Bite-sized snacks are perfect for tailgating. You don’t want your guests to fill up on snacks before you’re finished glazing your famous ribs. Finger foods are also the perfect portion size for kids. They let kids try different things and it’s not a big waste if they don’t like them. No worries about wasted food here though, because even the pickiest kids will love the bite-sized tailgating snacks we’ve put together. Here are over 20 of our favorite bite-sized tailgating snacks (and a couple of fun alternatives for the more adventurous tailgate chefs).
1. Pull-Apart Pigs In A Blanket
Pull-Apart Pigs In A Blanket
Ingredients
- 6 TBSP Melted Butter
- 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- Pinch Kosher Salt and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 2 – 12 Oz Packages Cocktail Weiners
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Grease inside of a 8” springform pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper flakes.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll pizza dough and cut into 1”-x-2” rectangles.
- Brush top of each with butter mixture, then wrap each cocktail weiner in pizza dough and pinch seam shut.
- Place pigs in blanket standing upright in springform pan. They should be snug, but not too tightly packed together. (Otherwise dough won’t bake!) Brush top with remaining melted butter mixture.
- Bake until golden, 50 to 55 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces.
Notes
Pigs in a blanket are a classic kid favorite. These all-in-one dogs are excellent dipped in queso or just topped with your favorite hot dog toppings. If you have some veggies in your tailgating crew, no worries. There’s also this tasty Vegetarian Version you can try.
2. Mini Nachos
Mini Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Tortilla Chips
- 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Chicken
- 3/4 Cup Cooked Black Beans
- 3 Cups Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 3/4 Cup Scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 Jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1 Avocado, diced
- 3/4 Cup Salsa
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler on low. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On the baking sheet, build a small spiral of 15 chips, stacking them close together in a 3-inch circle. Repeat to make a total of 6 piles.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup chicken and 2 tablespoons black beans on top of each pile of chips. Top each with ½ cup shredded cheese.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook until the cheese is totally melted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Top each pile with 2 tablespoons scallions, a few jalapeño slices, 2 tablespoons avocado, 2 tablespoons salsa and 1 tablespoon sour cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
Who doesn’t love a giant plate of nachos with everything? It’s the perfect tailgating snack. These mini nachos have all the toppings of a loaded plate but in a manageable snack size. They’re also made in the oven to save you time and trouble.
3. Taco Cups
Taco Cups
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Lb Ground Chuck
- 1 Cup Chopped Onion
- 15 Oz Refried Beans
- 1 Oz Taco Seasoning Mix Package
- 12 Oz Refrigerated Wonton Wrappers
- 8 Oz Shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese
- 8 Oz Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Fresh Salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F; lightly grease 2 (12-cup) muffin pans.
- Cook ground chuck and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and crumbly; drain. Stir in refried beans, taco seasoning mix, and 1/4 cup water; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until thickened.
- Line muffin cups with wonton wrappers; top each with 1 Tbsp meat mixture and 1 Tbsp cheese. Lightly press down and place a second wonton wrapper over cheese. Top with 1 Tbsp meat mixture and 1 Tbsp cheese.
- Bake 15 minutes or until edges of wontons are browned and crisp. Top with sour cream and salsa.
Notes
Tacos are always a favorite of kids and adults alike at tailgates. These mini taco cups are made in a muffin tin with wonton wrappers for easy eating. Fully customizable, you can put any of your favorite toppings in the cup. Another great taco option for seafood lovers is these Mini Shrimp Tacos.
4. Shrimp Tostada Bites
Shrimp Tostada Bites
Ingredients
- 20 Mini Round Tortillas
- 1 Can Refriend Beans
- 1 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Shredded White Cheese
- 1 Small Bunch Cilantro
- 1 Small Bunch Green Onions
- 20 Shrimp – small, tail off, de-veined
- 3 Tbsp Fajita Seasoning
- 1 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Use a small round cutter to create mini rounds from larger flour tortillas. Bake at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes or until toasted.
- When cooled enough to handle, spread on refried beans and top with diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese. Dice cilantro and green onions and add on top.
- In a grill pan, saute the shrimp in 1 tablespoon olive oil with fajita seasoning and black pepper until thoroughly cooked.
- Top each tostada bite with a sauteed shrimp.
- Keep warm on a baking sheet in a warm oven.
