It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving for you to prepare a feast. Waiting for the big game to start is the perfect excuse to impress your friends by busting out your best tailgate recipes. A pre-game celebration practically demands a tailgate table loaded down with a feast of football-worthy snacks, so get your team fed with these fumble-proof tailgating recipes.
Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and rich - no three adjectives make a tailgating recipe more delicious. This hot spinach and artichoke dip is the perfect appetizer for your tailgate table and the perfect addition to your list of favorite football recipes.
Ingredients
Directions
Boil spinach and artichokes in 1 cup of water until tender and drain. Discard liquid. Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve dip while hot with vegetables, pita chips, or any of your other favorite crackers.
Seven Layer Dip
Dips like seven-layer dip are great because they can be served at room temperature. You don't have to worry about keeping it hot or cold. Just set it out early and enjoy your tailgate.
Ingredients
Directions
In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Set aside to drain and cool to room temperature.
Spread the beans into the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch serving tray that is about 1 1/2 inches deep. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of beans. Sprinkle beef on top of cheese. Spread sour cream very slowly on top of beef. Spread guacamole on top of sour cream. Pour salsa over guacamole and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese. Sprinkle black olives, tomatoes, and green onions on top.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a great and easy appetizer that you can make on the side of your grill while making the rest of your tailgate essentials - burgers, chicken, and bratwurst. (Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you may have some filling leftover, so have a few extra jalapenos on hand.)
Ingredients
Directions
1. Using a hand mixer, mix together cheeses, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Cut each jalapeno in half from stem to tip forming a long, shallow container. Use a small paring knife or a small spoon to scrape out seeds and membranes without breaking through the flesh of the jalapeno. Use gloves if needed.
3. Use a spoon to fill each jalapeno half with cheese mixture, mounding slightly. Cut bacon slices in half and wrap one-half slice around each jalapeno, securing with a toothpick.
4. Place the stuffed jalapenos over an open flame on the grill, turning constantly, with tongs. Cook until the bacon is done.
Buffalo Wings
A tailgate isn't a tailgate without chicken wings! This easy recipe can be marinated ahead of time and is guaranteed to keep fans coming back to your tailgate table.
Ingredients
Directions
1. Combine the water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, sugar, limes, and red pepper in a gallon-sized sealable bag. Seal and shake to combine. Add the chicken wings and refrigerate 24 to 48 hours.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-low heat and lightly oil grate.
3. Drain the marinade from the wings and discard. Cook the wings on heated grill, turning occasionally, until juices run clear, 25 to 30 minutes.
