Tailgate Like a Champion Pitmaster

The pressure to put together a winning game day spread can be intense, so why not do what you can ahead of time? Scott likes to season, smoke, and chill chicken wings 24 hours in advance. “Once you get to your tailgate, all you have to do is throw them back on the grill, bring them up to temp, and enjoy,” he says. The pitmaster also suggests rolling up with some barbecued pork already pulled and ready to go (with white bread, extra sauce, and coleslaw with Duke’s on the side).

Pimiento cheese dip is a Southern classic (especially when it’s made with plenty of Duke’s Mayo), but why not skip the crackers and chips and serve it with pork skins instead? “It’s something you’d never expect because you’ve got crunchy, salty, and cheesy in one unique bite” Scott says. “I’m telling you, your tailgate friends will love you for it.”

There’s nothing better than a golden brown grilled cheese sandwich straight from your flat top grill — unless it’s one that’s made by coating white bread with Duke’s, not butter. Scott swears the mayo method results in tastier (and easier!) sandwiches. “Butter fights you back,” he says, “mayo is all smooth.”

While you can’t go wrong with Duke’s straight from the jar, Scott suggests flavoring mayo with your favorite spice rub to, as he puts it, “give a little twist” to BBQ sandwiches.

Burgers and hot dogs are game day go-tos, but if you want to mix things up, try tossing some steaks or a half rack of ribs on the grill. The pitmaster’s suggestion if you really want to “blow everyone’s mind”? Bologna! “You take a pack of bologna, throw it on the grill, give it a little temperature, give it some sauce, and you’ve got a Southern staple with a little smoke to it.”