The only downside of tailgating is that we don’t have instant access to our full kitchens. Oftentimes this can feel a little limiting. For example, if you want to make a giant breakfast for everyone at the stadium, you’re kind of limited to what you can make on your tailgating grill. So things like waffles, pancakes, and fried eggs don’t make the cut. That is until you grab the right accessories. Grill accessories instantly expand the versatility of your grill. They enable you to make anything you can imagine right in the parking lot. Here are our recommendations for accessories that can turn your grill into a portable working kitchen.
The Three Most Versatile Accessories For Any Tailgating Grill
Kicking off our list are the three most versatile grill accessories available. If you have these three accessories, you’re rarely limited by what you can make. Consider investing in these pieces first:
1. Cast Iron Dutch Oven
A cast iron dutch oven is a great grill accessory. Make sure to get one with a lid as it works both as a pot and an oven. With a cast iron dutch oven you can make things like gumbo, chili, and stew on cool days. You can also bake things like bread, brownies, and cakes. You can also sear, fry, and baste. The possibilities are endless.
2. Grill Basket
Next up, you’ll want to invest in a grill basket. Grill baskets hold all the things that could easily roll and fall between the grill bars. They are perfect for grilling up veggies, potatoes, and smaller meats like wings and mini hotdogs. There are two kinds. The first is an open basket and the second is a closed grill basket like this Ordora Grill Basket. These are great to grill things that are very delicate like seafood.
3. Reversible Double-Sided Cast Iron Griddle
Finally in the top three, is a cast iron griddle. Cast iron griddles give you the option to turn your tailgating grill into a griddle. You can make everything from pancakes to fried rice to homemade tortillas. We love this option because it’s double-sided to give you even more options of what to make on your tailgating grill.
Our Ten Favorites Accessories To Help You Get More Out Of Your Tailgating Grill
Beyond the three accessories that can help you make almost anything, there are also some accessories that can help you make specific dishes. Here are some of the ones we love:
4. Cast Iron Smoker Box
Nothing is more delicious at a tailgate than tender smoked meat. However, smoking can take a long time and requires a pretty large grill. Luckily, a smoker box can help you impart the smoky flavor without having to pull out the smoker. Though it’s not a perfect replica it’s a great option for adding flavor to meats and veggies.
5. Weber Gourmet BBQ System Wok
Woks are really one of the most versatile kitchen pans. They are ideal for frying, searing, and basting. You can make basically anything with them. This wok from Weber Grills is designed specifically to be used with a grill.
6. LS’BABQ BBQ Bacon Rack
Anyone who’s ever tried cooking bacon on the grill knows it can be quite a fire hazard. Once the grease slips through the bars, it can become very dangerous. This bacon rack solves this problem though. You drape the bacon over the rack and the two side containers catch all the grease. Perfect crispy bacon, right on the grill.
7. Grille Outdoor Grill Top Pizza Oven
Who says you can’t make pizza on a grill? This pizza oven fits right on top of your grill and cooks your pie to perfection. If you have a more compact tailgating grill, or lower budget, don’t worry. There are also grill pizza stones that will evenly cook your pizzas to perfection, like this BBQGuys Signature Ceramic Pizza Stone with Stainless Steel Carry Rack. Versatile and portable for a charcoal or gas grill.
8. Panini Press Sandwich Maker
Paninis are an awesome tailgating option. They can be prepped ahead of time and grilled and pressed at the stadium. This press goes right on the grill and can work with almost any amount of toppings. We love the idea of making breakfast paninis with this accessory.
9. S’Mores Maker Basket
Now we all love to gather around the fire and toast marshmallows, but you don’t always have room. With the s’mores maker basket, you can make s’mores for a crowd without having to try to fit everyone around your small tailgating grill. Though to be honest, we might make them all for ourselves!
10. Quesadilla Basket
Quesadillas are the perfect tailgating food. They are portable, satisfying, and can be made to fit any diet. If only you could make them on the grill. With the quesadilla basket, you can. You simply stacked your tortillas and fillings into the basket. Grill each side and done!
11. Muffin Pan
If you love to bake, this grill-friendly muffin pan is a must. With it, you can make anything from biscuits to cupcakes to muffins. Not that into baking? You can still use it to make tasty egg dishes, the perfect burger patties, and mini meatloaves. It’s a surprisingly versatile grill accessory.
12. Cainfy Pancake Pan
Pancakes are a great option for tailgating because you can feed an army a tasty stack for very little money. This pancake pan makes it easy. You can whip out a stack of four, perfectly-sized pancakes quickly. It fits on most grills and can help ensure your tailgating team gets a hearty breakfast.
13. CookKing Traditional Korean Master Grill Pan
Finally, when you talk about the greatest grill champions in the world, Korea is definitely on the list. With multiple different compartments, this Korean master grill pan can help you cook several dishes at once. This optimizes the space on your tailgating grill and gives you more cooking options. It’s definitely a must for us.
These accessories will help you get the most out of your tailgating grill. No matter what you want to cook, you’ll be able to make it. For more tailgate grilling tips and ideas, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and check out our Amazon Storefront.
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