Top Tailgate Recipes & Essentials

Are you ready to tailgate? Whether you're a die-hard fan of the NFL or NCAA or enjoy having friends over for a good time, tailgating is always an unforgettable experience. It's a terrific way to bring together friends and family for delicious snacks, tailgate foods, fun activities, and a shared love for sports.

But what should you bring? What recipes should you make? Here's a guide to all the tailgate recipes and essentials and tried-and-true recipes sure to impress the crowd.

What to Bring to a Tailgate

So, what are some of the tailgate essentials? While the list of items you should bring may vary depending on the tailgate, there are certain must-haves that no tailgating event should be without. Here's a quick rundown of what to get:

Ice-cold drinks
Cups and ping pong balls
Foam finger
Wifi speaker
Plates and utensils
Cornhole
Tailgate grill
A relaxing chair
Burgers and hot dogs
Award-winning cheese
Crackers for the cheese

These tailgate necessities are crucial for any tailgate event as they provide a great way to relax, snack on delicious food, and spend quality time with friends and family outdoors. Now that you know what to bring to a tailgate, let's talk about recipes for tailgating.

Top Tailgate Recipes This Season

A tailgate party wouldn't be complete without tantalizing tailgating recipes. Here are some of the most popular tailgate recipes this season:

Football Cheddar Crackers

How amazing are these? They're perfect for any tailgate party and can be prepared in no time.

Spicy Buffalo Wings

No celebration is complete without a big platter of spicy buffalo wings for everyone to devour. Our special wing sauce uses Cabot Reduced Fat Plain Greek Yogurt for a cool, creamy flavor, and your favorite hot sauce for the spicy kick you love.

Football Cheese Board

Create your football-themed appetizer by arranging Cabot cheddar cheese and crackers in the shape of a football.

Crispy Cheese Pickle Chips

Calling all pickle lovers! Quick & easy to make, these crispy, one-bite wonders are full of flavor and sure to be a hit at your next tailgate.

Loaded Potato Skins

These loaded potato skins are tasty and nutritious for chillier weather. Prep time is only 30 minutes, and they will surely be a hit at any tailgate party.

Air Fryer Hot Wings

Love hot wings and using your air fryer any chance you get (or need a great excuse to go out and buy one)? Then you’ll want to make these addictively delicious hot wings. Seasoned with salt and pepper and tossed with melted butter and hot sauce, these wings are full of flavor.

Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Yogurt Dip

Vegetarians rejoice! This healthy twist on the classic buffalo wings recipe will surely be a hit. It's a must-have at any tailgate.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

America's favorite dip! Buffalo chicken dip is a surefire crowd-pleaser and perfect for tailgates because it's easy to prepare, delicious and versatile. Our recipe makes 12 servings.

Tomato and Cheddar Sliders

These sliders are bite-sized and super easy to make. They have a bit more substance than other options. This tailgate recipe makes about 24 burgers, enough to feed a crowd.

Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Dip

Undoubtedly one of the stars of your tailgate, this bacon cheeseburger dip will have everyone coming back for seconds. Wow your guests with this cheesy dip.

Black Bean Chili Dip

As far as easy tailgate snacks go, this dip can't be beaten. It's a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your tailgate spread. It's easy to make and is highly versatile.

Cheddar Popovers

This handheld treat is sure to be a hit. They're cheesy, flaky, and delicious. Keep the recipe handy; you'll be asked for it again and again.

Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Beer Sauce

Sure to please a crowd, these stuffed pretzel bites are the perfect bite-size vessel for creamy and delicious cheddar beer sauce. As a bonus, the cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days… but it probably won’t last that long!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Cheddar Cheese

These crispy, air-fried chicken tenders come together quickly and are made healthier using an air fryer. The perfect grab-and-go protein for any tailgate!

Hot as a Torch! Jalapeño Poppers

Our take on the classic tailgate staple. Our Jalapeño Poppers are a perfect game day recipe to feed a crowd. This dish is easy to prep and will win the hearts of anyone who likes a little spice in their snack. This recipe makes 24 jalapeño poppers, but they’ll be such a hit you may need to make more!

Hot Italian Cheddar Dip

Blending Italian flair with fresh ingredients like ripe red tomatoes and basil, this cheddar dip is a fun and simple way to add a little extra flair to the tailgate spread. The best part is that it’s delicious with just about anything – serve with sliced bread or crackers for dipping, or lighten things up with fresh, crunchy veggies like celery or carrots.

Wickedly Habanero Cheddar BLT Bites

Nothing says “Game Day” quite like bacon and cheese on skewers. That’s why we created this simple, easy-to-share BLT appetizer recipe, featuring our Wickedly Habanero Cheddar Cheese to spice things up for you and your guests. Made in just 20 minutes with 6 ingredients, this easy potluck recipe is sure to be a win.

Warm Cheddar, Ale & Bacon Dip

This cheddar beer dip provides you the enjoyable, rich flavor of a cheddar-beer soup, but in the convenient form of a scoop-able party dip. How’s that for genius? This delicious blend of cheese, bacon and beer could warm up even the chilliest of game days!

Enjoy These Tailgate Necessities

Make your next tailgate a success with these recipes. Whether you're looking for easy tailgate snacks or something more substantial, these tailgate recipes are sure to please. Always pack the essential items and pick up some of your favorite tailgate food before heading out. Enjoy!

Happy tailgating!

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