Our readers get pumped up for tailgate snacks and the school they're cheering for. Tackle a few of their favorites and see why.
30 Fan-Favorite College Tailgate Recipes
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Love college football (or basketball, for that matter)? We asked alums and fans alike what must-have tailgating recipes they make to cheer on their teams.
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West Virginia Mountaineers
“Whether we’re tailgating at the stadium or having a party at home, we have to have nachos.” —Becky Cline Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
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Peach Cobbler Recipe
The first step to making peach cobbler? You have to choose perfect peaches. We'll walk you through the recipe.
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University of Alabama Crimson Tide
“I love a good pulled pork sandwich at any tailgate. Roll Tide!” —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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University of Wisconsin Badgers
“On Wisconsin game days, it’s all about the cheese curds, beer and the brats—better yet, beer brats!” —Raechel Bartz, Chicago, Illinois
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Boise State University Broncos
“It’s not a game without hot wings!” —Jennifer Patterson, Shoshone, Idaho
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Texas Christian University Horned Frogs
“It wouldn’t be a tailgate if we didn’t have stuffed jalapenos. Big jalapenos, filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. What a way to cheer on my alma mater.” —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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University of Oklahoma Sooners
“Breakfast burritos show up at all our tailgating parties.” —Darla German, Tulsa, Oklahoma
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University of Tennessee Volunteers
“We have country ribs, eclair cake, and tables of cheese balls, cheese wafers and cheese soup. Anything orange goes.” —Beth Tuesburg, Roanoke, Virginia
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University of Illinois Fighting Illini
“I love a good Italian sausage at a tailgate. Add peppers and it’s even better!” —Caroline Stanko, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Ohio State Buckeyes
“My husband is a huge Ohio State fan. I make loaded potato skins for most games.” —Amy Prunkl Hinzmann, Wethersfield, Connecticut
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Clemson University Tigers
“Gotta have fried chicken and potato salad!” —Nancy Lak, Bremen, Georgia
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Chili Coney Dogs
Hot dogs might be an American classic, but each of us has our own regional favorite that we’ll defend against all others. Make this Coney Island hot dog recipe and you’ll be rooting for Detroit. It’s the meat sauce that sets this tasty hot dog apart.
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Northwestern University Wildcats
“We do ours to the nines! We cook a turkey at home and carve it while we tailgate—and there’s always a bottle of champagne to share with everyone.” —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
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Indiana University Hoosiers
One of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
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University of Nebraska Cornhuskers
Get ready to sink your teeth into these soft, golden buns bursting with a savory blend of seasoned beef, melted cheese and crisp cabbage.
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Syracuse University Orange
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
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Temple University Owls
I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
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University of North Carolina Tar Heels
This pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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University of Oklahoma Sooners
Everyone has a go-to method for making chili, but this slow cooker chili recipe is our favorite. It's perfectly seasoned with just the right level of heat!
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Western Michigan University Broncos
Pretzels and beer come together in these soft pretzels that are simple to make.
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Purdue University Boilermakers
Mouthwatering Dr Pepper pulled pork, infused with the sweet, bold flavor of Dr Pepper and the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, is perfect for casual gatherings and cookouts.
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New Mexico State University Aggies
When sitting down to tacos isn't an option, walking tacos are the answer. These self-contained mini-meals are just the thing for eating on the go or around a campfire.
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UCLA Bruins
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
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University of Oregon Ducks
Edamame and corn give this unique salsa its unmistakable team colors. You can add a little salt if you like, too. A healthy alternative to creamy dips, it’s good for the extra point. —Maggie Lovat, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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University of Kentucky Wildcats
Mint and bourbon give this drink a bit of a Kentucky kick, and ginger ale makes it a fizzy party punch.—Cathy Justus, Taylor, Michigan
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Penn State Nittany Lions
This hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for the halftime food rush. People actually cheer when they see me coming with my slow cooker! —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
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LSU Tigers
This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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Rutgers University Scarlet Knights
I’ve had this recipe for more than 42 years and have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Stanford University Cardinals
Only salt and the right frying oil is needed for juicy, crispy-skinned fried chicken wings. Pair the wings with any of these three fantastic sauce options.
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Ole Miss Rebels
Mississippi mud pie is a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert. With a little help from boxed pudding mix and frozen whipped topping, it's ready in a flash without any fuss.
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