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50 Best Tailgating Foods

ByLisa Johnson Published Modified

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 Best Tailgating Foods all figured out for you. How’s that for awesome?

Collage of football foods with title graphic across the bottom.

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.
Check out this recipe
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings with a side of Ranch dressing in a parchment paper lined basket
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
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!
Check out this recipe
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crazy simple to prepare and the flavor is amazing! cookingwithcurls.com
Margarita Lime Baked Chicken Wings
A healthier version of the Buffalo Wild Wings new sauce…these Margarita Lime Baked Chicken Wings will knock your socks off.
Check out this recipe
margarita lime chicken wings on a rectangle platter.
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Wings
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Wings – this easy and delicious recipe is loaded with flavor and Whole30, Paleo and Keto compliant.
Check out this recipe
a pile of chicken wings on a white, rectangle platter with a small bowl of lemon garlic sauce in the right corner and lemon slices scattered over the wings.
Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Your party guests will be fighting to get their hands on these oven Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings!
Check out this recipe
Your party guests will be fighting to get their hands on these Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings!! cookingwithcurls.com

Chili

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.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of beer chili topped with cheddar cheese, green onions, and sliced jalapeños.
Southwest Chili with Black Beans and Corn
There's nothing better than a hearty bowl of Southwest Chili with Black Beans and Corn on a cold winter day, or on game day!
Check out this recipe
A bowl of Southwest Chili with Black Beans and Corn topped with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This dairy-free White Chicken Chili is loaded with flavor and easy to make in a slow cooker with chicken stock, white beans, green chiles, and corn.
Check out this recipe

Pulled Pork

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!
Check out this recipe
pulled pork in a white bowl with tortilla chips and a glass of whiskey in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork
Tangy, salty and sweet flavors all combine in these Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwiches that are topped with pineapple slaw and served on Hawaiian rolls!
Check out this recipe
Hawaiian Pulled Pork sandwiches topped with pineapple slaw sitting on a wood board
Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Now you can make this tender and juicy Hawaiian Instant Pot Kalua Pork with cabbage at home, no imu (underground pit) required!
Check out this recipe
A bowl of shredded Instant Pot Kalua Pork with cabbage.

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.
Check out this recipe
Tortilla chips, melted cheese, pulled pork, pico de gallo, avocado chunks, sour cream and cilantro piled up on a blue plate.
Greek Seafood Nachos
This loaded Greek Seafood Nachos recipe takes finger food to a whole new level! Pita chips topped with shrimp, crab, spinach cheese sauce.
Check out this recipe
A large plate topped with shrimp, crab, diced tomatoes, olives, orange peppers, green onions, pita chips, and spinach cheese sauce.
Irish Potato Nachos
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!
Check out this recipe
Thinly sliced potatoes arranged in a cast iron skillet topped with melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, salsa and green onions.

Dips & Appetizers

Everyone loves a tasty dip or a finger-friendly appetizer. They’re easy to share and set the perfect mood for the game day festivities.

Meat Lover’s Crock Pot Pizza Dip
Meat Lover’s Crock Pot Pizza Dip is everything you love about pizza turned into a crazy good, easy to make, super cheesy party dip!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy, meaty dip surrounded by pretzel chips.
Southwest Black Bean Dip
Southwest Black Bean Dip with smokey chipotle pepper, sweet corn, and lots of melted cheese will make all of your party guests happy!
Check out this recipe
Looking down on an oval baking dish filled with Southwest Black Bean Dip topped with melted cheese, jalapeno slices, and chopped cilantro.
Baked Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are easy to make, juicy, and oven-baked to perfection with sweet and salty flavors of teriyaki sauce.
Check out this recipe
Chicken teriyaki meatballs on a platter with sesame seeds and green onion slices.
Pizza Dip Recipe
Easy, hot and cheesy Pizza Dip is layered with cream cheese, three different types of cheese, Italian sausage, mini pepperoni, pizza sauce.
Check out this recipe
Lookin down on melty cheese, mini pepperoni, pizza dip in a cast iron skillet with toasted baguette slices.
Layered Greek Dip Recipe
A light and refreshing appetizer bursting with Greek flavors! A hummus base topped with cucumber, tomato, olives, red onion, and Feta.
Check out this recipe
Diced cucumber, tomato, olives and crumbled cheese over a base of hummus in a ceramic tart pan.
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls are made by wrapping seasoned sausage meat in a layer of flaky puff pastry and then baking until golden brown.
Check out this recipe
Puff pastry sausage rolls piled up in a paper lined basket with dipping sauce on the left side.
Buffalo Style Deviled Eggs
Buffalo Style Deviled Eggs – Not only great for a picnic but with football season coming up, these are sure to be a hit!
Check out this recipe
buffalo style eggs topped with blue cheese crumbles and surrounded by celery leaves on a white egg platter
Queso Fundido Recipe
Queso fundido is a delicious Mexican melted cheese and spicy chorizo appetizer served with crispy tortilla chips or as a filling for tacos.
Check out this recipe
Melted cheese and chorizo dip in a cast iron skillet with tortilla chips and salsa in bowls.
Swedish Meatballs
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!
Check out this recipe
These Swedish Meatballs are cooked to perfection and coated in a thick and creamy pan gravy for the perfect appetizer or family meal! cookingwithcurls.com
Simple Seafood Artichoke Dip
You can throw this Simple Seafood Artichoke Dip together in minutes, then bake it to golden perfection! It is always a crowd pleaser.
Check out this recipe
You can throw this Simple Seafood Artichoke Dip together in minutes, then bake it to golden perfection! © 2017 COOKING WITH CURLS
Taco Popcorn
Taco Popcorn is a savory snack that your party guests and family will love! It’s tangy and slightly spicy flavor is always a crowd pleaser. 
Check out this recipe
Tangy-savory-and-delicious-Taco-Popcorn-is-always-a-crowd-pleaser-©-COOKING-WITH-CURLS

