Best For Tailgate

It's time to go tailgating, getting together with friends, popping open some drinks, and cooking up some great food. We've even included a few desserts and drinks to keep you happy and hydrated. So what kind of tailgate foods do you bring to the parking lot? Kick off with some Super Bowl trivia and a swoon-worthy beer cheese dip, or warm up with some super easy enchilada soup. Ree loves finding new and inventive ways to use every last morsel of brisket leftovers. Serve your nachos up with warm brisket, fix a pitcher of Super Bowl drinks, and you'll have a lot of happy fans. Plus, she offers some expert tips to help make sure the food travels well. "For brisket, I sometimes like to use these heavy, disposable aluminum numbers," Ree says about transporting her melt-in-your-mouth brisket to a tailgate. Photography courtesy of Smoke HollowYou could grill your tailgating fare with a standard charcoal grill. To welcome pre-game parties back into your weekend plans elevate your game with this stainless steel, propane tabletop version of the grill. With 288 square inches of cooking space and 10,000 BTUs of power, this grill is roomy, yet easy to travel with and powerful enough to torch all your burgers and dogs to perfection. So get to planning and you're sure to score come football season.

Just because you're cooking at a remote tailgate party doesn't mean you have to skimp on your grillmaster A-game. Portable grills run the gamut from a bottle of camping fuel and a hot plate to full-sized gas grills that can fold up like a lawn chair and fit into your trunk or truck bed. It's a little ridiculous to drag your full-size smart grill to the party. So consider a portable tailgating grill to cook up some delicious food while sharing a cold one with friends and family. All the flags, decorations, and game gear won't mean a thing unless you crank up the heat. If you want to keep a grill over a longer period, this grill is an option, we've used one of these for a few games. However, I wouldn't suggest only having this grill if you're hosting several friends and family for a tailgate. Although this grill has a decent amount of space, it's not large enough to handle cooking for a tailgate party of 10+ unless someone wants to hang out by it all day long! Another thing to note is this is not the sturdiest grill, BY FAR. Which should be assumed in the price, and the fact that it only weighs a pound. While we love a backyard party, you'll most likely be tailgating elsewhere, so make sure your tailgating games are easy to take with you. Chances are, your trunk will already be packed with a grill, cooler, and camp chairs, so you'll want a tailgating game that is compact. If it's heavy, difficult to assemble or disassemble, or simply too big, you're less likely to want to load it in and out of your car each game day. "If you're tailgating, this isn't like an all-day party in the park. Families should have choices that are fun and engaging but can be played with and put away very quickly," Zahn says. We looked solely at gas grills for this article because some municipalities don't allow charcoal grills however make sure they allow grilling of any kind. Probably the most obvious thing to check will be the weather. October 25, 2019The 13-week college football season is winding down, meaning you have just a couple of opportunities left to throw a blow-out party in the parking lot, aka, tailgate. (Parties thrown at home on game day count, too.) We bet you've been training hard since that first kick-off back in August, striving to serve the best damn food on the asphalt. We're here to help by sharing 10 of our best tailgate-worthy recipes.

Charcoal – Charcoal is another favorite fuel for tailgating grills. It gives food a delicious smoky flavor, making it a grill master's preferred fuel. It can be a bit tricky to get going, however, though the best charcoal tailgate grills are usually pretty simple to start. For instance, the Weber is easy to fire up and get to the right temperature. Of course, portability is not the only thing that you need to look for in a great grill. You also have to consider the amount of heat a grill can put out. This model has three independent burners, which are able to give off 20,000 BTUs when operating at full power. This amount of heat is more than enough to cook pretty much anything, from burgers and hot dogs to ribs and hot wings. This grill's sizeable primary cooking area is another great asset when it comes to cooking lots of food all at once. It also features side tables for your cooking gear or a cold beverage. As you can imagine, there are lots of things you need to factor in before you get the best tailgate food grill. When we put together our comprehensive list, we first looked at the type, dimensions, and weight of each grill, since this will determine how easy it is to get your grill to the game. Next, we looked at the size of the primary cooking area to better determine the types of food you can cook.

Finally, we checked out the BTUs for the gas grills since that will again tell you the types of foods you can cook. Often at tailgates, you'll see groups unloading bulky folding tables. While tables are essential for setting out your plates, utensils, cups, drinks and foodstuffs , those tables take up a lot of precious cargo space. The fold-up top and collapsible legs make it packable and easy to transport—a brilliant solution for a tailgate party. As daunting as tailgating food may seem, there's no need to settle for plain pretzels and boring burgers. You can get creative and please the whole crew with these delicious make-ahead tailgating recipes — without adding too much extra work for yourself. All it takes is a little planning and prep to whip up these hearty tailgate meals and appetizers that are perfect for large groups. From drinks to easy tailgate dips, appetizers, chilis, and tailgate desserts, these game-day classics and new delicious ideas will spice up your tailgating menu. The Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill is the highest-rated tailgating grill available today and there are a few reasons why people love this little BBQ so much. First, this gas grill gets up to temperature in no time at all and performs how you think a Weber grill should. Assembly takes next to nothing to accomplish; snap on the ignition device and you're ready to go. The latest portable grills look and feel small, but can pack more than 150 square inches of cooking space. These will fit easily into the trunk of your car or the bed of your truck. As we have mentioned before, portability is key when it comes to finding the right tailgating grill. This model is, by far, the most portable of all the different grills that we looked into. One of the reasons for this is its excellent briefcase-style carrying handle.

