Game day gourmet: 29 irresistible recipes to elevate your tailgating

Photo of author

| Published:

Embrace the spirited atmosphere of game day with a curated selection of tailgating recipes that cater to both your taste buds and your team spirit. From savory dips to finger-licking snacks, explore a variety of culinary delights that are designed to enhance the excitement of your pre-game celebrations. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a food lover, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to add a flavorful touch to your next tailgating gathering.

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Apple Cider Fireball Jello Shots

Apple cider jello shots with cinnamon sugar rims on a white tray.
Apple Cider Fireball Jello Shots. Photo credit: Feast + West.

These apple cider and cinnamon whiskey jello shots are a warm and delicious addition to football tailgates and gatherings, capturing the cozy flavors of fall. They’re perfect for enjoying while cheering on your favorite team.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Fireball Jello Shots

Blue Margaritas

A blue drink with ice and a gold spoon.
Blue Margaritas. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Add vibrant blue energy to football tailgates with Blue Margaritas. Featuring blue curaçao liqueur, these margaritas capture team spirit and offer a unique twist, making them a fun and colorful choice for game day.
Get the Recipe: Blue Margaritas

Pizza Dip with Breadstick Bites

Cheese melts on top of Sausage Pepperoni Pizza Dip baked in a glass pan.
Pizza Dip with Breadstick Bites. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience at football tailgates with Pizza Dip and Breadstick Bites. This hot and cheesy appetizer satisfies the cravings of both pizza and game day enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dip with Breadstick Bites

Beer Margaritas

A beerita with a salt rim in a glass shaped like a beer can next to limes and a green glass juicer.
Beer Margaritas. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Cheer on your team during the big game with Beer Margaritas. Combining the bold flavors of Mexican lager and tequila, these drinks are a festive and refreshing way to enjoy football tailgating.
Get the Recipe: Beer Margaritas

Tuscan White Bean Dip

A teal towel next to a black bowl of tuscan white bean dip.
Tuscan White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Transport your taste buds to Italy during football tailgates with Tuscan White Bean Dip. Packed with Italian flavors, this appetizer adds an elegant and savory touch to your game day celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

in FDL library.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Create a memorable and smoky experience during football tailgates with Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers. These flavorful bites, wrapped in bacon, are a show-stopping indulgence that enhances the game day celebration.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Infuse a touch of sophistication into football tailgates with Caprese Salad Skewers. This classic summer dish, served on skewers, adds elegance and freshness to any game day celebration.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Peach Salsa

A bowl of peach salsa with a chip in the bowl, surrounded by cilantro, peaches and chips.
Peach Salsa. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Embrace the summer vibes even during football tailgates with Peach Salsa. Fresh and vibrant, this salsa pairs beautifully with grilled dishes and chips, adding a burst of fruity flavor to the game day excitement.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salsa

Vodka Lemonade

A glass of lemonade with a slice of lemon.
Vodka Lemonade. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Keep football tailgates cool and spirited with Vodka Lemonade. This two-ingredient cocktail strikes the right balance between sweet and tangy, providing a refreshing and easy-to-sip option for cheering on your team.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Lemonade

Whipped Feta Dip

A bowl of whipped feta dip with crackers and olives.
Whipped Feta Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your football tailgating spread with Whipped Feta Dip, a tangy and creamy delight perfect for dipping. This versatile appetizer adds a touch of sophistication to the game day while keeping the spirits high.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Dip

Mimosa Bar

A mimosa bar set up with champagne flutes, garnishes, pitchers of orange juice and peach purée, a bottle of champagne and a bottle of sparkling cider.
Mimosa Bar. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your football tailgating experience with a Mimosa Bar, offering a range of fruity combinations for a brunch-inspired celebration. This setup adds an element of customization and elegance to your game day festivities.
Get the Recipe: Mimosa Bar

Marinated Cheese

Slices of cheddar and cream cheese with garnish rest on herb crackers on a white marble surface.
Marinated Cheese. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate the football tailgating menu with Marinated Cheese, an appetizer that blends two cheeses with herbs and pimento peppers. This flavorful choice is bound to be a standout at your game day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Cheese

Cape Codder

A red cape cod cocktail with ice sits in a gold rimmed glass. Another glass with the same crimson cocktail sits behind on a cutting board. Whole cranberries and whole limes are scattered around both drinks.
Cape Codder. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Capture the essence of the season with a Cape Codder cocktail, known as Vodka Cranberry. Its fruity and refreshing profile makes it a fitting choice for football tailgates, adding a touch of vibrant flavor to the game day.
Get the Recipe: Cape Codder

