Who doesn’t love a tailgate party? Nothing compares to getting the crew together, firing up the grill, and having a few brews. But if you want to add some new tailgate food to the menu, this article has some tasty options.
Take a look at the suggestions below to find a few delicious meal ideas for your next tailgate party:
1. Smoked Sausage Sandwiches
One of the most common grilled food items to cook at a tailgate party are smoked sausages. But instead of doing the traditional setup, try something different.
Grill your sausages and cut them up into slices. Make some grilled onions and peppers and put the combination on fluffy bread ,like a brioche bun. You can opt for cheese or no cheese— either way is going to be delicious.
2. S’mores
When you think of s’mores, you probably think of sitting around a campfire and roasting marshmallows. But did you know you can also make s’mores on a grill? It’s quite easy.
Take your graham crackers, chocolate bar, and marshmallows and assemble your s’more sandwich. Pop it on the grill for a minute or two, and watch the sweet flavors blend together. This is a good dessert idea to put together after you’ve served your tailgate barbecue.
3. Bacon Cheddar Jalapenos
Bacon makes everything better. If you’re looking for a tasty, quick appetizer, bacon cheddar jalapenos are it. Slice up some jalapenos, hollow out the inside, and get rid of the seeds. Add in your favorite cheese, and wrap that bad boy with some bacon.
Put it on the grill until the meat is fully cooked and voila. You have a yummy appetizer for the gang.
4. Tacos
It doesn’t have to be Tuesday to enjoy tacos. No matter what day your tailgate party falls on, tacos are always a good idea. They’re a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t require too much.
Grill your choice of protein, whether that’s chicken or beef, or shrimp. Serve it up with some grilled peppers and onions, salsa, and whatever else you like. Making tacos is a great way to get away from the usual tailgate food.
5. Fruit Kabobs
Are there any health-conscious people in your crew? If so, they can still enjoy some of your tailgate food as well. Fruit kabobs put a delicious spin on traditional fruit.
Instead of making a fruit salad, skewer on some pineapples and peaches, and put them on the grill. Leave the skewers as they are or coat them with a glaze of honey and lemon.
6. Baby Back Ribs
Ribs are part of tailgate barbecue heaven. You can’t go wrong with some sweet, tangy ribs. It doesn’t matter how often you fire up this type of tailgate food, it’ll always be a hit.
Pair them with baked potatoes, baked beans, or bread. No matter how you choose to eat your baby backs, your taste buds will thank you for it.
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7. Flatbread
Flatbreads are another tailgate party food item that you don’t see too often. However, they won’t disappoint the crowd. You can throw a flatbread on the grill and let your loved ones dress it up anyway they like.
Grill some chicken breast to add on top with melted cheese and arugula. Yum!
Or if there are any vegetarians in the crowd, make a tomato and feta cheese flatbread or a roasted pepper flatbread. They’re all delicious ideas.
8. Chicken wings
Chicken wings are top-tier tailgate barbecue. You really can’t have a tailgate party without them. They are the perfect finger food for tailgating, plus they are scrumptious.
You can get away from the norm and try different sauces on your wings. Experiment with teriyaki sauce or a Thai chili sauce. It has a different flavor from the usual.
Or you could always just season them well and eat them bare. No sauce needed.
9. Steak Sandwiches
Steak doesn’t always have to come with a side of potatoes. If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate steak into your tailgate party menu, prepare it as a sandwich.
Grill some steak and mushrooms and put the combination on some grilled bread with provolone or the cheese of your choice.
Pair it with some chips and you’ll have delicious tailgate food that’s not too complicated.
10. Shrimp
Get a little fancy with your tailgate menu and grill some shrimp. This is a great food item for those who don’t want to feel too stuffed from eating.
Plus, shrimp doesn’t take long on the grill. Therefore, everyone can start eating in no time.
Coat the shrimp with barbecue sauce, spicy honey sauce, or just sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning. The choice is yours.
11. Corn Salsa
If you don’t want to starve while you wait for your other food to get finished, try making some corn salsa. Put a couple of ears of corn on the grill, and once they’re done, cut the kernels into a bowl.
Add in diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Mix it together with salt and pepper, olive oil, and a splash of lemon.
There you have it! A quick and easy corn salsa. Your tailgate guests can eat it with tortilla chips.
Get Your Tailgate Party Started
Your next tailgate party is guaranteed to be a hit. Everyone loves tasty food, and you can’t go wrong with expanding your menu past and burgers and hot dogs. So, which one of these meal ideas will you try?
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