Tailgating Food Ideas

Across the country, fans gather on college football Saturdays to fire grills and soak in the pre-game excitement. Tailgating isn’t just a tradition—it’s team spirit, brotherhood, and a celebration of food. I’ve rounded up 50+ tailgating food ideas inspired by flavors from each state to make your next tailgating experience unforgettable.

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 food inspiration from its neighbor Mexico with tailgating favorites like carne asada tacos, elotes Mexicano, green chile cheeseburgers, and Sonoran hot dogs. These bacon-wrapped hotdogs are nestled into a crusty baguette for game-goers to pile high with pinto beans, fresh and grilled onions, tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise, and jalapeños.

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

4. Arkansas

It wouldn’t be tailgating in Arkansas without Arkansas cheese dip and crispy tortilla chips. Just don’t call it queso around the locals—you might get an earful! Another game-day favorite is hearty chili served in paper bowls or cups with toppings like chopped onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salty corn chips for on-the-go enjoyment.

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

Whip up a Colorado favorite like smoked brisket for your tailgate spread. 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 classics include smoked beef ribs, Mile-High nachos, and Hatch pork green chili or chili verde, a popular dish made with stewed pork shoulder and roasted Hatch green chiles. For those feeling a littlle adventurous, you can always try Rocky Mountain oysters!

7. Connecticut

At tailgates in Connecticut, you’ll find the usual suspects like BBQ pulled pork, bratwurst, and chili. But in a coastal state, seafood always stands out. As soon as parking lots open, locals are busy pitching tents and firing up grills to serve treasured family recipes and classics like creamy clam chowder, lobster rolls, and clam dip.

8. Delaware

Finding tailgating food ideas in Delaware wasn’t easy, but one dish stood out—chicken and slicks. The comforting dish combines tender shredded meat and rolled dumplings, known as slicks, all simmered in a savory broth. And it’s no wonder why because the hearty dish is perfect for chilly game days.

Another favorite is meatballs. They are endlessly versatile, with so many sauces to choose from, and all you need are toothpicks and a handful of napkins to serve.

Flavorful Meatball Recipes:

• Elk Meatballs
• Dutch Oven Meatballs
• Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs
• Moroccan Meatballs.

9. Florida

It’s not called the Sunshine State for nothing! Florida’s warm weather sticks around most of the college football season, making it the perfect place to pop open a cooler, fire up the grill, and enjoy a game day under the sun with classics like Cubanos, smoked fish dip, and arepas, alongside bolder bites like crispy fried gator tail.

And for dessert? It wouldn’t be a party without a slice of tangy key lime pie.

10. Georgia

In the peach state, a peach cobbler is a must. While you’re smoking chicken wings, why not prepare smoked peach cobbler? Or whip up this easy peach cobbler with cake mix beforehand to focus on other meals like hot honey lemon pepper wings, Brunswick stew, or a full-on low country boil.

Some grab-and-go snacks you can expect to see at tailgate parties in Georgia are boiled peanuts and puppy chow.

11. Hawaii

North Carolina isn’t the only place that knows how to throw a party with a whole hog. Tailgaters at schools in Hawaii enjoy Kalua pork sandwiches (these go great with my homemade kimchi aioli) and grab-and-go bites like Spam musubi.

12. Idaho

In the spud-loving state of Idaho, the football traditions run as deep as their love for potatoes. Enjoy loaded potato skins and crispy Idaho steak fingers.

13. Illinois

When people think of Illinois, they often picture pizza and Chicago dogs, but the local tailgaters are all about their hot Italian beef sandwiches. Think warm hoagies topped with slow-cooked beef and giardiniera (a tangy combination of pickled vegetables). And don’t forget about Italian sausage with peppers, another crowd-favorite.

14. Indiana

It wouldn’t be a pregame party in Indiana without crispy pork tenderloin sandwiches. And your best not to miss out on a handful of crunchy homemade Chex Mix or a slice of old-fashioned Hoosier 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 giant smoked turkey legs, Iowa’s loose meat sandwiches, and scotcheroos—irresistible chocolate and peanut butter bars—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. Food traditions run deep, and so does the love for football. That’s why fans in Kentucky enjoy piping-hot burgoo. The communal stew that features meat like pork, beef, mutton, or venison and lima beans, fresh tomatoes, and corn. For more tailgating food ideas- try pimento cheese dip and hot brown croissants.

18. Louisiana

Football fans in Louisiana are famous for a few things: they’re some of the most vocal, fiercely dedicated, and spirited fans in the Southeastern Conference. But while they defend their teams with passion, they’re just as famous for their warm hospitality, always ready to share a heaping plate of food.

The parties in Louisiana start at dawn and go all day with a ton of food to share. The pregame spread highlights the rich culinary heritage, featuring the classics: jambalaya, sauce piquante, gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and andouille sausage.

