85 Best Tailgating Recipes

Whether you’re setting up shop in a frosty stadium parking lot or making camp in your own driveway, these crowd-pleasing Tailgating Recipes will fuel the day. Discover plenty of easy-to-make appetizers and sandwiches, dips, grilling recipes, desserts, warm drinks, and more.

 

Meggan’s notes

Tailgating is like living room entertaining on steroids: great food, friends, and loyalty for the home team, but now you’re in a crowd of thousands of like-minded fans to fuel the fun.

When it comes to tailgating food, warm options take edge off frosty mornings. Crockpots are a convenient choice for soups, stews, hot dips, and drinks, while freshly-baked casseroles can stay warm in a baking dish just long enough for them to be finished off.

If you have a portable grill, everything from brats and hot dogs to steak and chicken is on the menu. Beyond that, add plenty of pre-portioned appetizers, snacks, and sweets.

Most Popular Tailgate Recipes

1. Wisconsin Beer Brats

Simmered in plenty of onions and (you guessed it!) beer, this is the quintessential tailgate main dish. Serve with a tray of condiments such as relish, sauerkraut, ketchup, and mustard so each guest can garnish as desired.

2. Chili Dogs

Grilled hot dogs are good. Grilled hot dogs topped with homemade beef chili are even better! Try this Chili Dog recipe the next time you’re craving comfort food, as part of a tailgate menu, or any time you fire up the grill.

3. Green Bay Booyah

Hearty comfort food at its Midwestern best, this Booyah Stew is a chicken and beef stew is a fan-favorite that deserves the starring role as part of your tailgate menu.

4. Cowboy Caviar

Every tailgate needs a dip recipe, and this fresh and colorful Cowboy Caviar is a Midwestern staple. Stir it together the day before and refrigerate until party time to allow the dressing to infuse into every bite. Serve with copious amounts of Homemade Tortilla Chips.

5. Puppy Chow

Delightfully messy and loaded with chocolate and peanut butter flavor, this no-bake cereal treat is the Midwestern dessert to serve at your next tailgate. Be sure to make a double batch so someone else doesn’t intercept the last serving before you get your fix.

6. Jello Shots

For an extra festive touch to these sweet vodka shots, select Jello flavors that match your team’s colors. Prep them entirely up to 3 days ahead, then chill the “shot glasses” on a tray for easy transport to the tailgate party table.

Grilled Tailgate Food

7. Bacon Cheeseburgers

The Best Bacon Cheeseburger has a thin and crispy smashburger-style patty, plenty of bacon, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Add grilled onions cooked in bacon fat if that’s your jam! This one’s a “must-make” for burger lovers everywhere.

8. Carne Asada

Carne Asada isn’t just a recipe: it’s an invitation to celebrate. Learn how to make authentic Carne Asada, a popular grilled steak recipe, just like they do in the heart of Mexico.

9. Grilled Ribeye

When it comes to steaks, Grilled Rib Eye is my favorite, and it’s not even close. As a classically-trained chef, I reach for this cut for its juicy marbling, tender texture, and clean beef flavor. Discover my formula for perfect ribeye every time, and apply the same techniques to any cut of steak you have.

10. Grilled BBQ Chicken

This easy Grilled BBQ Chicken is finished with a dunk in sweet-spicy barbecue sauce. Learn how to turn any grill into a smoker, then prepare to savor a smoky, saucy chicken dinner that will have the entire block wishing they were invited to your yard for dinner.

11. New York Strip Steak with Chimichurri

When you want to finish your steak with something beyond butter, try this easy, herby sauce straight from Argentina. Chimichurri Steak is packed with flavor, and the sauce is easy to make right in your blender.

12. Pork Burgers

Spiced Pork Burgers topped with a feta-mustard mayonnaise and pickled beets! An amazing flavor combination and hand’s down my favorite burger of all time.

