Tailgate Treats the Whole Family Will Cheer For
Football season is full swing. Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or cheering on your team from the comfort of your couch, here are some game-day snacks to keep everyone going from the opening kickoff until the final down.
Best Tailgate Treats for Football Games
First Down Fruit Sticks
Have the kids help by sliding grapes, strawberries, and cheese cubes onto skewers for a healthy pre-game appetizer.
7-Layer Huddle Cups
In clear plastic cups, layer refried beans, sour cream (mixed with taco seasoning if you’re fancy), guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, green onions and tomatoes. Chill until gametime. Serve with tortilla chips.
Black Bean Blitzes
Rinse and drain a can of black beans. Pour them into a food processor and pulse with onion, garlic, your favorite seasonings and an egg or egg substitute. The kids can use their hands to shape the mixture into small burger patties. Cook on a grill, oven or skillet. Serve in slider buns with all the fixin’s.
Quarterback Coolers
In a blender or food processor, combine roughly chopped tomatoes, garlic, diced jalapeño, lime juice, salt and pepper. Adjust ingredients to taste. Serve the gazpacho in shooter cups, topped with croutons.
Field Goal Flatbreads
Make customizable mini pizzas with naan or English muffins as the base. Spread your favorite jarred marinara sauce, and set out shredded cheese and an assortment of toppings to choose from. Grill the pizzas or bake them in the oven.
Sweet Victory Apple Nachos
Dip sliced apples in lemon water to prevent browning, then arrange on a platter. Drizzle with jarred caramel sauce. Sprinkle with crushed pretzels.
End Zone Cones
If your team has s’more yards to go, keep the party hoppin’ with a second dessert. Fill waffle cones with chocolate pieces, mini marshmallows and your favorite toppings—maybe peanut butter cups or M&Ms. Wrap tightly with foil, and warm on the grill or in the oven.
Originally published in the October 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.
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