Top 10 Tailgating Recipes
Tailgating food definitely varies by region and team - you'll find spicy tex-mex in Texas stadiums, shellfish in New England, steak in Philly and jambalaya in Louisiana. But aside from these regional specialties, there are fan-favorite staples that can be smelled and tasted at every tailgate party across America. These recipes might not be gourmet epicurean restaurant fare, but they're filling, easy to make, and most of all - delicious! Use them to create a menu for your next tailgate party or as inspiration to create your own recipes.
Scott's Mountain-Thunder Football Chili - Nothing's better for cold-weather tailgate parties than some hot, hearty chili. This crowd pleaser was an entry in Food Network's Manly Man Chili Cook-Off and employs some surprising ingredients like pumpkin pie spice and London broil to great effect.
Seven Layer Taco Dip - Possibly the most requested recipe at any football-related party, the seven layer taco dip is hard to mess up. Just stick to the basic ingredients - lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, bean dip, cheese and black olives among a few others - and you can't go wrong. Serve it up with tortilla chips or scoop-shaped corn chips.
Party Sub - This ultra-easy recipe from Kraft Foods can be put together in a flash even by those with zero cooking experience. Using classic sandwich ingredients like ham, pickles and lettuce as well as some pops of flavor from horseradish and coleslaw, this sub will please everyone in your tailgating crowd.
Lil' Smokies - The strange combination of grape jelly and either ketchup or chili sauce somehow works with these little cocktail-sized sausages. You can adjust the recipe by using cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, beer or wrapping them in bacon. Cook 'em at home and bring them to the game in an insulated cooler pack or food compartment.
Steelers Sideline Sausage - You'll love this recipe whether you're a Steelers fan or not. This firefighter-created recipe is comprised of Italian sausage, onions, peppers, spices and tomato sauce. Serve on soft, crusty sausage rolls.
Cole Slaw - A standard vegetable side at any cookout, picnic or party, cole slaw can be made in so many different ways. Whether you like yours mayo-based, sweet or vinegary, you can find a recipe that suits your tastes here. Choose your favorite variation, or try something new.
Jack Daniels Sizzling Smokehouse Barbecued Ribs - A few steps above the Coca-Cola and ketchup recipe but not so complicated that it'll take hours to make, this BBQ ribs recipe is perfect for tailgating. Marinate and roast the ribs at home and finish them off on the grill during the party.
Hot Wings - These are definitely an American staple, and who better to provide a great recipe for them than Tobasco? This page includes a recipe for delicious blue-cheese dip to go along with the wings. Bring some handi-wipes!
Baked Beans - You could just pour some canned beans into a saucepan, or you could try something a little more appetizing. This recipe starts out with the standard can of Bush's beans and adds some veggies and seasoning for a more full-flavored version of the classic side dish.
Basic Make-Ahead Potato Salad - Everybody loves potato salad, and the best part is that you can prepare it a day or two before the big game, leaving you with more time to concentrate on the other parts of your meal.
Need a big cooler to get all your food to the game, or a picnic set to enjoy it with? Check out the Tailgating selection at PicnicFun.com! The Game Day Gas Grill is pictured at right.
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