Create a Tailgating Menu with Your Favorite Tailgating Foods

Tailgating is a staple of football culture. Sometimes the party before the game is more fun than the game and it is a great way for fans to socialize and talk about their team. Tailgating involves setting up in the parking lot at the stadium, getting out the grill, and eating and talking with friends and family. The most important part of a tailgate is the food and the refreshments. Tailgating foods run to the barbecue kind and many people have strict ideas of what they believe a tailgating menu should consist of.

The history of tailgating seems to revolve mostly around football and food though it is difficult to pin down the first party. Some claim tailgating began on the backs of wagons while other claim it was not a tailgate until there were trucks. Tailgating foods at this time were similar to a tailgating menu you may find today, as barbecues were the only way to cook the food. Barbecues have come a long way since the early 1900s and can now be as large as the vehicles who pull them. Progression has not only led to changes in barbecues but also to some changes in the foods eaten.

Create your tailgating menu before you leave for the game. Decide your menu based on the amount of people attending your party and the preferences of those who will be attending. Prepare a large amount of vegetables for any vegetarian fans and brownies or cookies in case of sugar attacks.

Tailgating foods can range from hot dogs to steak. Marinate your hot dogs and bratwurst in beer and your steak and hamburgers in Italian dressing. These simple marinades will have you cooking up some great tailgating foods with very little preparation. Add sides to your tailgating menu. Make, or buy, potato salad, cole slaw, potato chips, and dips. Cut up vegetables for an easy snack that fits well in a cooler.

Step outside the norm and create a distinctive tailgating menu. Grill shrimp or fish, or cheese quesadillas. It is even possible to grill a pizza. Heat up meatballs or smoked sausages in barbecue sauce. Think of ways to cook your favorite foods over a barbecue grill or keep in a cooler until ready to eat.

Bring your favorite refreshments whether they are alcoholic or not. Coolers can hold cans of soda and beer or bring a container filled with your favorite mixed beverage or fruity drink. Bring enough drinks to share with anyone who may stop by to chat.

Make your own history of tailgating by hosting a party before the next football game with all of your favorite tailgating foods!