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Tailgate food can be a bit intimidating, especially if you are new to it or don’t have a super intricate set-up. Whether you want to save time so you can spend the day cheering on your team or you just aren’t in the mood for grill duty, you can absolutely have an amazing day full of tailgating and fun without a grill.
The key to a no-grill tailgate is strategic planning. Whether that is making your dishes ahead of time and warming them up at the tailgate, or slow-cooking on site. The easier option that will allow you to have time and freedom at the tailgate is the slow cooker. That does mean, however, you will have to wait on your food. A more efficient option is to make your dishes ahead of time and heat them back up with a chafing dish set up or by using heat-safe dishes to cook, transport, and reheat your dishes on the grill or a warming plate.
Don’t forget to plan for eating utensils, serve ware, and trash.
After deciding on how you want to approach your no-grill tailgate, you’re next step it to choose a menu! These 21 recipes include everything from small bites to main dishes, down to dessert options. All of which can be made ahead of time, or on site in a slow cooker.
Quick Bites
1. Mini Cheese Balls
Don’t let the elevated look of these cheese balls keep you from adding them to the menu. While they are definitely up to par, they are incredibly versatile and would work well for a tailgate. Not only can these serve as a quick and easy option, you can add a ton of variety and people can grab and go much easier than trying to divvy up one large ball.
2. Spinach Balls with a Dipping Mustard
These spinach balls are an amazing way to sneak some vegetables into the day in a deliciously easy way. They are also amazing at room temperature which is the best type of food on game day.
3. Pulled Pork Puffs
If you can’t BBQ the pulled pork on the day of, this is a great compromise. These puffs bring the sweet and smoky flavors in a portable bite. They are amazing to toss a few on a plate and go and give you your BBQ meat fix.
4. Mexican Street Corn Dip
Dips are always a crowd favorite and are some of the easiest dishes to prepare. This Mexican street corn dip is an unexpected but welcomed addition to game day that is bursting with flavor. It only takes a few minutes of preparation and all you need to grab on the way out is the dish and some chips to go along!
5. Pretzel Bites
Bring the stadium vibes to the tailgate with these soft and salty pretzel bites. These are sure to be a crowd favorite as they are soft, warm, and comforting. Even better, you can warm them up for an ideal treat or serve them as is, and they are still just as good. No need to miss out on the pretzels and beer.
6. Spinach Puffs
If you want something vegetarian friendly and a bit more substantial than the spinach balls, choose these spinach puffs. These are easy to throw together and offer up some variety and fresher flavors while still complimenting the other options you are likely to have at the tailgate.
7. Jalapeño Popper Pigs in A Blanket
A lot of what we do at A Place To Bake is learning how to elevate the things we are already working with. This recipe is just that. Classic pigs-in-a-blanket meets jalapeño poppers in a bold and fun new way.
8. Mini Hamburger Bites
Tailgating usually means BBQ, burgers, and hotdogs. But if you’re tailgating without a grill, these are an amazing way to bring those vibes back to the day. Even better, these grab-and-go bites are much easier to snack on or carry around than an actual burger. Add a side of ketchup and mustard to dip them and you’ve got it all figured out.
9. Rueben Dip
If you’re good with hopping on the dip party train, don’t leave this one behind. This Rueben dip is incredibly unique and delicious making it a standout option for your tailgate. The creamy and salty familiar flavors are sure to have everyone talking.
10. Pumpkin Quesadillas
These quesadillas work amazingly well if you have a flattop grill but can also be a good option if you’re doing game day without a grill. These can be made and sliced up ahead of time and rewarmed on site. The best part is the unexpected flavor combination that melds pumpkin with a Mexican flare.
11. Teriyaki Meatballs
There is always time for meatballs at any type of party, indoor or outdoor. But why stick to the usual when you can swap out those BBQ meatballs for this sweet and tangy Teriyaki meatballs? The best part is that this delicious bites can be warmed over fuel containers or in the slow cooker.
Tailgate Foods
12. Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders
Planning for meals that can be made without a grill just means you have to lean into preparing ahead of time and assembling later. This recipe is the perfect example. These stunning honey mustard chicken sliders are so easy to make ahead of time, and all you need to do is rewarm the chicken and assemble on site.
13. Pumpkin Chili
Chili may not be a new idea when it comes to tailgating recipes, but most tailgating takes place in the fall, so why not lean into the season? This pumpkin chili is a an unexpected comfort food for a long, chilly (pun intended) day outside.
14. Rueben Sliders
Assemble these Rueben sliders at home and warm them on a warming tray or grill to melt the cheese for a super special treat. The warm flavors of this recipe will be just what people want but a standout from the usual hotdogs and burgers.
15. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
When looking for convenience with tailgate food, the crockpot will always win out. This spinach artichoke dip is already a fan favorite, but it adds in the bonus of being able to be kept warm and fresh, especially on those chillier game days.
16. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
These tenders are an amazing option for a “real” food option. These tenders can be made before hand and warmed up at the tailgate. All you need to do is add the cheesy, delicious garlic sauce and you have stepped up a party staple.
Game Day Sweets
17. German Chocolate Brownies
You could try and bring a cake to the tailgate, but they can be a bit difficult to transport and serve. You can also bring brownies, but someone else probably did as well. Why not take the convenience of brownies and marry it with the amazing flavor options of a cake with this super fun and tasty option, German Chocolate brownies. Decadent and easy to eat, all in one.
18. Butter Toffee Pretzels
Pretzels and nut mixes are no stranger to football games, but have you considered a dessert spin? If not, add these sweet and salty butter toffee pretzels to your list. These are so easy to make in large quantities and are amazing for grabbing and going, and go perfect with beer.
19. Apple Pie Dip
If you can’t bring a pie to the tailgate, this will definitely make a worthy replacement. Apple pie in a dip form makes it easy to prepare and even easier to share. This amazing dip takes all your favorite parts of apple pie, the bright fruit mixed with warm spices, and serves it up right in a dish.
20. Chai Spiced Rice Krispy Treats
These are not the Rice Krispy treats you packed for your school lunch, they are better! A fun seasonal twist on the classic, these treats are perfect to make up before the tailgate because they store and travel well. The best part is guests get to be fully submerged in the flavors of the season, a welcomed surprise.
21. Caramel Apple Dip
This sweet treat tastes as if super flavorful apples merged with Snickers candy bars. They offer up a sweet treat on wonderful, in-season apples that will allow guests to scoop a bit and go. Bonus, this is one of the simplest options for sweets that you will find to prepare ahead of time.
Don’t feel like hauling the grill this weekend? Skip it! No matter the reason, sometimes you just need a few options that don’t include standing over a hot grill. These recipes are not only delicious but save you a ton of time so you can have as much fun as you want tailgating and cheering for your team.
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