21 Best Tailgate Grilling Recipes for Game Day

This article has links to products that we may make commission from.

When you think of tailgating, the sizzle and aroma of food on the grill might be one of the first things that come to mind. Grilling is more than a cooking method; it’s an experience that brings people together and elevates the whole pre-game atmosphere.

If you’re the type to arrive at the stadium with your grill in tow, you’re already halfway to throwing a memorable tailgate party. But let’s not stop at just burgers and hot dogs. This blog post aims to take your grill-centered tailgate to the next level.

Best tailgate grilling recipes

We’ll explore an array of the best tailgate grilling recipes that not only make full use of your grill but also diversify your menu in delicious ways. From meaty mains to grilled sides and even a dessert option or two, we’ve got you covered for an all-grilled, all-flavor tailgating feast.

If you don’t yet have a tailgating grill, check out this post: 8 Best Portable Tailgate Grills and 8 Best Portable Pellet Grills.

» Don’t have a grill for tailgating? Check out our other site for tailgating recipes without a grill.

Best Tailgate Grilling Recipes

Grilled T-Bone Steak

Grilled T-Bone Steak is marinated in a savory blend of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection and finished with a touch of butter.
See the Recipe
A grilled tbone steak on a plate with veggies

Smash Burgers on the Grill

These Smash Burgers on the Grill get the perfect crispy edges from the grill.
See the Recipe
Grilled smash burgers

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe highlights tender boneless thighs marinated in a delectable homemade teriyaki sauce that is grilled to perfection.
See the Recipe
Grilled teriyaki chicken

Grilled Stuffed Chorizo Burgers

These grilled stuffed chorizo burgers are filled with spicy chorizo and melted cheese, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal.
See the Recipe
Chorizo burger

Simple Grilled Brats Recipe

As we usher in the warm weather, it's time to break out the BBQ and prep for those delightful cookouts. And there's one dish that's bound to be a hit among both family and friends: Grilled Brats.
See the Recipe
A grilled brat on a bun with onions and peppers.

Best Brisket Buns

These incredibly tasty brisket buns are made with tender smoked brisket, brioche buns, and a quick pickle.
See the Recipe
Smoked brisket buns

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are a classic and delicious dish that can be made on the grill all year round for that delicious smoky flavor that only the grill can impart.
See the Recipe
Grilled chicken drumsticks

The Ultimate Smoked Pork Belly Recipe

There's nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of Smoked Pork Belly filling your backyard as your smoker or pellet grill works its magic. The juiciness of the meat, combined with the perfect balance of salt, smoke, and tenderness is a true delight.
See the Recipe
Sliced smoked pork belly

Whiskey Glazed BBQ Burger

Elevate your grilling game to legendary status with this Whiskey Glazed BBQ Burger with homemade smoky whiskey BBQ sauce and grilled onions.
See the Recipe
Whiskey bbq burger

3-2-1 Rib Recipe

These 321 ribs are fall apart tender while super juicy and packed with smoky flavor.
See the Recipe
321 ribs

Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings

These delicious Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings are seasoned with a spicy and flavorful Cajun seasoning then cooked to perfection. They're so crispy and delicious, you won't be able to stop eating them.
See the Recipe
Cajun chicken wings

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick

Teriyaki chicken on a stick is juicy chicken with teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection with a little bit of char and crunch for texture.
See the Recipe
Chicken teriyaki

Pellet Grill Pizza

Pellet Grill pizza is a unique way to infuse the pie with a smoky, wood-fired flavor that's hard to resist.
See the Recipe
Smoked pizza feature

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells are the perfect BBQ treat, featuring manicotti tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef and cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce.
See the Recipe
Smoked shotgun shells

Smoked Armadillo Eggs

These Smoked Armadillo Eggs are jalapeno poppers with a creamy, cheesy center, encased in sausage meat, then rolled in bacon and smoked to soak up all that classic wood flavor.
See the Recipe
Smoked armadillo eggs

Smoked Pig Shots

These Smoked Pig Shots make an excellent appetizer when you're outside smoking some meat for a BBQ. They are sausages, wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and green chilis.
See the Recipe
Smoked pig shots

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Combining the smoky essence of the grill with a creamy, cheesy filling and a touch of heat from the jalapeños, these Smoked Jalapeno Poppers will leave you craving more.
See the Recipe
Smoked jalapeno poppers

Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer

Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer is a great dish for any outside gathering. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil and lime juice, infused with aromatic spices, and then grilled to perfection.
See the Recipe
Grilled shrimp on skewers

Classic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

A classic Mexican street food, this corn on the cob is charred on the grill, then slathered in mayo, and topped with tangy Cotija cheese, chili powder and cilantro. 
See the Recipe
Mexican street corn

Grilled Bourbon Pineapple

Grilled Bourbon Pineapple combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the smoky flavors of bourbon to create a delicious grilled side dish for your meal.
See the Recipe
Grilled bourbon pineapple

The Best Smoked Mac and Cheese

This Smoked Mac and Cheese is loaded with cheese and incredibly creamy, but with a signature smoked flavor that makes it absolutely irresistible.
See the Recipe
A scoop of smoked mac and cheese

Smoked Baked Beans

Smoking your baked beans can add a whole new level of flavor and complexity.
See the Recipe
Smoked beans

BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad

This BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad is a great twist on a classic that combines tender macaroni with a medley of vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy BBQ sauce and mayonnaise-based dressing.
See the Recipe
Bbq chicken macaroni salad

Classic Potato Salad

This Classic Potato Salad is made with tender potatoes, eggs, celery, and pickles, with a creamy mayonnaise dressing and one simple secret ingredient that really elevates the flavor.
See the Recipe
Potato salad on a plate

Easy Smores Bars Recipe

This delicious Smores Bars recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the classic campfire treat. The gooey and sweet dessert features a crunchy graham cracker base and a rich chocolate topping made from melted chocolate chips and marshmallows.
See the Recipe
Smores bars

Like this recipe? We’d love for you to share it on your Pinterest board! Click to follow our Pinterest boards so you can find all our recipes! 

Instagram it! If you try this recipe please tag #legendsofthegrill on Instagram or Twitter. We love to see your photos of our recipes! Also follow us on Facebook to keep up on what we’re cooking up.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

5 from 16 votes
Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *