Football season is just starting and the best thing about game day if you ask me is the tailgating foods! I've packed a ton of delicious recipes into this list of tailgating party food ideas that you are bound to get some new inspiration no matter if you planning to tailgate at home or in the parking lot of your favorite game.
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Best tailgating food ideas
From Sloppy Joe Sliders to Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites there are so many great tailgate recipes that you can make bring with you on game day. Last year, I found myself making buffalo wings over and over again, so this year I've decided to make this list of great recipes so that I can add some variety to our events, and I hope that they will give you some new ideas also.
Easy tailgate recipes
These are reader favorites, the ones that you'll find yourself making over and over again. Like the Ground Beef Quesadillas, they are easy to make but still packed with flavor and perfect for your next tailgate party.
- Ground Beef Taco Dip - Skip the usual 7-layer dip, and make this Ground Beef Taco Dip instead. With layers of cream cheese, taco meat, shredded cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, this will be a new favorite.
2. Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings - These crispy yet tangy wings are always a fan favorite. The sweet and smoky sauce makes them finger-licking good.
3. Beer Brats - Braised in a savory beer and onion broth, and then grilled to crispy perfection, these brats are the perfect addition to any tailgate. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings for a delicious and easy meal.
4. Hot Quesadilla Dip - is a slightly spicy appetizer that is bursting with cheesy goodness, and when you dip your favorite tortilla chips into this warm dip you will get a satisfying crunch that will have your tastebuds jumping for joy.
5. Bubble Up Pizza Casserole - Do you love pizza? Then you'll love this easy casserole version. Packed with all the classic pizza toppings and baked into a fluffy, biscuit crust, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
6. Air Fryer Hot Dogs - Skip the boiled hotdogs, and save time by not firing up the grill, with an air fryer your hot dogs will be ready in minutes. Plus, the air fryer creates a satisfying crisp on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
7. Tater Tot Nachos - Leave the tortilla chips in the pantry and use hearty tater tots to make these crave-worthy beefy nachos instead.
8. Pigs in a blanket- This classic finger food is super easy to make, and is always a crowd-pleaser with young and old alike.
Easy party dips
Grab your favorite dippers because these dips are ready to be devoured. With everything from warm cheese dips to refreshing guacamole, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
9. Rotel Sausage Dip - You can never go wrong with this crowd favorite. The savory sausage, flavorful tomatoes, and gooey cheese make this dip irresistible.
10. Creamy Guacamole Dip - If you want something cold and delicious then this classic guacamole dip is the answer! You can never go wrong with chips and guacamole.
11. 3 Ingredient Refried Bean Dip - With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have this dip on the table well before the game even starts
12. Crab Rangoon Dip - Take your favorite Chinese appetizer and turn it into a dip! This creamy combination of crab, cream cheese, and seasonings will have your friends and family coming back for more.
13. Buffalo Chicken Dip - This savory dip has all the flavors of traditional buffalo things but is packed into a warm and cheesy dip. Enjoy this with celery sticks for the ultimate game-day snack.
14. Queso Dip - This gooey cheese dip is made with a savory blend of Velveeta cheese, tomatoes, salsa, and jalapenos. It's a great way to add a spicy dip to your party table.
15. Blooming Onion Sauce - just like your favorite dip from Outback Steakhouse, this easy-to-make recipe is tangy and delicious! Serve it with onion rings, (of course!) fries, or tater tots!
- Million Dollar Tailgating Dip - grab some Frito's and enjoy!
Finger foods
Finger foods are a staple at any game day, plus easy eats keep you out of the kitchen. Who wants to do a pile of dishes on game day? So, give yourself a break on clean-up and whip up one of these finger-licking favorites!
17. BBQ Chicken Skewers - Made with tender chicken and coated with a creamy bbq sauce, these handheld bites are great to sneak some extra protein onto your party table.
18. Stuffed Celery with Cream Cheese - These savory logs, are the perfect blend of crunchy and creamy. Plus, they are low-carb friendly, so everyone can enjoy them!
19. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls - Why wait for a special occasion, when you can make these melt-in-your-mouth sausage balls anytime?
20. Puffy Tacos - Tacos aren't typically on the traditional snack table, but I promise you, when you make this crave-worthy puff pastry taco bites, they will become a crowd favorite.
