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 is the most popular tailgate food? ›

Classic tailgating recipes like deviled eggs and pimiento cheese team up with new players like Bacon-Wrapped Party Poppers and Buffalo Chicken Dip to give your tailgating spread the crowd appeal needed to satisfy a hungry group from one Saturday to the next.

What is tailgate food menu? ›

Average burgers and dogs are great for summer, but for football season, you're gonna want to really bring the flavor. Try our sloppy Joes, our garlic bread hot dogs, our pull-apart cheeseburger sliders, or our BLT dogs to see how you can take your grilled foods to the next level.

What can I bring to a tailgate without a grill? ›

Convenient Tailgating at Its Best
  • 2′ or 3′ Party Subs.
  • Brioche Slider Trays.
  • Cheese Platters.
  • Chicken Nugget Trays.
  • Chicken Wing Platters.
  • Fruit and Cheese Nibbler Platter.
  • Gourmet Tray.
  • Hoagie Carousel Platter.

What tailgate food does not need to be refrigerated? ›

Also be sure to round out your menu with a few non-perishable snacks that don't require refrigeration like pretzels, chips, snack mixes, and nuts. No matter how well your team plays, your tailgate spread is sure to score.

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. ...
  • Jalapeño Poppers. Make spicy jalapeño poppers as one of the best finger food ideas for a party.
Jan 10, 2024

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

How do you keep food warm for a tailgate? ›

Here are a few tips.
  1. Use Thermoses or Insulated Coolers. One way to keep food warm is to place it in an insulated container like a thermos or cooler. ...
  2. Wrap It Up. Another way to keep food warm is to wrap it in foil or towels. ...
  3. Use Slow Cookers or Chafing Dishes. ...
  4. Booze Dogs | Alcoholic Hot Dogs.
Sep 1, 2022

What to do at NFL tailgate? ›

Popular tailgate games include cornhole, horseshoes, and giant Jenga. Even having a few footballs to toss around is good to keep guests busy!

What do you do at a tailgating party? ›

Many people participate even if their vehicles do not have tailgates. Tailgate parties also involve people bringing their own alcoholic beverages, barbecues, and food, which are sampled and shared among fans attending the tailgate.

What should you not do at a tailgate? ›

Watch your behavior. Even though tailgating is tolerated, police are watching for people who get out of hand. If you're obnoxious, too loud or aggressive, if you give drinks to minors, or if you wander away from your vehicle with your drink, you could be breaking public intoxication laws. Don't spoil it.

How do you make 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 is the best tailgate food that doesn t need to be heated? ›

Snacks/Dips
  • Hot Crab Dip with bread.
  • Kettle Corn with Almond Footballs.
  • Creamy Cold Spinach Dip with chips.
  • Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip with chips.
  • Whipped Pumpkin Dip with Nilla wafers.
  • Cold Bean Dip with chips.
  • Hot Mexican Bean Dip with chips.
  • Creamy Corn Dip with chips.
Dec 7, 2022

What sandwich does not need refrigeration? ›

Sandwiches
  • Use a variety of grains for the bread, keeping in mind that whole grains are healthier. ...
  • Roll-ups or pinwheels (sliced from a roll-up) made with peanut butter, honey, & sunflower seeds.
  • Turkey & cheese roll-up with alfalfa sprouts.
  • Hummus & veggie wrap (try red pepper strips, carrot sticks, or cucumber sticks)
Feb 23, 2011

What meat needs no refrigeration? ›

The solution is to bring meat that does not need refrigeration. Some long-lasting canned meat products fare well in cool and dry places. Canned chicken, chicken packets, sausage links, precooked bacon, beef jerky, and canned ham are viable protein substitutes.

What 12 foods should not be refrigerated? ›

WHAT FOODS SHOULD NOT BE REFRIGERATED?
  • TOMATOES. Keep your tomatoes juicy, tasty and ready for your next Tomato and Ricotta Pizza by storing them at room temperature rather than in the fridge.
  • POTATOES. ...
  • ONIONS. ...
  • PICKLES. ...
  • CUCUMBERS. ...
  • BELL PEPPERS. ...
  • AVOCADOS. ...
  • WINTER SQUASH.

Who has the number one tailgate in the NFL? ›

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, might be the fifth largest in the NFL, but when it comes to tailgating, they make a strong claim for the No. 1 spot, based solely on the food. Known for their mind-blowing barbecue recipes, tailgaters at Arrowhead put on a show in the parking lot during pregame festivities.

What snacks are good for trunk shows? ›

Simple, stylish treats to serve at trunk shows and in-home...
  • Cheddar Cornbread Mini-Muffins are so moist they can sit out for hours without getting stale. ...
  • You want simple, no-mess foods, such as Vodka Tomatoes With Celery Salt. ...
  • Chipotle-Cheese Dip with Pepperidge Farms Baked Sesame Sticks.
Apr 10, 2012

What are the most common party foods? ›

What Is the Most Popular Party Food?
  1. Pizza. Pizza is a classic party food that is loved by all. ...
  2. Flickr.Whisker from France · CC BY-SA 2.0. Chips and Dip. ...
  3. Nachos. ...
  4. Wings. ...
  5. Sliders. ...
  6. Cheese platter. ...
  7. Marshall Astor from San Pedro, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0. ...
  8. Quichot · CC BY-SA 3.0.

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

The Tailgate Village is located in Lot 7. Must park at West Drive. Attendant will show you where to park and where the tailgating area is located. Tailgater Concierge specializes in providing complete and extraordinary tailgate service - served to each group's individual needs.

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