18 March Madness Recipes

My best March Madness recipes include party snack ideas like crockpot meatballs, slow cooker dinner recipes, festive drinks, and winning dessert recipes. From Selection Sunday to the Final Four to the championship game, these crowd-pleasing party recipes will keep your entire squad satisfied.

 

Meggan’s notes

Just like with football, come basketball season, I might as well be donning a shirt that says “Just Here For the Food.” 🤣 So today, I’m revealing my absolute best March Madness recipes, according to Culinary Hill fans and my game-day guests.

While I may not know all the win-loss record for any of the 64 teams and my bracket is probably busted by the end of day one, I’m definitely confident in my abilities to predict how to get the party started: delicious food and drink!

Including appetizer recipes that feed a crowd, set-and-forget slow cooker dinners, handheld desserts, and drinks that are prime for party time, my March Madness menu is worthy of the number one seed.

1. Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly

The easiest party appetizer on the planet is also the most delicious. Crockpot Meatballs is a lifesaver for hungry crowds and cocktail parties, so make a double batch! 

2. Chili Dogs

Grilled hot dogs are good. Grilled hot dogs topped with homemade beef chili are even better! Try this Chili Dog recipe the next time you’re craving comfort food, as part of a tailgate menu, or any time you fire up the grill.

3. Twice Baked Mini Potatoes

Mini Twice Baked Potatoes are like appetizer-sized potato skins with the volume turned up. Although this party snack recipe tastes like it took all day, these bacon-studded beauties can be yours in just 35 minutes.

4. Chex Mix Recipe

Make this homemade Chex Mix recipe in the microwave in 10 minutes or less! It’s adapted from the original Chex Party Mix recipe, but I use more butter and I think it’s better that way.

5. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Learn the secret to the crispiest baked wings. My 2-ingredient Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe flies above the competition with ease for juicy yet crispy wings. Toss with barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or anything else you love.

6. Cowboy Caviar

This easy recipe for Cowboy Caviar is fun, fresh, colorful, and endlessly adaptable. It makes a great dip, salad, side dish, or even a topping for grilled meats. Always a potluck favorite!

7. Chili Bar

Host a Chili Bar so everyone can build their own dream bowl. Take your favorite chili recipe (beef chili, turkey chili, or even venison chili) over the top when you pair it with a buffet including cheese, sour cream, cornbread, hot sauce, and all the best toppings you can dream up.

8. Ham and Cheese Sliders

These family-friendly Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate hearty party snack. Make a tray (or two) for your next gathering and watch them disappear!

9. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

It doesn’t get much simpler than this 4-ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Ideal for busy weeknights and party menus, my best pulled pork recipe also happens to be one of my easiest game day meals ever.

10. Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

This classic Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe makes the perfect pick-me-up, after school snack, or all around sweet treat. This old fashioned recipe is the one to bake, right down to the criss-cross pattern made with a fork.

11. Oreo Brownie Trifle

Oreo Brownie Trifle is the ultimate dessert for chocolate-lovers! Layers of brownies, chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed Oreo cookies star in the chocolate dessert recipe that’s easy enough for any day but elegant enough for a holiday dessert.

12. M&M Cookies

Perhaps the greatest combination of all time, M&M Cookies are part cookie, part candy, and completely delicious. Make a triple batch, freeze the dough, and you’ll have a colorful, sweet treat anytime you need it. Be sure to coordinate your M&Ms to your team colors, too!

13. Rice Krispie Treats

Browned butter and vanilla make these Rice Krispie Treats the tastiest around. They are tall and fluffy, chewy, and sweet, perfect for kid and adult snacking alike!

14. Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Semi-homemade yet full of decadence, this semi-homemade bar cookie recipe stars cheesecake atop a buttery sugar cookie crust.

15. Chelada

All over Mexico, the natives prefer the pure taste of cold beer, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This easy Chelada recipe is refreshing and uncomplicated, the perfect way to end your or celebrate with friends and family.

16. Moscato Sangria

Moscato Sangria is an easy cocktail recipe that’s sure to get the party started. A bottle of white wine, fruit, and ginger ale team up in this refreshing wine-based pitcher cocktail (that is quickly becoming my signature drink!).

17. Bloody Mary

Celebrate Game Day with this homemade Bloody Mary Recipe loaded up with every savory, crunchy, pickled thing you can get your hands on. The mix is super easy to whip up the night before; when it’s time for tip-off, this deliciously cheerful cocktail is raring to go.

18. Fruit Punch Recipe

This Fruit Punch recipe lives up to its name: It’s sweet, fruity, and guaranteed to be guzzled by kids and adults alike. Learn how to make Fruit Punch, how to spike it for a cocktail recipe, and how to customize it.

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