Notes
Speaking of tasty Mexican-inspired mini bites, add these shrimp tostadas to your menu. Similar to a classic canape, these bites are eaten on a flat tortilla. Topped with a heavenly glazed shrimp or any of your favorite toppings, they’re sure to go quickly.
5. Mini Potato Skins
Mini Potato Skins
Ingredients
- 12 Mini or Small White Potatoes
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil, divided
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/8 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 Lb Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 2 Green Onions, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash the potatoes and rub them evenly with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through. Remove potatoes from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
- Turn the oven to 450°F.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to gently scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/8-inch potato on the skin walls. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Brush all over each potato skin with the olive oil mixture, inside and out.
- Place the potato skins face down on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Turn the potatoes over on the skin side and bake for another 10 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Sprinkle the insides of the potato skins evenly with the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to oven and broil for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Transfer the potato skins to a serving dish and top each one with a small dollop of sour cream and a few green onion slices. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
For the older set of tailgaters, you may remember when potato skins were a must-have at any tailgating party. We are bringing back these popular tailgating snacks as bite-sized snacks for the young ones. Loaded with bacon, sour cream, and chives, your kids will know why these were all the rage.
6. Mac And Cheese Bites
Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients
Homemade Mac And Cheese
- .75 Lbs Elbow Macaroni
- 3 Cups Sharp White Cheese, grated
- 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Cups Whole Milk
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Breading
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 5 Large Eggs
- 3 Cups Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 Cup Italian Style Bread Crumbs
- 1 Tsp Salt
Instructions
Make The Mac And Cheese
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan (I used a 3 quart), melt butter over medium to medium-low heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 3 minutes, until thickened and nutty. This is called a roux.
- Gradually, add the milk, stirring until there are no lumps. Increase heat to medium and bring to a light simmer, whisking. It will thicken up.
- Add the cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Stir in the cooked pasta. Let cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Mac and Cheese Bites
- Form 1.5 inch balls with the cold mac and cheese, pressing to make them compact. Lay them on a sheet pan and put it back in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Note: they need to stay a bit cold (but not frozen) so they retain their shape well.
- Prepare your breading station: In a shallow bowl, add the flour. Then, in a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Italian bread crumbs, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Get the oil ready: Heat the vegetable oil (3 to 4 inches deep, or enough for the mac and cheese bites to fully submerge) in a deep large Dutch oven until the oil’s temperature reaches 360 to 375 degrees F. Tip: Use a candy thermometer to measure the oil’s temperature.
- While the oil is heating, assemble the mac and cheese bites: coat each ball in flour first, then the whisked eggs, and then the bread crumb mixture. Press slightly to make sure the bread crumbs adhere well.
- Deep fry: Fry in small batches for about 3 minutes or until evenly golden brown. Tip: every time you add food into the oil, the temperature drops. Increase the heat to get it back closer to 360-375 degrees F.
- Transfer to a large plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
If we were to guess the most popular food among kids, we’re sure it’s mac and cheese. However, mac and cheese is really messy, especially for the little ones. Mac and cheese balls contain the mess into bite-sized portions that are ideal for tailgating snacks. Try a classic style of these fun macaroni and cheese pretzel bites with bacon.
7. Mini Meatball Sliders
Mini Meatball Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Ground Beef
- 1/2 Cup Panko
- 1/2 Cup Whole Milk
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- Kosher Salt and Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Onion, diced
- 24 Oz Jar Marinara Sauce
- 24 Dinner Rolls
- 2 Cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
- Combine the beef, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl and knead the mixture together with your hands. Roll into heaping-tablespoon-size balls.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes; remove to a plate. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning, until browned all over, about 1 minute. (You might have to do this in 2 batches.)
- Pour in the marinara sauce and return the onion to the skillet; gently stir. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
- When ready to serve, split the dinner rolls and sprinkle some mozzarella on the bottom rolls. Top each with a meatball, some sauce and more mozzarella and sandwich with the top rolls.
Notes
Sliders are already mini burgers, but meatball sliders are even more mini. These bite-sized burgers are a perfect tailgating snack. If you’d like to mix it up, we recommend the Saucy Sesame Meatballs. We also love these mini French Dip Sliders. So tasty!
8. Brown Sugar Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Brown Sugar-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- 2 Lbs Butterball Sweet Onion Turkey Burgers, thawed
- 1/2 Cup Italian Style Bread Crumbs
- 1 Egg, lightly beaten
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/8 Tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
For The Glaze:
- 1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp White Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Place a baking/wire rack over a baking sheet; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine thawed turkey burgers, bread crumbs, egg, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, fresh ground pepper, garlic and oregano.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix until well combined and thoroughly incorporated.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place on previously prepared baking sheet. You may have to do this in two batches, depending on the size of your baking sheet.
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through.
In the meantime, prepare the glaze.
- In a large, non-stick frying pan, combine brown sugar, white vinegar and rice vinegar.
- Add baked meatballs to the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning meatballs once half way through cooking, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from frying pan. Serve.
Speaking of meatballs, we can also just skip the bun. These sweet and savory glazed turkey meatballs are great for kids and those looking to avoid carbs. Served with toothpicks, you don’t even have to set out silverware. We always love recipes with fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night.
9. Bite-Sized Caprese
Bite-Sized Caprese
Ingredients
- 24 Grape Tomatoes
- 24 Fresh Mini Mozzarella Balls
- 24 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 1/2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- 24 Toothpicks
Instructions
- Place a tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball on each toothpick. Place on a serving plate or tray.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and garlic and drizzle over the appetizers. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- To eat, bite everything off the toothpick all at once.
Notes
Looking for some lighter fare? Add a salad with these delicious Caprese bites. They’re super easy to make, just load a toothpick with basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella and top with dressing. If you’re not a Caprese person, try these Wedge Salad Skewers.
10. Grilled Corn Crab Fritters
Grilled Corn And Crab Fritters
Ingredients
- 4 Ears Corn
- 1 TSP Salt
- 1/4 TSP Black Pepper
- 2 Green Onions
- 1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Onion
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 Cup Flour
- 1 Egg, whisked
- 1/2 Cup Lump Crab Meat
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat a grill, grill corn (for fritters and topping) until slightly charred and cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove from cob.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of canola oil in a cast-iron skillet to 375 degrees,
- In a large bowl combine corn, green onion, onion, garlic, salt, flour and egg. Gently fold in lump crab meat, trying not to break up the pieces. If batter is too wet, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture can be formed into fritters or patties.
- Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop out and form into flat fritters. Fry 3-4 at a time in the oil, about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In another bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, remaining corn, basil and crab meat. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
We don’t really think about corn fritters as tailgating snacks, but they should be. These crab-loaded bites are great dipped in sour cream. They can be a little messy for kids. Be sure to serve with plenty of napkins.
11. Avocado Egg Rolls
Avocado Egg Rolls
Ingredients
For The Avocado Egg Rolls
- 3 Large Avocados, sliced
- 1 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, packed in olive oil, chopped
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 8 Egg Roll Wrappers
- Water, for sealing edges of eggrolls
- oil, for frying
For The Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dip
- 1/2 Cup Mayo
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Tsp Garlic, minced
- 1 Lime, juice
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped
- 1 Green Onion
- 1/2 Jalapeno Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Ranch Mix
Instructions
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil until 350 degrees F in a heavy bottomed pot or a deep fryer.
- Place sliced avocado, cilantro, and salt in a bowl and gently stir to combine.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface, angled towards you like a diamond.
- Put a few slices of avocado in the center of the wrapper, and top with a couple pieces of sun dried tomatoes.
- Using your finger dab a little water along the outer edges of the wrapper all the way around (to help seal the egg roll shut).
- Roll up the eggroll by folding up the bottom corner halfway to cover the avocado mixture. Fold the right and left sides of the wrapper towards the center, creating what looks like an open envelope. Roll the base of the envelope (folded portions) towards the remaining corner. Make sure all edges are sealed shut.
- Repeat with remaining egg roll wrappers until the avocado mixture is gone.
- Place the egg rolls one or two at a time in the hot oil, and cook until they are golden brown (approximately 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from oil to paper towels to drain. Cool slightly and cut and an angle.
For The Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dip
- Place all ingredients into a regular mouthed mason jar.
- Attach the rubber ring and blades of your blender to the top of the mason jar. Screw on tightly. Blend until smooth.
- Lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Enjoy!
Notes
Avocado egg rolls are an easy remake of a classic tailgating favorite. They’re super simple to make you can even recruit the kids to help. Served with a creamy cilantro ranch, you can also dunk these in salsa, sour cream, and soy sauce.
