead of fried, making this recipe a perfect add-on for guilt-free game day snacking.
The secret to these irresistible morsels is to coat each shrimp in a mixture of shredded coconut and bread crumbs. Pro tip: If you can only find coconut flakes, give it a few light pulses in a food processor to make sure it will adhere well.
Crab Empanadas with Mango Salsa
Flaky hand pies filled with seasoned crab meat and paired with bright mango salsa strike the perfect balance between comfort food and lite nosh!
Sardines? Aren’t those the little fish in a can? Well, yes, but they’re also about to become the star of one of our favorite 10-minute crostini toast recipes!
This kicked-up clam dip recipe only contains 6 ingredients and some seasoning, which makes it easy to throw together during the commercial break or even as guests are pulling into the driveway.
Crispy Rice Roll with Spicy Tuna
Inspired by trendy sushi spots, these rice rolls topped with spicy tuna delivers impeccable flavors that you can easily recreate on a budget!
No Comments