12 Tailgate Food Recipes for Game Day

The energy of the hyped-up crowd; the alluring smell of sweet, sticky charred meats; the welcoming strangers who dole out hot dogs and burgers like old pals breaking bread at a backyard BBQ. From the camaraderie to the copious amount of comfort food, we love a good tailgate party—even when it happens from the comfort of your own couch and those "strangers" are your kid's school chums or your cousin's new girlfriend.

If you're hardcore low-carb or you're trying to eat a little better, it can be tough to pass up the heavily processed meats and sugary treats that tantalize at game-day parties, gatherings, tailgates, and stadium events. Particularly if you’re imbibing, you can't rely on willpower alone to save you from the chips, cheese fries, sugar-laden sandwiches, and deep-fried everything on offer when you get together with friends and family to root for your favorite sports team.

Here's a solution you'll cheer for: Arm yourself with food that’s every bit as crave-worthy but doesn't leave you feeling icky the second you step foot out the door.  From ribs and wings to spinach artichoke dip, these 12 easy tailgate food recipes made with delicious no-dairy condiments, dips, dressings, and oils will win the crowd over with big, bold flavor while keeping you on track. 

The Main Event: Tailgating Meats 

Sticky Ribs with Teriyaki Sauce 

Sticky, sweet, savory, and umami, these full-flavored ribs are marinated in a chili, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame emulsion. Slathering with our mouthwatering No-Soy Teriyaki just before and during grilling ensures a crackly, charred crust on the outside and tender, fall-off-the-bone meat on the inside. 

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

If you want a simpler way to flavor baby back ribs with spice-rich, smoky flavor, these BBQ ribs cloak the meat thickly in a heady spice mixture. Add our tangy, smoky Unsweetened Classic BBQ Sauce made without artificial sweeteners just before broiling to get the most intense flavor. 

Mild Buffalo Wings

You might want to make a double batch of these simple chicken wings made with our milder, gentler no-dairy Buffalo Sauce so that everyone (even little athletes) can enjoy. This easy recipe is also customizable to hotter tastes with our bold, best-selling Original Buffalo Sauce or Hot Buffalo Sauce. Don’t forget our creamy no-dairy Ranch Dip for dunking!

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Who doesn’t love bacon? A richer, tastier spin on plan ‘ol grilled dogs, this easy dish is made by wrapping bacon around each hot dog and securing it with a toothpick before tossing it on the grill. Cook up some sliced onions and bell peppers in a small pan on the side of the grill to add another layer of flavor.

Jalapeño Bacon Burger

Jalapeños, bacon, and beef meld deliciously together into one spicy handheld delight. Creamy pepperjack amplifies the spicy notes, with our creamy Chipotle Lime Mayo bringing in a hint of freshness and a smoky, savory undertone that pairs well with a nice lager.

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Just set it and forget it, then shred it! This easy pulled pork recipe cooks overnight (or while you're at work) and is ready to reheat on game day. Pile it on a plate or a bun, top with and extra drizzle of Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce, and serve with crispy cole slaw for a classic dish that everyone will cheer for. 

The Savory Sidekicks: Appetizers & Snacks

Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

Tailgate tacos? Si, por favor! Incredibly savory and slightly spicy with fresh bursts of flavor from our Avocado Lime Dressing, these simple tacos are easy to assemble from the back of a truck bed (or on your sideboard). Pack the rotisserie chicken in a plastic container, tote the toppings and grain-free tortillas separately, and you’ve got an instant fiesta in the parking lot.  

Buffalo Chicken Dip

The creamier, tangier version of buffalo wings minus the messy chicken bones, this easy dip is made with cream cheese and our fiery Buffalo Sauce (choose your fave—Mild, Original, or Hot). If you're hosting at home, set the crock pot on low alongside mason jars of sliced celery sticks, bell peppers, and carrots so guests can serve themselves.

French Fry Board

Burgers and dogs just aren't the same without their crispy potato sidekick! Get into the game-day spirit with this nosh board prepped with four (or more) delicious varieties of crispy, salty, snackable fries plus a variety of ketchup, condiments, and dips. 

Roasted Cauliflower and Macadamia Nut Hummus

This plant-based dip is a briny, smoky, garlicky spin on hummus, enriched with our premium Avocado Oil. Made creamy and buttery with macadamia nuts, this dip gets extra flavor from the saline pop of capers and the acidic brightness of fresh lemon. 

Bacon-Wrapped Pickles with Ranch Dip

It may seem like a strange combo, but these tasty bacon-meets-pickle treats are the unique offspring of two pub classics: fried pickles and bacon-wrapped sausages. Crispy bacon and briny pickles combine for an addictively poppable treat perfect for an afternoon of beer-sipping, trash-talking, and cheering loudly for your favorite team. 

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Packed with nutrient-rich veggies, this creamy dip is one you’ll want to eat with a spoon. Layers of chopped artichokes and spinach make it thick enough to do just that. Dish it up with your favorite grain-free chips, tortilla strips, celery sticks, or bread.

You might also like these other game-day recipes:

• Double Fried French Fries
• Chicken Nuggets
• Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
• Loaded Game Day Nachos
• Pumpkin Spice Donuts