33 Fan-Favorite College Tailgate Recipes

“A typical Aggie tailgate includes beef brisket, sausage and dips of all kinds!” —Cassie O’Haver, Houston, Texas

“Whether we’re tailgating at the stadium or having a party at home, we have to have nachos.” —Becky Cline Carver, North Royalton, Ohio

“In Georgia, it goes without saying: peach cobbler!” —Patrick Taylor, Clinton, New Jersey

“I love a good pulled pork sandwich at any tailgate. Roll Tide!” —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“On Wisconsin game days, it’s all about the cheese curds, beer and the brats—better yet, beer brats!” —Raechel Bartz, Chicago, Illinois

“It’s not a game without hot wings!” —Jennifer Patterson, Shoshone, Idaho

“It wouldn’t be a tailgate if we didn’t have stuffed jalapenos. Big jalapenos, filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. What a way to cheer on my alma mater.” —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

“Breakfast burritos show up at all our tailgating parties.” —Darla German, Tulsa, Oklahoma

“We have country ribs, eclair cake, and tables of cheese balls, cheese wafers and cheese soup. Anything orange goes.” —Beth Tuesburg, Roanoke, Virginia

“The night before a big game, we make BLT dip so it’s ready as we head out the door. Go Hawkeyes!” —Virginia Clayton, Roudabush, Iowa

“I love a good Italian sausage at a tailgate. Add peppers and it’s even better!” —Caroline Stanko, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“My husband is a huge Ohio State fan. I make loaded potato skins for most games.” —Amy Prunkl Hinzmann, Wethersfield, Connecticut

“Gotta have fried chicken and potato salad!” —Nancy Lak, Bremen, Georgia

“We put up three big tents and long banquet tables brimming with snacks. Of course there’s our special Coney sauce that’s slathered on snappy grilled hot dogs.” —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

“We do ours to the nines! We cook a turkey at home and carve it while we tailgate—and there’s always a bottle of champagne to share with everyone.” —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

One of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana

On the outside, these golden buns resemble ordinary dinner rolls. But one bite reveals the tasty, cheesy beef filling inside. —Sharon Leno, Keansburg, New Jersey

These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

I've been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia

With sausage, seafood, corn and potatoes, this crab boil can feed a crowd for a picnic, tailgate or other outdoor celebration. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

For me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma

I'm always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors, and what goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one delicious recipe. —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas

I served this at my son’s graduation party and kept it warm in a slow cooker after roasting it in the oven. The pork is superb by itself or piled high on rolls.
For a classic combo, serve it with warm biscuits and coleslaw. —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota

These Walking Tacos are great for an on-the-go dinner, campfire meal or easy game night supper. The ingredients transform a bag of chips into a taco in a bag! —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington

Ever wonder how to make guacamole? Just whip together this delicious blend of your favorite fresh ingredients.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Edamame and corn give this unique salsa its unmistakable team colors. You can add a little salt if you like, too. A healthy alternative to creamy dips, it’s good for the extra point. —Maggie Lovat, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mint and bourbon give this drink a Kentucky kick, and ginger ale makes it a fizzy party punch.—Cathy Justus, Taylor, Michigan

This hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for the half-time food rush. People actually cheer when they see me coming with my slow cooker! —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

I’ve had this recipe for more than 42 years, but have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

For game days, I shake up these saucy wings. When I run out, friends hover by the snack table until I bring out more. When they ask me how to fry chicken wings, they never believe it's so easy! —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

This southern favorite is one my family can never get enough of and there are never any leftovers. My grandmother, mother and aunts always made this recipe for family gatherings. Now I make it for everyone because it's so easy to prepare and everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Williston, Thibodaux, Louisiana

My family loves Buffalo chicken wings but the frying makes them unhealthy. This takes out some of the fat but lets us enjoy the great taste of Buffalo chicken. —Terri McKenzie, Wilmington, Ohio