21. Stuffed Mushrooms - Bursting with savory flavors, these stuffed mushrooms are guaranteed to be devoured quickly. It's just so easy to pop one in your mouth every time you walk by the table.
22. Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos - No need for expensive and soggy takeout when you can make this restaurant favorite at home for your crowd! They have all the flavors of buffalo wings and nachos for an amazing combination.
23. Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls - Flaky pastry wrapped around savory sausage filling, make these finger foods the perfect addition to your snack table. They're quick and easy to make, but beware, they'll disappear just as quickly.
- Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks - fluffy bread with gooey cheese, who can resist!
- If you love a great sandwich, these Steak and Cheese Sliders are always a hit!
- BBQ Chicken Sliders - soft and tender and oozing with barbecue sauce.
Slow cooker appetizers
If you ask me, one of the best things about using a slow cooker for game day, is that you don't have to worry about the food getting cold. It will stay warm and delicious so you can hit the table for more snacks during 3rd or 4th quarter.
27. Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs - These grape jelly BBQ meatballs are a must-have for any game day spread. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it cook while you cheer on your team.
28. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken - Not your typical appetizer this hearty and flavorful chicken dish is perfect for those looking for something a little heartier during the game. Serve with mini slider buns or Hawaiian rolls for an easy and delicious meal.
29. Slow Cooker Steak Bites - These tender, juicy steak bites are a crowd-pleaser on game day. It's a great way to get tender results from a budget-friendly steak cut.
30. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta - Pasta makes a great game day dish. And this creamy buffalo chicken variation is sure to be a hit. It's also super easy to make in the slow cooker.
31. Crockpot Loaded Baked Beans - Made with peppers, onions, sausage, and several different types of beans this slow cooker recipe, is always a fan favorite.
Make-ahead recipes
I don't know about you but I love to plan for game day. These make-ahead recipes are perfect for getting everything ready the day before so you can spend more time enjoying the game and less time in the kitchen.
32. Roast Beef Roll-Ups - These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for game day. Thinly sliced roast beef, cream cheese, and spinach all wrapped up in a tortilla. And then chilled until ready to serve.
33. Cream Cheese Ball - This traditional appetizer is full of ranch flavor, and then rolled in crispy bacon to make a tasty spread that's perfect for snacking.
34. Crack Chicken Pinwheels - These chicken bacon ranch pinwheels are easy to make. And, they can be prepared up to a day before your favorite team's game.
35. Tailgate Chili - This hearty chili can be made the day before and then reheated for a warm. meal. Serve with some shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions for added flavor.
36. Cuban Sliders - These mini sandwiches are filled with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a tangy mustard sauce. They can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving for a delicious game day snack.
37. Ham and Pickle Roll Ups - These simple yet tasty appetizers are made with ham, cream cheese, and pickles. Roll them up and slice into bite-size pieces for a quick and easy low-carb snack for your table.
Pasta salad recipes
Creamy, zesty, and colorful, pasta salads are a staple at any tailgate or watch party. Make them ahead of time and let the flavors marinate for a delicious side dish on game day.
38. BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad - This pasta salad combines all the flavors of a classic BBQ chicken into a hearty and satisfying dish. With tender chunks of chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and crunchy veggies, this recipe will be a hit with any sports fan.
39. Macaroni Pasta Salad - A classic pasta salad with a twist, this recipe includes macaroni noodles and a tangy dressing. Packed with flavor, it's the perfect addition to any game day spread.
40. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - With chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy dressing, it's delicious and filling!
41. BLT Pasta Salad - Take your favorite sandwich and turn it into a pasta salad with this recipe. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce are combined with pasta and a tangy dressing for a winning combination.
42. Bow Tie Pasta Salad - This recipe combines bow tie pasta with bell peppers and cucumbers. Then, tossed in a homemade vinaigrette dressing, it's a light and refreshing option for any game day gathering.
43. Ham Pasta Salad - Add some protein to your pasta salad with this ham and cheese version. Diced ham, feta cheese, and green onions are mixed with bow-tie pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish.
No matter which one of these tailgate favorite recipes you choose, you can't go wrong. They are all easy to make and will be sure to please any crowd. So why not mix it up this year and add a few of these recipes to your game day spread? Your guests will thank you for it!
I would love for you to comment down below and let me know what your favorite tailgating recipe is!
Lois says
They all look great. I have made several of the recipes and will make some more. Love the ideas.