Tailgating Recipes and Football Party Food Ideas (2024)

Did someone say football? Get game-day ready this weekend with these Touchdown Tailgating Recipes and Football Party Food Ideas.

Tailgating Recipes and Football Party Food Ideas

Tailgating Recipes and Football Party Food Ideas (1)

Tailgating Recipes and Football Party Food Ideas (2)

Are you ready for some football?!?! My family definitely is! From the exciting cheers from the stands, to the rush of a touchdown, and absolutely to the amazing taste of tailgate dishes, we love it all. This post was screaming to be written, especially with the big game on the horizon. If you’re searching for food for a football party, look no further! Take a look below at some of our favorite tailgate food ideas. I’m obsessed with how so many different foods can be turned into a creative football food for game day and how many delicious football party dips are begging for a side of chips! Happy game day!

What should you eat during a football party?

For your next football party, focus on delicious and festive foods that are sure to please everyone in the audience. Think savory dips, meaty bites, and creative takes on classic game day food like burgers, wings, and soft pretzels. Plus, they should all be bite-sized so you can snack easily while keeping your eye on the big game. I promise that these recipes stay true to the classic favorites while adding something new to keep everyone happy!

Tailgating Essentials

As you scroll through these tailgate food ideas, make sure to take a look at some of our Tailgate Essentials. We created a wish list for everything you might need and our biggest must haves for your next tailgating party!

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

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These Loaded Tater Tot Skewers from Made with Happy are an indulgent twist on a classic food for game day.

Tailgating Checklist: Grilling? I don’t know of a single guy who wouldn’t love this Football BBQ Grill Set. Comes with brush and spatula, as well as cute corn ear holders.

Salted Beer Soft Pretzels

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If you’re looking for football appetizers, Salted Beer Soft Pretzel Footballs from Hungry Happenings will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they go great with your favorite game day brew!

Peanut Butter & Chocolate “Pigskin Pies”

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Peanut Butter & Chocolate “Pigskin” Pies from krusteaz and Hostess with the Mostess are a sweet take on football party food!

Football Bites with Sausage, Cheddar & Ranch

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How cute! Football Bites (With Summer Sausage, Cheddar & Ranch) from Gimme Some Oven are a festive take on football snacks.

Tailgating Checklist: Instant Shade Canopy. Keyword, shade. If you are in the south, and most collegiate teams are, invest in a canopy for game day. Plus you can tell your friends, look for the “green” tent! (Add a flag!)

Pepperoni Pizza Cheeseball

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The crowds in the stands won’t be the only ones jumping for joy during the big game. Serve this Pepperoni Pizza Cheeseball from Mom in Timeout for a football food that’ll have your guests on cloud nine!

Copycat White Castle Sliders

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Copycat White Castle Sliders from Frugal Coupon Living are the perfect food for a football party, and much more impressive than the frozen version.

Chicken & Waffle Sliders

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These Chicken and Waffles Sliders from Food Folks and Fun will be a sweet and salty crowd pleaser at your next football party!

Tailgating Checklist: This Football Beer Bottle Sleeve (Koozie). Perfect for celebrations, these are the same material as wet suits. They keep your bottle cold and can even be tossed in the wash.

Peanut Butter Football Dip

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This Peanut Butter Football Dip from Crazy for Crust is the perfect sweet addition to the snack table to balance out the salty football snacks.

Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs

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Who else is a buffalo chicken fanatic? Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs from Closet Cooking are a cool new take on a classic football party food.

Football Seven Layer Dip Crepe Cake

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Yes, a crepe cake can be a tailgating food! This Football Seven Layer Dip Crepe Cake from Cupcake Project is an innovative way to serve up your football snacks.

Tailgating Checklist: Please don’t show up with your kids crappy ball. Invest in a quality leather ball like this Wilson NFL Super Grip Football. We actually keep ours in the car so we can always play whenever we have free outdoor time. (Don’t worry, the crappy balls come out too!)

Easy Football Ice Cream Sandwiches

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For a quick football party food hack, jazz up your regular Ice Cream Sandwiches from Celebrations Shoppe.

Tailgate Mini Bagels

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Yum!! Tailgate Mini Bagels from Thomas Breads are a cute twist on food for game day.

