Check out the How To Video of this Menu:
As winter sets in there's no better way to enjoy the game than with a tailgate party full of hearty, warming foods. These winter-friendly tailgate dishes are perfect for a crowd. From crispy, flavorful bites to creamy, cheesy dips, here are some irresistible menu ideas to make your winter tailgate unforgettable.
1. Chicken Lollipops
These drumette-style wings are cleaned and shaped to resemble lollipops, making them easy to grab and eat without any mess.
How to: Start by prepping chicken drumettes, trimming the bone and pushing the meat down toward the base to create the lollipop shape. You can season them with your favorite dry rub or marinate them in a tangy sauce (think garlic parmesan, honey mustard, or classic buffalo). For an extra crispy texture, bake or deep fry them until golden brown. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
2. Buffalo Chicken Dip: Comfort in a Crockpot
Buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate winter tailgate favorite. It combines the bold heat of buffalo sauce with the creamy texture of cream cheese, ranch, and shredded chicken. Best of all, it’s a dish that can be easily kept warm in a slow cooker, letting you focus on enjoying the game.
How to: For a simple version, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheddar in a crockpot. Stir everything together and cook on low for a couple of hours until hot and bubbly. You can adjust the spice level based on your preference, adding more or less buffalo sauce. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or even soft pretzels for dipping.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños
These spicy bites are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and wrapped in crispy bacon. The combination of smoky bacon and spicy jalapeños is always a winner, and they’re the perfect bite-sized snack to enjoy during the game.
How to : Slice fresh jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Then, fill each half with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a little garlic powder. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Grill or bake them until the bacon is crispy and the filling is melty. If you like, you can drizzle a bit of honey on top for a sweet and spicy finish.
4. Twice-Baked Potatoes: Comfort Food for the Win
The creamy potato filling is loaded with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions, then baked to perfection. They're sure to be a crowd favorite.
How to : Start by baking russet potatoes until tender. Once cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh, leaving a small border around the edges. Mash the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper, then spoon the mixture back into the potato skins. Top with more cheese and green onions, then bake until the potatoes are golden and crispy on top.
For extra protein, try adding some crumbled sausage or shredded chicken to the filling.
Bonus Tip: Pair Your Dishes with Hearty Drinks
A winter tailgate is not complete without the right drinks. Hot cider (with or without a splash of bourbon), beer, or a red wine can help keep everyone happy while they enjoy the game.
Happy tailgating & Go Chiefs!
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