14 Dishes That’ll Make You the MVP of Every Tailgate
There’s nothing better than good food, fresh air, and great company—and these dishes are here to make you the star of it all. Whether you’re packing up for a sunny picnic, setting up at a tailgate, or showing off at a potluck, these recipes are built to travel well and taste even better. From crowd-pleasing snacks to hearty mains and irresistible desserts, every bite will have people asking for your secret. Get ready to claim your title as the MVP of every outdoor feast!
Cheese Enchiladas
These tasty, quick, and incredibly easy Cheese Enchiladas with red sauce are the weeknight Tex-Mex dinner you’ve been looking for! I make my own enchilada sauce and fill the enchiladas with lots of cheese so they’re the most perfectly flavorful enchiladas you’ll make!
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Check out this vegetarian healthy-ish Buffalo Cauliflower Bites made with a few simple ingredients and paired with ranch dressing – perfect for game day!
Cucumber Sandwiches
These easy to make cucumber sandwiches are made with Greek yogurt and no mayo for a wonderfully fresh and tasty snack or lunch.
Apple Slaw
This Apple Slaw combines crisp, fresh apples with a tangy, creamy dressing for a refreshing twist on classic slaw. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch!
Rotini Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
This medley of perfectly cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, and a mouthwatering blend of fresh ingredients will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting the next barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply looking for an easy side dish, this Rotini Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Lemon Earthquake Cake
This Lemon Earthquake Cake is a fun and easy dessert for all kinds of Spring and Summer gatherings from potlucks to backyard barbecues. The signature cracks and crevices of an earthquake cake are made by pouring cake batter over coconut, pecans, and lemon sandwich cookies, which create a delightful crunchy base before swirling in an easy cream cheese frosting.
Spinach Crescent Ring
Spinach Crescent Ring has become one of those dishes that my friends request me to make for potlucks, BBQs and brunches. It is simple, but looks impressive, feeds a large crowd easily and cheaply and is also vegetarian.
Pistachio Fluff
This Pistachio Fluff recipe (also called Watergate Salad) is a creamy and delicious no-bake dessert. It’s packed with fruit and filled with whipped cream and pistachio pudding. It only takes minutes to prepare and is a huge hit at potlucks and summer barbecues!
Black Bean and Rice Salad with Cumin Lime Dressing
This is one of our favorite summer rice salads. I make it ALL THE TIME because it’s an easy make ahead side dish for picnics, barbecues, potlucks and tailgates and goes well with all our grilled favorites. I like to brown rice for this recipe, but it’s good with white rice too.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip
This slow cooker buffalo ranch chicken dip is a rich and creamy appetizer with all the flavor you expect from your favorite hot wings! Made with chunks of canned chicken, cream cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce (or hot pepper sauce), and lots of cheddar cheese, this dip is both easy and affordable! It’s the perfect thing to bring to your next tailgate, potluck, or holiday party.
Banana Pudding Lasagna
My banana pudding lasagna recipe is the perfect no-bake dessert for holidays, picnics, and potlucks. With layers of Nilla wafers, banana slices, and a luscious pudding mixture, each bite is a dreamy combination of flavors and textures. It’s light and refreshing – ideal for summertime but can be enjoyed anytime of year!
Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi)
Learn how to make thin sushi rolls at home with my Maki Sushi (Hosomaki) recipe. I‘ll show you how to add a single filling like sashimi-grade tuna or cucumber and roll it in nori sheets and sushi rice. Enjoy these delicious bites at your next party, picnic, or potluck.
Applesauce Jello
Applesauce Jello Squares are a fun, easy and light dessert for everything from holidays to picnics. Use any flavor Jello to fit the occasion.
3 Bean Baked Beans
Just 8 ingredients make up this 3 Bean Baked Beans casserole. It’s a perfect side dish recipe for your picnic or potluck. Use maple bacon for extra flavor!
