At the center of football fandom is the awesome spectacle that is tailgating.
But what is it that drives so many people to wake up before dawn, cover themselves in their team colors, and join thousands of other fans in stadium parking lots? In short, it’s the community, the anticipation of the big game and, let’s be real, the food.
If you want to elevate your tailgating experience, you have to have delicious food. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve collected some of our best tailgate food ideas that’ll help your tailgate party become the highlight of the season.
What Makes the Best Tailgate Food?
Not all food will make the best culinary experience during a tailgate party. For example, you wouldn’t want to bring a three-course meal. The best tailgate food is food that’s easy to pack and easily shareable with the group.
Packability
One of the biggest tailgating obstacles you’ll face is figuring out how to get all the food to the stadium. That’s why it’s important to only bring food that’s easily packable in your car or truck.
You also need to make a game plan ahead of time to figure out what needs to be kept hot or cold.
Shareability
You don’t tailgate to be by yourself. You go because you want that sense of community around your favorite team. So be sure to bring plenty of options that are easily shareable.
The Jack Link’s Football Tailgate Food List
Alright, we’ve talked about why tailgates are awesome, but now it’s time to get into the main event. This is the ultimate Jack Link’s football tailgate food list!
Jack Link’s Jerky Pounders
There is no better tailgating food than beef jerky. With that amazing rich, smoky taste and 11 grams of protein per serving, Jack Link’s beef jerky will leave everyone satisfied.
Worried about having enough? Our signature Pounder bags will ensure everyone has their fill of delicious jerky while tailgating. And, bonus, our beef jerky comes in a convenient resealable bag for easy storage and shareability.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to pace themselves, don’t worry, we also offer smaller bags. But, in true tailgating sharing style, there’s no better choice than The Pounder.
Jack Link’s Beef Sticks
Tailgating is all about having a good time, so you can count on there being a lot of moving around. You want a snack that’s convenient to eat while moving from place to place. That’s where Jack Link’s beef sticks come in.
With a convenient wrapper and one-handed access, beef sticks are a great choice for any tailgate. Also, what would a tailgate be without some alcohol? Our beef sticks go great with beer or a bloody mary!
Sliders
It wouldn’t be a tailgate without at least a little grilling action. Sliders are awesome for tailgating because you get all the delicious flavors of a hamburger in a nice convenient package. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, beef jerky is a delicious add-on for any slider!
Wings
You can’t go wrong with the classics! Wings and football go together like peanut butter and jelly. Not only are wings great for sharing, they also come in many varieties to help keep everyone satisfied.
Make sure to carefully pack your wings in a cooler to help keep them fresh.
Crockpot Meatballs
Did you know you don’t have to cook everything once you get to the game? Making some fantastic tailgate food before leaving home can let you spend less time cooking at the tailgate and more time socializing.
Crockpot meatballs are great because they provide a bite-size snack that can help give you the energy you need. Just make them before the game, cover them with some foil and enjoy them later!
Jalapeño Poppers
There’s just something about spicy foods that gets us pumped up for the game. Jalapeno poppers are a spicy, creamy tailgate snack that’ll surely be a winner for everyone!
If you’re not up for the challenge of making your own, you can buy jalapeno poppers from the frozen foods section at your local grocery store. No one needs to know where they came from!
Pretzels
Hard pretzels are a great little salty snack that require zero prep and can be taken everywhere. There are even a variety of dipping sauces to take your pretzel game to the next level. For a little extra flavor, try soft pretzels with beer cheese.
Rule the Tailgate with Jack Link’s Mouthwatering Snacks
As the football season kicks into high gear, there’s nothing like the tradition of tailgating to upgrade the game-day experience. From sizzling sliders to mouthwatering jerky and everything in between, the right food can turn any parking lot gathering into a culinary festival.
Whether you’re a seasoned tailgater or a rookie looking to impress, remember to pack a delicious assortment of food to share. Jack Link’s has plenty of jerky options to keep you and your crew satisfied and ready for game day! Take a look at our online store for everything you need.
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