Who’s ready for some football? Whether you are watching the game at home, or bundled up in blankets at the game, we have the 50 BestTailgating Foods all figured out for you. How’s that for awesome?
It’s about cheering for your team, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow fans, and, of course, indulging in delicious foods. Whether you’re grilling up classic burgers and hot dogs or getting a little fancy with buffalo chicken dip and chili, the right menu can take your tailgate from good to legendary.
Tailgating is not just about cheering for your favorite team; it’s also about savoring some of the best comfort foods that bring everyone together!
Tailgating Foods
Buffalo wings are the star players in the world of tailgating. Spicy, savory, and finger-licking good, they’re a must-have in any tailgate spread. You can mix things up and try out some different wing variations too!
Buffalo Wings
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Your party guests will love these healthier Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings! They are keto, paleo and whole30 friendly while remaining as delicious as the original.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are baked crispy then tossed in a delicious Garlic-Parmesan Sauce that will have all of your party guests fighting for more!
Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of chili. It’s hearty enough to keep you satisfied through all four quarters. From spiked beef to healthy chicken, there’s a type of chili for everyone:
Beer Chili
Beer chili combines ground beef with beans, tomatoes, and a blend of chili spices, all simmered with beer to add a distinct depth of flavor.
Pulled pork is a tailgate MVP. The slow-cooking (or Instant Pot) process transforms pork shoulder into tender, juicy meat that falls apart at the touch.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
This easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe makes the most amazing BBQ pulled pork to use in sandwiches or on top of nachos!
Nachos are like a blank canvas that makes the perfect party food. You can load them up with almost anything, even use potato slices or pita chips instead of tortilla chips.
Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe
This Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe is a delicious and easy appetizer! They are loaded with melted cheese, pulled pork, crispy tortilla chips and topped with barbecue sauce, pico de gallo, avocado and sour cream.
Irish Potato Nachos are a fun twist on traditional nachos, made with thinly sliced potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese and all of your other favorite toppings!
These Swedish Meatballs are cooked to perfection and coated in a thick and creamy pan gravy for the perfect party appetizer or as part of a family meal!
Tailgating isn’t just about the main event—it’s the perfect time to indulge in a spread of hearty salads and sides. From creamy potato salad to smoky baked beans, these dishes are the unsung heroes of any game day gathering.
Macaroni Salad
This creamy macaroni salad is packed full of flavor with simple ingredients. It’s such a great dish for potlucks, barbecues, or practically any occasion.
This Creamy Pea Salad is a nice change from the typical potato or pasta salads found at barbecues and potlucks. It requires very little cooking with just a little bit of chopping and mixing – it could easily be a no-cook recipe if you buy precooked bacon! It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Jalapeno coleslaw kicks up a traditional picnic side dish with loads of extra flavor and a little heat. If you like things a little spicy this recipe will be your new favorite way to enjoy this classic!
Time to fire up the grill! And once you do that, you'll be needing some side dishes. What kind do you like? Potato salad, macaroni salad? I bet baked beans are on your list and if so, these Troy's Baked Beans is THE recipe you need to have!
Bring on the game day glory with crowd-pleasing main dishes that are sure to satisfy. Whether it’s juicy burgers hot off the grill or sandwiches packed with all the fixings, these hearty options will keep your tailgating crew fueled up and ready for the big game.
Cheese Stuffed Burgers
These cheese stuffed burgers are known as a Juicy Lucy! Cheddar cheese is sandwiched between two meat patties and grilled to perfection!
Sizzling Grilled Steak Fajita Skewers are made with juicy, tender steak marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, threaded onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and onions, then grilled to perfection and topped with cilantro chimichurri.
Whether pouring a cold beer, mixing an easy cocktail, or sipping refreshing non-alcoholic options, the right beverage can make the game even more memorable.
Berry Mojito
A light and refreshing Berry Mojito is always the perfect choice on a hot summer night!
This simple peanut butter and jelly cocktail is made with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey and Chambord raspberry liqueur to create a grownup version of a childhood favorite.
A nice cold lemonade is the most refreshing drink on a hot day. You can’t go wrong with a classic lemonade, but this white cranberry peach lemonade is such a fun twist. Plus I added a little seltzer water to give it some extra punch.
If you’re tailgating, don’t forget the sweet treats. Having a mix of snacks at your tailgate enhances your game day experience. Whether you’re a fan of gooey brownies or crunchy cookies, there’s a dessert to satisfy every sweet tooth.
OREO Cookie Footballs
Learn how to make these easy and delicious OREO Cookie Balls shaped like footballs and coated in chocolate to match your favorite team colors.
These Peanut Butter Whip Brownies are chewy, fudgy brownies topped with peanut butter whip & M&M’s. Just another Yummy Bar Recipe that goes beyond delicious! Simple & easy, a must-make for sure!
Try something new and explore different recipes to wow your fellow tailgaters. Don’t just stick to the classics; mix it up with portable recipes perfect for sharing.
As you plan your next tailgate party, focus on what truly matters: great food and even greater memories.
Lisa Johnson is a recipe developer, food photographer, and creator of Cooking with Curls food blog, a website featuring accessible recipes made from scratch. Lisa goal is to get you out of your comfort zone and show you that cooking from home doesn’t have to be intimidating and shares step-by-step photo tutorials for each of her recipes. Lisa has been featured in Country Living, Parade, BuzzFeed, Huntington Post, and more.
Great round up! Those wings, peach lemonade and super cute oreo footballs look amazing!