There’s nothing quite like a game day party. Whether you’re in the backyard, in a parking lot, or in the comfort of your living room, it’s fun to make game day special. We felt it was only fair to share how to throw a family-friendly, memorable gathering while supporting your favorite sports teams. Though there’s no wrong way to tailgate, we think you’ll find our sweet recipes and festive setup ideas to be game-winning.
Tailgate Essentials List: What to Bring to a Tailgate Party
It’s almost game time, and we’ve created the ultimate tailgate checklist. Seriously, we’ve got it all covered, from the game day food recipes to the tailgate tables and chairs. It’s time to make some memories while rooting on your favorite team in style.
Tailgating Snacks and Game Day Dessert Ideas
There’s a well-kept secret that some fans care more about the tailgate snacks than the actual sporting event. We wouldn’t want to blow their cover, so we’ll make sure the tailgate party desserts are worth their while. They’ll be cheering for the spread as much as the scoreboard.
Touchdown for Trail Mix
For those who need to keep their eyes on the ball, enjoying our Game-Day Party Snack Mix is the perfect way to multitask on game day. Quick to prepare and packed with sweet and salty goodness, it’s the perfect fuel to keep you cheering.
We all know that a bowl of our SKINNYPOP Original Popcorn or DOT’S Homestyle Seasoned Pretzel Twists goes empty fast at any gathering. Featuring both of those fan favorite snacks, this REESE’S Lover’s Peanut Butter Trail Mix is a top competitor in the tailgate snack game.
If you’re not making S’mores at your tailgate, our S'mores Trail Mix is another way to get your fix. Beyond the HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar, mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces, this mix invites fruit, nuts and more SKINNYPOP Original Popcorn onto the team. If you’re worried about your trail mix getting melty like a real S’more in the heat, we recommend packing this tailgate snack in an insulated water bottle.
The No-Bake Recipe Hall of Fame
Alongside trail mix, our no-bake tailgate party desserts prove that achieving deliciousness does not have to be complicated. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are as delicious as they sound, and even the youngest team members can help out with no need to use an oven.
When the game gets heated, a crunchy snack is the perfect way to keep nerves in check. Enter Crunchy REESE'S PIECES Bars—a foolproof, no-bake treat. A quick spin in the microwave is all it takes to blend gooey marshmallows with crispy REESE’S PUFFS Cereal, plus REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips, REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter and REESE'S PIECES Candies. These HERSHEY’S Chocolate Crispy Bars also score the same crunch.
Slam Dunk Savory Snacks
DOT’S PRETZELS Chicken Fries—yes, you’re hearing us correctly. Though these speak for themselves in sounding delicious, you can’t be sure until you try for yourself!
While you’re at it, we’ve also crafted the perfect recipe for DOT’S PRETZELS Crusted Mac & Cheese. Also featuring DOT's Original Seasoned Pretzels, no matter how big of a batch you make, tailgaters will keep coming back for more of this mac.
Hear us out on this last one. REESE’S Game Day Nachos are legendary in the world of sweet and salty combinations. If the game isn’t going in your favor, these nachos serve as the perfect distraction; a mountain of classic nachos piled high meets your favorite chocolate and peanut butter duo.
High-Scoring S’mores
While we fully encourage making Classic S’mores at any outdoor tailgate, these S’mores Dipper Treats are the perfect football-themed addition to any indoor or outdoor game day celebration. Graham crackers are the perfect canvas for a sweet dessert decked out in your team colors.
For another share-worthy S’mores dessert option, try out our S’mores Cookie Bars. These are next level good—plus, they are travel-friendly once cut into square servings.
Don’t forget that you can also make S’mores in the oven or airfryer for a more relaxed game day celebration at home.
Championship Cakes & Cupcakes
Looking to give the indoor sports some love? This HERSHEY'S Basketball Court Cake is a beginner-friendly treat that’s just as fun to decorate as it is to eat! HERSHEY'S Gridiron Cake accomplishes a similar re-creation of a turf football field, even featuring TWIZZLERS goal posts. These cakes are nothing short of artwork, and they’re best enjoyed in an indoor setting to keep all the creative details perfectly intact.
