Introduction
Tailgating is a great way to get together with friends and family to enjoy some delicious food and drinks before a big game. Whether you’re tailgating for a football game, a baseball game, or any other sporting event, you’ll want to make sure you have some tasty food to enjoy. Here are 28 of the best tailgate food ideas that are so good, you’ll be tempted to skip the game and just stay in the parking lot! From classic tailgate favorites like burgers and hot dogs to more creative dishes like mac and cheese bites and pulled pork sliders, these recipes are sure to please everyone in your group. So grab your grills and get ready to enjoy some delicious tailgate food!
28 Best Tailgate Food Ideas So Good, You’ll Skip the Game
Tailgating is a great way to get together with friends and family before a big game. But what’s a tailgate without some delicious food? Here are 28 of the best tailgate food ideas that are sure to make your pre-game party a hit.
1. Grilled Burgers and Hot Dogs
Nothing says tailgate like a classic burger and hot dog. Grill up some juicy burgers and hot dogs and serve them with all the fixings. Don’t forget the buns!
2. Buffalo Chicken Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is a tailgate favorite. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggies for a delicious snack.
3. Loaded Nachos
Load up a big plate of nachos with all your favorite toppings. Add some jalapenos for a spicy kick!
4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cooked pulled pork is a great tailgate food. Serve it on a bun with your favorite BBQ sauce for a delicious sandwich.
5. Chili
Chili is a great tailgate food because it’s easy to make and can feed a crowd. Serve it with some shredded cheese, sour cream, and crackers for a hearty meal.
6. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic tailgate food. Make it with mayonnaise, mustard, and your favorite mix-ins for a delicious side dish.
7. Sliders
Sliders are a great way to feed a crowd. Make them with beef, chicken, or pork and serve them with all the fixings.
8. Kebabs
Kebabs are a great way to get creative with your tailgate food. Grill up some veggies and meat and serve them with a delicious sauce.
9. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser. Make it with your favorite cheese and serve it with some bacon for an extra-special treat.
10. Corn on the Cob
Grill up some corn on the cob for a delicious side dish. Serve it with butter and salt for a classic tailgate treat.
11. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a great side dish for any tailgate. Make them with your favorite beans and seasonings for a delicious dish.
12. Potato Chips
Potato chips are a classic tailgate snack. Serve them with your favorite dip or salsa for a tasty treat.
13. Veggie Tray
A veggie tray is a great way to get your veggies in. Serve it with some ranch dip for a healthy snack.
14. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a great way to get your fruit in. Mix up some of your favorite fruits and serve it with a delicious dressing.
15. Pretzels
Pretzels are a great snack for any tailgate. Serve them with some cheese dip for a delicious treat.
16. Popcorn
Popcorn is a great snack for any tailgate. Make it with your favorite seasonings for a tasty treat.
17. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a great way to get creative with your tailgate food. Fill them with your favorite ingredients and serve them with some salsa for a delicious snack.
18. Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are a classic tailgate food. Make them with your favorite sausage and serve them with some ketchup or mustard for a delicious snack.
19. Guacamole
Guacamole is a great way to get your veggies in. Serve it with some chips or veggies for a delicious snack.
20. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a great way to get your protein in. Make them with your favorite mix-ins for a delicious snack.
21. Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are a classic tailgate snack. Serve them with some olives or pickles for a delicious treat.
22. Hummus
Hummus is a great way to get your veggies in. Serve it with some pita chips or veggies for a delicious snack.
23. Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and peppers are a great way to get your protein in. Grill them up and serve them with some buns for a delicious sandwich.
24. Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a great way to get your protein in. Make them with your favorite sauce and serve them with some celery and blue cheese dip for a delicious snack.
25. Pizza
Pizza is a great way to feed a crowd. Make it with your favorite toppings and serve it with some garlic bread for a delicious meal.
26. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a great way to get creative with your tailgate food. Fill them with your favorite ingredients and bake them for a delicious snack.
27. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great way to get your protein in. Mix up some of your favorite nuts and dried fruit for a delicious snack.
28. Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls are a great way to get creative with your tailgate food. Make them with your favorite popcorn and mix-ins for a delicious snack.
It’s football season! You know what that means, right? Well, football games, of course. But also, tailgating—which is arguably better than some of the actual games. With great tailgates come lots of beer and party games, but an awesome tailgate also consists of great food. And yes, we mean more than just chips.
Fun and exciting tailgates can make game day that much more memorable. It’s a chance to indulge in some delicious foods with friends, family, and a parking lot full of like-minded fans. Whether you’re a first-time tailgater or a seasoned pro, these recipes will give you (and your team!) the pregame boost you’re looking for all season long.
