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    You are here: Home » Food » Appetizers

    17 Tailgate Recipe Ideas On The Smoker Or Grill

    February 1, 2016 By Mary 43 Comments

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    collage of 12 game day appetizers

    Here are 17 awesome Tailgate recipes that can be cooked on your smoker or grill for you to enjoy this year whether you’re at the game live or while watching your favorite game on TV!

    Jump to:
    • Tailgate Recipes
    • Tools
    • Smoked Sausage and Hatch Chili Beer Cheese Dip
    • Beer Cheese Dip
    • Smoked Cheese Ball
    • Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
    • Smoked Buffalo Chicken Wings
    • My Mama’s Basic Blender Salsa
    • Smoked Bacon & Tomatillo Guacamole
    • Smoked Tomatillo Salsa
    • Simple Smoked Sausage Sandwiches
    • Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
    • Smoked Beef Brisket Nachos
    • Smoked Italian Pulled Beef Sliders
    • Smoked Meatball Sandwiches
    • Grilled Chipotle Shrimp Skewers
    • Shrimp Cocktail
    • Smoked Pork Ribs with Asian Spice Rub
    • Smoked Bloody Mary with Smoked Bacon

    Tailgate Recipes

    Even in the dead of winter, people area willing to fire up the grill for their favorite Football team, especially for the Big Game! So we had to chime in with a roundup of our favorite tailgate ideas! From dips, to meats, to drinks, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.

    Tools

    If you are planning to cook on the road portability is key. Here are some of our favorites to make your tailgating food idea a reality:

    • 14-inch Weber Smoky Joe – It’s affordable and portable. Just add your favorite lump charcoal and it can be your reheating or grilling machine.
    • Big Green Egg Mini Max – We love this grill, add the acacia side tables and the leg extensions for the ultimate smoker and grill combo.
    • Cast Iron – A good cast iron pan is key when using dips. We love the Lodge 10-inch, or the 36-ounce serving dish.
    • Camp Chef 14-inch cooking system is amazing with accessories including a pizza oven, grill grate, and flat top. Just add the propane and you are ready to tailgate.

    Smoked Sausage and Hatch Chili Beer Cheese Dip

    Smoked pork sausage. Beer. Cheese. More cheese. Melted into gooey deliciousness. What’s not to love about this tailgate chili recipe?! Grab the recipe for Smoked Sausage and Hatch Chili Beer Cheese Dip.

    Smoked Sausage and Hatch Chili Beer Cheese Dip

    Beer Cheese Dip

    The ultimate tailgate food ideas are often dips. Beer and cheese and bacon melted together is a perfect match with pretzel bites and grilled sausage. Just reheat it on the grill in your favorite cast iron pan. Beer Cheese Dip Recipe

    dipping a sausage in beer cheese

    Smoked Cheese Ball

    Tailgate ideas can be easy and all made in advance like this cheeseball recipe. Smoked cream cheese molded into an amazing cheese ball. Just serve with your favorite crackers. Smoked Cheese Ball Recipe

    Smoked Cheese Ball with smoked almonds

    Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip

    It’s not the Super Bowl without at least 50 “Buffalo” flavored dishes. Try this version with shredded smoked chicken, a mix of creamy cheeses, and the one and only Frank’s RedHot hot sauce. Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

    Bufallo chicken dip in cast iron.

    Smoked Buffalo Chicken Wings

    Want the best crispy wings ever? Make the ultimate smoked buffalo chicken wings. Learn what it takes to make the perfect wings on the smoker, with crispy skin, smoky flavor, and the perfect sauce. Crispy Smoked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

    Alternatively you can make grilled wings instead (with crispy skin).

    Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings on a platter

    My Mama’s Basic Blender Salsa

    Ok, in all honesty this salsa is neither smoked nor grilled. BUT you’ve gotta have a wide range of salsas and guac options at your party. And this tailgate recipe has never failed, ever. 30+ years and still going strong, this salsa has won the hearts of everyone it has encountered. And you’ll never guess the secret ingredient. Basic Blender Salsa Recipe

    Bowl of Easy Homemade Blender Salsa

    Smoked Bacon & Tomatillo Guacamole

    Guac is a must (an absolute must!!) for a Super Bowl Party. Don’t disappoint your guests, and don’t buy the store bought mushy kind. Smoke up some bacon and get on this dip!  Smoked Tomatillo & Bacon Guacamole

    A bowl full of guacamole with smoked bacon and smoked tomatillos

    Smoked Tomatillo Salsa

    If you’re smoking tomatillos for the guac you may as well throw on some extra for this salsa. For something different, yet deliciously smoky, try this salsa, made with smoked tomatillos, cilantro, and apple cider vinegar. Try this tailgate recipe solo with chips, or served over smoked sausages. Smoked Tomatillo Salsa Verde

    A bowl of salsa verde.

