Tailgating Food Ideas

1. Alabama

Football in Alabama is a way of life. Fans arrive on campus days in advance to arrange elaborate tailgating setups, complete with portable grills, TVs, yard games, and food– lots of it! Take a look at these tailgating food ideas straight out of Alabama.

• Pork Ribs
• Fried Chicken
• Grilled Flank Steak
• Shrimp and Grits
• Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
• Alabama Fire Crackers
• Sweet Tea

2. Alaska

Salmon is a staple in Alaska. So much so that the flavorful fish also finds its way into game day snacks, with fans scooping smoky salmon dip with crackers, mini bagels, and fresh veggies or whipping up a batch of salmon jerky or candied salmon ahead of a big game.

3. Arizona

The border state draws inspiration for its food from its neighbor, Mexico, with tailgating favorites like carne asada tacos, chorizo breakfast burritos, elotes Mexicano, green chile cheeseburgers, pozole, and Sonoran hot dogs.

Another Arizona favorite is crispy fry bread made by locals like Val’s Fry Bread in the Valley. Fans enjoy the deep-fried bread with honey or powdered sugar, or transform them into tacos by piling on seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. And don’t forget the hot sauce, it’s Arizona, after all!

4. Arkansas

Tailgating in Arkansas is all about easy, grab-and-go bites. You’ll find smoked trout cakes, fried pickles, plenty of crispy tortilla chips, and the beloved Arkansas cheese dip—just don’t call it queso around the locals or you’ll hear an earful.

Another game-day staple is chili served in paper bowls or cups, piled high with toppings like chopped onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salty corn chips.

5. California

According to the internet, fresh veggies with ranch dressing top the list of California’s go-to tailgate snacks, but I’m not sold on it. California’s food scene is as massive as the state itself.

Limited parking and tailgating space on some campuses means fans head to local bars and restaurants to start the party. Such is the case for many tailgaters in Northern California who frequent spots like Top Dog and Henry’s Bar before big games.

For campuses in Northern California with a lively football culture and more space (I’m looking at you, Stanford, and Berkeley), pregame eats may includes juicy sausages, Mission-style burritos, San Francisco clam chowder, and cioppino.

In Southern California, schools like USC have whole areas of their campus dedicated to tailgating shenanigans. The food lineup at these parties often feature handheld California burritos, carnitas, Santa Maria grilled tri-tip, L.A.-style hot dogs, chicharróns, and L.A. galbi beef ribs– with larger schools hiring taco trucks to serve classics like carne asada tacos.

6. Colorado

Bring a taste of Colorado to your tailgate with smoked brisket. If you don’t have a smoker, prepare the brisket in the oven ahead of time or turn it into brisket sliders for a quick grab-and-go option.

Other local favorites include smoked beef ribs, Mile-High nachos, and Hatch pork green chili or chili verde. Feeling a little adventurous, try Rocky Mountain oysters!

9. Florida

Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! The warm weather lasts through most of football season, making it the perfect place to pop open a cooler and fire up the grill. You’ll find everything from Cubanos, smoked fish dip, and arepas to crispy fried gator tail.

And no tailgate is complete without a slice of tangy key lime pie.

15. Iowa

You’ll find all kinds of comfort food at tailgating parties in Iowa. Excited fans start the party long before kickoff, and they keep it going well into the night, even after the game ends.

With an almost state fair-like atmosphere, crowd favorites include smoked turkey legs, Iowa’s loose meat sandwiches, and scotcheroos for those craving something sweet.

16. Kansas

Game day calls for handheld rolls called bierocks, which are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, shredded cabbage, onions, sauerkraut, and Gruyère. Tailgating never tasted better!

17. Kentucky

Let’s talk about the delicious food Kentucky has to offer, where traditions run deep, and so does the love for football. Fans often gather around a steaming pot of burgoo, a communal stew made with meats like pork, beef, mutton, or venison, and filled with lima beans, fresh tomatoes, and corn.

If you’re looking for more tailgating food ideas from Kentucky, try pimento cheese dip, beer cheese, and hot brown croissants.

18. Louisiana

Football fans in Louisiana are some of the most passionate and spirited in the Southeastern Conference, but they’re just as well known for their hospitality and love of food. Tailgate parties start at dawn and keep going all day, showcasing the state’s rich culinary heritage with classics like jambalaya, sauce piquante, gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and andouille sausage.

No spread is complete without Cajun smoked boudin balls, chargrilled oysters, or a big ol’ Cajun seafood boil.

Grab-and-go favorites like Cajun smoked crawfish dip, natchitoches, and spicy Louisiana shrimp dip make snacking easy, and there are plenty of beignets for those looking for something sweet.

