I Asked 50 Football Fans for Their Go-To Tailgating Recipe, and These Are the 10 They Swear By

Football season has kicked off and, for diehard fans, that means weekends have become dedicated to tailgates and football parties. From Thursday to Monday, our schedules are booked watching high school, college, and professional football games—and, of course, eating our way through the tailgate.

We asked our Allrecipes Allstars to share their favorite, easy football recipes that they’ve become famous for. From dips to sliders and every appetizer in between, these are the 10 recipes that will make you a tailgate champion—no matter if your favorite team is or not.

Hard Salami Cups

These four-ingredient poppable salami cups are filled with a mixture of cream cheese, spinach-artichoke dip, and garlic powder. “They’re super easy and always a hit,” says Allrecipes Allstar MaryLou

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR

“I love these cowboy beans as a side, interesting chili substitute, or ‘dip’ with tortilla chips. They’re easy to transport in the Crockpot and warm up a party,” says Allrecipes Allstar Amy Barnes.

Dip for the Stars

Sylvie Feghali Smith

“This recipe has been the hit of every party I’ve made it for. It makes a lot of dip, so I added more sundried tomatoes, pesto, and pine nuts to allow for more layers to the dip,” says reviewer NUNPUNCH. “Very pretty when finished. Be sure to bring copies of this recipe for everyone that will be asking for it!”

Slow Cooker Philly-Style Shredded Beef Sliders

Bibi

“This is really easy. I prepare the meat ahead of time, shred, and return to the slow cooker. It stays warm a good long time. People can make their own sliders, this way, the buns don’t get mushy,” says Allrecipes Allstar Bibi.

Easy Texas Chili

France C

“My husband is picky—and HE LOVES THIS CHILI! He asks for it all the time. I have never written a review before, but this one warrants five stars,” says reviewer julieannk.

Texas Twinkies

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers take it one step further by adding brisket to the cream cheese mixture. “A great way to use leftover brisket (or pulled pork will do too!),” says Allrecipes Allstar France C.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Buffalo chicken dip is a tailgating classic for a reason. And with more than 4,000 5-star reviews, it’s no wonder this slow cooker recipe was mentioned by football fans again and again.

Cocktail Meatballs

Allrecipes Magazine

“So easy and I always get rave reviews,” says Allrecipes Allstar Lisa Altmiller. While this recipe uses from-scratch meatballs, you can cut down on prep time by opting for frozen meatballs instead.

BBQ Bacon Ranch Dip

Soup Loving Nicole

“This has been my go-to for so many years,” says Allrecipes Allstar Amanda. The layered dip is made with bacon, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, barbecue sauce, bell pepper, tomato, and Cheddar cheese.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“Many people have asked for the recipe, and it is fully expected that we serve it at our football parties. I serve it with optional toppings, including shredded cheddar cheese and bleu cheese dressing.” says Allrecipes Allstar Jacolyn.