    And speaking of sausages…

    Simple Smoked Sausage Sandwiches

    Super easy slider sized sandwiches that come together in no time? Smoked Sausage Sandwiches

    Smoked Sausage Sliders with Peppers and Onions. A super easy slider sandwich for the Super Bowl! One of many great game day easy appetizers to come!

    Pro Tip: You can do everything with ease by cooking all your meats at the same time. Throw on the bacon for the guac (above) and the jalapeño poppers (below), the sausage links for the sandwiches, and the crumbled sausage for the beer cheese dip. Everything goes on at the same time, and comes off just before the game starts. Boom.

    How to grill or smoke everything for Super Bowl Sunday. Prep app your meat in advance, then assemble all of your appetizers just in time for the game.

    Smoked Jalapeño Poppers

    Mmmmm, jalapeños, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese. This is the kind of tailgate recipe that Super Bowl dreams are made of. Smoked Jalapeño Popper Recipe

    Smoked Jalapeño Poppers with Smoked Bacon

    Smoked Beef Brisket Nachos

    Thinking of making a brisket for the big day? Stretch your dollar and impress your friends with these (award-winning!!!) Smoked Brisket Nachos. I bet none of your friends will be making nachos this indulgent this year. You know you want some. Smoked Beef Brisket Nachos

    Brisket Nachos

    Want to just keep it simple and do one big filling sandwich instead of a bunch of apps???

    Smoked Italian Pulled Beef Sliders

    Inspired by “The Bear” on Hulu, this amazing slider is a slowly smoked chuck roast then braised in a beef stock au jus with giardiniera. Add those to a slider bun after slowly braising for several hours and you have a magical pulled beef slider. Pulled Roast Beef Slider

    Italian beef sliders on a sheet pan.

    Smoked Meatball Sandwiches

    These meatball sandwiches are hearty, smoky, and outstanding covered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. Oh yeah… find this tailgate recipe for Smoked Meatball Sandwiches here.

    Or make the same meatballs golfball size and serve them appetizer style.

    Grilled Chipotle Shrimp Skewers

    When it comes to tailgate ideas we like easy. Just marinate and make skewers before you head out and grill on site. This amazing tailgate food idea is simple but packed with flavor. Grilled Chipotle Shrimp Recipe

    Chipotle Shrimp skewers on a platter.

    Shrimp Cocktail

    Another easy one to make is this simple grilled shrimp cocktail sauce. Grill the shrimp on site and make the spicy sriracha sauce. Your friends will be asking for this recipe. Grilled Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

    Grilled shrimp cocktail on a platter.

    Smoked Pork Ribs with Asian Spice Rub

    Combine the 3-2-1 method of ribs with a savory, spicy, and sweet sauce for these finger licking ribs. Yes yes yes! Smoked Asian Ribs Recipe

    Asian rack of ribs and sauce on platter.

    Smoked Bloody Mary with Smoked Bacon

    Need some cocktail inspiration? Try these Bloody Mary’s with Smoked Bacon! Or perhaps you’re more of a bourbon person (that’s okay, so is Sean). In that case these Smoky Old Man Cocktails made with smoked ice should have your covered!

    Smoked Bloody Mary with Smoked Bacon

    For more tailgate food recipe ideas for your smoker or grill check out all our appetizer recipes.

    This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link, we may receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. We partner with brands we know and love and use and it helps keep the blog going!

    Tried this recipe? Give us a star rating and we would love to see! Mention @vindulge or use the hashtag #vindulge on all the social media handles. And consider subscribing to our newsletter where we drop all our favorite ideas and inspirations every week.


    « Simple Smoked Sausage Sandwich
    Hosting an Elegant and Easy Oscar Party on AM Northwest »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah says

      June 20, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Absolutely deliciousss!!! started to get hunger pangs alreadyyy!!! thanks a lott for these dishes!!

      Reply
    2. Durer bolaka says

      April 10, 2017 at 6:23 am

      this is a feat idea about 12-super-bowl-recipes-on-the-smoker-or-grill. I have got more necessary informative information, thank you so much

      Reply
    3. Jenny says

      February 05, 2016 at 10:04 am

      Wow these all look so yummy!

      xoxo, Jenny

      Reply
    4. Melanie says

      February 03, 2016 at 7:25 pm

      Absolutely love those Smoked Jalapeno Poppers! They look amazing and the photo is fantastic!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 05, 2016 at 12:17 pm

        Thanks so much!!

        Reply
    5. Claire says

      February 03, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      I can’t wait for the superbowl just so I can try these amazing treats!!

