21 Best Tailgate Grilling Recipes for Game Day - Legends of the Grill (2024)

Recipes

Last updated on by Laura Lynch

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When you think of tailgating, the sizzle and aroma of food on the grill might be one of the first things that come to mind. Grilling is more than a cooking method; it’s an experience that brings people together and elevates the whole pre-game atmosphere.

If you’re the type to arrive at the stadium with your grill in tow, you’re already halfway to throwing a memorable tailgate party. But let’s not stop at just burgers and hot dogs. This blog post aims to take your grill-centered tailgate to the next level.

21 Best Tailgate Grilling Recipes for Game Day - Legends of the Grill (1)

We’ll explore an array of the best tailgate grilling recipes that not only make full use of your grill but also diversify your menu in delicious ways. From meaty mains to grilled sides and even a dessert option or two, we’ve got you covered for an all-grilled, all-flavor tailgating feast.

If you don’t yet have a tailgating grill, check out this post: 8 Best Portable Tailgate Grills and 8 Best Portable Pellet Grills.

» Don’t have a grill for tailgating? Check out our other site for tailgating recipes without a grill.

Best Tailgate Grilling Recipes

Smash Burgers on the Grill

These Smash Burgers on the Grill get the perfect crispy edges from the grill.

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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe highlights tender boneless thighs marinated in a delectable homemade teriyaki sauce that is grilled to perfection.

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Simple Grilled Brats Recipe

As we usher in the warm weather, it's time to break out the BBQ and prep for those delightful cookouts. And there's one dish that's bound to be a hit among both family and friends: Grilled Brats.

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Best Brisket Buns

These incredibly tasty brisket buns are made with tender smoked brisket, brioche buns, and a quick pickle.

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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are a classic and delicious dish that can be made on the grill all year round for that delicious smoky flavor that only the grill can impart.

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The Ultimate Smoked Pork Belly Recipe

There's nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of Smoked Pork Belly filling your backyard as your smoker or pellet grill works its magic. The juiciness of the meat, combined with the perfect balance of salt, smoke, and tenderness is a true delight.

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3-2-1 Rib Recipe

These 321 ribs are fall apart tender while super juicy and packed with smoky flavor.

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Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings

These delicious Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings are seasoned with a spicy and flavorful Cajun seasoning then cooked to perfection. They're so crispy and delicious, you won't be able to stop eating them.

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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick

Teriyaki chicken on a stick is juicy chicken with teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection with a little bit of char and crunch for texture.

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Pellet Grill Pizza

Pellet Grill pizza is a unique way to infuse the pie with a smoky, wood-fired flavor that's hard to resist.

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Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells are the perfect BBQ treat, featuring manicotti tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef and cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce.

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Smoked Armadillo Eggs

These Smoked Armadillo Eggs are jalapeno poppers with a creamy, cheesy center, encased in sausage meat, then rolled in bacon and smoked to soak up all that classic wood flavor.

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Smoked Pig Shots

These Smoked Pig Shots make an excellent appetizer when you're outside smoking some meat for a BBQ. They are sausages, wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and green chilis.

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Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Combining the smoky essence of the grill with a creamy, cheesy filling and a touch of heat from the jalapeños, these Smoked Jalapeno Poppers will leave you craving more.

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Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer

Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer is a great dish for any outside gathering. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil and lime juice, infused with aromatic spices, and then grilled to perfection.

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Classic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

A classic Mexican street food, this corn on the cob is charred on the grill, then slathered in mayo, and topped with tangy Cotija cheese, chili powder and cilantro.

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Grilled Bourbon Pineapple

Grilled Bourbon Pineapple combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the smoky flavors of bourbon to create a delicious grilled side dish for your meal.

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The Best Smoked Mac and Cheese

This Smoked Mac and Cheese is loaded with cheese and incredibly creamy, but with a signature smoked flavor that makes it absolutely irresistible.

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Smoked Baked Beans

Smoking your baked beans can add a whole new level of flavor and complexity.

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BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad

This BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad is a great twist on a classic that combines tender macaroni with a medley of vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy BBQ sauce and mayonnaise-based dressing.

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Classic Potato Salad

This Classic Potato Salad is made with tender potatoes, eggs, celery, and pickles, with a creamy mayonnaise dressing and one simple secret ingredient that really elevates the flavor.

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Easy Smores Bars Recipe

This delicious Smores Bars recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the classic campfire treat. The gooey and sweet dessert features a crunchy graham cracker base and a rich chocolate topping made from melted chocolate chips and marshmallows.

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21 Best Tailgate Grilling Recipes for Game Day - Legends of the Grill (28)

Laura Lynch

Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.

21 Best Tailgate Grilling Recipes for Game Day - Legends of the Grill (2024)

FAQs

What food is good for tailgate grilling? ›

Go for items like burgers, hot dogs, kebabs or chicken wings that cook relatively quickly. Pre-cut and marinate: Save time at the tailgate by pre-cutting meats and marinating them at home. This way, you can simply place them on the grill when you're ready to cook.

What do you use a grill for? ›

You could do grilled ribs, grilled pork tenderloin, or even learn how to grill steak. Want grilled fish? We got that too. Try a show-stopping full red snapper or our jerk shrimp & pineapple bowls, or for something more low-key, go grilled shrimp, grilled mahi mahi tacos, or even grilled scallops.

