21 Tailgating Recipes That Are as Good as Being at the Game (2024)

Tailgating is all about easy, crowd-pleasing food that keeps the fun going. These 21 recipes bring the best flavors to your game day, offering simple options that anyone can whip up. Whether you’re grilling or snacking, these dishes are made for sharing and enjoying while cheering on your team. With a variety of flavors, these recipes make your tailgating spread as exciting as the game itself.

21 Tailgating Recipes That Are as Good as Being at the Game (1)

1. Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

21 Tailgating Recipes That Are as Good as Being at the Game (2)

These crispy fried green plantains are perfect for game day snacking. Simple to prepare and easy to share, patacones bring a bit of traditional Colombian flavor to your tailgate spread. They’ll have everyone coming back for more with their crunchy texture and salty goodness. A crowd-pleasing snack that pairs perfectly with any tailgating dip.
Get the Recipe: 1. Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

2. My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

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These tofu-stuffed mushrooms are a great addition to your tailgating menu, offering a flavorful, plant-based option. Easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness, they’ll satisfy even meat-lovers in the crowd. With a hearty filling, they’re sure to impress at your next game day gathering. The perfect bite to enjoy while cheering on your team.
Get the Recipe: 2. My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

3. Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa

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Black bean tacos with sweet pepper salsa make a fantastic tailgating dish, offering a light yet hearty option that’s ready in 20 minutes. The combination of beans and fresh salsa provides a flavorful bite that’s easy to prepare and serve. These tacos are a hit for those wanting something tasty and quick at the game. Each bite brings a winning combo of freshness and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: 3. Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa

4. Spicy Tofu Tacos

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These spicy tofu tacos add a bold kick to your tailgating lineup. The tofu is seasoned perfectly to bring heat and flavor, making them an exciting vegetarian choice for game day. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’ll keep the crowd satisfied without missing out on big flavors. A zesty plant-based option everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: 4. Spicy Tofu Tacos

5. Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds

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Air-fried cheese curds are a quick and easy game day snack, offering all the crunch and cheesy goodness in just 20 minutes. Their crispy exterior and gooey center make them a perfect tailgating treat. Kids and adults alike will find it hard to resist this snack, making it a game day favorite. It’s the kind of finger food that disappears fast!
Get the Recipe: 5. Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds

6. Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

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Grilled chicken kofta kebabs bring rich, spiced flavors to your tailgating grill. These skewers take about 40 minutes to make and offer a juicy bite that pairs well with any tailgating spread. With a satisfying texture and unique seasoning, they’re a great choice for adding variety to your game day feast. A flavorful twist that will impress the crowd.
Get the Recipe: 6. Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

7. Roasted Garlic and Yam Burgers

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Roasted garlic and yam burgers offer a delicious twist on traditional game day burgers. With hearty yams and flavorful garlic, these patties are a satisfying vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Perfect for a fall tailgate, these burgers are easy to prep and cook. They’ll definitely stand out in your game day spread.
Get the Recipe: 7. Roasted Garlic and Yam Burgers

8. Baked Butternut Squash Chips

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These baked butternut squash chips are the ideal crunchy snack for your next tailgate. Crisp and easy to make, they add a seasonal touch to your game day snacks. Perfect for munching on while watching the big plays, these chips bring a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional chips. Tailgating just got a bit more creative!
Get the Recipe: 8. Baked Butternut Squash Chips

9. Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

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Sweet potato fritters, served with a sweet and spicy sauce, are the perfect tailgating appetizer. Crispy on the outside and packed with flavor, these fritters are easy to make and quick to serve. They’ll keep the crowd energized and excited while waiting for the game to start. A crunchy, flavorful bite to enjoy with friends.
Get the Recipe: 9. Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

10. Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

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A charcuterie and cheese grazing board is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your tailgate. With a variety of meats, cheeses, and snacks, it offers something for everyone and can be set up in no time. Perfect for game day gatherings, this board keeps the party going with endless snacking options. It’s a winning choice that makes your spread feel complete.
Get the Recipe: 10. Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

