Gossip Grill: Tales of Tailgating

Believe it or not, the months have flown by and football season is just around the corner! For some, this signifies the start of an exciting few months of cheering on their favorite team, and for others it means one thing – TAILGATING! Let’s face it, a lot of times it’s much more fun to focus on the food – especially the GRILLED food! We of course love all the dips, desserts, salads, cheese platters, etc…but there’s nothing better than indulging in some great grilled food that’s made right there in the parking lot (or field, depending on where you’re tailgating). That’s why we’re excited to share TALES OF TAILGATING – with a focus on GRILLING!

First up, what kind of grill is best for tailgating?

For a great tailgate experience, you want a grill that’s portable, easy to set up, and powerful enough to cook a variety of foods. Here are 5 great options:

1. Weber Q2200 Portable Gas Grill

Fuel Type: Propane
Why It’s Great: The Weber Q2200 is compact but powerful, offering 12,000 BTUs of heat across a 280-square-inch cooking surface. It features push-button ignition, fold-out side tables, and a durable build, making it perfect for tailgates.

2. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

Fuel Type: Propane
Why It’s Great: With 20,000 BTUs and three adjustable burners, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is versatile and powerful. Its collapsible design with wheels makes it easy to transport and store, while the large cooking surface can handle multiple items at once.

3. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

Fuel Type: Propane
Why It’s Great: This grill is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry. Despite its size, it has 5,500 BTUs and a 145-square-inch grilling area, which is great for small gatherings.

4. Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill

Fuel Type: Wood Pellets
Why It’s Great: For those who love the flavor of wood-smoked meats, the Traeger Tailgater 20 is a fantastic choice. It offers 300 square inches of cooking space and features Digital Arc Controller technology for precise temperature control.

5. Blackstone Tabletop Griddle

Fuel Type: Propane
Why It’s Great: If you prefer griddles over traditional grills, the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle is a top pick. It has 260 square inches of cooking space and is perfect for cooking a variety of foods like burgers, pancakes, and more.

Now, What About the Menu?

The best food to grill at a tailgate depends on your preferences and the crowd you’re serving, but here are some classic and crowd-pleasing options:

1. Burgers:

Easy to prepare and customizable with a variety of toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, etc.).
Consider offering a mix of beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie burgers.

2. Hot Dogs & Sausages:

Quick to cook and easy to eat while mingling.
Offer different types like bratwurst, Italian sausages, or even gourmet hot dogs.

3. Steak Tips or Skewers:

Marinated steak tips or beef/chicken skewers are a flavorful option that feels a bit more upscale.
Mix in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes for added flavor.

4. Ribs:

Pork or beef ribs are a delicious choice if you have the time to slow-cook them to perfection.
Pre-cook them slightly at home to reduce grilling time at the tailgate.

5. Chicken Wings or Thighs:

Chicken wings are a classic tailgate food, and they grill well.
Marinate the wings or thighs in advance and bring different sauces to please various tastes.

6. Corn on the Cob:

Grilled corn on the cob is a great side dish and easy to prepare.
Serve with butter, salt, and other toppings like cheese or chili powder.

7. Veggie Options:

Grilled vegetables like portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant make excellent options for vegetarians.
Grilled veggie burgers or tofu are also great choices.

8. BBQ Chicken:

BBQ chicken is a classic and always a hit at tailgates.
You can prepare chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.

9. Shrimp or Seafood:

If you’re looking for something different, shrimp skewers or grilled fish tacos can be a tasty and light option.

10. Pizza:

If you have a portable grill or pizza stone, grilled pizza can be a fun and unique option. Bring dough, sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings.

While we cannot guarantee the football game will be amazing, we will always call the tailgate a WIN! What’s your favorite tailgate recipe?

XOXO,

Gossip Grill