Put on that team jersey, practice the fight song, and get the best parking spot or seat in front of the TV. Then you can open the snacks and dips, serve the drinks, and spread your favorite game day dishes to enjoy with your friends and family.
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Let the games begin. Whether you are genuinely tailgating, having a game party, or just enjoying the game at home, you deserve great food without all the work.
Everybody's menu will vary. Most will include beer and soft drinks, but please obey your local rules and indulge with care.
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 ahead and take to the game or party. While I have many great grill recipes, many people will opt for a simpler fare.
Game Day Chili Recipes
I have a lot of great chili recipes, but this two are our family 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 added 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 to have 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.
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 make it frequently.
Recipe number two is an excellent choice for chicken tacos or nachos.
I can not do a tailgating roundup without recipe number three. 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 a perfect one. 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 dish. 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 super simple but check out my Pulled Pork Recipe Roundup for something like 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. Here are a couple of easy cook-ahead bars that will make you look like the hero.
Food Safety Tips
These gatherings are ready-made for food safety issues at the party and the leftovers. Let's plan for food safety and get it right.
Don't forget the party animals.
Enjoy the fall.
Wifo, Molly, Lilly, and DrDan
Originally Published August 28, 2019. It will be updated and republished yearly about this time.
Linda Drews
I absolutely love everything about your website: the variety, the attention to detail. Always look forward to your posts. Thought I'd give you a heads-up on this post. Your SWEET heading unfortunately says SWEAT ENDINGS. Thought you would want to know in case it's changeable.
God bless
PS Every doggy pictures is cuter than the one before!