Pack up the car, pop up the tent and pull out the table for these tailgate appetizers. They're perfectly portioned for sharing with all your friends on game day.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 152 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
2/32
Slow-Cooker Hot Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
This pulled pork is one of my slow-cooker favorites because it’s easy to throw together and comes out perfectly every time. These hot honey barbecue pulled pork sliders are great for weeknight dinners or game-day get-togethers! The meat is also great served over rice, polenta or baked potatoes. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 404 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
3/32
Barbecue Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my home ec teacher in high school. I enjoy making it because you can throw it in the oven and still have time to do other things.—Yvonne Nave, Lyons, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
8 each: 474 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
4/32
Garbage Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
My garbage bread recipe captures the flavor of a classic, fast food cheeseburger, with onions, pickles, ketchup and mustard. This is now one of our favorite dinners, although it's a fun dish to serve at parties, too! —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 317 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 811mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
5/32
Football Fest Empanadas
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic empanadas from South America are pastries stuffed with beef or chicken, usually fried. That doesn't mean "classic" never changes. Chicken goes well with black beans, corn and jalapenos in this baked version with a southwestern spin. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 empanada with 1 tablespoon salsa: 197 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
6/32
Cowboy Queso
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded Cowboy Queso is the ultimate football dip! This easy appetizer loaded with cheese, beer, black beans, tomatoes and sausage is our family's favorite tailgating recipe. I often serve it with homemade tortilla chips sprinkled with taco seasoning. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 110 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 461mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
7/32
Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty morsels are perfect with almost any egg dish or as finger foods party guests can just pick up and pop into their mouths. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/32
Dill Pickle Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
My love for pickles led me to create this dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned, it's addictive! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 108 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
9/32
Buffalo Wing Poppers
From the Recipe Creator:
These buffalo chicken poppers combine the flavor of hot wings and jalapeño appetizers to make a snack greater than the sum of their parts. —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 popper: 57 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
10/32
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this cheese ball for a football party a few years ago, thinking that bacon makes everything tastier. I had rave reviews from my friends, so I made it for a family get-together and my two little nephews couldn't get enough of the cheese ball. Now, every time I see them, they expect me to bring them this cheese ball—no matter the occasion. —Jodi Stefanik, Blacklick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 172 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
11/32
Bourbon Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, it doesn’t get any better than deviled eggs with bacon—bourbon candied bacon, that is. See if you can resist them. We can’t. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 107 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
12/32
Beer Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
13/32
Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla roll ups, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 63 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
14/32
Cowboy Caviar (Corn and Black Bean Salad)
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of nutrition that all ages love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
15/32
Ham and Cheese Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of flavors makes these sandwiches so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
16/32
Garlic Pizza Wedges
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend made this tailgate food, and my husband and I just couldn’t stay away from the snack table! —Krysten Johnson, Simi Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 119 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/32
Mustard Dip for Pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
With just four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, this quick appetizer comes together in a snap. If you like the zip of horseradish, start with a teaspoon or two and add more to taste. —Isabelle Rooney, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoon: 154 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/32
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
These are a crowd pleaser! Buffalo chicken nachos are so easy to make and great for using up leftover chicken. —Jaclyn Scanlan, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 567 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1225mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
19/32
Taco Meatball Ring
From the Recipe Creator:
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 203 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
20/32
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 380 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
21/32
Bacon Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 261 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
22/32
Jalapeno Popper Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 239 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
23/32
Crispy Party Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These are so quick to make and are great as a bite-sized appetizer. Throughout the years, I have substituted different meats, toppings and cheese, and it's always a favorite of guests. —Kristie Schley, Pasadena, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 51 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
24/32
Loaded Pulled Pork Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Potato nests are simple to make and surprisingly handy for pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and other toppings. Make, bake, and collect the compliments. —Melissa Sperka, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 hash brown cup: 129 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
25/32
Bacon Crackers
From the Recipe Creator:
This appetizer is low-effort—with only four ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven—and high-packed with flavor. Brown sugar and black pepper are sprinkled on bacon for a sweet and savory bite and then placed on a buttery saltine to tie it all together. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 crackers: 58 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/32
Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
27/32
Antipasto Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
28/32
Homemade Guacamole
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
29/32
Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
These hot honey mozzarella sticks are the perfect appetizer to serve on gameday. They're cooked in the air fryer, so they're more approachable to make than traditional fried mozza sticks! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 196 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
30/32
Spinach Artichoke Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
31/32
Pizza Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you try these mini-sized calzones, you may never go back to the large ones. Not only do these pretty bites take advantage of convenient refrigerator crescent rolls, but they can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before company arrives. No one can eat just one and people love the cheesy, fresh taste! —Lisa Smith, Bryan, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 118 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
32/32
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
0.250 cup: 208 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
Tailgate Appetizers FAQ
What should I bring to a tailgate party?
If you’re attending rather than hosting a tailgate party, dips and spreads are the simplest to haul. You can’t go wrong with deviled egg variations or travel-friendly dips, like Buffalo chicken dip, spinach-artichoke dip or jalapeno popper spread. Make sure to bring along various dippers, like corn chips, crackers or crisp crudite. Bring warm dips in a slow cooker and plug it in when you get to the party.
What are the best finger foods for tailgating?
The best tailgating finger foods are bite-sized, portable and easy to enjoy while mingling. Anything you can eat without cutlery is fair game, like antipasto skewers, pinwheels or pigs in a blanket. Sliders are another ultimate game-day snack, much more manageable than tackling a giant, messy burger in the parking lot. Experiment with different slider recipes, like chicken cordon bleu sliders, slaw-topped beef sliders, meatball sliders or bacon cheeseburger sliders.
How do I keep appetizers warm at a tailgate?
Slow cookers are a great way to keep appetizers warm on game day. They hold heat like a champ and can plug into a travel power bank or your vehicle. Insulated carriers and thermal bags also work wonders for foods like sliders, pigs in a blanket or baked dips. They’ll stay toasty for well over an hour if you wrap the dish in a clean towel before tucking it inside.
For anything fried or crispy, line the container with parchment and vent the lid slightly so the steam doesn’t turn the food soggy. And if you really want to go pro, a small portable grill or tabletop burner can revive anything that needs a quick reheat once you’re set up in the lot.
