39+ Top Tailgate Food Ideas for the Grill and Slow Cooker

People may not agree on the best team to root for, but most will agree that tailgating is an essential part of the game-day experience. From cheesy dips and chili to walking tacos and sliders, here are some of the best tailgate food recipes for a group, large or small. 

Table of contents:

• Tailgate party sides and appetizers
• Main tailgate food recipes
• Tailgate party desserts

1. Foil packet nachos

Leave the mess at home with foil packet nachos. To make these, layer all your favorite nacho toppings like cheese, tomatoes and taco meat on a piece of foil, fold it up securely and grill until they are heated through. 

2. Jalapeño poppers

You’re probably used to baking jalapeño poppers in the oven, or even microwaving them, but game day is the perfect time to try grilling them. Use jalapeño poppers from the freezer section to cut down on prep work. 

3. Creamy slow cooker queso dip

This velvety queso dip made in the slow cooker combines melted cheeses with a hint of spice. Elevate it with bits of cooked sausage or bacon bits. Keep it warm in the slow cooker and serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks for easy snacking.

4. 7-layer dip

Layered with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, lettuce and toppings, this make-ahead tailgate food offers a variety of textures and flavors. Keep it refrigerated until ready to enjoy, and serve with crispy chips.

5. Cowboy caviar

A vibrant dip combining black beans, corn and veggies tossed in a zesty lime dressing, this easy tailgate food requires no cooking. Prepare it in advance and serve with sturdy chips or crackers for a refreshing crunch.

6. Pigs in a blanket

Soft, flaky crescent dough wrapped around flavorful hot dogs, these bite-sized treats are simple to prepare and always a hit. Serve warm with mustard or ketchup for a satisfying tailgate snack.

7. Deviled eggs

Creamy, tangy deviled eggs are one of those easy tailgate food recipes you can prepare ahead. Garnish with paprika and serve chilled for a classic finger food. They’re also a fantastic breakfast potluck idea if you’re looking for a savory option!

8. Pasta salad

Combine pasta with vibrant veggies and fresh herbs, then toss in a zesty vinaigrette for the ultimate cold tailgate food. Prep everything the day before and serve chilled alongside grilled meats or sandwiches. 

9. Macaroni salad

Creamy and satisfying, this salad combines elbow pasta, mayonnaise, celery, onion and herbs for a timeless side. It’s the perfect addition to your tailgate lineup that stays fresh and flavorful for hours.

10. Crunchy snack mix

A savory blend of cereals, pretzels and nuts tossed in seasoned butter, this snack mix is a cheap tailgate food and super easy to make. It’s perfect for munching during game time and most importantly, pairs well with beer!

11. Loaded potato skins

Crispy potato skins loaded with cheese, bacon and green onions are one of the most satisfying finger foods. Warm these hearty bites on the grill and serve with sour cream or salsa for added flavor.

12. Little smokies

Small cocktail sausages, grape jelly, barbecue sauce and hot sauce are all you need to make these bite-sized morsels of yumminess. If you don’t have grape jelly, try substituting with strawberry, raspberry, or orange marmalade for a different flavor twist.

13. Buffalo chicken dip 

This mildly spicy dip is best served with tortilla or corn chips, but can also be served on a bun as a sandwich filling. For extra flavor, top it with chopped green onions or additional crumbled blue cheese before serving.

14. Grilled chicken kabobs

You can prep kabobs up to 24 hours in advance, leaving them in a marinade for extra flavor if you desire. Place your favorite meat and vegetables on skewers, store them in an airtight container and grill them right before you eat. 

15. Beer-braised brats

Brats are wonderful, and beer brats have an even deeper flavor. At home, boil plain brats in a pot of beer (any kind will do) and simmer for at least 20 minutes. They’ll be thoroughly cooked and ready to be grilled to a nice golden brown. 

16. Baked potato bar 

Potatoes are easy to grill, and with a variety of toppings, everyone is sure to find a combination they love. For toppings, remember to have chili, bacon pieces, sour cream, chopped onion, chopped tomato, shredded cheese, guacamole, chives and salt and pepper. 

17. Hamburgers and hot dogs

When you don’t have time to plan, or your tailgating buddies prefer the basics, hot dogs and hamburgers never fail. In addition to buns, you’ll need mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, relish, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, cheese slices and pickles. Get the hang of how long to grill burgers beforehand to serve irresistibly juicy patties that will steal the show. 

18. Classic buffalo wings

These crispy, spicy buffalo wings aren’t just one of the most popular camping recipes — they’re among the top 10 tailgating foods for sporting events. Toss them in hot sauce, bake until crispy and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for an unforgettable flavor.

19. Meatball subs

Hearty and flavorful, these sandwiches are perfect for tailgating. Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker and serve with melted cheese and crusty rolls to feed your hungry crowd on game day.

20. Cheeseburger casserole

This is one of the most comforting tailgate food recipes, combining ground beef, pasta and cheese in a single bake for an easy meal. Prepare ahead, refrigerate and bake until hot and bubbly. Top with pickles or fresh herbs for a mouthwatering finish.

21. Ground beef tater tot casserole

Layered with seasoned ground beef, crispy tots and melted cheese, this casserole is a comforting and filling option. Keep it warm and serve with a side of veggies or a crisp salad.

22. Hot dog chili

This fiery, flavorful chili made in a pressure cooker is an easy party food for a crowd. Keep it warm in the cooker and serve over buns or with chips for fuss-free tailgate eating.

23. Buffalo chicken tenders

Tender, spicy and crispy, these buffalo chicken tenders are a great protein-packed option that pairs well with celery and ranch. Perfect for game day, they can be baked or fried for extra crunch.

24. Baked mac and cheese

Creamy, cheesy and satisfying, baked mac and cheese is one of the best tailgate food recipes. Prepare in advance, bake until golden and serve piping hot for a comforting crowd favorite.

25. One-pot hearty chili mac

Combining zesty chili with creamy macaroni, this one-pot dish is a tasty Crock-Pot party food. It’s flavorful, easy to keep warm and perfect for feeding a large crowd with minimal cleanup.

26. Pretzels

Soft, chewy pretzels are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed plain or with dips. After baking, store them in an airtight container and serve with mustard or cheese for a classic tailgating treat.

27. Shredded BBQ chicken

Pick up some ready-made pulled chicken (or make your own) to create one of the most delicious shredded chicken recipes. Serve on sandwich rolls or regular bread. Warm it up thoroughly in the slow cooker, and you’re ready to go.

28. Cola pulled pork sandwiches

This is another simple recipe for shredded meat sandwiches. While the recipe calls for pork, you could easily substitute beef or chicken. 

29. Slow cooker cheesy bacon ranch potatoes

This hearty recipe combines bacon, cheese and ranch with potatoes. Need we say more? It whips up quickly and goes great with a burger or brat on a cold day. 

30. Chili dogs

Make your favorite chili recipe, or use prepared chili in your slow cooker. Before the game, grill some hot dogs and top them with chili, chopped onions and shredded cheese.

31. Walking tacos

For this, you’ll use your slow cooker to keep the taco meat hot. To make walking tacos, open a single-serving-size package of your favorite corn or tortilla chips. Top with a bit of meat as well as other taco fixings like sour cream, tomato, onion, shredded cheese and jalapeños, then eat straight out of the bag! 

32. Pepperoni pizza roll-ups

These portable, cheesy roll-ups are one of the best foods to bring to a block party or tailgate. Bake until golden, serve warm and pair with marinara for a crowd-pleasing finger food.

33. Mini macaroni and cheese bites

These carb-filled cheesy morsels are a favorite of kids and adults alike. Serve them with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping to enhance the flavor even more. They’re sure to be a hit!

34. Ham and cheese sliders

Who doesn’t love a ham and cheese sandwich? They take just minutes to assemble and will travel well if you leave condiments off and let everyone add them before eating. 

35. Dijon-glazed Hawaiian sliders

What is tailgate food if not a flavorful, finger-friendly bite? These sweet and savory sliders deliver exactly that, featuring ham, Swiss cheese and a Dijon glaze on soft Hawaiian rolls.

36. BBQ beef brisket sliders

Rich, tender brisket combines with tangy slaw and pickles to make these sliders one of the top tailgate ideas. Cook the brisket slowly at home, then assemble the sliders on-site and serve with extra barbecue sauce for a winning dish.

37. Party mix

Use your favorite recipe for party mix or buy a packaged one. Be sure to add chocolate chips for a sweet and salty treat! For ease of eating, portion out servings into small zip-top bags beforehand.

38. S’mores cookie cups

Make these yummy cookies with premade chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate pieces and marshmallows. Press a small amount of cookie dough into the cups of a mini muffin tin. Inside the cookie cup, place a piece of chocolate and top it with a marshmallow.

39. Decorated sugar cookies

You can’t go wrong with picking up decorated cookies from your grocery store’s bakery. If you’re not rooting for the home team, make your own with sugar cookies, canned frosting and food coloring in your team’s colors. 

40. Easy cannoli dip

Five ingredients are all you need for this easy-to-make, mildly sweet dip. Serve with cinnamon sugar chips, graham crackers or apple slices.

Tailgate food recipes FAQ

Tailgating is as much about great food as it is about team spirit. Whether you’re planning to cook on-site or prep ahead, these FAQs cover smart ways to keep your food delicious, portable and game-day ready.

Can I use a Crock-Pot for tailgate food ideas?

Yes! Most slow cookers have lids that are very secure and travel well. Even though you may not have access to electricity to cook food in them, you can do the cooking at home, wrap the cooker in a towel and place it in a large cooler to keep it warm even longer. However, an external battery pack or a car charger can be used to keep food warm for hours in your slow cooker.

What are the best make-ahead foods for tailgating?

Finger foods and dips are ideal for prepping ahead. Think sliders, buffalo chicken dip, chili or macaroni and cheese cups. Store them in airtight containers, then reheat them at the tailgate or serve them cold, depending on the dish.

How can I keep food hot without electricity?

Insulated food carriers, thermal bags and foil-wrapped casserole dishes work well for keeping your tailgate dishes warm. Pair these with hot packs or bricks heated in the oven to help maintain the ideal serving temperature during transport.

What tailgate foods travel best?

Tailgate food recipes that hold up well outside a kitchen environment are your best bet. Examples include pulled pork sandwiches, baked meats, sliders, grilled vegetables and hearty dips.

How do I safely store perishable foods on game day?

Keep perishable items like meats, dairy or mayo-based salads in a cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Make sure to store raw meats separately from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.

What vegetarian or vegan options work well for tailgating?

Grilled veggie skewers, black bean burgers, stuffed mushrooms and layered dips with beans and avocado all make tasty meat-free options. They’re easy to prep in advance and can be served warm or chilled.

Stock up on tailgate supplies

There’s a lot of prep work involved in planning a tailgating event. Delegate the grocery shopping to an Instacart shopper and get the food delivered to your door. This will leave you with more time for cooking delicious tailgate food recipes, prepping your jersey and perfecting your cheers.

Need more tasty options for your tailgate food menu? Here are 20 classic BBQ foods and sides to satisfy every craving.