Top 5 Foods for Philadelphia Eagles Fans Tailgate Parties

A visit to the Linc for an Eagles home game is a must in my hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. So is a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate party. But, before you drive to South Philly for some great National Football League (NFL) action, check out these Top 5 Foods for Philadelphia Eagles Fans Tailgate Parties. Sure to please all the Philadelphia Eagles fans in your family.

Philly Steak. A Philly steak or cheese steak is a classic Philadelphia sandwich made with shredded beef and cooked on a grill top. You can order one with or without the cheese and onions, or add green peppers. You don't put mayonnaise on this sandwich or Eagles fans will suspect that you're not a native of Philadelphia. Instead, have some marinara sauce on hand for people like me who are mad about the Philadelphia Eagles and pizza steak sandwiches. Whatever your taste, a Philly steak or cheese steak can be bought at the game or made at home and reheated in the parking lot for some great Eagles pre-game action.

Meatball Sub. South Philly is known for its great food, restaurants and outdoor vendors and markets. As a result, meatball subs are prepared lovingly each day for an adoring public. But, you can make your own meatball subs just in time for Eagles game day. Just make meatballs from scratch, put them in a slow cooker with your favorite red sauce. Make sure you have authentic Philadelphia Italian rolls on hand for your Eagles tailgate party. Don't have time to make your own? Pick up what you need from Pagano's Market. Whatever you decide, you're good to go for a fun day at Lincoln Financial Field.

Italian Sausage. South Philly is known for its great food, restaurants and outdoor vendors and markets. Hot Italian Sausage is sold on the street and in neighborhood restaurants for an adoring public who just can't get enough of these Italian treats. But, you can make your own hot Italian sausage just in time for Eagles game day. Boil the sausage for about 10 minutes and brown them on a griddle. Wrap them in tin foil to keep them warm. Make sure you have authentic Philadelphia Italian rolls on hand for your Eagles tailgate party. Don't have time to make your own? Pick up what you need from Pagano's Market. Whatever you decide, you're good to go for a fun day at Lincoln Financial Field. Hot or mild, Italian sausage sandwiches are a must on game day.

Hoagies. There are no hero, gyro or submarine sandwiches in the City of Brotherly Love. No sir, the best sandwiches in town are called "Hoagies," distinguished by their oven-fresh rolls. How do you make hoagies for an Eagles game tailgate party? Pick up some fresh Philadelphia Italian rolls from your local deli or luncheonette. Or, buy them from a market in South Philly. Slice each roll and sprinkle lightly with oil. Add shredded lettuce, onions, sandwich fillings, and sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Top with provolone cheese. My favorite hoagie variety? Italian Hoagies, of course, featuring salami, Italian ham and more. Bring some hoagies to your next Eagles tailgate party and you'll be surprised how many friends stop by for your NFL pre-game action.
　
Philadelphia Soft Pretzels. The legendary Philadelphia soft pretzel can trace its origins to the strong Germanic influence during the early settlement days of Pennsylvania when a large proportion of Pennsylvania's population spoke German. "Pennsylvania Dutch" or Pennsylvania Germans, as they're appropriately called, still speak in old German dialect and cook up native cuisine. Many places to this day in southeastern Pennsylvania bear German names and old barns are dotted with German symbols. Along with German settlement and traditions came pretzel making. The Philadelphia soft pretzel is unique and shouldn't be confused with the frozen ones you buy in the grocery store or the pretzels you get at Aunt Annie's in the mall. No, indeed, Philadelphia pretzels are usually bought from street vendors in Center City. These pretzels are available for purchase by the slab and are sprinkled with course salt. They're fresh, soft, and chewy, and not overly moist. Eagles pre-game action in the parking lot at the Linc would not be the same without Philadelphia Soft Pretzels on hand. But, don't forget the yellow mustard.

What else can you include in your all-original Philadelphia Eagles game day tailgate party? How about bringing along some other delicious treats and light fare, like TastyKakes, Peanut Chews or German Buttercake? What about Taylor Pork Roll, and Habbersette Scrapple? What about pizza or Stromboli from Leonetti's? Maybe you prefer otato and onion or cheese pirogi on Eagles game day? What about olives and cheeses from Philadelphia's 9th Street Italian Market? Many of these items can be made at home, wrapped in tin foil, and heated up or served at the game. Or, bought nearby. Make sure you have plenty of authentic Italian rolls on hand to serve with your pork roll and scrapple.

Thirsty on game day? Philadelphia Eagles' fans can rely on Shackamaximum Imperial Stout (Philadelphia Brewing Company on Amber Street) to keep them warm and toasty, available in 22oz bottles and in kegs, or a growler of Extra Pale Ale (Yards on Delaware Avenue.) Whatever you choose, be sure to wear your Eagle green and cheer loudly for the Philadelphia Eagles on game day.

RESOURCES

Philadelphia Brewing Company
www.philadelphiabrewing.com

Yards Brewing Company
www.yardsbrewing.com

Pat's King of Steaks
www.patskingofsteaks.com

Philly Soft Pretzel Factory
www.phillysoftpretzelfactory.com

Philadelphia Eagles
www.philadelphiaeagles.com