Tailgate Like a Pro Thanks To Our Amazing Recipes And Tips (25 Recipes, 5 Pages, 3 Articles)
Published On: 10/12/2022 Last Modified: 6/16/2025
What is it that draws thousands of people to stand around on asphalt, sometimes in the bitter cold and rain? Is it the infectious enthusiasm of fans in team colors? The spectacle of hilarious costumes and outlandish vehicles? The warmth of a charcoal fire? The vast array of tables spread with every kind of food imaginable from the chilled to the grilled?
We’ve tailgated at college and pro football games, soccer matches, car races, and even in the parking lots of theme parks and ski resorts. You can tailgate anywhere you’re allowed to park your car, grill food, and enjoy a drink with friends. Tailgating means different things to different people. For some, it’s all about team spirit and getting amped up for the game. For others, it’s pure party time, a chance to eat, drink, and be merry. In the end, it just might be the collective experience of everyone doing it together that makes tailgating so special.
No matter what it means to you, tailgating can be as simple or as fancy as you want it to be. Some folks bring a cooler of prepared food, some drinks, and team colors and call it a day. Others plan for days or weeks ahead of time, drive huge RVs to the game, set up big tents, or drag giant trailer smokers to the parking lot to serve the rabid fans. No matter how it takes shape for you, tailgating is a fantastic American pastime. Here’s your ultimate guide to the gear, the recipes, and the planning tips that will make your next party in the parking lot the best ever.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Here's a handy checklist of everything you need for your next tailgating, camping or other offsite, outdoor barbecue party.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Find the perfect portable grill for your needs with our extensive reviews. These cookers are perfect for tailgating, camping, and more.
By:
Dave Joachim, AmazingRibs.com Editorial Director
Tailgating is kind of like car camping, but it's a party! Check out this list of cool tailgate gear you may not have thought of.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
So you're cooking for a crowd. How much food do you need? Here's how to plan for a party or special occasion.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
Add a delicious smokiness to your favorite party dip with this recipe for grilled guacamole. Grilled avocados, limes, and onion are the key.
By:
Dave Joachim, AmazingRibs.com Editorial Director
Grill roast some peppers, puree them with aromatics, and boom! You have salsa verde, a.k.a. green enchilada sauce. This staple of Mexican cuisine is simple to make and extremely versatile. Make this recipe, then use it on enchiladas, carne asada tacos, or with your morning eggs.
By:
Big Jim Maivald, Former AmazingRibs.com CTO
This smokey salsa verde recipe puts the boring store bought stuff to shame thanks to the depth of flavor created by charring the ingredients.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Skip the store bought salsa and opt for these two flavorful home made Mexican salsas: Pico de Gallo and a Grilled Salsa Roja.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Bratwurst are the signature food of Wisconsin. Here's the recipe for creating perfect Touchdown Tailgate Brats simmered in beer then grilled.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
These cheese and jalapeno stuffed, bacon-wrapped sausage appetizers are perfect for tailgating, backyard cookouts, and more.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Grilling Buffalo wings may sound like blasphemy but the results from this non-deep fried twist are simply amazing. By cooking this All-American Classic on the grill, you avoid the deep frying mess while also adding a deep, smoky flavor. The Buffalo wings start with indirect smoke before being crisped over direct heat.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
There is something magical about the merger of sweet and salty in this recipe for pecan praline-crusted thick-cut bacon.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
We'll bet you can't stop at just one of these tasty smoked bacon-wrapped meatballs, a.k.a MOINK balls. This recipe is the perfect appetizer for any tailgating, couchgating, or backyard bash. The best part is that they are as easy to make as they are to eat!
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
Appetizers don't get much simpler than this five-ingredient recipe for smoked bacon-wrapped wings with Sriracha ranch dipping sauce.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
Yes, Buffalo sauce tastes great on hot wings, but try some Asian flavors on your wings with the flavors of miso, sesame oil, and wood smoke.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
As easy to make as they are delicious, these smoked bacon-wrapped kielbasa bites (a.k.a. pig balls) are the perfect appetizer for any event.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Cocktail Wienies are great fun for parties. Click here for a classic Southern recipe that's quick and easy.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
If you're searching for the perfect appetizer then you're sure to love this tested recipe for grilled jalapeno poppers. Known in certain BBQ circles as ABTs, these cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapenos are certain to disappear as soon as you serve them.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
The saltiness of bacon is a perfect foil and contrast to sweetness. Here are a variety of methods for creating mouthwatering candied bacon.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
This simple smoked pork rib tips recipe makes the perfect snack, appetizer, or main course. The rib tip (a.k.a. brisket, costal cartilage, or break) is the triangular, cartilage-dotted slab of meat attached to the lower end of the sparerib. Seasoned with BBQ rub then slow smoked on the grill, these bites are a surefire hit.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
Stuffed with cheese then wrapped in bacon, this grilled hot dog recipe is a sure fire hit at any backyard bash. Inspired by Chicago's famed francheesie, our recipe skips the traditional deep frying in favor of the grill for a crisp bacon shell and deep smoky flavor.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
Experience a flavor explosion with this recipe for a sweet and spicy jalapeno bacon cheeseburger. A perfectly grilled burger patty is topped with sharp cheddar cheese, pickled jalapenos, crispy fried onions, thick cut bacon, and homemade balsamic ketchup. Layer it all on a pillowy pretzel bun for pure burger nirvana.
By:
Chef Stef, AmazingRibs.com Recipe Developer
Sous vide and live fire grilling come together in this delicious twist on tacos featuring sous-vide-que flank steak.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
If you're a fan of The Bear, a hit FX On Hulu series with Jeremy Allen White, then this recipe for classic Italian beef sandwiches is for you
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
This easy pulled pork recipe skips the slow cooker to create authentic low-and-slow smoked pulled pork on a smoker or grill.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Behold the best smoked brisket recipe ever! Texas style brisket is more than a recipe, it is a concept and a goal.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Mastering smoked BBQ ribs -whether St. Louis style, spare, or baby back -with our comprehensive tutorial will make you a backyard all star.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
The Bloody Mary is taken to new height thanks to a BBQ twist. You'll never see this cocktail the same way again once you take the first sip.
By:
Clint Cantwell, AmazingRibs.com President And BBQ Personality
Grilling and chilling is the secret to the most delicious margarita you've ever tasted! The classic frozen margarita gets a smoky blast in this recipe for Grilled Lime Margaritas featuring limes that have been charred on the grill. Juice the limes and combine with tequila, triple sec, sugar, and ice then blend well.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
From classic New York dogs to Chicago dogs to Cincinnati dogs and more, try our best hot dog recipes! Click here to see them all.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
Whether you prefer big fat juicy steakburgers, thin smashburgers, or something in between, we've got the recipes and techniques for you!
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
If you broaden your horizons, this section gives you a lot of freedom. Take these homemade sausage recipes and have fun.
By:
Meathead, AmazingRibs.com Founder And BBQ Hall of Famer
How do you make dessert on a grill? On AmazingRibs.com, we've got just the right recipes to put a crown on a great meal.
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