100 Top Tailgating Dips and Appetizers

September 28, 2016
Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Karen Rankin
Score big points with your fellow football fans by sharing these crowd-pleasing tailgating recipes on game day. These easy tailgating recipes mix and match easily so that you can create the perfect game day menu. From breakfast sandwiches to hearty dips to one-bite salad wedges, these fun football foods offer something for everyone. While some recipes require a plate and a fork, there are tons of tailgating finger foods, like Touchdown Pinwheels and Baby Ballpark Dogs, to keep it super simple. Pick your favorites and get started!
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Loaded Totchos

Styling: Rishon Hanners and Audrey Davis, Photo: Caitlin Bensel
Loaded Totchos Recipe

This sensational spud riff on nachos is an hommage to party food lovers everywhere. Loaded with toppings and drizzled with a hot cheese dip, these totchos are ready to rock and roll right onto your plate.

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Homemade Chicken Fingers

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower 
Homemade Chicken Fingers Recipe

Sorry, drive-thru: This version of the kid (and adult!) favorite is better than yours. Chicken fingers just might be the ultimate party food.

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Loaded Baked Potato Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell
Loaded Baked Potato Dip Recipe

Take your love of loaded baked potatoes and move it from the side dish spread to the appetizer buffet with this hearty dip featuring melty cheese, crisp bacon, and rich sour cream. Serve with waffle fries baked extra-crispy for dippers.

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Louisiana Hot Crab Dip

Photo: Ryan Moriarty; Styling: Emma Crist
Louisiana Hot Crab Dip Recipe

Fresh crab meat is the star of this classic NOLA appetizer dip.

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Roll Tide Breakfast Rolls

Photo: Oxmoor House
Roll Tide Breakfast Rolls Recipe

When your tailgate is slated to last from sun-up to sun-down, start the day right with a filling, flavorful breakfast wrap.

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Grilled Pepper Poppers

Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Cindy Barr
Grilled Pepper Poppers Recipe
If the game isn't going your way, have no fear. These spicy cheese-filled poppers will fire up any Super Bowl bash. And try washing them down with a cool cocktail.
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Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine 
Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas Recipe
If you're planning to pack these flavor-coated, fiber-filled poppers as a to-go snack, be sure to allow them to cool completely on a flat surface first.

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Muffuletta Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell
Muffuletta Dip Recipe
This dip version of the classic New Orleans sandwich features olive salad, salami, pepperoncini salad peppers, black olives and diced provolone cheese. Serve with slices of French bread for a hearty tailgate treat.

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Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell
Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Dip Recipe
Score big points at your next tailgate with this ultimate spinach dip featuring the addition of ground sausage, pinto beans, cream cheese, and Parmesan. It's almost hearty enough to be a main dish.
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Maple Chicken Wings

Photo: Gooseberry Patch
Maple Chicken Wings Recipe
Wings are a must-have at any tailgate, and serving them in a bucket is affordable, cute, and definitely low on the mess factor. Just be sure to provide a second bucket for the scraps.

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BLT Wrap

BLT Wrap Recipe
Wrap sandwiches are so versatile. You can fill them with your favorite meats and condiments for an array of options. Individually wrap them in plastic wrap or secure with a toothpick for easy pick-up-and-go treats.

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Light Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Celery

Light Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Celery Recipe
This recipe makes plenty to go around, so stuff some in celery stalks and serve the rest with crackers, apple wedges, or as a sandwich spread. Make pimiento cheese up to a week before game day and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip

Photo: Raymond Hom; Styling: Pamela Duncan Silver
Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip Recipe
Serve hot from the oven to those gathered 'round the big screen. Top off the savory dip with one of our favorite beer beverages.

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Barbecue Deviled Eggs

Barbecue Deviled Eggs Recipe
When you make deviled eggs, add some chopped smoked pork to the filling for a game-winning twist. Place the serving tray over ice to keep the appetizers cool during the celebration.

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Crisp and Spicy Snack Mix

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Crisp and Spicy Snack Mix Recipe
Serve this mix in individual paper cups adorned with your football team's colors for a portable snack that tailgaters can easily carry as they make the rounds.
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Cheddar Cheese Straws

Photo: Lee Harrelson
Cheddar Cheese Straws Recipe
Savory and rich with just a bit of a peppery bite, cheese straws are great for game-day snacking. They're especially easy to make and travel well.

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Smoky Ranch Dip

Smoky Ranch Dip Recipe
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give traditional Ranch dressing a smoky kick. Pair this versatile dip with chicken fingers, wings, carrot sticks, or potato chips at your next tailgate.

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Boiled Peanuts

Jennifer Davick
Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Save yourself a trip to the concession stand by preparing this favorite football snack. If you're craving more flavor, try one of the savory variations included with the recipe.
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Layered Spicy Black Bean Dip

Layered Spicy Black Bean Dip Recipe
Make this spicy Mexican dip your go-to dip for tailgate parties and casual entertaining. Just layer cream cheese, black bean dip and shredded cheese and top with your choice of onions, olives and tomatoes.

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Creamy Feta-Spinach Dip

Creamy Feta-Spinach Dip Recipe
Make a traditional spinach dip lower in fat by using low-fat mayonnaise, sour cream , and cream cheese instead of the full-fat products and add extra flavor with feta cheese and dill.

