Football Game Tailgating

NJ_TMM

Any suggestion on food to bring to a college football game for tailgating?  THANKS

TarHeels&Rebels

What time is the game? (Invariably we have morning games, so we end up needing brunch foods.) 

Is there a certain food group you need? (Snacks, mains, sides?)

What supplies will you have access to? (Fridge, microwave, cooler)

NJ_TMM

The game is at 2 so we will probably start at like 11AM - we have access to a cooler, grill - no power.  We have some dips but need some other thoughts too - open to all ideas

TarHeels&Rebels

We can't grill (we tailgate here on the quad...hello forest fire ), so for lunch, we often do either chicken tenders (bought from a restaurant) or sandwich wraps (pre-made at the deli). 

For sides, non-mayo salads like pasta salads with an oil base are easily portable, popular, and can stay out all day.

Ranch with veggies and PB with celery are reliable.

For snacks, try sugared nuts, chex mix or spiced pretzels.

For dessert, obviously go with pick-up things like cookies and rice krispies treats.

Don't forget bottled water.  Soda's rarely forgotten, but people often just want water.

6fsn

My first thought is to get some different brats.  Parboil the plain uncooked ones in beer and some other flavors- Sam's has some great ones, but Johnsonville also makes some good ones too.  Then you could either get buns and toppings (kraut, mustard, onions, relish, whatever) OR you could just slice them and serve more like a kielbasa or you could just do kielbasa.  German potato salad would be a fantastic side.

You could precook some chicken quarters and toss them on the grill to reheat/mark.  If you want something fancier or just different grilled shrimp- get an aluminum roasting pan and cut some slits in the bottom.  Toss uncooked shrimp in melted butter and some garlic and spices.  Put the roasting pan on the grill and throw in the shrimp.  Stir the shrimp around until pink- 5ish minutes.

6fsn

I'd also try to get some food in the team colors- a cookie or tint white chocolate to drizzle on some rice krispie treats.

melly&jimmy

When we tailgate (usually for baseball games) we do hot dogs, burgers, bratz and sausage.  Serve tostios with a seven layer bean dip and salsa.  Usually have cheese doodles for the kids, watermelon and cup cakes.