My best and favorite tailgating recipes for a crowd are just what you need the next time you attend an event with your family and friends. From chips and dip to mac and cheese, desserts, and more, I've got all the staples covered. So whether you’re looking to score some points with your fellow fans or just want to make sure everyone is fed and happy, these crowd-pleasing party snacks will get the job done.
For more shareable recipes take a look at my potluck recipe and winter potluck recipe recipe collections.
Jump to:
- 1. Strawberry Pineapple Lemonade
- 2. Chili con Carne
- 3. Lobster Jalapeno Poppers
- 4. Baked Italian Meatballs
- 5. Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
- 6. Sour Cream Dip
- 7. Deviled Eggs
- 8. Ham Salad
- 9. Lamb Meatballs
- 10. Ground Venison Tacos
- 11. Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
- 12. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- 13. Stuffed Green Peppers
- 14. BBQ Baked Sausage
- 15. Crockpot Mac & Cheese
- 16. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- 17. Apple Cobbler Bars
- 18. Pineapple Pie Bars
- 19. Easy Chocolate Cake
- 20. Hello Dolly Bars
- 21. Root Beer Floats
- 💭 Tips For Bringing Food To A Tailgate
- 😋 More Easy Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Tailgating Recipes For A Crowd: 21+ Best Snacks Everyone Will Love!
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
Nothing says party like good food, and when it comes to game day, there is no better way to show your team spirit than with some delicious tailgating recipes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for some snacks to enjoy while you wait for the main event, you can find it here.
Once upon a time when we were at horse shows, we'd have huge tailgating parties in the barn and these were some of my favorite dishes to share. From chip dips to chicken wings, these recipes are sure to please everyone.
1. Strawberry Pineapple Lemonade
Nothing beats a delicious and refreshing strawberry pineapple lemonade at a summer tailgate party. The lemonade is made with fresh strawberries, pineapple, honey crisp apples, and limoncello lemons.
It is a perfect drink for a hot day and can be easily made in a juicer. Bonus: there's no added sugar whatsoever.
2. Chili con Carne
When it comes to feeding a crowd, there's nothing quite like a big pot of chili. This chili con carne recipe is hearty and filling, and it's easy to make ahead of time.
Serve with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips and you've got a feast fit for a tailgate party.
3. Lobster Jalapeno Poppers
Who doesn't love a good jalapeno popper? These lobster jalapeno poppers are a great appetizer or snack for your next tailgate party.
They're crunchy, cheesy, and full of delicious lobster meat. Plus, they're easy to make and only take about 15 minutes from start to finish.
4. Baked Italian Meatballs
Baked meatballs are super versatile and can be served as an appetizer or main course. These meatballs are inspired by traditional Italian flavors, but the seasonings can be easily customized to your liking.
Add in some extra spices or toss them in your favorite sauce for even more flavor. Get creative and make these baked meatballs your own.
5. Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
These jalapeno cheddar scones are perfect for on-the-go snacking. They have plenty of flavor from melted cheddar cheese and jalapenos, but they aren't particularly spicy.
Best of all, these scones take less than 30 minutes to make. They are a perfect last-minute addition to your tailgate that you can whip up before you walk out the door.
6. Sour Cream Dip
This sour cream dip is so easy to make and only takes 5 minutes of prep time! It's the perfect appetizer to bring to a tailgate or game-day party.
The sour cream is perfectly seasoned with a simple blend of herbs and spices, and it's delicious with potato chips or sliced vegetables. Whether you're cheering on your favorite team or just gathering with friends, this sour cream dip will be a hit.
7. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that is perfect for any occasion - especially tailgates and game day watch parties. They're easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adding additional seasonings or tasty mix-ins.
All you need are some eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
8. Ham Salad
Looking for a quick and easy appetizer that you can make with leftover ham? Look no further than this ham salad recipe.
Made in a food processor with just a handful of ingredients, this ham salad is a snap to prepare. Serve it with crackers or bread and enjoy.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
9. Lamb Meatballs
These lamb meatballs are tender, juicy, and richly flavorful. They're also incredibly easy to make, and can even be made in advance and frozen for later use.
They only take about 30 minutes to throw together, and they are always a hit at parties and tailgates.
10. Ground Venison Tacos
If you are looking for a unique twist on traditional tacos, these ground venison tacos are the way to go. You can still use your preferred taco shells or tortillas and all of your favorite taco toppings.
11. Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
Looking for an easy and delicious appetizer or snack for your next tailgate? Try this cream cheese salsa dip.
It's made with just two ingredients and can be served hot or cold. Serve it with veggie sticks, chips, or crackers, and watch it disappear.
12. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
One of the most popular items on game day is chicken wings. And these baked garlic Parmesan chicken wings are the perfect way to enjoy them.
The chicken wings are first baked until they are nice and crispy. Then, they are tossed in a flavorful buttery garlic parmesan sauce.
13. Stuffed Green Peppers
Stuffed green peppers are a classic dish that is both filling and satisfying. They are made with a savory filling of rice, ground beef, cheese, and tomato sauce, that is baked in the oven.
If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal for your next tailgate, stuffed green peppers are a great option.
