There’s not much better than hanging with friends and family at a big game — except maybe the tailgate party beforehand! Tailgating is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow fans, perhaps have a few beverages, and indulge in tasty, unique food.
While most people’s minds may first leap to the grill, it’s certainly not the only way to enjoy delicious tailgating dishes. Read on to learn how to make the best tailgating food without a grill.
Dips
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This delicious dip offers all the delightful wing flavor and filling chicken protein without the hassle and mess of eating wings themselves. Plus, it’s just as good warmed in a crockpot or at room temperature.
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Seven Layer Dip
There’s a whole lot of flavor packed into each distinct layer of this party classic. It’s also simple to assemble, based on convenient and affordable prepared ingredients. Serve it with some tortilla chips or corn chips, and take your taste buds south of the border before the game.
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Spinach Artichoke Dip
Equal parts creamy cheesiness and fresh vegetable flavor and texture are what make this longtime favorite shine. While this spinach dip can be enjoyed at any temperature, warming it in a crockpot at the party produces a mouthwatering snack that surely won’t last long once your fellow partygoers dig in.
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Beer Cheese Dip
This creamy beer cheese dip has the rich taste of beer and cheddar cheese. It goes perfectly with pretzels or hearty crackers.
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Veggies and Hummus
For a healthier option that requires no work other than slicing and assembly, put together a tasty and visually appealing platter of veggies, hummus, and other Mediterranean-style snacks. One underrated benefit is how highly customizable it can be, allowing you to tailor your dippables and even the hummus itself to the preferences or dietary requirements of those you’ll enjoy it with.
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Finger food
Chex Mix
Forget the store-bought bagged stuff; this homemade version with Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts is affordable, simple to make, and packed with even more flavor. Grab a handful or two for a crunchy, savory treat as you gear up for the big game.
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Charcuterie Board
Who needs a grill to enjoy a sophisticated selection of mouthwatering meat and cheese? There’s something for nearly everyone among the variety of options assembled on this board, though you can swap out meats and cheeses as needed or desired.
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Loaded Deviled Eggs
Take this classic finger food up a notch with the addition of pickled jalapenos and crumbled bacon. They’re another great way to get a filling, meatless protein boost in your tailgate menu, even without firing up a grill.
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Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
It’s hard to pack more flavor in a single poppable bite than these sausage stuffed mushrooms, equally enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The earthiness of the mushroom contrasts perfectly with the savory, herby sausage and a touch of cheese.
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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Make these poppers in the oven ahead of time and you’ll be able to indulge in one of the most popular tailgate foods out there, no grill required. The big flavors of jalapeno and bacon headline the dish, mellowed by the creamy interior.
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Garlic Parmesan Wings
These incredible chicken wings are breaded, fried until crispy, and tossed in a delicious garlic parmesan sauce.
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Pulled Pork Sliders
Mini pulled pork sandwiches with BBQ sauce and your favorite toppings are perfect to snack on when watching the game.
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Main course
Classic Chili
Stay warm even when tailgating at those frigid wintertime games with a hearty, flavorful pot of chili. Make it at home with a simple recipe made of everyday ingredients and keep it at temperature with a crockpot. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like cheese, onions, jalapenos, and more.
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Game Day Party Sub
Convenient and delicious, party subs are a top choice for a filling, easy-to-transport main course that’s also highly customizable. Swap in your favorite meats, cheeses, and toppings, but make sure to whip up plenty of the distinctive sauce.
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Deli-Style Pasta Salad
Add this filling and flavorful dish to your tailgate and watch the compliments roll in. It travels extremely well and is even better after the flavors have had time to meld. It’s also easy to make vegetarian-friendly by simply omitting the salami or sopressata.
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Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs
Another decadently flavored crockpot recipe, these filling meatballs are simple to make and affordable.
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Sweet treats
It’s not all about the savory items at the best tailgate parties. These sweet treats perfectly satisfy a sweet tooth.
Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie Treats are a beloved treat that is surprisingly straightforward to whip up and bound to please every guest. You can even transport them to the party right in their tray.
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Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad Recipe
If you’ve indulged a bit too much on heavy or not-so-healthy options earlier in the party, cap off your meal with a burst of nutritious sweetness. The delicious variety of fruit is tantalizing enough, but the addition of the simple sweet-and-tangy dressing completes the dish.
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