8 Football-Shaped Foods for Your Game Day Party

Football Cake Pops

My son loves football! For his eighth birthday, I made cake pops with a rich chocolate cake center and a yummy peanut butter coating. These are sure to be winners at parties, bake sales and sports-watching events. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, WV

Ham-Cheddar Cheese Ball

With the classic combo of ham and cheese, this spread is a year-round favorite at our house. For football parties, shape the mixture into a football and add strips of Swiss for the laces. —Michele Moore, Mooresville, Indiana

Football Fest Empanadas

Classic empanadas from South America are stuffed pastries of beef or chicken, usually fried. That doesn't mean "classic" never changes. Chicken goes well with black beans, corn and jalapenos in this baked version with a Southwestern spin. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida

Touchdown Cookies

With some simple sweet touches, you can transform regular sugar cookies into a special treat for football fans at your pigskin party. —Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio

Crab Football Spread

Fans keep coming back for more after tasting this delicious cheese ball. I don't make this spread just on football Sundays. You can be creative about molding the mixture into different shapes. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Tailgate Apple Pies

Made as single servings, these handheld pies are ideal for football games or other parties. They always disappear quickly. You can also use large cookie cutters to create holiday shapes in the tender pastry. For Valentine's Day, I cut a small heart into the top crust. —Jennifer Stoltz, Spring Green, Wisconsin

Pigskin Sandwiches

Guests won't need much coaching to run for the sandwiches when they're served on tasty football buns, like those I baked for a theme party. They were part of a sporty dinner I planned for residents at a nursing home, where I head the food staff. —Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio

Truffle Football Cupcakes

These luscious truffles combine peanut butter and chocolate deliciously. They're terrific shaped into balls for a holiday treat tray. But they also make snappy footballs on top of cupcakes for a tailgate party or any gathering to cheer on your favorite team. —Kim Barker, Richmond, Texas