Essential Tailgating Recipes • Game On! (2024)

It’s game on with tailgating recipes worth cheering for, from cheesy dips and crock pot chili, to brats, and the ultimate Chicago dog!

Essential Tailgating Recipes • Game On! (1)

tailgating recipes 101

Game Day food is some of the best, but you need to plan ahead when you take it on the road. When it comes to choosing tailgating recipes to bring or share at a party keep these tips in mind:

Portable and Easy-to-Eat: Choose foods that are easy to transport and eat in an outdoor setting without the need for elaborate table settings or utensils. Finger foods like chicken wings, sliders, and skewers are ideal. Portable dishes like sandwiches and tacos are also great options.

Pre-Made and Make-Ahead: Opt for foods that can be prepared in advance or purchased pre-made. This minimizes the need for extensive cooking on-site and allows you to spend more time enjoying the party. Dishes like pasta salads, potato salad, and pre-marinated meats can be prepared ahead of time are ideal tailgating recipes.

Low-Maintenance: Tailgating can be a busy and social event, so choose foods that require minimal attention while cooking or serving. For example, slow-cooked barbecue pulled pork or chili that can simmer on the grill or a portable stove while you socialize.

Temperature Tolerance: Consider the weather conditions and how well the food will hold up. Cold salads and dishes should be kept in coolers with ice packs to prevent spoilage. Hot foods should be kept warm using portable grills or warmers. Temperature neutral recipes like snack mixes, chips and salsa, and sandwiches etc., make ideal tailgating recipes.

Dietary Accommodations: Be mindful of your guests’ dietary preferences and restrictions. Offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, gluten-free choices, and low-sugar or low-sodium options.

Label Allergens: If you’re making dishes with common allergens like nuts or gluten, label them clearly so guests with allergies can make informed choices.

Go Seasonal: Tailgating happens year-round, so plan seasonal tailgating recipes. Hearty and warming dishes are great for cold-weather tailgates, while lighter fare and fresh fruits are perfect for warm-weather events.

Team Spirit: Consider incorporating team colors or themes into your food choices to add to the fun and excitement of the event. Team-themed cupcakes, colored drinks, or decorated cookies can be a hit. Simple sprinkled cookies can be made in any color of the rainbow, or how about team-themed juice popsicles?

Essential Tailgating Recipes • Game On! (2)

TAILGATING STARTERS

Tailgating is most closely associated with the yummy starters ~ and no surprise, they’re the first things we encounter when we show up hungry to the party. I love to share a combination of classic tailgating recipes like fried foods and hot dips along with some surprise twists (hello tunapeños!) For an outdoor party I’ll pack jarcuterie in unbreakable plastic cups.

Essential Tailgating Recipes • Game On! (3)

Mango Salsa

5 from 2 votes

Mango Salsa with ripe mangoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime is one of the world's great recipes ~ enjoy with chips, tacos, chicken or fish!

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Fried Green Beans

5 from 2 votes

Fried green beans definitely give French fries a run for their money…these crispy beer battered beans are irresistible!

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Crispy Crab Balls

4.98 from 47 votes

My crispy crab balls are crunchy on the outside, velvety smooth and packed with crab inside. A classic co*cktail party appetizer that's great for date nights in, and game day nibbling, too.

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Cowboy Caviar

4 from 104 votes

Cowboy Caviar ~ whether you call it Texas caviar, black bean salsa, black-eyed pea salad, or Southwestern bean dip, this all-American cross between a salsa and a salad is just plain GOOD!

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Cheesy Hatch Green Chile Dip

3.42 from 503 votes

Cheesy Hatch Green Chile Dip is an irresistible hot dip made with roasted Hatch chile peppers and lots of cheese!

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Jarcuterie

5 from 15 votes

Jarcuterie are single serve charcuterie in adorable jars or cups. Everybody gets to take their meat and cheese appetizer with them as they mingle (the concept is pure genius!)

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Sweet and Spicy Pretzel Mix

5 from 7 votes

Spicy Sweet and Spicy Bar Mix whether you're celebrating the beginning of a new year or the end of a busy week, this snack mix recipe will be your best friend. The only downside is that you really can't stop once you start!

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Beer Battered Mushrooms with Herbed Ranch

4.43 from 21 votes

These Beer Battered Mushrooms with Herbed Ranch Dip are crispy on the outside, and insanely juicy on the inside…they're in my top ten appetizers of all time!

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Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

5 from 22 votes

Zucchini Parmesan crisps are baked in the oven or air fryer until crisp on the outside and juicy inside. Delicious with fry sauce for dipping!

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Smokey Spinach Artichoke Dip

3.66 from 23 votes

Smokey Spinach Artichoke Dip ~ a warm, cheesy classic that's an absolutenecessityif you've got friends coming over on a chilly night. My smokey recipe takes this familiar comfort food and gives it a delicious edge.

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Bourbon co*cktail Meatballs

3.57 from 677 votes

These luscious little Bourbon Meatballs are going to be the hit of your next co*cktail party ~ people will flock to the meatballs, but they'll hang around for the sauce!!

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Foolproof Queso Dip

5 from 18 votes

My queso dip recipe is a deliciously silky cheese dip perfect for Game Day snacking!

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TAILGATING MAINS

Tailgating main dish recipes really depend on your specific setup: do you have access to a grill or electric stove top? If not you’ll want to plan accordingly. Large slow cookers can be fabulous for easy serving and keeping things warm. Individual sandwiches or brats can be wrapped in foil and kept warm in an insulated cooler.

