25 Epic Tailgating Recipes That’ll Make You MVP of the Parking Lot

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Become the MVP of the parking lot with these easy tailgating recipes. Loaded with flavor, they’ll become a game day tradition to share with friends and family.

Tailgating Recipes
Tailgating Recipes. Smoked Salmon Sliders. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

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Sandwiches, dip, slow cooker favorites and more will make game watching even better. These tailgating recipes will have fans cheering for more.

Slow Cooker Hoppin John

A bowl of rice, beans and sausage in front of a slow cooker.
SLOW COOKER HOPPIN JOHN. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Loaded with sausage, rice, a tomato base, and hearty veggies, this slow cooker meal is one that’s filling and comforting for game day.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

step 5 Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A fun addition to the tailgating recipes, this dill pickle pasta salad is a tasty side dish that’ll go well with your tailgating sandwiches and main dishes.

Get The Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dairy Free Lemon Bars

dairy free lemon bars
Dairy Free Lemon Bars. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A sweet treat for your tailgating party, these dairy free lemon bars are tangy and sweet. The treats are easy to make for a crowd.

Get The Recipe: Dairy Free Lemon Bars

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Beef Short RIbs
Crockpot Beef Short Ribs. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A hearty meal that’s great for staying warm as you tailgate, these crockpot beef short ribs are tender, juicy, and delicious.

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Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

ham and scalloped potatoes crockpot
Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

These scalloped potatoes and ham make for an easy meal that you can enjoy on a cooler tailgating day with friends and family.

Get The Recipe: Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon and Ranch Pasta Salad
BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A fun side dish to enjoy with whatever is on the grill, this bacon ranch pasta salad is packed with flavor, tender pasta, crispy bacon, and veggies.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

A bowl of chicken hummus with tortilla chips and tomatoes, prepared using instant pot recipes.
INSTANT POT BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

The great thing about dips is that they are easy to keep warm and are easy to make. This creamy buffalo chicken dip is spicy and packed with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

cream cheese sausage balls
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

These tasty sausage balls will be a hit with the tailgating crowd. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that makes a delicious addition to your tailgate festivities.

Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

A piece of cornbread casserole on a fork.
CROCKPOT SHEPHERD’S PIE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Tender beef, mixed veggies, and the classic potato topping, this shepherd’s pie is easy to make in the slow cooker for your tailgating party.

Get The Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

step 8 turkey bacon ranch sliders
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Served warm or cold, these sliders bring the flavor. The easy to make sliders only need a few ingredients and will be a fun addition to your tailgating recipes.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup

step 9b slow cooker beef stew with onion soup mix
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

For the days when it’s cold but you don’t want to miss out on the tailgate experience, this beef stew will help keep you warm.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup

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Football Charcuterie Board

football themed charcuterie board
Football Charcuterie Board. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Make a football charcuterie board with a combination of sliced veggies, wings, pigs in a blanket, dips, and a fun football cheeseball for fans to enjoy.

Get The Recipe: Football Charcuterie Board

Chili

best damn chili recipe
Chili. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

It wouldn’t be the true tailgate experience without the hearty chili. This tasty chili might just become your favorite game day meal.

Get The Recipe: Chili

Caramel Apple Nachos

apple recipes
CARAMEL APPLE NACHOS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Go sweet for your tailgating recipes and serve up these caramel apple nachos. The snack or dessert is easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Get The Recipe: Caramel Apple Nachos

Smoky Carrot Dip

What Does Smoky Carrot Dip Taste Like
Smoky Carrot Dip. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A savory carrot dip with smokey flavors, fans can enjoy this dip with fresh vegetables or crackers as they root for their favorite team.

Get The Recipe: Smoky Carrot Dip

Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites

Boat Day Snacks Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites Food Plus Words
Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A snack the kids will enjoy, these banana bread bites are made in the instant pot and they travel well so you can easily pack them away.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites

Vegan Cauliflower Wings

Close-up of buffalo cauliflower bites topped with chopped chives, served with a side of dipping sauce and celery sticks on a white plate—perfect game day snacks for football fans!.
Vegan Cauliflower Wings. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Skip the traditional buffalo chicken wings and use cauliflower to make these spicy bites of goodness for your tailgating party.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Wings

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with black beans, edamame, chopped vegetables, and leafy greens on a checkered cloth.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Put together a quick and easy quinoa and black bean salad for fans to enjoy. It’s a delicious and healthy addition to the spread.

Get The Recipe: Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Vegan Street Corn Salad

A vibrant bowl of corn salad with diced red onions, green peppers, and lime slices sits ready as a perfect soup side. Cilantro and a bowl of seasoning add flavor in the background, while a spoon waits eagerly in the salad.
Vegan Street Corn Salad. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

If you love street corn, you’re going to love this vegan street corn salad. It’s a fun take on the traditional and gives you a healthier alternative with the same flavor.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Street Corn Salad

Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich

camping dinner ideas
Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Make a vegan version of chicken salad for fans to enjoy as they watch the game. This salad is made with tempeh and makes the perfect sandwich.

Get The Recipe: Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich

Million Dollar Dip

Million Dollar Dip by The Cookin Chicks
Million Dollar Dip. Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

A dip that everyone will enjoy, this million dollar dip is an additive tailgate snack that’ll have everyone double dipping.

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Smoked Salmon Sliders

Smoked Salmon Sliders by xoxoBella
Smoked Salmon Sliders. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Smoked salmon sliders are easy to make and delicious. The sliders are easily customizable and fun for serving a crowd of hungry fans.

Get The Recipe: Smoked Salmon Sliders

Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones

Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones by Hungry Whisk
Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones. Photo Credit: Hungry Whisk

Drizzled with a spicy sriracha sauce, fans will love how delicious and creative these spicy chicken waffle cones are.

Get The Recipe: Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones

Pizza Dough Pretzels

game day snacks
PIZZA DOUGH PRETZELS. PHOTO CREDIT: TABLE NUTRITION.

Use pizza dough to make these easy pretzel bites. Sprinkle on some salt and serve with a cheesy dip at your next tailgate party.

Get The Recipe: Pizza Dough Pretzels

Oven Barbecue Chicken Wings

Oven Barbecue Chicken Wings by Risas Family Kitchen
Oven Barbecue Chicken Wings. Photo Credit: Risa’s Family Kitchen

Smothered with a savory barbecue sauce, these chicken wings are delicious. The baked wings can be kept warm in the slow cooker as you watch the game.

Get The Recipe: Oven Barbecue Chicken Wings

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Whether you’re going for simple or fun, these tailgating recipes will help make the game day even more special.

25 Easy Football Snacks for Every Crowd

Easy Football Snacks
Easy Football Snacks. Football Charcuterie Board. Photo Credit: A Worthy Read

These easy football snacks are great for every crowd and as they cheer on their favorite team, the sweet, savory, or salty snacks will be ready when they are.

Read it here: 25 Easy Football Snacks for Every Crowd

25 Game Day Appetizers Easy Enough To Make for A Crowd

Game Day Appetizers Easy
Game Day Appetizers Easy. Photo Credit: Brooklyn Active Mama

If you’re looking for some game day appetizers easy enough to make for a crowd, you’ve come to the right place. This collection includes everything from dips to air fried apps that’ll have the crowd cheering for more.

Read it here: 25 Game Day Appetizers Easy Enough To Make for A Crowd

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

A woman in a kitchen writes on a notepad beside a grocery bag with a Walmart logo and various groceries on the counter.
Photo Credit: La Passion Voutee.

Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

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