How to Cook for a Tailgate Party

Food is the essence of a tailgate party. Knowing what to cook to make the celebration a success is not as hard as you may think, as long as you plan in advance. However, this is not the time to obsess about complicated recipes and exotic dishes. Instead, focus on offering a variety of food that pleases guests of a variety of ages and tastes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Snacks
• Finger foods
• Hot dogs
• Onions
• Corn
• Peppers
• Potato salad

Cook for a Tailgate Party

1. Choose easy-to-prepare foods that can be put together the day before or on site by mixing just a few basic ingredients. Sandwiches can be pre-made or brought as separate items and then put together at the tailgate party.
2. Take a variety of snacks and finger foods that require little to no preparation. This includes chips and salsa (in its original container), pizza bites and bratwurst sausages in beer.
3. Concentrate on traditional tailgate party food, such as potato salad, hot dogs and corn. If you are planning on having a BBQ, cook kebabs as well. Not only is this type of food cheaper and easily available, but it can also help keep the spirit of the celebration alive.
4. Cook a few desserts. The most common selections include cheesecake and orange-shortbread cookies, but don't discount the idea of things like chocolate cake and ice cream. A good cooler can preserve pretty much everything, as long as you keep it tightly closed and out of the sun.
5. Look for recipes that offer a variation on the classics. Rather than thinking of exotic dishes, look for exotic sauces or new ways of cooking a favorite meal. Take peppers and onions to grill, so you can add them to the bread along with the burgers and sauces.

Tips & Warnings

• Engage other party guests in the cooking process if you can. Rather than taking it all upon yourself to create the perfect eating experience, ask other guests to bring along a dish or dessert. This will lighten the burden on you and also result in a more varied menu.
• Don't forget to ask people whether they are on special diets. Whether they are vegetarians or cannot eat salt, think about bringing an additional dish just for them or ask that they bring something along for the tailgate party.