Kickin’ Queso Dip

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I love a good queso! This Kickin’ Queso Dip on Frugal Coupon Living will be a hit at your football party.

Tailgating Checklist: You will be where the party is at if you have a Cornhole Set. This neutral set allows you to paint it to your teams colors! Does anyone recall tailgating without one of these?

Salami Cream Cheese Bites

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These Salami Cream Cheese Bites from The Kitchen is My Playground are so simple and the perfect one-bite tailgating food.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cream Pie Footballs

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I seriously can’t get enough of football-shaped treats for a tailgating party — I don’t care if they’re corny! Get these Chocolate Oatmeal Cream Pie Footballs from Shugary Sweets.

Bacon Brown Sugar Smokies

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If meat’s your thing at a tailgating party, look no further than these Bacon Brown Sugar Smokies from Spend with Pennies.

Tailgating Checklist: This Portable Bluetooth Speaker is water-proof and durable. Perfect for bringing entertainment to your tailgate.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

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Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs from An Affair from the Heart are the cutest football party food that put a one-bite spin on a classic cheeseburger.

Brownie Footballs

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Brownie Footballs on Frugal Coupon Living are so easy and the picture-perfect food for football party.

Bacon Crack

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Talk about a sweet and salty flavor bomb! Bacon Crack from Love Foodies is so simple to make for your tailgating party.

Tailgating Checklist: A white folding table is perfect for your Tailgate Buffet. Cover with a football tablecloth or remove all the foot and play Beer Pong.

BBQ Chicken Dip

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I think we’ve all had buffalo chicken dip on game day, but this BBQ Chicken Dip from Mandy’s Recipe Box is a welcome alternative to the classic tailgating food.

Cowboy Caviar

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This Cowboy Caviar from Culinary Hill will be your chip’s best friend on game day.

Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites

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The kids are going to go crazy over these Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites from Sally’s Baking Addiction!

Tailgating Checklist: The temperatures of football season are extreme. Keep drinks cool or hot with a cooler. You can go frugal like this very affordable CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag or be the coolest kid on the field with the coveted YETI Roadie Cooler. Both come in multiple colors.

Walking Tacos

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You’re free to mix and mingle with friends at your football party while staying full with these Walking Tacos from Frugal Coupon Living.

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Earlier game times? Try these Early Game Tailgate Recipes for Breakfast. Pin to Pinterest.

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Is the game pro bowl game? Check out theseWinning Super Bowl Snack Recipes. Pin to Pinterest.

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Also checkout these Fabulous Wing Recipes. Pin to Pinterest.

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We also are inspired by some Football Fashion – take a look at this Southern Football Outfit. Pin to Pinterest.

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Tailgating Recipes and Football Party Food Ideas (32)
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Tailgating Recipes and Football Party Food Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What to grill when tailgating? ›

Go for items like burgers, hot dogs, kebabs or chicken wings that cook relatively quickly. Pre-cut and marinate: Save time at the tailgate by pre-cutting meats and marinating them at home. This way, you can simply place them on the grill when you're ready to cook.

What should I take for a cold tailgate? ›

Now, let's dig in!
  • Mini Sandwiches. Cold tailgate food ideas typically revolve around lunch and dinner entree food. ...
  • Coleslaw. As one of the most popular side dishes to food in football bars, coleslaw is best when served at a cool temperature. ...
  • Potato Salad. ...
  • Macaroni Salad. ...
  • Fresh Fruit. ...
  • Mixed Nuts. ...
  • Cookies. ...
  • Brownie Bites.
Dec 13, 2023

What is a tailgate meal? ›

Popular tailgate party foods include picnic and grilling staples such as bratwurst, hamburgers, hot dogs, buffalo wings, baked beans, steak, to-go pizza, and cold salads like coleslaw or potato salad. Snacks include potato and tortilla chips with guacamole among others which are fairly common.