What food we can grill? ›

7 foods you never knew you could grill
  • Fruit. Cooking fruit can enhance its flavor, and using a grill gives it a smoky kick. ...
  • Pizza. When it comes to cooking pizza, nothing beats a brick oven. ...
  • Shellfish. ...
  • Salad. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Dessert.
May 27, 2022

What are 5 foods good for grilling? ›

  • Chicken halves. You get a great dinner plus leftovers for chicken noodle soup or enchiladas or whatever.
  • Pork steak 2 inches thick cut from the butt/shoulder. ...
  • Shish*to peppers. ...
  • Any kind of large peppers you like. ...
  • Onions. ...
  • Mix the peppers and onions. ...
  • Golden beets are f'king amazing grilled. ...
  • Spring/bulb/grilling onions.
Feb 4, 2022

What is the most popular food to grill? ›

Top 10 foods for grilling
  • Steaks — When the gristle from a well-marbled choice cut Delmonico steak drips down onto the fire, the crackling flames jump up and the meat sizzles intensely. ...
  • Hot dogs Keep in mind that we are in October. ...
  • Ribs Sometimes, you have to get get your hands dirty.
Oct 16, 2008

What to serve 30 people at a BBQ? ›

Citrus and yogurt marinated grilled chicken thigh skewers are the perfect easy BBQ idea for a crowd.
  • Lemon-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thigh Skewers Recipe.
  • Mustard Chive Grilled Flank Steak Recipe.
  • Grilled Pork Chops Recipe.
  • Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro Lime Marinade Recipe.
May 27, 2022

What is a good meal to serve 20 people? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar.
  • Meatballs.
  • Butter Chicken.
  • Lasagna.
  • Chili.
  • Homemade Pizza.
  • Baked Pasta.
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

What is the best meat for a BBQ party? ›

Some of the best BBQ meats include steak, pork chops, ribs, succulent chicken thighs and breasts, burgers, fish, and sausages. Enhance your proteins by marinating them overnight in spices, herbs, and oils for added flavour.

What to grill for a crowd? ›

Our Favorite Grilling Ideas for Large Groups
  1. Pork Belly Sliders.
  2. Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs.
  3. Blackened Catfish Tacos.
  4. Grilla'd Chicken Wings.
  5. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers.

What are 3 rules for using the grill? ›

Learn how you can help keep your home and family safe by following our grill safety tips.
  • Only use grills outside. ...
  • Place your grill away from your home. ...
  • Make sure your grill is located on a flat, level surface. ...
  • Check your grill for leaks. ...
  • Always clean your grill after use.

What can I grill besides burgers and hot dogs? ›

What Can You Cook On A Grill Besides Hamburgers
  1. Avocado. Say hello to your new way to enjoy avocado – grilled to perfection. ...
  2. Grilled Cheese. Let's say you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich. ...
  3. Fajitas. ...
  4. Tomatoes. ...
  5. Scallops. ...
  6. Watermelon. ...
  7. Clams (with spiced paprika butter) ...
  8. co*cktails.

What foods Cannot be grilled? ›

7 foods you should never cook on a grill
  • Pork chops. Raw pork chops on a cutting board (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Delicate fish. Flaky fish (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Bacon. Bacon rashers (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Peeled shrimp. Peeled shrimp (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Tomatoes.
Apr 23, 2023

What are 4 foods that can be grilled? ›

Grill-Worthy Veggies
  • Sweet peppers (6-8 minutes each side)
  • Onions (5-7 minutes each side)
  • Zucchini and other summer squash (5 minutes each side)
  • Corn (25 minutes)
  • Portabella mushrooms (7-10 minutes per side)
  • Romaine lettuce hearts (3 minutes per side)
Jun 26, 2022

What fruit is good to grill? ›

It's easy to grill fruit outdoors or indoors, and produce from every season can be cooked on the grill. Some of our favorite fruits to grill include bananas, watermelon, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears, pineapple, and mango, but let your imagination run wild!

What should I grill for a large crowd? ›

Our Favorite Grilling Ideas for Large Groups
  • Pork Belly Sliders. Sliders are just about guaranteed to be a home run at a party, and these pork belly creations take the idea to a whole new level. ...
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs. ...
  • Blackened Catfish Tacos. ...
  • Grilla'd Chicken Wings. ...
  • Hot 'n' Fast Brisket. ...
  • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers.

What can I grill besides burgers? ›

What Can You Cook On A Grill Besides Hamburgers
  • Avocado. Say hello to your new way to enjoy avocado – grilled to perfection. ...
  • Grilled Cheese. Let's say you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich. ...
  • Fajitas. ...
  • Tomatoes. ...
  • Scallops. ...
  • Watermelon. ...
  • Clams (with spiced paprika butter) ...
  • co*cktails.

What should I bring to a grill party? ›

Here's our list of 7 things to bring to a summer BBQ (that are WAY better than chips!):
  1. Fresh Fruit Platter. ...
  2. Tasty Skewers With Fresh Veggies & Produce. ...
  3. Margarita Pitchers. ...
  4. Desserts From Yours Truly. ...
  5. Quebrada Corn Muffins. ...
  6. A Refreshing Salad (with or without pasta) ...
  7. A Keg, or a Few Six Packs.

What to get someone that likes grilling? ›

The Best Gifts for Grilling Enthusiasts, According to People Who...
  • Pans and cookware.
  • Charcoals and grilling tools.
  • Meats, spices, and marinades.
  • Grills.
Feb 9, 2024

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