Everything You Want to Eat At a Tailgate Party

Football (and tailgating) season kicked off with a bevy of NCAA games last Saturday, August 26th. At Louisiana State University (my alma mater) and schools across the country, this means jumping from tailgate to tailgate, saying hello over beers and grabbing boudin from a friend’s dad’s neighbor. No matter if you even like football or not, tailgating at LSU is just as high stakes as the game that brings everyone there. Tents are pitched, charcoals are lit, the music is blasting, and the alcohol flows freely.

If you're throwing a tailgate party, you could reasonably expect dozens of people—classmates, friends, family, godparents—lingering, munching, and sipping for hours. Which is why preparing the right spread is key. Whether your tailgate is in a parking lot, under a canopy of oak trees, or simply in your living room, here are easy-to-eat dishes that will keep everyone in a great gameday mood. Oh, but the beer's on you.

Tell us your favorite tailgate snacks—or team—in the comments below!