13. Grilled Tri-Tip

Today I’ll let you in on a California secret: Grilled Tri-Tip. It’s part steak, part roast, and 100% delicious. This little-known cut of beef is the star of Santa Maria barbecues and is sure to impress at yours.

Tailgate Dips

14. Black Bean Salsa

Transform canned beans into Black Bean Salsa, an easy recipe guaranteed to please. It’s fresh, colorful, and delicious, and it might just be your new favorite party recipe.

15. Taco Dip

If you have 10 minutes, you have plenty of time to this Taco Dip Recipe, the best ever layered Mexican dip that’s loaded with your favorite toppings and perfect for parties. Break open a bag of corn chips and get your next fiesta started!

16. Buffalo Chicken Dip

This easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is classic Midwestern fare, and it can be yours in minutes with just 5 ingredients. Serve with plenty of fresh celery sticks, crackers, and chips.

17. Pico de Gallo

For a truly authentic Mexican Pico de Gallo, hunt down dried Mexican oregano. It’s the secret ingredient you taste, but can’t identify, at restaurants and resorts south of the border. Along with fresh tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro, you can easily recreate this classic recipe at home.

18. Cheesy Bacon Dip

Cheesy Bacon Dip has two kinds of melted cheese, a full pound of crispy bacon, and buttery cracker crumbs. A perfect skillet appetizer to whip up for game day or weekend parties.

19. Guacamole

This Chipotle Guacamole recipe is the real deal. With just seven ingredients and a few minutes, you can enjoy as much Chipotle Guacamole at home as you can mash!

20. Dill Dip

For a healthy appetizer recipe that will inspire everyone to eat vegetables (and enjoy them!), serve my easy Veggie Platter. This party snack idea is customizable and ready to share in just 10 minutes.

21. Beer Cheese Dip

Beer Cheese Dip is a ranch-flavored pub-style dip made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and of course, beer! It’s a popular Midwestern recipe for game days and party days, and it’s ready in just a few minutes with 6 ingredients.

22. Hot Reuben Dip

Hot Reuben Dip showcases all the flavors of the famous deli sandwich in one easy appetizer recipe. Scoop up with toasted rye bread pieces to complete the reuben sandwich experience.

23. French Onion Dip

Skip the seasoning packet and try this easy homemade French Onion Dip. The caramelized onions are cooked low and slow to bring out their rich golden color and natural sweetness.

24. Corn Salsa

A sweet salsa with medium heat, copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa recipe is made with roasted poblano peppers, jalapeños, red onion, citrus juice, and plenty of corn. Use frozen corn like Chipotle does, or follow my easy tutorial for use fresh corn on the cob.

25. Nacho Cheese Sauce

This easy Nacho Cheese Sauce comes together in 5 minutes or less with just 4 ingredients – and no roux! It’s perfect for nachos or as a spicy dipping sauce, and you can easily control the heat depending on how many jalapeños you add.

26. 7 Layer Dip

This 7 Layer Dip is made with beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and scallions. Nothing fancy and no cooking required, but together the whole combination tastes amazing when scooped up with a sturdy tortilla chip. 

Tailgate Snacks

27. Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce

The easiest party appetizer on the planet is also the most delicious. Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce is a lifesaver for hungry crowds and cocktail parties, so make a double batch! 

28. Barbecue Smokies

Sharpen your toothpicks. Barbecue Little Smokies are the easiest, most festive appetizer you’ll ever make. Two ingredients, zero prep, and 100% addictive, exactly the way all good party food should be.

29. Baked Buffalo Wings

I’m spilling my secret to the crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings. Bake the chicken wings, then toss them in hot Buffalo sauce and pair with blue cheese dressing for the ultimate game-day appetizer idea.

30. Pizza Sticks

It only takes 3 ingredients to make these easy, cheesy Pizza Sticks! Wrap cheese and mini pepperonis in wonton wrappers, then fry to crispy golden perfect. So great with marinara sauce, ranch, or nacho cheese dipping sauces!

