Tailgating Snacks You Need This Season

Christmas gets all the credit as the most wonderful time of the year, but football fans know the truth — tailgating season should have gotten the title. Okay, okay, Christmas is pretty great… but, still. There are few things more fun than getting to cheer on your favorite team while chowing down on some delicious snacks.

Of course, that means you’ve got to have food on hand. And that, as you well know, can be just as enjoyable as watching the game itself. This year, don’t be the fan who shows up to the game empty-handed. There are plenty of incredible recipes that can be prepped ahead or assembled on-site and tossed on the grill (if your tailgating locale allows them).

So, obviously, we want you to score big time with your tailgating buddies — which is why we scoured the internet to find some super-tasty recipes you can easily bring to the next big game.

Quick Salami & Cream Cheese Bites

Image Credit: The Kitchen Is My Playground.

Since these quick salami and cream cheese bites by The Kitchen Is My Playground only have three ingredients, you can whip up an entire tray in mere moments. Even better? You can easily bring along extra ingredients and make more when these are inevitably devoured.
Spicy Jalapeno Popper Dip

Image Credit: A Nerd Cooks.

Jalapeños, cream cheese and shredded cheddar and bacon make for an ooey, gooey dish no one can resist. This dip from A Nerd Cooks is great for tailgating, becuase (outside of being delicious) you can make it ahead. Plus, you can serve it with a variety of chips and pretzels so everyone can dip with their personal preference.
BBQ Taco Football Boats

Image Credit: Kirbie's Cravings.

These crispy taco boats by Kirbie’s Cravings are almost too cute to eat. But, like, you’re gonna wanna since the combo of cripsy mini flour tortillas, BBQ beef and sour cream “laces” is super-yummy, too.
Barbecue Chicken Bites

Image Credit: Creme De La Crumb.

BBQ chicken and tailgating just sort of go together, don’t they? These bites from Crème De La Crumb capitalize on that popular combo, and pairs it with buttery bread to catapult it into total bliss.
Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

Image Credit: Damn Delicious.

Whether it’s a post-holiday game or you’re just craving something hearty and comforting, this snack from Damn Delicious is it. It’s deep-fried mashed potatoes stuffed with cheddar and bacon. Are you ready to rumble?
Philly Cheesesteak Dip

Image Credit: House of Nash Eats.

It’s cold outside, but you’re not going anywhere. You have a team to cheer on! So, do yourself and all of your football-loving friends a favor by making the hot and melty goodness that is this cheesesteak dip by House of Nash Eats. It goes without saying this is a no-brainer for Eagles fans.
Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Image Credit: Plain Chicken.

If you’ve never made Plain Chicken’s crack chicken pinwheels before, prepare yourself. These chicken-bacon-ranch-cheese wonders are like a punt of flavor to your face. Yep, we went there.
Beer Brat Bites

Image Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

Everybody likes beer brats, right? Well, thanks to Dinner at the Zoo, you can now serve them up as tasty appetizers during your next tailgating experience. Just make ahead, heat and eat. You’re obviously going to want to add this easy recipe to your personal playbook.
Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Image Credit: Cooking Classy.

Differentiate yourself from other tailgaters with a little something more interesting than hotdogs and hamburger. Our suggestion? Cooking Classy’s wildly tasty Hawaiian chicken kebabs featuring marinated chicken, pineapple, onion and bell pepper are bursting with flavor.
Jalapeno Popper Cheeseball

Image Credit: Peas and Crayons.

If you want to make something that’s cute and on-theme but also easy, look no further. Even the least capable of cooks (*raises hands*) can make Peas and Crayons’ jalapeno popper cheeseball. And since cheese, bacon and jalapeno is a killer mix, it’s sure to be a, ahem, touchdown.
Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Image Credit: Spend With Pennies.

If ever there was a tailgating recipe that will stand the test of time, it’s this one. No football fan can turn down li’l smokies, and they dang well can’t turn down li’l smokies wrapped in bacon. As a bonus, Spend With Pennies’ recipe can be made ahead and freezes well.
Mini-Bunless Cheeseburger Bites with Thousand Island Dip

Image Credit: Sugar-Free Mom.

Sure, lots of tailgaters make cheeseburgers. So, why not shake things up a bit by going bunless? You’ll get the same cheeseburger flavor you love with Sugar-Free Mom’s recipe, and your Keto friends will be forever grateful to find a low-carb tailgating option.
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Image Credit: House of Nash Eats. Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows.