Ultimate Guide to Tailgating

Consider it the “quarterback” of any tailgate party. Everything revolves around the menu. Follow these quick and easy recipes for appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and don’t forget the sweetest part…dessert!  

Athletes in the game can’t perform their best without the right equipment and a well thought out game plan. Use our Ultimate Tailgate Checklist to bring your “A game” and all the right equipment to the big event.

• Grill
• Charcoal
• Chimney starter or lighter fluid
• Cooler
• Ice
• Knives, forks and spoons
• Plates
• Napkins and/or paper towels
• Cups
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Plastic zip bags
• Large garbage bags
• Aluminum foil
• Chairs
• Music
• Games (football, frisbee, bean bags, etc.)

Looking for some new equipment to show off your Game Day cooking skills? Visit the Pillsbury store! 

This is where we separate the amateurs from the pros.  Follow these Big 7 coaching tips to guarantee your tailgate event is the parking lot party to remember.

1. Get the crowd into it: Think beyond the typical tailgate food like hotdogs and burgers. It’s fun to throw in some new recipes trickery to get the crowd cheering for more.
   
   
2. There’s no I in TEAM:  Don’t feel like the tailgate is entirely on your shoulders. Reach out to some of your friends and let them know what they can bring or how they can help. 
   
   
3. Preparation always wins: This coaching tip leads to may victories, and your tailgate even t is new different. Start with what to bring and who’s bringing what.  Use our Ultimate Tailgate Checklist shown above a week in advance. That way, you’ll feel no pressure on game day.
   
   
4. Cool space red zone: Remember, cooler space is valuable and tight. Freeze drinks (unless they’re carbonated) the night before and let them thaw out before game time. It’s important to keep all the meat cold until it’s ready for the grill.
   
   
5. Trick play: Be sure to have fun, too, by preparing ahead of time with some dips and easy appetizers the day before kickoff.
   
   
6. Share the health:  If you’re looking for a healthier option try trimming off the fat on a lot of the meat options.  Also, it’s all about regulating your tailgating portions. Just because there is a lot of food doesn’t mean you have to eat like a lineman.
   
   
7. Clean getaway:  Bring disinfecting wipes and table sanitizer for during the tailgate party and plenty of trash bags for after. Also, stay green by reusing your plastic bottles and plastic silverware. If you leave the area cleaner than the way you and your friends found it, you’ll surely be the M.V.T (Most Valuable Tailgater) of the game.