Tailgate Grilling Recipes and Ideas

It’s time to get fired up about football season! Whether you’re cooking with a backyard grill or smoker, a tricked-out tailgating rig, or on a portable grill in a stadium parking lot, we have tailgate grilling recipes for every setting. These dishes are designed to please and feed a hungry crowd without too much fuss that will distract you from the game. If you’re looking for a new way to make chicken on the grill, try our Chili-Barbecued Chicken, Grilled Herbed Drumettes with White Barbecue Sauce, or Honey Barbecue Chicken. In the mood for burgers? Impress everyone with our Dixie Beef Burgers, topped with tangy Banana Pepper Spread and Chowchow Spread. For something deliciously different, try fish on the grill—we have a winning recipe for Cumin-Dusted Catfish Sandwiches. And don’t forget the side dishes! We have Grilled Potato Salad, Vegetable Kabobs, Grilled Corn, and more creative sides for tailgating that can be made on the grill.

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Grilled Herbed Chicken Drumettes With White Barbecue Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Grilled Herbed Chicken Drumettes

Even if it's still a little chilly outside, our team says to "bundle up, and get grilling." The results are worth a brief shiver.

Tip: After you place the chicken on the grill, don't move it until time to turn or the chicken will stick to the cooking grate.

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Dixie Beef Burgers

Recipe: Dixie Beef Burgers With Chowchow Spread

We loved the slightly sweet Chowchow Spread and the tangy Banana Pepper Spread on these burgers. Make both and let guests choose.

The secret to Dixie Beef Burgers With Chowchow Spread is grilled country ham slices. The saltiness is amazing with the sweeter flavors of Chowchow Spread and honeyed grape tomatoes.

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Chili-Barbecued Chicken

Recipe: Chili-Barbecued Chicken

This tender grilled chicken recipe gets its smoky flavor from wood chips and spicy-heat from a vinegar-based red sauce.

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Grilled Potato Salad

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey; Food Styling: Pam Lolley

Recipe: Grilled Potato Salad

This picnic-friendly potato salad is a fun, tasty twist on this traditional summer side dish recipe. Grilling the potatoes gives the dish a smoky flavor while the simple 3-ingredient dressing adds a tangy note.

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Grilled Corn in the Style of Oaxaca

Recipe: Grilled Corn in the Style of Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a region of Mexico where they have learned to take an already delicious summer vegetable and make it taste even better. Slather the cobs with a rich sour cream and mayonnaise mixture, season with spicy chili powder and salty Parmesan cheese, and then throw them on the grill. Finish off the corn with a squeeze of lime juice for a unique union of Mexican flavors.

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

Photo: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

These simply-seasoned grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches are topped with a sweet onion barbecue sauce and served on whole wheat buns. Add vitamin-rich leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, Bibb lettuce, or peppery arugula.

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Asian Slaw Dogs

Recipe: Asian Slaw Dogs

Dress up ordinary hot dogs with a crisp and tangy broccoli slaw flavored by lime, ginger, and cilantro.

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Easy Vegetable Kabobs

Recipe: Easy Vegetable Kabobs

Who says veggies have to be boring? Balsamic vinegar and honey make these a sweet and tangy complement to your main dish.

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Cumin-Dusted Catfish Sandwiches

Recipe: Cumin-Dusted Catfish Sandwiches

These sandwiches are easy to prepare and throw on the grill. You’ll recognize the aromatic, nutty-flavored cumin from Southwestern dishes. Try serving with grilled sweet potatoes.

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Honey Barbecue Chicken

Recipe: Honey Barbecue Chicken

Crank up the grill and get cooking to savor this sweet-and-tangy chicken dish. The Honey Barbecue Sauce, made with Worcestershire, lemon juice, and honey, adds bold flavor to the grilled chicken pieces.

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Tailgating Recipes for the Grill

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Grilled Herbed Chicken Drumettes With White Barbecue Sauce