18 Tailgate Recipes & Essentials (2024)

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Are you ready to tailgate? Whether you're a die-hard fan of the NFL or NCAA or enjoy having friends over for a good time, tailgating is always an unforgettable experience. It's a terrific way to bring together friends and family for delicious snacks, tailgate foods, fun activities, and a shared love for sports.

But what should you bring? What recipes should you make? Here's a guide to all the tailgaterecipes and essentials and tried-and-true recipes sure to impress the crowd.

What to Bring to a Tailgate

So, what are some of the tailgate essentials? While the list of items you should bring may vary depending on the tailgate, there are certain must-haves that no tailgating event should be without. Here's a quick rundown of what to get:

  1. Ice-cold drinks
  2. Cups and ping pong balls
  3. Foam finger
  4. Wifi speaker
  5. Plates and utensils
  6. Cornhole
  7. Tailgate grill
  8. A relaxing chair
  9. Burgers and hot dogs
  10. Award-winning cheese
  11. Crackers for the cheese

These tailgate necessities are crucial for any tailgate event as they provide a great way to relax, snack on delicious food, and spend quality time with friends and family outdoors. Now that you know what to bring to a tailgate, let's talk about recipes for tailgating.

Top Tailgate Recipes This Season

A tailgate party wouldn't be complete without tantalizing tailgating recipes. Here are some of the most popular tailgate recipes this season:

  1. Football Cheddar Crackers
  2. Spicy Buffalo Wings
  3. Football Cheese Board
  4. Crispy Cheese Pickle Chips
  5. Loaded Potato Skins
  6. Air Fryer Hot Wings
  7. Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Yogurt Dip
  8. Buffalo Chicken Dip
  9. Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
  10. Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Dip
  11. Black Bean Chili Dip
  12. Cheddar Popovers
  13. Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Beer Sauce
  14. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Cheddar Cheese
  15. Hot as a Torch! Jalapeño Poppers
  16. Hot Italian Cheddar Dip
  17. Wickedly Habanero Cheddar BLT Bites

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How amazing are these? They're perfect for any tailgate party and can be prepared in no time.

Spicy Buffalo Wings

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No celebration is complete without a big platter of spicy buffalo wings for everyone to devour. Our special wing sauce uses CabotLowfat Plain Greek Yogurtfor a cool, creamy flavor, and your favorite hot sauce for the spicy kick you love.

Football Cheese Board

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Create your football-themed appetizer by arranging Cabot cheddar cheese and crackers in the shape of a football.

Crispy Cheese Pickle Chips

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Calling all pickle lovers! Quick& easy to make, these crispy, one-bite wonders are full of flavorandsure to be a hit at your next tailgate.

Loaded Potato Skins

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These loaded potato skins are tasty and nutritious for chillier weather. Prep time is only 30 minutes, and they will surely be a hit at any tailgate party.

Air Fryer Hot Wings

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Love hot wings and using your air fryer any chance you get (or need a great excuse to go out and buy one)? Then you’ll want to make these addictively delicious hot wings. Seasoned with salt and pepper and tossed with melted butter and hot sauce, these wings are full of flavor.

Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Yogurt Dip

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Vegetarians rejoice! This healthy twist on the classic buffalo wings recipe will surely be a hit. It's a must-have at any tailgate.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

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America's favorite dip! Buffalo chicken dip is a surefire crowd-pleaser and perfect for tailgates because it's easy to prepare, delicious and versatile. Our recipe makes 12 servings.

Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

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These sliders are bite-sized and super easy to make. They have a bit more substance than other options. This tailgate recipe makes about 24 burgers, enough to feed a crowd.

Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Dip

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Undoubtedly one of the stars of your tailgate, this bacon cheeseburger dip will have everyone coming back for seconds. Wow your guests with this cheesy dip.

Black Bean Chili Dip

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As far as easy tailgate snacks go, this dip can't be beaten. It's a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your tailgate spread. It's easy to make and is highly versatile.