This handle, along with the grill's lightweight design, makes this one of the easiest to move grills on the market today. Tailgating can last hours and though it can be fun to run around the stadium, it's nice to take a seat sometimes. There's nothing more relaxing than just kicking back and listening to the pregame on the radio while enjoying a hot plate of food and a cold beer. Also, you never know when you're going to make new friends. So it's a smart idea to always have some extra seating available when you're at the stadium. As the game before the game, tailgating is a great way to showcase your team pride and give your guests, friends and family an entertaining day they won't soon forget. A great tailgate isn't simply thrown together, however. There should be some pregame planning involved in order to set off your parking lot party full of games, grub and good times. For us, watching college football brings back fond memories of our youth, while Super Bowl brings all the laughs and nostalgia with family and friends. We believe every now and then, an NFL game first down showcases the indomitable human spirit. A highly portable gas grill with a one-handed setup and collapse cart with two chunky caster wheels for easy storage. Your guests are going to be mingling and moving around the parking lot so cook foods that don't need to be eaten sitting down or with utensils. When planning your tailgating party, think about what your grill can handle but also what you want to eat. Don't forget the condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and more.

Keep it all simple so your setup and teardown are easy and quick. The Coleman 2-Burner Gas Grill Stove Combo is the classic camping cooking tool of choice but it can also handle your tailgating party. Two burners with a combined 20,000 BTUs of cooking power will have you and your guests rooting on your team while enjoying delicious grilled munchies. You can saute up some veggies while grilling burgers or maybe you have some chili on the stove while cooking up some sausages. The lid locking hardware works great and the handle is made for both lifting the lid and for transporting the grill. The cooking grate is dishwasher safe and the rest of the grill can be easily cleaned. Like other gas grills of this size, the drip pan is a bit shallow. Be careful of sloshing any mess around in the back of your vehicle. Inside you'll find 200 square inches of cooking space. Under the stainless grates are two stainless steel burners controlled independently with a push and turn ignition system; as I said, everything is stainless on the Megamaster. Each burner supplies 8,000 BTUs combining to offer up 16,000 BTUs. That's some serious heat to cook up burgers and dogs. Because of its size and purpose, slow-cooking food like ribs doesn't work as well with this little grill. And even if you don't love watching the game, these recipes are good enough to get you excited about getting together with friends and kicking back to watch. We've rounded up our favorite hot eats and smart, football-themed fall appetizers everyone at the event will enjoy. And then we've tossed in a pile of party dip recipes, refreshing fall cocktail recipes, and even a few autumn treats. Since the quickest way to a college kid's heart is through their stomach, an easy approach to keep your student and their friends around is to bring your A-game with the food. Fire up the grill — chicken, steak, burgers, hot dogs and barbecue are all great tailgate choices.

Then you're going to need a portable tailgating grill to cook up some delicious food while sharing a cold one with friends and family. This Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill is one of the lightest , most portable grills on our list. It features a 105-sq-in cooking surface lit up by a 6,000-BTU horseshoe-shaped burner utilizing something Coleman calls "PerfectFlow" technology to keep the heat steady. The grate is easy to remove and is dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning. This grill is very user-intuitive, well designed, and fun to use but there are some challenges. The grease tray is only about a half-inch deep and fits loosely so you'll have to watch your output without it spilling over. And because there is no lid, your food may take some time to cook if it's a windy day. Still, the Cuisinart CGG-750 is a cute little grill that's perfect for a tailgating party for two. The gas grill is made of durable steel and features panels that can be stood up to block the wind or laid down to use as side tables. This model uses pressure control to keep the heat steady for consistent cooking.

When you're ready to clean up, the non-stick surface that helped out with cooking makes clean-up just as simple and quick. That's okay because small gas grills can heat quickly, are simple to use, and are much easier to clean after the party is over. Get ready for kickoff and take a gander at these top tailgating grills to make your sports bash something to remember. But perhaps, most importantly for NFL fans, football season finally kicks off across the country. Though the days of suiting up and hitting the field are probably long over, tailgating with friends, family and fellow enthusiasts is more likely part of the game plan. Small Parties– If you are confined to a small parking space for tailgating, sometimes the larger tables don't make much sense. This pop-up table will be perfect if you are looking for a small table to place plates of food on or to play cards on prior to the game. The overall dimensions are 27″ L x 27″ W x 26″ H, which makes it one of the smaller options on our list. For more complex needs, the Coleman portable kitchen will give you proper space to prepare and serve food at your tailgate party. And the ice table on the list above gives you a spot to store drinks and cold-food trays on a hot afternoon. Chicken thighs are less expensive than chicken breasts, and boast juicier, more flavorful meat. It's a no-fuss way to serve BBQ chicken at parties, and can be made on a portable gas grill. When you're rushing to get ready for a tailgate party, our game day chili recipe makes life easier.