Salads & Sides

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.
Check out this recipe
Hawaiian Potato Salad
You can’t have a luau or bento lunch without a scoop of this traditional Hawaiian Potato Salad on the side!
Check out this recipe
Hawaiian Potato Salad in a square serving bowl.
Instant Pot Bacon Potato Salad
This Instant Pot Bacon Potato Salad will be a hit at all of this summer’s potlucks and barbecues, and it’s even Paleo and Whole 30 compliant!
Check out this recipe
This Instant Pot Bacon Potato Salad will be a hit at all of this summer's potlucks and barbecues | cookingwithcurls.com
Creamy Pea Salad
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!
Check out this recipe
Creamy peas and carrots salad.
Tex-Mex Coleslaw
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!
Check out this recipe
Troy’s Baked Beans
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!
Check out this recipe
Baked beans in a cast iron pot.

Main Dishes

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!
Check out this recipe
A cheese stuffed burger sliced in half on parchment paper.
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches
This oven baked meatball sandwich recipe is a perfect easy dinner idea for busy days. Also great for large groups, game day, or as an on-the-go meal.
Check out this recipe
California Burgers
These yummy California Burgers are topped with melted cheese, homemade guacamole and sandwiched between toasted buns!
Check out this recipe
These yummy California Burgers are topped with melted cheese, homemade guacamole and sandwiched between toasted buns! cookingwithcurls.com
Grilled Steak Fajita Skewers with Chimichurri
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.
Check out this recipe
steak cubes, sliced onion, red, green and yellow peppers threaded on wooden skewers sitting on a bed of cilantro lime rice.
Italian Sub Sandwich
Classic Italian Sub Sandwich with traditional Italian meats, provolone cheese, fresh veggies, and zesty condiments on a sub sandwich roll.
Check out this recipe
Italian Sub Sandwich and potato chips.

Beverages

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!
Check out this recipe
Berry Mojito with lime wedges in the front with a second cocktail in the background surrounded by mint leaves and berries.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cocktail Recipe
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.
Check out this recipe
A whiskey cocktail recipe in a short glass with a football shaped ice cube and wooden bowl of peanuts in the background.
Royal Blue Martini
This royal blue martini is the perfect blend of citrus and berry flavors that can be served on game day or at a poolside party!
Check out this recipe
Royal Blue Martini with UV Vodka recipe.
Philadelphia Eagles Cocktail Recipe
Philadelphia Eagles Cocktail is simple to make with blue raspberry vodka, pineapple juice, blue curaçao, and lime juice served over ice!
Check out this recipe
Looking down into a teal green Philadelphia eagles cocktail with spiral straw.
Super Bowl Cocktails
Support your favorite teams with this collection recipes representing different teams that have played in the big game!
Check out this recipe
Blue cocktail with orange slice garnish.
Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Recipe
A refreshing, spicy margarita recipe served on the rocks with fresh jalapenos, tequila blanco, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave.
Check out this recipe
Two ice filled glasses and a pitcher with sliced jalapenos, margarita cocktail, and lime wheels.
White Cranberry Peach Lemonade
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.
Check out this recipe
Passion Tea Lemonade
This Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade recipe is the perfect combination of tangy passion fruit flavors and the tart flavor of lemonade.
Check out this recipe
Two tall glasses filled with ice cubes and passion tea lemonade with a lemon slice garnish.

Sweet Treats for Tailgating

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.
Check out this recipe
Six OREO cookie balls shaped footballs recipe on a rectangle serving platter.
Peanut Butter Whip Brownies
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!
Check out this recipe
Whipped peanut butter topped brownies with candy coated candies on top.
S’mores Brownies
Gooey and delicious S’mores Brownies recipe from scratch – no campfire or box mix required!
Check out this recipe
Two smores brownies stacked on a wood cutting board .
Compost Cookies
Compost Cookies combine a variety of mix-ins including pretzels, potato chips, chocolate chips, and more, for flavor-packed and addictive cookies.
Check out this recipe
Two cookies surrounded by potato chips, broken pretzels, and coffee grounds.
Classic Snickerdoodles
Classic Snickerdoodles with a crispy outside and soft, light inside wrapped in cinnamon sugar!
Check out this recipe
Classic Snickerdoodles with a crispy outside and soft, light inside wrapped in cinnamon sugar cookingwithcurls.com
Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Pieces
Soft, chewy and delicious Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Pieces!!
Check out this recipe
The Best Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese's Pieces!! cookingwithcurls.com

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.

Enjoy!!

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.

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