1/30
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.
Tailgate Tip: The night before the game, stack cheese and deli ham inside Hawaiian sweet rolls, then top the sandwiches with a buttery, spicy sauce and stash the dish in the fridge overnight. Bake the sliders just before you leave, then wrap the baking dish tightly in foil and a towel to help keep them warm on the drive.
2/30
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. —Belinda J. Gibson, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 152 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Get all the flavors of hot wings in a creamy dip! Keep the Buffalo chicken dip warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker during the tailgate and pack sturdy tortilla chips, celery sticks and crackers for easy dipping.
3/30
From the Recipe Creator:
This Chicago dog panzanella combines all the iconic toppings of a Chicago-style hot dog into one tasty salad that's perfect for picnics, tailgating, and game-day parties. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 557 calories, 40g fat (11g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1764mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Combine the ingredients for this salad a few hours before serving so the bread soaks up the dressing without becoming overly soft. Pack extra sport peppers for garnish.
4/30
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.
Tailgate Tip: Let the slow cooker do the work at home, then keep the pork warm in an insulated “hot box” cooler. Or use aluminum pans with flameless food-warming pads, which keep hot foods at a safe temperature for up to two hours. Pack the buns separately and let people build their own sandwiches so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
5/30
From the Recipe Creator:
This stuffed sub salad sandwich recipe uses a hollowed-out baguette for the bread. It's filled with a chopped blend of turkey, veggies, smoky bacon and peppery ranch dressing. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 949 calories, 44g fat (14g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 2552mg sodium, 95g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 41g protein.
Tailgate Tip: After stuffing the baguette, chill it, then slice it at the tailgate for grab-and-go portions that don’t fall apart. Don’t forget to pack a cutting board!
6/30
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.
Tailgate Tip: Roll the tortillas the night before and wait to slice them until just before packing for the cleanest spirals.
7/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Keep the bacon-wrapped smokies warm in a foil pan or insulated container and bring plenty of toothpicks so guests can grab one without needing a plate.
8/30
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.
Tailgate Tip: Like many bean salads, this dip tastes better after a few hours in the refrigerator, so it’s an ideal make-ahead appetizer for tortilla chips.
9/30
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Portion this snack mix into individual cups or zip-top bags for mess-free snacking around the parking lot. For a fun twist, use colored candy melts to match your team’s colors (similar to this red, white and blue puppy chow).
10/30
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Warm the dip before leaving the house, then transport it in an insulated casserole carrier to help it stay scoopable.
11/30
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Cook and transport the meatballs in a slow cooker so guests can serve themselves throughout the game-day party. A slow cooker can retain heat for up to two hours without power. Or use chafing dishes to keep the meatballs warm.
12/30
From the Recipe Creator:
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Pack the meaty sauce separately and assemble the dogs just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy. Bring extra hot dog toppings so people can DIY the dogs according to their own tastes.
13/30
From the Recipe Creator:
It isn't a summer cookout without potato salad, but the stuff from the deli just isn't our thing. I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, it's my family's top request for a side. —Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 424 calories, 36g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 1147mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Since this is a mayonnaise-based potato salad, it should be kept chilled in a cooler with plenty of ice until serving time, especially on warm game days. General food safety rules say that if it sits out at room temperature for longer than two hours, toss it.
14/30
From the Recipe Creator:
We always choose this family recipe for Fourth of July or any picnic because it's a meaty twist on everyday baked beans, and it has a nice sweetness. —Wendy Hodorowski, Bellaire, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 323 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
Tailgate Tip: If you’re making this for a crowd that includes vegetarians, omit the bacon and replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles. Be sure the canned beans are vegetarian as well.
15/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These simple grilled chicken wings are like a blank canvas ready to dress with your favorite sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchens
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 80 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
Tailgate Tip: If you’re grilling these wings at the tailgate, prep them at home before heading out, and store them in an airtight container in the cooler, keeping the sauce separate. Toss them in the tangy sauce once they come off the grill.
16/30
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Pack the dip in individual cups with veggie sticks for easy, no-double-dipping snacking.
17/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta provides a base for this tongue-tingling make-ahead salad. It has lots of fresh and satisfying ingredients topped with a flavorful dressing. This pasta salad is terrific to serve to company or take to a potluck. — Joyce McLennan, Algonac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
Tailgate Tip: This salad tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead, let it sit overnight in the fridge and toss in some extra vinaigrette just before serving.
18/30
From the Recipe Creator:
At chili suppers, this one always disappears first! It's nice at home, too, since the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the better the flavor seems to get. —Janie Turner, Tuttle, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 264 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Make the chili a day in advance and reheat it in a slow cooker just before heading to the game. Take along all the best toppings—shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapenos and avocado—so everyone can garnish their own bowls. Don’t forget tortilla chips or cornbread to serve with it.
19/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made many variations of this excellent main dish. It would be popular at a party or potluck. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored and served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. —Darlene Dixon, Hanover, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 brat: 534 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1188mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Keep the bratwurst and sauerkraut together in an insulated container or reheat them on a camp stove at the tailgate. Take along plenty of mustard or other favorite condiments so everyone can build their own sandwiches.
20/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 334 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Transport this creamy, chicken-and-bean chili in a soup carrier and pack toppings like shredded cheese and tortilla chips separately. Compostable bowls and spoons come in handy here.
21/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without toppings): 530 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Make the meat filling the day before, then warm it just before leaving and keep it in an insulated soup canister until you’re ready to serve. Prep all the toppings ahead of time and let everyone build their tacos inside individual chip bags. Don’t forget disposable forks!
22/30
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.
Tailgate Tip: Chill the dip overnight to let the flavors meld, and pack pretzels in a separate airtight container so they stay crisp. Since this recipe contains cream cheese, keep the dip in a cooler until you’re ready to serve, then serve it in a bowl set over an ice bath or in an insulated chiller bowl.
23/30
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet and spicy hot honey sauce makes these family-favorite chicken tenders truly irresistible. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 549 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Pack the tenders in a container lined with a wire rack if possible to help preserve their crispy coating during the drive. Bring extra sauce in a separate container to drizzle over the chicken.
24/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These breakfast sliders combine all your favorite morning foods—like eggs, bacon and bagels—into one tasty package. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 417 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 253mg cholesterol, 1072mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Perfect for early kickoffs, these sliders can be baked at home and wrapped in foil for a warm breakfast at the stadium.
25/30
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much that we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Tailgate Tip: Make extra dressing to take to the tailgate. It often gets absorbed into the macaroni as it sits, and you might want to add more to liven up the salad when you’re ready to serve it.
26/30
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.
Tailgate Tip: Assemble the dip the night before and bake it just before leaving. Don’t worry if it cools down a bit during the tailgate. It will be just as tasty!
27/30
From the Recipe Creator:
What goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors. I love the way this recipe turned out! —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 pretzel nuggets: 144 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Pack the pretzel nuggets in a paper-lined container to help prevent condensation from making them too chewy.
28/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Wrap the whole sandwich tightly, refrigerate it overnight and slice it into squares just before serving. Or individually wrap the sandwiches for an easy grab-and-go option for walking around the tailgate. If it’s particularly warm out, skip the mayo.
29/30
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy dill pickle potato salad makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper.—Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 415 calories, 30g fat (5g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Make this the night before, as the pickle flavor intensifies as the salad chills. Don’t let it sit out for longer than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees).
30/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These football cookies would make a delicious and on-theme dessert at a get-together to watch the big game. They'd also serve as a special treat after kids' football games. —Sue Draheim, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 frosted cookie: 293 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Tailgate Tip: Bake and decorate the cookies several days ahead, then transport them in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper to protect the icing.