20. Maryland

Game day in Maryland is all about the crab. You’ll see hot crab dip bubbling away, crisp golden crab cakes, and of course, creamy crab spinach dip.

You might even spot pit beef sandwiches, a Baltimore favorite, piled high with onion slices and slathered with tiger sauce.

22. Michigan

New York isn’t the only place with an affinity for coneys. Chili coney dogs are a must-have for tailgaters in Michigan, along with favorites like grilled bratwurst with peppers and onions, Michigan pasties, and El Azteco copycat dips like this one.

23. Minnesota

Game day in Minnesota wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the state’s iconic comfort foods. Minnesota tater tot hotdish is a classic, while the Juicy Lucy is another must-try. It’s a cheese-stuffed burger, with cheese hidden inside the patty for an extra-flavorful bite.

24. Mississippi

Many schools in Mississippi don’t allow cooking with an open flame, but that doesn’t stop fans from bringing classic game day fare like fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, and pimento cheese dip.

For those craving something sweeter, nothing beats a rich, homemade Mississippi mud dip.

25. Missouri

College game day in Missouri is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill because football in Missouri means barbecue. Nothing says Kansas City BBQ like tender, smoky burnt ends.

Other fan favorites include Kansas City tomahawk pork chops, St. Louis-style ribs, and crispy toasted ravioli. Despite the name, these golden pockets are deep-fried to perfection and ideal for dipping in homemade marinara sauce.

26. Montana

Calling all football fans in Montana? Besides huckleberry pie, what do you eat on game day?

28. Nevada

College football fans head to local bars and restaurants for most pregame celebrations. However, if you ask the internet, it will tell you that shrimp cocktails are the tailgating go-to. I’m not sold on that, but my friend in Nevada says hot dogs with a generous scoop of creamy mac and cheese are a popular choice.

29. New Hampshire

Apparently, everything is sweeter in New Hampshire, where the most popular tailgating food ideas center around apple pie and apple cider donuts, perfect for early-morning games with piping hot coffee.

31. New Mexico

I can smell the green chiles roasting just thinking about it. New Mexico’s love for Hatch green chiles takes center stage on game day, with football fans enjoying meals like chili verde, green chile-braised lamb shanks, chile rellenos, and green chile cheeseburgers. For those who prefer a quicker option, you can’t get more grab-and-go than walking tacos.

32. New York

Buffalo wings are a tailgating staple for a reason. Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly sauced wings are always a hit, whether tossed in buffalo sauce or served on the side for dipping. Pair them with classic blue cheese or the best homemade ranch dressing.

And when you need a break from chicken wings, Italian meatball sliders make for an easy, tailgating bite.

33. North Carolina

Celebrate game day in North Carolina with classic Carolina barbecue. This means slow-roasting a whole hog or serving up ready-made pulled pork sandwiches drenched in an Eastern Carolina vinegar-based sauce to flavor and tenderize the meat.

Complete the meal with homemade Cheerwine BBQ sauce and sides like Carolina-style slaw, vinegar coleslaw, or corn meal battered hush puppies.

For those early morning kickoffs, sausage balls are the ultimate snack. The savory handheld balls—made with biscuit mix, cheese, and ground sausage—are perfect for game day munching.

Don’t have time to cook? The Bojangles Tailgate Pack is a go-to for many locals—20 pieces of golden fried chicken, three sides, and a few jugs of their famous sweet tea. I mean, barbecue and Bojangles– what more do you need? Just be sure to stock your coolers full of ice-cold Cheerwine for the full North Carolina experience.

34. North Dakota

North Dakotans bring hearty flavors to their tailgates with juicy grilled kielbasa and fleischkuekle—flaky pastries stuffed with seasoned ground beef and onions. Football fans in North Dakota (we see you, Fargo) are well known for their wild pregame antics, so much so that ESPN’s College GameDay features them regularly. And while fans are spirited, the food choices are just as wild, with offerings like deer, buffalo, and even moose.

35. Ohio

Ohio football tailgating is a tradition like no other! Fans fill parking lots hours before kickoff to grill Cincinnati mettwurst and serve up pierogis, hanky pankies, and loaded potato skins.

You’ll find cups and bowls of piping-hot Cincinnati chili served over pasta or grab-and-go skyline cheese coneys piled high with shredded cheese and other toppings.

And for Buckeye fans, no tailgate is complete without a plate (or two) of peanut butter and chocolate Buckeyes, a treat with the same name as the team.

36. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has two time-honored traditions: football and tailgating. It’s not a party without cowboy caviar, a flavorful dip packed with veggies and beans. And don’t forget cast-iron skillet cornbread with a drizzle of sweet honey.

