I have been to all kinds of tailgates. I have been to the corporate type. The amazing, blow your mind food extravaganza type. The “we forgot all the utensils and supplies” type. The drinking and nothing else type. The burger and dogs type. I could go on and on.
Heck, I have even been to a tailgate where we have done nothing except sit on the trunk of a rental car eating Butterburgers from Culvers. It was 100 degrees out and we had no real tailgating supplies with us due to the fly-in nature of our trip, so please don’t judge me. And if you have ever had a Culvers sandwich with cheese curds, washed down by homemade root beer, you would know this isn’t the worst idea around.
But what if you want to impress the foodie friends in your crowd? Here are a few recipes that are tough to pull off but they are soooooo worth it.
Pressed Brick Sandwich
A pressed brick sandwich is the ultimate tailgate recipe for foodies. You layer up fancy meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, and tasty spreads inside a crusty loaf, then press it with something heavy (like a brick) so all the flavors blend together perfectly. It looks cool, tastes amazing, and is perfect for sharing. Plus, its unique style and deliciousness will definitely impress everyone at the tailgate.
Sous Vide Steak Crostini with Horseradish Aioli
A sous vide steak crostini with horseradish aioli is a killer appetizer for tailgating because it combines top-notch cooking with amazing flavors. The sous vide technique makes the steak super tender and juicy, and the horseradish aioli adds a spicy, creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the rich meat. Putting it all on a crunchy crostini not only adds a great texture but also makes it easy to eat on the go. This appetizer will wow your friends with its gourmet taste and classy presentation.
Chopped Italian Sandwich
Chopped Italian sandwiches are actually PERFECT to serve at a tailgate or party. They are a great conversation starter because most people have never had a chopped sandwich before. Every bite is loaded with each of the ingredients, making it super tasty. And it’s really easy to make – only 5 minutes of chopping. Feel free to use mini buns if you are serving a crowd.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Bacon-wrapped scallops are surprisingly easy to make on the grill for a backyard BBQ or tailgate. The prep is simple: just wrap each scallop with a strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. On the grill, they cook quickly and evenly, with the bacon crisping up perfectly while the scallops stay tender and juicy. Plus, the smoky grill flavor adds an extra layer of deliciousness to this impressive yet effortless dish.
Dr. Pepper Maple Mustard Chipotle BBQ Chicken
Dr. Pepper Maple Mustard Chipotle BBQ Chicken is an impressive tailgate recipe for foodies because it combines unique and bold flavors that are sure to excite anyone who loves food. The sweetness of Dr. Pepper and maple syrup pairs perfectly with the tanginess of mustard and the smoky heat of chipotle. This dish is not only delicious but also stands out with its creative use of ingredients, making it a memorable addition to any tailgate party.
Cheesy Fondu Bites With Hard Cider
Traditionally, fondue involves melting cheese with wine and some cornstarch to make a smooth dip. This version uses a mix of cheddar and Gruyère cheese, which is flavored with hard cider and Dijon mustard. It’s all baked in a bite-sized crispy bread cup until it turns into a bubbly cheesy sauce. No need for skewers, no messy cheese drips, and no cheese-crusted slow cooker to clean up afterward!
Let us know if you made any of these recipes, and go check out our 5 Healthy Summer Vegetable Recipes for Picky Eaters if you have a fussy eater on your hands!