12. Salty Crispy Chicken Poppers
Salty Crispy Chicken Poppers
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 Chicken Breast
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/8 Tsp Five Spice
- 1/4 Tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 Tsp White Pepper
- 2 Smashed Garlic
Spice Mixture
- 1 Tbsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp White Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Five Spice Powder
- 1/4 Tsp Sichuan Peppercorn Powder
- 1/8 Tsp MSG
Breading
- 1 1/2 Cup Tapioca Startch
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 Tbsp White Pepper
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 2 Tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- If using breasts, make 1/3″/1cm deep, diagonal scores all over the surface of the meat and cut them into small pieces (1.5″/4cm squares), then marinade in the rest of the ingredient for approx 1 ~ 2 hours.
- When the meats are marinading, mix together all the ingredients in “spice mixture”. Now, the MSG is optional. MSG is a must in the spice mixture. Just like it is in almost ALL Asian savory street foods.
- Combine all the ingredients in the “breading” in a bowl. The breading calls for tapioca flour and I’m afraid to say that this one isn’t negotiable.
- Mix 2/3 of a beaten egg into the chicken breasts and combine evenly, then toss them in the breading A FEW PIECES at a time. Make sure each piece has an even coating of the breading. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking rack and LET IT REST FOR 30 MIN.
- Preheat the oven on 300ºF/150ºC. In a frying pot (hopefully comes with a basket and a lid), heat up 3 cups of canola oil (or more if needed) on medium high heat. Test the temperature of the oil by sticking the end of a wooden chopstick into it. If it bubbles up quickly along the side of the chopstick, the oil is ready. DON’T CROWD THE FRYING POT. Depending on the size of pot, only put as many pieces of chicken in at a time so that they still have rooms to move around in the pot. Start frying the chicken 1 batch at a time until they turn golden brown on all sides. Keep the done-batches warm in the preheated oven on a baking sheet when you are frying the next batch.
- When the meats are frying, finely mince 3 cloves of garlic and set in a big bowl.
- When done frying all the chickens, keep’em warm in the oven, then take the frying basket out of the oil and place all the herbs in it. With the lid on, drop the basket into the hot oil. NOW. This is why a LID is VERY IMPORTANT. Herbs = a lot of water. Water + hot grease = SPLATTER! If you are looking for an excellent reason to renovate the kitchen, by all means leave the lid. If you are using a dutch oven or whatever instead of a frying pot, then immediately put the lid on after herbs are dropped. Either way, when the sizzling sound resides, that means the herbs are crispy. It’s safe to open the lid now. Lift the basket and add the crispy herbs to the minced garlic.
- Add the chicken to the garlic and herbs. Sprinkle the spice mixture GENEROUSLY onto the chicken and toss to combine. I like to serve these chicken poppers on the baking sheet to keep them warm. Oh, and cayenne powder is more than welcome for sprinkling, too…
Notes
Love fried chicken? Make a mini version with these salty crispy poppers. You can modify this recipe to make your favorite fried chicken recipe only smaller. Just make sure to have plenty of dipping sauce options.
13. Mini Chicken And Waffles
Mini Chicken And Waffles
Ingredients
- Frozen Chicken
- Mini Toaster Waffles
- Maple Syrup
- Sea Salt
- Herbs De Provence
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- cook the chicken according the packages directions. we used orange chicken without the sauce, because one of the lessons i learned from my first attempt was the frozen popcorn chicken i bought was shit. it wasn’t browned all the way around and it didn’t have a nice crunchy batter like the orange chicken does. so i recommend orange chicken!
- toast the waffles once the chicken has just a couple minutes left.
- assemble. that means put the chicken on top of the waffle, and stick a toothpick through. you knew that.
- liberally sprinkle salt, and MUCH more liberally sprinkle the herbs de provence. because this was my second lesson : the first batch was a little bland. i am a huge advocate of herbs de provence. i put it on almost everything. and i swear it made such a difference with these.
- drizzle the syrup on top and you’re ready to serve! told you that was easy.
Notes
For morning games, why not bust out a classic. They’re not from Roscoe’s but these bites will be famous at your tailgate. Serve with maple syrup or toss on some bacon for an extra crunchy salty flavor.
