Even if you aren't into football, I can almost bet you love football food! Try these delicious tailgating food ideas for the perfect game day.
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Tailgating is one of those Southern traditions that just doesn't happen quite the same way anywhere else.
Even though we live in a college town with lots of football fans, the closest thing we have to it here are Super Bowl parties, and let's face it - it's just not the same!
Nonetheless, here are the Top 20+ Tailgating Recipes I'd serve if I were planning to tailgate with my nearest and dearest.
These delicious recipes are ideal tailgate food ideas you can enjoy in a parking lot, backyard, or your living room while you enjoy football games this Fall. After all, the food is the best part of the game!
Now you could just whip up some hot dogs on your portable grill and have someone bring potato salad, but if you want your next tailgate party to be memorable, choose a few of these delicious recipes for your game day menu!
Dips
When it comes to an easy appetizer, it doesn't get more simple than chips and dip! Whether you're making Homemade Guacamole or Pico de Gallo, of just opening a jar of salsa, dips are a must-have for game day!
- Steak and Cheese Dip
- Cheesy Spinach Dip with Garlic Roll Dippers
- Ground Beef Cheese Dip Recipe
- Cowboy Caviar Recipe
- Layered Taco Salad Dip
- Greek Yogurt Dip
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Forget the tortilla chips and carrot sticks, our nearly famous buffalo dip would be good on a flip-flop!
If you love cheesy dips, this creamy and cheesy dip with sour cream and bacon is perfect for the big game!
You'll also love this no-fuss, two ingredients Cream Cheese Salsa Dip!
With just the right amount of spice, this cheesy dip with beef is perfect for any game day spread, and can be kept warm in a slow cooker.
Don't forget the salsa!
Whether you like fruit flavors like strawberry salsa or pineapple salsa, or more traditional savory tomato corn avocado salsa, we've got salsa recipes for everyone.
Finger Foods
Finger foods are the best and we've got enough delicious food ideas to feed your whole crew!
- Stuffed Pizza Rolls
- Garlic Cheese Bombs
- Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Bread
- Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
- Homemade Mini Pizzas (BBQ Chicken)
- Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
Grab some store-bought pizza dough or frozen dinner rolls from the grocery store and you've got the making for our pretzel bites. It's such an easy recipe and delicious with honey mustard dipping sauce.
Sandwiches & Sliders
- Grilled Brats + Beer Cheese Sauce
- Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
- Sandwich Kabobs
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Pulled Pork Sliders
- Meatball Subs
Related: Sensational Sliders to Feed a Crowd
These meatball sliders are one of my favorite recipes for game day because they're always a big hit!
Chili
Chili is a a game day staple, and perfect for tailgating. Keep it warm in a crockpot or even thermoses! Don't forget all your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, diced red onions, and corn chips.
When I need a crowd pleaser, Chili is my go-to because it's easy to make ahead and feeds a lot of people.
If you have pot of chili going, you can make one of these great recipes:
- Cheesy Chili Potato Skins
- Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
- Cornbread and Chili Pot Pie
- Chili Stuffed Peppers
- Corn Muffin Chili Cups
Wings
Everyone knows football season means wings, right?
Find more Game Day Wings.
Sweet Desserts
It wouldn't be a party without dessert, right? Here are some of my best game day treats:
- Quick Almond Joy Brownie Bites
- Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pretzel Bites
- No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Alina says
Just one word to describe these - YUM!
terra j sweeps says
These look tasty! lots of great ideas for easy food for a crowd. Thanks! I will be working on a few of these this weekend.
Ang Paris says
I hope you enjoy Terra!
Harmony H says
Pizza on a stick!! I love that idea 😀
Meegan says
That Italian Style Chicken Sausage Soup looks delicious! Perfect for colder tailgates!
Heather S says
The lasagna looks so good!
Michelle J. says
Those cheese bombs look amazing!
Eymi says
YOUR BLOG ALWAYS MAKES ME HUNGRY WHICH IS THE POINT RIGHT??
THE CHEESE BOMBS REMIND ME OF A SIMILAR DISH I HAD IN BRAZIL AMAZING URS LOOK AMAZING AND THE POTATOES ARE SO GORGEOUS I NEED TO TRY TO MAKE THEM.
Ang Paris says
Thank you Eymi! That is the ultimate compliment! 🙂
Ronald G says
I can't believe all the effort you went to to make such delicious dishes....especially because our tailgate parties are either for our football or hockey teams and we are muffled up cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and some weird desserts.
Ang Paris says
Hopefully now you have some inspiration for your parties - most of these are really quite easy!