Grilling 24x7 » Recipes » Best Tailgate Recipes ( Over 50 Recipes)
by Frank Campanella 2 Comments
If you want to have the best tailgate spread for the big game then you have come to the right place.
Tailgate appetizers, sides, and big meat mains will keep every belly full long after the game is over.
Over 50 of the best tailgate recipes for the super bowl or just any big game
Table of contents
- Appetizers
- Salads and Sides
- Main Dish
- Dessert
- FAQ and Tailgating Tips
- Bonus Recipes (Top 5 Tailgate Sauces)
Best tailgate recipes that you can bring with you or cook on site. You'll be the Tailgate Master making everyone jealous.
This list will give you some great ideas for Main dishes, Appetizers, Sides, and even Dessert so you have all your bases covered for your next tailgate.
Tailgating for NFL football games has to be my favorite activity. Not only is there tremendous anticipation for the upcoming game, but you also get to drink beer and grill with your friends.
In fact, tailgating is so important to me and my friends that we tried to tailgate for my bachelor party in a hotel parking lot in Baltimore city before going out on the town.
Sadly, hotel employees informed us that a live fire in the parking lot with 10 or so guys drinking beer is not the smartest idea.
They were probably right. Anyway, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite recipes that work really well for tailgating.
Appetizers
Here are some great ways to kick off the tailgate. I always like to have a few cold appetizers that you can set out while you are getting the grills fired up.
That way anyone who gets there early has something to snack on
Smoked Honey Old Bay Wings
The perfect balance of smoky, spicy and sweet all in one tasty wing. Adding the element of smoke to your honey old bay wings takes this recipe to another level
Check out this recipe
Pepperoni Bread
An absolute tailgate hit! This pepperoni roll is the perfect game day snack - packed with pepperoni, cheeses, and sweet peppers
Check out this recipe
Peanut Butter & Jelly Wings
These oven-baked peanut butter and jelly chicken wings are reminiscent of a Thai peanut sauce with a touch of sticky sweetness. They are flavorful, juicy, and delicious!
Smoked Queso Dip Leftover Brisket Recipe
This Smoked Queso Dip usingLeftover Brisket Recipegives new life to smoked beef brisket so not a single bite of beef is waisted.
Check out this recipe
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Everyone’s favorite Mexican side dish turns into the best ever Mexican Street Corn Dip. You don’t even need chips, just grab a spoon!
Mini Taco Bowls
Mini Taco Bowls are the perfect party food for holiday entertaining, game day or just to have as a delicious snack. With just a little prep, these little taco bites can be assembled in under 10 minutes! You must try this super easy ground beef appetizer!
Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip is ready in less than 15 minutes with big buffalo chicken flavor. Perfect easy appetizer.
Check out this recipe
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Honey require only 4 ingredients and are so easy to make for an appetizer or snack.
Pellet Grill Chicken Legs
Smoked Chicken Legs are in my opinion one of the most underrated tailgate foods out there! They are quick, cheap and meatier than chicken wings.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Jalapeno Peppers
Smoked stuffed jalapeno peppers are the ultimate taigate appetizer for your next gameday. Cheesy spicy bacony goodness!!
Check out this recipe
Crab Cake Egg Rolls
The latest food trend to hit Baltimore is Crab Cake Egg Rolls. This air fried version with old bay aioli can be made at home in no time. No need to go out when you can make a healthier take on crab cake egg rolls at home.
Check out this recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers | EASY Recipe! | Confetti & Bliss
Make these easy teriyaki chicken skewers! After marinating in a savory homemade sauce, chicken is threaded onto skewers and grilled. So good!
Ham & Cheese Sliders — Salt & Baker
Delicious ham and cheese sliders topped with a honey mustard poppy seed sauce.
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Whether its tailgating or a backyard cookout these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders are one of my favorite appetizers to serve.
Check out this recipe
Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)
This bacon cream cheese jalapeno poppers recipe is made with 7 ingredients, and is ready in less than 30 minutes! Naturally low carb + keto.
Mini Bacon and Onion Pasties
My Mini Bacon and Onion Pasties may look impressive, but they’re one of the most simple recipes! They’re a delicious, savoury appetiser that’s always a hit.
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Bacon Wrapped Scallops can be made any time of the year in the oven, or on the grill! Grilling them alongside some grilled veges is so easy!
Instant Pot BBQ Hawaiian Little Smokies
A quick and easy instant pot appetizer recipe with little smokies cooked in BBQ sauce with pineapple. This is a great appetizer for your game day menu, holiday dinner, or office potluck. #lilsmokies
Pulled Pork Sliders (BBQ Pork Sliders) - The Kitchen Girl
BBQ pulled pork sliders with juicy, tender shredded pork and (homemade optional) coleslaw, tangy bbq sauce, dill pickle, and fried onions.
