No matter if your team is a bowl contender this season or is in a rebuilding phase, there's one thing that can always make a football game more enjoyable - good food.
And when it comes to tailgating, there are plenty of great options to choose from. From classic barbecue favorites to dishes that are a little bit more adventurous, here are some of the best foods to enjoy while watching the big game.
Why Food Makes a Tailgate Party Unforgettable
Along with games, food is perhaps the most important element of any tailgate party. After all, what's a party without good food? Not only does food add to the overall enjoyment of the tailgate experience, but it also helps to keep everyone energized and happy. Plus, there are plenty of great options when it comes to tailgate foods, so everyone can find something they love.
So if you're planning on throwing the ultimate tailgate party in the stadium parking lot before the next big football game, be sure to put plenty of thought into your menu. And don't forget the drinks - alcohol or not, everyone will love enjoying a cold drink while watching the game.
Awesome Tailgate Food Ideas
Here are a few of the best tailgate foods to take your college football experience to the next level. There's something here for every fan!
Sliders
There's nothing quite like a tailgate party on game day. The air is electric with excitement, and the scent of grilled burgers and hot dogs wafts through the air. Of course, no tailgating event is complete without a few sliders.
They're the perfect size for eating while you're watching the game. Mile-high burgers are awesome, but it's just as great to fit a bun into one hand without worrying about spilling (the other hand is to hold your drink, of course!).
Sliders are always a hit at any event, and they're sure to be a favorite at your next tailgate bash.
Chips and Dip
Chips and dip are a classic tailgate party favorite for good reason - you can find an easy recipe for almost any variety, they're shareable, and you can mix and match different kinds of chips with different yummy dips.
Some of the most popular varieties include salsa, guacamole, and ranch dressing. But there are also lots of other great options to choose from, including cheese dip, bean dip, and even bacon dip.
No matter what your favorite type of chip dip is, you're sure to enjoy it at a tailgate party. There's nothing quite like snacking on some tasty chips while watching the game. So be sure to bring along your favorite type of chip dip for the next big football game!
Chili
Chili is the perfect food for tailgating before a game. It's hearty and filling, and it can be easily reheated if you're not quite ready to eat when it's first made. Plus, there's something about chili that just screams "football season."
Whether you make your chili with beef, turkey, or vegetarian ingredients, it's sure to be a hit with your fellow tailgaters.
Top it off with shredded cheese and diced onions, and serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the game!
Wings
There's something about wings that just gets people excited. Maybe it's the fact that they're messy and require you to use your hands. Who doesn't like feeling like a kid covered in BBQ sauce or buffalo dressing?
Or maybe it's the variety of flavors and sauces that you can choose from. Whatever the reason, wings are a tailgate party staple. After all, wings and football go together like peanut butter and jelly.
So whether you're cheering on your favorite team or just enjoying the company of friends, make sure to have wings on the menu. You won't regret it!
Nachos
There's nothing quite like a good plate of nachos to spice up game day. They're a perfect mix of tortilla chips, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings. Not to mention, nachos are hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, but are still easy to eat on the go.
No wonder they're such a tailgate party staple! Loyal football fans have been known to tailgate for hours before kickoff, and a big plate of nachos is the perfect way to fuel up for the big game. Plus, they're just as good at half-time as they are before the game.
So whether you're going ra-ra for your team's latest touchdown or enjoying a break from the action, nachos are always a good tailgate choice.
Potato Skins
Tailgate parties are a football tradition, and every tailgate is better with a big bowl of potato skins. These crispy appetizers are easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste.
Simply bake potatoes until they are soft, then scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer of potato flesh. Next, brush the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Finally, bake the skins for a second time until they are golden brown and crispy.
Whether you top them with cheese, bacon, green onions, or sour cream, potato skins are sure to be a hit at your next tailgating event. So go ahead and give them a try - your tastebuds will thank you!
Brownies
Few things are as synonymous with tailgate parties as brownies. Rich, chocolatey, and dense brownies are the perfect food to fuel up to watch a football game. They travel well, and they can be easily enjoyed by both young and old.
What's more, they can be customized to show support for your team. For example, you could make brownies in your team's colors or decorate them with frosting in the shape of your team's logo.
Whether you're tailgating for a home match or meeting up with friends in "enemy territory" for an away game, brownies are sure to be a hit!
Refreshing Tailgate Drinks
All of this talk about savory and sweet tailgate foods is sure to have worked up an appetite. We'll put the thought of all these foods has made you thirsty, too!
Whatever awesome food choices you go with for your next tailgate party, be sure to include some of these great drinks for your guests to wash everything down with.
Soda
Whether your team just scored a field goal or is down in the fourth quarter, nothing hits the spot quite like a cold can of soda.
Soda is the perfect drink for any occasion, and it's especially popular at tailgate parties. There's something about the taste and carbonation that just seems to fit with watching an outdoor sport. Plus, it's easy to serve, and everyone loves it.
So if you're looking for a drink that will please all of your guests, be sure to include some cold soda on your next tailgate party menu.
Beer
Soda is great for all ages, but really, what's more American than watching football while drinking beer?
Beer is the perfect drink for a tailgate party. It goes perfectly with all your delicious food - especially snacks like wings and potato skins.
Next time you're putting together a menu for a tailgate party, make sure to include some cold beer. Your guests will thank you!
Mixed Drinks
Maybe you have some friends who like alcohol but aren't huge fans of beer. If that's the case, why not bring supplies for some mixed drinks? From spiked lemonades and teas to sangrias and bourbon shots, there are loads of fun drinks for the adults at your tailgate party.
So if you want to keep everyone happy, consider stocking a variety of hard drinks for the next big game. That way, everyone can enjoy their favorite beverage and get into the tailgating spirit!