31. Stuffed Mushrooms

This easy Stuffed Mushroom Recipe is loaded with artichoke hearts, two cheeses, and scallions. Top them off with buttery breadcrumbs, then bake until golden brown and bubbly. Everything can be prepped and assembled the day before (in 30 minutes or less).

32. Potato Skins

This hearty Potato Skins Recipe makes a delicious, easy appetizer that can be customized with your favorite toppings for your game day gathering or potluck.

33. Coconut Shrimp

This restaurant-style Coconut Shrimp recipe is a cinch to make at home with freezer and pantry staples. My shatteringly crispy Coconut Shrimp appetizer is good on its own, and even better once dunked into the zippy Sriracha-chile sauce.

34. Pull-Apart Pizza Bread

Skip the pizza delivery! Enjoy this easy, cheesy Pull-Apart Pizza Bread hot and fresh from the oven. You’ll want to double the batch!

35. Ham Roll Ups

From Minnesota with love, Ham Roll Ups are a delicious party appetizer made deli ham, cream cheese, and pickle spears. They are salty, addictive, and the perfect tasty bite!

36. Sausage Roll

Sausage Rolls are one of the tastiest snacks to come out of the United Kingdom, and with good reason. With an herby, sausage filling wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown and flaky, these crispy little rolls are always a hit, no matter where you serve them.

37. Chex Mix

Make this homemade Chex Mix recipe in the microwave in 10 minutes or less! It’s adapted from the original Chex Party Mix recipe, but I use more butter and I think it’s better that way.

38. Pigs in a Blanket

You need just 3 ingredients and 20 minutes to make one of the best party snack ideas, Pigs in a Blanket. This easy appetizer recipe is pure, blissful comfort food that will transport you back to childhood (and delight kids, too).

Tailgate Chili

39. Cincinnati Chili

Made famous by Skyline Chili in Ohio, Cincinnati Chili is full of secret ingredients and served on spaghetti with lots of toppings, depending on which “way” you like it.

40. Chili Con Carne

Learn how to make easy, delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne for a comfort food dinner. Including bacon, beef chuck roast, tomatoes, and beans, this stew recipe is overflowing with savory flavor (and practically prepares itself!).

41. Beef Chili

This easy Beef Chili Recipe is just like mom used to make. Follow the recipe as-is or add your own special touches for an award-winning bowl everyone will love.

42. White Chicken Chili

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili is a rich, creamy one-pot wonder that tastes especially delicious in the coldest months of the year. Set out a bunch of colorful, zesty toppings and let everyone help themselves.

43. Turkey Chili

This delicious Turkey Chili recipe is made with ground turkey, so it’s a little bit lighter than the standard beef version. It’s full of vegetables and classic spices and it’s ready for all your favorite healthful toppings like diced avocado, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

44. Sweet Potato Chili

This delicious, nourishing Sweet Potato Chili is loaded with black beans, vegetables, and all the classic spices. It’s naturally vegan, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or popping in the freezer.

45. Chili Mac

There’s nothing a bowl of Chili Mac can’t fix. This easy pasta, beef, and bean recipe lives to please; it’s fast, filling, and usually makes the cares of the day vanish into thin air. Plus when it’s time to clean up, you only have one pot to wash.

Tailgate Sandwiches

46. Sloppy Joes

When it comes to easy homemade dinners, it doesn’t get any better than this easy Sloppy Joe Recipe, a longtime family favorite. This 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, and birthday parties. Of all the sloppy joes I’ve had, this one is the best.

47. Ham and Cheese Sliders

These family-friendly Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate hearty party snack. Make a tray (or two) for your next gathering and watch them disappear!

48. Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Savor the bold flavors of a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog, a beloved Mexican street food loaded with crispy bacon and all your favorite toppings. It’s a favorite in our house—especially for my husband, a native of Aguascalientes, Mexico!

