Make Your First At-Home Tailgate a Win with These Fan-Favorite Recipes
Ready to take your food game to the next level?
The 2020 football season is upon on us...but what does that mean for tailgating? While we may be celebrating many holidays and events differently this year, that doesn’t mean we can’t tailgate — we just need to recreate the experience at home.
“Homegating,” which brings the tailgate to you, is the perfect way to create an exciting atmosphere before the kickoff. Bonus points if you set up in your back yard with some music and games! But, what about the food? The homegate festivities allow you to do a little bit of fall grilling and step up your regular routine since you’ll have access to your entire kitchen (and all of the appliances that you wouldn’t be able to use for a typical tailgate).
You may not be cracking open a beer and playing cornhole in the parking lot this year, but you’ll still get the tailgating experience — and some really delicious game day grub — straight from your kitchen.
Hot Dogs Galore (image above)
It wouldn’t be a tailgate without a classic hot dog in hand, right? Heat things up by adding a spicy pineapple relish to your dogs — an upgrade from your usual ketchup-and-mustard combo. And, don’t be afraid to pile an extra helping of this onion-pepper-pineapple topping into the bun because it's so much easier to eat over a plate than standing in the parking lot.
Don’t have a grill? You can still get your hot dog fix with a frying pan. Again, slather on that delicious topping (like Sunny does with her cheesy, jalapeno popper dogs) because it’s okay if you get a little messy. You have plates, napkins and a sink to wash your hands at home!
KATE MATHIS
Whip out that air fryer for guaranteed-crispy wings this year! Set it up on your kitchen counter and flip each wing when necessary for an even cook.
Teri Lyn Fisher
This meaty, hearty chili will cook on its own while you tend to the other at-home activities that you have planned for the day. Join in on a family game of Kan Jam while you’re waiting on your food.
Melissa Libertelli Photography
You’ll never have to share again with these individual nachos! Use wonton wrappers to form a single tortilla cup and load all the classic nacho ingredients into each one.
RYAN DAUSCH
While tailgating may be heavily focused on savory dips and meaty grilled foods, there's nothing wrong with having a little something sweet before the game starts. These cute football cake pops not only go with the theme but can be made beforehand and kept in the refigerator until dessert time.
Matt Armendariz
Your fridge may be fully stocked with your favorite beer, but these game day margaritas will quench your thirst and keep you hydrated. Who knew Gatorade and tequila would make such a great team?!
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