It is officially upon us. Whether or not you’re a fan, you have to admit that football culture permeates into nearly every corner of America once the leaves start to change. And though I do consider myself a football lover (Go Frogs!), as much as I love sitting on metal bleachers in 100-degree heat (#TexasForever, amirite), there’s a special place in my heart for the part of football that happens before a single whistle is blown.
Wait, am I talking about tailgating? In your mind, you’re probably picturing burly dudes huddled around a George Foreman, eagerly awaiting the soggy hot dogs they’ll wash down with their Bud Light. Think again, my friends, think again.
For many university and professional teams alike, tailgating is as much a part of gameday as the game itself. Don’t believe me? How about when Rory and Lorelai went with Richard and Emily to the Harvard-Yale game? If that’s a little too boujee, how about that scene where Zac Efron gets a little wild at a tailgate in Neighbors 2? If you’re still not buying it, here’s a picture of my own: Proof that I myself am a tried-and-true, loud and proud tailgater.
Want to be a tried-and-true, loud and proud tailgater too? Here are 20 recipes to get your tailgating (or at-home football party) up to par (Wait, wrong sport… Let me try again). Here are 20 recipes to take your tailgating game straight into the end zone!
1. BLT Pinwheels

Source: Old House to New Home
2. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Source: Munchkin Time
3. Taco Cups

Source: Southern Made Simple
4. Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Source: Old House to New Home
5. Baked Pizza Roll-Ups

Source: Old House to New Home
6. Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket

Source: The Cookie Rookie
7. Mason Jar Five Layer Dip

Source: Delish
8. Ham & Cheese Sliders

Source: Valentina’s Corner
9. Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Source: Food, Folks and Fun
10. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Source: An Affair From the Heart
11. Spicy Pretzels

Source: Old House to New Home
12. Spicy-Sweet Deviled Eggs

Source: MyRecipes
13. Chicken and Honey Sandwiches

Source: MyRecipes
14. Zucchini Tots

Source: Old House to New Home
15. Walking Tacos

Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything
16. Pumpkin Spice Donut Muffins

Source: Old House to New Home
17. BBQ Chicken Bites

Source: Damn Delicious
18. Loaded Baked Potato Croquettes

Source: The Candid Appetite
19. Corn Dog Mini Muffins

Source: Damn Delicious
20. Grilled Zucchini Nachos

Source: Closet Cooking