Satisfying and hearty, it's a snap to throw together with common pantry ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Ground beef and red beans make it hearty , and tomatoes and dried spices bring in extra flavor and color. Next up on the list of tailgating essentials is a good cooler. Coolers are great for not only keeping your beers cold, but they can also help you transport your food to the stadium. There are a ton of great coolers on the market, many loaded with cool features like Bluetooth speakers, charging ports, and even extra seating. However, for beginners, we recommend just finding a lightweight portable cooler. You don't need to haul the large family barbecue from the back patio, but a small, portable grill can turn up the heat and cook up some summer specialties. And don't forget to pack the necessary grilling accessories such as propane or charcoal , lighter fluid, grilling tools, pot holders and a lighter. When the fun is over, you'll find clean-up is usually easier with gas grills. Propane is a cleaner-burning fuel, so you won't have to scrape out ash or residue when finished cooking. It's also odorless and colorless, so all you'll smell is the food you're grilling. Any seasoned tailgater will tell you it's best to plan ahead. This is what separates the superfans from the fairweathers. This Weber grill is perfect for grilling on the go with its sleek design and a stand that takes apart and packs up nicely. As with all portable grills, the Q2200 isn't huge, utilising the simple and effective one burner system, it can still produce enough food for eight people. The Dakine DLX Pickup Pad is a serviceable pad that is a great option for riders with big trucks who need to carry a lot of bikes. The smaller size we tested only carries five, but the larger size can hold up to seven. If you have a full-size truck and and a lot of bike friends, this is without a doubt the pad for you. Aside from the large carrying capacity, Dakine delivered a functional and rock-solid product. Installation is par-for-the-course, and the loading process is simple.

There are no padded slots or fancy cradles, just line the bike up with a top-tube strap and drop the bike into place. The hold is secure, and our bikes stayed put over some nasty, bumpy roads. The straps are also secured to the pad, so if you forget to close them, they won't go flying when you're zooming 80 mph down the interstate. Dakine also added metal grommets to each side of the pad should you choose to lock it to your truck with a cable lock. Perhaps our favorite feature is the hook on the handle flap to easily secure it in the open position, making it easier to use your backup camera. The first thing you're going to appreciate about the Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill is how much fun it is to grill with this much power in that little tiny package. With three actions, this tailgating grill unfolds like a transforming robot in less than a minute. It's lightweight yet it sports a large 226 sq in cooking space; that's about 10 hamburgers. If you are looking for a tailgate table that allows you to meal prep at the tailgate party, this Coleman portable kitchen might be a nice option. Not only does it come with space for a table-top grill, it gives you plenty of surface area to both prepare and serve your food. If you have a bounty of food and drink, your tailgate is a success, so sit back, relax and enjoy. But, if you want to take your tailgate party to the next level, come equipped with some entertainment. Something simple, like a football to toss around is sufficient, but backyard games, contests and other activities are encouraged. Now it's time to load up the Toyota Rav4 with all the tailgate essentials and head to the stadium and host the best tailgate party in town. Photography courtesy of Solo StoveFor all you sports fans in cold markets, it's important to keep your beer chilled but your bodies warm.

And this warming machine is described as "the world's most portable fire pit". Whether it's at the beach, the open road, a campsite, or a parking lot, the Solo Stove Ranger brings hot, hot flames to your party. Featuring a signature 360-degree airflow design, this travel fireplace minimizes the smog. One of the biggest features that you will want to keep in mind when looking for a tailgating grill is whether or not it has a table/stand. A table or stand will make grilling a lot easier, especially if you don't bring along tables since you will have a nice sturdy spot for your grill. Side tables are also a great help while you tailgate since they give you a place to keep your grilling gear without risking it falling on the ground. The one-touch cleanup system makes cleaning quick and easy in comparison to other charcoal grills. Rather than having to crouch low to the ground to cook on a portable charcoal grill, this 22in grill stands nearly 40 inches tall . While it is compact, the portable grill has a large cooking area. Cleanup is made easy with a stainless-steel drip tray. If you are on the road or tailgating, you can easily remove the drip tray before packing up, preventing a mess in your vehicle.

One of the best things about going to big sporting events is not just the game itself, but actually the tailgating beforehand. Nothing beats spending time with friends and family getting hyped for the game, and, of course, grilling delicious food. If, however, you want to make great food while you tailgate, you need to get the best tailgate grill possible. Otherwise, your food isn't going to be as tasty, which could ruin the party. Possibly one of the best tailgate products you can invest in is a set of tailgating chairs. So we picked out some of the most comfortable tailgating chairs on the market. These chairs are fully portable and can be used when you're homegaming or taken to the game. They are loaded with features and will keep you comfy whether you're just pregaming before the event or watching the entire game. Here are nine of the most comfortable tailgating chairs on the market. Make sure to bring plenty of water and then a selection of soft drinks, beer, and cocktails. We recommend for your first time out you start with some classics like burgers, hot dogs, or grilled veggies. Once you get your feet wet with tailgating, you can try some of the more fun tailgating recipes.

