Bring Out the Portable Grill for Tailgating Fun

Tailgating is a tradition among sports fans and eventgoers, bringing people together in a parking lot over refreshments, fun games, good music, and yummy treats. Most tailgaters get premade dips or bring crockpot recipes, but everyone flocks to the car that brings their portable grill along for the ride. From grilled savory appetizers to burgers, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most mouthwatering tailgating food ideas you can whip up at any party.

Essentials for Tailgate Grilling

Check stadium or venue policies before bringing your grill to the tailgate! Many stadiums have banned charcoal grills; however, portable propane grills (like the Coyote portable grill) are usually permitted.

Make sure you have enough propane before heading to the lot and ensure your tank is secured safely, so it is not bouncing around in your car.

Don’t forget to bring your cups, plates, silverware, napkins, and, of course, your grill accessories (spatula, fork, tongs, brush) so that you are well-prepared to grill and eat!

Tailgate Grilling Ideas for Your Portable Propane Grill

APPETIZERS

Grilled Guacamole

Dips are already any party’s staple, but grilled dips are the way to go when tailgating! The best kind of grilled dip is the one that requires no other appliances outside of the grill.

Love making guacamole?

Try grilling your avocados before adding them to a bowl with chopped red onions, a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, fresh cilantro, two tablespoons of lime juice, two teaspoons of ground cumin, and a pinch (or two) of salt.

Grilled Queso
You’ll also love this recipe for Grilled Queso, made entirely in one sheet pan on the grill. Serve both with your favorite scoop-y tortilla chips.

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Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings
Nothing compares to the delicious combination of smoky flame flavor and sweet and spicy sriracha; that’s why these Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings from Realhouse Mom’s are always a tailgate fan favorite. Don’t forget to bring your ranch or bleu cheese dips and some carrot and celery sticks to make this a genuine “game-day” experience!

GRILLED VEGGIES & SKEWERS

Color-coded skewers are a festive way to show off your team spirit. For example, a Green Bay Packer fan may opt for chicken, zucchini, and yellow squash kebabs, and you can’t forget some grilling cheese like Juustoleitä (“bread cheese” according to Wisconsinites).

Check out this recipe for grilled chicken and veggies skewers from the Dinner at the Zoo blog.

Check out this recipe from Olivia’s Cuisine for a grilled cheese skewer (literally) on the grill.

BBQ RIBS

Even though ribs take longer to cook on a grill than your typical tailgate recipe, they are a commitment worth waiting for and make any tailgate party much more exciting!

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

It’s no secret that rotisserie chicken is an event favorite because it’s as versatile as it is delicious. You can use the juicy, tender chicken pieces for dips, sandwiches, salads, or even by themselves. And there’s nothing better than when the chicken is fresh off the spit. If we had you drooling in the first half of that paragraph just to crush your spirits in the second half, then you’ll be pleased to know that it’s entirely possible to make a rotisserie chicken at your tailgate on your Coyote portable gas grill!

All you need is a 3lb chicken, some butter, your favorite seasoning, and one of our rotisserie kits.

Pair it with coleslaw and bbq sauce, and make sliders. Throw it into your grilled queso, or enjoy it with your fingers!

BURGERS AND HOT DOGS

Although it’s an obvious choice, burgers and hot dogs are a fan favorite that can enhance any tailgate experience. Here are some great tailgate recipes that are a spin on two stadium staples!

Ryan Shazier’s Gametime Burger
The king of the tailgate and Former Pro Bowl linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Shazier, shared his flavorful Gametime Burger, sure to kick a tailgate tradition up a few notches.

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Marinated Garlic and Chili Hot Dogs
As for hot dogs, try marinating a pack of all beef franks in chili sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper the night before your tailgate party.