Tailgating titans: 29 game day recipes that score big

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Hey there! So, you’ve got a game day coming up, and food is on the agenda. Let’s be honest, while the game is the main event, having a good meal can make or break the experience. We’re talking about more than just a bowl of chips or some store-bought dips. If you’re tailgating or watching at home, the food you serve matters. With the right mix of dishes, you can turn an ordinary game day into something people talk about for weeks. Think about the excitement on the field, then mirror that on your plate. It’s not just about filling up; it’s about creating an atmosphere and making memories.

Chicken wings with garlic and parsley on a white plate.
Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hey, for all you tailgating titans, this Spanish rice is the MVP! A perfect side for any game day dish, right? It’s hearty, filling, and just plain delicious. It’s a game day staple that should definitely be on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Salsa in a bowl with chips nearby.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Alright spice lovers, here’s a game day recipe for you. A sweet and spicy dip that’s a total touchdown. It combines the tropical sweetness of mangoes with a fiery habanero kick. Perfect for those tailgating moments when you want a burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who doesn’t love tacos on game day? These Tacos Dorados are golden, crispy, and a surefire winner for tailgating titans. They’re a fresh take on the traditional taco, giving that crunchy texture everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Pico de Gallo

A shot of Pico de Gallo on a board with chips nearby.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The classic game day salsa that always scores big. Fresh, vibrant, and goes with just about everything. It’s the real deal for a refreshing and tangy dip. Perfect for tailgating and adding a splash of freshness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Smoked Tomato Salsa

Smoked Tomato Salsa in a black dish.
Smoked Tomato Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give your game day a smoky twist with this salsa. It’s bold, flavorful, and brings a unique depth that standard salsas just can’t match. A favorite among tailgating titans who love a deeper, smokier flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Salsa

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want a game day dish that’s a total game-changer? These pork belly bites are melt-in-your-mouth amazing. They offer a caramelized goodness that’s both rich and delightful. Perfect for tailgating and impressing your friends.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

A platter of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need bite-sized game day snacks? Here you go! These little delights are flavor-packed and easy to share. Perfect for those tailgating moments when you’re mingling and need a tasty, handheld treat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

Chile de Arbol Salsa

Chile de Arbol Salsa on wooden board with chips and chilies nearby.
Chile de Arbol Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Game day calls for some heat, right? This fiery salsa is for those who like to kick things up a notch while tailgating. It’s spicy, robust, and will have your taste buds dancing during the big game.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Cheez-Its Tostada

Cheez-It Tostada on a plate with hot sauce in a bottle.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A fun twist for game day! It’s like the best of both snack worlds collided. Crunchy Cheez-Its meet classic tostada toppings, creating a snack that’s not only tasty but also a conversation starter for tailgating titans.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Smoked Jalapenos

Smoked Jalapenos in 2 cast iron pans.
Smoked Jalapenos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your tailgate with these smoky peppers. They’re not just any jalapenos; they’re smoked to perfection, giving that extra zing to your plate. A game day favorite that always scores big with the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

Cold Corn Dip

A bowl of Chilled Corn Dip with chips on a black plate.
Cold Corn Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a refreshing game day dip? This is it! It’s creamy, tangy, with a hint of sweetness from the corn. Absolutely perfect for tailgating titans wanting something chilled and delightful on a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Portable and packed with flavor, these empanadas are the game day treat tailgating titans dream of. They’re crispy on the outside and filled with savory beef on the inside, making them irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Over the Top Chili

Over the Top Chili in a black cast iron bowl.
Over the Top Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Every game day needs a hearty chili, right? This one’s rich, flavorful, and filled with all the good stuff. It’s a comforting bowl that tailgating titans will flock to, especially on those cooler game days.
Get the Recipe: Over the Top Chili

Reuben Egg Rolls

A black plate with Reuben Egg Rolls and dipping sauce.
Reuben Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fuse two favorites for game day with these egg rolls. Classic Reuben sandwich fillings wrapped in a crispy shell. Tailgating titans, you’re in for a treat that’s both innovative and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Egg Rolls

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meaty skewers for the win! These are marinated in a robust Mojo Rojo sauce and grilled to perfection. It’s a game day recipe that tailgating titans won’t be able to resist. Bite-sized, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip in a black bowl with crackers nearby.
Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a game day dip that’s creamy with a kick. It perfectly marries the flavors of artichokes and jalapenos. Just the right mix of spicy and smooth, it’s a must-have for tailgating titans.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mini sandwiches that score big on game day. Perfectly sized for snacking, these sliders pack in all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich. Perfect for munching and mingling among tailgating titans.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Tomatillo pico de gallo in a black dish surrounded by tortilla chips.
Tomatillo Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A zesty game day favorite! Think of your classic pico de gallo but with a tangy twist from tomatillos. Fresh, vibrant, and an absolute must for tailgating titans who love their salsas with a bit more zing.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Smoked Beef Stew

A smoked beef stew recipe with carrots and potatoes.
Smoked Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When tailgating in cooler weather, this stew is a game day hero. Think tender beef chunks, smoky flavors, and a broth that warms you up from the inside out. Hearty, satisfying, and a big scorer among the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew

Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings

Chicken wings with garlic and Parmesan on a white plate.
Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for wings that score big on game day? You can’t go wrong with these garlic parmesan ones. Crispy, smoky, and oh-so-tasty! Perfect for those who want a flavorful twist on a classic game day snack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa in a black pan with tortilla chips in a second pan.
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salsa’s a game day must-have. With roasted tomatillos as the star, it’s rich, tangy, and full of depth. It’s what every tailgating titan needs on their table to accompany those crispy chips.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Change up your wing game this game day. These wings come with a tangy twist, thanks to the dill pickle influence. They’re tangy, smoky, and something tailgating titans won’t stop raving about.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Green Goddess Stuffed Mushrooms

Green goddess stuffed mushrooms.
Green Goddess Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A healthier game day snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Filled with a vibrant green goddess filling, these mushrooms are a delightful bite that tailgating titans will appreciate amidst the heavier treats.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Stuffed Mushrooms

Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins

Four potato skins topped with cheese and sour cream.
Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A game day staple! These potato skins are loaded to the max with all the goodies. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and always a hit with tailgating titans.
Get the Recipe: Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Sliced Smoked Bacon Wrapped Whole Pork Tenderloin on a white platter.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For all the meat lovers out there, this one’s for you. Tender pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy bacon – it’s a match made in game day heaven. Perfect for tailgating titans who want a hearty, meaty treat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Four stuffed mushrooms on a white plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A little game day fusion for you. Imagine all the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak packed into a mushroom cap. It’s delightful, innovative, and just what tailgating titans are looking for in a snack.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Beef Jerky Dip

Beef jerky dip on a cracker held in a hand.
Beef Jerky Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dip is a flavor-packed surprise! It combines the savory flavors of beef jerky with creamy, dip-able goodness. Tailgating titans, this one’s for those looking for something uniquely delicious on game day.
Get the Recipe: Beef Jerky Dip

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Can’t have game day without burgers, right? These smash burgers are crispy on the edges, juicy in the center, and an absolute hit. It’s the burger that tailgating titans will keep coming back for.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your game day with these quesadillas. Marinated chicken al pastor with melted cheese between crispy tortillas – it’s zesty, flavorful, and a tailgating titan’s dream when looking for a fulfilling snack.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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