The classic game day staple is a cinch with these two-ingredient bite-sized nuggets.
Get the recipe from Lil’ Luna.
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You can’t go wrong with a savory seven-layer dip, with its many textures and flavors. This version is packed with meat, veggies, and tons of seasoning.
Get our recipe for 7-Layer Dip.
Grilled hot dogs will be extra fiery with the addition of these hot and spicy cheese crunchies.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
The ideal crowd-pleasing appetizer, these pretzel bites will pair perfectly with whatever you’re drinking on game day.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
This simple, easy-to-assemble hamburger cuts down on the mess of your ordinary burger, making it perfect for tailgating. The fact that it’s healthy(ish) is just a bonus.
Get our recipe for the Healthy Ultimate Burger.
You don’t have to save garlic knots for pizza night. Instead, bring them to the tailgate and watch these lovable sides get devoured.
Get our recipe for Garlic Knots.
If you have access to a cast iron skillet, these juicy smashburgers won’t disappoint and will keep you satisfied til halftime.
Get our recipe for the Smashed A.1. Swiss Burger.
Wings and football are a match made in heaven. This baked take on the classic finger food contains powerful and delicious flavors, and can be portable for any tailgating event.
Get the recipe from Inspired Taste.
You can’t go wrong with a football-shaped anything on game day. Bacon, ranch, AND cheese all in one appetizer? You’re golden.
Get the recipe from Julie’s Eats & Treats.
Every good BBQ includes at least one salad option, and coleslaw is always a winner. This light slaw mix is a nice way to offset some of the grease you’re probably consuming.
Get our recipe for The Easiest Coleslaw.
If you like a crunchy chicken wing that packs some heat, these traditional Buffalo wings will make you swoon.
Get our recipe for Best Ever Buffalo Wings and Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings.
Make some room on the grill for this veggie staple, which is topped with a unique curry butter that will delight your senses.
Get our recipe for Grilled Corn with Coconut Curry Butter.
This hearty, meaty dish was meant for game day. This one offers just the right amount of heat and can be made in advance and kept warm in your crockpot all day.
Get our recipe for Smoky Crockpot Chili.
Is there anything more on-brand for a tailgate than these sweet treats? We think not.
Get the recipe from The BakerMama.
These keto-friendly pork rinds are a snack for the ages. Pair them with this meaty, well-seasoned dip to give you barbecue feels without even having to turn on a grill.
Get our recipe for Pork BBQ Dip and Crunchy Chips.
An easy make-ahead side dish that can be prepped in 15 minutes and goes well with just about everything.
Get the Recipe from Averie Cooks.
These rich and chocolatey treats are a must-have at your tailgate dessert table.
Get our recipe for Fudgy Brownies.
Another classic Sunday football delight that works as well for a tailgate as it does an at-home viewing party.
Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Easy to make and easy to snack on, these nachos are everything you could want in a nacho dish. Plus, you’re also getting tons of protein.
Get our recipe for Chicken and Black Bean Nachos.
Not a fan of burgers and dogs? You shouldn’t have to settle for the side dishes. This grilled shrimp with a sweet marinade gives you all the BBQ vibes.
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
Name one time that you weren’t delighted by sliders. These tiny, snackable joints are easy to manage with one hand, so you won’t have to ask anyone to hold your beer.
Get our recipe for Chipotle Bacon Sliders.
Get your vegetable fix with these perfectly charred skewers, which are loaded with way more than onions and peppers.
Get the recipe from the Minimalist Baker.
Another great game-day combo? Beer and cheese! This dip is perfect to pair with pretzels or chips.
Get the recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
All the beauty of mac and cheese, in a smaller, more portable version. These cups are easy to transfer and easy to eat in the parking lot of any game.
Get our recipe for Crispy Crumb-Topped Mac and Cheese Cups.
You don’t have to be a fan of the Dallas Cowboys to enjoy this loaded burger (although it may become your new staple tailgate food).
Get our recipe for the Cowboy Burger.
Not your average black bean dip, this one comes with seasonal ingredients that are readily available during football season.
Get the recipe from The First Mess.
If you’re looking to change up your typical hot dog and hamburger meat options for the barbecue, these beef kebabs have you covered.
Get our recipe for Tokyo-Inspired Hoison Beef Kebabs.
Our recipe for Cocoa-Coconut-Oat Cookies with Chocolate Chunks is like your favorite chocolate chip cookie, dialed up to 11. Whether you’re setting up tables of food and grilling with a huge group or just a few people, your tailgate menu is going to be the talk of the parking lot. If the rival team’s fans try to crash your party, can you really blame them?