14. Classic Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
- 6 Eggs
- 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Tsp White Vinegar
- 1 Tsp Yellow Mustard
- 1/8 Tsp Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika and fresh dill weed for garnish
Instructions
- Hard boil eggs in an instant pot, air fryer, or on the stove top. Cool eggs completely.
- Peel eggs gently so the whites remain intact and slice in half lengthwise
- Remove the yolks and place in a medium bowl, place the whites on a serving platter.
- With a fork, mash the yolks into a fine crumble.
- Add mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper, mix until smooth.
- Just before serving, fill each egg white with the creamy yolk mixture with a spoon or a piping bag.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh dill weed.
Notes
Deviled eggs are one of the most popular tailgating snacks for a reason. They are super easy to make and everyone loves them. You can even experiment with them and add other flavors like with these Bacon Guacamole Deviled Eggs.
15. Pretzel Bites With Beer Cheese Dip
Pretzel Bites And Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites
- 1 Cup Warm Water
- 1 Pkg Active Dry Yeast
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Cup Baking Soda
- 1 Tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- Pretzel Salt
Beer Cheese Dip
- 1 Cup Evaporated Milk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 10 Oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 Cup Amber Beer
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Pretzel Bites
- Add warm water to bowl of stand mixer. Sprinkle yeast and sugar over the water and gently combine together. Let mixture sit for 10 minutes until it's foaming. If there is no foam, that means the yeast is dead. This could be due to the water being too hot or the yeast being expired.
- Add flour and salt to mixture and stir with a dough hook until it forms a ball. If it is too sticky to the touch, add more flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable. Once manageable, remove dough from bowl and place on floured surface.
- Begin to knead by hand for 5 minutes until the dough is soft. You can also do this in the stand mixer but I like kneading by hand so I can tell when the texture is right. When finished, place ball of dough in a large, greased bowl. Cover with damp paper towel and let rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size. Make sure to place in a warm, draft-free spot. I like to place my dough in the microwave.
- While the dough is rising you can prep the cheese dip. If you haven't shredded your cheese yet, do it now. Then jump down to the cheese instructions.
- Once the dough has risen, punch dough down with your fist. Turn out dough onto floured surface. Cut dough into 8 even wedges. Take one wedge and begin rolling into a log. Gradually increase the length of the log until it's about 12 inches long. Cut log into about 10 pieces. Set pieces aside or on floured sheet pan. Roll and cut remaining wedges.
- Prepare water bath for the pretzels. Place 8 cups of waters into a large sauce pan and heat to high. Once water is boiling, add brown sugar and, carefully, add baking soda. Stir to help the sugar and soda dissolve. Once dissolved, reduce heat to medium. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Gently add pretzel bites to water. Add as many that will fit without crowding the pan. Boil for 30 seconds and then flip to other side to boil for another 30 seconds. Remove bites and place on baking sheet.
- When all bites are done boiling, beat egg with 2 teaspoons of water. Brush mixture over each pretzel. Sprinkle each pretzel with a little coarse sea salt. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with beer cheese dip and veggies.
Beer Cheese Dip
- In medium saucepan, whisk eggs, evaporated milk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and half of shredded cheese. Place on medium heat until it begins to warm up. Add amber beer and cornstarch mixture. Whisk quickly until completely incorporated and cheese has melted.
- While whisking, slowly add remaining cheese. Keep whisking until it has melted completely. Cook sauce until it thickens, about 10 more minutes. Place on low heat until ready to serve.
Notes
There’s nothing we love more than a giant stadium pretzel dipped in beer cheese. However, if you eat one of those you’re good for the game. These bite-size versions are a great option to get all the flavor of your favorite stadium snack without filling you up.
16. Cheesy Potato Bacon Bites
Cheesy Potato Bacon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Frozen Waffle Fries
- 2 Oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 Pkg Center Cut Bacon Slices, cooked
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 400 degrees, and lay frozen waffle fries in a single layer. Bake as directed on package.
- Combine cream cheese and shredded cheddar until well combined. If you need to add more of either cheese, you can do so. This is a very forgiving recipe.
- Once waffle fries are cooked, remove them and place a dollop of cheese mixture on top of fries. Return to oven at 350 degrees, for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Remove fries from oven and place a slice of bacon on top of the cheese so it adheres to the melted cheese.
- Serve warm, with sour cream on the side if desired.