37. Oregon

Tailgates in Oregon have a festival-like feel, thanks to the vibrant food truck scene, offering a variety of local cuisines, brews, and live music. Football fans enjoy local favorites like crispy cauliflower bites, creamy crab dip, hazelnut brownies, and sweet marionberry pie.

For University of Oregon fans, the Moshofsky Center, or “Mo,” is the place to be. The large indoor practice facility is massive and open to fans before, during, and after the game, with plenty of food options to choose from.

40. South Carolina

Saturdays in South Carolina are about more than just tailgating in parking lots. The entire community comes together to join in on the excitement of game day. Like many college towns, South Carolina schools have tried-and-true tailgating recipes they cling to. Mustard-based Carolina BBQ tops the list, including pulled pork sliders.

You can also expect to find popular South Carolina recipes like pimento cheeseburgers, chicken bog, and pimento cheesy dip which you can serve as a dip or transform into sandwiches or sliders for on-the-go snacking.

Banana pudding cups are the ultimate make-ahead tailgating treat. You can assemble the banana pudding in disposable cups before you head out, cover them with plastic wrap, and add your toppings, such as whipped cream and crushed Nilla Wafers, to kick off the festivities.

41. South Dakota

Tailgaters in South Dakota go all out with their game-day spreads, including chislic, a beloved staple made with cubed lamb, venison, or beef, that’s deep-fried or grilled to perfection. Serve it on skewers or pass around a tray with toothpicks for an easy bite. And don’t forget the hot sauce and saltines!

42. Tennessee

Tailgating is a cornerstone of football culture in Tennessee, where fans gather to enjoy barbecue and comfort food like Nashville hot chicken tenders, shredded pulled pork, fried catfish, and Memphis-style ribs with dry rub. Fixings like chow chow, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread complete the spread.

43. Texas

Texas, tailgating, and football—can you name something more iconic? Fans fire up grills to serve Texas-sized portions of grilled sausages and smoked brisket, often wrapped in sizeable homemade flour tortillas for on-the-go enjoyment. If you don’t have a smoker, you can prepare brisket in the oven ahead of time or pack homemade brisket sliders.

Breakfast tacos are perfect for early morning games, and you will find people serving up tailgating staples such as fajitas, Frito pies, and Texas chili con carne without beans because chili in Texas doesn’t include beans. If you are on team beans like me, make this recipe for chili con carne with beans.

Some schools in Texas get so into the festivities that they offer an almost fair-like experience with options like fried corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried pickles, fried Oreos, and even fried sticks of butter.

45. Vermont

Two tailgating treats top the list in Vermont: macaroni and cheese made with ONLY Vermont sharp cheddar cheese (plus a splash of beer) and a deliciously sweet soft-serve ice cream the locals call maple creemees.

47. Washington

On game days, Husky Stadium on the shores of Lake Washington turns into a spectacle of sailgating parties. The diehard fans arrive in style, with boats bobbing under sunny skies as they gather dockside to enjoy a spread that embraces the waterfront feel. Smoked crab legs, teriyaki salmon, crab dip, foil-pack salmon, smoked salmon cheese balls, and smoked salmon dip are all on the menu, fueling football fans with energy and excitement for kickoff.

Washington D.C.

While D.C. isn’t a state, fans in the district gears up for game day by gathering at local bars, restaurants, or the Navy Yard to celebrate with friends, family, and fellow alums. Some universities and local clubs offer tailgating packages complete with catering, but gone are the days of parking lot gatherings with grills and tents– at least from the outside looking in.

48. West Virginia

Handheld pepperoni rolls reign supreme in West Virginia as the go-to tailgating snack; the ultra-soft yeast rolls feature flavorful slices of pepperoni baked inside with some variations, including provolone or mozzarella cheese and garlic butter topping to give the rolls a perfect golden brown finish.

Suppose you find yourself tailgating in West Virginia. Chances are, you’ll be offered some venison and maybe even a little Moonshine—because nothing says West Virginia like game meat and a little spirit.

49. Wisconsin

Fans in Wisconsin don’t just tailgate; they turn it into an all-day celebration. Unlike many schools across the country, pregame festivities take place in front lawns and backyards, which friendly Midwesterners open to everyone.

Hours before kickoff, they pitch tents, fire up the grills, and load tables withsmoked bratwurst, grilled kielbasa, beer cheese dip, and cheddar cheese curds.

50. Wyoming

In Wyoming, tailgaters stick to longstanding cowboy traditions, fueling up with bison steak, bison meatballs, and juicy bison burgers before kickoff. And when the temperatures drop, nothing hits the spot like a steaming bowl of Chugwater chili, a local staple that warms you right up for game time.

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