Cheer on your favorite team powered by easy tailgate food. No cooking is needed for these recipes, making your pregame party even simpler!
31 Recipes for Easy Tailgate Food—No Cooking Required
Updated on Apr. 09, 2025
1/31
Soft Giant Pretzels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
2/31
Beer Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
3/31
Champion Roast Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have time, I like to prepare a roast with this much-requested recipe in mind. But when I need a quick meal in a hurry, I use deli roast beef with delicious results. —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 318 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1401mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
4/31
Midwest Mary
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calcuated without salt, pepper and garnishes): 124 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
5/31
Cowboy Caviar (Corn and Black Bean Salad)
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad loved by all ages is chock-full of nutrition. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/31
Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after draining them infuses the potatoes with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 221 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
7/31
Caramel Bars
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
After over 20 years of making this shortbread, I’ve finally found the perfect pairing—salted caramel and dark chocolate. So I layered them with my favorite shortbread crust. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 334 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/31
Cobb Sandwich
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
9/31
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
This irresistible combo could become your new signature snack food. Park the spicy baked chips next to a bowl of the cool, creamy dip and let the gang have at it. What a fantastic twist on traditional chips and dip! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chips with about 1 tablespoon dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
10/31
Beer Margarita
Total Time
5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always surprised when people say they didn't know this drink existed. It's a really refreshing cocktail, and it's easy to double or triple the recipe. —Arianne Barnett, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 244 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
11/31
Ranch Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch, and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/31
Turkey Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Need an awesome snack for game day? My kids love these easy four-ingredient turkey pinwheels. Go ahead and make them the day before—they won’t get soggy! —Amy Van Hemert, Ottumwa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 51 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
13/31
7-Layer Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make this zesty appetizer, you simply layer beans, salsa, cheese and other taco-like ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a walking dip because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you stroll around and talk with guests. —Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 102 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
14/31
Puppy Chow
Total Time
15 min
Servings
13 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. It makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
15/31
Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we get together with friends, I like to prepare this creamy spinach dip. It's a real crowd-pleaser. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 551mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
16/31
Cowboy Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies are very popular here in Wyoming. Mix up a batch for your crew and see why. —Patsy Steenbock, Shoshoni, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
17/31
Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day Dip
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can easily whip up this creamy, spicy, salty dip. For parties, I love dips in the slow cooker—just turn it to low once the dip is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 168 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
18/31
Layered Picnic Loaves
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 341 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 991mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
19/31
Peanut Butter Cake Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cakelike bars are packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips, and they're perfect for any occasion. Everyone is in for a treat with these gems. —Charlotte Ennis, Lake Arthur, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 277 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
20/31
Caramel Corn
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party, I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
21/31
Pizza Oyster Crackers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and easy snack is a favorite of my kids. I always include a baggie in their lunch boxes. —Carol Betz, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 135 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/31
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab. —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
23/31
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
24/31
Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 cups (120 chips)
From the Recipe Creator:
Not your ordinary layer dip, this recipe has a bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt. It's sure to be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip with 6 chips: 178 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
25/31
Antipasto Skewers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/31
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong, oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
27/31
Homemade Potato Chips
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 176 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
28/31
Mini Apple Pies
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in high school, my best friend's mother baked this mini apple pie recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie: 162 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
29/31
Creamy Coleslaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
30/31
Football Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These football cookies would make a delicious and on-theme dessert at a get-together to watch the big game. They'd also serve as a special treat after kids' football games. —Sue Draheim, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 frosted cookie: 293 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
31/31
Fireside Cheese Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When our family and friends get together for holidays or other occasions, I serve this appetizer. It’s always a success. If you prefer, try a Swiss cheese spread instead of the cheddar. And, if you enjoy garlic, substitute a small clove of minced garlic for the garlic powder. —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 95 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Easy No-Cook Tailgate Food FAQs
What can you bring to a tailgate without needing a grill?
The best items to bring to a tailgate that don’t need a grill are dips and chips, batched cocktails, potato salads, coleslaws, or impressive subs or wraps that feed a crowd. Ask the tailgating host if there is anything else you could bring, like desserts, plates, cups or tailgating games.
What are easy tailgate foods?
There are quite a few easy tailgate foods in this list. For dips, whip up our beer dip, 7-layer dip, guacamole or fireside cheese spread. Turkey pinwheels and our Cobb salad sub make excellent no-cook sandwiches. Everyone will obsess over our creamy coleslaw recipe, ranch snack mix and pizza oyster crackers for sides and snacks.
What tailgating snacks don’t need refrigeration?
Tailgating snacks that don’t need refrigeration are homemade snack mix recipes. They’re more elevated than bringing a few bags of store-bought chips but can last at room temperature for days, let alone at a tailgate for a few hours. Certain desserts are ideal for tailgates too. Our football cookies, puppy chow, peanut butter cake bars, caramel corn and cowboy cookies are not refrigerated.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
