A great tailgate isn’t just about the game; it’s about the food and the company. If you want to take your tailgate to the next level, these 17 dishes are just what you need. Each recipe is simple to make and packed with flavors that will keep your guests talking long after the game ends.
Homemade Nacho Cheese
This homemade nacho cheese has a smooth and creamy texture with just the right amount of spice to make it a game-day favorite. It can be used for dipping or drizzling, which adds a delicious touch to any tailgate spread. Its easy preparation ensures that everyone will be satisfied and coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
These empanadas feature a savory chicken filling encased in a golden, crispy pastry, making them a satisfying treat for any game day. They are easy to prepare and fit seamlessly into any tailgate spread, offering a delicious and convenient option for guests. The combination of a crispy exterior and flavorful filling will make them a popular choice.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Lasagna Pizzas
Combining the comforting flavors of lasagna with the fun of pizza, these bites offer a unique and cheesy option for game day. They are packed with rich, satisfying flavors that make any gathering more enjoyable and memorable. Their savory and hearty nature makes them a standout addition to any tailgate spread.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas
Snickers Popcorn
By mixing chunks of Snickers bars into classic caramel corn, this snack adds an extra layer of sweetness and crunch that makes it irresistible. It’s an easy-to-make treat that provides a fun twist on traditional game day snacks. This crowd-pleaser will quickly disappear from the snack table, leaving everyone wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Snickers Popcorn
Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos
These nachos combine crispy fries with savory pulled pork and melted cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying treat for game day. The blend of textures and flavors makes them perfect for sharing at any tailgate event. This dish provides a filling and delicious option that will keep everyone happy throughout the game.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos
Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Spicy chicken wrapped in a flaky crust delivers bold flavor in every bite, making these rolls a great choice for game day. They are easy to share and perfect for any tailgate, ensuring that guests will keep coming back for more. These rolls offer a satisfying and flavorful option that enhances any game day spread.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
With crispy bacon and melted cheddar combined into a creamy blend, this dip is an irresistible choice for game-day snacking. It pairs perfectly with crackers or veggies, adding a savory richness to the tailgate menu. This flavorful dip is sure to be a favorite among guests, making it a great addition to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
Pulled Pork
This tender and juicy pulled pork is ideal for making sandwiches, tacos, or sliders, offering versatile options for game day. Its rich, slow-cooked flavor makes it a standout addition to any tailgate menu, perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty and satisfying dish will be a hit with everyone attending the event.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites
Combining a rich, cheesy mixture with crispy bacon on English muffins creates a savory and satisfying snack that’s perfect for game day. These bites are quick to prepare and full of flavor, making them a popular choice for any gathering. They’re sure to be a hit, providing a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites
Tuscan Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Dip
This dip blends creamy cheese with tangy artichokes and zesty sundried tomatoes, making it a standout choice for game day. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or fresh veggies, adding a rich and flavorful option to the tailgate table. The unique combination of ingredients will impress guests and enhance the overall spread.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Dip
Non-Traditional 7 Layer Dip
Featuring layers of bold flavors like beans, cheese, and fresh toppings, this dip is an excellent option for any tailgate. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, which is ideal for busy game days when preparation needs to be simple. Whether served with chips or used as a dip, this dish will impress everyone with its taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Non-Traditional 7 Layer Dip
BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies
These cocktail sausages are flavored with a smoky and tangy BBQ sauce and a hint of bourbon, making them a standout snack for game day. They are easy to prepare and add a flavorful touch to any tailgate spread. Their bold taste and simplicity ensure they will be a hit with everyone attending the event.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Offering a tangy and refreshing burst of flavor, this salsa brightens up game day snacks with its lively taste. It pairs well with chips or tacos, enhancing any tailgate spread with its vibrant flavor. This salsa provides a great contrast to heavier dishes, making it a standout addition to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
Combining rotisserie chicken with creamy cheese and spicy enchilada sauce, this dip is a hearty and flavorful addition to any tailgate. It works great with tortilla chips or as a topping for nachos, adding a rich and satisfying option to the spread. Its easy preparation makes it a convenient choice for game day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
Pretzel Bites
These pretzel bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an ideal snack for game day. Easy to share, they add a satisfying crunch and fun touch to the tailgate menu. Their tasty nature ensures they will be a great choice for keeping everyone happily munching throughout the game.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites
Football Cookie Balls
Classic treats are transformed with rich chocolate and a creamy filling, shaped like playful footballs, to make them a game-day favorite. These no-bake treats offer a fun and delicious twist on traditional snacks, making them a hit at any tailgate. They provide a delightful touch that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Football Cookie Balls
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates wrapped in savory bacon create a bite-sized treat that is hard to resist. Perfect for sharing, these snacks add a delicious mix of flavors to the tailgate spread. They make a great addition to any game day gathering and quickly become a favorite among guests.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates