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A container of nachos for a tailgate

3 Tailgate Recipes You Need at The Next Game

Football season is nearly upon us, and you know what the best part of that is: tailgating! Tailgating is all about friends, family, fun, and food, and we’ll trust that you have the first three of those covered at least. When it comes to preparing easy tailgate food ideas that you and all of your fellow tailgaters will enjoy, we’ve got you covered with our tailgating tips and tailgate recipes. So, pack up those tailgate tents, grills and get ready for some scrumptious food that will keep you fueled all day and night. 

Avocado Salsa

This delightful hybrid of guacamole and pineapple salsa will kill two birds with one stone at your football tailgate. (Not to mention, you can probably trick yourself into believing it’s healthy because of all the vegetables.)

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup pineapple, finely chopped
  • 3 medium avocados, diced
  • ½ cup sweet onion, chopped
  • 1/8 cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp garlic salt
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients (except chips) in a medium bowl and lightly stir.
 

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Wings

Wings and football go together like peanut butter and jelly, and with this recipe, you can cook them right up on your grill. It’s a tasty twist on the traditional buffalo wing, and we can guarantee that everyone will be coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup hot chili pepper sauce (Sriracha or your other favorite sauce)
  • 4 lbs bone-in chicken wings, thawed

Directions:

  1. Whisk together vinegar, honey, and pepper sauce. Set aside.
  2. Turn grill on low and grill wings for 15 minutes per side.
  3. Baste chicken with sauce mixture, turn, and continue basting until cooked through.
 

All-American Cheeseburger

Sometimes less is more, and that rings true with this classic burger. Forget about all the wild flavors and focus on quality meat and simple toppings, and you’ll have a burger that tailgaters of any age will enjoy. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground chuck
  • 1 Tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 12 slices American cheese
  • 6 burger buns

To garnish:

  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Mustard
  • Thousand Island dressing
  • Sliced red onion
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Pickles
  • Iceberg lettuce leaves

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef, onion powder, salt, and pepper, until just combined. Overmixing will make your patties tough. 
  2. Divide meat into six equal portions and form patties of uniform size and thickness.
  3. Heat grill to medium and place patties on the grill. Grill 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and add cheese. Cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes (longer if you want medium-well).
  4. Garnish as desired and serve.
 

Overtime Bonus Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes

It’s tough to be beat grilled potatoes, and this recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of bacon and cheese. These are hearty enough that you may find yourself eating them as your main meal! 

Ingredients:

  • 5 medium potatoes, cubed into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 jar real bacon bites
  • ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar 

Directions:

  1. Line a grill-safe pan with foil and preheat grill to high.
  2. Add potatoes to the pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. 
  3. Cut butter into thin slices and layer over potatoes.
  4. Cover pan with foil and place on grill for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
  5. Add cheeses and bacon, then cover and grill for an additional 10 minutes.
 

Double Overtime Bonus Recipe: Peanut Butter Football Dip

This is an easy, portable, customizable dessert/snack that everyone will enjoy. You can make this up to a day ahead of time, and once you break it out at the tailgate, it probably won’t even be around long enough to get warm. 

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate sprinkles
  • Vanilla frosting

Directions:

  1. Mix butter, cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla until combined (use a hand mixer if necessary).
  2. Add powdered sugar a little at a time and chocolate chips, then mix until combined.
  3. Scoop mixture onto a large piece of wax paper and form a football shape with your hands. 
  4. Cover the mixture in sprinkles on all sides and press into the football so they will stick.
  5. Draw football laces onto the center of the football with vanilla icing and let chill for at least 2 hours. (You can also buy frosting in your team’s colors and decorate the football).
  6. Serve with pretzels, animal crackers, or cookies.
Last Updated: February 04, 2016