14. BBQ Baked Sausage
This baked BBQ sausage recipe is so easy, with just 4 ingredients, and the results are absolutely delicious. The sausages get nice and crispy in the oven before being smothered in a sweet and sticky BBQ sauce.
15. Crockpot Mac & Cheese
This crock pot mac and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and easy to make. It's a crowd-pleaser that's always a hit at tailgates and potlucks.
This dish is made with 3 different types of cheese, making it extra cheesy and extra delicious.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
16. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms have become a classic appetizer at tailgates and backyard barbecues. These delicious bites are easy to make and impress any crowd!
The rich Parmesan and cream cheese filling inside these tender mushrooms is hard to resist. They are the perfect 2-bite snack to get your tailgate party started.
17. Apple Cobbler Bars
Apple cobbler bars are a delicious and sweet dessert that is perfect for a tailgate. They are made using a buttery and crumbly crust combined with apple pie filling.
These dessert bars have all the flavor of an apple cobbler without all the work of making a traditional cobbler. Perfect for a tailgate, these bars provide a delicious and convenient way to transport this classic dessert to any gathering.
18. Pineapple Pie Bars
These fruity bars are incredibly easy to make and will bring a fruity tropical twist to your party.
The pineapple pie filling is sweet and tangy, and the crust is buttery and crumbly, making for a perfectly balanced bar. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you can easily whip up a batch in no time.
19. Easy Chocolate Cake
This moist, decadent chocolate cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion - tailgates included.
The rich, chocolate flavor of this cake will make your mouth water. A layer of made-from-scratch chocolate ganache tops it all off for a truly indulgent chocolate treat!
20. Hello Dolly Bars
Hello Dolly Bars are a classic 7-layer dessert that is perfect for any tailgate or potluck. The layers consist of a buttery graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and pecans. To top it off, a layer of sweet condensed milk is poured over the top.
The sweetness of the chocolate and butterscotch chips, combined with the crunchy texture of the coconut and pecans, make for an unforgettable dessert.
21. Root Beer Floats
All you need for root beer floats is root beer, ice cream, and a cup. The sweet root beer and creamy ice cream combine to create the nostalgic flavor that everyone loves.
Not only is a root beer float a delicious drink, but it's also a great way to beat the summer heat at a tailgate.
💭 Tips For Bringing Food To A Tailgate
When you're going to a tailgate you're going to spend the majority of the day outside. Here are a few guidelines to make sure your food stays safe and the party goes off without a hitch.
- Plan for no leftovers. You don't want extra food sitting in the car. The good thing about tailgating is there will be plenty of passersby to share with or give food to when your party is done eating.
- Prep ahead of time. The best tailgating recipes are those that are easy to transport and can be made in advance. Unless you have a grill setup, you won't want to lug around raw meat and a ton of ingredients. Recipes that can be made at home and taken to the game ready to eat are the real winners.
- Don't forget the necessities. Paper plates, utensils, and cups are a must. I recommend a roll or two of paper towels and hand sanitizer if a hand washing station isn't available. Also, bring a couple of trash bags so you don't have to search for a trashcan.
I love getting feedback from my readers. Come back and let me know in the comments if these recipes were a hit at your tailgate.
😋 More Easy Recipes
- Chocolate Frosting Fudge - A rich and creamy chocolate fudge made with just 2 ingredients.
- Smores Board - Everyone at the tailgate will love building their smores from a platter of tasty ingredients.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp - These quick and easy shrimp have no shortage of flavor, and they are perfect for snacking while you watch the game.
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork - Whip up some tender and flavorful pulled pork for sliders, tacos, and more.
- Egg Salad - Egg salad is simple to prepare, delicious, and can be used to make tasty sandwiches while you watch the game.
- Southern Coleslaw - A rich and creamy coleslaw is perfect for munching during the game or topping off your tacos and sandwiches.
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Tailgating Recipes For A Crowd: 21+ Best Snacks Everyone Will Love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 medium yellow onions (or white onions, chopped)
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (or green, chopped)
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 tsps beef bouillon granules (or 3 bouillon cubes)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 29 oz canned diced tomatoes (undrained, *see note)
- 1 cup water
- 16 oz kidney beans (undrained)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Place a Dutch oven on the stove top over medium heat. Brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes or until no pink remains and use a wooden spoon or spatula to crumble the beef as it cooks. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in the same pot then add the onions and saute until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the bell pepper, chili powder, bouillon granules, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine and let cook for 2 minutes longer.
- Return the browned beef to the pot along with the canned diced tomatoes. Stir in the water and bring the chili to a boil. Reduce the temperature, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir in the kidney beans (without draining them) and allow to cook until heated through. Remove from heat and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- If you don't have bouillon granules, you can substitute them for 1 cup of beef broth or stock.
- 29 ounces of canned diced tomatoes are the equivalent of 2 14.5-ounce cans and 16 ounces of kidney beans is 1 can. If you find cans that are close in size, they'll work just fine. 🙂
- Like stew, chili tastes even better the next day! This is a great make-ahead recipe for serving a crowd.
- To store: Place cooled leftover chili con carne in a shallow airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or large portions on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
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