When it comes to food, the best part about fall isn't going apple picking, or savoring pumpkin spice everything. It's tailgating with your friends and family, while rooting for your favorite sports team. Sure, you could pull your burgers from the Costco packaging, slap them on the grill, cook them to 160 degrees and serve as is. But if you really want to make them sing, consider jazzing the patties up with an all-purpose seasoning during the cooking process. With salt, black pepper, rosemary, cayenne pepper, garlic and lemon, this spice mix gives beef a nice little punch of flavor. The brand offers 22 other rubs and spices and seven sauce options, so there are plenty of options for whatever's going on the grill. For example, don't miss trying the Pork Perfect pork rub or the Messy Beard molasses BBQ sauce. It's perfect for charcoal enthusiasts who want to tailgate in big groups. The 18 inches of cooking space allow you to grill for four or more people at once. Although it can't be folded away, it's compact enough to fit in any vehicle comfortably. The same features that make this camping stove ideal for car camping also make it perfect for tailgating. The legs fold underneath and the lid clamps tightly to make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Thule GateMate Pro is a sleek-looking tailgate pad. The styling is clean, and the logo text is low profile and unobtrusive, a plus for those who don't want to be a mobile billboard. Four rows of Knock Blocks across the top function as separation blocks on the front, top, and back of the pad. The tailgate handle opening is an adequate size, and it folds down and can be left open to give you the option of using your backup camera. A classic tailgate game, cornhole is easy to set up, play, and pack away. The Wild Sports NCAA set comes in a wide variety of team logos, which is an awesome way to support your favorite squad. Satisfied users report easy assembly, right out of the box.

Foldable legs and a handle make transport lightweight enough for one person to carry it and get the party started. Because the cuisine is usually priority at a good tailgate, we want you to impress everyone at the party with your grilling chops, too. Opt for savory grill planks and mouthwatering burgers and you'll be the real MVP of the event. It looks like a picnic basket and like a picnic basket, it features an aluminum handle with cushioning to easily carry it where you want it to go. The grates are non-stick and rust-resistant and can be washed in the dishwasher. The Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill features two tube burners that punch out 9,200 BTUs fueled by propane. There's no lid option for this gas grill but the portability benefits might make you forget about it. The drip trays and exterior shell can be wiped clean when done. Pop the carrying strap after folding it all up and you're on your way. The 285-square-inch cooktop will handle all the burgers, steaks, and kebabs you can throw at it. The side tables and legs fold up and in for easy transport; the tables also feature tool hooks for your spatula collection. Looking for something that is extremely simply to use? This ALPS pop-up table for tailgating will be a nice solution for a small tailgate party, especially if you prefer something that is very easy to transport and setup. Do you need both table and seating for your tailgate? If so, this portable table and bench set by Office Star might be your best option. Extra seating area at a tailgate party is never a bad idea, and if the benches aren't needed they can easily be used as convenient side tables. T-minus one week until the best unofficial beer-drinking holiday of the year!

No, we're not talking about those joyous family holiday gatherings around Thanksgiving or Christmas. We don't even mean one of America's four four-day weekends (looking at you, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day). And we aren't referring to beer celebrations such as National IPA Day or Oktoberfest. Although those are all great drinking occasions, our favorite unmarked day of the year to enjoy a pint is the NFL season opener. Because it means countless tailgates lay ahead of us. And that means we get to bring out our tailgating gear. What better way to enjoy the game than with a variety of dipping options? Served alongside crunchy baguette slices, this hot blue cheese dip will make your taste buds thank you. This Dip is perfect for serving with wings Celery sticks and carrots on top. Make the most of football season in Charlotte with a picture-perfect tailgate setup. After a day on the slopes, join us for the Great Tailgate in the Barker parking lot for music and fun. Awesome food, sunscreen, plenty of games, a pair of shoes to change into after hitting the slopes, and responsible partying! This is event will be held rain or shine, so be sure to pack a tent and your Gore-Tex. This year's theme is Caribbean Christmas, so don your Hawaiian shirts and a Santa hat!

The Cuisinart CCG 190RB is a small portable charcoal grill. Their cooking rack offers 150 square inch cooking surface. The lid is secured with three locks making it easy and safe for transport. This grill is extremely light, weighing in at a mere two pounds. It has a dual venting system and an enamel-coated firebox to catch ashes. When it comes to finding the perfect grill for tailgating, the first thing that you need to look for is a highly portable model. A grill that can be easily moved from place to place at a sporting event is a great thing to have, mainly because it makes it that much easier to get set up and grilling quickly. This model from Coleman fits the portability bill quite nicely. It features a set of foldable legs that allows to fit it into pretty much any vehicle. It also has rugged wheels so is extremely easy to move around by yourself. This GCI Outdoor Wilderness Reclining Chair is loaded with features. It has a reclining back, a headrest pillow, and comfortable armrests. It also has a cup holder and a large storage pocket on the back. However, what makes this one of our favorites for tailgating is how it is transported. It's so easy to carry through a large tailgating crowd and to and from your vehicle. It's one of the best tailgate products when you are navigating a large crowd. When deflated, it has built-in carrying straps for easy portability. This is the perfect tailgating chair if your favorite part of tailgating is the food and drinks. Not only does it have a cup holder, but it also has a wine glass holder. It has side pockets on both sides of the chair where you can load up your snacks and drinks.

Best of all, it has a tray table that is perfect for eating a plate of brats and chicken wings. This tailgating chair is more like a tailgating loveseat. Designed for two, these comfortable chairs sit under a canopy. It is absolutely perfect for keeping you in the shade on a hot day. We also love that not only does it have cup holders, but the center console is also an ice bag cooler. You can load it up with sodas, beers, and even snacks and just chill the whole game. We also love that it packs up into a perfect carry case that's lightweight and can be taken anywhere. Tailgating and grilling are two words that can almost be used interchangeably. What's exciting about this offering from Magma is how portable (it's only 26 pounds) and customizable it is. At its simplest, it's a cookstove that can be powered by either one-pound propane cylinders or 20-pound tanks. Thanks to machine washable fold-out food prep tables and a grease collection drawer that uses disposable aluminum foil liners, it's also easy to clean. Some tailgate grills are built to cook for just a few people. Others are designed to maximize cooking space, so you can prepare food for many people at once.

Available in a variety of sizes, Dometic's premium portable fridge/freezers are ideal for boats, campers, and tailgating extravaganzas. The CFX3 45 model, in particular, keeps food cold until it's ready for grilling or keeps condiments chilled and beverages readily accessible. The temperature is also adjustable via the touchscreen display or smartphone app. We know that you know this dip—because it might be the most popular game day dip of all time. This recipe gives you the perfect ratio of cheese, meat, chiles, and tomatoes, which are all cooked and served warm in your slow cooker. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 – The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a sleek, portable grill that's perfect for tailgating. It comes with its own carrying case and is designed to fold up when you're done cooking so it doesn't take up much room in your car or trunk. If you want to avoid pellets we like the Weber Q2200. Make your setup the MVP of the parking lot with these game-day go-tos that are guaranteed to keep your group cozy, the chili warm, and your serving station clutter-free. Wirecutter staffers have spent hours researching everything from Bluetooth speakers to beer openers so you can stay focused on snacking and cheering and not on what you forgot at home. The Fox Racing Tailgate Cover may not have the flashiest features, but it gets the job done at a lower price than the competition. Installation was quick and straightforward, utilizing a traditional feed-through buckle design and three straps. Our small pad fit well on our Toyota Tacoma and should work well on other small and mid-sized pickups. The padded material is coated, and while it doesn't feel like the most robust, it is water-resistant and should stand up well to wet climates or mud. The bike hold is secure, and the straps are user-friendly and adjustable up or down on a webbing loop for optimal positioning across different frame shapes and sizes. The tailgate handle opening is on the smaller side but should work well with most trucks.

Users also have the option of using the velcro patch to roll the tailgate handle flap up and out of the way for easy access. "Tailgating is a tradition in which friends and family gather for food and fun games before or after a sporting event," explains Zahn. He notes that although the idea of tailgating will usually conjure up thoughts of fall—particularly the football season, it's a year-round activity. We conducted hours of research on the best tailgate games, evaluating models on ease of transport and setup, interactive features, and multi-player capabilities. A good tailgate party provides games that people of all ages, kids and adults, can participate in, so we looked for games that catered to a broad crowd. We also considered high-energy games that foster good-spirited competition. Our top picks include the Ladder Toss from GoSports, the Robotic Quarterback from All Pro Passer, and the Rubber Horseshoe Set from Win Sports. All of these may or may not be important to your particular tailgate party setup however all of them will come into play. Simple to use, the Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill 240 heats up fast and is easy to clean. If you're looking to cook up some burgers and dogs for the crew, this might be the tailgating grill for you. The lid can be locked during transport to the tailgating party, a nice feature. Carry the Megamaster by the handle to your grilling space then unlock the handle to get going. The two legs are foldable which means you can grill wherever you have a level surface then conveniently fold away again for easy transport and storage. If you're an avid tailgater, you know exactly what I am talking about!

