19 Tailgating Recipes for a Winning Game Day Menu
Fall brings changing leaves, cooler weather, plenty of pumpkin recipes and football, of course! Time to break out the pigskin and don your team colors. But we all know that one of the best things about football season is what happens before the game. Yep, we’re talking about the tailgate party. From chili and cornbread to sliders, nachos and dips, tailgate foods are the best way to get pumped up (and filled up) before kickoff. Looking for some menu inspiration for the next big game? Check out our roundup below featuring the very best tailgating recipes. Just be warned – you may have a few more visitors than expected stopping by your tent.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders
Sliders make for an easy tailgate recipe to feed a crowd. Score extra points on game day with these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders. Season a pork shoulder with a dry rub, slow cook until tender, and serve on a mini bun with homemade barbecue sauce and a dollop of coleslaw.
Macaroni and Cheese Squares
What could be better than mac and cheese you can eat with your hands? Macaroni and Cheese Squares offer all the delicious flavor of the traditional dish in a fun, handheld package that’s perfect for tailgating and other pack-and-go potlucks.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños are the perfect appetizer to get any barbecue started. Stuffed with seasoned cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and grilled, these spicy bites will be the hit of your pre-game festivities.
Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
Made with grilled vegetables, cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice, this simple salsa is the perfect game-day dip.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Give everyday mac and cheese a fall-inspired upgrade with our Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Bacon. The creamy cheese sauce combines white cheddar, Gouda, cream cheese, and pumpkin for the ultimate autumn comfort food.
Skillet Beef Nachos
Nachos are a classic tailgate food. Ground beef, pinto beans, jalapeños and melted cheddar cheese combine in this easy one-skillet recipe topped with pico de gallo and guacamole.
Fall Harvest Oven Sliders
These Fall Harvest Oven Sliders made with fresh apples, bacon and gouda cheese on a brioche or pretzel roll make a delicious game-day snack for tailgate parties.
Elote Dip
No tailgate spread would be complete without a few decadent dips. This Creamy Elote Dip made with grilled corn, green chilies, sour cream and cheese makes a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.
Fall Nachos
Colorful Fall Nachos loaded with black beans, butternut squash and red cabbage make a winning game-day snack. Top them off with melted cheddar, spicy pickled jalapeños and fresh guacamole for the perfect finish.
Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili
Nothing says fall like cozying up with a warm bowl of chili. Plus, it’s a classic tailgating recipe. Our Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili features shredded chicken, kidney beans, corn and tomatoes in a savory peanut butter-based sauce. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream and chopped peanuts and you’ve got a hearty meal to fill you up before kickoff.
Buffalo Chicken Loaded Potato Wedges
Two traditional tailgate foods combine in these loaded potato wedges topped with Buffalo chicken, bacon and cheese.
See more: The Origins of Buffalo Chicken
Caramelized Onion & Swiss Beef Sliders
These crowd-pleasing cheeseburger sliders feature Swiss cheese, spicy mustard, pickles and delicious caramelized onions.
Smoky Wings with Pumpkin Chili Dip
Smoky wings and spicy dip are a match made in heaven – and the perfect snack for your next tailgate party.
Slow Cooker Apple Molasses Baked Beans
Trade in your heat-and-eat canned baked beans for a pot of homemade Slow Cooker Apple Molasses Baked Beans. Made with Granny Smith apples, smoked bacon and onions, this easy recipe requires just 15 minutes of hands-on prep before the slow cooker takes over to develop the rich, warm flavors.
Jalapeno Bacon Cheddar Cornbread
Spice things up with fresh jalapeno cornbread, made in a cast-iron skillet.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Looking for a seasonal pack-and-go dessert recipe for tailgating? These decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are sure to impress.
Fall-Inspired S’mores Board
Will there be a bonfire at your next tailgate party? Make it even more fun with a Fall-Inspired S’mores Board. Use traditional graham crackers or sandwich marshmallows between our Homemade Gingersnap Cookies, then choose your own filling ingredients from a spread including peanut butter, pumpkin butter, apple slices, dark chocolate and more.
Peanut Butter Crunch Cookies
Peanut Butter Crunch Cookies are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Made with crunchy peanut butter for an extra-peanutty touch, these make the perfect treat alongside a glass of cold milk.
Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts
Every autumn get-together needs a few pumpkin-flavored treats. Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts provide a healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts, and the combination of pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spice and a sweet maple glaze offers plenty of cozy fall flavor.