Tailgating is a big deal especially in Texas. In fact, we’ve been throwing our own party for years!
When it comes to parking lot parties, the essentials are simple: beer, ice and a tent. However, if you and guests are going to be drinking all day in the sun at a game you need to eat and serve! That adds a lot of time and expense but I think, as an expert, I’ve narrowed it down to the top ten tailgate treats.
Here is my methodology:
- Quick and easy. You are setting up in a parking lot and will not have a kitchen so keep it simple.
- Hand held. People are not sitting and eating they are walking around.
- Buffett style. Items that can be set up and sit well on a table all day. People will be coming and going for hours.
- Affordable. Don’t break the bank feeding drunks.
The List:
10) Buffalo Wings
A classic football fare so I have to include this one. Hot tip: serve the buffalo sauce ON THE SIDE. Less messy AND keeps the wings crisp and fresh longer.
09) Burgers
You can’t have a cookout without burgers. Only drawback is you are adding more clutter and costs with condiments and sides (things that also do not hold up well on the buffet line outdoors).
08) Beer cheese dip
Queso is also a classic cookout/party dish but not for the tailgate. It’s messy, runny and always burns to the side of the crockpot. Go with beer cheese as your dip instead! It holds up way better, less messy and you can combine it with more of your other tailgate foods than you can with queso.
07) Meat balls or Smokies with Pretzel sticks
Speaking of crock pot, this is a perfect set-it and forget-it snack. Meatballs require prep the day before so go with smokies if you want to save time and money. Which every you choose – just dump them in your crockpot, set it on low and add bbq sauce. Grab a bag of large pretzel sticks for your guests to use as utensils.
06) pigs n a blanket
Speaking of smokies, wrap them in crescent rolls, bake in the oven before leaving and you’ve got pigs n a blanket, always a fan favorite!
05) Hot dogs
You want cheap easy and delicious? Look no further than some ball park franks. Again, condiments & sides the only setback but everyone loves a dog.
04) Kebabs
Nothing more handheld on this list so far than a meat (or veggies) on a skewer. Also, super easy to prep and toss on the grill.
03) Short ribs
Okay, breaking my rules a bit (requires some more prep, cook time and money) but short ribs are a great hand-held, buffet friendly food. Also, you can’t have a tailgate without bbq!
Speaking of…
02) Brisket
Okay, so this does require a day of prep and smoking thus breaking my rules but if you are going to splurge and show off one dish at your tailgate make it a brisket for the bragging rights. Also, holds up in a foil tray well and perfect for the buffet line.
01) Sausage wraps
Yes. I placed sausage wraps over brisket because it nails every qualification posted in my methodology. Cheap, portable, impossible to mess up cooking. Literally just need sausage and a bag of tortillas!! Most importantly, it holds up.
Picture this:
Your team is victorious but you are tired and starving. Standing, cheering and the sun have taken it out of you. You slowly shuffle back to your tailgate to pack up. You wearily begin to pick up beer cans when a scent from the long extinguished grill catches your attention. What? What is that you see sitting on the metal grate?? It’s the last sausage! Alas, now replenished, you quickly pack up and return home victorious.
