Posted by Tastefully Simple on September 26, 2025
Tailgating season is here – and whether you’re parked outside the stadium or hosting a watch party at home, the best part of game day (besides the touchdowns) is the food!
We believe flavor should never be complicated. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top tips for simple tailgating and crowd-pleasing appetizers powered by bold seasonings and crave-worthy sauces.
Tailgating Made Simple
Prep & Pack Smart
Stick to easy, make-ahead items. Pre-season your meats with Ultimate Steak™ Seasoning or Garlic Pepper Seasoning the night before. Store in airtight containers or plastic zip bags for quick grilling once you set up.
Go Handheld
Skip the forks and focus on finger foods! Sliders, skewers and wraps are perfect for standing around and cheering on your team. Try recipes like
Note: Customize the flavor with any of our Tastefully Simple sauces – Smoky Bacon BBQ Sauce, Bayou Bourbon™ Glaze or Bold Buffalo Ranch™ Sauce
Keep it Simple
Use coolers with labeled bins – one for drinks, one for ready-to-eat apps, and one for grilling. Keep a squeeze bottle of your favorite sauce handy (we suggest Bayou Bourbon™ Glaze and Bold Buffalo Ranch™ Sauce) to drizzle on everything from hot dogs to nachos.
Shape it into a football and use string cheese for the “laces.”
Easy to prep ahead and sure to disappear off your snack tray.
This savory mix scores with every sports fan.
Decorate with your favorite team colors. Delicious with any of our pound cake mixes.
Whether you’re a grill master or just in it for the snacks, it’s simple to bring big flavor to every tailgate. Score your sauces and seasonings today at tastefullysimple.com.
And for more simple appetizers, check out the Appy Hour Bundle filled with our pick six for a tasty game day spread.