      Reply
    6. Angie Scheie says

      February 03, 2016 at 4:08 am

      Great roundup! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 03, 2016 at 1:30 pm

        Thanks 😉

        Reply
    7. Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says

      February 03, 2016 at 3:46 am

      Um, YES! I will take all of them please! Those smoked beef brisket nachos, especially, are calling my name…

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 03, 2016 at 1:29 pm

        Oh, those are insane!!! So indulgent and delicious!

        Reply
    8. Melinda says

      February 03, 2016 at 1:49 am

      What great ideas! My husband has been talking about getting a smoker, so I’m going to hold onto this post for when he does!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 03, 2016 at 1:29 pm

        Ohhh do it! If you ever need advice on smoker types, styles, etc., let us know. We have 4 smokers right now and have done tons of research on the benefits of different styles of smokers.

        Reply
    9. Raz says

      February 03, 2016 at 12:26 am

      I want all!!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 03, 2016 at 1:28 pm

        Me too!!!

        Reply
    10. Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman says

      February 02, 2016 at 6:48 pm

      Everything looks so good! I’m just now putting our party menu together, and I think I need to include that bacon and tomatillo guacamole.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 6:54 pm

        Ohh I hope you make it! It’s delicious. You don’t even need the smoker either. You can always grill or roast the tomatillos and cook the bacon however you want to to get it crispy!

        Reply
    11. Kira says

      February 02, 2016 at 5:48 pm

      I will forward this to my husband. He just got a smoker at Christmas and has been wanting to try some more interesting recipes. We have mostly been doing ribs and brisket.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 6:53 pm

        Nothing wrong with ribs and brisket 🙂
        We’ve got a long and growing section for smoker and bbq recipes here on our recipe index! What kind of smoker did he get??

        Reply
    12. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

      February 02, 2016 at 2:58 pm

      Wow! So much yumminess! I want all of it. Now to decide what to make this Sunday.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 4:16 pm

        Decisions, decisions 😉

        Reply
    13. Create/Enjoy says

      February 02, 2016 at 1:07 pm

      Those salsas and guacamole all sound amazing!!!! Oh, I should make some soon! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    14. Brianne says

      February 02, 2016 at 11:52 am

      Oh my gosh these all look amazing! The Buffalo chicken dip and jalapeños, poppers look so good! Thanks for this great round-up of recipes!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:57 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    15. Pech says

      February 02, 2016 at 11:41 am

      I’m less into the football and more into the food – especially dips – for Superbowl Sunday. Dip goes with the sport, the commercials, and the puppy bowl!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:56 am

        Exactly 😉

        Reply
    16. Tiffany says

      February 02, 2016 at 11:21 am

      WOW, Everything looks so good. Superbowl is my favorite day of the year and I’ve been searching for cheese dips. I think yours is the winner 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:56 am

        Hooray! Would love to hear if you do end up making it!

        Reply
    17. Frugal Mom of 8 says

      February 02, 2016 at 11:20 am

      These are great! I really love the bacon and tomatillo guacamole!

      Reply
    18. Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says

      February 02, 2016 at 11:19 am

      I’ll take the beer cheese dip, please and thank you!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:56 am

        It’s so so good!! I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite, that’s why I put it first 😉

        Reply
    19. Nicole @ BlissfullySimplified says

      February 02, 2016 at 11:13 am

      I am planning my superbowl apps today, and some of these are going to make the list for sure! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:55 am

        Thank YOU 🙂

        Reply
    20. Mary says

      February 02, 2016 at 10:57 am

      Yes, yes, and yes! One of each please! Calories don’t count on Super Bowl, right?

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:08 am

        Calories? What are those?? 😉

        Reply
    21. Chelsea says

      February 02, 2016 at 10:44 am

      These look AMAZING! I’m so excited for Super bowl Sunday! Will be referring back to this weekend. We have a party to go to and I don’t know what to make!!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:08 am

        Awesome! Have a great time at your party!

        Reply
    22. Shannon says

      February 02, 2016 at 10:37 am

      Those sausage and pepper rolls would be a huge hit at my house, might have to cook those up for the boys! I’m looking forward to all the delicious food on Sunday.

      Shannon
      Clothes & Quotes

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:07 am

        The best thing about those sausage and pepper rolls is they’re good any day of the week (not just Super Bowl) 🙂

        Reply
    23. kristen says

      February 02, 2016 at 10:31 am

      oh my gosh – all of this looks SOO good!! I love Super Bowl food, but I think this is the best list Ive ever seen!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:07 am

        Wow! Thanks so much 🙂

        Reply
    24. linda spiker says

      February 02, 2016 at 10:05 am

      Great collection of recipes!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 02, 2016 at 11:07 am

        Thank you!

        Reply

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    Mary-Cressler-Sept-2015-smI'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, and founder of Vindulge and author of Fire + Wine cookbook.  Thanks for stopping by!

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