Beyond the Bean Dip

Build a Better Game-Day Spread

Football season has a way of turning snacks into a meal. Whether you’re hosting a crowd, heading to a watch party, or settling in for an afternoon of games, the best football food is usually made for sharing: easy to grab, simple to serve, and satisfying enough to keep everyone coming back for more.

Bean dip and chili have long been game-day favorites, but beans can do a lot more than fill a bowl. They can add flavor, texture, fiber, and plant-based protein to everything from sliders and potato skins to crispy taquitos and loaded nachos. Better yet, many of these recipes can be prepared or partially assembled before kickoff, leaving less work once the game gets going.

For a bite-sized appetizer, start with Tex-Mex Pink Bean Pepper Bites. Colorful mini peppers are filled with a Tex-Mex-inspired pink bean mixture for an easy-to-serve option that stands out on a crowded snack table.

Sliders are practically made for football gatherings, and Vegan Black Bean Burger Sliders offer a bean-forward spin. Black beans are combined with mushrooms, quinoa, walnuts, and smoky seasonings to make 12 mini burgers. The patties can also be made ahead and reheated when it’s almost game time.

Potato skins are another game-day classic. Southwestern Potato Skins pile black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeño, and cheese into crisp baked potato shells. Both the potatoes and filling can be prepared ahead, then assembled and heated before serving.

For something crispy and handheld, Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos use a simple filling of black beans, pico de gallo, and taco seasoning rolled into corn tortillas. The recipe even comes with oven directions, which can come in handy if you’re feeding a larger group.

And if nachos are nonnegotiable, try switching out the chips. Tater Tot Nachos layer black beans, corn, cheese, and taco toppings over crispy tater tots. With less than five minutes of prep before baking, they’re an easy way to put something hot and shareable on the table without spending the whole first quarter in the kitchen.

This football season, keep the bean dip if it’s a favorite. (We have a few favs of our own.) But don’t stop there. From sliders to potato skins, beans have plenty of ways to make the starting lineup.