Cheddar Popovers

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This handheld treat is sure to be a hit. They're cheesy, flaky, and delicious. Keep the recipe handy; you'll be asked for it again and again.

Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Beer Sauce

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Sure to please a crowd, these stuffed pretzel bites are the perfect bite-size vessel for creamy and delicious cheddar beer sauce. As a bonus, the cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days… but it probably won’t last that long!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Cheddar Cheese

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These crispy,air-fried chicken tenderscome togetherquickly and are made healthier using an air fryer. The perfect grab-and-go protein for any tailgate!

Hot as a Torch! Jalapeño Poppers

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Our take on the classic tailgate staple. Our Jalapeño Poppers are a perfect game day recipe to feed a crowd. This dish is easy to prep and will win the hearts of anyone who likes a little spice in their snack. This recipe makes 24 jalapeño poppers, but they’ll be such a hit you may need to make more!

Hot Italian Cheddar Dip

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Blending Italian flair with fresh ingredients like ripe red tomatoes and basil, this cheddar dip is a fun and simple way to add a little extra flair to the tailgate spread. The best part is that it’s delicious with just about anything – serve with sliced bread or crackers for dipping, or lighten things up with fresh, crunchy veggies like celery or carrots.

Wickedly Habanero Cheddar BLT Bites

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Nothing says “Game Day” quite like bacon and cheese on skewers. That’s why we created this simple, easy-to-share BLT appetizer recipe, featuring our Wickedly Habanero Cheddar Cheese to spice things up for you and your guests. Made in just 20 minutes with 6 ingredients, this easy potluck recipe is sure to be a win.

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This cheddar beer dip provides you the enjoyable, rich flavor of a cheddar-beer soup, but in the convenient form of a scoop-able party dip. How’s that for genius? This delicious blend of cheese, bacon and beer could warm up even the chilliest of game days!

Enjoy These Tailgate Necessities

Make your next tailgate a success with these recipes. Whether you're looking for easy tailgate snacks or something more substantial, these tailgate recipes are sure to please. Always pack the essential items and pick up some of your favorite tailgate food before heading out. Enjoy!

Happy tailgating!

Cheers!

18 Tailgate Recipes & Essentials (2024)

FAQs

What is tailgate food menu? ›

Classic tailgating recipes like deviled eggs and pimiento cheese team up with new players like Bacon-Wrapped Party Poppers and Buffalo Chicken Dip to give your tailgating spread the crowd appeal needed to satisfy a hungry group from one Saturday to the next.

What should I take for a cold tailgate? ›

Now, let's dig in!
  • Mini Sandwiches. Cold tailgate food ideas typically revolve around lunch and dinner entree food. ...
  • Coleslaw. As one of the most popular side dishes to food in football bars, coleslaw is best when served at a cool temperature. ...
  • Potato Salad. ...
  • Macaroni Salad. ...
  • Fresh Fruit. ...
  • Mixed Nuts. ...
  • Cookies. ...
  • Brownie Bites.
Dec 13, 2023

How do you tailgate without a grill? ›

25 Best Tailgating Recipes Without a Grill
  1. Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings - Julia's Cuisine. ...
  2. Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball. ...
  3. Watermelon Slushies. ...
  4. Mac & Cheese Topped Pulled Pork Sliders. ...
  5. Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip. ...
  6. Hot Sausage Dip. ...
  7. 45 Game Day Appetizers and Snacks. ...
  8. Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe (with Video)
Aug 31, 2023

What are the most common party foods? ›

38 Ideas For Party Food That Will Please Any Crowd
  • Ham & Cheese Pull-Apart Bread. ...
  • Garlic Parmesan Potato Stackers. ...
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Fries. ...
  • Peanut Butter Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Bites. ...
  • Chocolate Caramel Oat Bars (Carmelitas) ...
  • Curly Fries. tasty.co. ...
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Crackers. tasty.co. ...
  • Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. tasty.co.
Dec 21, 2023

What is considered a finger food? ›

A finger food is any small piece of food that your baby can pick up and bring to their mouth. Babies will develop the skill to pick up food at different ages, but offer finger foods at six months. This will help your baby learn to feed themselves and to chew. Most babies enjoy touching food and eating with their hands.

