13 Easy Tailgate Recipes Made for Cheering, Snacking, and Sharing

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Get ready for game day with 13 easy tailgate recipes that are perfect for cheering, snacking, and sharing. These recipes are simple to make, full of flavor, and fit right into any tailgate spread. From handheld bites to crowd-pleasing dips and hearty snacks, there is something here for everyone to enjoy while watching the game. Each dish is designed to be easy to prepare and easy to pass around, letting everyone stay part of the action.

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Corn Fritters

Image shows three corn fritters stacked atop each other on a white plate with a blue wooden background.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try these corn fritters for a snack that will get everyone reaching for more. They are pan-fried to a lightly sweet perfection and come together quickly, making them an easy tailgate recipe. These fritters are handheld, flavorful, and perfect for cheering, snacking, and sharing at the game.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

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

Add a bright kick to your game day snacks with roasted tomatillo salsa. This tangy salsa works great with chips or tacos, making it a simple and tasty tailgate recipe. Its fresh, zesty flavor will stand out on any snack table and keep everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Image shows A person is holding a toothpick with a little smokie over a bowl filled with more bbq bourbon little smokies.
BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bring smoky and tangy flavors to the tailgate with BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies. These easy cocktail sausages cook quickly and are packed with flavor from a hint of bourbon. They are simple to serve, perfect for sharing, and a delicious addition to any game day spread.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Image shows A person holding a buffalo chicken roll over a plate filled with more.
Buffalo Chicken Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spice up the snack table with buffalo chicken rolls that are loaded with tender chicken and hot sauce. Wrapped in flaky pastry, they are easy to share and make a flavorful tailgate recipe. These rolls are a hit at any game day gathering and keep everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Homemade Nacho Cheese

Image shows a tortilla chip pulling nacho cheese out of a white bowl filled with it.
Homemade Nacho Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make homemade nacho cheese to add a creamy and spicy touch to the tailgate. It melts smoothly and works for dipping or drizzling over snacks, making it a versatile tailgate recipe. Everyone will enjoy this cheesy addition while cheering and snacking during the game.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Serve puff pastry beef empanadas for a handheld snack that is full of flavor. The tender beef inside flaky pastry makes this an easy tailgate recipe that travels well. These empanadas are great for sharing and sure to be a crowd favorite at the game.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Image shows a close up head on view of Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups on a white tray, topped with guacamole and crumbled cotija cheese.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try crockpot Mexican beef in masa cups for a hearty and unique tailgate snack. Slow-cooked beef fills crispy masa cups, making it simple to prepare ahead of time. These bite-sized treats are easy to share and will impress everyone at the game.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Image shows an overhead shot closeup of Bacon Wrapped Dates.
Bacon Wrapped Dates. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make bacon wrapped dates for a sweet and salty snack that disappears fast. The combination of sweet dates and crispy bacon makes them an easy tailgate recipe to share. These bite-sized treats are perfect for adding flavor and fun to the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates

Chunky Guacamole

Image shows a white bowl with guacamole and a chip sticking in it with more chips on a tray to the right of it.
Chunky Guacamole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Scoop up some chunky guacamole to add a fresh, zesty touch to your tailgate spread. Made with ripe avocados, lime, and roasted tomatoes, it is easy to share with everyone. This classic dip is a simple tailgate recipe that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Non-Traditional 7 Layer Dip

Non-Traditional 7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: .

Layer on the flavor with a non-traditional 7 layer dip for game day. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient and easy tailgate recipe. Each layer adds a different taste, giving everyone a chance to enjoy something special while snacking and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Non-Traditional 7 Layer Dip

Pretzel Bites

Image shows a bowl filled with homemade Pretzel Bites.
Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Serve pretzel bites for a snack that is crispy outside and soft inside. These easy-to-share bites are a simple tailgate recipe that everyone can enjoy while cheering for the game. They are fun to grab, flavorful, and a perfect addition to the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites

Snickers Popcorn

Image shows a bowl with Snickers Popcorn next to a Snicker's bar.
Snickers Popcorn. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make Snickers popcorn for a sweet and salty twist on a game day classic. Caramel popcorn mixed with chunks of Snickers bars creates a tailgate recipe that is easy to share. This snack adds excitement to the table and is a treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Snickers Popcorn

Bacon Deviled Eggs

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

Try bacon deviled eggs for a rich and flavorful snack that is quick to make. The smooth, creamy filling with bacon makes it a standout tailgate recipe. These eggs are easy to serve and perfect for cheering, snacking, and sharing at the game.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs

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