Add a Pinch | Recipe Index | Recipes | Collections

12 Southern Tailgate Recipes for Football Season

Robyn Stone

Published Aug 19, 2025

Score big with these 12 Southern tailgate recipes , perfect for football season! Easy, portable dishes like pimento cheese and pecan pie bars, plus tailgate tips for a winning game day spread.

Football season in the South means tailgating with bold, comforting flavors that bring everyone together. These 12 recipes are easy to prepare, travel well, and deliver the deliciousness Southern tailgates are known for. Whether you’re in the stadium parking lot or cheering from home, these dishes will make your game day a winner and bring the spirit of Southern hospitality to every touchdown celebration.

Classic Pimento Cheese in a bowl with cracker with text overlay that reads 12 Southern Tailgate Recipes for Football Season. - 1

Tailgating Tips for a Winning Game Day

  • Plan Ahead : Prep dishes the night before to save time. Choose recipes like pimento cheese or sausage balls that can be made in advance and stored easily.
  • Keep It Cool : Use a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs for perishable items like deviled eggs, pimento cheese, or pork. Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Pack Smart : Use leak-proof containers and foil pans to prevent spills. For delicate items like deviled eggs, use containers with dividers or egg trays for secure transport.
  • Stay Warm : Invest in a portable grill or slow cooker to keep dishes like pulled pork or boiled peanuts warm. Insulated food carriers also work well for hot items.
  • Make It Grab-and-Go : Opt for finger foods like fried chicken nuggets or pecan pie bars to minimize the need for utensils. Provide napkins and small plates for easy cleanup.
  • Bring the Extras : Pack serving utensils, napkins, toothpicks, and dipping sauce cups. Don’t forget a trash bag to keep your tailgate spot tidy!
  • Make it Fun: Add fun decorations to make your tailgate setup and serving area your own. Tablecloths, serving platters, flowers, and games are some of my favorite items to bring along, but start small, keep it do-able and most importantly – enjoyable!
Photograph of tailgate setup with various foods, flowers, and decorations. - 2

Tailgate Recipes for Football Season

Pimento cheese scooped onto a bagel chip. - 3

Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Pack in a sealed container in a cooler. Pre-portion into cups for easy serving.

Photograph of pulled pork on a bun with bbq sauce and pickles. // addapinch.com - 4

The Best Pulled Pork Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Transport pork in a foil pan for reheating on a portable grill. Assemble sliders or sandwiches at the tailgate.

White plate holds several buffalo chicken wings coated in buffalo sauce, sitting next to a bowl of ranch dressing for dipping. - 5

Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Make it Peachy: Swap the Buffalo Sauce with Peach BBQ Sauce !

Tailgate Tip : Pack in a sealed container in a cooler.

Deviled eggs make the perfect appetizer or side dish for family meals, parties, holidays, potlucks, picnics and more. This simple and classic deviled eggs recipe is a family favorite! // addapinch.com - 6

Classic Deviled Eggs

Load ’em Up: Make some deviled eggs with your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of bacon jam or sliced olives and bacon crumbles.

Tailgate Tip : Store in a single-layer container with a tight lid to keep them intact.

Photo of cooked sausage balls in a white serving bowl. - 7

Sausage Balls Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Store in a resealable bag and serve at room temperature or warmed.

12 Southern Tailgate Recipes for Football Season - 8

Hot Corn Dip Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Transport in a foil pan for reheating on a portable grill or use a small slow cooker for keeping warm.

Plate of cheesy spinach dip bites. - 9

Spinach Dip Bites Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Store in a resealable bag and serve at room temperature or warmed.

Classic chicken salad on a white plate with slice of tomato, lettuce, and a fork with a bite of chicken salad. - 10

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Pack in a sealed container in a cooler.

12 Southern Tailgate Recipes for Football Season - 11

Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Pack in a sealed container in a cooler, along with the brine. Serve at room temperature, in a pot on a portable grill, or in a slow cooker. I love to serve in small cups like roadside stands you see along the roads in the south.

Pecan pie bars cut into individual squares sprinkled with flakey salt. - 12

Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Tailgate Tip : Store in a single-layer container with a tight lid to keep them intact.

photograph of chocolate chip cookie on a white plate on a dark background. - 13

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Tailgate Tip : Store in a single-layer container with a tight lid to keep them intact.

Stack of the best brownies on a marble countertop with a white background. - 14

The Best Brownies Recipe Ever

Tailgate Tip : Store in a single-layer container with a tight lid to keep them intact.

These recipes bring Southern flair to your tailgate with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Pack them up, cheer on your team (War Eagle!), and enjoy a game-day spread that’s sure to score big! For more game day friendly recipes, check out our Tailgate Recipes section. Happy tailgating!

Enjoy! Robyn xo