These Are the Best Tailgate Food Ideas for Finger Food

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: These buffalo chicken poppers combine the flavor of hot wings and jalapeño appetizers to make a snack greater than the sum of their parts. —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a tasty hot appetizer for all those parties that feature fun finger foods. I’ve made this recipe several times, and these bites always disappear so fast. It’s really easy. —Shirley Van Allen, High Point, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It's excellent not only as an appetizer but also as a side for pasta or chili. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: During the hectic holiday season, my slow cooker works overtime. I fill it with a savory bacon dip and watch everyone line up for a helping. Keep the recipe in mind for tailgating, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I've been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: These fresh skewers and tasty sauce will have guests nibbling all night! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This salad has all the bright colors and fresh flavors of summer. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York.

From the Recipe Creator: My easy tartlets loaded with a cheesy mushroom filling take advantage of refrigerated crescent roll dough. I think they’re best warm from the oven with a sprinkling of green onion.—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Here's my creamy and rich version of twice-baked potatoes. Always a treat, these stuffed potatoes go very well with the Chicken Cordon Bleu for my holiday dinner. —Merle Dyck, Elkford, British Columbia

From the Recipe Creator: Turn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can't eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: For holiday potlucks, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

From the Recipe Creator: These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: Sunday is grill-out day for my husband, Cliff, and these bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are one of his specialties. We usually feature them at our annual Daytona 500 party. They disappear from the appetizer tray in no time.—Therese Pollard, Hurst, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of flavors makes these sandwiches so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: These bite-size appetizers are a cinch to make with just four ingredients—even your kids can help you with them! —Jean Baffuto, Apache Junction, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pits in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, AK

From the Recipe Creator: Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

From the Recipe Creator: These tasty morsels are perfect with almost any egg dish or as finger foods party guests can just pick up and pop into their mouths. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: What's a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI

From the Recipe Creator: For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? Both crisp and hearty, this restaurant-quality snack is one that my family requests often. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Belinda J. Gibson, Dry Ridge, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: These terrific bite-size appetizers are always a hit wherever I take them. They're easy to make ahead of time, and are a great addition to other party fare! —Lori Kostecki, Wausau, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: While my children were always very willing eaters, I came up with this recipe to get them to eat more veggies and enjoy it. The dip doesn't last long in our house. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire

From the Recipe Creator: These bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: For ages, my brother's family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and we always eat Christmas snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: Fans of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches will fall for this creamy BLT dip. It's easy to transport to different functions and always draws recipe requests. —Emalee Payne, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: For fun appetizers that tide over even the hungriest of guests, try these mini sandwiches. My youngest daughter likes their small size and the tangy sweetness of the pineapple.—Maria Vasseur, Valencia, California

From the Recipe Creator: These appealing kabobs will add pizazz to any party—and you don't even have to get out the grill! —Sherine Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Served hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or a kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make that little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Once you try these mini-sized calzones, you may never go back to the large ones. Not only do these pretty bites take advantage of convenient refrigerator crescent rolls, but they can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before company arrives. No one can eat just one and people love the cheesy, fresh taste! —Lisa Smith, Bryan, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Be prepared—you'll likely need to make a double batch of this delightful dill dip recipe. One batch is never enough when we have a get-together! It tastes fantastic with just about any vegetable, so you can use whatever you have on hand as a dipper. —Kathy Beldorth, Three Oaks, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Stuffed with savory meats and cheeses, these hearty antipasto squares would satisfy an entire offensive line! The dish comes together quickly and bakes in under an hour, making it the perfect potluck bring-along. Introducing the all-stars in this ooey gooey appetizer: salami, Swiss, pepperoni, Colby-Monterey Jack, prosciutto and provolone. A crisp topping finishes it off. —Brea Barclay, Green Bay, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

From the Recipe Creator: Prepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Serve them with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: With just four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, this quick appetizer comes together in a snap. If you like the zip of horseradish, start with a teaspoon or two and add more to taste. —Isabelle Rooney, Summerville, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now with a busy family, I need quick bites, and my spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers at snack or supper time. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

From the Recipe Creator: Curry, smoked turkey and mandarin oranges give these pinwheels their unique flavor. My cousin and I made them for an open house and people came back for seconds...and then thirds! —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia

From the Recipe Creator: Clever little meatballs deliver the flavor and rich sauce of a traditional tamale in a bite-sized portion. They’re a delightfully different addition to a holiday spread. —Dolores Jaycox, Gretna, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: I love banh mi sandwiches but wanted to make them a little easier to serve for a party. These skewers are a really fun twist! For easier prep on the day of the party, make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I alter my sister's recipe by adding a finely chopped jalapeno pepper for a little heat. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: My children like these roll-ups so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California

From the Recipe Creator: When guests dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —B.J. Larsen, Erie, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: To make this zesty appetizer, you simply layer beans, salsa, cheese and other taco-like ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a "walking dip" because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you stroll around and talk with guests," she shares.—Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California

From the Recipe Creator: When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This quick and easy snack is a favorite of my kids. I always include a baggie in their lunch boxes. —Carol S Betz, Grand Rapids, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Ravioli on a stick is a tasty appetizer everyone talks about. They’re simple and fun to make and eat. Use packaged dipping sauces, or make your own. Get my recipes on my blog, thehopelesshousewife.com. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

From the Recipe Creator: Blue cheese, bacon and basil pack big flavor into a couple of bites. To save time, you can assemble the skewers the night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This family recipe dates back to the 1930s, when my grandmother started making these hearty breakfast rolls. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: These zesty little cups rank high on my list of favorites because they combine three things I look for in a recipe: fast, easy and delicious! They make a simply fantastic finger food for parties, and my guests have fun selecting their desired toppings. —Ashley Jarvies, Manassa, CO

From the Recipe Creator: The cast-iron skillet browns these delicious rolls to perfection. My family can't get enough. Use whatever pizza toppings your family likes best. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: Sit back and relax with your family while enjoying this creamy dip. Colorful and festive, it's easy to put together ahead of time, which makes it perfect for game day. — Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a satisfying meal-in-a-bun I take to tailgate parties, picnics, cookouts and more. I wrap the stuffed hot dogs in foil, then in paper, to transport them.—Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: One of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen is homemade buttermilk biscuits. Simple sandwiches are a wonderful way to showcase these melt-in-your-mouth treats. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: One of our favorite pulled pork recipes combines the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these sliders a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: My take on deviled eggs is full of surprises. The down-home appetizer Mom used to make gets an upscale touch from mango, goat cheese and pecans. People love these tempting treats. —Beth Satterfield, Dover, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: One handful of these crispy oyster crackers is never enough. Taco seasoning and chili powder give the munchies a fun southwestern flavor. Partygoers always come back for more. - Diane Earnest Newton, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky