There are a lot of reasons to love fall. The colors of changing leaves. The cooler temperatures. The vibrant and bright produce that line farmers market tables.
And for many families, the autumn season also means football season.
Whether you're going out to tailgate or staying at home to catch the game, you can bring the fun and festive flavors of tailgating.
The Best "Pick-Six" Football Favorite Recipes
To help get you started on hosting or attending a tailgate gathering, we’ve got some great recipes to share. Whether you’re set on family favorites or are looking for something new to try, these tailgating-inspired will get you ready for the big game. And no matter what team you and your guests are rooting for, these tasty recipes will bring you all together.
Chips, Salsa and Guac
Three ingredients for a great party. These three key staples are a versatile option for all audiences. Impress your guests -- and yourself -- by choosing to make these three snacks at home rather than from grocery store shelves. It can actually be much easier than you may think.
For the chips - Homemade chips can be one of the easiest snacks you can whip up in the kitchen. Cut up some corn tortillas into triangles, lay them on a baking sheet and drizzle some spicy oil like Chipotle Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Sprinkle on some sea salt and bake until lightly golden brown.
For the salsa - Whether you like spicy or mild, fruity or herby, making your own salsa gives you a variety of options to make it how you like it. Try out a protein-packed Black Bean and Corn salsa or a bright and fruity pineapple salsa. A splash of fruity or spicy balsamic vinegar and olive oil combination can also transform the flavors and bring delight to your tastebuds.
For the guacamole - It all starts with the avocado. Mash it up, add some chopped onions or tomatoes. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar like Honey Vinegar or a drizzle of Persian Lime Olive Oil. Sprinkle in some salt and you’re set to go. Feel free to adjust the add-ins and flavor combinations to match your preferences.
Homemade Dips
On a tailgate spread, you’ll usually find a variety of dips and spreads to pair with crackers or homemade pita chips. With so many ingredients and flavor combinations, your dip options are endless. Sweet to savory, herby to spicy, dips you can make at home can be modified to your and your guests’ taste preferences as well. Set out a tray of crackers, an assortment of veggies or just grab a spoon and use it as a topper for other great foods on your plate. Looking for a great new dip idea? Check out these flavorful options:
- Spinach Artichoke - Combine a creamy texture with these bright veggies in this dip that brings in a herbaceous note with Tuscan spices and Herbs de Provence Olive Oil.
- Pimento Cheese Dip - Take your classic store-bought cheese dip up a notch with pimentos. This easy recipe packs in a punch with Tunisian Harissa Olive Oil and horseradish mustard.
- French Onion Dip - Bring a unique flavor to the spread with this classic favorite. The secret addition of honey in this recipe brings a pop of sweetness sure to delight.
Chili
It wouldn’t be a tailgate without some sort of chili, right?
A really great thing about chili is how versatile it can be. Whatever you have in your pantry, canned or fresh, you can toss it into the chili to make it just how you like it.
This classic chili recipe brings the heat in with some Tunisian Harissa Extra Virgin Olive Oil as well as a little bit of chili powder and sweet peppers. It’s also packed full of veggies like carrots, celery, onion and whatever else you want to toss in.
Make your chili how you want - super spicy or tame and mild. Top it off with traditional add-ins like cheddar cheese and sour cream to add the option for even more personalization.
Stuffed Peppers
Whether you’re sold on those Jalapeño Poppers or prefer a milder simply stuffed pepper, game day is a great time to try out this classic family favorite. Try bringing out the grill with these grilled stuffed peppers. Under heat, the cream cheese and hummus filling weaves its way into the stuffing of steak and rice. Keep them mild or amp up the spice with the type of pepper you use or other hot add-ins like Tunisian Harissa oil.
Mac'n’Cheese
Go beyond the store-bought boxed mix and amp up this kid-classic and timeless favorite. This Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe brings in grown-up flavors like pesto olive oil and horseradish maple mustard, and even Worcestershire sauce to create a noodle dish that will have your guests saying “touchdown” on each bite.
Wings
Bring some sweet and spicy to these classic game-day bites. These Spicy Fig Chicken Wings have some heat with ingredients like Chipotle olive oil and sriracha. Yet that heat is neatly balanced with the sweetness from figs, through both fig paste and rich balsamic vinegar. Remember to set out napkins for these messy yet fun appetizers.
Enjoy Your Tailgate With Your Team
This season is still a perfect opportunity to celebrate with family, friends and food. Try out some of these great football-friendly recipes for your next get together.
What’s your go-to game-day snack? Let us know in the comments or share with us on social media!