Are you ready to take your tailgate game to the next level? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll explore the best tailgate recipes that are guaranteed to score a touchdown with your friends and family.
From mouthwatering appetizers to finger-licking main courses and irresistible desserts, we've got you covered. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress everyone at your next tailgate party. Let's dive in!
1. Cheesy Brats in a Blanket
Cheesy Brats in a Blanket is a delicious and crowd-pleasing tailgate finger food. It features perfectly cooked Johnsonville Bratwurst wrapped in buttery crescent dough with melty cheddar cheese.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a golden and puffy appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any tailgate party. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.
2. Grilled Ham Steak and Cheese on Pretzel Rolls
Grilled Ham Steak and Cheese on Pretzel Rolls is a simple and delicious tailgate recipe. The combination of juicy ham steak, sharp cheddar cheese, and soft pretzel rolls creates a mouthwatering sandwich.
The rolls are toasted to perfection, while the cheese melts and oozes with every bite. It's like having a warm pretzel dipped in cheese, all in sandwich form. This recipe is a winner for any tailgate event.
3. Gator Bait Bites
Gator Bait Bites are a flavorful and tender alternative to traditional alligator tailgate dishes. Made with chicken, these bites are soaked in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for hours before being fried to perfection.
The cornmeal breading adds a delicious texture and flavor. Paired with the tangy and spicy Swamp Sauce, these addictive bites are a must-try for any Florida tailgate party.
4. Glazed Kielbasa Bites
Glazed Kielbasa Bites are a simple and delicious tailgate snack. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes these bites irresistible.
With affordable ingredients like kielbasa, pineapple, and a flavorful glaze, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing taste. Perfect for serving at parties or keeping warm in a slow cooker, these bites are sure to be a hit with your guests.
5. Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Chicken Wings
The Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Chicken Wings are a delicious and easy-to-make tailgate recipe. The chicken wings are coated in a sweet and tangy apricot BBQ sauce, making them kid-friendly and perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.
Cooking them in the slow cooker ensures tender and flavorful meat. The wings are then broiled to achieve a caramelized sauce. Overall, these wings are finger-licking good and a great addition to any football watch party.
6. Spicy Veggie Burger Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
The Spicy Veggie Burger Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option for tailgate parties. The combination of grilled veggie burgers, caramelized onions, crispy mushrooms, and spices creates a delicious filling for baked sweet potatoes.
The balance of flavors is perfect, making it a great dish for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. It's a simple and convenient meal solution that can be enjoyed at any gathering.
7. Hot Kentucky Brown Sliders
The Hot Kentucky Brown Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich. These sliders feature layers of roasted turkey, bacon, tomato, and a homemade cheese gravy.
They are the perfect handheld option for a tailgate, combining all the flavors of the original sandwich in a convenient bite-sized form. The white cheddar cheese gravy adds a creamy and savory element that takes these sliders to the next level. Overall, the Hot Kentucky Brown Sliders are a must-try for any tailgate gathering.
8. BBQ Taco Football Boats
BBQ Taco Football Boats are a fun and tasty dish perfect for tailgate parties. These crispy taco boats are filled with BBQ beef taco meat and decorated with sour cream "laces" to resemble mini footballs.
The recipe uses Stubb's Original Bar-B-Q Sauce, which adds bold flavors without any artificial ingredients. These football appetizers are a hit and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser at your next game day party.
9. Keto Tailgating Drinks
The Keto Tailgating Drinks recipe offers two delicious low-carb options for football season parties and tailgates. The Margarita Punch combines Torani sugar-free lime syrup, lime juice, and tequila for a classic margarita flavor.
The Spiked Ice Tea combines Torani sugar-free lemon syrup, lemon juice, vodka, and tea for a refreshing and caffeinated drink. Both recipes can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, making them versatile for any crowd. With zero calories and zero carbs from the Torani syrups and bottled juices, these drinks are a guilt-free option for game day.
10. Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
The Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a must-have for any tailgate. These delicious rolls are stuffed with steak, cheese, peppers, and mushrooms, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Whether you prefer them with or without veggies, they are easy to make and cook perfectly in the air fryer. Serve them hot and watch them disappear at your next game day event.
11. Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix
The Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix is a highly addictive and flavorful combination of Bugles, pretzels, Cheez-Its, cashews, ranch dressing mix, buffalo sauce, and vegetable oil.
It's the perfect snack for tailgating, parties, and movie nights. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and will be the first thing to go at any gathering. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a bit of spice and a lot of flavor.
12. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a must-have for any tailgate party. With just three ingredients – chicken, cream cheese, and Ranch seasoning – this addictive dish is incredibly easy to make. The chicken becomes tender and shreds easily after cooking in the slow cooker for several hours.
For added flavor, crumbled bacon can be mixed in. This recipe can also be made in an Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time. Overall, Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
13. Carne Asada
Carne Asada is a flavorful and crowd-pleasing Mexican dish that is perfect for tailgating. The marinade, made with spices like ground cloves and Mexican dried oregano, adds a special touch to the grilled steak.
Serve it up in tortillas with a variety of toppings like salsa, queso fresco, and avocado for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a must-try recipe for any tailgate gathering.
14. Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a must-try for any tailgate party. With shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with ranch coleslaw, and baked to perfection, these sliders are a delicious twist on the classic ham and cheese sliders.
The combination of flavors is addictive, making them a crowd favorite. They are easy to assemble and perfect for sharing with friends while cheering on your favorite team.
15. Easy Beer Cheese Dip
The Easy Beer Cheese Dip is a must-have for any tailgate or Superbowl party. This hot and cheesy dip is made with a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, blended with your choice of beer for a flavorful kick. It pairs perfectly with pretzels, veggies, chips, or toasty bread.
Experiment with different cheeses and add in ingredients like bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor. While it's not recommended to freeze, this dip can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. Overall, the Easy Beer Cheese Dip is a quick and delicious addition to any game day spread.
16. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a classic tailgate recipe that will satisfy a crowd. Made with ground beef, onions, celery, and green pepper, this hearty dish is seasoned with garlic salt and pepper for a savory flavor.
The addition of ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste. Slow-cooked for four hours, the mixture becomes tender and flavorful. Serve on hamburger buns for a messy and delicious sandwich option. Perfect for game day gatherings.
17. Crispy Beef Burritos
The Crispy Beef Burritos are a must-have for any tailgate party. Packed with flavor from chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, these burritos have just the right amount of heat from minced jalapenos. The secret to their crispy perfection?
Butter brushed on the outside of the tortilla. With a delicious filling of sautéed ground beef, onions, and garlic, along with cilantro lime rice and melted cheese, these burritos are a crowd-pleaser. Baked to a golden brown, they are the ultimate handheld treat for game day.
18. Taco Wontons
Taco Wontons are crispy triangles filled with taco seasoned ground beef and Mexican cheese. They make a fantastic Mexican appetizer for tailgating, especially when dipped in Tex-Mex mayonnaise.
The filling is simple to make with lean ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper cooked with taco seasoning. The wontons are fried until golden and served with a flavorful sauce. A delicious and crowd-pleasing option for game day snacking.
19. Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a must-try for any tailgate party. This Texas Road House Copycat recipe delivers crispy and flavorful pickles with a Cajun twist.
Made in the air fryer, these fried pickles are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
20. Buffalo Chicken Wontons
These buffalo chicken wontons are a perfect addition to any tailgate spread. Made with shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, they offer a spicy kick that is balanced by a homemade yogurt blue cheese dip.
Baked in the oven, these wontons are a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these buffalo chicken wontons are a crowd-pleasing choice for game day.
21. Mississippi Roast Sloppy Joe
The Mississippi Roast Sloppy Joe is a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe. It combines the savory and tangy flavors of a Mississippi pot roast in a quick-cooking skillet recipe.
