Autumnal Game-Day Dips

Embrace seasonal ingredients and flavors in your assembly of football-day dips, ideal for any autumnal game or Thanksgiving Day appetizers.

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Tastes Like Fall

Watching football is an essental Thanksgiving tradition for many families. Yet, unlike on other fall game days, little attention is paid to assembling an appetizing around-the-TV spread, what with all that turkey roasting going on. But "hangry" guests do not make for a thankful family gathering. Keep sports fans happy with dips and bites that share the Thanksgiving meal's flavor profile so the transition from couch to dining table (or from there back to the couch) is as smooth as your mashed potatoes should be.

Caramelized Onion and Sage Dip

This creamy dip tastes like fall in a bowl, with its strong notes of sage leaves and brown butter. Caramelizing onions before blending them adds sweetness to the dip –– the perfect complement to classic, salty chips.

Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Sage Dip

Cheddar-Pecan Dip

This dip takes everything that's wonderful about cheese balls –– cheese-spiked cream cheese base, herbs, nuts –– and leaves out the fussy ball formation. Because dipping into a bowl with fruit and vegetable slices is easier than wielding a cheese knife when your eyes are glued to the big game.

Get the Recipe: Cheddar-Pecan Dip

Cranberry-Jalapeno Dipping Sauce with Crispy Chicken Wings

Though wings feature most prominently in this recipe, the accompanying sweet, sour and spicy dipping sauce is the dish's star. Tart cranberries are simultaneously subdued and spiced up when cooked with sugar and jalapenos, becoming a sauce with just enough texture to coat crispy fried chicken wings. The dip is also great as a condiment for your holiday turkey or as a spread for a leftovers sandwich.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry-Jalapeno Dipping Sauce with Crispy Chicken Wings

Creamy Curried-Pumpkin Dip

This flavor-packed dip is sweet, zesty and earthy all at once. The pureed pumpkin and coconut milk make it smooth and creamy without any help from dairy. The curry powder adds extra depth of flavor, making it perfect for pairing with naan bread or flavorful sweet potato chips. Make it the day before any game-day gathering, to allow the flavors to develop.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Curried-Pumpkin Dip

Green Pumpkin Seed Salsa

Two of fall's best are combined in this beautfiful, chunky dip. It possesses unexpected earthiness from the toasted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) and floral acidity from the vibrant tomatillos. Pair with salty tortilla chips as you would a more summery salsa.

Get the Recipe: Green Pumpkin Seed Salsa