When getting your tailgate on, be sure to fuel up on some tasty eats to keep you going through halftime and beyond.
It’s that time of year, when fans deck themselves out in their fave team’s gear, crack open a beer and get rowdy for the big game. But everyone knows that downing brews on an empty stomach is a bad idea, so include some of these tailgate-appropriate foods at your party.
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
Summer’s over, but don’t dust off your grill just yet, because these classic picnic eats are the perfect tailgate foods. They’re inexpensive and everyone loves ‘em, so go on and get some.
All-American Hot Dog Kabobs – Don’t just stick them in a bun, skewer your dogs for a twist.
Grilled Salsa Hot Dog Wraps – Alternately, you could wrap some dogs in tortillas with some salsa. Ole!
Easy Hamburger Sliders – These little burgers let your guests have just a snack or go hog wild.
Hamburger and Potato Pie – If a grill is not in your future, just take along this awesome hamburger casserole.
Grilled Hamburger Steaks with Roasted Onions– These burgers are packed with flavor thanks to the addition of French onion soup mix.
Cold Sandwiches
If you’re without a grill or a slow-cooker, the best way to go is a good old-fashioned cold cut sammy. Here are a handful of our faves.
Grilled Ham and Cheese Pull-Apart Sandwich Loaf – Take this loaf to your shindig and watch everyone’s faces as you unveil it in all of its glory.
Ham and Mozzarella Sandwich Wedges – Just a good ol’ ham and cheese sandwich made extra special with focaccia bread.
Submarine Sandwich – The sub is everyone’s go-to for feeding a crowd, and for good reason because it’s delish and filling.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches – Wrap up these sammys individually so people can grab and go.
Muffaletta Sandwiches – These are basically the Italian version of a sub. Buon appetito!
Chili and Stews
Whether you’re tailgating in the comfort of your living room or out in public, a slow-cooker full of hearty chili or stew is an ideal choice, because it’s filling, hot and there will be plenty to go around.
Easy Crock Pot Chili – A classic. Serve with a hunk of cornbread and get back to the party.
Easy White Chicken Chili – A new school fave that’s a little spicy and a lot yummy.
Beef Stew in Biscuit Cups – Want simple clean up? Edible bowls are the ticket.
Harvest Beef Stew – Just toss your ingredients in a pot, bake it for 1.5 hours and you’re done!
Sausage, Chicken, and Shrimp Gumbo – Whether you’re rooting for Nawlins or not, this gumbo will satisfy a crowd.
Chips and Dip
Of course, you’re going to need some munchies in addition to main courses. In fact, these dips could be a meal on their own.
Jalapeno Popper Dip – This spicy, creamy dish has everything you could ask for. Serve it up with some tortilla or pita chips.
Seven-Layer Bean Dip – Have you ever been to a party where there was seven-layer dip leftover at the end? Didn’t think so.
Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Dip – Pizza in dip form? Awww, yeah.
Southwestern Dip – Whip this up, pair it with corn chips and watch it disappear before your eyes.
Buffalo Chicken “Man” Dip – If you haven’t tried buffalo chicken dip yet, now is the time. Serve it up with tortilla chips and celery.
Desserts
No meal is complete without a sweet treat. These happy endings are perfectly portable and will leave everyone with a smile.
Football Cookies – The appeal is right there in the name. We can’t think of a more appropriate game day dessert.
Giant Oatmeal Cookies – Make these cookies with your team’s colors of chocolate candies.
Candy Bar Meltaways – These bars are cookies, candy and cereal all in one. You might as well call them vanishing bars.
No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Candy Bars – These are wayyy better than any packaged bar you’ll ever try. Trust.
Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes – The problem with traveling with cupcakes is that the frosting is sure to smudge. That’s why these little babies have icing on the inside.
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