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    Home » Trending

    27 Tailgate Recipes That Always Get Cheered For

    Published: Oct 6, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Game day brings more than just the action and it surely brings big flavors and good energy. These are the 27 tailgate recipes that are made for sharing, passing, and going back for seconds. Each one adds something special to the spread and helps make food part of the fun.

    Cheddar & Green Pea Fritters

    Cheddar & Green Pea Fritters. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Something easy to grab and eat between plays always gets the most love. Few things go as fast as a plate of Cheddar & Green Pea Fritters once they hit the table. They’re just the kind of crispy bite that disappears before halftime.
    Get the Recipe: Cheddar & Green Pea Fritters

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Wings

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Wings. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    A second wing option never hurts, especially when the flavors switch things up. People always seem to find space on their plate for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Wings. They’re sticky in a good way and perfect for passing around.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Wings

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    Air Fryer Lumpia

    Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    You’ll notice the crunch before anything else, and that’s part of the appeal. It doesn’t take long for a plate of Air Fryer Lumpia to clear out. They’re light, flavorful, and made for sharing.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

    Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies

    Mini ham and cheese spinach breakfast pies on a baking sheet.
    Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Early kickoffs still call for real food, not just snacks. That’s where Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies help carry the morning tailgate crowd. They’re warm, filling, and easy to eat on the move.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies

    Baked Spring Pea and Dill Fritters with Lemon Tahini Sauce

    Baked Spring Pea and Dill Fritters with Lemon Tahini Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    People always show up hungry, so you need a few things that hold their own. Baked Spring Pea and Dill Fritters with Lemon Tahini Sauce give you a fresh-tasting option that still feels right at home on a tailgate table.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Spring Pea and Dill Fritters with Lemon Tahini Sauce

    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings

    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    When everyone’s crowding around the food table, you need something that keeps them coming back. People don’t leave many behind when Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings are on deck.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings

    Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

    Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board.
    Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

    Chips aren’t enough on their own, and everyone knows it. That’s where Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon pulls the team together. Just heat, serve, and watch people scrape the bowl clean.
    Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.
    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    You need at least one wildcard to keep things interesting. Sweet and salty works well with Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer, especially when you want something that cuts through the usual lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Crispy Halloumi Fritters

    Crispy Halloumi Fritters. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    You always need a few crowd-pleasers that are gone within minutes. That’s usually the case with Crispy Halloumi Fritters, especially once someone tries one. No sauce required, just a plate and some quick hands.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Halloumi Fritters

    Caprese Stuffed Avocado

    Caprese Stuffed Avocado. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Some people show up looking for a lighter option, especially with so many heavier choices on the table. That’s where Caprese Stuffed Avocado fills the gap without feeling like an afterthought. It’s easy, clean, and brings just enough variety.
    Get the Recipe: Caprese Stuffed Avocado

    Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

    Baked bang bang shrimp on a serving plate garnished with green onions and served with dipping sauce.
    Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Tailgates need something a little bold now and then. That’s where Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp brings heat and crunch in one quick bite. Crowd response is usually fast and loud.
    Get the Recipe: Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

    Jalapeño Popper Tacos

    Jalapeño Popper Tacos. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Big flavor in a small package always works in your favor. With all the creamy heat packed into Jalapeño Popper Tacos, there’s rarely a bite left behind. They bring a fun twist people remember.
    Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Tacos

    Spicy Candied Pecans

    Spicy Candied Pecans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Setting out a few bowls of snacks is a move that keeps people happy between bigger bites. Spicy Candied Pecans check every box for something crunchy, slightly sweet, and easy to keep eating. They’re one of those tailgate staples that quietly steal the show.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Candied Pecans

    Vibrant and Zesty Green Goddess Hummus Dip

    Vibrant and Zesty Green Goddess Hummus Dip. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Everyone crowds around the dip, so it helps to bring something with range. Chips, veggies, even grilled meats work with Vibrant and Zesty Green Goddess Hummus Dip without slowing anyone down. It’s the kind of low-effort win people appreciate.
    Get the Recipe: Vibrant and Zesty Green Goddess Hummus Dip

    Fried Deviled Eggs

    Fried Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    You already know someone’s going to ask what’s inside before they even try one. That’s usually how Fried Deviled Eggs start making the rounds and end up gone by kickoff. They’re crispy, creamy, and just a little unexpected.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs

    Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

    Blue cheese steak crostini on a metal platter drizzled with balsamic reduction.
    Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    When you want to serve something that feels a little different but still easy to grab, this one hits the mark. Blue Cheese Steak Crostini balances bold flavors with a crisp crunch that holds up even after sitting out. It’s a solid option for folks circling back for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

    Air Fryer Nachos

    A close-up imag of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, avocado chunks, black beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream.
    Air Fryer Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Chips are good, but layered and melty ones are even better. That’s where Air Fryer Nachos show up strong, easy to customize, and easy to repeat. They hold up well when people circle back for round two.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

    Air Fryer Falafel

    Air Fryer Falafel. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Not everything has to be meat and cheese-heavy to be a hit. Toss some Air Fryer Falafel on the table and watch how fast they go when paired with a good sauce. They work great on their own or stuffed into a pita if people are feeling creative.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

    Spinach Cheddar Cakes

    Spinach cheddar quinoa cakes topped with buffalo yogurt sauce.
    Spinach Cheddar Cakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Once these hit the table, people start asking what they are before they even take a bite. That curiosity usually turns into grabbing two or three of the Spinach Cheddar Cakes while they’re still warm.
    Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes

    Slow Cooker BBQ Wings

    Slow Cooker BBQ Wings. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Game day isn’t game day without a solid wing situation. Slow Cooker BBQ Wings deliver on flavor without needing a lot of attention. They stay warm and tender until the last one’s gone.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Wings

    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table.
    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    There’s always room for a cheesy, spicy bite that can be eaten one-handed. That’s why Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers don’t last long once people spot them. A familiar but still feel like something fun.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    Air Fryer Halloumi

    Air Fryer Halloumi. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Cheese options always get extra attention, especially when they’re a little unexpected. That’s where Air Fryer Halloumi comes in salty, crisp, and simple to serve. It fits right in without trying too hard.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloumi

    Samosa Chaat

    Straight view of samosa chaat served in a white bowl and is topped with cilantro, red onions, and sev. On the sides is a samosa and a cup of drink.
    Samosa Chaat. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    A fork-and-plate moment isn’t always expected at a tailgate, which is why it stands out. People tend to go back for seconds once Samosa Chaat makes an appearance. It brings big flavor without much fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat

    Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Some tailgate tables need a change of flavor to keep things interesting. That’s when Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs come through with a sweet and sticky option that holds its own. They stay warm and ready without needing much fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    It’s hard to compete with bacon at a tailgate, especially when it’s wrapped around something crispy. That’s exactly why Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings keep people hovering near the table.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

    Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Something warm and rich always hits right during game day. That’s where Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs earn their spot on the lineup. Easy to spoon out and always land on repeat plates.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

    Baked Samosas

    Top view image of healthy samosas on a black plate with additional samosas on a cooling rack.
    Baked Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    When you’re feeding a group, handheld snacks are always the right call. Baked Samosas pack in flavor and hold up well on a table full of grab-and-go eats. A smart move when you want something a little different.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Samosas

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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