Caribbean Jerk Grilled Chicken Tenders
These Grilled Chicken tenders seasoned with Caribbean Jerk spice are perfect for dipping and are much healthier than fried chicken tenders.
Check out this recipe
The Very Best Homemade Spinach Artichoke Dip
4-Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip is super special with goat cheese and fresh garlic! This version uses hardly any mayo and is full of flavor.
Bang Bang Shrimp Dip
ThisBang Bang Shrimp Dipis a tasty take on the wildly popular appetizer from bonefish grill. I’ve taken all the sweet and spicy flavors of that magical sauce and transformed it into a dip that everyone will go crazy for.
Check out this recipe
Muffuletta Dip
This Muffuletta Dip is an easy low carb recipe based on my favorite sandwich in the Big Easy. This dip is perfect for any Game Day snacking or family gatherings. Loaded with flavor and ready in no time.
Salads and Sides
Again even a collection of cold and hot sides gives variety so you can bring some things like pasta salad and coleslaw that are ready to go.
You can prep the hot sides in aluminum pans and either bring them hot or heat them up on the grill if you have the space.
Southwest Pasta Salad with Shrimp
This Southwest Pasta Salad with shrimp is a delicious twist on traditional pasta salads with southwest flavors and chilled shrimp.
Check out this recipe
Smoked BBQ Beans
This recipe for Cast Iron Smoked Baked Beans is the best bbq bean recipe you will ever have. Loaded with 2 types of sausage and 5 types of beans
Check out this recipe
White BBQ Broccoli Salad
This Broccoli Salad Recipe with Alabama White BBQ Sauce is one of the best BBQ sides you will ever try. Creamy cheesy Bacon and Broccoli
Check out this recipe
Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Mac and Cheese is the grown up version of everyones favorite side dish. A kiss of smoke give this Mac the extra kick to take it over the top.
Check out this recipe
Grilled French Fries
Grilled French Fries are a fantastic bbq side dish to make at your next cookout. Perfect with steaks, burgers and chicken.
Check out this recipe
BBQ Corn Ribs
I saw it on Tiktok and I new I had to Make BBQ Corn Ribs. Even though they look and taste nothing like ribs they do taste like fantastic.
Check out this recipe
Corn and Avocado Summer Salad
This corn and avocado summer salad is the perfect cookout side dish. Full of bright colors and delicious fresh ingredients. Make this for your next cookout and watch it disappear.
Check out this recipe
Taylor Pork Roll Deviled Eggs
These Taylor Roll Deviled Eggs will have your friends and family popping these delicious bites of awesomeness until every last one is gone.
Check out this recipe
Cast Iron Roasted New Potatoes
These cast iron roasted new potatoes are my favorite way to prepare potatoes.
Check out this recipe
Classic Southern Squash Casserole
This Classic Southern Squash Casserole is a fantastic recipe that loaded with creamy cheesy goodness and a great way to showcase yellow squash.
Check out this recipe
Classic Southern Coleslaw Recipe
This Southern Coleslaw Recipe has been in my family for generations and is a staple at any family gathering, cookouts and more
Check out this recipe
Avocado Corn Salsa
This Avocado Corn Salsa dip is a family favorite that we make for every single gathering because it’s always a crowd-pleasing, allergy-friendly appetizer or side. Plus it’s healthy, flavorful, fresh, and super fast, and easy to make!
Main Dish
It's time to bring out the big guns and assert your dominance and master of the tailgate!
No holding back now, these crazy sports fans have been drinking for and hour waiting for some meat to come off the grill.
One tip is to always have one long cook smoked meat like Brisket or pulled pork that you can put on the pit overnight and wrap in the morning.
If you keep the meat in a dry cooler it can stay hot for hours and hours.
BEST Pellet Smoker Brisket Recipe
If you want to know how to make the best pellet grill brisket with great results every time then this post is guaranteed to make your next brisket better!!
Check out this recipe
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe's
These buffalo chicken sloppy joes are a super easy recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Perfect Smoked Prime Rib on Pellet Grill
Smoked Prime Rib is the crown jewel of a lot of families holiday dinner. Make sure your Prime Rib is the is perfectly cooked every time.
Check out this recipe
How to Smoke Ribs for Beginners
This recipe is aimed at Smoking Ribs for Beginners but that doesnt mean I dont have a few pro tips included as well
Check out this recipe
BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken
This will be the easiest Smoked Pulled Chicken recipe you will ever make! Juicy smoked chicken is perfect for making sandwiches, tacos, and more
Check out this recipe
Smothered Beer Braised Brats
Smothered Beer Braised Brats-Get it here. This is one meal you will to want to serve because the sauteed brats in pasta sauce is a wonderful combination.