What food is good for tailgating? ›

The 24 Best Tailgating Recipes Everyone Will Love
  • Bacon and Blue Cheese Guacamole. Cindy Rahe. ...
  • Buffalo Chicken Chili. Aaron Hutcherson. ...
  • Pickle Slaw. Nick Evans. ...
  • Grilled Chicken Nachos. Elise Bauer. ...
  • Buffalo Hummus. Simply Recipes / Micah Siva. ...
  • Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. ...
  • Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. ...
  • Texas Sheet Cake.
Oct 8, 2023

What to bring for finger food? ›

Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
  • Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
  • Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
  • Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
6 days ago

What not to forget for a tailgate? ›

Seating: Folding chairs, picnic blankets, or even tailgating-specific furniture will keep everyone comfortable. Team Gear: Show your team spirit with jerseys, flags, banners, and face paint. Entertainment: Bring games like cornhole, a football to toss around, or a portable TV to catch pre-game coverage.

What alcohol is best for tailgating? ›

For daytime tailgating, clean and refreshing tend to be the themes. Light white wines with citrus, floral and off-dry notes are the best. Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, sparkling wine, Alsatian Riesling and Gewürztraminer are always great options as crowd- and budget-pleasers.

What are 5 foods good for grilling? ›

Easy, Tasty Grilled Foods for Dinner Tonight
  • Put a Pizza on the Grill. 1/20. The grill's intense heat is a lot like a restaurant pizza oven. ...
  • Skewered Fish. 2/20. ...
  • Grill-Worthy Veggies. 3/20. ...
  • Grill Fruit for a Delicious Dessert. 4/20. ...
  • Kebabs for Kids. 5/20. ...
  • Better Burgers. 6/20. ...
  • Fish That Can Take the Heat. 7/20. ...
  • Slimmed-Down Dogs. 8/20.
Jun 26, 2022

What makes a fun tailgate? ›

Spice up your tailgate party by setting up games to entertain guests of all ages. This can range from classic tailgate games like ladder toss or bocce ball to trivia or a friendly wager on the game's outcome. Make sure to have a variety of options so everyone has something they can enjoy.

What does every tailgate need? ›

What to Bring to a Tailgate
  • Coolers with ice.
  • Folding table and folding chairs.
  • Plastic tablecloth.
  • Portable grill, plus propane or charcoal and lighter fluid.
  • Matches or lighter.
  • Grilling utensils.
  • Meat thermometer.
  • Aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
Aug 7, 2023

How to cook food at a tailgate? ›

Bring a grill.

Or, if you really want to go all out, bring the same grill that you use at home. As long as it runs off of propane or charcoal, you don't have to worry about not having a power receptacle to plug into.

What do you do at a tailgate party? ›

The pre-game party typically includes music, food, (alcoholic) beverages, and games to kick off what's sure to be an unforgettable day. Tailgating is also known as pre-gaming, a warm-up for the main event. It's a beloved tradition in North America that has even become a national holiday celebrated by 80% of the US.

How do you throw a tailgating party? ›

22 Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Tailgate Party
  1. Choose Your Tailgating Vehicle. Photo via @kingdomwagon. ...
  2. Secure Your Parking Spot. Photo via @teresa_ ...
  3. Get a Head Count. Photo via @gerrysplacenj. ...
  4. Prepare for Weather Changes. Photo via @904happyhour. ...
  5. Put Up a Tent. ...
  6. Give Guests Somewhere to Sit. ...
  7. Set Up Tables. ...
  8. Hook Up a TV.
Oct 11, 2023

What snacks are good for trunk shows? ›

My favorite simple snack is a block of cream cheese covered in raspberry chipotle sauce with pita chips. And you can't go wrong with a baked spinach and artichoke dip. For drinks, I love to serve mimosas with fresh raspberries for brunch Trunk Shows and white wine sangria with fresh fruit in the evening.

What is the best lot to tailgate at the Rose Bowl? ›

Drive & Park at the Golf Course

If you're interested in tailgating, we'd suggest targeting Lot 6 on the West side of the course – it's the first lot open to general parking and is typically full of diehard fans from both teams.

Who has the best tailgating fans in the NFL? ›

Nearly 9 in 10 football fans say they have had more fun tailgating than at the game they were tailgating for. New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles fans are the most hardcore pro football tailgaters.

Who has the best tailgates in the NFL? ›

Almost 90% of NFL fans will tailgate at least once every season, but which team has the best tailgate parties in the league? A new nationwide survey revealed that the Dallas Cowboys were voted as the best overall for tailgate parties, according to rival fans.

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