Tailgate Food Ideas for Game Day
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Tailgating season is almost here! Can you believe it? If you’re like me, you get a bit more excited about the good food and appetizers than the actual football game. Or, maybe you really do enjoy football and some great eats. Whatever the case, bringing the perfect food is essential to a fun tailgating experience.
Today we’re excited to bring you 21+ crowd pleasing tailgate recipes that are sure to be a hit. From dips to appetizers and finger foods, we’ve got you covered with the best tailgate food ideas out there.
21+ Football Tailgate Food Recipes
Serve up these simple recipes for a tailgate no one will forget! Don’t forget to pin this post so you can refer back to it year after year. Especially here in the south, college football tailgates are very popular and memorable.
1. Spicy Chex Mix Recipe
Chex Mix is always a hit. You can snack on this before the game, during the game, and after! The smoky and spicy flavors are simply irresistible.
You can store it in an airtight container and make it or prep for it days in advance. No stress on the big game day!
Who wants to go grab a big bag of Chex Mix now? I know I do!
2. Homemade Pretzel Bites
There is nothing better than soft, salty pretzel bites. Don’t let these intimidate you, they are actually pretty easy to make.
The dip selections are endless. Make a cheesy sauce or a honey mustard dip. Or, find a few variations of dipping sauces to make an entire spread!
The kosher salt here is key. Under salting these bad boys would be a grave mistake!
3. Hot Honey & Basil Pepperoni Dip
It’s cheesy, creamy, and is great for game day. Use pita, crackers, or bread to dip it in. Everyone will be scooping it up in huge helpings!
4. Easy Pinwheel Recipe
When it comes to finger foods, pinwheels are a must. The colors really shine in these from the bright green spinach and veggies.
I’ll take several of these, please!
5. Caramel Puff Corn
It’s time for a little sweet snack during your tailgating party. Caramel puff corn is the most delicious sweet and salty snack you could bring.
Plus, this is the EASIEST appetizer to bring. You don’t need very many ingredients at all.
6. Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Slider sandwiches are always a hit at football games. Plus, these will help keep you and your tailgating friends full. They’re a game day classic!
Wrap these in foil to transport from your home to the tailgate!
7. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Anything wrapped up in bacon is delicious, right? These little bites are super easy and will get gone in a flash. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
8. Baked Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups
It’s the perfect finger food to impress everyone! Creamy, cheesy, and adorable little hand held bites are perfect for a tailgate.
The wonton cups make it easy to whip these up.
9. Ranch Dip with Veggies
A veggie tray adds color and a bit of health to your spread. A homemade ranch dip makes it irresistible!
10. Football Whoopie Pies
Add something football themed into the mix like these cutie little whoopie pies. You’ll be the talk of the tailgate after whipping these up!
Aren’t they so adorable?
11. Homemade Potato Chips
Chips and dip are a tailgating classic. Make these homemade potato chips and bring along a few dips like homemade ranch, buffalo chicken dip, artichoke dip, etc. to dunk them in.
You can’t find anything tastier than these!
12. Football Cookies
Sugar cookies in the shape of footballs? Genius and so easy! These are absolutely perfect to celebrate any college football game.
Plus, they’re the perfect no fuss dessert to have on hand.
13. Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Bring along the crockpot filled with these grape jelly meatballs. They will fill you up and keep you satisfied through the game.
Bring some toothpicks to easily grab these with!
14. Spicy Deviled Eggs
If you’re a fan of deviled eggs, these spicy versions are great. Just pack them in a cooler to keep them fresh.
15. Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Everyone loves a tot! Tater tot skewers are super fun and festive for a game day snack or side dish.
16. Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Pigs in a blanket are a tailgate food idea favorite. These are simple and can be paired with a variety of sauces or dips.
17. Football Buffalo Chicken Pockets
How cute are these football shaped buffalo chicken pockets? Plus, they are a great filling dish for the pre-game tailgate.
18. Football Guacamole Dip
How festive and fun is this guacamole dip tray? It will get eaten right up!
19. Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders
Sliders are a top hit for tailgates. This recipe uses shredded bbq chicken for a sweet and smoky flavor.
20. Football Cookie Cups
Little football cookie cups fit the theme perfectly! These are so cute and really achieve the football vibe.
21. Football Cheese Ball
Say hello to your favorite cheese ball for celebrating football games! Pair it with any of your favorite crackers or pretzels.
22. Refreshing Honey Lime Fruit Salad
You’ve got the sliders, dips, and veggies, but you need some fruit to balance everything out! Make this fruit salad for a sweet and healthy dish.
Conclusion
Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or setting up a gameday party in your neighborhood, these tailgate food ideas are sure to make game day even better.
From easy to grab snacks to adorable football themed finger foods, there’s something here for everyone. Just don’t forget the napkins, and maybe an extra batch of whatever goes first!
