Yeah, we know what you’re thinking. Your average tailgate features nothing but domestic beer and brats, which don’t exactly present a challenge for the chef or a surprise for the taste buds. You can surf Pinterest for Super Bowl food ideas, but your table will still mostly consist of chips and dip, grocery store hot dogs and football-shaped desserts. Looking for some game day recipes your guests will actually remember? Roll up your sleeves and get into the kitchen—we’re here to save your tailgate.
The Appetizers
Our favorite pregame appetizers are ones you can carry around the tailgate and munch on throughout the game, without fear of knocking over your plate when things get exciting. We’re especially partial to handheld football snacks, and that doesn’t have to mean store-bought.
If you want an even more finger-friendly food and need something you can sneak past stadium security in your pockets (shh… you didn’t hear it from us), jerky is the way to go. Professional-quality jerky can be made with ground or whole-muscle meat and a good dehydrator, flavored with the seasoning of your choice. Make a few batches with different spices if you’re looking to please lots of varied tastes. We recommend a smoky flavor for classic jerky lovers or something with more of a kick for our Bills Mafia brethren once we reach those winter games.
The Entrée
Bringing a deep fryer
to a tailgate might sound cumbersome, but you’d be surprised how much easier it
can be than even a portable grill. Choose a nice, flaky cod and a good beer
batter, plus a bag full of Russets and you’re good to go. If you’ve never
brought homemade fries to a party, trust us—that fryer will be on the whole
time and your fellow football fans will tell tales of your awesomeness for
weeks to come. Get your batters and fryers here and
your fry
cutter right here.
If you’re going with a
heavier meat option like pork or beef, we recommend our Memphis
Style Barbecue Rub. It’s one of our most popular, perfect as a
dry rub or (insider tip) as a marinade if you just add water.
The
Side
Our mouths are already watering in anticipation of football season. Have a favorite recipe we didn’t mention here? Share it with us on Facebook and Pinterest and we might just feature it on our blog! Go Bills!