Frosted Banana Bars

Image shows a Frosted Banana Bar with a bite taken from it on a white plate.
Frosted Banana Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Satisfy both the sweet tooth and the football spirit with Frosted Banana Bars. Moist and fluffy, these bars make for a delightful treat while cheering for your team during game day.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars

Beer Cheese Dip

soft pretzels next to a bowl of beer cheese dip and two beers in bottles.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate the party atmosphere during football tailgates with Beer Cheese Dip. Perfect for dipping pretzels or bread, this cheesy delight adds a flavorful and spirited touch to your game day spread.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Pineapple Cilantro Salsa

A bowl of pineapple salsa with chips and limes.
Pineapple Cilantro Salsa. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Infuse the football tailgating scene with tropical flair using Pineapple Cilantro Salsa. Its zesty and refreshing profile, complete with a hint of heat, brings a lively twist to your game day festivities.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cilantro Salsa

Whiskey & Coke

A dark brown cocktail with ice sits surrounded by a whole lime and gold cocktail tools.
Whiskey & Coke. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Keep it classic during football tailgates with a timeless Whiskey & Coke. The familiar combination of whiskey and cola offers a straightforward yet spirited choice for enjoying the game day excitement.
Get the Recipe: Whiskey & Coke

Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

A closeup of a garnish on a Bloody Mary made with homemade Bloody Mary mix.
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Enhance the football tailgating experience with the perfect Bloody Mary Mix. Tailored to suit your taste, this mix adds a hint of spice and lemony goodness to your favorite vodka, providing a spirited companion for game day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

Strawberry Rosé Sangria

a pitcher of Strawberry Rosé Sangria with fresh strawberries and ice.
Strawberry Rosé Sangria. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Celebrate football tailgating with the ultimate summer refresher: Strawberry Rosé Sangria. Its light and fruity flavors, highlighted by berry notes, make it a delightful choice for enjoying the game day with friends.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rosé Sangria

Crockpot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Embrace the fall atmosphere of football tailgating with Crockpot Little Smokies. These slow-cooked, smoky bites are a savory and comforting treat that pairs perfectly with the chilly weather and game day energy.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

In FDL library.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Treat your football tailgating guests to a hearty and flavorful Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. This crowd-pleasing appetizer takes only 15 minutes to whip up, ensuring everyone can enjoy game day to the fullest.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Garden Fresh Salsa

A closeup side shot of garden fresh salsa in a white bowl.
Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enhance the vibrancy of football tailgating with Garden Fresh Salsa. Bursting with flavors from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and lime juice, this dip brings a zesty and colorful element to game day festivities.
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn

Movie theatre butter popcorn spilling out of a popcorn bag.
Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate the movie night experience at football tailgates with Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn. Made with real butter, this popcorn offers a delicious upgrade that enhances the excitement of watching the game with friends.
Get the Recipe: Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn

Queso Fundido

A black skillet of cheesy dip and coveredin pico de gallo.
Queso Fundido. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Bring a touch of indulgence to football tailgates with Queso Fundido. This warm and flavorful cheese dip is an inviting companion for crunchy tortilla chips, creating a spirited atmosphere for game day.
Get the Recipe: Queso Fundido

Margarita Jello Shots

Jello shots in clear cups with a lime candy on top.
Margarita Jello Shots. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate the excitement of taco nights and football tailgates with zesty Margarita Jello Shots. These shots, infused with tequila and fresh lime juice, bring a tangy kick to the celebration, making them a spirited choice for game day.
Get the Recipe: Margarita Jello Shots

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A basket of glazed chicken wings with a glass bowl of ranch sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Score big during football tailgates with Air Fryer Chicken Wings. These crispy delights, cooked from frozen, are a convenient and delicious party snack that perfectly complements the lively game day atmosphere.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Homemade Jello Shots

A rainbow of different colored jello shots arranged on a marble background.
Homemade Jello Shots. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Create a colorful and spirited atmosphere at football tailgates with these homemade jello shots. Made with flavored gelatin and vodka, they offer a customizable and vibrant way to celebrate your team’s game day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Jello Shots

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Image shows bacon deviled eggs in a red tray.
Bacon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate the traditional deviled eggs at football tailgates with Bacon Deviled Eggs. These flavorful bites, boasting a unique twist, offer a savory and satisfying addition to your game day spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs

Easy Crunchy Keto Taco Cups Recipe

Easy Crunchy Keto Taco Cups on a white board with cilantro.
Easy Crunchy Keto Taco Cups Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Cater to keto-conscious guests during football tailgates with Easy Crunchy Keto Taco Cups. These low-carb, gluten-free bites offer a savory and satisfying choice that aligns with healthy eating goals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crunchy Keto Taco Cups Recipe

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.