You know what that means, right?

Well, football games, of course.

But also, tailgatingwhich is arguably better than some of the actual games.

Low-calorie sliders 2 ways

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

With great tailgates come lots ofbeerand party games, but an awesome tailgate also consists of great food.

And yes, we mean more than just chips.

Fun and exciting tailgates can make game day that much more memorable.

Hot Dog Nuggets

Courtesy of Lil' Luna

Whether you’re a first-time tailgater or a seasoned pro, theserecipeswill give you (and your team!)

the pregame boost you’re looking for all season long.

Hot Dog Nuggets

The classic game day staple is a cinch with these two-ingredient bite-sized nuggets.

Healthy 7-layer dip

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Get the recipe fromLil' Luna.

This version is packed with meat, veggies, and tons of seasoning.

Get our recipe for7-Layer Dip.

Flaming Hot Cheetos Hot Dogs

Courtesy of How Sweet Eats

Get the recipe fromHow Sweet Eats.

Get the recipe fromGimme Some Oven.

The fact that it’s healthy(ish) is just a bonus.

Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

Get our recipe for theHealthy Ultimate Burger.

Garlic Knots

You don’t have to save garlic knots for pizza night.

Instead, bring them to the tailgate and watch these lovable sides get devoured.

Healthy ultimate burger

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Get our recipe forGarlic Knots.

Smashed A.1.

Get our recipe for theSmashed A.1.

garlic knots on a marble counter

Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Brown Sugar Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings

Wings and football are a match made in heaven.

Get the recipe fromInspired Taste.

Football BBQ Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

you could’t go wrong with a football-shaped anything on game day.

A1 swiss burger

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Bacon, ranch, AND cheese all in one appetizer?

Get the recipe fromJulie’s Eats & Treats.

This light slaw mix is a nice way to offset some of the grease you’re probably consuming.

Brown Sugar Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings

Courtesy of Inspired Taste

Get our recipe forThe Easiest Coleslaw.

Get our recipe forBest Ever Buffalo WingsandInstant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings.

Smoky Crockpot Chili

This hearty, meaty dish was meant for game day.

Football BBQ Bacon Ranch Cheeseball

Courtesy of Julie’s Eats & Treats

Get our recipe forSmoky Crockpot Chili.

Football Whoopie Pies

Is there anything more on-brand for a tailgate than these sweet treats?

Get the recipe fromThe BakerMama.

Vegetarian cole slaw

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Pork BBQ Dip and Crunchy Chips

These keto-friendly pork rinds are a snack for the ages.

Get our recipe forPork BBQ Dip and Crunchy Chips.

Get the Recipe fromAverie Cooks.

Healthy fiery buffalo wings

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Fudgy Brownies

These rich and chocolatey treats are a must-have at your tailgate dessert table.

Get our recipe forFudgy Brownies.

Get the recipe fromThe Girl Who Ate Everything.

Grilled Corn with Coconut Curry Butter

Claudia Sidoti / Eat This, Not That!

Plus, you’re also getting tons of protein.

Get our recipe forChicken and Black Bean Nachos.

Grilled Shrimp with Honey Garlic Marinade

Not a fan of burgers and dogs?

Healthy crockpot chilli

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

You shouldn’t have to settle for the side dishes.

This grilled shrimp with a sweet marinade gives you all the BBQ vibes.

Get the recipe fromCooking Classy.

Football Whoopie Pies

Courtesty of The BakerMama

Chipotle Bacon Sliders

Name one time that you weren’t delighted by sliders.

Get our recipe forChipotle Bacon Sliders.

Get the recipe from theMinimalist Baker.

keto pork bbq dip and chips

Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

Beer Cheese Dip

Another great game-day combo?

This dip is perfect to pair with pretzels or chips.

Get the recipe fromSally’s Baking Addiction.

BLT Pasta Salad

Courtesy of Averie Cooks

These cups are easy to transfer and easy to eat in the parking lot of any game.

Get our recipe forCrispy Crumb-Topped Mac and Cheese Cups.

Get our recipe for theCowboy Burger.

Low-calorie fudgy brownies

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Get the recipe fromThe First Mess.

Get our recipe forTokyo-Inspired Hoison Beef Kebabs.

If the rival team’s fans make a run at crash your party, can you really blame them?

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything

Low-calorie nachos with chicken and black beans

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Grilled Shrimp with Honey Garlic Marinade

Courtesy of Cooking Classy

Low-calorie sliders 2 ways

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

Beer Cheese Dip

Courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction

Crispy crumb topped mac and cheese cups

Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Healthy cowboy burger

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Black Bean dip with squash, garlic, and chipotles

Courtesy of The First Mess

Hoisin beef kebab

Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Cocoa coconut oat cookies with chocolate chunks

Waterbury Publications, Inc.