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33 Incredible Recipes For Tailgating

We love football around here. Well – my husband loves football around here, and some of my kids are starting to get interested too, so when we get together to watch the big game it is always fun to pull out all of the appetizers, dips, and snack stops.

Small bite foods are like my favorite thing, ever, and it is so fun to find new recipes, products, and flavor combinations to see what is the favorite of the day!

Let’s kick off the snack and appetizer line-up, shall we?

Pork Egg Rolls

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Pork Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These crispy Pork Egg Rolls are a satisfying fusion of seasoned pork and fresh vegetables wrapped in a golden shell. Whether air-fried or deep-fried, they deliver a crunch that’s perfect for dipping. Ideal as an appetizer or main dish, they bring takeout flavors right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pork Egg Rolls

Birria Nachos

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Birria Nachos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Birria Nachos reimagine a beloved classic by layering tortilla chips with tender birria beef, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings. This bold dish is a cheesy, hearty crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for game day or casual gatherings when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Birria Nachos

Traeger Pork Belly Burnt Ends

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Traeger Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Traeger Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a smoky barbecue masterpiece, slowly cooked to caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Their sticky glaze and tender texture make them a standout for any meat lover. Great as a main course or appetizer, these burnt ends are ideal for outdoor cooking fans.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots

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Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots combine the best of comfort food into one indulgent dish. With crispy tots, juicy hot dogs, and a smothering of chili and cheese, every bite is hearty and satisfying. It’s a perfect party or game day snack.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots

Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Fries

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Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Fries. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Fries are the ultimate griddled side dish. Crispy, golden, and topped with a bold garlic-parmesan coating, these fries deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. They’re a perfect match for burgers, wings, or enjoyed all on their own.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Fries

Blackstone Smash Lumpia

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Blackstone Smash Lumpia. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Blackstone Smash Lumpia offers a deconstructed twist on a Filipino favorite, cooked meat-side down for a golden, crispy finish. This shortcut version skips rolling but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a fast, fun way to enjoy lumpia-inspired bites.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Lumpia

Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta

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Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta is a quick, elegant appetizer that balances creamy cheese with a crunchy sesame crust. Drizzled with hot honey, it delivers a sweet-spicy punch that’s ideal for casual or festive occasions. It’s impressive yet easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta

Smoked Goat Cheese

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Smoked Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Smoked Goat Cheese transforms the familiar into something extraordinary with a subtle smoky note. Rich and creamy, it’s a simple yet elevated appetizer. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a rustic, crowd-pleasing snack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Goat Cheese

Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

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Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers are a fiery, flavorful twist on traditional poppers. Infused with Philly cheesesteak vibes, they combine heat and indulgence in every bite. Perfect for adventurous eaters and smoky appetizer lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

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Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels take creamy artichoke dip to the next level by wrapping it in puff pastry and wood-firing it on a Traeger grill. The result is a flaky, rich, and smoky appetizer. Ideal for parties or holiday spreads, they’re a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

Warm Marinated Olives

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Warm Marinated Olives. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Warm Marinated Olives are a simple yet sophisticated Mediterranean appetizer. The gentle heat brings out the briny richness of the olives, balanced with herbs and spices. It’s a perfect addition to cheese boards or cocktail hours.
Get the Recipe: Warm Marinated Olives

Bacon Ranch Smoked Cream Cheese

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Bacon Ranch Smoked Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Bacon Ranch Smoked Cream Cheese is a rich, savory spread that’s effortlessly crowd-pleasing. Smoky, creamy, and packed with ranch and bacon flavors, it’s a standout dip for crackers, pretzels, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Smoked Cream Cheese

Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells

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Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells are stuffed pasta tubes filled with meaty, cheesy goodness and slow-smoked for a unique BBQ experience. With a name as bold as its flavor, this dish is a fun and hearty crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells

Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

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Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip delivers seafood richness with a smoky BBQ twist. Creamy and decadent, it’s ideal for seafood lovers looking for something a little different. A must-have appetizer for your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese

Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese is a creamy, tangy appetizer infused with garlicky smoke flavor. Perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with wine, it brings a gourmet touch to any event.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese

Smoked Amber Ale Pub Cheese

Smoked Amber Ale Pub Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Smoked Amber Ale Pub Cheese blends smoky beer flavor with creamy cheese for a bold, rich spread. Perfect for pairing with soft pretzels or crackers, it’s a great addition to any snack table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Amber Ale Pub Cheese

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a bright, zesty dish filled with fresh flavors and a touch of spice. Served chilled, it’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a refreshing appetizer year-round.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Smoked Deviled Eggs

Smoked Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Smoked Deviled Eggs reinvent the classic picnic dish with a hint of wood-fired flavor. Creamy, smoky, and slightly tangy, they offer a surprising twist that elevates any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Deviled Eggs

Honey Blueberry Whipped Goat Cheese

Honey Blueberry Whipped Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Honey Blueberry Whipped Goat Cheese is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy spread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Ideal for holidays or brunch, it’s great on crackers, bread, or even fruit.
Get the Recipe: Honey Blueberry Whipped Goat Cheese

Alabama Fire Crackers:

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Alabama Fire Crackers:. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Alabama Fire Crackers are a zesty snack with a bold mix of ranch seasoning and red pepper flakes. Spicy, crunchy, and easy to make ahead, they’re addictive additions to tailgate parties.
Get the Recipe: Alabama Fire Crackers:

Frito Pie Recipe

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Frito Pie Recipe . Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

The Frito Pie Recipe layers crunchy corn chips with warm chili and melted cheese, delivering classic Southern comfort in every bite. Perfect for tailgating or quick family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pie Recipe

Caramel Apple Slab Pie

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Caramel Apple Slab Pie. Photo credit: Stetted.

Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a cozy dessert that captures fall in every slice. With a generous apple filling and caramel drizzle, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks or tailgates.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Slab Pie

Cookies and Cream Football

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Cookies and Cream Football. Photo credit: Life Currents.

The Cookies and Cream Football is a playful dessert dip made with crushed Oreos, shaped into a football for game day flair. Sweet, creamy, and festive—it’s the MVP of your tailgate spread.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Football

Mini Sandwich Bites

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Mini Sandwich Bites. Photo credit: Life Currents.

Mini Sandwich Bites on pretzel rolls are fun, poppable snacks that are easy to make and serve. Great for party spreads, these little bites pack big flavor into a small package.
Get the Recipe: Mini Sandwich Bites

Apple Cider Jello Shots

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Apple Cider Jello Shots. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Apple Cider Jello Shots combine cozy fall flavors with a party-friendly format. Infused with cinnamon whiskey, they’re a festive hit for tailgates or Thanksgiving celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Jello Shots

Washington Apple Shot

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Washington Apple Shot. Photo credit: Feast and West.

The Washington Apple Shot blends Canadian whisky, apple schnapps, and cranberry juice for a sweet-tart cocktail burst. It’s a vibrant way to kick off any fall party or tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Washington Apple Shot

Moscow Mule Jello Shots

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Moscow Mule Jello Shots. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Moscow Mule Jello Shots give a playful twist to the classic cocktail, combining ginger beer, lime, and vodka in gelatin form. Great for beach days or game day fun.
Get the Recipe: Moscow Mule Jello Shots

Hot Italian Sliders

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Hot Italian Sliders. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Hot Italian Sliders are stacked with deli meats and melty cheese on soft slider rolls, then baked to perfection. These mini sandwiches are a savory staple for tailgates and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders

Foil Packet Whiskey Brats

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Foil Packet Whiskey Brats. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Foil Packet Whiskey Brats take bratwurst to the next level with caramelized, whiskey-infused onions. Cooked over the grill or fire, they’re a flavor-packed tailgate upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Foil Packet Whiskey Brats

Spiced Pecans

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Spiced Pecans. Photo credit: Happy Snackcidents.

Spiced Pecans are sweet, savory, and crunchy—ideal for snacking, gifting, or topping salads. Their irresistible flavor makes them a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pecans