Wisconsin Beer Brats
Wisconsin Beer Brats. Simmered in beer and onion, grilled, and served slathered in sauerkraut and mustard. Perfect for game day. #brats #grilling #footballfood #tailgating #superbowlfood
Smoked Pork Shoulder
If you want delicious Smoked Pork Shoulder but don't want to stay up all night tending to a fire this is the pulled pork recipe for you!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Beef Tenderloin Recipe (on Traeger)
If you want to impress your guests Smoked Beef Tenderloin on the pellet grill is always a show stopper and great for large groups.
Check out this recipe
Left Over Pulled Pork Cuban Casserole
Turn your leftover pulled pork into a delicious low carb Cuban Casserole. This healthy dinner is ready in no time using the leftovers out of your fridge.
Check out this recipe
Green Chile Stuffed Pork Loin Fatty
Here is a tasty twist on the standard Fatty Recipe. This Green Chile Stuffed Pork Loin Fatty is spicy, cheesy meaty deliciousness.
Check out this recipe
Homemade Runzas - Nebraska’s Famous Runza Recipe made at Home
Make Nebraska’s famous Runzas at home! A bread dough pocket, filled with cabbage, onion, and seasoned ground beef, baked until golden brown.
Pellet Grill Smoked Tri Tip
Smoked Tri Tip on the pellet grill is by far my favorite method for preparing this beautiful cut of beef
Check out this recipe
Dessert
It's almost game time but what would a tailgate be without a few treats to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Banana Split Grilled Dessert Nachos
A unique nachos recipe with all the flavors of a banana split - in an easy, healthy, fun grilled dessert! A simple yet decadent family favorite!
Fruit Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing
Easy fruit salad is the perfect spring and summer side dish! This 4-ingredient flavorful fruit salad recipe comes together so quickly.
Mississippi Mud Dessert Dip | Mississippi State Tailgate
This dessert is a show stopper! Bring Mississippi Mud dip to next party and you’ll be the tailgate fave. Luscious chocolate dip with chips, ’mallows + more.
Cherry Turnovers | EASY Cherry Hand Pie! | Confetti & Bliss
These cherry turnovers are light and crisp with amazing flake! So yummy. This is an EASY cherry hand pie recipe. Enjoy them bakery fresh!
Edible Cookie Dough Cones - Waiting for Blancmange
These chocolate filled ice cream cones, topped with a dollop of edible chocolate chip cookie dough will be a fun new family friendly treat.
Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies
These raspberry white chocolate cookies are soft, chewy, and ready in under 20 minutes! You can use white chocolate chips or chunks!
Nutella Blondies
These Nutella blondies are filled with a gooey thick layer of chocolate hazelnut spread inside and have a perfect crinkle top. This blonde brownies recipe is so easy too!
FAQ and Tailgating Tips
How do you keep cold sides cold when serving?
Always bring extra ice to use for keeping side dishes cold. You can serve the sides in aluminum foil pans fill a second pan halfway with ice and place the cold sides on top. This will keep the sides cold for up to 2 hours depending on the temperature outside. Also having the cold sides in the shade under a tent helps.
How do You keep Smoked Meats like Brisket and Pulled Pork Hot?
After you have reached an internal temp that you want wrap the meat in foil place in a dry cooler and cover it with a towel. the meat will stay piping hot for at least 4 hours depending on the cooler. Then you can slice or shred on site.
What do you recommend for a handwashing station?
The easiest thing is to get yourself a 5-gallon bucket, 5-gallon water jug, and a Water dispenser. You can reuse the water jug with tap water and the dispenser is wireless so you can take it anywhere. Place the jug on a table or upside-down crate and place the bucket underneath to catch the dirty water. Have soap, paper towels, and a trash can nearby and you are set.
What's the best method for packing up and saving the leftovers?
The dry cooler that you had your hot food in will now become your cold leftover cooler. Cover all your sides with the aluminum foil lids and bag up all the meats in gallon freezer bags. Make sure there is plenty of ice in the cooler and load all the leftovers in.
Bonus Recipes (Top 5 Tailgate Sauces)
- Blue Cheese
- Ranch
- Honey Dijon
- Stout Beer BBQ Sauce
- Comeback Sauce
Check out my 4th of July and Labor Day Round-Ups for Even More Recipes!!!!
Reader Interactions
Comments
Jersey Girl Cooks
Great choices! Thanks for including my mini taco bowl recipe!
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Culinary Lion
It caught my eye immediately, They look fantastic!! thank you for sharing the recipe.
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