24 Tailgating Recipes for Pregaming Kickoff

24 tailgating recipes

Poppers and pinwheels and pulled pork – oh my! While last season didn’t play out as we hoped, it is finally time for all the best football foods. Even better, these 24 tailgating favorites will help get you pregame kickoff alongside all your fellow fans. Dips, subs, and all your favorite appetizers, this list of game day recipes are sure to go the extra yard. Pass the high fives and buffalo chicken dip, it’s time for some football!

Chili Cheese Dip

Chili Cheese Dip

“Warm chili cheese dip with layers of cream cheese, beef chili and melted cheddar cheese! Perfect for dipping and scooping with tortilla chips!” - Kevin
Best Oven Baked Fries and Potato Wedges

Best Oven Baked Fries and Potato Wedges

“These are, without a doubt, the best French fries I've ever eaten. We've had these so many times now...I don't even need the recipe anymore. I've just learned it.” - Renée
White Chicken Chili with salsa Verde

White Chicken Chili with salsa Verde

“This is an amazing white chicken chili recipe. It's no wonder it was a big winner for Rita! The white chili is on the lighter side. While it may not have any cream, it's full of flavor. Cumin really gives it the Southwest flavor you expect from chili. The salsa verde brings the chili to the next level of goodness. Fresh and full of flavor, the salsa is award-worthy in and of itself, and when paired with the bean soup it's simply unbelievable.” - Kitchen Crew
Reuben Egg Rolls

Reuben Egg Rolls

“They were amazing! Even the picky eaters in my group liked them. I knew when I got home I needed to replicate these babies. My family adored them including my young great nephew. These would be great for any occasion that snacks are required and would be perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Another great dish for parties!” - Debbie
Tater Tot Nacho Supreme

Tater Tot Nacho Supreme

“Who needs tortilla chips when you can use tater tots for nachos?! These are amazingly delicious. There is tons of flavor in every bite. The seasoning in the meat pairs well with all the toppings. We think salsa con queso adds just enough heat and cheesy goodness. We could not stop eating these tots. Serve as a meal or game day snack. Everyone will thank you!” - Kitchen Crew
Cheesy Sausage Dip

Cheesy Sausage Dip

“Cheesy Sausage Dip is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a party. This recipe is cheesy, flavorful, and totally irresistible!” - Paula
Italian Meatball Subs or Sliders

Italian Meatball Subs or Sliders

“Omg these are heaven! Just got through eating one, the family loves these. Thanks for sharing!” - Wendy
Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

“This is a great hit at parties...serve or bring it one time, and people will keep requesting it at future gatherings!” - Jessie
Hickory Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Hickory Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

“Once you smoke a jalapeno popper, you will never grill one again. The flavor is outrageous and the bacon doesn't burn as it tends to on a grill. In addition, the cheese stays inside and doesn't ooze out like it does when grilling. Choose your flavor wood and get smoking.” - Lynn
Fun Pizza Dip

Fun Pizza Dip

“I have probably made this recipe over 50 times. It is the perfect appetizer for a small gathering. It is always one of the first dishes to go! Very easy and also really great to eat mindlessly while watching TV!” - Christine
Keto Mini Pigs in a Blanket

Keto Mini Pigs in a Blanket

“These little pigs in the blanket are amazing for anyone - even if you don't follow a Keto lifestyle. The bulk of the dough is made from mozzarella cheese so that's the primary flavor. Seasoning comes from the yummy everything but the bagel seasoning sprinkled on top. We love recipes that are classic and adapted to fit a certain lifestyle. These gems will be a treat for the whole family.” - Kitchen Crew
Hot Hero Sandwiches

Hot Hero Sandwiches

“These sandwiches are great when you're entertaining a crowd. They can be made ahead and just pop them in the oven before you're ready to serve.” - Laura
Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip

Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip

“I made this for a superbowl party this past weekend, and it was gone within an hr! Everyone just loved it! Thanks for posting!” - Amanda
Pulled Pork Nachos

Pulled Pork Nachos

“My friends love it when I make this for any football or hockey game. Hope your family likes it too.” - Tonya
Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes

“This was the tastiest sloppy joes that I have ever eaten!” - Sara
Elmer's Bar-B-Que Sauce & Char-Grilled Chicken

Elmer's Bar-B-Que Sauce & Char-Grilled Chicken

“This homemade BBQ sauce is slightly sweet, tangy, and has a slight kick. After grilling, it has fantastic caramelization. The skin is crispy and tasty. Have a batch of his barbecue sauce handy this summer during grilling season.” - Kitchen Crew
Dorito Taco Salad

Dorito Taco Salad

“I had this at a potluck dinner one time, and I fell in love with it. A nice refreshing salad that fills you up. It's also a great way to use leftover taco meat. Enjoy!” - Kristina
Missy's Creamy Deviled Eggs

Missy's Creamy Deviled Eggs

“I've been making these Cajun-style creamy deviled eggs for years. They're pretty much like any standard recipe except my secret ingredient is the cream cheese. And the extra love I add, of course!” - Melissa
Jen's Deep Fried Cajun Okra

Jen's Deep Fried Cajun Okra

“My family loves okra! Whether it boiled, fried or mixed in a dish, we love it! This dish has a Southern flavor with a mix with a hint of Cajun. They are great dipped in ranch.” - Jennifer
Creamy Bacon Chipotle Mac n Cheese

Creamy Bacon Chipotle Mac n Cheese

“I wanted to make mac and cheese. Had some bacon that I needed to use and was also curious about using evaporated milk for more creaminess. Not only did it come out creamy but it was delicious. After eating this my husband said it was spectacular.” - Lora
Crab Rangoon With a Simple Plum Sauce

Crab Rangoon With a Simple Plum Sauce

“YES! Finally a crab rangoon recipe WITH a sauce I love. I made this recipe and found it SO unique! Congrats on the blue ribbon, this recipe deserves it!!” - Sherry
Crab Balls

Crab Balls

“These baked crab balls are super easy to make, and are a fun dish to make. The recipe is fun because it could be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light dinner.” - Melissa
8 Can Taco Soup

8 Can Taco Soup

“This is a quick 'n easy soup to put together. My husband and I especially enjoyed this soup the next day, as the seasonings seem to meld together in the soup a bit more. We also enjoyed the soup along with grilled cheese sandwiches.” - Cindi
Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican Pinwheels

“This is a great appetizer to bring to a party because the hostess does not have to worry about baking or heating it. They taste really good too.” - Thea