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If you’re on a mission to find the tastiest recipes to be enjoyed in the upcoming Football season, then it’s time to take your cooking to the next level with these tailgate and game day recipe ideas.
There’s no denying that game day is a sacred time, and it’s the perfect time to get into the spirit of drinking, feasting, and of course, going wild for your team to the bitter end. Even if the result is not exactly what you planned (ahh, the joys, and tribulations of being a football fan.)
However, finding the best recipes that everybody can enjoy is a tricky feat, so here is a selection of options that will cater to everybody’s preferences.
Here you’ll find dips, snacks, finger foods, vegetarian options, and gluten-free options, most of which are easy to make and taste absolutely awesome.
Time to chow down and get ready to cheer, or simply enjoy the food and drink if you don’t support a Football team and just came along for the buzz!
Little Leebo’s (Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites With Barbecue Sauce)
It only seemed fitting to start the list with one of the tastiest party-time foods on the planet; bacon. For Little Leebos, all you’ll need is some small new potatoes, olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and bacon, and just over an hour later you have the finished dish.
They are not too heavy and you’ll be able to sink a few of these whilst still being abv to save room for seconds.
However, it’s worth reminding you that these will disappear in a matter of minutes so make sure you cook a lot of these little gems or get in there fast. Oh, and make sure to combine these with the rich barbecue sauce. Delightful.
Beer Cheese Dip
Want something that can work as a tasty dipping sauce and be made in less than 15 minutes? Look no further than this quintessential tailgate beer cheese dip. Add beer, or non-alcoholic beer if you’re not drinking for an extra kick, which works so well together.
What you might like about this concoction is that it’s keto-friendly and only contains 6 carbohydrates per serving, making this ideal when served with sausages, mini hot dogs, or other keto-friendly appetizers.
Otherwise, some healthy vegetable snacks like carrots or celery will work wonders, too.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
If you’re on the lookout for something fancy, these Buffalo chicken pinwheels will be sure to be a fan favorite.
What you’ll like about this recipe is how diverse the ingredients are. From cream cheese, scallions, Buffalo-style hot sauce, and pastry sheets, there’s a combination of healthy and interesting that will entice the taste buds.
You can enjoy them hot or cold, and outside of the regular football season: from Autumn get-togethers to hot summertime tailgates. This recipe will make up to 40 pinwheels and will take less than an hour to prepare and cook.
Touchdown Brownies
It’s time to recommend a sweet option that would be ideal once the final kick of the game has been delivered. Try these Touchdown Brownies; a real winner for the sweet tooth fanatic that fancies something sweet after all the savory.
The caramel, pecans, vanilla, and chocolate chips combine to make a tantalizing taste that shouldn’t be missed.
Make sure to add pretzels for a salty addition that makes the treat look like it has mini Footballs resting on top of it. This is sure to be a home run with the crowds (wrong sport, but you get the picture!)
Hot Artichoke Pizza Dip
Here’s a recipe that’s bound to appease a lot of people. This gluten-free (as long as you choose freshly grated parmesan cheese), and vegetarian-friendly dip is healthy, wholesome, and handy for those that have dietary restrictions to consider.
With all of these ticked off, how does it actually taste? Well, you’ll be blown away by the creaminess this Artichoke-inspired dip has to offer.
It’s a perfect partner for chips, bread, nachos, and even vegetables for those that want to make this an even healthier snacking experience.
Pico De Gallo
Staying with the healthy theme; it’s time for a classic Mexican recipe that only requires a handful of ingredients. Pico is found in many Mexican restaurants, and finding the best homemade recipe can be a challenge. Until now.
This Pico Del Gallo will have you watering at the mouth, and is the best way to top a burrito, chimichanga, tacos, or salad.
With ripe tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, and lime juice, there’s an intense diverse flavor waiting to treat you on game day that can easily be saved if there are any leftovers.
Caprese Bites
Sometimes it’s not always about being the fanciest, and being practical with your game day prep can be just as important for making large batches of food.
If you are looking for easy finger food that can be made in less than 10 minutes, then you have to try these Caprese Bites.
With grape tomatoes, Bocconcini (like mini mozzarella balls), basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, these are light on the stomach and will make you feel refreshed after eating them. It’s simple, colorful, and very palatable. Looks like less really is more.
BBQ Cauliflower Wings With Vegan Ranch
One of the healthiest foods on the planet is beginning to see a resurgence in a number of common recipes; especially ones that are vegan based on old-time classics.
This barbecue cauliflower wings recipe is no different and will excite plant-based dieters and health-conscious snackers alike.
All you’ll need to do is buy a fresh batch of cauliflower and follow the simple instructions for a great alternative to barbecue wings.
And you’ll be able to make plenty of the vegan ranch to be used with other meals throughout the week. As long as you have some leftovers of course, but no guarantees!
“Walking Taco” Burger Sliders
A list of the best tailgate recipes wouldn’t be complete without the classic American burger. And these bite-sized sliders are perfect for game day.
What you’ll love about the “Walking Taco” is how much it tastes like the burgers you get at those Steakhouses, the real meaty taste with none of the additives or artificial flavors.
If you buy enough ground beef (about 1 lb), you should be able to get 8 patties out of this, which is plenty for a large family or small get-together. Combine with nachos, fries, or even vegetables and enjoy the next 8 months of the Football season in style.
Jalapeno Poppers
Is there a better combination of taste and heat than jalapenos and cheese? Probably not. Then you don’t want to miss out on these little gems.
If you want an idea of how they taste, just imagine a crispy, creamy, spicy, cheesy, taste bud tantalizing mixture that looks delicious.
To make these even more appetizing, skip the bread crumbs and wrap them up in bacon, or add in sausage and Monterey jack cheese. And for all those beer lovers, you won’t find a better companion for a cold Bud. The skies are the limit with these.
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Hot dogs don’t have to only be enjoyed at the ball game or a Coney Island eating competition. They are perfect as a game-day meal, too.
Try these Chipotle inspired Chili Dogs on for size and enjoy the wonderful meaty and cheesy combination that incorporates a dark lager flavor for added taste.
As long as you get the right balance of meat and sauce, this will be a staple of yours for many years to come, they are that good. This isn’t a statement that gets thrown around a lot here, and we’ve rewarded you by sticking towards the end of our list. So enjoy!
Yellow Hammer Drink
To conclude the list, it’s time to finish on a drink that has been made popular in a bar located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, right in the heart of Football land.
This is a fancier take on the classic Screwdriver, that adds pineapple juice and amaretto for the ultimate game day drink.
A fair warning, this drink contains a lot of alcohol and will kick your butt if you’re not careful. So it’s worthwhile making a few of the recommended options above to at least give yourself a chance to soak up the delightful and delicious adult beverage.
However, if your team is down by five in the final quarter, maybe a healthy dose of Yellow Hammer is what you need.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. An eclectic mix of interesting and original recipes that are sure to get you in the mood for the game.
The good news is that there is something for everyone, and even if you follow strict nutritional guidelines, you can still be included in the fun and won’t feel like you’re sidelined by the action.
Hopefully, there are enough new ideas that will get you inspired to try something new, and not just to go with the typical recipes that every other person uses.
And the best news of all is that you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, as most of the recipes take less than 60 minutes. Here’s to your team’s success in the upcoming football season!
