When you're tailgating, you need a game plan. The key to a successful event is to make sure it's easy. That means preparing as much as possible ahead of time and focusing on food that's easy for you to transport — and just as easy for your friends to eat one-handed. Game on.
Starters
- Mini Tacos - Get the "scoop" chips as the base for this finger food. Offer shredded cheese, taco beef, salsa and other toppings to complete this mini taco.
- Cheeseball - Make a giant one or, if you've got some time on your hands, roll mini ones and put them on toothpicks for people to grab. Make sure to have crackers on hand, too.
- Roasted Jalapeño Poppers - Slice open the pepper, stuff it with a bunch of cheese and bake. Easy cheesy. Wrap in bacon if you really want tailgate fans to cheer.
- Meatballs - You can make them old school with beef or make them with turkey for a healthier treat. Either way, you can't go wrong with this Italian favorite.
- Deviled Eggs - You know the deal with this southern staple — mix the yolk of the egg with mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper and you've got an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve favorite. If you're really creative, dye the egg white part the same color as your favorite team's uniform.
- Stuffed Mushrooms - There are so many ways to make these easy-to-eat appetizers, but adding cream cheese and sausage is probably the most popular.
- Mac and Cheese Bites - Make your favorite macaroni recipe, then fill wonton wrappers with your tasty treat. Bake and you've got an instant fan favorite.
- Snack Mix - Mix in some nuts, chocolate chips and Chex cereal and you've got something everyone will want to grab a handful of.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers - Anytime you can put food on a stick at a tailgate, your guests will thank you. (To change it up, you can also prepare steak, chicken or vegetable kabobs.)
- Walking Tacos - This dish is a fun take on tacos, but more tailgate-friendly! Fill small corn chip bags with your favorite taco recipe (you can even crush the chips to better mix with the taco ingredients). Provide spoons, cheese and other toppings.
