700 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806. | Open Daily - 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Search
Subscribe to our E-Newsletter

Tailgating Tips for Perfect Parties!

Even if you’re not a football fan, you can steal some plays from seasoned tailgaters for your next dinner party. Check out these tips and recipes to make sure your next get together is super from soup to apps.

 

Game day is about casual entertaining and good company. Focus on snacks, finger foods and foods that are easy to eat and clean up. Break out your main dishes at halftime! Prepare as much food as you can a day ahead so you can mingle with your guests. Bring on the bold flavors: smoky, spicy and hearty.

To ensure variety, plan a fun and festive menu by selecting three items to buy or make in each of these categories (and be sure to check out our Game Day collection).

Appetizers

Cheeses or cheese ball with crackers, bruschetta, mini pizzas or tacos, pinwheel sandwiches, crudités and dip, hummus and pita, relish tray with antipasto and olives or other accompaniments.

  • Try a remix of your favorite dips—add cooked, crumbled bacon to guacamole, or add chipotle chili powder for a smoky vegetarian version.
  • Set up a build your own canapé bar. Have a variety of toppings ready so guests can assemble their own two-bite masterpieces—on a cracker!

Munchies

Potato chips and dip; tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa, taco or bean dip; trail or snack mix, pretzels, popcorn, roasted nuts, dried fruit, sweets.

  • Simple snacks like nuts and olives are made fragrant and special by a quick warm up in the oven.
  • Try substituting low- or no-fat Greek yogurt for sour cream in dips for healthier versions of your favorite recipes.

The main event

Chili, chowder, jambalaya or gumbo; baked and seasoned chicken wings; sliders, sausages and hot dogs, hoagies and subs; meatballs, frito pie, kebabs or satays; bbq (pulled pork or chicken); pizza, lasagna or casserole dishes; potato wedges.

  • Buffalo sauce needn’t be limited to wings. It’s delicious on baked tofu bites or even roasted potatoes; serve with blue cheese dressing and celery.

How much food will you need?

Plan the correct amount of food for your party using these general guidelines.

Game Day Planner Chart

 

Reprinted with permission from strongertogether.coop.

Scroll to Top