50 Best Easy Tailgate Party Food Ideas & Superbowl Recipes

It’s that time of year again! Football season is finally here and game day parties are happening every weekend, everywhere for the next few months. Of course, this also means delicious snacks, drinks, and good times with friends! I’m not exactly a huge football fan. However, I’m more than happy to join in the fun, that is a good tailgate party. While all of the fans are getting amped up over their favorite teams, I’ll be over at the snack table, taking advantage of the mouth watering food spread!

Fun Fact: The first American tailgate occurred in 1861, with the first battle of the civil war, The First Battle Of Bull Run. Folks packed up their carriages with picnic baskets and observed the showdown from afar. It was 8 years later that tailgating became associated with the first football game ever played between Rutgers and Princeton in the year of 1869. Since then, tailgate parties have evolved into a social gathering appropriate for a variety of events , and are held primarily throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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Modern Tailgating

Over the years, it has become easier to prepare really delicious appetizers and barbecue style foods, for these beloved pre-game gatherings. With the availability of modern transportable cooking essentials, the potential for a yummy party spread, is limitless!

In trying to find fresh game day food ideas and inspiration, I came up with a number of goodies that will fit the bill. I put together a list below, with some of the best tailgate recipes out there. Some are older traditional dishes that are considered “must haves” for a tailgate party. Some are newer creations that have become favorites in more recent years. All of the recipes are easy to prepare, transport, and can be tailored for both, small and larger crowds.

Cold Appetizer Recipes

1. Antipasto Skewers

Such a simple appetizer, yet packed with so much flavor! The tortellini balances out the other flavors beautifully and the zesty Italian dressing is just the right finish. Easy to make, and in no time at all!

2. Cracked Out Turkey Pinwheels

These pinwheels have all of the main ingredients of a turkey club sandwich, but with the added bonus of ranch flavored cream cheese. They are super quick and easy to make. They can be made ahead of time and they are easy to transport. Yum!

3. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Mmm. Shredded chicken (I prefer rotisserie), buffalo flavored cream cheese and a bit of green onion to finish it off. Sounds like a winner to me! Easy to prepare and easy to keep cool for the duration of the party.

4. Cole Slaw

It’s true, I was never a fan of coleslaw until I tried this recipe. Now I can’t get enough of it when we do make it as a side dish. Considering tailgate parties are outside picnic style events with grilled food most times, this coleslaw would make a great addition to the spread. It is quick and easy to make and gets better with time! Yum!

5. Charcuterie Assortment or platter

I love charcuterie boards of all kinds. They are super easy to put together in a hurry! There are no specific guidelines…anything goes! Make a meat and cheese tray like the one above and serve along side slider rolls and sandwich condiments. You can opt for a cheeseburger charcuterie board, wings and mixed grill board, or even a tea sandwich board. Be creative! The link above is a good start with a wide range of different charcuterie board ideas to inspire you.

6. Crostini Appetizer (various toppings)

Crostini appetizers are another love of mine. If there is a baguette around, you can bet I will slice it and find some kind of delicious topping to put on it! From savory meat toppings and refreshing veggie combinations to creamy goat cheese and honey treats, there’s no end to the possibilities! Start with the list above and let your taste buds take over!

7. Cold Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach and artichoke dip is always a yummy snack for any occasion. I love the fact that this recipe is a chunky version with bright fresh vegetables. Delicious and yet another good topping for crostini 🙂

8. Buffalo Celery Bites

Ah yes…a snack for buffalo lovers that is also somewhat healthy. The spicy cream cheese and bacon are the perfect combination. The celery adds a bit of crunch and the green onion is a nice finish. Count me in!

9. Mozzarella Peperoni Bites

There aren’t many appetizers out there that are as easy to prepare as these mozzarella peperoni bites! Not only do they take very little time but they can also be prepared in advance. Just add the pizza sauce when it’s time to serve and voila! Yummy treats in a hurry! Just make a lot of them…this is a snack that flies off of the platter.

10. Mini Stuffed Peppers

I can not wait to try this recipe! I love sweet peppers any day of the week and I definitely love chevre. The two together, topped with honey…oh my! Yum! Super easy to make and sure to be a hit.

