37 touchdown-worthy tailgating favorites for the ultimate game day feast

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This lineup of 37 tailgating favorites that are a guaranteed touchdown! Whether you’re parked outside the stadium or hosting a backyard watch party, these recipes are all about big flavors, easy prep, and crowd-pleasing favorites.

Sausage cheese dip in a cast iron skillet topped with tomatoes and jalapenos.
Sausage Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tailgating just got handier with this walking taco casserole. Grab a portion and mingle with fellow fans – it’s a flavor-packed party in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with bacon in a glass deviled egg platter.
Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Step up your tailgate appetizer game! These eggs, loaded with creamy ranch and crispy bacon, are the bite-sized wonders every gathering craves.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A twist on the classic, this pulled chicken is a tailgate showstopper. Stuff it in buns, tacos, or devour solo – it’s versatile and oh-so-delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Puff pastry pinwheels on a round wooden cutting board.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tailgating calls for finger foods and these spicy pinwheels definitely answer that call. They’re cheesy, packed with a kick, and ready to be the star of your spread.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Honey Jalapeno Cornbread

Honey Jalapeno Cornbread on a plate.
Honey Jalapeno Cornbread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tailgate sides don’t come better than this! Balancing sweet with spicy, this cornbread is the ideal companion for your chili or BBQ dishes.
Get the Recipe: Honey Jalapeno Cornbread

Chile Relleno Casserole

Casserole dish with chile relleno casserole topped with sliced jalapenos.
Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up your tailgating game with this cheesy, layered delight. Every slice of this casserole promises warmth and comfort – ideal for those cooler game days.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Thai Sweet Chili Wings

Bowl of Thai sweet chili wings on a gray and white napkin.
Thai Sweet Chili Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Wings are a tailgating staple, and this Thai twist is sure to stand out! Sweet, with a hint of spice, they’re every tailgater’s dream come true.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Wings

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chili and pasta? Yes, please! This hearty chili mac is the tailgate comfort dish you didn’t know you needed. Keep your squad full and focused on the game ahead.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Sausage Cheese Dip

Sausage cheese dip in a cast iron skillet topped with tomatoes and jalapenos.
Sausage Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Every chip at your tailgate party will be diving into this cheesy goodness. Infused with hearty sausage, it’s a dip that’s bound to be a touchdown.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Cheese Dip

Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Three crock pot hot dogs with assorted toppings.
Crock Pot Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Simplicity meets flavor at your tailgate with these easy crock pot hot dogs. Load them up with toppings and let the good times roll!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Lemon Pepper Wings

Air fryer lemon pepper wings on a cutting board with celery.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add zest to your tailgating menu with these crispy lemon pepper wings. They’re a refreshing change of pace that’ll score big with all wing enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Guacamole

Yellow bowl with guacamole with avocado, and jalapenos next to it.
Guacamole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A tailgate isn’t complete without guac! Dive into this creamy classic, a definite crowd-pleaser, ensuring those chips have the perfect partner in crime.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Pulled pork on a bun with sauce and cabbage.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Quick and packed with flavor, this pulled pork is tailgating done right! Using the Instant Pot means more time with friends and less time cooking – while still delivering that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork

7 Layer Salad

Seven layer salad in a bowl.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Packed with seven layers of freshness, this salad adds a vibrant, crunchy touch to your tailgating table. Perfect for balancing out all those hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Easy, flavorful, and perfect for any tailgate fiesta! These chicken tacos from the crock pot are the no-fuss solution to feed and impress a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Instant pot French dip sandwich next to an instant pot.
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into these French Dip Sandwiches straight from the Instant Pot. Perfectly juicy and savory, they’re tailor-made for tailgating and will vanish faster than a kickoff!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring some fast-food flair to your tailgate! This tortilla soup is a zesty crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone lining up for seconds… or thirds.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Crock Pot Beer Brats

Brats and beer served on a cutting board.
Crock Pot Beer Brats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Nothing screams tailgating louder than brats soaked in beer. These are juicy, flavorful, and promise to be the MVP of your tailgate menu.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beer Brats

