I don’t care who tries to tell me otherwise — tailgating is basically the best season of them all. Because we want to celebrate in proper fashion, I’ve got a roundup of my favorite delicious tailgating recipes for you to try at any big game!
These easy tailgate food ideas are perfect for football season (or really any game day), but I bet you could take them camping or to the beach too. Our favorite tailgate foods are at home anywhere!
Why You’ll Love These Tailgating Recipes
There are plenty of ways to tackle your next tailgate party, and they’re all so freakin’ delicious. The perfect tailgate recipe falls into one of three categories: recipes you can make beforehand and reheat, ones you can prep in advance and cook at the tailgate, or have an easy prep and grilling process to do at the tailgate itself. When it’s game time, you’ll be ready no matter which tailgating recipe you choose.
Tips for a Great Tailgate
- Start with the right gear. Because we’re on the move at a tailgate, we want a portable grill and other gear items that are packable, durable and lightweight. If you’re looking for gear ideas, I’ve got some suggestions in my post about camping essentials.
- Give yourself time to pack. Whenever I’m in a rush, that’s when I end up forgetting something essential for my tailgating menu. If that sounds like you, then make a checklist. Or, for ingredients that can stay at room temperature, you can pack those the morning of for your tailgate spread.
- Keep it cool. Your cooler is your best friend once you hit the parking lot. Whether you’re keeping beverages cold or storing meats to reheat, you’ll want something that’s big enough and performs well. I like the Barebones Living Trekker Cooler. This amazing cooler not only keeps your meat and beer cold, but it packs in your car without taking up too much room.
- Don’t forget the fun stuff. What’s a tailgate without a football to toss, cornhole boards or a giant Jenga set? We’re here to have fun while we’re cooking, right?
Watching the game at home instead? Check out my round up of grilled appetizer recipes because they’ll also work for your football party!
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My Favorite Tailgating Recipes
We’ve got a whole list of the perfect tailgate recipes for you to try. They’re freakin’ delicious, easy to make and a whole lot of fun. Let me know which ones you try in the comments!
Hot Dogs
Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Dogs
Grilled Hot Dogs with Chimichurri
Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Dogs
Burgers
Here are my favorite burgers for a tailgate menu! If you’re looking for more delicious recipes for burgers, then check out my smashburgers roundup and my thicc patty burgers roundup.
Cheesy Onion Smash Burgers
Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger
Oklahoma Onion Burger
Grilled Cheese BBQ Cheeseburgers
Chicken Wings
People always think of Buffalo wings and blue cheese dressing, but wings can do so much more! For a deeper dive into wings, check out my best chicken wings recipes.
Elote Style Chicken Wings
Huli Huli Chicken Wings
Garlic Parmesan and Beer Wings
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings with Melted Cheese
Hot Honey Garlic Wings
Quesadillas
Easy Steak Quesadilla
Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla
Tacos
People don’t always think of tacos for an easy tailgate recipe, and I’m here to tell you they’re a big hit! I’ve also got more taco recipes in my best tacos roundup.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
Cowboy Butter Steak Tacos
Steak Tacos with Corn Salsa
Sliders
Sliders are the ultimate tailgate finger foods. I’ve got more ideas in the sliders roundup too!
Chimichurri Steak Sliders
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Grilled Steak Elote Sliders
BBQ Beef Sliders
Smoked Cheesesteak Sliders
Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers
Surf and Turf Jalapeño Poppers
Dip Tailgating Recipes
Smoked Chorizo Queso
Jalapeño Popper Dip
Smoked Brisket Queso
Easy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Crust Dip
What to Serve with Tailgating Recipes
For vegetable sides, go with something easy that stores well in the cooler. Potato salad, slaw with green onions or pasta salad all work well here. And because there’s nothing sadder than a flavorful dip without chips, don’t forget the tortilla chips or pita chips! For recipes like the tacos or quesadillas, make sure you pack finishing touches like sour cream, limes and hot sauce. Plus beer or seltzer. We have to hydrate here.
Leftovers and Reheating
Because these recipes are all easy to make ahead of time, they’re also great for leftovers and reheating. Some of them even taste better the next day! If your individual components, like proteins and toppings, need to be refrigerated, store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days. Then, when it’s time to reheat, stick to medium heat (like 300-350 degrees F) on the grill or the oven. Each of my tailgating recipes has individual instructions too!
Tailgating Recipe FAQs
Definitely! Since the slow cooker uses slow and low heat, it’s best to stick to cuts that braise well, like pork shoulder, chicken thighs, ground beef or brisket. You might miss out on that smoky flavor, but if you’re grilling other components, you’ll get it there.
When you see jalapeños in a recipe, removing the seeds and ribs is the best way to dial down the spice level. If you’re using hot sauce (like one of my FYR sauces) or ingredients like cayenne pepper, chili powder or red pepper flakes, then just adjust the measurements to your liking.
Because I’m a proud Tennessean, I am, of course, a Titans fan. For college football, I’m wearing orange and cheering on the Volunteers. You’ll see me in my team colors any time of year.
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