11. Black Bean Corn Salsa

When you want to kick your salsa up a notch, this is the recipe to go with. I love every single ingredient in this salsa. Corn, onion, black beans, and peppers all together in one bite…delicious. Serve with nachos for a super quick and easy appetizer.

12. Seven Layer Taco Dip

This dip has everything you could want in a taco, but with a little less mess. It can de prepared in advance and easily transported. Serve along side tortilla chips and let the crowd go to town!

13. Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip

Mmm…similar to sour cream and onion, but much better! The caramelization of the onion takes this dip to a whole new level! Add in the chives and bacon…perfection. Serve with chips, veggies or even crostini. Easy prep…easy transport…happy taste buds.

14. Easy Shrimp Dip

This shrimp salad is simple and delicious. It has just a few basic ingredients with a touch of tabasco to add a small kick. It is chunky, filling, and a hit with the crowd. Serve with chips, crostini or even grilled pita. Yum!

15. Olive Oil Dip (with fresh herbs)

How can a snack so easy to make, taste so stupid delicious? With olive oil and fresh herbs as the main ingredients, this timeless appetizer perfect for any party! It is so easy to prepare on site with a few short minutes and it is a tasty snack everyone will love.

16. BLT Sliders (w/ basil mayo)

This is yet another classic that is easy to prepare and completely satisfying. The basil mayonnaise compliments the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls, beautifully. The better quality bacon and heirloom tomatoes take this simple sandwich, up a notch that is sure to please the crowd. Easy to make, store, and transport.

17. Easy Guacamole Recipe

This guacamole recipe is nearly identical to the one we use at my house…the only difference is we don’t add hot sauce. Everything else is on point, right down to the chunky texture of the dip. Mmm…so delicious! Serve with tortilla chips or crostini and enjoy!

18. Burrata Cheese Appetizer

This appetizer recipe is so mouth-watering, you’ll want to make it time and again for parties and events. Grilled peppers, garlic and creamy burrata…delicious! Serve on crostini with a quick drizzle of balsamic (optional) and done. Easy to prepare in advance and easy to transport. Perfect snack for a tailgate party!

19. Three Ingredient Crab Dip

Crab dip is a most welcome appetizer for many events. This particular recipe is so quick, easy, and affordable to make for a crowd, you’ll want to keep it at the top of your list. Serve on crackers, tortilla chips or crostini, and watch the crowd come back for more!

20. Easy Cowboy Caviar

This is yet another really yummy snack to serve at tailgate parties. It is healthy, tangy, and absolutely delicious! Fresh vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, and fire roasted tomatoes are combined with hearty beans, to create a satisfying and tasty dip. Serve with corn chips and watch it disappear in a hurry. Yum!

Hot Appetizer Recipes

1. Meatball Sliders

Who doesn’t like a good meatball slider for a game day snack? I know I do! This recipe is super easy to prepare in a slow cooker and can be transported safely while maintaining temperature. If you have a car adapter, you can even warm it up when you reach the party, if need be. The recipe involves just a few basic ingredients. Serve along side Hawaiian rolls and watch the crowd go to town!

2. Chili

Mmm…delicious chili recipe here (and not just because it’s mine 😉 Super easy to make and transport. Serve with dinner rolls or even as a topping for hot dogs! Both options work beautifully and will be a hit with the crowd.

3. Slow Cooker Barbecue Wings or Honey Garlic Wings

I don’t know which of these recipes I like the most. Both are delicious…it just depends on your mood! Both are simple and easy to make, and packed with flavor. Why not make both and see which one flies off of the platter first? Sounds like a winning idea to me!

4. Stuffed Mushrooms

I love stuffed mushrooms and I can almost taste these guys! All of the ingredients combined make for a delicious bite size treat everyone will love. Easy to make. Easy to prepare and absolutely addictive.

5. Pulled Pork Pastry Puffs

Tasty pulled pork with a spin! I love the idea of puff pastry instead of rolls for sliders. These little guys can be prepared ahead of time and easily transported. This recipe is fully customizable in terms of flavor and can be whipped together in no time. Delicious!

6. Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups

This is a neat little spin on cheeseburger snacks. I love tater tots in general and can only imagine what they taste like when combined with a mouth watering cheeseburger center. I can’t wait to try these yummy little treats!

7. Meatball Sub Cupcakes

Yet another delicious treat made easy! Meatballs tucked into tidy little shells, but with the same delicious flavor of a meatball sub. Sounds good to me! Quick, easy to prepare, and sure to score points with the crowd.

8. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

I am a complete addict when it comes to Red Lobster’s cheddar biscuits, so these appetizers are right up my alley. The addition of the sausage center makes these popular dough creations, even tastier! Easy to make, reheat, and devour! Yum!

9. French Dip Biscuits

Mmm…French Dip. One of my favorites types of sandwiches. I love the option of making smaller versions to serve a crowd. This recipe allows for just that. Serve along side au jus and enjoy your mouth watering snack!

10. Beer Cheese Dip

Beer cheese dip is a must have for any tailgate party! It’s cheesy, super easy to make, and absolutely delicious! Serve with pretzels and you’re good to go.

11. Pizza Dip

When you don’t want to fuss with ordering pizza, this dip is the next best thing! All of the ingredients you would find on a pizza, just conveniently made in a dish or pan. Serve with tortilla chips or grilled pita points and voila! Yummy snack that leaves smiles all around 🙂

12. Easy Chipped Beef Dip

Chipped beef has always been one of my favorite foods. While I’ve never much considered serving it as a dip, it makes perfect sense. Served with tortilla chips, crostini or even corn chips…yum! I can snack on this any day of the week!

13. Cheeseburger Sliders

These cheeseburger sliders look so juicy and delicious! The recipe involves a very easy process of cooking the burgers, that keeps the meat tender and flavorful. The sliders are easy to prepare ahead of time and easy to reheat if needed. Yum!

14. Easy Cheesesteak Dip

A Philly cheesesteak in dip form…Yeah, I cold eat that any day of the week. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this creamy dip recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Serve with crostini and indulge!

15. Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

If you would prefer your delicious cheesesteak snack on a roll instead, use this tasty recipe. Mostly prepared right in your slow cooker, there is no easier way to serve cheesesteaks. Simply let your crockpot do the hard work. Then, serve along side rolls and let the crowd have at it! Works for me!

16. Rotel Dip

Rotel dip is a tailgate staple and one that crowds go crazy for. It’s very easy to prepare, travels well and reheats well. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

17. Rueben Dip

If you enjoy a good Rueben, then you will love this Rueben dip! It includes all of traditional ingredients, combined into one lovely slow cooker creation. Easy to prepare and keep heated. Serve with your favorite crackers, crostini, or even wedges of rye bread. Sounds delicious!

18. Cheesy Italian Dunkers

Mmm, yum…cheesy bread! Serve by itself with marinara sauce or along side the above pizza dip! Boom! Done!

19. Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

These chicken skewers are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Pineapple bites, peppers, and chicken, all basted in yummy teriyaki sauce…what more is there? Just a few minutes on the grill and you will have very happy taste buds. I’m in, any day of the week!

20. Mexican Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers

These mini stuffed peppers look ridiculously yummy! They have all of the ingredients of a taco, accented by the sweetness of the peppers. They are easy to prepare ahead of time and will have the crowd coming back for more!

Dessert Recipes

1. 5 Minute Fall Crack Chex Mix

I love Chex mix anyway. The white chocolate coating makes it even better! It’s quick and easy to throw together and always makes for a good tailgate snack. Yum!

2. Smoked Pineapple

Mmm…smoked pineapple. Yes, please! Refreshing, easy to make, and absolutely mouth watering! This is definitely a winner for any tailgate party.

3. Golden Graham S’mores Bars

This is a dessert that is so easy to make, yet so satisfying! It combines marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers, like a typical s’mores. The only difference is that you cut the mixture into bars for easier handling. It is easy to maintain proper temperature for the party and everyone will love it!

