50 Tailgate Food Ideas to Make Game Day a Success
No matter how the game goes, everyone will feel like winners.
Get ready—it's game day, y'all! And even if you don't love watching the game, these recipes are good enough to get you excited about getting together with friends and kicking back to watch. We've rounded up our favorite hot eats and smart, football-themed fall appetizers everyone at the event will enjoy. And then we've tossed in a pile of party dip recipes, refreshing fall cocktail recipes, and even a few autumn treats.
Football Whoopie Pies With Cinnamon Cream
No matter what the final score ends up being, these football-shaped treats will ensure everyone ends the day on a sweet note. Both kids and adults will scarf them down in no time.
Chicken Quesadillas
This smart snack gets an easy upgrade: the ingredients are cooked into a sauce first, so they stick to each other, and are less likely to fall out of the tortillas.
Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs
There may be a better tailgating dinner than ribs, but we haven't heard of it.
Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers
These impressive sausages are a breeze to grill, and easily feed a crowd.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
This hearty hands-off side dish practically makes itself.
Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans
You can make this meat-free chili ahead of time in your slow cooker, and then serve it in the same pot so it stays warm throughout the party.
Grilled Hotdogs with Fixin's
It's not game day without a perfectly grilled hot dog. Tailgaters can customize their dogs with zesty pickles and onions, tangy horseradish, or spicy chiles.
Loaded Nachos
Is it really a party if there aren't nachos? Bake these ahead, and then use a lidded tray to take them to the game. Dress them with lettuce and sour cream right before serving.
Charred Corn Salad
A quick and easy side is great for hungry tailgaters. Just grill your corn, toss in queso fresco, and enjoy!
Cajun Sausage Puffs With Bourbon Mustard
Think of these bites as an upgraded version of pigs in a blanket. Although they look a bit more sophisticated, they're still unbelievably easy to prepare.
Dill Scallion Dip
This dip tastes delicious with just about everything: chips, crackers, or even freshly cut veggies.
Tangy Collard and Cabbage Slaw
This sure-to-please dish is easy to prepare and travels well—perfect for both picnics and everyday meals.
Spicy Oven-Baked Wings With Blue Cheese Dip
Frank's Red Hot Sauce gives this dish a nice kick. If you'd like to turn down the heat, make sure to add plenty of the cool, creamy blue cheese dip.
Black Bean-and-Pineapple Salad
This hearty fruit, bean, and pepper salad will satisfy your sweet and spicy cravings.
Salami Sandwiches With Cauliflower Relish
If you're waking up early for the big game, these sandwiches will be a lifesaver. You can put them together the night before and they'll still be tasty the next day.
Caramelized Onion Dip With Crispy Shallots
Serve this dip with a variety of vehicles, such as chips, pretzels, and even vegetables. Of course, no matter how you enjoy this dip, it'll be super tasty.
Bee's Knees Shandy
All the football fun will have tailgaters craving a cool, refreshing drink. This gin-based cocktail is made with your beer of choice.
Texas-Style Pimento Cheese
Make this easy, cheesy dip the night before your tailgate, store in your cooler, and serve with a variety of chips and crackers.
Vegetable Kebabs with Lemon-Scallion Vinaigrette
Serve your hot dogs and hamburgers with a side of fresh zucchini, summer squash, and bell peppers.
Turkey Chili
By using ground turkey or 95 percent lean beef, you'll save at least 7 grams of fat and 59 calories per serving. Plus the beans offer lots of fiber.
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