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17 Recipes Your Tailgate Can’t Live Without

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By Mandy Applegate

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17 Recipes Your Tailgate Can’t Live Without

These 17 tailgate-friendly recipes offer the perfect balance of convenience and flavor, making them great for any gathering. They’re designed to keep things simple while still delivering on taste, which makes them perfect for game day. No matter the occasion, these dishes are bound to be a hit with everyone.

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re aiming for something hearty yet quick, a 25 Minute Black Bean Burger fits the bill. Ideal for tailgates, it ensures no one misses out on the fun while stuck grilling for hours. This vegetarian option keeps the vibe inclusive and entertaining. Everyone can enjoy more game time with these burgers on the menu.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing fires up a crowd like Mozzarella Sticks, a classic appetizer that’s always a hit. Easy to share and eat, they keep the energy up without requiring a plate. They serve as an excellent conversation starter as fans cheer on their team. These sticks ensure your tailgate party is remembered for good food and great times.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Garlic Bread brings a touch of homemade warmth to any tailgate. It’s simple to prepare and even easier to devour, making it a must-have for any game day. The aroma alone will gather a crowd, ready to take a bite. Ending the game on a high note is guaranteed when this crowd-pleaser is involved.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For fans craving a pizza flavor in a bite-sized form, Pizza Rolls are the answer. They’re perfect for munching between cheers and plays, providing a quick and delicious snack. Portable and mess-free, guests can keep their eyes on the game. These rolls promise to keep spirits high from kickoff to the final whistle.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded Tater Tots close-up topped with crumbled bacon, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with sliced green onions on a white plate.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Loaded Tater Tots transform the casual snack into something extraordinary for game day. Their crispy exterior and soft interior make them irresistible. Everyone gathered will find themselves reaching for more. This dish ensures your tailgate is the go-to spot for memorable dishes and moments.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A flavorful treat that combines two favorites in one bite is Bacon Wrapped Smokies. The smoky flavor paired with a subtle sweetness makes each bite a celebration. Ideal for grilling and sharing, they’re a hands-down hit at any outdoor gathering. Your tailgate will be the talk of the town with these on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Offering a healthier option, Sweet Potato Cubes are a great addition to your tailgate spread. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with other savory bites. Easy to prepare and serve, they’re enjoyed by all ages. This dish brings a colorful and flavorful twist to traditional tailgating snacks.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A Homemade KFC Zinger Burger promises the crunch and flavor everyone craves. It’s a fulfilling choice that keeps the crowd energized and ready to cheer. No need for a fast-food run when you have this recipe in your playbook. It’s a guaranteed way to make any tailgate party a hit.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Featuring a kick of spice, Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are the life of the party. They blend heat with creamy textures, creating an unforgettable snack. These bite-sized treats are easy to pass around as the game heats up. With these cheese balls, the tailgate is sure to be as spicy and exciting as the game itself.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Veggie Burger

A homemade veggie burger in a bun, on a wooden plate, ready to eat.
Veggie Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Provide a delicious alternative for those looking for lighter fare with Veggie Burger. It’s a refreshing option amidst the hearty game day classics. These burgers prove that tailgating can be healthy without compromising on fun. It’s a welcomed addition that ensures everyone has something to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Neapolitan Pizza

A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing a slice of Italy to your tailgate, Neapolitan Pizza is a crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and authentic flavor profile make it a standout. Quick to disappear and always in demand, this pizza keeps the crowd satisfied. Your tailgate will be marked by gourmet tastes and satisfied smiles.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A bowl of creamy spinach dip garnished with herbs, surrounded by slices of crusty bread on a blue patterned cloth.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A Spinach Artichoke Dip is the creamy, dreamy addition every tailgate needs. It pairs well with any dippable side and offers a rich, flavorful experience. This dish becomes the center of attention quickly, drawing everyone in for a taste. It’s a foolproof way to bring people together, making memories over great food.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

A close-up of saucy Salisbury steak meatballs served on a bed of egg noodles, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tender and rich, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a must for chilly game days. They offer a comforting and hearty option that’s both flavorful and filling. Letting the slow cooker do the work means more time to enjoy with guests. This recipe guarantees no one walks away hungry.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Margherita Pizza

Someone helping themselves to a slice of Margherita pizza.
Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With its fresh flavors, a Margherita Pizza brings an artisanal touch to your tailgate. This classic choice satisfies with every bite, blending simplicity with taste. It’s the ideal choice for those who appreciate gourmet simplicity at a tailgate. This option confirms that sometimes, less is indeed more.
Get the Recipe: Margherita Pizza

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fans of a good grill will revel in the flavors of a Copycat Smash Burger. This recipe promises a juicy and savory experience that rivals the best burger joints. It keeps the grill hot and the crowd happy, ensuring no one misses out. Bringing this burger to your tailgate is a surefire win.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Korean Corn Dogs

Several breaded and fried corn dogs on sticks, drizzled with mustard and ketchup, placed on white crumpled paper.
Korean Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a fusion twist, Korean Corn Dogs offer a unique and irresistible snack. Their crunchy exterior and flavorful filling set them apart from traditional fare. Perfect for eating on the go, they keep the party moving. Introducing this dish is a clever way to add an international flair to your tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

French Bread Pizza

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

French Bread Pizza is a versatile and easy-to-make option that allows for endless customization. It’s a hearty choice that ensures guests can grab a slice and not miss a moment of the game. This spin on pizza offers a crunchy crust and generous toppings. It’s proof that good food can be simple yet incredibly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

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