4. Black Bottom Cupcakes

These delicious cupcakes are the perfect combination of chocolate and cheesecake! With a cake like exterior and a creamy center, these little treats won’t last long! Easy to make, transport, and devour!

5. Cannoli Dip

I find it fairly difficult to find cannoli shells at the grocery stores in my area. There are also only a couple of places to even purchase cannoli, premade. This cannoli dip is the perfect solution. It’s easy to make and delicious, of course! Serve with broken pieces of waffle cone or cookies, and enjoy! Don’t expect this dessert to last long, though!

6. Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip

I knew as soon as I came across this recipe, that I had to try it. Let’s see…cranberry mixed with cream cheese and balanced out with salty ritz crackers… It’s the perfect combination. I can almost taste it now! This is yet another really easy dish to make, and one that won’t last long!

7. Strawberry Fruit Dip

Want something fruity, but cranberry isn’t quite your thing? Check out this creamy strawberry treat. It combines strawberry cream cheese and marshmallow fluff, topped with fresh strawberries and jam. Serve with graham crackers for a quick, delicious snack. Yummy!

8. Pumpkin Dip

It’s that time of year when everything pumpkin, is in! This pumpkin dip has just 5 ingredients and takes mere minutes to prepare. It is easy to transport and keep cool. When it’s time, serve along side graham crackers vanilla wafers, or even apples for a mouth watering treat!

9. Brownie Cookies

This is another dessert at the top of my list of treats I want to make in the near future. I can already taste that delectable combination of chocolate, cream cheese, and peanut butter! You don’t have to ask me twice!

10. Maple Caramel Crack

This tasty treat includes just four ingredients…crescent dough, bacon, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Need I say more? It truly does sound amazing and is certain to be a crowd pleaser!

Food Accessories & Tips

From decorative accents to small appliances, virtually any comfort of home can be transported to a tailgate party. Of course, food is a major element for a fun tailgate party. That means accessories for keeping that food fresh and tasty, are at the top of the priority list.

There are plenty of ways to keep your appetizers and drinks fresh and at the appropriate temperatures. A lot of methods are easy to implement and just require a bit of imagination. Insulated coolers and thermoses are of course, efficient ways of keeping your food cool or heated for long periods of time. Casserole or baking dishes with lids are also ideal methods. Even heavy duty foil trays, containers and covers are sufficient when properly packed in your vehicle and set up at the stadium.

For tips on packing your cooler and keeping it cold, check out these articles; How To Keep Your Yeti Hard Cooler Cold For Longer and Kroger Tailgating Tip.

Items such as instant pots, slow cookers, and portable ovens are all excellent means of keeping your food at the desired temperatures. If your tailgate plans involve cooking on site, there are several good recommended products for that as well! Many people like to transport small grills or smokers for that authentic barbecue set up. Some prefer small camp stoves or other table top warming devices to heat up their food upon arrival. Regardless of whether or not you pre-cook your food at home, there are numerous options for temperature control and freshness.

Games & Other Accessories

While crucial, food isn’t the only thing to be thought of, when it comes to planning a tailgate party! Let’s not forget about chairs, music, canopies and all of the other small details that go a long way toward having a fun time. Among the basic necessities are also koozies, blankets, folding tables, chairs, and even portable bartender sets.

Tailgate party entertainment varies. Some folks like to set up popular barbecue style games such as cornhole, beer pong, horseshoes, Jenga, and the washer toss game. Some also like to have other comforts of home such as tv set up, Bluetooth music or even complete portable sound systems! For some folks, tailgating is a way of life!

Final Thoughts

Whether it is your first time attending a tailgate party or you are a seasoned pro at planning one, it is always best to make a list of all of the items you will need for your party. You may even want to browse some of the popular tailgating gadgets on the market, to add to your fan gear collection. One thing you don’t have to worry about, is having a winning appetizer for the party. Any one of the delicious recipes above, will score points with the crowd!

Other good reads you might like…

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– 21 Best Easy Crostini Appetizer Recipes & Topping Ideas

– 23 Easy Snacks & Appetizer Recipes For Game Day And Parties

– 40 Easy Refreshing Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Summer Cocktail Drinks