Tailgate Food Ideas
Vegan and Gluten-Free Air Fryer Eggplant
Shatteringly crisp, smoky-spiced eggplant cutlets made in the air fryer with a savory, cheesy vibe from nutritional yeast and a dunkable pool of warm marinara.
Spicy Southwest Chicken Potato Crockpot Soup
Smoky, zesty crockpot chicken and potato soup loaded with fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and sweet corn, finished with a bright squeeze of lime.
Ham & Cheese Wrap
Stacked with smoky ham, sharp cheddar, and a tangy-creamy slather, this wrap hits with crunchy lettuce, soft tortillas, and just enough bite to keep things interesting.
Creamy Purple Cabbage Slaw
Crunchy, jewel-toned slaw cloaked in a tangy, lime-bright creamy dressing with a warm whisper of cumin.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy, tangy, and unapologetically savory, this chicken bacon ranch pasta salad packs juicy chicken, smoky-crisp bacon, and herby crunch in every twirl.
Chicken & Apple Sausage Stir-Fry
Smoky-sweet chicken and apple sausage caramelized to a deep bronze, tossed with tender-crisp peppers and onions, and snapped bright with apple cider vinegar and a warming kiss of spice.
Crockpot Turkey & Vegetable Chili
Smoky, hearty crockpot turkey and vegetable chili with slow-bloomed spices, sweet pops of corn, and a deep tomato backbone that eats like a cozy hug with attitude.
Slow Cooker Kalua Pork (Authentic Hawaiian-Style)
Fall-apart tender Hawaiian-style kalua pork with deep sea-salty savor, gentle smoke, and banana leaf aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell like a luau.
Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
Slow-roasted pork shoulder soaked in garlicky apple-cider marinade with smoky paprika and rosemary, meltingly tender inside with a caramelized crust that means business.
Honey-Glazed Steak Strips
Sticky-sweet, garlicky honey glaze clings to juicy, deeply seared sirloin strips with a salty-soy finish and a little swagger of heat.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Lush, smoky-sweet pulled pork that collapses into tender shreds and bathes in a glossy, tangy BBQ gravy straight from your slow cooker.
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Sticky, smoky drumsticks with crisped edges and a lacquered barbecue glaze that clings to your fingers in the best way.
Beef Enchilada Pasta
Big, bold enchilada flavors meet creamy, cheesy pasta for a one-pan weeknight knockout with a gentle kick and a glossy, clinging sauce.
Loaded Beef and Potato Burritos
Crispy-edged potatoes and juicy, smoky beef wrapped tight in warm tortillas, then crowned with a melty, cheesy blanket that means business.
Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potato & Gravy Bitterballen
Golden, shatter-crisp Dutch-style croquettes with a silky turkey-gravy center and just enough nutmeg and Dijon to make you close your eyes at first bite.
Doritos Taco Salad
Crunchy, saucy, and wildly satisfying, this Doritos taco salad hits you with smoky taco beef, cool ranch, and a riot of fresh, crisp vegetables in every bite.
Pizza Burger Pie
A bubbling, cheesy mash-up of pizzeria comfort and backyard burger vibes tucked into a crisp, golden pie crust.
Air Fryer Tortellini With Marinara Sauce
Crispy, golden tortellini with a bubbling cheesy center and a punchy marinara that will make you reach for one more, then another.
Chicken & Apple Sausage Crescent Rolls
Flaky, golden crescent rolls stuffed with smoky-sweet chicken and apple sausage, buttery onions, Dijon, and thyme for a crisp, juicy bite that hits all the notes.
Leftover Turkey Quesadillas
Crisp-edged, gooey-cheesy quesadillas loaded with juicy leftover turkey and salsa bring weeknight comfort with a little attitude.
Stove-Top BBQ Pulled Pork
Deeply smoky, sweet-tangy pulled pork with a glossy, sticky finish that hits like your favorite BBQ joint without leaving the stovetop.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Crisp, golden shells with a shattering crunch give way to gooey, stretchy mozzarella that begs to be dunked in warm garlicky marinara.
Grilled Cajun Shrimp
Smoky, juicy Cajun shrimp with a lemon pop and grill-charred edges that make your taste buds sit up straight.
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken thighs glazed in a tangy-sweet Dijon honey sauce with a lick of char that makes your neighbors jealous.
Halloween Black Bean Dip
Smoky, tangy, ultra-creamy black bean dip crowned with crisp puff pastry R I P letters that bring big Halloween drama and even bigger flavor.
Slow Cooker Hearty Chili
Deep, smoky, beef-forward chili with tender beans, lush tomato body, and that slow-cooker coziness that hugs you like a warm sweater on a cold NYC night.
Southwestern Ground Turkey Rice Casserole
Smoky, cheesy Southwestern comfort with tender rice, juicy turkey, and peppers that hit all the right notes of chili, cumin, and paprika.
