Tailgate party snack foods go with football season like Dan and Rosanne, June and Ward, Weezy and George, hat and gloves, socks and shoes, PB&J… well, you get the idea.
Let’s face it, tailgate food is just plain awesome. If you’re looking for some simple snack ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are some awesome game day food ideas to keep you going!
This list is the ultimate list for easy tailgate foods. We have defined the tailgating categories for; Chicken, Dips & Sauces, Nachos, Poppers, Sandwiches & Pockets, Desserts, Side Dishes, & Drink Foods.
List of Tailgating Supplies
Portable Grill
No tailgate party is complete without a way to cook your food. Some opt for charcoal and some opt for gas.
Power Inverter
Tailgating can be a lot of fun but you’ll need power. If you have access to a vehicle, you can use the battery to charge various items.
Crock Pot
Crockpots are a great way to keep tailgating food warm.
Extension Cable
Don’t ruin a perfectly good tailgate by forgetting important items. You never know when you may need to plug an electric device in. Choose a cord long enough to power your items.
Charcoal
If you’re using a charcoal grill to cook your food, don’t walk out of the house without your charcoal. You can make a lot of really tasty tailgating food with a simple charcoal grill.
Lighters
Bring multiple lighters or matches. You never know when you’ll need them.
Folding Chairs
If you’re like me, you’re absent-minded. You might have plenty of simple snack ideas but don’t forget something as important as comfort. Standing for hours on end out in the hot sun is no fun. Bring chairs to relax in.
Folding Table
You’ll need something flat to prepare all those quick snack ideas.
Pop-Up Canopy
You never know when the rain may come and you can’t depend on those meteorologists to get the forecast right. Plus, the canopy will help protect you from the sun and keep the sun out of your eyes.
Toothpicks
Several of the best snacks to make are small in size and heavy on flavor. Rather than have a crowd put their dirty fingers all over your treats, insert toothpicks so they have something to grab hold of.
Aluminum Foil
You never know when you might need aluminum foil. Like duct tape is to a handyman, aluminum foil is a versatile tool for any tailgating chef.
Plastic Cups
Tailgate parties usually involve iced cold beer or other refreshments. Bring plenty of cups.
Plastic or Paper Plates
Just like plastic cups, no tailgate party is complete without plates to pile on all that naughty food.
Cornhole
Eating is one thing but no party is complete without some good old-fashioned entertainment. If you’re like me, cornhole is a great way to pass the time while also igniting that competitive spirit.
Fan Gear
This goes without say. No tailgate party is complete without representing your team. Don’t walk out of the house without your favorite jersey, hat, flag, or t-shirt.
Eating Utensils
What’s use are all these cool snack ideas if these are no utensils to eat them with? Don’t forget knives, forks, and spoons.
Multipurpose Large Freezer Bags
A great way to store food is by using freezer storage bags.
Napkins or Paper Towels
Quick and easy party snacks are so wonderful to make for the big game but they will certainly create quite the mess.
Sunscreen
Being out among your favorite fans is rewarding but don’t get burned to a crisp in the process. Be sure to include a sunscreen with a high SPF.
Cell Phone Charger
Your favorite game can go on for several hours. Don’t forget to charge your phone ahead of time and to pack an extra charger in case the battery gets low.
Sunglasses
Hot summer days and early fall can bring on nice sunny days but too much sun can cause severe irritation to the eyes.
Wet Wipes
Tailgates can get messy. Don’t leave that mess for someone else to clean up. Wet wipes are always great to have on hand.
Cooler
No tailgating party is complete without iced cold refreshments. Make sure to bring one or many coolers.
Oven Mitts
Don’t leave the house without a few oven mitts. Cooking for a crowd can be rewarding but pans and plates can get hot.
Aluminum Pans
Cheap disposable aluminum pans are so versatile and it makes it easier to access all those amazing finger food creations.
Toilet Paper
This one goes without saying. Don’t get stuck in a remote location without a little backup.
Trash Bags
No one likes a litterbug. Tailgates can get messy. Clean up after the party is over instead of leaving it for someone else to clean.
Designated Driver
Tailgating parties are so much fun and alcohol is often involved. Plan ahead, drive safe and be responsible.
Meat Thermometer
Whenever you are cooking meats, especially pork, make sure you pack a meat thermometer.
A Football…Obviously
While waiting for the big game to start, entertain yourself by passing the ol’ pigskin.
Tailgate Food Condiments and Misc Food Items
Cooking Spray
No one wants their food sticking to the grill. Make sure to pack some cooking spray.
Ketchup
What good is a delicious hamburger or hotdog without some ketchup or mustard?
Mustard
Like ketchup, good mustard can be the highlight of a good hotdog or burger.
Mayonnaise
If you’re like me, mayo is something special on a delicious hamburger bun.
Salt and Pepper
It’s easy to forget this one but salt and pepper can go a long way for adding flavor to quick snack ideas.
Beer
No tailgating party is complete without ice cold beer. The ultimate condiment.
Salsa
At this point in human history, is there anyone that doesn’t love a tasty salsa and chip combo?
Onions
Onions are versatile and can spice up any quick snack idea.
Pickles
Like ketchup and mustard, who doesn’t love pickles on their hamburger?
Relish
If you’re serving hot dogs at your next tailgate party, be sure to include relish.
BBQ Sauce
If barbequed meat is one of your favorite snacks to make, be sure to stock up on some extra BBQ sauce.
I hope you have enjoyed this list of tailgate supplies to include for your next tailgating party.
6 Steps For Making Successful Tailgating Foods
1) Plan & shop ahead of time.
2) Make foods that can be stored or frozen first
3) Bring ice and coolers for drinks
4) Enjoy beer but drink responsibly or make sure you have a designated driver
5) Don’t forget utensils
6) Don’t forget a grill or warmers
Final Thoughts on Tailgate Food
We hope you have enjoyed our ultimate tailgating food recipe roundup. We would love to hear from you in the comment section below. We also encourage you to share all of our amazing foods on your social media channels.