49. Air Fryer Bratwurst

Inspired by Milwaukee’s German heritage, this Air Fryer Bratwurst recipe delivers juicy, crispy brats in minutes. They’re a fan favorite for tailgates, family reunions, and Oktoberfest celebrations!

50. Cheeseburger Quesadillas

Enjoy three restaurant copycat recipes in one 30-minute meal! Savor the flavors of a fast food cheeseburger in my easy Cheeseburger Quesadillas, then pair with a crisp wedge salad drizzled with special sauce.

51. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

It doesn’t get much simpler than this 4-ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Ideal for busy weeknights and party menus, my best pulled pork recipe also happens to be one of my easiest dinner ideas ever.

52. Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

Ever wondered what makes a Chicago-Style Hot Dog truly Chicago-style? It’s all about history and the very specific toppings that define this Windy City icon.

53. Muffaletta

Muffaletta is one sandwich recipe that is definitely a meal. Discover how to make Muffaletta from scratch, including a tender, chewy bread, briny olive salad, and savory meats and cheeses. Try this Muffaletta for Mardi Gras parties, picnics, or any time of year.

54. Sausage and Peppers

Italian Sausage and Peppers is a simple enough for quick weeknight dinners but delicious enough for epic parties, too! Juicy Italian sausages in a homemade tomato sauce with plenty of sliced peppers and onions is hearty, delicious, and easy. Take this simple sandwich right over the top with some shredded mozzarella on top.

55. Italian Beef Sandwich

This juicy Italian Beef Sandwich recipe is inspired by the sandwiches of Chicago. With tender shredded beef, lots of pickled vegetables, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, you’ll love how easy these are to make – and how delicious they taste!

56. Hot Turkey Sandwiches

These slow cooker Hot Turkey Sandwiches are a copycat of “Turkey-to-Go” sandwiches from the Minnesota State Fair. For the juiciest shredded turkey you’ve ever tasted, start with a can of beer and end with a stick of butter.

Tailgate Side Dishes

57. Baked Beans

Baked beans (or as my mom calls them, “brown beans,”) are a staple at all tailgates, barbecues, and potlucks. This version is enough to make the day before and keep warm in a slow cooker at your event, and they really do taste better than the ones from a can.

58. Calico Beans

From cowboys to kiddos, everyone goes crazy for Slow Cooker Calico Beans. Loaded with beef and bacon, they’re great for a cookouts, parties, and tailgating.

59. Easy Cold Pasta Salad

This easy Cold Pasta Salad has broccoli, bell peppers, zesty Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese. It’s simple and always a favorite!

60. Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole has all the flavors of twice-baked potatoes but is as easy to make as mashed potatoes. No need to refill potato skins when you can just spread it in a pan and bake it! This is an unforgettable side dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

61. Baked Mac and Cheese

Take a break from the blue box mac. Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food! The irresistible garlic butter breadcrumb-topped casserole is a surprisingly easy dinner recipe, calling for just 10 minutes of prep time.

62. Mexican Street Corn (Elóte)

Learn the secrets to authentic Mexican Street Corn (also known as elote), a simple, delicious snack made with just 5 key ingredients: Corn, lime, mayonnaise, Parm, and Tajin. This is exactly how the street vendors make it, and now you can too.

63. Corn Salad

This easy Corn Salad recipe has a Chipotle-honey dressing and plenty of tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. It’s light and citrusy, the perfect late-summer side dish.

64. California Pasta Salad

This delicious and colorful California Pasta Salad is always a hit as part of a party menu. Make this easy pasta salad recipe up to a day ahead if you like; the flavors only get better as it marinates.

Tailgate Desserts

65. Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Easy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are my idea of the perfect dessert. Semi-homemade yet full of decadence, this semi-homemade bar cookie recipe stars cheesecake atop a buttery sugar cookie crust.

66. Caramel Corn

Transform air-popped popcorn into a sweet and addictive treat with just a few baking staples. This easy homemade Caramel Corn makes an excellent food gift or favor as well as a stellar game-day or party snack.