Savory Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Buttery, flaky biscuits packed with smoky ham and melty cheddar, kissed with garlic and black pepper for a savory, pull-apart situation you will crave.
Filipino Chicken BBQ Skewers
Sticky-sweet, smoky Filipino-style chicken skewers that drip with caramelized glaze and citrusy tang, built for high-heat grilling and serious flavor.
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Juicy, flame-kissed chicken satay drenched in a silky, zingy peanut sauce that hits salty, sweet, garlicky, and smoky in one bite.
Hearty Crockpot Vegan Chili
Smoky, slow-simmered vegan chili loaded with fire-roasted tomatoes, tender beans, and a sultry chipotle kick that warms you straight to your bones.
Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread
Warm, tear-and-share vegan bread stuffed with garlicky spinach, briny artichokes, and lush dairy-free cheeses that brings serious comfort with a little attitude.
Mexican Street Corn Dip (Elote Dip)
Smoky and creamy elote dip loaded with charred corn, bright lime, and salty Cotija, finished with fresh cilantro and a Tajín zing.
Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese on Pretzel Slider
Buttery pretzel buns hug sweet-tangy honey mustard, melty provolone, and juicy ham, finished with garlicky butter and toasted sesame for a slider that hits salty, sweet, and smoky in every bite.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Wrap
Creamy, garlicky tang meets juicy paprika-seared chicken wrapped in warm tortillas with a fresh spinach crunch.
Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Rolls
Flaky crescent dough wrapped around garlicky, peppery sausage and molten cheddar that oozes just enough to make breakfast feel a little dangerous.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Juicy, flame-kissed chicken glazed with a glossy, garlicky-sweet teriyaki that hits salty, tangy, and smoky in every bite.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Creamy, gently spicy white chicken chili with tender shredded chicken, mellow green chiles, and a velvety broth kissed with lime and cilantro that actually tastes like something.
Healthy Ranch-Roasted Chickpea Snack
Crunchy, ranch-savored roasted chickpeas with a kiss of smoked paprika and salty Parmesan that deliver big bar-snack energy without the gut bomb.
Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread
Thick, tender Pan Sobao slathered with roasted garlic butter and drowned in a molten trio of cheeses for a crisp-edged, pull-apart, ridiculously fragrant situation.
Chicken Bites in Sweet Garlic Sauce
Golden-seared chicken bites slicked in a glossy sweet garlic butter glaze with a salty-soy snap and a clean hit of rice vinegar.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Crisp butter lettuce cradles juicy chicken kissed with lime, ginger, and fish sauce, with crunchy carrots and scallions bringing that fresh snap you crave.
Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken
Sticky-sweet, garlicky grilled chicken with charred edges and a glossy honey glaze that hits every salty, tangy, smoky note.
Crockpot Southwest Style Chili
Smoky, beefy, and loaded with fire-roasted tomatoes and sweet corn, this crockpot Southwest chili brings deep, slow-simmered flavor with just the right kick.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Juicy, garlicky beef tangled with sweet onions and mushrooms under a lush, melty cap of provolone and mozzarella, tucked into tender-roasted green pepper boats that stay firm, not soggy.
Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos
Juicy chile-lime chicken tangled with sweet bell peppers, melty cheddar, and a cool ranch drizzle wrapped in a toasty, griddled tortilla that snaps and oozes in all the right ways.
Grilled Chipotle Chicken Copycat
Smoky, juicy chipotle-kissed chicken thighs with a sultry char and limey snap, perfect for chopping into those iconic tender bites.
Baked Sweet Potato Rounds With Garlic Aioli
Caramelized sweet potato rounds with smoky edges and a zesty, garlicky aioli that begs for finger-dipping.
Zesty Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs
Juicy, smoky chicken thighs with crackling lime-zested skin, cilantro perfume, and just enough garlic and spice to make your grill neighbors jealous.
Maple Bacon Turkey Sliders (Hawaiian Rolls)
Sweet-salty maple bacon, juicy leftover turkey, and garlicky butter on pillowy Hawaiian rolls make a pull-apart Thanksgiving sandwich that disappears fast.
Thai Chicken Satay Skewers
Juicy, spice-kissed Thai chicken satay with smoky grill char and a coconut-rich, savory-sweet marinade that refuses to be boring.
Texas Chili (Chili Con Carne)
Deep, brick-red Texas chili loaded with tender beef, a silky chile paste, and a slow-bloomed, smoky heat that hits like a velvet glove.
Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Juicy, smoky chicken strips and blistered tri-color peppers tucked into warm tortillas with cool tangy cream and a bright snap of lime.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
Crunchy, smoky, and tangy fried green tomatoes with a shattering gluten-free crust and a kiss of garlic, air-fried to golden perfection and made to dunk in vegan ranch.
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Lemon Butter Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken thighs bathed in a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce that hits salty, tangy, and silky all at once.
French Onion Breakfast Rolls
Buttery, flaky breakfast pinwheels packed with smoky bacon, savory sausage, tender soft-scrambled eggs, and melty cheddar, finished with a fresh chive pop.
