10 Easy, Low Mess, Transportable Tailgate Recipes

It’s fall and it’s football season.  You have tickets for game day.  Now it’s time to plan the tailgate menu.  Here is a collection of easy, low mess, transportable tailgate recipes to get you started.

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I selected the following recipes to please picky kids, satisfy grown-up appetites, minimize prep work on game day, eliminate the need for crock-pots and barbecues, keep utensil and serving -ware requirements simple, and to keep the mess to a minimum.  Sorry, no saucy wings in this tailgate recipe collection.

Tailgate Recipes

Appetizers

A wide variety of appetizer recipes is included here.  This collection will take care of those who like pizza, tacos, or even the classic corn dog.  I think every tailgate appetizer collection needs at least one dip, so be sure to check out the cheesy bacon ranch dip recipe.

Homemade pizza puffs from Cafe Mom.

Sausage Roll Ups from Dreaming-n-color.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip from Deliciously Sprinkled.

Puffy Tacos from Plain Chicken.

Corn Dog Muffins from The Pioneer Woman.

Sandwiches

Appetizers are great for snacking, but it’s important to offer sandwiches in case guests have heartier appetites.  These recipes can be prepared in advance to minimize prep. work on game day.  The biscuit BLTs and empanadas can be wrapped in wax paper to make transport and eating while mingling even easier.  Tie the wax paper with ribbon in your team’s colors for even more team spirit.

Italian Pinwheels from Mother Thyme.

Fresh biscuit BLTs  from Country Living.

Pulled pork empanadas from Singly Scrumptious.

Desserts

Cookies and brownies are easy desserts for a tailgate.  However, I love theme food and think it’s fun to offer desserts in the spirit of the game.

Chocolate Football Pretzel Rods from Sarah’s Bake Studio.  I love the idea of sprinkles in your favorite team’s colors.  Go Team!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs from Life, Love and Sugar.

 Tailgating Essentials

No tailgating party is complete without coolers, tables, chairs and serving wear.  It always fun to find forks, knives and cups in your team’s colors.  Dollar Stores and party stores can be a great place to shop for these items.  I love the multi-functional items below.   A backpack cooler that serves as a seat!  A folding table that has a beverage bucket and drink holders.