Tailgating Party Food Ideas
Great Tailgate Tips for Sporting Events and Outdoor Concerts
Oct 31, 2009
Tailgating is a standard term for outdoor parties at a sports stadium or an outdoor concert prior to the main event. Bring a picnic basket, a portable grill and a bucket of ice to set up a tailgating party. A car really isn't necessary anymore to tailgate, but good friends and good food can get your party started!
Whether you find yourself at a stadium parking lot, on a beach or at an outdoor concert, a tailgating party is the easiest way to celebrate and reconnect with old and new friends. Start with a favorite recipe, some good music and ice cold drinks to share, and your 'tailgation' will be a success.
Tailgating Rules
Tailgating has been a popular pre-game party for American college football fans for years. Recently, it has moved beyond college football to include all sports and even outdoor concerts. The first rule of tailgating is to make good food right there in the parking lot where the action is pre-game or pre-concert.
The main ingredients for a tailgate party are alcoholic beverages, grilled food and playful fellowship. Some of the most dedicated tailgators will go so far as to erect tents and portable beer pong tables to keep the morale high prior to a game or concert.
Tailgate Supplies
While the food is being cooked, there are plenty of portable games that have become tailgate traditions. For free printable Tailgate party games, check out Party Theme Shop for a wide variety of the most-played games for everyone from kids to adults. Games like cornhole, beer pong, football toss, tailgate toss are some of the most commonly played and pack up for easy travel.
Flagpoles are another popular item at tailgate parties. Not only to show support for the team of choice but a great way to let others know where your group is meeting in the stadium parking lot.
Traditional Tailgate Fare
Picnic foods are the staple for tailgating: Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, beer & brats, baked beans, potato salad and chips are the easy picnic foods you'll see everywhere. For the foodies who still like to keep it simple but don't care for mundane, the following recipe can be made with a camping stove, a large pot and the following ingredients.
Beer-Boiled Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large shrimp (leave tails on)
- 2 dozen mussels
- 1 lb chorizo, kielbasa or Linguisa pork sausage, cut into thick slices
- 1 6-pack of dark ale
- Several bay leaves
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp coriander seeds
- 2 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
- 4 lemons, sliced
Directions:
- Cut sausage into 1-inch slices the night before. Wash the shrimp and mussels in cool water. Store each in airtight plastic containers in refrigerator overnight.
- Put everything into a large pot to boil (except the shrimp and mussels). After boiling begins, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Bring back to a boil and add shrimp and mussels in for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp have turned pink and mussels have opened. Remove sausage, shrimp and mussels and place on plate over ice. Serve chilled with cocktail dipping sauce and sliced lemons.
Serve a crisp spinach salad with pears and Gorgonzola cheese along with fresh french bread for an easy, delicious tailgate party brunch. Chocolate brownies or fresh-baked cookies travel well and you won't have to worry about leftovers. Then sit back and enjoy the fellowship and pre-game antics!
For more related articles, check out:
A Trio of Great Burger Recipes for the Grill
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