How do you keep food hot at a tailgate? ›

Wrap it well and keep it refrigerated. Use insulated coolers packed with ice or ice packs to keep foods cold while you transport it. If you're transporting hot food, use foil trays and wrap them with towels or double-wrap them in foil. Use a cooler to store the hot food as it will trap the heat and keep the food hot.

What do you do at a tailgating party? ›

Tailgate parties typically consist of grilling out, eating and drinking, listening to music, and talking with friends about the upcoming event.

What tailgate food does not need to be refrigerated? ›

Also be sure to round out your menu with a few non-perishable snacks that don't require refrigeration like pretzels, chips, snack mixes, and nuts. No matter how well your team plays, your tailgate spread is sure to score.

What does every tailgate need? ›

What to Bring to a Tailgate
  • Coolers with ice.
  • Folding table and folding chairs.
  • Plastic tablecloth.
  • Portable grill, plus propane or charcoal and lighter fluid.
  • Matches or lighter.
  • Grilling utensils.
  • Meat thermometer.
  • Aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
Aug 7, 2023

What should you not do at a tailgate? ›

Things you should never do at a college football tailgate
  • Don't show up uninvited. Don't intentionally come unannounced to avoid being a contributor when your host would have otherwise invited you. ...
  • Don't mooch. You'll notice that as a common theme here. ...
  • Don't be obnoxious. ...
  • Don't bring surprise guests. ...
  • Don't eat and run.
Sep 12, 2022

What is the best tailgate food that doesn t need to be heated? ›

Snacks/Dips
  • Hot Crab Dip with bread.
  • Kettle Corn with Almond Footballs.
  • Creamy Cold Spinach Dip with chips.
  • Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip with chips.
  • Whipped Pumpkin Dip with Nilla wafers.
  • Cold Bean Dip with chips.
  • Hot Mexican Bean Dip with chips.
  • Creamy Corn Dip with chips.
Dec 7, 2022

How do you make a fun tailgate? ›

Think about how much space you have at your tailgating spot so you know what kind of activities you'll have room for. Popular tailgate games include cornhole, horseshoes, and giant Jenga. Even having a few footballs to toss around is good to keep guests busy!

What is tailgate etiquette? ›

Remember to be respectful of the others tailgating in your vicinity. Recreating the greatest catches ever, or holding a long throw competition is probably not advisable in a crowded parking lot. Smaller games are a better idea.

Who has the number one tailgate in the NFL? ›

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, might be the fifth largest in the NFL, but when it comes to tailgating, they make a strong claim for the No. 1 spot, based solely on the food. Known for their mind-blowing barbecue recipes, tailgaters at Arrowhead put on a show in the parking lot during pregame festivities.

What snacks are good for trunk shows? ›

Simple, stylish treats to serve at trunk shows and in-home...
  • Cheddar Cornbread Mini-Muffins are so moist they can sit out for hours without getting stale. ...
  • You want simple, no-mess foods, such as Vodka Tomatoes With Celery Salt. ...
  • Chipotle-Cheese Dip with Pepperidge Farms Baked Sesame Sticks.
Apr 10, 2012

What is the best lot to tailgate at the Rose Bowl? ›

Brookside Golf Course - Lot 7 - Pasadena, CA Reserve A Spot. The Brookside golf course in Pasadena is the ultimate place to tailgate before a game at the Rose Bowl.

Who has the best tailgating fans in the NFL? ›

In a study by Crestline, Lions fans were ranked fourth among the most hardcore tailgaters, with a 78.30 "Tailgating Score." New Orleans Saints fans topped the list with a 93.41 Tailgating Score, followed by the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas Cowboys fans rounded out the top five.

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