27 Tailgating Recipes That Score (2024)

FAQs

What should I take for a cold tailgate? ›

Good food options to bring to a tailgate include things like sandwiches, cold salads, chips, dips, and cookies.

With hot foods, keep them heated in warming trays with Sternos if you can. Use disposable foil trays. At warehouse clubs, you can buy a package of 30 for less than $10. They're ideal for indoor and outdoor tailgating, and they stack nicely in a cooler if you're transporting food.

Entertainment: Bring games like cornhole, a football to toss around, or a portable TV to catch pre-game coverage. Shade and Shelter: Depending on the weather, a canopy or pop-up tent can provide shade or shelter from rain. Utensils and Supplies: Don't forget plates, utensils, napkins, and trash bags for easy cleanup.

Play Tailgate Games

Think about how much space you have at your tailgating spot so you know what kind of activities you'll have room for. Popular tailgate games include cornhole, horseshoes, and giant Jenga. Even having a few footballs to toss around is good to keep guests busy!

Remember to be respectful of the others tailgating in your vicinity. Recreating the greatest catches ever, or holding a long throw competition is probably not advisable in a crowded parking lot. Smaller games are a better idea.

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.

How do you keep a crockpot warm at a tailgate? ›

Power inverters can plug right into your car lighter for instant electricity. You'll have the means to plug in anything to keep your food warm. Cook it slow. Anything cooked in your slow cooker will keep warm for a few hours after unplugging.

Many tailgates these days are equipped with power sources, but even without the electricity, chili, soup, and more will stay plenty warm for the beginning of tailgating celebration. Wrap it up. The easiest way to keep meals hot is with heavy aluminum foil. Wrap up your pre-cooked items to keep them warm and insulated.

Get A Hot Cooler

It is a cooler that keeps your food hot instead of only cold. Most models of hot coolers provide both heating and cooling options, so you'll get a lot of use out of them. Hot coolers are awesome for keeping dishes like queso, chili, chicken wings, and ribs warm.

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.

Brookside Golf Course - Lot 7 - Pasadena, CA Reserve A Spot. The Brookside golf course in Pasadena is the ultimate place to tailgate before a game at the Rose Bowl.

Leading the charge for all things tailgating in the NFL is the New Orleans Saints fanbase, with a score of 93.41 out of 100. Our study found nearly 3 in 5 Saints fans say they have continued tailgating after leaving the game, which may be part of the reason for their parking lot parties ranking as the most hardcore.