39 ultimate tailgating favorites that will score big on game day

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Looking for the perfect game day spread? Look no further! These 39 ultimate tailgating recipes have got you covered, and they’re sure to score big with fans of all ages.

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Just dump the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work for super juicy, flavorful shredded chicken tacos perfect for building your own with all the toppings. A taco bar will be a big hit on game day!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Chile Relleno Casserole

Dipping a tortilla chip into chile relleno casserole.
Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With melty cheese, roasted peppers, and rich flavors baked into a hearty casserole, this dish makes a filling option you can easily transport and keep warm at the tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with bacon in a glass deviled egg platter.
Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These satisfying one-bite apps mix up the deviled egg game with crispy bits of bacon and cool ranch flavor that everyone will devour. These bites size snacks will be the hit of your tailgating party!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transforming the walking taco into a shareable casserole, this hearty dish makes a mess-free meal with taco beef, beans, cheese, and toppings galore. It is easy to transport and share with your friends while you watch the game.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Sausage Cheese Dip

Sausage cheese dip in a cast iron skillet topped with tomatoes and jalapenos.
Sausage Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm, cheesy sausage dip is always a crowd pleaser, and having a slow cooker keep it hot all day means your whole crew can dip into the cheesy goodness at your tailgating bash.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Cheese Dip

Honey Jalapeno Cornbread

Honey Jalapeno Cornbread on a plate.
Honey Jalapeno Cornbread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet honey, fiery jalapeños, and crispy cornbread come together for the ultimate flavor-packed bread to serve up slices with chili or dip into cheesy dips. This tailgating classic is always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Honey Jalapeno Cornbread

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These juicy, tender Italian beef sandwiches are perfect football food, easy to grab and eat while cheering on your team. The meat will stay warm in the slow cooker while you enjoy tailgating with friends.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm up the tailgate crew with this hearty Chili Mac that simmered all day in the crockpot so it’s ready for the big game.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Puff pastry pinwheels on a round wooden cutting board.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These spicy, cheesy pinwheels will be a touchdown with fans, combining two game day favorites – poppers and finger foods.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Crock Pot Beer Brats

Brats and beer served on a cutting board.
Crock Pot Beer Brats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tailgaters will cheer for these smoky, beer-simmered brats you can easily keep warm in the crockpot for your whole crew.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beer Brats

Guacamole

Yellow bowl with guacamole with avocado, and jalapenos next to it.
Guacamole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No tailgate is complete without some fresh, flavorful guacamole that football fans can grab by the chip-full.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Crockpot Chili

A slow cooker dinner recipe featuring two bowls of chili topped with avocado.
Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This hearty, meaty chili simmering away in the crockpot all day is perfect for fueling up football fans at your tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Pulled pork on a bun with sauce and cabbage.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fall-off-the-bone tender pulled pork cooked fast in the pressure cooker is perfect for building piled high sandwiches to fuel up hungry football fans at the tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let the slow cooker do the work so you can enjoy time with your friends – just dump in the chicken and let it cook until easily shreddable for sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

7 Layer Salad

Seven layer salad in a bowl.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This colorful veggie-packed salad layered up in a clear bowl makes a festive and healthy side dish for your football feasting. It proves veggies don’t have to be boring!
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Crockpot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These easy, crowd-pleasing little smokies simmered all day in a sweet and tangy sauce are a touchdown at any tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Instant pot French dip sandwich next to an instant pot.
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tender, juicy French dip sandwiches steamed up fast in the pressure cooker means more time hanging with your football crew.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Three crock pot hot dogs with assorted toppings.
Crock Pot Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Keep a batch of plump, juicy hot dogs warm all day in the crockpot for fans to grab and load up with toppings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Deviled Eggs

Holding a deviled egg sprinkled with paprika.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A tailgate staple – easy, protein-packed deviled eggs are portable finger food perfect for hungry football fans.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Chili in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Big Pot of Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This unique chili with a hint of sweetness and cheese on top is a fun, filling dish to fuel up fans that will have them cheering for your cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm up the crowd with this creamy, comforting soup inspired by the fast food favorite – perfect for dipping chips and bread at your football feast.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

