Grandpa’s Favorite Game Day Recipes Bring The Tailgate Home

Because where else would he watch the game than from his famous nap chair?

As soon as Labor Day comes into view on the calendar, all that’s on Southerners’ minds is college football. As with any good Southern tradition, part of what makes football season so holy is the food. The rivalries are fun, of course, and we do love our game day fashion. But nothing evokes the spirit of game day quite like a tailgate spread. Perhaps the most experienced tailgater at your party is Grandpa. No one can remember plays that happened decades ago quite like he can, and no one appreciates the beauty of a classic stadium dog like him, either. This season, bring the tailgate home to Grandpa with these nostalgic game day recipes. Because where else would he watch the game than from his famous nap chair? This collection of tailgate recipes includes old-school standbys like Pigs In A Blanket and our easiest Chili recipe of all time. Plus, take a culinary trip to the game’s setting with regional recipes like West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls or Oklahoma Prime Rib. With Grandpa’s favorite game day recipes on the menu, it’s going to be a delicious football season.

Easy Chili

If Grandpa is looking for a way to get his chili fix on a cold game day, this is just the recipe he needs. “When I say easy, it really does not get any easier than this,” says Test Kitchen Pro Ivy Odom. “Just a few ingredients in a skillet to brown off our beef, and the slow cooker does the rest.”

Pigs In A Blanket

Is there any appetizer more well-loved than Pings In A Blanket? Pair with a few homemade condiments so tailgaters can pick their favorite flavor for dipping.

Rotel Sausage Dip

When Grandpa thinks of “game day dip,” we’re willing to bet this is the one he pictures. You need a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker to get the party started.

Oklahoma Prime Rib

You can’t visit a Sooner tailgate without coming across this barbecue smoked bologna. Don’t knock it until you try it, folks!

Memphis-Style BBQ Nachos

Grandpa doesn’t need to be a pitmaster to whip up this fun tailgate dish—it starts with picking up some pulled smoked pork from his favorite local barbecue joint.

Little Smoked Sausages In Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce

Now this is a vintage appetizer Grandpa is no doubt familiar with. With just three ingredients and his cast-iron skillet, he can get a taste of the party.

Cook-The-Enemy Gumbo

For Louisiana college football fans, it’s not a tailgate without a pot of gumbo simmering over a burner. Often, the contents of that pot are dependent on who the team’s rival is that day.

Grove-Worthy Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches

SEC fans know that Ole Miss takes tailgating to the next level in The Grove. These gussied-up tea sandwiches are worthy of a Grove tailgate (or one at Grandpa’s house).

Sweet Heat Hot Dogs

Grandpa appreciates the finer things in life, like the sweet nostalgia of a stadium dog. Capture those memories at home with this flavorful hot dog recipe.

Florida State Fried Chicken

This simple but delicious chicken recipe was made famous by Florida State University chef John Wiggins, and it will soon have its own lore in your kitchen once you try it.

Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders

It’s not game day without barbecue, and this slow-cooker brisket might be even easier than ordering takeout from your local spot. “This recipe was delicious, easy to prepare and very flavorful,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “My guests asked for the recipe.”

Copycat Publix Buffalo Chicken Dip

How much do we love Publix? Let us count the ways. Though we’re not afraid to go store-bought with this timeless game day dip, our copycat recipe amps up the flavors a bit.

Kentucky Blue Deviled Eggs

Some old-fashioned recipes are best left untouched, but we would never turn our noses up at a new way to serve deviled eggs. With blue cheese, bacon, chives, and a topping of crispy onions, our latest version is perfect for tailgate snacking.

West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls

Take your tailgate to the Mountain State with this famous snack. We used a store-bought shortcut with frozen dinner rolls to make sure they get on your table in time for kickoff.

Homemade Corn Dogs

Pretend you’re watching the game in person and make this stadium classic at home. Don’t forget to set out the ketchup and mustard!

Baby Back Ribs With Coffee-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Coffee is the secret ingredient to plenty of tasty Southern recipes, including the marinade and sauce for this barbecue recipe. Marinate the ribs at least two hours, but we recommend overnight for the most flavorful results.

Onion Soup Dip

Grandpa isn’t fussy about what he eats. All he cares about is that it tastes good. This simple, two-ingredient dip, paired with classic ruffle potato chips, is all he needs to snack happily at game time.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Apologies to Grandma, but we just gave her original sausage balls recipe a fluffy upgrade with the addition of cream cheese. As appropriate for an 11 a.m. kickoff as they are for an 8 p.m. one, these bites are the ultimate game day snack.

Georgia-Style Boiled Peanuts

Serve Grandpa’s go-to road trip snack on game day, too! Leave them in the slow cooker to keep them warm.

South Carolina Bird Dogs

Gamecocks fans will recognize this fun mashup recipe, and we’re willing to bet Grandpa will put any other loyalties aside for a serving of this delicious tailgate dish.

Oven-Roasted Pork Butt

Grandpa doesn’t need a smoker to serve grade-A pulled pork on game day. This oven-roasted recipe can be served countless ways.

Virginia Ham-And-Cheese Wafers

Similar to cheese straws with the salty addition of Virginia country ham and the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, this appetizer is going to be a new staple at Grandpa and Grandma’s house.

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