Tailgating Party Foods

We truly think tailgating is pretty much the ultimate in outdoor entertaining. You literally head outside and create a veritable makeshift kitchen complete with tables, chairs, coolers, grills—all the conveniences of home (or some of them, at least).

Or maybe you are “tailgating” at home by hosting a game day party. Either way, you want to serve and enjoy good food and drink while watching the game.

So put away the hamburgers because we have some easy and totally delish tailgating party food for you to try. SCORE!

Tailgating party food recipes sure to please!

1. Hot artichoke dip

Okeedokee artichokee

A great dip can totally make a party, even if the party is in a parking lot with thousands of people! Our tasty and oh-so-simple artichoke dip calls for 6 ingredients that can be pre-mixed, poured in a disposable pan, and heated on a portable grill for delectable tailgate noshing. Don’t forget crackers or tortilla chips!

 2. Hearty chili

Is it chilly? Time for chili!

The ultimate in tailgating food, a good chili feeds the masses while warming them up too. It also tends to be a great conversation starter because everyone makes the best chili! Our recipe is just the right balance of herbs, spices, hearty and easy—and it can be made in a slow cooker the night before the game and heated on-site. Total touchdown!

 3. Dandy shandy

British invasion

Is it just us, or did British shandies make a big splash this summer? We decided to create our own fall version using a stout rather than a lighter beer, and it turned out to be one tasty twist! Perfect for tailgating, our dandy shandy has a lemony zing with only half the alcohol. Yum!

 4. Utensil wrapper

Cutlery touchdown!

Since you’ve freed up some cooking time by using one of our simple and delicious recipes, delight your fellow tailgaters with our football-themed utensil holders! With a variety of free printable designs to choose from, you can customize your wrapper to represent your favorite team and add a memorable touch to your tailgate party.

5. Slow cooker shredded chicken

Crowd pleasin’ cookin’

There are two really great things about using a slow cooker: 1) they are ridiculously easy to use (set and forget) and 2) slow cooker recipes tend to feed a crowd, like our scrumptious shredded chicken recipe. Absolutely perfect for tailgating, you can serve this melt-in-your-mouth chicken on buns with all the toppings or in tortillas for the perfect burrito.

6. Baked cheese sticks

Baked not fried

Mozzarella sticks out of the deep fryer are way good, but not so good for you. We baked a healthier version using pre-packaged cheese sticks and a seasoned panko coating with ooey-gooey good results. Since an oven is probably not part of your tailgating gear, this recipe is definitely best for “tailgating” with friends in the comfort of your own home.

7. Hot pastrami tailgate sandwiches

Wrap, grill, chow

Talk about simple! Our smoked pastrami, Gouda cheese, and Dijon mustard sammies can be pre-made by the dozen(s), wrapped in foil and transported to the big game in a cooler. When time to chow down, toss those babies on a hot grill for 5 minutes for a hot, melty, deli-quality treat your fellow fans will go crazy for!

“Relax and enjoy! This is tailgating, not a stuffy 7 course meal!” – Cheryl