Set the perfect competitive atmosphere at your tailgate party by having a radio inside tuned to the pregame show (if it's not televised). Use coolers in the kitchen or on a back porch/patio to store beverages and to ensure that a cold refreshment is always within arm's reach. Transporting your table to and from the game can be a hassle, and as I mentioned above, that is why I like the Lifetime table because it folds down into a nice packable size. If you need bench seating to go with your tailgate table, I really like the Office Star table and bench set on the list above because it also folds down to a nice packable size. The bold tastes of bacon, tomatoes, and ranch-style dressing make this creamy pasta salad a sure-fire winner. Our recipe makes a big batch of pasta salad and it's easy to double for a game day crowd. Feel free to add in some shredded cooked chicken or beer-steamed shrimp. If you don't want to be the guy that forgets the grill, then pack a party sub and leave the grill at home on purpose. Don't show up with a bunch of foot long subs from Subway™ though, if you aren't packing grill power then the sub you bring needs to be minimum of three feet long. A tailgate party is an afternoon of excess, and nothing says excess like stacks of grilled meats. On top of grilled meats, a tailgate should have "grazing" food, like chips, dips, and finger foods, bring the sub along too, there never can be too much food at the tailgate party. This American twist on a German classic is one surefire way to make your tailgate stick out from the crowd. Despite primarily being a smoking recipe, you can easily make these by setting your grill up for 2-zone cooking. Far better than your regular run-of-the-mill hot dog. This barbecue smoked hot dog recipe brings one of North America's classic grilled foods to a whole new level. Slow smoked over oak wood, this can be cooked either in your backyard smoker or by using 2-zone cooking on your favorite charcoal grill. The fall season is here and so are all of your favorite football games. Well, slow cooker recipes can be used at any time during the week or weekend without sacrificing taste . If it's a very windy day and you have a charcoal grill, be sure you bring a little extra charcoal because the wind can make it burn faster.

Point the front leg of the kettle grill into the wind to minimize wind coming into the bottom vents. If you have a gas grill, turn the grill perpendicular to where the wind is coming from to minimize its effect on your food. In 1977 the first Bojangles restaurant opened in Charlotte and has been serving up its seasoned chicken and mouthwatering biscuits ever since. For less than $50, the 20-piece chicken meal option feeds your pack of hungry fans easily and features chicken, biscuits, sweet tea and four fixin's . Smaller parties can choose the eight- or 12-piece options. Cuisineart is a well-known cooking brand, making everything from spatulas to cutlery. Unlike other brands, Cusineart is relatively inexpensive. Nothing on the market beats the Cuisinart CCG 190RB's price. For under twenty dollars, you can get a reliable portable grill. The legs are also sturdy, making it safe for the high temperatures of charcoal. Another great feature of this model is its efficient cooking system, which takes a bit of practice to work properly. The knobs are somewhat finicky, and the starter doesn't always work correctly so you might want to get an external one. This grill might only put out 5,500 BTUs, but it still can cook most foods effectively and for a long time. Unlike most models that will only last for about one or two hours on a one-pound cylinder of gas, this grill can last up to six hours, even if you cook on high setting. This makes it an excellent option for anyone looking to save some money on propane. Let's just say there's a reason cornhole is a mainstay in tailgating culture. It's easy to play, addictive, rewards all skill levels and age ranges and is family-friendly.

Unlike a lot of tailgate games, you don't have to give yourself a hangover to enjoy it. Beer Pong and Flip Cup, which were tied for the runners-up in our Select 6 voting, are raucous and fun but pretty much guaranteed to land you a headache the next day. The Woods Ashcroft 3-Position Camping Chair is basically a recliner. You can sit up when eating, kick your feet up while watching the game, or recline all the way back to enjoy half time. The padding is also very comfortable and the chair has a built-in cup holder. It packs up neatly into a portable carrying case that's lightweight and easy to carry through even the largest tailgating crowd. One of the most essential pieces of tailgating gear is a portable grill. Most grills are too large and not easily transported for tailgating. However, there are small portable grills that are ideal for any tailgate. Over the years we've found some of the best small portable grills that are ideal for your tailgating needs. Here are our top picks to help you find the best grill for your tailgating needs. If we were to pick one item out of all the tailgating essentials as the most important one, it has to be a good grill. A small portable grill with a few added features is all you really need to throw a killer tailgate party. Whether you camp out in a parking lot somewhere, or party from the comfort of your living room, here are the 21 best tailgating dips that'll make you forget buffalo chicken even exists. Click through this slideshow gallery to view the recipes.

If you're tailgating in a notably cold locale , or you're closing in on the tail end of the football season, it's worth having a couple of blankets on hand to stay warm. Rumpl makes warm, durable and weather-proof blankets branded for each NFL team. It also comes with a cape clip, so you can wear it while playing yard games and socializing. And provided it's not in its stuff sack, you're generally allowed to bring the blanket into stadiums. And if you're tailgating the Superbowl, Rumpl has you covered in a puffy blanket whether you are rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals or the Los Angeles Rams. Bring a cooler packed with your favorite beverages on ice or ice packs. Be prepared with koozies, a bottle opener and cork screw as well. If you also plan on enjoying food that needs to be kept cool like your hamburger meat or other gameday delights, pack an additional cooler for these items. Nothing says "baller" like showing up to the tailgate party with a legit portable pizza oven. At under 44 pounds, this beefy pizza oven reaches temperatures over 930 degrees Fahrenheit, is safe on any surface, and can cook an artisan crust pizza in as little as 60 seconds. Plus, the dual-fuel version can run on gas or wood, so you'll never run out of fuel. It is equally important to keep some food warm at a tailgate party. You can do this by using an insulated food carrier or portable hot food bag. If you are lucky enough to find a power source in your tailgating spot, you can bring your own small portable oven. Charcoal – Charcoal is a classic fuel choice for tailgating because it imparts such great flavor. The downside of charcoal is that it has a reputation for being tricky to control the temperature and it takes quite a lot of time to reach cooking temperature.

