This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
These cold tailgate food ideas are easy to make for the gathering and the best part is that you can make them ahead of time, toss them in the fridge, and they’re ready to go by the time you’re ready to eat.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Cold tailgate food is often overlooked but it’s definitely worth considering when you want to serve something different, delicious, and easy to prep ahead of time.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
You can’t go wrong with a corn salsa for your tailgating party. This easy to make snack is made with just a few simple ingredients and can be served cold.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Add a sweet snack to game day with these peanut butter balls. They’re made with rice krispie treats that have been dipped in chocolate for the perfect tailgating sweet treat.
Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Nigerian Salad Recipe
With a mix of veggies, this Nigerian salad is one that will be a party favorite. It’s a classic Nigerian salad that you can have ready to go in no time.
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Salad Recipe
TikTok Strawberry Chocolate
A sweet treat worthy of the tailgate activities, you’ll love the mix of strawberries and chocolate when you’re craving something sweet.
Get The Recipe: TikTok Strawberry Chocolate
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta with Mascarpone and Honey
A bruschetta appetizer that’s made with prosciutto, arugula, mascarpone, and honey. This appetizer will be a flavorful snack to enjoy on game day.
Get The Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta with Mascarpone and Honey
Candy Apple Slices
Make candy apple slices for game day. They remind you of caramel apples and guests can munch on the apple slices without having to eat the whole apple.
Get The Recipe: Candy Apple Slices
Best Deviled Eggs with Relish
Deviled eggs are a popular cold tailgate food you can make. This recipe adds in some relish to the filling for some extra tang.
Get The Recipe: Best Deviled Eggs with Relish
No Bake Mini Peanut Butter Pies
A no bake treat that combines the flavor of peanut butter and chocolate, these mini pies are something you can make ahead of time and serve on game day.
Get The Recipe: No Bake Mini Peanut Butter Pies
Caramel Apple Nachos
Slice apples get topped with a creamy caramel sauce, nuts, and chocolate to make this easy cold tailgate snack.
Get The Recipe: Caramel Apple Nachos
3-Ingredient Caramel Apple Bites
With caramel, chocolate, and apple, these little apple bites are a fun treat to enjoy while watching the game.
Get The Recipe: 3-Ingredient Caramel Apple Bites
Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
Turn large lettuce leaves into something amazing. The leaves are filled with seasoned chicken, rice, a peanut sauce, and crisp mixed veggies.
Get The Recipe: Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Homemade Mint Chip Ice Cream Bon Bons
Mint and chocolate make the perfect treat and it’s easy to make your own homemade bon bons at home for your tailgating party.
Get The Recipe: Homemade Mint Chip Ice Cream Bon Bons
Asian Cucumber Salad
An easy recipe to make, cucumber springs get tossed in a sesame soy dressing to create a flavorful cold tailgate food to enjoy.
Get The Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad
Quick & Easy Homemade Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
Quick and easy to make, this homemade shrimp ceviche will be a tailgate winner. The crispy veggies and the shrimp make it an unforgettable dish.
Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Homemade Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
Apple & Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette
Apple and pears get mixed with a sweet caramel cider vinaigrette to make a tasty side for the tailgate party. It’s super easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
Get The Recipe: Apple & Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette
Tropical Fruit Salad
Go with a mix of tropical fruit for game day. This tropical fruit salad only requires a few ingredients with little prep time.
Get The Recipe: Tropical Fruit Salad
Blueberry & Peach Salsa
A cold fruit salad will be a great addition to the tailgating festivities. The flavors of sweet peaches and blueberries create a flavorful salsa for the party.
Get The Recipe: Blueberry & Peach Salsa
Healthy Greek Layer Dip
With layers of hummus, Greek yogurt, fresh mint, cucumber, tomatoes, and a Feta cheese topping, this healthy dip is sure to be a favorite.
Get The Recipe: Healthy Greek Layer Dip
Easy Cold Green Bean Salad
Go with a cold green bean salad to enjoy with your favorite tailgating foods. It’s loaded with flavor and easy to make.
Get The Recipe: Easy Cold Green Bean Salad
Jerusalem Salad
No fancy ingredients are needed to make this cold salad. It’s ready to go in under 10 minutes and will give you a healthy dish to enjoy with the food.
Get The Recipe: Jerusalem Salad
Peanut Butter Jelly and Banana Sliders
A fun cold tailgate food idea for kids, or anyone who loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, these sliders are fun and easy to make.
Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter Jelly and Banana Sliders
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad is always a great tailgate option. This one brings in the flavors of Hawaiian pizza to create a dish you’ll love.
Get The Recipe: Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad
Crunchy Dill Pickle Dip
Creamy and crunchy, this dill pickle dip will be a great way to enjoy the game. Serve the dip with pretzels or chips for a cold tailgate food no one will be able to resist.
Get The Recipe: Crunchy Dill Pickle Dip
5-Minute Avocado Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt
Whip up this cold appetizer for game day in only 5 minutes. The flavor of the avocados, Ranch, and Greek yogurt combine to create a delicious dip friends and family will enjoy.
Get The Recipe: 5-Minute Avocado Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt
Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad
A little spicy and a whole lot of tasty, this easy cucumber salad is loaded with veggies for a filling meal to enjoy on tailgate days.
Get The Recipe: Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Change up your tailgating menu with these cold tailgate food ideas. The simple and easy to make dishes will be a great addition to the spread.
25 Epic Tailgate Food Recipes That’ll Have Everyone Cheering for More
These epic tailgate food recipes will have everyone cheering for more! From dips and finger foods to full blown meals, friends and family won’t be able to get enough of these delicious foods.
Read it here: 25 Epic Tailgate Food Recipes That’ll Have Everyone Cheering for More
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
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!
25 Easy Tailgate Snacks You’ll Be Cheering For All Day
These easy tailgate snacks are so good, you’ll be cheering for them all day as you watch the game and root for your favorite team.
Check it out: 25 Easy Tailgate Snacks You’ll Be Cheering For All Day
Interested in more recipe ideas? You’ll love these related recipes: