Tailgating is all about enjoying great food and good company, but let’s be honest, standing around a grill isn’t always ideal, especially on a chilly game day. That’s where cold tailgate foods come in! These dishes are easy to prepare ahead of time, travel well, and stay delicious without needing to be reheated. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or just there for the fun, our collection of cold tailgate food ideas will keep everyone satisfied. From hearty sandwiches and refreshing dips to sweet treats and finger foods, we’ve got something for every fan. Get ready to elevate your tailgating experience with these simple, no-fuss recipes!
Layered Taco Dip for Game Day
Elevate the classic Game Day Layered Taco Dip by infusing it with beloved fan-favorite flavors. This dip combines seasoned beef, refried beans, zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, melty cheese, ripe tomatoes and briny black olives.
Get the recipe: Layered Taco Dip for Game Day
Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
Dill Pickle deviled eggs are in my eyes the perfect party food. They not only taste both creamy and tangy but they are simple to make. This is a quick and easy recipe that is made even better thanks to the flavor of dill pickles. Deviled eggs are also easy for guests to handle and eat.
Get the recipe: Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
Watermelon Pico de Gallo (salsa)
Watermelon Pico de Gallo is a sweet, spicy, & juicy salsa that will be your new summer favorite. It is amazing with tortilla chips but even better on fish tacos. There is no limit to how many ways you can enjoy this homemade fruit salsa.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Pico de Gallo (salsa)
Easy Game Day Guacamole Dip for Football Snacks
This easy game day guacamole dip is perfect for football snacksand tailgating. Here’s how to make it!
Get the recipe: Guacamole Dip
Easy and Delicious Football Cupcakes for Game Day
Celebrate game day in a delicious way with these easy football cupcakes you can make for your home team. Here is how to make them!
Get the recipe: Football Cupcakes for Game Day
Appetizer Tortellini Skewers
These Appetizer Tortellini Skewers are the ultimate party finger food! They’re everything you love about an Italian antipasto platter but on a stick. Served with toasted crusty bread and delicious pesto for dipping. This recipe will be a hit at any gathering!
Get the recipe: Appetizer Tortellini Skewers
Greek Chicken Sandwich
Greek chicken sandwich has all great flavors of a greek salad but in the perfect lunch form. Take it on picnics or just in your lunchbox to school or work for a yummy lunch you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can enjoy.
Get the recipe: Greek Chicken Sandwich
Hummus Recipe
The very BEST Hummus Recipe is creamy, smooth, flavorful, and a million times better than even your very favorite store-bought version. Made using a handful of simple pantry ingredients, including chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon, and cumin, learn how to make hummus and enjoy it with all your favorite Mediterranean dishes and as a healthy snack.
Get the recipe: Hummus Recipe
Chopped Italian Sandwich
Whether you need a quick, casual dinner idea, a crowd-pleasing recipe for a potluck, or the perfect tailgate snack, this chopped Italian sandwich is always a hit. It’s fast and easy to make with Italian bread or sub rolls and your favorite meats, cheese, and marinated vegetables. Chopping your ingredients means you’ll get a major flavor explosion in every bite.
Get the recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich
Football Cheese Ball
This delicious Football Cheese Ball is quick and easy make ahead appetizer, packed with cream cheese, bacon, chicken, pecans and more. It is made with minimal hands on time and a perfect crowd feeding, football shaped dip for Super Bowl, game day tailgate, holidays and any family gathering.
Get the recipe: Football Cheese Ball
Chicken Taco Pinwheels
These chicken pinwheels packed with taco flavor are a quick and easy appetizer that’s perfect for all sorts of occasions!
Get the recipe: Chicken Taco Pinwheels
Olive Tapenade
Olive Tapenade or olive spread is a delicious condiment made with olives, capers, garlic, and freshly chopped parsley. This is a classic Mediterranean appetizer that’s full of bold flavors.
Get the recipe: Olive Tapenade
Coconut Date Balls (No Bake)
Coconut date balls are a delicious, decadent, and healthy dessert that takes just minutes to make with just a few simple ingredients. They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings with natural sugar. Check out this easy recipe to make a batch for the school week, an upcoming event, or for a special treat!
Get the recipe: Coconut Date Balls
Dill Pickle Dip
Cool and creamy and loaded with chopped pickles, herby dill, and spices, this Dill Pickle Dip recipe is a must-have for parties, BBQ’s, potlucks, and anytime you need a flavorful, easy dip for entertaining!
Get the recipe: Dill Pickle Dip
Ghost Pepper Cheese Ball
For those that like a little extra spice in their life, this Ghost Pepper Cheese Ball is made for you! Tangy cream cheese combined with ghost pepper powder and a savory blend of spices make the perfect spicy addition to your spread!
Get the recipe: Ghost Pepper Cheese Ball
Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes – this is one of those recipes I come back to over & over again. Everybody loves it.
Get the recipe: Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Mexican street corn dip isn’t just delicious, it’s super easy to make! No grilling corn on the cob for hours or searching for fancy ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and about 15 minutes, you can whip up this recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip
Roast Beef Crostini with Horseradish Cream
Roast Beef Crostini with Horseradish Cream is an easy to make appetizer that feel a little bit fancy. Thin slices of deli roast beef top toasty crostini along with a tangy horseradish cream, arugula, a sprinkle of Gruyere cheese and diced tomatoes. They are perfect for your next party and are SO GOOD!
Get the recipe: Roast Beef Crostini with Horseradish Cream
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
All the great flavors of buffalo chicken dip, in a satisfying tortellini pasta salad! It’s perfect as a main dish salad, or as a hearty side for picnics, cookouts, tailgating and potlucks, and it’s sure to win raves every time you make it! Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead and can even be served without the chicken for a vegetarian option!
Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
Looking for holiday entertaining ideas? Read on for this easy and delicious recipe for cranberry nut cream cheese balls.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
