Last Updated on July 1, 2023
Looking for something different to make for the big game? Here are the best tailgate food ideas that will have people lining up for a taste! Just make sure you make enough!
Look, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple and grilling up some burgers, dogs, and sausage links while you sit outside waiting for the game or concert to begin.
But sometimes you want to make something with a little more WOW factor. So we scoured the web and talked to a number of food bloggers to get their suggestions for the best tailgate food ideas. Here’s their top recomendations…
Brisket Tacos
If you’ve got some leftover smoked brisket in your fridge, we’ve got the perfect solution for you – smoked brisket tacos! Imagine tender, smoky brisket piled high onto a soft tortilla with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. These tacos are sure to impress and are a delicious way to use up those leftovers.
Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Hot Dog Burnt Ends are a fun and delicious spin on the classic hot dog. Smoked in only 90 minutes, they’re easy to make whenever you need a quick party appetizer that everyone will love.
Grilled Stromboli (Stuffed Bread)
Stuffed bread on a grill is ridiculously easy to make and it tastes even better than what you’d buy at your local pizzeria. Trust me…once you try it you’ll be as addicted as I am.
Grilled Stromboli (Stuffed Bread)
Parmesan Fried Pickles
If you like the crisp tang of fresh pickles, then you will love these Parmesan fried pickles! Crunchy, salty, cheesy, and juicy, these dippable pickle chips are sure to become a new favorite appetizer.
Pesto Turkey Sandwich
This Pesto Turkey Sandwich is a delicious and easy lunch. Pesto is spread over a baguette, then topped with turkey, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Pork Roll Egg And Cheese
A New Jersey classic! The salty pork roll is packed with flavor and when combined with eggs and melted cheese it’s quite possibly the best breakfast sandwich in the world.
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
This simple and healthy Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe uses fresh or frozen ground beef and vegetables for tons of flavor in your pressure cooker!
Baked Ham And Cheese Sliders (Ham Delights)
Ham delights are an old-school Southern favorite. This is an updated version of the classic recipe. It uses delicious honey-dijon butter, everything bagel seasoning, and sweet Hawaiian-style rolls to make irresistible little baked ham and cheese sandwiches.
Steak And Shrimp Fried Rice
If you have a portable flat top griddle, you can make some amazing fried rice like the kind you get at hibaci style restaurants. It’s so easy to make and just full of amazing flavors. Definitely one of the best tailgate food ideas ever.
Italian Sliders
Italian Sliders are delicious, hot mini sandwiches for Super Bowl game day parties, tailgating, picnics, or potluck appetizers. This recipe makes enough to feed a hungry crowd and is always a favorite!
Mexican Corn
Rich and creamy, this Mexican corn recipe is made with Cotija cheese mixed with charred kernels of corn and incorporates the mild spice of a jalapeño. Add in seasoning and fresh squeezed lime juice and you are ready to dig into this irresistible dish! It can be eaten as a side dish, a topper, or as a dip!
Gluten Free Potato Skins
These Gluten-Free Loaded Potato Skins are the ultimate game day snack! Crispy potatoes are hollowed out and stuffed with cheese, bacon, and chives. Of course sour cream is the ultimate dipping sauce.
Cuban Sliders
These easy Cuban sliders, also known as mini medianoche sandwiches are made with leftover pulled mojo pork (lechon asado), ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and creamy mustard sauce and served on sweet Hawaiian rolls. These mouth-watering sliders are a great addition to your game day menu or as a quick and tasty snack are low on time and need something fast.
Hawaiian Meatballs
Hawaiian Meatballs smothered in a sweet tangy sauce with pineapple and fresh ginger are cooked low and slow in the crock pot. These succulent meatballs are a slow cooker masterpiece and are great served as an appetizer or main dish!
Steak Nachos
Loaded with steak, cheese and peppers, Steak Nachos are tasty and satisfying. Liven up your snacking—or have a seriously fun dinner!
Smoked Shotgun Shells
Made from pork sausage, or beef sausage if that’s your style, and then packed into manicotti shells with cheddar cheese, bbq rub, and finally wrapped with thick-cut bacon before being smoked to crispy, pork-rich perfection, Shotgun shells are a perfect tailgate/cookout snack!
Chicken Taquitos
These baked chicken taquitos are amazing any day of the week! They are great for a quick meal or as an easy appetizer for a get-together with friends and family.
Toasted Ravioli In Air Fryer
Toasted Ravioli are crispy, flavorful and delicious dipped in marinara sauce. Make these warm and crispy Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli for a fun and creative appetizer that is a crowd pleaser!
Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip
This chili cheese dip is so easy to make in your crockpot or slow cooker. This delicious dip is perfect for for gamedays, potlucks, and parties. There will be a line a mile long waiting for a taste!
Easy Cheese Straws With Shortcrust Pastry
Not many people can resist these amazing cheese straws. This recipe shows you how to make shortcrust pastry cheese straws that are crisp, crumbly and of course seriously cheesy.
Easy Cheese Straws With Shortcut Pastry
Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
This Salad Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe is named after it’s secret ingredient, McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning. Just mix in some veggies with your favorite pasta, add the Salad Supreme Seasoning and some Italian Dressing and you’ve got a tasty side dish for cookouts, pitch ins, potlucks or tailgating parties!
Korean Marinated Flanken Short Ribs
These easy Korean Marinated Flanken Short Ribs have mouthwatering flavor with succulently tender meat… and the best part? This Kalbi recipe has no grating required and whether you’re marinating them for only 2 hour or overnight, you’ll be indulging in game-changing Korean short ribs!
Korean Marinated Flanken Short Ribs
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is just as creamy, cheesy, and delicious as my reader-favorite baked buffalo chicken dip. Made with juicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, hot sauce, and loads of cheese, enjoy this easy-to-make and easily transportable recipe at your next potluck or party!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a fast and simple way to enjoy chicken with an amazing flavor. Made with just three simple ingredients, everyone will love having these for a quick meal, a weekend snack, or for a game day appetizer. Fast, simple, and delicious.
CharDUDErie (Charcuterie for Dudes!)
The CharDUDErie is the Ultimate Super Bowl Charcuterie that focuses on the snacks Men love… Chicken Wings, Mini Franks, Homemade Pretzel Bites and Beer Cheese, Nachos
CharDUDErie (Charcuterie for Dudes!)
Croatian Cevapi (Mini Caseless Sausages)
Ćevapi, pronounced che-vah-pee, is a dish of grilled caseless sausages made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic and ground pepper giving it their unique flavor and texture.