25 Best Tailgating Recipes to Make Without a Grill

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Tailgating is a time-honored tradition that combines the excitement of sports with the joy of good food. While grilling often steals the spotlight at these gatherings, not everyone has the luxury of dragging a grill to the stadium parking lot.

If you find yourself in this category, you might be wondering how to maintain the tailgating spirit without firing up the coals. You’re in luck. Who says you need a grill to whip up some mouthwatering tailgate eats?

» You might also like: 32 Super Tasty Party Appetizers For Any Occasion

best tailgating recipes without a grill

In this blog post, we’re going to delve into some of the best tailgating recipes without a grill – these require no grill whatsoever. From savory finger foods to hearty mains and delightful desserts, you’ll discover an array of options that will make you forget you ever needed a grill in the first place.

If you don’t yet have a tailgating grill, check out this post: 8 Best Portable Tailgate Grills

» Do you have a grill for tailgating? Check out our other site for the best tailgate grilling recipes.

Best No-Grill Tailgate Recipes

Homemade Authentic Carnitas Burrito
Making Homemade Carnitas Burritos is a great way to indulge in the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. The tender shredded carnitas, combined with the Mexican red rice, refried beans, and cheesy goodness make a tasty meal.
See the recipe
A carnitas burrito cut in half
Easy Pepperoni Calzone
Pepperoni Calzones are made with a pizza dough, Mozzarella cheese, zesty sauce, and pepperoni (or other toppings of your choice), then folded and baked to perfection.
See the recipe
A pepperoni calzone
Easy Guacamole Recipe
Packed with good monounsaturated fats and fiber, this easy guacamole recipe makes a healthy and irresistible snack.
See the recipe
simple homemade guacamole
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
This Crispy Chicken Sandwich uses chicken thigh meat to make sure the inside is moist and juicy while the outside is super crispy.
See the recipe
Crispy chicken sandwich
BBQ Beef Brisket Buns
You will be blown away by these BBQ Beef Brisket Buns from the second you sink your teeth into the soft brioche bun and taste the smoky delicious brisket and crunchy quick pickle.
See the recipe
BBQ Beef Brisket Buns
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Want to know how to easily make burgers in the air fryer? You'll be surprised how easy it is and how delicious burgers in the air fryer turn out!
See the recipe
air fryer hamburgers
Easy Brisket Sliders
These easy Brisket Sliders are made with deliciously tender smoked brisket (get the recipe here), served on toasted, buttered slider rolls, bbq sauce, a quick pickle, and pickled red peppers.
See the recipe
A brisket slider
Classic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
A classic Mexican street food, this corn on the cob is charred on the grill, then slathered in mayo, and topped with tangy Cotija cheese, chili powder and cilantro. 
See the recipe
mexican street corn
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This spinach artichoke dip is irresistibly good. You'll want to serve it every chance you get!
See the recipe
spinach artichoke tip
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
These air fryer jalapeno poppers are quick, easy, and super tasty! These perfect little appetizers are simple to make in the air fryer.
See the recipe
Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball
This bacon jalapeno cheese ball makes a great appetizer for any party. Serve it with crackers, baguette or vegetable slices.
See the recipe
bacon jalapeno cheese ball
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
If you love buffalo chicken wings, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza is the next best thing, with all the flavors you love like blue cheese, chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce.
See the recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Taco Pizza
This easy Taco Pizza is loaded with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
See the recipe
taco pizza
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wraps
Buffalo ranch chicken wraps are so tasty, loaded with flavor from spicy buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese.
See the recipe
Buffalo ranch chicken wrap cut in half
5-Cheese Mac & Cheese
This 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese is packed with flavor and super creamy.
See the recipe
5-Cheese Mac & Cheese
Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
This easy stovetop Chili recipe is packed full of flavor and will quickly become your go-to chili recipe.
See the recipe
stovetop chili
Easy Tomato Tart
This Tomato Tart is an easy vegetarian recipe that is flavorful and comforting. Make a delightful tomato tart with ready-rolled pastry and delicious tomatoes that will be a big hit at the dinner table.
See the recipe
Tomato tart
Pork Belly Bao Buns
These Pork Belly Bao Buns have tender pork belly and veggies inside a fluffy steamed bun.
See the recipe
pork belly bao
Pork Belly Tacos with Crunchy Slaw
Pork belly strips are topped with a crunchy slaw and yum yum sauce.
See the recipe
Pork Belly Tacos
Carne Asada Quesadillas
Carne Asada Quesadillas are filled with tender cuts of grilled carne asada steak, stretchy cheese, and smoky green chiles. It’s a delightfully easy Mexican-inspired meal.
See the recipe
Carne asada quesadillas
Easy & Delicious Fava Bean Puree
This delicious Fava Bean Puree has a rich, nutty, sweet flavor and a soft smooth texture.
See the recipe
Fava bean puree
Air Fryer Brats
Cooking brats in the air fryer is an easy method that always leads to crispy and juicy brats.
See the recipe
Brat on a Bun with Sauerkraut
Thai Spring Rolls
These Thai Spring Rolls are just like the delicious crispy appetizer you order at your favorite Thai restaurant.
See the recipe
Thai Spring Rolls
BBQ Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
These BBQ Pulled Pork Egg Rolls are packed with delicious pulled pork, tangy bbq sauce, and crispy coleslaw.
See the recipe
BBQ Pulled Pork Eggrolls

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