Notes
We never thought about using waffle fries as an appetizer base until we saw these. Loaded with cheese and bacon, these bites are super easy to assemble and taste incredible. Let us know in the comments what else you think we could put on top of waffle fries.
17. Crab Hush Puppies
Crab Hush Puppies
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Self-Rising Yellow Cornmeal
- 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Creole Seasoning
- 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 Tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 Cup Finely Diced Red Bell Pepper
- 3 Green Onions, sliced
- 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 Cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 Cup Beer
- 8 Oz Lump Crab Meat, picked through to remove any shell
- Vegetable Oil
Remoulade Sauce
- 3/4 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Creole Mustard
- 1 Tsp Horseradish
- 2 Green Onions, sliced
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 1 Garlic Clove, minced
Instructions
- Start by making the Remoulade sauce. Mix together all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, stir together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, Creole seasoning, onion powder, baking powder, baking soda, red pepper and green onions.
- Add the egg, buttermilk, and beer and stir to mix.
- Gently mix in crab meat. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Pour 2 inches of oil into a Dutch oven. Heat oil to 360 degrees.
- Working in batches, drop batter by tablespoonfuls into hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep warm in a 200 degree oven.
- Serve with sauce.
Notes
Hushpuppies are one of our favorites at the fish fry, so why not make them for tailgates. Hushpuppies are easy to make and can be served with a range of dips. We particularly love these because they are made with crab.
18. Asparagus Puff Pastry Cigars
Asparagus Puff Pastry Cigars
Ingredients
- 5 Oz Puff Pastry
- 1 Oz Cream Cheese
- Zest from 1 Lemon
- Flour, for dusting
- salt and pepper
- 10 Asparagus Spears
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
- Blend cream cheese with lemon zest. Roll the puff pastry out on a floured surface into a 6in x 10in rectangle and spread the cream cheese over. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into 10 long, thin strips.
- Wrap one pastry strip in a spiral around each asparagus spear and place onto a baking tray. Lightly brush each with beaten egg and sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Bake the cigars in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry has risen and is golden-brown.
Notes
Want to be fancy without the work of being fancy? These tailgating snacks will take you only minutes to make but they will impress anyone. They’re also a great way to sneak some healthy veggies in for the kids.
19. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Flour
- 1 Cup Italian Style Breadcrumbs
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Milk
- 1 Lb Mozzarella Cheese (cut into 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch strips)
- 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Cup Jarred Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- Whisk eggs and milk together.
- Coat each piece of cheese with flour, then dip in egg and then roll in bread crumbs.
- Dip in egg and crumbs again.
- Freeze before frying.
- Heat oil in skillet and cook sticks for about a minute on each side, or until golden and before cheese starts to leak.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with sauce for dipping.
Notes
Mozzarella sticks are always one of the first dishes to go. Kids love them because they are fun and stringy. If you’re looking for a new way to serve mozzarella sticks, try giving them an Indian twist with these Fried Sticks Paneer Sticks.
20. Fried Ravioli
Fried Ravioli
Ingredients
- 20 Oz Refrigerated Cheese Ravioli
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Cups Italian Breadcrumbs
- 1/3 Cup Milk
- Oil, for frying
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Parsley
- Marinara Sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place the eggs and milk in a small bowl, and whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Place the breadcrumbs on a plate or in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then roll into the breadcrumbs. Repeat the process with all of the raviolis. Place the raviolis in a single layer on the sheet pan.
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Add 6-8 ravioli to the pan, and fry for 3-4 minutes or until browned all over.
- Repeat the process with the remaining raviolis.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley, and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
If we’re talking about fried tailgating snacks, we definitely have to include fried ravioli. Use whatever is your favorite ravioli, batter, and fry them. You can serve them with marinara, ranch, or any of your favorite dips.
Bonus Dessert Ideas:
Before we finish up the list, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include a tasty dessert like these Mini Cheesecakes. If you want to dress them up, try these Girl Scout Samoas Cheesecake Bites. If you want dessert but are on a diet, you can also make these Keto Mini Snickers Bites.
We hope you enjoy these bite-sized tailgating snacks as much as we do. These are a great way to feed the kids without making a big mess. They’re also a great way for adults to enjoy some food without filling up. For more tailgating snack recipes, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and check out our Amazon Storefront.
Let us know in the comments how what snacks you tried!