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

Tailgaters love Cajun smoked crawfish dip and spicy Louisiana shrimp dip for easy grab-and-go bites. And those with a sweet tooth don’t have to go without because you will find plenty of beignets.

19. Maine

A popular tailgating staple in Maine, college football fans enjoy lobster in the form of rolls, bakes, and BBQ.

20. Maryland

Game day in Maryland is all about the crab—celebrate the big game with hot crab dip, crab cakes, or crab spinach dip.

21. Massachusetts

On game day in Massachusetts, you’ll find college football fans warming up with bowls and cups of hearty clam chowder or Boston baked beans. And for the early morning games, you can count on there being plenty of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches to share.

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 calls for a classic hotdish. Try tater tot hotdish or the famous Tim Walz’s hotdish to give you a taste of what the state has to offer. Another game day go-to is a Juicy Lucy, a famous cheese-stuffed burger- it’s not a regular cheeseburger; it’s a stuffed cheeseburger.

24. Mississippi

There are strict rules against cooking with an open flame at most schools in Mississippi. Still, football fans find a way to serve game day classics like fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, and pimento cheese– a popular dish served as a sandwich or dip called Mississippi sin dip.

And it doesn’t get any better for those looking for something sweet than homemade Mississippi mud dip.

25. Missouri

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

Other fan favorites include Kansas City tomahawk pork chops, St. Louis-style ribs, and toasted ravioli. Despite the name, the tasty snack is deep-fried until crispy and golden brown– perfect for dipping into 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 are apple pie and apple cider donuts, perfect for early-morning games with piping hot coffee.

30. New Jersey

Game day in New Jersey calls for sub sandwiches or grinder sandwiches, pork roll and cheese dip, and sausage with peppers.

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 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

Wings are a tailgating favorite just about everywhere, but there’s a reason the iconic dish carries the name Buffalo. Whether drenched in sauce or served crispy with the sauce on the side, crispy Buffalo chicken wings are always a hit. Enjoy them with blue cheese, or make the best ranch dressing recipe.

And when you’re not snacking on crispy chicken wings, get tailgate ready with Italian meatball sliders.

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, with fans filling parking lots hours before kickoff to celebrate. You’ll find grilled Cincinnati mettwurst, loaded potato skins, piping-hot Cincinnati chili served over pasta, pierogis, and skyline cheese coneys. And for Buckeye fans, no tailgate is complete without a plate (or two) of Buckeyes—a beloved peanut butter and chocolate 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.

38. Pennsylvania

I know what you’re thinking—Philly cheesesteak sandwiches—and you’re absolutely right. But the tailgating menu doesn’t stop there. Expect pierogies, sausage and pepper sandwiches, meatball subs, and chipped ham sandwiches.

Let’s not forget about football fans with a sweet tooth. These tailgates are famous for their love of Whoopie pies and stickies, a popular cinnamon roll-like treat.

39. Rhode Island

Some fans go all out with a clam bake for tailgating parties in Rhode Island, but grilling clams is an easy option anyone can do. Just toss the clams on the grill until the shells pop open. Once ready, transfer them to a serving dish, drizzle with garlic butter, and pass them around for everyone to enjoy.

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 setups. No game day spread is complete without chislic—a regional favorite made with cubed beef, lamb, or venison and a sprinkle of garlic salt before grilling the meat to perfection. Serve them up on skewers or with toothpicks for the best tailgate-friendly snack.

42. Tennessee

Tailgating is a cornerstone of football culture in Tennessee, where fans gather to enjoy barbecue and comfort food favorites like Nashville hot chicken, shredded pulled pork, fried catfish, and Memphis-style ribs seasoned with dry rib rubs. Side dishes 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.

46. Virginia

Tailgaters stick to comfort food in Virginia with on-the-go snacks like country ham sandwiches made with buttery, homemade biscuits and smoked turkey legs to power them through the pregame festivities.

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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. Wisconsin

Fans in Wisconsin don’t just tailgate—they turn the occasion into an all-day celebration. Unlike many schools across the country, the pregame festivities take place in backyards and on front lawns, which these friendly Midwesterners open to everyone. Hours before kickoff, grills are fired up, tents are pitched, and tables are loaded with food—with smoked bratwurst, grilled kielbasa, beer cheese dip, and cheddar cheese curds topping the list of favorite foods.

51. Wyoming

In Wyoming, tailgaters stick to longstanding cowboy traditions, relying on meals like bison steak, bison meatballs, and bison burgers to get them pumped for a big game. But a warm, hearty bowl of Chugwater Chili is the go-to for most football fans. Are you in the mood for chili now? Check out these chili recipes to inspire your next game-day spread.

More Classic Tailgating Food Ideas

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