Great Tailgating Recipes for Game Day
No tailgate is complete without great food. Whether you're parked outside the stadium or firing up the grill in your driveway, tailgating food brings people together and turns every game day into a feast.
From smoky BBQ favorites to gooey desserts, we’ve rounded up some classic tailgating recipes that are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and full of that fire-cooked flavor. So grab your gear, pack your cooler, and get ready to make your tailgating menu the talk of the parking lot.
Cook Up the Classics
Once your fire is going and your grill is hot, it’s time for the fun part - the food. Here are five tailgating dishes that will make you just as excited for the food as you are for the game.
1. Loaded BBQ Nachos
Perfect for: Sharing with friends before kickoff
Ingredients:
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Tortilla chips
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Pulled pork or shredded chicken
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BBQ sauce
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Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
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Jalapeños
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Sour cream
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Guacamole
How to Make:
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Lay a sheet of foil on your grill or campfire grate.
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Spread a layer of tortilla chips, then pile on your pulled pork or chicken.
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Drizzle with BBQ sauce and top with cheese.
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Grill until the cheese melts and the edges get a light char.
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Finish with jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.
Tailgating Tip: Use your Donkey Tong 27" to handle the foil packet safely over the flames. Its extra length gives you the perfect reach without burning your hands.
2. Grilled Sausage Skewers
Perfect for: Quick bites while the burgers cook
Ingredients:
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Sausages (try a mix: smoked, spicy, or even South African boerewors if you can find it)
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Bell peppers
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Onions
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Mushrooms
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Cherry tomatoes
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Olive oil, salt, and pepper
How to Make:
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Cut the sausages and veggies into bite-sized chunks.
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Thread onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
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Brush with olive oil and season.
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Grill over medium heat until charred and cooked through.
Pro Move: Rotate your skewers easily using the Donkey Tong 27". Precision grip, perfect length, and built tough for every grill master.
3. Fire-Grilled Burgers with a Twist
Perfect for: The main event on your tailgating menu
Ingredients:
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Beef patties
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Brioche buns
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Cheddar cheese
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Caramelized onions
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Crispy bacon
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BBQ mayo (mix BBQ sauce with mayo for a smoky spread)
How to Make:
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Grill patties over medium-high heat, flipping with your Donkey Tong 27" for perfect control.
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Add cheese just before they’re done for that gooey melt.
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Toast buns lightly on the grill.
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Stack it all up with caramelized onions, bacon, and BBQ mayo.
Game Day Hack: The Donkey Tong 27" is ideal for flipping burgers over open flames. Longer than standard tongs for safety, yet compact enough to pack for any tailgate. It's spatula-shaped head also makes for easy flipping without breaking your burgers.
4. Buffalo Chicken Wings
Perfect for: Classic American tailgating flavor
Ingredients:
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Chicken wings
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Butter
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Hot sauce
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Garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
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Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
How to Make:
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Grill wings over medium heat until crispy and golden.
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In a bowl, mix melted butter, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
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Toss the wings in the sauce and serve hot with your favorite dip.
Pro Tip: Use your Donkey Tong 27" to move and flip wings evenly.
Booyah's BBQ using his tong of choice
5. Campfire S’mores Dip (for the Sweet Tooth)
Perfect for: Post-game dessert around the fire
Ingredients:
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Cast iron skillet
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Chocolate chips
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Marshmallows
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Graham crackers (for dipping)
How to Make:
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Line your cast-iron skillet with chocolate chips.
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Top with marshmallows.
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Place on the grill until melted and golden brown on top.
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Scoop up with graham crackers for the perfect bite.
Bonus Tip: Use your Donkey Long Tong 32" to move the skillet on the fire. No burns, no stress.
Why the Donkey Long Tong Belongs at Every Tailgate
When you’re cooking over open flames, you need gear that’s as tough as your team spirit. The Donkey Long Tong 32" and Donkey Tong 27" are built for real fire lovers.
They’re longer than your average tongs, giving you safe control over hot coals and sizzling food. But they’re still compact enough to pack in your tailgating kit. Designed from high-quality materials, they’re the tools that’ll last season after season. From summer cookouts to winter game days.
Fire Up Your Next Tailgate
There you go. Five easy and delicious tailgating recipes that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
With a solid tailgating menu, your trusty Donkey Fire Tools, and a grill, you've got everything you need for a game day worth remembering.
Because the food should always be as memorable as the game.
