Whether you’re a diehard football fanatic or casual tailgate goer, there’s fun to be had with family, friends and other fans before a good game. And if you’re anything like us, you know the gameday food is a critical component of a great tailgate.
Keep scrolling for our roundup of tailgate recipes, ready to be shared with a crowd and taken to a tent, parking lot or neighbor’s yard near you.
Serve Up Simple Watermelon
You know it, you love it: it’s fresh, ripe watermelon! No matter what team wins, almost nothing can beat a juicy piece of fruit. Here are our top ways to bring it to a tailgate:
- Cut watermelon into simple sticks for an easy grab and go option.
- Watermelon balls are a fun shape to eat and enjoy.
- You can’t go wrong with a bowl of watermelon cubes; even better when you can slice and dice them quickly with this cutting hack.
Sip on a Savory Cocktail
Your go-to brunch bevvie just leveled up. This Watermelon Bloody Mary balances sweet watermelon juice with salty (and a bit spicy) flavors! Keep it simple with celery, olive and watermelon garnishes; or load it up with your favorite gameday snacks.
Also try:
- If you prefer sweet drinks over savory, try this two-ingredient Watermelon Mimosa.
- If you’d rather snack on your cocktail than sip it, make these Spiked Watermelon Balls!
For the Main Event: Wings
Every fall tailgate requires a smoky, saucy meat. We’re recommending Chipotle Maple Citrus Watermelon Wings, which can be marinated overnight and grilled on the spot. You might need to pack some napkins, but we promise it’s worth it for a bite of sweet and spicy chicken.
Also try:
- If you’re a tried-and-true pulled pork or brisket lover, mix up your usual with Watermelon BBQ Sauce.
- If you want to grill but with minimal ingredients, consider these Grilled Watermelon and Italian Sausage Kebobs.
A Side of Pasta Salad, Please!
This Watermelon Rind Caprese Pasta Salad has all the classic Italian flavors everyone adores (hello, tomato, balsamic and basil) with one twist: watermelon rind! It’s also convenient to make ahead for times like these; just add the dressing and mix when serving on game day.
Also try:
- If you love pasta salads but are craving something a little zingier, try this Watermelon Rind Orzo Salad.
- If you’re keen on Caprese but aren’t digging rind, check out these party-pleasing Watermelon Feta Caprese Bites.
Please the Masses
Have extra watermelon on hand? You’ll want to save this recipe for Watermelon Rind Basil Lime Relish. When you’re feeding lots of hungry (and potentially picky!) football fans, this relish is a top choice because it can go on almost anything: hot dogs, chips, charcuterie or simply a spoon.
Also try:
- If fruit salsa is more your speed than relish, you might enjoy this Watermelon Pineapple Salsa.
- If family-friendly snacks interest you, this Kids Charcuterie Board is a must-save inspiration.
Festive and Fun
A watermelon carving is the perfect intersection between festive and fun. Scoop watermelon balls first, then follow these simple directions to carve your remaining fruit into a football helmet! Completely brag-worthy, plus uses up all your watermelon, even the rind.
Craving a bite you haven’t found here? Explore more recipes: https://www.watermelon.org/recipes/
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