The homemade "ranch" sauce adds a unique flavor to the beef, creating a mouthwatering combination. Perfect for a tailgate, this recipe is easy to make and will satisfy any crowd.
22. Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip is a delicious and easy-to-make tailgate recipe. With only four ingredients – cream cheese, sugar, caramel sauce, and toffee bits – this dip comes together in just minutes.
The creamy cream cheese, sweet caramel, and crunchy toffee create the perfect combination of flavors. Serve it with sliced apples or vanilla wafers for a crowd-pleasing treat.
23. Buffalo Ranch Meatballs
Buffalo Ranch Meatballs are a must-have for any tailgate or party. With just three ingredients, these meatballs are incredibly easy to make. They can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, making them versatile for any cooking situation.
The combination of buffalo wing sauce and ranch seasoning gives these meatballs a delicious kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing for a complete and satisfying appetizer. Overall, Buffalo Ranch Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone going crazy at your next gathering.
24. Homemade Soft Pretzels
These Homemade Soft Pretzels are a must-try for any tailgate party. Salty, buttery, and warm, they are the perfect snack to enjoy while cheering on your favorite team.
Paired with a delicious Mustard Cheese Dip, these pretzels are a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make at home, they are a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought pretzels. Don't miss out on this irresistible comfort food for your next tailgate event.
25. Jalapeno Popper Rollups
Jalapeno Popper Rollups are a crowd-pleasing tailgate recipe that is easy to make ahead of time and transport. These bite-sized pinwheels are a fun twist on classic jalapeno poppers, featuring diced jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon rolled up in flour tortillas.
They are perfect for packing in lunches, snacking on the go, or adding to a spread of football snacks. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, then slice and enjoy!
26. Oven Fried Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings
Oven Fried Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings are a delicious and flavorful option for game day parties. The wings are marinated in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and oil, then coated with a savory seasoning blend before being baked to perfection.
The result is crispy wings with a tangy and salty flavor that will have your guests coming back for more. Perfect for tailgating or any gathering where finger foods are a must.
27. Crack Chicken Cheeseballs
Crack Chicken Cheeseballs are a delicious and addictive appetizer perfect for tailgating. Made with ground chicken, ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon, these bite-sized treats are a crowd-pleaser.
They are easy to make and can be frozen ahead of time for convenience. Serve them hot or at room temperature for a tasty snack that will have everyone coming back for more.
28. Chipotle Honey Biscuit Chicken Sliders
These Chipotle Honey Biscuit Chicken Sliders bring a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors to your tailgate party. The sliders feature a chipotle honey biscuit, a cool avocado spread, and a fried chipotle honey chicken patty.
The addition of La Morena Chipotle Peppers adds an authentic Latino flair to the dish. The combination of the spicy chicken patty and the sweet honey drizzle creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion. These sliders are a must-try for any tailgate event.
29. Beer Brats
Beer Brats are a classic tailgate recipe that brings the flavors of Wisconsin to your cookout. These bratwursts are marinated and boiled in beer, onions, and garlic, resulting in juicy and flavorful sausages.
Finish them off on the grill for a nice char and crisp texture. Serve them on a toasted bun with toppings like sauerkraut, honey mustard, and grilled onions. Perfect for a summer cookout or an easy weeknight dinner.
30. Sloppy Joe
The homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is a must-try for any tailgate party. Packed with tender ground beef, peppers, and onions in a sweet and smoky sauce, it's a comfort food classic that will bring back childhood memories.
The toasted bun adds a delightful crunch and texture to the sandwich. This recipe is customizable to suit your taste preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser. Overall, it's a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your hunger at any tailgate event.
31. Yellowhammer Drink
The Yellowhammer Drink is a fruity and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for tailgates and game days. Made with pineapple juice, orange juice, vodka, rum, and amaretto, this drink is a crowd-pleaser.
It is easy to make and can be enjoyed over ice with a cherry on top. Just be careful, as it is strong but doesn't taste like it. Overall, the Yellowhammer Drink is a delicious and enjoyable addition to any tailgate party.
