It’s football season! You know what that means, right? Well, football games, of course. But also, tailgating—which is arguably better than some of the actual games. With great tailgates come lots of beer and party games, but an awesome tailgate also consists of great food. And yes, we mean more than just chips.

Fun and exciting tailgates can make game day that much more memorable. It’s a chance to indulge in some delicious foods with friends, family, and a parking lot full of like-minded fans. Whether you’re a first-time tailgater or a seasoned pro, these recipes will give you (and your team!) the pregame boost you’re looking for all season long.

Hot Dog NuggetsHot Dog Nuggets
Courtesy of Lil’ Luna

The classic game day staple is a cinch with these two-ingredient bite-sized nuggets.

Get the recipe from Lil’ Luna.

Healthy 7-layer dipHealthy 7-layer dip
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

You can’t go wrong with a savory seven-layer dip, with its many textures and flavors. This version is packed with meat, veggies, and tons of seasoning.

Get our recipe for 7-Layer Dip.

Flaming Hot Cheetos Hot DogsFlaming Hot Cheetos Hot Dogs
Courtesy of How Sweet Eats

Grilled hot dogs will be extra fiery with the addition of these hot and spicy cheese crunchies.

Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.

Buttery Soft Pretzel BitesButtery Soft Pretzel Bites
Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

The ideal crowd-pleasing appetizer, these pretzel bites will pair perfectly with whatever you’re drinking on game day.

Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

Healthy ultimate burgerHealthy ultimate burger
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This simple, easy-to-assemble hamburger cuts down on the mess of your ordinary burger, making it perfect for tailgating. The fact that it’s healthy(ish) is just a bonus.

Get our recipe for the Healthy Ultimate Burger

garlic knots on a marble countergarlic knots on a marble counter
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

You don’t have to save garlic knots for pizza night. Instead, bring them to the tailgate and watch these lovable sides get devoured.

Get our recipe for Garlic Knots.

A1 swiss burgerA1 swiss burger
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

If you have access to a cast iron skillet, these juicy smashburgers won’t disappoint and will keep you satisfied til halftime.

Get our recipe for the Smashed A.1. Swiss Burger.

Brown Sugar Barbecue Baked Chicken WingsBrown Sugar Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings
Courtesy of Inspired Taste

Wings and football are a match made in heaven. This baked take on the classic finger food contains powerful and delicious flavors, and can be portable for any tailgating event.

Get the recipe from Inspired Taste.

Football BBQ Bacon Ranch CheeseballFootball BBQ Bacon Ranch Cheeseball
Courtesy of Julie’s Eats & Treats

You can’t go wrong with a football-shaped anything on game day. Bacon, ranch, AND cheese all in one appetizer? You’re golden.

Get the recipe from Julie’s Eats & Treats.

Vegetarian cole slawVegetarian cole slaw
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Every good BBQ includes at least one salad option, and coleslaw is always a winner. This light slaw mix is a nice way to offset some of the grease you’re probably consuming.

Get our recipe for The Easiest Coleslaw.

Healthy fiery buffalo wingsHealthy fiery buffalo wings
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

If you like a crunchy chicken wing that packs some heat, these traditional Buffalo wings will make you swoon.

Get our recipe for Best Ever Buffalo Wings and Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings.

Grilled Corn with Coconut Curry ButterGrilled Corn with Coconut Curry Butter
Claudia Sidoti / Eat This, Not That!

Make some room on the grill for this veggie staple, which is topped with a unique curry butter that will delight your senses.

Get our recipe for Grilled Corn with Coconut Curry Butter.

Healthy crockpot chilliHealthy crockpot chilli
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This hearty, meaty dish was meant for game day. This one offers just the right amount of heat and can be made in advance and kept warm in your crockpot all day.

Get our recipe for Smoky Crockpot Chili

Football Whoopie PiesFootball Whoopie Pies
Courtesty of The BakerMama

Is there anything more on-brand for a tailgate than these sweet treats? We think not.

Get the recipe from The BakerMama.

keto pork bbq dip and chipsketo pork bbq dip and chips
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

These keto-friendly pork rinds are a snack for the ages. Pair them with this meaty, well-seasoned dip to give you barbecue feels without even having to turn on a grill.

Get our recipe for Pork BBQ Dip and Crunchy Chips.

BLT Pasta SaladBLT Pasta Salad
Courtesy of Averie Cooks

An easy make-ahead side dish that can be prepped in 15 minutes and goes well with just about everything.

Get the Recipe from Averie Cooks.

Low-calorie fudgy browniesLow-calorie fudgy brownies
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

These rich and chocolatey treats are a must-have at your tailgate dessert table.

Get our recipe for Fudgy Brownies.

Buffalo Chicken DipBuffalo Chicken Dip
Courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything

Another classic Sunday football delight that works as well for a tailgate as it does an at-home viewing party.

Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

Low-calorie nachos with chicken and black beansLow-calorie nachos with chicken and black beans
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Easy to make and easy to snack on, these nachos are everything you could want in a nacho dish. Plus, you’re also getting tons of protein.

Get our recipe for Chicken and Black Bean Nachos.

Grilled Shrimp with Honey Garlic MarinadeGrilled Shrimp with Honey Garlic Marinade
Courtesy of Cooking Classy

Not a fan of burgers and dogs? You shouldn’t have to settle for the side dishes. This grilled shrimp with a sweet marinade gives you all the BBQ vibes.

Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.

Low-calorie sliders 2 waysLow-calorie sliders 2 ways
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Name one time that you weren’t delighted by sliders. These tiny, snackable joints are easy to manage with one hand, so you won’t have to ask anyone to hold your beer.

Get our recipe for Chipotle Bacon Sliders.

Grilled Veggie SkewersGrilled Veggie Skewers
Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

Get your vegetable fix with these perfectly charred skewers, which are loaded with way more than onions and peppers.

Get the recipe from the Minimalist Baker.

Beer Cheese DipBeer Cheese Dip
Courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction

Another great game-day combo? Beer and cheese! This dip is perfect to pair with pretzels or chips.

Get the recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Crispy crumb topped mac and cheese cupsCrispy crumb topped mac and cheese cups
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

All the beauty of mac and cheese, in a smaller, more portable version. These cups are easy to transfer and easy to eat in the parking lot of any game.

Get our recipe for Crispy Crumb-Topped Mac and Cheese Cups.

Healthy cowboy burgerHealthy cowboy burger
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

You don’t have to be a fan of the Dallas Cowboys to enjoy this loaded burger (although it may become your new staple tailgate food).

Get our recipe for the Cowboy Burger

Black Bean dip with squash, garlic, and chipotlesBlack Bean dip with squash, garlic, and chipotles
Courtesy of The First Mess

Not your average black bean dip, this one comes with seasonal ingredients that are readily available during football season.

Get the recipe from The First Mess.

Hoisin beef kebabHoisin beef kebab
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

If you’re looking to change up your typical hot dog and hamburger meat options for the barbecue, these beef kebabs have you covered.

Get our recipe for Tokyo-Inspired Hoison Beef Kebabs.

Cocoa coconut oat cookies with chocolate chunksCocoa coconut oat cookies with chocolate chunks
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Our recipe for Cocoa-Coconut-Oat Cookies with Chocolate Chunks is like your favorite chocolate chip cookie, dialed up to 11. Whether you’re setting up tables of food and grilling with a huge group or just a few people, your tailgate menu is going to be the talk of the parking lot. If the rival team’s fans try to crash your party, can you really blame them?

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