Essential Tailgating Recipes • Game On! (23)

Chili Mac and Cheese

4.09 from 47 votes

Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate fall comfort dinner, a combo of meaty chili, pasta, and lots of gooey cheese. Perfect for Game Day or every day!

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Chicago Hot Dogs

5 from 5 votes

The Chicago Hot Dog: an all-beef legend with all the trimmings!

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Sheet Pan Peppers and Brats

3.52 from 98 votes

Sheet Pan Peppers and Brats ~ a quick and easy way to feed a Game Day crowd or a hungry family. This yummy sheet pan dinner is a favorite!

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Crock Pot Frito Pie

4.20 from 25 votes

Frito pie is the ingenious combination of a fabulously meaty chili on top of crunchy Fritos corn chips. Dinner (or game day) doesn't get any better!

Apple Butter Pulled Pork ~ Instant Pot or Not!

5 from 7 votes

Nobody turns down Apple Butter Pulled Pork ~ whether you do it in the Instant Pot, oven, or crock pot, this easy braised pork shoulder is a favorite for family dinners, game days, or whenever there are hungry mouths to feed.

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Cider Brats with Apple Onion Relish

4.31 from 23 votes

Slow Cooked Cider Brats with Apple Onion Relish are the real deal ~ Midwestern style brats with a crisp apple onion relish ~ we can’t get enough of them!

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Dill Pickle and Brat Soup

3.69 from 85 votes

Dill Pickle and Brat Soup, made in the crock pot, or not. This soup is a delicious surprise, with smokey brats, tangy dill pickles, and tender potatoes all in a light sour cream broth.

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Sheet Pan Smashburgers

5 from 4 votes

Juicy smashburgers with all the fixings made quick and easy on a sheet pan!

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TAILGATING SIDES

The sides really round out your meal plan ~ one option is to agree on one main dish like chili or pulled pork, and then add lots of sides to keep it interesting.

Essential Tailgating Recipes • Game On! (39)

Slow Cooked Apple Butter Baked Beans

5 from 7 votes

Slow cooked apple butter baked beans with bacon ~this is the best fall side dish ever, think bonfires, tailgating, game days, and cozy family meals.

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Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw

5 from 13 votes

Buttermilk coleslaw is the real deal, made with shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy old fashioned buttermilk dressing. Oh, and a secret ingredient that will make your coleslaw the best on the block.

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Corn Sticks

5 from 2 votes

Just like Grandma used to make ~ we love crispy corn sticks with barbecue, soups, and chili ~ they're a tradition at Thanksgiving!

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Perfect Garlic Knots

5 from 10 votes

Buttery garlic knots made with homemade or store bought pizza dough ~ yummy dinner rolls, or an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping!

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BLT Pasta Salad

5 from 9 votes

BLT salad takes the classic flavors of one of my favorite sandwiches and turns them into a super fresh, super crave-able summer side dish (or the best work-from-home lunch ever!)

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Sour Cream and Onion Biscuits

5 from 12 votes

We love sour cream and onion biscuits for breakfast and family dinners, but they're a must with holiday ham!

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Ramen Salad

5 from 5 votes

A fun cabbage salad made with a packet of instant ramen noodles!

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Pretzel Focaccia

5 from 10 votes

Pretzel Focaccia with maple mustard dipping sauce is the easiest way to get your fix of soft, homemade pretzel-y goodness. This easy one hour pretzel bread recipe skips the messy bits and gets right to the 'yum'.

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Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

4.30 from 20 votes

Homemade Hawaiian Rolls are ahomemadeversion of the famous King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls ~ these golden buns are buttery, soft, and lightly sweet ~ yum!!

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Honey Jalapeño Cornbread

3.67 from 36 votes

Honey Jalapeño Cornbread ~ this is a moist, Southern buttermilk cornbread with a fluffy open crumb, a hint of sweet honey, and a smokey heat from the peppers. Make it yoursignaturepotluck dish this summer, no one needs to know how crazy easy it is to throw together.

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TAILGATING TREATS

Whether you’re doing a victory dance or your team came up short, everybody’s gonna want dessert. Make sure your tailgating dessert recipes are mess free and easy to serve. Hand held is best, but not essential.

Essential Tailgating Recipes • Game On! (50)

Brownie Bread

5 from 19 votes

Brownie Bread is an easy chocolate quick bread ~ it's your favorite brownies baked up in a loaf pan for the perfect Fall treat.

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Thin and Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

4.92 from 106 votes

Thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies bake up super crisp with a rich, buttery toffee flavor ~ they're even better than Tate's!

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Whole Meyer Lemon Bars

4.25 from 24 votes

Whole Meyer Lemon Bars ~this is the ultimate lemon bar recipe made with a single, whole, Meyer lemon. This will be your new favorite dessert!

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Chocolate Sheet Cake

5 from 9 votes

My rich chocolate sheet cake comes together quick and easy with a whisk and one bowl. The glossy chocolate ganache makes it decadently delish!

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Nutella S’mores Bars

3.91 from 194 votes

Nutella S'mores Bars ~ everybody's favorite summer treat in an ooey, gooey, decadent, and delicious bar, no campfire needed!

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Jewish Cardamom Apple Cake

4.96 from 22 votes

A traditional Jewish apple cake recipe passed down through generations.

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Peanut Butter Cookies

4.92 from 23 votes

Classic peanut butter cookies are the perfect cookie. Crunchy on the outside, chewy inside, with plenty of that peanutty flavor we all crave, this one bowl recipe is easy and flawless!

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