No matter the sport, All-Star Team Cupcakes are a fun way to recognize your MVPs for their efforts. Spoiler alert—we argue that every team member counts as an MVP. With REESE'S Snack Size Peanut Butter Cups as edible “jerseys”, players will love seeing their numbers on these sweet treats.
Center Field Cookies & Brownies
If you’re new to baking, you can never go wrong with HERSHEY'S Classic Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies. Plus, we've got two more football-shaped treats that are just as easy to make. Try these REESE'S Stuffed Football Cookies for a decadent chocolate cookie dressed up like a football. Touchdown Brownie Cups are another fan favorite, complete with HERSHEY’S Cocoa and crunchy pecans.
Tips for Tailgate recipes:
- Plan your food and prep ahead of time
No one wants to be running for last minute ingredients and supplies. Plan and prep everything a day or two ahead of time so everyone can enjoy the game day celebration.
- Create a spreadsheet or group chat
Make sure no one doubles up on snacks, drinks, or food so there’s more variety and not substantial leftovers.
- Keep in mind food allergies and kid-friendly options
Try to keep your dishes inclusive and family friendly – everyone wants to have fun!
Tailgating Supplies and Outdoor Essentials
A winning tailgate begins with the essentials—delicious food, fun activities, and plenty of seating for everyone to kick back and enjoy. Once you’ve got the perfect setup and the perfect menu of game day snacks & desserts, you’ll be tailgating like a pro.
Food supplies and clean-up essentials
Be sure to pack plenty of disposable trays, utensils, plates and garbage bags for easy cleanup. It’s important to leave any outdoor tailgate locations spotless when you leave.
Disposable aluminum trays or serving containers
- Coolers and plenty of ice
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Plastic cups or drink insulators
- Water bottles
- Condiments, if applicable - salt, pepper, onions, ketchup, mustard, relish, BBQ
- Plastic plates and utensils
- Paper towels and napkins
- Garbage bags
- Aluminum foil and plastic bags
- Fly fans
Tailgating Setup and weather essentials
If traveling, be sure to pick travel-friendly foods and supply items, and plan accordingly for weather.
- Canopy or tent
- Folding tables and chairs
- Music speakers or radio
- Rugs or blankets
- Umbrellas or ponchos
Portable appliances and cookware
If making burgers, hotdogs and hot food items you’ll need travel-safe appliances for cooking and keeping food warm.
- Portable grill or griddle
- Propane or charcoal
- Grilling and cooking utensils like tongs or spatulas
- Portable power sources for small appliances like slow cookers or electric grills, and charging phones or speakers
Tailgate Games and Activity Ideas
- Cornhole: You can’t go wrong with some friendly competition via tossing bean bags.
- Frisbees, Soccer balls, or Footballs: Why not warm-up at the same time as the team you’ll be cheering on at the game?
- Table Pong and Kid-friendly ‘Candy Pong’: Candy Pong is a sweet twist on the classic game—swap the drinks for HERSHEY’S candy, with different pieces scoring different point values.
- REESE’S PIECES Relay Race: It’s our take on the egg relay race without the messy yolk risk. All you need is a spoon and a bag of REESE'S PIECES Candies. Scoop the same number of candies onto each team’s spoon and let the race begin! Each participant must dash to the finish line, turn back, and carefully hand off the spoon to their teammate without dropping (or sneaking a taste of) any REESE'S PIECES Candies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A tailgate party is a pre-game gathering that is usually held in a parking lot outside of sports stadiums. Fans gather to enjoy food, drinks, music and games before the big event. The tailgate name comes from the tradition of using the open tailgates of trucks as tables for the food and beverage spreads.
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Tailgating is more fun when you team up with family and friends to cover all the essentials. A simple spreadsheet can help track who’s bringing game-day food, outdoor gear, and supplies for activities. We suggest checking out our tailgating essentials checklist to learn everything you might need.
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Insulated containers, slow cookers and warming trays are all options to keep your tailgate food at the ideal temperature. Wrapping dishes in foil also helps retain heat, and doubles as a method to keep any insects away from your game day spread.
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Absolutely! Make some room in the cooler for juice boxes. Tailgates can be a blast for kids and adults, from the finger foods to the competitive backyard games.
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While there is no dress code for a tailgate party, we’d of course suggest that you go all out to support your favorite sports team. As long as you're dressed for the weather, you'll be set for an unforgettable game-day experience.