Honey Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob
Char-kissed corn with a glossy, salty-sweet honey butter that pops with smoky grill notes and juicy snap in every bite.
Grilled Asian Chicken Kebabs
Juicy, smoky chicken thighs glossed with gingery soy, a whisper of honey, and a nutty sesame finish that hits sweet, salty, and savory in every bite.
Grilled Paprika Chicken Skewers
Smoky, lemon-kissed chicken skewers with sweet charred peppers and a paprika-garlic swagger that tastes like summer on a stick.
Leftover Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
Crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside potato bombs loaded with cheddar, Parmesan, and scallion swagger, made for dunking in punchy garlic aioli.
Kielbasa Fried Rice
Smoky kielbasa meets buttery, sesame-kissed fried rice with sweet pops of peas, tender carrots, and just enough umami to keep your chopsticks busy.
Cola Chicken
Sticky-sweet, garlicky cola-glazed chicken thighs with crackly skin and a shiny, finger-licking sauce that means business.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich With Slaw
Crispy, craggy-fried chicken tucked into buttery toasted brioche with a cool, tangy slaw and a creamy buffalo kick that hits all the right notes.
Air Fryer Taco Empanadas
Buttery-crisp air fryer empanadas packed with juicy taco beef and oozy cheddar meet salsa heat and a bronzed, shattery finish that snaps like a good attitude in my kitchen.
Grilled Chicken Thighs With Basil Chimichurri
Crisp, smoky chicken thighs meet a punchy basil chimichurri loaded with garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar for a juicy, high-contrast bite.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich With Slaw
Smoky, saucy pulled chicken piled on buttery toasted brioche with a tangy-crisp slaw that snaps and keeps the juices in check.
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
Crispy-edged, garlicky zucchini rounds crowned with caramelized Parmesan that shatter and melt in the same bite.
Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)
Fluffy, fragrant grains kissed with bright lime and fresh cilantro, just like Chipotle but with better seasoning and control at home.
Bourbon Butter Grilled Shrimp
Plump, smoky shrimp lacquered in a glossy bourbon butter with garlicky heat and just the right kiss of salt.
Gluten-Free Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Silky, smoky, naturally gluten-free white chicken chili with tender shreds of chicken, green chile warmth, and a lush creamy finish.
Spam Musubi (Hawaiian Snack)
Sweet-salty caramelized Spam perched on glossy, well-seasoned sushi rice and hugged with snappy nori for the most addictive grab-and-go Hawaiian bite.
Tuna Melt Sandwich
Buttery, golden-crisp bread hugging a creamy, tangy, garlicky tuna salad with a gooey blanket of sharp cheddar that eats like a diner classic done right at home.
Grilled Corn Salad With Cilantro & Peppers
Smoky-sweet grilled corn tossed with crisp peppers, zippy lime, and cilantro that hits like summer in a bowl.
Bbq Glazed Cocktail Meatballs
Sweet-smoky, tangy, and glossy little beef bites with a sticky lacquer outside and a juicy, tender center that disappear the second they hit the party table.
Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Juicy, garlicky buffalo chicken meatballs with a smoky kick and a glossy, buttery heat that clings to every bite.
Slow Cooked BBQ Beef Brisket
Tender, smoky-sweet brisket with a spice crust and a glossy, tangy glaze that tastes like your favorite BBQ joint moved into your kitchen.
Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins
Crispy-edged, cheesy, garlicky mashed potato muffins with a soft, custardy center that turn last night’s spuds into a brunch power move.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Charred, buttery corn crowned with salty cotija, bright lime, and a flirt of chili for that sweet, smoky, tangy street-cart magic.
Gluten-Free Maple Sriracha Chicken Legs
Sticky, spicy-sweet drumsticks lacquered with maple, garlicky sriracha, and smoky paprika, baked until the skin crackles.
Baked Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce
Juicy beef-and-pork meatballs get lacquered in a glossy, sweet-tart cranberry-orange sauce with a Dijon snap that keeps you coming back for another bite.
New York Deli Pastrami on Rye
Pepper-crusted, smoky, and ridiculously juicy pastrami stacked on seeded rye with a slap of spicy mustard, pure New York deli swagger from your own kitchen.
Chicken Bacon Pasta
Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a glossy garlic-Parmesan sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti like it means it.
Double-Decker Smash Burger With Ranch
A drippy, double-decker smash burger sandwich stacked with melty American, crisp bacon, cool ranch, and pickles on butter-toasted buns.
Protein-Packed Ham & Cheese Biscuits
Tender, sky-high biscuits loaded with juicy ham, sharp cheddar, and chives, with a creamy cottage cheese crumb that stays moist and protein-forward.
Vegan Chipotle “Chicken” Copycat (Made With Mushrooms)
Smoky, spicy, and meaty vegan chipotle 'chicken' bursts with rich umami, thanks to tender portobello mushrooms and a bold, punchy marinade.