Low-Carb Tailgating: Recipes and Ideas

Fall is in the air, and with fall comes football and naturally, tailgating. Traditional tailgating foods, like hot dogs, chips and cookies, are of course delicious, but high in carbs. Why not save your carbs for beer and try this low-carb tailgating menu instead? These low-carb dishes will please any palate - and no one will ever guess that this is "diet" food!

Low-Carb Tailgating: Chips
Chips and dips are a must for tailgating parties. Give your usual tailgating routine a low-carb makeover by substituting pork rinds for potato chips. These crispy morsels are delicious alone or with any dip, and have zero carbs - you can't get lower carb than that.

Cheese crisps are another low-carb chip alternative. Spread a thin layer of shredded or grated cheese (any kind - parmesan or cheddar work particularly well) in a non-stick skillet and cook over medium heat until all of the moisture cooks out of the cheese and it gets brown and crisp on the bottom. Flip the crisp and cook on the other side for a minute or two, then place the crisp on paper towels to drain. It will harden as it cools. Break into chip sized pieces and transport in Tupperware.

Lucky for low-carbers, most sour-cream based dips are naturally low carb. Just make sure to choose a brand without added sugar, or make your own from sour cream, mayonnaise and low-carb seasonings. Other low-carb dipping options include guacamole, queso dip and even cheese fondue (if you're tailgating in style).

Low-Carb Tailgating: Finger Foods
Since you'll probably already have a grill set up, choose some grill-able finger foods to kick off your low-carb tailgate. At home, hollow out jalapeno peppers and fill with a mixture of cream cheese and seasonings, then wrap with bacon and stick them in your cooler. Toss them on the grill at the game to spice up your tailgating menu. Chicken wings are also delicious on the grill. Prepare a low-carb sauce (like a mixture of Frank's Red Hot and butter for traditional Buffalo wings) at home, then simply toss or dip wings in it as they come off the grill and enjoy.

Low-Carb Tailgating: Main Dishes
Burgers and hot dogs are low-carb by themselves, but they really need buns for full enjoyment. For a carb-free alternative, try kebabs. Thread chunks of marinated steak, chicken, pork or seafood on skewers (with or without vegetables) and grill. Eat directly from the skewer - no need for a bun, and your hands stay clean too. Choose different meats and marinades to please your whole party. Bon appétit!