It's game time! These tailgate grilling ideas go beyond burgers and brats to take your pregame festivities to the next level.
1/31
Barbecue Burger
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband’s uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything…it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 626 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
2/31
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheese-stuffed jalapenos are always popular when my husband and I host a tapas (appetizers) party. There’s a flavor explosion in each crisp and tender pepper. —Mary Potter, Sterling Heights, MI
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 66 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/31
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you're hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bratwurst: 533 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 825mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 20g protein.
4/31
Maryland Corn Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn pop: 164 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/31
Campfire Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family craves this cheesy chili dip so much we make two batches—one especially for the guys. If you’re not grilling out, bake it in the oven. —Valorie Ebie, Bel Aire, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
6/31
Crispy Grilled Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is full of chicken-wing fiends. If there's ever a wing-eating contest, my husband and daughter are entering. Our preference is crispy wings, which can be achieved easily on the grill. —Audrey Alfaro, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
7/31
Tacos on a Stick
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
8/31
Mexican Street Corn Flatbread
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down during the summer by grilling this fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 211 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
9/31
Tailgate Sausages
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll need just a handful of ingredients to fix these tasty sandwiches. Fully cooked sausages are placed in buns with cheese and topped with giardiniera, then wrapped in foil so they’re easy to transport and a breeze to grill. —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sausage: 584 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1401mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
10/31
Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
11/31
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a satisfying meal-in-a-bun I take to tailgate parties, picnics, cookouts and more. I wrap the stuffed hot dogs in foil, then in paper, to transport them.—Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed hot dog: 363 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1130mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
12/31
Smoked Bacon and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This smoked mac and cheese recipe combines two of my favorite ingredients: bacon and jalapenos! If your jalapenos aren't particularly spicy, go ahead and add more. Sometimes I even double the amount, depending on the peppers I end up with. —Joshua Allen, lowville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 686 calories, 58g fat (31g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
13/31
Quick Barbecued Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
14/31
Barbecue Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
15/31
Red, White and Blue Dessert Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
These festive dessert skewers are as fun to make as they are to eat! They're my family's favorite treat to enjoy on our Fourth of July camping trip every year. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 322 calories, 17g fat (12g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
16/31
Grilled Ribs
From the Recipe Creator:
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 647 calories, 41g fat (13g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 2345mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
17/31
Huli Huli Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
When I lived in Hawaii, I got this recipe for chicken marinated in a ginger-soy sauce from a friend. Huli means 'turn' in Hawaiian and refers to turning the meat on the grill. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs: 391 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
18/31
Seafood Boil on the Grill
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The packets steam up inside, so open them carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 509 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
19/31
Grilled Vegetable Platter
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 144 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
20/31
Grilled Red Pepper Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. —Donna Alwine, Bloomington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 127 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
21/31
Beer Can Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be proud to serve this stand-up chicken at any family gathering. Treated with a savory rub and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it’s so tasty you’ll want to call dibs on the leftovers! —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken: 415 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
22/31
Flank Steak Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
These flank steak tacos will set any craving right. The spicy marinade gives the meat tons of flavor, while the toppings stay simple so your tastebuds can focus on the star of the show. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 605 calories, 34g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 38g protein.
23/31
Smoky Grilled Corn Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
Our backyard grill is the perfect place to cook up the ingredients for homemade corn salsa. It’s yummy with tortilla chips and as a topping for meat, poultry and fish. —Alicia DeWolfe, Gloucester, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 40 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
24/31
Chipotle Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for a Cinco de Mayo party, and it was a hit! It’s so easy, yet has a serious wow factor. The creamy dipping sauce mellows out the shrimp’s heat perfectly. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp with 1 teaspoon sauce: 27 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/31
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 342 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
26/31
Mexican Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
My stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 310 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 844mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
27/31
Corn Ribs
From the Recipe Creator:
The weather is warming up, and that means it's time to pull out the grills! This corn ribs recipe contains notes of garlic, onion, mild heat from cayenne pepper and a zesty spritz of lime—the perfect addition to your upcoming summer BBQ. —Bill Roberts, Geneva, Illinois
28/31
Bacon Cheeseburger
From the Recipe Creator:
Where can you get a juicy burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
29/31
Jamaican Jerk Turkey Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting these spicy wraps at a neighborhood party, I got the recipe. The grilled turkey tenderloin and light jalapeno dressing make them a hit. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 343 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
30/31
Beef Brisket Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
Preparing beef brisket pizza takes time, but it’s so worth it in the end when you take that first smoky, rich and juicy bite.—Aaron Reynolds, Fox River Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 322 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1184mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
31/31
Chicken Ranch Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the most fantastic, flavorful burgers I've ever made. Ranch is a favorite in dips and dressings, and believe me, it doesn't disappoint in these burgers, either! —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 371 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
Tailgate Grilling FAQ
What’s the best grill for a tailgate?
Lugging a grill to the game may sound like a chore, but the best tabletop grills are lightweight and designed to be portable. Look for a portable propane grill that’s easy to clean and pack up. Make sure it has plenty of grilling space to cook several portions at once.
How can you prep tailgate grill food in advance?
For a seamless, no-fuss tailgating experience, prep tailgate food ahead of time by washing and chopping any toppings and storing them in individual containers. You can also shape burger patties or use your favorite marinade recipes to season your meat the day before the big game. If you plan on serving meats with long cooking times (like smoked brisket or smoked pork butt), cook them ahead and pack the smoked meat in a covered disposable foil pan. Warm it on the grill when you get to the parking lot.
What are the best tailgate grilling ideas for large groups?
If you’re tailgating with a big group, look for recipes that are easy to prep ahead and scale to the amount you need. We love choosing recipes that can be easily customized with toppings to suit everyone’s taste preferences. Make sure to bring along all the standard fixings, like ketchup, mustard, onions and pickles. Then, throw in a few unique burger toppings for the adventurous eaters at your tailgate.
The big benefit of tailgating in a group is that everyone can divide and conquer. Let a few people tackle the main dishes while others divvy up the sides, appetizers and desserts. Have everyone bring their own beverage cooler, and you’ll be ready to party!