Nacho fries covered with beans and cheese.
Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These crispy fries loaded up just like Taco Bell’s nacho fries will score big with tailgaters craving a savory, spicy snack.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

Instant Pot Gumbo

Bowl of gumbo with sausage and okra.
Instant Pot Gumbo. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rich, deep flavors of New Orleans come together fast in this pressure cooker gumbo that’s ideal for feeding a hungry football crew.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Gumbo

Air Fryer Carnitas

Three tacos made from air fryer carnitas on a plate with onions, cilantro and lime.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the oil and fry up tender, juicy carnitas in the air fryer in half the time to build tacos for your tailgate fans.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese simmering away in the slow cooker makes the ultimate comfort food to keep tailgaters satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bowl of bacon wrapped cocktail sausages.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These juicy bacon-wrapped little smokies are the perfect game day appetizer and will be a hit at any tailgate gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Fundido dip with chips.
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheesy fundido with a spicy chipotle hummus kick to it. Use chips or even roasted vegetables to dive into this baked cheesy dip.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Roasted mango habanero salsa on a wooden cutting board surrounded by lime and cilantro.
Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This juicy, roasted mango habanero salsa recipe is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy. Serve them up with your favorite chips for a delicious game day appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With juicy turkey patties, crisp buns, and all your favorite toppings, this easy turkey burger slider recipe is amazing for a game day party appetizer!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Taco Meatballs

A white platter with cheese stuffed meatballs, limes, radishes and onions.
Taco Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Savor the flavor and indulge in Cheesy Taco Meatballs paired with zesty pickle relish for a spciy game day appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatballs

Tangy Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Tangy Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Kick off your game day feast with a burst of spicy flavors with these zesty chicken mu pickled radishes. Tangy and spicy, these pickles are the perfect game day companion, whether you’re pairing them with Korean BBQ or tacos.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Korean Pickled Radish

Gucamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Gucamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget your usual guac – make this EPIC Guacamole Snack Board instead! Loaded with chips and all the fixings to make your favorite guac, this spread is perfect for tailgating or cheering on your favortie team at home!
Get the Recipe: Gucamole Snack Board

Cheese Popcorn

a bowl of cheddar cheese popcorn with kernels spilling out of the side of the bowl onto a white surface.
Cheese Popcorn. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Mastering the art of crafting homemade cheddar cheese popcorn is a game-changer for snacking during football events. Whether it’s a tailgate or a game day watch party, this treat adds a burst of flavor and excitement to the snacking experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Popcorn

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board.
Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This beer cheese dip adds bacon to take your classic pub-style beer cheese to the next level. With sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and your choice of beer, this bacon beer cheese dip is the perfect game-day app.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When game day energy is high, pizza rolls are the perfect hand-held snack to match the vibe. Compact and filled with that familiar pizza goodness, they’re a surefire hit for fans of all ages. Grab one (or a few), and you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Crab Rangoon Dip

Crab Rangoon Dip in a black square dish.
Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Perfect on game day or any day, this easy dip is creamy, cheesy, and it’s loaded with sweet, tender crab. The perfect pick for you and all your friends, the only question is, what will you dip into it?
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This photo shows a hand scooping out baking spinach artichoke dip from a white casserole dish.
Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your game day with this perennial party favorite. Prepare it ahead, pop it in the oven, and focus on the game while it transforms into a creamy delight that vanishes in no time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is an easy meatless appetizer that is a total crowd pleaser! It can be whipped together in only 15 minutes and is a perfect dish for serving at game-day gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Beer Margaritas

A beerita with a salt rim in a glass shaped like a beer can next to limes and a green glass juicer.
Beer Margaritas. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Beer Margaritas are a fun and delicious way to celebrate any big game. Made with Mexican lager and tequila, these are the ultimate game day sipper.
Get the Recipe: Beer Margaritas

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