Tailgating Party Food

By Kendra Smoot
Though you may not have been to a tailgate party since your college days, why not host a party before the next game you attend? Here are a few ideas to transform your tailgate party from a bunch of guys sitting around a keg to a fun, kid-friendly get-together.


Seth Smoot

The easiest way to avoid a messy tailgate party is to stick with finger foods. You'll probably be taking along a mini-grill, so why not cook mini-foods? Even your main course can be hassle free if you provide bite-size fare such as hamburger sliders and corn cobs cut in half. With these delicious little guys, you don't have to sacrifice taste and flavor. Spice 1" balls of ground beef with cajun seasoning and grill over coals or on a gas grill. Buns can be cut with a small round cookie cutter to fit the sliders. For the corn, butter and season clean, shucked cob halves and wrap them in aluminum foil. They're then ready to be placed directly on the grill where they'll cook about 10 minutes per side (20 minutes total). You can tell they're done when the kernels turn a deep golden color. Add simple sides like potato chips or veggies and you have a delicious meal made entirely of no-mess finger foods.



Seth Smoot

Class up your party by ditching the chip bags. A large bamboo steamer, found in Asian food markets, is a perfect snack keeper. Just line the bottom with parchment paper to keep chips from getting crushed. The steamer has two layers which can be separated off and passed around separately. Remember the old adage – happy guests are guests with hands full of snacks.


Seth Smoot

Fall soup is perfect for warming up guests on a chilly day. But who has time to chop those tough fall veggies like squashes and sweet-potatoes? Save time by serving up store-bought varieties, but then add delicious toppers like cheesy crackers, sugared nuts, cream, and fresh herbs. Heat the soup at home and transport to the game in a covered metal pot. It's quick and easy and will keep your insides warm no matter how cold the weather.


Seth Smoot

Finally, a use for day-old bananas that doesn't involve baking bread! Traditionally cooked in a campfire, this dessert also turns out fabulously when cooked on the grill. Slice unpeeled bananas and wedge chocolate (Hershey's and Rolo work best) and marshmallows into the slit. Wrap in aluminum foil, sealing well so the gooey deliciousness doesn't melt out. The result is a chocolatey take on bananas foster that will have you wanting to make them at home in your oven rather than wait for the next outdoor event.


Seth Smoot

Prove to your friends that you can be a sports fan AND one crafty chica by making a felt banner rooting for your favorite team. It's cheap and easy – just use felt squares and iron-on athletic letters, both found at craft stores. Display it near the snacks where your guests will linger and soak up your team spirit. When you're ready to leave the parking lot and head to the game, load things up in a bag like this brilliant one from LL bean

Seth Smoot

Let little ones get in on the cheering action with a set of homemade pom poms. Each pom pom takes about 10 shopping bags. Lay the bags down on a cutting mat and use a ruler and rotary cutter to cut the top, bottom, and both sides off. Discard these and you'll be left with a rectangle of plastic pieces. Cut this into 1-inch strips which you'll then gather and secure in the middle with a twistie tie. Fluff the pom pom by separating each piece of plastic, and then repeat the process for each pom pom. Be sure to make extras, as your toddler's friends (and maybe even some of the adults) will all want their own!


Seth Smoot