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Sausage Balls

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski
Sausage Balls Recipe
These savory treats are dangerously popable. Plan to at least double the recipe if you're hosting this week's tailgate.
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BBQ-Ranch Popcorn

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell
BBQ-Ranch Popcorn Recipe
Encourage friends to grab a cone of savory popcorn for their walk to the stadium. Three ingredients quickly transform microwave popcorn into a must-have treat.

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Hot Brown Fondue

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Hot Brown Fondue Recipe
Kentucky fans, get ready to swoon! Your favorite sandwich is now a game-day ready dip. This dish is ideal for late-season games when the temperature starts to drop.

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Yummy Sausage Cups

Photo: Gooseberry Patch
Yummy Sausage Cups Recipe
Grab-and-go appetizers are ideal for tailgates, especially when the treat being served is savory. Now, who wants sausage?
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White Cheddar-Chive Pimiento Cheese

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett
White Cheddar-Chive Pimiento Cheese Recipe
Pimiento cheese pairs perfectly with sliced veggies, crisp chips, or even just a big spoon so that guests can enjoy themselves. The secret is grating the cheese yourself (really!).

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Buckeye Brownie Cups

Oxmoor House
Buckeye Brownie Cups Recipe
One-bite treats keep your fingers clean and your appetite ready for the next dish. Why make basic brownies when you can make these beauties?

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Fried Chicken Wings

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Fried Chicken Wings Recipe
Skip the mess of saucy wings by serving fried wings instead. Plus, fried chicken is one of the rare dishes that's delicious hot, room temperature, or chilled, so it's easy to serve any time of day.
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Barbecue-Peach Summer Rolls

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett
Barbecue-Peach Summer Rolls Recipe
Make barbecue easy to enjoy by wrapping it up tight in sushi-inspired rolls. Ole Miss, this one's calling your name!

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Chicken Salad Tomato Cups

Oxmoor House
Chicken Salad Tomato Cups Recipe
Add bright, bold color to your basic tailgate fare by serving classic chicken salad in tiny tomatoes. Make enough for each guest to have two.

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Greek Spinach Dip

Photo: James Baigrie; Randy Mon
Greek Spinach Dip Recipe
Spinach dip is a tailgate favorite; make a recipe that calls for satisfying Greek yogurt to ensure you last through the fourth quarter.
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Mango Guacamole

Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Paige Hicks
Mango Guacamole Recipe

Offering sweet and tangy notes, mangoes balance perfectly against rich and creamy avocado.

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Pimiento Cheese with Bacon

Pimiento Cheese with Bacon Recipe
This must-have tailgate dip is a bargain at only about $1 per serving. Pair it with hearty crackers or crisp veggies for this weekend's big game.

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Think of this as no-mess wings in a bowl. Pair this 5-ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery and crackers for a quick, spicy dip fit for any tailgate
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Black-eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip

Photo: Beth Dreiling; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Black-eyed Pea-and-Ham Dip Recipe
Looking for a little extra luck? Serve this savory dip to up your odds.

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Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck
Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Recipe
We say bacon makes everything better. This dish proves us exactly right.

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Caramel Apple Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Switch gears from savory to sweet with this must-try fall dip. Baste the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning before your tailgate is ready to share.
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Bacon-Onion Dip

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel/Zenobia
Bacon-Onion Dip Recipe
This appetizing Bacon-Onion Dip boasts minimal prep time and pairs perfectly with assorted fresh vegetables. Who's ready for game day?

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Cream Cheese-and-Olive Pecan Bites

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns
Cream Cheese-and-Olive Pecan Bites Recipe
Crunchy, creamy, and oh-so delicious, these one-bite wonders are a touchdown on game days.

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Bacon Black Bean Dip

Bacon Black Bean Dip Recipe
Black bean dip is a nice alternative to hummus and cheese dip. Dress it up or down for your style of tailgate.
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Tortellini Caprese Bites

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Tortellini Caprese Bites Recipe
Skewer this easy lunch option before the game and serve them in a glass vase to save room on your tailgate table.

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Warm Gumbo Dip

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Warm Gumbo Dip Recipe
When cool weather strikes, fight back with a warm dip. Use a car-powered slow-cooker to keep this dish warm en route to the game, or simply place warm in a small cooler.

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Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski
Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites Recipe
Add colored toothpicks to this zesty appetizer option to keep your fingers from being sticky. Then again, the sauce is so tasty that you likely won't mind!
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Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Rose Nguyen
Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip Recipe
This colby-pepper jack cheese dip is made heartier by the addition of chopped cooked chicken. Chopped chipotle peppers, jalapeños, and chili powder add even more heat. Prepare up to a day ahead.

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Touchdown Butterscotch Dip

Photo: Gooseberry Patch
Touchdown Butterscotch Dip Recipe
Paired with this warm dip, fruit has never been more tempting. Made with butterscotch chips, rum extract and chopped pecans, this dip is a rich memorable treat.

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Blue Cheese-Artichoke Dip

Oxmoor House
Blue Cheese-Artichoke Dip Recipe
Blue cheese amps up the flavor for a little twist on the traditional artichoke appetizer. The dip holds up well for about two hours after the cook time. Serve with pita chips or toasted baguette slices.
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Tomato-Feta Bites