11. Spicy Sweet Sriracha Sauce

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This spicy sweet sriracha sauce is a tailgate must-have, providing the perfect balance of heat and sweetness for dipping. Whether it’s for fries, wings, or chips, this three-ingredient sauce is a quick way to add big flavor to your game day spread. Tailgating just got tastier with this sauce by your side. A go-to for spice lovers looking to kick things up a notch.
Get the Recipe: 11. Spicy Sweet Sriracha Sauce

12. Chicken Taco Meat

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Slow cooker chicken taco meat is a game day favorite, making it easy to prepare ahead and serve during the big event. This tender, flavorful chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds, and it’s versatile enough to pair with tacos, nachos, or quesadillas. It’s a winning dish that keeps the game day stress-free. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: 12. Chicken Taco Meat

13. Oven Baked Potato Wedges

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These oven-baked potato wedges are a great addition to your tailgate spread, offering a crispy and flavorful side dish. Ready in no time, they’re perfect for snacking or pairing with your game day main courses. With a homemade seasoning mix, they bring a little extra flavor to your game day feast. A crunchy side that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: 13. Oven Baked Potato Wedges

14. Loaded Zucchini Boats

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Loaded zucchini boats are a fantastic alternative to potato skins, making them a lighter option for your tailgating menu. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare in under an hour, they’re perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or any event. These boats are a satisfying snack that will keep the crowd munching. A healthier twist that still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: 14. Loaded Zucchini Boats

15. Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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Pear puff pastry pinwheels offer a sweet and savory bite-sized treat perfect for tailgating. Filled with cheese, cranberries, and juicy pears, they’re a quick and easy appetizer for any game day. With their flaky, buttery crust, these pinwheels are a hit for sharing while watching the big game. The perfect blend of sweet and savory for a memorable snack.
Get the Recipe: 15. Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

16. Low Carb Sausage Balls

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Low carb sausage balls are a quick and satisfying snack that’s perfect for your tailgate. Made with just a few ingredients, these bite-sized snacks are easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them as a grab-and-go snack or a party bite, they’re bound to be a hit. Tailgating has never tasted so good with these savory bites.
Get the Recipe: 16. Low Carb Sausage Balls

17. Gochujang Chicken

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Gochujang chicken adds a bold and spicy twist to your tailgating menu. Marinated in a flavorful gochujang sauce, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes and offers a kick of Korean-inspired flavors. Perfect for adding variety to your spread, this chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its rich, spicy taste. A fiery addition that’s sure to stand out.
Get the Recipe: 17. Gochujang Chicken

18. Portobello Mushroom Burger

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Grilled portobello mushroom burgers are a hearty and savory vegetarian option that’s perfect for your tailgating party. Ready in just 20 minutes, they offer a satisfying alternative to traditional burgers while still delivering big flavor. These meaty mushrooms will impress your guests without the need for meat. A plant-based win for your game day feast.
Get the Recipe: 18. Portobello Mushroom Burger

19. Keto Chicken Wings

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These keto chicken wings bring a crispy, savory bite to your tailgate, making them feel indulgent without straying from your routine. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, these wings are a game day staple that keeps everyone happy. A perfect snack for sharing during the big game. They’ll leave everyone craving more with each crispy bite.
Get the Recipe: 19. Keto Chicken Wings

20. Buffalo Deviled Eggs

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Buffalo deviled eggs pack all the bold, tangy flavor of your favorite buffalo dishes into a bite-sized snack. Quick to prepare and easy to share, these eggs bring a spicy twist to your tailgating spread. They’re perfect for adding a little heat to the party without a lot of effort. A game day snack that scores every time.
Get the Recipe: 20. Buffalo Deviled Eggs

21. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

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Air fryer jalapeño poppers are a spicy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for any tailgating event. With crispy bacon and a creamy filling, these poppers are easy to make and impossible to resist. They’re a crowd favorite, bringing heat and flavor to your game day spread. A crispy, spicy snack that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: 21. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

21 Tailgating Recipes That Are as Good as Being at the Game (2024)
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