The Traeger Tailgater tops our list of best portable pellet grills thanks to its generous 429 square inch cooking surface, temperature consistency and it's portability. Access to the tailgate's handle is necessary if you want to open the tailgate of your truck while the pad is attached. Each model we tested has a flap to provide that access, but not all tailgate handle flaps are created equal. While they are a relatively simple part of the equation, they vary in size, location, and ease of use. For example, our favorite flap was on the Dakine DLX Pickup Pad. This oversized flap works with most tailgate handles and could also be secured in the open position to facilitate the use of your backup camera. The Yakima pad's handle flap was also huge and should work with the handle on any make or model of pickup truck. Race Face put a unique adjustable handle opening on their new T2 Tailgate Pad that allows you to position it perfectly for your tailgate handle and backup camera. In contrast, the handle flap on the Fox pad is smaller, and while it worked well on our Tacoma test truck, it may be less than ideal for other models of pickup trucks. Consider the location of your tailgate handle when checking out the different models. Of course, you could just use a blanket or a towel to pad your tailgate and risk damage to both your bikes and the tailgate of your truck, speaking from experience, of course. These days, however, the tailgate-specific pad options on the market will do the job much more effectively. For the ultimate fall tailgate, a heavy duty cooler is essential.

"Tailgating" gets its name from hosting the party around the tailgate of an open vehicle, usually, an SUV or a small truck, parked in a parking lot or large field. You don't actually need a truck; as long as you have space to bring your supplies with you, any vehicle will do. If you're cooking up simple fares like burgers and dogs, you won't need much to make that happen. However, if you're looking to smoke some ribs, grill kabobs, or cook breakfast food (tailgating is an all-affair, after all), you're going to need a better tailgating grill. Tailgating grills should be lightweight and compact but deliver great performance without being flimsy. Camping stoves and camping grills don't include many bells and whistles since they're typically being carried while backpacking and weight is a key consideration. Since tailgating usually happens in a parking lot or large field that you drive your vehicle to, ultra-portability is less of a concern. It's got a nice streamlined design that can be taken anywhere you go, especially since it weighs just ten pounds. The Grillster has a locking lid, large carrying handle, and folding legs that collapse for storage. The porcelain-enameled cooking grate distributes heat pretty evenly and can be thrown in the dishwasher when it's time to clean up. How can you not appreciate a tailgating grill with a name like "Grillster"? The Cuisinart CGG-059 Grillster Gas Grill looks sharp, cooks hot, and transports easily. Grease management consists of an angled grease tray and drip pan. The tray slides out for easy cleaning and when the catch pan is full, simply dispose of it and replace it.

This tailgating grill is perfect for cooking on the road either at the big game, camping, or on the road with your RV. Or if you live in an apartment with a balcony or patio, this could be a great day-to-day grill. Blackstone produces some excellent griddles and their 22-Inch Tabletop Gas Griddle is no exception. This tailgating grill is powered by two burners for a combined 24,000 BTUs of heat over 330 square inches of griddle space. Bacon, burgers, and eggs will taste amazing after being cooked on the cold-rolled steel surface. Whether you're into burgers, kabobs, or seafood, there's nothing that completes a tailgate party like the sizzling and smoke coming from your tailgating grill. This portable grill from PK has a trick up its sleeve. Though it serves as a conventional charcoal grill, the design uses PK's FlipKit to recruit both the top and bottom of the grill for double the grilling surface. Though it may not boast countless burners nor excessive BTUs, the compact system is incredibly mobile and fully capable of stirring up some excellent pre-game grub. Grab some shade in the parking lot or stay out of the rain with ABCCanopy's Pop-Up Canopy Tent. The sunshade comes in various sizes for groups large and small but only requires two people to set it up — in seconds flat. Choose from a variety of colors to represent your team, then wheel it around with the included roller bag for easy transport to and from the big game. When you're friends coolers are full of water you'll still have solid ice in your cooler and your food won't be all wet. They'll be drinking warm beers at the end of the day while you'll be enjoying your crisp cold ones. However, the big difference when hosting an indoor tailgate is that it tends to be more of a watch party versus a pre-game party. Who wants to be slaving over a hot grill while the game is on?

