When we think of a tailgate party we think of the crowded parking lot of the stadium/arena of our favorite sports team.  But consider this tailgating party menu anytime you want to open up your wagon, jeep or SUV to the hungry public.  You can host a tailgaiting party near the lake, in the park, even in your driveway for a neighborhood block party.

The menu and food you choose must travel well and taste good at room (or parking lot) temperature.  It shouldn't be too fussy.  We all know that hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs and BBQ chicken are traditional at any outdoor celebration .  Don't be afraid to show the "foodie" in you and try something a little different at your tailgait party like grilled vegetables or seafood, even a leg of lamb.    The other tailgaters won't laugh, they will beg for the recipes!

Bake or fry chicken pieces the night before and serve cold

Don't forget simple food safety by keeping hot foods hot (or warm for no more then 1 hour) and cold foods cold.  Use the heat of the grill, thermos', ice coolers and insulated carriers. 

Use store-bought soups or prepare fresh ahead of time. 

Transport soups, chilies, beans and the like in a thermos or heat in a saucepan right on the grill.  Serve in heat-proof paper cups. 

Tailgate Party Menu I 

Tomato or Potato Soup

Bourbon-Glazed Beef Roast
or
Teriyaki Flank Steak
Serve Kaiser rolls with mustard and onions or "as is" with your favorite potato salad or coleslaw

Orange Chicken
Use wings or drumetts and add zest and seasonings to the mustard mixture.  Coat the chicken with this mixture prior to grilling.  Double or triple the recipe to prepare 20 to 36 wings

Ham and Black Bean Salad

Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti, Cookies or Lemon Cake
Any of these dessert choices would be a sweet ending

Tailgate Party Menu II

Tailgate Party Menu III

Onion Dip
Serve with chips, tortillas, pita crisps

Juicy Sliders
or
Favorite Burgers

Go Football!!