When Mexican families and friends gather to watch sports, the food they enjoy falls under the category of botana (pronounced boh-TAH-nah). This term covers everything from crunchy, packaged snacks to hot, freshly made appetizers or even small-plate meals served in multiple courses.
In the U.S., guacamole and nachos have already become game-day staples, but there are countless other Mexican-inspired botanas that are just as delicious and perfect for watching the big game. From cheesy and crispy to spicy, sweet, or savory, these dishes offer something for every palate.
No matter what kind of football you enjoy, whether it’s American football with helmets and touchdowns or soccer with goalkeepers and penalty kicks, why not add some Mexican flavors to your next game-day spread? Grab your favorite snacks, gather around the TV, and enjoy these flavor-packed botanas with family and friends!
1-Ceviche
While Peru proudly claims ceviche as its own, this lime-marinated seafood dish has taken on distinctly Mexican variations along both the Pacific and Gulf coasts. Whether you’re in a small fishing village or a luxurious beach resort, you’re sure to find ceviche prepared with a unique local touch.
For a classic experience, try traditional fish ceviche, or switch things up with shrimp ceviche for a slightly different texture and sweetness. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, a vegetarian ceviche salad captures the dish’s vibrant flavors without the seafood.
No matter which version you choose, serve it with tortilla chips or crispy pita chips for the perfect scoop-and-crunch pairing.
2-Taco Sauce
While packaged taco sauces can be convenient, nothing beats the flavor of a homemade version. This quick and easy taco sauce starts with a rich base of tomatoes, green chiles, and jalapeños, enhanced by bold spices like cumin, coriander, cayenne, and paprika. The best part? It takes just 17 minutes from start to finish, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Want to customize your sauce? Try adding smoky chipotle peppers and adobo sauce for extra depth, or swap the jalapeños for mild green chiles if you prefer a gentler heat.
Use this flavorful sauce to elevate tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, and more, wherever you need a burst of spicy goodness!
3-Mexican Cheese
With a wide variety of authentic Mexican cheeses, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy them on game day. Whether you’re craving something creamy, crispy, sweet, or savory, these ideas will bring bold flavors to your snack table:
- Queso Dip : A game-day essential! You can never have too much.
Cheese and Fruit : Pair sliced manchego or Chihuahua cheese with grapes or crisp apple slices for a simple yet elegant bite.
Cheese Tostadas : Spread crema or sour cream onto a crisp corn tostada, then top with crumbled queso fresco, Cotija, or añejo cheese for a three-ingredient masterpiece.
Fried Cheese : Lightly fry queso fresco or queso blanco for a crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside treat.
Cheese and Ate : A unique flavor combination! Ate (AH-teh) is a sliceable fruit preserve popular in Mexico and Latin America. Pair guava paste or other varieties with Chihuahua, Mexican manchego, or panela cheese for an unexpectedly delicious sweet-savory bite. Try them sliced or cubed and skewered on toothpicks for an easy-to-eat snack.
These easy, cheesy snacks will bring authentic Mexican flavors to your next game day spread!
4-Tepache
Looking for an alternative to beer and soda while watching the game? Tepache is the perfect solution! This lightly fermented, naturally sweet Mexican beverage brings a refreshing, tangy twist to your drink lineup.
The best part? It’s easy to make! With just four simple ingredients, water, pineapple, piloncillo (or brown sugar), and a cinnamon stick, you can create a flavorful drink from something that’s often discarded: fresh pineapple rinds!
If you prefer a non-fermented alternative, try Mexican aguas frescas for another deliciously refreshing option. Whether it’s hibiscus agua de Jamaica, horchata, or watermelon agua fresca, these naturally flavored drinks are sure to be a hit at your next game day get-together!
5-Empanadas
The ultimate finger food, empanadas are incredibly versatile, whether savory or sweet, they can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. These handheld treats are perfect for game day and can even be prepared a day in advance for added convenience.
One of the best parts about making empanadas at home is the customization. Simply roll out the dough and cut it into any size circles you prefer, from bite-sized to larger portions. Fill them with beef, chicken, vegetables, or even fruit, depending on your craving. Then, deep-fry them to golden perfection for a crispy, flavorful snack that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
6-Quesadillas
When it comes to football food, quesadillas are an absolute no-brainer. Whether you go for the classic cheese-filled flour tortillas or opt for a more traditional fried version packed with bold flavors, quesadillas are always a hit. They can be grilled, fried, baked, or toasted in a pan, making them as versatile as they are delicious.
Stick to a simple cheese filling or get creative by using up leftovers for a more flavorful and nutritious twist. No matter how you make them, one thing is certain, you’ll want to whip up a batch just in time for kickoff!
Top them off with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo for the ultimate game-day snack.
7-Nachos
The question of whether nachos are truly Mexican is up for debate, but there’s no denying their popularity as a game-day snack. For the best taste, skip the artificial orange “cheese sauce” and use real shredded cheese instead, melting it in the microwave or oven for that perfect creamy texture. You can keep things simple or add toppings like chicken, meat, salsa, olives, pickled carrots, or any other ingredients you like.
And don’t forget the essentials, sour cream and guacamole are a must for a complete nacho experience!
8-Guacamole and Chips with Salsa
The origins of nachos may be debated, but their status as a game-day favorite is unquestionable. For the most delicious nachos, skip the processed orange “cheese sauce” and opt for real shredded cheese that melts perfectly when heated in the microwave or oven. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with chicken, beef, salsa, olives, pickled carrots, or any other favorite ingredient, nachos are endlessly customizable.
Of course, no nacho spread is complete without sour cream and guacamole to take it to the next level!
9-Keto Nachos
For those following the keto diet, these keto nachos are a must-try! Start with homemade keto tortilla chips and top them with shredded chicken, guacamole, queso, cheese, sour cream, and any other toppings that satisfy your cravings. The possibilities are endless, swap the rotisserie chicken for ground beef or shredded pork, and mix up the toppings for even more variety.
Serve up a few different versions at your game-day gathering to ensure everyone scores a touchdown with their taste buds!
10- Taquitos, Rolled and Baked Chicken or Beef Tacos
Baked tacos, or taquitos, are a favorite for game day! These crispy treats are made by filling two tortillas with a chicken and chile cheese mixture, then baking them to perfection. You can switch up the filling with ground beef, pork, or just cheese for different variations. Green chile sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken-filled taquitos, while red chile sauce is the go-to for beef.
Be sure to have plenty of dipping options on hand, guacamole, salsa, queso, table sauce, and sour cream, so everyone can enjoy these delicious bites to the fullest!
Botanas