67. Rice Krispie Treats

Browned butter and vanilla make these Rice Krispie Treats the tastiest around. They are tall and fluffy, chewy, and sweet, perfect for kid and adult snacking alike!

68. Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Your new favorite chewy, soft chocolate chip cookies. Under-bake them slightly so they come out with crispy edges and soft centers. Plus all the info you need to freeze cookie dough for later.

69. Cranberry Bliss Bars

This Starbucks copycat recipe combines everything you love about a blondie recipe with cream cheese frosting. White chocolate and dried cranberries elevate these bar cookies to irresistible territory.

70. Cowboy Cookies

Cowboy Cookies have a fantastic chew from oatmeal, coconut, and nuts. Try my classic combination of chocolate chips and buttery pecans or add your own favorite mix-ins. Even picky eaters will love these cookies!

71. Blondies

Blondies are like a brownie without the chocolate: Sweet, golden, and buttery, these easy bars are made with just 6 simple ingredients.

72. Scotcheroos

If you like Rice Krispies treats, then you’ll go head over heels for no-bake Scotcheroos, a crispy, chewy, chocolate-and-peanut butter decadence. They’re ready in minutes and devoured in seconds.

73. Banana Bars

Put your overripe bananas to work in a big pan of Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, one of the most spectacular banana desserts ever. The bars are soft and cake-like with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. And for some crazy reason, I think they taste best served cold.

74. Texas Sheet Cake

No need to make a trip to the Lone Star State to learn how to make the best Texas Sheet Cake from scratch. This rich chocolate cake is topped with a buttery cocoa frosting that has a delicious crackly texture. It’s unbelievable and so good!

75. Cheesecake Brownies

Half fudgy brownie, half creamy cheesecake, these Cheesecake Brownies are among the most decadent dessert recipes I’ve ever developed. To get these out of the table and onto your plate as fast as possible, this recipe starts with a boxed brownie mix.

76. Breakfast Cookies

Filled with oats, coconut, pecans, and cranberries, these hearty Breakfast Cookies have an incredible texture, delicious flavor, and perfect chew. Makes a great snack, too!

77. Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is made with light and airy angel food cake, white chocolate pudding frosting, and plenty of fresh berries! Decorate it for a patriotic holiday or any summer party.

78. Snickerdoodle Cookies

Soft, chewy, crackly, and rolled in cinnamon and sugar, these Snickerdoodles are impossible to pass up. You don’t have to chill the dough either, so you can go from zero to Snickerdoodle in under thirty minutes.

79. Coffee Cake Muffins

These easy Coffee Cake Muffins are perfect for brunch, breakfast, or as a food gift. No need to fight over the biggest slice; all of these walnut-studded cinnamon muffins are equally sized and over-the-top delicious.

80. Peanut Butter Buckeyes

This easy Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe is popular in Ohio, the Buckeye State. But no matter where you’re from, anyone can get excited about peanut butter balls dipped in melted chocolate.

Warm Tailgate Drinks

81. Hot Chocolate

In the time it takes to microwave water and dump in a packet of stale chocolate powder, you can have luscious, homemade Hot Chocolate that is rich, velvety, and oh-so-delicious.

82. Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider

Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is simple to make, sweet, and delicious. This welcoming, spiced hot beverage makes the whole house smell amazing, too.

83. Mulled Cider

Mulled Cider is warmed apple cider infused with brandy and spices. It’s the perfect hot beverage for a cold day, especially around the holidays.

84. Hot Toddy

Whether you’ve got a cold, cough, or just a case of the winter blues, a Hot Toddy will wrap around you like a warm blanket and soothe your weary bones. Here’s the classic recipe for a delicious hot cocktail you can make all season long.

85. Apple Cider

Invest 10 minutes of prep time and you can transform fresh apples into a classic Apple Cider. This big-batch homemade cider is sensational party drink idea.