Instead, have a local restaurant provide the main course by taking advantage of catering options. Barbeque is always a great staple for a classic football game feel. Perhaps renting tables and chairs makes more sense than buying enough tables and chairs to host 25 people. Some local rental shops offer tables for $8-$10 per table and might be able to avoid delivery fees by picking them up yourself. If your hosting a one-off tailgate, this option may be cheaper than buying your own tailgating table. One problem with most tailgate parties is there is never enough table space. Finding the right tailgating table can make the entire tailgate party more enjoyable for everyone. We took classic chicken wings and mashed them up with basically everything you love about nachos to create these insanely delicious queso wings. This keto-friendly pulled pork is loaded with savory flavor and meet everyone's needs—both dietary and flavor needs. You can easily turn this into a slow cooker situation by following similar direction to this recipe. Serve it with almond flour tortillas, coleslaw, sliced dill pickles, and extra barbecue sauce for a self-serve bar, and invite guests to help themselves. Why choose between potato and egg salad for your party buffet, when you can have both in one dish? Small, colorful, firm potatoes and chopped hard-boiled eggs make this a delicious and fun potato salad. The creamy, dilly dressing brings this easy game day salad all together. Cheesy, meaty, warm, and gooey, Philly cheesesteaks became famous for good reason. We transform the beloved Philadelphia sandwich into fun and shareable sliders that are easy eating for a game-watching crowd. For the desired melt-in-your-mouth filling, use a very sharp knife to slice the steak very thinly, and be careful not to overcook. Take your pico de gallo as a topper, of course - but also don't forget to save some extra cheese from your buffalo chicken dip to add, as well.

Your chopped onions that you were hoping to add to a hot dog? "Cook-it-yourself-ness" - Is this a dish that's reliably accessible to make? This is about classic dishes that everyone can/should be making for a DIY tailgate. You can have the best tailgate grill and setup, but if you don't have crowd-pleasing recipes to rely on then your party will be over before it's even begun. I don't know if it is just a New York thing, but we LOVE our buffalo chicken dip! To mix up your dippers you could use baguette bread, tortilla chips, or celery. Appetizer recipes are great to put together to munch on before game day. They are normally easy, throw-together ingredients that make a great portion for any size crowd. We definitely love recipes that make too much so we can finish it up for leftovers later on. Since 1990, Selwyn Pub has been a favorite game day spot for the Myers Park crowd as well as Charlotteans from across the city. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio and enjoy a low-key but lively experience. They're known for their pizza, wings and creative transfusion mixed drinks. While the plays and the final score are everything, planning the perfect tailgate to enjoy it all is essential. Traditional tailgates are usually buffet style with guests bringing different foods to add to the mix. For a safe, germ-free tailgate, plan food in individual servings. Prefill cups with fruit, sides, salads and condiments.

Wrap sandwiches, hotdogs and burgers in waxed paper before serving. Use paper muffin cups to serve snacks such as popcorn, candy and nuts. Grab-and-go serving sizes makes it easy for guests to get food without using communal serving utensils. Most tailgates are outdoors which is a benefit when you want to keep guests safe and your tailgate germ free. Consider setting up away from the more populated tailgating areas so that you can have plenty of open space around your tailgate area. Another tip is to ask guests to bring their own chairs and coolers so that you don't have to worry about germs spreading from tailgate gear. Whether you're headed to the game or hostgating at your house, there's nothing like getting geared up to see your favorite team play. From setting up the grill to setting up the best seats in the house, this guide will give you a few tips to help you conquer game day tailgating like a pro. The fast and simple design—just fold out the prep tables and turn the auto-ignite knobs to start grilling—saved our testers from frozen fingers when we tested it out at 10,000 feet. And we didn't have to wait long for our food to cook. The 355-square-inch grate fits about ten burgers and puts out 7,500-BTUs per burner, powered by two standard propane bottles. The number of burners on a gas grill is going to determine how many different types of food you can grill at one time. Since each burner on models like the Coleman RoadTrip 285 can be set to different temperatures, you will be able to cook different types or cuts of meat to various specifications. This level of control will help you to make especially delicious foods on your grill. In comparison to other portable grills, the Royal Gourmet GT1001 series is lightweight with a large cooking area. You can cook for the family without running out of space. Tabletop grills are a great option for tailgating thanks to their smaller size. The biggest issue with these smaller grills is that they can't put out enough heat for certain meals.

This can make it impossible to cook some of the meals that you have in mind. If this sounds like you, then you might want to check out this tabletop model. While it is certainly compact, lightweight, and portable, it is actually quite powerful. It has a maximum BTU output of 10,000, which is quite impressive for a grill of this size. As you would expect from a quality company like Weber, this grill is very well designed. It is also quite lightweight and compact, making it very easy to take with you wherever your next tailgate party might be and whatever vehicle you intend to use. That is not the limit of the electronic features on this stove, however. This grill also uses an electronic thermostat, which helps to make setting, achieving, and maintaining the proper temperature extremely easy. This easy temperature system makes getting great grilling results a breeze, giving you more time to focus on hanging out with friends and family. Wood pellets are one of the newest fuels that folks are using for their grills. Pellets also make temperature control very easy, even if you have to do it manually. This model, however, makes this process extremely easy. First of all, it features an electronic feeder system, which automatically feeds the pellets into the stove to keep it running for a good long time. The only downside of this type of fuel is that it adds a bit of weight and size to the grill. This might make it tricky to fit into some smaller vehicles, even when the grill is collapsed. When it comes to tailgating essentials, there are just a few things you need to really have a rocking time. A great portable grill, a cooler, some chairs, and a set of cornhole boards and you'll be tailgating with the pros.