Easy Tailgate Recipes

September is tailgate season—great football and nice weather. So, put on that team jersey, practice the fight song, and get the best parking spot or seat in front of the TV.

Jump To:

• Game Day Chili Recipes
• Let Them Eat Nachos—But Only the Best Will Do.
• Wings and Dip
• Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, or Brisket Sandwiches/Sliders.
• Sweet Endings
• Food Safety Tips

Let the games begin. Whether you are tailgating, having a game party, or enjoying the game at home, you deserve great food without all the work. Open the snacks and dips, serve the drinks, and spread your favorite game day dishes to enjoy with your friends and family.

Everybody's menu will vary. Most will include beer and soft drinks, but please obey your local rules and indulge carefully.

The foods will start with finger foods like potato chips or corn chips, cubes of cheddar or other cheeses, vegetable trays, and dips are always favorites. Traditional hot dogs, brats, and burgers are mandatory if you are grilling.

I'm picking recipes you can cook and take to the game or party. While I have many great grill recipes, many will choose a simpler fare.

Game Day Chili Recipes

I have a lot of great chili recipes, but these three are my favorites.

First is the easiest white chicken chili recipe you can make, but it is also one of the absolute best chicken chili recipes you will ever eat. The bonus for tailgating is that the cheese will stay hot for several hours to serve.

Our second chili is that great everyday chili you always want in your recipe box. We call it our everyday chili. It is not bland but not too spicy. As the baby bear would say, it is just right.

And lastly, a wonderful change of pace recipe.

Let Them Eat Nachos—But Only the Best Will Do.

My first offering is the best taco meat you will ever make. You will never buy that envelope again. I consider this one of my best recipes, and I make it frequently.

Recipe number two is an excellent choice for chicken tacos or nachos.

Don't tailgate without this versatile recipe. Serve it as chili, or make some excellent game-day nachos.

Wings and Dip

I only have one recipe for wings, but one is enough since it is perfect. No need to fry; do these oven-baked chicken wings, and you will never go back.

Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, or Brisket Sandwiches/Sliders.

These are the classic tailgate dishes. I'm just giving you the meat since you can handle the serving.

I'm suggesting my oven version of pulled pork to keep things simple, but check out my Pulled Pork Recipe Roundup for an excellent crock pot pulled pork.

I love simple, and I love good. Serve up some awesome shredded BBQ for those sandwiches.

One of the "kings" of BBQ meats is brisket. While smoking is not possible all day long for most people, this easy oven recipe you can do a day or two ahead will get you close.

Sweet Endings

Dessert bars are a great addition to any tailgate party. Some easy cook-ahead bars will make you look like the hero.

Food Safety Tips

These gatherings are ready-made for food safety issues and leftovers at the party. Let's plan for food safety and get it right.

Don't forget the party animals and their treats, Homemade Dog Treats—Healthy & Low-Fat.

Enjoy the fall.

Wifo, Molly, Lilly, and DrDan

Originally Published August 28, 2019. It will be updated and republished yearly about this time.