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

A tray of BBQ beef sandwiches topped with fried onions and bacon.
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let your slow cooker handle the work while you enjoy the tailgate! These beefy sandwiches drenched in BBQ goodness are the crowd-pleasers you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Crockpot Chili

A slow cooker dinner recipe featuring two bowls of chili topped with avocado.
Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Classic tailgating done right with this crockpot chili. Rich, warm, and filled with flavor, it’s the bowl everyone will crave during those halftime chats.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Little Smokies

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

Get the tailgate vibes rolling with these glazed smokies. Pop them into your crockpot and watch as they become the most sought-after bite on game day.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

A brown plate with cranberry salsa and  cream cheese with crackers.
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tailgate with a tang! This cranberry jalapeno dip over cream cheese is the spicy-sweet delight you didn’t know your game day needed.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Fundido dip with chips.
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tailgate dip, but make it fiery! Dive chip-first into this cheesy fundido dip with a smoky chipotle kick. It’s like a touchdown for your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Tangy Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Tangy Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Ready for a tailgate with an international twist? Dive into these Korean pickled radishes for an unexpectedly zesty sidekick to your BBQ. Your game day’s about to get a global upgrade with these tangy delights!
Get the Recipe: Tangy Korean Pickled Radish

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bowl of bacon wrapped cocktail sausages.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Amp up your tailgating with bacon because, well, bacon! These little smokies wrapped in crispy bacon are the bite-sized marvels your game day menu needs.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reinvent your tailgate with this epic guacamole snack board! It’s not just guac; it’s a full fiesta waiting for your crew to dive in.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Taco Meatballs

A white platter with cheese stuffed meatballs, limes, radishes and onions.
Taco Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

It’s taco time at your tailgate, but with a meatball twist! Dive into these cheesy delights with a side of pickle relish for that extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatballs

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Mini but mighty, these turkey burger sliders are tailgating gold! Packed with flavor and perfect for holding in one hand while you cheer with the other.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pineapple pico de gallo in a black bowl surrounded by limes and a yellow linen.
Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turn up the tropical vibes at your next tailgate with this Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-game-day-ready, it’s a sunny addition to your snack lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tailgating and pizza, all rolled into one? Yes, please! These pizza rolls are the bite-sized perfection you need for that touchdown moment. Hold onto the excitement with every bite!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Trail Mix Popcorn

Trail mix popcorn in a bowl lined with newspaper.
Trail Mix Popcorn. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tailgating munchies get a sweet & savory remix with this trail mix popcorn. Perfect for those nail-biting game moments; it’s a handful of game day joy!
Get the Recipe: Trail Mix Popcorn

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board.
Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Beer, cheese, bacon – the ultimate tailgating trifecta! Dive into this rich dip and savor the flavor fusion that’s perfect for game day.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This ain’t your ordinary dip; it’s a tailgating superstar! Blend the creamy charm of cheese with the tang of taco for a dip that’ll keep the crowd coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

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.

Elevate your tailgating drink game with these beer margaritas. It’s where your favorite lager meets tequila, making every sip feel like a celebratory dance in the end zone.
Get the Recipe: Beer Margaritas

Crab Rangoon Dip

Crab Rangoon Dip in a black square dish.
Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Elevate your tailgate game with this indulgent crab rangoon dip. Creamy and loaded with crab goodness, it’s an irresistible dip that’ll have fans flocking.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Roasted garlic white bean dip in a metal dish with pita chips.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ditch the usual dips for this protein-packed tailgate winner! The roasted garlic white bean combo gives you creamy goodness with a flavorful punch – the cottage cheese is our MVP for texture.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A cheese covered dip sits next to crackers.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

No more waiting for halftime! This quick and creamy spinach artichoke dip is the tailgating companion you need to kick things off right.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Image shows a taquito dipping into a white bowl of Roasted Tomatillo Salsa.
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Brighten your tailgate spread with this zesty roasted tomatillo salsa. Perfect for topping or dipping, it’s a tangy treat that’ll score big with the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

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